Quirks, Cameos, Drabbles and Whatnots

by Arty_Dee

Summary:

A series of 100 word drabbles, of canon and AU in the world of My Hero Academia. Includes multipart stories, themed weeks and a Sports Fest AU told in 210 parts.

THIS WEEK: Bizarro U.A - Five drabbles where Class 1-A are educated by a different teaching staff
358. Idol - Mezo Shoji, Chojuro Kon | Chimera
359. Workplace Romance - Mina Ashido, Danjuro Tobita | Gentle Criminal/Manami Aiba | La Brava
360. First, Do (No) Harm - Tenya Iida, Kaina Tsutsumi | Lady Nagant, Kai Chisaki | Overhaul
361. Duty - Class 1-A, Chizome Akaguro | Stain
362. Environmental Variables - The Big Three, ??? , ???
A hero from difficult circumstances is formed from positive experiences, supportive relationships and a non-judgmental culture.

Chapter 1: Play The Game

Summary:

"Hello Bakugo, I want to play a game."

“Play the game,” Shinso smugly released the subject from his quirk while his classmates waited, phones ready to record the event. “Take the shame.”

Being brainwashed for as long he had been, it took Bakugo a moment to return to awareness. The second the nature of his situation dawned on him, he erupted in inarticulate rage that left everyone howling with laughter. The sight of him stuck to the wall of their dorm by Mineta’s balls was hilarious, but Kaminari’s suggestion of the Momo-crafted tutu had made it legendary.

Even Aizawa smirked when he came to free the exploding figurehead.

Notes:

This one was inspired by a scene in chapter 6 of my story 8 Days.

Hello everyone! It’s been a busy few months for me (work, stag dos, weddings, holidays, birthdays and soon a funeral) and that’s before you even consider good old writer’s block, so progress on the next entry of Life and Times of the Midoriyas has been a bit slow. Rest assured, it is been slowly but surely being written (16,000 words so far). In the meantime, my brother suggesting writing a few drabbles as writing exercises. Some are little one offs, others might be part of a larger story that could get expanded on one day. I hope they’ll be to your satisfaction.

Chapter 2: Pre Watershed

Summary:

Inko doesn't like what they show in TV these days

“Excuse me?” Inko asked a passing waiter, motioning towards the TV. “Can you change the channel?” 

Recognising her his eyes widened. Her hair might be streaked with grey, but Inko was as famous around Mustafu as her son… as were the two children seated beside her, happily colouring in the restaurant’s activity sheets. 

Nodding his understanding he left, and Inko sighed in relief when the news broadcast switched to a music station. She didn’t want her grandchildren to see their father serving as a pallbearer. 

They weren’t ready to understand that one of their many uncles had died in action.

Notes:

Ah shit, who ded?

This a entry set in my Life and Times of the Midoriyas series. Who knows, maybe one day we'll get to see the wider story its part of.

Chapter 3: Thank You For Your Custom

Summary:

Bakugo and Ochaco grab a snack while out on patrol

“Ah!” the cashier jumped when Bakugo slammed their items down on the counter. Ochaco wondered what was happening as her boyfriend pulled out his Hero License card and literally shoved it in the cashier’s face to verify their discount. “Will you’ll be needing anything else, sir?” The voice of the green-haired young man was fraught with emotion.

“Nah!” Bakugo smirked, clad in his hero costume and embracing his similarly-clothed girlfriend, showing off his achievements to the world. “This is perfect!”

As they completed the transaction and left, Ochaco could hear the cashier gently sobbing. “Thank you for your custom, Kacchan…”

Notes:

Brutal

Chapter 4: The Desk Assignments Need To Be Rethought

Summary:

It really is unfair on Jiro.

Kyoka had rolled her eyes when she first sat behind her assigned desk. ‘The Universe must be playing a joke on me’, she thought to herself. With the obvious exception of the diminutive purple ball haired perv, she was easily one of the shorter students of Class 1-A, while the boy with the six arms sitting in front of her was easily a full foot taller. Yawning, he stretched his limbs, and the membrane that joined them only further restricted Kyoko’s view of the teacher’s podium and whiteboard.

The hero student sighed. This was going to be a long year.

Notes:

Seriously, who the hell thought it was a good idea to put the petite rocker chick behind the Goddamn octopus? And at the very front of the class too! The viewing angles must be a nightmare for her.
At 6” 4’, this is something I worry about myself. I went to Wembley to watch Newport County in the Football League Play Offs a few months back and I had to change seats so the kid behind me could see the game.

Chapter 5: As Taught by Midnight

Summary:

Izuku and Ochaco share a private moment

Everybody knew that beneath Ochaco’s warm, bubbly personality, there lay a fiercely determined and competitive woman. Izuku alone knew that “domineering” was another component of her.

That was how the Pro Hero found himself naked on their bed, restrained and kneeling before his girlfriend. Slipping off her bedrobe to expose a skintight leather leotard, she seductively approached and cupped his chin.

“You’ve been naughty Deku,” she cooed. “Naughty boys must be punished.”

Enthralled by her strength Izuku shivered, body tingling with goosebumps as he started to gently float and pivot. “I’ve been very bad Mistress, please discipline me.”

“Plus Ultra.”

Notes:

Honestly amazed I wrote this one. I like how it turned me o-i mean out! How it turned out! Yes, that will do.

 

Happy weekend everyone!

Chapter 6: So Much Love

Summary:

Inko reflects on the sound of silence.

It was only after Izuku had left that Inko realised just how empty the apartment felt. Without his presence and energy, the small residence was cavernous and lifeless.

What she missed most were the little things. The sound of a pencil scribbling new entries into his notebooks during the evening hero reports, the satisfied sigh as he finished another bowl of Katsudon. The lingering smell of his laundry, the delighted glee of opening presents on birthdays or New Year’s.

The very memories that filled this house with love were also a reminder that her baby was gone.

And she wept.

Notes:

A tragic accident? Murdered? Perhaps dead by his own hand? Abducted by villains or run away from home having been given the answers he’s always sought? Maybe he simply moved into the U.A dorms? I'll leave that for you to decide.

 

Had this scene in mind writing this

Chapter 7: Do it for Him

Summary:

Toga finds a reason to fight

Notes:

SANGUINE: AN IZUTOGA CONTINUITY

First Blood
Do It For Him
The Season of Giving
Eye of the Beholder

Himiko caressed the sleeping Izuku, her instincts screaming “kill!”

She refused. The quirkless high schooler was the first to see past the mask she’d worn for so long. Rather than retreat in fear on seeing the real Himiko as she expected, he embraced her normal as his own. Always willing to be cut. Always offering up his blood.

He knew her pain; they were kindred spirits. Both understood how society was unfair to the abnormal. But where it had extinguished his spark, she’ll lash back.

The world rejected them. Within the League, she’ll make a better tomorrow for them both.

Notes:

Here I am again, writing about stuff I shouldn't know yet. Volume 20 is released in the UK this Thursday (I'm finally gonna meet Hawks!) and I'm dabbling with stuff that 50 chapters ahead of me.

Anyway, details. I'm really fond of this pairing. Concept behind this is that Toga didn't see the fight that saw her fall for Saito and subsequently attack him. A year later quirkless Izuku arrives in the fresh intake at her high school and she meet him in the process of being beat up and covered in blood. In the eyes of the world-weary and defeated boy she sees someone who's deserving of her company and compassion. Her bloodlust helps too.

From personal experience when someone willingly seeks you out for companionship and treats you as an equal human after years of being socially outcast, you latch onto them hard. Our smol green bean does so and falls for our bloodsucker.

This excerpt would take place in the aftermath of the Hero Killer Arc…which doesn’t go the same as it does in canon. Stain and the League are the hot topic of discussion. While Toga has yet to kill, she decides now is the time to strike back at the society that crushed Izuku and forced her to hide away.

Who knows, I might revisit this one day

Chapter 8: The Morning Routine

Summary:

Every day they go through the same song and dance.

Silencing the alarm, Mashirao rolled off his bedsheets and tried to move, pausing when he felt resistance. Sighing he pushed the sheets back further. To the untrained eye, nothing restrained his tail, but the imprint on the mattress enveloping it said otherwise.

“Toru, let go.”

The tail’s hairy tip rustled as his invisible girlfriend nuzzled it. “But It's so warm and fluffy!”

His attempts to pull the appendage free countered, Tailman felt unseen legs wrap around its base. A final desperate yank was answered by the scritching of Toru’s fingers on that special spot that always made him flush red.

Notes:

If you're so inclined, drop all mentions of invisibility, Toru, feminine pronouns and replace them with masculine ones and Denki. That man has a special relationship with Mashirao’s tail.

Chapter 9: Change in Tempo

Summary:

A different beat can make all the difference for Izuku.

Notes:

SYMPHONY: AN IZUJIRO CONTINUITY

FIRST MOVEMENT: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Change in Tempo
Positive Reinforcement
Kyoka Jiro: Origin
Like Mother, Like Daughter
First Lesson

SECOND MOVEMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL
THIRD MOVEMENT: U.A HIGH

Izuku’s introduction to his new class was nerve-wracking. His mother promised that this elementary school wouldn’t tolerate bullies like Kacchan, but it still scared him to say that despite his quirklessness, he wanted to be a hero.

“That was very nice Midoriya,” his teacher said, pointing out another student. “That's Jiro, our class representative - she’ll help you settle in.”

Clasping his All Might bookbag, Izuku approached and bowed to the waistcoat-wearing girl. “Hello! Please take care of me.”

“Hey,” she waved one of the lobes that dangled from her ears and held up a Present Mic bag. “Matching set. Cool.”

Notes:

I like the idea of Izuku befriending canon characters as a kid but it can irk me when writers just relocate characters from different parts of the county for the sake of it. Some do it right (the highly recommended Raindancer being an example) while others can be VERY sloppy about it.

With the likes of Shoto, Fumikage or this case Kyoka, this is way easier. Along with Izuku and Katsuki, all five of them are listed as being from Shizuoka Prefecture with Izuku, Katsuki and Shoto being verified Musutafu lads. With the last two, it’s clear Kyoka lives in Musutafu with her still living with her parents when Aizawa's and All Might toured the city during the home visits. As for Fumikage he lives close enough to U.A that cycling in is a viable option for him.

Now if you excuse me, I've got a busy evening lined up reading the latest volumes of Attack on Titan (28), Vigilantes (5) and Hero Academia (20).

Chapter 10: The Great U.A Bake Off

Summary:

Rikido faces his greatest opponent yet.

Rikido nervously wrung his apron. Three years studying all came down to this - the ultimate risk for the ultimate prize. He’d publicly challenged Lunch-Rush to a Bake Off.

The whole school watched as the judges - Fat Gum, Suneater and Nezu - finished the platters the two contestants had prepared. After a prolonged discussion, the Principal rose to speak.

“Well, I can say that was most delicious! But the winner, demonstrating the highest culinary skill is...”   

Nezu's declaration was drowned out by cheers. Rikido only realised who’d won when the 3-A girls ran up to crown their Star Baker with Lunch-Rush’s toque.

Notes:

One of my biggest motives behind these drabbles is trying to improve my sentence flow. To that end my brother and I have been going over them on skype with him tutoring me. The session we had when going over this week's batch was a lot of fun as we discussed proper comma use.

Have a nice weekend everyone! Next week a five part story is lined up! See ya!

Chapter 11: Labours of a Hero

Summary:

This Week: ...Of A Hero - A Five Part Story

 

No matter what it takes, Izuku always helps.

Being Quirkless never stopped Izuku from helping people, and always with a smile on his face.

Finishing another shift at J-Mart, he left to deliver old Mr Miyamoto’s shopping before taking the housebound man’s dog Mochi to be groomed. While waiting he visited the bank to deposit the month's takings for his charity. Heading home, he remembered to check his schedule and see if he could cover Maya’s shift…

...he saw the speeding truck heading for the girl on the crosswalk, and instinct kicked in. He leapt forward and shoved her clear.

“She’s safe,” he thought, just before the impact.

Notes:

What started as a drabble that fills tomorrows spot quickly turned into a 5 parter. Quite proud of them.

Chapter 12: Will of a Hero

Summary:

Being beyond help won't stop Izuku from lending a hand.

When the scans confirmed there was zero brain activity and that her son was beyond the help of medicine and quirks, Inko learned that Izuku had long ago signed up as an organ donor. 

“Of course,” she wept. “No matter what, he always helps.”

Knowing this helped her come to terms with the loss. With one last selfless act, Izuku was going to give desperate people across the country a second chance.

Holding onto a hand that couldn’t grip back, she kissed her darling son goodbye. “Oh my sweet baby, you’re going to be a hero for so many people.”

Notes:

I saw this on the BBC while getting ready for work weekend before last. Straight away I knew it was something Izuku would do, quirked or not and so I had the jumping off point for this five parter.

Chapter 13: Memorial of a Hero

Summary:

People of all forms pay respects to their hero.

Inko wasn’t surprised at the vast amount of people that came to celebrate Izuku’s life. All his J-Mart colleagues attended as did past and present members of the quirk support charity he organised. Local heroes and politicians sat beside neighbourhood children he had sat for and tutored. Miyamoto had turned up in a wheelchair - Mochi in his lap. By Inko’s request, all these people whose lives Izuku had touched wore a smile.

A gaunt man sat at the rear of the ceremony. While his one interaction with Izuku was brief,  All Might admitted he was wrong about the unsung hero.

Notes:

Writing the ending was difficult. Originally it was Bakugo delivering a eulogy with the thought that Izuku gave up being a hero as a child and that their friendship survived. Never really satisfied with that, it took a bit of brainstorming to produce the final product which makes it all the more angsty-ass.

Chapter 14: Heart of a Hero

Summary:

In the literal and metaphorical sense, Izuku becomes a hero.

Several months later Inko was contacted by one of Izuku’s organ recipients, asking to know more about the person who’d saved their life. The logo of a Hero Agency adorned the letterhead.

---

Shoto felt the surgical scars across his chest tighten as Rei, Fuyumi and Natsuo helped him kneel. Heads bowed before the shrine erected in Izuku’s bedroom, they offered prayers of gratitude to the young man whose strong heart had replaced his own, lost in a battle gone wrong.

In the living space Inko prepped tea for five, knowing that part of her heroic son had finally gone Pro.

Notes:

When I wrote ‘Will of a Hero’ I thought I could make it a two parter and this was the original follow up to that…then I wrote this and thought “ah shit, I can do more with this!” which bring us to the conculsion tomorrow.

I have no idea how organ transplantation works but the fact Izuku and Shoto are both blood type O helps with compatibility right? I decided right from the off the recipient would be from Class 1-A with Aoyama, Mashirao, Kaminari, Kirishima and Sato being the other O type candidates but Todoroki is too good an opportunity to pass on.

Chapter 15: Origin of a Hero

Summary:

A certain phrase from any Midoriya will always save a Todoroki.

Asking to be alone, Shoto addressed the shrine’s photo. “I owe you a great debt, Midoriya. Without you, my mother would have continued thinking I blamed her. Mrs Inko says that you always gave your all in helping others. When I vowed to do my best with your heart she answered “It's yours now Todoroki.”

“She’s right. And my quirk isn’t my father’s fire or my mother’s ice. It’s mine.”

After twenty bitter years, he accepted his left side and relit the incense with a gentle flame.

“I’ll honour your mother and memory, and become the best hero I can.”

Notes:

When I wrote yesterday's entry, I knew this was the only way to close out the story. Izuku might be dead, but he still saves Todoroki every way possible. Really enjoyed working on these and happy to see they've gone down well.

I won't be uploading next week as this last month has been draining me on several fronts between work and family matters. My Nana passed away early in the month (on my birthday of all things) and her funeral is on Monday. While I have chapters ready, slipping away from the family to upload drabbles isn't really appropriate. I'll be back on Tuesday but I think at that point I just need some 'me time.'

So until next time, see ya!

Chapter 16: Trichotillomania

Summary:

This Week: Negative Reactions - Five stories of quirk overuse

Mineta has to deal with a common male issue.

With a shaking hand, Minoru popped off one of his hair orbs and stuck it to the mirror. Seeing the purple ball detach from the surface within seconds only caused his sniveling to intensify. In the mirror he watched another sphere slowly grow into the barren, plucked spot. It was noticeably smaller, and left a ring of exposed, bleeding scalp.

“It hurts…”

Even after what the Quirk dermatologists had said, seeing the cold truth upfront caused his world to come tumbling down. His whole identity and career depended on his hair, and at twenty-one the Pro Hero was going bald.

Notes:

After a week away (thanks for the condolences for my Nana) I return with more angsty-ass drabbles!

I think that this something Mineta will have to deal with sooner or later with how he's constantly pulling at his hair - otherwise known as Trichotillomania. Not only that, it’s something I find relatable as I myself am starting to deal with thinning, receding and greying hair (saw the first strand on the day of Nana’s funeral) at 30. My brother had it worse as his starting falling out at 20 and has been shaving off what little he has left for 9 years. But honestly, it’s to be expected as Nana's late husband and my uncles have similar issues.

 

There is going to be a recurring motif with this week’s batch. First person to correctly identify wins a drabble request.

Chapter 17: Undernutrition

Summary:

A battle of attrition is ill advised for Momo.

Materialising quirk-suppressing handcuffs, Momo secured the last of the villains who ambushed her holiday getaway. Legs shaking, she staggered out of the ruined mountainside lodge towards her neighbours’ cabin, hoping they were safe and unharmed. Fatigue sapped her mind and body as the adrenaline surge faded - she didn’t remember collapsing or being carried to safety.

As her saviours helped her into their home, Momo glimpsed her reflection in a mirror.

“Oh...” she thought weakly. “That looks bad.”

What she saw was shredded clothing hanging off a malnourished body, a human being reduced to a skin-covered skeleton.

“...looks fatal. Sorry Kyoka...”

Notes:

When proving this with my brother the other day, we had two spare words which on a whim I threw on at the end. His reaction was priceless. I am such a bastard.

Chapter 18: Excess Current

Summary:

Unlike fuses, the brain isn't designed to be a sacrificial part.

Kyoka always laughed whenever Denki short-circuited himself. Be it by training accident, falling victim to a prank or simply trying to cheer her up, the sight of his dopey expression and inane giggling was guaranteed to make her smile.

No one considered the consequences.

She was a regular visitor to the long-term facility and found him in his usual spot. “Hey Sparky,” she greeted her friend with affection. “I brought along my latest album.”

Guilt filled her as the barely-there Denki looked away from the stranger in the mirror to offer her a double thumbs-up. “Yay...”

“Yay…” she agreed sadly.

Notes:

In a previous chapter a made a comment where I compared Pro Heroes to professional athletes. Yes they are well trained in their discipline and in fine physical condition but at the end of the day they are putting their bodies on the line and can wear them out through injury and/or poor care. With the drawbacks of Denki's quirk, I drew parallels to the growing concerns in sports surrounding the long term effects of head trauma as professional football and rugby players develop dementia in their later years. When you regularly fry your brain, it can’t be good in the long run.

Chapter 19: Manufacturing Defect

Summary:

The smallest of errors carry the heaviest of costs

During its yearly overhaul, the Regulator Lens within Yuga’s Sparkle Belt was deemed life-expired. An overburdened QA inspector missed a one-nanometer crack in the replacement lens and approved it for installation. Unable to meet design tolerances, the lens deteriorated with each discharge of Yuga’s laser. The crack began to grow...

Striking a flamboyant pose Yuga fired his laser, bouncing it off a mirror to reflect back onto a charging villain. Strained beyond capacity, the lens shattered. Without the belt to control his unstable Quirk, Yuga couldn’t stop firing.

He could only watch his reflection scream as his digestive system imploded.

Notes:

Isn't technology marvellous? I'm uploading this from my tablet on a train.

My one regret with the drabble format is having to skips the smaller details. When writting this, I was thinking of the step by step process that's used in 'The Martian' to describe a slowly creeping up catastrophic event. Bit hard to do with 100 words.

Chapter 20: Hypothermia

Summary:

A drop of 4°C in the body's core temperature can be severe.

Shoto had been played. The villain Isotope perfectly controlled the battlefield with his Quirk, flooding the space with flammable hydrogen and denying Shoto use of his fire. Handicaped to his ice he had persisted, trapping them both within a glacial palace.

He’d experienced hypothermia enough to know he was finished. Core temperature plummeting, he’d long passed shivering, paradoxically stripping off his clothes. Scraping the ice with frostbitten fingers, primitive instinct drove him to dig a shelter in a desperate bid to find warmth.

Slowly he crawled into that mirrored tomb, scarred half pressed to the cool ice.

“This… is nice.”

Notes:

Once again, uploading from a train. Awesome.

After all this angsty-ass stuff, next week's batch will be more upbeat. The offer of a drabble request to the first person that indentifies a recurring motif in this week's batch is still open.

Chapter 21: Meanwhile, at Ace Chemicals...

Summary:

Certain heroes are immune to specific environmental hazards

Mina knew letting herself get captured was self-indulgent, but she resented that this monologuing amatuer had no idea who she was, and aimed to enlighten him.

“And now, ‘hero’…” Wrapping up his full-ham oration, the villain at last grabbed the lever that would release the trapdoor positioned beneath her. Oh, Mina was going to enjoy this. “DIE!”

Laughing maniacally he watched her plunge into the industrial storage tank, and was baffled when instead of dying screams, delighted laughter echoed upwards from the vat.

“Come on in, its great!”

Mina had taken to the molecular acid like a duck to water.

Notes:

Thank goodness she wasn't at Alkali Lake.

Anyway after the last two batches, its time for some more light hearted drabbles. Enjoy!

Chapter 22: The Obligatory Chat Fic

Summary:

Denki uses a guaranteed, sure-fire method to bring the class together and start an era of peace and harmony.

You named the group ‘1-A Classy Bunch’

You changed your nickname to ‘Sparky’

You invited ‘Bakugo’, ‘Kirishima’ and 17 others to the group

Bakugo:

The fuck you doing?

 Sparky:

Making a class chatroom!

 Bakugo:

You damn idiot, we all live under the same fucking roof. If you can't be assed to haul your dunceface up a floor to beg for help with your homework, you’re shit out of luck.

‘Kirishima’ has set the nickname for ‘Bakugo’ to ‘Kacchan’

Kacchan

COME HERE FUCKER!!!

 Mineta

Hello Ladies!

‘Uraraka’, ‘Yaoyorozu’ and 16 others left the group

---

Accepting his defeat, Denki deleted the group.

Notes:

I don't hold chatfics in high regard. Now I feel so dirty.

Chapter 23: Naked Ambitions

Summary:

Toru exploits her skillset.

Minoru’s dreams had come true - there was a naked girl in his dorm room. 

Too bad that he was completely oblivious to her presence.

Toru danced between her target’s bed and the sex comedy playing on his television. With it's frequent cries of “Oh matron!” masking any sounds she made, the invisible student twirled, twerked and finally bent over, spreading her assets in the perv’s face. Both barrels.

Minoru could only dream of seeing any of UA’s heroines striking such lewd and naughty poses for him. For women everywhere, Toru would forever treasure getting him so near yet so far

Notes:

Because references to 40+ year old British comedy films are funny.

Chapter 24: Hard Reset

Summary:

Aizawa's suffering never ends.

Aizawa could feel a migraine developing as he watched a laughing Togata permeate through every surface in sight… a delighted, naked, six-year-old Togata. 

“Alright Eri…” he sighed wearily at the culprit. “Would you care to explain?”

“I’m sorry!” The girl began to shed tears. “I thought I could rewind Mirio enough to get his quirk back! When he started phasing I got excited and lost control!”

“Great” The teacher groaned. This wasn’t a complete disaster. The finesse Togata was demonstrating suggested Eri hadn’t mentally rewound him. “An adult in a child’s body.”

He really shouldn’t have left them without supervision.

Notes:

A fairly common trope when Eri is involved, but short and sweet.

Chapter 25: Eldritch Diet

Summary:

Suneater's quirk can reveal all sort of things.

Chinese New Year was upon Osaka, and to celebrate the city’s Shanghai connection, Fatgum’s Hero Office was commemorating the Year of the Ox by having Suneater manifest cow legs.

Yet Tamaki was at a loss - despite every effort he made, he wasn’t transforming. Fighting off rising anxiety, he shut his eyes and focused on his beef lasagna lunch. At last he felt his legs morph and sighed with relief, only to gasp in horror upon opening his eyes. Wrong hooves .

“Ha - you’re Mister Tumnus!” exclaimed a laughing Kirishima.

From that discovery unfolded a horsemeat scandal that rocked the entire country.

Notes:

Horrifying thing is this actually happened.

If there is one thing I'm upset with these drabbles, I have no ideas for Kirishima. Well I have one but I dont like sad boi Kirishima.

No uploads week next, going to Spain with the family! Hopefully be back in two weeks so until then , see ya!

Chapter 26: Cultural Bonds

Summary:

Yuga wants to make a new friend.

After the ‘Izuku cheese incident’, Yuga had concluded another approach was needed when befriending people. Thankfully he had the perfect method for one particular individual. 

 “Ah, Class 2-A has decided to grace us with their presence!” Neito was quick to put on his best disdainful attitude as Yuga entered 2-B’s dorm. “To what reason do we owe this pleasure?”

 His sparkling smile unwavering, Yuga unveiled the present. “Joyeux 17ème anniversaire Monoma☆!”

 Seeing the birthday gift Neito gasped, his arrogant facade falling. “Bandes dessinées!”

 With a laugh Yuga handed over the plentiful Franco-Belgium comics. Common ground always helped when forging friendships.

Notes:

I return! Not only that but today you nice people will be getting a double upload!

And I've finally written a drabble involving a class 1-B student. Vol. 21 is being released next week so I'm looking foward the Joint Training Arc and getting to really know the class.

Chapter 27: Curse of Prophecy

Summary:

The world is in danger and only Koji knows it.

It was by complete chance that Koji learned of the looming danger, and only he could alert humanity. He preached from soap boxes, blogged day and night, even won the Sports Festival to make an impassioned plea before a global audience - but none would heed his warning

When it finally came, the world was unprepared. Even All Might and All For One working together couldn’t stop the invaders. Every Government was quickly overthrown, and then they came for Koji. For trying to subdue their uprising, he was the first counter-revolutionary against the firing wall.

The Earth belonged to the Dolphins.

Notes:

Long live King Snorky!
Yeah, decided to write a crack drabble.

Chapter 28: "Are you a God?"

Summary:

"Mezo, when someone asks if you are a God..."

The manifestation of Quirks was an ongoing paradigm shift within the human condition, like no other event in history. Two centuries after the birth and worship of the Luminescent Baby, you could still find devout believers seeking out people whose quirks turned them into avatars of divinity.

With his towering height, physical strength and six arms, Mezo was particularly popular with acolytes of the Hindu pantheon. Although humbled by how people found comfort in his existence, he still found it startling when complete strangers would prostrate before him and give offerings.

At least he’d never want for squid ink pasta.

Notes:

"...you say Run! Wait, I messed up my line." Ha. Puns.

I really want to give the remaining members of Class 1-A their own drabbles and while I've got ideas for Kirishima, Sero and Tsuyu forming I am really stumped for Iida and Tokoyami.

Chapter 29: Pilgrimage

Summary:

“A man does not belong to the place where he was born, but where he chooses to die” - Orson Welles.

His distinctive lightning-bolt hair streak concealed under a hat that protected him from the Spanish heat, Denki was just another Japanese tourist visiting Ronda’s Plaza de Toros and Puente Nuevo . While beautiful attractions, something far more personal had drawn Chargebolt to Andalucia.

Emerging from the Alameda del Tajo gardens, reverently clasping his well-read and well-worn books, he bowed in greeting to the bust that commemorated their author. Walking these historic streets Denki had felt something stirring within him, a feeling of finally coming home. Now he understood why Ernest Hemmingway had fallen in love with Ronda and the Spanish people.

Notes:

“If you are planning to travel to Spain for a honeymoon or for being with a girlfriend. [Ronda] and its surroundings are a romantic set." - Ernest Hemmingway

So when I was on holiday in Spain, I was surprised to learn that the next street up to our digs in Malaga was named for Orson Welles. Running a search I learned that he and Hemingway had a great affinity for Ronda with Welles' ashes even being interned there. My family were going there regardless but that gave me all the more reason. Remembering Kaminari and Jiro mentioning Hemmingway in season 2 and how parts of the fandom vision him as an idiot savant that loves classic literature, I had a drabble forming in my head as I walked the streets.

And Yes, Ronda is a lovely place with breath-taking vistas. If you ever find yourself there, I highly recommend taking a 15 minute detour by car out to Cueva del Gato and go for a swim in the natural pool there. Freezing cold waters but crystal clear and refreshing in a wonderful off the track location, by far the best part of the trip for me.

 

 

Full Size Picture of Hemmingway's bust
Along with Orson Welles'
The two friends side by side

Chapter 30: "Play with a smile on your face"

Summary:

When facing overwhelming odds, it’s not just Pro Heroes who invoke the Plus Ultra spirit

As hosts for the 2199 Rugby World Cup, Japan had pulled off a dream run to the final, but it seemed that winning the tournament on home soil was a bridge too far. At half-time they were losing 8-30 to a dominant Wales, but entered the second half to a surprise greeting from the Pro Hero on touchline security detail. 

“Go beyond Brave Blossoms!” cried Deku, wearing the team’s red and white colours. “Plus Ultra!” 

His mantra was picked up by the crowd, building into a relentless roar that filled the stadium.

Winning 44-41, Japan lifted the Webb Ellis Cup.

Notes:

For those that don't know, the Rugby World Cup is currently being played in Japan. Union of course, none of that League nonsense. And I dread it should my Dad ever find out I had Wales lose a World Cup final.

Returning from my holiday in Spain, I was standing in arrivals at the airport and saw the Japan-Ireland game had just kicked off so I put it on the TV when I got home. As Japan's Scrum Half Yutaka Nagare got substituted in the 56th minute, ITV's match commenter Shane Williams said "We tell our kids to play Rugby with a smile on your face" and he and his colleagues praised Nagare and the whole Japanese team for doing so as they went on to achieve a famous win. Straight away I knew I wanted to write this.

I like to think the Japanese team is made up of characters from the Rugby Manga 'All Out!!’ In the English dub of the anime one of the main characters and the coach were voice by Justin Briner and Christopher Sabat.

Enjoy season 4 everyone! And man, the trailer for Heroes Rising – HYPE! Have a good weekend and be sure to be back next week, we have another 5 part story lined up. So until then, See ya!

Chapter 31: The Hardest of All Decisions

Summary:

This Week: Fatherhood - A Five Part Story

Hisashi loves Izuku and he wants to protect him, but it doesn't make this any easier...

Izuku learned what Heroes - especially All Might - stood for when he was two, and Hisashi knew he had a problem - he’d seen such conviction in the eyes of people before. Izuku was destined to be a great hero. And as much as it pained him, knowing how it would affect his child, he had to act.

Izuku was asleep when Hisashi entered the bedroom. Placing a hand on his son’s head, he gently probed for the unmanifested Quirk. Pyrokinesis. Incredibly powerful.

“Forgive me Izuku.”

Unable to bare the thought of eventually fighting him, All For One removed his son’s Quirk.

Notes:

Surprise, it's a Dad For One AU!

Chapter 32: Sympathy for the Devil

Summary:

Good or evil, people yearn for what they've lost.

All Might painted All For One as a monster, but he was still human. Even nigh-immortal beings still felt loneliness, the need for companionship - a family. His various personas had loved many women over the centuries, raising children together and he mourned them all, treasuring their memory.

That intensified his hatred of All Might all the more. Dismantling everything he’d built and incarcerating his friends and allies wasn’t enough for the blonde bastard. That debilitating injury he’d received from him meant ‘Hisashi’ would never be able to love again, could never return home to see his darling Inko and Izuku.

Chapter 33: Long Distance Parenting

Summary:

Physically unable to be there for his family, 'Hisashi' still tries his best.

Awakening from his fight with All Might, All For One was thankful that Kurogiri had activated the contingency plans. None of his quirks could heal such extensive injuries, so a prototype Nomu had been repurposed as a body double, allowing ‘Hisashi’ to stay present in his family’s world. It was a flawed being, but the ‘overseas business trips’ reduced the risk of Inko and Izuku spotting the defects.

He was still allowed the pleasure of phone calls, and was delighted to hear about Izuku’s new exercise regime.

Despite the enforced setback, his amazing son was finding a direction in life.

Notes:

Could be a few issues with tomorrow and Friday’s uploads. This time tomorrow I’ll be in Bristol Airport waiting for my flight to Edinburgh to attend Scotland Loves Animation. Went to the Glasgow edition last year to see the UK Premiere of The Two Heroes and so looking forwards to seeing Weathering with You and Promare this weekend.

Chapter 34: A Family Drama

Summary:

Hisashi's unintended absent family presence results in history repeating itself.

With Tomura’s training and the Nomu progressing rapidly ‘Hisashi’ wasn’t able to make regular calls to his family, delegating responsibility to his double. Flawed conditioning explained why it failed to report that Izuku had manifested a quirk - something that Inko had informed him of during a rare personal letter.

It could mean only one thing, and Kurogiri had to warp Ujiko to safety when his rage destroyed the lab.

“Bastard!” he roared through the tears. “He must have known! HE HAD TO!!!”

All Might had made his very own son his nemesis. His dear brother must be laughing right now.

Notes:

Sorry for the late upload, tablet wouldn't connect with the Wi-Fi at Bristol Airport, posting this from the bar at my hostel in Edinburgh. Scotland loves Animation hooooo!!!!!!

Chapter 35: A Father's Pride

Summary:

Regardless of everything and twisted as it may be, Hisashi loves his son.

Confined to the depths of Tartarus, he knew this would be where he’ll potentially spend all of eternity.

Although confident that Tomura would be fine without his guidance, he still had one regret. After six years apart, he had been mere yards from Izuku at Kamino, but couldn’t even acknowledge him.

They fought on different sides but Hisashi was proud of the son that was as equally driven, cunning and tenacious as himself, yet tempered by Inko’s compassion and humanity.

Hisashi smiled. He’d been fighting the tide - with attributes like that, Izuku had been destined to be a great hero.

Notes:

As a bonus, Im going to show what I originally wrote. I looked at it, rejiged it several times and decided that I didn't like it. As much as I wanted for Dad for One to put his son's safety before his, I couldn't make it work within my self imposed conditions.

 

The League wasn’t to harm Izuku while he formulated plans on neutralising One For All without endangering him. Yet the boy always risked himself and got injured, making his parents endlessly fret..

When he crossed paths with Tomaru, his own successor found clarity...before attacking Izuku’s summer camp.

With his newly acquired Quirk he assessed his opponents, only to gasp with shock. Izuku? Here? In kamino? All Might! He’s inbound! The collateral would kill Izuku! His decision was made

“Forgive me Izuku.”

To save his son he had to hold back, lose and face Tartarus, never to see him again.

Chapter 36: Flies in the Soup

Summary:

Tsuyu is a girl of two worlds - they don't always mix.

Tsuyu’s composure was cracking. The Mustafu waste collectors strike was entering its fifth week, and despite U.A.’s ‘Special Waste Management Protocols’ (Todoroki incinerating anything legally combustible) seven hundred people inevitably generated vast piles of waste, attracting pests. Such as flies.

And Tsuyu was a frog.

Amphibian instinct asserting itself, her tongue whipped out to snack on a whole parcel of the insects. Shame followed instantly, and Tsuyu fled the courtyard, imagining the revulsion of those around her.

Really, all that mattered to her classmates was how to help her out. Bakugo suggested blasting the pests, but Hanta’s idea...

Notes:

Got a two parter for you nice people.

Sorry about no uploads last week. Got back from Scotland Loves Animation (Ride your Wave, Weathering with You and Promare are great btw) and just wanted to unwind before proofreading this week's batch.

Chapter 37: Mutli-Use Quirks

Summary:

"Duct tape works anywhere. Duct tape is magic and should be worshiped.” - Andy Weir, The Martian

Mei Hatsume was essaying blueprints before 2-A even finished explaining their ‘Help Tsu’ design brief. Once these newest babies were machined up in the support workshop, Hanta got to work with his Quirk.

Realising the buzzing outside wasn’t organic, Tsuyu twitched open her room’s curtain and gasped. 

A horde of classmate-controlled drones filled U.A’s airspace, each machine trailing strips of adhesive tape to trap any passing insects. While a hovering Hanta generated more flypaper, Ochaco gleefully ran around the courtyard, towing him like a Zero-G kite.

Tsuyu’s composure cracked again: she really did have the best of friends.

“Ribbit.”

Chapter 38: Malus Intent

Summary:

Malicious Intent won't stop Fumikage from getting the produce of the Malus domestica.

Hurrying to the bicycle shed, Fumikage mounted his Bridgestone and pedalled furiously away on a priority mission...

...to the local super-marché!

He was stalking the produce aisle when Dark Shadow manifested. “Yo, Fumi, bandit at seven o’clock.”

Close at hand, Fumikage witnessed a hooligan menacing the cashier with fingertip guns.

“Woe to my groceries,” lamented the student, before swiftly quelling the brigand.

His inevitably-delayed return earned much ire.

“Where the fuck were you birdbrain?”  Bakugo’s snatched away the bag of apples and started peeling them. “Eri is gonna be here any minute!”

“Nevertheless…” intoned Fumikage. “We’ll have our candied treats.”

Notes:

Malice sounds Malus domesticas - Apple tree. Puny titles.

When I wrote this a few weeks ago, I consulted Fumikage's wikia page and realised his birthday was coming up so is was slotted in for today.

I will admit to kinda letting my brother take over on this one when we were proofreading but we just had too much fun making it overdramatic just like the birdboy can get.

Chapter 39: An All Mighty Halloween

Summary:

All Might dresses up as a character cut from the same cloth for Halloween

Finding someone whose quirk could cause all but a single lock of Toshinori’s hair to fall out while simultaneously generating a handlebar mustache was surprisingly easy. He honestly found getting his costume tailored tougher..

“Who’ve you come as All Might?” Izuku asked when Toshinori arrived at the Halloween party, glistening baldplate and military uniform drawing everyone’s attention.

In one motion Toshinori striped off the Prussian blue uniform top, shifted into his muscle form and struck a pose, driving together a pair of gauntlets on which Yuga’s sparkles reflected brilliantly.

“This technique has been passed down the Armstrong line for generations!”

Notes:

When I first watched the show, I was howling with laughter before episode 1 was over as I compared All Might to Major Armstrong from Fullmetal Alchemist, only to check the cast list and go "Oh shit, it is Major Armstrong!"

Chapter 40: "Just sit back and watch a Pro at work!"

Summary:

Midoriya, Bakugo and Todoroki view All Might's fight with the USJ Nomu as a benchmark to reach. Kirishima is just delighted to experience it.

Eijiro had replayed footage of All Might’s fights for years, loving the hero’s manliness. Of course experiencing such a battle was somewhat different. Less forensic.

All Might and Nomu’s clash was borderline stimulus overload. Eijiro wasn’t watching a fight - he was feeling it. The rhythmic exchange of fists reverberated through his body like the bellowing exhaust of a speeding locomotive. The stench of sweat and testosterone saturated the atmosphere, blastimg him with a raw power that made his ungelled hairs stand on end.

Bearing witness to this purest definition of masculinity, Eijiro remembered why he wanted to be a hero.

Notes:

Honestly, the final clash at the USJ is one of my favourite fights of the series. The sound design is something else and THAT final blow…wow. I play just that bit over and over. But of course before we have that there are those rapid cut shots of the boys watching on, Izuku is worried for All Might knowing he’s at his limit but awed how he keeps on going, Bakugo and Todoroki are more concerned in realising how far they have to go if they want to surpass the No.1 Hero but Kirishima is just loving what he is seeing (kinda like me during the final fight of Two Heroes when I saw it at the UK premiere). He’s a good boi and I’m happy that I’ve finally got something written down for him.

Chapter 41: Brief Encounter

Summary:

This Week - Week of Inko: Five AUs of best Mom.

While out in the park, little Inko collides with a young man and his teacher

“Careful there.” Admonishing her exhausted charge for the collision he’d caused, the buff woman reached for Inko’s dropped toy, eyes widening with interest when it floated into the girl’s' hands. “Impressive quirk.”

“The others laugh at me,” the three-year-old blushed with embarrassment. “I can’t move big things.”

Sensing a pick-me-up was needed, the smiling lady knelt down and meet Inko’s eyes. “What you want from your quirk is for you alone to decide. If you’re happy with it as it is, don’t let others shame you for it.”

Sending the perked-up girl on her way, Nana Shimura resumed Toshinori’s training.

Notes:

This here is a branching two parter, and you'll see one of the paths on Friday along with more details.

Chapter 42: For Izuku

Summary:

Justice, vengeance, fairness, morals, heroes, villians. At this point they are just words to Inko.

Making her way through the crowd surrounding the hero, Inko’s rage flared on seeing the fraud. How dare Katsuki Bakugo call himself a hero after what he did?

Every avenue of justice was blocked to her. The school denied any bullying happening on their grounds. Bakugo’s parents circled the wagons to protect their son. The hero community deemed it a police matter, and the police showed no interest in mounting an investigation. Quirkless boy committing suicide? No surprise there. Case closed.

If Bakugo felt any guilt, Inko didn’t see it in his eyes.

She drew the gun, and aimed carefully..,

Chapter 43: Reclamation

Summary:

Inko takes back what she thought lost.

Down in the alley beneath her, Inko’s target raised a hand for his companion to halt - she’d been detected. Flexing her intensively-trained Quirk, Inko ripped away the katana and other concealed blades stowed on the villain's person. With one last wrench, she threw him to the floor and remotely tore off his spiked boots.

“Stain!” Dropping down the fire escape to their level, she advanced on her disarmed opponent, even as Stain’s accomplice adopted a defensive stance over his teacher. “Give him back!”

Even with most of his face concealed, fear filled the eyes of the Hero Killer’s apprentice.

“Mom?”

Notes:

Oops, little late today. Fell asleep after work - my body clock is fucked.

This here is partly inspired by NohaIjiachi's A Deadman's Gun but as opposed to Inko doing investigative work to find her wayward son that’s fallen under Stain's influence and taking that info to Tensei Iida, she takes a more proactive approach in getting Izuku back. If you haven't read that story, do so - it’s good.

Chapter 44: A Losing Battle

Summary:

What does a cornerman do when they know the fight is rigged?

Inko couldn’t sleep for days after Izuku’s diagnosis. She was plagued with recurring dreams that all ended with her baby boy rejected, unemployed, homeless… dead. By his hand or hers.

She did her best to help him to overcome his quirklessness - but society made it clear where it deemed he belonged. No matter what, he remained rooted to the bottom rung.

She was 82 when her journey came to an end in a hospital bed.

Izuku wailed as the only person that cared about him slipped away from the world. He was old. Alone. Done for.

Just as Inko feared.

Notes:

Captain Hook's grim final line from the 2003 live action Peter Pan - "Old, alone, done for" - has stuck with me through the years.

Chapter 45: Succession Planning

Summary:

After years of crisis, there is hope for securing the succession

All For One discovered and eliminated Toshinori before he’d completed his training. Unwilling to have more blood staining her hands, Nana refused to find another successor for the Quirk that had cost her so much..

Then Inko walked up to her. The smiling U.A applicant explained that following their brief encounter years ago, she’d reconsidered just what she wanted from her Quirk, and demonstrated to her inspiration how strong it had become by uprooting a tree.

For the first time since she cradled a limp Toshinori, Nana felt a glimmer of hope for the future of One For All.

Notes:

Fell asleep again. Body clock, w u do dis?

I said that the drabble posted on Monday would be followed with a branching timeline. One is when Inko is inspired by Nana and becomes a great hero in her own right (a basic story structure of which has formed in my mind) and this here is the other, partly for my brother as he loves the thought of a One For All empowered Inko.

Chapter 46: Bitter Pills

Summary:

For Eri, prevention is preferable to treatment.

Eri needed decades to fully master her powerful Quirk and doing so brought about a moment of clarity. Consequence lost all meaning when she could heal fatal injuries with a simple touch.

It was because of that revelation that U.A’s students learned to fear their new school nurse. Besides essential triage, stable patients would not receive treatment from Eri’s Quirk until the end of the school day. Until then they had to suffer the full weight of their injuries.  

Herein was the lesson to her reckless charges, harsh yet necessary: she wouldn’t always be there to heal their boo-boos.

Notes:

Anime only fans, avert your eyes!

Chapter 47: Do You Hear the People Sing?

Summary:

Hiryu's people will not be slaves again.

Despite spending most of his life in Japan, Hiryu honoured his Chinese heritage by celebrating its public holidays. 

Today was LIberation Day. Tying the Republic of China’s blue and white flag to his balcony railings, he counted his blessings that he wasn’t raising the red standard of the long-extinct ‘People's Republic’.

Quirks had originated in China, but the ‘Communist’ authorities feared such power endowed within their nation’s youth, and reacted oppressively. Such measures fanned flames of revolution, a whole generation seeking their personal and political freedoms. 

Hiryu was thankful for the sacrifices made so he could use his Quirk freely.

Notes:

Oh look at me, getting all political! Taiwan is best China, free Hong Kong, screw you Winnie the Pooh, the Uyghurs are being detained in concentration camps, don’t buy Huawei, boycott Blizzard and all that.

Chapter 48: Game Exploits

Summary:

Shigaraki meets an NPC that will allow him to take advantage of the game mechanics.

Tomaru had intended on killing the boy, finding it sickening how his belief in heroes held fast even when they had shafted him. That all changed when he discovered the kid’s strategy guides.

Even Sensei’s unrivaled economy management, unlocked tech trees and superweapons had never equalled All Might’s OP skillset and NPC students. But this quirkless dataminer had delved into the code and cracked the meta.

Now Tomaru smirked, watching his pale and wearly analyst slave away in his sealed room. Threatening Izuku’s mother was all the leverage needed to ensure compliance. 

Hero society’s greatest fanboy would be its unravelling.

Notes:

I will let Izuku rest, I swear.

Second paragraph I partly drew from my teenage years of playing RTS games. I sure miss Command & Conquer.

Chapter 49: Gender Inequality

Summary:

Perversion isn't determined by chromosomes.

The male component of Class 1-A were supposed to be unwinding in the camp’s hot springs, but all were tense. How could they relax with all that shrieking coming over the girls’ side of the divider? 

“Should we help them?” asked an uncertain Izuku.

Iida shook his head. “Yaoyorozu assures me it's just harmless fun.”

His position wasn’t helped when everyone heard Mina squealing. “Mineta, stop playing with my boobs!”

Denki slid further into the water to hide his shame. “This would be so creepy if Mineta were a guy. She’d be a total perv.”

“Fucking double standards,” snarled Bakugo.

Notes:

My brother suggested a Femineta drabble and wondered what I could do with it. Now, I’ve seen Gay Mineta along with a few Femintas that had their own take of his perversion and I was thinking of doing a Lesbian Feminta. Then I remembered the hot springs scene from the Neon Genesis Evangelion episode 'Magma Diver’ and drew from that. That way I can have a bit of fun with an infamous scene and it keep his/her/it’s sexual orientation nice and vague.

Chapter 50: Haute Cuisine

Summary:

"The only way to get the best produce is to have first pick of the day and there are only two ways to get first pick. Grow it yourself, or bribe a grower." - Ratatouille

As a hero Lunch-Rush aided humanitarian operations by feeding fellow Pros and the people they rescued. Give him baseline ingredients and he’d single-handedly cook a feast to feed thousands. But as a chef he desired the finest ingredients possible, so whenever a U.A student could oblige that need, he’d gladly exploit the opportunity. 

“Here you go chef!” Komori bounced into the kitchen, pushing a cart filled with her quirk-grown mushrooms. “Sixty pounds of Tricholoma matsutake!”

Matsutake only grew in the wild, seasonally, and could cost ¥200,000 a pound. Lunch-Rush smacked his lips, the school would eat well today.

Notes:

When I decided I wanted to do something with Komori, the first thought was that Vlad would walk into the dorms to find Class 1-B tripping on mushrooms. Decided against that idea because a) too easy and b) she respects her quirk too much to abuse it in such a manner.

So that brought me to Lunch-Rush. His quirk is unknown but I presume its linked to nutrition, which fascinates me as its all the more important in a school like U.A. They need a healthy, balanced yet nutritious diet and even more so with the hero course with their physically demanding training. Imagine all the protein Izuku and Kirishima needed to get dem abs. Not only that I can imagine a lot of them have quirk based dietary requirements e.g Momo needing food to maintain her quirk, Tetsutetsu's strength depends on his iron intake, Sato can't have raw sugar or he starts hulking out. My theory is that as part of his quirk, Lunch-Rush looks at a person and is able to detect their current nutrition needs and their taste preference. For examine, he looks at Bukugo and knows the boy needs carbohydratehes and that the boy likes his food hot! Would like to explore this further someday.

Anyway, 50 drabbles! W00t! On top of that, I’ve got another 24 written up. Only need eight more to get me the New Year. Got birthday specials written for Mitsuki, Fuyumi and Ochaco.

Oh, by the way. 60 pounds of Matsutake is enough to feed a fully subscribed U.A's student body - 660 students - with room to spare. That would work out at ¥12,000,000 - £85,000 or $110,000. And Lunch-Rush got all that for free.

Have a good weekend everyone and enjoy tomorrow's episode. UNBREAKABLE!!!

Chapter 51: Conditioning

Summary:

Much to Bakugo's chagrin, Kaminari's joking nature and Mei's social ineptitude combine with shocking results.

With uncharacistic stealth, Mei Hatsume snuck up on Katsuki and secured a metal bracelet around his wrist. His yell of “Dreadlocks, what the fu-ACK!” became a scream, his body involuntarily convulsing.

“Mei,” a disbelieving Denki knew a tazing when he saw it. “Is that a shock collar?”

“Yup!” The socially-inept inventor beamed. “Baby No. 571, the Electrical Expletive Eradicator! It delivers a shock to the wearer should they swear! Just as you requested”

“Mei, I was joking!” Denki wailed.

“Oh? Well, exposure’s good too.”

