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Part 1 of ja0s Blank Canvas AU
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Blank Canvas

Summary:

All his life, nobody truly believed in Midoriya Izuku's dream of being a Hero. Not his mother, his childhood friend, his classmates or teachers...not even the Number One Hero believes in him. What is a Quirkless boy to do?

Show the world it's wrong, that's what. Finally, after years of no one believing him, there was one man who did. After All Might left Izuku on a roof with the answer of 'no', one man who was not a Hero finally told the boy, "I believe you can become a Hero." Izuku wants to prove the man right.

Short version: One person, who is NOT a Hero, finally tells him yes, and Izuku decides to become a Hero through the Support Course, making friends along the way.

(This is part 1 of a series, continued in part 3, updates on every other Tuesday! :D)

Notes:

Welcome to my first fanfic for MHA and my second on this site! Super excited about this. I've been reading fanfic for this manga for a while now and finally had an idea to write my own. I've incorporated all my favorite twists and turns that I've read in other stories and compiled them into this one. Putting my own spin into them in my own words.

The first chapter is a bit choppy but that's just to get to the good bits. The pacing will be better after this chapter.

Anyway I hope you like it!

I have made a linktree account to the tumblr, discord, and more which you can find here! There's also a link to an in-progress Russian translation by the lovely Ann! We also have a TV Tropes page now made by the awesome waffles! Join and/or read if you'd like and have a great day!

DO NOT REPOST! I HAVE ONLY POSTED THIS FIC AND SERIES ON AO3 AND FANFICTION, NO OTHER SITE. I DID NOT AND DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION TO PLUSH BOOKS TO POST MY FIC. (Ann, you're still okay with the Russian translation. ❤️)

(See the end of the work for other works inspired by this one.)

Chapter 1: Today Was Not His Day

Notes:

Warning for mention of canon suicide baiting. From ["So yeah, today was not..."] to just before [As he waited for Kacchan to...].

(I'm currently going through editing various things including adding warnings like the one above. So if you get to a chapter that doesn't have it yet, just know I'm working on it. ^___^ Most are brief mentions referring to the canon baiting. Anything that is more than that already has a warning. Thanks for your patience!)

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Today was not his day. Though, every day seemed to not be his day. This was just how life was for Midoriya Izuku. Every day went to hell no matter what he did to change it. Not since he turned four. Everything before then was fine. He was a happy normal child with a happy normal life. He had a wonderful mother and a best friend and there was only one thing that could make it more perfect.

A Quirk.

But he never got one.

A month after he turned four, all the other kids in his class had displayed some sign of a Quirk but he hadn’t. The mother and son duo waited another month but nothing changed so Midoriya Inko brought her son to the Quick Specialist to diagnose the problem.

Izuku went through countless tests and screenings without knowing what was really going on. He just followed what anyone asked of him. He ended up in a room with his mother after a few hours, looking at a doctor who had an x-ray on the wall.

“It’s not going to happen.”

Five simple words and Izuku’s world was crushed. He would not get a Quirk. He was Quirkless. How could he be a Hero without one? Every Hero he knew had a Quirk. So how…

Izuku didn’t know how he got home but he found himself in front of the computer. By instinct, he found the bookmark for the familiar video of All Might’s debut. All smiles and strength with every intention to save every last person there. The kind of Hero Izuku wanted to be.

"Fear not citizens, for I am here."

The door creaked a little as his mother entered the room. A small, cracked voice broke the quiet.

“See mom, he always saves someone with a smile,” Izuku said, a wobbly smile of his own on his face. He already predicted how his mother would answer but he hoped he was wrong as he asked. “Do you think…I could still be a Hero, too?”

Inko stared at her son for a short while, tears building in her eyes, as she thought about his question. She shot forward and grabbed her son in a sympathetic hug while telling him she was sorry. It was enough of a ‘no’ for him. If only she could believe as he did.

~~~

“Didn’t you hear?”

“What?”

“Izuku is Quirkless.”

“Quirkless? Wow, Katsuki is right. He is a Deku.”

Izuku heard every comment his classmates said but he was still too in shock to respond. All his dreams. All his aspirations. Seemingly out the window because of some genetic anomaly that he couldn’t control. It wasn’t fair! But then again when had life ever been fair.

Guess he just had to try harder.

~~~

Throughout the years, Izuku did his best to stay positive. After all, that’s what All Might did! Always faced any challenge with a smile. He faced the ridicule of his peers and teachers as best he could. He always tried his best when studying and would analyze any Hero fight he saw. His mother wasn’t thrilled about his aspirations to be a Hero, thinking his dream was practically impossible, but she never stopped him from trying. There wasn’t anything that could stop him when it came to his love of Heroes. She even let him started taking self-defense lessons. Her thoughts being than even when he didn’t become a Hero, it was always good to know how to defend yourself. Plus, his dad’s endorsement of it didn’t hurt her decision either.

The biggest obstacle for him was Kacchan. Kacchan as always and forever will be a force to be reckoned with. His personality was his Explosion Quirk personified. Big, bright, flashy, and strong. Perfect for becoming a Pro-Hero. Everything Izuku wanted to be.

But everyone thinks he couldn’t. And Kacchan made it very clear he didn’t think so either. He mostly stopped any physical attacks once Izuku started his self-defense classes and began to fight back. But verbal attacks were still on the table. Every day. Especially this day.

So yeah, today was not his day.

“If you want a Quirk so bad, why don’t you take a swan dive off the roof and pray for a Quirk in your next life.”

Izuku just stared at him in disbelief at what he just heard his childhood friend turned bully say to him. Suicide baiting? Really? He knew Kacchan could be a great Hero but this? This was not how a Hero should act.

What if I actually did it, Kacchan? It would ruin your chances, stupid jerk…

As he waited for Kacchan to leave, Izuku slowly packed the rest of his backpack up. Once he was sure the explosive blonde was gone, he shouldered his bag and headed outside to look for his notebook. Which Kacchan had graciously exploded and then tossed out the window on top of the suicide baiting. He found it in the koi pond outside of his classroom. Saving it from the fish, he gently placed it in his bag to dry out later. Afterall, it held his precious Hero notes inside.

With a frustrated sigh, Izuku fixed his bag and walked away from the school.

~~~

Izuku needed to work on his situational awareness. Because one moment he was walking home through an underpass and the next he was being drowned by a Villain made entirely of sludge.

“You’re a hero to me, kid. I didn’t know he was in the city.”

The Villain was mumbling about something that Izuku couldn’t understand. He was more focused on trying to breathe again. The Sludge Villain was trying to force himself down his throat and it hurt. So. Much.

Black spots started to encroach on his vision when he heard a somewhat familiar voice shout out.

“Fear not, citizen. For I am here.”

The world went black.

Notes:

I wonder who could have possibly saved Izuku? Jk, y'all know who it is. I haven't strayed too far from canon with this, so most major events will happen but slightly altered.

EDIT: The reason behind this chapter being choppy is because my version of Izuku has basically the same childhood as canon Midoriya. With the few changes of learning self defense and his dad still being in the picture. So I didn't feel that it was necessary to recap his whole childhood as they wouldn't be much different from canon. These vignettes are the scenes from his childhood that stick out and are essential for future parts of the fic. ;)

Next chapter you get to meet who believes in Izuku! Until next time, same Hero time, same Hero channel! Also, please let me know if there are any typos! Please and thank you!

Chapter 2: Can I Be A Hero Like You?

Notes:

Here's chapter 2! Keep in mind I don't plan on posting every day. I'm more just excited to reveal who believes in our little Izuku. I'll probably post once a week.

Pacing should be a lot better for this chapter. I more was time skipping in the first one to get to the main plot. Enjoy!

Warning for mention of suicide in the paragraph starting with [Izuku thought back to what...]. After that is fine.

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Izuku woke to a persisted tapping of his face. Groggily he woke up, taking in his surroundings.

There was a tunnel…and a sludge monster….he was taken…and then!

Izuku’s brain snapped back into reality in a form of whiplash and he looked up to see THE NUMBER ONE HERO standing in front of him.

ALL MIGHT.

All Might was in front of him. And he was saying something? Oh right, he should be listening to that.

“I’m sorry…what?” Izuku said.

“I said, I thought I lost you there,” All Might repeated, his iconic smile plastered on his face as always. “Apologies for getting you involved with that Villain. I only got back in town recently and the sewer system is very confusing! But not to worry for I…”

As the Hero talked about how he captured the Sludge Villain, Izuku was mentally freaking out. All Might. The Number One Hero. The Symbol of Peace himself was stand in front of him, talking to him, and had even saved him!

Oh my god, am I dreaming?

He pinched himself.

Nope, not dreaming. Oh man, I need to get his autograph.

He looked around for his notebook only to see it was open on the ground with All Might’s signature already in it in big bold lettering.

“Now then, young man, I must be off,” All Might said, securing the bottles he had trapped the Villain in in his pants pockets. “I need to bring this guy to the police station.”

“W-wait, you’re leaving already?” Izuku asked, his nervous stutter coming through. H-he can’t leave yet. I have to ask him!

“Yes, a Hero’s work is never done,” All Might said, preparing to jump. “Now stand back, I’m taking off!”

Izuku didn’t know what possessed him to do so but he jumped forward and latched on to All Might’s leg as he took off like a rocket.

“Hey, kid! What are you doing?” All Might said, trying to shake Izuku off. “I like my fans but this is a bit much!”

“I c-can’t let go!” Izuku yelled over the wind as they flew. “If I l-let go I’ll die!”

“Hmm, good point. Hang on tight and close your eyes and mouth.” The Number One Hero glanced down to check on the boy and noticed the bottles were starting to slip out of his pockets. He firmly shoved the bottles back in and then held the boy more securely to his leg. He coughed and a drop of blood leaked out of his mouth. Shit.

They landed on a building a short while later and Izuku felt like he was going to throw up. That was the scariest and stupidest thing I have ever done. He took some deep breaths to settle himself after flying across the city while hanging on the Number One Hero’s leg. Yeah, not my greatest moment.

“That was not a smart move, young man,” All Might said, scolding him for his foolishness. He coughed a few times and Izuku was worried that he might have a cold or something. “I really must be going now. Hopefully someone in the building can let you down.”

“Wait!” Izuku pleaded. He had to ask him. He just had to!

“No! I can’t wait!”

Well, here goes nothing.

“E-even if I don’t have a Quirk, d-do you think I can be a Hero like you?!” Izuku yelled, mustering all of his courage to ask the one question that consumed his whole being. He continued to talk about his goals and dreams to help people, not noticing his idol changing before him. When he finally looked up, the muscular form of the Number One Hero was replaced by what could only be described as a walking skeleton.

“Wha?! Who are you?! Where’s All Might?!” Izuku exclaimed, frantically looking around for some clues to what happened. There’s no way this could be the same man.

The man stared at him with piercing blue eyes, some blood dripping down his chin. “I can assure you. I am All Might.”

“N-no way…” Izuku felt like his mind was a frozen computer program. “How?”

“You know how some people suck in their gut while at the pool? It’s like that.”

The explanation was lacking to say the least. All Might talked about how his smile was a brave face he put on to encourage people but that there was fear behind it none the less. Izuku felt like he would puke again when the man lifted his shirt to reveal a gruesome scar that marred a large portion of the Hero’s torso. It was a wound he had gotten about five years ago from some big time Villain.

“I’m down to only being able to do Hero work for three hours a day,” All Might said, lowering his shirt.

“F-five years ago? Was it Toxic Chainsaw?” Izuku asked.

All Might let out a slight chuckle. “You’re well informed. But no, that lowlife could never do something like this. No, this was a fight that I asked not to be made public. As the Symbol of Peace, the public mustn’t see me in this state or they could lose hope.”

A Villain that proved a match to All Might? What kind of power could such a person have to challenge the overwhelming power of his idol? It seemed impossible but the evidence was right in front of him. Out there, in the world of Heroes and Villains, was someone who had the power to almost destroy the Symbol of Peace himself. Izuku had never felt so small.

“The life of a Pro Hero is one of risk and danger,” All Might said, staring intently at the Quirkless boy in front of him. He didn’t want to crush the kid’s dream but this was something he needed to hear before he got hurt. “Without a Quirk, can one become a Hero like me? It pains me to say this, but I must say no, I don’t think it’s possible.”

“Ah.” That was all Izuku could say. So, I guess it’s true if even All Might himself doesn’t think I can do it? But he doesn’t even know me or what I can do? Could he be wrong?

As he was lost in thought, All Might stood up to leave and walked toward the stairs, checking his pockets once more. The bottles containing the Villain from earlier were still there. He mentioned something about joining the police to still help people and that it was ok to work towards a dream but to keep it realistic. With that, the man left and Izuku merely sat down and looked out at the cityscape.

~~~

At the end of the day, Izuku found himself still on the roof that All Might left him on. He never found the energy to leave as he continued to stew over the interaction. All Might told him no. He did give some understandable reasons why, but even the sight of his mangled torso couldn’t extinguish the fire of Izuku’s desire to be a Hero. Although…it did burn a little less bright. After all, All Might himself, his favorite Hero, his idol, didn’t think he could do it.

Izuku thought back to what his childhood friend had said to him early. 'If you want a Quirk so bad, why don’t you take a swan dive off the roof and pray for a Quirk in your next life.' As if he could ever do that. He would never do that to his mother. Besides, he was too stubborn to give up like that. Even if no one believed he could, it had never stopped him from working towards his dream before. And it wasn’t going to stop him now.

As he was sitting by the edge of the roof, watching the sun setting in the distance, he heard the faintest noise behind him. Slowly and cautiously, Izuku glanced behind him. He expected a Hero of some kind to be there. No one super famous but maybe an Underground Hero. Like Eraserhead. But that was not who he saw behind him.

The Hero Killer: Stain

Izuku’s eyes widened and a quiet gasp escaped his lips. “Stain?”

The man chuckled.

“So. You have heard of me, child?”

There, right in front of him, was the Villain who had credit to multiple murders and assaults of Pro Heroes. Claiming them to be fakes and that he was cleansing the world to reclaim the term Hero. His red eyes stared at the boy through a ratty mask and a long red scarf was wrapped around his neck that was just as tattered. His outfit was made for combat with armor protecting his torso and legs. And knives. Just so many knives.

Izuku could only look on in fear and bewilderment at the man. What was he doing here? Why was he on this roof? Izuku was not a Hero, yet, so Stain shouldn’t have any beef with him.

“W-what are you d-doing here?” Izuku stuttered out, voice quiet. He watched the man like a hawk, unsure of what he planned to do. He knew he wouldn’t stand a chance against the Hero Killer but he refused to be taken by surprise.

Stain stares at him before answering, “I was out looking for false Heroes and saw a lone figure on a roof. Decided to check it out only to find a child. So, I’ll ask you the same question. What is a child like you doing here?”

Izuku continued to stare at the man and when he made no move towards the boy, he hesitantly replied, “I-I was thinking about how I want to be a H-hero…but no one believes I can be.”

One of Stain’s eyebrow quirks up as he asked, “Why?”

Izuku took a stuttered breath in. Well, I either live or die regardless. “Because…I’m Quirkless.”

Stain’s eyes widened for a brief second. More in shock of meeting someone who is Quirkless. It was extremely rare now-a-days. He never had given a thought to the Quirkless in his mission. But he had never thought they couldn’t be Heroes.

To him, a Hero was someone who was self-sacrificing, wanting to help others with no interest in monetary gain. Putting the safety of others before their own without interest in if it would make them popular or not. Never letting something as pathetic as personal gain or self-interest sway them. Never abusing their power for favors or seeking revenge. There were so many fakes out there that did so and Stain planned to cull them until only the true Heroes remained.

Society’s view of Heroes today was fundamentally corrupt, filling the minds of future-Heroes with false ideas of what a true Hero is. More and more fakes were being produced, thinking that a strong Quirk is all one needs to be a Hero. Power does help in a fight, but if the person wielding it doesn’t have a Hero’s heart, everything they do is a lie. An act to placate the public all the while being paid for putting on a show. Actors on a stage. That is what the term Hero has been reduced to today. Fakes performing while the people watch and cheer.

Stain knew nothing about this boy except he had no Quirk and wanted to be a Hero. Being Quirkless, the boy would never have the temptation to abuse a power over others since he didn’t have one to begin with. That didn’t mean he couldn’t fight. Quirks were just tools and many needed other tools or Support Items to be used properly. For the Hero Killer, his knives were important for his work, making it easier to get the blood he needed to subdue fakes. After all, if he couldn’t consume someone’s blood, he himself essentially fought Quirkless.

To him, even someone without a Quirk could be a Hero. As long as they had the heart.

“If I may ask, why do they think someone without a Quirk can’t be a Hero?” the Hero Killer asked, deliberately putting his knives back in their sheaths slowly and then lowered himself to sit on the roof.

Izuku watched the man’s actions and spoke only once he was seated. The gesture helped the boy calm down a bit. Like the man was putting himself at the same level as him. Treating him like an equal. It was…kind of nice.

“Because everyone…my mom, my childhood friend, classmates, teachers…they all think that the Quirk makes the Hero. That I am weak without one and would just be a liability to other Heroes in the field. Even All Might said I couldn’t.”

“All Might?” the man questioned. Stain didn’t know what to think about that. All Might. The ultimate Hero in his eyes. He said someone without a Quirk couldn’t be a Hero? He didn’t want it to be true. But why would the boy lie…

“Yeah. I met him today. He saved me from a Villain. I was just happy to meet my favorite Hero and couldn’t give up the chance to ask him,” Izuku replied, getting lost in his fanboying for a second. But the excitement of meeting the Symbol of Peace now had a bittersweet after taste. “His answer was no. He didn’t think someone without a Quirk could be a Hero like him.”

The man furrowed his brow, still not wanting to believe that All Might would say such a thing. Before Stain could say anything, Izuku continued speaking, his hands gesturing wildly in the Number One Hero’s defense.

“Don’t get me wrong!” the boy said, turning to fully face the man. If the Hero Killer was willing to give him his full attention, Izuku could return the favor. “I understand why All Might said what he did. It hurt but he does have a point. To a degree. How could I be a Hero when I would only be a liability in the field? Without a Quirk, wouldn’t I only ever be a useless Quirkless Deku?”

“Deku? Is that your name? Kind of a cruel to give a child a name that means ‘useless’,” the Hero Killer commented.

“No, it isn’t,” the boy said, turning his head to the side to look over the city. “That’s just what Kacchan calls me to make fun of me. We’ve known each other since we were born. We used to do everything together. But he changed when he got his Quirk…and I never got mine.”

Stain sat there, lost in thought. He couldn’t really believe that All Might had said that. But he guessed that every true Hero could have some flaw. And he didn’t know who this Kacchan was. But the connotation of the name Deku left a sour taste in his mouth. He didn’t know what he wanted to do about all this. But before he could even start to think about what he wanted to do; he needed some answers.

“Child…”

Izuku hesitantly looked up at him.

“Why do you want to be a Hero?”

Notes:

So, did you see our friend Stainy coming into play? I've read several fics with Stain and Izuku working together. I wanted to play around with if Stain met him way before the Hosu incident.

Please note that the second Sludge Villain attack does not happen in this fic!

Please let me know of any typos or weird bits!

Chapter 3: What Makes A Hero

Notes:

Chapter 3 is here! Wooooooo! I hope you like it. :)

So, fun fact about me, I actually worked in Japan for three years as a junior high school English teacher. I worked at 10 different schools in the same city, 11 in total because I repeated one. So, I'll be sprinkling in bits of my experiences through out this story. If you have any questions, please ask!

Warning for a very brief mention of suicide in the second to last paragraph. It's in the sentence just after [It had been an exhausting day...]. A recap of all Izuku had experienced that day so very very brief but a warning just in case. ^___^

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

“Child…why do you want to be a Hero?”

Izuku stared at Stain for a second in slight shock and confusion. Then he turned back to look at the city, deep in thought. Why did he want to be a Hero? For as long as he could remember, his immediate response would be to save people with a smile, like All Might. But now that the Number One Hero himself didn’t believe in him, Izuku felt like that goal wasn’t enough anymore.

One goal he did have, has always had, was that he wanted to help people. Save people. No matter what. From helping a family of ducks cross the street to helping little old ladies carry their bags to attempting to keep other kids safe from Kacchan’s rather…explosive personality. He only wanted to be useful and help however he could.

“I….” he stopped and took a deep breath. “I want t-to be a Hero to help people. No matter who it is, I’ve only ever wanted to help. To be useful. I may never be a-as powerful or popular as All Might, but I n-never cared about rankings. A-at best, I would be useful as an Underground Hero. They always help people without the praise and publicity o-other Heroes get. But that’s all I’ve ever w-wanted to do. To help.”

Interesting, Stain thought to himself. “You say you don’t care about rankings, and yet you say All Might is your favorite? The Number One Hero.” Not that I’m any different.

Izuku let out a bittersweet sigh. He couldn’t help it after meeting his idol only to be told he couldn’t be a Hero by said idol. “Yeah, he is my favorite, and still is d-despite his answer. It’s because of his spirit. All Might tries to save everyone he can to the b-best of his abilities. To encourage people that everything will be okay with his smile. I’ve always admired him for that a-and wanted to give people that same hope…”

As the boy talked, the man found himself more intrigued by this young Hero-to-be. He let the boy ramble on about how All Might helped others. How the Number One Hero used his rank and influence to support various social causes and movements. How he used his money to donate to charities and organizations. How the boy himself wished to do the same when he became a Hero no matter where he ended up in the rankings. It was…refreshing. For a someone to actually embracing what Stain himself thought what a Hero should be.

“Little Hero…” Stain interrupted. Izuku squeaked out an apology for rambling and looked at the man in front of him. “All your life, you have been denied what your heart truly yearns for. To help others and become a Hero. Had even All Might himself tell you no. But…”

Izuku watched the Hero Killer slowly stood up, the diminishing rays of light illuminating him as the sun set.

“I can see that you have the true heart of a Hero, and despite what everyone says or believes…”

Izuku found himself frozen in his spot as the Hero Killer towered over him.

“It won’t be easy and you will need to find something to give you an edge in a fight, but I believe…”

Green eyes widen as the man outstretched his arm and pointed to the boy.

“You can become a Hero!”

~~~

After his declaration, the Hero Killer left the roof top quickly and Izuku with it. The boy was in a daze, trying to process everything that had just happened. He made his way home as his mind worked on sorting through it all.

The Hero Killer, Stain, believed he could be a Hero. Not his mom, not Kacchan, not All Might…Stain. The man who believed that all fake Heroes must die and only those who are worthy of the title could live. This murderer believed in Izuku when no one else did. The closest he had gotten to encouragement to pursue his dream was from his dad saying he could at least try. In a strange sense, he was kind of proud that the man believed in him what with all of his convictions and beliefs on what a true Hero is. But on the other hand, he was also a very misguided man who killed people.

The greenet shuddered at the thought that he had been in the presence of a Villain who killed Heroes. Sure, the boy agreed with some points the man made, but murder is never the answer. When he killed his victims, the man stole the opportunity for them to learn from their mistakes and improve themselves. Sure, there were some people who never learn but a Hero should always give them that chance to be better.

Learn. Adapt. Evolve.

In any case, the Villain believed that he, a Quirkless teenager who only had a dream and determination to aide him, could become a Hero. Despite all the man’s flaws, Izuku knew that his opinion mattered and found he wanted to prove to the Hero Killer that he was indeed worthy. It would not be easy, not by a long shot. But it was a challenge that Izuku would gladly face.

Eventually he got home and walked inside only to be smashed into by a green blur. It took Izuku a second to realize it was his mom, hugging him as if her life depended on it.

“Izuku!” Inko exclaimed, squeezing her son firmly with her arms. “Where were you?! It was getting so late and you weren’t home yet. There was talk on the news of All Might taking down a Villain near here and you know how you go chasing those Hero fights even though you know how much it makes me worry. And I…”

“Mom, calm down!” Izuku squeaked, giving her a short hug before trying to get out of the bear hug she had him in. “I-I’m home now! I’m safe. Could you maybe let me breath now?”

Inko quickly stopped her ramblings and released him from the hug but kept her hands on his shoulders. She chuckled at his exaggerated play-acting of getting his breath back. She knew that he did that just to make her laugh.

“Better?” she giggled. Inko opened her mouth to talk again but then started to cough a little. “Izuku, what happened to you? You smell like a sewer.” She could see bits of sludge and debris sticking to his uniform.

“Oh! Heh heh. Um, about that…” Izuku said, scratching the back of his head nervously. “You know that Villain that All Might took down?”

“Izuku, please tell me you did not run to the fight to try and save the victim again,” Inko demanded in full ‘mom’ voice.

“N-no! I didn’t,” Izuku stuttered out. He focused on the ground, unable to look into his mother’s eyes as he said the next part. “I, uh, was the victim actually.”

The greenette mother stared at her son in shock. My baby…was attacked by a Villain? Her mouth suddenly felt dry and her throat seemed to constrict. Tears fell down her cheeks and she could only rasp out one word. “What?”

Izuku saw his mom’s distress and pulled her into another hug. ““I was walking home a-and this Villain made of sludge attacked me,” he explained. His mom let out a choked sob as she hugged him back. Holding him tight to let herself know that her son was safe as he continued. “I-I’m ok now! He didn’t hold me for long. All Might came a-and took him out with just one punch! I know it was bad that I got attacked by a Villain b-but I got to meet All Might, mom!”

Inko let out a wet chuckle as her tears continued to flow. Of course, her son would down play the danger he had been in just because he got to meet his favorite Hero. It was so Izuku.

“Did you get an autograph?” she asked, pulling back to see the huge grin on his face.

“Yeah! I didn’t even have to ask for it. He signed my notebook!” the Hero fanboy rambled with a big smile. But then it dimmed a bit and Inko looked at him with concern. “I, uh, I a-asked him if I could be a Hero. H-he said no.” The bright smile from before was completely gone.

“Oh sweety,” Inko said, hugging her son again. She knew how much All Might meant to him. He was the young boy’s idol. His inspiration. And to have the Number One Hero tell him ‘no’ must have been a blow to his confidence.

When Izuku was younger, he tended to be a timid and shy kid but one who would still stand up for others. As he grew older though, his confidence grew as he took self-defense to help in the pursuit of his dream. The mother still wasn’t too keen on the idea of her son becoming a Hero and didn’t think he had much of a chance in succeeding, but she supported him in following his passions and doing his best as long as it made him happy. She only hoped that when he had to face the reality of his situation that it wouldn’t hit him too hard. If it did, she would be there to help him pick up the pieces.

“How does katsudon sound tonight, honey?” the mother asked, knowing that having his favorite food would cheer him up. Her son only gave a nod which she felt on her shoulder. She gave him one last squeeze before letting him go. “Alright. Why don’t you go take a shower and I’ll make dinner. Leave your uniform outside the door so I can wash it tonight.”

Izuku gave another nod and headed towards his room to get ready to take a shower. After he was clean, the mother and son ate a quiet dinner while his uniform was in the wash. Instead of watching the news as he usually did after dinner, the boy went straight to bed. He was so tired and just wanted to go to sleep.

It had been an exhausting day, both physically and emotionally. He was suicide baited, attacked by a Villain, found out a huge secret about the Number One Hero, and then was told he couldn’t be a Hero by said Number One Hero. And yet, with so many ups and downs, the highlight of his day, other than meeting All Might because come on it’s All Might, was that finally there was one person who believed in him. Stain may not be the ideal person to use as motivation, but knowing the Hero Killer’s convictions, Izuku couldn’t help but be determined to prove himself to the man.

Tomorrow he would continue pursuing his dream. Perhaps finding new ways to help him reach it. Something to give him an ‘edge’ as the Hero Killer said. But for now, he would sleep.

Notes:

There ya have it, folks! Stainy believes in our little Izuku! A lot more than his mom does. Sure, she doesn't think he can make it as a Hero, but she supports him none the less! Still good mom Inko and Izuku is going to work hard to prove himself to her and everyone else.

New for this story's end notes...Fun Facts about Japan!

Students in junior high have two uniforms. (Don't know about high school.) The more formal one we see in anime/manga a lot and a PE uniform. In anime, the students are usually shown in the formal one, but most of the time they wear the PE uniform during school hours unless it's a special occasion like Parents Day, Chorus Festival, or Graduation. They wear the formal uniform over their PE one going to and from school. Which sucks in summer because Japan is humid. Thankfully they have a summer and winter version for both uniforms.

Most junior high schools do not have AC or heating in the classrooms. Relying on fans during summer and electric or gas heaters during winter. In winter, students are allowed to wear extra layers as long as they are covered up by their uniforms.

That's all for this chapter. Please let me know of any typos or weirdness!

Chapter 4: Finding His 'Edge'

Notes:

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

The weekend came quickly and Izuku continued his usual routine. He didn’t have any ideas as of yet on what else he could do to help him pursue his dream. For now, he decided to follow what he normally did to see if anything inspired him.

As a start, Izuku went on his usual morning run. Every morning since he started taking self-defense classes, he would go for a run to help improve his stamina. Running was actually very relaxing to the greenet. No one bothering or bullying him. It was just him with the sound of his breathing and his feet hitting the ground.

For a change of pace, Izuku decided to go a different route, seeing as he was trying to change himself then why not his running route, too. Usually he ran around the neighborhood, but today he decided to run by the nearby beach.

Dagobah Municipal Beach Park used to be a beautiful place. Izuku had clear memories of playing in the water as the pristine landscape sparkled in the sunlight. But over the years, the currents would carry various trash and debris to the sandy shore and people started using it as a place to illegally dump their trash, rather than disposing of it properly. As the piles of garbage grew, less and less people came to the beach allowing the place to fall into further disrepair. Izuku frowned as he jogged by the beach, hating how such a once-beautiful place was reduced to an unofficial dump.

People should be cleaning up this mess, not adding to it. Wait…

The greenet stopped in his tracks as he was struck by an epiphany. If no one else was cleaning the beach, maybe he could? It would be good training to lift so many different things and it would be good for the community. Izuku thought back to what All Might had said about cleaning the environment during an interview once.

'If every person in the world would take the time to pick up a single piece of trash every day, the world would be a more beautiful place. Even one person, with a hand willing to help others, can inspire hundreds to follow. After all, the main objective of a Hero is to serve. Even the simple act of picking up trash is a heroic one.'

Izuku was a single person and he had two hands willing to help others. Sitting in front of him was a literal pile of problems for the community. Izuku wasn’t a Hero yet, and he couldn’t save people from Villains, but starting with cleaning up this trash pile felt like a great start to a Hero career to the greenet.

There wasn’t much the future-Hero could do that day. He cleaned up a small pile of cans and plastic bags, planning to dispose of them at a convenience store on his way home. There was no way he was touching any of the other trash without some sort of protection like gloves. Also, he would need to talk to his mom about getting a truck or something to haul them to the actual dump.

Izuku still wasn’t sure what he was going to do to give himself more of an edge in a fight, but this would be a good project to focus on in the meantime. Who knows? Maybe he would find inspiration while cleaning up the trash.

~~~

After talking with his mom about cleaning the beach, Inko helped him with getting a truck and a permit to park it near the beach. It allowed them to take the truck to the dump at the end of the day and then leave it at the beach for Izuku to start filling it up the next day without having his mother drive the truck from their home and back.

Within one week, Izuku fell into a new routine. After school ended, he would go home and do his homework before changing into grubby clothes and heading to the beach. He brought plenty of water as well as safety gloves, trash bags, healthy snacks, and a small first aid kit just in case. Once there, he would attack one section at a time. On his first day, he had mapped out a makeshift grid in his notebook and focused on one section at a time so he wouldn’t get overwhelmed. He knew it was a huge project he was undertaking, but it was one he planned to take on with enthusiasm.

Cleaning the trash was challenging to say the least. Boxes, tires, bikes, glass, microwaves, tvs, etc. Thousands of pieces of garbage with different shapes, sizes, and weights was a real work out for his muscles. It wasn’t too bad though since he had built muscle over the years in his self-defense classes. But this would be the first time he did anything like weight training, so his muscles still yelled at him at the end of the day. The satisfying soreness helped him fall asleep at night.

It was tough work, but every day when his mom and him drove the full truck to the dump to empty their load, Izuku knew that was one less pile of trash on the beach. One step closer to cleaning up the beach and making it into a beautiful place again. To a place that will bring a smile to people’s faces. Even if no one knew who cleaned the beach, seeing their smiles would be reward enough for the future-Hero.

“So, you’re the one cleaning up the beach,” came a voice out of nowhere.

Izuku couldn’t help but flinch, dropping the bag in his hand. He was so focused on cleaning that he didn’t notice someone approaching him. Well so much for anonymity. He looked up to see a girl with shoulder-length pink hair that was styled into dreadlocks and goggles placed on her head. She was wearing a black tank top, black work boots, and dark blue coveralls but with the top open and tied around her waist. Her eyes were yellow and had markings that looked like the crosshairs of a scope. Did that have to do with her Quirk?

“Kudos on helping the Earth and stuff,” the girl continued. “But you’re taking away things that could help my babies.”

“B-babies?!” Izuku squawked. She’s a mother already?! She looks too young for that! Also, how would literal trash help a baby?

“Yes! It’s what I call my inventions,” she said, grinning. “You see, I make Support Items and I am going to become the world’s Number One Support Engineer! The name’s Hatsume Mei.” She offered her hand in greeting.

Izuku stared at the hand blankly for a second before shaking out of his stupor and taking it, giving it a hesitant shake. “I-I’m Midoriya Izuku. It’s n-nice to meet you.”

“Glad to meet you, too,” Hatsume said. “Now, why did you suddenly want to clean the beach? It’s been like this for years and I’ve found so much material I can use to make my babies.”

“O-oh, well, I, um,” Izuku managed to stutter out. It had been a long time since he had really talked to someone his age. Especially a female someone. The girls at school avoided him like the plague so the only females he interacted with was his mom and auntie Mitsuki. “I just thought it w-would be good to clean up the beach! I-if you want, maybe tell me what you need, a-and I can separate them for you!”

“Hmmm, that’s very thoughtful of you. Here are the kinds of things I need…” She then started to list off very confusing instructions on what she wanted him to keep. He tried to keep up but all of it sounded like nonsense to him. She rambled on until she noticed his face of confusion. “You have no idea what I’m talking about, do you?”

“Not a clue,” he answered with a chuckle, sheepishly scratch the back of his head. “I-I’ve never looked into how mechanical things work, s-so I don’t know what components you’re talking about. S-sorry.”

“No need to apologize!” Hatsume declared. With a grin on her face, she pulled out her phone and shoved it in the boy’s face. “Here. Input your number. I’ll text you a list of the appliances I need. Not everyone can be a Support Genius like me.”

Wow…humble much?

Izuku took the phone and typed in his number. He was a bit hesitant to be giving his number to a person he just met, but it would be convenient to have a list. Plus, he could message her to ask about an item not on the list. He was happy to help the inventor to get materials for her ‘babies’ as she calls them.

Handing her phone back, he asked, “So, you’re into Support? What got you into that?”

Hatsume had already turned away from him to inspect the trash, looking for any goodies. “Hmm? Oh, my mother is also a Support Engineer and taught me everything I know. Figuring out how something works and taking it apart to then put it back together into something entirely different is super fascinating. I want to make Support Items for Heroes like my mother. I’m going to go to UA and show my babies to the world!”

Izuku was impressed. The girl had such enthusiasm for inventing Support Items. In the Hero world, those in Support were essential in helping the Heroes use their Quirks to the best of their ability. Certain Quirks could have some nasty side effects. To counter act that, Support Items were used. Adding to the tools a Hero could use on the job.

Wait…Support Items are tools. Like Quirks are tools. Used to help Heroes in their fight to help people.

Izuku didn’t have a Quirk, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t use Support Items. Could this be it? His edge? Excited at this revelation, Izuku turned to the inventor with a look of pure determination.

“Hatsume-san…please teach me to build Support Items.”

The girl stopped looking through the trash to face the boy. She raised an eyebrow and asked, “Why?”

“I w-want to be a Hero,” Izuku stated. He was nervous to open up to a practical stranger, but he needed to do this. “It has always b-been my dream to help people, but the majority of people believe that I c-can’t be a hero because…” Ok. Deep breath, Izuku. You can do this. “B-because I’m Quirkless.”

He paused for a moment to gage her reaction. When she said nothing and her expression stayed neutral, he continued a bit more confidently. “Since I don’t have a Quirk, people think that I am too weak. That it’s an impossible d-dream. But there is one person who believes I can. And I want to prove them right. I have training in several kinds of self-defense a-and I’ve practiced with different weapons like staffs and escrima sticks. But again, I’m Quirkless. I need something else to give me that extra edge that all those with Quirks get. The answer is Support Items. W-with those, plus my analysis skills, I feel I will be able to become a Hero.”

The greenet waited for the girl’s response. She still hadn’t said anything, seeming to be scanning him with her eyes. Crap, did I mess up? Is she going to turn me away like everyone else? Her eyes are so intense. Wait, are her eye focusing like a camera? Maybe her Quirk has something to do with zooming in and/or out. That would definitely be helpful with doing any fine tune work on an invention or scoping out a competitor.

“Blank canvas,” Hatsume finally said.

“Eh?” That’s not what he expected.

“You,” the girl said, gesturing to all of him. “You’re a blank canvas. You have no Quirk and therefore have none of the drawbacks that come with them. Support Items have to be heavily regulated and adjusted to each individual person taking their own physical and mental needs which Quirks make even more complicated on top of that. With you though, anything is possible.”

Izuku couldn’t help it. He really couldn’t. The Midoriyas have always been emotional and he was no exception. At her words, tears started to well up in his eyes and a wobbly smile planted on his face. She didn’t turn him away. Didn’t tell him it was impossible. She believed.

“D-does that mean you’ll teach me?” he asked, wiping away his tears.

“You betcha, Hero-kun!” she declared smiling before turning back to the trash. Izuku blushed at the nickname. “Oh, by the way, you’re right. My Quirk is Zoom.”

The greenet blushed even harder. Damn it, I was mumbling again.

~~~

The teens continued to talk and work through the garbage, ignorant of having an audience. Kneeling on a fire escape high on the building across from the beach was a man hiding in the shadows of the alleyway. Ever since talking to the boy who aspired to become a true Hero, Stain had been checking up on him to see what the teen would do with his words.

It’s seems you’ve assigned yourself quite a project, Little Hero. I wonder what you will do once others notice your work. Will you remain humble or let the attention go to your head like all the other fakes? Your words that day were ones of someone with a true Hero’s heart, but there is still a chance of corruption. I will reserve my judgement for the time being.

The Hero Killer watched the Hero-to-be and the other teen work until the sun began to set. As the last rays of sunlight disappeared from the sky, the man stood up and cast one last look at the beach before turning toward the city. With the coming of night, it was time for Stain to continue his mission.

Notes:

I loooove any Hatsume/Izuku friendships. They are just so pure and adorable. Such good friends. :)

Funny enough, Hatsume saying 'Blank Canvas' came before this fanfic was titled. But the title seemed to fit and I stuck with it since then.

Fun facts about Japan:

Japan's garbage sorting system is very different from the US. Or at least for where I live. In the area I lived in Japan, there is a literal poster to say what waste goes with what day and where/how to dispose of it. The Japan garbage disposal system is very intricate. There are certain days for certain types of trash. Recyclables are split between several days. One for paper and cloth, one for glass, aluminum, and plastic. Combustibles are on specific days while recyclables are on others. Non-recyclables are once a month as well as hazardous materials. On top of that, if you don't package it properly, they leave a note telling you you didn't package it right and need to try again.

If you notice any typos or weirdness, please let me know. :)

Chapter 5: Can Rocks Be Sad?

Notes:

First off, I'd like to thank everyone who has commented, bookmarked, or gave kudos to this story! Heck, thank you for Hits too! I appreciate you visiting!

Soooo...I have no idea how Support Items work so everything is going to be made up. I'll try to make it work but really I'll just be making it up as I go along. ^___^;

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

After that day, Izuku’s routine changed to include training with Hatsume. He still worked on cleaning the beach every day but three days a week, he would stop by Hatsume’s lab before going to the beach. He had also introduced the girl to his mother and explained what he had in mind. Inko seemed a little hesitant but as always supported her son. She at first was unsure about the eccentric girl but quickly warmed to the inventor’s antics, finding them endearing.

The first time in her lab was overwhelming to say the least. There was just so much stuff in there and Izuku didn’t understand a single one. The pinkette was patient but enthusiastically eager to share her knowledge with him. She explained every step and demonstrated every tool until he could do it competently on his own.

When Izuku made his first successful gadget, he was so proud of himself. He had taken an old kitchen timer and a joke hand buzzer he had rescued from the beach, wanting to combine the timer aspect with the buzz factor. When he was finished, he had a small disk that was half the size of a hockey puck in diameter and thickness. There was a dial on the top and when the timer would run out, the entire disk would vibrate for a few seconds.

It wasn’t anything special, just a simple little thing.  But he made it with his own two hands without Hatsume’s help. A small party was held at the Midoriya house to celebrate that day.

It was also the day that the girl declared they were friends and that friends don’t call each other by their family names. From then on Hatsume became Mei-chan and she called him either Izuku or Hero-kun. It was a very nice change compared to the other nickname he was ever given by a friend.

One obstacle Izuku faced in the lab was inspiration. Mei seemed to constantly come up with new ideas with ease. Him on the other hand…not so much. Then again, he was only just starting in Support. He turned to his notebook to see if his notes would help.

“Mei-chan,” Izuku said. The pinkette turned off her blow torch and turned her attention to him. “Do you think it’s possible to replicate a Quirk with a Support Item?”

He looked up from his notes to see her expression of carnal excitement. “Hero-kun, you are a genius!”

~~~

After only a few weeks of working with Mei, Izuku’s hope of becoming a Hero was rekindled. He truly felt that he could do this. With all the free time that came with not having friends, Izuku had turned to studying to pass the time as he grew up. Because of that, he was a quick study and it didn’t take him long to get the hang of figuring out how Support Items worked. Mei eagerly taught him everything she knew about building and programming and he soaked it all up like a sponge.

He could do this. Already his mind was filled with ideas of what kinds of Support Items he could make for himself. And some that certain Heroes could definitely use as an upgrade. As he was lost in his thoughts about the future on his way home one day, Izuku found his feet had brought him to a park. It was later in the evening so the park was mostly empty.

Izuku knew this park well, having so many memories of playing here as a kid when Kacchan was still his friend. Then on top of that so many more memories when the blonde would bully and belittle him as they grew older and further apart. It hurt to see left over scorch marks on various trees and playground equipment, painful memories of how they got there still fresh in his mind even after all these years. They reminded him that his friend was no longer his friend and how he didn’t even see Izuku on the same level as him.

Shaking himself out of that downward spiral of thought, Izuku noticed he wasn’t alone. Across the way was a boy sitting on the swings. He seemed to be around Izuku’s age, but had a different middle school uniform. Musutafu Middle School, maybe? His hair was black, about shoulder length, and he had some bangs that hung over his face. Izuku walked forward to get a better look because he had never seen the boy around here before. Also, because the boy looked sad.

“Hello,” Izuku said, calmly so he didn’t startle the boy too bad. The black-haired boy still jumped slightly and looked up at the greenette with red eyes. He had a scar over his right eye and Izuku wondered how he got it. Quirk accident? Or maybe…no! Not now.

“Can I sit here?” He indicated to the swing next to the boy, who gave a small nod as he looked at Izuku in confusion.

Izuku sat down on the swing and turned his head to look at the other boy. “My name is Midoriya Izuku. I haven’t seen you around here before. What’s your name?”

The boy looked at his for a second, seemingly in a stupor, before shaking himself out of it. “Sorry, uh, this is my first time at this park. I was just wandering and kind of got myself lost. I’m Kirishima Eijirou.”

“Nice to meet you, Kirishima-kun,” Izuku said with a friendly smile. “If you’re lost, I can help you out. I live around here so I know the area pretty well.”

“Hey, thanks, man. That’s super manly of you,” Kirishima said, a slight smile on his face. He noticed the boy’s teeth were pointy and reminded him of a shark. Did that have something to do with his Quirk? Was he a shark or did it…no! Stop analyzing him! Now was not the time for that. He mentally shook himself out of the analysis spiral as the boy continued.

“So, you live around here?” Kirishima asked.

“Yeah, I’ve lived here since I was born,” Izuku replied, starting to swing slightly. “I would play in this park all the time as a kid.”

“Really? I bet you made a lot of friends over the years,” Kirishima said, smiling. But it dropped when Izuku looked away in a grimace and stopped swinging. The black-haired boy looked concerned at the reaction. “What’s wrong?”