“So’s EXPLOSIONS! BI-AAAHHH-TTTCCCHHH!” Katsuki screeched, gibbering every foul word under the sun, his body endlessly spasming.

Notes:

Yeah, Bakugo works through the pain to keep on swearing. And FYI, Mei made it strong enough to resist his explosions.

Chapter 52: Shades of Red

Summary:

Kirishima's debut draws attension.

It wasn't long after Eijiro’s public debut in an Osakan Market that a smile-cracking Fatgum came knocking at the intern's office cubicle. “Hey Red Riot, you got yourself a visitor!”

The hulking hero stood aside to reveal their guest, and Eijiro felt his heart skip a beat. The man was impossibly old and leant on a walking cane, but the confident way he carried himself was unmistakable.

“So this is the young man who’s taken up my mantle?”

Hair whitened by age, Crimson Riot approached the starstruck student and extended a hand.

“I’m your biggest fan!” they said as one.

Chapter 53: Takes One to Know One

Summary:

Mineta witnesses an awakening

Watching the combatants of the first Joint Training Battle return, Minoru could tell something had changed in Kosei Tsuburaba. Flushing, fidgeting, sweating? Lingering glances directed at Asui? Yeah. Grape Juice had watched the fight, he knew what was up.

Once the losing team had dispersed, Minoru sat beside the taller boy. “Dude, I get it. Same happened to me at the USJ after Asui hauled me to safety with her tongue. The things she can do with it...”

“Not like this!” Kosei groaned as Minrou drifted into the realms of fantasy. “I didn’t want to discover my fetishes like this!”

Chapter 54: Rule of Law

Summary:

In a just society, all are equal before the law.

Becoming a vigilante was a risk, but laws defined them by Quirk use. Vague wording offered the Quirkless loopholes. Handcuffed in a police interrogation room, Izuku quickly realised the other laws wouldn’t be lenient.

Procession of an illegal weapon, multiple counts of assault, GBH, unlawful detainment, failure to report a crime, resisting arrest, assaulting Police Officers, assaulting Pro Heros - just the tip of the iceberg of charges he faced.

“I just want to help” he wept.

Japan’s judicial system didn’t offer jury trials, and Izuku knew the bench wouldn’t show mercy to a Quirkless, well-meaning, effective, popular, yet illegal vigilante.

Notes:

But then again all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.

How many quirkless vigilante Izuku stories are there where he only gets a slap on the wrist once he's caught? In those cases, the authorities always say that his quriklessness is a legitimate defense and legal loophole for crimefighting without legal authority. Here's the law's position.

Chapter 55: Hero for All

Summary:

Heroes save all those in need.

He started trembling as the door opened. It was too early for feeding, so this meant only one thing. One of the captives was going back into the ring.

Someone approached and opened his cage. Nonono, not me! With his leg mangled from the last fight he wouldn’t live a minute.

The last thing he expected was a gentle voice. “Don’t worry, you’re safe. No one is going to hurt you anymore.”

Cautiously raising his head, he locked eyes with the person who spoke his tongue.

“Come on,” Koji reached for the wounded dog. “Let's get that leg looked at.”

Notes:

Tune in next week for a thrilling five part story!

Chapter 56: The Thrown Stone: Intervention

Summary:

This Week - Point of Divergence; Hero Killer Arc - A five part story of how everything changes.

After seeing Iida's choice for his internship, Aizawa calls him to the faculty office.

Aizawa slid the Internship forms back across to Iida. “Fill it out again” he instructed, slamming a finger down for emphasis. “No placements near Hosu.”

His student’s face hardened in defiance. “With all due respect sir, no.”

“Let’s review the facts Iida. Stain has murdered seventeen Pros. Your brother is the twenty-third to receive life-changing injuries from him. Professionals couldn't detain Stain, what deludes you into thinking you can?”

Iida’s vengeance-driven eyes didn’t soften, and the goggles that Aizawa wore felt heavy with the memory of Oboro. He wouldn’t have students dying on his watch.

“Fine then. Consider yourself suspended.”

Notes:

Well it’s taken me 56 drabbles, but all of Class 1-A has been tagged!

But seriously, no one at U.A saw Iida who is emotionally off balance wanted to intern in Hosu, the very place where his brother suffered career ending injuries and whose murder happy attacker is still on the loose and thought "Yeah, I'm gonna have to veto that."

EDIT. Chapter 253 of the manga. OH FUCK.

Chapter 57: Spreading Ripples

Summary:

With no Iida to worry for, Izuku's mind is clear when needed and things start to change.

“Stay here, kid!” Gran Torino bellowed as he tackled the Nomu, launching them both out of the speeding train and back into a flaming Hosu.

“Gran Torino!” Izuku ran to the carriage’s gaping hole, intending to pursue. Then a piercing scream made him aware of the chaos behind him. The hero the Nomu had been fighting was unconscious, and the train crew hadn’t arrived to coordinate panicking and injured passengers. Right now, these people needed a hero.

Dashing to assist a passenger pinned by a broken window-frame, Izuku smiled and helped them up. “Don’t worry, everything’s fine. I am here.”

Notes:

Sorry for the late upload, went to see the local screening of Promare. Only two places in Wales are showing it for two days and its a 30-40 minute ride to the cinema by bike. Anime distributers, Nantgarw is hard to get to without a car and that late screenings gives few options with public transport. You've shown anime in Cardiff itself, so sort it out!

Chapter 58: For Want of a Hero

Summary:

For want of a hero, the murderer got away.
For want of the murderer, the game was changed.

With a pathetic, blood-choked gurgle, the last light faded from the eyes of the fake hero. Sheathing his still bloodied Katana, Stain left Native’s body in the alley and ascended the fire escapes to the rooftops of Hosu.

“Shigaraki,” the Hero Killer snarled, surveying a city in pandemonium. That narrow-minded brat from the League was once again throwing temper tantrums about things he couldn’t possibly understand, and now the ignorant-yet-innocent masses were suffering for it. He should have killed the self-entitled pond scum when the opportunity presented itself.

For the sake of society, it was time to correct that mistake.

Chapter 59: Making a Splash

Summary:

Without Stain's arrest giving his ideology a public platform, a different video stirs ups society in the aftermath of Hosu

Iida went to Hosu, and Aizawa found out. With their class president expelled and morale in the gutter, the trending video ‘ Hosu train evacuation - Deku debuts!’  was a rare bright spot for 1-A. 

“Man Midoriya, wish my internship was this cool!” enthused Kirishima. “You look the picture of a hero!”

Hearing Bakugo grinding his teeth, Izuku blushed. “I didn’t do much, just kept people calm.”

“Class is in session, because I am here!” All Might arrived in style, silencing gossip. “Excellent work on your internships 1-A! You’ve done this school proud!”

He locked eyes with Izuku. You’ve done me Proud.

Notes:

Regarding Iida, the thought is that his suspension cowed him into submission until Native's body was found. His quest for vengeance reignited, he snuck off to Hosu. In anticipation of this, Aiwaza had in advance used the Hero Network to instruct Hosu’s local heroes to notify him should they see Iida and detain the rogue student. When that happens, Aiwaza is most disappointed and shows no mercy.

Chapter 60: New Route Set

Summary:

Through decisions both in and beyond his control, Shigaraki is set down a different path on the branching questline.

Seizing the Katana from the pile of dust, Shigaraki couldn’t help but feel off. Yes, he had gained notoriety with Hosu, destroyed someone he hated, and gotten himself a rare drop, but something was missing.

“Have you learnt anything from this?” All For One asked over the monitor.

Shigaraki drove Stain's blade into the bar’s floor and resumed scratching his neck. “No Sensei.” 

“Worry not. This lesson is among the most important, but other opportunities will present themselves.”

In his lab, All For One sighed. Tormaru’s impatience had impeded him again. Only with a true creed would he be unstoppable.

Notes:

And many people pointed out, without Stain getting all the attention after Hosu, it doesn't send Handsy McGee off in a huff that results in him getting a creed after crossing paths with a certain smol green bean. And with that, I've butterflied season 3 out of existence!

Chapter 61: A Parent's Nightmare

Summary:

With their son abducted, Mitsuki and Masaru are powerless bystanders as Titans clash

Mitsuki and Masaru Bakugo could only watch in horror as the operation to rescue their son descended into a chaotic televised confrontation that leveled a ward and ended All Might’s career. They feared the worst until their support officers informed them Katsuki was safe, and nothing could hide their sobs of relief as they were driven to the hospital where he was being checked over.

When they were reunited there was no screaming or arguing. The Bakugos tightly clasped their child, fearing he would be stolen away once more. In a rare moment of vulnerability, Katsuki cried along with them. 

Chapter 62: On A Different Approach

Summary:

Tackling a situation from a different angle can change the outcome

Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Shoto wandered the house in search of his mother. It was only after he passed the kitchen that he heard her talking on the phone.

“...all I can see is his father.”

Peeking around the doorframe, Shoto choked. He’d seen his mother crying countless times before, but the trembling desperation in her voice chilled him.

“Mom, what are you saying?”

Rei spun to see her terrified son’s right side - his white hair and grey eye, not the red and turquoise she feared.

“Nothing honey,” she smiled with what shaky composure she had left. “Nothing.“

Notes:

For clarity's sake, in canon Shoto heard Rei as he neared the kitchen door and looked round with his left side. Here he had already gone by before turning back and Rei saw the half that came from her, one who's just as scared as her.

Chapter 63: Bedside Manner

Summary:

Just a normal day at the office for Nurse Eri

Eri sighed as the medical bots stretchered in a hero student all-too familiar with the U.A infirmary. “Michi Maeda, why am not surprised?” 

“Hi Auntie Eri,” Maeda grimaced a smile as she prodded his arm, before Eri grabbed a chart and addressed the robots. 

“Timecode for the sustained injury?”

“13h:46m:52s, Nurse Erivertible.”

Writing the details down, she closed the bed’s privacy screen. “Injury’s stable, I'll rewind you to a second prior once classes finish.”

“Eri!” Maeda pointed at his exposed bones in exasperation. “Its a compound fracture!”

“Ha! Your cousin Ochaco never complained, or my big brothers.”

Notes:

This ties into the Life and Times of the Midoriya series. Michi is a OC that will appear in the next story.

Chapter 64: Magnetic Personality

Summary:

While his quirk is similar to Kirishima's, Tetsutetsu has one major drawback.

Learning that the villain he’d injured detaining was uninsured, Tetsutetsu accompanied him to the hospital. But when the man awoke in the Radiology department, he yeeted the guilt-ridden hero through several walls.

Hardening his body, Real Steel took his medicine, unaware that in one of the now-demolished rooms a technician was panicking over a ruined control console.

Then something snatched at him...

Hearing sounds that would fill his nightmares, Tetsutetsu’s metallic self was ensnared in magnetic fields that slammed him bodily though another wall and into a malfunctioning MRI scanner.

“And to think I was gonna pay his medical bills!”

Notes:

Seriously, MRI machines can make all sorts of noises.

Chapter 65: Classroom Management

Summary:

Fuyumi's students are oblivious to her connections to their idols

Fuyumi never got tired of watching her students rave about their favourite heroes - especially when those heroes were her own family.

“He’s so cool!” a group of boys exclaimed as they devoured Endeavour’s latest annual. Seeing this, Fuyumi resolved to grab a signed copy to present to the best-behaved child at the end of this semester.

“Nah-hah!” one girl disagreed. “Shoto is way better! He has fire and ice! He can beat his Dad!”

“Miss Todoroki, your quirk is ice, could you beat him?”

“Hmm...” Fuyumi feigned consideration. If only they knew. “I think I could come up with something.”

Notes:

Tune in next week for a five part story!

Chapter 66: Commissioning

Summary:

This Week - Design Principles, a five part story

Tsuyu gathers some friends with a plan in mind

It had taken years of Ochaco-style frugal living, but Tsuyu had done it. With her savings amassed, prospective sponsors lined up and qualifications obtained, it was time to make her greatest dream a reality.

And so at a gathering of U.A alumni and friends in the Yaoyorozu Estate’s Belgravia Room, she at last pitched her idea.

“Tsu,” Melissa considered a rough sketch. “I’d love to build this.”

“She’ll be my greatest baby yet!” exclaimed Mei.

“It would be a titanic achievement.” Momo admitted.

“Hell yeah!” Yosetsu whooped. “I’m totally onboard!”

Thus with a gentlemen's agreement they got to planning.

Chapter 67: Imagineering

Summary:

All work is built on a sound concept.

The longest part of the process was the design phase. Melissa and Mei were both accomplished draughtsmen, and consequently spent much time catfighting over who should lead the project. The specs proposed by Mei were bold and tempting, but didn’t ultimately meet the brief… and exceeded Tsuyu’s budget tenfold.

At last it was agreed that Melissa would handle overall design, while Mei held responsibility for outfitting their creation to fully meet Tsuyu’s needs.

Once Froppy had viewed and signed-off on the plans the real work began, starting by blueprinting every component required to make lines on paper into tangible reality.

Chapter 68: Fabrication

Summary:

With her quirk, Momo destroys the economies of scale

When Melissa and Mei began forwarding her their component lists, Momo hit the books to memorise the atomic structures of engineering-grade materials new to her.

That was the easy part.

The real challenge was sheer scale. Momo had to create from scratch nearly four thousand tons of diverse substances: metal alloys, synthetic polymers and organic compounds, whose complexity ranged from simple sheetplates to intricate machinery with thousandth-of-an-inch tolerances. It required her full concentration and 50,000 calorie meals, paid for daily by Tsuyu.

Once materialised to exacting standards, every item she produced was boxed up, labelled and shipped for assembly

Notes:

I like to think that provided Momo recieves the chemical energy needed to craft something through the equivalent exchangeof food, she has no issue about creating gifts for friends. Those meals have to be brought, so her items are still contributing to the ecomany.

Chapter 69: Assembly

Summary:

After years of training his quirk and shopping at IKEA, Yosetsu faces the ultimate flat pack furniture kit.

On his free days, Yosetsu journeyed to the voluminous warehouse Tsuyu had leased on the shores of Tokyo Bay, cracked open the delivered crates and consulted the accompanying diagrams. Thanks to Momo’s perfect fabrication, and aided by clear instructions from Melissa and Mei, he quickly mastered piecing this giant 3D jigsaw puzzle together.

Fusing sheetplate HULL-176 to the construction hoist with his quirk, he hauled it into position, aligned it alongside HULL-175, and welded both to the growing frame.

Taking great pride in his work, he was there for the entire build, from laying-down all the way through to launch.

Notes:

Sorry for the late upload, I was going to see the one day release of the Konosuba film but the cinema projector broke down. This being the out of the way cinema where I went to see Promare a few weeks back, it meant waiting around for ages for the bus back home. That woud be fine but roadwords delayed it and left me standing in the rain for 30 minutes. Fun times.

Chapter 70: Launch

Summary:

In a simple ceremony, Tsuyu's life sets sail on a new adventure.

On the spring tide, months of hard work came to fruition. 

Welding the last capstan to the deck, Yosetsu stood aside for Momo to materialise a bell that Mellisa and Mei mounted in place, before Tsuyu broke a champagne bottle across the engraved bronze.

AQUA-FROP

2201

As the hull slid down the ways into her native waters, Tsuyu tearfully hugged her wonderful friends. From bow to stern, the newly-launched vessel was equipped with cranes, pumps, lifeboats and rescue gear. 

A welcome sanctuary to those in peril on the sea, the bane of traffickers, and Tsuyu’s floating office.

Her new home.

Notes:

This here five part story is in continuity with 'Life and Times of the Midoriyas.' Those that have read my story '8 Days' will remember the idea of Tsuyu being a sea based agency with her own custom made vessel. Decide to expand on its origins. The idea original was that Froppy buys a boat of her own but before she could complete the insurance, its gets destroyed in a tsunami. Having poured all her money into the now lost vessel, the loss leaves her destitute. Plan was that Momo would be the one to commission and pay for the Aqua-Frop but when I starting thinking about, I decided that having it as a charity case as a bit too much on the nose.

Moving on, announcement time! At the time of posting, I have another twenty drabbles written and ready to go, bringing me up to ninety. At one hundred, I'm gonna put this collection on hold and try refocusing my efforts on the next entry of Life and Times. But for five of those last drabbles, I'm opening up for requests! Write a prompt in the comments and I’ll see if I can whip something up. Four will come from those suggestions, but the last one will go the clever one that figures out the recurring motif I put in chapters 16 through 20 - the ones were the characters injury, disable or accidently kill themselves through quirk overuse. Get those creative juices flowing peeps!

Chapter 71: Thank You For Your Service

Summary:

After a impromptu rescue, Ochaco encounters a familar face.

Notes:

This drabble follows on from Thank You For Your Custom.

Visiting her boyfriend’s parents for the weekend, Ochaco was out on a morning run when she came across the apartment fire. A flash of her Hero License was all the authority she needed to rescue a family trapped on the upper floors. Another job well done.

As the EMTs checked her over, an employee from the nearby J-Mart arrived with a trolley, and started handing out bottled water - the same employee that Katsuki had recently reduced to tears. If he begrudged Ochaco, it didn’t show.

“Thank you for your service,” he smilingly offered her a bottle.

“And yours,” she accepted.

Notes:

I'm opening up for requests! Write a prompt in the comments and I’ll see if I can whip something up. Four will come from those suggestions, but the last one will go the clever one that figures out the recurring motif I put in chapters 16 through 20 - the ones were the characters injury, disable or accidently kill themselves through quirk overuse. Get those creative juices flowing peeps!

Chapter 72: Young And Free

Summary:

Shoto gets roped into antics.

Growing up in isolation, Shoto rarely got to use his abilities outside of Father’s strict regime. But living in the U.A. dorms and freely using his quirk, he found liberation in simply being a teenager doing teenage things. His classmates cooking eggs on his fire was only the beginning.

“What’s this?” Arriving at Gym Gamma, he was momentarily perplexed by the sight of his classmates in winter wear.

“Please?” Mina produced her ice skates with a hopeful smile.

Shoto knew what to do. Planting his right foot forward, a layer of ice covered the gym floor, to much rejoicing.

Notes:

I'm opening up for requests! Write a prompt in the comments and I’ll see if I can whip something up. Four will come from those suggestions,but the last one will go the clever one that figures out the recurring motif I put in chapters 16 through 20 - the ones were the characters injury, disable or accidently kill themselves through quirk overuse. Get those creative juices flowing peeps!

Chapter 73: A Fated Encounter

Summary:

Mitsuki takes Katsuki to visit Inko at the hospital and greet someone special.

Mitsuki was proud of her brat. At only thirteen weeks old, Katsuki was developing fast and was incredibly perceptive. And he was fascinated by Inko’s sleeping newborn, reaching out and never taking his eyes away.

Supporting his head, the young mother gently laid her child on the bed. “Katsuki, you want to say hello to Izuku?”

Not one to deny a cute opportunity, Mitsuki settled Katsuki on his belly alongside Izuku. As if feeling his presence, the swaddled bundle yawned, and eyes still adjusting to the world opened. Brilliant green pupils meet sharp red.

From that moment, they were inseparable

Notes:

I'm opening up for requests! Write a prompt in the comments and I’ll see if I can whip something up. Four will come from those suggestions. Get those creative juices flowing peeps!

The fifth drabble request goes to rubywings91 as they correctly guessed the recurring motif I put in chapters 16 through 20. It was 'mirrors and reflections' as each of the characters looked on themselves and their damaged bodies. Congrats!

Chapter 74: An Ecumenical Matter

Summary:

Mount Lady asks her intern one of the hardest possible questions concerning humanity.

“So that Jesus guy you worship Ibara, was he just ahead of the curve? Got a quirk two-thousand years early?”

“I can understand such an opinion,” her intern replied, surprising Mount Lady with her thoughtful reaction. “The nature of The Incarnation has been hotly debated since quirks emerged. The feeding of the multitude, water transfigured into wine, the Sermon on the Mount, walking on water, the many healings - they suggest a powerful alchemical quirk. But regardless of the origin of the Lord’s miracles, he used them to preach goodwill and help others. I believe that's an example worthy of following.”

Notes:

More British comedy jokes.

Sorry for the late upload. Finished work at 4pm, dashed home, changed, headed out on the bike to catch the 5pm screening of the new Star Wars and had a Five Guys afterwards before heading home in the rain. My feet are soaked and I'm still processing both the film and the meal.

 

I'm opening up for requests! Write a prompt in the comments and I’ll see if I can whip something up. Four will come from those suggestions. Get those creative juices flowing peeps!

The fifth drabble request goes to rubywings91 as they correctly guessed the recurring motif I put in chapters 16 through 20. It was 'mirrors and reflections' as each of the characters looked on themselves and their damaged bodies. Congrats!

Chapter 75: Light Training Session

Summary:

Ochaco does some 'simple' excercises with her quirk

“124, 125, 126...”

Counting the seconds, Ochaco kept her trembling fingertips together. Until recently what she was now attempting had been only a wild dream.

Stopwatch in hand, her mentor offered encouragement. “New record, keep it going!”

Exerted muscles strained. 129 . Sweat poured freely. 138 . Nearby rocks started floating. 159. She screeched. 163. Her limit was reached. “RELEASE!”

Plummeting from a hundred feet above them, a cacophony of noise erupted as the 40,000 ton cruise liner crashed into the breakers yard

Clapping her back, a proud All Might caused his chosen heir of One For All to throw up.

Notes:

This One for All Ochaco AU goes out to my proofreader of a brother who celebrating his birthday. Happy birthday bro!

 

I'm opening up for requests! Write a prompt in the comments and I’ll see if I can whip something up. Four will come from those suggestions. Get those creative juices flowing peeps!

The fifth drabble request goes to rubywings91 as they correctly guessed the recurring motif I put in chapters 16 through 20. It was 'mirrors and reflections' as each of the characters looked on themselves and their damaged bodies. Congrats!

Chapter 76: Euterpe

Summary:

This Week - Shipping Time, five stories of romance.

In Greek Mythology, Euterpe is the muse of music. To U.A's Management student Izuku Midoriya, she is very much real and so much more.

Notes:

SYMPHONY: AN IZUJIRO CONTINUITY

FIRST MOVEMENT: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SECOND MOVEMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL

THIRD MOVEMENT: U.A HIGH
The Next Step
Sentimentality
Euterpe
Diminuendo
Private Event
Daughter of Elysium

Three days after Izuku arrived at the hospital with Kyotoku and Mika Jiro, his world had changed. The operation to recover Bakugo ended with All Might retiring after defeating a terrifying villain. But that didn’t matter - Kyo was still unconscious from the toxic gas.

Sitting at her bedside, It pained Izuku to see his muse lifeless. Even her earjacks, which moved during regular sleep, were motionless. Taking his guitar, he softly played the duet they wrote the night before U.A.’s entrance exams.

“You’re my hero,

without you I’m a zero”.

“No matter the course,

together we’re a force.”

Notes:

Its Christmas week but I ain't stopping! Its Shipping Time!

I'm opening up for requests! Write a prompt in the comments and I’ll see if I can whip something up. Four will come from those suggestions. Get those creative juices flowing peeps!

The fifth drabble request goes to rubywings91 as they correctly guessed the recurring motif I put in chapters 16 through 20. It was 'mirrors and reflections' as each of the characters looked on themselves and their damaged bodies. Congrats!

Chapter 77: Matchmaker

Summary:

Untill now Mina has always been the bridesmaid, never the bride.

As a romantic that simply wanted to see people happy, Mina was always trying to turn crushes into relationships, or pair up compatible people. Her proudest achievements to date included getting Ochaco and Izuku finally together, and somehow unearthing a management student that actually found Mineta endearing - getting a girlfriend even helped balance him out.

“Mina, I like you!”

Despite that, she wasn’t prepared for Eijiro to confess to her when she restrained him during a private sparring session. He hadn’t planned on doing it here, but pinned beneath the manliest, baddest woman he knew, the moment just felt right.

Notes:

I'm opening up for requests! Write a prompt in the comments and I’ll see if I can whip something up. Four will come from those suggestions. Get those creative juices flowing peeps!

The fifth drabble request goes to rubywings91 as they correctly guessed the recurring motif I put in chapters 16 through 20. It was 'mirrors and reflections' as each of the characters looked on themselves and their damaged bodies. Congrats!

Chapter 78: The Season of Giving

Summary:

It's the gifts which come from the heart that carry the most meaning.

Notes:

SANGUINE: AN IZUTOGA CONTINUITY

First Blood
Do It For Him
The Season of Giving
Eye of the Beholder

Disinfectant applied, Izuku secured the makeshift tourniquet around his bruised, much-abused arm and removed the syringe’s cover with his teeth. Thanks to the many times he’d shot himself up with various ‘supplements’, he easily stuck the needle into the vein.

---

Himiko could barely keep her eyes shut as Izuku placed the Christmas present in her hands. Feeling all giggly she opened her eyes and gasped. In a bottle tied up with pretty bows and ribbons was a pint of blood - his blood.

Himiko teared up. Her loving, accepting boyfriend was simply amazing. Now she could be him.

“Merry Christmas Izu.”

Notes:

Merry Christmas y'all! T'is the season of giving...of givng blood. Had an awesome gift from my brother relating to the Life and Times of the Midoriyas series. Not only did he commision an artist to depict Ochaco fighting my OC villain Trisight, he got it professionally printed too! Love to share it with you when i get the digital copy. Thanks bro!

I'm opening up for requests! Write a prompt in the comments and I’ll see if I can whip something up. Four will come from those suggestions. Get those creative juices flowing peeps!

The fifth drabble request goes to rubywings91 as they correctly guessed the recurring motif I put in chapters 16 through 20. It was 'mirrors and reflections' as each of the characters looked on themselves and their damaged bodies. Congrats!

Chapter 79: Bedroom Aid

Summary:

Momo is asked to help on a personal matter.

Momo could not believe what she was hearing.

”You want me to make you rubbers ?”

“Sheets!” A blushing Kyoka shushed her friend. “Rubber sheets for my bed.”

“Whatever for?”

The hue of Kyoka’s face deepened as she nervously clacked her earjacks together. “When Denki and me get...intimate...he loses control of his quirk and shocks me. We can never… finish because of it. I need something to ground or insulate us.” 

“Oh!” Now it was Momo flushing. Never before had such services been asked of her quirk. Then again, she always helped her friends. “OK, let's measure your bed.”

Notes:

Late upload, went for the yearly family gathering and with that done, my Christmas is offically over. Sure I was already back in work today but still.

Like to think that there is another issue with this pairing when it comes to the bedroom. Should Kaminari shock himself stupid in the middle of sex, Jiro stops as she no longer has his ongoing consent.

 

I'm opening up for requests! Write a prompt in the comments and I’ll see if I can whip something up. Four will come from those suggestions. Get those creative juices flowing peeps!

The fifth drabble request goes to rubywings91 as they correctly guessed the recurring motif I put in chapters 16 through 20. It was 'mirrors and reflections' as each of the characters looked on themselves and their damaged bodies. Congrats!

Chapter 80: Stargazing

Summary:

Izuku is blessed to have a bright star in his life.

For Ochaco’s birthday, the class chipped in together with food for Momo to craft a high-quality telescope. Mina then presented Birthday-Girl (and Izuku) approved off-campus night passes, before Bakugo threw two pre-packed camping bags their way and shoved the two lovebirds out the door.

Beneath clear skies atop a mountain they huddled close together under a blanket and watched the galaxy unfurl, identifying the classical constellations recorded by Ptolemy.

“Hey, Chaco?” Consulting his star chart, Izuku squinted along the scope. “There’s one star I can’t see up there.”

“Which one?” she asked absentmindedly.

Abruptly Izuku turned and kissed her. “You.”

Notes:

Happy birthday Best Girl!

 

I'm opening up for requests! Write a prompt in the comments and I’ll see if I can whip something up. Four will come from those suggestions. Get those creative juices flowing peeps!

The fifth drabble request goes to rubywings91 as they correctly guessed the recurring motif I put in chapters 16 through 20. It was 'mirrors and reflections' as each of the characters looked on themselves and their damaged bodies. Congrats!

Chapter 81: Finger Lickin' Good

Summary:

Hawks heads home for for a family tradition. Happy (belated) Birthday Hawkboy.

As the year drew old, anticipation built in Fukuoka, and one question dominated peoples’ minds: “Where is Hawks having KFC this year?”

Despite his appearance, the young Pro had loved chicken ever since he was a boy, and his family booked months in advance to indulge in Japan’s Christmas custom of feasting on Colonel Sanders’ fried chicken. As a celebrated Hero, that family tradition had become an annual celebration with the people he served.

Arriving with his parents to the delighted cries of customers, Hawks took the prepared Festival sharing buckets and called out, “Happy Christmas Fukuoka! Food’s on me!”

Notes:

EDIT: Wow, the manga has so invalidated this now!

Yeah, KFC is really popular in Japan around Christmas.

Requests are going to be open fo one more week! Write a prompt in the comments and I’ll see if I can whip something up!

Chapter 82: Daughter of Elysium

Summary:

Whoever has been lucky enough
to become a friend to a friend,
Whoever has found a beloved wife,
let him join our songs of praise...

...She gives us kisses and wine,
a true friend, even in death;"

Notes:

SYMPHONY: AN IZUJIRO CONTINUITY

FIRST MOVEMENT: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SECOND MOVEMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL

THIRD MOVEMENT: U.A HIGH
The Next Step
Sentimentality
Euterpe
Diminuendo
Private Event
Daughter of Elysium

While a true Rocker at heart, Kyoka adored her classics. So when Izuku presented two tickets to attend 10,000 Freude, the yearly performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, she just had to sneak off to Osaka with her boyfriend.

With her amplified hearing the first three parts of the symphony were a wonder to behold, but it was the fourth and final movement that had Kyoka teeming with excitement.

In perfect German, the leading baritone soloed “Ode to Joy”, then was joined by a ten-thousand strong choir praising the unity of humanity.

Nuzzling into Izuku, Kyoka had everything she needed.

Notes:

History lesson! As allies of Britain during the First World War, Japan entered the conflict on the side of the Allied Powers. Their biggest contribution was seizing the German held Kiautschou Bay in what is now Qingdao, China. The POWs were held in Japan and formed an orchestra to pass the time. Beethoven's 9th struck a chord with the locals for after the war concluded and the Germans returned home, they continued playing it themselves. It has evolved into a tradition of a year-end celebration, with concerts being played throughout all of December with 10,000 Freude being performed on the first Sunday of the month. That’s why it was being played at the Nakatomi Corporation’s Christmas party in Die Hard and Episode 24 of Neon Genesis Evangelion, which takes place during late December. To this day, I say ”when Ode to Joy starts playing, shit is about to go down.”

In spirit of the event, have a good 2020 everyone and just squish him already Shinji! IF ONLY WE KNEW THE HORRORS THAT WE WERE TO FACE!!!

Chapter 83: Year of the Rat

Summary:

Nezu has a happy birthday

His birthday falling on New Years Day, Nezu preferred to spend the day contemplating years past and yet-to-come alone at home with some premium cigarettes.

That was before U.A became a dorm school.

Going through his morning routine in the teacher’s accommodation block, he was surprised when the student council members staying on campus for the holidays came knocking on his door with presents. Coffee and tea from Kendo and Yaoyorozu, and homemade mochi Sato prepared from Uraraka’s family recipe, amongst other gifts.

After past traumatic experiences with humans, Nezu hoped his students’ innocence and generosity would never fade.

Notes:

You can thank the anime's twitter account for the title. 2020 really is the Year of the Rat in the Chinese Zodiac

 

This dialogue exchange happened when my brother and I were proofreading
"Wait, the little ferret? He smokes?!"
"Mouse, bear, dog, no-one knows."
"That's not the point!"

 

Requests are going to be open fo one more week! Write a prompt in the comments and I’ll see if I can whip something up!

Chapter 84: Healthy Work Environment

Summary:

After his fallout with All Might, Nighteye is in the mood for lightening up.

Although the pain of parting ways with All Might was still raw, Nighteye had to press on with forming his own agency and recruiting sidekicks. Centipeder had already signed on, and it seemed the next candidate embodied Nighteye’s personal values.

Centipeder was unpacking the delivered office equipment, and was amazed when howling laughter erupted from his new employer’s sanctum. Getting hired had taken everything he had just to squeeze a snigger out of the iron-faced boss.

With tears of mirth rolling down his face, Nighteye emerged with his agency’s newest staff member.

“Ms. Joke, you’ll make a most valuable addition!”

Notes:

You can thank the guys at Team Four Star for this one. While reviewing an episode, they laughed at the idea of Nighteye with his ideals of humour crossing paths with Ms. Joke and I thought she would be a perfect sidekick for him before going off to teach at Ketsubutsu.

 

Requests are closing TOMORROW! If you have a sweet short idea in mind, write it down in the comments and if you're lucky, you'll be be seeing it in three weeks time!

Chapter 85: Highscore

Summary:

Its not just the hero chart Bakugo wants to top.

For Musutafu’s arcade-shooter aficionados, the player known only as SNP was the bane of their existence. No matter what they tried, none could surpass their highscores. So when the latest installment of Time Crisis arrived at the local arcade, Bakugo was determined to confront the unbeatable mystery player, determine how they were cheating, then kick their ass.

All day he watched people pour coins into the machine. Most were pathetic, but when one dreadlocked customer displayed uncanny reactions and marksmanship, Bakugo knew he’d found SNP.

“Hey, shitstain!”

The man gave him a stern look.

“Watch your tongue, Partner,” instructed Snipe

Notes:

Time Crisis XXVIII: Yet another villain with a foreign accent threatens national/regional/global security with a mad plot and VSSE sends in two agents with little regard to collateral damage to take on their private/state army. And as pair tradition, Wild Dog is a stage 3 boss fight. He’s now 75% gun, is so ancient he's held together with string and as always blows himself up when he loses for the umpteenth time. VSSE have him penned in for another fight next Tuesday.
 

Requests are closing tonight. Thanks to all who sent in suggestions.

Chapter 86: Ich Dien | I Serve

Summary:

This Week: The Pro Hero Life - Five stories of Class 1-A after graduation

Izuku doesn't need to be a school teacher to educate on social issues.

As the makeup-artists touched up his complexion, Izuku could hardly believe the latest milestone of his dream Hero life had arrived - shooting his first Public Safety Announcement

Little Izuku had watched All Might PSAs religiously, always taking the lessons and morals they imparted to heart: he thus ate his greens, was kind to others, looked both ways before crossing streets, recycled, wore his seatbelt, and never went with strangers.

Now as an authority figure it was his turn to guide children through a subject close to his heart - he would make sure no quirkless child ever suffers as he did.

Chapter 87: Payday

Summary:

For the first time ever, the best day of the month arrives for Ochaco

Breaking the seal with trembling fingers, Ochaco took a deep breath and opened her first payslip as a Pro Hero.

Her eyes boggled. The base wage alone was a staggering ¥750,000!

Then there was unsocial hours and overtime enhancements, hazard pay, likeness and merchandise residuals, plus the signing-on bonus. Following deductions for tax, insurance, pension and union membership fees, what remained was still an eye-watering amount for someone who’d grown up in a poor household.

With this earning power, so many of her wants could be fulfilled.

But first, she needed to transfer 50% to her parent’s bank account

Chapter 88: Marketing

Summary:

Bakugo is a hero, not a walking advertisement board.

Bakugo laid down the law before his agent even finished her pitch: “Absolutely fucking not!”

“Please Bakugo” she pleaded. “It's a great deal they’re offering. The money is good, you’ll have full creative control and it’ll improve your standing outside your target demographics.”

“And there's the bullshit!” Bakugo snarled. “I’m a goddamn Pro Hero, my office is out on the streets! Save by winning, not by model work or product placement! You really think people believe I won the Conflict Resolution Award because I wear branded boxer briefs or have dandruff-free hair?”

“Seriously? You love your cosmetics.”

“Shut up Madoka.”

Notes:

I wrote the 'Conflict Resolution Award' with the intension that Bakugo has the best combat record until my brother pointed that it means peacefully deescalating situations. At that I thought “ah screw it, its funnier this way in that Bakugo can do anything peacefully.”

Anyway, I’m firmly of the belief that as a Pro Bakugo will not dip his toe into the likes of product endorsements or brand deals beyond the basic minimum (even he can’t say no to trading cards) and what he might be obliged to by the PHSB if they aren’t related to hero work and aiding the community. So yeah, he’ll do his PSAs like Izuku but you won’t find Ground Zero branded cereals on the shelves. Plus, he won't care about brand image, he lets his results in the field do the talking.

In a way, this is me taking a shot at one of the weirdest sponsorship partnerships I’ve seen – that of the former Manchester City and England Goalkeeper Joe Hart with Head & Shoulders. The implication that he’s a better player because of his silky smooth, dandruff free hair? Words can’t describe.

Chapter 89: Burnout

Summary:

Where the author projects his workplace frustrations onto a fictional character.

After the vigorous education U.A and Aizawa had put her through, Mina believed she was prepared for the demanding Pro Hero lifestyle.

She was wrong.

Staggering home late (again) she collapsed face-first onto her apartment’s sofa (much to the relief of her weary feet). The agency that employed her was perpetually short-staffed, resulting in more ground to cover, longer patrols, and endless paperwork. Conditions tolerable on occasion, but not for three straight months of hell.

Body exhausted, feet blistered, her social life terminated, living off of instant ramen...

“All work and no play makes Earphone Jack a dull girl.”

Notes:

Mina, I know your pain. The saying goes ‘write what you know’ and boy, do I know it. I'm an NHS cleaner and we've been short staffed for a year. I finished a hectic shift today, got home and passed out for three hours.

Chapter 90: Growing Beyond

Summary:

One for All isn't the only power strengthened by each successive generation. Happy (early) birthday Shoto.

Barely a year out of U.A., Shouto had become one pillar of a Triumvirate that had taken the nation by storm. While Midoriya had claimed the Number One title (to Bakugo’s chagrin), Shouto was content to place bronze, simply marvelling at their collective accomplishment: Japan’s youngest-ever top trio of heroes.

Leaving the bickering Dynamic Duo to handle the event’s press junket, he instead slipped away to find himself some peace (and soba) at the buffet.

“Shoto...”

“Father.” Turning about, the young Pro witnessed something rarely seen from the now fourth-ranked Endeavour - genuine pride.

“Congratulations Son, I’m proud of you.”

Notes:

Within the context of the series, Endeavour isn't spelt with a 'u', but I'm British and sticking to my guns. With all the development he's had in the last 18 months, I hope things turn out well for Enji...no more am I ashamed to share a birthday with him

When thinking of what to write for the summery, I considered directly quoting All Might's description of OFA and went to grab my tablet to find the line on the Shonen Jump App to which my brother said over Skype "Consult the holy canon!" Recognising the Monty Python gag, I added, "Tankobon 1, chapter 2, verses 6 to 8."

Chapter 91: Comfort

Summary:

Charles Foster Kane has Rosebud, Mr Burns has Bobo, Scrooge McDuck has his Number One Dime, I have my blanket and Katsuki Bakugo has...

On pain of explosive death, none dared enter Bakugo’s dorm room. So when its door lazily swung open (when Kirishima came to invite his buddy to a lifting session), it was Bakugo’s fault alone for not shutting it properly. 

Before Kirishima himself could close it, preserving Bakugo’s personal space, he glimpsed within the room, and froze. 

‘A dakimakura?!’ He’d never expected a body pillow to take prime position upon his friend’s bed, especially one emblazoned with the likeness of an explosion-obsessed mage. ‘D'ah, that’s adorable…’

“MOTHERFUCKER!”

...then Bakugo blasted down the hallway and, spitting fire, dropkicked him.   

“You. Saw. NOTHING .”

Notes:

Bakuretsu Bakuretsu Bakuretsu - La La La!

Of course Bakugo has a body pillow of Konosuba's Megumin as his comfort object. Like him, she knows Explosion abilities are the best. Plus, they both have red eyes.

And yes, I’m 30 years old and have no shame in saying that the blanket that my late Nana knitted for me as a baby is what I’m clasp onto in bed each night.

Chapter 92: Regrets

Summary:

Shinso achieves his dreams at the expensive of another's.

During graduation, General Education students received their diplomas before the Hero Students. 

“Izuku Midoriya…”

Hitoshi felt his stomach knotting with guilt as Izuku shook Nezu’s hand. Izuku, the first person to gush over the heroic applications of his ‘villainous quirk’, the person who’d trained beside him for the sports festival, their opportunity to transfer into the Hero Course.

Izuku had believed in him, and how did Hitoshi thank his quirkless friend? Izuku finished third at the festival, while Shinso accepted the Hero Course transfer offer without a moment’s hesitation.

Seeing Izuku fighting back tears, Hitoshi knew he didn’t deserve this.

Notes:

A lot of fanfics see quirkless Izuku upstaging everyone at the Sports Festive with his performance. This is my take of it. By having a General Education student finishing on the podium, the hero course is practically obliged to offer a spot to them.

The counter argument is that the festival is a controlled environment where the contestants are forbidden from using lethal force and that Izuku's strategies are the result of analysing the hero course students during his independent learning sessions.

Villains won’t offer such luxuries out in the field, so Izuku gets passed over for a transfer. Such actions would cause unrest in General Education so Shinso is offered one as a compromise.

Chapter 93: Into His Kind Arms

Summary:

Now that they've found each other, they'll never let go

Fresh from another extraction session, Eri sniffled a sob as Izuku delicately dressed the wounds. “I know Eri, it hurts. But you’re being so brave.”

She smiled at her caretaker’s warm words as he carried her back to her room. Affection - she’d forgotten what it felt like. Nuzzling into his chest, she recalled his stories of boys and girls being praised, shunned or discarded solely based on their quirk, while the quirkless suffered even worse.

“You’re the little girl who’ll make everyone equal, Eri.” Those words were why she endured the pain Overhaul caused.

People like big-brother Izuku needed her.

Notes:

Ah-ha, you weren't expecting that were you?

Overhaul found a despondent Izuku and gave him a purpose, to bind Eri to his side and crush her defiance. Want to explore this in the future.

And yeah, that was an amazing episode we had on Saturday.

Chapter 94: Dream Fulfillment

Summary:

Izuku and Katsuki dreamt of similar things as children. Now they're achieving them, it’s time to reflect.

“What was it like?” Bakugo asked, finally breaking the silence under which he and Izuku cleaned the dorms; their house-arrest punishment.

 “What was Kacchan?” Izuku faced his confidant.

“I-Island, fighting alongside All Might.”

“Huh.” The question gave Izuku pause. “I haven't really thought about it.”

“Really Deku?” Bakugo sighed in exasperation “Our hero asks you to fight at his side, something we’ve dreamt of since we were kids, and you fuck up a once-in-a-lifetime experience by not thinking about it? ”

“Once-in-a-lifetime to be at the side of someone amazing? Our whole class does that every day Kacchan.”

“You unbelievable idiot…"

Notes:

The events of the first film happen and they never speak of it again. Bet during his fight his Muscular, Izuku was thinking "Oh man, sure wish I had Melissa's gauntlet right now!"

To be fair, during their summer holiday Class 1-A had Summer Classes, attended the I-Island Expo and went off to Summer Camp. That was immediately followed by the fight at Kamino Ward, All Might's retirement, the move into dorms and preparation for the provisional license exam. So yeah, an action-packed summer - no time to think about the crazy times they had.

Chapter 95: Four Hero Students and a Baby

Summary:

Aizawa gets a head start on raising the next generation of heroes.

Once Shouta had arrived at Tensei Iida's home (Hizashi and Oboro in tow), they discovered the 2-B student had ulterior motives for their study weekend.

“This is Tenya!” he proclaimed, proudly presenting his baby brother. “Mom and Dad are away on business, so I need help to watch him.”

Shouta quickly resigned himself to constant distraction from their homework: Hizashi was quickly cooing over Tenya’s growing calf exhausts, and Oboro itching to take the tyke for a spin on one of his clouds.

“Relax Shouta,” Tensei laughed. “Maybe one day you’ll be looking after kids.”

Shouta snorted. “I hope not.”

Notes:

15 Years later, Aizawa gets a phonecall from a shit grinning Tensei after Tenya's first day at U.A.

Next week, we're rounding out the double digits with Request Week! If you sent one in, keep an eye open to see if you got lucky!

Chapter 96: Singled Out

Summary:

This Week: Request Week - Five stories suggested by readers

 

The hunter seeks to isolate vulnerable prey before pouncing.

Ujiko only saw the U.A. Sports Festive by chance, but was surprised to see a former (quirkless) patient of his wielding One For All. Thus, during the child’s internship with Shimura’s old friend, All For One dispatched Gigantomachia to snatch the boy, and leave Gran Torino’s head as a momento.

All Might mobilized every hero in Japan to find his successor. At the news All For One chuckled. This supposed era of peace had made Yagi complacent, and now the boy would pay the price.

Once Ujiko had finished his masterpiece, they would process a Nomu like no other.

Notes:

Competition Winner Rubywings91 suggested:
Something that has crossed my mind is that All for One had probably identified Izuku as the One for All user during the UA Tournament and he could have easily gone after the boy during the internship arc. Izuku travels who knows how long alone to reach Gran Torino and then spends hours alone practicing his quirk while the hero sleeps. And of course, Gran Torino is unlikely to be able to hold off All for One or an army of Nomu. Izuku doesn't even know who AFO is. What would happen if AFO struck out at the current user at this time?
 

After learning the circumstances surrounding the previous holders of OFA in the manga, no doubt All Might wouldn’t have let pre full cowlling Izuku out of his sight if he’d already confirmed AFO was still alive and kicking. Because Izuku hadn't been briefed on AFO at this point, the poor boy would have no idea what was going on as he breaks his body trying to evade Gigantomachia before being tortured in the Nomu conversation process. Like to think AFO made the decision to minimise physical alterations, just to experience All Might break as he reveals Nomu Izuku. Fully obedient and able to go 100% without kickback, AFO would relish his nemesis’ anguished screams before having Izuku kill him.

The hardest part for Ujiko would be cracking the metaphysical aspects of OFA, in that the vestiges of the pervious holders will interfere with his work.

AFO: “So how’s it going Doctor?”

Ujiko: “It’s been a nightmare. Isolating the eight soul fragments from the boy has been difficult but I’m finally making progress. I contacted Gendo Ikari, my old roommate from Mad Scientist University. His work involves regularly transferring souls between vessels and he's loaned me use of his facilities under Hakone."

Chapter 97: Sensation Play

Summary:

With his quirk, Denki is perfect for people with unique tastes in the bedroom.

His treachery exposed, Kaminari had been extracted before U.A’s staff could detain him.

Post-debriefing with PLF leadership, his agenda became...intimate. Unlike the bitches at U.A., Himiko had always been receptive to his advances, especially whenever he gifted her blood samples stolen from said bitches.

“Oh Denki, I love this, I love you!”

Denki moaned upon hearing those words come from Asui’s mouth, before the transformed Himiko locked lips with him.

The biting began as they stripped, Asui/Himiko keening, twitching with pleasure every time electricity coursed through her lithe amphibian body.

“I’ve got a bite too babe.”

Notes:

LurkerWithComputer suggested:
traitor!Kaminari after getting revealed as the traitor, and going on the run with Himiko. The two of them discover they have more in common than just being fugitives in the same metaphorical boat, even if Himiko's biting habit takes some... getting used to.

Damn right Toga has unique tastes in the bedroom, a taste for blood! Bet she's big on BDSM should her partners live long enough to make it to the bedroom. Denki can use his electricity as both stimuli and self-defence should she get too aggressive.

If any of the 1-A students turns out to be the traitor, my soul will be crushed. Given developments in the manga concerning the Nomu, my current theory is the traitor is an unwitting one. Heck, thinking about it now it could be Kaminari, his brain short circuiting being the lasting result (or convenient cover) of botched Nomu programming by the Doctor who wipes his memory each time they activate their sleeper agent.

Also in this AU, Denki has had sex with each and every female student (plus several pros) thanks to Toga.

Chapter 98: Positive Reinforcement

Summary:

After his toxic relationship with Bakugo, Izuku finally gets a healthy, supportive friendship

Notes:

SYMPHONY: AN IZUJIRO CONTINUITY

FIRST MOVEMENT: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Change in Tempo
Positive Reinforcement
Kyoka Jiro: Origin
Like Mother, Like Daughter
First Lesson

SECOND MOVEMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL
THIRD MOVEMENT: U.A HIGH

Having always being told he was hopeless at everything by his once-friend Kacchan, Izuku panicked when Jiro discovered him practising the flute in an empty classroom.

“Why did you stop?” the class president asked. “That was good Izu.“

Izuku looked shyly towards the floor. “Please don’t tease me.”

“Izu…” Jiro groaned. Her snarky attitude had scared the boy. “You’ve seen me in our music classes - I outplay the teachers, and I know good playing when I hear it.” She knew he’d heard the honest truth in her words when his face grew a blushing smile. “Could you keep on playing?”

Notes:

Ability King KK suggested:
Something IzuJirou involving the prompts "smile", "flute", or "shyness".

I wanted to do something along these lines, thanks for providing a scenario!

Chapter 99: Consequences

Summary:

Pride comes before a fall and Bakugo has many reasons to be proud.

As Aldera’s first-and-only student to reach U.A., plus his performance at both the USJ and the Sports Festival, Katsuki’s stock rose fast.

It crashed even harder.

‘Who?’ Ashen-face he watched Nezu loop the footage, countless recordings of him putting quirkless Deku in his place back at Aldera. ‘Who filmed and released these?'

“Disgraceful! Your former teachers make me ashamed to call myself an educator!” the principal thundered. “Repeated and targeted assaults, blatantly ignored to give you a clean record and circumvent our background checks?” 

The office bin rattled as Katsuki’s student ID was discarded. 

“Get out of my school”

Notes:

AgainUsingADifferentName suggested
Bakugou face the consequences of his actions realistically, since he technically has been assaulting someone with a disability (by the BNHA universe standards), and maybe have videos of his past abuse pop up and come back to haunt him

So you know in the episode Infinite 100%, there's those shots of a terrified Overhaul looking up at Izuku like he's a wrathful God that’s about to go all Old Testament on him? That’s gonna be the Aldera staff when Nezu comes knocking on their door. For the last line, think of Harrison Ford as he kills Gary Oldman in Air Force One.