“Well,” Izuku started. He took a deep breath and slowly let it out, turning back to the other boy with a sad smile. “Actually, I don’t really h-have any friends. Not at school anyway. But I do have one friend outside of school!” Or rather Mei-chan just kind of declared it as fact and left it at that.

“Sorry to hear that. But at least you got one friend,” Kirishima said. He stopped for a moment, a nervous look on his face before he asked his next question. “If you don’t mind me asking, why don’t you have any friends at school? I would figure that someone who’s lived here as long as you would have at least one.”

“I don’t mind,” Izuku replied. He took another deep breath to steady himself. “The kids at school, they don’t really like me. They make fun of my dream of wanting to become a Hero, because they think I’m too weak to do it since I don’t have a flashy, strong Quirk. They tell me it’s impossible and don’t like that I won’t give up on it.”

“Dude, that is so unmanly,” Kirishima said, a frown on his face. “You can’t bash someone’s dreams like that. Like my idol says, ‘As long as a man’s got a chivalrous heart, his Quirk’s got nothing to do with it’. No matter what your Quirk is, as long as you got the heart, you can be a Hero.”

Izuku knew he had heard that quote before, but where? Chivalrous heart? Who did I hear that from? Wait… “Did you just quote the Chivalrous Hero, Crimson Riot?”

“Yeah!” Kirishima exclaimed, pounding his fists together. Izuku noticed that the other boy’s skin change and looked rock-like.

Is that his Quirk? Some kind of hardening effect? That could be very useful in defense during a battle. Like a human shield. It could also be used to break up rubble during rescue efforts if his skin could get hard enough. Not to mention it would add something extra to any attack he could do. After all, being hit by a rock hurts enough, but getting punched by a rock? Ouch. But where do the teeth come in with the hardening? Perhaps it’s a feature he inherited from one of his parents that doesn’t actually connect to his Quirk…

Izuku had tried to resist going into an analysis spiral since he started talking to the boy. But like always, his brain just couldn’t help itself and took all the available information to find out the answers it craved. He didn’t notice that he was mumbling all of his observations out loud while the boy next to him started to blush. The greenet only broke out of his mumbled rant when a quiet choked sob escaped the black-haired boy.

“A-are you okay?” Izuku asked concerned.

“You…,” Kirishima started. His eyes were tearing up as he clutched his shirt over his heart in a hardened fist. He took a shake breath. “You really think my Quirk is useful like that?”

The greenet blushed as his eyes widened. Crap, I said that out loud. “W-well, I mean, yeah! Your Quirk would be very useful as a Hero. There’s so many ways you can use it.”

“But it’s just hardening my skin,” Kirishima said, hardening said skin. “It’s not flashy or anything. Not like Quirks like All Might or Endeavor have. How useful could I be with just this?” He gestured to his hardened skin again as if it made his point.

“It’s like you just said,” Izuku said, a kind smile on his face. “‘As long as a man’s got a chivalrous heart, his Quirk’s got nothing to do with it’.”

Kirishima let his Quirk go as he looked at Izuku in awe. He then let out a chuckle and nervously scratched the back of his head. “Heh, I guess I should listen to my own advice, huh?”

“Sometimes, you only need one person to finally tell you ‘Yes, you can’ to start your journey,” Izuku shrugged. “I had started to lose hope, too. Until recently, everyone in my life told me I couldn’t be a Hero. Including some Heroes themselves. But finally, one person told me they believed that I could and I know the value of that person’s opinion on Heroes. So, I’m going to do my best to prove to them that their belief in me isn’t a waste.”

“So manly,” Kirishima muttered, a gleam in his eye. He wiped away a manly tear. “Do you know what high school you want to go to? I’m going for UA myself.”

“Me, too!” Izuku exclaimed. “What better place to become a Hero, right?” The two teens shared a fist bump and smiled.

“Anyway, it’s getting late and I don’t want my mom to worry,” Izuku said, getting up from the swing. He offered his hand to help Kirishima up. “Ready for that help, lost boy?”

Kirishima laughed as he took the greenet’s hand. “You’re right. Thanks for the pep talk, dude. You really helped me out.”

Izuku walked him to the nearest train station. They passed the time talking about Heroes and other random topics. Izuku really enjoyed talking to someone else in a friendly way other than Mei. It was like having another friend. Wow, isn’t that a sad thought. They walked right up to the ticket gate.

“It was nice meeting you,” Izuku said. He held out his hand for a fist bump which Kirishima enthusiastically returned. “Let’s both do our best to follow our dreams. I’ll see you in UA!”

With one last wave, the other boy headed off to his train and Izuku started for home. Maybe he had made a new friend today. But there was still room for doubt. Kirishima didn’t know he was Quirkless after all.

Notes:

Kirishima enters! He's such an awesome character and I love stories with him and Izuku being friends. A pair of sunshine boys! :D

Since the second Sludge Villain attack didn't happen, I felt I needed some kind of interaction between Izuku and Kirishima. I know he does finally get inspired by a video of a Crimson Riot interview, but he does bring up Izuku running in to save Katsuki in canon. I have no idea if Kirishima actually lives anywhere close to Izuku for them to meet but I did it anyway!

Fun Facts About Japan:

In areas that have multiple junior high schools, each school will have a unique formal and PE uniform. Differences in colors, ties, jackets, vests, skirts, shirts, pants, etc. Sometimes including a bag but not always. Once you know what uniform goes with what school, it's easy to identify which school the student is from. Which really helped me when I saw students outside of school. Having worked at 10 of the 11 in my area, it got to the point of meeting so many students that I couldn't keep track of who I met where if they weren't in uniform.

Also, for indoor shoes, all students have the same type of shoe, usually some kind of white sneaker, but they are color coded by grade. For example, first years will have a green highlight of some kind, while second years have yellow, and third years have red.

School sizes can vary from small to medium to large. For my area, there are two small schools with about 100-200 students with 1-2 classes per grade. Six medium schools which had about 300-500 students with 3-4 classes per grade. And three large schools which had about 800-900 students with 8-9 classes per grade. With so many students, you can see why it gets confusing of which student is from where after a while. :P

That's all for this chapter! Let me know of any typos or weirdness! :)

Chapter 6: As Time Passes

Notes:

And we're back with chapter 6! Some time skipping around during the 10 months before the entrance exam. But I think you'll like the bit at the end. ;) Enjoy!

We got fanart! :D Thank you CyreneHime for this drawing of Izuku in casual work clothes and Canon for this rendition of Izuku's first invention! :D

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

What utter bullshit. The universe seriously just couldn’t give him a break for once. It wasn’t enough that he was denied a Quirk, was ostracized by his peers, and practically no one believed in his dream. No, every step of the way had to be paved with more pot holes to try and trip up his resolve.

‘In the Hero Practical Exam, Support Items are allowed under permission of the UA faculty as long as the Support Item directly aides in the proper use of an applicant’s Quirk. Any Support Item that does not directly affect a Quirk is barred from the exam.’

Direct from the guidelines for the Hero Practical Exam, Izuku was already being told no, indirectly, that he didn’t have what they wanted in their Hero students. Well fuck. There goes any chance of me passing the Hero Practical. There was no way they would allow him to use any of his Support Items since he had no Quirk to influence.

This was a setback for sure, but Izuku still had a plan. In his research about the school and the various processes of entering the different departments, Izuku found an alternate route. It wasn’t well known and it didn’t happen often, but if a student in a course other than the Hero Course did well enough in the Sports Festival, they could be offered a transfer if they so desired and the school was impressed enough.

It was risky but if Izuku was barred from using what he needed to pass the Hero Practical, he would show them that a Quirk wasn’t necessary to be a Hero at the Sports Festival. It was the only option he had. At least they didn’t have any policies that forbid Quirkless students from applying at all.

~~~

It had been about two months when Kacch-Katsuki finally decided to confront Izuku. Despite calling him useless and telling him he wanted nothing to do with the Quirkless boy, the blonde remained persistently nosy about his life. It was confusing to say the least how the other boy seemed to hate him and yet demand answers about his activities as if he had a right to them.

Then again, Kac-Katsuki felt that he had a right to everything. As Izuku became better friends with Mei, he finally understood that what the two childhood friends had was no longer a friendship. Just a bully and his victim. The blonde was no longer the Kacchan that Izuku knew from his youth. Now, he was Katsuki who seemed to have a life’s mission to push him down, below the explosive teen where he supposedly belonged.

“What the fuck have you been doing after school, Deku?” Katsuki demanded, using his height to tower over the shorter boy. It was posturing that Izuku was well used to after all these years. It no longer affected him as it used to. He refused to back down.

“How is that any of your business?” Izuku retorted, green eyes staring firmly into those fiery red ones.

Ignoring his question, Katsuki stepped closer. “You better not be fucking training to be a Hero, Deku. You know it’s impossible.”

“Do I? Or is that just your ego talking?” Izuku shot back. He was sick and tired of the blonde putting him down like this.

“Don’t even fucking think of trying for UA, nerd,” Katsuki threatened, eyes twitching at the remark. “There’s no way a Quirkless Deku like you could ever pass the Hero Practical.”

“You’re right,” Izuku said, looking into Katsuki’s eyes again with a look of determination. “There isn’t. But I’m not applying to the Hero Course. I’m applying for the Support Course.”

Katsuki was stunned into silence for only a moment. He clicked his tongue and stepped away from the other boy. “Hah?! The Support Course? So, you’ve finally accepted your shitty ass could never become a Hero.”

Izuku adjusted his backpack and said, “I didn’t say I was giving up on becoming a Hero. I may not be taking the Hero Exam, but that isn’t the only way into the Hero Course.”

“What are you fucking talking about, shitty nerd?” Katsuki asked, an edge to his voice.

“Not telling,” Izuku replied as he started to walk away. He glanced over his shoulder with a coy smile. “After all, it would ruin the surprise. Bye…Katsuki.”

He left the fuming explosive boy behind and headed home to continue working on his projects. The blonde didn’t notice until he had already left that the greenet hadn’t called him by a nickname. Katsuki couldn’t place the sour feeling in his chest from the realization.

~~~

The months flew by as Izuku and Mei prepared for the entrance exam. He continued to clean the trash, sorting out anything that could be useful in the lab. When it got down to the bigger pieces like furniture or refrigerators, Mei eagerly volunteered to help out. He appreciated the help but he knew she only did it because it gave her an excuse to test out some of her babies. It didn’t bother him in the least though. Whatever made it easier to get them into the truck.

The two aspiring Support students worked diligently on their projects. Izuku was learning fast under Mei’s tutelage. She sometimes gave too much information than what he needed, giving what he called the encyclopedia answer, but she taught him well regardless. When he had made his first successful prototype for what he planned to submit for the Support Practical, Mei treated him to ice cream in celebration.

They worked tirelessly to perfect their submission designs in preparation for the Support Practical demonstration. Mei stressed that presentation was also key. The Support Item itself had to work of course, but making a good impression was important too. The pinkette planned to be as flashy as possible, including all the bells and whistles in a boisterous presentation. While the greenet planned to impress in a more subtle way.

Between prototypes, the two would also work on projects they hoped to continue once they got into UA. They looked forward to using the resources UA offered rather than having to rely on literal garbage for spare parts. Izuku came up with several ideas for replicating a Quirk with Support Items. He was already developing some prototypes that he planned to perfect in UA. With so many projects, time seemed to pass by quickly.

About a week before the exam, the beach was finally clean. Izuku threw the last piece of garbage into the back of the truck. Inko and Mei had come with him to congratulate him on his accomplishment. His mom insisted on a commemorative picture and took a photo of Izuku sporting a tired yet satisfied smile and a peace sign with the clean beach behind him.

They drove the truck to the dump for the last time. Or at least until someone tried to start dumping their trash there again. Izuku planned to periodically check on the beach and clean up any litter he found. That night, they celebrated with a delicious meal of katsudon and Izuku went to bed with a smile.

~~~

“Izuku!” Inko yelled as she entered the apartment. Izuku ran out of the living room to meet her, thinking something was wrong, only to have a newspaper shoved into his face. “Look! They wrote about that beach you cleaned up!”

Sure enough, on the front page was a picture of the once again pristine beach and there were already people playing and enjoying the water. There was a small ‘before’ image in the corner and a story about a mysterious benefactor who cleaned the beach and there were questions as to who did the selfless deed. Izuku smiled at that. He did it! He helped! People were happy and that was more than enough for him.

“Should I call the news station and tell them it was you?” Inko asked.

“No,” Izuku replied, a soft smile on his face. “I didn’t do it for the credit. I did it to help people and make them smile when it was finally done. This is enough for me.”

He handed the paper back to his mom and returned to the couch, watching the news while he studied over his notes. Inko watched him go before looking down at the newspaper. With a determined nod to herself, her mind was made up. Tomorrow she was going to go shopping for something to frame the article along with the picture she took that day.

The public may never know that Izuku cleaned the beach. But she would.

~~~

A few nights later, Izuku was fast asleep in bed when he woke to an incessant tinking sound. It took him a while but once he was partially awake, he noticed the sound was coming from his window. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Izuku got out of bed to find out what the noise was. On the window sill he found a note.

Meet me on the roof. -Stain

“Stain? What could he want?” Izuku questioned out loud, brow scrunched in confusion.

A little uncertain if it was a good idea or not, he eventually decided to see what the man wanted with him. Izuku put on a dark green hoodie over his pajamas made up of a tank top and sweatpants.  He grabbed his keys and his phone then left his room. He quietly made his way to the kitchen for a glass of water before leaving. As he drank from the tap, he eyed the frying pan in the drying rack next to the sink.

Well, if it worked for a recluse long-haired princess, it’ll work for me.

It wouldn’t be much of a defense against the Hero Killer, but it would bring him comfort having some kind of weapon with him. The greenet didn’t think the man would hurt him after his words of encouragement. But it would be completely idiotic to meet the man empty handed. Not that actually deciding to meet him on the roof was all that smart to begin with.

Grabbing the frying pan and putting on his signature red shoes, Izuku left his apartment and quietly locked the door to not disturb his mother. He made his way up the stairs towards the door that led to the roof. Cautiously, he opened it and the hinges creaked from lack of use, making him cringle. He hesitantly walked onto the roof and looked around for any sign of the man.

“You actually came,” a voice called out behind him. Izuku spun around to find the Hero Killer standing on the roof of the opposite building who then jumped down towards him. “I had thought you might not have come. Yet here you are. Whether it is from bravery or foolishness, I’m glad you agreed to meet with me.”

Stain walked towards Izuku who took a step back and brandished his frying pan. The man raised a brow at the action but didn’t comment. He would have been disappointed in the boy if he had come completely unprepared. Although his choice in weapon was…odd to say the least.

To put the boy at ease, Stain stopped walking towards him and instead headed to sit on the edge of the roof. He planted himself with his feet dangling down the side of the building and stared out over the city. Cautiously, the boy joined him but kept a few feet of distance between them, eyeing the man the entire time.

“W-what did you want t-to meet about?” Izuku asked, nerves coming through as he kept the frying pan between them.

Stain slowly reached into his pants pocket and pulls out a folded piece of newspaper. He placed it between the two of them and retreated his hand. The greenet hesitantly reached out and picked it up. Unfolding the paper, he saw it was a clipping of the article about the beach.

“An unknown benefactor took it upon themselves to help the community by cleaning the beach,” the man stated, side-eyeing the boy next to him. “When that article was released, I waited to see if someone would claim the recognition for the deed. Yet, no one did.”

“Oh, really? That was very n-nice of them,” Izuku said, folding the paper back up and placing it down between them. “M-maybe they did it just to help out.”

“Little Hero, I know that it was you,” Stain deadpanned, taking the clipping back.

“Wha?! Y-you do?” the teen exclaimed, his cheeks turning red.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on you since we met,” the Hero Killer revealed. “I watched you clean the beach every now and then. I wanted to see if you would actually follow through on such an endeavor. Most would have given up quickly, yet you powered through until the end.”

Now that’s not creepy. Being followed by a man who happens to be a Villain who kills Heroes? Not creepy at all!

“W-well, I…I wanted to help!” Izuku declared, his voice squeaking a little. The man chuckled. “I knew it would be a lot of work, b-but I thought that if no one else was d-doing anything about it, why not me?”

“A noble thought to have, Little Hero,” Stain commented. “Tell me, once the article came out about the finished beach, why didn’t you call in to say it was you?”

Izuku let out a nervous chuckle, a light blush on his face. “When it came out, my mom a-asked if I wanted to say it was me. But I told her I d-didn’t want to. I didn’t do it for the credit. I did it to help. Like I told you before…”

He looked up at the Hero Killer with a small shaky smile but confidently looked him in the eye.

“…I don’t c-care about rankings or p-popularity. I’ve only ever w-wanted to help.”

Izuku did his best not to look away as a smile spread across Stain’s face. It was creepy as it grew wider and wider, his brown eyes seemed to glow red in the moon light. The teen found it difficult to keep eye contact, but he didn’t avert his eyes from the man who believed in him.

“There it is. The selflessness of a true Hero,” Stain proclaimed. “I knew you had the heart of one.”

The man stood up and turned to the greenet. Izuku scrambled to his feet and held up the frying pan like a shield. But the Hero Killer made no move towards him.

“You’re doing well, Little Hero,” Stain said, as he looked down at the Hero-to-be. “Even now when you are still a little fledgling, you have already shown me you are worthy. I look forward to seeing what kind of Hero you will become.”

The man turned to leave, before he paused and glanced back at the teen.

“May I ask for your name, Little Hero?” Stain asked, strangely polite for a Villain.

“M-Midoriya Izuku,” he replied on instinct, before clapping a hand over his mouth with a squeak. Crap, I did NOT mean to tell him that.

The Hero Killer hummed before saying, “Akaguro Chizome.”

“Huh?” Izuku said, lowering his hand.

“My name, Little Hero,” the man replied, a smaller less creepy grin on his face.

With that, Stain left and Izuku was once again alone on a roof, in a daze trying to process what happened.

Notes:

Stain and Izuku meet again! He really believes in our little green bean. I hope I've been writing him alright. I've been scouring through the manga, anime, and the spinoff Vigilantes for his dialogue. Also, you know Izuku watches Disney movies.

Anyway, Izuku is learning more than one thing from Mei. What friendships actually are, to avoid toxic ones, and of course, Support stuff. As for them using trash for their inventions, I figured that even though Mei's mom is a Support Engineer that there would be certain limits on what Mei could use since she isn't licensed yet.

I do actually use the term 'encyclopedia answer' in real life. My dad has two degrees in engineering and loves all the sciency stuff. So whenever I would ask for help on math, he would give the history and the theory on it on top of helping me. When he does that, that's what I call them.

Oh, another fun fact about me, I worked for Disney for a year through the Disney College Program back in 2014. (Sorry to all those this year that had to go home because of coronavirus craziness. I feel for y'all.) Anyhoo, I worked attractions at Disney Quest (RIP) and then at the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. While I was at Quest, I was trained to teach the Animation Academy! So I'm Disney trained on drawing Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. Other characters have been self taught. Speaking of Disney...

Fun Facts About Japan:

Japan loooooves Disney. Really Japan loves anything cute. They've got an adorable mascot for everything! Prefectures, cities, companies...you name it. But Disney is really loved over there. They have two Disney parks, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. Although it is called Tokyo Disney, their parks are actually located in the neighboring prefecture Chiba. Disneyland is similar to ours, the size being closer to Magic Kingdom than the one in California. A majority of the rides are similar with a few unique ones or ones with different themes. DisneySea is unique to Japan with a majority of different rides and a few similar rides but with different theming. It also has a volcano serving as its 'castle'.

Also, in the parks, they have different flavored popcorns through out the parks. Chocolate, black pepper, caramel, garlic shrimp...my favorite is the curry flavored one. Delicious!

In the US, people like to Disneybound as in dress in outfit that is inspired by a character. In Japan, they like to wear matching outfits. From just a pair to a group of people, they will find and buy matching clothing that are either Disneybounding or just a general Disney theme of some sort.

Mickey is a favorite, of course, along with Minnie, Donald, Chip, Dale, Ariel, Belle, and so on. I had one teacher who loved Mickey so much that he made his license plate number Mickey's birthday. I taught the students how to draw Donald as part of my introduction lesson as well as Stitch at the school I repeated. They love Pooh who they call Pooh-san which is adorable. Then there's Duffy the bear and his friends. They love Duffy so freaking much. I've seen kids bring their stuffed animal Duffys to the park and take pictures with them.

Bringing up mascots again, I worked in Yachiyo city in Chiba prefecture. Chiba's mascot is a dog named Chiba-kun and is the shape of the prefecture itself. Yachiyo's is a forest fairy named Yacchi who looks like a cross between an owl and a cat. I think he is adorable but most students loved Funnashi who is the mascot of Funabashi, Chiba. You may recognize him from the interwebs running from an explosion. I'll include some links for reference.

Chiba-kun
Yacchi
Funnashi

That's all for now! Hope you've enjoyed this chapter and continue reading! :) Let me know of any typos or weirdness!

Chapter 7: Entrance Exam: Written Test

Notes:

Chapter 7 is here! Izuku is going to meet some new people and maybe make friends? We'll see!

Oh, one random Japan fact about Disney I forgot to add last time. In Japan, when they sing the Mickey Mouse Club March, during the part when you spell out Mickey's name, they actually just say his name over and over to the same tune. Like so.

"Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Mickey, Mickey Mouse!"

Adorable! Anyway, on with the chapter!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

This was it! The day of the entrance exam for UA. Izuku was still bitter about the rules on Support Item use for the Hero Practical, since it prevented him from being able to use the tools he needed to effectively use his skills. For a second, he had considered trying anyway until he found out about the robots. Without a Quirk and barred from using Support Items because of that, it meant that he would have pretty much no chance of passing if he even tried. It was such an idiotic policy and he planned to bring it up to the principal if he ever got the chance.

Also, just the idea of using robots was idiotic. Sure, it gave the applicants targets but those with physical Quirks had more of a chance of taking them down. Heck, even the Pro Hero Eraserhead didn’t initially pass the entrance exam and only was able to transfer into the Hero Course after he won the Sports Festival in his first year.

Something that Izuku also planned to do. Once he was in the Support Course, he could use his own inventions during the Sports Festival and show them that you don’t need a Quirk to be a Hero. A Quirk was just another tool that Heroes can use. Since Izuku didn’t have a Quirk, he would make his own tools to help him in his goal.

But first, he has to get into the Support Course. One step at a time.

Izuku took a deep breath as he looked up at the gates of UA. His dream school. After all, All Might went here and he was still Izuku’s idol despite what he said. With determination to prove the Number One Hero wrong, he made to take his first step towards the school.

Before he could, Izuku heard an angry voice call out. “Out of my way, Deku!”

Izuku spun around to find Katsuki walking towards him, a scowl on his face. The explosive boy had mostly ignored him since he confronted greenet about trying for UA. This was the first time he was acknowledge by the other boy in months.

“Oh, good morning, Katsuki! Let’s both do our best!”

The blonde just walked past the greenet without another word. Izuku watched him go and sighed. They may never be friends but even this was better than how Katsuki treated him before. Izuku accepted the other’s actions for what it was, an improvement of sorts. Now, back to taking that first step.

Apparently, focusing on one step at a time was too much because Izuku suddenly found himself tripping after that first step. This is how I die, I guess, he thought. He shut his eyes waiting for the collision to the ground, planning to lessen the impact with a well-practiced rolling move.

But it never came. Izuku opened his eyes to find himself floating mid-trip. Flailing his arms, he spots a girl next to him smiling.

“Sorry I used my Quirk on you,” she said cheerfully. She helped him down to the ground before pressing her hands together. The feeling of weightlessness disappeared after all her fingers touched. “But I figured it was bad luck to trip before the exam.”

Questions raced through Izuku’s head, fascinated by the girl’s Quirk. But he bit them back because now wasn’t the time for that. “Uh…i-it’s alright. Thanks for saving me! My n-name is Midoriya Izuku. It’s nice to meet you!”

“My name is Uraraka Ochako! It’s nice to meet you, too!” They exchange small bows in greeting. “I’m going to head inside but I hope to see you sometime. Good luck!”

Izuku waved at her as she walked away. He was a little proud of himself for talking to someone new. He barely even stuttered! Maybe they would see each other again if they both passed. No, not if, when. Then he could ask her all his questions about her Quirk.

With more care this time, Izuku walked toward the school to check into his exams. But he couldn’t help getting distracted. How could he not?! He was finally in UA. Not as a student, yet, but being able to walk these halls was such an honor. He was looking around at anything and everything, trying to take in all the little details about UA as he could, when he ran into someone.

“Oof,” Izuku let out as he fell to the floor. Great. Not only did I have to trip earlier, I just had to hit someone and make a fool of myself. He looked up to see a boy with gravity defying purple hair sitting up and rubbing the back of his head.

“Oh my gods, are you okay?!” Izuku exclaimed. He scrambled to get up and offered his hand to the other boy. He looked at the hand confused with tired purple eyes that matched his hair and ignored it as he got up by himself. Izuku didn’t mind as he continued rambling. “I’m so sorry I ran into you! I should have paid more attention to where I was going. I’m just so excited to actually be in the halls of UA and wasn’t watching where I was going. And I…”

“You sure talk a lot, don’t you,” the other boy interjected, cutting off his rambling.

Izuku blinked owlishly for a moment before he blushed in embarrassment. As he looked up at the other teen, all he could think was, damn he’s tall! He scratched the back of his head nervously. “Ah, heh heh. Yeah, sorry. And sorry for running into you. I hope I didn’t disturb you too much. Um, g-good luck on the exam!”

The other boy merely grunted in response and walked off. Izuku watched him leave for a moment before shaking out of his stupor and continuing on to his way. After getting his room assignment from the check-in point, he headed toward his testing site for the written exam.

“Room D, room D,” Izuku muttered as he searched for his room. “Oh, there it is!”

UA had several different courses that student-hopefuls could apply for. The most well-known was UA’s Hero Course, one that produced well known Heroes that ranked among the top ten including All Might himself. There was also General Studies, Support Course, and Business Course. Each department had their own set up for the Practical Exam but all departments would take the same written test.

As Izuku entered the room, his eye was drawn to a familiar head of purple hair. The boy he had run into earlier was in the same testing group as him. Well, I didn’t make the best first impression, but maybe we could be friends? He took a deep breath to steady himself and walked over to the other boy.

“H-hello!” he managed to stutter out as he approached the taller teen. The other watched him out of the corner of his eye as Izuku took the desk next to him but the purple haired teen didn’t say a word. “I-I’m sorry about earlier again. I’m kind of a klutz at…well, all the time. But it’s nice to see a familiar face! E-even though it was because I made a huge fool of myself. My n-name is Midoriya Izuku. Nice to meet you!”

The greenet looked at the taller boy with a small nervous smile. The purple hair boy studied him for a few moments, seeming to search for something. Whether he found it or not, Izuku didn’t know, but the other boy finally spoke.

“You do talk a lot.”

At the comment, Izuku blushed and looked down at his desk. His mind started to spiral, thinking that maybe he won’t be able to be friends with the boy, when the other teen spoke again.

“Shinsou Hitoshi. Pleasure.”

Izuku’s head shot up as he looked at Shinsou, a look of shock on his face. Then he smiled and said, “Hi Shinsou-kun!” Shinsou gave him a small nod.

“So, um, what course are you applying for?” Izuku asked, getting out his pen case. All Might themed, of course. “I’m going for the Support Course myself. I-I would have gone for the Hero Course, too, but with the way they skew t-towards physical Quirks, there’s no way I would pass.”

“What do you…” Shinsou started but stopped when the proctor for the exam walked into the room.

~~~

With all the studying and preparation with Mei, Izuku was pretty confident with his answers to the written test. Plus, with his Quirk analysis and research into Heroes, he was able to answer the questions on laws and regulations with ease. He finished with about ten minutes to spare and spent the rest of the time checking over his answers.

Once time was up, there was a short break before the practical exams. Izuku hoped to find Mei but there were so many people and being shorter than most of them didn’t help. With a sigh, he relented and decided to move to a less crowded area. He would see Mei later.

“Hey,” a voice called to him. Looking up, the greenet saw Shinsou walking towards him.

“Oh, hey, Shinsou-kun,” Izuku said with a friendly smile. “How did the test go for you?”

“It was alright,” Shinsou replied, shrugging as he scratched the back of his head. “The general stuff was fine, but I struggled on the law part a bit. I didn’t know they would be testing on things like that before getting in. A Hero school would be the place to learn about Hero laws, right?”

“That’s true, but maybe they asked those as a way to gage how much we knew about that before UA,” Izuku surmised, a hand on his chin and a thoughtful look. “I was fine with them but I’ve been researching that for my hobby.”

“Hobby?” the purple haired boy asked.

“Oh, I like to analyze Quirks!” Izuku chirped, taking out his notebook. It had seen better days, but it couldn’t be helped with a certain explosive blonde constantly messing with him. “I find Quirks really interesting, so I like to analyze them. Figuring out the strengths and weaknesses, ways to improve them, and strategize the best way to use them in different situations. Here, look.”

The shorter boy offered his notebook to the taller one. It was open to his notes on the Number Four Hero, Best Jeanist. Shinsou read through the notes that covered the two-page spread along with a sketch of the Hero. There were questions and theories that he had never thought to ask or think about. Yet as he read through them, they seemed like really good ideas and questions to ask.

Damn, this guy is smart.

“This chicken scratch is pretty good,” the purple haired boy snarked, smirking at the other boy who gave an offended squawk. He chuckled and handed the notebook back. “By the way, what did you mean there was no way you could pass? Do you have a passive Quirk?”

“Oh! Ah…no. I, uh,” Izuku replied, putting his notebook back in his bag. He looked away from Shinsou, nervously kicking the ground. “A-actually, I don’t have a Quirk at all…”

The last sentence came out only as a whisper. Barely loud enough for the purple boy to hear. “Huh?”

The shorter boy hesitantly looked Shinsou in the eye and said, “I’m Quirkless.”

“Huh.” There was no other reply that Shinsou could think of as he processed what he heard.

The chime sounded for the practicals to start soon and the boys went their separate ways. Izuku was nervous about how Shinsou would think about him now that he knew. He hoped the other boy won’t reject him like everyone else had since elementary school. But that was a worry for later.

There was a Support Practical he needed to finish before having to worry about that.

Notes:

There we have it! Part one of the entrance exam. Next chapter will be the practical and I can't wait for you to read it! :)

So, Katsuki is, well, Katsuki. Uraraka and Izuku meet and he actually is able to thank her! But more importantly...

SHINSOU HAS ENTERED. Will they become friends or not? Who knows?! Oh, wait, I do, but you'll have to wait to find out! -insert evil laugh, coughs- Ehem, anyway...

Fun Facts About Japan:

Unlike in the US, high school is not required in Japan. But most students try for it regardless. The entrance exams are serious business over there. To the point that part way through the year, third year students stop doing club activities to study for the exams. From what I understand, the exams are difficult. Whenever I would ask students how they did, they would always respond, "Not so good" or along those lines. Not sure if they were exaggerating or just nervous.

Since all students wear uniforms, one of the ways they can express themselves is through their school supplies. Folders (which they call files), pencils, pens, led containers, and the pen case itself. Yes, they call it a pen case, not a pencil case. (They also call highlighters 'markers'.) And I have seen some weird ones. Cases that look like shoes, ketchup bottles (not plastic), tubes of paint, sharks, etc. Others were more standard but with characters on them or different colors or patterns. It was a good way to gauge their personalities.

Speaking of pen cases, they fall off the desks. All. The. Time. It's part of school life and most of the time the kids clean it up without much complaint. But I did have one student who had a hilarious reaction. He was sitting in the front row and his pen case fell off his desk. He sat there staring at it, let out a dejected sigh, and simply said, "...sayonara." I couldn't help but laugh while I helped him pick it up. XD

That's it for this chapter! Hope you enjoyed! Let me know of any typos or weirdness! And thanks for all the comments, kudos, and bookmarks! :)

Chapter 8: Entrance Exam: Practical

Notes:

Chapter 8 is here with part two of the entrance exam! What will Izuku present? And what's going to happen when he sees Shinsou again? Let's find out! :D

Oh, if anyone wants fic recommendations or has their own, let me know! Love to share my favorite stories and discover new ones. :)

Anyway, on to the chapter!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

For months, Mei and Izuku had practiced making their submissions for the Support Practical. Perfecting their designs and streamlining the production. All in preparation for this day. They were given an hour and a half to create a Support Item and then had to present it to a panel of judges.

Mei had decided to make a jet packet modeled after the one Pro Hero Air Jet used. She loved Izuku’s idea of trying to replicate Quirks with Support Items and he kept assuring her it was fine for them both to work on that. It was his idea but he didn’t mind if she also wanted to made babies with the same idea in mind. In the end, whatever they made was to help Heroes and that’s all Izuku cared about.

Izuku, on the other hand, went a different route. He did intend to make Quirk Replicating Support Items once he was in UA, but he also had another goal in mind. The greenet wanted to help Heroes to improve or upgrade their current Support Items. Technology was constantly evolving and it would greatly benefit Heroes to update their Support Gear to keep with the times. And take advantage of any new gadgets and doohickeys that develop.

The particular Support Item he decided on was for one of his favorite Heroes. It wasn’t for All Might because all of his gear was designed by his friend David Shield who kept the Number One Hero up to date just fine. No, he went with someone not well known and who desperately needed an upgrade.

After all the practice runs he had done, he felt like he could make this Support Item in his sleep by now. It didn’t take him the entire hour and a half, but it gave him plenty of time to test the Support Item out and fix any bugs he noticed. Before he knew it, it was time for the applicants to present their submissions.

“Next Applicant: Midoriya Izuku. Please proceed into the presenting area,” a proctor called out.

Taking a deep breath, Izuku stood up grabbing his bag and carefully carried his submission into the room. Before him was a table with three judges behind it and an empty chair in front of the table facing the three. The greenet walked forward and sat down on the chair, placing his bag on the ground next to him.

“Midoriya Izuku, correct?” the middle judge asked. Izuku gave a nod. “Well then, what do you have for us today?”

This is it. Deep breath in…and out. You can do this! He walked up to the judges’ table and placed the yellow goggles in front of them before returning to his seat.

“What you have before you is an upgraded version of the Support Item worn by the Underground Hero Eraserhead.”

There was instant murmuring between the judges at that declaration. The middle judge picked up the Support Item and turning it this way and that as they inspected it. Izuku walked them through the different upgrades and design changes he had made and why. Everything was in perfect working order.

“These goggles are impressive,” the right judge said, taking the goggles from the middle judge for a closer look.

“It’s also impressive that you even know who Eraserhead is,” the left judge commented. “Considering how much the man hates the media and avoids it like the plague.”

“How do you know about him, Midoriya-kun?” the middle judge asked, writing a note on the paper in front of them.

“My hobby is to analyze Quirks,” Izuku said, reaching into his bag for his notebook. He flipped to the pages he had on the Hero and handed the notebook to the judges. “I have always been fascinated about Quirks and since I don’t have one of my own, I started to analyze the Quirks around me as well as those of Heroes. It’s true that there isn’t much on Eraserhead through the media, but there are still a few videos of him fighting criminals in the far corners of the internet. I was able to find them and analyze how he fights and what his Support Item was.”

The middle judge looked at the front of the notebook. “Hero Analysis For The Future, No. 13. Tell us, Midoriya-kun, do you want to be a Hero?”

“Yes, I do,” Izuku replied, his hands formed into fists as they rested on his knees. “I would have applied for the Hero Practical, but there is a policy that Support Items can only be used to help channel a Quirk. Since I don’t have one, I wouldn’t be allowed to use any in the practical. Therefore, I decided to go for the Support Course instead.”

“I see,” the middle judge simply said.

“If you could, Midoriya-kun, please tell us why you focused on Eraserhead?” the left judge asked. They had taken the notebook from the middle one and flipped through the pages. “You have quite a lot of Heroes in here, yet you chose to make these for him specifically. Any particular reason why?”

“Of the few videos I was able to find of the Hero in action, I noticed something that I found inspiring,” Izuku replied. It was something that gave him hope that his dream was possible when he found himself starting to doubt. “Eraserhead’s Quirk is Erasure which allows him to erase the Quirk of someone he’s looking at, sans mutant type Quirks. If you think about it, by doing so, Eraserhead turns the fight from being Quirk against Quirk into a Quirkless fight. Erasure does allow him this edge in the fight, but other than that, all of his skills are the same as someone fighting Quirkless.”

The judges seemed to be impressed by the answer and quietly talked amongst themselves before turning back to the boy.

“What are your goals for UA, Midoriya-kun?” the right judge asked.

“If I am admitted into the Support Course, I have two goals in mind,” Izuku said, holding up his hand to count them off. “One, to make other upgraded Support Items for Heroes and students. Two, to create Quirk Replicating Support Items.”

“Quirk Replicating Support Items?” the left judge questioned.

“If you think about it, Quirks are tools,” Izuku explained, placing his hand back on his leg. “As are Support Items. Usually, Support Engineers have made Support Items to aide in the use of the Quirk. However, I believe, with using my analysis to understand the mechanics of how other people’s Quirks work, I should be able to make a Support Item that can replicate a Quirk.”

“Oh? How so?” the right judge asked, eyes full of intrigue at the idea.

“It wouldn’t work with all Quirks like mental or response-based ones,” Izuku replied. “But certain Quirks could be recreated using today’s technology. For example, my dad has fire breath and if I wanted to replicate it, I could create a mask or mouth piece of some sort to produce a similar effect as the original Quirk. It wouldn’t be an exact copy, more like a close facsimile.”

“A very intriguing idea,” the middle judge stated, placing their elbows on the table and setting their chin on their interlaced fingers. “I believe that about wraps it up. I do have one last question though. Midoriya-kun, if you had the chance to transfer into the Hero Course, would you?”

“Yes, I would,” Izuku said without hesitation. He looked confidently into the judge’s eyes, his own green ones showing his sheer determination.

“Very well,” the middle judge said, pulling his hands apart. “Well then, that’s all we need for now. We will keep your submission for further inspection and it will be returned with your results. They should show up in about a week.”

“A-actually, could I make a special request?” Izuku asked, nervously. “If it’s possible, after you check the goggles, could they be given to Eraserhead instead? I did make them for him after all.”

The judges had a quiet discussion that barely lasted a minute. The middle judge turned back to the greenet. “We don’t usually do this, but if your submission checks out, we’ll make sure Eraserhead gets them.”

“Thank you!” Izuku chirped, a smile growing on his face. “Is there anything else?”

“No, you are free to go, Midoriya-kun,” the left judge said, holding out the notebook to the greenet.

Izuku took it and placed it back in his bag. He gave his thanks to the judges and bowed before leaving the room. He hoped that went as well as he thought it did. Taking a deep breath, Izuku walked out of the building, hoping that it wouldn’t be for the last time.

~~~

After the Support Practical Demonstration was finished and all prototypes had been submitted, Izuku found himself walking towards the entrance of UA. He was looking forward to going home for a well-deserved nap after all the stress of test taking and presenting his Support Item to the judges. He really hoped they liked his submission.

As he approached the gate, Izuku was once again greeted by a familiar mop of purple hair. Shinsou was leaning against the gate looking at his phone. Did he wait for me? With a smile and a skip in his step, Izuku approached the taller boy. That is, until he saw the slight grimace on the other’s face. So, he slowly walked up to him.

“H-hey, Shinsou-kun!” Izuku greeted, still nervous about the other’s reaction to his Quirklessness. “How d-did your tests go?”

Shinsou glanced at the greenet, seeming to act the same as he did before. “It’s like you said,” he said, putting away his phone. “Skewed towards physical Quirks.”

Izuku sighed. “Yeah, the bias towards physical Quirks is annoying.”

“You said it,” Shinsou said, moving to walk out the gate. Izuku fell in step with him as they headed towards the train station. “Those who are blessed with a Heroic Quirk get everything handed to them on a silver platter. Unlike those with a Villainous Quirk like me.”

“Villainous Quirk?” Izuku said, looking at his friend? with concern. “What do you mean villainous?”

“My Quirk is a Villain’s Quirk, Midoriya,” Shinsou snapped, making the shorter boy flinch. They stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, causing others to glare at them in annoyance as they walked around the pair. “It’s a perfect Quirk for a Villain. That’s what everyone told me growing up. I wanted to get into the Hero Course to prove them wrong.”

“But there’s no such thing as a Villainous Quirk, Shinsou-kun!” Izuku exclaimed, his hands gesturing animatedly. “Have you ever used your Quirk on others? To hurt or take advantage of them?”

“Well, no…”

“Did you ever want to use your Quirk like that? Or plan to in the future?” Izuku persisted.

“Of course not, I…” Shinsou tried to retort only to be interrupted again.

“Then your Quirk isn’t villainous, Shinsou-kun,” Izuku declared, staring firmly into the other’s purple eyes. “The Quirk does not define the person. Every Quirk has the potential to be heroic or villainous depending on how a person uses it. You say you never have or ever want to use your Quirk in a villainous way. Therefore, your Quirk isn’t villainous because you don’t want to be a Villain. Simple as that.”

“Midoriya, you don’t even know what my Quirk is,” Shinsou shot back.

“Simple. As. That.” Izuku punctuated each word by poking the other boy in the chest. “It doesn’t matter what your Quirk is, Shinsou-kun. If you, in your heart, want to be a Hero and use your Quirk for good, then you Quirk will never be villainous.”

Shinsou just stared at the greenet in awe, his mouth slightly open in shock at the declaration. Then he just started laughing, so hard that he hunched over with his hands grasping at his stomach. Izuku wasn’t sure what the other was laughing about and just looked at him confused, his head tilted to the side a bit.

Eventually, the purple haired teen got a hold of himself.

“Oh man, where have you been all my life?” Shinsou asked breathlessly. Izuku blushed a little at the question because of the usual romantic connotations behind it. “You’re the first person to ever tell me that and you don’t even know what my Quirk is. It’s Brainwashing, by the way.”

“Woah, Brainwashing? Really?” Izuku chirped, an excited smile on his face. It was so bright Shinsou found himself needing to squint. “That would be an amazing Quirk for Hero work! You could break up hostage situations with no collateral damage. Or calm people down if they were having a panic attack. Not to mention the interrogation possibilities. You could also stop people from hurting themselves. Or you could…”

Midoriya,” Shinsou called out.

“Wha…?” That was all he could say before a cloud of haziness filled his mind. It was like he was in a fog. His body felt heavy yet also strangely light at the same time. Time seemed to stand still, but as soon as the fog came it left. Izuku blinked back to the present to find a blushing Shinsou staring at him, hiding slightly behind the hand on his face.

Please stop complimenting my Quirk,” Shinsou pleaded. “I’m not used to it.”

“S-sorry!” Izuku squeaked, blushing in embarrassment. “Was that your Quirk just now?”

“Yeah, I found a new use for it by the way,” Shinsou said, pulling his hand away from his face. Izuku looked at him curiously and the purple haired boy started to smirk. “It’s perfect for stopping your fanboy rambling.”

The greenet swatted at the other playfully. They continued on their way to the train station, chatting about Heroes and what not. Before going their separate ways, the pair exchanged phone numbers to keep in touch. With a last wave, they went to their respective platforms. Izuku spent the night telling his mom all about the exams and that he made a new friend.

Notes:

There ya have it! Izuku made a present for Eraserhead! :D I wonder if the Hero is going to like it. I'm keeping the description vague about what the goggles look like and how they work for now. One, I'm still figuring out all the changes he made. Two, I have parts later on that will describe them just fine and didn't want to repeat myself. So, you'll learn more about them later on in the story. ;)

To answer the question of if Shinsou and Izuku would be friends? HECK YEAH!! I love stories where Shinsou and Izuku are friends. They can so bond over crappy childhoods with people judging them for their quirk or lack there of. Also, I do love ShinDeku fics but this will not be one of them. They're just friends, folks! :)

Fun Facts About Japan:

Since high school isn't mandatory like it is in the US, the process for getting into high school is...more involved, I guess? I don't know exactly because I never experienced one. But I do know that they have an interview part of the application process. Most of the time in Japanese, but some students have an English one as well. I was asked to practice interview questions in English from time to time when the high school applications were coming up. That has got to be nerve-racking to have an interview not only in your home country language but in a second language as well.

That's it for this chapter. I'm going to be camping for a few days so if I don't respond to comments, that's why! Also, why I'm posting a tiny bit early as well. Thanks for reading and let me know of any typos or weirdness. Stay safe!

Chapter 9: Acceptance Letters

Notes:

It's time for chapter 9! Thank you so much for all the comments on the last chapter. It makes me really happy to hear y'all are enjoying this fic. :)

Camping was really fun. It was nice getting out of the house and spending time surrounded by pine trees. Sadly, we couldn't have a real campfire, but a propane fueled faux fire worked just fine.