And yes, this another quirkless Izuku AU. No idea why I love them so.

Chapter 100: Twist the future

Summary:

To see Midoriya become a great hero, Nighteye doesn't need to survive.

Foresight still active, Mirai glanced towards Midoriya as his awareness slipped away. Knowing that the future wasn’t written, he no longer feared looking upstream. 

Like on Mirio’s path, Eri smiles. Wow, six quirks! Toshinori looks on with pride as Midoriya gracefully flies. A final confrontation with Shigaraki and… not the League? His class graduates - their heroic generation outshining even All Might. He loves her. They start a family. He stands before his successor….

There is much pain along the way, and this future isn’t guaranteed, but they’ll fight every step to earn it. 

Good. Let his end be their beginning.

Notes:

Potato suggested...
Nighteye living and seeing what a good hero Deku is in the future.

Yeah, was kinda loose on this one. It wasn't even making my shortlist but after Infinite 100% aired, it jumped right up and once I hit on the use of foresight, it made the cut. Until someone pointed it out before the most recent episode, I didn’t even realise Nighteye used it on Mirio before he died. What did he see? Also did some last minute changes after learning about Nana's quirk.

But hey, 100 Drabbles! Time sure has flown by. Thanks to everyone who sent in requests - narrowing them down to five was real hard. If yours didn’t get selected fear not, for this is not the end. Yes, I won’t be updating every weekday for the foreseeable future, but the flow won’t cut out. There’s plenty more ideas in this ego inflated head on mine, so a few will ebb out while I return to working on Life and Times of the Midoriyas.. Another request week will appear down the line and everyone has been collected for that day when it comes.

So until then, see ya!

Chapter 101: Activation

Summary:

The sleeper is awakened

Having discovered a ringing phone in a hollowed-out space on his bedpost, Kaminari thought some weird prank was being pulled on him. 

“Umm...” Hoping to find an answer to the mystery, he accepted the call. “Hello?”

“Tywyn, Rhayader, Aberystwyth, Islawrdref, Tongwynlais, Onllwyn, Rhyd-Ddu.”

Kaminari’s confused expression blanked, instructions implanted deep within his mind activating upon reception of the codewords. “Reporting for duty.”

At the far end of the line, the Doctor snickered. Once their ‘inside man’ had completed this assignment, he’d speak the triggers to wipe his short-term memory clean.

An unknowing traitor.

Notes:

EDIT. Huh, the wordcount A03 provides differed from both Google Docs and MS Word. Had to rejig a bit to get it down to 100 words.

Told ya I wasn't done!

This was something I've been thinking about since I uploaded the traitor Kaminari drabble and with the newest chapter in the manga getting people in a frenzy over their traitor theories again along with learning more about Shiga/Ujiko, so I whipped this out quick. The man has control over several hospitals, orphanages and clinics. That gives him plenty of candidates to do…how should we put this delicately…unnecessary surgery on if he knows they intend on going to U.A.

And yes, the trigger words are the names of Welsh towns and villages. Take the first letters and what do you get? You would not believe how few places here in Wales start with 'I' and 'O'.

Chapter 102: Eye of the Beholder

Summary:

Valentine's Week - Five Smutty Stories

"Beauty is bought by judgement of the eye." Love's Labour's Lost - William Shakesphere

Notes:

SANGUINE: AN IZUTOGA CONTINUITY

First Blood
Do It For Him
The Season of Giving
Eye of the Beholder

It saddened Himiko that while Izuku fully accepted her, he couldn’t accept himself. His body issues hindered their relationship deepening physically - to him that extra joint in his pinky toes made him defective, undesirable, repulsive to touch.

Deciding to prove him overwise, she showed him what she saw. The beauty she saw.

Izuku stared as she alluringly stripped and danced for him… after taking his form, and the things she did with his body were mesmerising.

Wearing his naked form Himiko straddled Izuku’s lap and pressed close, taking great pleasure in their twin bulges.

“You're beautiful Izu. Never forget it.”

Notes:

And thus in an act of pseudo-selfcest, Izuku's first time was him penetrating himself. Oh my.

I keep having to remind myself that last line is spoken with Izuku's voice. Like to think whenever he's feeling down, Toga transforms into Izuku and cheers him on as an inner voice.

Chapter 103: Get Some Tail

Summary:

In Toru and Mashirao's relationship, the phrase works both ways.

Circumstances had made bashful Mashirao a very attentive lover to Toru. His tail required he always be the top, and sex with an invisible woman presented unique challenges. With no body language to interpret, he read the bedsheets’ creases to track her positioning, gauged his performance by her moans, and memorised how to cup her breasts from any angle.

Even with that carnal knowledge, he still blushed scarlet when Toru revealed Hatsume’s latest ‘support item’.

“You’re so good to me Mashi.” Tail sheathed in the special mattresses’ slot, he felt her climb atop him. “Let me take care of you…”

Notes:

Toru also reveals during the act that the slot for his tail is a vibrating fleshlight modeled on her personal bits. Truly he is a man with six apprenages.

Mashirao's life would be easier if Toru had a clothing fetish.

Chapter 104: Diminuendo

Summary:

After they reach their crescendo, Izuku and Kyoka's musical movement enters the diminuendo phrase and slows into an adagio

Notes:

SYMPHONY: AN IZUJIRO CONTINUITY

FIRST MOVEMENT: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SECOND MOVEMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL

THIRD MOVEMENT: U.A HIGH
The Next Step
Sentimentality
Euterpe
Diminuendo
Private Event
Daughter of Elysium

The Class 1-A girls had an unofficial buddy system - each processed a Momo-crafted key to their floormate’s room. The morning after they gained their provisional licenses, Kyoka didn’t show for breakfast, so Toru naturally went to check on the rocker.

“Oh boy,” she peeked around the door. “Afterparty Central.”

Clothing was strewn across the floor. The stench of stale sweat filled the air. Discarded contraceptives dangled from the bin. But entwined on the bed were the real headliners: Kyoka and her boyfriend, the hero student cuddling Izuku close with both her arms and her earjacks.

“Aww, that is so cute!”

Notes:

Thank goodness Mina is on the floor above. If she’d gone to check on Kyoka, the dorms would have brought down with her excited screaming after seeing that.

Also, I know nothing about musical dynamics and terms.

Chapter 105: Seed of Doubt

Summary:

Or rather, Shoto doubts about planting his seed.

It was as Shoto positioned himself over his wife that he lost all nerve and froze. He thought he’d made progress, but those daddy issues were flaring up.

“Shoto?”

He couldn’t even look her in the eye, his tears welling. They’d made love countless times, but not like this. 

They’d never tried for a child before ...

“ I’m scared Momo…”

Gentle hands drew his head down to nestle between her breasts. “You hear that heart? It knows you are a good man. I know you’ll never hurt me or any child of ours.”

Letting Momo guide him, Shoto lovingly penetrated her.

Chapter 106: Sir Isaac Weeps

Summary:

Izuku and Ochaco refuse to be bound to the universal laws of motion.

Izuku and Ochaco learned that for all the Newtonian rules they broke, his Third Law of Motion remained absolute during their zero-g sexcapades. For each thrust Izuku made, Ochaco had to counter equally or they'd start drifting. The ‘All Might Figurine Incident’ taught them the hard way.

That, and the weightless… sticky… fluids got everywhere.

Despite these drawbacks, they always came back for more. The sense of utter freedom, the perfect inertia that came from floating above a bed together, responding in harmony to one another, bodies close and interlocked.

It was in moments like these when they became one.

Notes:

"Sir Isaac Newton is the sexiest son of a bitch in space!"

The All Might Figurine Incident ended in the U.A infirmary with Recovery Girl going "Oh my Midoriya. what were you doing for the head to go up there?"

Chapter 107: Reunion

Summary:

Eri sets to correct the damage wrought by Overhaul's delusions

Bathed in energy and frowning with concentration, Eri watched bedsores fade and recede as she wound back the years on the comatose patient. Nearing the date investigators estimated that he’d entered this state, she reigned in her quirk and applied controlled one-month bursts, then carefully throttled back: weeks, days, hours and minutes until the second that his eyes opened.

“W-w-what?”

Eri trembled. Long had she waited for this day. Together with restoring Mirio’s quirk, this was what she'd been working towards. 

After over a decade of perfect hibernation, the former boss of Shie Hassaikai awoke.

“Hello Grandfather. It's me, Eri.”

Notes:

Whats this, a name and face reveal?

 

That’s right, I got massively lucky and attended the UK Premiere of Heroes Rising! It is amazing and exceeded all my hopes. I eagerly await everyone else here in the UK and US enjoying it too.

To mark the occasion, next week will be themed around the film's events. Monday and Tuesday will be spoiler free but following the film's Wednesday release, I will NOT hold back on spoilers. Ye Be Warned.

Chapter 108: Meanwhile, 1500 miles from Nabu Island...

Summary:

This Week: Heroes Rising Special - five drabbles celebrating the new film’s UK and North American release.

 

While Class 1-A are fighting for their lives, Class 1-B find themselves with short end of The Hero Work Recommendation Project's stick.

In the Sea of Okhotsk, desolate Achito Island was home to a colony of Quirked Puffins - highly sought in the illegal meat trade.

Class 1-B lethargically lazed in the warden's lodge. After asserting themselves over aspiring poachers as Achito’s protectors, there was little to do. They understood how Overlook, the last hero assigned as winter caretaker, quickly went nuts.

Channel-hopping apathetically, Tokage gasped when she hit the news. “Guys, look!”

Villain Attack at Nabu Island

“1-A stole our spotlight again…” giggled Monoma, before screaming aloud, mad with cabin-fever. “CURSE YOU 1-A!”

“Shush,” Kendo chopped him into silence. “Don’t be rude.”

Notes:

Don't worry Class 1-B, your time to shine is hopefully happening in the manga's current arc. And of course, there's gonna be next season. Plus you'll get a cameo in this weekend's episode of the anime. If there is any time for fans wishing for anime-original filler, it would be their performance of "Romeo, Juliet, & the Prisoner of Azkaban: The Return of the Kings."

And yes, they're looking after Porgs and I've gone full Horikoshi by naming Achito Island as a reference to planet Ahch-To from Star Wars.

Chapter 109: Devoted Followers

Summary:

Izuku's collection of small thankful children continues to grow

Izuku wondered how Kota, Eri, Katsuma, and Mahoro had contacted each other, let alone organise and found the “official” Deku Fanclub. Why did he deserve their praise? Many, if not all of his classmates had put their lives on the line for these kids, who had saved him as much as he them.

Embarrassed he was, but still delighted to be shown their member cards.

“Kota, your membership number is 0000002. Who’s 0000001?”

“Oh, you know,” the kids giggled. “Your first damsel-in-distress.”

The door exploded open.

“What.The.Hell?” demanded Bakugo, a melted card in his hand.

---

He kept it

Notes:

Well folks, the film is releasing in the UK, Ireland, USA and Canada tomorrow! If you've got a ticket, have a good time and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. If you haven't got a ticket, what the hell are you doing here? Find your local screening and buy, buy, buy!!! No, I don't care if you have to travel halfway across your county, state, province or country, get out there and show your support!

And fair warning, tomorrow onwards will have spoilers for the film.

EDIT. And wow, looks like I'm the first story to tag Katsuma and Mahoro.

Chapter 110: Affirmation

Summary:

As Nabu Island recovers from Nine's attack, Katsuma meets a hero he can relate to

Born long after the prime of Recovery Girl’s hero career, Katsuma had never heard of the Youthful Hero, and was amazed to see Mr. Deku, Bakugo and Nabu’s other heroes queuing up to be healed by her.

Her quirk was just like his: it couldn’t beat villains, but it could help. Help people. Help to win.

“I heard you were very brave, Katsuma,” she said, kissing his own injuries better and proffering a whole bag of gummies. “Midoriya says you want to be a hero too?”

“You think I could?”

“Oh dearie. You’re already as much a hero as anyone.”

Notes:

And the film is out! Here a good time everyone! About to see it for the second time but still hyped as hell.

Chapter 111: "Your Gift Isn't Futile..."

Summary:

The battle is won, but Bakugo can't accept the price it cost.

Bakugo realised immediately who the eight shadows were; Deku had described former holders appearing within visions. 

Then a ninth vestige manifested from the haze. 

“We won Kacchan.” Izuku’s echo breathed.

“It can’t end like this, Deku,” Bakugo couldn't contain his swelling emotions.

“It's alright, I-

“You earned this power, achieved your dream, then sacrificed both to save everyone ! That’s a true hero Izuku!”

“Kacchan…”

“I DON’T WANT THIS!”

Nana laughed as both shades flickered out “The transfer hasn’t completed! Both parties need to be willing!”

“Thank you, young Bakugo,” Toshi smiled.

“Shame,” observed the second holder. “Woulda’ made things interesting.”

Notes:

This is what happened. Convince me otherwise. Also, part is Bakugo be like "As if i need this power to be the next No. 1 hero." As if you know your fan theories, here's a nod to one concerning the 2nd holder.

Just seen the film for the third time (sub this time), seeing it again in 25 minutes.

Chapter 112: "You're not alone, there's no doubt..."

Summary:

Forever united, they're stronger together.

While Bakugo didn’t remember their victory on Nabu Island, Izuku could never forget.

"Damnit Deku, get up! Get the fuck up you damn nerd!"

Izuku staggered to his feet. He’d taken a pounding, but he knew the voice in his head wasn't from the concussion.

"Those people are gonna die if you lose!”

Circumstances still a mystery to them meant Bakugo didn't inherit the quirk, but even his brief stewardship was enough to leave a lasting imprint within One For All.

“Now save them and win! Beat that shithead down!"

Izuku charged the villain as Kacchan's echo drove him forward

Notes:

Wrote this one as my coach home from the film's UK Premiere was leaving Victoria Coach Station. Had it done just as we reached the M4. Hard to think that was only 8 days ago and I’ve seen it three times since. My 5th viewing next week will be a personal record on how many times I've seen a film in the cinema. I mean fuck, that final fight is stunning and moves me each time. Love this film.

Anyway, I know Heroes Rising is kind of a side story within the series's larger narrative but please Horikoshi-sensei, have Bakugo remember the events of the film's climax at some point in the manga. You gave him so much character growth and deepened his bond with Izuku only to instantly take it away.

Chapter 113: Death By Snu Snu

Summary:

Mirko respects those who share the same principles as her.

Happy Birthday Mirko!

Mirko believed that heroes should be able to depend solely upon themselves, a virtue many of her peers lacked in.

“Bring it kid! No holds barred!”

That's why she loved sparring with Bakugo. He was every inch a never-back-down, hungry-for-victory berserker (and loud-mouthed maniac), just like her. Truly her equal and a worthy gym partner.

“Little boy,” she tightened her thighs around his head and grinned. “I could pop your skull open rriigghhtt nnooww....”

“Try it bitch!” he snarled, freeing himself with an explosion. “The challenge excites me!”

God, she couldn’t wait for the day she could bunny-fuck him senseless.

Notes:

I got home from work today, read the newest chapter of the manga, saw it was Mirko's birthday and decided she was worthy of having a drabble bashed out because GODDAMN, with all the names she's been taking recently, many have become converts to The Church of Mirko.

Chapter 114: Lock Him Up

Summary:

An older, wiser Mineta is confronted by what he could have been.

Minoru gaped at the villain bestriding the ‘beautiful’ wall. Fatty folds poured from an ill-fitting suit, while orange-tinted skin and combed-over hair jostled to maniacal laughter. Women screamed as they were grabbed by undersized phantom hands and drawn into his orbit.

“Ah, Grape Juice!” he wheezed blubberously. “Long have I watched your progress! Your skills are wasted as a hero! Become my new celebrity apprentice and be made great again by me, the artful-dealing villain, Bigly!”

The villain was hosed by Minoru's sticky balls. “Get your facts straight pig! I was a stereotypical, unpopular perv once, but I’ve gone beyond!”

Notes:

Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely intensional. Come at me Don-Don.

So my brother informed me this afternoon while learning about the origins of the phrase Plus Ultra, he unfortunately informed me it is plastered all over the tilework at Mar-a-Lago. Rather than letting him taint such awesome words, we used it as an opportunity to show the growth Mineta will (hopefully) get. If Endeavour and Bakugo can get character redemption, so should the Grapist.

Also “BIGLY!” God we love saying it, it's a perfect villain name for MHA. BIGLLLYYY!

Chapter 115: Her Final Lesson

Summary:

Even after they graduate, Midnight still has things to teach her students...

Happy Birthday Midnight!

Midnight always offered the same parting words at graduation: “After today we’re no longer teacher and students. When we meet in the field we’ll be professional colleagues, equals...”

She hoped they got the implied message, these young and virile heroes were now consenting adults, freeing both from accusations of legal misconduct. She’d made many former schoolboys men in this way… and schoolgirls women too. The luckiest became her subs, her sidekicks.

It wasn’t long before one bold ex-student arranged a personal meeting, to whom she promised an experience that would truly show how one goes Plus Ultra.

“Call me Mistress....”

Notes:

My brother and I joked about how this bold student was either Kaminari, Bakugo, Izuku or Momo but one thing I did rule on that its not Mineta. "Honey, I'd love to teach you this matter, but I have to get something out of this in return and that mirco penis which I know you have isn't going to satisfy me."

Chapter 116: Meanwhile, in the afterlife...

Summary:

Self aware in death, the deceased characters still have people to help, their regrets and debates to settle.

“I’m the first named character killed onscreen, of course my death was significant!” Magne argued.

“To motivate the League and demonstrate Overhaul’s bonafides, dear,” Curious scoffed. She gestured to the Water Hose as they comforted Tsubasa. “They died before us - offscreen - and their deaths raised serious debate. Don’t even mention the Shimuras. How’re Bones gonna animate that shit?!”

Guiltily looking on, Nana stood beside her fellow holders, metaphysically aiding Izuku. 

Nighteye rocked back-and-forth, Foresight overwhelmed by the numerous deathflags Horikoshi had recently planted.

Nine sulked by himself.

Oboro, body technically alive, screamed eternally as he phrased in-and-out of the afterlife.

Notes:

Fourth wall, whats that? With all that's going down in the manga I thought now was the time to post a drabble I've been sitting on for a while.

With Covid-19 exploding across the west, stay safe and wash your hands people but please DON'T bulk buy soap. I'm right on the front lines as I work on an Infectious Diseases ward. While we've yet had any confirmed cases that require hospitalisation, it's only a matter of time and I haven't been able to buy soap for a week.

Chapter 117: Public Safety Announcement

Summary:

All Might has a special message to young Izuku and you readers during this time of crisis

“...correct hand-washing should take a full twenty seconds, and always dispose of single-use towels!”

Izuku didn’t understand that the villain Plagueis had unleashed an infectious disease upon Japan. He was just a delighted four-year-old in an All Might onesie, watching his favourite hero presenting a PSA on TV, and carefully copying each motion.

“Young friends, you too can help defeat this villian! Preventing the spread of disease protects our elders and people with preexisting conditions. Remember, keeping communities safe are the acts of true heroes!”

Sneezing into his elbow, just like All Might instructed, Izuku ran for the bathroom sink

Notes:

As I've said before I work for the NHS as a ward based cleaner for the Gastro and Infectious Diseases Ward at the University Hospital of Wales. Consequently we're a designated area to receive patients suffering major symptoms of Covid-19. We've had a number of queries over the past few weeks and while all have so far been negative, it’s only a matter of time before me and my colleagues have to step up to the plate and carry out our duty as cases increase across the country.

I've been fairly relaxed about the situation until Monday when my bi-annual check-up for my Keratoconus got cancelled as did plans for Mother’s Day this weekend. Then yesterday I went into the city to see the new Pixar film before the cinemas shutdown today (thank God Heroes Rising came out last month!). It was 16:45 as I was leaving and I've never seen the city centre so dead at what should have been rush hour. That’s when the severity of the situation finally hit home for me and so I decided to write a drabble I planned for back in the winter (it would have been AM advising people to get flu-jabs) but never got round to.

If you work in the retail, hospitality or leisure sectors and your jobs have been affected by this crisis, stay strong and everyone make sure to wash your hands!

On a lighter note, when my brother and I were proofreading this last night, we came to the conclusion that All Might is Mr Rogers in Superman’s body. He threw this together today.

Chapter 118: Unleash The Horde

Summary:

Traumatised or not, Twice knows he can’t refuse All For One’s request for assistance in killing All Might..

“Don’t believe him! I’m the orgina-

Twice wailed into Magne’s shoulder as another clone dissolved, courtesy of the knife Toga had lodged between its eyes.

“It's alright Jin,” Magne reassuringly tightened her grip. “You’re not gonna disappear, you’re the orginal.”

Twice endlessly repeated those words, drowning out his doubles while Toga took his hand. “As long as we keep hold of you, nothing will happen.”

---

Over In Kamino, All Might’s resolve broke. Even with Nighteye’s prediction, he’d never expected to meet his end like this.

As the horde of All For One clones descended, his final thoughts were of Izuku.

Notes:

All For One had the resources to end it all at Kamino but the mofo wanted to play the long game to have Shigaraki grow into the role of his successor.

Chapter 119: #SupportHorikoshi

Summary:

Class 1-B's Chinese-born student Hiryu Rin isn’t triggered by accidental and unintentional references to war crimes.

The withered Doctor screeched as the heroes marched upon him.

“At last,” declared Endeavor. “The butcher behind the Nomu, Maruta Shiga!”

“Hey!” Present Mic flailed his arms in panic. “Don’t call him that!”

“Whyever not?” Then Endeavor suddenly noticed Hiryu Rin, and felt an urgent need to put his lawyers on standby. “Oh...OH!”

The (inexplicably present) Chinese-born student sighed wearily. “It ain't your fault that Nationalist asshats have strived for decades to alter Japan’s narrative of the war. The fact you cared to correct yourselves shows you’re more than patriotic drones. Let's bury the hatchet and stop this madman.”

Notes:

So at this point, Kyudai Garaki has been known as Doctor Tsubasa (fanon name), 'Doctor,' Daruma Ujiko and Maruta Shiga. That last name? Man that was a messy afair to say the least.

Chapter 120: Private Event

Summary:

The School Festival might have been aborted but Eri still needs to smile, so the show must go on.

Notes:

SYMPHONY: AN IZUJIRO CONTINUITY

FIRST MOVEMENT: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SECOND MOVEMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL

THIRD MOVEMENT: U.A HIGH
The Next Step
Sentimentality
Euterpe
Diminuendo
Private Event
Daughter of Elysium

A-Band wasn’t the only group playing at the School Festival. Following his coup-by-guitar-battle, Izuku had drilled the ragtag Light Music Club into a rocking ensemble excited to perform an open-air set.

But Gentle and La Brava crashed the festival before either band could perform, and so Eri didn’t get to smile.

Knowing what she’d been through, Izuku and Kyoka wouldn’t have that.

And so that night the power couple serended Eri, floated outside her hospital window by Uraraka while Kaminari juiced their instruments from below. Twirling in mid-air, the duo’s hearts soared to see Eri’s spirit break free of Overhaul

Notes:

Screw Unbreakable, Mirio vs Overhaul, 100% Izuku and Gentle - the concert is what I've been hyped for all season and man was it good. With all that's going on in the world with Covid-19 and the situation worsening at work, seeing a rocking girl shredding her guitar to help make a little girl smile made my week.

Chapter 121: Random Draw

Summary:

Drabble Marathon - Luck of the Draw: A Sports-Fest AU told in 210 parts

The luck of the draw changes everthing

Lots picked, the sixteen first years who’d reached the Sports Festival’s final stage awaited the random draw for the fighting tournament. 

“Take a look at the brackets, my dears!” Officiating over events, Midnight cracked her whip. “These are your opponents!”

Reactions varied. 

Mashirao intercepted Mina before she could respond to Hitoshi’s how-do-you-dos.

Mei tinkered with her babies as she appraised Eijiro.

Fumikage acknowledged Denki with a nod. 

Tenya and Ibara made pleasantries. 

Teammates in the cavalry battle, Momo and Shoto drifted apart. 

Ochaco and Hanta promised one another they’d do their best. 

Tetsutetsu challenged Yuga boldly. 

And Izuku gulped. 

“Kacchan...”

 

 

 

Notes:

The draw in detail

 

So a few weeks ago my brother called me. He's gotten into the series proper by watching it with a friend. Big bro is currently halfway through Season 3 - and yes, he came this far as my Proof-Reader (that’s 120 Drabbles and my main series of feature-length fics) without having even met Stain, let alone Eri and the Meta Liberation Army! He is now in the fanfic-reading stage of assimilation to our collective, and has been getting his nose out of joint at stories that retell canon events beat-for-beat, even when that doesn’t make sense (“Why should Midoriya be training at Dagobah beach, when the whole PREMISE of the story is that he’s not met All Might! It’s not logical, NOT LOGICAL!”)

To tame this mouth-frothing fury,he pitched the idea of redoing the fighting tournament with a genuine random draw to determine the starting lineup. He was literally pulling names from a hat (an Obama hat, using Harry Potter-branded notepaper) with me telling him when to stop shuffling and draw over Skype (we’ve since migrated over to Discord.)

That first round threw up interesting results, and we quickly realised that only one of the “Big Three” (Izuku, Shoto, Bakugo) could get to the finals. That was the exciting moment we realised we had the germ of something special here. We then spent a good two hours discussing all sixteen fights, taking into account the characters abilities at that point of time. We did our best to be unbiased and not give certain people plot armour but also couldn’t say no if an interesting possibility popped its head up… and the consequences of some of these matchups proved as interesting as the fights themselves.

So here we go. Brace yourselves kids, because this is going to be a wild ride, and the brakes won’t be going on for at least a month NINE MONTHS

Oh, and as a final aside… (clears throat)

“Taking All Bets Guys! Taking All Bets! Anyone who can guess the Gold and Silver medalists before we get to the quarter-finals gets a free drabble. If you can guess Gold, Silver and Bronze, you get five!”

Chapter 122: Cracked Ice

Summary:

Yaoyorozu vs. Todoroki

As the fighting tournament gets underway, nothing is held back

Shoto needed to make a statement. After his slip-up in the cavalry battle, he had to win this without his fire. Its was just unfortunate that Yaoyorozu’s festival would end here

“Begin!” Midnight cried

Firmly placing his right foot forward, he unleashed a glacier that instantly engulfed his classmate. An easy win. Facing the flaming figure in the stands, Shoto knew he’d made-

-BOOM

He never saw the cannon Yaoyorozu had created behind the ice-wall, or the rounds that simultaneously freed her and felled him.

”Shoto Todoroki is unconscious!” Midnight called it. “Momo Yaoyorozu advances!”

In the stands, Endeavour erupted.

Notes:

To everyone who thought Todoroki would reach the podium. (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻ Behold the upset apple cart, no one is safe.

After each fight, I'll post the logic my brother and I reached in deciding the outcome, so here’s…

The Reasoning
Simply put, Shoto wasn’t in the right mindset after his encounter with Endeavour before the match. His anger and hatred clouded his judgement and if you're familar with Star Wars, we know the next step.

Momo is a smart girl and anticipated Shoto would likely go for an overwhelming opening move and assume it will secure him the win like it did with Sero in canon. His fatal mistake was taking his eye off the prize, his intention giving her the opportunity and time to materiale the trajectory set cannon she had prepped within her.

Endeavour is gonna be pissed.

Also rememeber, anyone who can guess the Gold and Silver medalists before we get to the quarter-finals gets a free drabble. If you can guess Gold, Silver and Bronze, you get five!”

Chapter 123: Rematch

Summary:

Bakugo vs Midoriya:

While both carry the weight of their ambitions, can Izuku also bare All Might's expectations?

Izuku knew that Kacchan would have learned from their Battle Trial, and wouldn't fall for those bone-breaking moves twice. 

“That ain't gonna work, Deku!” Bakugo roared when Izuku snapped another finger. Riding his quirk he deftly avoided the generated shockwave and powered forward. With a devastating explosion, he knocked Izuku down and pinned his hands, denying him victory.

“Izuku Midoriya is immobilised. Katsuki Bakugo wins!”

His defeat confirmed, Izuku burst out crying. ‘ I’m sorry All Might.’

Fed by the tears, Bakugo grinned in triumph. “How about that you damn nerd? Told you I’d beat you again.”

Still a useless deku…

Notes:

Perfect K.O.
When you think about it, uploading a fighting tournament right now is incredibly timely considering One’s Justice 2 came out last week. And wow to everyone’s reaction re: Momo vs Shoto, I would never have guessed it would go down so well, or that so many people would be celebrating it!

Anyway…
The Reasoning
Sorry everyone, but honestly (and sadly) this was the easiest match to decide. Until he learns Full-Cowling, Izuku has a near-zero chance of beating Bakugo. He might surprise him with that first finger-snap, but Bakugo is a fast learner who grows with his defeats - he remembers Deku’s bone breaking moves from their last fight.

Plus, given his limited control over OFA, Izuku can’t use a direct attack in fear of injuring or killing Bakugo, and he’s said as such to Bakugo’s face. With those titbits of knowledge in his arsenal, he can outlast and outmanoeuvre Izuku’s lack of experience, thanks to his own fine Quirk control, and when the opportunity arises, get close and restrain Izuku’s only power-output at this point of his development, his arms.

And unlike his canon match with Todoroki, Izuku doesn't have a point to prove or someone to save to inspire that insane drive that he falls back on in desperate situations.

Finally, All Might really laid undue pressure on Izuku. You expect a kid who can barely throw a smash without breaking his bones to casually step up and make a lasting impression before the eyes of the world? Come ON Yagi! All For One, Eraserhead and Gran Torino can all agree on one thing: Mister-Might is a terrible teacher! But, like Izuku, we love the big doofus and he can grow to become one of the greats.

Just buy that ‘Teaching for Dummies’ book already!

Chapter 124: Newton's Bucket

Summary:

Sero vs Uraraka

Sero and Uraraka demonstrate a classic physics lesson

Midnight’s whip cracked to start the fight. Ochaco dodged sideways as tape erupted from Sero’s elbow and snared her jacket’s sleeve. 

‘Just as planned!’ she tagged the tape’s non-adhesive side with her free hand. 

“Hey, what the~!” His tape and body being contiguous objects, Hanta started floating. Shucking her arms out of the sleeves, Ochaco grabbed the jacket and swung both it and her opponent around in a hammer throw.

“GRAVITY SLINGSHOT!” she screamed, letting go and returning his gravity. “Release!” 

Thrown off-balance and disorientated, Hanta didn't have time to fire off an anchor before he shot out of bounds. 

Notes:

Man, many were rooting for Sero. Sorry folks. And if they're reading this, thanks to Sharpman, ChandrilaSky, Nutso and adeadlybridge. It’s been a heavy couple of days in work as my ward preps to receive Covid-19 patients but seeing you guys being inspired to write thanks to this collection is awesome and helps me smile in these times.

The Reasoning
So I’m gonna admit it, while storytelling potential was considered across the whole tournament, this was one of those battles where its influence really shows. While we tried sticking close to characters’ canon abilities, limitations and the likeliest outcomes of their matchups, at the end of the day we wanted to build a narrative, and to that end Sero is… kinda bland. Not to disregard his character and abilities or anything, he is a very capable person, a dependable ally, a good friend and when it comes to Ochaco they have good combat synergy. He’s just a healthy salad option compared to the wonderful piece of Mochi that is Ochaco. A goodly portion of it/her releases warm and fuzzy endorphins, it is satisfying.

In canon, Sero had Todoroki at his mercy until Icyhot pulled ‘what is called a pro-gamer move’. But here's the thing, Todoroki stayed still, making himself a perfect target for Sero. Ochaco just moving to avoid the flytape is a good opening move, and once she’s got a safe handle to pivot a weightless Sero around, she has him. Yes, Sero could easily cut the tape once he’s spinning like a record (right round baby right round) but if Ochaco can put Katsuki-fucking-Bakugo on the backfoot then she can beat one of the class’s secondary cast members.

And yes, we had to get Ochaco’s jacket off, because her tank-top and gym-trousers look is FIERCE and has come to define the character’s badass cutie qualities!

NB: The author in no way advocates for the eating of Ochaco to acquire her wonderful endorphins. Try Mochi instead - tis’ delicious! Best girl has best taste.

Also rememeber, anyone who can guess the Gold and Silver medalists before we get to the quarter-finals gets a free drabble. If you can guess Gold, Silver and Bronze, you get five!”

Chapter 125: Taste the Rainbow

Summary:

Tetsutetsu vs Aoyama

Conbining quirks can result in the creation of wonders.

The fight called to order, Tetsutetsu slammed his metallic fists together and roared. Time to show the world what he was made of.

“Bonne chance!” Aoyama discharged his lazer straight at him, and Tetsu laughed as he was bathed in tickling energy. Wading into the beam, he took one step closer, then another.

Ignoring his cramping stomach, Aoyama intensified his bursts, and gasped when his beam refracted around Tetsutetsu’s metal form in a spectrum of sparkling colours. “ Magnifique... ”

Thus-enamored by the closing-in spectacle his laser had birthed, he was totally blindsided by the knockout punch that burst from the rainbow

Notes:

Well it's official, tomorrow my ward is taking in Covid-19 patients. Been spending today getting the area prepped. Pulling out beds to ensure the spaces get full cleans, putting up fresh shower curtains, unclogging drains so the nurses can shower at the end of their shifts without flooding the place, changing every bin for infectious waste bags, verifying details about my duties and proper hygiene and taking stock of my cleaning supplies. Our soap containers come in boxes of six and the stores manager says he only has 15 boxes left for the whole hospital - the manufacturers are short as much of their raw supplies needed come from China and given how global trade is doing… So yeah, starting to get a little nervous, wish me luck, everyone please minimise time spent outdoors, wash you hands and be safe. Anyway...

The Reasoning
This was simple to decide. Tetsutetsu demonstrates in the Joint Training Arc he is able to withstand Todoroki’s fire and even if this is set before several months of intense training to reach such a level of endurance, no doubt he can tank Aoyama’s laser bursts and simply walk up to him to punch out a student who I consider to be at the lower end of the 1st year Hero Students’ physically scale.

The refraction idea came to me quickly and I knew straight away that flamboyant and vain Aoyama (don't worry mon amie, we love you for it) would instantly fall in love at a beautiful sight that his laser created to the point to forgets he’s in a fight. TASTE THE RAINBOW MOTHERFUCKER!

Also rememeber, anyone who can guess the Gold and Silver medalists before we get to the quarter-finals gets a free drabble. If you can guess Gold, Silver and Bronze, you get five!”

Chapter 126: Careless Talk Costs Fights

Summary:

Shinso vs. Ashido

Shinso has a sliver tongue but how will he fair against the acid surfer?

Mina grinned as the Gen-Ed student tried to get a rise out of her. Mashirao had already warned her about this guy’s quirk, and Eyebags should have realised that social butterflies were immune to barbs about their appearance.

Then he changed tactics...

“Your classmates talked big about winning this festival. Yet the son of Endeavour is already out with a cracked skull, and that Midoriya wimp cried so much he had to be escorted off the field. Pathetic.”

‘Oh hell no.’ Mina cracked her knuckles. ‘ No-one disses Midori’ . Sliding forward on her acid, she delivered an uppercut that KO’d Shinso

Notes:

I've been seeing people speculating some potential matches that are impossible to happen with how the brackets are set so I'll be including an updated image with each chapter. Let me know if it's spoiling the outcomes and I'll move them into a link in these end notes. Anyway...

The Reasoning
Unlike Izuku, who is soft and easily stung by hurtful words (thank you Bakugo and Society-At-Large), Mina is very much a social creature. When not goofing around she can read situations with ease and react accordingly. Plus, it takes a lot to actually get a rise out of her. I mean, as a middle schooler she stood up to frigging Gigantomachia, and kept her cool! Now yes, without Mashirao’s warning, she 100% would have responded to Shinso and lost the match, but with the heads-up, she can easily keep Mum. And Shinso at this point is dead in the water without the training Aizawa later gives him

Chapter 127: Initial Iida

Summary:

Shiozaki vs. Iida

Not matter how many alternate realities exist, some things remain consistent

As much as he hated it, Iida was thankful that both Midoriya and Todoroki had been eliminated from the tournament. With two frontrunners out in the first round, his own odds of winning and making the family (and especially Tensei) proud had greatly improved. 

Defeating Shiozaki would improve them further.

After its previous showing, he was satisfied when his Recipro Burst still caught her off-guard. Shocked into inaction, it took just him a moment’s downshift into first gear to shove her out of bounds and secure the win. Quick, simple and devoid of bloodshed.  

One match down, three to go.

Notes:

The Reasoning
Go watch the anime, there you find the answer you seek.

So yeah, when Iida and Ibara's names came out of the hat, my brother and I considered discarding them and redrawing, but we'd agreed to only do so if we got a canon first-round matchup, not a bout from the quarter-finals, so we let it ride...

...and then like complete idiots we completely forgot about the canon fight! When it came around to evaluating each matchup we spent a good couple of minutes debating who would win between Iida and Ibara, then went to check the wiki for more details on their abilities.
(about thirty seconds later)
"Oh Shit! They DID fight each other!"
"Wow, that was one forgettable match."

Also rememeber, anyone who can guess the Gold and Silver medalists before we get to the quarter-finals gets a free drabble. If you can guess Gold, Silver and Bronze, you get five!”

Chapter 128: Shadow and Lightning

Summary:

Tokoyami vs. Kaminari

Raw power meets the power of DARKNESS!

Tokoyami knew that Kaminari favoured ‘Shock and Awe’ approaches with his quirk. Even if that was a reasonable approach to such a matchup.... 

“Indiscriminate discharge!”

...such recklessness would be his undoing.

“ DARK SHADOW !”

Before Kaminari’s flashy attack could negate him, Dark Shadow materialised and chucked Tokoyami over the arcing electricity. His partner safely shielded from electrocution, the shadow-beast howled and withered under the assaulting discharge, but did not disperse.

The wind was knocked out of him, but Tokoyami still landed within boundaries. Picking himself up he dusted down his gym uniform, then politely escorted the short-circuited Kaminari out of bounds.

Notes:

The Reasoning
Honestly this was the hardest first round match to call, and even after the initial decision I still had doubts.

Everyone knows Dark Shadow is weak against light (Kaminari may be the exception, he be a dumb-dumb at times), so if this were a Pokemon battle it would be easy. With the light-generation abilities that come with his quirk, Kamichu should (on paper) have an edge over Tokoyami, but he has two major flaws. First is that at this point he lacks directional control over his discharges that will be required to make himself effective outside of close range. And that leads to his second issue, his tendency to try and use overwhelming power/voltage to achieve a quick win, which comes with the cost of disabling himself should it fail. Boy’s gotta learn to not shoot his load in one go.

Tokoyami is in a position to exploit both these flaws - Dark Shadow gives him both the flexibility to avoid the discharge and a shield to protect him as they don't share physical pain. Plus, the Levity Chicken be smart and serious enough to not walk into a fight assuming he can win.

Rememeber, anyone who can guess the Gold and Silver medalists before we get to the quarter-finals gets a free drabble. If you can guess Gold, Silver and Bronze, you get five!”

Chapter 129: The First Great Hatsume Exhibition

Summary:

Hatsume vs Kirishima

As always, Mei hijacks the Sports Festival to showcase her work

Wanting to prove his own strength, Kirishima didn’t fall for Hatsume's scheme to exploit him as a mannequin to demonstrate her babies. It just meant she had to advance to the next round to fully show off her creations.

And so Kirishima chased shadows as Mei folicked around the arena, demonstrating an array of gadgets that kept her out of his reach and slowly exhausted his hardness and stamina.

Eventually she called time and immobilised Kirishima in a net. Her brawler babies had done well, but the expo wasn’t over. Her long-range darlings would have their turn in the quarterfinals.

Notes:

The Reasoning
The only way Kirishima would have won this was to have done an Iida and agree to Mei's suggestion. Instead, he insisted she wear all her gear to improve her own odds against his Manly Spirit. Oh my sweet naive summerchild, (I believe) a fully decked out Mei gives her a sporting chance against most of the competition. Even if Mei wasn’t using the expo angle, Kirishima still has no chance against her with his lack of range. Don't get too downhearted Red, you're awesome.

The quarter finals won't start for another week (Monday 13th), so you still have time to guess the Gold and Silver medalists to win a free drabble request. If you can guess Gold, Silver and Bronze, you get five!”

Chapter 130: After Action Review

Summary:

The first round is over and there is much to digest

“What an opening round that was!” The crowd cheered to Present Mic’s commentary. “A major upset as Yaoyorozu snatches victory from the jaws of defeat and Midoriya makes an emotional departure from the competition, followed by a spectacular light show and proof that brains can indeed triumph over brawn! We’ll be back soon with the quarterfinals, where we have some really exciting match-ups!”

While Mic hyped up the audience, Aizawa looked to the scorch marks where Endeavour stood. That reaction was telling, but Midoriya? He’d cried like his mother had been brutally murdered. 

There were things here he was missing.

Notes:

Before the quarter finals start on Monday 13th, its a week of reactions and consequences to the first round fights so you still have time to guess the Gold and Silver medalists to win a free drabble request. If you can guess Gold, Silver and Bronze, you get five!

Chapter 131: Great Expectations: Absolved

Summary:

A mentor apologies for the pressures placed on his student

Izuku was inconsolable as his classmates helped him off the arena. They knew him to be emotional, but this was something else. Before they even reached Recovery Girl’s temporary clinic, a tall blond man in a baggy suit approached them. Seeing him, Izuku broke free and collapsed into the stranger’s embrace.

“I’m sorry...” the wrecked teen sobbed. “I let you down All Might...”

The man silenced him gently. “It’s all right young Midoriya, this was my fault. It was selfish of me to place the world on your shoulders.”

Completely forgotten, Izuku’s classmates slipped away, exchanging wild glances.

All Might?!

Notes:

And thus the cat is out of the bag and All Might realises he needs to be a better teacher

Before the quarter finals start next Monday, you still have time to guess the Gold and Silver medalists to win a free drabble request. If you can guess Gold, Silver and Bronze, you get five! Here's the competition as it stands

Chapter 132: Great Expectations: Dissolved

Summary:

A father is 'disappointed' at his son's shortcomings

Shoto ran after being discharged from Recovery Girl’s care. He needed to get out of here. He couldn’t go home, but maybe Natsuo would give him sanctuary.

Then flames engulfed the corridor. Students ran for safety as the sprinkler system activated. 

“Shoto…”   For the first time in years, Shoto felt terror at the sight of his approaching father. 

“YOU HUMILIATED ME!!!” Endeavour raged. “I MOLDED YOU TO BE PERFECT, TAUGHT YOU EVERYTHING I KNOW!!! BUT YOU’RE JUST LIKE YOUR SIBLINGS, A FAILURE!!!

The ice that Shoto threw up to protect himself melted instantly, and Endeavour grabbed him. ‘Remedial Training’ beckoned.

Notes:

"Endeavour isn't amused,
so his son must be abused.
A fact which has us rather unenthused."
- Vi: Queen of Angst, IzuOcha Temple Discord

Before the quarter finals start next Monday, you still have time to guess the Gold and Silver medalists to win a free drabble request. If you can guess Gold, Silver and Bronze, you get five! Here's the competition as it stands

Chapter 133: Great Expectations: Involved

Summary:

A veteran realises he has to step in to nurture another generation of a sacred lineage.

Rewatching the footage for the fifth time, Sorahiko sighed. “What the hell are you teaching that kid Toshinori?” Thankful as he was that the boy had finally picked a successor (one with brains), he could see the kid was floundering. 

Broken bones?!

One For All had grown immensely under Toshinori’s stewardship, but he clearly had no idea how to translate his experience into practical lessons.

This couldn’t go on. Chiyo had her limits for self-destructive behaviour. If the newbie didn't master One For All fast, it could well maim him.

Phoning U.A’s administration department, he asked about internship applications .

Notes:

Oh what a long day. Doing more than my fair share of work on the Covid Ward, clocking out 50 minutes late, home, shower and straight back out on the bike to hunt down conditioner for my contacts lens - which without I'm damn well legally blind. I was squeezing out the last drops from the current bottle last night and I didn't want to phone work to tell them I was incapacitied until I could find more. Now dinner awaits.

BTW, Chiyo is Recovery Girl's name.

Before the quarter finals start next Monday, you still have time to guess the Gold and Silver medalists to win a free drabble request. If you can guess Gold, Silver and Bronze, you get five! Here's the competition as it stands

Chapter 134: Great Expectations: Unresolved

Summary:

Amongst the unfolding drama within the hero course, someone else’s personal pain is forgotten

Shuddering metal reverbed in 1-C’s changing rooms as Hitoshi pummeled the lockers. “Fucking monkey!” he screamed tearfully, blind to the pain of broken bones in his fist. 

This tournament was his one chance to get transferred to the hero course. By next year's festival, the skill gap between Hero Studies and General Education would be insurmountable.

He’d hoped U.A would be different, that people here would look past his ‘villainous quirk’ and see its heroic potential. But that tailed bastard and his fucking honour had denied him the oppertunity, his chance to shine.

His Pro Hero dream was dead.

Notes:

Without his show stopping performance, Izuku's words to give him new resolve and Aizawa's attention elsewhere, what will become of Shinso? Currently, I have no firm idea.

Before the quarter finals start next Monday, you still have time to guess the Gold and Silver medalists to win a free drabble request. If you can guess Gold, Silver and Bronze, you get five! Here's the competition as it stands

Chapter 135: Great Expectations: Evolved

Summary:

A person's traits and motivations can change as a result of their experiences, social interactions and the environment.

Mina wasn’t happy. She’d seen Todoroki hauled away by an apocalyptic Endeavour, and while her classmate’s mood was normally unreadable, fear had been written across Shoto’s face. His scarred face...

She wasn’t booksmart, but Mina recognised abuse when she saw it. Confronting Japan’s 2nd-ranked hero was beyond her, so she could only hope the U.A staff had seen it too. 

What she could deal with was Midoriya and Bakugo. They’d apparently known each other all their lives, but their relationship dynamics made her increasingly worried.

Their match confirmed it: Midoriya had been tormented by ‘Kacchan’.

She clenched her fists.

Notes:

If you’re a gambling person, you have until Monday to guess the winner's podium. Should you successfully predict two of the contestants and their placement on the podium, you'll win a drabble request. Guess all three and you hit the jackpot and get five. Here's the competition as it stands

And sorry for the late upload, work is draining the life out of me.

Chapter 136: Do you feel the power of the Gladiators?

Summary:

Gotta give your all to win. Ready or not, let the challenge begin

After the reports concerning Endeavour’s behaviour reached their ears, Aizawa left to pursue the matter, leaving a tense Mic to commentate alone. Uneasy as he felt about the situations, the show had to go on.

“Welcome back everyone! We hope you’re feeling rested and ready after our break because now we’re getting to the real meal of the deal! We started with sixteen students, and half have been consigned to oblivion! Eight shall stand, five shall fall in the war to claim a place on the winner’s podium! With so much at risk, let the quarterfinals begin!

“Contenders! Gladiators! Rrrrrrready!”

Notes:

Well, the quarter finals are here, all bets on guessing the ultimate winners are closed! To make up the diminishing amount of fights, this round will be made up of two parter drabbles. I can only hope waiting for the outcomes will have you tense on your seats!

When proofreading this with my brother, he threw a nod to the iconic cry of the referee from Gladiators (specially the UK version), which if you were a kid who grew up in the 90s, absolutely loved. When deciding on a chapter title and summary, I choose to roll with it. That's when it hit me - the Gladiators I grew up watching were unstoppable heroes and the programme was their showcase...just like the Sports Festival. The Sports Festival is Gladiators with superpowers. No wonder it's a significant event in Japan. Bakugo is totally Wolf.

And yes, I'm deliberately pushing the bracket down the page for the coming fights to minimise the risk of spoilers

Chapter 137: IED: Improvised Explosive Deterrent

Summary:

Yaoyorozu applies creative thinking in countering Bakugo

Although Bakugo had reestablished the status quo with Deku, Half-and-half had fucked up and lost to Ponytail. Beating Endeavor’s ‘masterpiece’ would have proved his abilities. That homelife...

But Ponytail had brains and the quirk to back them up. She’d do fine. Unlike Icyhot, he’ll respect this opponent.

“Yaoyorozu vs. Bakugo ...begin!”

He shot forward, alert for Ponytail’s response. It came in the form of clouds manifested from her body. Swinging a palm in, he gasped as his sweat failed to ignite.

Then a bo staff struck his side

“Dry ice.” a gas-masked Momo announced

Winded, snarling, Bakugo grinned. Fuck yeah!

Notes:

I'll save The Reasoning for when the fight concludes tomorrow.

Chapter 138: Force Concentration

Summary:

A well planned defense has little answer to overwhelming force

Wincing at Yaoyorozu’s freezer burn, Bakugo retreated to a safe distance and rubbed his palms on his thighs, oxygenating his skin and reopening contracted pores for proper combustion. Sparking firecrackers confirmed he was back in action.

Close-ranged attacks weren’t an option if Yaoyorozu could negate his quirk. But he’d seen the Deputy-Rep in action and knew what to do - blast her constructs away and power through!

Momo was quickly forced onto the defensive, every item created to deflect his explosions slowly draining her reserves. His opponent’s stamina chipped away, Bakugo secured the kill with an explosion-driven elbow to the temple

Notes:

The Reasoning
As people have pointed out, Bakugo falls into the same camp as Tokoyami in that he has a powerful quirk. But without his Grenadier Bracers to give that extra oomph I'd personally say Dark Shadow actually trumps Bakugo in terms of base strength. Unlike Bakugo, Tokoyami’s quirk is not dependent on equipment to bring out its full potential, is selectively tangible and responds faster. But this being MHA, it's a game of rock paper scissors in that Bakugo has the perfect means (*cough* plot armour) to counter Tokoyami.

Anyway, the fight. Momo isn’t facing a relentless assault from Dark Shadow as she did in canon, and is riding high on confidence after beating Todoroki. On top of that she is one of the very few who can stop Bakugo’s explosions by creating constructs to disrupt the combustion triangle (fuel, oxygen and heat) - we felt she genuinely had a chance should Bakugo choose to get in close. That is of course if she can use that brief window of opportunity to take him out. Should that fail (“you should have gone for the head!”), Bakugo just has to use saturation artillery to wear her down from afar in a battle of attrition. Once he’s Verdun’ed her, he’s free to go for the kill. The fact is, the guy is scary ferocious in a fight, and we didn’t feel Momo was ready to face the rabid dog and triumph just yet. Don’t worry Creati, we still love you.

Chapter 139: Nahkampfdämmerung

Summary:

Gods of melee combat shall clash

Ochaco met Tetsutetsu’s roar with a warcry of her own as they both charged. This could go two ways. Either she quickly floated Kirishima’s doppelganger out of bounds, or she failed and things got messy.

She feigned a punch and Tetsutetsu went for the bait, stretching his guard wide. Slipping through his open defense, Ochaco tagged him...

“Gotcha!”

...and he latched onto her.

Messy it was then. Tagging herself too, Ochaco kicked off the ground, screaming defiance.

The sports festival showcased the spectacular, but had never before seen a triple-axis-Zero-G-fist-fight, the two students tumbling skyward as they sought positional dominance.

Notes:

As they rocket into the sky, picture this shot from Matrix Revolutions. The track playing over the scene is called Neodammerung.

Chapter 140: Reentry and Smackdown

Summary:

Ochaco commemorates the 50th anniversary of Apollo 13’s safe return with a demonstration of reentry procedure.

Ignoring her bleeding nose, Ochaco acknowledged that Tetsutetsu easily trumped her in strength. But he was fighting in her world. Grappling and clawing each other, trading furious blows, they ascended higher and higher.

Now!

Using her Zero-G experience, she kicked free of his grip and- “RELEASE!”- dropped, grabbing his legs and suplexing him towards the ground before re-tagging herself.

“IMPACT EVENT!”

Tetsutetsu’s hardened body cratered the arena floor like the Chicxulub impactor. He didn’t get up.

As Midnight called the match for Ochaco, All Might stilled.

Floating in mid-air, the triumphant student was the spitting image of his dear Master.

Notes:

“If you can walk away from a landing, it's a good landing” - Chuck Yeager

Of all the quarterfinals this was the easiest to decide. But it got ramped up and revised massively. Originally it was going to be Ochaco simply tagging and pushing Tetsu out of bounds. But then I realised that by getting in range to touch them, it's putting her right in front of one of the physical powerhouses of the year. So she’s got to immediately get him disorientated and off her feet.

And then… well once they’re airborne it becomes a test of will. And Tetsu is cool, but when her dander is up, Ochaco is fucking fierce! This is the girl nobody expected much of and who nearly got Bakugo on the ropes.

Plus, Tetsu’s got something else against him. It’s a running joke that Tetsu is the Kirishima of Class B . If that holds true, then when facing a girl, one as apparently frail as Ochaco, he’s going to pull his punches! In a match of sheer physical strength, he would win but for that misplaced chivalry.

For us, the real meat of this was not the final outcome, but how we got there. At one point the fight was entirely ground-based, and then suddenly they were up in the air and brawling to the Matrix Revolutions soundtrack! One outcome had Ochaco getting woozy and sinking to her knees, at which point our Kiri-doppel attempts to help her up, only for her to tag and throw him skyward in an apparent moment of weakness… at which point she exhausts herself, collapses, and Kamui Woods has to swing in and catch Tetsu before he can become Earth’s newest man-made (literally) satelite.

(Nezu: next year we’re adding a safety net to the stadium roof).

Chapter 141: Freestyle Event

Summary:

In this arena of combat, any form of fighting goes

Tenya knew he’d gotten a lucky draw, avoiding matchups with heavyweights until he potentially fought Tokoyami in the semifinals. A podium finish was very possible, provided he put the work in.

“Ashido vs Iida, begin!”

Ashido was certainly a threat, but hesitant about using her acid on people. He needed to exploit that opportunity. For variety’s sake, he dashed forward and aimed a Recipro powered kick for her flank.

It didn’t find his target.

Impossible, she dodged his Recipro?! 

Facing her, he blanched. “Are you dancing ?”

“Breakdancing!” Mina strutted her stuff, flexibly sidestepping further kicks. “Show me your moves, boi !”

Notes:

Iida: What are you doing?
Mina: Dance off bro!

Find out tomorrow to see if Iida accepts the challenge!

Chapter 142: Musutafu Drift

Summary:

Mina tries breaking, Iida tries braking.

All that swag had made Mina excellent at reading people’s movements. Iida was fast, but he telegraphed his moves like Marconi. Dance-honed athleticism made avoiding kicks and dash attacks a cinch, allowing her to choreograph the fight and lead him along a treacherous path

Too focused on hitting her, Tenya failed to see the trap she’d laid.

Forcing him back with a flurry of acid, Mina allowed him room to use the last of his Recipro. Taking the bait, he darted forward onto the acid slick in his path, and couldn’t stop.

Losing his footing, he slid out of bounds.

Notes:

The Reasoning
While Iida is fast, Mina is shown to have the best reflexes in the class, as seen by dodging Aoyama’s lazer in canon. And with all her years of dance practice, she is able to read Iida’s rather robotic moves.

Iida’s speed can also be a drawback - he’s fast, but in the way a rocket-car is fast. At full trot his maxed-out straight-line speed is amazing, but the trade-off is the turning circle of a drifting continent. Then there's his other flaw. He can become so obsessed with a single issue that he fails to see the bigger picture (hello paralyzed Native) or the obvious (“You’re the only one standing Iida”). So focused is he on hitting Mina in this fight, that he’s not noticed the liquid she’s been spreading around the arena from her feet, a substance which we know she can control the viscosity of.

Chapter 143: The Second Great Hatsume Exhibition

Summary:

Mei's ongoing showcase of her inventions leads to a perverse result

Mei was having a blast, boasting of her babies’ capabilities while they kept her a safe distance from Tokoyami and Dark Shadow’s attacks. Wreathed in more hardware than a Tech-Priest, crowing her cleverness like Peter Pan, she was utterly convinced that the attending support companies’ attention had been caught by this performance.

Goals achieved, it was time to bow out gracefully.

“No!” Infuriated by the support student’s disrespectful attitude, Tokoyami’s inner darkness finally boiled over as Mei turned to leave the arena. “Look at me! You~”

Overcoming the bright sunlight, Dark Shadow overwhelmed his host and went berserk.

“YOU BITCH!!!”

Notes:

Dark Shadow: RAGE! DESTROY! REVELRY IN THE DARK!
Mei: Eeep

Swear to God, Tokoyami should have screamed "You Bitch!" at Slice when he loses it in Heroes Rising.

And with the Warhammer 40K nod, my crack theory is that Quirks are the results of the widespread psyker mutation happening twenty millennia early. While the quirks themselves are still weak and humanity isn’t numerous enough to draw the attention of the Chaos Gods, the man who will eventually become The Emperor decides to play a real long game to prepare humanity for the horrors of the warp by spinning the ultimate tale of good vs evil.

He casts himself as the villian, taking the moniker of ‘All For One’, intentionally creates One For All in the hopes of creating a Primarch-like figure to be a shining beacon for humanity to rally behind and the Nomu are his early dabblings into genetic engineering that will ultimately become the Space Marines.

Like I said, totally crack, don’t take seriously

Chapter 144: "Prepare for Unforeseen Consequences..."

Summary:

"The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world."

Hatsume realised her mistake as Dark Shadow lunged for her: Oh… I’m about to die …

Then her babies leapt in to save Mama. Detecting her panic, the backpack automatically launched a cluster of stun grenades. Detonating around Mei, the flash-bangs bathed the whole arena in blinding light. 

And when the glare faded, everyone witnessed the sight of an unconscious Tokoyami.

The crowd went wild.

“Would you believe it folks!” Mic cried out. “For the first time in U.A. history, a Support Course student has made it to the semifinals!”

Mei blanked. “Eh?” 

This... wasn’t part of the Omnissiah’s plan.

Notes:

EDIT: Silly me, forgot to upload the updated bracket!

"Doctor Freeman..."

The Reasoning
Like with Ochaco vs Sero back in the first round, this was a case where story potential won out over deciding the fight on the combatants’ merits. While Hatsume takes the competition as seriously as the hero students in wanting to draw attention from industry professionals, her means to achieve those ends stand apart. For her it's not about winning, she just wants five minutes in the sun to say (or rather show) her piece then step aside. In canon Iida helped her do exactly that by unwittingly becoming an unwilling accomplice. In his AU, it just took an extra round to get to that point.

Which begged the question that my brother and I found ourselves considering: what if Mei’s viewpoint was challenged by having her accidentally stumbling into the semifinals? It was just too big an upset to the status-quo to deny. We laughed and laughed at the time, and then the consequences hit us like a freight train. The ripple-effect from this one could be HUGE.

Tokoyami lost his cool because, thanks to having teamed up with Mei for the cavalry battle, he knows just what her goals are. While that was to his benefit at that point, here she is making a mockery of the tournament, and like Ojiro his honour (and feathers) are being rubbed the wrong way by advancing to the next round without earning it.
In other words, he got triggered big time.

Which brings us to Mei’s unexpected win. I admit the flashbangs are a bit of an ass pull but it is seen that many of her inventions are reactive to the wearer’s body. Thus it’s reasonable to assume that some device intended to facilitate escape in a life threatening situation would detect the wearer is in danger and react accordingly.

Dark Shadow is helpless before the power of seven-million candela, courtesy of the rapid oxidation of magnesium and potassium perchlorate. Seriously, these things are designed to activate every receptor cell in the human eyeball, to the extent they cause short-term blindness. Safe to say both Tokoyami and his Quirk are going flat on their asses.

Tokoyami would do well to add some kind of glare-reduction goggles to his gear to ensure that if this is used against him in the future, he can remain standing if Dark Shadow is taken out.

Chapter 145: After Action Review II

Summary:

With the quarterfinals over, a clear picture of the tournament's outcome starts taking shape

Mic was having a ball. 

“Yyyeeeaaahhh!!! Those were some quarterfinals worthy of the history books! Dark Horse Mei Hatsume trampled all over Dark Shadow and made the Support Course proud! 

“What a show for the ladies in general - little sweetie Uraraka went totally wuxia, and Ashido grandstanded with those lit moves! It's been many-a-year since we’ve had three female semifinalists, guaranteeing the fairer sex at least two podium finishes! 

“Don’t go far people, ‘cause the stakes are heatin’ up! Whose dreams shall be realized, whose shall be SHATTERED? The semis are coming up soon!

“They’re coming to get you Bakugo!”

Notes:

Next week is another interlude from the fighting where we see the ripples starting to spread beyond the U.A campus

Chapter 146: Maintain Full Speed

Summary:

Iida may have failed to meet his own standards, but it prevents his brother from hitting a speed trap

Tensei Iida was running through Hosu’s streets when dispatch at Idaten contacted him.

“Sports-fest update Ingenium. Your brother crashed OFB in the quarterfinals.”

He winced. Tenya had been shooting for the semis at a minimum, and this didn’t sound like a graceful exit. No doubt he needed a pick-me-up.

Tensei knew what he had to do.

“Shinya, detach your fireteam off from Squad B and cover my area,” he barked orders. “Family emergency.”

Pausing in a quiet alley Tensei took out his phone. This was unprofessional, but he was a big brother first and a hero second.

Stain could wait.

Chapter 147: Reassessment

Summary:

Having never intended to reach the semifinals, Mei is confronted with the decision of what she wants to achieve

Midnight outright refused Hatsume’s plea to forfeit the semifinal. Mei had never intended on coming this far, and now her babies were low on power. 

She couldn’t have them failing midfight, not in front of the representatives!

Running to Power Loader’s charging station, it quickly became horrifically apparent that with the exception of the Auto Balancers and Capture Gun, her energy-hungry creations wouldn’t be ready in time for the next round.

Slumping to the floor Mei considered her options. Her technical mind had been proved through her babies’ accomplishments. Maybe it was time to show what Mama was made of.

Notes:

Started writing the final today. It's gonna be a doozy.

Chapter 148: Collusion

Summary:

Aizawa and Nezu are reminded how flawed the system they uphold can be

Many had seen Endeavour’s furious departure, practically dragging a trembling Shoto into his chauffeur-driven car. Their student’s visible terror was reason enough for Aizawa and Nezu to start asking concerned questions, but they’d barely begun probing before they received an unsolicited call from the President of the Hero Public Safety Commision.

“Drop this Nezu,” she instructed. “Social services have repeatedly investigated the Todoroki household and all issues have been resolved. Am I understood?”

Aizawa gripped the desk until his fingers whitened. Nezu would have crushed the phone if he could. It was moments like this he absolutely loathed human society.

Notes:

Dadzawa Denied!

My theory is that the HPSB knew about All Might's decline and that society would be at risk should the pillar that he represents crumble in these troubling times. With that responsibility falling to Endeavour, they couldn't risk his dirty laundry coming to light and further destabilising the nation so they issued the equivalent of a DSMA-Notice to stop the media revealing it and risk national security. A family suffering in an abusive household is an acceptable cost to safeguard 120 Million people.

Chapter 149: Dark Future

Summary:

For Nighteye, an uncertain world without the joy and laughter of All Might is rapidly closing in.

To Nighteye the numbers were inescapable: All Might was fated to die gruesomely within at most, nineteen months. It was a mathematical certainty.

And his chosen successor, to whom people would turn amidst the chaos destined to rise with the Symbol of Peace’s demise? Well he’d announced himself to the world as a pitiful, emotionally fragile child. This farce underwrote All Might’s folly, tabulated against thirteen vital (wasted) months.

But Nighteye refused to see society unravel like a string. Observing a smiling Mirio training for the Third Year festival events, he knew one chance to prevent a dark future remained.

Notes:

BONUS GAG!

My brother and I are obsessed with the RMS Titanic and I wrote this drabble on April 10th, the 108th anniversary of the ship departing Southampton on its ill fated maiden voyage. While we were chatting and proofing this over discord, I twisted the famous "But this ship can’t sink!" line from the James Cameron film to "But this symbol can't break!" My brother cracked up laughing and he redid the whole scene as Nighteye informing people the severity of All Might's injuries after his encounter with AFO.

Nighteye as Thomas Andrews
The HPSC President as J. Bruce Ismay
Gran Torino as Captain Edward Smith
Seiji Shishikura’s Dad (the father of the Shiketsu student works at Tartarus) as First Officer William Murdoch

Nighteye: Blood, rising within the abdominal cavity within ten minutes. In the left lung, both intestines, and the stomach.
HPSC President: When can he get back in the fight, dammit?
Nighteye: They're life changing injuries! He could recover from some of these wounds but not all, not all. As his body fails, his capacity to wield One for All will decrease, with each use, day by day, less-and-less, there's no stopping it.
Gran Torino: Recovery-Girl, if we get Chiyo in quickly-
Nighteye: Chiyo can buy him time, but months only. From this moment on, no matter what we do, All Might will flounder.
HPSC President: But this symbol can't break!
Nighteye: He's made of flesh mam', I assure you, he can, and he will. It is a mathematical certainty.
Gran Tornio: How much time?
Nighteye: Six years, seven at the most.
Gran Torino: And how many S-ranked villains left in Japan Mr Shishikura?
Shishikura: 2,200 vacant cells left in Tartarus, Gran Torino.
Gran Torino: Well, I do believe our work is cut out for us, heroes.

Chapter 150: Common Goals

Summary:

Ochaco and Mina establish a mutual pact

Even after her hard work, Ochaco couldn't believe it. Was this happening? Was she really about to step out into the semifinals? 

And was that scruffy man really All Might ? 

“Ochaco.” Her contemplations shattered as the other 1-A female to reach this stage approached. It was unnerving to see the normally happy-go-lucky Mina wearing such a hard expression.

“Yeah?”

“Kick Bakugo’s ass. Show everyone that bullies like him don't deserve to win.”

Ochaco applied her game face. “Sure!” She’d win. For Mom and Dad. For herself.

For Deku...

And if she failed here, she'd have softened Bakugo up for Mina.

Notes:

Semifinals start next Monday. They're gonna be three parters!

Chapter 151: Juvenal Was Right

Summary:

Mic dispenses the prolefeed to distract the masses

Utterly enthralled by the drama developing before their eyes, Mic’s audience in this modern-day colosseum remained oblivious to the saga unfolding behind the scenes of the tournament, one that grew with every minute.

Until Aizawa and the rest of the staff could get a full grasp of “Casefile: Todoroki”, the two threads had to be kept apart.

“Welcome back to the semifinals my peeps! Four champions shall enter, two shall remain to fight for the crowning honour and glory!

As the crowd roared, Mic could only feel bittersweet. He had done his job perfectly: propped-up this facade.

Bread and circuses.

Notes:

"...Already long ago, from when we sold our vote to no man, the People have abdicated our duties; for the People who once upon a time handed out military command, high civil office, legions — everything, now restrains itself and anxiously hopes for just two things: bread and circuses."
- Juvenal, Roman Poet, 1st/2nd Century

Chapter 152: Collisional Cascade

Summary:

When two unwavering astronomical objects collide, things get messy.

Bakugo and Ochaco stood silent and glowering in the eye of the storm that was the braying stadium.

Before her fight with Metalhead, Bakugo hadn’t viewed Round Face as anything other than Deku’s fangirl. But now Uraraka had proved her guts.

Ochaco knew she couldn’t hold back. Not against the overwhelming favourite, not against this bully that relished Deku’s anguish.

With the crowd whipped up into a frenzy for the most hyped-up match of the round, Midnight lit the fuse of the powderkeg

“Begin!”

With a place in the final as their prize, two champions made their bids for glory.

Chapter 153: You Know My Name

Summary:

Undaunted by looming defeat, Ochaco in the strongest of terms declares to the world who she is

Body wavering, Ochaco struggled to get back up. The meteor shower hadn't been enough!

‘It can’t end like this. I have so much more to fight for now!’

Tagging herself, she floated upright, then immediately staggered to one knee. Midnight approached to intervene…

 “No!” Ochaco yelled, and planted her hands on the arena floor, 

“I’m…”

She focused every ounce of her quirk.

“Not…”

‘Just like Sero and his tape, Bakugo and the ground are one.’ 

“Done...”

‘FLOAT DAMNIT!’

“YET!!!”

Screaming, fighting the nauseating pain, she stole Bakugo’s gravity, and the spotlight 

“I’m the Gravity Hero URAVITY! Fight me!”

“The fuck!?”

Notes:

Oh man, brother and I have been looking forward to releasing this one. For the explanation of Ochaco's badassery, I'll explain in tomorrow's reasoning.

And you know what? I'd love to see an Ochaco version of the opening credits to Casino Royale. The real gutsy arrangement of Chris Cornell and David Arnold's music suits her more brutal side.

Chapter 154: To The Edge

Summary:

Ochaco pushes past all limits for her dreams and friends

Bakugo was panicking. Demolishing the downpouring rubble had strained his quirk, now he was struggling to control himself in a weightless environment. Explosion’s recoil could propel him out of bounds and damage his palms. And he knew Uraraka could see his alarm.

Every movement for Ochaco was agony, but she couldn’t quit.

‘Ignore the pain, grab him, push him out!’

Grasping his midriff, she advanced relentlessly, Bakugo repeatedly punching and kicking her. The crowds were cheering, chanting the hero name she’d chosen for herself.

“URAVITY! URAVITY!”

Then something broke, and she passed out, vomiting all over Bakugo as they fell.

Notes:

The Reasoning
Writing this while knowing that Ochaco wouldn’t come out top was hard. I wanted nothing more to see her advance to the final but mind won out over heart.

Honestly, with how both the brackets were drawn and how they progressed, it was really fortunate that it resulted in only two canon fights being replicated, even if they did happen in different rounds. The results of those ties were therefore the driving force in deciding the outcome of the AU tournament's. With Iida vs Shiozaki happening so early on, I was fine with sticking to the canon script but this fight? So late on in the game and Ochaco having extra motivations, it demanded the Plus Ultra treatment.

With not only a guaranteed medal at stake, Ochaco wants to beat Bakugo for Izuku’s sake and will try all the more harder and push on, which brings us to yesterday’s drabble. Ochaco shows that, like Shigaraki does with Decay in the MLA arc, she doesn’t need to make direct contact with objects to make them float. That makes sense, as the first time we meet her in the series, she only makes contact with Izuku’s bag yet that’s enough to stop him faceplanting into the UA forecourt’s paving.

Then during the Quirk Apprehension Test, she tagged her own clothes to remove their gravity, but not herself. That means she can regulate her quirk’s influence and push it into adjacent masses, finally proven with her moment of glory in Heroes Rising when she floated hundreds of boulders while only touching one - the indirect contact and proximity to the other masses was enough for her quirk to influence. However such an effort clearly exerts a massive strain on her system.

Thus I made the conclusion that provided someone is in direct contact with the ground (and Ochaco is close enough), she can direct her quirk through the very earth itself and float those suckers! Think of the military applications - behold, Uraraka Ochaco, the Devil of the Rhine!

Now comes Bakugo. Without the bracers of his hero costume, he’s more restricted with what he can do with his quirk before he strains or injures himself. After he destroys the Meteor Shower in the anime, his breath is shuddering, his hands are trembling and he doesn’t instantly throw out another explosion at Ochaco. To me, that’s evidence he’s pushing the limit before he needs to see Recovery Girl, and once in the air he’s entered unknown territory. In zero-G, Bakugo has nothing to brace himself, doesn’t have much left in the tank, and is uncertain of being able to control his vectors. Think of Tony Stark’s first tentative tests with his Mark II armour’s repulsors, way back in the first (and best!) Iron Man film. One mistake from the student who expects nothing but the best from himself and he could be own-goaled with an OFB.

And so, finally we come to the ending. It’s cruel I know, having Chaco’ come so close just to fail. She was pushing herself beyond even her canon limits - mind, body and quirk. It was just too much for her to sustain.

But girl, she has made her name. Literally. Her display of determination, smarts and sheer ferocity across three fights will carry her far come the internship arc…

...and she’s still got one fight left in her, and a chance to make the bronze-medal podium.

Chapter 155: Perfectly Average

Summary:

Bakugo is reminded once more he's no longer the big fish

Despite a (scorching) shower and a fresh gym uniform, the stench of Uraraka’s vomit still lingered on Bakugo. It was an ever-present reminder of how close he’d come to losing.

“Argh!” he punched a locker in rage. All his life he’d been praised - for his strength, determination, intelligence, and of course, his quirk. Attending U.A had always been his goal but achieving it had been a rude awakening. Yaoyorozu, Icyhot, Uraraka and even Deku… fucking Deku! - had all shattered his worldview.

Before today, he’d just coasted through life unchallenged. Now he needed to place first to prove his worth.

Notes:

I'll be honest, I'm drunk right now. I'm in a good mood. Happy V.E day everyone!

Mina vs. Mei is next week.

Chapter 156: Duel of the Pinks

Summary:

The colour themed semifinal match gets underway

“Here we go folks!” Mic announced as Mei and Mina entered the arena. “The acid-spitting beast vs. the dreadlocked huntress: Alien vs. Predator, the Remix! Whoever wins, we all win!”

In the stands support course students were chanting their champion’s name, joined in by upperclassmen who’d ditched their own festival preparations for this.

Something new stirred within Mei. She couldn’t let them down.

“Hey there!” Mina waved to the crowds. This wouldn’t be a slugfest like Ochaco’s match, but she was still going to give everyone a show. And Hatsume, with all her slippery gadgets, was the perfect opponent.

“Begin!”

Notes:

Both are energetic and have 'healthy builds', possess pink hair and yellow eyes, Mina is an inch taller than Mei and they are passionate about their interests. It’s too close to call.

Chapter 157: Under Pressure

Summary:

Mina may be attacking relentlessly, but Mei has the power of PSI on her side

After a fleeting moment’s use, Mei’s Capture Gun was discarded (and melted) after Mina dissolved the net like rice-paper. A quick-restraint win denied, the gadgeteer got creative.

The fight quickly evolved into a dance, the auto-balancers keeping her ahead of Ashido’s acidic fluidity. Dropping back from a punch, the pride Mei felt for her babies as they supported a full limbo drop was immense

Thrown off-balance by her missed punch, Mina was left exposed, and with an impish grin Mei fired the reprogrammed Hydraulic Bracers. Extending with more force than any punch she could throw, they drove into Mina’s stomach.

Notes:

This fight underwent a massive last minute change. I'll explain about it tomorrow.

Chapter 158: Fellowship of the Pink

Summary:

As one pink player fails, an kinship prevails

Thrown back by the mechanical piledriver, Mina landed hard. That had hurt... a lot . 

Mei however was cursing the lack of time she’d had to recharge the bracers' accumulator. A full-powered blow would have sent the hero student out of bounds.

Ignoring the bruises she could already feel developing, Mina threw herself back into the fight, dodging every hydraulically-enhanced jab Mei could throw her way, until...

“Midnight, I concede!” Power cells flatlining, burdensome gadgets now restricting her mobility, Mei slumped in defeat. Showing no hard feelings, a grinning Mina grabbed her opponent’s hand and held it high. 

“Pinky Buddies ftw!”

Notes:

Had some of you worried there didn’t I? Before I do this fight’s edition of The Reasoning(tm), here's the match before I rewrote it on Monday night

After a fleeting moment’s use, Mei’s Capture Gun was discarded (and melted) when Mina dissolved the net like rice-paper. The quick-restraint denied, the fight turned into an evasive dance.
Mei conceded that technology was only as good as its operators and that she wasn’t the fittest individual: the auto-balancers were barely keeping her ahead of Ashido’s athletic fluidity, chassis singed and discoloured from near-miss blobs of acid. But if she could just outlast her opponent...
Mina herself was having a ball. She hadn’t enjoyed a full-body workout like this in ages, and felt crazy respect for Hatsume’s drive.
“So Awesome!”
*
Stealing entire pages from Mei’s own book, Mina had turned the fight into a showcase of her body’s abilities. Hatsume’s auto-blancers had turned their wearer into the ultimate dance partner, keeping up with every move. It was hella fun.
But this game of cat-and-mouse could only end in favour of the predator (or rather the alien). As the match stretched into the longest yet of the day, Mei’s stamina (and power-cells) finally ran dry..
Body exhausted, burdensome gadgets depowered, she called out to Midnight. “I concede!”
“Epic fight!” Gracious in victory, Mina lifted both their hands high. “Pinky Buddies ftw!”

You can see why I didn't feel satisfied with it. It was very one sided with Mei not having a chance. I really didn't do her justice. Anyway...

 

The Reasoning
Mei only has a chance thanks to her creative genius. The auto balancers are just what she needs to keep stay on par with Mina's mobility and the bracers give her the offensive spear counterpart to the balancers' defensive shield. But at the same time, All Might has stated that heroes who are too dependent on support gear have died in the field as a result of it. "No good Hero is a one trick pony" as Aizawa put it when he lept into the villians at the USJ. That is ultimately her downfall. As she never planned making it this far, her babies don’t have the energy needed to win.

So once they powerdown, she’s like Shinso is with his quirk: with no backup plan, they’re dead in the water against someone like Mina with her strength, agility, stamina (ha, staMINA) and hero training. I have no doubt she is stronger than your average teenage girl thanks to her physical lifestyle in workshops but against the likes of a hero student, she knows she outclassed and won’t needlessly drag it out.

Chapter 159: Manly Spirit

Summary:

Kirishima doesn't let gender define manliness

Up in the stands Mina’s classmates celebrated with gusto. It was going to be an all-Class 1-A final, and they had a good chance at snatching bronze as well.

While Kirishima cheered alongside the others, inside he beamed even more. Ever since middle school Mina had been showing her potential. Where he couldn't stand up for others, she would. When fear rooted him to the spot, she’d run in and face the danger without hesitation.

His Horn Buddy was as much an inspiration to him as Crimson Riot, and now had guaranteed herself a podium place.

She really was amazing

Chapter 160: After Action Review III

Summary:

The semifinals are over and lInes have been drawn in the sand as the finals approach

“And there we have it folks, our finalists have been decided! Uravity may have come up short but she sure showed some Plus Ultra guts, literally ! And it ain't over yet, because she must now face a still-thirsty Hatsume, ready to fight for the right to place on the podium, in their bronze medal play-off!

But that's just the entree! For the main course we have the Powerhouse himself, Bak-u-go! Pushed hard all through the tournament he stands undaunted, ready to go for gold against our dancing queen, the lovable alien-lass of acid, Mina Ashido!

The finals are coming ssoooonnnn!”

Notes:

Mic is the hype

An interlude week lies ahead before we get the bronze medal playoff

Chapter 161: Crisis Stabilisation

Summary:

With their professional detachment, medical practitioners can fail to notice the bigger picture

It had taken much coaxing and medication, but the patient was finally recovering from her stupor. The medical staff all agreed that letting Rei Todoroki watch her son compete on television had been a mistake. He’d been the trigger for her initial breakdown, and it seemed time hadn’t healed any wounds.

Within a mind clouded by a cocktail of drugs, Rei screeched in terror. Seeing Shoto being knocked unconscious by a cannonball was horrifying enough, but that reaction from Enji had induced this attack. She still remembered his terrifying rage, and Shoto’s screams… Toya’s screams ...

Her baby was in danger.

Notes:

You think the stigma surrounding mental health is bad in the west? In Japan, it can be a permanent black mark on your record. Even a minor incident years prior can be enough to miss out on a job or have a landlord deny a tenancy agreement. Facilities are lacking, regulation poor and of course, the taboo is massive.

Chapter 162: Bashbuild

Summary:

Just because one of Mei's babies is broken doesn't mean its useless

Mei rummaged through piles of wreckage, whooping triumphantly upon discovering a thruster pack, the one that had gotten torn away from the sole of her hover boots during the cavalry battle.

A good Mama never abandoned her babies. She might not be able to kiss them all better, but she could adapt them to fit their new circumstances. This form of creative parenting was her specialty, and after fighting alongside and studying footage of her opponent, she had designs on overcoming Ochaco’s quirk.

Yeah, so long as she had her toolkit and a vision, her securing bronze was still possible.

Chapter 163: Rested and Ready

Summary:

Ochaco has a refreshing spa session between fights.

“Really dearie,” Recovery Girl tutted as she planted another healing kiss on Ochaco. “I expected such recklessness from Bakugo, but never a sweet girl like you."

Swallowing mouthfuls of Mochi to keep her stamina up, the hero student smiled with both embarrassment and pride. “Sorry mam’, that part of me pops out when things get competitive.”

“Figures,” the nurse sighed. “With all the time you spend with Midoriya, I shouldn’t be surprised that you’ve rubbed off on one another.” Then she laughed, seeing her patient blush red. “Well, you’re all set. Be careful winning that bronze sweetie... and stay fierce.”

Chapter 164: The Scientific Method

Summary:

As Mina turns to the smartest person she knows for help, a hypothesis is formed

Even after their numerous study sessions together, Momo was still discovering new depths to Mina’s ‘quirky’ understanding of basic chemistry.

“Mina, No! Acids strong enough to disrupt Bakugo’s sweat would kill him!”

“But I can’t repel firepower of that magnitude!” her classmate moaned. “alsohemightdeserveit.”

“He sweats a nitroglycerin-based ester,” Momo mused to herself, pointedly ignoring that comment. “ It's so obvious - I should have used a base against him.” 

“Base? Like bass guitar?” 

‘Seriously Public Education?!’ the genius screeched internally, then gasped. “That’s it!”

“What’s it?”

“Mina,” Momo pulled strips of testing-paper from her breastbone, grinning deviously. “Take off your shoes.”

Notes:

Mina be channelling her inner Admiral Ackbar

Chapter 165: [Citation Needed]

Summary:

Aizawa seeks context on a trending topic

While he never took part in gossip or rumours, Aizawa always kept an ear open to the student grapevine, a vital measure of the atmosphere about school. While there was little he could do about the Todoroki situation until classes resumed, he was in a position to stem another story leaking from the 1-A underworld.

“Explain to me, All Might,” he demanded of the source behind his newest headache. “How Midoriya and apparently most of Class 1-A now know about this ‘true’ form.”

The emaciated Symbol of Peace sighed. There was no escape...

“It concerns Young Midoriya, and my quirk…”

 

Notes:

The “Explain to me, All Might” line gives me Llamas with Hats vibes

Izuku’s maimed body lies between Aizawa and All Might in the entrance exam arena. The smoking remains of the Zero Pointer lie in the background
Aizawa: All Might! There’s a dead kid in the arena!
All Might: Oh…hey…How did he get here?
Aizawa: All Might, what did you do?!
All Might:: Me? Uh, I didn't do this!
Aizawa: Explain what happened, All Might!
All Might: I've never seen him before in my life!
Aizawa: Why did you kill this kid, All Might?
All Might: I do not kill kids. That is…that is the least heroic thing to do.
Aizawa: Tell me, All Might, exactly what you were doing before I got here.
All Might: Alright, well…I was in Musutafu…
Aizawa: Okay…
All Might: I was uh…I was fighting villains…
Aizawa: Yes?
All Might: Being Plus Ultra…
Aizawa: Go on…
All Might: And, uh, well this quirkless kid walked up…
Aizawa: Okay…
All Might: So, I gave him my quirk…
Aizawa: Yes…
All Might: And …his first punch broke every bone in his unprepared body thirty-seven times.
(silence)
Aizawa: All Might, that KILLS people!
All Might: Oh! Wow, I didn't know that!!
Aizawa: How could you not know that?!
All Might: Yeah, I'm in the wrong here. I SUCK.
(silence)
Aizawa: What happened to his hands?
All Might: What's that?
Aizawa: His hands. Why—why are they missing?
All Might: Well, I kind of umm…cooked them up. And ate them.
(silence)
Aizawa: All Might!!!
All Might: Well, I—I wanted my quirk back. And well, you know, when you crave hands…
Aizawa: Why on earth would you do that?!
All Might: One For All was going to fade out from existence! Gimme a break!
Aizawa: All Might!
All Might: My stomach was making the rumblies.
Aizawa:All Might!
All Might: That only Young Midoriya’s hands would satisfy!
Aizawa: What is wrong with you, All Might?!
All Might: Well, I kill kids and I eat hands! That's—that's two things!

 

The bronze play-off match between Ochaco and Mei is next week!

Chapter 166: Down But Not Out

Summary:

Mic knows that the surprise packages of the tournament don't view this as a consolation match

“This is it everyone! One’s first playoff of this year’s Sports Festival! Our two combatants might have fallen short of the grand finale but both can hold their heads high with their achievements.”

“Support company representatives and executives are turning up in their droves to witness what the mech-magical tinkerer Hatsume will do next, while Uravity has won herself not just an epithet but a fanbase, displaying combative cunning and a ferocity that will no doubt be rewarded come the student internships.”

“For the Bronze medal playoff match, welcome to the arena 1-A’s Ochaco Uraraka and Mei Hatsume of 1-H!”

Chapter 167: Anti-Grav(ity Hero)

Summary:

The lack of a combative quirk never stops a free mind

“Power Loader,” Midnight commed the support course teacher as Mei entered the ring, apparently-new gear strapped to her chest. “That been approved?”

“She salvaged already-vetted equipment to kitbash some new contraptions.” he responded. “I supervised the process, and they meet safety standards.”

“Very well then. Uraraka vs Hatsume...begin!”

Mei laughed as Uravity charged, firing her wire grapnels into the arena floor. Sero failed to anchor himself, and Bakugo couldn’t, and Tetsu-x2 let her get close.

Not her. Triggering the repurposed hover soles on her chest she knocked Ochaco back with a concentrated blast of air.

She could do this.

Notes:

Really happy how this fight plays out, hope you enjoy!

Chapter 168: Fastball

Summary:

With her quirk, Ochaco can become a power pitcher and fight dirty

Ochaco lost her footing, gale force winds from the hover sole turbines shunting against her. Even if she could get close to tag Hatsume, it would be pointless with her opponent secured to the ground

Mei advanced, re-anchoring herself with each step, knocking the hero student back, blast-by-blast.

Grasping for what little purchase she could against the floor, Ochaco felt some spalling concrete pull free and saw her chance. Cementoss had missed a spot patching the arena between fights.

Exploiting the brief window between blasts, she pitched the Zero-G debris. Her aim held true, and it walloped Mei’s head.

“STRIKE!”

Notes:

This is something I decided to roll with after reading the gag manga's take on the sports festival when they play Baseball instead of having the Cavalry Battle and Ochaco really gets into it. Between that and her perfect throw in the Quirk Apprehension Test, it is now my firm headcanon that not only did she play pitcher on her middle school's Baseball team, but the sport was father-daughter bonding activity in the Uraraka household. Thinking of her Dad taking tiny Ochaco to watch her first Orix Buffaloes game and loving It fills me with happiness.

And LurkerWithComputer, take pride in this. You said in Chapter 140's comments that when Ochaco was set to face Bakugo she should "grab a hand-size piece of rubble and whack him with it." When I was struggling to write his fight (more about this on Friday), I remembered that and decided to go with the “no-holds-barred, back-alley-at-2AM style of fighting” approach

Chapter 169: Sage Advice

Summary:

Fictional or real, Mei follows the life lessons imparted by the great gadgeteers and inventers

Concrete shattering on impact, Mei was momentarily stunned and floored. Ochaco hesitated, waiting for Midnight to verify that the fight could continue. 

Pushing herself up to her elbows, Mei wiped her blooded forehead. “ I’m not done yet!”

“Good,” Ochaco grinned hungrily. “Same here!”

“Oh, love that youthful vigour!” Midnight moaned. “Fight on ladies!”

Rushing her still-groggy foe, Ochaco seized the wires anchoring Mei to the ground, tangling an arm in them to secure herself close inboard. “Gotcha!”

“Nope!” Hitting a quick-release mechanism, Mei laughingly ditched the anchors. Her jetpack’s thrusters slid out from her sleeves. “Always have an escape plan.”

Notes:

"Now pay attention, 007. I've always tried to teach you two things: First, never let them see you bleed."
"And the second?"
"Always have an escape plan."
- Desmond Llewelyn's parting words as Q, The World Is Not Enough

Chapter 170: Home Plate

Summary:

Victory and a medal is within sight

Mei took to the skies, alternating between wrist and chest thrusters to control her vectors and blasting Ochaco. 

Dodging the aerial bombardment, Ochaco tagged the anchor housing now roped to her arm. Aiming carefully, she shot it up in a curveball. Her baseball prowess showed as the slung housing bolo-wrapped around Hatsume.

“Get down here!” Seizing the cables, Ochaco hauled with all her strength, yanking on the lassoed Mei and bringing her crashing down in an awkward pile. 

“Babies, no!”

Ochaco pounced, kicking the thruster triggers away and pinning Mei.

“Mei Hatsume is immobilised! Ochaco Uraraka takes the bronze medal!”

Notes:

URAVITY! URAVITY!

Off in the stands, Izuku is screaming with joy for his bestie.

The Reasoning
We went into this assuming Ochaco would win, but didn’t know how. And when we actually began to think about it, we realised things weren’t entirely cut-and-dry. Mei brought some serious game to the canon Sports Fest in terms of gear, and with a fresh and revitalised perspective she would definitely give Uravity a run for her money.

That made writing this whole fight incredibly tricky - it was the only battle in the entire arc where I didn’t have a firm gameplan in place at the outset of the match. In the end I resorted to just sitting down at the keyboard and seeing what flowed.

What brought everything together however was when Ochaco suddenly acquired the Blades of freaking Chaos and transformed herself into an avatar of the God of War himself, Kratos! (just without having to murder her family and burn their ashes to her flesh as part of some fucked-up melodramtics on the part of the Grecian pantheon!)

Thanks so much to LurkerWithComputer for helping to set the tone. In all seriousness, beyond the badass visual of Ochaco using chains to drag Mei back down to earth, it was the realisation that this would be a no-holds-barred physical brawl that swung things in Ochaco’s favour - she’s been in a fight, she’s seen first-hand combat, and she’s got a deeper wellspring of drive to succeed, despite Mei’s epiphany.

It also made narrative and logical sense. We’ve seen Ochaco go truly Plus Ultra in this arc, and after truly making her stand and announcing herself to the world, she deserved to reach the podium (somepersonalbiasmighthavecomeintoit). Plus, Mei is bringing support gear to a match that demands actual fighting skills - it’s like sending James Bond’s Q into the field with his gadgets and expecting him to do everything else that Bond does - he’ll do alright with the quips (and from some examples, bagging the girls) but in straight-up combat with the villains, he’ll fall short.

Which is not to say that Mei has not made an impact. In fact, she’s completely upset the paradigm on which UA segretates its students into different tracks. And that paradigm in turn reflects the norms of Japan’s Hero Society… because if you have the right gear AND the fighting skills, why couldn’t a quirkless person (or someone with a non-combat-optimised quirk) be a hero. The ripples that could spread from here…

And ofWisdomandWitt, you were right to think of Iron Man 3 vibes. I pictured Mei using the jetpack thrusters as Stark does with his hand repulsors.

Chapter 171: "Working Class Kid Makes Good"

Summary:

Most parents publicly celebrate their children's achievements by hanging a hand painted sign out on the street. Ochaco's parents...

At a construction site in Mie Prefecture, two occupants of a portacabin that doubled as site office and canteen had all day divided their attention between work and the festival broadcast on the radio. When Mic announced Ochaco Uraraka taking third place, those two people went wild.

Donning his hard hat and hi-viz, one bolted from the office, whooping about his “amazing girl!” as he sprinted across the site towards their sole tower crane. Climbing its mast and shimmying along the jib, a proud father unfurled a massive banner of his daughter's smiling face, emblazoned with the words “CONGRATS OCHACO!”

Notes:

Been on a Red Dwarf binge lately. Just love Lister's line in Waiting For God when Holly confirms that the Cats made him their Deity, hence the chapter title.

So yeah, on Saturday I decided that I'd glossed over the consequences of Ochaco's win and completely missed Bakugo's and Mina preparations for the final. As a result, this last break between rounds is going to be double length.

Chapter 172: Networking

Summary:

Mei came into the festival wanting to get the attention of the support companies. She caught the biggest of catches

Born aloft by the entire support course, Mei was carried in triumph back towards their wing of U.A., a champion whose unexpected accomplishments would be celebrated for years.

“Ah, young lady!” The entire precession gaped on seeing just who was accompanying a proud Power Loader - it wasn't everyday that the CEO of Japan’s largest civilian support-gear company dropped by.

Rikiya Yotsubashi reached up to enthusiastically pump a gobsmacked Mei’s hand. “When I saw your quarterfinal win I had to come and experience your work in person, a most liberating experience! We’d love to see you intern at Detnerat!”

“OH-YES-PLEASE!”

Notes:

Oh dear.

Chapter 173: Poor Grade

Summary:

As the festival approaches the grand finale, some people are starting to get worried

Body language was everything when you lacked a face, and Manga and Toru’s nervousness was evident.

They weren't alone. Yuga’s stomach was cramping, Pony clacked her hooves anxiously, Togaru breathed into clenched hands. All had experienced a bad festival, bringing up the rear of the pack in the obstacle course and proving unspectacular in the Cavalry Battle. And despite advancing to the fighting tournament, Yuga’s quick elimination didn’t reflect well on him.

Hatsume, a non-contender , had finished fourth. Dark-horse students like that always got offered a transfer to the Hero Course. 

If she accepted, one of them faced the chop.

Notes:

So I whipped up a table of the students who passed the Obstacle Course and their overall performance in this festival, which you can view here

The highlighted individuals are the ones I feel are in danger. You agree?

Also, I loved your reactions to yesterday's drabble. I relish emotional whiplash.

Chapter 174: Can Of Worms

Summary:

By having one question answered, Aizawa finds himself with new problems to manage with more piling in.

Aizawa’s head was splitting. Dammit All Might...

One For All - a transferable quirk. And All Might had given it to Midoriya.

Two months. Quirkless Midoriya had assumed the world’s most powerful quirk just two months prior, taking the U.A. entrance exams mere hours after inheriting it. He could barely control miniscule fractions of it, and that idiot All Might effectively ordered him to win the whole festival! 

No wonder Midoriya broke down in tears having ‘failed’ his idol. Mentors should never place such pressure on their apprentices.

“Um...Mr Aizawa?”

And now said student was nervously approaching him. Great...

Notes:

Oh hey, remember this kid? We haven't seen him in 43(!) chapters. This is supposed to be the story of how he became the greatest hero in the world afterall.

Chapter 175: A Hero

Summary:

Despondent as he is at his own shortcomings, Izuku keeps true to his ideals.

The guilt was gnawing away at Izuku’s core. He’d been so wrapped up in his own failures, worrying about the consequences of letting All Might’s secret slip, that he’d completely missed out on what had happened to Todoroki.

It was only after he emerged from the stadium’s breakroom following his meltdown that he learned of the scene Endeavour made when he dragged Todoroki off-campus. Knowing what happened in that household, Izuku realised he had to betray what trust Todoroki placed in him and inform a person of authority. Todoroki needed to be saved.

“Mr Aizawa, there’s something you should know.”

Chapter 176: Spinning Webs

Summary:

While some people celebrate events that unite them, others see opportunities to divide and recruit to their causes

Behind his infrared monitors All For One chuckled, rewatching the humiliating defeat of All Might’s heir-apparent. But this generation showed potential - the students from Tomura’s USJ sortie had emerged stronger for the experience. They required observation.

And then there was Mei Hatsume, who’d set the internet ablaze. The downtrodden were proclaiming a watershed victory for ‘non-heroic quirks’ while others raged that quirks were pointless if technology trumped them.

‘Overhaul’ must be loving this, and no doubt Re-Destro had plans.

As did he. Directing this developing narrative was vital. Such dissent, if properly manipulated, would burn down All Might’s supposed utopia.

Notes:

"Spiders spin their webs...yes. But I spin mine larger."
- Megatron, Beast Wars

Events in just the last few years if not weeks show how a quote taken out of context here, a reappropriated video there, a dissatisfied opinion given a platform and ‘facts’ without sources can misdirect or distract people from the real issues or poison a righteous cause. No doubt All For One is a master at disinformation

Chapter 177: His Champion

Summary:

The co-founder of the Izuku Protection Squad reveals her identity and the sacred order to their charge

Ochaco sat alone alone in the waiting room, stunned. She’d come in third, and taken another step towards her dream. Overwhelmed by an emotional call from home, she missed Izuku’s entrance until he called her name.

“Uraraka…”

“Deku!”   Leaping up, she embraced her friend and hugged him tight. She hadn’t seen him since she left him crying with All Might(!?). 

“Ochaco…” a flushing Izuku wheezed.

“I’m sorry,” Letting him go, she locked eyes with him. “Sorry I never realised how much Bakugo hurt you. I fought him for you, Izuku.”

Tears welling up, Izuku returned the hug. “Thank you, Uravity.”

Chapter 178: Scoville Scale

Summary:

Bakugo loves spicy foods not just for the taste and challenge offered, but how they aid his quirk.

Katsuki wouldn’t deny that Lunch-Rush was a great aid in maximising his quirk’s power. The chef was always standing-by, ready to cater for special dietary requests, and had quickly whipped up a five-star snack, loaded with capsaicin to open Katsuki’s pores.

For good measure, the chilihead downed a bottle of Tabasco sauce

Racoon Eyes might not be the decisive battle he’d sought with Icy-hot, but in the quarter-finals he’d seen something change in the pink punk. She wasn’t going to hold back, and that was all he wanted. Trouncing someone equally determined to win would cement his name in glory.

Notes:

Again showing the effects of my Red Dwarf binge, what Lunch-Rush made was either a Shami Kebab Diablo or a Chilli Chutney Sandwich, favoured cuisine of chilihead Dave Lister, who actually does drink Tabasco sauce (that and Beer Milkshakes). Bakugo might loathe the smeghead's lifestyle but he'll respect the guy for his iron gut. Thinking about it, they might get along alright as Lister and Kirishima are cut from the same cloth...only Lister’s got covered in curry stains and can't be bothered to exercise.

Chapter 179: "I know what I have to do now"

Summary:

Mina is ready to Make Her Story

Momo had demanded much from Mina in devising the perfect solution to counter Bakugo, but it had paid off, not just in a whole new application of her Quirk, but in opening her eyes.

Limbering-up for the fight, Mina felt reflective. In the Cavalry Battle she’d been a pawn to further Bakugo’s own goals. Academically, she always placed low, by U.A.’s standards.

Not anymore. No more slacking in class, no more excusing Bakugo’s excesses. She’d better herself, and make him pay for exploiting people’s vulnerabilities to torment them.

Hell, she’d give him a taste of his own medicine.

Notes:

Que the guitar riff!

Chapter 180: The Final Countdown

Summary:

For the last time of this year’s annual U.A Sports Festival First Year events, Present Mic hypes the crowd.

“And now, everyone , the moment you’ve all been waiting for! We started the day with two-hundred-and-twenty eligible students, and have whittled them down through a series of grueling challenges, testing their wits and abilities. Now it comes down to this: One. Final. Fight!

“He made his ambitions clear with the festival pledge and has been relentless in pursuing that goal - now Katsuki Bakugo stands ready to come out here and take that gold medal! But his opponent Mina Ashido won’t take that lying down, she’s spry, slippery as her acid, and full of smiles!”

Raise your voices for our TRIBUTES !”

Notes:

Next Week: Bakugo vs. Ashido...

Chapter 181: Honour and Glory

Summary:

Bakugo and Ashido fight for more than the Gold Medal. Both have something to prove, ideals to uphold

The crowd’s adulation approached bloodsport crescendo as Midnight cautioned the combatants on potentially-lethal quirks. Excessive force or deliberate maiming meant disqualification. While they nodded assent, both knew the truth. No holds barred. Plus Ultra.

“Bakugo vs Ashido...begin!”

With a fast draw of his hands, Bakugo blasted both barrels at Mina. The agile dancer rolled, dodging the fireballs and gracefully transitioning back onto her feet, sliding around on non-corrosive secretions, ducking and weaving to avoid hurled explosions

Bakugo grinned manically. The more she dragged this out, the more he’d sweat.

The soapy smell in the air meant nothing to him.