Now, on with the chapter!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

During that week of waiting for their results, Izuku finally got to ask Mei about her experiences during the entrance exam. Let’s just say she may or may not have terrified the judges by flying straight at them while demonstrating the jet pack. He also was texting Shinsou who was apparently an insomniatic meme master and would send him the weirdest things at all hours of the day and night. Since all of them applied to UA, they all agreed to meet up when their letters arrived and open them together.

On a Sunday, the letters finally came and the three decided to meet at the Midoriya household. Mei had become a regular after becoming friends with Izuku. Well, whenever she could be dragged away from her lab. However, this would be Shinsou’s first time there and Izuku wondered how his newest friend would react to his doting mom and Mei-chan with all her eccentric tendencies.

~~~

Hitoshi hesitated in front of the door to the home, nervous about meeting not one but two new people, Midoriya’s mom and his crazy sounding pink haired friend. This was his first time meeting a friend’s parent and he worried about messing things up. Midoriya might think his Quirk wasn’t villainous, but that doesn’t necessarily mean his mom shared the same opinion. Not to mention the greenet’s other friend. What would she think?

One more deep breath, he finally built up enough courage and knocked on the door. There was the shuffling of feet and the door opened to the sunshine smile of his green haired friend. So bright. I need to bring sunglasses next time.

“Hey, Shinsou-kun! You made it!” Midoriya chirped, pulling the other inside. Hitoshi took off his shoes at the entrance and walked further into the house.

A green haired woman walked out from the kitchen and smiled when she saw Hitoshi. Her smile was just as bright as Midoriya’s and left no doubt that this was the other boy’s mother. “Hello, I’m Midoriya Inko, Izuku’s mother,” the woman greeted. “You must be this Shinsou he’s told me about?”

Midoriya blushed as Hitoshi gave him a side glance before looking back to the woman. “I’m Shinsou Hitoshi. It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Midoriya.” He gave a small bow in greeting.

“Oh, none of that formal stuff now,” she said, waving her hand dismissively. “Please call me Inko.”

“Or auntie!” a pink haired girl interjected, hugging Inko from behind. “Hiya! The name’s Hatsume Mei. Nice to meet ya, Hitoshi! Call me Mei.” She detached from the mother and practically shoved her hand in Hitoshi’s face. He blinked at it owlishly before hesitantly shaking it.

“Mei-chan, don’t overwhelm him!” Midoriya scolded, pulling her away from the taller boy. “Sorry about her. She gets overexcited a lot, but she means well. Um, h-hopefully her using your first name doesn’t bother you. She doesn’t do family names with friends.”

Hitoshi simply shrugged, figuring she was going to do what she wanted. She already thinks of me as a friend? “It’s alright. I don’t mind. What about you?”

“Huh? Oh, um, y-you can call me I-Izuku, if you like,” Mido-Izuku stuttered, looking at the ground bashfully.

“Cool. Then you can call me Hitoshi.”

Izuku looked up at him and asked, “Does this mean we’re f-friends?”

“Duh,” the brainwasher replied flatly, though he himself was surprised to be making friends. Inko snickered at the exchange.

“Shall we get this letter opening party started?” Hats-Mei asked, turning from the group and walking toward the living room.

The other three followed and Hitoshi was led into a cozy room with a couch and a couple of chairs. There was a tv, book shelves, and pictures hanging on the walls. The table next to the couch had an impressive assortment of snacks. Mei and Inko sat in the chairs while Izuku and Hitoshi took the couch.

“Do we want to open them one at a time or all at once?” the pinkette asked, pulling out her letter.

“How about all at once?” Izuku suggested, pulling out his own and Hitoshi following suit. “It’ll be like ripping off a bandage.”

“Your comparison isn’t very encouraging, Izuku,” Hitoshi deadpanned. Inko giggle at the comment.

“On the count of three?” the greenet asked, getting nods from the other two. “Ok, here it goes. One. Two. Three!”

At the same time, the three teens opened their letters and read the papers inside. There was a pregnant silence as the teens read. Inko’s eyes flicked between them, looking for any kind of reaction. The anticipation was killing her.

“Well? What did they say?!” the mother asked, unable to wait any longer.

“I got into the Support Course!” Izuku piped up first, looking from the letter to his mom with a smile. “They said they were impressed with my submission and looked forward to my Quirk Replication research.”

“I got in, too!” Mei exclaimed, beaming and shot up to hug her fellow inventor. “Oh my gosh, we are going to be making so many babies together!”

Inko blushed at the comment while Izuku quickly berated her. “Mei-chan! Context! She doesn’t mean actually babies, Hitoshi-kun. That’s just what she calls…her…”

The greenet paused as he took in the grim expression on his friend’s face. The taller boy hadn’t looked up from his letter and seemed to not have been paying any attention to the others. “Um, H-Hitoshi-kun? Are you okay?”

There was a few more minutes of silence before the purple haired boy spoke up. “I…didn’t get into the Hero Course.”

Tears immediately welled in Izuku’s eye. Poor Hitoshi-kun. “W-what are you going to do now?”

Hitoshi finally turned away from the letter to look into his green eyes. “Go to UA, of course.”

“Huh?” Izuku said, confused.

“I said I didn’t get into the Hero Course,” Hitoshi said, as a smirk grew on his face. “General Studies on the other hand…”

“Hitoshi-kun, you jerk!” Izuku griped, smacking the other boy’s arm who merely laughed in response. “I thought we wouldn’t be going to the same school. I was actually worried about you!”

“I’m sorry! Ha! I couldn’t resist,” the taller boy snickered. Then he sobered up a little. “I figured I wouldn’t make the Hero Course. I did my best during the practical but there was only so much I could do against robots. So, I applied for General Studies as a backup. That way I could still go to UA.”

“That was very practical of you, Hitoshi,” Inko commented, making him blush slightly.

“I just thought it would be good to have a plan B,” Hitoshi said, scratching his head. “Guess I’ll have to give up on being a Hero though.”

“You don’t have to do that, Hitoshi-kun,” Izuku said. The taller boy looked at the other confused. “There is more than one way into the Hero Course.” Hitoshi wasn’t sure what to think of the coy smile on the shorter boy’s face.

~~~

After opening the letters, the four enjoyed the array of snacks and chatted happily until it was time for Hitoshi and Mei to go home. They all pitched in to clean up and put everything away. It was when they were all gathered around the front door that Hitoshi noticed the framed newspaper clipping.

Huh, that’s a weird thing to frame, thought the brainwasher. He walked towards it for a better look.

Upon closer inspection, he found it was an article about a beach that had been cleaned up by some unknown person. Hitoshi remembered hearing about it from listening to his classmates’ conversations, but never put much thought into it. Then he saw the picture of Izuku with the clean beach behind him.

“Izuku,” Hitoshi called out, getting the greenet’s attention.

The shorter boy walked over to him. “Yeah, Hitoshi-kun?”

“Did you help clean up that beach?” the purple haired boy asked, pointing to the newspaper.

“Huh? Oh yeah, I did,” Izuku replied, blushing a bit. “I went for a run one day and noticed how much trash was there, so I decided to clean it.”

“How long did it take?” Hitoshi asked, studying the before and after pictures of the beach.

“Hmm, about ten months, I think,” the greenet responded, his hand on his chin in thought. “It would have been done sooner, but I only have two hands.” The shorter boy chuckled to himself as he held up said hands.

“You…cleaned the beach…by yourself?” Hitoshi said, his words sounding unsure because he was having a hard time comprehending the concept. This one boy cleaned a whole beach filled to the brim with garbage all by himself. Damn.

“Um, yes? Actually, Mei-chan helped some at the end with the really big pieces, but yeah, mostly just me.” Izuku bashfully scratched his head, not looking at the other boy. “Someone needed to, so why not me? Plus, now people are enjoying the beach again which made all that hard work worth it.” A warm smile replaced his bashful face as he looked at the newspaper.

“You certainly are one-of-a-kind, Izuku,” Hitoshi stated, smiling and shaking his head.

Notes:

The letters are in! Izuku and Hatsume are officially accepted into the support course and Shinsou is going for general studies. Of course, he couldn't give up the opportunity to mess with Izuku. How could he not?

Tally of who knows about the beach: Inko, Hatsume, Stain, and Shinsou! This is only the beginning with that news article. ;)

Fun Facts About Japan:

As is well known, Japan is a society that has indoor shoes and outdoor shoes. When I was first shopping for things to bring to Japan, it was hard for me to wrap my head around what was an appropriate indoor shoe since we don't really do that here in the US. Or at least not to the extent Japan does. During orientation, some sempai stressed that their schools were very formal and to have nice indoor shoes. But the schools I worked at, most of the time the teachers were dress pretty casual and wore tennis shoes or sneakers for indoor shoes. So, if you're planning to go to Japan, don't stress out too much about the indoor shoes! They're really just shoes to change into to keep the outdoors...well, out. A smart idea especially on rainy days, which Japan has a lot. If anything, pick ones that you can slip on and off easily.

As for school dress code for teachers, business casual was what I would usually wear. I've seen the teachers in suits, business casual wear, but also in track suits. They were actually pretty open to most things. As long as skirts/dresses weren't too short, shoulders were covered, and chests weren't too exposed. (Don't want to offer anything to any little teenage pervert's imagination.) But no blue jeans 'cause apparently they are 'unprofessional'. Anyway, most of the time the teachers would dress casually, but they all seemed to have a suit or more formal clothing at school in their lockers. Just in case there was a sudden change to the schedule. Which happened more often than you would think. At least they were always prepared!

Thank you all for reading and I'm glad people are enjoying this as much as me. Stay safe and let me know of any typos or weirdness!

Chapter 10: First Day At UA

Notes:

Chapter 10 is here! With Izuku and Co finally attending their first day of UA! :D

Almost 300 kudos and over 100 bookmarks?! Thank you so much! And comments are always appreciated! :)

Now onward! Enjoy!

Linktree to all the things! This includes the discord, tumblr, and more! Join if you'd like! :D

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

The rest of the school year passed by quickly, all the third-year middle schoolers were eager for graduation at the end of March followed by a week long spring break before starting high school in April.

After singing the school song, the graduation ceremony began. Row by row, class by class, the third-years were called to the gym stage and handed their diplomas. As Izuku walked across the stage for his own, he could spot his mother crying in the crowd of parents in the back. He smiled and nodded at her as she wiped away tears of pride and took tons of pictures. Taking his certificate ceremoniously in each hand, Izuku bowed to the principal and vice principal before exiting the stage.

The ceremony went on until all the graduating students returned to their seats. After several speeches from the principal, the vice principal, homeroom teachers, and a few Board of Education members, the now-graduated students were finally free.

Most other students gathered in their friend groups, talking, crying, taking pictures, and writing notes in each other’s graduation albums. Underclassmen shared goodbyes with their upperclassmen and bouquets of flowers were everywhere. A bittersweet goodbye all around. But, since Izuku didn’t have any friends in school, he left rather quickly with his mom to celebrate at home with Mei and Hitoshi. Of course, katsudon was served.

The week of spring break was spent hanging with his two friends. Sometimes at Izuku’s house, other times in Mei’s lab. The greenet was already working on designing some kind of voice changer for Hitoshi. They had an in-depth discussion of the brainwasher’s Quirk nailing down the weaknesses and brainstormed ways to fix them. It was one of the first projects Izuku planned to start on when the UA school year began, besides the gadgets he would be making for himself.

Finally, the first day of high school came. Izuku woke up bright and early, eager to start his UA student career. After breakfast and brushing his teeth, he put on his UA uniform with pride. Everything was perfect…except his tie. No matter how many times he tried retying it, the knot never came out right. One of the draw backs of his dad having to work in the US was that he hadn’t been around to teach his son things like this. With a sigh, he finally gave up and left the poorly done tie as is.

A few pictures were taken by his mom as he prepared to leave. With his yellow backpack in hand and his beloved red shoes on his feet, Izuku gave one last hug to his mom before heading off to UA. The commute wasn’t too bad, his house was just two stops away from the school by train. Once he was off the train, he headed to the designated spot his friends and he had agreed to meet at so they could walk into the school together.

Izuku was the first to arrive and passed the time people-watching as he waited for his friends. There were so many students with so many interesting Quirks. His hands were itching to write everything he observed down. The greenet was so absorbed in his thoughts, he missed the person approaching behind him.

“Boo.”

“WAAAAH!” Izuku yelled, flailing so much he fell over. He looked up to find Hitoshi smirking at him. “Oh, it’s just you, jerk.”

“Hey there, fanboy, how’s the weather down there?” the insomniac snarked, offering a hand to the other.

“Ha ha. Very funny,” the shorter boy said, taking his friend’s hand and pulling himself up. He dusted off his pants and glared at the taller one. “Did you really have to do that right in my ear?”

“Sorry, I just couldn’t resist. You were so out of it,” Hitoshi chuckled, adjusting his bag. “Also, what is with that tie? It’s a mess.”

“Maybe I like it this way. Maybe it’s my personal style,” the greenet shot back, hands on his hips.

“Sure, if your style is ‘toddler ties their first tie’, then yeah,” the other teased. Izuku simply huffed a sigh at his comment.

“If you two are done bickering, can we go in now? I can’t wait to start in the Support Studio.”

The two boys looked to find that Mei had arrived while they were talking. Izuku greeted her cheerfully with a hug while Hitoshi simply nodded his head to her. Together the trio, or as Hitoshi has tried to dub them on multiple occasions, the Three Freaketeers, walked into UA.

~~~

The trio split for their separate classrooms, Hitoshi to General Studies Class 1-C while Izuku and Mei went to Support Course Class 1-H. They all agreed that they would meet for lunch later. Walking into 1-H, seeing the blackboard and desks with other Support students chatting, finally let it sink in. He made it. He was into UA.

“Come on,” Mei said, suddenly grabbing his hand and pulling him along. “Let’s find seats in the back.”

“Why?” he asked, letting her guide him to the two back row seats near the window.

“So, we can still work on our babies when the teacher isn’t looking,” she replied, plopping down in the seat nearest the window. “We have only three years in UA and I won’t waste a single second of it.”

Izuku smiled and shook his head fondly, finding her hyper focus on inventing whenever possible endearing. The pinkette had such a pure passion for Support and he was certain she would flourish in UA. The school was lucky to have her.

Students continued to file in and it wasn’t long when their homeroom teacher arrive. Izuku had a mini fanboy freak out when the Excavation Hero Power Loader walked into the classroom. Mei flicked his arm to stop him from falling into a mumbling spiral. After the start of class greeting, the students sat back down in their chairs and gave the Hero their full attention.

“Good morning, class,” Power Loader greeted. The students replied in kind. “My name is Maijima Higari. You may know me as Pro Hero Power Loader. In UA and during class, please address me as Maijima-sensei.”

“Yes, Maijima-sensei!” the class said in unison.

Their homeroom teacher then began to explain about how the class would be run. Describing that morning classes would cover general topics like math and history, the only difference from other high schools was that they were taught by Pro Heroes. Izuku would try his very best not to geek out about that, but knowing him it was probably inevitable.

Afternoon class time would be spent in the Support Studio, where they could start inventing their Support Items. Mei was especially excited for that, shaking in anticipation. This time it was Izuku’s turn to flick her arm. Though turns out he didn’t need to when their teacher announced they couldn’t start using the studio until the next day, much to the pinkette’s disappointment. There was other talk about school policies and rules. Where the students were allowed to go in regards to studios, labs, and gyms.

When homeroom ended, Class 1-H joined the rest of the school for the entrance ceremony. Well, most of the school, since there was an empty patch in the crowd where Class 1-A should have been. Whatever they were doing, Izuku found himself wishing he was there with them. Man, the principal can talk, he thought as the mouse-dog-bear thing rambled on and on. Surely, what 1-A was doing was way more interesting than this.

Finally, Nezu ended his speech, which was followed by a few others from upperclassmen and various teachers welcoming the first-years to UA. When the entrance ceremony ended, the students returned to their homerooms. As they waited for the lunch bell to ring, Izuku pulled out his notebook to write down some notes on his homeroom teacher and questions he wanted to ask. Mei was in her own little world beside him, dreaming up new ideas for babies to build.

“Midoriya,” Maijima-sensei called out, sitting at the desk in the front of the classroom. Izuku looked up to his teacher beckoning him with his hand. “Come here for a moment.”

Other students snickered at him for being called out by their teacher on the first day. But it couldn’t be anything bad, right? He hadn’t done anything wrong. The greenet stood up, taking his notebook with him, and walked to the front.

“Y-yes, Maijima-sensei?” the first-year asked nervously.

“Relax, you’re not in trouble, Midoriya,” his teacher assured, handing him a box. “I wanted to let you know we had finished checking your submission to the practical and thought you would like to do a final inspection before we gave it to Eraserhead. Just in case.”

“Oh sure!” Izuku chirped, placing his notebook on the desk. Maijima eyed the notebook curiously, reading the title on the front as his student opened the box. The boy looked the goggles over, running through the different features and making sure everything was in working properly. “Done! Everything seems to be in working order. I hope he’s able to find some use for them.”

“Alright, then I will pass them on to him later,” the Hero said, as his student placed the Support Item back in the box. “If I may ask, what is that, Midoriya?” He pointed to the notebook.

“Oh, this? I-it’s my Quirk Analysis notes,” Izuku replied. He hesitantly handed it over when the teacher held out his hand, silently asking for permission to read it. In junior high, sometimes he wouldn’t get back what had been taken from him. “It’s a h-hobby of mine. I think Quirks are fascinating, especially since I…um, y-you know, don’t…”

“Don’t force yourself, kid,” Maijima interrupted, making the boy sigh in relief. The man knew the way society viewed the Quirkless and was sure the teen in front of him had some hardships in his life because of it. “It’s alright. You can tell the others in your own time. But please know that UA has a zero-tolerance policy on bullying or Quirk discrimination. If you ever have any issues, tell me or another teacher about it and we will handle it. Understood?”

The greenet simply nodded and the teacher turned his attention back to the notebook. He flipped through the pages, finding tons of notes on Heroes and their Quirks. They were very detailed and comprehensive. So, this was the notebook mentioned in the interview notes. The Support Hero had planned to ask about it at some point with the student anyway.

A particular entry caught his eye. Oh, he’ll definitely want to look at this, Maijima thought, thinking of a certain teacher who would be very surprised to know he made it in the notebook. “Midoriya, would it be alright if I borrow this? There’s another teacher that I think would find it very informative. You can say no, though. I won’t pressure you.”

“Oh, um, sure?” Izuku said, uncertain. His track record with people borrowing his things wasn’t exactly good. “I-I don’t normally lend it out, uh, ever. So um, please t-take care of it?”

“Don’t worry, Midoriya,” the teacher assured him. “I’m only borrowing it. I promise I’ll give it back to you tomorrow.”

“Yes, sensei,” the student replied. The Hero dismissed him and Izuku returned to his seat, not really sure what to do now since his teacher had his notebook. Fortunately, the lunch bell chimed soon after and the two Support friends left to go find their other friend for lunch.

Notes:

That concludes part 1 of Izuku's first day at UA. Part 2 to come next week.

Thoughts on the Three Freaketeers nickname? I see it more Hitoshi will keep trying to use it because it annoys Izuku while Mei couldn't care less about it.

The goggles have made an appearance again! Izuku's given them the a-okay and Aizawa will be getting them soon. Also, his notebook has been noticed! Wonder what's going to happen with that. ;)

Fun Facts About Japan:

For junior high school graduations, the ceremony is typically held in the school's gym. The graduating third years are set near the stage in their formal uniforms and sitting in their desk chairs from the classrooms. Girls on one side and boys on the other. Their homeroom teachers call their own class's names as they walk on stage. The students take their certificates placing one hand on the paper one at the time, bowing, and then exit the stage to go back to their seat. The other students are also in their formal uniforms but sit on the floor. The parents are in a roped off area in the back taking pictures like crazy. So many selfie sticks to get pictures above the crowd.

For the school song, it's nothing like the school fight songs we have in the US. It's a legit song with different harmonies for the boys and girls. Like a choir song. And each school has a different one along with a kind of logo. Sometimes they have a school saying, too. One school in my area, Yachiyo junior high, had a really adorable one. "一人じゃないんだ, 八中ファミリー” (hitori janai n da, yachuu famirii) Which means "You are not alone, (We are) Yachuu Family". Adorable! They had it on a banner above the entrance and on a plaque.

For the school year, they have three terms. The first is from April to July. Cherry blossom (sakura) season is from the end of March through the beginning of April so that's why manga and anime about school typically start with sakura trees blooming. Japan loooooves sakura and enjoys partaking in hanami, or flower viewing, which they basically have picnics outside to enjoy the sakura trees. They also have seasonal sakura flavored treats. Kit-kats, teas, coca-cola, and ice cream! Seriously, try the sakura ice cream if you can. Delicous. After the first term is a month long summer break in August. Japan summer is hot and humid. Think of Florida in summer for reference. Students still go to school a lot during their summer break to attend club activities. The second term is from September to December. During either the first term or the second term the schools hold their sports festivals. They also hold a Chorus Festival where each class learns a choir song and the entire school competes. Winter break is about two weeks from December to January. The third term is from January to March. Sometime in the winter months students will attend a school trip to go skiing. They called it White School in my area. Graduation happens near the end of March and is followed by a week of spring break. All to start all over again. I think there are a few other school trips they go on but I can't remember when exactly.

That's it for this chapter. Not a ton of action but there is more of their first day to come. Stay safe and let me know of any typos or weirdness!

Chapter 11: Reunion

Notes:

With Chapter 11 comes part 2 of their first day at UA. Izuku gets to reunite with some familiar faces. Let's go! :D

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

After the lunch bell rang, Izuku and Mei gathered their belongings and left 1-H for the cafeteria where they met up with Hitoshi. While in line for food, the greenet found himself geeking out over the fact that the Cook Hero Lunch Rush was the one in charge of the UA cafeteria. His muttering rant continued until they got to the front, earning flicks to both arms from his two friends to snap him out of it so he could order.

Of course, Izuku was embarrassed, face so red he looked like a strawberry. But the culinary Hero merely chuckled as he handed the fanboy his meal. After ordered their food, the three friends managed to find an empty table for them to sit and eat. The cafeteria was really filling up and open spots were dwindling. Students started sitting anywhere that was available.

“Excuse me, are these seats free?” A male voice asked. The trio looked up to see two students standing next to their table holding trays of food. The boy had red spiky hair and a shark-like smile while the girl had short brown hair and rosy cheeks. They both were smiling to seem friendly. “If you don’t mind sitting with strangers, of course. It’s just that everywhere else is full.”

“Yeah, sure, whatever,” Hitoshi said, gesturing towards the empty seats.

“Thanks!” the girl cheered, as the two newcomers sat down and began to eat.

Izuku immediately recognized the girl as the one who saved him from tripping before the entrance exam. The boy looked familiar to him too, but he couldn’t place from where though. Izuku studied the boy with the red spiky hair who had taken the seat next to him.

Let’s see…red hair? No. Scar over right eye? Maybe. Shark-like smile? Wait a minute…

“Lost boy?” Izuku questioned. The redhead teen stopped mid bite and slowly turned towards him. The other boy studied him for a minute before his face beamed with recognition.

“Midoriya?” Kirishima said, with his shark smile, holding out a fist to bump. “Hey, man. Nice to see you again! Guess we did get to see each other in UA.”

“Kirishima-kun!” Izuku was so happy that he pulled the other into a hug instead. Kirishima was surprised at first but embraced the hug with a smile. The others watched the pair with expressions of confused amusement.

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it,” Kirishima said, still hugging the other. “Dream still going strong?”

“You know it!” Izuku chirped, finally releasing the other. “Wow, look at your hair!” He reached out and carefully touched one of the sharp spikes. Crispy. “I almost didn’t recognize you.”

“Ha ha, yeah,” Kirishima laughed with a slight blush. “After we spoke that day in the park, I got home and started looking through all of my Crimson Riot collection. I found this promotion disk in one of the books. I had never watched it before and it really inspired me. Like you did. So, I thought I needed to adopt a new attitude about being a Hero and that having a new look would help me focus it. What do ya think?”

“It’s great! Very you,” Izuku grinned, approving of the change. “I’m guessing it’s supposed to be like Crimson Riot’s style?” The other boy nodded earnestly, proud that his homage to his idol was recognized.

“Wait, I remember you!” the brunette exclaimed, causing Izuku to turn his attention to her. “You’re the boy who tripped before the entrance exam. Nice to see you again, Midoriya!”

Izuku blushed while Hitoshi did nothing to hide his laughter at his friend’s embarrassment. “Oh, um, yeah, that was me,” the greenet admitted, his face was red under his mop of green hair, making him look like a strawberry. “It’s Uraraka-san, right? Thanks again for saving me.”

“No worries,” Uraraka giggled, waving dismissively. “I couldn’t let someone trip if I could help out. After all, I am in UA to learn to be a Hero.”

“Wait, you got into the Hero Course? That’s so cool!” Izuku exclaimed, making the brunette blush. “What class are you in?”

“We’re both in Class 1-A,” Kirishima interjected, pride clear on his face. “We met during the Hero Practical. Uraraka used her Quirk to save me from being crushed by a three-pointer robot part way through the exam. Though I would have been just fine with my Hardening Quirk, but I appreciated her help none the less.”

Uraraka gave him a smile and said, “It’s what a Hero would do. And you returned the favor in the end.”

“Not in time before the exam ended though,” Kirishima commented with a small frown.

“Even if you didn’t get anything from it, you still helped me, Kirishima,” Uraraka said giving him a comforting smile.

“What did he do?” Izuku asked.

“Near the end of the exam I saw that Uraraka got trapped under some rubble,” Kirishima replied. “That’s also when the Zero Pointer came out. I ran to help her so she wouldn’t get crushed, but Present Mic called time before I could get to her.”

“Zero Pointer?” the greenet asked.

“It was this super big robot they brought out the last minute or so of the exam,” Uraraka explained to the two confused looking Support students. Hitoshi merely grimaced at the memory of the one in his own failed exam. “Even though time was up, Kirishima used his Quirk to chisel enough away for me to get out. All the other students had run the other way as soon as they saw the Zero Pointer, so he was the only one who tried to help me. He didn’t get any credit for it because the exam had ended but I’m still thankful he did.”

“That was very heroic of you, Kirishima-kun!” Izuku said, smiling at his friend causing the redhead to blush.

“Wow, Izuku, way to replace us so fast,” Hitoshi interjected, the smirk on his face showing he was joking.

The greenet rolled his eyes at his friend and snarked right back. “What can I say? A man does not live on bread alone.” It was the purple haired teen’s turn to roll his eyes as Izuku stuck his tongue out at him.

“Oh, are you all friends?” Uraraka asked.

“Yep!” Izuku chirped, popping the ‘p’. “Kirishima-kun, Uraraka-san, these are my friends Hatsume Mei and Shinsou Hitoshi.” Mei gave a wink and Hitoshi nodded his head in greeting. “Mei-chan, Hitoshi-kun, this is Kirishima Eijirou and Uraraka Ochako.” The Hero students greeted in kind and started asking the other two about themselves.

Izuku smiled watching the exchange. Wow, I have two more friends. And in 1-A no less! They must have done really well in the practical. The best of the best. His thoughts suddenly paused as something occurred to him.

“Um, I have a question,” he said, interrupting their small talk. “You’re in 1-A, right? Do you have a certain explosive blonde in your class?”

The Hero students nodded their heads, confused but curious.

“If you could, please don’t mention my name around him,” the greenet requested. The two Heroes-to-be exchanged glances before looked back to him in confusion. “I’ve known Katsuki since we were kids. We don’t…get along too well. Or rather he hates my guts and I try to ignore him for the most part. I’m not saying he’s a bad guy or anything and if you want to be friends with him then by all means. But when it comes to anything dealing with me, he gets a little…prickly. Might be better to keep my name out of it for the time being.”

“Ah,” Uraraka responded. She understood. If someone with that temper went off whenever they heard her name, she would try to avoid it too. “Is there a particular reason why he hates you?”

“It’s because I want to be a Hero and he hates that I ignore him when he tells me to give up,” Izuku explained, shrugging. “He thinks I’m an idiot for pursuing my ‘impossible’ dream.”

“So unmanly,” the redhead said. He disapproved of anyone trying to stifle another’s dream. Especially after Izuku helped inspire him to pursue his own. “Why does he think it’s impossible? Is it the same reason you told me in the park about your school life? That you don’t have a flashy Quirk?”

“You could say that,” Izuku replied, rubbing his head nervously. He glanced at Hitoshi who gave an assuring nod while Mei lightly squeezed his shoulder in support. “You see, I, um…I don’t have a Quirk at all.”

He studied the Hero students, searching for any kind of negative reaction. At first the pair were stunned, definitely not expecting that kind of answer. But their expressions became friendly as they smiled warmly at him. He didn’t see any disgust or pity, the kinds of reactions that he usually received when people found out. It made him hopeful that UA would be different from his previous schools.

“Anyway, whenever he hears my name, he tends to blurt out that I’m Quirkless, and I’d rather be the one to tell people about that myself.”

“Hey, no worries, man,” Kirishima said, holding out a fist bump which the other returned this time. “We got your back.”

“Yeah, Mido! You can count on us!” Uraraka chimed in. Izuku blushed at the new nickname and smiled as his circle of friends grew by two more that day.

Once lunch ended, everyone returned to their homerooms for the end of day class meetings. Since it was the first day, there were no afternoon classes ending in a half day, and everyone was free to go once the meetings were done. Mei was still disappointed that the studio wouldn’t be available to them until the next day, so she left early to go back to her own lab. The two Hero-hopefuls on the other hand stayed behind to begin their training.

Notes:

That concludes part 2 of the first day and we'll have part 3 next week! It'll be training time and a certain someone is going to be taking notice. ;)

Izuku is reunited with Kirishima and Uraraka! :D His friendship circle is growing and this is just a start. He's going to have so many friends!

The hiding from Katsuki has begun. There's going to be more of that until the sports festival. Izuku likes his privacy and right to tell others of his quirklessness himself. Don't worry, he won't be hiding forever.

Tally of who knows Izuku is quirkless at UA: Hatsume, Shinsou, Kirishima, Uraraka, and Maijima.

Shout out to WolfSongGirl for pointing out a plot hole regarding the Hero Practical points and how I had Kirishima and Uraraka meet in the exam. So I made an edit that fixed it. Originally I had Kirishima save Uraraka from the Zero Pointer during the exam but that would affect his rescue points and his placement for the exam. As well as Uraraka's if she did get rescue points in canon for vouching for Midoriya. So now it's changed to how it is now. ^___^ Thanks for that!

Fun Facts About Japan:

For school lunch in junior high schools, they don't have a cafeteria and actually eat in the classrooms. Students move their desks to form 'lunch groups' that are between 4-6 desks pushed together. The food comes in big containers with a stack of trays, bowls, spoons, and chopsticks. The food usually consisted of a salad, white rice, an entree, and a soup. All the students work together to serve lunch, each lunch group assigned a certain task. One will put the table clothes on the desk groups. One will pass out the cartons of milk, straws, and other packaged snacks served. One group will dress in serving jackets, a face mask, and a bandanna for their hair, all white because cleanliness. This one would serve the food, divvying out the servings as evenly as possible. There would be one student assigned to each container of food. More than one group would be in charge of placing the servings of food on trays with a spoon and chopsticks then placing them on the desks until everyone, including the teacher, had a tray. No one eats until everyone is sitting at their desks and they say 'itadakimasu' together. From there, if students didn't want something, they would put it back in the big containers for anyone who wanted seconds to take.

I have a lot more stories and such for school lunch but I'll save them for later chapters. :)

Usually for the students, the first day of classes is a half day. The entrance ceremony can take up most of the first half of the day until lunch. Lots of speeches, awards, and such. Typically, after lunch, the students will go home and the next school day would be their first full day. Teachers though stay at school for the entire day as usual. Though, as an ALT, they would let me go home after the students had left too. Most of the time anyway. Some schools...they sometimes forget about the ALT. Such busy people.

And that's a wrap! A friendship wrap. Literally in Kirishima's case. That's all for this chapter. Let me know of typos or weirdness. Stay safe! :)

Chapter 12: A Tired Man Enters

Notes:

Coming with chapter 12 is 'First Day at UA' part 3! I have had this segment written for a while now and have been super excited for y'all to read it!

And now, a tired man tries to take a nap and has an interesting interruption. Let's go!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Perhaps the upper rafters of Gym Gamma wasn’t the best place to take a nap, but Shouta was on a break and he figured Hizashi wouldn’t find him there. He loved his husband, but the man was always so damn loud. Sometimes, the Erasure Hero needed time alone to sleep. Besides, classes had already finished for the day anyway.

However, his nap was interrupted when the doors of the gym opened and he heard two voices that did not belong to any student in 1-A. They sounded young though so were most likely first years which he found curious. Usually, first year didn’t use the gyms right at the start of the year.

“So, I’ve been thoroughly studying up on the past Sports Festivals held by UA for the first years. There are always three parts, some kind of obstacle course, a team battle, and finishing with the one-on-one matches. And like the Hero Practical, those with more physical type Quirks tend to have an advantage in the festival.”

Shouta had planned to sneak out to find a different napping place, but that last comment made him pause. He had been saying the same thing about the entrance exam for years. Instead of leaving, the black-haired Hero silently slipped out of his sleeping bag to investigate who was talking.

“Now, you know this since you took the Hero Practical and didn’t pass. How they expect students with more passive Quirks that require human interaction to work against robots is still a mystery to me.”

Peeking over the railing, Shouta saw two students below, one tall with purple hair and one short with green hair, both heads of hair an unruly mess. Not anyone in his class nor in Kan’s Class 1-B. They were definitely from one of the other three departments, though he ruled out the Business Course, so either General Studies or Support Course. As he watched, the green one continued talking as they both started to do some stretches, purple following green’s example.

“Since you didn’t pass the Hero Practical and I didn’t even try for obvious reasons, our only chance to transfer to the Hero Course is through the Sports Festival.”

Obvious reasons? What could those be?

“Oh yeah, I remember you mentioned that before,” the purple one said. “How do you know about that?”

“Because it’s been done before,” the green one replied with a shrug. “Only a handful of times in the history of UA, but it has happened. The most recent one was some years ago when a first year in General Studies won the Sports Festival. Have you ever heard of the Pro Hero Eraserhead?”

What?

Shouta was surprised. Being an Underground Hero, he wasn’t well known and that was on purpose. He despised the media and avoided it at all costs. Both for personal and professional reasons. Yet, this first year knew about him? And that he had won the Sports Festival his first year in order to transfer? Consider his curiosity officially piqued.

The purple one shook his head in answer and the green one continued. “It’s understandable. He is an Underground Hero so having people know about him and what he can do would really hinder his work.”

“And yet you know about him,” commented the purple one who then smirked. “Though I’m not really surprised with those Hero stalker notebooks of yours.”

The greenet squawked. “Th-they’re not stalker notebooks! I like analyzing Quirks. It’s really interesting to consider the pros and cons of each unique power and figure out how to improve them or fight against them!”

“Are the side notes of each Hero's hobbies, likes and dislikes, favorite food, and such also a part of those pros and cons?” The purple one teased.

“Sh-shut up!” the green one said, blushing as the other snickered at his embarrassment. “Anyway, his Quirk is Erasure which allows him to erase the Quirk of the person he’s looking at. The only exception being mutant type Quirks. Like yours, his relies on interacting with another person so he had initially failed the entrance exam same as you. But he won the Sports Festival and was transferred.”

Again, the man was surprised. How did this kid know so much about him? What kind of information did he have in those notebooks the purple one mentioned?

“Therefore, it seems plausible to say that if we do our best to at least get to the third round and if we place high enough, there’s a chance we can transfer into the Hero Course.”

“No pressure then,” retorted the purple one. “What do you have in mind?”

“We have a couple of weeks before the Sports Festival and we should use the resources of UA to train the best we can,” the green one replied. “Your Quirk is very useful and we should train with it, but it’s important to not rely on that alone. A Quirk is just a tool you can use. The more tools you have in your arsenal, the more versatile you can be in a fight. For you, I think we should focus on practicing hand-to-hand combat in preparation for situations where you can’t use your Quirk. We should also build up your stamina as well.”

The more the green one talked, the more impressed Shouta was with what the kid was saying. That a Quirk was just a tool and that if it was the only tool you had, a fight that took away that tool would leave you defenseless. That over-reliance on Quirks had helped Shouta win countless fights in the dark alleys of Musutafu. Take away their Quirk and the Villains and thugs usually start to panic, giving the Erasure Hero the chance to take them out. This weakness was one that countless of his past and ex-students suffered from.

“I’ve been taking self-defense and practicing with weapons for years,” the green one continued. “I can teach you what I know. Nothing with weapons though because that would be a Support Item that doesn’t help channel your Quirk, so it wouldn’t be allowed in the festival.”

“Well, what about you?” asked the purple one.

“Students in the Support Course can bring as many Support Items with them as long as they make the items themselves,” the green one replied. “I’ll be splitting my time after school between training with you and working in the studio. We’ll work out a training schedule so you can do things without me there all the time.”

“You’ve really thought this through, haven’t you?” the purple one commented, a brow quirked up.

“I’ve wanted to be a Hero my whole life,” the green one confessed, a somewhat sad expression on his face that slowly morphed into a determined one. “All throughout my childhood, no one believed I could become one and told me to give up on my dream. Until ten months ago, when someone finally told me that I could be a Hero. This person has very strong ideals so I know that they meant it. That they truly believe in me and I’m going to work hard to prove them right.”

A person with strong ideals…, the Pro-Hero pondered. Was it a Hero?

He understood how the boy felt about being told he couldn’t succeed at being a Hero, as he was told that his whole life before UA too. He didn’t know what these kids were capable of, but he was glad that the green one hadn’t given up just because others told him no.

After that, the two first years started some basic training. The green one was trying to assess what the purple one’s limits were. The students then sat down and both worked in a notebook to plan out their training. Then the green one walked the purple one through some basic kicks and punches, working out the proper stance. The hidden teacher could tell the green one did actually know what he was doing. Still lots of room for improvement but the foundations were there.

Shouta stayed up in the rafters to watch the pair train. From what he gathered from their conversation, the purple one had tried for the Hero Course and didn’t pass the practical. The man planned to check the video from the entrance exam to find him and see why his Quirk wasn’t suited for robots. As for the green one, he hadn’t even attempted to take the practical and planned to use Support Items during the Sports Festival which would mean he had to be in the Support Course. Shouta was curious to learn what those ‘obvious reasons’ were and who these hopeful-Heroes were. After the two students finished, he planned to head straight for the teacher’s room to begin his search. But for now, he watched.

Notes:

That concludes part 3 and next week we'll have part 4 (last part I swear) of the first day at UA! A certain underground hero will get a certain present made by a certain adorable green bean. ;) -all the totally not subtle winks-

Aizawa has finally come into play! I love stories where he sees Izuku's potential, so of course it's going to happen in mine! Oh and there will be Dadzawa moments because they give me life. He is such a dad even though he tries to deny it. Also I totes ship him and Present Mic because they are adorable together. The grumpy hobo and the loud cockatoo...what a pair.

Fun Facts About Japan:

A big part of school life in Japan is school clubs. Practically all students are in a club. There are sports clubs like soccer, baseball, tennis, softball, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and kendo. Not all schools have a kendo club though. There are also other clubs for computers, art, chorus, and brass band. Some schools even had an English club! The students put a lot of time and energy into their clubs. They spend time before school, after school, on weekends, and during breaks to practice and participate in club activities.

At the beginning of the year, the school holds a kind of demonstration/recruitment assembly to introduce the school's clubs to the incoming first years. The upper class-men in each club get together to give a short demonstration and explanation about what they do in their clubs. For example, the basketball team would actually show the different practice drills they would do in front of the first years. Or the art club would show a sign they had made for the presentation. The club members would also wear the special uniforms for each club or just wear their formal uniforms. One school I taught at, Yachiyodai Nishi junior high, had the initials YN and totally took advantage to have their baseball team's logo look super similar to the New York Yankees. XD I pointed it out to the vice principal and we had a good laugh about it.

That's it for this chapter! A tired man has officially entered the story and he is here to stay. For those anticipating the goggles scene, it comes next chapter! :D Let me know of any typos or weirdness!

Chapter 13: A Tired Man Gets A Present

Notes:

It's time for part 4 of the first day at UA! Y'all...the goggles...they are finally here. It's happening, folks! Enjoy!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Shouta found them. And he was slightly miffed about what he found. The purple one was Shinsou Hitoshi who applied for both the Hero Course and General Studies. With a non-physical Quirk, the boy somehow knew his chances of passing the Hero Practical was slim to none, so he obviously had General Studies as a backup plan.

Smart move.

What he was miffed about for Shinsou was that his Quirk, Brainwashing, would be great in Hero work. Not so much for situations like what All Might or Endeavor deal with, but it would be perfect for Underground Hero work. However, with the exam the way it is, this kid fell through the cracks like so many others. Like Shouta had when he started school at UA. Something had to be done about that test.

The green one was still a bit of a mystery. Shouta did find out his name was Midoriya Izuku and he had applied to the Support Course only, but since the man wasn’t a part of that department, he couldn’t access any information on his Quirk. The only reason he could view Shinsou’s was because he had applied to the Hero Course initially.

Damn bureaucratic red tape.

He had the greenet’s profile up on his computer but it only gave very basic information such as his name, age, grade, and what course he was in. Guess he’ll have to try harder to learn about the Support student and find out what those ‘obvious reasons’ were some other way. As he let out a sigh and looked away from his screen, Maijima entered the staff room and walked up to him.

“Aizawa,” the Support teacher called out, getting his attention. “Your class is scheduled for combat training tomorrow, right?”

The tired man merely gave a grunt in response, letting the man know to continue.

“There’s a student in my class that I’d like to join yours for training tomorrow and 1-B for the day after,” Maijima continued. “He has impressive analytical skills that would be beneficial to your students, both for their Quirks and for any Support Items they may need.”

Maijima reached into his bag and handed him a notebook that looked like it had seen better days. It was burnt and the pages were warped as if they had been soaked in water. Shouta looked at it questionably before cautiously taking it. He read the title on the cover aloud.

'Hero Analysis for the Future',” he muttered. “'Number 13'? What is this?”

“Just read it,” the other teacher prompted, sitting in a seat next to the tired man.

Shouta quirked up an eyebrow at the redhead before turning back to the notebook and carefully opening the damaged cover to a random page. The two-page spread he opened to showed a sketch of Kamui Woods, an up-and-coming new Hero, and some scribbled annotations around the drawing as well as another page covered in more scrawled notes. What he expected was some simple notes about what the Quirk was and maybe a simple description of the Hero like you would find on a trading card. You know, superficial stuff. But what he read was beyond impressive.

Written in the notebook was a full-blown in-depth analysis that picked the Wood Hero’s Quirk apart. There were descriptions of the Quirk’s strengths, weaknesses, possible improvements, and new moves to try, but also detailed plans of how the Hero could be defeated. The more Shouta read, the more his brow furrowed in concentration but also concern. If a Villain were to find these notes, they could use the information to defeat the Hero with no problem at all. He realized that these notes were dangerous to leave lying around.

“Maijima, where did you get this?” Shouta asked, without looking up from the notebook and flipped through it. A particular page caught his eye as he found a drawing of himself with an accompanying full page of scribbled notes. “Hell, I’m even in here. Seriously, where did you get this?”

“The student I was talking about joining your class tomorrow. He’s one of my first years, Midoriya Izuku,” Maijima replied. They both glanced at said student’s profile still up on the computer screen briefly. “I see you’ve noticed him already. Anyway. He says it’s a hobby of his to analyze Quirks. I saw him with it during class and asked him about it. I also saw the pages on you and thought you’d like to read it.”

“These notes are impressive for a hobby,” Shouta said, as he read through the notes on himself. Wait…did the kid just call my goggles stupid? But then he read through the suggested improvements to the Support Item and agreed that the ones he had were indeed stupid. He subconsciously reached for the goggles hidden in the scarf/capture weapon around his neck as he read.

“Oh yeah, Midoriya made something for you,” Maijima said, causing Shouta to look up. Maijima pulled a box out of his bag and handed it to Shouta. He placed the notebook on his desk still open to his page as he took the box and opened it. Inside, he found a new pair of goggles, in the same obnoxious yellow that Hizashi loved so much, and instructions on the new features added, all the ones listed in the notes. “This was his submission for the Support Practical. Said that once we were done checking it that we could give it to you. We thoroughly checked it and it’s in great working order.”

Shouta carefully took the new goggles out of the box. The design was more stream line, slimmer, and less bulky than his old ones. Lighter too. Shouta put them on and looked around. The front was no longer slotted and instead was one solid piece. Similar to ski goggles. The material was dark on the outside like how sunglasses look so no one could see where he was looking, but he could see just fine as if he wasn’t wearing them at all. The fit was perfect around his head and the reduced weight would do wonders for his neck. He looked down at the instructions and decided to explore the new features later and took them off placing them back in the box as Maijima continued.

“One of his goals is to help Heroes with their Support Items and improve them as their skills do. The fact that he knew about you in general is a feat but when he showed an understanding of your goggles and then presented an improved version, it’s what ultimately got him into UA in addition to his high score on the written test. There’s a big brain in that head of his.”

“I saw that he only applied to the Support Course,” Shouta said as he adjusted his old goggles hanging around his neck. He would need to test the new ones before wearing them for actually Hero work. “Did he mention any other aspirations?”

“Not to me, but during the interview he said he would transfer to the Hero Course if he could,” Maijima replied. “Plus, the title of his notebook makes it pretty obvious.”

Shouta picked the notebook back up and looked at the notes on him again. They really were impressive.

“He wants to be a Hero,” Shouta said, standing up and walking towards the copy machine. “I saw him today in Gym Gamma. He was with another student named Shinsou Hitoshi, General Studies.”

“Oh? What were they doing?” Maijima asked.

“They were training for the Sports Festival,” Shouta said as he pushed some buttons and copied the pages on himself. He walked back to his desk, copy in hand, and sat down, handing the notebook back to the other teacher. “They were talking about their plans to use the festival to prove themselves and aim to get as far in the competition as possible. They hope to transfer into the Hero Course, like I did.”

“Huh, well I don’t know about this Shinsou, but Midoriya has a lot of work ahead of him if he plans to try that,” Maijima said, putting the notebook back in his bag to give back to Midoriya the next day.

“Why’s that?” Shouta asked. Would this solve the mystery of the ‘obvious reasons’?

“He’s Quirkless.”

“...huh.”

That was all he could say. 'Obvious reasons’ indeed.

Shouta sat there for a moment, letting the information set in, before turning back to his computer. The picture of Midoriya with a nervous smile looked back at him. A Quirkless boy with dreams of being a Hero. That must have led the boy to have an…interesting childhood. He thought back to his own with everyone saying that he could never be a Hero with a weak Quirk. Some even going as far as to call him a Villain. Even when he had transferred to the Hero Course, some still judged him because of his Quirk. At times he may have doubted himself, but with the annoyingly persistent encouragement of his friends, he kept pushing forward to be his own kind of Hero.

Ultimately, he had refused to let others’ words stop him and it seems this kid hasn’t either. It was hard to admit, but Maijima was right. Midoriya had a lot of work ahead of him if his goal was to become a Hero. A Quirkless Hero. It would be a ground breaking achievement, one for the history books for sure. If the kid could pull it off, he would be a beacon to those who were in similar situations. Those who didn’t have the ‘right’ Quirk for Heroism. The ones with ‘weak’ or ‘useless’ Quirks or in his case, no Quirk at all.

“You said helping Heroes improve their Support Items was one of his goals,” Shouta commented, looking back to the redhead. “He has more than one?”

“Yes, this also was why he was accepted,” Maijima said. “His other goal is to create what he calls Quirk Replicating Support Items. To use his own example, for instance creating a mask or mouth piece to replicate a Fire Breathing Quirk. It’s an intriguing idea and I’m wondering if that’s how he plans to do well in the Sports Festival. By creating Support Items for himself to compensate for not having a Quirk.”

Intriguing indeed, the Erasure Hero thought as he glanced at his computer again to the student’s picture. It was risky and bold if that was the Quirkless boy’s plan.  Shouta found himself wanting to help the kid do it. Oh, what the hell? I’ll do it. I will help this kid. His friend too. He knew that he had needed a role model like this when he was growing up. The kid had potential in spades and the Erasure Hero wanted to see how far he could go.

Shouta turned back to the other teacher. “He can join the class for the training tomorrow. Let All Might know. He’ll be teaching that class.”

With that, Maijima gave a nod and then left the teachers room to find Kan to ask about letting Midoriya join them as well. Shouta turned back to the copy of the kid’s notes on him. They were good. More than good. Almost on a professional level. It just needed a little fine tuning to help the rambling to be more concise. And he knows just the mammal to help with that.

Notes:

AIZAWA HAS GOTTEN HIS GOGGLES! It has finally happened, folks! I hope it lived up to your expectations. ^___^; There will be more talk of what the goggles can do in later chapters. I'm not sure if having a screen in the goggles counts as 'obstructing line of sight' for his quirk, but I'm keeping it anyway. Besides, in the Vigilante manga spin off, the goggles that Aizawa uses have solid lenses as well.

EDIT: I received some fanart/advice when it comes to the design of Aizawa's goggles. I made a post on the tumblr of the slight redesign and you can view that here. :)

Also, Aizawa knows about the notebook! And he thinks they could be dangerous. After the first time I read a fic that brought that up, I couldn't help but agree. Of the numerous fics I've read, only a few bring that up when Izuku is in UA. Though I have read a few where the villains take notice and either kidnap Izuku or Izuku offers his analytical skills to them. Depending on if he is being a willing or unwilling villain. But anyway, in my fic it will be brought up.

Fun Facts About Japan:

Japan is very protective of minors' privacy. To the point that if I took pictures with students, I wasn't allowed to post it online unless I covered the students' faces. It was fine taking pictures with students in general. I have so many on my computer. But posting them was the big no-no. Which I can understand. Also, one of the messaging apps they use, LINE, has this added feature that you have to prove you're an adult to be able to add people by username. Also, all phones and electronic devices in Japan has a shutter sound for the camera that cannot be turned off. So if you have a device that was made in Japan, you always know when someone is taking a picture.

There ya have it! Aizawa has his goggles and knows about the notebook. Plans for a certain mammal to learn about them too are in motion. Thanks for reading and let me know of typos or weirdness! :)

Chapter 14: Hiro-kun The Analyzer

Notes:

With chapter 14 we officially start the second day of school! And guess what? It's another multi-parter! Because I have no restraint and have so much to write. Basically most major plot points are going to have more than one part. ;)

This chapter is on the shorter side. I usually have the chapters between 3-5 pages on Word with 11 pt font and 1 inch margins. The length of the chapter depends on the natural breaks in the story. So some will be shorter or longer than others. Just fyi.

Now, without further ado, here is the second day at UA part 1...of 6. Enjoy! :D

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

“That’s all for now,” Maijima said, ending the morning meeting the next day. There were a few minutes before homeroom ended so the students were talking amongst themselves. The teacher caught Izuku’s eye and beckoned him to the front. The boy approached him and the redhead handed back the student’s notebook. “Here. Returned as promised. Those notes are quite impressive. How long have you been pursuing this hobby?”

“Thanks, Maijima-sensei,” Izuku said, a bit surprised he did get his notebook back. Maybe UA really will be different, he thought with a smile. “I’ve basically been working on them since I could write. Though the first few were very simple to start. But I have gone back and added to them over the years as I observed new things.”

“Analysis is a very useful skill to have,” the teacher commented. “I’d like to help you work on improving it to help with your work here. Since you mentioned in your interview that one of your goals here is to make Quirk Replicating Support Items, being able to analyze how Quirks work will help with that.”

The greenet beamed. “Yes, please! That would be very helpful, sensei. I had already planned on analyzing the class’s Quirks and anyone else I notice here. Did you have anything specific in mind?”

He’s quite the go-getter, Maijima thought, chuckling at the student’s enthusiasm. Very eager about pursuing knowledge.

“Nothing long term as of yet. But the Hero Course first years will be holding combat training in the afternoon today and tomorrow. I’d like you to attend and analyze their Quirks from the observation room. Both homeroom teachers for 1-A and 1-B have already approved your attendance. Would you like to do that?”

“YES!!” Izuku blurted out. He couldn’t help it. He was too excited! “Oh my god, that would be amazing! I’ll be able to see their Quirks in action. It’ll be interesting to see who is teamed up with who. And to see which Quirks work well together and those that don’t. Not to mention…”

Midoriya,” Maijima called out, breaking the boy out of his rambling. The student blushed while the teacher merely chuckled. “I get that you’re excited but save it for the training, alright? After lunch, meet up with Class 1-A in front of Ground Beta. You will do the same for 1-B tomorrow. Make sure you have your notebook and anything else you need. Oh, and Midoriya?”

“Yes, sensei?”

“All Might will be teaching the class. Try not to fanboy too much,” the Hero teased.

Izuku awkwardly chuckled as he scratched his head. “I-I’ll try,” he replied, turning to go back to his seat. He still wasn’t sure how to feel about All Might after their first meeting. It had been almost a year since then and he wondered if the man would even remember him. People tended to describe him as being kind of plain looking.

Ugh…it’s going to be so awkward.

The excitement of getting to study the Quirks of the Hero Course was slightly dulled by the fact that he would have to meet with All Might again. And it showed on his face. Mei noticed his mood as he sat down at his desk.

“Izuku, are you alright?” the pinkette asked, turning to her friend with concern.

“Wha? Oh yeah, I’m fine,” Izuku said, shaking himself to stop being lost in thought. “Actually, I have something to tell you. Maijima-sensei wants me to go observe the Hero Course in their combat training after lunch today and tomorrow.”

“During our first UA studio time?!” Mei blurted out exasperated, flailing her arms. “What about starting to work on making our babies?”

The two received some odd looks at the statement. Izuku blushed and reprimanded, “Mei-chan! How many times do I have to tell you that context is important? She calls her inventions ‘babies’!!” The last part he called out to the class in explanation. The other students shrugged, already writing off the pair as weird and went with it.

Turning back to his friend, Izuku said, “I know we were looking forward to spending the first studio time together, but we’ll have three years of opportunities. But this, observing the Hero Course, I could get more information on their Quirks to help with our Quirk Replication project. I don’t know if they will ever ask me to do this again. I can’t pass that up. Please.” His green eyes pleaded for her to understand.

Mei stared at him as she thought it over. Finally, she sighed and her body relaxed in acceptance. “Alright, you have a point about the benefits. I’ll make sure to find the best spots in the studio and save you a seat.”

“Thanks, Mei-chan,” Izuku said, smiling at his friend. “I’ll be starting with 1-A right after lunch. Oh crap! Katsuki is in 1-A! I can’t let him see me until the Sports Festival! He’ll ruin my plans before I can even set them into motion. What am I gonna do?!” The greenet started to freak out. He couldn’t let his Quirk status be revealed so soon.

Izuku was broken out of his panic as a black beanie was forced onto his head. He looked up to find Mei shoving a pair of goggles at him. “Here,” she said, as he took them. “I figured we may run into explody boy in the halls or something eventually. So, I prepared some things as a make shift disguise. It’s not much and these are one of my beta goggles to the ones I’m wearing. But it should do for now to hide from him.”

Tears welled up in his eyes at his friend’s thoughtfulness and couldn’t help but pull her into a hug.

“Mei-chan, you are the best!”