Notes:

Now Sing alone to Pinky and The Brain

“Gee Bakugo, how am I gonna whoop your ass tonight?
“The same way everyone else has tried Racoon Eyes, so give me everything you got!”

They’re Pinky and The Shame
Yes Pinky and The Shame
One is a hero, the other’s to blame

He’s foul-mouthed and concise
But Mina’s rather nice
They're quirky.
They’re Pinky and The Shame, Shame, Shame, Shame
Shame, Shame, Shame. Shame
Shame!

Before this fight is done
Their truth will be unfurled
For remember only one
Can take away the gold

They’re Pinky and the Shame
And she called out his game
The cause of her disdain
Is easy to explain

To boost his own self-worth
He bullied kids for mirth
She’s itchin’
She’s itchin for a fight, fight, fight, fight
Fight, fight, fight, fight
“FIGHT!”

De-de-daaaaa-dum

Chapter 182: A Legitimate Strategy

Summary:

Bakugo is disappointed and infuriated as MIna's battle plan doesn't give him the decisive fight he wants

Tumbling her way through chained explosions, Mina knew she was racing the clock. Even without his bracers to reduce the strain, Bakugo’s quirk got stronger over time. But her agility had kept her ahead so far in this chess game. Even Bakugo’s brief sorties into the air were foiled, every bombing run dodged and his landing zones increasingly drenched with slick goo.

“What is this?” he bellowed in frustration. “I know you’re strong! So stop messing around and fight me! Give me your fucking best!”

Famous last words.

“Sure!” Mina kicked a puddle, splattering him with globs of slippery foam.

Notes:

Bakugo buys into Imperial Japan's 'decisive battle' naval doctrine and hates it with people don’t play to that mindset. When he calls out his opponents for it, they be like "It's a legitimate strategy!"

Chapter 183: Touching Base

Summary:

Bakugo learns there are solutions to dealing with problems other than brute strength

Wiping the mildly-stinging splat off his arms, Bakugo seethed. 

‘Like a monkey flinging its own shit.’

He’d had enough - time to win this. Debut the Howitzer Impact, and his victory, his strength would be undeniable.

Bracing for takeoff, his confident grin was answered with two pathetic pops from his palms.

“The hell?” Rubbing his hands against his uniform didn’t help dry them - the foamy slime only frothed into a lather, sticking to skin which now only produced weak sparks. “What did you do to me!?” he screamed.

Mina grinned viciously. “A good plan is built on a solid base, amiright?”

Notes:

Ah-ha. Puns galore.

Chapter 184: Explosive Mix

Summary:

Bakugo's insecurities, a choice of certain words and nitroglycerin can have interesting results.

Smoke billowed from Bakugo’s hands as he took a step back, the solution coating them playing havoc with his nitroglycerin sweat. Yaoyorozu, Uraraka and now Ashido...all had denied him his own quirk, stolen his pride .

“What's it like to fight quirkless... Kacccchhhaaannn…”

Mina’s choice of words froze him cold. Trembling, Bakugo saw her silhouette form amidst the smoke: similar height, same untamable hair, and the cheer of that goddamn nickname.

“Don’t look down at me!” Raging at the not-Deku, he forced every drop of sweat into his grasp and lit off. 

Combustion incomplete, the skin of his palms exploded

Chapter 185: Triumph

Summary:

After sixteen battles, many twists and developments, the winner of the U.A Sports Festival's 1st year events is declared.

Stunned, Mina kept her distance from the smoke cloud. Moving-in to verify Bakugo’s status, Midnight was shoved aside as the student - hands covered in second-degree burns - burst from the fume and charged Mina in a demented rage.

She easily countered such a thoughtless attack with a flying armlock. But despite being pinned down, Bakugo still struggled, hands sparking, driven wild by adrenaline and pain.

“Go to sleep!” she spat, delivering a summary kick to his jaw. 

Bakugo went limp. Refusing to release, Mina held on until Midnight called the fight.

“Holy shit, he’s out cold ... Mina Ashido wins the gold!”

Notes:

And there you have it. Mina Ashido wins the 1st Year Gold Medal at the U.A Sports festival.

Long ago…like, fifteen weeks ago...

The Reasoning:
When my brother pitched the whole idea of a random draw for the Sports Festival (in the distant past of March 6th - look how much has changed since then), we went into it and drew the lots with no predetermined winner in mind. We realised quickly that Bakugo was a shoo-in for the final. Izuku was still drinking his bone-breaking juice at this point, and Todoroki would have half-assed it like in canon thanks to his daddy issues.

The other side of the bracket however wasn’t so cut-and-dry. It was only once we finished deciding the outcome of the quarterfinals and went “Holy shit, can Mina actually win this?” that dawn suddenly broke over a dark and troubled land. Having already decided that Bakugo would have reduced Izuku to tears, we knew that Mina (with her canon stance on bullying) wouldn’t tolerate it, and suddenly she became a serious contender in our eyes. It also made sense - Mina is the physically strongest and most agile girl in 1-A, the perfect candidate to send up (and stand up) against Bakugo. She has the moves to keep ahead of him (just look at her tumbling vs. Slice in Heroes Rising), and strength and dexterity to go toe-to-toe in a brawl.

That said, his quirk was a frightening thing to match the perky Pinky against, and Mina would have to do something special to win. Then we realised that we’d established a theme in Momo and Ochaco’s fights with Bakugo - they’d both stole his Quirk’s power. This made for wonderful poetic justice, so we decided to roll with it. Simple science however showed that acids wouldn’t have the effects we desired, at which point my brother called me in a gibbering fit of excitement.

 “BROTHER! Mina foot-goo is slippery! That’s a quality associated with bases, not acids! Bases can neutralize nitroglycerine!”

 So we decided to go to the other end of the (pH) scale. Anything higher than pH 7 is basic in nature, and Mina is officially capable of controlling her pH. There’ll be a more detailed exploration next Monday, we now had the means to the ends we wanted, and Bakugo got his desired fight with half-n’-half, but instead of Fire and Ice, he got Acid and Base.

Mina’s “quirkless” and “Kacchan” taunts were from her putting two and two together (she’s academically challenged, but is a savant at social algebra). Bakugo has raged about Izuku’s 'supposed’ quirklessness in class and Izuku has ‘declared’ himself as a ‘late bloomer’ so Mina in her bully hunt mode realised this was the foundation of Bakugo’s reign of torment, and used it to get revenge on Izuku’s behalf, giving both her and Ochaco closure by satisfying their shared motivation to win.

Under such circumstances, Bakugo however would naturally rage and push his quirk to the limit (for all his faults, he is a fierce determinator), injuring himself in the process, which brings us to the final part.

We needed Bakugo’s defeat to be clear cut, no room for debate. We considered having Midnight to call the fight once he blew himself up, but that would give Bakugo an excuse for his defeat - the notion that victory was stolen from him (his own “stab in the back” myth). Mina had to finish the fight on her own terms and knock him out to make the win undeniable.

 

But now...
COMPETITION RESULTS!
I promised rewards to the smart people who could guess two of the final medalists, we have some winners!

The commenter going by the handle of Don't worry about it, you picked Bakugo for Silver and Ochaco for Bronze. Well done, you get a free drabble!

And Rudywings91, you came so close to winning the grand prize of having me write you five drabbles by correctly picking all three of the medalists! But when I asked you to decide to narrow down your picks of Tokoyami and Ochaco for the bronze, you unfortunately called heads and got tails. Seeing that made me feel for you, but you still get a single drabble.

LurkerWithComputer, ofWisdomandWitt and IronRaven, you guys picked Ochaco for bronze, Good on ya!

This however leaves three slots for a second request week so I’m giving IronRaven and ofWisdomandWitt a drabble each as lucky losers. Lurker, I love you but you got picked last time. For the final one I’m giving out to Mosshead_Warbonnet as the lucky person to post the 1000th comment.

Congrats to you five! Send me your request in the comments (no guro or explicit content plz), and If you don't see this, I’ll notify you through the comment where you submitted your guesses. Don’t be afraid to think PLUS ULTRA!

Btw, we're not done yet...we still have the aftermath...

Chapter 186: Creati Thinking

Summary:

Momo explains to her classmates how Mina did the impossible

The crowd screamed. Class 1-A gawped. 

“How?” Kirishima exclaimed. “What just happened?!!” 

“She used base secretions to saponify Bakugo’s nitroglycerin.”

“What did you say?” The whole class turned to Momo. 

“Ah…” she stammered. “Counsellors called her corrosion ‘acid’, but I realised if Mina’s body only produced acids, the pH imbalance should've killed her years ago.”

“So she creates bases too!” Kaminari realized. “Like Todoroki’s ice balancing his fire! That’s brilliant Yaoyorozu!” 

“It just... made sense,“ Momo blushed. “...when I suddenly remembered that bases reacting with fatty-acids produce soaps.”

“Just like her foot-goo…” gasped Kyoka. “ You’re a genius Momo!”

“ T-thank you ."

Notes:

Headcanon: When Momo turns Pro, her side job will be hosting an educational science programme with the other 1-A girls as guest co-hosts. In keeping with that, its time for Quirk Theory 101 as written by my brother.

 

WARNING: the below takes the same approach to science as MHA does – sounding just ‘realistic’ enough to seem plausible, and ignoring any problems that get in the way of good heroic fun. Quirks are already bullshit science that cheat the laws of reality on a daily basis, but who cares because they’re awesome – I mean, we’re talking about a world where you can have a cactus for a body or be born with an internal combustion engine in your legs – under any other circumstances we’d be bordering on Lovecraftian horrors!

We arrived at the theory that Mina could produce powerful bases as well as acids in the same way Momo does here – associating her slippery (and non-corrosive) foot-goo with soap-lather, which is produced when bases in soap react with fatty-acids in human skin. Therefore anytime we see Mina ‘acid-surfing’ on surfaces as varied as concrete and metal, it’s not actually acid – it’s a by-product from the reaction of her body’s fat reserves with a base that she secretes!

It also made sense that she be able to produce bases in order to protect herself by countering/neutralising her own acids, and given we’ve seen her envelope herself in said acid, this has to be happening throughout her body - at the cellular level.

With this in mind, her potential versatility goes up massively. She can treat chemical burns with a touch, neutralise spilled substances, and that’s just for starters. But the big revelation came when one day I got up from bed in an excited frenzy because I suddenly 'understood' Mina.

Mina’s body must have a mechanism to produce and regulate her internal pH. Since her blood-type is known and is apparently normal (she’s type AB – the universal recipient), this process must be independent from the human organs that naturally handle this (our lungs and kidneys) – we know from her horns (which I believe sense the pH of her surroundings) that she has some kind of mutation, so it doesn’t seem radical to assume some funky stuff going on beneath her hot-pink epidermis.

Acids dissolved in water (as they would be in the body) produce hydrogen ions - bases absorb them (this is literally where ‘pH’ - potential for hydrogen - comes from). Mina’s baseline state seems to be somewhat acidic, so she’d have a surplus of hydrogen ions. Because she doesn’t belch fireballs or piss a flamethrower (that we know of), that hydrogen is being used for something, and we think it’s to produce energy - her body reacts her own naturally-produced hydrogen ions with oxygen (acquired through breathing) to generate bioelectricity! A by-product of this would be pure water – useful for keeping herself hydrated and for projecting/diluting her secretions.

In short, Mina has an INCREDIBLY efficient metabolism – she’s a walking, talking, break-dancing FUEL CELL! (Momo will probably be shortly demanding stool and urine samples to determine just HOW efficient). And if this process takes place at a cellular level, it would be most concentrated in her densest tissues – the muscles! THAT’s where Mina’s phenomenal energy, stamina and strength come from, and her lively, genki-girl nature doesn’t just become a quirk of personality; it becomes an expression of her upper-case-Q Quirk!

And when she’s really exerting herself, like in combat, her body would switch modes (like humans switching from aerobic to anaerobic respiration), changing from an organic Fuel Cell to a biological BATTERY, reacting her internal acids with dissolved salts and metals (from her food) to convert chemical energy into bioelectricity to keep up with demand. That's how she can push herself and keep on going, but would be time-limited, because she’d now be consuming her own energy reserves. Furthermore, batteries corrode the metals they use as electrodes, which might explains Mina's skin colouration and finite ability to resist her own acids at peak exertion – her pink tones may come from internal oxidisation of metals – she is literally rusting!

This doesn’t mean Mina’s going to replace Kaminari as Class-A’s resident shock-jock. Quite the opposite – Denki’s Quirk allows him to project electricity, but at risk to himself. Mina’s Quirk instead contains her bioelectricity internally to power herself (her skin looking a little rubbery makes double-sense now – it’s both an insulator and protective sheath for her own internal acids).

Semi-seriously, this might also explain why Mina is book-dumb – our brains regulate the majority of our bodily functions subconsciously, and dear Pinky’s gray-matter is kept busy running a phenomenally-complex bio-electro-chemical-plant/power-station 24/7. There’s just not much spare run-time left for the poor girl to spend on other things!

Chapter 187: Jackpot

Summary:

Winning can take many forms

On some occasions the U.A. Sports Festival included a football league, which under an obscure loophole made the entire tournament one of the few sporting events in Japan on which it was legal to gamble.

In a Chiba Prefecture bar, an eldery (horned) man gleefully watched destiny play out, placing confident wagers on one particular contestant, and letting his winnings ride with her every win.

When Mina Ashido won gold he jumped onto a table.

“Yes! Yes! Yes! I’ve just won a shitload of money!”

Unaware that he was being filmed, Mina’s great-uncle’s victory dance became a viral hit

Notes:

Directly inspired by this video and one of its top comments. If the festival is as big the characters hype it up to be, you just know people are gambling on it - legally or illegally. There is another side of the festival’s wider perceptions I want to cover if I get the chance - those who oppose it.

Chapter 188: Confirmation and Evaluation

Summary:

Although he can't see the spreading ripples, Izuku understands the festival's outcome will have lasting results

Still not ready to face the world, Izuku had watched Mina’s and Kacchan’s fight from the breakroom. While his friends cheered for Mina as the fight was called, Izuku frantically wrote into his notebook. He had long theorised that chemicals could affect Kacchan’s quirk, but to see his hypothesis field-tested was something else.

And he couldn’t believe his eyes: Kacchan, the indomitable person he’d placed on a plinth almost equal to All Might, had only narrowly squeaked past Uravity to be thoroughly beaten in the final.

His worldview completely transformed, Izuku could only guess at the ramifications of today’s events.

Notes:

Chapter 164 (The Scientific Method) saw Momo form a hypothesis that Izuku shared. With the 'empirical evidence' that Mina provided with her 'live experiment', it's time to peer review the results.

I did have a drabble featuring a foggy gentleman and a fella in dire need of lip balm but I decided to push that one back a few weeks and wrote this last night. I'm such a tease.

Chapter 189: Home Rehabilitation

Summary:

Bakugo’s parents learn the immediate effects of their son's self-inflicted injuries

Mitsuki and Masaru nodded their understanding as Recovery Girl explained Katsuki's condition over video-chat. 90% of his palms had suffered second-degree burns, and damage her quirk couldn’t heal alone had required skin-grafts.

On top of the prescribed ointments and painkillers, she recommended daily visits for additional healing, and forbade quirk use for a week. 

Thanking her as they hung up, both parents knew the coming days were going to be... difficult . Never had Katsuki been humbled like this, and his prized quirk might not fully recover. 

They’d be strong, and support him. And if Katsuki didn’t like it, tough shit.

Notes:

I like to think that the skin used for the grafts were taken from Bakugo's backside. He's literally had his ass handed to him.

Chapter 190: The Straw

Summary:

Everyone has their limits before their patience breaks

Despite their mother’s breakdown, Fuyumi found herself rushing home after checking in at the hospital, hoping to mediate the fallout of Shoto’s early elimination. Natsuo would be there for Mom, but she had to be there for her youngest sibling.

Shoto was ‘training’ with father when she arrived. Disrupting their sessions was verboten, and so Fuyumi endured hours of shouts, cries and weighty impacts.

Eventually Endeavour exited, phone in hand. “HPSC business.”

Rushing into the dojo, Fuyumi gasped. Shoto was slumped over, singed, battered, bloody, barely conscious. Powerless to help her baby brother, she wept, and raged.

This was unforgivable.

Chapter 191: Behind The Curtains

Summary:

As the Sports Festival prepares for the pageantry of presenting the medals, the three recipients gather

The gold and bronze medalists greeted one another with congratulatory high fives.

“Great job Mina!” Ochaco enthused. “You did it!”

“Na-ha Chaco’,” the bubbly winner replied, beckoning for Ochaco to ascend the podium alongside her. “We did it!”

Their cheer was broken by the smell of antiseptic. Both girls flinched at the sight of Bakugo’s heavily-bandaged hands as he stomped stone-faced to second-place. 

“Bakugo-” even if they’d wanted to teach him a lesson, Mina had never intended to maim him.

“I’m fine!” he snapped as the roof opened and they were lifted into the stadium. “Let’s get this over with.”

Notes:

If you're a fan of my Life and Times of the Midoriyas series, a new entry is being posted tomorrow! Huzzah!

Chapter 192: Ochaco Uraraka: Bronze Medalist

Summary:

Coming third is no mean feat and can serve as a jumping board for greater things

As All Might approached the podium with her medal in hand. Ochaco struggled to hold back tears.

“Young Uraraka, you have demonstrated great loyalty, cunning and determination in pursuing your goals. Work hard on your personal endurance and you’ll achieve many great things that will exceed your accomplishment today.”

Slipping the bronze medal around her neck and crouching to embrace the student, he discretely added ”You remind me of a hero who was my inspiration at your age. No doubt children will too look to you as you do remarkable things to galvanise the next generation of heroes.”

Ochaco cried.

Notes:

Keep your eyes peeled, Font of Memories, the next entry in the Life and Times of the Midoriyas series is posting later!

Chapter 193: Katsuki Bakugo: Silver Medalist

Summary:

While Bakugo believes silver as a failure on his part, All Might sees a golden moment to offer guidance.

Katsuki's hands trembled. If losing wasn't enough, the pockmark scars underneath the bandages would serve as a lifelong reminder of his failure to control his anger.

“Don’t think of this as a defeat, young Bakugo.” said All Might as he presented the silver medal. “We’re all fallible. I’ve let people down, fallen short of my own ideals, failed to catch villains and been unable to save people. What I take away from those moments are opportunities to identify my shortcomings. You are a capable student with plenty of time to reflect. Take this to heart and you’ll be even stronger.”

Notes:

I want to think of this as the beginning of Bakugo's healing, but a thought struck me last week that made me go "Ah, shit..."

Also, Izuku got his scars trying to save. Bakugo got his by trying to win. Love their opposite sides of the coin of mindsets

Chapter 194: Mina Ashido: Gold Medalist

Summary:

Mina might have taken the gold, but its only a mere step in the life of a hero.

“Young Ashido, your smile and charm has brightened this festival on top of your unique skills. You have truly earned this victory. However, bear in mind your fellow students and the public will turn to you as a rallying point. Such symbols carry a responsibility to uphold this school’s heroic ideals. Remember that as you go forward and continue improving your academic performance.”

He winked as he donned Mina with her medal. “Young Yaoyorozu won’t always be there for study sessions.”

Mina firmly nodded, accepting her role as All Might closed the 1st year’s festival event and the celebrations began

Chapter 195: Media Exposure

Summary:

The Sports Festival is intended for hopeful hero students to catch the eyes of professionals. While the medalists have accomplished that, others are equally interested

Having yet undergone media training, the teachers supervised the medalists as they gave their interviews.

Ochaco dedicated her medal to her supporting parents and teachers, along with her classmates - especially Midoriya - who’d inspired her to greater heights.

Asked to comment on his unfulfilled promise and injuries, Bakugo stated. “I messed up. It won’t happen again” and walked away.

With her energy and easygoing attitude, Mina was a natural before cameras and microphones as she publicly thanked Momo.

Deep in the mountains, memories stirred within a colossal figure as he tuned in on the radio. “Pink girl…” Gigantomachia rumbled. "Pink girl…"

Notes:

Holy crap, Font of Memories came 3rd in the IzuOcha Discord writing contest! Today is a good day!

Chapter 196: Disclosure

Summary:

As Class 1-A is sent home, they are entrusted with the knowledge that All Might isn't always All Might

Despite sweeping the medals, the atmosphere in 1-A’s homeroom was sombre as All Might depowered. No need to maintain the facade after Izuku’s accidental disclosure.

“All Might’s condition is a state secret.“ Aizawa’s tone was severe. “Should someone here disclose this information, they will be identified and expelled”. He grimaced internally, but toed the HPSC’s party-line. “As for Todoroki, don’t harass him when classes resume.”

Seeing the discontent adorning their students’ faces gave both teachers immense pride. And although unable to officially help, or even acknowledge a problem existed, U.A.’s staff would do their utmost to aid Todoroki

Notes:

X59, your comment back in chapter 131 gave me this summery, be proud.

Chapter 197: Viable Candidate

Summary:

While one potential recruit for the League has slipped through their fingers, another option presents itself.

After hours of fruitless searching, Kurogiri concluded he wouldn’t find his quarry. Despite being active in Hosu, it seemed that Stain hadn’t struck down a hero today. Had the hero-killer done so, Kurogiri’s search would have been considerably easier. 

Conceding defeat, he opened a portal back to the bar. 

What greeted him on his return was surprising. Rather than begrudgingly watching the Sports Festival like their master had instructed, Tomura Shigaraki was laughing dementedly.

“They all lost! Those boss-tier brats from the USJ were beaten! For The Win!”

“Indeed?”

“Not only that,” Shigaraki leered. “They’ve given me the perfect recruit!”

Chapter 198: Frayed Relationships

Summary:

There are many things in Bakugo's life that are being strained and questioned.

His hands bandaged, Bakugo swallowed what little of his pride remained and asked Kirishima to help him change clothes. Though the redhead obliged, the atmosphere was tense. Relishing Deku's breakdown was definitely “unmanly” conduct, and might have irreversibly fucked-up their relationship.

When the conversation moved to All Might, and Kirishima mentioned that Deku already knew the truth, Bakugo froze. Pieces fell in place.

Claims of a borrowed Quirk… similar to All Might’s… who was weakening… Deku’s foreknowledge...

Kirishima might have been angry with Bakugo, but when Katsuki suddenly sobbed out “why him?!”, Eijiro’s first reaction was to hug his friend.

Notes:

I said in the endnotes in last week's drabble when Bakugo gets his medal that I had a "oh shit" moment. This is it. I was just minding my own business, cleaning the 9 Bed space on my Covid ward when I suddenly stopped dead in the middle of the room as it dawned on me that Bakugo could figure things out after the whole class saw All Might deflate.

And yeah, Kiri is a Good Boi.

Chapter 199: Spoliation of Evidence, Plausible Deniability & Confidentiality

Summary:

Shoto knows that exploiting loopholes is how the powerful and untouchable remain so

Not everyone in Japan could afford healthcare insurance, and not everyone with healing quirks could afford medical tuition or accreditation. This naturally spawned a dark-care system of backstreet ‘doctors’ (some motivated by charity, others by profit) providing cheap, no-questions-asked healing.

These unregistered clinics were how Endeavour avoided questions concerning Shoto's vigorous training. One discrete consultation, and any number of bruises and broken ribs disappeared overnight.

Shoto himself was trapped. He couldn’t turn to U.A for help, not without evidence, not with the HPSC always ready to shield Endeavour.

That night he cried himself to sleep. He wanted his mother

Chapter 200: Future Echoes

Summary:

Sir Nighteye's plan to 'save' the Symbol of Peace goes into action, yet the future continues to unsettle him.

Nighteye’s offer of an internship to Midoriya needed to be done discreetly, away from All Might’s blinkered eyes. Mirio would be the delivery system, personally handing a flattering introductory letter and offer to the boy. Lemillion was happy to do so, innocent of his own duplicity: “Midoriya reminds me of Tamaki, Sir. Some help with that wicked-powerful quirk will boost his confidence and get that smile back.”

Sending his protege home with best wishes for the festival, Nighteye activated Foresight. Proudly he confirmed Mirio claiming the gold...but then... 

Sudden shock? Public anger? Traumatic rage? 

What was that all about?

Notes:

Just incase you forgot, this was the last Nighteye drabble 51 chapters ago.

And oh wow, 200 drabbles? Over 30000 views? Very nice.

Chapter 201: Ascendance

Summary:

When you hit the lowest point, the only way is up.

Considering the predawn sky from Dagobah beach’s pier, Izuku recounted yesterday’s events. His classmates were simply amazing. Momo. Uravity. Kacchan. Mina. Even Mei had achieved far more than him at the festival, without even using her Quirk .

Plucking a single strand of hair from his head, Izuku contemplated the future.

“Did All Might make a mistake? They do amazing things without One For All while I’m squandering it, breaking myself. A useless Deku. I can’t even help…’”

A thought struck him and he opened his messenger app.

Iida, can you arrange a class gathering? We need to talk about Todoroki.

Notes:

To rise simply isn’t enough for Izuku - he offers a hand to those also struggling.

Chapter 202: My Teaching Academia

Summary:

All Might realises that as a teacher, he needs a mentor

All Might braced for the (inevitable) chewing-out from Gran Torino as he dialed his number. Aizawa had been verging on an aneurysm as he explained his reluctance: “Midoriya accepted an immense responsibility alongside your Quirk - if you don’t match his commitment, you have no right to call yourself a hero, let alone a teacher!”

Eraserhead was right, as always. Young Midoriya was always pushing his limits, and here he was, exploiting Death’s looming shadow as an excuse to sit on his laurels. His successor needed to be ready physically and emotionally before Nighteye’s vision came to fruition. 

Time was limited.

Chapter 203: A Talk About Your Quirk

Summary:

Before 1-A gathers at Dagobah beach to discuss Todoroki's situation, Bakugo confronts Izuku with the truth

All of 1-A had agreed to meet at Dagobah… except for Todoroki, who nobody could reach. Bakugo was the first to arrive, stomping up to Izuku and wincingly shoving at him with bandaged hands 

“You caught All Might’s eye, that day he trashed that slime villain. Your ‘borrowed’ power is his.” Both were statements, not questions.

“Kacchan, I…” Izuku couldn't deny it, and nodded lamely.

So it was true. “Why? Why you, Izuku?” Bakugo keened, emotions bursting. “What does the Number One hero see in you? What's gonna happen when he fails because you have his strength?”

“...I don’t know.”

Notes:

Happy birthday to the wonderful boy, I only wish I had a fluffy drabble to go with it!

Bakugo learning about OFA early on sure does change their character dynamics. Izuku hasn't reached or surpassed Bakugo's level yet to generate a healthy rivalry between the two and is in a more vulnerable state of mind while Bakugo hasn't placed the guilt of All Might's retirement on himself but is equally frazzled by his defeat at Mina’s hands (or rather his). Lots of soul searching is required.

Chapter 204: A Doomed Endeavour

Summary:

Endeavour realises that his every action of molding a successor has destroyed his family

Alone in his study, Enji dragged his hands down his face. Two empty bottles of Scotch said everything: he’d messed up. Without the HPSC’s velvet glove and iron fist, Endeavour’s outburst would be front-page news.

Shoto hated him. Reconciliation with Natsuo was impossible. Maybe Fuyumi was lost to him too...

Rei. Toya...

Shoto’s training was merciless, but nobody understood - the lessons needed to be beaten in to stick. Had the Yaoyorozu girl been a villain, the boy would be dead. 

If losing his entire family was the cost of making Shoto a great hero, then Endeavour would bear that cross.

Notes:

May this day mark the last of my 86 work days on a Covid ward. It was hell.

Chapter 205: Utility Party Member

Summary:

Aiming to expand his group, Shigaraki triggers a rare scripted encounter with a potentially game changing character

“Knock Knock.” Shigaraki smirked as he stepped through the portal. “Vault-Tec calling.”

It was so obvious. Students from all across Japan attended U.A, and the majority lived in small rented apartments. Isolated, unprotected, alone. Hardly good world design.

Spawning on-cue, his target rushed out to confront him. “The hell are you?”

Silently demonstrating his quirk, Shigaraki reduced a chair to dust. Pouncing, he threw the terrified student to the floor.

“Not a word,” he addressed the open space. His grip tightened, pinky finger hovering over the kid’s throat. “Society rejected you didn’t it? It rejected me too, Hitoshi Shinso...”

Chapter 206: Convening

Summary:

1-A gathers to discuss the pressing matter of Todoroki's abuse.

While most of 1-A had moved to Musutafu to attend U.A, before Izuku could speak his mind they had to wait for those that commuted from further afield to arrive. By the time Mineta had completed the long haul over from Hakone, everyone was discussing Endeavour’s evident abuse of their classmate, and the teachers’ apparent unwillingness to intervene. 

“But you know something don't you, Midoriya?” Momo asked, feeling immensely (and unnecessarily) guilty for her part in Shouto’s fall.

“Yeah, and it’s pretty bad.” Taking a heavy breath, Izuku recounted Todoroki’s own words. “You’re all familiar with Quirk marriages, right?”

Chapter 207: Verification

Summary:

Disclosing Todoroki’s homelife, Izuku gets support from the last person he'd expect.

Long before Izuku even finished outlining the Todoroki family’s history, the whole class was aghast. 

“Not that I don't believe you Midoriya,” croaked a flabbergasted Tsuyu. “But these are serious accusations to be making. Without another eyewitness to back them up-”

“It's true, Frog-Face.” The entire class turned to Bakugo, who met Izuku's surprise with a roll of eyes. “I followed you and Icyhot after the cavalry battle. If you’re going to have a private conversation, hold it somewhere that’s actually private. And he’s a fucking idiot - no-way you’re All Might’s bastard kid.”

“Ha-ha!” Ochaco howled. “I can see it!”

Chapter 208: Logical Conculsions

Summary:

1-A deducts just how far the suppression of Todoroki's abuse reaches

Bakugo’s account of Todoroki’s exact words might have thoroughly embarrassed Izuku (and amused everyone else), but did verify his testimony.

“This raises another concerning point,” Iida observed soberly. ”U.A. evidently knows of Endeavour’s excesses, yet has instructed us to not discuss these matters with Todoroki himself. That infers complicity.”

“I passed everything on to Mr Aizawa too.” Izuku looked thoughtful. “He didn’t know and was furious, but also… frustrated? Like his hands were tied?”

“Wait.” Kirishima cut in. “You saying someone’s preventing our teachers, actual heroes, from intervening?”

The implication was bone-chilling: someone in authority was protecting an abuser.

Chapter 209: The Right to Know

Summary:

The Class understands that even Heroes answer to higher powers, ones that decides what concerns public interest.

“Oh, they're going down!” Mina cracked her knuckles. Bakugo’s bullying had angered her - the idea of someone powerful enabling Endeavour prompted cold-blooded fury.

“Mina...” Momo murmured. “No hero would allow this except under duress. An order like that would’ve come all the way down from the HPSC, maybe even the Prime Minister!”

“The number two hero, a child abuser?” Bakugo snorted. “Of course ‘they’ want to muzzle it.”

Was this the system they were signing up for, its most-powerful held beyond account? 

“We were sworn to secrecy about All Might,” Izuku broke the grim silence. “Nobody said anything about this.”

Notes:

The chapter title come from an episaode of the classic British policital sitcom Yes Minister (enjoy this playlist). A few days ago, my brother sparked an idea of doing a crossover of that with MHA. Oh the thoughts of Jim Hacker, the Right Honourable Gentleman from Birmingham East dealing with the bureaucracy of Hero Society and Sir Humphrey's machinations at the Department of Administrative Affairs fills me with wonder.

Chapter 210: "Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno"

Summary:

United, they stand

“Are you crazy!?” screamed Mineta. “You want to take on The Man?”

Refusing to be cowed, Izuku clenched his fist. “It's a hero’s job to help those in need. I won’t standby and do nothing, even if it means putting a permanent black mark against my name.”

“I’m with you Midori’.” Mina stood up, recalling All Might’s advice to uphold heroic ideals, and the acid in her voice raised doubting heads

Ochaco followed. “For Todoroki!” she declared, then started in surprise as Bakugo rose too.

That broke the dam, 1-A rallying behind Izuku and their champions to plan a rescue.

Notes:

"All for one and one for all, united we stand divided we fall"
The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas

It's not the original French, but Latin always has extra oomph. Also, the phrase is the unofficial motto of Switzerland and to use a European country’s motto is fitting in MHA because we all know Spain's motto,

And on a final, unrelated note, I’m in a good mood. The easing of lockdown restrictions has resulted in me getting my hair cut for the first time since early February.. I feel alive again.

Chapter 211: Understanding

Summary:

Bakugo has a moment of clarity at what makes a hero

A plan formulated, 1-A dispersed to prepare themselves. Hanging back, Mina and Ochaco observed from a distance as Bakugo approached Izuku.

“If this blows up in our faces Deku, it’ll be the end of your dream.”

True. As the instigator, HPSC would never let him become a hero.

“That's fine, I have to do this. If it protects someone, I’m sure All Might would agree.”

Bakugo bit his lip. Izuku's lifelong goal was within his reach, yet here he was ready to sacrifice it all to save someone.

‘That’s what All Might sees in you.’ 

But he didn’t say it. 

Notes:

Don't mind me, just quoting Heroes Rising. I just wanted to give Bakugo a moment that brings him and Izuku closer that was so cruelly taken away from him. Much as I love the film, that asspull of an ending to restore the status quo is my one gripe

Chapter 212: Scoop of the Century

Summary:

Izuku and the rest of 1-A aren't the only faction in play seeking justice for Shoto.

Veteran newscaster Daikaku Miyagi was extremely surprised when Fuyumi Todoroki telephoned to offer him an interview. Many had requested an exclusive with Endeavour’s daughter, and were always rebuked. Not looking a gift horse in the mouth, he quickly agreed to a preliminary face-to-face at a cafe near her school
 
So they met to discuss technicalities and schedules, everything seemingly normal until Fuyumi rose to depart, leaving behind a dossier. 

“Miss Todoroki, you forgot--” Daikaku started, and stopped when she winked, revealed a duplicate, and left. 

Opening it, his eyes boggled. 

“A Family Court petition?!” 

For custody of one Shoto Todoroki...

Notes:

If you wondering who the hell is this guy, Daikaku Miyagi is the newscaster with the one horn. I did originally have Taneo Tokuda, the journalist from the start of season 4 filling the role but the way it was written, it wasn’t working. As an alternate, my brother suggested the female news hawk that had the U.A gate slam in her face in season 1. The fact she’s hungry for a story would have helped but the lack of a name was a big strike against her so we went with Miyagi, who we assume to be a trusted and influential person in the industry. It would be like taking a story to Trevor McDonald or Walter Cronkite

Chapter 213: Rational vs. Emotional

Summary:

Tenya faces an internal conflict over 1-A's course of action

Tenya needed some time to himself. Discovering Endeavour’s dirty laundry, and the government’s tacit compliance, had completely thrown him. 

But what 1-A was planning?. It was morally right, but legally? Between All Might weakening and an abuse scandal, Japan could be plunged into turmoil. 

Slumping onto a park bench, he dialed the one person he could always depend on for counsel.

“Tensei, can we talk?

Withholding names, he explained his dilemma. As Ingenium, Tenya knew his brother to be “creative” in law interpretation. If anyone knew what to do, it was him. 

“Well, what does your heart say?” asked Tensei.

Notes:

Sorry about the late upload, just paying the price for staying up late last night watching American Presidential election history videos on youtube by falling asleep. And yay for the benefits of not having a brother in the hospital thanks to Stain

Chapter 214: Making Connections

Summary:

Both physically and emotionally, Bakugo and Izuku take the next step on their healing process

Stuck at the station’s ticket barrier, Bakugo fumbled with bandaged hands for his travelcard. The next train to U.A was due and Recovery Girl would chew him out if he didn’t arrive promptly for his treatment.

“Here, Kacchan,” pulling the card out for him, Izuku swiped it over the scanner. Bakugo snarled as the gate opened. He hated needing help, but beggars couldn’t be choosers.

“Why are you following me?”

Izuku showed him his phone. It displayed a text from All Might

Young Midoriya, would you mind coming to U.A? I’d like to introduce you to my teacher.

Chapter 215: Be Prepared

Summary:

1-A readies for the coming operation.

In the Jiro housestead, Momo and Koyka discussed equipment, while Kaminari weighed in on matters of voltage and amperage.

Koda spoke to the birds, requesting help from any available pigeons.

‘Attending the festival’s second-year events’, Hagakure went full stealth-mode, locating the specs and room she’d been sent to find.

Down on Dagobah beach, Mineta, Sero, Asui, Aoyama and Tokoyami worked on precision Quirk aiming, while Kirishima, Sato and Oijiro sparred

Now fully-committed, Iida worked logistics with Shoji, the tentacled student tasked with overseeing his classmates, and watching out for interference.

And Mina and Ochaco wrote, and memorised, and rehearsed.

Showtime.

Notes:

BE PREPARED,
which means, you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your DUTY;
Be Prepared in Mind by having disciplined yourself to be obedient to every order, and also by having thought out beforehand any accident or situation that might occur, so that you know the right thing to do at the right moment, and are willing to do it.
Be Prepared in Body by making yourself strong and active and able to do the right thing at the right moment, and do it.
Scouting for Boys - Robert Baden-Powell

And on that note, I'm taking a break for a few weeks! I've only had two days off work since October last year (Christmas Day and March 20th) and spent 79 work days (just shy of 15 weeks!) cleaning a Covid ward, so I am TOTALLY ready for when my annual leave starts after my shift ends on Sunday. Two weeks of relaxing and 31st birthday here I come. However, another story is currently in the works to mark the IzuOcha Temple Discord's 3rd birthday, so keep your eyes peeled around the 15th.

Other than late, until late August or early September, see ya!

Chapter 216: It Takes A Village

Summary:

Aizawa realises that a collective is needed to nurture Izuku

Observing Midoriya going through his paces from the sidelines of Gym Echo, Aizawa was quickly getting a feel for Gran Torino’s style as a teacher. The man clearly got results, but his methods were troubling. Although much-improved from yesterday, Midoriya’s mental state was still delicate, and the harshness of the veteran’s lessons was evident in All Might’s borderline-crippling anxiety at being in the same room as him.

This may be what Midoriya needed to physically master One For All. Mentally however...

“With your permission” he said when the trio took a break. “I’d like to bring another hero into this.”

Notes:

I'm back bitches! Fresh and ready to push on! That is is of course the developments in the manga doesn't keep on gut punching me… The last few chapters have been putting me on edge, almost terrified to see what happens next

Chapter 217: Au Naturel Advantage

Summary:

When it comes to stealth missions, Toru is unmatched

Her mission at U.A. accomplished, Toru returned to Jiro’s home and handed over the USB pen containing the specifications she had ‘procured’ for Momo. 

“Excellent” beamed the deputy-rep. “This will help greatly, Hagakure.”

“So you went invisible to sneak in, right?“ asked Denki. ”But how did you smuggle the drive out?”

“I have many hiding places.” the infiltrator proudly responded.

Sparks flickered from Denki. “What!? You’re saying you stuffed it up your-’”

“Her hand, pervert!” Koyka shocked him with her jacks before he even finished speaking. “ She hides small objects in a clenched fist!”

“Y-y-yeah…” Toru sputtered. “My...hand…”

Notes:

She put it in her mouth...
...
...
...
But then again this exchange of dialogue from the first Metal Gear Solid has kinda always floated my head when it comes to Toru

Meryl: I was captured with President Baker right after the revolt started.
Snake: Oh yeah, that's when he gave you the detonation override keys, right?
Meryl: That's right.
Snake: Amazing you were able to keep 'em hidden from the guards.
Meryl: Well... women have more hiding places than men.

Chapter 218: Cancel Culture

Summary:

Bakugo confronts the darker side of the U.A Sports Festival

Released from Recovery Girl’s dominion, planning on meeting with Acid-oh and Pound-Face to prep together, Katsuki heard chanting voices as he approached U.A.’s security barrier: 

“Blood sport!” “Barbarism isn’t entertainment!” “Justice for Bakugo!”

Every year, people protested the Sports Festival. Grateful for the returning sensation in his hands, Katsuki appreciated that he was luckier than many. Numerous students had sustained life-changing injuries during past festivals, becoming rallying points for Quirk Reformers and Hero Abolitionists. 

Taking a breath, he braced himself to face people happy to appropriate his injuries for their cause.

It’s my choice, my power, my mistake.

Notes:

Sorry I'm late, had a lot of thoughts I wanted to write down.

My Dad has been a member of the local Rotary Club for many years and for eight of them, his major role was organising one of their biggest annual events: the Gala Boxing Night. Held in the local leisure centre, it involves a three-course meal, a raffle and an auction of sports memorabilia (typically autographed rugby shirts and boxing gloves). Rounding this off (of course) was the actual boxing event, the fighters being amateurs that mostly came from across the region.

These events raised a lot of money for charity. By Dad’s own estimate the eight nights generated roughly £35,000 combined. When he brought the cash takings home one year to count, he let me hold over £3,000 in notes once he was done. There's a picture of me somewhere showing that cash money off like a gangsta. That money went to local causes or international relief, and no doubt these events did a lot of good.

Not being a sporting person at the time, I never went to these events, especially since they usually meant one of those fun, rare nights where us kids had the house to ourselves. But on the one occasion I did attend (during my University years) I questioned the cost.

The dinner had been served, the speeches made, and the main events got underway. The format of the tournament was to start with the lower-weight fighters and work up from there… and the first fighters were barely in their teens.

Suddenly I felt very uncomfortable at being a party to this. Hundreds of people were paying money for the privilege to watch children punch one another. Yes, it was in a controlled environment, governed by strict rules, they were wearing protective equipment with a doctor on hand and all contestants having chosen to compete, but the pressing question on my mind was. “Are they truly doing this of their own free will?”

I was constantly thinking that maybe these kids were being pressured to enter the sport by their families or society at large, or were using it as an outlet for their aggression. When I voiced my discomfort to Dad, his answer was, “Better here in than out on the street.”

Now I have nothing against junior sporting competitions...in the right environment. I used to practice Aikido as a kid, and on one occasion several local clubs got together to train, have a laugh and enjoy several friendly bouts with our parents watching on. But this was a casual test of skill, and didn’t have the pay-per-view pageantry that came with those boxing nights. That felt more like kids beating each other up for the entertainment of a paying public, and left me so uneasy that I quickly excused myself and drove home.

The Sports Festival arc is a load of fun, and fits into MHA’s tradition of repurposing stock anime tropes like the ‘fighting tournament arc’, but once you adopt a pragmatic viewpoint it gets really unsettling. It is that Boxing Night I experienced, x100, what with the national/global attention, the pressure that the school places on every student, the incentive of being scouted by a pro or transferred to Hero Studies, and these teenagers’ own unrealistic expectations rolling together into a critical mass that carries them forward into a glorified cockfight! Even if you rationalise that those students who power through the elimination rounds to qualify for the fighting tournament really want to participate, they are definitely under coercion to take part in this event, and the potential for serious injury is massive once you factor in Quirks. If someone loses an eye or limb, Recovery Girl ain’t fixing that.

The context gets even grimmer when you realise that, thanks to the festival being held so early in the school-year, the first-year students barely have any official training under their belts at the point when they are sent into the ring! And there’s no division of weight or skill class, which results in situations where you could see Mineta being set against Bakugo, an utterly unbalanced situation for which no amount of training could level the field. It’s radical Social Darwinism, a survival-of-the-fittest mentality that favours students with powerful or aggressive Quirks, while sidelining the immense potential of individuals like Shinso or Hagakure.

Beyond these ethical questions, such a setup lays bare just how warped the ‘hero paradigm’ of this ‘superhuman society’ truly is. All-in-all, more than enough material to justify people who oppose the festival in the same was as I opposed watching those kids box.

Chapter 219: All The Commissioner's Men

Summary:

It takes bravery to be the ones that reveal the HPSC's and Endeavour's dark secrets

Miyagi bulldozed into his producer’s office with Fuyumi Todoroki’s dossier in hand.

“Child and spousal abuse, neglect, custody battles, backstreet clinics - and the HPSC helping Endeavour to cover it up!” He’d barely outlined a synopsis before his horrified producer seized the dossier and stuffed it into his desk. 

“Nakano? You’re just going to ignore this!?”

“You remember Kagari?” His friend produced a sake bottle. “He tried defying HPSC mandates, and was ruined for it.” Nakano poured two glasses and downed one solo. “I’m sitting on this, not ignoring it. When someone makes the sacrifice by going public, we’ll be ready.”

Notes:

Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward he ain't

Nakano - For Hiroyuki Nakano, the current Editor-in-Chief of Weekly Shōnen Jump

Kagari - For Shusei Kagari, the enforcer from season one of Psycho-Pass that learned too much

Chapter 220: Never Too Late to Learn

Summary:

All Might takes a piece of his own advice to grow as a person

Today’s lessons had humbled All Might. In mere hours, young Midoriya had gained new insight into OFA from Gran Torino, while Aizawa developed personalised lesson plans and contacted his suggested hero.. 

‘While I offered pitiful encouragement from the sidelines, a total failure as a teacher…’

A painful jab from Torino’s cane snapped him back to attention “Quit the pity fest, Toshinori. Like you told Explosion Boy, learn from this.”

Right, it wasn’t about him anymore.

“Also, watch your kid. My gut says he’s planning something stupid.”

All Might’s own torn-up guts however, insisted that Midoriya would only make him proud.

Notes:

This Sports Festival Marathon is now 100 drabbles long and has been going for nearly 6 months. Wow.

Chapter 221: The Day Has Come

Summary:

"With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts" - Eleanor Roosevelt

A scarlet dawn broke over Musutafu. 

Mirio and Tamaki took a jog to calm themselves - 3rd year Festival events drew massive TV audiences.

Running on coffee, Hatsume finished blitzing the Destro autobiography Yotsubashi had gifted her: ‘How enlightening.’  

Silently leaving her apartment, Ochaco left a note for her sleeping parents, who’d shown up yesterday to celebrate her medal win. Other 1-A students did the same.

Armed with Momo-crafted gear, Koda greeted a flock of waiting pigeons.

Quirk suppressed, the abducted Shinso nervously accepted Kurogiri’s offered breakfast

At Dagobah, Izuku successfully implemented a theory. He smiled. Not so useless after all.

Notes:

Que the guitar riff!

 

Headcanon: Before the move into the U.A. dorms, Mirio and Tamaki shared an apartment to ease the burden on their parents.

Chapter 222: Mothers' Instinct

Summary:

No matter how well you hide your intentions, a mother knows

While delighted with Izuku’s late-blooming Quirk, and his much-deserved chance to achieve his dreams, Inko’s worries grew daily. First broken bones, then the U.S.J, and now the festival. Seeing Izuku so dejected after his defeat to Katsuki had crushed her, and If not for his pleading, she would have marched over to the Bakugos on a war footing.

But no matter what squalls dampened Izuku’s fire, it never extinguished. Hugging him as he left for the Festival alongside Katsuki, Inko saw infernos burning within them both.

Whatever they were about to do, she hoped neither got hurt again.

Chapter 223: Battlefield Logistics

Summary:

An army marches on its stomach

In full uniform the nineteen remaining students of 1-A entered U.A’s grounds together, stockpiling food from stands outside of the stadium

“You all set Koda?” asked Izuku as they settled into the private Box #5 (paid for from Momo’s allowance). The mute student answered with a thumbs-up, and Izuku nodded to Hagakure.

Shielded by the others, the invisible student stripped out of her uniform while Momo simultaneously began to eat and print. She had plenty of work ahead of her.

That first-produced device disappearing within her clenched fist, Hagakure headed for her assigned target: the television production control room.

Notes:

OMAKE

Box five is a Phantom of the Opera joke. Brother and I started overthinking and devised a MHA-version of the musical. We do this all the time. Enjoy.

[Scene: The U.A. Festival Stadium. Students train under staff and Pro-Heros, with Midnight, Present Mic, Uwabami and Death Arms front-and-centre. Nezu enters, leading Shigaraki and Overhaul - villains have overthrown the government in this AU]

Nezu: Preparations, as you see, are under way for tonight’s opening of the Sports Festival

Mic: Nezu, we’re trying to jam here

Nezu: Mic, Midnight, students and staff, may I have your attention. As you know, for some weeks there have been rumours of my imminent retirement. I can now tell you that these are all true, and it is my pleasure to introduce to you the two gentlemen who are now the new principals of U.A. Academy. Mr Tomura Shikaraki, and Mr Kai Chisaki. I’ve sure you’ve heard their names in connection to the recent government coup

Shigaraki: The Great Societal Reform, actually

Overhaul: And we’re deeply honoured to welcome our new patron: the Vicomtesse Jiro.

[A dashing-looking Jiro enters, in a form-fitting pants/waistcoat combo]

Momo (aside, to Kendo): It’s Kyoka. We knew one another as little girls. I guess you could say we were sweethearts. She called me her 3D-Printcess

Kendo: Momo, she’s so handsome

Earphone Jack: Under duress from our new government, my parents and I are honoured to support heroics, especially those attending the world-renowned U.A. Academy

Nezu: Gentlemen, Lady Kyoka, may I introduce Uwabami, our leading tournament fighter these past three seasons... and Death Arms

Earphone Jack: I am honoured.. Now I believe I’m keeping you from your preparations. I will be here this evening to share in your great triumph.

[Jiro departs]

Mic: Now once again from the top!

[Midnight takes the new bosses on a tour while students train]

Midnight: We take particular pride in the excellence of our students, gentlemen

Overhaul: I can see why, especially that red-headed brawler

Midnight: My protégé, Kendo

Shigaraki: That one next to her looks like another contender for MVP

Midnight: Momo Yaoyorozu – a promising talent Mr Shigaraki, very promising

Overhaul: Yaoyorozu, surely not connected to that wealthy family

Midnight: Their only child, orphaned last year, when she came to live and train at U.A. under our recommendations programme.

Shigaraki: An orphan huh?

Midnight: I consider her like a daughter

[Shortly after, preparations are stopped by mysterious blasts of fire and ice from beneath the stage, nearly injuring Uwabami]

Kendo: He’s here, the Phantom of the Academy

Nezu: Uwabami, are you alright. Power Loader, for pity’s sake what’s going on up there?