~~~

The rest of the morning passed by quickly since most of the classes were basically introductions and going through the syllabus for each subject. Mei had to constantly flick the fanboy’s arm whenever another Hero entered as their teacher. Present Mic, or Yamada Hizashi, shared his excitement when the Voice Hero learned of Izuku’s proficiency in English since he talked with his dad, who worked in the US, once a week. Midoriya Hisashi had insisted on teaching his son English starting from a young age since it was an important skill in the business world.

Once the lunch bell rang, the two Support students met up with their General Studies friend and headed for the cafeteria. They managed to quickly get in line for their food and found an empty table. As they started to eat, their Hero Course friends approached the table.

“Hi, Mido,” Uraraka called out, food tray in hand with Kirishima not far behind. “Mind if we join you again?”

“Oh hey, guys! By all means!” the greenet replied, trying to organize his papers on the table to make room. He was checking through his school things to make sure he had everything for the combat training.

“Wow, Mido,” the brunette commented as she sat down. “That’s a lot of notes.”

“Did you get homework already or something?” Kirishima asked. “It’s only the second day, man!”

“Wha? Oh no, these are my personal notes for my hobby,” Izuku said, still gathering his things. “I like to analyze Quirks.”

“He’s going to be joining you guys for your next class,” Mei explained. “He’s checking to see if he has everything so he can take notes on your Quirks. Then we can make so many cute babies!”

“B-babies?” Kirishima sputtered, cheeks as red as his hair.

“Context, Mei-chan.” The greenet facepalmed at her lack of tact. “She means her inventions.”

“He’s going to observe you and then use what he learns to make the best babies to help you guys. Isn’t that right, Hero-kun?” the pinkette continued with no shame at all.

“Hiro-kun?” Uraraka inquired, tilting her head.

“I thought your first name was Izuku,” Kirishima commented, slightly confused.

“Oh, no, it is,” Izuku explained, giving a shy smile. “That’s just Mei-chan’s nickname for me.”

“You know,” the brunette said, a finger on her chin. “I kind of like it. It’s like you’re a Hero without being in the Hero Course!”

...yet,” Izuku muttered to himself quietly before addressing Uraraka again. “Well, if you like it, and if Mei-chan doesn’t mind…” He paused to look at the pinkette who gave a nod. “…then you can call me that. Probably a good thing, too.”

“Oh? Why’s that?” Uraraka tilted her head in confusion. Kirishima simply raised a questioning eyebrow as he was between bites.

“You know how I asked you to not mention my name around a certain explosive blonde?” The brunette and redhead nodded at him. “Well, maybe this can be like a code name.”

“Ooo, like secret spy stuff,” Uraraka giggled. “Well, then Hiro-kun it is!”

“Just in time too since you’ll be in the same room as him next period,” Mei pointed out.

“It’s going to be like you’re on a secret mission,” Kirishima added with a sharp toothy grin. “Incognito. So manly!”

They continued to talk and eat after that. As lunch ended, the group took a moment to exchange phone numbers. Izuku also showed the two Hero students the beanie and goggles he would be wearing. He asked them to address him by the code name during the exercise so as not to set the explosive teen off. Even with the short amount of time the 1-A students had spent with the blonde, they understood why Izuku wanted to remain anonymous to the other boy.

When the bell rang, they cleaned up their trays and left the cafeteria as a group. The greenet briefly parted from the Hero students to go prepare for the coming training. He had a disguise to put on after all.

Notes:

Discrimination, elitism, and other things not so nice. Thus Hiro-kun was born! Using his super analysis powers, Izuku with his notebook has dedicated his life to analyzing Quirks and being plain freaking awesome!! (IDK, my brain is weird and went to the Powerpuff Girls's intro...a really bastardized version of it too. Oh well.)

That concludes part 1 of the second day! The hiding from Katsuki continues and has evolved to including a disguise and a code name! He's going to be hiding in plain sight, y'all. ;) Will Katsuki notice or ignore Izuku like all the other extras? Only time will tell!

Also, a teacher, or two, has finally taken notice of Izuku's analysis skills and wants to help him improve them! Take that, all the stupid teachers in Izuku's past! Hatsume isn't too happy that Izuku will be missing their first time in the studio together but the benefits outweigh the disappointment. And Izuku's going to be meeting All Might again since their last...conversation. I wonder how that's going to go. ;) We'll find out next week!

I'm having Izuku be fluent in English for reasons that will be revealed later. And we will get to meet Hisashi at some point but mostly he is just a background character for now. I do like the idea of Izuku's dad being All For One in general but I don't think I'll be doing that with this story. Though I'm not sure exactly. It's far in the future and I haven't fleshed that part out much. So maybe, maybe not? We, including me, will have to see. (I know what I'm going to do now but you'll have to wait to find out! ;) )

We got fanart! :D CyreneHime drew this lovely piece of Izuku in his Hiro-kun disguise. ^____^

Fun Facts About Japan:

In junior high, every morning, school starts with a morning meeting. And it always follows the same layout. I know this because they keep a list of steps of how the meeting will go in every classroom on the desk at the front. In Japanese of course, but I could read enough to get the gist. They have student leaders take charge and lead the class through the morning greeting, announcements, and other such stuff. They like the students to learn independence early in Japan so they have student leaders be responsible for different tasks that would otherwise be done by the teacher in the US. Like directing other students during cleaning time, leading the groups during the sports festival, or making sure the student rows are straight when there's an assembly. Anyway, after the student leaders talk the homeroom teacher would make their own announcements as well. Then the meeting would end with the end greeting. The meeting at the end of the day was also much the same.

That's it for this chapter. Next week comes part 2 of the second day with Izuku reuniting with All Might and meeting the rest of 1-A! Thanks for reading and let me know of any typos or weirdness! :)

Chapter 15: 1-A Battle Training: Hiro-kun Meets 1-A

Notes:

Alright! Part 2 of the second day! :D Izuku meets All Might for the first time since they last met on the roof. Will it be awkward? Also, Izuku is introduced to 1-A as Hiro-kun! Will Bakugou notice? Let's find out!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Before heading to Ground Beta, Mei helped Izuku put on his makeshift disguise. She made sure all his curly green hair was tucked into the beanie, the goggles were securely in place, and even rubbed some soot over his freckles for good measure. When asked where it came from, she simply said that any ‘good’ inventor always had some soot on them.

With one last check of his bag and a goodbye to his friend, Izuku headed off to Ground Beta. It took him a little while to find it but he managed to get there before any of the students arrived. Not even All Might was there yet. Must be giving some kind of explanation back in the classroom still. Not wanting to wait out in the sun, he decided to step inside the observation room in the meantime.

There was a huge screen on one wall with different windows open showing various camera angles inside and outside of a building. There was a panel of buttons and switches with some chairs next to it. Izuku sat down in one that had a small table-like surface attached to it.

He took out his notebook and a pencil and eraser from his pen case, which he placed on the table, before putting the recognizable All Might themed case back in his bag. He then hung his bag and jacket on the back of the chair. Once done, he turned his attention to the tech setup in front of him.

As he scanned over the panel in front of him, the door opened and someone entered the room. Izuku turned around to see that All Might had entered, decked out in his Silver Age costume, who then ‘deflated’ like he had on the rooftop almost a year ago.

Great observational skills there, All Might. Did he even check to see if anyone else was in the room?

The boy made a noise to alert the Hero to his presence. The man froze and slowly turned around to look at him, his costume pooling around his skeletal form. He paled and started to sputter in panic. Izuku quickly ran up to him, hands gesturing frantically, attempting to calm the Hero.

“All Might! It’s okay! I already know! This isn’t the first time you’ve deflated in front of me!”

The sputtering came to a screeching halt at that. The Number One Hero began to search his face for anything familiar. Izuku pulled off his goggles and beanie to show his green eyes and green hair in all its messy glory. Recognition slowly dawned in the man’s deep-set blue eyes.

“It’s…it’s you. The boy I met a year ago. Young …?”

“Midoriya Izuku,” he offered with a small smile, a bit happy the Hero did actually remember him. “Yeah, uh, h-hey All Might. Long time no see?”

All Might let out a huge sigh of relief, placing a hand over his still rapidly beating heart. Clearly relieved that he hadn’t reveal this form to a random student, he addressed the boy, “Young Midoriya, you gave me quite a shock. What are you doing in here?”

“D-did they not tell you?” the Support student asked, fiddling with the beanie and goggles nervously. “Maijima-sensei s-said that he wanted me to observe the combat training so I can t-take notes on the students’ Quirks. I-I was told it was okay-ed by the homeroom teachers for 1-A and 1-B.”

“Notes? Ah yes, that notebook of yours,” the teacher said, hand on his sharp chin as he remembered. “I happened to glance through it when I was signing it the day we met. Your notes were interesting. Being able to analyze is a useful skill. I’m guessing he wanted you here to practice that? Now that I think about it, I do recall him mentioning another student coming to observe.”

The greenet nodded in confirmation and said, “Y-yeah, I’m really excited to start!”

This wasn’t as awkward as I thought it would be.

“Well then, I look forward to working with you,” All Might said as they exchanged bows.

From the other side of the door, the pair could hear the sounds of approaching students. The two scrambled to collect themselves before the others tried to entered the room. All Might puffed up into his muscle form while Izuku quickly shoved the beanie on his head, tucking in any stray hairs, and fixed the goggles over his eyes. The man gave him a questioning look and he merely shrugged.

“You have your ways to stay anonymous, I have mine. Um, if you could, please call me Hiro? There’s a certain student I don’t want knowing I’m here. I don’t want our ‘issues’ to disturb the other students.”

All Might raised an eyebrow in question but simply nodded to say he would.

“Thanks,” Izuku said with a sigh, relieved the Hero would help him with his secret. “Also, please let me handle talking about my Quirk status. As a personal favor?”

The Support student received another nod in answer and they both walked outside to greet Class 1-A. As the Hero Course students approached, Izuku’s eyes sparkled as he took in everyone’s Hero costumes. Not that anyone could see that with the goggles over his eyes. There were so many different colors and designs. One was even outfitted to look like a knight! Though, he could already see some features on various costumes that could possibly use a fix. His hand was itching to begin writing.

He scanned the crowd and easily found his friends, who waved in greeting. Uraraka’s costume reminded him of an astronaut. He thought her wrist guards didn’t have to be so big though, and wanted to know what use the heels on her boots served. Kirishima’s costume was clearly a homage to Crimson Riot to go along with his hair, though he wondered what purpose the gears on his shoulders served. All these questions and more were mentally noted to be written down and looked into later.

Izuku made a point to not look in Katsuki’s direction for longer than a passing glance. Though he couldn’t help but think, are those gauntlets even comfortable? Thankfully, the blonde didn’t seem to even register he was there or anyone really, seeming to ignore even his own classmates.

Though he doesn’t seem to have that same pompous look he had back in Aldera, Izuku thought, sparing another quick peek at the blonde. Katsuki stood with his usual scowl and self-assured stance, but the greenet could see he looked the slightest bit humbler from before. UA is the best of the best. Perhaps here he’ll finally learn that his Quirk isn’t the be all end all and that there are others that can beat him.

“Greetings, students!” All Might beamed at 1-A with his signature smile. “Now that you all look the part, let us start our first Hero Basic Training! Joining us today is a special guest. Please introduce yourself!”

What?!

Izuku blanched at having to do so in front of all the other students all of a sudden. Even though he knew two of them already, other than Katsuki, it didn’t help his nerves much. Taking a deep breath to settle himself, Izuku stepped forward, not missing how much smaller he looked standing next to the towering figure of the Symbol of Peace.

“H-hello! I’m from the Support Course in Class 1-H,” Izuku greeted the class, trying to keep his nerves in check.

At the sound of his voice, Izuku saw Katsuki's shoulders stiffen in recognition. The greenet forced himself to calm down and put faith in his make shift disguise. He could feel those burning red eyes on him as the blonde studied him for any signs of who he was under the hat, goggles, and soot. But, thankfully after a few tense scrutinizing moments, hidden green eyes watched Katsuki seem to come to a conclusion with a shake of his head and dismissive huff. Internally, Izuku let out a sigh of relief.

“I’m h-here to watch your training and take notes on your Quirks,” the disguised greenet continued, still nervous but pressed on. “Please c-call me Hiro. Nice to meet you!” He bowed as he finished as the class greeted him as a group.

“Now that introductions are over,” All Might said, taking back the class's attention. Izuku had to restrain himself from facepalming when the man took out a cheat sheet. “I will explain in more detail on how this Battle Training will be done. Today we will be...”

As the Hero described what they would be doing, Izuku walked over to Uraraka to say hello. Izuku looked around and noticed something odd. After the initial awe of seeing the costumes, he counted the students and only came up with eighteen when usually 1-A had twenty students.

“Uraraka-san,” the Support student whispered, not wanting to disturb the teacher’s explanation. “Why are there only eighteen students?”

“Oh, that. Well…,” she replied quietly, rubbing her head nervously. “While everyone else went to the entrance ceremony, our homeroom teacher, Aizawa-sensei, had us do a Quirk Apprehension Test. Someone said it would be fun which made him decide to expel the student whose overall score came in last place. Yaoyorozu, the girl with the ponytail, and some others thought it was just a ruse, but he really did it. The one who did place last tried to argue it wasn’t fair but Aizawa-sensei said they didn’t take the tests seriously and we couldn’t expect to coast through his class.”

“Harsh,” Izuku commented, frowning slightly. “What about the other one?”

“It was this short boy with purple balls on his head,” Uraraka continued. “I think he came in second to last place? Anyway, he was expelled after he was caught peeking into the girl’s locker room through a hole in the wall of the boy’s locker room.”

He looked at his friend in concern. That was such a creepy thing to do. “Are you alright, Uraraka-san?”

“I’m fine, Hiro-kun,” she assured him, smiling warmly and patting his shoulder lightly. “He was stopped pretty quickly so it’s okay now. Thanks for your concern.”

They turned their attention back to the teacher. The student dressed like a knight addressed the Hero and asked, “Sensei, if we are having two-on-two battles, how will that work with only eighteen students? Wouldn’t that make an odd number of nine groups?”

“You are correct, young Iida,” All Might replied. “Since your number has been reduced to eighteen, the last group will face two students from any of the losing teams. Think of it as a redemption round. Now that everyone knows what we’re doing, it’s time to draw lots to decide your teams!”

“Is that really the best to decide that?!” Iida questioned incredulously.

“If you think about it,” Izuku piped up, suddenly making everyone look to him. The soot hid his blush for the most part. “Pros o-often find themselves in situations where they have to t-team up with Heroes from other agencies. It’s good to learn to a-adapt to working with new people.”

“Ah, I see! A way to practice for the future,” Iida said. “Thank you for your insight. I apologize for the interruption!”

“Now that that’s cleared up,” All Might interjected, pulling out a box with a hole in the top. “Let’s figure out our teams. Step up and take a number!”

Notes:

Izuku and All Might have reunited! And it wasn't as awkward as it could have been...for now. ;) Well, at least All Might has someone else who knows of his small form in UA other than the teachers. But he does need to work on his observational skills. :P

The hiding continues with some help from All Might. With the beanie, goggles, and soot, Izuku blends in with the other extras as far as Bakugou is concerned. We'll see how long that lasts. ;)

EDIT: Thank you commentor iluvstorys for pointing out that Katsuki would have recognized Izuku's voice. I added a paragraph of his reaction when Izuku introduces himself to the class. :) That's the kind of weirdness I appreciate people pointing out.

Now, in regards to who took Izuku's place in 1-A...basically they are a throw away character that I didn't develop past they didn't try their best during the quirk apprehension test. Essentially they're one of those people that feel like their quirk is good enough as is and they didn't need to push themselves. Kind of think of this as a 'choose your own adventure' but with a character. Insert your own lazy butt OC that gets kicked out on the first day.

Of course, I kick out Mineta. Freaking creepy pervert...good riddance.

Fun Facts About Japan:

In Japan, they loooove to spring speeches on people out of nowhere. Like all the time. During various parties or school events. Whenever the occasion arises. I've been asked to give a speech with at most five minutes to prepare on a number of occasions. Take into consideration I would be scrambling to look up how to say what I wanted to say in Japanese. Dear lord, the stress is real. Also, they have an event called the Chorus Festival where all classes learn a song and compete. Well, the teachers also learn a song. Everyone practices for weeks for the event. However, at one school I was not told I would be expected to join the teachers in singing until the morning of the event! There I was scrambling to listen to videos online of the song while looking at the sheet music during the short drive to where the Chorus Festival would take place. They're lucky I can kind of sight read. Thank you years of choir! But, despite that stressful experience, when I walked on stage the students were cheering and yelling out my name and it really warmed my heart! ^____^ So, stressful but also fun!

So...Mineta...I, among many others I would assume, question the point of such a character. I guess for comic relief and having a scapegoat for bad things to happen to like getting bitch-slapped by a robot during the sports festival. But damn does he disgust me. Which leads me to say I did have a student who liked Mineta. We were talking about MHA and I said Izuku was my favorite because he is strong and adorable. While my student said, "I like Mineta. He is cool." To which I replied with an incredulous smile, "No, he's not!" The conversation was all in good fun and nature, but come on, kid, there are so many cooler characters to choose from. If you do like Mineta, by all means, but personally I do not.

That's it for this chapter! Next week is part 3 of the second day! A certain tired hobo will visit a certain dog-mouse-bear about some notes. While 1-A's battle training gets underway. Let the observations begin! Thanks for reading and let me know of typos or weirdness! ^___^

Chapter 16: 1-A Battle Training: Allez Combat!

Notes:

It's part 3 of the second day! I was watching Iron Chef America when I made the title for this chapter. XD I dunno...I thought it was funny. :P Anyway, a tired man shares some notes and battle training begins! Onwards!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Nezu was working at his desk, going through the usual start of year paperwork. It was tedious busy work in his opinion, but necessary for him to finish as he was the principal of UA. He took pride in his work, no matter how mundane, as he ran one of the most successful Hero schools in Japan.

Knock knock.

“Come in!” the principal called out. The door to his office opened and Aizawa stepped into the room. “Ah Aizawa-san, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I want to talk to you about a student,” the man explained, taking a seat in front of the desk. He placed a box and a sheet of paper in his lap.

“Found another student to expel already?” the mammal teased as he took out a tea set. The tired man gave Nezu an unimpressed look at his joke. “Or is this another matter?”

“The student in question is not in my class,” Aizawa replied, politely refusing the principal’s offer of tea. “I want to talk about Midoriya Izuku in the Support Course.”

The mammal typed into his computer and quickly pulled up the student profile. “Hmm, Midoriya…ah yes. First year Support Course student in Class 1-H. Good GPA in middle school, his test score on the written exam was in the higher percentile, and his submission for the practical was well received by the judges. It was goggles that were made for you, correct?”

“Yes,” Aizawa replied. He stood briefly to hand the box to the principal. Nezu opened it and inspected the goggles inside. He scanned the paper listing the upgrades and examined some of the new features. “I’ve been using the same design for my goggles for years. They’ve worked well enough for me and I never felt the need to change them. Then this kid comes along and calls my current ones stupid.”

“Did he now?” Nezu commented, an amused look on his face as he took a sip of tea.

“Not to my face,” the man replied, handing over the sheet of paper. “Maijima came to me with the goggles and one of the kid’s notebooks. This was one of the entries inside.”

Nezu put down his cup and scanned over the paper, taking in every bit of information. The amount was quite a lot, remarkably so since Aizawa was an Underground Hero with close to no media coverage. He would have thought the student had an Analysis Quirk, but a quite glance at his computer confirmed the boy was Quirkless. Which means all this information came naturally from his mind.

“You said this was one of the entries in the notebook?” the principal inquired, still reading through the notes. He chuckled as he found the comment about the goggles.

“It was part of a collection,” Aizawa explained. He leaned forward placing his elbows on his knees, touching his fingers together in front of his face. “The title on the cover was ‘Hero Analysis For The Future...Number 13.”

That tore Nezu’s eyes away from the notes, a carnal excitement gleaming in his eyes.

~~~

One by one, the students of 1-A took a slip of paper from the box and began to form their pairs. Izuku observed the students as they sorted themselves out. He didn’t really know anything about their Quirks besides what any unique physical traits could imply. Such as the boy with a tail or the girl who had features resembling a frog. He couldn’t wait for the training to get started so he could see their Quirks in action.

As everyone finally settled, the teams were confirmed.

1-A Battle Training Teams:

Team A: Yaoyorozu Momo and Uraraka Ochako

Team B: Todoroki Shouto and Shouji Mezo

Team C: Kirishima Eijirou and Sero Hanta

Team D: Bakugou Katsuki and Iida Tenya

Team E: Aoyama Yuuga and Ashido Mina

Team F: Satou Rikidou and Kouda Kouji

Team G: Kaminari Denki and Jirou Kyouka

Team H: Tokoyami Fumikage and Asui Tsuyu

Team I: Ojiro Mashirao and Hagakure Tooru

With the teams determined, All Might pulled out two more boxes to determine which pairs would be playing one of two roles in each battle. Either as the Heroes with the goal to capture the Villains or retrieve the ‘bomb’. Or as the Villains with the goal to capture the Heroes or protect the ‘bomb’ until time ran out. All Might pulled out one ball from each box to reveal the first match.

“The Heroes are Team A!” boomed the man. “And the Villains are Team D! Yaoyorozu, Uraraka, please go to the adjacent room to prepare your strategy. Bakugou, Iida, you have five minutes to hide the bomb and plan your defense. Both teams will be provided with schematics of the building, capture tape, and communication devices. Your five minutes start now!”

Uraraka and Yaoyorozu, the girl with the ponytail his friend mentioned earlier, went to another room to prepare. While Katsuki and the student that looked like a knight, who had to be Iida, headed into the building. As they waited, the students and their teacher entered the observation room. All Might and Izuku took their seats in front of the panel of buttons while the students stood around them.

All Might handed Izuku an earpiece as he fixed his own. The Support student had to untuck his ear to put it in place. It would allow him to listen in on the battle through the cameras placed throughout the building.

Izuku took out his notebook and opened to an empty page to prepare for his notes. He did plan to give each student their own two-page spread like all his other entries, but for now, he divided the page into four sections, one for each student. While he was doing so, Kirishima came to stand by him and was able to answer Izuku’s questions about what the other students’ names were so he could recognize who was who as they were called to battle.

Once five minutes had passed, the Villains took their places and the Heroes began their plan of attack. The other students watched the action play out on the screen of the observation room, the different windows showing the camera feeds that allowed them to watch both teams simultaneously.

The Support student had his pencil ready as All Might announced, “Ready? BEGIN!!”

Yaoyorozu and Uraraka VS Bakugou and Iida

Of the four students he was observing, the only one Izuku really knew was Katsuki since they grew up together. He knew the blonde’s Quirk, personality, and his natural tendency to start with a right hook. Not to mention his ego. One that was so large that Izuku was sure the explosive teen would insist on going after the Hero team on his own. But to his surprise, Katsuki stayed to defend the bomb on the third floor while Iida performed quick patrols in the hallways.

Huh, maybe he actually listened to something Iida said, Izuku thought. I’m sure if I was the one going against Katsuki, he would have gone after me with no regard to his partner or the mission.

The greenet made a note of that surprising tidbit, adding a question if it was a one-time thing or not. He also noted what he saw of the other students’ Quirks. For Iida, his quick patrols and the fact that he had what looked like engines coming from the back of his calves led his to guess he had an Engine Quirk that boosted his speed.

Perhaps he's related to Ingenium who also has engines but in his elbows?

For Uraraka, he had some suspicions since she saved him from tripping. Something to do with gravity. Possibly activated by touch and turned off by putting her fingers together like she had before? That could be the reason for those pink pads on her fingers that sort of resembled a cat’s paw. But instead of using it, the two girls used the fire escape on the side of the building to sneak into a second floor window. He would have to keep an eye out as to why.

As for Yaoyorozu, she was a mystery at first, though he did initially guess it was something that involved her skin since her costume was so revealing. Or at least he hoped so and it wasn’t just a horrible design choice by the costume’s designer. He watched her appear to actually make things from her own body, a shield and staff for herself and some kind of small round weapons for Uraraka.

A Creation Quirk of some kind? Is there a limit to what she can make? What kind of matter is used to make what she creates? Her own lipids maybe?

Once Iida noticed the Hero team had reached the third floor, he sprinted back to the room the bomb was in.

Good, he decided on team work rather than facing them on his own.

Yaoyorozu and Uraraka gave a good fight once the teams finally clashed. The creation girl managing to trip Iida with her staff at one point and Uraraka surprised Katsuki, as well as the rest of the class, when she threw the small weapons which turned out to be grenades.

But they were no match for the explosive teen’s Quirk. Not even with Uraraka’s attempts to float over the fight confirming Izuku’s theories and he noted how the attempts left her looking queasy. With well-practiced blasts and a fiery personality to match, in the end the victory went to the Villains as the time ran out. The teams returned to the observation room and they discussed the battle. Izuku finished up his notes for the match as the next teams were selected and the five-minute preparation period began again.

“Next up! The Heroes are Team B!” All Might announced. “The Villains are Team I! Five minutes start now!”

It wasn’t long that the five minutes were up. More than enough time for Izuku to prepare another page in his notebook for the coming battle. Uraraka joined Kirishima in standing next to the greenet, chatting casually with her friends.

All Might started the match and the other students were eager for another long fight.

Todoroki and Shouji VS Ojiro and Hagakure

The match was over in a matter of seconds. The boy with the tail, Ojiro, and the invisible girl, Hagakure, didn’t stand a chance. Izuku watched the boy half encased in ice, Todoroki, tell his partner with multiple arms, Shouji, to wait outside before going in alone. In an instant, the entire building was covered in ice, freezing the Villain team where they stood.

As Todoroki walked into the room with the bomb, the Villains could do nothing but watch as he approached the bomb. Otherwise, they would have ripped off their own skin trying to break away from the ice since both of them were barefoot.

I seriously hope Hagakure-san actually has a costume on made of some kind of special material and isn’t completely naked. That would be stupid and really unsafe to leave her exposed like that.

As the ice user touched the bomb, steam started to fill the room as the ice melted away. Izuku wrote a question he wanted to ask the boy once he got back to the room. The others he didn’t have much to write about other than his question about Hagakure’s costume since the match was over so fast.

The students returned and the discussion was short. Due to Todoroki only melting the ice to free his classmates, the next match would take place in a different building. The next teams were chosen as the Heroes being Team H and the Villains being Team C.

Once the prep time began Izuku approached the boy covered in ice.

Notes:

Nezu finally knows about the notes! And he is excited. ;) Also, just want to assure you, Aizawa is not handing the problem child over...at least not completely. More like...sharing. He realizes Izuku is smart from his notes and knows that Nezu can help him with that.

Battle training has begun! And what's this? Bakugou actually listened?! -le gasp!- My thinking is that, when faced with fighting Izuku, Katsuki loses all sense and focuses on pushing him down. But, if Izuku wasn't in the mix, I feel like maybe possibly sort of he would listen to some form of strategy. So yeah.

Todoroki has officially entered the story! And Izuku wants to have a talk with him. Wonder what that's going to be about? Could it be the fated talk or something else entirely? We'll have to wait and see! ;D

EDIT: I changed some bits about Uraraka's use of her quirk. Mizuzuita brought up how sensitive she was in the beginning when it came to using her quirk. Especially on people and herself. But I think we do get to see her use it on herself in the battle training. Season 1 episode 7 starting at around 21:15. She jumps into the air and stays up longer than usual. Then she releases her quirk before landing on the bomb. Which to me seems like she used her quirk on herself. Anyway, it has been fixed!

Fun Facts About Japan:

As in any school or business, there is a hierarchy within that group. Japanese junior highs are no different. Starting at the top is the principal (duh!) which is called kouchou-sensei ( 校長先生 , こうちょうせんせい ). Then comes the vice principal, kyoutou-sensei ( 教頭先生 , きょうとうせんせい ). Next is the head teacher, which I don't actually know the title in Japanese since I didn't interact with them much. (Nor was it drilled into my head like for principal and vp.) Then it's the other teachers, including the JTEs (Japanese Teachers of English), which I worked with along with, as well as any other staff members like the tea lady or, in some schools, the tea lord. (Tea lady and tea lord are not official titles, that's just what we called them in my area. :P As far as I know anyway.) Slightly under the teachers was my role as ALT (Assistant Language Teacher). ALTs are still considered teachers but the other teachers had a little more power. And at the bottom of the totem pole, of course, were the students.

Now, if I had a work question, I would start with the JTE. If they didn't know, they would go to the head teacher. Then the vice principal. Then the principal. If that didn't work, next would be to go consult the BoE (Board of Education) or kyouiku iinkai ( 教育委員会 , きょういくいいんかい ). After the principal, you would go to the ALT supervisor. If they didn't know, next is the section manager, kachou-sensei ( 課長先生 , かちょうせんせい ). Then the assistant general manager, jichou-sensei ( 次長先生 , じちょうせんせい ). And finally, as far as I ever had to go, is the department/general manager, buchou-sensei ( 部長先生 , ぶちょうせんせい ).

Though if the question I had was more personal or didn't relate to school work, I would just start with the ALT supervisor and go that route. Things like anything medical or dealing with money or whatever.

Now, with all this hierarchy, it is a big no-no to go over someone's head. The hierarchy is very important in Japan. By going through the proper channels is a sign of respect. If you bypass that, it can be seen as rude. So please do your best to follow the hierarchy as much as possible and only go over someone's head if absolutely necessary. But, if it's a question you want to ask that particular person personally and not work related, then by all means talk to them! Get to know your co-workers!

That's it for this chapter! Up next, Izuku has a talk with a certain stubborn Half Cold Half Hot boy. Then two more battles happen! But how will the redemption round be decided? We'll find out next week! Thanks for reading and let me know of typos or weirdness! :D

Chapter 17: 1-A Battle Training: Cold Shoulder

Notes:

With chapter 17 comes part 4 of the second day! Izuku tries to talk some sense into a stubborn boy. Battle training continues and the method of deciding who will participate in the redemption round is revealed! Let's go!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

“Excuse me, could I have a word with you in private?” Izuku asked the taller teen. The other kept a neutral expression, studying him, before giving a brief nod and heading back out the door.

They walked down the hall away from prying ears and came to a stop a good distance away from the other students. The bi-colored boy leaned against one side of the hallway while Izuku leaned against the other.

Todoroki was still sporting ice on his left side except for his head. The Support student could finally see he had two different hair colors split down the middle, white on the right and red on the left. He also had a scar covering the top portion of the left side of his face.

Quirk accident, possibly?

“Before I bring up what I wanted to talk about,” Izuku began. “I have to ask...is that comfortable?” He gestured towards the ice.

Todoroki shrugged. “I run warmer on my left side so it doesn’t bother me.”

His casual response confirmed the Support student’s theory that there were two sides of the other boy’s Quirk. Ice and, maybe, fire? Izuku’s mind raced, thinking through all the Fire Quirks he knew as well as any connection to the name Todoroki. He was sure he knew that family name from somewhere.

“Wasn’t there something else you wanted to ask?” the taller boy asked, when the Support student got lost in thought for a bit too long. “If not, I’d rather go and observe the other battles.”

Izuku forced himself out of his head and looked into the other boy’s eyes. One eye grey, under white hair, and the other blue, under red hair and surrounding by rough red scarred skin. The blue one’s color seemed familiar.

“Are you related to Endeavor?” the Support student blurted out suddenly. Apparently a very wrong move because the other boy glared at him. “I-I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?”

“Is that all you wanted to ask?” Todoroki spat. “If so, we are done here.”

“N-no! It isn’t!” Izuku replied quickly. He opened up his notebook to the section on Todoroki. “I had a question about your Quirk. I wanted to ask why you focused on your ice.”

“How is that any of your business?” the taller boy hissed.

Ok, there was definitely a history with this. He really hoped the scar didn’t play a part in that history.

“It is my business when it effects your well-being,” the greenette shot back. “My job here is to analyze your Quirks. Which means I look for any side effects that could be harmful, to you or others. You froze an entire building! While the others were distracted by the magnitude of your attack, I noticed the beginnings of frost build-up on your right side.”

He noticed that small of a detail after a less than a minute of seeing my Quirk? Todoroki thought. There had been some frost build up but a quick use of his left side after the battle ended fixed it easily. What else could the other boy notice? If this pattern continued, what else would the other boy figure out as time passed?

“Frostbite is no joke. Though I guess you would know that growing up with an Ice Quirk,” Izuku continued. “However, and I’m only guessing here, I believe your body has a natural way to counterbalance that.”

“…how so?” the bi-color teen inquired hesitantly.

“A lot of Quirks have some kind of physical trait that represents an aspect of the Quirk,” the Support student explained. “From the way your hair and eye colors are different on either side of your body, I can guess that there is a different side of your Quirk directed through either the right or the left. Since you used ice on your right, said that your left side tends to runs warmer, and managed to free the other team from your ice, I would theorize your left possibly could channel fire since your father also emits fire.”

Todoroki was shocked at the detailed breakdown of his Quirk that came from a brief observation and a few questions. Did this boy have some kind of Analysis Quirk?

“If I’m right and you do have the ability to use ice and fire, then to keep equilibrium within your body, you would need to use both sides equally,” Izuku continued, writing down his thoughts as he spoke. Then he stopped, looking up at the other. “However, you only used your ice. Why is that?”

“I don’t see how any of this is your business,” the bi-color teen retorted.

“If you don’t use both sides of your Quirk, the result could affect your abilities,” the shorter boy countered. “You could be incapacitated in a fight if you overuse one side of your Quirk, then someone would have to save you. Or someone could die in a situation that calls for you to use all of your Quirk, not just your ice.”

Todoroki scoffed, turning away from the other dismissively. “I refuse to use it.”

“Todoroki-kun, if this continues, you could get seriously hurt!” The greenette’s voice was filled with concerned.

“Why does it even matter to you?!” Todoroki snapped, causing the shorter teen to flinch.

“B-because if I had your power, I would use it, all of it, to help others,” Izuku said, turning away slightly. His fists were balled up in frustration as tears started to well in his eyes. Not that the other could see that. “After all, you have twice the natural power than I could ever have. Yet you squander it for reasons I don’t know. I would have given anything to have even half your power. You see…”

He turning back to the other boy, shifting the goggles to sit high on his forehead. Glistening green eyes connected with heterochromatic ones as Izuku looked at him with a sad smile on his face.

“…I’m Quirkless.”

Todoroki just stood there, stunned.

“Please don’t tell anyone else that, because I’d rather tell them on my own,” the greenette requested, adjusting the goggles back over his eyes. “But think about what I said. In the meantime, if you still insist on using only your ice, at least let me make a Support Item to help with the side effects. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

With that the shorter boy went back into the observation room, leaving Todoroki alone with his thoughts.