Power Loader: Please sir, don’t look at me. I was too busy herding Hatsume and was not at my post. Please sir, there’s no-one there – or if there is, well then, he’s surely a ghost

Overhaul (to Uwabami): These things happen. Get over it.

Uwabami: For the past three years ‘these things’ have happened, and did you stop them Nezu, no! And you two, you’re as bad as him. ‘These things happen’? Well until you stop these things from happening, this thing will not happen!

Death Arms: Amatuers!

(Uwabami and Death Arms storm off. Nezu grins)

Nezu: Well gentlemen, good luck. If you need me, I shall be in my burrow

Shigaraki: Present Mic, is Uwabami coming back any time soon?

[Mic shrugs. Enter Midnight with an envelope]

Midnight: I have a message from the U.A. Ghost

Shigaraki: family's hands, you're all obsessed!

Midnight: He welcomes you to his Academy-

Overhaul: - HIS Academy?

Midnight: -he also commands that you continue to leave Box Five in the Stadium empty, for his use, and reminds you that his salary is due

Shigaraki: His salary?

Midnight: Principal Nezu used to give him eleven million Yen a month

Overhaul: Eleven million Yen?

Midnight: Perhaps you can afford more, with the Vicomtesse as your patron

Shigaraki: You see Midnight, we had hoped to announce that tonight when Jiro was to join us for the Festival, but now we're gonna have to cancel, since our Player Character just stomped the fuck off!

Overhaul: Easy Tomura, there's gotta be a sidekick!

Mic: Sidekick? There is no sidekick for Uwabami!

Overhaul: A full house Tomura, we'll have to refund the whole stadium!

Midnight: Yayourozu could fight sir

Shigaraki: What, a first year?

Midnight: She has a great teacher

Overhaul: Who?

Momo: I don’t know his name sir

Midnight: Let her fight. She has been well taught

[Momo proves herself. Later that night, Todoroki takes her to his lair under the school]

Chapter 224: Order to Go

Summary:

As Zero Hour approaches, 1-A make their last preparations

Concealed by her classmates, Momo discreetly bagged-and-tagged created items and handed them over to recipients who disappeared one-by-one towards the washrooms, each person returning a few minutes later. Casual observers focused on Togata vs. Amajiki noticed nothing unusual, but students watching from home could tell something was amiss whenever the cameras turned towards Box #5. 1-A’s uniforms now fitted poorly, and items were being hidden under seats.

“Yaoyorozu,” Izuku glanced into his bag. “This isn’t mine.”

Exposing her midriff, Momo ignored his blush and continued crafting. “It's an upgrade. Get changed and familiarise yourself with it quickly; time’s running short.”

Chapter 225: Crossing the Rubicon

Summary:

Showing their colours, the students of 1-A raise their flag in open rebellion.

His fight against Tamaki being hailed as the greatest in festival history, Mirio stood triumphant atop the podium. While Tamaki and Nejire received their own medals from All Might and Nezu, 1-A waited with bated breath.

As the teachers presented the gold to Mirio, Izuku gave the signal.

“Let fly!”

“LET FLY!!!” In one motion, 1-A leapt from their seats and vaulted the guardrail, pulling at ripcords as they did. Landing in the arena, the stadium roared as their uniforms’ seams tore apart, revealing their duplicated hero costumes beneath the disguises. 

The die was cast.

“Shit” groaned Aizawa. “Those kids…”

Notes:

And I just glossed over the 3rd year events in less than a week. The first year took 65 drabbles and three months to do. Also, I need to rewatch Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Chapter 226: Executive Decisions

Summary:

Japan's great and powerful gets the shock of their lives while watching the Festival.

Apart from the newest headache of Endeavour’s making, the HPSC President was most-pleased with this year’s Sports Festival. Observing the televised proceedings with the rest of the cabinet, she was making notes on students soon to come under her jurisdiction - knowing whom to depend on was essential in heroics, and politics. 

“All compliments to Nighteye, Lemillion’s come a long way from the joke he was last year.”

“Yes Prime Minister, he’ll be Top Five material within a year of graduating.”

“And those USJ Incident students show real talent too. We will watch their careers with great interest…”

“LET FLY!!!” 

“Wat?!”

Notes:

Star Wars is strong with this one. Picture the PM sitting in the Emperor’s Death Star throne.

This was originally meant to be from Mirio's POV but I felt like it lacked punch and wasn’t advancing the story yet I liked it so much, I decided to share it with you too.

*
To Mirio’s glee, the first-years had lit a fire under the upperclassmen’s pants. General Education had given it their all in a Grifball round that advanced three support-course students to the fighting tournament, and Bibimi Kenranzaki had pushed him hard in the quarterfinals

His finale versus Tamaki had been spectacular. They fought best when sparring together, and the whole world had seen what Suneater was made of (besides his breakfast). Mirio hoped that Midoriya - who was watching on - would be inspired by his performance to intern under Sir.

The kid deserved it.

And then everything went crazy.

“LET FLY!”

Huh?
*

The poor boy just wants a kōhai!

Anyway, the real meat of the revised draable. Until last week I was working under the impression that the PHSC was an agency operating with some degree of autonomy from the executive branch of the Japanese Government, with the commission's President/Commissioner/Chairperson (job title depending on translation) being a civilian appointee.

Boy was I wrong. It is an INTENSELY political post.

The Public Hero Safety Commission’s real life equivalent is the National Public Safety Commission. They oversee the National Police Agency which in turn runs the Security Bureau (Japan’s domestic intelligence and security service), the Imperial Guard (which safeguards the Emperor, along with the whole Imperial family and property) and is the organisation that the Prefectural Police Departments across the country rally around.

With every police officer and vital parts of national security under their jurisdiction, this makes the NPSC Chairperson a very powerful individual, but the discovery that really shocked me was that this isn’t an agency that answers to a ministry, like the how the FBI reports to the US Justice Department, or MI5 to the Home Office here in the UK.

No, the NPSC is attached directly to the Cabinet Office, which is chaired by the Prime Minister!

The NPSC Chairperson themselves is a Cabinet Member and Minister of State appointed by the Prime Minster, and is also a sitting member in the National Diet’s House of Representatives. This gives them a footing in both the Executive and Legislative branches with actual power to drive National Policy, in their capacity as Chairperson answering only to the PM.

(As a side note, Yoshihide Suga, the current Chief Cabinet Secretary (who oversees the Cabinet's day to day operation) has today become Prime Minister-designate of Japan following a leadership election in Liberal Democratic Party brought on by the resignation of current PM Shinzo Abe, who stood down for health reasons.)

No doubt there are checks and balances in place, but can you imagine someone as powerful and dangerous as J. Edgar Hoover holding Congressional and Cabinet seats at the same time as he was serving as the Director of the FBI?!

In this context, the PHSC President is not only no hero, but a career politician, power-broker and policy czar that controls living Gods of destruction! She's J. Edgar gone turbo, and it suddenly makes frightening sense how she wields so much power, and so much authority over Hawks. If she tell All Might to jump, he has to ask how high. She’s friggin' Amanda Waller, madam Suicide Squad herself!

With that power, the PHSC could well serve as a stepping stone to the post of Prime Minister. Can you imagine the consequences of a scandal reaching her? It would strike directly at the heart of the Japanese government, across all levels.

Chapter 227: Go Beyond

Summary:

1-A sets out to show the world what those worlds truly mean

Bathed in a cauldron of noise, the invading students quickly fitted costume components that couldn't be hidden beneath their uniforms, Izuku front-and-centre in his new Costume Beta, it and the others’ specifications having been procured from U.A.’s servers by Hagakure’s sleuthing.

With a scream of effort, Momo completed her part in the operation, the heavy equipment they needed dropping from her onto trolleys. Manning their stations, Jiro and Shoji plugged the gear into jacks branching from Kaminari power station.

“Class 1-A!” declared Representative Iida. “PLUS ULTRA!”

Charging the podium and repeating the warcry, the students made their debut.

Chapter 228: Assuming Direct Control

Summary:

"There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture."

Pandemonium erupted in the production control room which oversaw the festival’s international broadcast. 

“Kill the OD mics!” the director ordered his team. “Cut to Yari in the studio!”

The vision mixers lept into action, but the feed remained fixed on 1-A. 

“I said cut to Yari!”

“It won’t respond!” a mixer replied. “I’m locked out!”

Down in the arena, Toru giggled. Thanks to her handiwork in the control room, the whole broadcast had been rerouted to the Momo-made mixdeck now being operated by Shoji, his many arms dancing over the console. 

Overseeing audio, Jiro hit the music. “We'll fight, yeah!”

Notes:

Mass Effect 2 (had no idea that was the source of the meme), The Outer Limits and Twisted Sister. What a mix.

The name Yari originates from a Japanese spear. The similar sounding name Gary is also likely derived from compound names of Germanic origin, composed of the element gar "spear." Quite a coincidence. So the Yari that the director was eager to cut back to is the Japanese cousin of former professional footballer and current sports broadcaster Gary Lineker.

Chapter 229: Enemies All Around

Summary:

Surrounded by heroes out to stop their illegal intrusion, 1-A fights

Masterminding the broadcast, Shoji and Jiro multitasked as 1-A’s eyes and ears, scanning for threats as the class advanced on the podium. “North entrance, Snipe and Mt. Lady inbound!”

Sped over by Iida, Mineta and Sero saturated the area with spheres and tape, erecting a blockade.

“Block 23, Row A!” Death Arms had jumped from the stands. Downing sugar, Sato moved with Ojirio to intercept.

“Above!”

Vaulting the stadium bowl, Kamui Woods was blocked by Aoyama’s laser, then snared by Dark Shadow’s tendrils and Tsuyu’s tongue.

“Below!”

Viscous goop oozing from beneath the podium, Ectoplasm’s clones blocked the students’ path.

Chapter 230: Attack of the Clones

Summary:

When facing an onslaught of expendable foes, one must be relentless in their assault

Not having to worry about injuring Ectoplasm, Mina had no qualms about hurling blobs of her strongest corrosives at his clones, dissolving several.

Hands still bandaged, Bakugo threw kicks and elbows at clones moving on him, while Kirishima doubled as his shield and spear.

Hagakure’s natural stealth turned her into an invisible monkey brawler, while Ochaco punched and floated others out of action. Yet the clones kept coming.

Time for Izuku’s ace. 

“Full Cowling!”

Watching from home, Gran Torino chortled, imagining Toshinori’s mingled pride and disbelief as Izuku eliminated the entire horde, without breaking any bones. “You learn fast, kid.”

Notes:

Enjoyed the newest chapter of the manga that was released earlier. A nice change of pace from constant battle yet keeping the stakes high and actually making Ochaco relevant!

Chapter 231: The Deputation

Summary:

1-A airs their grievances to the whole world.

Nezu was most impressed. Knowing that Todoroki had confided in Midoriya, he anticipated some manner of collective response once 1-A were ‘instructed‘ not to press the matter further, but this public display of swift, bombastic (and ruthlessly efficient) audacity had caught him delightfully flat-pawed.

“My goodness!” he motioned for All Might and the Big Three to stand down, feigning delicious surprise as the First-year medalists claimed the podium and bowed. “What's the meaning of this deputation?”

“Upholding this school’s heroic ideals,” answered Mina, medal and microphone in hand as she turned to challenge a global audience.

“Endeavour abuses his family!”

Notes:

I'd like to think that if Bakugo doesn’t bow willingly to maintain the image of a united front that either Kirishima or Mina and Ochaco had to force him to Mitsuki style

And as happens too often with me, dialogue and/or chapter tiles are little references to nerdom or my childhood. This time its an episode from Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends.

Chapter 232: Opening Statement

Summary:

Pushing past the cold open, Mina lays downs the facts on Endeavour concealed from the public

There was a long silence, Mina letting the shock wash over the crowd. 

“During the first-year events, our class witnessed first-hand Endeavour’s fury when our friend Shoto - his own son - was eliminated from the tournament! That outburst didn’t reach your television screens, and is not the worst of it!

Shoto’s among the bravest people I know, but when Endeavour forcibly removed him from this school, I saw fear in his eyes! Fear of his father, of the consequences of his loss! And despite having his contact details, we’ve been unable to reach our classmate since!

“Endeavour, where is Shoto Todoroki?!”

Chapter 233: Unhappy Families

Summary:

The scandal thickens as secrets of the Todoroki family are revealed

Mina stepped back. Ochaco took over.

“Shoto disclosed to us that Endeavour coerced his wife into an illegal Quirk marriage, exploiting his influence to sire a child combining her Ice with his Hellflame. Shoto’s older siblings were discarded when they failed to meet expectations, and Shoto himself - Endeavour’s ‘masterpiece’ - trained in ruthless isolation since age five, physically beaten when he failed to comply!

Mrs Todoroki tried to protect her family, and was herself abused to the point she experienced a mental breakdown and involuntarily committed. A decade on, she is still hospitalised!”

“Are these the actions of a great hero?”

Chapter 234: Doubling Down

Summary:

Expanding their targets of the protest, 1-A takes a massive gamble by revealing the true villain behind Endeavour

“Here’s the icing on this shitshow!” Bakugo continued. “When we took this to our teachers, they were pissed, but made damn clear that someone had tied their hands! No hero who risked their lives for us at the USJ would let lifelong abuse slide by-” he winced as his palms involuntarily singed his bandages, taunting him. “-unless ordered to!”

The crowd began to stir, to wake.

“Yeah! The HPSC, we’re calling you bastards out! You knew about Endeavour and helped cover up his abuses! Don’t pretend you didn’t know jack!”

The three threw down their medals.

“Justice for the Todorokis!”

Chapter 235: 1-A Out

Summary:

Signing off on their protest, 1-A depart, hoping their words will spread and affect change

“Justice for the Todorokis!” 1-A roared in unison, as Koda took his own mic and spoke to the heavens. 

“Fly, my friends!”

Flocks of pigeons took flight from the stadiums’ roof. If the broadcast had been interrupted, the thousands of USB drives strapped to them would carry 1-A’s prerecorded message far and wide.

The stadium erupted into a chaotic roar, a reaction nobody could gauge. Only time could judge their actions today.

Their work done, Jiro queued up Children of the Revolution . as the class marched off to await their fate. Iida bowed to Nezu.

”We’ll be in our homeroom.”

Notes:

Oh boy. This week's bunch were a hard lot when it came to proofing but I'm happy how they and the operation as a whole turned out. I wanted to give every 1-A student an important role and I think I've mostly achieved that goal, the only ones who I felt were short changed being Kaminari and Koda.

Both had big parts to play but to spread the protest far and wide but Kaminari is mostly just sitting on a trolley with jacks powering the electrical equipment pouring out of his mouth. I guess he could be watching over an exhausted Momo following her frankly MASSIVE effort in all this. As for Koda, in terms of abilities beyond his Quirk, he's one of the least fleshed out characters in the class so it made it harder to get him more actively involved.

Other candidates for the outro song were If the Kids Are United by Sham 69 or extracts of “Libera Me” From Hell from the Gurren Lagann OST.

And w00t! 40,000 hits! A03's second most viewed 100 word drabble collection goes from strength to strength

Chapter 236: Breaking News

Summary:

With a scandal connecting Endeavour and the Government out in the open, it falls to an independent press with strong ethics to serve public interest

In NHK’s Tokyo newsroom, staff sat dumbfounded by what they’d just witnessed on TV. U.A. students had hijacked a global broadcast to make Watergate-level claims against the Government and Japan’s #2 hero. But without evidence... 

The door to the copier room burst open, and Miyagi and Nakano rushed in carrying stacked documents.

“Drop everything !” Nakano yelled, dumping his pile onto the Fact-checking desk, Miyagi handing his own to the Investigative staff. “I want everyone going over these documents and verifying their claims! Miyagi is leading News 7 with this and there has to be no doubt about their veracity!”

Notes:

Down with Fake News!

Chapter 237: Mirio Togata: Origin

Summary:

In light of 1-A's shocking accusations, Mirio swears to be a true hero to those in need

As ‘normality’ returned to the festival, reporters swarmed Mirio, barking questions about 1-A’s bombshell. Sensing his distress, Tamaki braved the media spotlight, giving his friend an opportunity to withdraw.

Safe in his ready room, Mirio took calming breaths. He didn’t doubt 1-A’s accusations - hero students didn’t hijack national events to spread lies. The thought that anyone could abuse their own family sickened him, and the fact that the accused was Endeavour - a festival winner himself -  tarnished everything he believed heroes stood for.

Screamingly hurling his gold medal at the wall, he vowed to never again let abuse escape his sight.

Notes:

And thus Nighteye's vision from chapter 200 comes to pass.

Chapter 238: The (Broken) Todoroki Family

Summary:

His dark secrets exposed, Endeavour's family find themselves in the world's eye.

Fuyumi’s students were surprised when their principal interrupted class to speak softly to their teacher, before she gathered her personal effects and left, crying the whole time.

Natsuo only saw the broadcast on an always-muted television at his university’s Student Union. He understood that Shoto’s classmates had done something big, but only realised what when social media exploded.

Rei’s medical team refused to divulge information to scores of anonymous callers.

Chaos reigned at Endeavour’s agency, a shocked Enji silently retreating to his office, leaving Burnin on damage control.

Left at home under orders to train, Shoto remained oblivious to everything.

Notes:

And Toya? hmmm...

Chapter 192 of the Manga: The Todoroki Family, where Endeavour starts repairing his relationship with is family. Here, where it all unravels.

The Fuyumi part drew from an episode I witnessed in secondary school. We were in the middle of a French lesson when the Deputy headteacher came in, whispered something to our Mademoiselle (who was French) and she just started crying. Deputy head had us gather our things and put us in another classroom for the rest of the period. It was most likely a bereavement but we never found out what brought on the Mademoiselle returning to France for several months.

As for Endeavour, think of Captain Smith in James Cameron's Titanic, wandering about the boat deck in shock before locking himself in the flooding bridge.

Chapter 239: My Class 1-A

Summary:

Aizawa can't wait to see what his students will do.

Aizawa sighed. Recovery Girl had finally removed his bandages, and he’d hoped for a stress-free evening with his cats, reviewing internship offers.

His students however had decided otherwise, and blown open a scandal. Sliding back the homeroom door, he was pleased to find them present and already changed into their uniforms.

Silence reigned as he approached the podium.

“I should expel you all without hesitation.”

No heads dropped. His kids looked prepared to accept their fate. Like real heroes.

“However…” he cracked a rare grin, enjoying their surprise. “These are not normal circumstances. You did good today 1-A, be proud.”

Notes:

One Proud Dad

Sorry I'm late, staying up to listen to the Presidential Debate (what a shitshow that was) the other night ruined what remained of my crumbling body clock.

Chapter 240: A Dangerous Game

Summary:

By coming out against the Government, 1-A have made powerful enemies that Nezu has to hold back.

“Expel them!”

“Let’s not be hasty.” Nezu was rather enjoying the President's manic phonecall, and a chance to turn her own governmental double-speak against her. “A full, independent investigation must be convened to determine which school rules 1-A have breached.”

“School rules?! They broke actual laws, violated confidentiality! You’ve expelled for less!”

“Madame President, how does one violate the confidentiality of events you say never happened?”

“Ignorance is no defense!”

Ah, a tacit admission. “I’ll be sure to keep you apprised.”

Hanging up, Nezu exhaled. He was playing with fire, likely sacrificing his career if he’d miscalculated.

Not his students.

Notes:

tsukithewolf, please don't sue me!

Chapter 241: Open Government

Summary:

The PHSC President is 'committed' to Governmental transparency in a safe and secure society

While numerous stations had ceased transmitting during 1-A’s field invasion, early figures showed 17.4% of Japanese households witnessed their stunt. Online, it was going global!

The HPSC President quickly realised gagging the press was now impossible, and ignoring the situation political suicide. The genie couldn't go back in the lamp, but she could kill it. 

Her first move: an official statement for News 5 denying the story. Order had to be maintained, as per her predecessors’ policy of protecting the image of the Top 10, and the nation.

Predecessors like the Leader of the Opposition. Like the Prime Minister.

Notes:

You gotta love seeing democracy in action

When I talked about The PHSC's position in Japan's Government in Drabble 226, I was wondering if anyone wold have made this connection. The Government has been covering Endeavour for over 20 years and while I know in reality that the ruling party rarely changes in Japan, its reasonable to believe that there has been many PHSC Presidents in that time who can get entangled in this scandal.

Chapter 242: The Compassionate Society

Summary:

Beneath the sheen of hero society, Shigaraki sees something diseased.

Shigaraki played 1-A’s speech over-and-over for Shinso’s ‘benefit’. 

“That’s the system you admire?!” he cackled “Heroes hurting their families? Their suffering brushed off for some ‘greater good’?! Admit it! This society is too sick to survive!”

“But...those students…” Shinso trembled as the hysterical villain clawed at his face-hands. “They spoke up...”

“Elitists defending one of their own! Would they do the same for you?”

“They-” Shinso flinched as Shigaraki decayed his table.

“Does U.A. realise you’re missing?! Do they even care? Those brats? Your family ? To them, you offer nothing … but Sensei and me, we see your worth.”

Notes:

D'ah, look at those repressed memories about Daddy’s worldview trying to burst out.

Chapter 243: The Moral Dimension

Summary:

Amongst the fundamental decay of Hero Society, one man sees the moral fibre of 1-A as the path to the Revival of Heroics

From his hideout Stain could only laugh at the spectacle. The sheepish masses had finally had the wool pulled away from their eyes, exposing them to Endeavour’s blatant fakeness, and the bitch who enabled him. Yet still they flinched back from the light.

“Pathetic.”

Even worse were the HPSC mouthpieces, so quickly denouncing the actions of those who’d proclaimed this inconvenient truth. Denounce the messenger, thus polluting the message.

But these young students intrigued Stain. He appreciated that speaking out against the world took heroic conviction.

“So, the tree’s not completely rotten.”

They needed to be tested, their potential confirmed.

Notes:

Hit a few milestones in the last few days. On Monday this story got its 100th sub and yesterday it cracked the top 1000 most viewed MHA stories on A03

Chapter 244: Party Games

Summary:

Behind the scenes, powerful figures gather to move their pieces and advance their own agenda in winning hearts and minds

Knowing opportunities when they presented themselves, Re-Destro quickly convened the Meta Liberation Army’s commanders.

“Can you further embroil the Government in this, Trumpet?”

The politician bowed his head. “Unlikely, Grand Commander. Should I raise questions in the Diet based upon hearsay, the Government will abide by HPSC policy.”

Skeptic consulted Feel Good’s analytics. “But the grassroots and astroturf are agitated. With evidence we can force the issue. Any leaks, Curious?”

The blue-skinned publisher grinned. “My NHK informants report News 7 has obtained vital information. They’ll do the heavy lifting for us.”

“Good” Re-Destro purred, his stress easing. “We shall wait.”

Notes:

This fic's Google Docs file is now 100 paes long.

Chapter 245: The Tangled Web

Summary:

Following a ministerial broadcast, the President uncovers a web of lies while spinning her own.

Leaving the pressroom, the President felt well-pleased with her statement rejecting accusations against Endeavour. Parading a happy Todoroki family for the cameras came next; tricky to pull off, but vital in dispelling dissent.

All that remained, was to discredit his accusers.

Opening a dossier prepared by the Security Bureau, she examined the students’ profiles. 

“Iida and Yaoyorozu? Powerful names, beyond my reach.”

Others however...

Mineta: Sexual Deviancy. Bakugo: Psychotic disorder. Kaminari: Brain-damage. Kirishima: Cowardice. Aoyama: Foreign-born . 

“Midoriya…” Odd. Quirk ‘Superpower’ only recently registered... and X-Rays showed superfluous joints in his toes...

He’d acquired a Quirk.

“Fuck me... All For One! "

Notes:

Oh darn.

The National Hero Agency's Security Bureau is the group I believe that Hawks was trained by and remains officially yet unofficially attached to.

All of the titles from this week's batch of drabbles were directly taken from episodes of Yes, Minister, a major source of inspiration for the machinations of each involved party in the post-festival section of this arc.

Chapter 246: Lockdown

Summary:

The initial moves going against 1-A, Nezu decides to fortify his position and protect his students

Nezu was troubled. Online reactions showed that though his students had garnered support with Japan’s young and disaffected, people frustrated with the country’s restrictive social contract, such support was disjointed, lacking power or cohesion to force positive change. With the stability-minded establishment’s firm grip on traditional media, wider opinion was quickly swinging against 1-A.

Following the HPSC President’s News 5 statement, influential figures were calling for 1-A’s immediate expulsion and arrest. Until he formulated a winning strategy, the students could not safely leave campus. 

‘With parental consent, now might be the time to implement trials on the proposed dormitory system.’

Chapter 247: Unraveling

Summary:

To the Todoroki siblings, all seems lost

Listening to Natsuo rampaging about the kitchen, Fuyumi sat with the silent Shoto. When his classmates had unmasked Endeavour’s true nature, she’d expected immediate consequences. Instead everything was falling apart.

Her father was influential and his backers even stronger, powerful enough to brush any scandal under the rug. The HPSC statement, Miyagi’s failure to return her calls, and the farcical public appearance now being proposed, parading Shoto and Mom about like caged animals, would kill her court petition

Shoto looped his classmates' pitch invasion. They’d risked everything for him. No matter how this ended, he couldn’t thank them... Midoriya ...enough.

Chapter 248: If the Kids Are United...

Summary:

...then we'll never be divided!

Most of 1-B had witnessed 1-A’s invasion live from Kendo’s apartment. Now the class rep and Shoda were coordinating classmates who’d gone home to visit families, now hot-footing back to Mustafu.

“Why are we helping them?” Monoma demanded. “Our noses are clean! We’ll be making ourselves targets too if we come out against Endeavour!”

Awase chopped him silent on Kendo’s behalf. “Fuck’s sake, Neito! We all saw Endeavour lose his shit - you know this is the right thing to do!”

“1-A would do the same for us!” Kendo rose. “Us Hero Course students stick together! We march on U.A!”

Notes:

Got another chance to use If the Kids Are United by Sham 69, which was one for the songs I was considering to use as 1-A outro music when they interrupted the 3rd year Sports Fest.

In deciding what 1-B students would be watching the festival with Kendo, using their listed birth prefectures from their volume extra profile pages, I whipped this little reference map together, In comparision to 1-A, they have an more even distribution across Japan.

Chapter 249: Seeds of Hope

Summary:

Another victim of abuse is shown a beacon of light

Eri was scared of unfamiliar spaces - it was rare for her to be taken anywhere other than her room or the laboratory. Had she been bad ? Was Overhaul punishing her?

Instead, the Yakuza boss sat her down before a television. She couldn’t understand what was happening, except that some young heroes were unhappy with someone called Endeavour.

“You understand?” Overhaul crooned. “Heroes are sick. So obsessed with tainted genes that they’ll hurt anyone to pass on their sickness. Those children are equally infected.”

Eri remained silent, eyes glued to the hero students as Overhaul patted her head.

“You’ll cure them.”

Notes:

For the creepy headpat, you would not believe how many verbs my brother and I went through. Verbs like petted, stroked, groomed...they left me feeling so dirty.

Chapter 250: Stress Reaction

Summary:

As 1-A comes off their combat high, the enormity of the situation hits them hard

With parental consent obtained (surprisingly easily), U.A. promptly repurposed Gym Gamma into 1-A’s temporary dorm. Supervising his settling students, Aizawa recognised symptoms of shock and imminent panic attacks.

“Holy crap” a trembling Mineta mumbled to Hound Dog. “Did we actually do that?”

Her racing heartbeat broadcast wide, Jiro fidgeted with her earjacks and awaited her guitar’s delivery. Others held local cats that Koda had requested for companionship, a puffy-eyed Uraraka hugging a Maine Coon.

Bakugo and Sato stress-cooked. Midoriya, Kirishima and Ojiro sparred.

The HPSC would have to crawl over Aizawa’s dead body to lay a finger on them.

Notes:

I've been wanting to pop in on 1-A to see how they were doing for some time but couldn't think of the means to frame it until IronRaven made a comment in Drabble 235 where they talked about the kids potentially getting the shakes after their protest. Straight away, I had my lightbulb moment. I've had a few moments like these myself recently like when I threw some gatecrashing teenagers out a screening of Heroes Rising at the cinema. After the high faded, I suffered anxiety and had an elevated heart rate for the rest of the film. Same happened last week in the shops when one guy pushed me into the shelves when I refused to let him go against the one way system.

Even more extreme was after I went to the UK Premiere of Two Heroes in Glasgow. It had been an 18 hour, overnight coach journey to get there and after the film finished, I was walking down Sauchiehall Street when the high that had been powering me since the night before ended and I crashed HARD. It was so bad I nearly broke down in tears and was in a slump for a good two hours before getting on the coach back home. And yes, that was another 18 hour journey.

Those are trivial to what 1-A have done and given that the situation is currently going bad for them, I think it's fair to say that even if they were ready to face the consequences, very little can help you with the emotional crash, which realistically, should have happened after the USJ.

Which is why we have the kitties! The Maine Coon that Ochaco is hugging is Haku from the youtube channels operated by Rachel and Jun. Nagi and Poki are there too (well Nagi is, Poki is busy pestering Bakugo and Sato for food). There’s also Larry, the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office and Felix, one of the station cats at Huddersfield Railway Station. Should you desire, include your favoured internet cats or your own pets, because I know my own long gone cats - Bess, Penny and Cwtch - are also there.

Chapter 251: Fight the Power

Summary:

Even in the face of insurmountable odds and unable to strike back, heroes don't give up.

Away from 1-A’s dorm, the teachers’ moods were grim. They’d support their students, but all signs pointed towards a bitter outcome. TV crews were already setting up outside U.A. in expectation of HPSC sanctioned Heroes arriving bearing arrest warrants, and their presence drew rubbernecking gawkers.

It was Vlad King who accepted the duty of crowd-control. Approaching the U.A barrier, he heard familiar voices.

“Hire the 1-A Team! Justice for the Todorokis! Heroes, not Villains! U.A. United!”

Stepping through the gate, he laughed with pride to discover Class 1-B picketing the media, waving hand-drawn placards supporting their peers.

Notes:

One proud Dad to another.

Also, please help. I discovered the Youtuber post 10 last night. I've been spending most of the last 24 hours watching videos of him unclogging drains and culverts. It's weirdly captivating.

Chapter 252: The Gatekeeper

Summary:

In his plan to convince Izuku on the proper succession of One For All, Sir Nighteye forgot one vital element

Aizawa answered a knock on Dorm Gamma’s door. “Still here, Togata?” 

“Been some day huh, Eraserhead?” the exhausted 3rd-year answered, producing an envelope. “Can you hand this to Midoriya when 1-A finish dinner?”

“Depends” Aizawa stated. “What is it?”

“An internship offer from Sir.”

Alarm bells began ringing for Eraserhead. “Hardly Nighteye’s style to make unsolicited offers.”

“Guess he wants dibs,” beamed Mirio. ”Midoriya’s a good kid with a smile, brains and potential. Sir likes those traits.”

The bells intensified to a fire-alarm scream, and Aizawa resolved to ask All Might if his former sidekick knew of One For All.

Chapter 253: The Greatest Power

Summary:

In her plan to bring Class 1-A to 'justice' for their illegal actions, the HPSC President forgot one vital element

The HPSC President felt satisfied. Everything was prepared, U.A even helping by placing the tainted apples in one basket. At sunrise, a strong-armed Hawks would lead a raid to take Class 1-A into custody. This embarrassment would soon be behind them.

“Sir!” a panicked voice shouted outside her office . “Sir, you can’t go in without a-”

‘Nighteye?’

The door flew open, snapping off its hinges and greeting the President with a dreaded sight.

Not Nighteye. All Might. An enraged, full-muscled All Might.

“Madame President” growled her primary asset, his deep voice reverberating in her chest. “We need to talk”

Chapter 254: All Mighty Rage

Summary:

Hell hath no fury like a hero scorned

Despite All Might’s thunderous entrance, the President maintained her cool. “Evening Yagi, if this is about my warning-”

“Let’s be clear.” Her desk creaked as his fists slammed down on the green leather. “Even if All For One is back, don't you DARE suggest young Midoriya is one of his collaborators!”

“But this sudden power, the boy’s documented Quirklessness! You can’t-”

With a brittle snap, the desk broke.

“You even think of going after any U.A student, and I’ll publicly side with them! My word against yours, let's see who’ll win! ”

A King before a God, the President gulped.

Notes:

Early upload, rushing to catch a train. EDIT. Thanks to the buses and the city centre drop off drop being changed because of Covid, I missed it. Good thing my ticket is still valid for the next train, even if it means sitting around for over an hour.

Chapter 255: The Dominoes Fall

Summary:

The President's hopes of containing Endeavour's abuse scandal fall apart

As All Might stormed out of the office, the President felt a wave of panic wash over her. Though nominally apolitical, All Might was an idealist - with near-universal popularity, immense influence - a combination that rightly terrified the political establishment…if he carried out his threat…

‘Chaos…’ she shuddered. 

“Mam?” Thoughts of riots and uprisings were interrupted when her secretary sheepishly knocked on the splintered door frame, numerous phones ringing in the outer offices. “You should see this .”

News 7 was playing in the bullpen, and the President’s face dropped seeing the banner beneath Miyagi’s familiar face. .

Endeavour Scandal: Evidence Uncovered.

Notes:

Well yesterday's drabble certainly drew some interesting responses.

Chapter 256: News Exclusive

Summary:

As 1-A’s claims of abuse are given the backing of a trusted media vendor, others use the opportunity to share evidence.

As a young correspondent, Miyagi had covered Destro’s suicide, and the Tsunehanei Emperor’s death, but his gut said this broadcast would be the one he’d be remembered for.

“In contradiction of official statements, evidence handed to News 7 reveals that over the past two decades, multiple government departments have conspired with Endeavour and the HPSC in acts of historic abuse.

“We’re now live with Principal Nezu of U.A High, whose students first broke this story. Principal, I understand you spoke with the HPSC President earlier today?”

His recorded conversation with the President at the ready, Nezu was all smiles.

Notes:

Its poor Japanese but Tsunehanei is a corruption of Tsune han'ei (常繁栄) - Everlasting prosperity

So it's been a very productive three days for me as I've written 15 drabbles which has brought me towards the endgame but at the current rate of a drabble every weekday this won't be done until (at least!) Christmas. Should I continue this schedule, start uploading on weekends or release two a day to try speed things along?

Chapter 257: Flames of Revolution

Summary:

As the scandal centred around the Flame Hero grows, the fire rages.

News 7 was broadcast globally, and the production team had shared their files with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, who were quick to corroborate the claims. 

What had been a trending story reached flashover point.

Domestic and international advocacy organizations against abuse condemned the actions of the Japanese Government. Businesses linked with Endeavour officially distanced themselves, while people the hero had saved from abuse felt utterly betrayed. 

The cremated remains of an alt-right agitator who’d denounced the story were discovered in a back alley.

Japan’s discontented voices rose louder. Watching the fire spread, All For One relished the sight.

Notes:

The UN is very, very angry with the Japanese Government and will write them a letter telling them how angry they are.

With this fire motif, I really want to watch Promare all of a sudden, but priorities come first as my copy of Heroes Rising arrived today. Time to rewatch that final fight over and over!

Chapter 258: Celebrity Influence

Summary:

Even if it's for self serving reasons, 1-A gain some unlikely allies

Gentle toyed with the USB, randomly delivered by a pigeon who’d pecked at his window. According to La Brava’s contacts, similar drives containing 1-A’s message were turning up across Japan. One Quirk-enhanced pigeon had apparently transformed into an African Swallow and made a laden journey all the way to Gdansk, Poland.

Destiny had sent him this sign, this call to enshrine his name in history. Corruption was everywhere, and like the brave souls at U.A and News 7 , he had means of unmasking it.

“La Brava?” he asked his loyal follower. “How do you feel about hacking Government networks?”

Notes:

Hey, Monty Python and Father Ted jokes? I'm on a roll today.

This drabble was birthed because I want to show what became of the pigeons that 1-A used as a failsafe at their protest. Thinking of how to frame it, I recalled someone's comment at how Izuku infected everyone around him with madlad energy and Gentle was one of the few significant characters remaining, who like any good online influencer would jump onto a trending bandwagon to expand his viewerbase.

And man, Heroes Rising is good. Watched it twice since last night and I'm still left breathless watching the final fight. Even the menu stirs me up with excitement thanks to the music choice. One thing that made me do a double take in the end credits was a typo. Rock Lock is credited as LockLock.. Also forgot that the HPSC President makes a brief appearance, my reaction being "Oh man, I am destroying you!"

Chapter 259: Viva la Revolución!

Summary:

"As the Ancien Régime starts to crumble, the duties of the Third Estate gather."

Outside U.A’s gates, the student-led protest erupted into celebration following News 7’s broadcast, the mood turning rapturous when the barrier opened, revealing a group who now felt safe to make a public appearance.

Instantly, Class 1-A were swarmed by their cheering schoolmates. Front and centre, Mirio approached Izuku. 

“Hey Midoriya, nice to meet ‘ya at last!”

“T-t-togata!” Izuku stuttered. “I’m so sorry we stole your spotlight at the medal ceremony!”

“Never mind that!” said the school’s most prominent student as he lifted a wildly flapping Izuku and Mina up for the media. “Let’s hear it for our little revolutionaries!”

Notes:

Hopefully this revolution doesn’t entirely follow the course of the French Revolution with the death of Marat, Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety's Reign of Terror and of course, the rise of Napoleon. In only the last decade, we ourselves have witnessed faltering or hijacked revolutions. Remember that brief wave of optimism that came with the Arab Spring? I remember thinking it was gonna be like the fall of Communism with the Revolutions of 1989 but what we got instead was Civil Wars in Libya, Syria and Yemen and bloody ISIS.

Chapter 260: The Greater Good

Summary:

In a scandal that ties the Government and Pro Heroes together, Nighteye fears the damage will shatter the symbol that upholds society

Nighteye was aghast as he watched Mirio hoist Midoriya aloft. All Might’s Pax Heroicus was built on public trust, a trust vested in heroes and the Government, a trust now breached.

There would be enquiries, court cases, demands for greater oversight and reforms. Total loss of faith. All Might's own integrity would be questioned. The public wouldn’t accept his evasive private life anymore, not after this. 

What if they learned of One For All, his dwindling abilities, his impending death? 

Chaos. Mass hysteria.  A nationwide power vacuum.

And all because of some children who failed to grasp the bigger picture.

Notes:

For me, Nighteye's overwhelming desire of maintaining stability is like the British and French Government's Appeasement policy with Hitler prior to WW2. The last conflict had traumatised their people so much they were prepared to make any sort of concessions to avoid a repeat barely 20 years later. While Nighteye might not have grown up in a crime rampant world like All Might did, he's willing to make compromises to maintain the peace that his idol built.

He's also a borderline Lawful Neutral-Good in that procedures should be followed to the letter, as evidenced by willing to let Eri suffer so that Overhual wouldn't catch wind of the investigation before the right time to strike. Had he discovered Endeavour's domestic abuse, he would have sought a solution where it could be quietly resolved behind the scenes without upsetting the delicate balances at play.

Chapter 261: Burnout

Summary:

HIs nature exposed, the inferno that is Endeavour is reduced to embers.

Enji no longer accepted calls from HPSC. Outside his agency, the crowd being held back by his sidekicks now grew with every minute.

He knew where News 7 had obtained their evidence. Fuyumi had cast a judgement on his failures as a husband, a father, as a human being.

“Boss?” Burnin asked as she knocked on his office door. “You want us to disperse the protestors?”

“No...” The flame hero’s voice wavered as he opened a walk-in wardrobe, taking a plastic-wrapped suit not worn since Toya’s funeral. A funeral with just jawbone fragments to mourn. “Set the podium up outside.”

Notes:

So I've decided to upload twice every weekday to burn through this arc fast. At most, it should be done in five weeks. The second upload will be around midnight GMT. (7pm Eastern time)

EDIT. Minor changes in light of developments in the manga.

Chapter 262: Pyromania

Summary:

10% of all house fires are deliberately started

Night was falling as the shadowed figure approached the Todoroki residence. 

Dabi should have burnt this place down the day Toya died and he emerged from the ashes. Remaining concealed, he discovered Endeavour’s sidekicks Kido and Onima standing watch, keeping paparazzi away from the property. 

There would be no better time to remedy that mistake.

Flames dancing along his fingers, Dabi was ready to incinerate the building when a bedroom light flicked on. He stilled, memories flooding him. 

‘That’s Natsuo’s room.’  

Unable to go through with it, Dabi extinguished his fire and left. His brother shouldn’t suffer for Endeavour’s sins.

Chapter 263: Cinders

Summary:

His combustion complete, all that remains of Endeavour is a dying fire

Called to the living room by Fuyumi, Natsuo groaned at the sight of Endeavour standing behind a podium on the TV. 

“What’s it going to be?” he folded his arms. “The usual HPSC script? Mitigating circumstances, deepest apologies…” 

“Shush!” Fuyumi was attentive. She couldn’t remember when Father last made an official appearance without his flames and hero costume. He looked smaller somehow… naked .

“I’d have a short statement, and won’t be taking questions at this time.” Formally suited, Enji Todoroki cut a solum image far-removed from Endeavour.

“Regarding the growing accusations concerning my personal life…”

A pause.

“...they’re all true.”

Notes:

Random triva, at time of posting, this story has 1234 comment threads.

Americans, if you're a registered voter and haven't already done so, head out to the polls!

Chapter 264: Ashes

Summary:

Dampened down, a fire that has raged for decades to reach prominence is extinguished

In their staffroom, Rei’s medical team watched with horror, discovering for the first time the circumstances behind their resident patient’s admission, circumstances they were now unwitting accomplices to.

“I’ve done irreparable physical and psychological harm to my wife and children; unforgivable behavior in a nation that demands better from their public servants. For these reasons I… I hereby announce my immediate retirement, and submit myself to the authorities.”

By herself, Rei silently watched her estranged husband, his shadow dancing against the endless camera flashes as Endeavour prostrated himself on the ground before the eyes of the world..

She said nothing.

Chapter 265: Kindling

Summary:

With his final sparks, Enji ignites a new beginning for his family

Overwhelmed with emotion, Shoto sobbed into Fuyumi's shoulder as she gently rocked him. Neither noticed her phone ringing. 

Holding tears back himself, Natsuo picked it up and hesitated, seeing the caller ID.

Bracing himself, he accepted the call. “D-dad I don’t know what-”

“I’ve signed the paperwork,” his father cut in. “Fuyumi can receive custody of your Mother and Shoto. Both your school tuition fees have been paid for, and funds will be placed in trust for you all. I’m… I’m sorry son.” 

Natsuo cried. It was the first and last good thing Endeavour had done for them. 

“Thanks Dad.”

Notes:

I'm a wreck. I stayed up all night watching the election before going to bed at 09:15 GMT (4am ET). I had 4 hours sleep before getting up. This whole thing has been a mess. I know it's not my place to say this but my sleep deprived mind needs to say this. America, you need to amend your constitution when it comes to Federal elections. Let the States do whatever they want with their local elections for the State Legislatures and Governors but for Congress and the Presidential election? You need to standardise the rules for registration, postal and absentee voting, deadlines, polling hours and tabulation. I mean wtf Nevada, you're gonna make us wait until tomorrow? Oh, and the Electoral College? DROP IT. This isn’t the same country that the Founding Fathers forged, they could have never imagined an election anything like this.

Chapter 266: Meet the Parents

Summary:

As they celebrate their victory, the locally raised students of 1-A receive guests.

“Izuku, my baby!” Inko wailed, latching onto her son. Her pride was immense; barely two months into U.A and her little hero had helped save a family from wretched circumstances.

Masaru Bakugo proudly clasped his son's shoulder, Mitsuki giving her brat’s hair an affectionate ruffle.

Much to his wife and daughter’s embarrassment, Kyotoku Jiro strummed We Are the Champions on Kyoka’s guitar 

Tsuyu’s siblings demanded details about what it was like restraining a top ranked hero.

Ochaco introduced her parents to Izuku, her father directing a stern look at the bashful boy.

The teachers watched on in respectful silence.

Notes:

Izuku, Bakugo, Jiro, Tokoyami and Todoroki are Musutafu residents and given where I personally place it in Shizuoka Prefecture (east of Hamamatsu, around the valleys of the Ota and kikukawa Rivers), it allows Tsuyu's family in neighbouring Aichi Prefecture to drop by for a visit and with Ochaco's parents staying the night at her apartment, it saved them making an extra trip from Mie Prefecture. Other viable families to show up are Mineta's (Kanagawa) and Momo's (also Aichi).

It's been a long 39 hours, gonna sleep well but I can't believe that after 23 hours after the polls started closing, we still have no confirmation who's gonna occupy the White House for the next 4 years.

Chapter 267: National Policy

Summary:

With Endeavour's admission of guilt, the other party caught in the scandal discuss their options

Amidst a national crisis, the Cabinet gathered for an emergency meeting.

“It's a disaster!” the Prime Minister cried. “What’s NHK’s source?”

The HPSC President sighed. “The nature of the documents suggest they came from within Endeavour’s household.”

“Fuck!” the PM swore “ I’m caught up in this! Those files are backdated to my time at HPSC! Throwing you under the bus is pointless now!”

“Paper records are easily forged, sir.” said the Chief Cabinet Secretary. “Endeavour is doomed, but we can clear ourselves by destroying our papers records and scrubbing their digital counterparts from HPSC’s archives.”

“Just fucking do it, quickly!”

Chapter 268: The Tokyo Tea Party

Summary:

There isn’t enough Imperial Golden Tips in the world to match the scale of Gentle and La Bravia’s ambition

“Greetings all! ‘Tis I, Gentle Criminal, gracing you with my most audacious scheme yet!”

The extravagant villain revealed the livestream’s location; HPSC Archives. “Brave U.A students have exposed Endeavour and our Government in flagrante! While the former has admitted his crimes, the latter remains nonchalant!”

“You! Stop right-”

Flicking his wrist, Gentle rebounded a guard away and moved the camera for La Brava’s face reveal, her expression focused as she downloaded terabytes of classified data from the servers.

“Which is why La Brava and I are committing this spontaneous crime of passion, uncovering the particulars of this sordid affair!”

Chapter 269: Endorsement

Summary:

1-A receive the public backing from one of the biggest figures of authority

As 1-A’s curfew approached, the teachers called time. 

“Alright everyone, that's enough.” Aizawa ordered. “Classes resume tomorrow.”

While goodnights were shouted, Vlad King shepherded 1-A’s families and 1-B past the media, grabbing a yelling Monoma by the collar. 

“You owe us 1-A!”

Pushing his limit, All Might acquiesced to media requests for a comment. “Today's events are shocking. Endeavour has been a colleague for 27 years, and I never expected this of any Pro Hero. I fully commend the students of U.A. standing up for justice and I beg the people to trust in such fine, upstanding young heroes.”

Chapter 270: Senpai and Kōhai

Summary:

Unaware of his role in Nighteye's scheme, Mirio tries to snag himself a junior partner

Before they parted ways, Mirio approached Izuku. 

“Hey, Midoriya? You up for interning with me under Sir Nighteye?”

“W-w-what!” excitedly sluttered Izuku. “Sir Nighteye wants me?”

Overhearing the conversation, Aizawa rushed over. “Sorry for not mentioning this earlier Togata, but Midoriya already has arrangements made. Given his Quirk control issues, I’ve organised him a joint internship under Fat Gum and Gran Torino.”

“Aw shucks!” Mirio comically lamented. “I understand why, Fat Gum is a great choice for your needs.” He offered Izuku a fistbump. “Midoriya, once I get an agency of my own up-and-running, I’d love to sign you on.”

Notes:

If you remember drabble 216, Fat Gum is the Pro who Aizawa suggested they bring into the OFA circle of trust. Given that a major part of his Quirk is all about the accumulation, storage and controlled release of energy, I think Fat Gum is just what Izuku needs to help further his control of One For All, his personality also being a good foil to Gran Torino as Aizawa seeks to strengthen Izuku mentallly. It could also help Suneater out by having a mini Mirio about the agency.

Chapter 271: Lack of Foresight

Summary:

Even with his Quirk, Nighteye can't see all possible outcomes

Assisting initial investigations of the HPSC archives break-in, Nighteye stepped away to answer his phone. “Nighteye speaking”

“What are you doing, Mirai?” The exhaustion and disappointment in All Might’s voice left Nighteye cold. “I’ve seen your internship offer to young Midoriya. Very complimentary.”

“All Might, I-”

“-Izuku Midoriya has much to learn, but this crystallizes my decision. He’ll be a great hero. And for your own sake Mirai, I hope young Togata never learns how you used him .”

Nighteye desperately pleaded “Please, just listen -” 

His (former) friend's attitude turned steely.

“Never approach my successor again” he growled, before hanging up.

Notes:

Well, with the latest chapter of the manga, I feel well chuffed with last week's batch right now. Please don’t spoil it for others.

Chapter 272: "We'll be there if you need help"

Summary:

Eri makes her decision to never let go of a saving hand

Her caretaker having forgotten to lock her door, Eri snuck down the corridors. She had to be fast; Mimic would soon find her once Overhaul realised she was wandering

The television room was empty. Fumbling with the remote, she found the News, and the kind faces she’d sought after. The green-haired boy and the pink girl with the sunny smile, both carried by a taller blond. While newscasters discussed the family they’d helped rescue, background footage showcased the three heroes and their friends.

They’d saved an entire family… if she reached out to them, Eri knew they'd save her too.

Notes:

Well IronRaven, you did ask about Eri earlier, here's your answer

Chapter 273: News Cycle

Summary:

The rigors of 24/7 investigation and reporting mean some minor details are forgotten

Daikaku Miyagi hadn’t stopped since 1-A broke the story of the year. He’d aided the fact-checkers for hours, before spending several more in front of the lights and cameras, reporting on a constantly-evolving story.

The most hectic day of his career behind him, Miyagi collapsed into his office chair, wiping off the sweat and makeup while reaching for the phone to call his wife. When he saw a dozen missed calls from Fuyumi Todoroki, he hastened to call her back, only able to imagine the young woman’s panic when the story was turning against them. 

He had apologies to make.

Notes:

Not a shred of Fake News here.

The collective wordcount of all my released works nows stands at 111116.

Chapter 274: Puppet Master

Summary:

All For One's greatest trick was convincing people that he didn't exist while simultaneously controlling their strings.

First U.A, then Daikaku Miyagi, now Gentle Criminal. All For One was impressed. Even at the height of his power, he’d never destabilised a Government within six hours. 

“Kids today…”

Naturally, he’d greased wheels behind-the-scenes; astroturfing the political landscape to motivate the protests, making anonymous donations to the Hearts and Minds Party to bolster Re-Destro’s cause. His bots had gamed the viewing algorithms for Gentle’s break-in broadcast, and his server-farms were ready to spread whatever HPSC dirt Gentle leaked next.

All that remained now was for Tomura’s recruit to play his part. However that played-out, his successor would win.

Chapter 275: Curation

Summary:

Swamped by the state secrets they've stolen, Gentle and La Brava have to select which should be shared with the public.

Safely back at Gentle’s home, La Brava reviewed the stolen documents. 

“It’s wonderful, Gentle! The files connect several administions with Endeavour’s crimes, and we’ve entire hampers of the HPSC’s dirty laundry!”

“Indeed…” Gentle mused, examining the paper records. It seemed All For One wasn’t an old wives tale - All Might had apparently killed him six years ago, but after the USJ incident, AFO’s file had been reactivated... “Fascinating!”

The physical copies of All Might’s medical records were quickly cast into the fireplace, Gentle’s respect for the hero growing tenfold. Exposing such grievous injuries wasn’t worth their newfound fame and subscribers.

Notes:

I do my best but some spelling mistakes slip past the proofing stage with some of you kind readers spotting them and pointing them out for me. One thing I’m surprised that I kept doing was spelling HPSC as PHSC. I Don't know why but the latter flows better in my mind while typing, even while using a mnemonic device - Houses of Parliament Safety Committee. Thanks to Google Doc search function, I found well over a dozen of those errors and corrected them now.

Chapter 276: Healthy Rivalry

Summary:

After years of toxicity, a broken friendship starts repairing.

With their commute ‘slightly’ shortened by their temporary dorm arrangements, some 1-A students could enjoy a lie-in after yesterday’s drama. Others however saw bonus workout opportunities. 

It was while jogging around campus that Izuku and Bakugo crossed paths.

”That ‘Full Cowling’ move you pulled against Ectoplasm?” Bakugo held out a water bottle he’d just guzzled from. “Learned that from All Might’s teacher?”

“Ye-yeah!” accepting the offered drink, Izuku nodded. “I’m gonna learn so much interning with him and Fatgum.”

“Good” Bakugo gave a predatory grin. “Once you’ve mastered that Quirk and my hands have healed, we need a proper rematch!”

Notes:

And with this, we start the final day of the arc and near the endgame.

Chapter 277: Coercive Persuasion

Summary:

Despite being the mind controller, Shinso is no longer able to act of his own free will.

Unlike 1-A, the rest of the student body still had to brave a media gauntlet at the school gates, Mirio and 1-B in particular being hounded over their parts in the affair.

In an ignored side-alley, Shinso stepped through Kurogiri’s portal, shivering as Shigaraki followed and swapped-out his Quirk-suppressing cuff for monitoring equipment.

“Remember our deal, Hitoshi” Shigaraki cooed, toying with a picture of Shinso’s family. “Just follow your orders. The pretty picket fence is rotten; just kick it over and everything…

He turned the picture to dust.

“..will be fine.”

Shoved into the crowd, Shinso entered the school unnoticed.

Chapter 278: The Hero Papers

Summary:

As the files obtained by Gentle and La Brava, the full scale of the HPSC’s secrets and corruption is brought to bare.

Overnight, Gentle released more of the HPSC’s secrets.

The internet promptly exploded.

Japan’s Government blackmailed uncooperative heroes, contracted villains and vigilantes for ‘black-list’ operations, influenced insurers to doctor heroic damage claims, and following Endeavour's example had ruthlessly trained powerfully-Quirked children as loyal operatives.

Gentle and La Brava had redacted the identities of upright heroes, but weren’t so generous with others. 

All For One hadn’t expected his own name to begin trending. Shitfuckbugger!

Izuku hadn’t finished breakfast before All Might requested a private meeting. With everything out in the open, it was time to tell the tale of their shared Quirk.

Notes:

All For One on the outside: While a psychopath, he’s confident, powerful, polite and has a calm demeanor
All For One on the inside: A vocabulary that would make Bakugo and his mother blush.

Chapter 279: Promethium Punishment

Summary:

For bringing fire to the people, Prometheus was punished by having birds eat his liver for all eternity. While not as drastic, Endeavour suffers similarly.

Having been a lifelong ward of the HPSC, Hawks could feel the entire government crumbling. Agencies that operated outside of the HPSC purview were already acting independently, issuing arrest warrants and requesting heroic assistance.

Enji’s wrists bound with Quirk-suppressing cuffs, Hawks escorted the disgraced Pro out of his agency and into a waiting police van. 

“Be better than me, Hawks...” the broken Enji said softly. “The public needs real heroes now.”

Sitting opposite the man he’d idolised growing-up, the provisional #3 Hero remained silent. 

This was a role he never wanted. Taking it easy was out of the question now.

Notes:

Sorry I'm late, getting to the point where naps after work turn into several hours of sleep

Chapter 280: Forsaken Plea

Summary:

Be it inattention, indifference or misinterpretation, none can tell that Shinso needs saving.

1-C’s homeroom teacher sighed internally upon arriving in class to dejected faces. The Sports Festival was where the Pro Hero dreams of Gen Ed students went to die. Some never recover from their final confirmation that not everyone was born equal, spending their remaining school years loathing the Hero Course students’ genetic advantage.

Which is why nobody worried over Shinso’s shattered appearance. As the only Gen Ed student to reach the fighting tournament, he’d all the more reason to look wretched - coming so close made failure all the worse.

All the teacher could do was recommend he visit Hound Dog.

Chapter 281: Sentencing

Summary:

The time has come for 1-A to face responsibility for violating U.A's rules

As homeroom began for the rest of the school, 1-A were allowed into the main building. Being the students that got the #2 Pro arrested had won them fame, but also a crowd of gawkers.

Aizawa was at the podium when they filed in, Shoto’s seat still standing vacant. 

“Todoroki is aiding the police investigation into Endeavour and will return soon as possible,” he quickly laid their fears to rest. “The Todorokis thank you for your bravery… however, you still broke school rules.”

The class paled.

“Your collective punishment is a month of cleaning duty and taking Todoroki his worksheets.”

Notes:

For theft of data to recreate their hero costumes, Quirk use outside of training, field intrusion and assaulting teachers, it seems fair.

Seriously, the parallels I’m seeing with of some recent drabbles matching the latest chapters in the manga are making me feel all tingly

Chapter 282: Changing Tracks

Summary:

With her unexpected run to the Sports Festival semifinals, Mei is given an opportunity many could only dream of

Vlad King didn’t like this situation, but the traditions of the Sports Festival were clear: if students from General Education, Support or Management performed well enough, they'd be offered a seat on the Hero Course. He’d fought Aizawa hard on this, but depending on this question’s response, Manga Fukidashi would lose his spot in 1-B:

“So Hatsume, would you like a transfer?”

To his everlasting delight, the dreadlocked student reacted like he’d grown a second head.

“What? No! Mr Yotsubashi showed me Detnerat’s facilities and promised unrestricted access during my internship!  Think of the Meta support babies I can make!”

Notes:

Calling backto this list of each student's prefromace at the Sport Festival, Manga had the overall worst run in the festival. He finished only ahead of evental fourth placed Mei and Aoyama in the obstacle course and was on one of the lower performing teams in the Cavalry battle. If Aoyama hadn't persistenced fighting off his cramping stomach to finish the obstacle course and lucked out by making it to the fighting tournament thanks to Shinso, it would have been him facing the chop, even factoring in his contribution in taking down Kamui Woods at the protest.

Chapter 283: Career Paths

Summary:

Having caught the world’s eye, 1-A realise they have many options ahead of them

1-A whooped as Aizawa announced the internships.

“Normally, there’d be little interest in first-years, but somehow you’ve caught the attention of the Pro community. You don’t often see top-ranked heroes, especially Endeavour, get taken down by students with a month’s training.” 

He activated the projector and enjoyed the collective gasp. Everyone had offers, Mina and Bakugo actual thousands . Momo and Ochaco’s heads spun as their names followed. Even Toru, on paper 1-A’s worst performer at the festival, had garnered a respectable 82 invitations...

“And that means,” Midnight announced, springing through the door. “It's time to pick your names, Young Heroes !”

Notes:

Midnight came through the door like an ordinary person

Chapter 284: Know Thyself

Summary:

Hero names can represent the people who bear them and the festival has changed how some view themselves and the world around them

“Speeida?” Kaminari howled at Iida’s chosen name. “These are hero names we’re picking Prez, not Dad jokes!”

“I like it!” Midnight declared. “Honouring your family’s legacy while carving out your own identity!”

Mina had long visualised ‘Alien Queen’ for her hero name, but her win and the aftermath had nessistsed a rethink. “I’m the Solutions Hero, pHunky!”

“Wonderfully funk-punk! It plays off your looks, your dancing, your chemistry - everything that’s you!”

Bakugo decisively slammed his markerboard down. “High X! After Endeavour’s shit, I’m gonna to set a higher bar for heroics, and X marks the spot!”

“Explosive ambitions! I approve! ”

Notes:

Iida and Mina's new names are pronounced as Speeder and Funky. My brother even took the logo from Mina's winter costume and created an alternative.

Without his brother asking Iida to take on the name of Ingenium after being forcibly retired by Stain, he has no dielemia over his hero name. Mina and Bakugo’s worldview however has shifted thanks to both the festival and the scandal. Mina realises she needs to be approachable with her name and incorporates the pH scale into it to reflect the new understanding of her Quirk. Bakugo meanwhile wants one to concisely reflect his goals of being a better person and hero...while still making it all about his desire to be at the top.

Chapter 285: Master and Apprentice

Summary:

Aizawa has much to look forward to as 1-A starts pairing up with hero mentors

Feigning sleep, Aizawa listened-in while his students discussed internship options. Ashido and Yayorozu were both accepting offers from Majestic, Iida was (unsurprisingly) going with Tensei, and apparently Endeavour’s scandal had given Mineta some clarity; his decision to intern under the similarly-skilled Mr Brave reflected sound logic. All good choices.

“Mirko?! ” Uraraka’s shock was well-deserved. Internship offers from the Rabbit Hero were unprecedented, and if she survived the experience - of which Aizawa had no doubt - Uravity couldn’t find a better mentor. The real surprise was that she would be interning alongside Bakugo ..

He couldn’t wait to see the heroes that returned.

Notes:

Thanks to her herculean efforts at the protest, many see Momo as the hero student with near unlimited potential and not the walking boobs like Uwabami did. By getting her to Majestic sooner, this will prevent the confidence issues she developed in canon. And as for why I'm having Mina intern with her under the Magic Hero, chemistry is a form of magic. She gonna need a massive crash course to get her up to speed with the pH.

Thanks to some common sense being knocked into him by seeing what happens when heroes like Endeavour exploit their position to get the ladies, Mineta is going to work for Mr Brave, one of the heroes that took part in the Shie Hassaikai Raid. His Quirk, Hair-Raiser allows him to pluck clumps of his own hair from his head, as well as extend and harden the hair into sword-like constructs. How could you NOT send Mineta to him?

Which finally brings us to Ochaco and Bakugo going to Mirko. Oh boy. Both fought relentlessly in their fights. They never gave up, worked through the pain and were willing to get dirty for the win. Just how Mirko likes them and with her backstory being shown in the current arc of Vigilantes, it makes even more sense that she'll love those little cage fighters. Ochaco's reasoning is the same as in canon and Bakugo now finds himself in the same boat. In three of his fights he found himself coming up short when the use of his Quirk was denied and he realises he needs to expand his fighting repartore. With his personality, he’ll get on with Mirko like a house on fire.

I can imagine that on their return from the internships, the rest of 1-A will not only see her awakened expression, she'll be floating above her desk in the lotus position chanting dark tongues. ""Oh shit, she's achieved inner enlightenment and transcended to a higher plain of existence, we're all doomed!”. On the other side of the room, the heavily bandaged Bakugo is trying to hide his fear-boner. He knew there was nothing faile about that girl but after having his ass handed to him all week by her and Mirko… he’s seen a new side to her and himself

Other than Iida going to his brother and Izuku who’s having a joint internship under Fatgum and Gran Torino, the only person I gave thought to was Kaminari. He’ll go to that Electric Whip Hero from the opening chase sequence in Heroes Rising. Bet she can help him control and direct his Quirk.

Chapter 286: "...of the people, by the people, for the people."

Summary:

Supreme power in Japan is vested in the people and with the mood swinging against the Government, the opportunists strike.

The National Diet’s House of Representatives was jam-packed, its members demanding answers as to how an insignificant student protest had become a constitutional crisis.

“The Representative of Deika City!” announced The Speaker, giving way to the member who’d called for this extraordinary meeting.

“Thank you, Mr Speaker,” nodded Koku Hanabata, loyal lieutenant of Re-Destro and leader of the Hearts and Mind Party. “Honourable members, Japan has been shamed before the world by the actions of both the sitting Government and the main Opposition. Clearly neither are fit to Govern, therefore I call for a No Confidence Motion and immediate elections!”

Notes:

Meanwhile, in a Galaxy far, far, away, Chancellor Valorum is having a very bad day...Simultaneously, the senator from Nabu Island-, sorry 'Planet Naboo', is barely hiding his smirk... he loves democracy, he loves the Republic.

Fun fact: In early 1953, Shigeru Yoshida - the then Prime Minister of Japan was fresh off an election win from October the year before when he mildly insulted a member of the opposition while speaking in the House of Representatives. This being Japan, such rudeness violated a major taboo and the outrage was enough that a No Confidence Motion was called for which the Government lost and new elections were called. While his party won the election in April with a reduced majority, keep in mind that the Government lasted for less than 6 months before being dissolved because of a poor choice of words.

Isn't the Parliamentary system wonderful? And wouldn't it be nice if certain Heads of States who slander good people, dishonours veterans and soldiers who were killed, wounded or taken prisoner during wartime, fire people who dare doing their job properly by speaking out against them and throws out baseless claims about election fraud on social media could be treated as such? Oh well, not long until that sad chapter is closed

Chapter 287: Easy as Pi

Summary:

While Aizawa has already issued judgement on 1-A for breaking school rules, another teacher adds an extra Labour to their tasks

In the aftermath of the Sports Festival, 1-A was dreading their next Mathematics lesson, a dread that grew with the approaching, distinctly metallic footfalls of their teacher.

The door opened and Ectoplasm stepped through. With his expressionless eyes, full face mask and lipless mouth, it was hard to gauge the mood of the hero they had publicly decimated as he set up the podium.

“Well, yesterday was a thing. Good job.” his unearthly voice echoed. “I understand Eraserhead has dispensed an appropriate ‘punishment’, so for today’s lesson, we shall be calculating Pi to the thousandth decimal... by hand . Prepare yourselves.”

Notes:

Momo flushes in excitement at the task ahead while Mina and Kaminari need a visit to Recovery Girl as their heads explode.

Chapter 288: Ghosts in the Quirk

Summary:

One For All is a Quirk with powers and abilities which push the boundaries of human knowledge

Notes:

EDIT: Because the The Zalgo text was inflating the word count by 11, I replaced those bits with screenshots. With the original text now down by 6 words, I put in the extra block at the end to bring it back to 100 exact.

All Might didn’t understand what was happening. Trapped in a lucid dream he was unable to influence, he withdrew something from a filing cabinet, shadows looming at every turn.

That echoing voice...it rang familiar

“Come with me,” another voice instructed.

Powerless, he continued obeying, the shadows swarming in closer...

That voice...that shadow...he knew them…

“Master?”

The embers of One For All flared, breaking his fingers and snapping him back to awareness. 

He was on the school roof, wracked with nausea, face-to-face with a tearful Hitoshi Shinso.

“All Might... please forgive me…”

 

---

 

THIS IS TO REBALANCE THE WORDCOUNT

Notes:

Well damn son, shit is about to get real. Bet the helping hand from Nana and the other cost All Might a few minutes of his remaining limit.

Thanks to Cal from The IzuOcha Temple Discord for identifying and telling me how to do the Zalgo text.

EDIT: Because the The Zalgo text was inflating the word count by 11, I replaced those bits with screenshots. With the original text now down by 6 words, I put in the extra block at the end to bring it back to 100 exact.

Chapter 289: Ensnarement

Summary:

Realising he’s prey, All Might discovers the huntsman who planted the bait which caught him in a deadly trap.

Vomiting blood from the shock of dropping his muscle form, All Might’s last memory - Shinso approaching him outside the faculty office - became nightmarishly clear.

“Young Shinso?” he asked the student between tortured heaves. “What did you do?”

“Oh? Very interesting!”

Recognising that sawtoothed voice, the hero’s head snapped up. “Tomura Shigaraki!”

“Hi-di-hi!” leered the villain, standing at an opened warp gate. Instincts kicking in, All Might leapt forward to drag Shinso clear, the folders carried by the boy falling to the ground. Shifting back into muscle form, All Might gasped in horror as Shigaraki picked them up. 

“The student records!”

Notes:

Man, you would not believe how hard it is to think of chapter titles and summaries at times.

Chapter 290: Emergent Gameplay

Summary:

With an unexpected glitch happening in his game, Shigaraki moves to exploit it to his advantage.

Shigaraki howled with laughter; chucking the records through the portal he held up his phone, which had recorded everything .

“I was gonna complain you’d ruined my fun All Might, but this is way cooler than killing you! Everyone will know you're a bigger fraud than Endeavour!” Stepping through the portal, he bid farewell. “GG Hitoshi, you’ve been a great Player 2.”

The gate collapsed, and All Might checked Shinso over. “Are you alright?”

“My family!” Shinso yelled, sobbing tears. “Please, he’s going to kill my family!”

Wordlessly, All Might scooped the distraught student up and charged towards the nearest alarm.

Chapter 291: Binary Star

Summary:

Amajiki finds himself at the barycenter of two Suns.

Knowing he would be interning under Fat Gum, Mirio invited Izuku to join him at lunch and be introduced to Tamaki, the BMI’s Hero’s other internee. Learning that Izuku was not only joining him at the agency, but also bringing Gran Torino as a guest instructor, Suneater dropped his head onto the table

“This guy sounds terrifying! Someone All Might is scared of? I’ll never survive!”

“It’s not like that Amajiki, he just-” A shrill siren interrupted Izuku’s explanation. “What’s that?”

“The Lockdown alarm!” Mirio and Tamaki jumped to their feet. “Report to your homerooms, no students allowed off campus!”

Notes:

Last night was good, I wrote the final drabble of this almost 9 month project and the official sources in Japan released teaser images that suggest we might be getting another film! Hype! Can I do the hat trick by attending the UK Premiere of a MHA film for the third time?

Chapter 292: Data Breach

Summary:

With Shigaraki stealing the student records, U.A faces its biggest crisis

The school’s senior staff converged in the infirmary, All Might briefing them while Recovery Girl examined Shinso.

“Shigaraki has our student records?” Nezu staggered to a chair. The personal data of all 657 students! Names, addresses, emergency contacts, medical records transcripts, everything . 

“Our situation is critical.” Ignoring Recovery Girl’s protests, the principal produced a cigarette and lit up. “Issue an immediate Xavier Alert to the Police and Hero Networks. Protective details at every student’s home, pull their parents out of their workplaces immediately! Mic, prepare a statement.” 

After yesterday’s revelations, there could be no secrets.

“We must confess our failure.”

Chapter 293: Self-Condemnation

Summary:

As Shinso reels over his actions that have endangered many, a voice of reason and logic reaches out.

Shinso refused to speak. Everyone was right - he was a villain, one who’d compromised the school’s safety, his family and had nearly lured All Might to his death. Nobody would dare speak to him again.

Someone crouched before Shinso, and something within him shifted. Looking up, his gaze met Aizawa’s red unblinking eyes, hair standing upright as Erasure disabled Brainwashing.

Thank you...

“I’m sorry, sir. This-”

“-isn’t your fault.” Aizawa dropped Erasure as Shinso spoke. “As heroes and teachers, we failed - failed to educate society, to recognise your potential, to support you. I promise you Shinso, it’ll never happen again.”

Chapter 294: False Gods

Summary:

As his student seeks to wrest away devotion from the Symbol of Peace, the Symbol of Evil stirs

All For One wished he still had eyes to see Tomura’s footage of an emaciated All Might - he needed something to perk himself up after Gentle had taken some two centuries of his files public. Lesson learned: his own hubris was to blame for that act of exposure.

Yet Tormura had inflicted a greater wound on All Might. People lost faith when their golden gods were reduced to mortal frauds; once Tomura released that recording and paid a ‘visit’ to Shinso’s family, All Might’s altar would be forever desecrated. 

“Let us usurp this idolatry.”

The Great Old One had returned.

Notes:

Gonna make the second uploads of the day a bit earlier in hopes of instilling a better bedtime routine.

With the way the Bakugo retrieval squad acted when the worshiped, nigh-immortal and all powerful AFO shows up in Kamino, you would think he's some sort of Lovecraftian cosmic horror that drives those who gaze upon him insane. Seemed appropriate to run with it.

Chapter 295: Popular Movement

Summary:

As the scandal 1-A started reaches its climax, they've inadvertently opened the door for something potentially far worse to take place of the system they've brought down

From her seat on the Government bench, the HPSC President crumpled as the Speaker confirmed the results. With party members in open rebellion, the Government’s hopes of surviving the No-confidence motion had been crushed. The Prime Minister was already arranging to meet with an apparently-furious Emperor to dissolve the Diet and call for elections.

Looking at the toadying Representatives already swarming about Koku Hanabata, she knew his reformist Hearts and Minds Party would prosper. They’d led the motion and represented the largest bloc untainted by the scandal. 

They’d take her constituency’s slim majority, and with it her Article 75 protection.

Notes:

In the Constitution of Japan, Article 75 grants legal immunity to members of the Cabinet unless the Prime Minister consents to a request to rescind it or they lose their place at the highest table in Government.

Now it's never stated how big the Hearts & Minds Party is, so I’m running on the assumption that it's a younger party in the ascendancy which has 30 seats in the House of Representatives, making them the third party. As the fresh item on the menu tapping into relevant concerns of the people and unstained with scandal, they stand a good chance of gaining many seats if they choose the right battles in the individual constituencies. While unlikely to gain an outright majority, they could easily be the Kingmaker by entering into a coalition with other parties and insist on taking key posts in the new Cabinet where the MLA can start weaving their tendrils deeper into the system

Chapter 296: Bloodlust

Summary:

The stakes that U.A face escalate to critical mass as Shigaraki shows the scale of his twisted intent and malevolence

Nezu’s rage boiled with the news that Pro Heros had discovered the partially-decayed body of Shinso's father at his workplace. He took no comfort at confirmation of the rest of the family’s safety as All Might scooped him and a podium up before running for the U.A. barrier, and the waiting media.

“It is my grim duty to inform you that two days ago, the self-proclaimed League of Villains abducted a General Education student from a single-occupancy apartment, and coerced their assistance in penetrating U.A.’s defences with threats against the student’s family.”

Shigaraki would pay for this.

Notes:

BLAME MY BROTHER! Reasoning will be explained on Friday

Chapter 297: Good News and Bad News

Summary:

Nezu briefs the media on the League's infiltration of U.A and their intensions

Nezu held a paw up for silence as the media bombarded him with questions. This wasn’t easy...

“With their family effectively held hostage, and cooperation secured through remote-monitoring equipment, this student was compelled to infiltrate U.A. and secure a copy of the student records. To my regret, the League has succeeded in this, and is now in possession of sensitive personal data. Their secondary objective was to murder All Might by luring him to a artifically-generated warpgate on school grounds, where League of Villains leader Tomura Shigaraki inteneded to assassinate him. Thankfully, this component of their plan has failed.”

Notes:

I mean, the big guy himself is standing next to you Nezu so the fact that he isn't dead should be clear

Chapter 298: Course of Action

Summary:

Admitting the school's failure, Nezu is quick to bring about reform

“Becoming aware of the threat, All Might safely removed both himself and the student from the scene. That student is now safe, but we are saddened and outraged to report that in retaliation, Tomura Shigaraki shortly afterwards murdered a member of their family .”

Nezu bowed low. “For this failure, U.A. extends our deepest condolences. With hundreds of students and their families in clear danger, heroes are being posted to their homes for 24-hour protection. And to secure the long-term safety of our students, I shall recommend to the Board of Governors that U.A. immediately becomes a boarding school.”

Chapter 299: Behind The Facade

Summary:

After years of seeing only a hero, the world discovers the man beneath the mask of All Might

“Before taking questions, I shall briefly hand over to All Might.”

As Nezu hopped away from the podium, All Might took a breath to steady himself.

“The attempt on my life was filmed for public release, to discredit myself and U.A.  It contains details that will raise confusion and dismay concerning my personal life, which I shall now preempt by disclosing my greatest secret, on my own terms.”

The media cried in alarm as, in a puff of steam, the Symbol of Peace dropped his muscle from and revealed his withered frame.

“This is the price a hero pays.”

Chapter 300: Passing The Torch

Summary:

For the dark and difficult times that lie ahead, All Might issues a rallying call

Naked, broken before the world, All Might deduced Shigaraki’s twisted logic.

‘If he can't kill me, he’s determined to hurt me. Had I died outside that portal, Young Shinso’s father would be alive. A life for a life.’  

And it did hurt, more than any injury he’d ever endured. But although defeated, he still had several furlongs to go, precious miles which needed to be spent wisely.

“Twilight’s fallen, but as I approach retirement, I look with pride to this rising generation, and entrust the peace to those young heroes who have already achieved so much.

“Now, it's your turn.”

Notes:

Well thats one way to mark 300 drabbles. As the Dumbledore quote in the summary suggests, for me this and Kamino is like the ending of Goblet of Fire in the Harry Potter series. The status quo has shifted and the responsibility of fixing the mistakes made in the past is taken up by the next generation

So yeah, Shinso's father. Until three weeks ago he and the rest of the family were going to be fine, with Shigaraki being happy with his successful power play, the footage of All Might in his true form and the student records. Then my brother pointed out the same logic that All Might came to, only that he instead at first suggested that with the data from the students records, Shiggy should go after Mina's family. Being the festival winner, she's by far become the class’ public face for the nation and murdering the family of such a high profile student would be all the worse for U.A.

At first, I put my foot down but after sleeping on it, I too came to the conculsion that murder would be Shiggy's next step. Brother also wanted him to go after more 1-A parents but just one murder is enough shock value for this point in the manga....that and I don't want the tag Dead Midoriya Inko.

Chapter 301: Wrinkle in the Plan

Summary:

No plan survives contact with the enemy

“Typical” All For One bemoanded in frustration as Nezu and All Might fielded the media’s questions. Like the fight that maimed them both, just when he thought he’d dealt the killing blow, the hero turned things around and caved his skull in.

By beating Tomaru to the punch in admitting U.A’s failures, and revealing All Might’s injuries on his own terms, the two had taken control of a story with which he’d hoped to dethrone them with and sow division 

However, this was but a minor setback. As with his injuries, his plans for Tomura merely needed to adapt.

Notes:

I whooped for joy at the surprise reveal in the manga’s latest chapter. No spoilers for those not upto date plz.

Chapter 302: Reconciliation

Summary:

As official inquiries into the Endeavour case get underway, Naomasa sees that the Todoroki have much to make peace with

For his initial investigation into Endeavour, Naomasa elected to take statements from the Todoroki children, first and foremost the boy whose treatment had initiated events. Fuyumi holding his hand, Shoto recounted years of physical and mental abuse. The detective didn’t need his Quirk to confirm the boy’s honesty. 

Thanking them for their time, Naomasa watched the three siblings get into a car under Burnin’s watchful eye - apparently Endeavour’s final order before handing his agency over to her was to “protect my family” - before she drove them to Fujitani Hospital. 

After a decade of separation, Shoto was reuniting with his mother.

Notes:

When chapter 290 of the Manga was released, the very first thing I thought with the first panel was like "Ah nice, Rei's hospital has an official name now, I can have that little detail in the drabbles instead of the bland ‘the hospital’ description.”

Chapter 303: Impulsive Actions

Summary:

As the students learn what League of Villains have accomplished and the danger they now face, Aizawa has to reel in their instincts

While Nezu briefed the media, the homeroom teachers suspended classes to break the news to the students, many of whom quickly panicked for their endangered loved ones. In 1-A, the four Musutafu teens; Midoriya, Bakugo, Jiro and Tokoyami demanded to be immediately let home to protect their families. 

“Without Hero Licenses, what good would that do?” Aizawa interjected. “Whether you live alone or with families, Pros are being dispatched to guard your residences. Once the Governors approve the Principal’s permanent dormitories proposal, home meetings with your parents and guardians will be arranged to discuss your ongoing education and their security...”

Chapter 304: Mission Aborted

Summary:

With All Might entering semi-retirement, his announcement affects concealed plans relating to him

Enroute to the location of its annual expo, I-Island navigated past Cape Horn into the Pacific. Watching the news from home, Melissa Shield couldn’t believe her eyes, seeing Uncle Might - always so strong and confident - reduced to a walking shadow, that familiar mustard suit hanging off a withered body.

In his private office, her father was on the phone. “Sam, I’m calling it off… tell Wolfram he’ll get paid in full… no, my decision is final… forget the Amplifier! He’s shown his Quirk is failing, how could anyone explain a miraculous recovery?!”

Hanging up, the scientist folded over in tears.

Notes:

Well that's Two Heroes butterflied away.

David is similar to Nighteye in that he's so enamoured with the idea of All Might's Symbol of Peace that he's forgotten about the man that is Toshinori Yagi. In his defense, he has no idea about One For All which in turn makes it kinda worse. I mean, All Might has known David (who helped make his dream of a safer world become a reality) for 30-40 years and he didn’t trust him enough to bring him into the OFA circle of trust.

Had he known about it and Izuku having inherited it, he wouldn't have turned to desperate measures trying to prop up All Might by hiring Wolfram, for which he no doubt suffered consequences. The epilogue in the end credits, those guards are likely waiting for David to be medically fit before the I-Island authorities arrest and charge him.

Speaking of Wolfram, was he even mentioned by name in the whole film?

Finally, I know I-Island is big but didn't fully appreciate it until realising that the frigging Airport which is closest to us in this shot is dwarfed by I-Island itself. If the runway is at least 2,000 metres long to take 737s or A320s, it must give the island a width of around 25 or so kilometres (15 miles). That thing can tank super typhoons like they were nothing. The 250,000 ton Oasis Class cruise ships can use it as a safe mooring out in the open ocean! Imagine what sort of draft it pulls and being the helmsman on that thing

Chapter 305: Resurrection

Summary:

Having thought he'd ended a conflictthat spanned centuries, All Might receives vital intel: The war is reviving.

Only after finishing with the media did All Might have his broken fingers tended to. Concerned with his heavy, bloody coughing, Recovery Girl prescribed recuperation alongside Shinso in the infirmary.

“I told Shigaraki no” the student wept. “...and his Sensei, h-he had no f-face, said my Quirk was worth duplicating, if not taking… When I came to, I had to accept...I needed to keep my family safe...Dad... ”

Sitting alongside him, All Might let Shinso cry into his chest as the boy wailed for his lost father. This testimony confirmed his deepest fears. 

All For One was still alive.

Notes:

Alarms bells would have started ringing after his fight with the USJ Nomu.

And thats Shinso's part in the story over.

Chapter 306: Reconnect

Summary:

For the Todorokis, the healing can begin

Shoto froze up outside of room 315 - he was still uncertain about this. His siblings had assured him otherwise, yet he dreaded how his mother would react to seeing the half of him that came from Endeavour.

But he needed this, and his classmates had given them a chance to start over. Taking a breath, he opened the door and entered. 

There she was, gazing out of the window. 

“Hi, mom...”

Fuyumi and Natsuo held back at the threshold as their mother turned and gasped. 

“Shoto? Honey, you’re safe...” 

Fuyumi wept as Rei rose to hug her youngest child tight.

Notes:

Shinso lost his Dad, Shoto got his Mother back. Perfectly balanced as all things should be

Chapter 307: Make Japan Great Again

Summary:

The voicepiece of Destro steps onto his soapbox and trumpets a campaign of great reform for Japan in the coming election

With elections called, Koku Hanabata announced several amendments to the Hearts and Minds manifesto 

• Full pardons for Class 1-A, Gentle Criminal and La Brava, for showing heroic and patriotic virtue in exposing corruption. 
• Nationalisation of the Hero Industry, making all Pros public servants operating under strong oversight.
• Deregulation of Public Quirk use, and strengthening anti-discrimation laws to protect people with ‘Villain Quirks’ or physical mutations from being driven to society’s fringes. Such discrimation had empowered The League’s’ targeting of a U.A. student. 

What remained unsaid was re education. Conforming minds to Destro’s dialectic would be a vast public undertaking

Notes:

Hopefully he doesn't utter the infamous phrase made by British Politician David Steel at the Liberal Party conference in 1981: "Go back to your constituencies, and prepare for government!"

In the following General Election, the Liberals and their electoral allies, the Social Democrats came third by a long mile. Goes to show what happens when the sitting party has a boost in arm with something like winning the Falklands War

Chapter 308: Class Outing

Summary:

Aizawa's choice of words for 1-A’s punishment come back to haunt him

Aizawa groaned. Having been barred from protecting their families, 1-A were now refusing to leave the homeroom.

“With all respect, Sir,” argued a sombre Iida. “You said delivering Todoroki’s worksheets was a collective punishment.“

“And given what's happened” spoke up Izuku, “it isn't safe for us to be out in public without Hero licenses.”

“So we want to charter a school bus!” Mina concluded

“Fine.” The teacher grabbed his sleeping bag and slouched towards the door. They were good kids, and after today’s horrible turn of events, he realised they needed an assurance that their actions were worth the consequences.

Notes:

One thing that I'm unhappy about as a writer is that some characters who have played big roles in this arc have slipped to the wayside. Poor writing on my part or their purpose in the story fulfilled?

Chapter 309: Divided Forces

Summary:

With so many options presented to them, the strays of society have no single figure to rally behind

Her security detail slaughtered, Stain pursued the fleeing HPSC President deeper into her home. The cancerous tumor that had poisoned hero society would be excised.

Atsuhiro Sako respected Gentle Criminal’s showmanship. Their talents combined would be quite the double-billing.

His Reptilian features unconcealed, Shuichi Iguchi volunteered at his local Hearts and Minds branch. Their manifesto offered him an alternative.

Twice had no idea which way to turn.

Himiko gleefully rewatched the festival. The students everyone was talking about looked so cute, especially Izuku, Ochaco and Katsuki, all broken and bloody. She simply had to meet them, and make them pretty.

Chapter 310: Resumption of Hostilities

Summary:

Veterans of the shadow war against All For One ready for the renewed conflict

Examining All For One’s files, Gran Torino saw Nana listed as a victim, and felt old wounds reopen.

When Toshinori revealed his injuries, he felt vindicated: contrary to Nighteye’s soothsaying, the public had been inspired by how All Might had kept on fighting.

Finally, he was thrown when Toshinori phoned to say that Nana had saved him from beyond the grave... and that the monster was still alive.

“Be on your guard Toshinori, you can’t protect the kid the way Nana did.”

“I’m not alone, Sir.” All Might replied. “Young Midoriya has amazing allies by his side. Together, we’ll win.”

Chapter 311: The U.A. Reformation

Summary:

As a modern day Martin Luther, Nezu writes his Ninety-five Theses to address the flaws of a great institution

Cementoss was already busy erecting the thirty-three dorms required to house U.A’s student-body, Powerloader overseeing outfitting and the administration handling legal. 

Nezu had the hardest task, handwriting letters to families whose trust in the school had been shattered.

He didn't sugarcoat things: U.A.’s school culture desperately needed reform. Heroics could no longer be segregated, and would now become part of a mixed curriculum, welcoming heroic-hearted students whose Quirks were incompatible with an outdated mold, and which incubated business and support fundamentals within the Heroics students. 

No more commercialising the Sports Festival. 

No more abductions. 

No more murders.

Notes:

As we enter the final week of this 210 part marathon, last night turned out to be a major landmark as the proofing of this final batch of 10 occurred exactly nine months to the day that my brother pitched the idea of a randomly drawn Sports Festival to me and we drew the lots. Who would have thought it would have proved to be so long and rewarding?

As for Nezu's proposal, it really made me think just how aloof the Hero Course could be seen from the outside. 1-A not knowing about the Gen Ed students fighting for a second shot to get into the Hero course and the allowances for Support students to use their creations at the festival can be seen as a narrative point to clue in readers or could be simple ignorance of things that don’t concern them. That or it could be because they missed orientation...thanks Aizawa.

My vision is the other courses are given basic self defense classes and Quirk training to help them in a crisis with a dedicated optional after school class where they get offered foundational Heroics and receive some form of official accreditation. Such training would allow them to be more competitive at the Sports Festival and even if they fail to get a transfer to the hero course, their certified training can open doors for them in higher education. No doubt there are Hero schools that cater to mature students.

As for the Hero course, closer integration with Support and Management would greatly benefit them as they home their Quirks and bodies in controlled lab environment that will benefit both parties in developing support gear or the fact that they need business training if they intend to run multi-hundred-million Yen businesses in the future.

Chapter 312: Encumbered

Summary:

Izuku always knew taking on One For All was huge responsibility, but was unaware of all the risks and duties it came with.

Having confirmed their families were being protected, 1-A’s spirits lifted as their bus left U.A, under escort and bound for the Todoroki residence. Except for Izuku, who remained subdued as a result of All Might's disclosure of All For One’s existence.

“I’m sorry, Izuku.” All Might said solemnly, sat hunched in the seat next to him. “I never wanted you to have to bear this burden.”

Izuku nodded numbly. He’d seen AFO’s leaked file, and understood he was now being targeted by a predator whose protege had murdered innocent people, and tried to take All Might away from him.

Chapter 313: Parting of the Ways

Summary:

As U.A begins another security review, its more fearful students disperse and Mirio too finds himself at a unexpected parture

With school suspended, worried students outside of Heroics were desperate to return to their families. Offering his services, the provisionally-licensed and fully-suited Lemillion volunteered to chaperone a group up on the Shinkansen to Tokyo. 

Having handed most of the younglings over to Pros for onward escort, and delivered the rest to their home addresses, he decided to visit Nighteye and notify him that Midoriya wouldn't be interning with them.

He was stunned to see his mentor emotionally pained. Was it about All Might? Given their history together, possibly he’d known about those injuries.

“Mirio… I can no longer mentor you.”

Chapter 314: Phoenix Rising

Summary:

Like the mythical creature, Dabi wonders if he can be renewed from the ashes of his old life.

Dabi observed the students who’d rescued his family disembark at the gates of the Todoroki residence.

These kids had denied him revenge, but forced Endeavour to admit to crimes for which he and many others were going to burn. Good riddance if they left him rotting in Tartarus 

And Shoto, his replacement ‘masterpiece’ had not become Dad’s puppet, but suffered equally abusive treatment. 

As Fuyumi opened the gate for 1-A, her eyes briefly met his own. There was no recognition. Would Toya’s family take him back? Dabi had killed several people, yet for better or worse, the past never died.

Chapter 315: Move Before You Think

Summary:

“There are stories about every hero, how they became great. Most have one thing in common - their bodies moved before they had a chance to think.”

Shoto felt emotionally shattered, having given his initial statement to Detective Tsukauchi, reconciled with his mother and learned of the horrors that had occurred at school along with All Might semi-retiring.

‘What’s that?’ Hearing a commotion coming from the Genken, his exhausted mind jumped into action. ‘The League is attacking!’

Adrenaline pumping, he planted his right foot, sending ice shooting ahead of him as he ran for the front door-

“I won’t let you hurt my…”

-only to be greeted by an aghast Fuyumi, a laughing Burnin, his classmates, Aizawa and the shrunken All Might, all frozen to the floor.

Notes:

Ah Shoto, my sweet, socially awkward summer child, your heart might be in the right place, but I kinda think that this isn't gonna count towards 'the moment' that (at least) Izuku, Katsuma and Bakugo have had.

Chapter 316: Total Eclipse

Summary:

The light of Mirio's sun is engulfed in shadow

“If you respect him, then accept his decision! Help the transition!”

Bubble Girl and Centipeder couldn’t believe the muffled (and one-sided) screaming match coming from the soundproofed office. Already dumbfounded by Nighteye’s decision to release Mirio, they’d not expected the boy wonder to take it so badly. Deadened shouts of “All Might”, “candidate” and “one true successor” suggested a bigger, unseen picture...

“How can you even CLAIM Midoriya’s unworthy, when he’s ALREADY done so much good! But what hurts most, is that you didn’t believe in me!!! ”

Permeating through the door, Lemillion left without a word, brushing away anguished tears.

Notes:

Don't forget, eclipses only last briefly.

So why did Nighteye come clean? Along with the Endeavour scandal, does he think that All Might coming clean about his true form without a dramatic bang like Kamino has shattered the Symbol of Peace beyond repair, invalidating his efforts in making Mirio a cookie-cutter replacement? Has the chastisement from his idol made him guilt ridden to the point he could no longer bear it. Maybe he’s given into nihilism with the conclusion that the future is written, the anger he saw in Mirio’s future when he used foresight in Drabble 200 likely being this very event. With Foresight, he always peeks into Schrödinger Box and removes all other possibilities from any given scenario. Had he simply not broken All Might’s rule by looking into his future, he could have avoided all this.

Or is it something else entirely? I’ll leave that for you to decide.

And with the Boy Wonder line, Mirio is like Dick Grayson casting off the Robin persona and the Batman that is Nighteye. For the love of God Nighteye, don't try recuiting another U.A student, we all know what happened to Jason Todd

Chapter 317: Mission Accomplished

Summary:

1-A find that their primary objective - for which they burnt Japan down for - has been achieved.

Thoroughly embarrassed, Shoto released the guests from their icy prison, while Burnin rolled with laughter 

“Hey, Todoroki…” ever the instigator, Izuku stood forward to hand Shoto his worksheets. “We came to give-” 

The socially awkward Shoto cut Izuku off by embracing him. It felt awkward, the hug of someone unfamiliar with tactile comfort.

“Thank you…” he sobbed, before turning to his classmates. “Thank you all.”

His cathartic tears rolling, All Might and Aizawa watched with pride as the students joined in the hug.

“A successful rescue mission,” the shrunken Symbol of Peace rumbled softly.

“Worth it,” noded Aizawa. “Plus Ultra.”

Notes:

'Mission Accomplished' and 'primary objective achieved' because I've been watching Command and Conquer videos on youtube.

And sorry I'm late. I’ve been so tried these last few weeks that can barely make it through the evenings without collapsing into bed

Chapter 318: Social Revolution

Summary:

The consequences stemming from the U.A Sports Festival and its aftermath has given Re-Destro an unprecedented opportunity to transform Japan along with a potential apprentice

A snap-election. The HPSC President murdered. Villains running rampant. Endeavour jailed. All Might headed for retirement.

Uncertainty was creeping across Japan. Re-Destro had never envisioned such opportunity, and such risk. Though the MLA might strike while the iron was hot, the danger of Trumpet losing his potential public mandate was ever-present. 

But Re-Destro had contingency plans, including the gem he’d discovered in Mei Hatsume, a prodigal mind compensating for a mediocre Meta Ability. The child seemed open-minded to Liberation, but a thorough assessment was necessary before deciding on inducting her.

He couldn't let such a useful tool slip his grasp.

Chapter 319: War of the Villainous Succession

Summary:

While there are many claimants, “there can only be one true ruler” who'll ascend to the Throne of Evil

All For One had reached a decision. As All Might had endorsed his students, he would publicly anoint Tomura as his heir, his son . 

Though not entirely ready for the responsibility, Tomura would gather followers, and opportunities existed for him to prove himself. 

Targeting Gentle would be petty revenge, but Re-Destro’s Army were worthy adversaries, Stain presented the perfect ideological foil, and harvest-time was fast approaching for Overhaul and his bullet-orchard. Winning Gigantomachia’s loyalty and besting Garaki’s ‘weather experiment’ would be the perfect final labours.

Then the entire world would behold Tomura’s ascension to the throne of All For One.

Notes:

This is it people, the final day of the arc, come back later today for the final drabble where we’ll be wrapping this up!

With the quote in the summery and a mention of a 'weather experiment', AFO is alluding to Nine, who to me was not only serving as a field test for Garaki’s procedures for Shiggy’s eventual enhancement that he got lots of valuable data from (hence Tomura’s line of “excellent work” as he dusts him) but as a final unspoken test set by the Doc before bequeathing AFO to the rightful heir. Independently recognise a threat to his power, trace it and eliminate it.

Chapter 320: Random Result

Summary:

By a series of events beyond the power of all, an outcome that none could anticipated has occurred. Undeterred at the fate they've both made and been handed, the students of 1-A are determined the face the new status quo and the odd future thats lies ahead of them,

Butterflies fluttered in the Todoroki gardens as 1-A approached the gathered reporters. 

“Ladies and Gentlemen,” Mina announced, grinning proudly. “Here’s Shoto Todoroki!”

Seen for the first time since the festival, Shoto silently linked hands with Mina and Izuku. Their classmates repeated the action and raised their arms, while cameras flashed and questions were shouted.

Izuku marvelled at it, this silent declaration of intent to Shigaraki and All For One. This generation would rise above petty squabbles, unafraid of Villains, Heroes or Governments. 

United, they could do anything. 

And to think this all happened on the luck of a random draw.

Notes:

And there we have it people, after 210 installments of 100 word drabbles over the course of 37 weeks, The hereby titled Luck of the Draw subseries of this collection has come to a close.

When my brother pitched this to me on a Skype call that started at 17:05 on March 6th which I started writing at 21:55 that evening with all 16 matches decided (here's the first rough bracket he made in that call) by typing Midnight's announcement of “Take a look at the brackets my dears!”, did I anticipate this would go on for so long? Hell no. The initial idea was to end it with the medal ceremony but the way the lots were drawn and the outcome of the very first match my brother and I were triggering something much bigger.

When Momo defeated Todoroki and Endeavour did not react well to it, I didn't fully realise it there but ripples were starting to spread. As things progressed, I started realising that I’d put myself into a position where I couldn't simply end it there. And so the idea grew with more plot points growing from there. The HPSC interference, Shinso being abducted by the League, the protest, the MLA and Gentle’s involvement, Eri’s cameo, the fall of the Government. It grew like a weed and all was solid apart from one, Shinso’s fate.

On top of what I decided to go with, other options were All Might being unable to save him on the roof and the League keeping him captive or he willingly turned traitor, allowing Shigaraki to play a long game by having an insider at U.A. I spent ages deciding what I do with him and even ten it got changed late with his father’s murder.

While that side plot of the story got wrapped up, there are still some loose ends. Some I’m happy leaving as they are, others not so. What will become of our beloved characters as they walked down this new and unfamiliar path? For now, who knows, but in the future, their could be more drabbles of this timeline or even spin-offs.

I hope you enjoyed reading this marathon of drabbles as I have writing them, even if it has been an at times exhausting process. Next week we have one last batch of drabbles before I go on break for Christmas, these being the long promised prizes-drabbles for the folks who correctly predicted who’d win the Sports Festival.

Chapter 321: A Chance To Shine

Summary:

This Week: Prize Week - Five drabbles handed out to and suggested by readers

As a seasoned Pro Hero with decades of experience, Bakugo is approached by a desperate teenager seeking answers

Notes:

When I started Luck of the Draw back in March, I offered five drabbles as prizes to readers who could predict which two students would reach the podium. Two readers accomplished this and three correctly called one. Two of them were picked as lucky losers in addition to another who posted the 1000th comment for this collection. Once I notified them of their win, all five sent their prompts and I got to work.

Dynamight stopped dead as the kid’s question smacked him in the face.

“Could I become a hero, even if I don't have a Quirk?”

Fifty years had passed since Katsuki had seen that desperate look in Izuku's eyes, a look now shared by this gangly teenager. And just like Izuku, he saw more: conviction, fighting spirit, a desire to save and serve.

They just needed a lucky break.

“Tell you what,” he handed over his card. “My gym tomorrow, your training starts. You have one year. Beat me in quirkless combat after that, and I’ll send U.A a recommendation.”

Notes:

For predicting Bakugo and Ochaco would win Silver and Bronze, Don't worry about it prompted me with:
"Bakugou suddenly faced with a quirkless teenager, years into his career as a pro with Deku and everyone else, who asks him if they can be a hero like him."

So this was a fun one to think about. A seasoned Pro Hero Bakugo will have the wisdom and maturity to really recognise potential within a Quirkless person and this being decades into the future, such an individual could be an extreme rarity. Would conditions have improved for those lacking a Quirk or have they become more marginalised? And the kid better be ready, Bakugo will be in his late fifties or early sixties here but will be every bit a relentless and vigorous trainer as Gran Torino. If they (I intensional made the gender ambiguous) survive the coming year and beat Bakugo at the end of it, something great will emerge that will shatter all expectations.

Chapter 322: Ongoing Clean-up

Summary:

Conservation of the environment is a continuous undertaking

Hearing his grandparents waxing nostalgic about summer days wading through the shallows of Dagobah beach, Tokoyami investigated for himself, wondering if the accounts of a teenager single-handedly clearing the beach were accurate.

The truth became clear when he recognised the person gathering rubbish thoughtlessly dumped by litter-louts.

If anyone could do such a thing, it would be Midoriya.

Joining his classmate, he gave a silent nod of acknowledgement and accepted the offered litter pick, while Dark Shadow grabbed bags to receive the waste.

Many hands (and shadowy claws) made light work as they patrolled the beach, maintaining its pristine landscape.