~~~

The talk with Todoroki raised more questions for the Support student than it answered. What exactly could he do with his left side? Why was he so adamant about not using his full power? Did the scar on the left side of his face have something to do with it? Questions, questions, questions. Izuku hoped they would be answered with time.

The greenette entered the observation room and returned to his seat next to All Might. The Hero shot a concerned and questioning side glance at the boy but said nothing. Izuku was preparing a new page for the next round when Todoroki opened the door and joined the other students. Uraraka, who had wandered off to talk to her friends while he was out, made her way back over to him.

“Hey, Hiro-kun. What did you talk to Todoroki about?” she asked curiously.

“Oh, just something about his Quirk. Nothing to worry about,” Izuku replied vaguely, smiling. He knew she was just being friendly, but he felt that whatever the reason was that made the ice user refuse to use his full Quirk was a private one. It wasn’t his place to discuss it with other people.

“Heroes, Villains, your five minutes are up,” All Might boomed. “Ready? BEGIN!”

Tokoyami and Asui VS Kirishima and Sero

The boy with the bird head, Tokoyami, and the frog girl, Asui, cautiously entered the building. From Tokoyami’s stomach came a dark entity that must be the bird boy’s Quirk which Uraraka informed Izuku was called Dark Shadow. The pair, plus Dark Shadow, quietly made their way through the first floor, checking each room they came across before moving onto the next floor.

When they made it to the fourth floor where the bomb was hidden, Tokoyami was immediately engaged by Kirishima who easily deflected the hits from Dark Shadow with his Hardening Quirk. Izuku took note that the bird headed teen seemed to be weaker at close range combat while Kirishima excelled at it.

Asui was left to deal with the other boy, Sero, who was shooting tape out of his elbows. During the planning period, he seemed to have had prepared tape traps around the room to defend the bomb. The girl’s frog-like abilities helped her dodge the tape user for a while, but one poorly timed dodge got her caught in one of the traps. Sero quickly used his capture tape to take her out of the fight and then turned to help his partner.

In the beginning, it seemed that the battle could have gone either way. Both teams had strong close- and long-range attackers, but with the defeat of Asui, the winning team was clear. Kirishima kept attacking Tokoyami while hardening against Dark Shadow’s hits until Sero used his tape to immobilize the remaining Hero.

“Villain team wins!” All Might declared. “Please return to the observation room for discussion.”

The battling students returned and the discussion was held like the two previous fights. Izuku finished up his notes and prepared for the next round. Once again, All Might selected the next teams from the boxes. Team E was the Heroes and Team F was the Villains.

The students in question went to their respective prep areas as the five minutes began. The rest stood around exchanging small talk and predictions about the next match. Kirishima joined Izuku and Uraraka closer to the screens. The friends congratulated the red head on his win which he graciously accepted. All too soon, time was up and the next round began.

Aoyama and Ashido VS Satou and Kouda

The Villain team made an imposing pair from their large statures alone. The muscular teen, Satou, ate some sugar from a pouch which Kirishima told Izuku that the boy’s Quirk converted sugar into energy which increased his strength. Satou stood confidently between the door of the room and the bomb. His partner on the other hand was another story.

The boy who had rock-like features, Kouda, looked nervous. When the Support student asked what his Quirk was, the answer was to communicate and command animals to do his bidding. With that knowledge, Izuku then understood the teen’s nervousness. In an environment such as a building, there were likely no animals for him to use. Maybe a rat or something but for the most part animal free.

I wonder how he used his Quirk to pass the practical exam. Does it work on all animals? Or was there a difference between mammals verses reptiles? Does it only work on animals? Could he use it with insects as well?

Once the Hero team made it to the bomb room, the match didn’t last long. The boy who could shoot a laser from his belly button, Aoyama, shot the door to the room open and the pink girl who produced acid, Ashido, confidently slid into the room. Satou and Kouda put up a good fight using just their strength and height advantage, but in the end it wasn’t enough.

As the minutes passed, Izuku noticed that Satou’s movements were getting slower and Kouda’s limited confidence was dwindling. Using her acid, Ashido eventually trapped the Villain team in a corner while Aoyama proudly walked toward the bomb and touched it, securing the Hero team’s victory.

They all returned to the observation room and the class reviewed the match. With four battles completed and only one pair of students who had yet to fight, it was time to figure out who would compete again for the redemption round.

“I’m sure you’re wondering how we will choose who will have a chance to save face,” All Might said, smiling brightly and standing proudly in front of the students. “We shall decide the fairest way possible among the students on losing teams who will face off as Villains against young Kaminari and young Jirou. It is a time-honored tradition for breaking ties and making tough decisions. To decided our redemption team…”

The students waited with baited breath.

“…it’s time to play Janken!” All Might announced proudly.

Notes:

And that is part 4 of the second day!

So last chapter was Todoroki's debut but this chapter is when Izuku first talks to him! :D But how well did it go? Will Todoroki give what Izuku said some thought? Only time will tell. ;)

Tally of who knows Izuku is Quirkless in UA: Hatsume, Shinsou, Kirishima, Uraraka, Maijima, Aizawa, Nezu, All Might, and now Todoroki!

Tally of who knows Izuku is Hiro: Hatsume, Shinsou, Kirishima, Uraraka, and All Might. Todoroki has seen his eyes but doesn't know his name so it doesn't count. Yet.

Originally I wasn't planning on writing the other fights since they don't go into much detail about them in canon. But then I thought that it would be interesting to actually flesh them out. And give me ideas for future support items for Izuku. So I looked up the character bios and considered their powers, strengths, weaknesses, and personality types. From there, I kind of guessed how they would work with their partner and how they would fair against their opponents. And it just kept evolving to me actually writing the fights. So I hope I did alright on that. The fights are one of the reasons why the second day is six parts. I just couldn't help myself!

Fun Facts About Japan:

Alright y'all. Let's tackle the subject of janken in Japan. Janken is the Japanese version of rock paper scissors for those who didn't know that. The rules are the same. Rock (guu , グー ) beats scissors (choki , チョキ ). Scissors beat paper (paa , パー ). Paper beats rock. And when it is a draw, it's called aiko ( あいこ ). To start the game, you hold out your fist and say 'saishowaguu' ( 最初はグー , さいしょはグー ) which literally means 'fists first'. Next you say 'jankenpon' ( じゃんけんぽん ) and reveal your gesture on 'pon'. If there is a draw, whether between two or more people, you make a fist again and say 'aikodeshou' ( あいこでしょう ) and then show your gesture (same or new) on 'shou'. Which would continue until there is a winner. And believe you me, that can take a while the more students you have.

Now, I taught English so during English class we played janken in...English. Duh. I know that there are different ways to play rock paper scissors across the US. Differences in phrasing and gestures used. Some of my own examples being 'rock paper scissors 1 2 3' with a fist in the air or 'rock paper scissors shoot' and pounding a fist onto the palm of your other hand. Japan's English version is no different at being slightly different. It's 'rock scissors paper 1 2 3' while pounding their fists in the air and some even gesture each sign when stated. Like rock for rock, scissors for scissors, and paper for paper before going back to a fist to reveal their gesture on '3'. And some of them get reeeeaaaaalllllyyyyy into it by basically gesturing with their whole body. It gets intense.

I have more on janken but I'll save it for next week. ;)

That's it for this chapter! Coming up, the redemption team is chosen and we go into the final battle. Then Izuku and All Might discuss his notes after class. Thanks for reading and let me know of typos or weirdness! :D

Chapter 18: 1-A Battle Training: Redemption

Notes:

It's part 5 of the second day! The janken tournament is happening and the redemption round team is chosen! Who's it going to be? Let's find out...right now!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

“It’s time to play Janken!”

Izuku almost facepalmed at how excited the Hero announced using a children’s game to decide who would get another try. Then again, he wasn’t really surprised. Throughout his school years from elementary through junior high, a lot of decisions were made using Janken. Whether it was a tie in a classroom activity or deciding who would get the extra milk carton during school lunch. Now that he thought about it, it was the fairest way to choose.

“Let’s get this Janken tournament started,” All Might said. “All students from a losing team, pair up and winners shall move on until we have two students remaining. Let’s begin!”

The eight eligible students paired up with the ones nearest them. Satou and Kouda paired up since they were standing next to each other still. Kouda’s scissors lost to Satou’s rock. Yaoyorozu went against Asui and the frog girl won with scissors. Ojirou beat Tokoyami with paper after a few ties. Hagakure and Uraraka were in a stale mate for a hot minute until the invisible girl claimed victory with another scissor win which she made into a peace sign.

Satou went against Asui and the frog girl won once again but with paper this time. Ojirou and Hagakure were apparently fierce opponents, both tying again and again. It went on and on until All Might had to step in.

“Alright, alright. We don’t have all day,” All Might interjected after the umpteenth tie. “I’ll allow one more try before I end up choosing myself.”

“Ready to lose?” Hagakure taunted, flexing her gloved hands in anticipation.

“My only regret is that I won’t be able to see your defeated face when I win,” Ojiro jeered back, stretching his arms in an intimidating fashion.

They stood in the middle of the room, sizing the other up as the rest of the students and teacher stood in a circle around them.

“Saishou wa guu,” the two chanted together, pounding their fists in the air with the beat. “JAN…KEN…PON!!”

“GAH!” Ojiro gasped in disappointment when her rock beat his scissors. He glared at his hand for its betrayal as the boys tried to comfort him. Meanwhile the invisible girl jumped in victory while the other girls congratulated her. Izuku watched the shenanigans of 1-A from the sidelines, smiling and shaking his head slightly. He quickly wrote down the names of the Villain team in his notebook, planning to combine his notes from this battle with his previous ones.

With the redemption team finally decided, the teams left for their respective prep areas. The five minutes passed quickly and the final round of the Battle Training began.

Kaminari and Jirou VS Asui and Hagakure

The blonde student, Kaminari, trailed behind the purple haired girl, Jirou, as she used her Quirk by plugging in the earphone jacks connected to her ears into the wall. Izuku found it fascinating that the appendages could extend and retract at will. She closed her eyes to listen for any sign of the Villains while Kaminari kept watch. Soon the Hero team moved further into the building, heading toward the area Jirou heard the Villains moving around.

Her Quirk would be great for reconnaissance.Though she shouldn’t close her eyes like that. I wonder how far her hearing range is and if it affects her normal hearing. Can she plug them into a phone like regular headphones? What other applications does her Quirk have that would have helped her in the practical?

It didn’t take the Heroes long to find the bomb room, but were suddenly more cautious when they only found Asui. Hagakure had removed the visible parts of her costume to be fully invisisble. Izuku noticed she made sure to hold the capture tape in a closed fist to render it invisible as well. To help the other students see Hagakure’s movements, All Might pulled up another window on the screen with an infrared view of the fight.

Jirou stepped up to face the frog girl, plugging her jacks into the speakers in her shoes, readying for battle. Asui managed to jump out of the way as the purplenette fired off a sonic attack where she was seconds before. The Villain dodged again and again as Jirou kept her busy while Kaminari inched towards the bomb.

With the infrared view, the students observing could see Hagakure sneak up on Jirou and capture her with the tape. The purple-haired girl immediately stopped fighting and left the room quickly. Izuku wondered why she had left until Kaminari let off an intense burst of electricity directly from his own body. The Support student guessed they had discussed the last ditch move during the planning time.

However, the Villains apparently were expecting such a move and Hagakure had climbed on Asui’s back just in time for the frog girl to jump into the air. The electric attack surged through the floor before dissipating, leaving Kaminari standing with a dumb expression on his face. His own attack rendered him useless and the victory was given to the Villain team.

The other three students helped lead Kaminari back to the observation room. Izuku made sure to note that something had to be done about him short circuiting his own brain. How that hadn’t been address already was beyond him.

After discussing the last match and some final comments from All Might, the class was dismissed and class 1-A left for the locker rooms to change out of their costumes. The teacher and Support student made their own way back to the main building and towards one of the meeting rooms to discuss the lesson. As soon as the door was closed, All Might deflated with an exaggerated sigh of relief which made Izuku giggle.

“Phew, that was exhausting,” All Might said, moving to sit on the couch. He started to prepare some tea and gestured the student to take the opposite stool. “To be honest, it’s kind of a relief that you know about this form. When I was told a student would be observing the class, I wasn’t sure I would make it through the training and the talk after in my muscle form.”

“A silver lining, you might say, All Might?” Izuku joked, gesturing at All Might’s pooling Silver Age costume.

“HA! Good one, my boy,” All Might laughed. “Oh, that reminds me. Since we can’t have you calling me by my Hero name while in this form, let me formally introduce myself. My name is Yagi Toshinori. Nice to meet you.” He bowed his head in greeting.

“Oh! I-I’m Midoriya Izuku!” the boy squeaked and became flustered. “But you already knew that from me telling you before the training. Which was silly of me to say so again. But it was instinct to say it and now I’m rambling. I-It’s nice to meet you, too!”

“Not to worry, my boy,” All M-Yagi assured with a chuckle as he finished the tea, placing the cups on the table. “With that done, when you see me in this form, please address me by my civilian name. I am putting my trust in you to help me keep this secret.”

Wow, All Might trusts me with his name! No one knows his name except high level Pro Heroes. What an honor.

“O-of course, Yagi-san…Yagi-sensei?” Izuku replied, unsure which honorific to go with.

“Since we’re in a school, I think sensei is more appropriate,” Yagi said, smiling fondly at his antics. He took a sip of tea and the boy followed suit. “Now, let’s start discussing what you observed during the training.”

Taking out his notebook and placing it on the table open to his notes, Izuku walked his idol through his analysis of the matches. Here and there, Yagi would give his own opinion and the greenette would make a note of what he said. It was nice spending this time with his Hero with none of the awkwardness he expected. After they finished going through his notes, the conversation turned more casual.

“So, I see you went with the Support Course,” Yagi commented. “How’s that going for you?”

“O-oh! It’s great!” Izuku answered. “About a week after I met you, I met my friend Mei-chan! She learned everything she knows about Support from her mom and I asked her to teach me. We’re in 1-H together now.”

“I see. I’m happy for you, my boy,” Yagi said with a small smile. “I know what I said to you that day was harsh, but with how dangerous the Hero profession is, it was a truth you needed to hear. I’m glad you found a more attainable dream, young Midoriya.”

And there’s the awkwardness.

“Ah, ha ha, y-yeah, sure,” Izuku muttered, using taking a sip of tea to not look directly into the man’s eyes.

“I find your analysis skills intriguing and I’ve enjoyed working with you today,” Yagi continued, seemingly oblivious to his discomfort. “I look forward to working with you again tomorrow and in the future. You may not be training to be a Hero, but there are other ways to help others. Use the skills you have to be the best hero you can be with your own strengths.”

Izuku knew All Might meant for his words to be encouraging but they still stung. They rang with the truth that his idol didn’t believe in him. The Support student chose not to tell the Hero about his plans for the Sports Festival. He would prove to the man and the world that the Quirk did not define a person or dictate their future. That you didn’t need a Quirk to be a Hero. 

All Might may not believe in my dream, but I do have one person who does. How strange that a Villain believes I can be a Hero more than the Number One Hero himself. The irony.

Notes:

That's the end of part 5! For those who were looking for more Awkward Might, there's a little more for ya. And there will be more in the future. I have a major awkward moment planned for later.

Ok, for the redemption team, it was truthfully totally random who was chosen. I first listed the losing teams up in order of which teams lost as well as how I listed their names back in chapter 16. Then I assigned them a number 1-8 using a random number generator to decide who would challenge who. Then I used the generator again to decide who won in those pairs depending on whose number was generated first within the pair. Then those winners were assign a number 1-4 and I used the generator again to decide the winners of that. It was a whole to do that ended with Asui and Hagakure as the redemption team. Idk, I wanted it to be fair. -shrugs-

Fun Facts About Japan:

Like I mentioned last chapter end notes, some of students get reeeeaaaaalllllyyyyy into janken. And not just gesturing with their whole body. Some literally jump in place, flail around when they win/lose, and I even witnessed a few that would collapse to the ground dramatically when they lost. It is absolutely hilarious and adorable how worked up they get playing janken, both the Japanese and English version. They also play janken all the time. No joke. During class, between class, during lunch, outside of school, etc. Any time they can. I would use it a lot during class time, too. For example, if we were playing a jeopardy type game and there was more than one group with the right answer, I would use janken to decide the winner. And they do use it during school lunch to decide who get's first dibs on seconds. This includes extra milk cartons and any left over food. (I would also join when it came to the milk, which I probably shouldn't have because I was a teacher and they were students. But one, I love milk and two, their shocked expressions when I did were hilarious. XD) Anyway, it really is the most fair, and most fun, way to make decisions.

Oh, other times I've used janken to make a decision. During class, I would use stickers as rewards for participation or those who won the games we played. (They looooove stickers.) Between classes, I would have some brave students who would ask for stickers and if they beat me at janken then I would let them have one. ;) (There was no limit to how many times they challenged me because I am not a monster.) Another time was during what they call a 'bazaar' which was basically a huge garage sale but at the schools. It's an event to raise money for the school. Students and parents a like would sell arts and crafts, books, bags, toys, clothes, household items, cleaning supplies, food, etc. Pretty much anything you could think of. And the students would be going around carrying their wares and trying to get anyone and everyone to buy from them. Especially the ALT. You just can't not buy from them. What with the puppy dog eyes and saying 'please teacher please'. XD I would totally buy from them the first time because their merch was usually about 100 yen (roughly 1 US dollar). Then if they came again asking for me to buy from them I would challenge them to janken and if they won I would. Any excuse to play.

That's it for part 5! Next week is part 6 and the end of the second day at UA. A tired man will finally meet face to face with a green one and a purple one. ;) Stay safe and let me know of typos or weirdness!

Chapter 19: A Tired Man Makes An Offer

Notes:

With chapter 19 comes part 6 and the conclusion to the second day at UA. Once again, a tired man is gracing us with his presence and finally meets our favorite unruly green and purple haired teens. What could this offer possibly be? Let's find out!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

This time when the purple one and green one entered Gym Gamma, Shouta was ready for them. He watched the two first years from the rafters as they started to train. Midoriya led Shinsou through a series of stretches to loosen up.

While their backs were turned to the Erasure Hero, Shouta expertly and silently lowered himself to the floor of the gym. He wanted to see how long it would take them to notice him. The man expected it would take a few minutes but as soon as his foot touched the ground, the green one froze.

Slowly, Midoriya turned around, his green eyes widening as he took in the sight of the dark and intimidating figure of the Underground Hero before him. Interesting. Good situational awareness. It wasn’t long that Shinsou, noticing his friend’s reaction, also turned and cursed under his breath in surprise.

“E-Eraserhead?!” the green one squeaked.

So, he can recognize me on sight, Shouta thought, one eyebrow raised. Though I shouldn’t be too surprised with those notes of his.

“Eraserhead? The one you talked about yesterday?” the purple one questioned, looking between the other two. Midoriya could only nod in reply unable to look away from the Hero.

“Eraserhead is my Hero designation,” the man drawled out. “My name is Aizawa Shouta. On UA campus, call me Aizawa.”

“A-Aizawa? As in Class 1-A’s expelled-two-students-on-the-first-day Aizawa?!” Midoriya exclaimed, his eyes somehow opened even wider. Shinsou’s face paled at that comment.

“Correct,” the man confirmed, taking a step closer to the pair. He noticed Shinsou was only slightly shorter than himself, but he towered over Midoriya. “They had shown no potential. I take my job as a Pro Hero and as a teacher very seriously. UA is one of the top schools for a reason and anyone who is hoping to coast through their time here has no right to walk these halls.”

“I get what you’re saying,” Midoriya said, tilting his head in confusion. “But it doesn’t explain what you’re doing here. We’re not in 1-A.”

Yet, Shouta thought to himself. He already saw the potential in these two students that slipped through the cracks. And he did conveniently have two open spots in his class after all.

“Yesterday, I happened to be taking a nap in here when it was interrupted by two students,” Shouta explained, scratching the scruff on his chin absentmindedly. “Turns out they were two first years training for the coming Sports Festival. I had planned to leave them to it, that is until this one…”

He pointed a finger at Midoriya, who blushed.

“…started talking about a certain Underground Hero…”

He pointed at himself.

“…in a level of detail that should have been impossible. Considering the amount of effort I put into avoiding the media, it came as a surprise finding out someone, a first year no less, knew not only my Hero name but also my Quirk and how it works.”

The two students were too intimidated to interrupt the man. Even if they weren’t, they wouldn’t know what to say.

“Not only that, but they knew about how I was able to transfer into the Hero Course,” Shouta continued. “Planning to follow in my foot steps and try to take the Sports Festival by storm. No easy task, I can assure you from experience. The chances are slim and the likelihood of failure is high. However…”

The Underground Hero’s black eyes pierced through green and purple ones, slowly switching from one to the other and back again.

“…I want to help you.”

“WHAT?!” Midoriya shrieked while Shinsou let out, “Holy shit!”

“I agree with you that both the Hero Practical and the Sports Festival are skewed to favor physical and flashy Quirks,” Shouta stated, as the green one sputtered nonsense words until the purple one flicked his arm. “I know firsthand that mental and non-combative Quirks are no match against robots. I have voiced for years how irrational it is to hold the practical the same way for all students. Differentiation is key to proper education and assessment.”

Who knows how many potential Heroes were lost because of a biased test. But, if these two could show that any Quirk, or lack thereof, could become a Heroic one, maybe something could finally be done to fix it.

“By training you, I hope to help you succeed in your goal of using the festival to prove your worth. In doing so, if you are able to place high enough and catch the principal’s eye, perhaps we can use it as a stepping stone. Proof that the current system is flawed and needs an overhaul to be more effective in finding those with the potential to be a Hero.”

“No pressure, then,” Shinsou snarked to break the tension in the room, drawing a snort from his friend.

“If you are going to help us,” Midoriya said, though he still couldn’t believe that the Eraserhead wanted to work with them. “What do you plan to do?”

“Like you said yesterday, Quirks are merely tools,” Shouta replied. “Take that away and what are you left with. For Shinsou…”

Purple eyes shot up to black ones in shock of the man knowing his name.

“…I agree with training you using your Quirk as well as without. Brainwashing can be a useful skill and has a lot of flexibility if you use it right. We can experiment with it to figure out what does and doesn’t work. But if you are up against an opponent that knows about it already, knowing how to fight without it will increase your chances. I can oversee your training when he is in the Support studio. As for you, Midoriya…”

The green one knew it was coming but he still flinched slightly in surprise.

“…you have a solid foundation already in hand-to-hand. Although you don’t have a Quirk, I have a feeling you plan to use those Quirk Replicating Support Items you talked about in your interview. It’s bold and has never been done before. I hope you’re prepared for the attention you’ll be getting, whether you succeed or not. I will help you refine your fighting technique as well as assist you or find another teacher to help practice with whatever Support Items you come up with.”

I’m sure Hizashi would be more than happy to help as well.

“I’m dreaming. Hitoshi-kun, am I dreaming? I must be because this can’t be real,” Midoriya rambled, not used to teachers wanting to help him.

“You’re not dreaming, Izuku,” Shinsou replied, flicking his friend’s arm again. “But we may have entered into a parallel universe that actually likes us for once.”

“If that were so, then it would have to be one where Katsuki acts more like a puppy rather than a feral cat.”

“Ha! Can you imagine? Him with a sappy smile on his face. Oh god, it feels wrong. You would have to counterbalance it by being as gloomy as possible. Complete with moody bangs.”

“What would that make you then?”

“Well, I would…”

Shouta watched the banter go back and forth between the two, becoming more exasperated by the second. Why? Why did I have to see potential in children who acted like this? It seemed it was his lot in life to be surrounded by annoying people.

“Problem children,” Shouta interrupted, eyes glowing red and black hair raising as he activated his Quirk.

“Eh? P-problem children?” Midoriya asked, tilting his head. “What do you mean?”

“You two, you’re going to be problem children. I just know it,” the tired man replied, his hair falling as he released his Quirk.

“You’re the one who offered to help us!” the green one exclaimed.

“I know and I’m sure I’ll regret it in one way or another,” the Hero stated. “But my offer still stands. Would you allow me to help train you? Both of you? I’ve already been through what you plan to do, so it only makes sense.”

“Can’t argue with that, Aizawa-sensei,” Midoriya said with a smirk.

Shouta raised a brow at the odd tonal emphasis on the honorific.

“It would be senseless to refuse,” Shinsou interjected, also smirking.

The man looked at them slightly confused. What are they…?

“His presence alone would be good for us,” Midoriya retorted.

They aren’t really…

“He could show us the essence of being a Hero,” Shinsou shot back.

Of course they are. Shouta groaned in annoyance as he realized they were making puns. Really, really bad ones.

“I don’t think he appreciates our sense of humor,” the green one shot back, making Shouta groan again at the continued puns.

“Do you want my help or not, problem children?” Shouta asked, running his hand down his face in annoyance.

“Yes, Aizawa-sensei!” the pair answered, though Midoriya with more energy and a brighter smile than Shinsou.

“Very well, let’s begin,” the Hero said, removing his capture weapon and goggles.

For next couple of hours, Shouta did his own tests to check their skills and limits. He had them spar with him as well so he could assess where to start. Shinsou’s face met the mat quickly but the taller teen kept getting back up which was good. Giving up so easily is not what a Hero does. Midoriya held his own for a longer time, deflecting and dodging while getting in some good hits and kicks. But eventually he too found himself faceplanted on the mat.

By the end of the training session, the students were exhausted with sore muscles and covered in bruises. But they were smiling as they lay on the mats working on catching their breathe while the man sat beside them. Shouta produced some water bottle for them to drink.

“Good work today, problem children,” the man said as he put his goggles and capture weapon back on. “I’ll work on a plan for your training and provide suggestions on what foods to eat. A proper diet is essential when training your body. I will guide you as best I can, but in the end, it’s up to you to achieve your goal.”

“Yes, Aizawa-sensei,” his new non-Hero students said in unison.

“Alright, with that, we’ll call it a day,” Shouta said, standing up from the mat. “Let’s clean up and I’ll walk you out.”

It didn’t take long with three people to put the mats away, clean up any mess they had made, and for the students to change back into their uniforms. The students collected their bags and the trio left Gym Gamma. The man walked the pair to the gate, asking questions about Shinsou’s Quirk and Midoriya’s previous training. As they approached the gate, the group stood around for few minutes talking.

“Oh, Midoriya, I almost forgot,” Shouta said once he finished asking all his questions. “Maijima gave me the goggles you made for me. I will have to test them before using them professional, but thank you.”

“You’re welcome!” the green one chirped, smiling brightly causing the other two to squint. “If you have any questions or issues with them, please let me know!”

“Too bright,” Shinsou commented, pulling out a pair of sunglasses and putting them on.

“Agreed,” Shouta concurred, thinking he should keep a pair on him as well. “Now go home, problem children. I have some paper work to finish up before returning home myself. I don’t want to keep my couch waiting.”

Or my cats and the cockatoo I call a husband.

“Thank you for your help today, Aizawa-sensei,” Midoriya said cheerfully, bowing in thanks. “I look forward to working with you.”

“Ditto,” Shinsou tacked on with a nod before turning to walk through the gate.

The man moved to head towards the main building but stopped when the green one called out to him.

“Oh, um, Aizawa-sensei?”

Aizawa hummed a reply as he turned toward the greenette.

“Tie your hair up or something. It gives your Quirk away.”

With that, the boy left with his friend as they made their way to their respective homes. Leaving behind a stunned Hero watching their retreating backs.

Problem child

Notes:

THE TRAINING WITH AIZAWA HAS BEGUN! :D Our tired caterpillar of a man sees potential in his newly acquired problem children. So basically the Dadzawa has officially begun and there will be much more in the future. Because Dadzawa is life.

Fun Facts About Japan:

Teaching in general is a profession that requires a lot of time and dedication. Japanese teachers are no different. Preparing lessons, gathering teaching materials, and planning out the timing of the lessons take a lot of work. Whether it be solo lessons or team teaching with the ALT. They put a lot of hours into lesson prep along with any other school activities they're involved in. Many, but not all teachers, have a homeroom as well as being in charge of a club activity. As an ALT, my hours were from 8:30 am to 4:15 pm Monday through Friday. Sometimes on Saturdays if there was an event or Parents Day where the parents come in to observe a lesson. If there was something on a Saturday, the following Monday was a day off. For the most part though, the ALT works 5 days a week for about 8 hours a day. But the other teachers, they get to school super early and stay super late outside of their scheduled hours along with any additional club activities like concerts or sports meets. I don't know or remember if they were paid overtime for it, but by staying late, they're showing their dedication to the job.

That concludes the second day! Next week we start the third day beginning with a talk between a certain mammal, a tired man, and a smart green bean. ;) Thanks for reading and let me know of typos or weirdness!

Chapter 20: A Talk With A Chimera

Notes:

We have reached chapter 20! Thank you so much to everyone who is reading and enjoying this! Thank you for every comment, kudos, bookmark, and/or hit! I really wrote this just to satisfy my own fangirl needs, but it makes me super happy that y'all are liking it too! ^_____^

With this chapter, we officially start the third day, part 1. Nezu finally has a talk with our smarty-pants Izuku. Go forth and see how that goes!

Linktree to all the things! This includes the discord, tumblr, and more! Join if you'd like! :D

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

When Izuku arrived at UA the next morning, he was met with a media circus crowding the front gates of the school. Oh boy. This is going to be unpleasant. Thankfully, he could put off having to deal with shoving his way through the mass of bodies as he waited for his friends.

“Damn,” Hitoshi said, yawning as he approached. “Wonder what’s got them all riled up this early in the morning.”

“I think they found out about All Might being a teacher here,” Izuku replied, scanning the crowd. “They keep questioning students about him. Which they’re not supposed to since they're minors. Ugh…it’s going to be such a pain to get through that.” A shiver ran up his spine at the thought of being pushed on all side by other bodies. He hated big crowds.

Thankfully, by that time, Aizawa had come to address the mass of reporters, making them disperse enough to let students through. Mei showed up at this time and they had no issue entering the campus. Izuku shot the Erasure Hero a grateful look and received a nod in return. Though he did jump when one adventurous reporter tried to enter too, activating the UA Barrier which slammed the gate shut in their face.

Mei and Izuku made it to 1-H with a few minutes to spare, allowing them time to ready themselves for homeroom. Soon after, Maijima arrived and homeroom began. With the normalcy of it all, he couldn’t help but smile. It was nice falling into a new routine.

“Good morning, class,” Maijima began, receiving a greeting in return. “First off, Midoriya…”

Again? Is calling me out going to be a recurring thing? Not the kind of routine I wanted to make.  

“Principal Nezu has requested to see you. Please bring your belongings and head to his office. And no, you’re not in trouble.” The last bit the teacher added as the other students teased him for being called out, again.

Izuku and Mei shared a look, both shrugging since neither knew why the principal would be interested in him. As Maijima continued with homeroom, the greenette packed his bag while the class started on their next task of choosing the class officers. Something that Izuku didn’t mind missing since he hoped to be transferred in the near future. As the 1-H students began to vote, he headed out of the classroom. It didn’t take him long to get to the principal’s office, and after steeling his nerve, he knocked on the door.

“Come in!” a voice called out from the room.

Cautiously, Izuku opened the door and entered the room. Principal Nezu was seated at his desk and Aizawa was leaning on the wall behind the mammal. Taking a breath to steady himself, the Support student walked into the room and made his way toward them.

“Thank you for joining us, Midoriya-kun,” Nezu greeted with a smile. “Please sit. We have something to discuss with you. Would you like some tea?” He gestured toward the seat in front of his desk as he pulled out a tea set.

Sitting down, Izuku graciously took the tea, took a sip, and turned his full attention toward the principal. “Wh-what is it that you wanted t-to talk to me about, sir?”

“Ah yes, there is something that Aizawa-san has brought to my attention,” Nezu explained. He picked up a piece of paper and held it out to Izuku. “Does this look familiar to you?”

The greenette took the paper and nodded his head, recognizing its contents immediately. It was a copy of his notes on Eraserhead from his notebook. He has a copy of it? Why? Izuku looked from the paper to the Hero himself with a questioning look.

“When Maijima came to give me the goggles you made,” Aizawa explained, tone neutral as ever. “He showed me that notebook of yours. Decided to make a copy of them. Impressive analysis by the way.” Izuku couldn’t help but blush as one of his favorite Heroes complimented him.

“Yes, quite impressive indeed,” Nezu agreed. “Such a skill is very useful, one that should be nurtured and refined. Which is why we have called you here this morning. Do you have this notebook with you? I’d like to take a look at it if you would allow me.”

“Oh, s-sure,” the student replied, reaching into his bag. “Just be c-careful with it, please. It’s…had a rough t-time.”

He handing the tattered notebook which the principal carefully took from him. Izuku watched as Nezu slowly flipped through the pages, his black eyes soaking up the information inside with intimidating speed. The student started to fidget as the minutes passed by.

“My my! This is more than I was expecting!” Nezu exclaimed. “This hobby of yours could rival a professional’s analysis work.”

“Y-you really think so?” Izuku asked, blushing slightly from the compliment.

“I do indeed. Your mind intrigues me, Midoriya-kun,” Nezu replied, placing the notebook down on his desk and bringing his paws together in front of him. “Such a skill as this is important in our line of work. Most people take years to train their minds to think as you do. Because of this, I have a proposition for you. Normally we don’t start analysis training until second year, but I think we should start yours as soon as possible. I would like to help you with this and take you as my personal student.”

Izuku didn’t miss when Aizawa seemed to flinch slightly at that. Is that a bad thing? Should I be worried? He looked toward the tired man, searching for answers but the man gave nothing away.

“Y-you want to t-teach me…personally?” Izuku asked as he turned back to the principal, not quite believing what he was hearing.

“Of course,” Nezu said smiling. Whether the smile was a good thing or not remained to be seen. “As you most likely know, my Quirk is High Specs which gives me an IQ that is higher than most humans. As such, I have a hard time finding someone with an intelligence to rival my own. Your analysis is something that I’ve taken a personal interest in to explore and improve. It would also be in UA’s best interest to help you hone this skill.”

Izuku didn’t know what to say, his mouth opening and closing like a fish in his loss for words. He swore he heard a chuckle from Aizawa that he covered with a cough. Sending a quick glare at the man, the greenette got a hold of himself again after a few deep breaths.

“I-I…okay, if I agreed to this,” Izuku said, his fist balled up on his knees. “How w-would that work exactly? I have a full c-class schedule, studio time, and I need to u-use the time after school to train.”

“Ah yes, I’ve been thinking about that,” Nezu said, turning to his computer. “I’ve heard from Yamada-san that you are fluent in English and your grades have been excellent in that subject at your previous schools. I think that the class time for that particular subject would be of better use improving your analysis, rather than studying a language you already know. We will talk with Yamada-san in regards to what assignments he would still require you to complete to pass the class, but other than that, I would like you to work on assignments set by me during that time.”

“I guess that could work,” Izuku responded, hand on his chin in thought. “I’ve been learning English since I was little. My dad works in America and thought it was an important skill to have. I was worried about being bored during that class actually. I had that issue in junior high school.”

“Then we are in agreement?” Nezu inquired. “That during your regular English classes, you will complete the necessary assignments in addition to analysis projects created by myself?”

“Yes, Nezu-sensei,” Izuku agreed, smiling with a determined look in his eyes. “Please take care of me.”

“Excellent! I’ll take care of the necessary steps to make this happen,” Nezu said, clapping his hands together happily. “I will need to talk with Yamada-san to notify him of the change as well as your homeroom teacher. In the meantime, I would like to inform you of your first assignment.”

“Already?” Wow, that was fast. Then again, he is Principal Nezu.

“No time like the present!” Nezu said as he scanned the pages of notes again. “Your first assignment is to put your notes into code. There must be a way to protect this information.”

“Eh?” Izuku let out, confused.

“One of the points Aizawa-san made was that your notes are vulnerable in their current state,” Nezu explained, looking up at his new personal student. “To which I have to agree. Your level of information and understanding could be dangerous in the wrong hands. I’m afraid I must request that we keep your notebooks here at UA for safe keeping.”

“Eh?!”

“Midoriya, we are not saying you can’t continue these notebooks,” Aizawa interjected to prevent the boy from freaking out too much. “However, we also cannot allow them to be vulnerable as they have been so far. If a Villain were to get their hands on your analysis, they could use it to do some real damage. We would like to bring them in and teach you to code your information to secure them.”

“Correct,” Nezu confirmed with a nod. “We only want to ensure your safety as well as secure the information you provide. I will help you develop a code for your notebooks which you will then use to rewrite them. That is my first assignment for you.”

“Y-you have a point,” Izuku complied, nervous hands fidgeting on his knees. “Nobody e-ever showed any interest in my n-notebooks before so I n-never really thought about it like that. Wh-when would you like me t-to bring them in by?”

“Today if convenient,” Nezu answered. “Aizawa-san has volunteered to accompany you home after school today to collect them. He will then bring them back here for safe keeping.”

“W-will I be able to use m-my notebooks at school?” Izuku asked hesitantly, afraid that they would say no. He couldn’t imagine not having his notebook with him, not after all these years of the hobby.

“I believe we can arrange some way to allow you access,” Nezu replied, handing back the notebook. “Perhaps checking out what you need and then returning it before leaving campus. At least until you have them all encoded. Though even once they are, I feel we should limit the number of them out in public. Just in case.”

“O-okay,” Izuku agreed. It made more sense to protect his notebooks the more he thought about it. “Is there a-anything else you wanted to talk about?”

“I believe that is all we needed to discuss today,” Nezu answered, before addressing the man next to him. “Unless you have anything, Aizawa-san?”

“Midoriya, are you planning on training with Shinsou today or working in the Support studio?” Aizawa asked.

“P-probably the studio,” Izuku replied, gathering his things and standing up. “I gave Hitoshi-kun a workout routine for when I can’t come, and I h-haven’t been able to work in the studio since I’ve been o-observing the Hero Training. There’s only so much time b-before the Sports Festival and I need to use it wisely.”

“Very well, I’ll meet you there when it’s time to leave,” Aizawa said with a nod. “But if you finish early, I’ll be working with Shinsou in Gym Gamma.”

“We’ll make sure to balance your time in the Support studio, Midoriya-kun,” Nezu added as his personal student made to leave. “You are a Support student after all. It wouldn’t do to prevent you from using our resources here in UA. You can go back to class. We’ll meet again to discuss your analysis training.”