Notes:

For predicting Mina and Bakugo would win Gold and Silver, Rubywings91 prompted me with:

"I have this headcanon of Izuku making trips out to Dagoba Beach whenever he can to make sure it stays clean. I think it would be fun for some of his classmates to see him there and figure out that he was the one who cleared it off. It was a big enough deal to make it into the newspaper so I figure some of his classmates would know about the story. Maybe, over the years it can become a 1A group activity/something he does with a few friends on a frequent basis. Maybe if he explains that he used it for physical training and did it without the help of his quirk, it could become a tradition to do the work with their own hands rather than rely on their abilities. It's just a little half formed idea I have."

That's a lot of thinking for a single drabble! Going into this, I was reminiscent of my childhood memories. My parents ran a village store and Post Office on top of delivering milk, papers and other sundries so whenever things were busy, they'd put me and my siblings on the bus to the next village down and stay with my late Nana. She lived just off the beach and we'll regularly go for walks along it before heading up to the castle perched above the village (the wonders of living in Europe!) With those fond memories in mind, I wanted it to be one of the local Musutafu kids that heads down to Dagoba (or is it Takoba?) and connects Izuku to the clean up. My instinct was to go with Jiro but as I have many ideas centred around her floating in my head, I went withTokoyami, a character I haven’t used much at all.

Chapter 323: Berserk Button

Summary:

There's no better way to enrage a hero than hurting those closest to them.

Hearing Fatgum scream with pain, Kirishima charged the henchmen blocking him. 

“Hold on, Fat, we’re coming!”

“Arkham-Mass-Assault!” batrachian tentacles exploded from Amajiki’s limbs. “Call of Cthulhu!!!” he roared, regurgitating more writhing appendages from his mouth. Enveloped by squamous feelers, the screeching underlings were hurled aside, revealing the convulsing Fatgum held in the clutches of Lipo, the Emaciation Villain, her proboscis-like tongue piercing his flesh, suckling on the BMI Hero’s fatty tissues. 

“You scrawny bitch!” Kirishima charged, hardened fists slamming Lipo away. Enraged, Red Riot and Suneater planted themselves between her and their downed mentor. “We won't let you hurt him!”

Notes:

For predicting Ochaco would win Bronze, IronRaven prompted me with:

"We're family." "You're dust." The only ground rules are it can't be the Todoroki family being discussed- Dabi makes that all too easy- but I will accept non-kin familial analogs. Say, a shared mentor, much the same way two padawans might be "siblings" from having the same master.

Oh, limitations? Challenge accepted! Removing the Todorokis from the equation still leaves the Midoriya, Bakugo and Asui families as the main candidates for this scenario but the option of non-kin relationships intrigued me. The Fatgum duo was the clear choice for me but as I type this down, I could have gone for the Pussycats rallying together or had Ryukyu with her three padawans (more relevant given what's happening in the manga -Nejire be triggered!). Stuff to think about in the future.

So anyway, this was fun with all the Lovecraftian angles that my brother enjoyed punching up by adding in the horror writter's lexicon. As for the villian, I was wondering what would be able to overcome Fatgum and immediately decided it would be Liposuction. The rest wrote itself thanks to The Bugs from Starship Troopers and Mosquito Girl from One-Punch Man

And finally, for the second week running in the manga, I’ve been saying (tongue in cheek) "Damnit, Horikoshi is taking my ideas!" I wrote this last week before seeing Izuku's new move. Week before it was Dynamight - that was my hero name for Izuku in a Quirk!Izuku, half-sibling AU (his conception and quirk being a result of a one night affair between Inko and Masaru Bakugo).

Chapter 324: Supergroup

Summary:

Nearing graduation, Class 3-A decides to pool their resources to benefit the nation

As graduation drew near, Class 3-A had realised that the bond they shared had become too strong to simply part ways 

“You know,” It was Kaminari who made the suggestion, while the class cozied together under blankets one night in the dorms. “We did fine on Nabu - how about we form our own agency?”

His off-hand remark was a lightbulb moment. Correctly placed on the Taiheiyō Belt, their combined talents could tackle any situation within mainland Japan. 

By the time they donned their Graduation Gowns, the Round Table Agency was already incorporated, its twenty founding members ready to aid millions

Notes:

For predicting Ochaco would win Bronze, ofWisdomandWitt prompted me with:

...Class a making their own hero agency

An opportunity to do some '1-A as a family' tropes? Yes please! With all that they've experienced in their first year alone, the class has become close and providing one of them isn't the traitor (insert Among Us memes here) or doesn't die, it isn't gonna change anytime some. As for the agency name, it seems to be an appropriate parallel with the The Three Musketeers motifs of unity, justice and equality. The logo would be a circle with 20 spokes to represent each member. And yeah, it had to be one of the hearts of the class to pitch it.

Chapter 325: The Coming of the Martians

Summary:

Across the gulf of space, minds immeasurably superior to ours regard this Earth with envious eyes...

Beginning with Horsell Common in Great Britain; cylindrical spacecraft from Mars taught humanity it wasn’t alone in the inanimate vastness of space. When several landed in Japan, U.A students were drafted-in to assist securing the landing sites.

Mina, the Alien Queen herself, was disappointed with the octopus-like Martians that briefly emerged, while Mei - volunteering to maintain support gear - was ecstatic at the technology glimpsed within the cylinders.

Moments later, Heat Rays were disintegrating the forward line.

Mina leapt in to defend the Earth. Mei followed, eager to test her Railgun.

“Welcome to Earth!”

The invaders wouldn’t stand a chance.

Notes:

Having earned the privilege by posting the 1000th comment, Mosshead_Warbonnet prompted me with:

In honour of the green glow of Mars and the Blue lights of Brazil, can we have a brief message greeting extraterrestrial (or dimensional) visitors starring Mina (Alien Queen), and Mei (Mad Science Representative)?

Of all the prompts I got for this week, this was the one that stumped me in thinking how to adapt it. That was until I remembered how much I love The War of the Worlds by H.G Wells along with Jeff’s Wayne’s legendary Concept album adapion of it. After I made that connection, it came so easy (heck, ‘the green glow’ ties perfectly into the influential sci-fi novel). With Quirks thrown into the mix, the Martians won't have enough time to assemble their Tripods and be killed by the bacteria before the heavy hitter Pros have their way with them. That is if Mina, Mei and the rest of the U.A students don’t do it first. The Martians; slain, after all man's devices had failed, by the humblest things that God, in his wisdom, has put upon this earth: teenagers.

And with that, I close out the year. While I might not have completed the original objective I set at the start of the year by continuing the main story in Life and Times of the Midoriyas, it sure has been productive. The 242 drabbles combined with the two oneshots I wrote for the IzuOcha Discord comes to a decent 37,802 words. They really have been a highlight for me in a year that has been draining on all of us.

Have a good Christmas everyone and here’s hoping that 2021 will be a better year. Until I return with more drabble and the next big project, See ya!

Chapter 326: Luck of the Draw Bonus Artwork: Two Years Later...

Summary:

Arty shares his Christmas Presents

My brother surprised me last night with an early Christmas present: A commission drawn by Deviantart’s PotterzillaSeries which depicts the medalists from Luck of the Draw - my Sports Festival AU -  as third years.

Bronze Medalist Ochaco: The badass we know her to be in an updated hero costume

Silver Medalist Bakugo: Wearing his own hero branding and hopefully all the wiser for the fight with Mina that left his hands scarred from self-inflicted injuries.

Gold Medalist Mina: aka pHunky - sporting an Acid Soaker courtesy of Mei...along with her little Horn Buddy. Guess who’ll be saving Eri in this timeline…

 

Notes:

Merry Christmas everyone, I hope this day is treating you well.

While I said that I wouldn't be back until the new year but as is always the case with me and writing, plans change. I was fortunate enough to book the whole Christmas week off from work (last time that was the case, I was still in school!) and was going to spend it with my family, partly at a holiday cottage they booked (my Dad's childhood home of all places!) but alas, the beast that is Covid-19 reared its ugly head and put a stop to those plans. The spiraling cases here in Wales brought about another lockdown and restrictions on household mixing were put into effect with the result of me spending Christmas by myself.

Suddenly finding myself with a lot of free time, I decided to put it to good use and make a gift for you. As such on top of this artwork (thanks bro!), today I shall be sharing ten installments of Symphony, my IzuJiro AU. It's been a long time since I've visited it and I'm happy to be writing for it again. I hope it's fuzzy feels will warm you on this cold festive day.

Chapter 327: Kyoka Jiro: Origin

Summary:

Jiro takes the first step in becoming a Hero

Notes:

SYMPHONY: AN IZUJIRO CONTINUITY

FIRST MOVEMENT: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Change in Tempo
Positive Reinforcement
Kyoka Jiro: Origin
Like Mother, Like Daughter
First Lesson

SECOND MOVEMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL
THIRD MOVEMENT: U.A HIGH

Although Stuujo Elementary School boasted of its robust anti-bullying culture, Kyoka was unsurprised to see two sixth-year bullies pushing Izuku face down into the playground mud. She knew she needed to fetch a teacher, but Izuku’s cries and the bullies’ jeers of “Quirkless Nothing!” stirred something in her. 

He needed help.

Her body moved without thinking, and she jabbed the bullies with her earjacks. Even at seven years old, the shock was powerful enough to send the two villains running, yelping in pain.

Wiping muddy tears away, Izuku gasped at the sight of the hero who rescued him.

“So cool!”

Notes:

And here we have the first of ten in my second batch of Christmas presents. Hope you enjoy!

Stuujo = Stewjon, Obi-Wan Kenobi's homeplanet

Chapter 328: Like Mother, Like Daughter

Summary:

Jiro women have little patience for males who start acting out

Notes:

SYMPHONY: AN IZUJIRO CONTINUITY

FIRST MOVEMENT: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Change in Tempo
Positive Reinforcement
Kyoka Jiro: Origin
Like Mother, Like Daughter
First Lesson

SECOND MOVEMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL
THIRD MOVEMENT: U.A HIGH

Mika Jiro sighed in exasperation at her husband's ceaseless pacing. “Kyotoku, will you calm down?”

“Calm down?” he laughed maniacally. “My baby girl is bringing a boy home!”

“Kyotoku, they’re eight!”

“But it's the principle-”

Having heard enough absurdity, she stung him with an earjack. “Don’t make a scene over this!” she ordered. “Midoriya has suffered enough - Kyoka is the first proper friend he’s had in years!”

The front door opened, allowing the excited chatter of two children to fill the house. Mika retracted her lobe and smirked at her cowed husband “Now be a good host and greet Midoriya.”

Chapter 329: First Lesson

Summary:

One of Izuku many talents is recognised and is given the support and encouraged

Notes:

SYMPHONY: AN IZUJIRO CONTINUITY

FIRST MOVEMENT: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Change in Tempo
Positive Reinforcement
Kyoka Jiro: Origin
Like Mother, Like Daughter
First Lesson

SECOND MOVEMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL
THIRD MOVEMENT: U.A HIGH

Izuku was awed by Kyoka’s tour of the instruments and band paraphernalia that populated the Jiro household. It was like his bedroom, but with music everywhere instead of All Might!

“Wow, Kyo! You can play all of these?”

Kyoka felt embarrassed - she’d never been this open about her interest, but she owed it to Izuku after he’d openly shared his love of heroes. “Some, but guitars are my favourite.” Taking down her bass, she offered it out. “You wanna try?” 

From seeing him play the flute, she knew Izuku had musical talent. It would be nice to share their hobbies.

Chapter 330: Five Years Later...

Summary:

Best friends Izuku and Kyoka head off to middle school.

Notes:

SYMPHONY: AN IZUJIRO CONTINUITY

FIRST MOVEMENT: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SECOND MOVEMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL
Five Years Later...
Limerence
Tongue Tied
Decisions
Reciprocation
Support

THIRD MOVEMENT: U.A HIGH

Izuku and Kyoka were delighted at both being accepted to Takodana Middle School. Not only did it boast an impressive music programme, the extracurricular options were excellent - the teacher assigned to the Kendo Club was a three-time All Japan Champion. Signing up, Kyoka knew this was the perfect training in discipline she needed to become a hero.

Even though it would be a tough journey, she had Izuku beside her - the one person she confided her dream to. Whenever she doubted herself, he was always there to help her back up.

She just wished his own dreams could come true…

Notes:

Given how the Japanese education system works, the proper title should be Nearly Five Years Later...

The USJ shows that Jiro knows how to handle a sword. She had to learn it somewhere, why not at a middle school Kendo Club with expert tuition?

Takodana = The Planet that the crew of the Millenium Falcon go to meet Maz Kanata in The Force Awakens

Chapter 331: Limerence

Summary:

Such to Izuku's worry, he wants Kyoka to be more than his best friend.

Notes:

SYMPHONY: AN IZUJIRO CONTINUITY

FIRST MOVEMENT: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SECOND MOVEMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL
Five Years Later...
Limerence
Tongue Tied
Decisions
Reciprocation
Support

THIRD MOVEMENT: U.A HIGH

It was when the Cherry Blossoms started budding in their third year that Izuku noticed it: whenever he saw Kyoka or so much as thought of her, his stomach filled with butterflies.

Obviously, he liked Kyoka Jiro - Smart, loyal, brave, fantastically-talented and oh-so-pretty Kyoka Jiro.

Equally obvious was that he didn't know what to do. Kyo’ was amazing, destined to do great things as a hero - if she rejected his confession, would that end his chance of seeing her story continue from up-close? Would she accept the Quirkless Wonder as her boyfriend?

Should he just continue bottling up his feelings?

Chapter 332: Tongue Tied

Summary:

As Kyoka confronts Izuku about their straining friendship, he expresses himself the one way he can when words fail

Notes:

SYMPHONY: AN IZUJIRO CONTINUITY

FIRST MOVEMENT: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SECOND MOVEMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL
Five Years Later...
Limerence
Tongue Tied
Decisions
Reciprocation
Support

THIRD MOVEMENT: U.A HIGH

Kyoka noticed Izuku changing as their third year progressed. He avoided eye contact, grew sloppy in Kendo, and increasingly melancholic during their jamming sessions together. Was it because graduation to High School would force them apart? 

Was their friendship ending before her very eyes? As Christmas approached, gloomy thoughts of them drifting apart escalated until they became unbearable. 

“Please Izu” she pleaded during one particularly-miserable session. “What’s wrong! No matter what, I don’t want to lose you!”

Gulping deeply, the trembling Izuku took his guitar and started playing, never taking his eyes off hers...

Elvis. Can't Help Falling in Love.

Notes:

More Red Dwarf references!!!

Chapter 333: Decisions

Summary:

With Izuku's confession out in the open, the ball is in Kyoka's court

Notes:

SYMPHONY: AN IZUJIRO CONTINUITY

FIRST MOVEMENT: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SECOND MOVEMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL
Five Years Later...
Limerence
Tongue Tied
Decisions
Reciprocation
Support

THIRD MOVEMENT: U.A HIGH

After Izuku’s surprise confession, Kyoka realised she had to provide a speedy response to something that had clearly been eating away at him.

She cleared her jumbled mind the best way she knew how; shredding her guitar in her parent’s home studio until her fingers ached, her jacks taking over until the strings broke

Izuku was her dearest friend, but a relationship? Others might mock him for his dorkiness (cute), muttering (passion for his hobbies) and Quirklessness (screw them) but she saw him for what he was - a kind, humble, and diligent genius.

She smiled. It was worth a try.

Chapter 334: Reciprocation

Summary:

Just as Izuku think he's ruined everything, the light at the end of the tunnel appears

Notes:

SYMPHONY: AN IZUJIRO CONTINUITY

FIRST MOVEMENT: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SECOND MOVEMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL
Five Years Later...
Limerence
Tongue Tied
Decisions
Reciprocation
Support

THIRD MOVEMENT: U.A HIGH

It was a forlorn Christmas for Izuku. Kyoka hadn’t spoken to him since his confession, he’d received no gifts from her, and they’d not taken their traditional KFC New Years’ trip to buy deep-fried fuel for their annual countdown-to-midnight songwriting sessions.

He was spiralling, falling into a dark place he hadn’t seen for years. It was useless following his heart. Just a Deku …

Then a familiar, husky, heavenly voice (with accompanying guitar) drew him back to the light.

“I wanna hold your hand, I wanna hold your hand”

There was Kyoka, doing The Beatles proud, a gleam in her eye.

Chapter 335: Support

Summary:

As their relationship deepens, Kyoka is there for Izuku when he needs her

Notes:

SYMPHONY: AN IZUJIRO CONTINUITY

FIRST MOVEMENT: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SECOND MOVEMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL
Five Years Later...
Limerence
Tongue Tied
Decisions
Reciprocation
Support

THIRD MOVEMENT: U.A HIGH

They opened their U.A letters together.

While her parents whooped at All Might’s holographic confirmation of their daughter’s Hero Course acceptance, Kyoka sat dumbfounded - she’d placed eighth, out of thousands! All thanks to Izuku helping train her body and brainstorm potential applications for her Quirk.

Her… boyfriend was also silent, his simple letter confirming placement into the Management Course. He’d also tried for the Hero Course… his pratical exam hadn’t gone well. Taking his hand, Kyoka let herself be his anchor as one dream drifted away, repeating the mantra they’d written.

 “No matter the course, together we’re a force.”

Chapter 336: The Next Step

Summary:

As they arrive at U.A, Izuku and Kyoka begin a new phase of their lives

Notes:

SYMPHONY: AN IZUJIRO CONTINUITY

FIRST MOVEMENT: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SECOND MOVEMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL

THIRD MOVEMENT: U.A HIGH
The Next Step
Sentimentality
Euterpe
Diminuendo
Private Event
Daughter of Elysium

Izuku blushed when Kyoka arrived at the station for their first commute to U.A. She was wearing the uniform waistcoat instead of the blazer - and it looked good on her.

Holding hands, they remained silent during the journey, content in one another's company. But as they approached the main building, their paths had to diverge.

As Izuku longingly looked towards the Heroics classrooms, Kyoka reminded him of his true value by pressing her lips across his own. Their first kiss.

“See you later, Izu.”

“Seeya Kyo’.” Squaring his shoulders, a smiling Izuku headed to class, happy for his hero...

Notes:

And there we go, thats the last of the ten 10 drabbles I'm posting this Christmas! Unless something else pops up, see ya in 2021!

Chapter 337: Trauma

Summary:

Eri's past returns to haunt her

Eri’s elation at having restored Mirio’s Quirk soured as she witnessed the destruction on the television alongside Mr. Might. Students and staff alike wept as further details started to reach them. Many of their friends had gotten badly hurt. Mr. Cementos, Nejire, Shoto, Katsuki, Izuku, Mr. Aizawa…

Miss Midnight… 

Unable to visit them in hospital, she wished for the energy to heal their injuries.

Days later, the list of villains that Shigaraki had broken from prison was released. Seeing his face, Eri ran to the nearest hero student in panic, the shadow of the freed Overhaul looming large once more...

Notes:

Well it's the new year and I'm kinda back but for the time being, don't expect a constant flow of week in, week out uploads

And yeah, the manga has gotten heavy in the last month as the arc winds down but I feel so happy to see certain events aligning close to the fallout of my Sports Festival AU. Even if Overhaul doesn't get his arms back (does Eri even he lost them?), learning that her abuser is roaming free (if he submiited to Shiggy/AFO) and his whereabouts remain unknown would trigger an attack in her...and I feel so bad for writting this.

Chapter 338: Those Left Behind

Summary:

In the aftermath of the battle with the Paranormal Liberation Front, the wishes of the fallen need to be fulfilled by the ones they trust most.

Learning of Midnight’s passing, her former sidekicks - The Midnight Boys - were near catatonic with grief. But they needed to remain strong in this most sacred of duties.

Keys in hand, the four young men entered Midnight's apartment with reverence, invitations into the Mistress’ domain had always been a great honour.

With a meow and a stretch of paws, Midnight’s pride and joy - her venerable cat Sushi - ambled over. This new charge curling around their legs for food and attention, The Midnight Boys’ resolve finally crumbled. 

“I’m sorry, Sushi... we need to rehome you. Mistress… isn’t coming back.”  

Tears flowed freely.

Notes:

Yeah, Midnight’s death hit me hard. And given that the arc takes place in March, she would have only just celebrated her 32nd birthday. The Midnight boys would have had a good time with her and just a few days later, she’s gone without a chance to say goodbye and an elderly cat (she adopted him back in her U.A days as shown in one of the Vigilantes flashback arcs) needing a new home. Here’s hoping Koda will be able to help out these men who lost someone most dear to them.

Chapter 339: Boycott

Amidst the chaos following the confrontation with the Paranormal Liberation Front, it became clear to those involved that Rikiya Yotsubashi had channeled Detnerat’s resources and profits into terrorist activities.

Upon returning to the U.A dorms, Mashirao ransacked his room, and discovered every customised item he owned to accommodate his Quirk were made by Detnerat.

He wasn’t alone.

From all over campus, students converged carrying these sullied items and built a pyre. By flame, they purged goods and products which had funded their friends’ injuries, and the deaths of teachers and mentors.

In effigy, Detnerat was burned at the stake.

Notes:

I choose Ojiro because a) I want to use him more and b) thanks to his Quirk, he faces difficulties in life which we take for granted in day-to-day life

Chapter 340: Traditions

Summary:

Even the Todorokis have their unique rituals and customs to mark great occasions.

Rei doubled over as the quickening contractions wracked her body. Despite this being her fourth pregnancy, labour hadn’t gotten any easier. “Enji, we need to go now!”

“No!” her husband yelled as he frantically dug through their wardrobe. “We can’t leave without it!”

Through the pain, Rei laughed at this manifestation of obsessive behaviour. Fuyumi and Natsuo had both worn the same striped onesie as Touya following their births, and now Endeavour was refusing to leave for Shouto’s birth without it.

She smiled at his triumphal cry as he found the traditional garment. Under that fire, he was so soft.

Notes:

So one thing I noticed with the latest chapter in the manga (I'm really enjoying the Todoroki family flashbacks) is that both Shouto and Natsuo wore the same onesie as newborns. Sharing that observation on the IzuOcha Discord, a conversation with Vixensheart - one of the admins - spawned this. Even if Fuyumi is shown wearing a different one, I refuse to have my headcanon invalidated!

I also speak from experience as my paternal family also has one. Since my cousin's Christening in 1970, every child born in my Grandparent's line has worn the same ceremonial gown for the event.

Chapter 341: Live Performance

Summary:

Masaru and Katsuki enjoy some father-son bonding time

Happy Birthday Masaru!

As someone who enjoyed classical music, Masaru Bakugo was delighted when ten-year-old Katsuki also developed an appreciation for the maestros - Mozart, Beethoven, Rossini, Wagner, Elgar and Prokofiev.

It was no surprise when one composition so caught Katsuki’s attention that he wanted to try performing it himself.

Leading his son into the garden, Masaru started the recording. As the symphony approached its crescendo, Katsuki opened his palms…

Just like everything he committed himself to, Katsuki nailed it to perfection. Masaru smiled in contented pride, as around them the neighborhood thundered to the explosive climax of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

‘A natural-born percussionist.’

Notes:

Thought I'll drop in with a quick drabble to not only mark papa-ugo's birthday, but to update you with progress on my Life and Times of the Midoriyas series. After over a year of frustration, I finally managed to push past the writer's block and bashed out a couple thousand words when something most unexpected happened.

I started the process of buying my first house.

I’ve been renting ever since I’ve flown the nest and early last month, my parents suggested that I look into how much money I could secure for a mortgage. After much resistance on my part, I went along with it and was most surprised in that I could get more than I expected. What followed was a crazy fortnight of online research, driving around the South Wales Valleys with my parents to get a scope of prospective properties, areas and commute times and finally, actual house viewings.

I’m pleased to say that I found the right place for me and that my offer for it got accepted. Now the hard part starts with the next hurdle to clear being getting the mortgage approved. Hoping to hear back from my broker in the next few days about that.

With that in mind, should all go to plan, it's going to be a busy few months ahead for me, so expect my writing output to be low for the foreseeable future.

Chapter 342: The Call To Battle

Summary:

Four young heroes rise above the fear in facing their first mission

As participants for the Shie Hassaikai raid converged upon the muster site, the Big Three remained respectfully silent, allowing their underclassmen space to process the gravity of the situation. While the first years had faced life-or-death situations before, all had been spontaneous, their responses reactive - nothing like the tension of a pre-planned operation, with lives (theirs and others’) potentially on the line.

And - just like Mirio, Nejire and Tamaki before them - Izuku, Ochaco, Ejirio and Tsuyu’s revolve didn’t falter. They accepted the danger, the fear in their hearts…

...because a little girl was depending on them.

They wouldn’t back down.

Notes:

So, this week marks many things. Season 5 starts tomorrow, we’re entering 'the final act' of the manga, the title of the next movie has been unveiled and I was wondering if I should mark these events.

But this time a year ago also marks big things.

On the trivial side, on the Monday 52 weeks ago I started posting My Sports Fest AU drabbles that took up most of the year but more importantly, tomorrow marks one year since the Hospital Ward I work on as a cleaner took its first Covid-19 patients.

As you can imagine, that and the following 16 weeks as we tackled the first wave was a big deal. I saw an awful lot in that time as me and my colleagues were pushed physically and emotionally. At its worst we saw several patients pass away each day, I was putting in extra hours to make up for staff shortages, nurses were reduced to tears. It was dangerous work - while I was lucky and didn’t catch the virus, several of my colleagues did. Some passed away because of it. Despite that, we kept on going because we knew that if we were to back down, the suffering would be tenfold.

Even with everything that happened, very little hit me as much during my walk into work on that very first Saturday a year ago..

With a new episode of season 4 airing that day (episode 81, start of the School Festival Arc), I queued up my MHA playlist and set Polaris playing. When the song kicked into high gear and we get that tracking of the heroes and students leaping into battle, the enormity of the situation hit me. Like these fictional characters who were going into battle to protect an innocent child, I was putting myself in a potentially dangerous scenario where if I wasn't careful or got a bad draw, it could kill me. I'd actively never feared for my life before and it was all to help and protect people. the NHS and maybe even the country. I honestly choked up and nearly started crying as in that moment, I thought with pride “I’m a hero.”

This drabble is for all those people who stood alongside me in the fight throughout the pandemic to save people.

Chapter 343: From Muddy Waters: A Tribute

Summary:

In honour of one of the fandom’s finest fan creations as it comes to a close.

Sobbing into his mother’s shoulder as his friends accepted him, Izuku felt the burden of his father disappear. For the first time since the day he learned the truth, he wasn’t afraid anymore. He had the support of Kacchan, his classmates, his new sister, the teachers and the heroes who’d risked their lives for him. He’d honour those who died for his freedom and not waste their sacrifice 

The weeds which had choked him were now uprooted. He could bloom into what he always dreamed of; a Hero that rises from muddy waters.

This was the origin of Izuku Shimura.

Notes:

So today HLine, the author of From Muddy Waters announced its discontinuation. Sad as I am at seeing a work I greatly admire come to a premature end, I’ll remember all the fun I’ve had reading it along the way. Using the notes HLine also released that summarises the story which remains unwritten, I put this together as a means of sending off a story that equally inspired and influenced me.

Thanks for the memories HLine and if any of you folks haven’t read From Muddy Waters yourselves, check it out here.

In other news, I was today informed that my mortgage application got approved. One step close to becoming a homeowner

Chapter 344: First Blood

Summary:

In her second year of high school, Himiko Toga discovers both herself and someone who equally finds the world difficult to live in.

Notes:

SANGUINE: AN IZUTOGA CONTINUITY

First Blood
Do It For Him
The Season of Giving
Eye of the Beholder

Breathing heavily, something long-suppressed stirring, Himiko’s pulse quickened as she approached the beat-up underclassman who’d ‘stolen’ a scholarship ‘meant’ for one of Saito’s friends.

He was pretty cute… especially with the blood oozing from his broken nose. Smaller build aside, he even resembled Saito.

Crouching before him, Himiko’s shaking fingers dabbed some of the boy’s blood, bringing it to her tongue for a tentative taste. It was divine.

The ‘real’ Himiko awoke with a gasp: more...

Box-cutter in hand, she stopped dead at the sight of Izuku Midoriya’s eyes fluttering open...

...looking utterly crushed by the weight of the world.

Notes:

Back to the IzuToga and now this AU has a name to it.

The points of divergence are when Himiko doesn’t witness the fight Saito was involved in which brings about her awakening and Izuku not having his meeting with All Might, who instead gets a scholarship which brings him to Himiko’s school.

Chapter 345: Stigma

Summary:

The results of Bakugo's shameful actions taunt him.

Finishing another application for a High School as far away from Musutafu as possible, Katsuki reached for the next form. He broke into cold sweats on seeing the U.A letterhead. A ‘classmate’ had snuck it in, filling out his details with angry red markers.

 

Name: MURDERER

Date of Birth: DEATH: 15/04/91

Hobbies: SUICIDE BAITING

Do you have a Juvenile Record? Yes/No BUT WE KNOW WHAT YOU DID

 

Reeling away, Katsuki fell from his chair as another panic attack started, memories of that day overwhelming him.

After tormenting Izuku, scum like him didn't deserve to be heroes.

Chapter 346: Casting The Dye

Summary:

Kirishima seeks to affect a more permanent solution to his lifestyle

It was deep in the Welsh Valleys that Eijiro found the right Quirk Specialist. The rarity of the services they offered meant hefty charges, lengthy waiting lists and a journey around the world, but it was all worth it once the procedure was finished.

Staring into the mirrors surrounding him, Eijiro examined the roots of his hair and found not a trace of black. Opening his shirt revealed scarlet chest hair. A further glance into his underwear confirmed his carpet matched the drapes.

“Perfect,” he smiled.

His hair’s pigmentation had been successfully changed. Red Riot was now a natural redhead.

Notes:

Well, this is the first drabble written in my new home up in the Welsh Valleys. Sure has been a crazy fortnight that culminated with the big move last Monday. Making the transition from a one bed flat to a three bed house is mind blowing, by far the biggest event in my life. As things settle down, hopefully I can get back into a regular writing routine.

Chapter 347: Opposite Day

Summary:

Izuku and Mirio decide to switch things up. Happy birthday to the two!

Satisfied that his costume looked immaculate in the mirror, Izuku completed the ensemble by donning the matching helmet. Flicking the cape, he decided he looked like the perfect hero. His companion looked equally amazing.

“You ready ‘Lemillion’?” Mirio asked, fastening his gauntlets and iron soles in place. Grabbing the two party hats, he offered one to his friend.

“Yep!” Izuku beamed as he secured the hat in place. “This is gonna’ be so much fun, ‘Deku’!”

Leaving the locker room, the two heroes made for the streets, delighting the public by starting their joint birthday patrol wearing each other’s costumes.

Chapter 348: Entering The Mainstream

Summary:

World Heroes' Mission Week: Five drabbles centered on the franchise's latest film

The not-so-good doctor is delighted seeing his hypothesis getting wider attention

With the threat of Humarise behind them, Garaki couldn’t help but feel amused at the whole affair. When he postulated the Quirk Singularity all those decades ago, the scientific community had shunned him, reducing his life’s work to a crackpot theory.

He never expected a secretive, global organisation would embrace his theories as a cornerstone of their doctrine. Humanise were decrepit throwbacks, but it was most satisfying for his work to receive acknowledgement, and be used as justification for mass slaughter. 

However, their scheme to prevent the Singularity was sloppy. Genocide paled in comparision to his benefactor’s symphonic Grand Design.

Notes:

Woah, Arty out of nowhere after three months of silence with some drabbles? The last quarter sure has been busy for me. Settling into my new home and adjusting to the lifestyle (commuting sucks!), dashing around the country to attend film festivals (400 miles is a long journey in the UK!) and most of all, I didn’t want to hassle my brother for proofing as he prepared for his first book to be released in stores. A book that mentions My Hero Academia!

Atlas of Imagined Places is a book that maps out over 5000 fictional locations across the globe taken from film, television, book, video games, comic books, political gaffes, hoaxes, manga and anime. On top of the lovingly designed maps, he and his co-author included short essays discussing the rationale behind plotting highlighted locations and individual breakdowns. Turn to Japan and you might see a few certain locales not just from the mind of Horikoshi. Yours truely even had a hand in mapping them. It is available in stores and online realtors

Chapter 349: The Oddest Thing In The Universe

Summary:

Izuku and Bakugo discover some of the mind boggling intricacies that come with international assignments

On arriving in Otheon, Endeavour’s student interns were stunned to be greeted by WHA officials who tried to force small, yellow, leech-like fish into their ears.

“What the hell is this!” Bakugo yelled, hands sparking in warning.

“Babliomyzon Insaniae. They’re standard procedure for international missions.” Todoroki stated, taking his fish without complaint. “Otheonlic amalgamates various Brittonic and Western Romance languages. We wouldn’t be able to understand the locals without these fish; they possess a Quirk that telepathically translates any spoken language into the carrier's first language.”

“Quirks…” Izuku stared at the fish clasped in his hands with wonderment. “...Are. Amazing!”

Notes:

Well, with a Quirk like that, that about wraps It up For God!

But for those not familiar with the science fiction comedy franchise The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, behold the Babel Fish

But seriously, did anyone question just how Izuku and Rody were able to communicate? Or how any of the Japanese heroes were able to understand the newscast that branded the green bean as a mass murderer? With Melissa back in Two Heroes, I'd totally buy her knowing Japanese thanks to being so close to All Might, but on the other side of the world? If you didn’t notice while watching the film, Otheon and Klayd are located on an island off Western Europe, south of Ireland’s County Cork and north-northwest of Galicia in Spain. Its architecture is continental style, its clearly an old country with its historic tram system on top of a modern rail and rapid transit system and it is wealthy. Look at Otheon Tower, some serious money is made there. The climate (should be) maritime, it's part of the EU with its currency (a close approximation of the Euro)...and they have American style school buses...that stood out like a sore thumb.

But when it comes to language, it could be a real melting pot taken from the Iberian and Gallo tongues of the Western Romance group and the Brittonic branch of Celtic languages. Throw in a bit of Norse from the Viking raiders and some English when they (inevitably) try to conquer and settle it and you've got a spicy mix that needs an odd fish to help out the international travelers.

Chapter 350: True To Character

Summary:

No matter the circumstances which change him as a person, Izuku always retains his consistency in protecting those he loves.

Slipping away as the others prepared for the mission, Izuku checked his phone, relieved to see his Mother sharing a picture of the carnations and roses she’d found awaiting her at her countryside spa retreat, a late New Year’s/early Mother’s Day treat.

Unlike his father, who rejected his ‘Quirklessness’, Izuku couldn’t thank his mother enough for unconditionally loving him. Ensuring her safety as the time of reckoning approached was his duty.

Donning his mask, robes and taser, Izuku joined his Humarise brothers and sisters, ready to defend the all-important Trigger Bomb from the Heroes.

“For the salvation of humanity.”

Notes:

Oh, what did life do to this Izuku which resulted in him being radicalised at such a young age?

Chapter 351: Sensory Overload

Summary:

Flect is overwhelmed when he gets what he desires most

Awaiting trial for conspiring to commit genocide, Flect paced the courtyard of Scheveningen Prison, gasping each time his suppressing cuffs’ transdermal patches tugged against his skin. 

His defeat at that young hero’s hands might have condemned humanity to the whims of Quirks... but in losing, he’d personally gained so much. He could see without support items, feel the sun on his face, the wind’s gentle breeze in his hair, and finally know the touch of another person. 

The newfound sensations had been overwhelming, causing him to cry for days. It was everything Flect had wished for as a young man.

Notes:

With the nature of his Quirk, I think it's safe to say that Flect was never able to use Quirk suppressants until Izuku beat him so hard that his Quirk Factor was permanently affected (as he lies in defeat, Reflect is 'off' and we see his natural skin colour) to the point that the arresting authorities were able to put a cuff on him and stop it altogether.

Scheveningen Prison in The Neatherlands houses the United Nations Detention centre for the International Criminal Court and was formly used to hold to those indicted for war crimes commited during the Yugoslav Wars. Given that the War Arc starts shortly after WHM, it will be a long time before things stablise and his trial can be organised.

Chapter 352: Recognition

Summary:

The hero who saved the world gets venerated by an unexpected source

Hawks received a hero’s welcome from the Paranormal Liberation Front upon his return to the Gunga Mountain Villa.

“Unliberated Heroes have their uses...” Re-Destro commented, preparing a toast. “Our international chapters lacked the numbers to stop Humarise throwing humanity back into darkness. We thank you Hawks, you and your colleagues for preventing a catastrophic event!”

Hawks waved off the praise. “Nah, I stopped nothing. Credit belongs to those kids who found the override key.”

“Indeed!” Re-Destro cried, raising his glass. “To our unsung Liberation hero, Rody Soul! And his Quirk! They have saved us all! For the salvation of Quirks!”

Notes:

Yeah, if there were an ideological polar opposite to Flect Turn and Humarise, it would be Re-Destro and the MLA/PLF.

And that wraps it up for the week. Would have liked to have actually featured Rody in one of these drabbles but I guess these were more about providing my own answers to questions in my mind as I watched the film four times over in the cinema. Then again, one did just pop into my head as I type this, so expect that at some point into the future.

Chapter 353: Unknowing Witnesses

Summary:

As Midoriya and Bakugo have their final confrontation with Nine, the three students acting as the rearguard behold something phenomenal

As the raging storm collapsed the cave entrance, the sounds of Bakugo and Midoriya’s last stand faded. The final line of defense protecting the civilians, Sato, Hagakure and Koda knew their classmates had failed to stop the villain. If that monster came here next, they wouldn’t stand a chance.

Then, the tiny islet trembled, and the storm suddenly broke. Sensing something phenomenal, everyone and everything fell silent, before the cacophonous chaos returned with a vengeance . People screamed as the ground violently quaked to colossal explosions. It was like Armageddon had arrived.

“What is happening out there?” thought the stunned trio.

Notes:

Yeah, the power Izuku and Bakugo were using at the end would have been terrifying to people who have no clue at what was going on. I mean, Bakugo was in the process of flattening a mountain Heligoland style without a care for collateral damage. If it weren’t a shonen, there was a serious risk of injury or death to the nine 1-A students Nine had overcome in ascending the mountain. Some serious questions by various interested parties should have been asked in the aftermath, especially one in particular…

With the manga’s newest chapter, I’m hoping Horikoshi is messing or misdirecting us like he has done before but If the revelation is genuine, many hearts other than my own will be broken.

Chapter 354: Sentimentality

Summary:

While Izuku and Kyoka train together, an observer asesses and reminiscences on the past

Notes:

SYMPHONY: AN IZUJIRO CONTINUITY

FIRST MOVEMENT: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SECOND MOVEMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL

THIRD MOVEMENT: U.A HIGH
The Next Step
Sentimentality
Euterpe
Diminuendo
Private Event
Daughter of Elysium

In picking a successor, Toshinori categorised Young Jiro as “unlikely, but not impossible” . Beneath her indifferent facade lay a warm, intelligent and empathetic spirit with an excellent grasp on her Quirk and a wonderfully heroic ideology built upon a love for music.

But he doubted she could ever develop One For All’s required muscle mass. Despite this, he always watched Jiro spar against Midoriya from 1-J during Independent Learning - a delighted Midnight had confirmed they were a couple.

Witnessing Midoriya’s devotion in helping Jiro achieve her dreams made Toshinori nostalgic for his master, who had done the same for him.

Notes:

Oh All Might, the answer is staring right at you in the face. Then again, Izuku hasn't had a 'move before thinking' moment to show his worth and isn't as buff.

Chapter 355: Day Of Departure

Summary:

As their time in Junior High comes to an end, two students reach a parting of the ways

As their first alumni to be accepted into U.A High’s prestigious Hero Course, Aldera Junior High celebrated Katsuki Bakugo’s graduation with a grand ceremony.

Wearing his specially-made graduation pin with pride, Bakugo was the centre of attention, his inflamed ego loving every second of it. The Principal praised him, girls asked for his second button, and every extra begged for a photo with the future number one Pro,. 

“Kacchan...” Sobbing freely, Izuku approached and hugged his former friend tight. Stunned, Bakugo didn't resist. “You’re going to be an amazing hero, Kacchan…”

After over a decade, their paths were diverging.

Notes:

Izuku might have been bullied by Bakugo, but he always held him up on a plinth and was happy to walk in his shadow. Only now Bakugo is going where Izuku can't follow, unable to see his journey up close.

Day of Departure is the title of a popular graduation song.

Chapter 356: Don't Leave Home Without It

Summary:

The classmates of Katsuma and Eri discover the fresh-faced hero students' personal connection to the No. 1 Pro

Within days of starting at U.A, Katsuma of 1-A and Eri of 1-B were confirmed as Deku superfans, both overflowing with trivia for the No.1 hero that left their classmates dumbfounded.

It wasn’t until several first-years compared their student IDs that the exact connection became known.

“Holy shit, Shimano!” cried a classmate upon seeing another card in Katsuma’s wallet. “That’s a Platinum Deku card! Only civilians who’ve saved his life get those!”

“We were only six…” Eri timidly produced her own card to shocked gasps. “Our friend Kota is applying next year and he earned his aged five.”

Notes:

American Express cough I mean Deku Platinum Card, don't leave home without it!

Comparing old ID cards is something a group of mates of mine used to do. Some of the faces and haircuits gave us a right laugh.

As of the manga’s current arc, both Eri and Katsuma are seven. Eri is the oldest, having her birthday on December 21st while Katsuma’s is on March 6th. In Japan, you start your education the first April following your sixth birthday, so they’ll be in the same year group. That will make Katsuma one of, if not the baby of the year

It could be argued that with her lack of pre-schooling while in Overhaul’s captivity, Eri could be held back a year to get her reading and writing capability up to standard - I should know because owing to learning difficulties, it happened to me. But then again she’s a ward of U.A, no doubt being surrounded by educators and keen students giving her personalised lessons will get her up to speed before integrating her into the mainstream system in the 2nd year of elementary.

Kouta meanwhile celebrated his sixth on December 12th, making him just shy of a full year younger than Eri, which is funny because I thought he was older than her and Katsuma! I even orginally had Eri mention him as being in 2-A. He acts older than his years (your parents getting murdered does that to a kid), is nearly tall as Eri and is four inches taller than Katsuma for god's sake!

Chapter 357: The Long Game

Summary:

After a year of intensive training under All Might, Izuku receives One For All and takes the next step in his journey

All Might was in a buoyant mood, he’d passed One For All to a worthy successor and in a few minutes, Young Midoriya would take U.A’s practical entrance exam. Toshinori couldn’t wait to see what the boy would do.

Pulling up Izuku’s data to track his progress, he discovered the boy hadn’t checked in. Panicked inquiries to the registration desk confirmed he’d never even arrived. 

Frantic, All Might dialed Izuku’s number 

Crushing the ringing phone underfoot, Izuku stepped through Kurogiri’s portal. Fighting the vestiges within him, he knelt before his Master, deep-cover mission a success.

“Sensei…I have it.”

Notes:

You know, while All For One was recovering from the mild bout of caved-in skull and death he caught from All Might, I’m surprised that part of him didn’t think, “OK, I got him nearly as good as he did me, so maybe he’s weak enough that next time either me and Tomura might be able to...hold on a minute, when the other holders suffered an injury like that, they immediately passed on One For All so their successor could continue the fight. But All Might thinks I’m dead and he still needs to the pillar that props up the peace, he won’t be in a hurry to hand it off! Oh my word, this is an opportunity! I don’t need to take it by force! If I could give him a perfect candidate loyal to me, a successor seemingly worthy of continuing his work, he’ll willingly hand it right into my grasp! Oh, Shigaraki, you magnificent bastard!”

Chapter 358: Idol

Summary:

This Week: Bizarro U.A - Five drabbles where Class 1-A are educated by a different teaching staff

 

 

Shoji discovers who his new homeroom teacher is

Mezo did not notice the tobacco smell pervading his new homeroom - he was still revelling in having proved his tormentors wrong - ‘physical freaks’ like him were worthy of becoming heroes.

Lingering fears of further discrimination faded as his new classmates introduced themselves, accepting him as another aspiring hero, committed to helping others.

Then the homeroom door slammed open, emitting a hulking figure.

“My name is Chojuro Kon,” announced the newcomer, stepping to the teacher’s podium. Mezo’s jaw dropped. There stood his idolised hero, whose example had helped him through life’s darkest lows. “But you may call me-”

“-Chimera…” Mezo whispered.

Notes:

"Rise from the dead in the name of Satan!"

 

 

Oh my word, has it been seven months since I last updated? It sure has, but today this work reached 1000 kudos and I got a comment in a previous drabble from my regular reader IronRaven sharing some thoughts, so I decided to get off my behind and do some typing!

This week's batch of having villains who got a better hand at life and becoming Pro Heroes was something my brother suggested two years ago. I hope you enjoy them and I hope I can get back into a proper update pattern!

Chapter 359: Workplace Romance

Summary:

Class 1-A witness the result of their teachers becoming close

While a decade-wide age - and equally-significant height - gap existed between 1-A’s English teacher and U.A.’s prodigal head of IT, the students held no doubts that the two were utterly devoted to one another.

“And that’s you all sorted, Gentle,” announced La Brava as she restored the corrupted laptop files her partner needed for today’s lecture - ‘Shakespeare’s Heroes and Villains’.

“Thank you my dear!” Gentle Hero proclaimed, extravagantly kissing the diminutive techie “I know no ways to mince it in love, but directly to say ‘I love you’”

Amidst the all-but forgotten 1-A, Mina squealed in romantic fangirl ecstacy.

Notes:

If Midnight is a U.A teacher in this AU, she will most certainly approve.

Gentle's expression of love comes from Shakesphere's Henry V. With the likes of Richard III and Macbeth, The Bard sure knew how to do villains

Chapter 360: First, Do (No) Harm

Summary:

Iida and his classmates learn how Quirks have made medical ethics malleable

Gym Delta was filled with screams when a sparring match ended with Iida impaled on Todoroki’s icy spikes.

While Lady Nagant tried calming her students, the school nurse nonchalantly arrived. Applying a surgical mask, he shudderingly knelt in Iida’s pooling blood.

“Brace yourself” he instructed, bringing up a hand. “This will hurt.”

Iida’s lower body exploded in a squall of gore, his remaining mass sliding off the spike with a wet thud... before suddenly reforming intact and undamaged.

“Don’t let this happen again” Overhaul instructed a weary Nagant and her traumatised teens, his face breaking out in hives.

Bakugo vomited.

Notes:

Thank you If the Emperor had a Text-to-Speech Device for the phrase "squall of gore". It set the tone for this and made it too much fun writing.

I'd like to think that in a fully uncensored MHA, Overhaul being used to explode someone would be like when Watchmen's Doctor Manhattan's does the same. Organs, bones, blood and general viscera everywhere. AIso, I knew I wanted to have another teacher overseeing the class and the good Lady Nagant was a natural choice for such a pairing. I’d like to think that the character featuring in tomorrow’s drabble helped break her free of the HPSC’s clutches.

Chapter 361: Duty

Summary:

The hero fledglings are taught the full weight of responsibilities that comes with their career choice.

“ Quirks… costumes… equipment. These are toys!”

Of all classes, Hero Ethics was the most intimidating.

“True heroism comes from rigid, uncompromising dedication. Not to human law, but humanity itself!” Stain paced the dimly-lit classroom, brandishing his manifesto, Revival of Heroics . “We are nothing without this truth. Within HPSC Internal Affairs, I exposed absolute, systematic corruption throughout, even within the President. You must rise above such weakness !!!”  

He slammed down the book, pinprick eyes focusing upon students he suspected to be lacking. “This, is the commitment I expect, that only the worthy receive the title ‘Hero’. Now, turn to page 394…”

Notes:

Rather than being disillusioned by heroics and dropping out as a student, this version of Stain stuck it out, determined to clean up the system from within. Joining HPSC's investigation division upon graduation, he found way more than he expected there, ultimately discovering the affair with Nagant. Seeing her as a victim of the corruption, he aids her in busting open the scandal. Doing so brought him into direct conflict with heroes loyal to the HPSC President, losing his nose in the resulting confrontation. Emerging triumphant in exposing the many dark secrets of HPSC and countless heroes (Endeavour maybe?) subsequently brings down the whole Government. Deciding to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself, he joins the teaching profession to ensure a higher standard of heroes enter the system

Writing this I tonally drew from two sources. Snape’s classes from Harry Potter and the 1995 Judge Dredd film, where Stallone is giving a lecture at the academy. And then to my delight, my brother picked up on both when we were proofing it (we really do think alike at times), with him specifically getting vibes of Snape’s Werewolf class in Prisoner of Azkaban.

Chapter 362: Environmental Variables

Summary:

A hero from difficult circumstances is formed from positive experiences, supportive relationships and a non-judgmental culture.

To best explain Hero Work-Studies, Chimera called in the Big Three. As the seniors made their introductions to 1-A, the homeroom teacher grabbed Amajiki by the collar.

“Alright you, back to 2-B”

“2-B, sir? Amajiki gulped anxiously. “Why there?”

“Ah, young one…” Chimera chuckled, “Your smile’s too confident.”

“Aw, phooey!” The student's nervous demeanour disappeared. “Always the smile!”

The upperclassman was suddenly enveloped in grey slime, form shifting and shrinking to reveal a messy ash-blonde in a skintight leotard.

“Welp” proclaimed Himiko Toga, prized ace of 2-B, high-fiving Mirio and Nejire before skipping away. “Can’t blame a girl for trying!”

Notes:

Present Mic Hero Profiles:
“U.A High second year student, Himiko Toga! Hero Name: Demeter! Her Quirk - Transform! By ingesting someone’s blood, she can transform into that person!”

Slightly bending the theme of the week here but I couldn't resist hero student Toga. Her life would have been so much different had her parents not been dicks and found a way for their daughter to express herself in a healthy manner.

Amajiki was so freaked out at the thought of talking to 1-A, Toga offered to go in his stead. Given the similar nature of their Quirks, I’d say they get along well. And yes, provided she’s emotionally close to who she’s transformed into, this Toga can use their Quirks. No doubt she’ll be a big three member herself once she enters the third year. As for the hero name, Demeter was the name of the ship that brought Count Dracula to Britain