“Thank you, Nezu-sensei and Aizawa-sensei,” Izuku said with a bow and then headed for the door.

~~~

Midoriya bowed again at the door and exited the office. Aizawa and Nezu watched his retreating form as the door closes. The man then walked around the desk and took the seat the boy had been sitting in.

“What is this training you mentioned, Aizawa-san?” Nezu asked, taking a sip of tea.

“Midoriya and another student, Shinsou Hitoshi, have been training for the Sports Festival since day one of starting at UA,” Aizawa explained. The principal typed in the new name and pulled up the student’s school profile. “Other than those notes, another tidbit that Midoriya knows is that I transferred into the Hero Course by placing high in the festival. Both Midoriya and Shinsou aim to do the same. They want to become Heroes.”

Nezu nodded for him to continue.

“As I’ve said many times, the Hero Practical is flawed. Shinsou’s Quirk is Brainwashing and has no effect on robots. He did try for the practical but failed because of that. Something he figured would happen and had applied for General Studies as a backup plan. Midoriya said he didn’t even bother to try because of, and I quote, ‘obvious reasons’.”

“His lack of Quirk, of course,” Nezu commented with an understanding nod.

“Correct. Maijima suspects he plans to use his proposed Quirk Replicating Support Items to get himself through the festival. To compensate for not having a Quirk.”

“An intriguing idea,” Nezu stated, continuing to sip his tea.

“On top of that, he has experience with hand-to-hand, something that many students lack or ignore. I watched Midoriya lead Shinsou through training on the first day and he’s got the ground work down. Shinsou was noticeably inexperienced but willing to learn. So, yesterday I offered to help train them.”

“That’s quite out of character for you, Aizawa-san,” the principal pointed out with a teasing tone. “Taking on students that are not your own?”

“They have potential,” Aizawa retorted with a huff, crossing his arms. “I hope that if they are able to achieve their goal for the festival, I can finally convince you that the Hero Practical needs an update and differentiation to be effective. Becoming a Hero should not be dictated by what Quirk you have. I, myself, didn’t pass the practical, as you know. Yet I am a Pro Hero now despite that set back. I believe they have the potential to as well.”

“I see. Well then, I will keep an eye out for them during the festival,” Nezu said, placing his paws together. “However, I will not show bias. They must prove themselves with their own strength and skills. As you did.”

“Agreed,” Aizawa said with a nod before getting up and heading towards the door. Before he left, he paused and glanced back at the principal. “When they get into the Hero Course, I call dibs.”

With that, he left to relieve Yamada from covering his homeroom. The wording on his parting comment did not go unnoticed by the principal.

Not if, when.

Notes:

Smart Izuku has been recognized by Smart Nezu!!! I love love love when Izuku's brain gets the appreciation it deserves and especially by Nezu. As to how their combined smartness will affect the world, you'll just have to wait to find out. ;) Chaos reigns!

So yeah, Izuku is going to be getting help with his analysis as well as learning to code his notes. 'Cause how are they not seen as dangerous in canon? I have some ideas on the kinds of assignments Nezu will give him in the future, but if you have a suggestion too I am all ears...or eyes since it would be a comment here. Anyway.

Fun Facts About Japan:

Once again, I've stated that Izuku is fluent in English. And there are actually students who are fluent in English in junior high in Japan. Not the majority by far but they do exist. Whether from being raised in a country that teaches English as a second language much sooner and then moving to Japan. For example, several of the fluent students I had were originally from the Philippines and even one of my coworkers was from there as well. Or they're fluent because they themselves genuinely want to be proficient in English and have taken extra classes outside of school for it. Which can be those from out of country as well as from within. I would feel bad for those particular students because, especially in first year or about 7th grade, the English level taught in junior highs is more towards the US elementary school level. It does go higher as they progress each year, but if the student already knows the content it can be rather boring. So I would make a point to talk to them when we did have class together so they can get their own English practice in but at a more appropriate proficiency level.

That's it for this chapter! Next up, Izuku reflects on how different UA is from his previous schools, lunch happens, and wait...someone tries to break in to UA?! Oh my. Until next time, thanks for reading and let me know of typos or weirdness! :)

Chapter 21: UA Is Different

Notes:

It's part 2 of the third day! Reflections are had, lunch happens, and a breach in security! Oh my! Let's go!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

After leaving the principal’s office, Izuku returned to 1-H just as homeroom ended. The other Support students gave him fleeting questioning looks but he ignored them as he went to his seat. He let out a sigh as he sat down and put his head on his desk with a ‘thunk’. His friend noticed his mood and got up from her own desk to comfort him.

“What did the principal want, Izuku?” Mei asked, rubbing circles on his back with her hands. “Nothing bad, I hope.”

Head still on his desk, the greenette let out a flustered sigh before moving slightly to look at his friend.

“Mei-chan, UA is so confusing,” Izuku said, lifting his head and rubbing his temples. “It’s nothing like any of the other schools I’ve been to.”

“You haven’t answered my question, Izuku,” Mei stated, sitting back in her own seat.

Apparently, Maijima-sensei showed my notebook to Eraserhead,” he explained. “Who, it turns out, is Aizawa-sensei, Class 1-A’s homeroom teacher. He then in turn showed a copy of the section on himself to Principal Nezu. Who then was impressed enough that now Nezu-sensei offered to take me as his personal student to help with my analysis.”

“The principal wants to teach you analysis?!” the pinkette exclaimed. “Hero-kun, that’s great! If he helps you then your notes will be better. Which means we can make even better babies!”

“Context,” Izuku muttered, letting out a sigh. “It is great. I know that. But it’s all a bit…overwhelming. I’m not used to teachers actually wanting to help me. And now, Nezu-sensei wants to teach me and yesterday Aizawa-sensei offered to help Hitoshi-kun and I train for the Sports Festival. It’s just SO MUCH.”

With another sigh, he faceplanted on his desk again and Mei smiled warmly at him with solemn understanding. She knew about how his life at his last school was. As their friendship had grown, he had told her that she was the first real friend he had had since his diagnosis at the age of four. Once it had come out that he was Quirkless, the other kids had begun to distance themselves from him. Not even his childhood friend stayed by his side.

Ignoring and avoiding had slowly turned to bullying. Thankfully, anything physical ended after he started training in self-defense, but that did nothing to stop the verbal abuse from his peers. Comments that he was weak, useless, good for nothing, and other attempts to tear his dream apart. The cusp being Katsuki’s suicide baiting less than a year ago. The teachers weren’t much help either, turning a blind eye to the bullying or down playing anything he tried to come to them with. Sometimes going so far as ‘mishearing’ or ‘misplacing’ any evidence.

He had never let how others treated him change who he was though. He had his mom after all and she supported him to the best of her ability. His dad was on his side too, even if he was on the other side of the world to provide for them. And now he has Mei, Hitoshi, Kirishima, and Uraraka. Along with Maijima, Aizawa, and Nezu. Even All Might...in his own way. Not to mention Stain…or should I start calling the man Akaguro-san? The way his support system had grown recently sort of felt like the universe was making up for so many years with such a sparse one.

Alright, that’s enough of a walk down memory lane and self-reflection.

The next few classes went as normal. Since Nezu had yet to talk to Yamada, during English class he helped out the teacher with passing out papers and helping any students having trouble. Though since it was the beginning of the year, most of the work was reviewing what they had learned in middle school. Izuku was really looking forward to using the time to practice his analysis instead.

Soon lunch time came and Izuku and Mei met up with Hitoshi at their now usual table. They were joined by Uraraka again but there was someone else with her too. He was tall and had short dark blue hair and blues eyes behind square glasses. He gave off a somewhat stiff and serious appearance.

“Hey Mido and Co.!” Uraraka greeted. “Kirishima had other plans, but is it ok if Iida joins us today?”

“Sure, Uraraka-san, Iida-kun, please join us,” Izuku answered, gesturing toward the seats which the newcomers took. “What’s Kirishima-kun doing?”

“He’s trying to tame the class’s angry Pomeranian,” she answered, making Hitoshi snort.

“Uraraka-san! That is no way to talk about a classmate!” Iida reprimanded with weird arm chopping motions, though no one paid him much attention.

The group glanced across the cafeteria to see the redhead sitting next to Katsuki along with Kaminari, Sero, and Ashido. The blonde looked pissed but Izuku knew that if he didn’t actually want to be there, he would have left the group already.

“Well, good for him,” Izuku said, making eye contact with his red-haired friend and gave a smile and a quick nod before turning away. “Sure, Katsuki is a jerk to me, but if Kirishima-kun wants to be his friend then I’m fine with that.”

“That’s really nice of you, Mido,” Uraraka said with a warm smile. “Oh! Let me introduce you. Mido, this is Iida Tenya from Class 1-A. Iida, this is Midoriya Izuku from Class 1-H.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Midoriya-kun,” Iida greeted with a stiff bow and a firm smile.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Iida-kun!” Izuku chirped with his own bow and smile. “These are my friends. Hatsume Mei in 1-H with me and Shinsou Hitoshi from 1-C.”

“Nice ta meetcha,” Mei said, offering her customary handshake.

“Sup,” Hitoshi greeted with a casual bow.

Iida quirked a brow at their unique versions of greetings, but said nothing more than greeting in return. With introductions finished, everyone started eating and chatting casually.

“Oh, Iida-kun, I’ve been meaning to ask,” Izuku said suddenly between bites. “Are you related to Ingenium?”

The bluenette abruptly stopped eating, almost dropping his spoonful of curry rice.

“…yes, he’s my older brother,” Iida answered, slightly flushed. “How did you…?”

“Your Quirk. I noticed you have an Engine-based Speed-type Quirk like him,” the greenette explained. “Though yours are in your legs while Ingenium’s are in his arms.”

“Engine Quirks run in my family,” the taller boy confirmed, slightly stunned. “But how did you know about my Quirk? I don’t believe I’ve met you before today.”

Izuku froze. Crap. That’s right. He doesn’t know I’m the one who observed them yesterday. He looked pleadingly at Uraraka for help.

“Actually, Iida…you have met him before,” the brunette said. “You know the student who was watching our class during training yesterday? That was Mido.”

Iida turned his attention to Izuku who took out the beanie and goggles to show he was telling the truth.

“I see…but why the disguise?” Iida asked, fixing his glasses.

“It’s because of Katsuki,” Izuku explained, causing Iida to glance over at the blonde across the lunch room. “We’ve known each other since we were kids, but he doesn’t like me very much. I didn’t want our ‘issues’ to disrupt your class’s training. So, I…’hid’.”

“I appreciate your consideration for our education, Midoriya-kun,” Iida commended.

“Oh ah, y-you’re welcome, Iida-kun,” the greenette answered bashfully while he rubbed the back of his head. “Um, I do have a request though?”

“What is it?” Iida asked.

“If you’re around Katsuki, please call me Hiro instead of my name,” Izuku said. “To help with the disguise, you know?”

“Yeah, like a code name!” Uraraka chimed in.

“Of course, Midoriya-kun,” Iida agreed with a nod. “If I may ask, why go so far as a disguise and codename? What would Bakugou-kun do if he knew it was you?”

Taking a breath, Izuku replied, “Because he would tell everyone that I’m Quirkless.”

Iida’s eyes widened in surprise at his answer, but simply said, “I see. And I’m guessing you want to be the one to tell people?”

“Yes.”

The blunette gave a nod in understanding and said, “Very well. I will help you keep your secret. So, did you have any other questions about my brother?”

Mei and Hitoshi shared a look as Izuku broke down into a fanboy onslaught of questions for the engine teen, notebook already out and pencil in hand. The two friends knew that Iida had no idea what he had just unleashed. The pinkette turned back to her chocolate brownie while the purple-haired teen rolled his eyes and smirked at the scene in front of him.

Uraraka was so stunned at the rapidly shot questions that she was still holding her bite of rice in front of her mouth, eyes wide mid bite. Iida was doing his best to keep up with the greenette, answering which ever questions he could understand from the onslaught of words. All while Izuku was talking non-stop with his pencil racing across the paper. It was a sight to behold.

Finally, Hitoshi took pity on the Hero students. “Izuku.

“Yes, Hitoshi-ku…” The questions finally stopped as a blank look spread over Izuku’s face. His eyes vacant, mouth slightly open, hand lax as his pencil fell to the table. The brainwasher gently released his Quirk and life returned to the other’s eyes.

“Number one, breathe,” Hitoshi teased, making his friend blush. “Two, you need to give time for people to actually answer between your questions. Three, eat your food before lunch is over.”

“R-right,” Izuku said, blushing as he picked up his chopsticks to continue eating his katsudon. Or at least he had tried to when the alarms suddenly started going off and he dropped his chopsticks.

SECURITY LEVEL 3 HAS BEEN BROKEN. ALL STUDENTS, PLEASE EVACUATE IN AN ORDERLY FASHION.

There was a sudden panic, students running around and trying to get out.

“What’s security level 3?!” Iida yelled at a passing upperclassman.

“It means that someone’s managed to infiltrate the campus and got past the barrier!” the other student shouted back. “This hasn’t happened before in the three years I’ve been here. We gotta get out of here!”

In the hysteria, the scrambling students became a mob, pushing against each other in an effort to escape. Izuku found himself squished against a window with Iida and Uraraka close by. Mei and Hitoshi were lost somewhere in the crowd. Looking out the window, he could see reporters harassing some of the teachers, well past the UA Barrier.

“Iida, Uraraka!” Izuku shouted, getting their attention. “It’s just the media from this morning! The teachers are handling it! We need to get everyone to calm down!”

“What do we do?!” Uraraka asked, trying to stay near them as the mass of students shifted.

“Uraraka, make Iida float!” he ordered. “Iida! You need to get somewhere that will get everyone’s attention! Use your Quirk if you have to!”

“Right!” the Hero students said. Iida reached out his hand to Uraraka who, after a few attempts, managed to graze him with her fingers. Gravity released its hold on him and he floated above the crowd. Igniting the engines in his legs, Iida began flying forward, spinning out of control until he crashed into the wall above the door.

Despite the situation, Izuku couldn’t help but snicker at his strange looking posture. Iida’s arms and legs were positioned in a way that looked like the stick figure on exit signs.

“EVERYONE, CALM DOWN!” Iida shouted, catching the mass of students’ attention. “It’s only the media! There is nothing to panic about. Everything is fine!”

The students couldn’t look away as Iida took control of the situation.

“We are students of UA. We need to remain calm and behave in a way that befits this great institution!”

With his speech, the crowd finally calmed down and slowly dispersed. Izuku was glad to have his personal space back, signing in relief. Everyone returned to their seats in the cafeteria, finishing up their lunches in the little time remaining.

Notes:

So, we've gotten a bit of a look into Izuku's childhood. (Honestly, I had no idea how I was going to have Izuku's childhood go which is why the first chapter of this fic is so short and jumpy. Plus, I just really wanted to get to Stain showing up.) But as I've been writing, I've been finding myself adding snippets and such of his past as they relate to the story. Most from another character's point of view. Plus, if you think about it, with Izuku's forgiving nature, he's kind of an unreliable narrator when it comes to the extent of what others have done to him in the past. At least that's my impression. Also, it's my story and I'll do what I want. :P But yeah, we'll get glimpses into Izuku's past every now and then as the story progresses.

I want names to be important in this story. Like with Kacchan being demoted to Katsuki. Now, my version of Izuku is a polite boy who uses honorifics with others unless, like Katsuki, he's known them for a really long time or if they specifically ask for something different. Like Mei-chan. However, I feel that in moments of stress and when Izuku goes into leader mode, he drops them to save time. Just a small detail I'm adding. :)

Tally for who knows Izuku is Hiro: Mei, Hitoshi, Kirishima, Uraraka, All Might, and now Iida.

Tally for who knows Izuku is Quirkless: Mei, Hitoshi, Kirishima, Uraraka, Todoroki, All Might, Maijima, Aizawa, Nezu, and now Iida. (Though again, Todoroki knows Izuku is Quirkless but not who Izuku is exactly.)

Fun Facts About Japan:

Let's talk about curry rice or カレーライス (karee raisu). This dish is why I had to specify between Indian curry and Japanese curry while teaching. Curry rice is a very popular dish in Japan and it's pretty simple. It's curry and rice. (Go figure, right? XD ) The curry is more savory than spicy since a lot of the Japanese people I met were very sensitive to spice. We would have a version of carne asada for school lunch and the students would complain about the spice. While me, being from the Southwest and growing up on Mexican food, was all 'what spice?'. Anyway, curry rice has meat, potatoes, onions, and carrots in a curry sauce served over white rice. You can get a prepackaged portion of the meat and veggies in many Japan supermarkets ( スーパー , suupaa) specifically for making curry rice. There are also packets you can buy of the sauce mix. The one I've seen in the Asian food sections of my local grocery stores in the US is called Golden Curry which is pretty good and one that is found in Japan and the US. Or going to an Asian market would probably have more of a selection, I would guess. In case you were interested in making it yourself. ^_____^

That's it for chapter 21! Coming up, Hiro-kun observes 1-B's training and has a talk with a copy cat! Thanks for reading and let me know of typos or weirdness! :)

Chapter 22: 1-B Battle Training: Sometimes It's Ok To Copy

Notes:

Welcome back with a new chapter! We've got part three of the third day and it comes with 1-B Battle Training! Again, I wasn't originally planning to write these out like the 1-A battles that get skimmed over in canon. But after writing those and feeling pretty happy with them, I thought I should give 1-B their time to shine as well. And it was interesting looking into those characters more since we don't get as much exposure to 1-B as 1-A. So yeah! Hope you enjoy! ^___^

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

After lunch, Izuku donned his disguise in case any of the students in 1-B mentioned a green haired boy observing their class anywhere near Katsuki. He hesitantly made his way to Ground Beta, not entirely sure if the schedule was the same after the media had broken in. But when he got there, the door to the observation room was unlocked and the screen was all set up. All Might arrived soon after he did and again deflated as they waited for the rest of the students.

“Young Midoriya, glad to see you’re here early,” Yagi said, waving. The way his Hero costume pooled around his skeletal form was still a weird sight to see. Like he was wading in a pool of patriotism. “I noticed you had asked young Kirishima about the other 1-A students' names yesterday. So, I prepared this for you today.”

He handed the Support student a list of the students that included a picture of them, their name, and the name of their Quirk. It was enough information to help him organize his notes for the class.

“Thank you, All Might!” Izuku said as he set up his station with the class roster, his notebook, and pen case. “This will help a lot since I don’t know anyone in 1-B to ask. I actually wasn’t sure if this class was going to happen still, to be honest. What with the break in at lunch and all.”

“Huh, that’s a good point,” All Might commented, a hand on his chin in thought. “Well, in case there is any confusion for our classes together in the future, let me give you my number.” He held out his hand for the student’s phone.

Izuku was internally screaming as he handed his phone to his idol and had to fight down a squeal as All Might punched his number into his phone before handing it back. Oh my god, I have the Number One Hero’s number! He saved the contact under Yagi Toshinori and sent a quick message so that All Might would have his number in return. It almost didn’t seem to be real.

Soon, like yesterday, when they heard the students approaching, All Might buffed up while Izuku adjusted his disguise and they met the students outside. Once again, Izuku was dwarfed as he stood next to All Might, but he didn’t care. He was too distracted by the Hero students’ costumes. They varied in design as much as 1-A’s did and were fascinating to look at.

There’s even a mushroom! That has to relate to her Quirk!

All Might began the class and introduced Izuku as the special guest once again. This time he was prepared for his self-introduction.

“Hello! Please call me Hiro!” he said with more confidence. Knowing what was expected of him and the disguise helped. “I’m from the Support Course and I’m here to observe your Quirks! Like I did with 1-A yesterday.”

“Already showing favoritism to 1-A?” a student drawled. He had blonde hair, blue eyes, and a conceited smirk on his face. His costume looked like something a magician would wear. A suit jacket with long wide tails and black suit pants. He had three clock-like devices on his belt. “Don’t look down on us because we’re 1-B.”

“I never said I was looking down on anyone,” Izuku retorted, tilting his head confused. What is it with blondes and superiority complexes?  “1-A just happened to be scheduled before you. I’ll still be observing you the same as I did with them.”

The blonde simply clicked his tongue and All Might went into the explanation and team selection. Same as yesterday. Though this time there would be no redemption team. 1-B still had all twenty students after all.

1-B Battle Training Teams :

Team A : Tokage Setsuna and Honenuki Juuzou

Team B : Awase Yousetsu and Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu

Team C : Fukidashi Manga and Kodai Yui

Team D : Kaibara Sen and Rin Hiryuu

Team E : Shouda Nirengenki and Kendou Itsuka

Team F : Monoma Neito and Kuroiro Shidai

Team G : Tsubaraba Kousei and Bondo Kojirou

Team H : Yanagi Reiko and Komori Kinoko

Team I : Shishida Juurouta and Tsunotori Pony

Team J : Kamakiri Togaru and Shiozaki Ibara

Once again, All Might decide each match by drawing from two boxes, Heroes first and Villains second. Each time, Izuku would refer to the student list and make his note grid to prepare. The students would have the same equipment provided and a five-minute prep period. Then after the match’s winner was called the class would discuss and then move on to the next.

Shouda and Kendou VS Shishida and Tsunotori

The Hero team, Shouda and Kendou, were a good match. They both had enhanced strength and were good at strategy. Shouda was long range while Kendou was close range. It was interesting to watch Shouda’s Twin Impact work. Hitting an opponent or object once and then being able to have a second more powerful impact. It allowed him to get two attacks in instead of just one.

Kendou’s Quirk was pretty straight forward on the surface. Big Fist literally allowed her hands to become gigantic. The added size didn’t seem to weigh her down. It did increase her strength and gripping capabilities. Despite it seeming like a simple body enlargement Quirk, she wielded it in a creative way.

The Villain team also worked well together. Shishida used his Beast Quirk to cover their position fighting Kendou hand to giant hand. His Quirk increased his strength, speed, senses, and durability. He was able to detect the Heroes approaching early enough for them to get into positions. His durability allowed him to keep up with Kendou, preventing her from getting anywhere near the bomb.

Tsunotori covered their long range, using her Quirk, Horn Cannon, to deflect any attacks Shouda sent with Twin Impact. She also would send any horns she could spare towards Kendou to help her partner in his own fight. The four students battled on until the time ran out.

The Villain team was declared the winner.

Kaibara and Rin VS Awase and Tetsutetsu

Awase and Tetsutetsu concentrated on a defensive battle plan to protect their bomb. Both were close range fighters, Awase with his Weld Quirk was better at stealth and Tetsutetsu’s Steel made him a human shield. After hearing them talk through the earpiece, Tetsutetsu seemed like someone who chose the simplest solution rather than coming up with a complex plan while Awase seemed fine with going along with their simple plan.

Once the match began, Awase acted as their scout, showing skills in stealth before returning to help protect the bomb once the Heroes approached. Tetsutetsu’s skin morphed into steel and readied for an attack while Awase stayed behind him as an additional line of defense for the bomb.

When the Heroes arrived, Rin jumped in first while activating his Scales Quirk, matching Tetsutetsu’s steel fist with his own scale covered punch. Kaibara aided in the attack, using Gyrate to spin his limbs and aimed a powerful attack at the metallic teen. Rin switched between fighting Tetsutetsu and shooting scales towards Awase to keep him at bay. Without being able to get close, Awase couldn’t use his Weld Quirk to help his partner.

As the fight continued, Izuku noticed that Tetsutetsu began to tire from the ongoing assault and his steel skin started to wear down. Kaibara was able to pin him down and wrap the capture tape around the other boy’s wrists. Rin went after Awase, constantly shooting scales at him while the other dodge. With the remaining Villain distracted, Kaibara was able to make his way to the bomb and ‘capture’ it by placing his hand on it.

This round the Hero team claimed victory.

Tokage and Honenuki VS Tsubaraba and Bondo

The class made comments wondering how the Villain team would fair in this battle. Izuku could understand why even without knowing how their Quirks worked. The Hero team consisted of the two Recommended students in 1-B. Ones that had already proven they had the skills to be a Hero enough to not have to take the regular Hero Practical. But he reserved judgement because, again, he doesn’t know how their Quirks work.

The Villain team had prepared an assortment of traps for the Heroes to find. Tsubaraba used his Solid Air Quirk to place various invisible barriers to slow the Heroes down. He kept an eye and ear out for the Hero team, listening for if any of his barriers were broken. Bondo served as their main defense, waiting in ready to use his Cemedine Quirk. He had already applied some patches of his glue-like substance on the floor as additional traps.

The Heroes quickly found the Villains without alerting the enemy before showing up in the bomb room. Honenuki had used his Softening Quirk to make their way through the walls of air while Tokage, using Lizard Tail Splitter, separated one of her eyes to scout around corners. As they entered the room, Tsubaraba went after Honenuki, putting up barrier after barrier to trap the Hero. Tokage shot parts of herself towards the bomb which Bondo was able to immobilize by shooting his glue at them.

They battled for a while, each student wearing down from using their Quirks so much. Honenuki was able to capture Tsubaraba as he ran out of breath. Izuku made a note for him to practice breathing exercises to increase his lung capacity. Tokage tired from controlling her levitating body parts to dodge Bondo’s Quirk, but he was able to trap enough of her body to take her out of the fight. Bondo then shot more glue at Honenuki who did his best to escape it, but was captured quickly by the remaining Villain.

The class was shocked that the two Recommended students had lost to the Villain team.

Fukidashi and Kodai VS Monoma and Kuroiro

Izuku was very curious on how Monoma’s Copy Quirk worked, wondering what his limitations were. Could he copy more than one? If so, how many? Was there a time limit? Could he copy any Quirk or was he limited to certain physical or mental Quirks? If not, there was a lot of versatility with a Quirk like that.

The Heroes entered the building and were immediately cautious. The halls were very dark, to the point where All Might brought up windows to show an infrared view like he had down for Hagakure yesterday. The students watched as the Heroes crept through the darkness.

The match didn’t last very long. Not as fast as Todoroki’s battle, but it was still very quick. Monoma had copied Kuroiro’s Black Quirk, allowing them both to merge with the darkness and sneak up on the Hero team. The coping student managed to brush his fingers against Fukidashi, whose Quirk was called Comic. The blonde left into the darkness and hid in a corner out of sight of the Heroes. He began to quietly mutter onomatopoeias that then became physical words.

So, he can copy more than one Quirk? But can only use one Quirk at a time?

Monoma distracted the Heroes with various onomatopoeias, ranging from ‘sawa sawa’ making a rustling sound to ‘gashan’ for a crashing noise. Between each word, he would slip back into the darkness to a different hiding place. Effectively confusing the Heroes and allowing Kuroiro to capture them, one after the other.

The Villain team won without the Hero team getting anywhere near the bomb or using their Quirks. Leaving Izuku’s notes with several observations about Monoma’s Copy, a few on Kuroiro’s Black and Fukidashi’s Comic, but nothing on Kodai’s Size Quirk.

Yanagi and Komori VS Kamakiri and Shiozaki

When the Hero team made it to the bomb room, the intimidation factor was definitely on the Villain’s side. Kamakiri towered over everyone in the room, blades from his Razor Quirk sticking out from his forearms menacingly. Shiozaki, using her Vine Quirk, had spread her vine-like hair throughout the room, standing next to the bomb while her partner took point.

Yanagi and Komori kept their distance as neither of them were much for close ranged fights. Komori used her Mushroom Quirk to make mushrooms bloom and spread through the room, while Yanagi used Poltergeist to send any loose objects in the room flying at the Villains. Kamakiri would hack and slash at the flying debris and Shiozaki manipulated her vines to try and capture the Heroes.

As time passed, more and more mushrooms sprouted until the Villains were entirely covered in them and couldn’t see. Yanagi picked Komori up with her Quirk and flung her at the bomb. Securing a win for the Hero team.

It was a good lesson to not judge an opponent on their appearance alone.

After the last match, Class 1-B gathered together for one last discussion before the students were sent to change back into their uniforms. Izuku was finishing up his notes when he was approached by one of the Hero students.

“So, what did you think of Class 1-B?” Monoma said, as he advanced towards the Support student. “Would you say we’re better that 1-A?”

Ah. The one with the superiority complex.

“I’m not sure why you’re so focused on that,” Izuku replied, looking up from his notebook. “I find all of your Quirks fascinating, both 1-A and 1-B. All of you have very useful Quirks for Hero work. Yours especially.”

“M-mine?” Monoma stuttered, slightly taken aback but quickly recovered his usual slightly smug face.

Or was it more of a mask?

“Well sure! At your base, you do only have one Quirk,” he explained, looking at his notes. “But with it, you can copy another’s Quirk to add an advantage to the fight. I also noticed you could hold a copy of more than one Quirk at a time. Which I would have to guess is up to three at this point since you have three clocks on your belt. You seem to be limited to use one at a time but can switch between them at will. That kind of versatility would be very useful in the field…”

He managed to stop his rambling when he glanced up and took in the other boy’s face of shock, confusion, and awe.

“A-are you okay?” Izuku asked in concern.

“You…you are one weird kid,” Monoma replied, smiling slightly. It was warmer than his other smile had been. “But you’re a good one. You really think my Quirk is useful like that?”

“Of course!” Izuku chirped, smiling brightly. “If you think about it, having your Copy Quirk means you could be useful in any kind of situation. Fighting Villains, rescuing civilians, gathering information. With your Quirk, the possibilities are endless! You have the natural capacity to have three times the power than anyone, more than I could ever have. Being able to copy and wield three Quirks is amazing!”

“Three times the power more than you could ever have?” Monoma asked, brow quirked. “What do you mean?”

“Your Quirk is Copy, Monoma-kun,” the Support student explained, his smile dimmed into a smaller sadder one. “To some it may seem ‘weaker’ but it’s a Quirk you can use to make yourself strong. I don’t have anything like that to make myself strong like you can. You see, I don’t have a Quirk to start with.”

Monoma couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He instinctively reached out to touch the other boy but actually hesitated and waited for a nod from Izuku before making contact. As he touched the shorter boy on the shouldler, he couldn’t feel the expected tingle of copying another Quirk as he usually did.

Huh, he really is Quirkless.

“Now you know, and I ask that you don’t tell anyone else,” Izuku said with a solemn smile. “I understand what it’s like to be considered ‘weak’ because of my Quirk status. I’ve lived with this all my life. But it doesn’t define who I am. Yours doesn’t define you either. You are the only one who decides what you are worth or not. But also, don’t let it cloud your judgement of others. Every person, and Quirk for that matter, has the potential to be great. If you learn how to use it right and for the right reasons.”

The blonde didn’t know what to say after that, still in shock from finding someone who understood what it felt like to be seen as ‘weak’ and who also saw so much potential for his Quirk. This other boy had given him so much to think about. Realizing that he still needed to change, Monoma gave a short goodbye and a thanks for the kind words before hurrying off to the changing rooms. Izuku watched him go before following All Might to discuss his notes on 1-B.

~~~

After talking All Might through his notes on 1-B’s Battle Training, Izuku finally was free to go to the Support studio. Something he had been looking forward to since he got his acceptance letter. Eager to start building things again, he made his way through the halls, practically skipping with excitement.

When he approached the door, he paused in front of it to just take in the moment. Once he entered this room, it would finally solidify it for him that he was in the Support Course at UA. With a smile, he grabbed the door handle and slid the door open.

What greeted him was a scene of chaos. Well, at least a corner of the room was in chaos. There were a few students working on projects, but what drew his attention was Mei being her normal chaotic self in the corner. It seemed her latest baby had exploded and she was now being scolded by their homeroom teacher.

“Hatsume, we have safety rules in the studio for a reason!” Maijima reprimanded. The pair were surrounded by smoke probably caused by one of her babies exploding. Again.

“If I don’t experiment with everything available, I’ll never know what works!” Hatsume retorted with a crazed smile. Izuku shook his head fondly with a smile and walked over to his friend.

“I’m sorry about Mei-chan, Maijima-sensei,” he said, approaching the pair. “But she’s always like this in the lab. I’ll do my best to tone her down.”

Mei shot him a playful glare and stuck her tongue out. The greenette pretended not to notice and looked at their teacher with an assuring smile. He had plenty of experience of dealing with his friend’s chaotic nature in the lab and knew how to handle her antics.

“Ah, Midoriya, glad to see you finally in the studio,” Maijima said, letting out a sigh of relief. “How did the Hero Training go?”

“I’m glad to be here!” Izuku beamed, taking out his notebook. “I was able to get a lot of information from observing them fight. I do have some questions and suggestions for each student still. There were a few students I couldn’t really analyze due to the fights ending before they used their Quirks.”

“Understood,” Maijima affirmed with a nod.

The greenette opened the notebook to the start of his 1-A notes and handed them to the Support teacher. The redhead looked over his notes, turning the pages as he skimmed until he went through 1-A and 1-B. Izuku looked over his teachers shoulder as he read and would point out any particular questions he had. When they got to Hagakure, Maijima confirmed that she wasn’t naked and did in fact have a costume. It was made specially using her own hair similar to a Hero costume that was made for a third year with a Permeation Quirk.

Thank goodness. ' Cause that would have be awkward, not to mention dangerous, if she was actually naked. Though I’m still questioning the design for Yaoyorozu.

Said point was brought up by Izuku to his teacher who, after his student explained the design, couldn’t help but agree that it could use a redesign. The man informed him that he could asked Yaoyorozu if she was comfortable with her costume and work with her to create a new design if she wasn’t.

“These are a good start, Midoriya,” Maijima said, nodding his head as he finished reading. “Can I borrow your notebook again? I’d like to input this information in the student files, if that’s alright. That way, any Support student who needs information to help in making Support Items for them can access it. I should have it done by tomorrow.”

“Oh sure, that’s fine,” Izuku agreed easily, more confident that he would get his notebook back this time. “I have some projects that I’d really like to get started on. I’ve already missed two days in the studio and there’s only so much time before the Sports Festival.”

“I’ll leave you to it, then,” Maijima nodded and turned towards the computers at the front of the room.

As the teacher walked away, Izuku removed his uniform jacket, storing it safely in his backpack, and put on one of the provided coveralls for Support students. Grease stains are difficult to get out!

“So, Hero-kun, what’s first on the agenda?” Mei asked, slinging an arm around his shoulders once he was done.

The greenette reached back into his bag and pulled out another notebook, this one titled ‘Quirk Replication No. 1’. He flipped through the pages until he landed on a particular Hero’s page.

“I think I’ll start with these first,” he said, looking at the schematics he had drawn. “I worked out most of the bugs working on prototypes in your lab at home. But I’ll need some time to practice using them before the festival.”

Mei looked down at the notes and raised a brow in confusion. “Who’s Gran Torino?”

Notes:

Hope you liked 1-B's battles! Just like with 1-A's janken tournament, I did the same amount of random number generating to decide who teamed up with who and which teams faced off. The order was completely random and I did not force any pairings. Which somehow led to the two 1-B recommended students on the same team. (They're Tokage Setsuna and Honenuki Juuzou by the way if you didn't know.) I swear upon Izuku himself that I did not rig that! Scouts honor! Oh, another pairing that I was super happy that happened was with Monoma and Kuroiro. That fight was fun to plan even if it was quick. Anyway, same with 1-A's additional fights, I researched each character on their Quirks, abilities, and personalities to determine how the pairings worked together and how the fights panned out. So I hope y'all liked it! ^____^

If you want to know more about how I figured out 1-B's pairings and fights, please check here!

Now, Izuku has talked to Monoma. Will they be friends? I'm not entirely sure myself 'cause I'm still figuring out future interactions. But they will at the very least be amicable with each other. Also, as someone pointed out in the comments last chapter, they could totally geek out over quirks together. Analysis buddies! And I feel that Izuku will be like Kendou when calling Monoma out on his rants and such about 1-A.

Izuku has finally made it to the studio! :D Seriously, UA, give the green bean time to build things! (I know I'm the author but I blame the story. It's writing itself, ya know. ;) ) This means the quirk replication has begun. Can you guess what Izuku's going to make based on Gran Torino? ;)

Fun Facts About Japan:

When it comes to communicating with the teachers as an ALT, it could be rather difficult at times to reach them. Teachers in general are always so busy and finding them at their desk wasn't always the best option. But there were other ways. Like leaving notes on their desks or getting their contact information. The type depending on the teacher. Most used a form of messaging app like WhatsApp or, the one I used primarily, LINE. Email was also an option.

Schedule changes happened all the time. In the US, from my experience, my school days in junior high and high school had a regular either daily or weekly schedule when it came to classes. Daily having the same classes in the same order of period through out the day. Or weekly with a block schedule of certain classes happening in a certain order on a certain day. Ya know, orderly and routine. Japan on the other hand...not so much. The order of the classes seemed to be random every day of every week. There was no set time for English class or science class. I have no idea how they decided what subject was taught when but the order changed a lot. Even the morning of the schedule could change. For example, I would have had English class with one class during second period, but something came up and they needed to switch English class with PE. But I would already have a different class to go to during the time English class was switched to so I would no longer be teaching that particular class at that time. So basically every day was an adventure of finding out if the schedule was the same or not. XD And often times they forget to tell the ALT the changes. Oh well.

That's it for this chapter! Next a tired man collects a smart boy to go an collect some smart notebooks! Thanks for reading and let me know of typos and weirdness! :D

Chapter 23: A Tired Man Collects Some Notebooks

Notes:

And we're back with part 4 and the conclusion of the third day! Our favorite hero hobo is going to collect a green bean's notebooks to keep them safe. And we get some insight to Izuku's first quirk replication as well as meeting a loving mother! Onward!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

When the time came for students to head home for the day, Shouta and Shinsou walked to the Support studio together. They had trained for a few hours after classes ended. Shouta guided the student through the training regimen that Midoriya had made for him. He also added some other things he thought would help the kid.

The General Studies student was green when it came to hand-to-hand combat. Not as green as his friend’s hair, but there was a lot they would need to work on. Despite his lack of experience, Shouta approved of the teen’s persistence, always getting back up when the man would knock him down. Not giving up was a good trait for a Hero.

Reaching the Support Studio, Shouta approached the door with caution. He knew from experience, as a student and a teacher, that there were some Support students that had a tendency to let their projects run wild. And, from overhearing Maijima’s grumbling in the teachers’ room, he knew there was a new one in the batch of first years.

The man knocked on the door to alert their presence and slid the door open. The room was empty of most students except for two in the far corner, a pink one and a familiar green one. The pair didn’t notice them come in, too absorbed in their projects.

“Ah Aizawa, what brings you here?” Maijima said, looking up at them from the computer. “You don’t usually come by the studio.”

“I’m here to pick up Midoriya,” Shouta answered, nodding his head towards the green one. Shinsou had already made his way over to his friends as the teachers talked. “Nezu wants me to collect the rest of his notebooks and bring them to UA.”

“Oh yeah. The principal mentioned that when he informed me about taking him on as a personal student during English class,” Maijima said, shuddering slightly. “Not surprising with the level his analysis skills are already at without formal training, but the idea of those two teaming up…I can’t help but worry what they’ll get up to.”

“Yeah,” Shouta said, feeling a slight shiver up his spine at the thought. But he was the one who introduced them. It was the logical thing to do to best help the boy. Though what that meant for the future with the combined force of Midoriya’s smarts and Nezu’s deviousness…well, only time will tell.

“Anyway, just fyi, I have one of his with me,” Maijima said, holding up the notebook. “I’m working on adding his notes to the student profiles and plan to give it back to him tomorrow.”

“Good to know,” the Erasure Hero responded. “Oh, I’d like to request that Midoriya join 1-A during their Rescue Training tomorrow.”

“As long as he’s fine with it,” the redhead said with a shrug. “Though you need to let him have studio time at some point. What would be the point of his analysis if he can’t use it?”

Shouta nodded and then turned his attention to the two Support students. They were focused on tinkering away while their purple-haired friend watched from a safe distance. The teacher approached the group to see what they were up to.

“…and his Quirk works in a way that he can use his own breath and shoot it out through the holes in his feet,” Midoriya was explaining, point at the different diagrams in his notebook. There were two gadgets on the table next to it that looked like one of the drawings. “He uses his Quirk to propel himself around, bouncing between surfaces and kicking his opponents. There is a limit to how high he can propel himself but it doesn’t affect his fighting style.”

“Is this one of your Quirk Replicating Support Items?” Shouta asked, causing the students to jump. He reached out and gently picked up one of the gadgets on the table.

“Y-yeah. With a few a-additional features of m-my own. I f-figured it would be g-good for added mobility,” the greenette said, sheepishly scratching his head. “Since I don’t h-have a Quirk, I need something else t-to give me an edge. I have some o-other ideas to help me, too.”

Shouta looked the Support Item over, turning it in his hands. The build was solid, if a bit crude still. It was metal with holes on the bottom and fixtures on the sides to attach to a shoe. There were other holes on the back that appeared to be where the air would be sucked in to then be pushed out through the holes on the bottom.

“I’ll need to p-practice moving around with them,” Midoriya said, reaching for the gadget which Shouta handed back to him. “It’ll take s-some getting used to using them, b-but I want to be as comfortable using them a-as I can be before the Sports Festival.”

“Perhaps you can bring them with you tomorrow,” Shouta suggested, earning a confused head tilt from the teen. “I’d like you to join 1-A in their Rescue Training tomorrow after lunch. Maijima says it’s up to you, but if you agree, I’ll allow you to bring some Support Items to test.”

“Again?! What about balancing my time in the studio?” Midoriya groaned in exasperation. “I can’t use Support Items I have no time to make.”

“We will work on it, but I had already planned for you to come before we agreed to that,” Shouta answered. “After the Rescue Training, we’ll let you focus on Support.”

The greenette grumbled under his breathe, too quiet to understand.

“Oh, come on, Hero-kun," the pink one piped up. "Think of all the testing you could do! I’ll even lend you some of my babies to test. Maybe you could even have the other students test them!”

Ah, so this is the excitable one Maijima was complaining about.

Midoriya sighed, resigning to be away from the studio. Again. “Alright, I’ll go tomorrow. But after that, I need to have actual studio time if I’m going to have any chance in the Sports Festival.”

“Agreed,” Shouta said with a nod. “Now, it’s time for everyone to be heading home. Pack your things and let’s head out.”

The two Support students cleaned up their area and packed their things. Though the pink one had to be coaxed into leaving by the two boys. Excitable and hard working. Once all the bags were packed and the Support students removed their coveralls changing back into their full uniforms, they left the Support studio together.

The group of three students and one teacher headed out of the main building and towards the gate. Or rather, what was left of it. The pink one was talking to Shinsou about all the ‘babies’ she’s been working on and the boy would nod along. Midoriya wandered over to the remains of the UA Barrier and crouched down to examine it. Shouta followed suit and listened to the greenette’s mumbling.

“It’s not rusted or dissolved…disintegrated maybe?” Midoriya muttered, hand on his chin. “But it smells dusty and old. Decay perhaps?”

Huh.

Despite seeing the kid’s notebooks, it was something else to hear his analysis in person. The way the ideas just seemed to flow out of him within seconds of observing something. Several of the teachers had already tried to figure out what happened to the Barrier but none of them had come up with what the student suggested.

“I’ll let Nezu know your observations,” Shouta said, making the teen squeak in surprise. “I’ve never heard of anyone with a Decay Quirk, but perhaps the principal can find out more. Now let’s get going. I have lessons to plan and I still need to take you home to retrieve your notebooks.”

The teacher herded the students out the gate. Shinsou and the pink one headed towards the station while Shouta and Midoriya went to the teacher parking lot and drove off in one of the school cars. The trip wasn’t long and was mostly silent except for the radio on at a low volume. The teen directed the Hero to his apartment but otherwise the pair was quiet. Once they got there, the man parked and followed the kid to his front door, taking out his key to let them both in.

“Izuku?” a woman’s voice called out from what must be the kitchen. “Is that you?”

“Yeah, it’s me, mom,” Midoriya answered as a green-haired woman entered the hallway. She looked so similar to the teen that she could only be his mother. Upon seeing that her son was not alone, she stopped suddenly in surprise. “Oh, um, this is one of the teachers at UA.”

“Aizawa Shouta. I’m the homeroom teacher of the Hero Course Class 1-A,” the man said introducing himself. He bowed in greeting. “Nice to meet you.”

“Oh, I’m Midoriya Inko, Izuku’s mother. Nice to meet you, Aizawa-san,” the woman replied. “Won’t you come in?”

The teen and the man took off their shoes and followed the mother into the kitchen. She gestured for them to sit at the table while she made some tea. Midoriya sat on one side of the table and Shouta took the chair opposite of him. There was a bit of an awkward silence as they waited for the woman to return.

The mother came back with the tea and a plate of cookies. After pouring the tea and handing out the cups, the woman sat down next to her son. She sent a questioning look to the boy for a second before turning her attention to the man across from her.

“May I ask why a teacher of the Hero Course has come to our home?” she asked, breaking the silence. “He’s in Support, not the Hero Course.”

“That is correct,” Shouta confirmed, taking a sip of tea. “However, for the past two days, he has been observing the training for the first year Hero Classes. His assignment was to analyze the students and their Quirks as they trained in order to improve the Support he can provide.”

The mother tilted her head in confusion the same way her son did from time to time.

“On the first day of school, Midoriya’s homeroom teacher learned about his analysis notebooks and brought it to my attention,” the teacher continued. “Which I then passed on to Principal Nezu. His analysis is exceptional, something that we wish to cultivate at UA. By having him observe the training, it betters his skills as well as provides those in Support with information concerning each student’s individual needs. The principal has also offered to teach him personally to improve his analysis skills.”

Suddenly, the teen across from him was enveloped in a hug by his mother. The boy’s face flushed in embarrassment over his mother hugging him like this in front of one of his favorite Heroes. Shouta hid a chuckle as a cough and smirked into his scarf.

“Oh, Izuku, that’s wonderful!” the mother exclaimed, ignoring her son’s flailing to be freed from the hug. “To think your hobby is going to help you in Support! And the principal wants teach you personally? I’m so proud of you!”

“Mom! Can’t! Breathe!”

Shouta sat there watching the pair, amused by the greenettes’ antics. The son was a blushing mess, trying to get free from her arms. The mother paid no mind as she continued to hug and gush over her son. It reminded him of Hizashi hugging one of their more anti-social cats at home. He huffed out a laugh at the thought.

This made the mother and son aware again that they were not alone. Midoriya blushed even more while his mother had a hint of pink on her own cheeks as well. She let go of her son and straightened out her clothes. The teen took a sip of his tea while avoiding the man’s eyes. Again, he covered a small laugh as a cough.

“The reason I’ve come to your home, Midoriya-san,” Shouta said, bringing the conversation back to the matter at hand. “Is to collect the other notebooks your son has written and bring them back to UA.”

“Why do you need to have them at UA?” the mother asked, glancing at her son briefly.

“To be frank, his analysis is vulnerable here,” the Hero answered bluntly. The woman’s eyes widened at the comment while the teen flinched slightly. “The information he has in his notebooks could be very dangerous in the wrong hands. If a Villain were to have even just a page from one, which ever Hero was written about would be in jeopardy.”

The mother paled at the implications. “I-I had never thought of that,” she said, wringing her hands nervously. “It’s been a hobby of his since he was little. I never considered that they could be dangerous like that.”

“Which is why I am here to collect them,” the man stated. “We can keep his notes safe at UA and are going to help him develop a code for them. We want to help him improve his analysis skills as well as help him keep the information safe.”

“Of course,” the mother said, smiling warmly. “Izuku’s notebooks are very important to him. Thank you for taking care of my son as well as protecting his work.”

After that, the two Midoriyas and Shouta finished their tea and munched on the cookies. Not wanting to overstay his welcome, the teacher stood up, thanked the woman for the tea, and directed the teen to show him the notebooks. The mother insisted she didn’t need help cleaning, so the two males headed to the boy’s room.

Shouta fought the urge to scoff at the All Might themed plaque on the door. Once the teen opened the door though, he couldn’t help but groan quietly at the amount of Hero Merch that filled the room. There were posters, figurines, and various other Hero themed memorabilia. He rolled his eyes at the All Might bedspread.

I figured he was a fanboy but…damn.

Glancing around the room, he noticed that a majority of the merch was All Might. But he also saw a sprinkling of other Heroes as well. Best Jeanist, Gang Orca, Thirteen, even some of the newer Heroes like Kamui Woods. He took note of a figurine of Present Mic and planned to tell Hizashi that he was represented in his star student’s room.

Midoriya had crossed the room to a bookshelf that had various books, manga, and what could only be the rest of his notebooks. The teen gathered them carefully and placed them on his desk. Shouta produced a black tote bag out of his scarf to carry the notebooks in. The boy quirked a brow in question but he gave no explanation.

Once the notebooks were all in the bag, Shouta picked it up and headed towards the front door. Midoriya followed to let him out and his mother joined them in the entrance. As the man was putting on his shoes, a framed news article and a picture caught his eye.

Straightening up, he examined it more closely to find it was about the beach that had been cleaned up a short while ago. There still hadn’t been anyone to come forward to claim they did it, but with the picture of Midoriya with the beach behind him paired with the article, Shouta could piece together that it was probably him.

“Midoriya,” the Hero called out. The teen turned to him and the man gestured towards the framed news clipping with a quirked brow. A silent question.

“Y-yeah, that was me,” the greenette sheepishly admitted, getting a proud smile from his mother. “Someone had to. I thought, why not me?”

“Huh,” Shouta let out. He looked at the before and after pictures seeing how much trash had been removed. “How long did that take?”

“About ten months,” the teen answered. “Hauled a truck load of garbage pretty much every day.”

“By yourself?”

“Basically?” Midoriya said. “I had a little help from Mei-chan, though she just wanted to try out her inventions and it was mostly towards the end with the big stuff. But for the most part, just me.”

Huh. This kid is full of surprises.

“Why not say it was you?” Shouta asked. Though he knew he himself wouldn’t have said anything either if he had done it. Dealing with the media was a pain.

“Would it have mattered if I did?” the teen countered with a shrug. “I didn’t do it for the credit. I did it to make people smile. Knowing that people can enjoy the beach again is enough for me.”

“I also asked if he wanted to say it was him,” the mother interjected. “But even if he doesn’t want the credit publicly, I wanted something for him to remember what he did.”

Shouta nodded in understanding then bid the Midoriyas goodbye. He left the apartment and drove back to UA with the notebooks in hand. As he drove, he thought about the cleaned beach and the boy responsible for it.

Cleaning that amount of garbage in ten months by himself, mostly, was quite a feat. If the kid put the same amount of determination and effort into getting in the Hero Course, he had no doubt that the Hero-hopeful would accomplish his goals. The man smirked as he thought about the coming Sports Festival.

This year’s festival is going to be interesting.

Notes:

Izuku is making Gran Torino inspired shoes! (Wow, didn't see that coming. :P) But, while Gran has to rely on his breath, Izuku won't have to and can have a continuous flow of air if needed. But more on those later.

The invitation to the USJ has been given! You're probably wondering how that is going to go, but you'll just have to wait and see. But I think you'll like what I have planned. ;) Oh, also, after USJ Izuku will get real studio time. Promise. This first week at UA has just been really busy for him. There's just so much demand for his analysis skills!

Inko is best mom! I will admit I do enjoy reading fics that portray Inko as a bad mom for the angst. But for mine, she is a good mom. Yes, she doesn't fully believe in Izuku's dream to be a hero. But maybe perhaps she'll change her mind in the future? ;) Either way, she is proud of her baby boy and loves him very much.

Aizawa knows about the beach! :D I told you that news clipping would be back! ;) Slowly more and more people will learn what Izuku did through out the story. But I won't say who or when. Cause spoilers.

Tally of who knows about the beach: Inko, Mei, Stain, Hitoshi, and now Aizawa!

Fun Facts About Japan:

Driving in Japan can be scary. I didn't even drive personally but being in a car was scary enough. (Though I'm not the biggest fan of driving in general so...yeah.) Similar to the UK, they drive on the left side of the road. Unlike in the US, they aren't allowed to make their equivalent to a right turn (left turn for them) at a red light. You have to wait for that green light like everyone else. The roads criss-cross a lot and many of them in neighborhoods can barely be considered a two lane road with a lot of blind corners. (Most of those have mirrors installed to help though.) The driving test for Japan is super difficult. I don't know what it entails exactly, because I was able to rely on public transportation and so didn't take it. But from what I've read and been told it is very difficult and almost guaranteed that you will fail the first time. So for those wanting or needing a drivers license in Japan...good luck?

From my experience, Japanese people are experts at backing into a parking spot. They do have the back up camera view in many of their cars, but they just seemed to do it with so much ease from experience. I myself am terrible at it so kudos to them. Also, many, but not all, vehicles have a tv screen in front of the car. It's one for the back up camera, but also displays tv shows as well like the news or talk shows. I found this quite shocking, thinking that if we had that in the US, we would get so distracted. (Cell phones are bad enough. Don't text and drive, peeps!) But from what I experienced, the people I've driven with didn't get distracted by it and it served as similar to a radio for background noise for them. (That's more my opinion rather than fact though. ;) )

And there you have it! The third day is complete. Next week will bring the beginning of the fourth day and the start of the USJ arc. Izuku learns how the 'checking out' of his notebooks will work and we find out what Yamada will expect of Izuku during English class. Thanks for reading and please report typos and weirdness! ^___^

(Oh, a P.S. of sorts, I'm thinking of starting a tumblr for this fic for posting any notes and sketches and such I've done for this fic. I've never done that before, but would any of you be interested in that?) (the tumblr has been made and is live! you can find it via linktree link in the top notes!)

Chapter 24: Under Lock And Key

Notes:

With chapter 24 we start the fourth day! The USJ is coming for us all. ;)

USJ!
USJ!
USJ!
...
BUT NOT TODAY!

-runs away cackling to leave you with this chapter-

Enjoy!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

The next day, Izuku woke up and had a little mini tiny freak out when he saw the lack of notebooks in his bookcase. That is until he remembered that Aizawa had come over to collect them yesterday. The gap his notebooks left behind felt weird in his room. For as long as Izuku could write, they had been a steady presence among his other books. Although he understood why they needed to be taken, the lack of his notebooks made his room feel…off.

Well, at least I still get to use them at school. Though I’m wondering how this whole ‘checking out’ thing is going to work. Maybe I should ask Aizawa-sensei?

Getting out of bed, he got ready for the day, ate breakfast with his mom, and gave her a hug before walking out the door. As he headed to school, Izuku texted Mei and Hitoshi that he needed to ask a teacher something and to not wait for him. On the train, he passed the time reading up on Hero News.

Seems that All Might's been busy this morning. Catching criminals on his morning commute? Wow…that is just so All Might. But shouldn’t he be saving his time in his muscle form for teaching?

He made his way to UA and was able to enter the campus easier than yesterday. There were still a few reporters milling about but most of them had been scared off by the police showing up the day before.

Once he passed the gate, the teen headed towards the main building. It was early so students were still in the halls. Some were changing into their indoor shoes while others were talking with their friends as they went to their respective homerooms. The greenette weaved his way through the crowd to get to the teachers’ room.

When he got there, he listened to hear if the teachers were in a meeting or not. Hearing normal chatter rather than announcements, he knocked on the door and slid the door open. Most of the teachers were at their desks and Izuku tried his best not to nerd-out over so many Heroes being in one room.

“Pardon for the intrusion,” he announced. “I’m Midoriya Izuku, first year. I have a question for Aizawa-sensei.”

“Come on in, little listener,” Yamada called out, beckoning the student over. “You’ll find the yellow caterpillar under his desk over here.” He gestured toward the desk to the left of him.

Yellow caterpillar?

Confused, Izuku nodded and made his way around the rows of desks. Each was covered in textbooks, reference books, computers, various papers, etc. The teachers were either chatting with each other, drinking coffee or tea, or working on paperwork. Along the walls were bookcases, shelves, and cabinets filled with books, files, and extra school supplies.

Yamada’s desk was next to the windows so Izuku walked over to the far row of desks. Sure enough, as he approached, he found what looked like a giant yellow caterpillar stuffed under the desk next to the Voice Hero. The student shot a questioning look at his English teacher who just shrugged with a smile and gestured for him to carry on.

“Um, Aizawa-sensei?” Izuku said as he cleared his throat. “S-sorry to disturb you. I wanted to ask a-about how to ‘check out’ one of m-my notebooks?”

The yellow mass shifted and Aizawa’s face was revealed in all its scruffy glory. Now, that’s not creepy. Not at all. Seeing just the man’s face silhouetted by obnoxious yellow was a bit unnerving. The greenette wondered if the man’s homeroom had been subjected to the sight. He made a mental note to ask his friends in 1-A later.

Looking up at the student, Aizawa let out a sigh and reluctantly unzipped his sleeping bag. He freed himself from under his desk and beckoned Izuku to follow him. “This way. We have them in the cabinet over there.”

“Notebooks? What notebooks?” Yamada questioned as Izuku walked toward the tired man. The blonde also followed out of curiosity.

“Oh, I like to analyze Quirks,” Izuku answered as they approached a locked cabinet. “I take notes on them and analyze how they work, what they could be used for, and how to improve any weaknesses. Most of them are on Heroes, but I also write about the Quirks around me. I already have notes on Class 1-A and 1-B along with my friends Mei-chan and Hitoshi-kun.”

“Nezu and I thought that it would be safer to keep his notebooks here in UA since they could be dangerous in the wrong hands,” Aizawa said as he pulled out a key and unlocked the cabinet door. Opening it, he showed Izuku a smaller safe within the cabinet that had a keypad and a fingerprint scanner.

After showing the teen the combination and adding his fingerprint to the scanner, he continued. “This is the combination for this safe. Memorize it and remember which finger you used. Your notebooks will be here along with some other sensitive documents. Don’t go snooping around. Also, take this. So, you don’t bother me every day about getting to your notes. Don’t. Lose. It.

The tired man dropped a key into Izuku’s hand before shuffling back to his desk to enjoy what was left of his nap before homeroom. The greenette and the blonde watched him go before turning back to the cabinet.

“Don’t mind him,” Yamada said, smirking at his husband’s actions. “Shouta’s just a grumpy cat when he’s tired. Which is…well, always. Anyway, what makes your notes so dangerous?”

“Oh, um, I think it’s the level of detail I write?” Izuku replied, recognizing and pulling out No. 13. Maijima-sensei must have finished inputting my notes to the student files and given it to Aizawa-sensei when he was done. “I never really thought that they could be dangerous before UA. No one had ever shown much interest in them except me. But maybe this will explain it?”

He grabbed a different notebook and flipped through the pages to the entry on Present Mic and then offered it to the Hero himself. Yamada took the notebook and read through the notes. As he looked over the sketch of himself in his Hero costume along with surprisingly accurate guesses on how his Quirk and Support Item worked, the blonde’s eyes widened and his eyebrows rose more and more.

“Damn, these are really good,” the man said after a few minutes, letting out an impressed whistle. “Can I borrow this? You’ve got some good ideas I’d like to try out. I’ll make sure to return it to the safe, of course.”

“S-sure!” Izuku managed to blurt out, cheeks turned pink from his praise. “Y-you really think m-my ideas are good?”

“You betcha, little listener!” Yamada replied, sporting finger guns. “What you got here is music to my ears! Or eyes, I guess. Anyway, now I understand why Nezu wants to train you.”

“E-eh?” Izuku squeaked, blush growing a little darker.

“Nezu talked to me about him training you, Midoriya,” Yamada explained upon noticing Izuku’s confused look. “How he wanted to use your time in my English classes to work on your analysis. Makes sense since you’re already fluent. You can work on your analysis during my class. However, I have something else I’d like to teach you.”

“Oh? What’s that, Yamada-sensei?” Izuku asked, tilting his head slightly.

“Normally we don’t start teaching this until second year,” the English teacher responded. “But since you are fluent in English for reading, writing, listening, and speaking, I’d like to teach you sign language.”

“Sign language?” Izuku asked, green eyes widening in surprise.

 “Yeah, I’d like to teach you Japanese Sign Language or JSL for short,” Yamada replied, smiling down at his not-so-secretly-favorite student. “It’s a useful skill for a Hero to have in case they come upon someone who can’t or doesn’t speak. I think we’ll start with the alphabet and simple phrases then go on from there. How does that sound?”

“That sounds great, Yamada-sensei!” Izuku chirped, smiling brightly and obviously eager to learn something new.

“That’s the enthusiasm I like to hear, little listener!” Yamada said, smiling just as brightly. “Now go on and get to class. We’ll talk about it more in our next class together.”

“Yes, sir!” the student said as he bowed slightly at the teacher. Izuku quickly closed the safe and locked the cabinet with his newly acquired key before walking toward the door. Once he reached it, he turned around and bowed to the room. “Pardon the intrusion.” Closing the door, he made his way to Class 1-H.

~~~

After the student left, Hizashi returned to his desk. He nudged the yellow lump that was his husband with his foot to get his attention. “So, I’m guessing that’s one of the kids you were talking about training for the Sports Festival?”

The lump shifted and Shouta’s face once more came into view. “Yes, him and a purple one named Shinsou Hitoshi in 1-C.”

“It’s unusual for you to volunteer to train students outside your class, Shouta,” Hizashi commented, smirking.

“They have potential,” Shouta grumbled sleepily. “But they slipped through the cracks because of a biased system. Like I did. With helping them, I’m hoping to convince Nezu to finally fix the Hero Practical.”

Hizashi laughed. “You and your schemes. Well, if you ever need any help, let me know!”

The yellow caterpillar simply hummed a reply and shifted to hide his face from the light. There were only a few minutes until homeroom but he would savor every second of his nap before having to deal with his problem class.

~~~

The first half of the school day passed by normally. During homeroom, Maijima filled Izuku in on where to meet Class 1-A for their Rescue Training, what he should bring with him, and a map of the training facility. He also cleared the student for bringing a few Support Items with him. Izuku didn’t have many ready for the training so their teacher allowed Mei to lend him some…within reason.

The next few classes were also normal. The only change was during English class. While the other students were being taught the new grammar point, Yamada had given Izuku a separate assignment on the JSL alphabet and some simple phrases. Since Nezu hadn’t come up with a code yet, the teen spent the class practicing finger spelling and the phrases quietly at his desk in the back. Periodically, Yamada would catch his eye during breaks in his lecture and sign something at him to practice reading signs as well.

Of course, this man who holds down three different jobs as a Hero, a teacher, and a radio host can teach two different language lessons at once.

Soon lunch came and the now regular group met up to eat. Izuku, Mei, and Hitoshi were joined by Uraraka and Iida. Kirishima was sitting with Katsuki again, but Izuku didn’t mind. He would be seeing him during their training anyway. Which reminded him…

“Oh yeah, Uraraka-san, Iida-kun,” he called out. “I’ll be joining your training again today.”

“You are? Yay!” Uraraka cheered, smiling brightly.

“We have training this afternoon? I was not aware,” Iida commented, straightening his glasses. “What kind of training will we be doing?”

“Yeah, you are,” Izuku confirmed. “Aizawa-sensei asked me to join you yesterday. But if he hasn’t told you about it, I don’t think I should say any more about it either. Maybe it’s a surprise?”

Both Hero students hummed in acceptance and everyone returned to their food. Izuku remembered to ask about Aizawa’s caterpillar impersonation. He was regaled with a dramatic retelling of their first day in 1-A. How Aizawa made his entrance by suddenly appearing outside the classroom door, encased in his yellow sleeping bag while sucking the life out of an energy drink pouch.

What a drama queen…

Izuku and Mei finished early to go to the Support studio to get the greenette ready for the training. Hitoshi also finished eating and said he wanted to take a nap at his desk for the rest of class. Though Izuku figured it was because he didn’t know the other two students that well yet and was avoiding awkwardness.

The trio left the cafeteria together and then separated to their respective destinations. As he and Mei headed toward the Support studio, Izuku's mind began to wonder as his friend was brainstorming aloud about which babies he could bring with him.

Aizawa-sensei mentioned they would be doing Rescue Training. I wonder where it will be held. Probably somewhere farther from the main building since I was told to wait by the buses. Well, wherever they would be training, it should be fun.

Right?

Notes:

Izuku has learned how to check out his notebooks and Aizawa is definitely not a morning person. And now Yamada knows about his notes and wants to use them! Yay!

This chapter reveals why I made Izuku fluent in English. JSL training is happening! I feel like that would be important training for a hero to have. Or anyone really. However, I will admit that I have veeeeerrrrryyyy little experience with sign language in general. All I know is how to sign the alphabet, count to ten, and 'thank you'. So, any and all advice on how to write sign language would be appreciated!

Fun Facts About Japan:

In the US, when it comes to junior high and high school, teachers typically have an assigned classroom and students move from class to class. But Japan is different. At least for junior high schools 'cause I have no idea about high school. Anyway, in Japan, the students are the ones with the assigned classroom and the teachers travel from class to class. Except for classes like music, art, PE or the lab part of science which have their own rooms or areas. Since the students have the classrooms, the teachers have the teachers' room. Each teacher has an assigned desk where they keep their teaching materials and reference books and such. Typically they have the desks clustered into 3 to 4 groups. One for each year so first years, second years, and third years. Then another for the principal, vice principal, and head teacher with any other office workers. With each school grouping them a little bit different. As an ALT, I was placed where ever there was a free desk since I worked with all grades.

As for UA's teachers' room, here is what I have so far of what I think the character placements are. This is my guesses based on what references I found in the manga and anime.

When a student wants to talk to a teacher, they have a greeting they must do before entering. The greeting involves a student first knocking on the door and saying 'excuse me/pardon for the intrusion' or 'shitsurei shimasu' (失礼します , しつれいします) with a bow after opening the door. The student then states their name, their year, and their reason for being there. Then a teacher will acknowledge their request and grant permission by saying 'yes' or 'hai' (はい). The student can then enter the room and do what they need to do. Whether that's talking to a teacher or gather materials for class like worksheets or notebooks. (Or gathering the ALT for English class. ;) Seriously, that's a thing!) Then when the student is finished, they will return to the door and face the room to then bow and say 'excuse me/pardon the intrusion' or 'shitsurei shimashita' (失礼しました , しつれいしました) before leaving. (For those who don't know, the '~masu' (~ます) ending is for present tense positive and '~mashita' (~ました) is past tense positive. Additionally, '~masen' (~ません) is present tense negative and '~masen deshita' (~ませんでした) is past tense negative.) Anyway, if they don't do the greeting correctly or not at all, I've witnessed numerous teachers make the students go back outside of the room to try again. There's even a little sign on the door to remind them what to say and do. So if they forget a step or even have their backpacks on, a teacher will ask the student to try again and correct their mistake. (They don't want the backpacks in there because space can be pretty tight and things can be knocked over so easily.)

That's it for this chapter! Next week will bring Izuku having an interesting bus ride and gets to meet a new hero! Please report any typos or weirdness!

Oh, and I did make the tumblr! It's call ja0-s-blank-canvas-fic! Most posts are going to be reposting my beginning and end notes for those reading on fanfiction.net. (I guess I could just include them with the chapters over there but I don't like how that looks format wise. Eh.) Anyhoo, this chapter I added the link to my rough sketch of the UA teachers' room. For chapter 22, I added links to the notes I took for 1-B's battle training matches if you're interested. Other than that, I don't have much posted but I will keep you posted when I post more! But not on a post it because this is the internet. Ok, I'll stop with the posts now. Post haste! -get it? :D ok, I'll really stop now-

Chapter 25: USJ: The Wheels On The Bus Go Round

Notes:

Welcome back with part 2 of the fourth day! The USJ arc has official begun! I'm really excited to share my version of this and hope you like it!

Oh, please remember that I love me a multiparter and everything is a slow burn! ;D Let's go!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

“Do you have everything?” Mei asked, fiddling with the beanie and tucking in stray hairs.

“I think so,” Izuku replied, checking his gear. He was in his formal uniform pants and shirt, but was leaving his jacket behind. “Let’s see…beanie, check. Goggles, check.”

“Soot, check,” she added, smudging the soot across his freckled cheeks as he rolled his eyes affectionately.

“I’ve got my notebook and pen case,” he continued, looking into the messenger bag he had brought for the training. “The map of the facility from Maijima-sensei. Phone. Oh, and my Jet shoes.”

He knelt down to check the Support Item attached to the bottom of his signature red shoes. As a final test, he activated them and hovered off the ground slightly before turning them back off, satisfied that they were functioning properly.

“How about this?” Mei offered, holding what looked like a flame thrower.

“I don’t think Maijima-sensei would approve,” Izuku said, eyeing the device suspiciously. “How do you have something like that developed already? Have you even worked out all the bugs yet?”

You underestimating me? For shame, Izuku,” Mei scoffed playfully. “And no, I haven’t. But that’s why I offered for you to take it with you!”

“I-I’ll pass for now,” Izuku said. He had been her guinea pig far too many times before.

“Well, if you’re sure, at least take this,” the pinkette said, searching through her pile of gizmos. “Here we are!”

She handed him a black belt with numerous pouches that looked like a cross between a tool belt and a utility belt worn by Heroes. Inside the pouches were wires, gears, pliers, a portable soldering tool, and various other tools and things. Not the flashiest of her babies, but clearly practical.

“I call it the Inventor’s Special,” she explained as she helped Izuku put it on. “This baby is perfect for the inventor on the go. Everything you need to make something on the fly! Who knows, maybe one of their Support Items will break and you can use my wonderful baby to fix them!”

“T-this is perfect, Mei-chan!” Izuku said, hugging his friend in thanks.

After Mei gave him a final once-over, she declared him ready and shooed him out of the studio. Izuku made his way to where he would meet up with 1-A. Aizawa was already there standing next to a bus and quirked a brow at the student’s get-up.

“What’s with the beanie and goggles?” the tired man asked.

“Ah, uh, well, you see…K-Katsuki and I don’t get along,” Izuku explained as he nervously wrung his hands. “Or rather, h-he doesn’t get along with me. W-we’re childhood friends, b-but he started teasing me after I was declared Q-Quirkless. Whenever we’re near e-each other, things get…well, ‘explosive’ if you kn-know what I mean.”

The man frowned and hummed in understanding. He knew how society viewed the Quirkless and figured that there was more to the story than the boy was telling. He wondered what ‘teasing’ consisted of for the explosive teen who he already noticed had an ego bigger than his head and a personality pricklier than his spiky hair. But he wouldn’t pry unless the teen wanted him to. Or anything happens to warrant him to do so. Though he might look into his and his student’s junior high school records for any discrepancies.

“A-anyway, if he knew it was me, he would disrupt the c-class and I’d rather avoid that. He would a-also tell everyone I’m Quirkless. Something that I’d l-like to be the one to tell people about o-or at least keep it a secret u-until the Sports Festival. So, um, c-could you call me Hiro during the training, please?”

Aizawa quirked a brow again but nodded in confirmation, deciding to play along. For now. He was curious as to why the greenette had to go so far as to disguise himself and use a different name, but that was something to look into at another time. He made a mental note to find out more later as the two waited for the rest of the class.

The teacher passed the time briefly explained how to access the Control Hub in the facility through the different hidden hatches, as well as the code to get in, using the map given by Maijima. After that, Izuku passed the time flipping through his notebook while the Hero quietly leaned against the bus, eyes closed.

The students of 1-A started to trickle in in-costume and they talked amongst themselves as they waited for everyone to arrive. Uraraka made her way over to him followed by another girl who resembled a frog. Asui, if he remembered correctly. When Kirishima showed up, he waved at Izuku before going to stand near Katsuki.

Still working on taming him, huh?

“Hey, Hiro-kun!” Uraraka called out as she approached with the other girl. “This is my friend Asui Tsuyu. Tsu, this is Hiro.”

“Nice to meet you, Asui-san!” Izuku greeted with a small bow.

“Nice to meet you too, Hiro-chan,” Asui said in turn with her own bow. “Call me Tsu.”

“Oh, o-okay, As-Tsu-san,” he replied shyly.

“In your own time,” she said, shrugging.

“Looks like you’ve got an upgrade on your gear,” Uraraka commented, gesturing to his Support Items. “What’s all that for?”

“Ah, that, well since I’ve been watching your classes, I haven’t had much time in the studio,” Izuku explained. “To make up for that, Aizawa-sensei said I could bring some Support Items to test out while we’re there.”

They shared some small talk awhile more as they waited. Once all the students were accounted for, Iida started barking out orders and even had a whistle.

“Attention, Class 1-A” Iida called out with his usually jerky arm motions. “Line up using your student numbers, making two lines so we can load the bus in an orderly fashion.”

“Uraraka-san, why is Iida-kun ordering everyone around?” Izuku asked, watching the spectacle as the blunette blew his whistle with gusto.

“He’s our class president!” she replied, clapping her hands together. “We couldn’t decide on our class representatives during homeroom yesterday. But after the incident at lunch, he impressed some of the others in our class who thought ‘exit sign’ Iida would be a good choice. We voted again this morning and Iida was made president and Yaoyorozu became our vice-president.”

Ha! ‘Exit sign’ Iida. I’ve got to tell Hitoshi-kun about that later. He’ll get a kick out of that.

Everyone lined up to appease their enthusiastic class president only to find that the bus layout was more open than a standard one. So, everyone ended up sitting where they wanted or wherever there was a free seat. Iida slumped dejectedly in his seat near the front while the pink-haired girl, Ashido, comforted him.

Izuku found himself sandwiched between the sugar consumer, Satou, and Tsuyu since he was last on the bus other than Aizawa who stood near the front. He could have sat near Uraraka closer to the back and taken the empty seat next to Todoroki. But that would put him close behind Katsuki and he would rather avoid that.

After everyone was seated, Aizawa signaled the driver to head out and the bus was on its way. The students chatted as they went and Izuku wrote some notes down on some of their costumes. He was absorbed enough in his writing that he jumped slightly when Tsuyu addressed him.

“Hiro-chan, I usually say what’s on my mind, kero,” the frog girl stated as Izuku turned his attention to her. He wondered if the frog sound was a result of her Quirk or a personal choice. “You say you’ve been observing us to analyze our Quirks. I was watching you write just now and it was really detailed. Do you have an Analysis Quirk of some kind, kero?”

“Wha? No, um. I, uh…” Izuku sputtered out, unsure what to say. He wanted to keep his Quirklessness a secret and definitely didn’t want to bring attention on himself with Katsuki a few seats away. Kirishima who was sitting on the other side of Tsuyu, thankfully, came to his rescue.

“That would be a cool Quirk to have if you did,” the hardening teen interjected, helping his friend keep his secret. “Though not flashy just like my Hardening. I’m good in a fight and can beat up bad guys, but it doesn’t look all that impressive. Not sure if it’ll be enough to go Pro.”

“I thought we talked about this, Kirishima-kun,” Izuku stressed with a huff. “I think you’ll make a great Pro Hero. Remember your ‘chivalrous heart’.”

“Heh, yeah, you’re right,” Kirishima conceded with a small smile. “Thanks, Mi…man.” Thankfully, Katsuki, ignoring the ‘extras’ around him as usual, didn’t seem to notice his slip up.

Others were getting interested in their conversation as they talked about Quirks. Aoyama bragged about his Naval Laser Quirk but his attempt to appear amazing was thwarted when Ashido pointed out it gave him a stomach ache. Izuku made a note of that to look into later.

“If we’re talking about who has strong Quirks,” Kirishima commented, glancing towards the right side of the back of the bus. “It would be Bakugou and Todoroki.”

Everyone else glanced towards the mentioned pair. Todoroki appeared to be napping while Katsuki had his chin on his fist as he looked out the window. On the mention of his name, he turned his gaze and attention to the conversation briefly before clicking his tongue and looking away again.

“Sure, but Bakugou has got a temper and is always angry,” Tsuyu pointed out bluntly. “He’ll never be that popular with an attitude like that.”

She must have a death wish, Izuku thought as Katsuki jumped out of his seat and started shouting, proving her point.

“What’d you say?!” Katsuki yelled. “I’ll kick your ass, frog face!”

“See?” Tsuyu said with a shrug.

Izuku felt bad for the purple-haired girl, Jirou, sitting next to the blonde who flinched as he shouted. Sitting next to the human version of an explosion factory probably didn’t mix well with a Listening-type Quirk.

Kaminari also seemed to have a death wish as he decided to give his two cents. “It’s pretty telling that, despite us having only just started socializing with you, it’s abundantly clear to all of us that your personality is a steaming pile of crap that’s on fire.”

The explosive teen continued to rage as other students commented on his actions. Yaoyorozu deemed the whole conversation vulgar while Uraraka laughed and declared it was fun to listen to them fight. Meanwhile, Izuku was having a mini freak out.

UA really is different. First, I make friends. Then teachers actually want to help. And now Katsuki is the one being messed with. It’s like I’m in a whole other dimension.

“Quiet down back there,” Aizawa called out from the front. “Stop messing around. We’re here.”

The bus came to a stop and the students filed out to stand in front of a very large building with a dome roof. Waiting outside for them was the Space Hero Thirteen sporting their signature astronaut-esque Hero suit. Izuku did his best to keep his fanboying at bay but was happy that he wasn’t the only one geeking out as Uraraka bounced with excitement.

“Welcome, everyone!” Thirteen said, arms spread wide in greeting. “I’ve been expecting you and can’t wait to show you what’s inside. Please follow me.”

The Space Hero led the class through the doors to reveal a rescue wonderland. The building looked even bigger on the inside. There were different sections spread throughout in a theme park-like layout. Separate areas for practicing rescue for mountains, landslides, floods, and more. Izuku also spotted the different access hatches Aizawa had pointed out on the map. If he hadn’t known what to look for, he wouldn’t have taken any notice of them.

“I designed this facility myself,” Thirteen explained, their arms spread wide with pride at their ‘baby’, as Mei would put it. “Every accident and disaster you can think of. I call it the Unforeseen Simulation Joint!”

USJ? Like Universal Studios Japan? Wow…did Thirteen do that on purpose?

As the students looked around in awe, Aizawa approached Thirteen and Izuku followed. He was basically here as a guest and wasn’t sure if he should stay with the teachers or the students at this time.

“Where’s All Might?” Aizawa asked, sounding slightly annoyed. “Shouldn’t he be here already?”

“Ah, about that,” Thirteen responded, slowly raising three fingers. “It seems he did too much Hero work on his commute to UA this morning and used up al-…” They paused for a moment as they noticed Izuku was there. “…a lot of energy. He’s resting in the break room.”

The tired man began to grumble about the irrationality of it all. Izuku couldn’t help but agree.

So, All Might was supposed to join us but used up all his time for today? I guess, with him being the Number One Hero and Symbol of Peace, it’s difficult to just watch crimes happen. But he’s a teacher now. If he’s not careful with his time limit, he’s going to reveal his small form to a whole class.

“What was that?” a gruff voice called out.

Notes:

Please don't hate me that the USJ action hasn't started yet! It's coming, I promise! Anyway...

Aizawa now knows Izuku is Hiro though he questions why it's necessary. His thoughts about Izuku's situation took me forever to write and I'm still not entirely happy with them, but they're good enough. He will find out eventually 'cause he's a good hero who uses his brain and also the Dadzawa will be awesome.

Those who know Izuku is Hiro: Hatsume, Shinsou, Kirishima, Uraraka, All Might, Iida, and now Aizawa!

The hiding from Katsuki continues! Basically, he has this so called Hiro marked off as an extra and isn't even on his radar. He didn't even tune into the conversation around him until his name was brought up. I know y'all are looking forward to the Katsuki/Izuku confrontation and it will happen! I have big plans for when it does so please be patient with me, dear readers!

Also, Kirishima is a good friend and protective of his friend's secret! And Mei is just wonderful as always.

Additionally, me being my extra self here's my post on the placement of the students on the bus. If you're interested.

Fun Facts About Japan:

They do actually refer to Universal Studios Japan as the USJ. I have more info on USJ but I'll save it for the next chapter.

Commuting to school in Japan! (Exciting topic, I know. ;P) First off, there aren't really school buses for the students as far as I know. Not like the US with all the yellow school buses everywhere. The only ones I saw in Japan were for select elementary schools. With how they try to instill independence in students, they will walk, bike, bus, or take the train to get to school. Which includes students from elementary school through high school.(Though the elementary school kiddies would mostly just walk. Together. In hordes.) Buses in Japan are fairly standard. Students have a special pass which I guess is one that is paid in full at purchase and they just have to flash it to the driver when getting off the bus.

When getting on the bus, you enter in the side door and take a little ticket that has the number of your spot. At the front of the bus is a screen showing the name of the stop in Japanese and English as well as the cost of the commute depending on the number on your ticket. Most buses are cash or prepaid ticket only. And they prefer exact change or they'll give you a receipt to take to the train station for your change. There's also a station to make change at the front of the bus if you need it. When your stop is coming, there are buttons throughout the bus that you push to signal you want to get off. (And you do need to push the button or they'll be annoyed you didn't. Because if no one asks to stop, they move on to the next without stopping. I had that happen to me the first time I used a bus solo. I didn't know I needed to push the button and when I asked to get off they got kind of mad at me. Forgive the ignorant gaijin! We do not know better!) When you get off, you go to the front of the bus and deposit your money and that little ticket in the dispenser and leave through the front door of the bus.

That's it for this chapter! Coming up, the attack on the USJ begin! See ya next time and please report any typos or weirdness!

Chapter 26: USJ: We Interrupt This Training To Bring You A Villain Attack

Notes:

It's part 3 of the fourth day!!! :D The USJ action has officially officially begun.
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...
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Emphasis on the 'begun'. ;)

Enjoy!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

“…but he’s a teacher now,” Izuku muttered quietly, not realizing he was voicing his thoughts out loud. “If he’s not careful with his time limit, he’s going to reveal his small form to a whole class.”

“What was that?” a gruff voice called out.

Izuku froze and looked up to see glowing red eyes under furrowed brows and floating black hair.

Shit, I was mumbling again.

“Uh…what was what?” he said, trying to play innocent.

“Don’t play dumb with me. You know something, don’t you?” Aizawa growled quietly. He groaned as he blinked, deactivating his Quirk. “You know what, we don’t have time for that can of worms right now. We’ll discuss it later and start without that big blonde buffoon.”

Izuku snorted at the alliterated insult but covered it with a cough as he felt another Quirked glare shot his way. Not that it would do anything to me anyway, but his glare is fierce. Together with the teachers, he turned his attention to the group of 1-A students. Aizawa was the first to address the class.

“Alright, everyone. Gather around,” the tired man called out. The Heroes-in-training immediately became quiet and paid attention to their teacher. “Thirteen and I will be leading your training today. All Might was supposed to join us but he is currently…indisposed. Also, you may notice that Hiro from the Support Course is joining you again.”

He gestured towards Izuku who gave a small wave at the class. His friends and a few others waved back.

“He will be observing you from the Control Hub and will provide individual feedback using these.”

Somehow, Aizawa produced a box from his scarf that looked way too big to possibly have fit in there. Does he have a pocket dimension in his scarf or something? Inside it were numerous wireless earpieces, a small tablet-like device, and a larger main headset with an attached microphone. He handed one earpiece out to each student, organized by their student numbers one through eighteen, before instructed them on how they worked while wearing the main headset and working with the tablet.

Izuku studied how the teacher handled the tablet to select individual or multiple earpieces at once to speak to the students, testing the connection using the headset. Once he was satisfied that all were in working condition, he handed the tablet and main headset to Izuku. Then he gave the number nineteen earpiece to Thirteen and took number twenty for himself.

The greenette fit the headset over his head, adjusting the goggles and beanie accordingly. Then he attached the tablet to his left arm. On the tablet screen, there was a 2-D view of a map of the USJ that he could zoom in and out as need. Near where the entrance was marked were small circles with numbers in them, showing where each earpiece, as well as each corresponding student and teacher, was in the facility.

“Now that’s out of the way, we can get started,” Thirteen said, getting everyone’s attention. “Before we begin, I’d like to say one thing…or maybe three…five? Several things. Anyway. Listen carefully. As you know, my Quirk is Black Hole…”

The Space Hero went into a speech about their Quirk being powerful but also dangerous. Izuku noticed some of the students paled at that, clearly realizing their own Quirks could also be unsafe. That was one thing that he didn’t have to worry about since he was Quirkless at least. Thirteen continued to talk about how the students needed to learn to use their Quirks properly, pointing out that one wrong move could result in people dying.

Not much of a pep talk, but it is something they needed to hear and think about.

“…with this rescue training, I aim for you to get a new perspective. To learn to use your Quirks to save lives. After all, that’s what being a Hero is all about! That’s is all I have to say. Thank you for listening!” Thirteen finished their speech with a bow as the students clapped in appreciation.

Now, there’s the pep talk, Izuku thought, smiling. Good job finishing on a positive note, Thirteen-san.

“Alright, let’s get started,” Aizawa said. “First off…”

The Erasure Hero was cut off as the lights flicked and sparks of electricity swept across the fixtures. Izuku found his gaze drawn to the fountain in the center as it sputtered out water sporadically. In front of it, a small circle of swirling black mist began to appear and grow in size rapidly.

“S-sensei…” Izuku stammered, pointing toward the center.

Aizawa followed his gaze and saw what the student had noticed. The circle of black mist grew and grew until it seemed to explode out, two angular yellow patches perched near the top of the mass. From the middle of the black cloud, came a pale-dry hand that grabbed some sort of edge in the fog and seemed to pull it open. From the opening appeared a head of greasy light blue hair with a face obscured by an even paler severed hand and a single red eye peering out at them through the digits.

“Everyone, stand back and don’t move!” the Erasure Hero yelled, getting into a defensive position. “Thirteen, protect the students!”

It was at this time that the other students noticed the black mist. From its swirling mass people started to pour out, led by the man with the hand out his face…and arms…and neck. Just…everywhere.

Why does he have so many severed hands? Is he some kind of weird hand collector?!

“Has the training started already?” Kirishima asked, hand shading his eyes as he tried to get a better look. “I thought we were going to practice rescuing. Are we using actors instead of robots like in the entrance exam?”

“STAY BACK!” Eraserhead shouted, fitting his goggles over his eyes. “This isn’t the training. Those are real Villains.” The last bit came out like a growl as he pushed Izuku behind him with the rest of the students.

There was a collective gasp from the students in shock and fear. Villains, real Villains, had managed to break into UA, during their rescue training of all things. It didn’t seem like it should have been possible, and yet there they were, facing dozens upon dozens of Villains with more still coming through.

One particularly large and muscular Villain walked through the black mist and stopped next to the handy man. They were a head taller than the latter with carbon black skin, sharp jagged teeth in a beak-like mouth, and their eyes bulged out on either side of their exposed brain. Even with the existence of Mutant Quirks, the odd features paired with the blank stare of this person…monster…thing didn’t make it seem entirely human.

The black mist seemed to condense as the last of the Villains trickled out, coalescing into a hazy form with the two yellow patches still near the top. It wasn’t until the mass spoke that Izuku realized that it was a person.

“I see Thirteen and…Eraserhead, I believe,” the misty man spoke in a deep voice. The yellow patches, which Izuku now assumed were the Villain’s eyes, narrowed as he seemed to scan the group of Heroes and Heroes-to-be. “But I do not see All Might. According to the schedule we obtained from UA, he should be here.”

“So, you’re the ones responsible for the media break-in yesterday,” Aizawa spouted angrily. His comment went ignored as the handy man spoke up, craning his neck to see.

“Where is he?” the Villain asked in a scratchy voice. “We’ve come all this way to play this game, and he doesn’t even bother to show up? And I worked so hard to bring together all of these friends. They’re all eager to meet the Symbol of Peace.”

The Villain spread his arms wide as if to present his ‘friends’. The greyish severed hands stood out in stark contrast on his black long-sleeved shirt. Seriously, what is it with the hands?! Then he lowered his arms and seemed to pout.

“I can’t believe he isn’t here,” the handy man said. “Maybe if we kill some kids, he’ll finally show up to play.”

In an instant, the Erasure Hero’s capture weapon seemed to come to life as it shot out around him and hung in the air defensively. Thirteen also took a defensive stance in front of the students. The students themselves were still in shock, trying to understand the situation they found themselves in.

“Wha? Real Villains?!” Kirishima said in disbelief. “No way! How’d they get into UA anyway?”

“Sensei! Aren’t there intruder sensors?” Yaoyorozu called out as she stepped forward slightly.

“Yes, of course!” Thirteen replied, sounding somewhat perplexed. “However, I’m not sure why they aren’t going off?”

“Is the attack only here, or at the main building as well?” Todoroki interjected, his sharp gaze scanning the group of Villains. “Either way, if the alarms aren’t being triggered, one of them must have a Quirk that’s blocking it. They chose to attack here for a reason. It’s isolated and far from the main campus. And they timed it when a class would be here. Trespassing UA may be a foolish idea, but they do seem to have some sort of plan. Whatever that plan is, they must have a definitive objective in mind.”

Izuku knew it wasn’t really the time, however he couldn’t help but be fascinated with how quickly the bi-color teen broke down the situation. He obviously had experience which was impressive…but also concerning.

“Thirteen, begin evacuating,” Eraserhead ordered, walking toward the stairs. “Try and contact the school. As Todoroki said, there must be a Quirk jamming the signal. Possibly an electric type. Kaminari, try using your Quirk to get through the interference.”

A solid plan for us, but what about…no. Without thinking, Izuku reached out and grabbed Aizawa’s sleeve, causing the man to glance back at him.

“What are you planning to do?” Izuku demanded in an earnest whisper, brows furrowed. “You can’t fight all of them on your own! There’s too many for you to nullify all of their Quirks. With your fighting style, you rely on stealth and one-on-one fights. Head-on battles like this…”

“You can’t be a Pro Hero with only one trick up your sleeve,” the Erasure Hero interjected with a determined smirk. “You of all people should know the importance of having more than one tool in your belt. Thirteen, I’m leaving them to you.”

With that, Eraserhead yanked his arm free and threw himself forward without a second thought. Izuku watched as the Hero immediately began to attack the Villains closest to the stairs. He erased Quirks right and left, using his capture weapon to toss the Villains at each other. All the while dodging attacks between sending out his own kicks and punches at his opponents.

This…this was why Izuku found Eraserhead so inspiring. With his Erasure Quirk, the man could level the playing field to a Quirkless one for the most part. The exception being against Mutant-type Quirks. But even then, he had trained his body and honed his fighting skills to make up for it. On top of that, he had no hesitation jumping right into the fight to protect his students. Even though he was at a disadvantage against such a big group out in the open.

This is a Pro Hero at work.

The Support student was broken out of his awed trance as Thirteen directed the students towards the door. However, their path was suddenly blocked as the same black mist took form in front of the door. Seeing the Villain teleport with ease, Izuku’s analytical mind was in overdrive.

Some kind of Teleporting Quirk? Or is it warping? That kind of Quirk is so rare. And for a Villain to have one can’t be good. What kind of counter attack could fight that? Does it have a range or a need for specific coordinates? Does it have to be a place they have actually been? That would mean they had been here before. Or does it…

“This is no time to analyze!” Iida called out. “We need to get out of here!”

Crap! I was mumbling again! He hoped the Villain didn’t hear him.

“I’m afraid I cannot allow that,” the black mist intoned, yellow eyes scanned the group and seemed to linger on Izuku a little more than the others. He really hoped the Villain hadn’t heard him and that he was just being paranoid. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Hero fledglings. We are the League of Villains. Apologies for interrupting your training, but we invited ourselves into this stronghold of heroism to bring an end to the Symbol of Peace, All Might.”

End…All Might?

They all froze at the declaration as if that was the Villain’s Quirk. To freeze them where they stood in fear. Almost all thinking the same thing. They came to kill All Might? Why? How? Surely it was impossible.

Except that Izuku knew it wasn’t. All Might wasn’t as invincible as he made himself appear. He had limits, ones that had grown over the years. To the point that he had a daily time limit of how many hours he could be in his muscular form. A time limit he had already reached today.

“From our intel, All Might was supposed to be here. Yet, I see no sign of him. Was the schedule changed perhaps? No matter. I still have a role to fulfill.”

The black mist seemed to raise and spread wide, as if it were sheets of fog draped over the Villain’s outstretched arms. Thirteen braced themselves for an attack, popping one of the caps on their fingers open. But before they could do anything, Katsuki and Kirishima shot forward to attack the Villain themselves. The blonde let off an explosion, obscuring the scene with light and smoke. The red head stood next to him, arms hardened and ready to attack.

“Did you think we would just let you do whatever you want and not fight back?” Kirishima shouted.

As the smoke cleared, the black mist wavered but reformed quickly. But Izuku noticed a metal casing of some sort peak out amongst the dark fog. Could that be protecting something? A weakness?

“UA does not disappoint,” the Villain drawled. “You may be students, but you live up to your school’s reputation. However, you should be more careful. If you are reckless, someone could get hurt.”

“You two! Get out of the way!” Thirteen ordered, brandishing their uncapped finger.

Before the Hero could do anything however, tendrils of the black mist shot out at the group.

“I will fulfill my role to scatter you amongst our comrades,” the Villain declared as the dark fog grew. “Fight and may your deaths serve our great purpose. BEGONE!”

The students and teacher were completely surrounded by the black mist. Izuku couldn’t see any of the others. He tried to reach out in hopes of finding someone, but he suddenly felt himself drop as a portal opened beneath him. With a scream, he fell.

Notes:

Oh look, another cliffhanger! :D Kekekeke.

Uh oh! Izuku let slip he knows about All Might's small form to Aizawa. Good thing he already knew about it himself. Also, Aizawa's glare game is on point! I also swear his scarf is magical 'cause how else could Nezu hide in there?

I had so much fun describing the villains in this chapter. Shiggy and all of his hands, Kurogiri and his mist-eriousness (get it! ;D ), and of course the creature that is Nomu. Also, did Kuro hear Izuku's mutterings or is he just being paranoid? Only time will tell! :D Hee hee!

Fun Facts About Japan:

Alright! The USJ. Located in Osaka Prefecture far south-ish-west of Tokyo, USJ is a little over 3 hour ride on the bullet train or Shinkansen ( 新幹線 , しんかんせん ) from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station. There are a few other ways to get from that station to Universal-City Station by train or bus. Your choice. USJ is similar to Universal Studios in California having only one park but with their own unique areas. Here is a map of the park for reference.

When you first walk into the park, there’s a large area that is American themed that is split up into different US cities which are Hollywood, New York, and San Francisco. Hollywood's featured attraction is Hollywood Dream: The Ride roller coaster which you get to pick a song like on Rip Ride Rocket in Florida. There are some other attractions but I’m not going to list everything. (Also, they call roller coasters 'jet coasters' or ジェットコースター in Japan.) New York has Terminator 2 3D and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-man in 4K3D. It was interesting to hear the same spiel for the T2 attraction in Japanese. They do the same characterization and everything! XD San Francisco is mostly food.

There's Universal Wonderland that has Snoopy, Hello Kitty, and Sesame Street theming. Of course, they have The Wizarding World of Harry Potter because HP is awesome and very popular in Japan. It's the Hogsmeade area same as Cali and Florida. The Ollivander's wand show is done in half English and half Japanese. (Though I'm not sure if that's how they always do it or if it was because I was there being the only foreigner while everyone else was Japanese. Also, when the 'magic' would happen, the collective 'oohs' and 'aahs' and 'EEEEH?s' were adorably hilarious. XD ) The walk to this area is really cool because you walk through a forest and completely lose sight of the rest of the park so you really feel like you've entered another world.

Another area is Amityville which has their Jaws attraction. That ride is awesome and the shark came right at me! There’s an area called Waterworld as well, but it was being renovated when I went so I don’t know what was there.

There's a Jurassic Park area with the classic Jurassic Park attraction. The Flying Dinosaur roller coaster is intense! It's one of those where the seats shift so you're facing down while riding. Then there's the Minion Park area. Japan looooves the Minions because they're cute and Japan loves cute things. (I like to call it the land of kawaii.) They have a banana flavored popcorn that I just had to try and it tasted like banana candy with a popcorn crunch.

Outside the park, they have their own City Walk. More info on it here. It's actually a good place to go if you're feeling homesick because there's Outback Steak House and Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Bubba Gump's had the shrimp mascot there and I may or may not have scared the Japanese couple in front of me as I freaked out in excitement when I saw it. Of course, I took a picture with them! :D There are other Japan exclusive stores and restaurants as well. I mostly remember a Shonen Jump shop in which I bought some MHA merch. ;)

That's it for this chapter! Coming next week is USJ continued. Izuku gets to use his brain to kick villain butt and be awesome in general. Until next time, stay safe, eat well, sleep soundly, and report any typos or weirdness!

Chapter 27: USJ: Ohm, That Hertz!

Notes:

What's this?! Another update so soon?! -le gasp!- Well, today is my birthday and so my gift to you is another chapter! Shout out to fellow Sept. 4ths! Birthday twinsies!! :D I will update on Tuesday as usual and will go back to a weekly update, but for today, please enjoy this treat! ^_____^

I have some new formatting added to the text here, so:
"Anything written like this is heard through a speaker or earpiece."

And now for part 4 of the fourth day! Onward!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Toshinori knew he had messed up as he sat in the teachers’ lounge in his smaller form. He knew he shouldn’t have used up all his time on the way to school, but he couldn’t just let those criminals get away. There were people who needed help and he wasn’t one to stand by while others were in danger. Unfortunately, his altruism had used up all his time for the day and he was late to joining the Rescue Training with 1-A.

He had been able to reach Thirteen a little while ago to explain the situation. They told him that the class hadn’t arrived yet so he had more time to recuperate. Though he doubted the short time between then and when the class would get there would make much of a difference in his time. He wanted to call Aizawa to apologizes but he was having trouble getting through.

We’re sorry, but the number you are trying to reach is not in service, or currently unavailable. Please check the number and try your call again.

With furrowed brow, Toshinori ended the call. The third one in a row. But Aizawa had always picked up his phone immediately. And he knew the training wasn’t in an area with no service. The failure to contact them was starting to worry him.

Well, if I can’t contact them, then I’ll just go and tell them in person. I can muster up enough energy for that.

Taking a deep breath, he tensed and popped into his muscle form. See? I can do this! Until he coughed up some blood and grit his teeth trying to stay in that form. Or not.

“Now hold on,” a voice called out as the door opened. Toshinori turned to see that Nezu had come to see him. “Let’s have a talk.”

“Principal Nezu,” the Number One Hero greeted as he crouched down to the mammal’s height. “Your fur is looking extra lustrous today.”

“Why thank you! My secret is keratin,” Nezu replied, taking out a tablet. “But I’m not here to talk about hair care. Look at this.”

He held up the tablet with news reports of all the criminals Toshinori had taken down that morning.

“‘All Might resolves three incidents in under an hour’,” Nezu said, reading the news article aloud with a sigh. “Despite you being in town, there are still ruffians mucking about. I understand you are used to helping everyone in sight, but please start thinking of your teaching duties as well.”

Toshinori shuffled toward the table as Nezu climbed onto the couch.

“I offered you a teaching position in UA because of your limited amount of time to do Hero work. By teaching here, it gives you an excuse to be in the city while only performing Hero work for a limited time. As well as a way to find a successor for One For All. Oh dear, you’re smoking. That can’t be good.”

Sure enough, tendrils of smoke started to rise from his skin and in a comical poof, he reverted to his smaller form.

“Obviously, it seems you need more time to rest,” Nezu said as he served up some tea. “If you left now, you would have to immediately come back. Now, since we’ll have to wait, why don’t we talk about prioritizing your teaching duties as well as discussing my personal philosophies.”

Great. This is turning into a lecture. And with tea involved, it’s sure to be a long one.

Toshinori internally groaned as the principal started a long-winded speech about his various education theories and pedagogy all the while sipping his tea.

~~~

For a second, the world was nothing but a swirling mass of dark purple mist. But only for a moment because the next, Izuku found himself falling head first through the air. Below him was a large expanse of water. Frantically, he righted himself and activated his Jet shoes to slow his descent until he was hovering above the water’s surface.

Shit, I’m in the Flood Zone? he thought, looking around. That Villain definitely has a Warping Quirk of some kind. Well, at least my invention works. On water, no less!

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted movement and turned to see a Villain under the water. He looked like he was half fish and was swimming towards the hovering student fast. The Villain opened his mouth wide as if he was going to eat him, but out of nowhere, Asui kicked the Villain on the side of the head.

The frog girl shot her tongue from under the water out at Izuku and wrapped it around his waist. She swam and pulled him along with her, her tongue acting like a tether as his Jet shoes allowed him to skim the water surface in a way similar to water skiing. Once she got to the boat in the middle of the Flood Zone, she gently tossed Izuku onto the deck and followed soon after.

“Thanks, Asui-san,” Izuku said, deactivating his shoes.

“I told you to call me Tsu,” As-Tsuyu said, climbing over the railing. “We’re in quite a pickle, aren’t we, Hiro-chan.”

“You can say that again,” he replied, adjusting his goggles and checking the rest of his gear. Yep, all here and accounted for. “That Villain…the one with the Warp Quirk…he knew our schedule somehow. I think Aizawa-sensei was right about them being responsible for the media break-in yesterday. A distraction for them to find the information they needed for their attack.”

Tsuyu nodded in agreement as they stood on the boat deck. “They must have found a way to kill All Might if they’ve come this far, kero.”

“You’re right,” the Support student said, hand on his chin in thought. “To put all this effort into getting past the UA Barrier, they must have a plan and the means to kill him. We’ve got do something.”

As they were talking, the Villains in the water were growing impatient. They started throwing insults and threats at the pair of students, but made no move to board the boat. Their hesitation did not go unnoticed by the Support student and he realized something.

“Asu-Tsu-san, I don’t think they know your class’s Quirks,” Izuku stated as he studied the Villains watching them. “If they did, why would they warp you here where you’re at your strongest?”

The frog girl thought for a moment before replying, “You’re right. If they wanted to be at an advantage, they would have put me in that fire zone over there. Fires and frogs don’t mix well, kero.”

“No, they don’t. And did you notice that the Villains aren’t leaving the water?” he continued, gesturing towards the enemies surrounding them. “They don’t want to leave where they have the advantage. We can use this to our own advantage because they don’t know what we can do.”

“What exactly can we do, kero?” she asked, tilting her head with a finger on her chin.

“I’m not quite sure yet,” the Support student said, making his way to the control room for the boat. “Give me a second. I might have an idea.”

Izuku searched the control room for what he needed to make a bomb. Specifically, an electric bomb. It wasn’t normally something he would have learned to make, but when you are best friends with Mei, you learn a lot about exploding things without even trying. Or in this case, ‘shocking’ things.

“What’s that?” Tsuyu asked, watching him work over his shoulder.

“Think of it as an electricity bomb?” Izuku replied as he continued to tinker with it, utilizing various tools and materials from the Inventor’s Special. Thanks, Mei-chan. “Since the Villains are staying in the water, I thought that this would be the best way to incapacitate them all at once. I’ll adjust the voltage and time duration so it won’t be life threatening. But it will pack a punch none the less.”

The frog girl watched him work, his hands moving in a well-practiced manner. Stripping wires, soldering parts together, general tinkering as the bomb took shape. After a few minutes, he finished his creation and stood up. It was crude and hastily made but it would work. He hoped.

Suddenly, a giant wave of water that looked like a hand crashed through the boat, splitting it in two. The Villain responsible shouted out that he was getting bored and wanted to get started already. The boat began to sink and the Villains crept closer. Their time was up.

“Tsu! How far can you jump?!” Izuku yelled, trying to keep his balance as the boat started to tip. Note to self, add rubber foot pads to the Jet shoes for traction. “We need to be away from the water when the bomb activates!”

“About twenty meters!” Tsuyu yelled back. She wrapped her arms around his waist and jumped as high and as far as she could. He activated and used his Jet shoes for an extra boost.

Once they left the boat, Izuku turned the bomb on and chucked it in the center of the group of Villains. On impact with the water, the bomb activated sending streaks of electricity through the water. The Villains froze in place, shaking from the electric current running through their bodies. As the electricity dispersed, the Villains floated limply on the surface of the water.

Tsuyu landed on the shore as the last few Villains passed out. She let go of Izuku and they both looked across the water to see if any other Villains were still conscious. When none moved to go after them, they both let out a small sigh of relief. They weren’t out of the woods yet, but at least they were safe…for now.

Izuku turned towards the central plaza where Aizawa was still fighting. He was jumping between Villains, rapidly switching between which Quirks he erased as his hair raised and lowered with each use. He really needs to do something with his hair. The boy only hoped the Villains didn’t take notice of it.

Seeing the Hero fighting so many opponents at once was nerve-racking. Izuku knew that fighting large groups was not Eraserhead’s style. He relied on surprise attacks and usually one-on-one fights. Confronting so many and out in the open was far from his ideal fighting conditions. Yet the man fought on. Izuku had mad respect for the Hero for that.

Even though he wanted to help lighten his mentor’s load, there wasn’t a way for him to help. The Support student had no gear with him other than his bag, the headset and tablet, his shoes, and a tool belt. Jumping in with no other Support Items and no Quirk would be completely stupid and he would only get in the way. Eraserhead had enough to deal with without Izuku adding to the mix. There was something he could do though. But first he needed to find the closest hidden hatch.

Izuku led Tsuyu along the shore towards one of the trees. There he found one of the hidden hatches to the Control Hub. He opened a small panel and input the code to open the hatch. The Support student made his way through the underground passage with the frog girl following behind. The pair entered a room with various screens and panels of buttons. It reminded him of the observation room at Ground Beta.

“What is this place, kero?” Tsuyu asked as she looked around.

“This is the Control Hub,” Izuku replied, taking a seat and lifting the goggles to sit on top of his head so he could see better. “It’s where I was going to be observing your training from originally. But now, it’s going to be where we help the others fight.”

After a quick study of the panel’s set up, his fingers flew across the buttons. On the large screen, he brought up camera views of the different areas in search of the other students. At the entrance, Thirteen was battling the Warp Villain. Iida, Uraraka, Shouji, Satou, Sero, and Ashido were still there, clearly having avoided being teleported away somehow.

In the Ruins Zone, Katsuki and Kirishima were tag-teaming and fighting back the enemies near them. The blonde blasted them with his explosions while the red head threw hardened kicks and punches. Todoroki was on his own in the Landslide Zone, but was handling things just fine. Single-handedly he froze the Villains with his ice and seemed to be talking to them.

Ojiro was also on his own in the Conflagration Zone and was beating back his opponents with his tail and martial arts skills. Though he was being mindful of the fires surrounding him. Tokoyami and Kouda were together in the Downpour Zone. The greenette was slightly worried about Kouda with his shy nature and no access to animals in the pouring rain, but it seems he and Tokoyami had a plan. The shy teen would draw the Villains in and then the dark teen would send Dark Shadow to take the enemy down. To help them, Izuku turned off the atmospheric effects in the Conflagration and Downpour Zone.

I should turn off the water and drain the Flood Zone as well, Izuku thought as he did just that with the push of a few buttons. They may be Villains, but I don’t want them to drown.

For the life of him, he couldn’t find Aoyama or Hagakure anywhere on the cameras. But that wasn’t his biggest worry right now, hoping the two missing Hero students were hiding somewhere safe. Instead, he focused on what was happening in the Mountain Zone where Kaminari, Yaoyorozu, and Jirou were being surrounding by about thirty Villains. The Support student looked at the tablet on his wrist and saw that the screen was absent of the little circles representing the earpieces.

Whatever Quirk that is blocking the signal out is also blocking any communication inside the USJ as well. Crap. There’s got to be another way to contact them.

He scoured the panel and finally found the section for the PA system next to a microphone. Rolling the chair over, he planted himself in front of the microphone and then watched the camera view of the Mountain Zone.

“What are you doing now?” Tsuyu asked as she moved to stand next to him.

On the screen, he saw Yaoyorozu fighting some Villains back with a staff while Jirou wielded a sword most likely made by the former’s Creation Quirk. Unfortunately, they couldn’t hear anything as Kaminari seemed to be yammering about something as the girls took a defensive stance.

“Right now, the Signal Blocking Quirk is also affecting the earpieces Aizawa-sensei gave you,” Izuku explained, eyes never leaving the screen and finger hovering over the PA system button for the Mountain Zone. “Because of that, I can’t communicate with anyone through them. However, in here we have access to the PA system and can relay information with that.”

The three Hero students had been backed up with a wall of rock behind them and the group of Villains fanned out around them in a semi-circle. Both sides seemed hesitant to attack first.

“That makes sense, kero,” Tsuyu said, finger on her chin. “Why are you focusing on the Mountain Zone?”

“Most of your classmates seem to be handling things on their own,” he replied, watching the blonde continue to talk and gesture with an electrified hand. Now there’s an idea. But now was not the time for brainstorming. “But these three seem to be at a disadvantage more than the others with the number of Villains and the Quirks they have. If we can help them, then we could free up Kaminari to try signaling the school again.”

Suddenly, one of the Villains took a swing at the electricity user who managed to dodge, only to be kicked back towards the man by Jirou. The two in the Control Hub gasped but then sighed in relief as it seemed Kaminari was fine. His body acting as his own personal taser effectively incapacitating the attacker.

This seemed to stir the other Villains into action. One of Jirou’s earphone jack shot down and plugged into her boot, shooting a sonic attack that blasted the attackers back towards Kaminari who immobilized them. Yaoyorozu shot a net from her arm at another enemy who leaped at her brandishing knives. The blonde deactivated his Quirk and the Villains who had connected with him fell to the ground unconscious.

“Well, they seem to be doing alright to me, kero,” Tsuyu commented, as they watched Yaoyorozu yell something as she drew closer to Jirou and away from Kaminari. From her back exploded a large clothe looking object similar to a blanket.

Wow. Could that be what I think it is? An insulation sheet of some kind?

The two girls hid under the blanket and Kaminari completely let his Quirk loose. Sparks of electricity shot through the air, frying all the Villains in sight. Once the Villains were down, the blonde was left with a moronic look on his face. Just like in the Battle Training.

We seriously need to address him short circuiting like that. It leaves him extremely vulnerable.

When the girls poked their heads out from under the blanket, Izuku had to avert his eyes away from Yaoyorozu. Why? Because the top of her costume was in tatters and he could see…a lot more of her than before. With a blush, he distracted himself by scanning the area around the three students. Good thing he did, too, because as the students were preoccupied, another Villain literally popped out of the ground and was making a grab for Kaminari.

Oh no you don’t!

“Yaoyorozu, Jirou! Save Kaminari!” Izuku ordered after he pressed the button for the Mountain Zone PA system. “There’s still a Villain in your area!”

The two girls had at first jumped when he suddenly spoke, but quickly looked around for the danger. Yaoyorozu spotted the Villain creeping up on the defenseless Kaminari and promptly created a pole with a hook on the end to pull him back towards safety. It looked like the ones used to pull failed acts off a stage way back in the day. The masked Villain seemed pissed that his attempt to take a hostage was thwarted. Izuku noticed small yellow sparks emitting from the man’s hands.

“Careful, he seems to have some kind of Electric Quirk,” Izuku warned.

Jirou connected her earphone jacks to her boots and shot a sonic attack at the Villain. While he was distracted, Yaoyorozu grabbed the insulation blanket and threw it over the three of them. Before it covered them all, the creation girl aimed her arm and shot out another net.

What does she hope to accomplish with a simple net? Oh…

Izuku’s skepticism was replaced with awe at her ingenuity as the Villain released his Quirk only to be electrified by his own power.

So, she can change the materials her creations are made of? Must have made the net out of some kind of conductive material. I wonder if certain materials take more energy to create than others. Or…

“Now isn’t the time to be analyzing, Hiro-chan,” Tsuyu interjected, disrupting his mumbling.

Embarrassed that he did it again and in the middle of a Villain attack no less, Izuku lowered his eyes as he blushed. But by looking away from the screen, he noticed the tablet on his arm was finally showing the numbers again.

Oh, thank goodness, he thought. The Support student quickly selected the three numbers in the Mountain Zone. He also connected Tsuyu’s earpiece so she could hear as well. “Hello? This is Hiro. Can you hear me?”

On the screen, he saw the two girls touch their earpieces while the short-circuited teen was standing in a daze. In that short time, Yaoyorozu had been able to make new clothes for herself and was decent once again.

We hear you loud and clear, Hiro-kun,” Yaoyorozu replied, as Jirou nodded in confirmation as well.

“Ok, I think all the Villains in your area are incapacitated now,” he relayed. “Also, I believe that last one was the one responsible for blocking the signal. I know Kaminari-kun is…indisposed right now, but could you have him try to contact the school as soon as possible?”

Of course,” the 1-A vice president said. “I think the best course of action is to secure the Villains here the best we can and then to head towards the entrance.

“Sounds like a plan,” Izuku said. “I’m going to check in with the others. Keep an eye out for other students and Villains as you go. Stay safe and contact me if you run into any trouble.”

With that, he disconnected from the trio as he could see Yaoyorozu producing rope which Jirou collected and started to tie the fallen Villains up. The Mountain Zone was now under control with the Heroes-in-training taking charge. Now, to find out who needed help next.

Notes:

Izuku is the Chair Guy! You know, like Peter Parker's friends says in Spider-man: Homecoming? :D He wants to fight, but instead uses his brain to help the others fight. It took me a while to figure out how I was going to have my Izuku react to the USJ attack and I think this is most in character for my version. He's the eye in the sky, peeps! Even if he is underground. :P

So, Izuku does not fall into the water thanks to his Jet shoes and so he doesn't get wet. As for Asui's earpiece, as you can see if you squint, her's is still working too. I'm not sure if the main headset or the tablet would have made it, but the earpieces were made to last.

Izuku being Izuku and his ever thinking brain can't help but brainstorm ideas for improvements and new gadgets. Also, he is a respectful boy and gives Yaoyorozu her space.

Also, seriously I could not figure out where Aoyama or Hagakure were. I made a post here on my usual extraness of trying to figure it out. Check it out if you like. (EDIT: People have pointed out that we learn later Hagakure was in the Landslide Zone with Todoroki. Now that I think about it, I do remember his mini freak out about how he could have frozen her. So that mystery is already solved. So yeah. Whatevs. Nobody is perfect! :) Thanks for pointing that out, peeps!)

Fun Facts About Japan:

Tea is a huge part of Japanese culture. I remember from my interview for JET that I was asked if I would make tea if it was requested of me. I replied that I would but I'm not much of a tea person and they'd have to show me how first. To which, once in Japan, I was asked to make tea and it's really easy. XD Hot water, some flavor leaves, and time. Anyway, between tea and coffee, I think that tea is more popular in Japan. You can get a variety of teas at convenience stores and grocery stores. My favorite was jasmine tea. At the schools, they have a tea lady/lord that, among other office responsibilities, helps keep a steady supply of hot water and makes sure the tea bag packets are stocked. It is very common to find hot water dispensers in schools, offices, and other business places. When I would first come to a new school, tea was immediately offered, whether in a cup or a bottle. Hot or iced depending on the season. One of the things I would keep at school was a mug specifically for tea. Bottles of tea are also commonly given as a thank you if you help with a special event such as the English Speech Contest or English training for before that contest. Basically, tea is life. Especially matcha.

That's it for this chapter! I hope you enjoyed the special treat of an early update! Coming up next Tuesday is the climax of USJ! Thanks for reading and let me know of typos or weirdness!

Chapter 28: USJ: Heroes, Villains, And Noumu. Oh My!

Notes:

It's part 5 of the fourth day and the climax of USJ!!! Huzzah! This chapter is longer than normal because that's just how the natural breaks in the story worked best. So about 9 pages with 1 inch margins and 11 point font on Word. I hope you enjoy this longer chapter but most chapters will not be this long.

Formatting reminder: "Dialogue heard through an earpiece."

Anyway, let's go!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Izuku had just started to scan the other camera views for where he was needed next when Tsuyu spoke up.

“Hiro-chan.”

“Hmm?” Izuku responded, not looking away from the screen.

“If the Villain whose Quirk was blocking signals was taken out,” Tsuyu said. “Doesn’t that mean that phones would work now, kero?”

“…huh, you’re right, Tsu-san,” Izuku said, mentally saying ‘duh’ to himself. He reached into his messenger bag and grabbed his phone. Sure enough, there was signal albeit it a weak one. “There is signal but it’s weak. Probably due to us being underground in here. I’m going to keep looking for whoever needs help. Do you think you can try to get a message through? A text would probably be better than a call because of the signal strength down here.”

“Of course, Hiro-chan,” Tsuyu replied, reaching for his phone which he unlocked for her. “I would use mine but I didn’t bring it in case we worked with water today.”

Hmm…perhaps a water proof communication device should be added to her gear.

Tsuyu went to his contacts, a list that was shorter than most but had been steadily growing since coming to UA. It consisted of his friends, Mei and Hitoshi having been the first of course, as well as a number of the teachers. Including…

“You have Principal Nezu’s number?”

“Y-yeah,” Izuku said, blushing slightly. “He’s my teacher f-for improving my analysis.”

“He takes on students even as the principal?” she asked as she typed out a quick message explaining the situation.

“Not t-typically,” he answered. “Only those who c-catch his eye.”

“That’s impressive, Hiro-chan,” Tsuyu said, finishing the message and began attempting to send it.

“Thanks,” Izuku said. “Um, anyway, try for Nezu-sensei but also Yagi-sensei. He, uh, he’s a teacher here too and can get in contact with All Might.”

“Right,” Tsuyu replied, glad to have something to do to help.

Izuku continued to scan the video feeds while Tsuyu watched him work silently, not wanting to distract him, as well as checking his phone periodically. The students in the other zones had already defeated their opponents and were heading towards the entrance. So, Izuku turned his attention to the entrance and connected to Thirteen’s earpiece.

“Thirteen, this is Hiro,” he announced to the teacher. “The Villain blocking the signal has been defeated. However, Kaminari is slightly incapacitated now and can’t get a signal out yet. Asui-san is with me and she’s attempting to get a message out with my phone but the signal is low here. We need to get word to the school about what’s going on.”

Understood,” Thirteen replied, much to the confusion of the other students around them. The Hero ignored them and addressed Iida. “Class President, I know you feel like it’s abandoning your friends, but I need you to run back to the school and alert them to what’s happening here. Please use your Quirk to save others.

Izuku watched Thirteen activate their Quirk to counter the Warp Villain and Iida, somewhat reluctantly, prepared to run for the door. Thinking that the Space Hero had it under control, he disconnected from them and turned his attention to Eraserhead.

Aizawa was thankfully still holding his own in the Central Plaza. He was kicking and punching his way through the throng of Villains. Their numbers had dwindled down significantly since the greenette had last looked. The Hero was making steady progress towards the handy man.

As he nullified Quirks and knocked out his enemies, he got closer and closer to the pale blue haired Villain. Izuku connected to Aizawa’s earpiece but didn’t say anything so he didn’t break the man’s concentration. This did allow him to hear what was being said around the Hero though.

Breaking through the last of the obviously small-fry enemies, Eraserhead shot towards the handy man who for some reason was counting under his breath. Aizawa’s hair rose as he activated his Quirk and shot his capture weapon forward.

So, you’re the boss, right?” the Erasure Hero growled. His hair fell as he blinked. The Villain had grabbed the capture weapon and as soon as Erasure turned off, the material started to crumble in his grip.

Black hair rose again and the Villain started mumbling numbers again. Why is he…oh crap! Aizawa elbowed the handy man in the stomach, who slumped over and reached a pale hand toward the Hero.

“Aizawa! Don’t let him touch you!” Izuku blurted out.

~~~

Aizawa! Don’t let him touch you!

The Erasure Hero instinctively jumped back out of the Villain’s reach. Hearing the student’s voice suddenly was surprising, but recognizing it, he knew to trust it. “Why?” he hissed back.

I’m not 100% sure but I think his Quirk could dissolve, disintegrate, or decay things through physical contact. Could possibly be the Quirk that destroyed the UA Barrier yesterday.

Shit.

If that was the case, the Hero needed to keep his distance. To test it, he kicked up some rubble, aimed it at the blue-haired man, and activated his Quirk. Each piece was easily caught and, once Shouta blinked, crumbled to nothing but dust.

“He was right,” Shouta muttered as the Villain shook the dust off his hands.

Looks like a five-finger application. Keep him from touching you with all five fingers.

The Villain covered with hands looked at the Hero with confused curiosity. “Who was right? Right about what?”

“Your Quirk, it disintegrates, right?” Shouta asked, ignoring the other’s first question. “Either that or decays things. It would explain how the media got on campus yesterday.”

“How did you…?” The decayer started to question. “Heh. Either you’re more observant than I thought or this ‘he’ helped. Is my Quirk that obvious? Not that you’re one to talk, Hero.”

The Villain lunged forward, hands outstretched, and Shouta jumped back with his long black hair floating around him.

“It’s hard to tell when you’re jumping around,” the handy man said, lunging again and again as the Hero dodged. “But from time to time, your hair falls. It’s your ‘tell.’ The sign that you just completed an action and the time between is getting shorter and shorter. You’re having to blink more often, aren’t you? Running out of mana? Don’t push yourself too hard, Eraserhead~.”

The Villain lunged once more, but Shouta managed to kick him back without getting decayed, hard enough to knock him to the ground. Damn, Midoriya was right. He usually fought at night so Villains never noticed his hair rising. But in broad day light, it was definitely an obvious tell. This Villain in front of him may act childish with all his video game metaphors, but he was definitely observant.

From behind him, some of the stragglers of the small-fry tried to attack the Hero by surprise. But he was Eraserhead, a Hero who was used to fighting against those who fought dirty. Shouta ducked down and kicked both of his opponents’ legs out from under them and knocked them out.

The blue haired Villain picked himself off the ground, dusting off his clothes. All the while prattling about the Hero’s fighting style and how the current conditions weren’t ideal.

“Despite entering a fight above your character level, you still jumped right in without a thought,” the man-child continued. “You’re just so cool. By the way, Hero…”

Out of the corner of his eye, Shouta saw a blur of black.

“…I’m not the final boss.”

Shouta tried to dodge. He really did, but it was no use. Not only was he bruised, beaten, and tired from having fought so many enemies at once, there was no way he could have dodged the…creature. Whatever the thing was, it was too fast to avoid.

A large black fist punched Shouta’s head, breaking his yellow goggles in the process. Despite using Erasure on it, the creature had enough natural strength to deliver a critical blow. The Hero found himself pinned face down on the ground with one strong hand pressing down on his back and another gripping his right arm firmly. He could feel the blood oozing from the wounds on his face where the jagged edges of his broken goggles had cut him.

“What do you think of my secret weapon, Eraserhead?” Shigaraki taunted at the pinned Hero. “He’s the bio-engineered, Anti-Symbol of Peace. Otherwise known as Noumu.”

The creature shrieked as its name, or rather what sounded like a designation, was said out loud. Its grip on Shouta’s arm tightened further until there was the clear snap of bones breaking. The Hero let out a cry of pain, unable to free himself from the monster’s grasp.

“Your Quirk allows you to erase other’s powers,” the decayer said, calmly standing as he watched the Noumu literally break the other man. “It’s a pretty cool skill, but in the end not all that impressive. When facing true, crippling strength, you might as well be Quirkless.”

Shouta turned his head to aim Erasure at the Noumu in hopes of escape, only to have the creature slam its hand down on his other arm and crushing it against the ground.

It’s breaking my bones like they’re twigs. If my Quirk has no effect on it, then that means this is its base strength. If so, it may be as strong as All Might.

The Noumu grabbed the Hero’s head with a large, strong hand and slammed his head into the ground face first. The action had so much power behind it that it cracked the pavement. He tried to shake the hand off of his head but the creature simply slammed his head down again, knocking the Hero out.

~~~

Izuku had watched in horror as Aizawa was attacked by the black hulking mass. He was too shocked to look away. So much so that when Asui tapped his shoulder, he jumped. He turned towards her, but she didn’t say anything as she stared at another video feed in dismay.

Following her gaze, Izuku took in the chilling scene occurring at the entrance. He had thought Thirteen had it handled. Had thought a man made of mist would be no match for the Rescue Hero’s Black Hole Quirk. That’s how it should have been but for one thing. The Villain had a Warp Quirk.

After the Space Hero had directed Black Hole at the misty man, the Villain had created a warp gate behind Thirteen and turned their own Quirk against them. Black Hole pulled at Thirteen’s back, ripping a huge hole through their Hero suit before they could react. The Space Hero had more experience in rescue than combat and was apparently unable to predict the Villain turning the tables against them.

Seeing that the teacher was down, Izuku disconnected from Aizawa and switched to all the numbers stationed at the entrance. Getting help was top priority right now. But with how Thirteen was taking down, the students were frozen in shock and fear.

“Iida! You need to run!” Izuku called out, snapping the students out of their horrified stupor. “Don’t let Thirteen’s efforts go to waste!”

The Hero students jumped into action. Iida ran towards the door without hesitation. When the Warp Villain went after him, the other students used their Quirks to slow the misty man down. Shouji wrapped his dupliarms around the warp gate that formed in front of Iida while the teen ran past. The Villain escaped and shot toward the engine user again. As the man rushed forward, the metal casing was revealed amongst the fog. Uraraka ran forward and used her Quirk on the metal. Sero shot his tape at the casing and Satou grabbed the tether, slinging the Villain away. With all their efforts combined, Iida managed to escape.

If he calls for help, it’s game over,” the Villain stated before he warped away.

Izuku promptly searched the cameras for him and found he had teleported next to the handy man. Quickly switching from the students at the entrance and back to Aizawa’s earpiece, that somehow was still working, he was able to hear their conversation.

Shigaraki Tomura,” the warper said. Is that the handy man’s name? Filing that away for later.

Kurogiri,” Shigaraki replied. Another name? Noted. “Did you kill Thirteen?

I was able to incapacitate them,” Kurogiri answered. “However, there were some students I was unable to warp away and one managed to escape.

At that news, Shigaraki paused and then began to scratch. A lot. His hands were almost a blur on his neck. Is that Quirk related or psychosomatic?

Kurogiri,” the Decay Villain growled. “If you weren’t our ticket out of here, I’d dust you. When the other Heroes come, we won’t stand a chance. Damn it! It’s game over.

Game over? Izuku thought as he watched the handy man order the Noumu away from Aizawa. What does that mean? Are they leaving?

“It does seem weird that they would just leave after all this,” Asui chimed in.

“Y-yeah, it doesn’t make sense,” Izuku replied. At this point, he resigned himself to his fate of mumbling aloud in this situation. “Were you able to get a message out?”

“Yes, a little bit ago,” Tsuyu answered, checking his phone to see that at least one went through a couple of minutes ago. “But there was no response, kero.” She sounded a bit down that sending a message that may or may not have been read was all she could do at the moment.

As the Villains turned to leave, a loud crash rang throughout the USJ. Looking back at the entrance, they saw that All Might had arrived. And he was not smiling. Scanning the screens, Izuku and Asui could see the relief on the students’ faces now that the Symbol of Peace had arrived. The greenette couldn’t help but cringe a little. He had never seen the Number One Hero so angry.

So, he finally showed up,” Shigaraki spat out near Aizawa. Izuku was still surprised his earpiece was still working after getting his head bashed into the ground. Twice. “Having the Symbol of Trash make me wait pisses me off.” The handy man started to scratch his neck again in irritation.

In the blink of an eye, All Might moved from the entrance to Aizawa’s side, knocking out the Villains along the way. He had to maneuver around the Noumu and the blue haired Villain, the wind produced by his movements was enough to knock the severed hand off the latter’s face. All Might picked up his battered colleague as carefully as he could and rushed back to the entrance. Placing the man in the students’ care, he shot back down to the Central Plaza to confront the Villains.

Since Aizawa was no longer near the center, Izuku couldn’t hear what the Villain was saying and so disconnected from his earpiece. He scanned the tablet for any numbers that were near the area, torn between hoping no one was there meaning they were somewhere safer and having someone near to allow access to what was being said. Three numbers were close to the Central Plaza and seemed to be heading towards the Villains instead of the entrance. Selecting the numbers to listen, he then scanned the screens to find it was Katsuki, Kirishima, and Todoroki.

I expect this from Katsuki who runs into any situation head on, but Kirishima-kun, Todoroki-kun, what are you thinking?

The Hero students were still too far away to hear anything, but they were steadily making their way over. Turning his gaze back to All Might, Izuku watched the man-child wobble toward the fallen hand on the ground. With great care, Shigaraki picked up the hand with one finger raised so he didn’t decay it and returned it to his face.

Seeing the Villain trying not to use his Quirk reminded Izuku that All Might didn’t know about it. Nor did he know about the Noumu or what it was capable of. On top of that, he didn’t have an earpiece for Izuku to privately inform him of the situation. Plus, the students were still not close enough and he wouldn’t have wanted them to give their location away just to pass on information.

Guess I have no choice, he thought as he selected the PA system for the Central Plaza.

“All Might, be careful!” Izuku called out, making both the Hero and Villains alike look around for the source of the voice. “The handy man, Shigaraki, has a Decay Quirk with five-finger contact activation. The misty man, Kurogiri, has a Warp Quirk. And the brainy one…they call it a Noumu and I’m not sure what its Quirk is or, more accurately, how many. But it’s shown speed and strength so far. They say it was made to kill you!”

By this time, the three Hero students had arrived close enough for him to hear. They had hidden themselves behind some bushes near the scene.

Who said that?!” Shigaraki screeched, looking around frantically. “Some kind of admin giving out cheat codes? That’s so unfair!

Thanks for the information, young M-Hiro,” All Might said as he rushed forward. The Noumu met him head on, literally, taking a Carolina Smash to its exposed brain.

The creature retaliated with its own attack which All Might managed to dodge and followed with a punch to the Noumu’s stomach. But with each blow dealt, there seemed to be no effect on the creature. From the sidelines, Shigaraki let out a laugh and started to brag about the Noumu. How it had a Shock Absorption Quirk and the only way to defeat it would be to tear it apart, piece by piece.

Is he an idiot? To tell the Hero about his ‘secret’ weapon’s ‘special features’?

All Might grabbed the Noumu around the waist from the back. Bending backwards, the Number One Hero smashed the creature down head first into the concrete. Or at least he tried. The attack was fast…but not fast enough.

As the Noumu’s head was forced down, Kurogiri opened two portals on the ground. The thing’s upper body passed through one and came out the other, hands grasping the Symbol of Peace’s torso. Izuku noticed its fingers were digging into his sides, right into the wound he had received years ago.

Oh crap, that’s not good. He’s already past his limit today. Any aggravation to his wound won’t help either. There’s got to be some way to get him out of that.

Kurogiri started to monologue about their plans to kill All Might. Stuff about blood and gore floating in his gate and that they planned to cut the Symbol of Peace in half. It was a simple but at the same time convoluted plan and Izuku wondered if the man-child was the one to come up with it. As the Villain continued to talk, Izuku addressed the three Hero students hiding nearby.

“Bakugou, Kirishima, Todoroki, this is Hiro,” he said. “Can you hear me?”

Katsuki’s brows furrowed in confusion, Kirishima jumped slightly, and Todoroki’s brow quirked up. The latter was the one to answer.

We hear you, Hiro,” the ice user whispered, while Kirishima eyed the scowling blonde warily. At least Katsuki was trying to be quiet though, attempting to not attracted unwanted attention. “What’s going on?

“They have All Might pinned,” Izuku explained. “That big brain Villain, called a Noumu, somehow has multiple Quirks including speed, strength, and shock absorption. The misty guy, Kurogiri, plans to use his Warp Quirk to cut All Might in half. We need to weaken the Noumu’s grip while also disrupting Kurogiri’s Warp.”

What do you suggest?” Todoroki asked. Kirishima tried to placate Katsuki while the blonde glared at the bi-colored teen since his question insultingly implied they needed any kind of help.

“Todoroki, use your ice on the Noumu,” the Support student instructed. “If it’s even partially encased in ice, All Might should be able to break free. As for Kurogiri, there’s some sort of metal casing hidden within the mist surrounding him. Could be a weakness. Bakugou, Kirishima, if you go after that, you should be able to stop him. Also watch out for the Villain with all the hands, he has a Decay Quirk that requires physical contact. Don’t let him touch you with all five fingers with either of his hands.”

As he had been speaking, Katsuki clearly became more and more agitated over receiving ‘help’ and Kirishima couldn’t hold the blonde back any longer. Like the explosive spaz that he was, Katsuki lunged towards the Villains yelling, “DON’T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!!” The other two followed right after him.

Typical Katsuki…

Firing an explosion with one hand at Kurogiri, Katsuki disturbed the mist enough for the metal casing to show. Which he then pinned down to the ground with his other hand, threatening to blast him if he tried to move.

Wow…what a ‘heroic’ thing to say…

Kirishima aimed a hardened arm at Shigaraki who dodged away. Todoroki planted his right foot down and sent ice towards the Noumu, freezing its entire right side. With the Noumu partially encased in ice, its grip was loosened enough for All Might to escape its clutches. He leapt away and took a defensive stance between the Villains and the students.

Kurogiri, pinned down by some UA brat?” Shigaraki drawled out. “How pathetic. And annoying. They’ve captured our way out. On top of that, they cleared this level at full health and seized my Noumu as well. Kids these days really are something. Really puts the League of Villains to shame. Can’t have that…

The handy man turned his attention towards the half frozen Noumu still sticking out of two portals.

…Noumu.

With just the call of its name, the creature forced itself back through the portal and breaking off the limbs encased in ice. The Hero and students watched in horror as it was still able to move. Suddenly, the remaining ice shattered off the Noumu as its mutilated right side began to grow back in a burst of muscle and bone.

What? That thing has some kind of Healing Quirk, too?

What’s this?” All Might asked. “Another Quirk?

As that admin so annoyingly spoiled earlier,” Shigaraki sneered. “Noumu has more than one Quirk at his disposal. You’ve already experienced his Shock Absorption while this is his Super Regeneration. Noumu was designed to take you on at 100% power. Like a highly efficient punching bag that fights back.

As the Villain was talking, the Noumu’s limbs finished re-growing. Its beady eyes swiveled around until the small pupils focused on its enemy. They all stared as the Noumu stood before them unharmed, the only evidence of injury being its tattered shorts.

First, we need our escape route back. Noumu, get him.

There was a collective gasp as the Noumu shot forward towards Katsuki and Kurogiri, too fast for the blonde to dodge. The creature’s attack was strong and brought up a cloud of dust, obscuring the scene. Izuku stared at the cloud on the camera feed as he silently begged for his childhood friend to be ok. The explosive boy may be an asshole, but he didn’t deserve to be punched with a power that could rival All Might’s.

The greenette let out a sigh as the dust began to settle and he could see that Katsuki had been pushed out of the way. But his relief was short lived as he saw that was because All Might had been the one to shove the student away so he could take the blow instead.

You don’t even hold back for children?” the Symbol of Peace seethed as he coughed from the dust as well as being low on time.

Shigaraki cackled and started to rant about how he was only defending his companion who was being threatened by a student. How labels like Hero and Villain dictated what kind of violence was socially acceptable and which was condemned as criminal. That it all pissed him off and All Might was merely a government-sponsored tool for violence. That the world would see violence only breeds more violence. A point that would be made known with the death of the Symbol of Peace.

What a bunch of baloney,” All Might declared, call the Villain out on his nonsense. “Trying to make your criminal acts sounds so noble. But I can tell from that look in your eye that you’re nothing but a lunatic. You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?

Oops!” the handy man chuckled darkly. “Seems you saw right through me.

We outnumber them four to three,” Todoroki interjected.

They may act tough,” Kirishima chimed in, clenching his fists. “But we’ve got All Might so there’s no way we can lose.

Izuku was about to speak up, but All Might beat him to it.

NO,” the Number One Hero barked as he stepped towards the Villains. “Don’t attack. Get out of here.

The students started to protest but All Might shot them down. He thanked them for their earlier help but insisted that the students not to interfere with this fight. Assuring them that everything was going to be alright and for them to watch a Pro Hero at work.

Despite the Hero’s reassurances, Izuku still worried. No one in 1-A knew about All Might’s weakened state. That he had already used up his allotted time and was running on fumes at this point. And yet, despite the circumstances, the man still walked forward to fight evil head on to protect others. This was why All Might had been Izuku’s favorite Hero ever since he was young. His unrelenting drive to help others no matter what happened to him.

Izuku and Asui, along with the other three students, watched as Shigaraki ordered the Noumu and Kurogiri to kill All Might. The handy man then shot out towards the Hero students who readied themselves into defensive positions. But the Symbol of Peace didn’t allow him to make contact as the Hero ran to fight him. Unsurprising, the Noumu met him with a mirrored fist, the power behind the clashing dual punch sent everyone else flying with a sudden gust of wind.

Weren’t you listening before?” Shigaraki chided as he skidded to a stop. “He has Shock Absorption. Your attacks won’t affect him.

Yeah? And your point is?!” All Might shot back, letting out a roar as he continued to attack the Noumu.

The flurry of blows constantly sent out more blasts of wind, making it difficult for the others to stay still let alone stand. Nor could the Villains get anywhere near them to go on with their plan of attack. Kurogiri especially seemed to be having a hard time.

Well, he is made mostly of mist, so…

You said it was Shock Absorption,” the Number One Hero said as he continued punching over and over. “Not Nullification. Which means there must be a limit! And if it was made to fight me at 100%, then I’ll just have to go beyond. PLUS ULTRA!

At that declaration, All Might somehow managed to increase the speed of his attacks even faster than before. To the point that the punches were just a blur. The Noumu fought back to match him, getting some blows through the Hero’s defense. But that only seemed to spur the Hero on to fight even harder. After what felt like an eternity, All Might delivered one last super punch that sent the Noumu flying up into the air, through the roof, and out of the USJ altogether.

The students and Villains alike stood stunned as All Might defeated the creature created to be his match. The Number One Hero began to talk about how he was getting slower and that it had taken over three hundred punches when back in the day it would have only taken five. Izuku resisted the urge to facepalm.

Don’t tell the enemy that kind of information! Aizawa was right. He is a big blonde buffoon.

The other students were all in awe at the strength All Might had shown, but Izuku was distracted by something else. A cloud of dust had built up from the fight, obscuring the Hero in the haze. But the Support student could see the small tendrils of smoke seeping out of the Number One Hero.

Oh no. His time is almost up. But there are still two more Villains.

Despite this, the Symbol of Peace turned to the Villains, his smile hiding his weakness. “Now then, Villain,” he said with feigned confidence. “You’ve been bested. Let’s hurry up and finish this. Surrender. Or, if you think you can take me, bring it on!

Notes:

More Chair Guy Izuku!! :D And now labeled an 'admin' by Shiggy. ;) Aizawa still got hurt but not decayed. Gotta do something about that hair. Thirteen...oof, ouch. Also everyone is an idiot spouting their special moves or weaknesses. -cough Shiggy and All Might cough- Just shut up already! And Katsuki, you need to learn to chill, bro.

(Also, I know I didn't state clearly that Izuku had his phone before. But I added a super minor edit to his verbal check list in chapter 25 to add one word of 'phone' so the beginning of this chapter made sense. It was a last minute addition. -shrugs-)

Fun Facts About Japan:

So, not sure about the rest of Japan, but my area was super windy. Like, the main street I lived on felt like a wind tunnel at times and just from the wind, not a storm or anything. And it seemed super windy to me since I'm from the southwest of the US where my area only gets windy during dust storms and thunderstorms with the occasional dust devil, aka mini dust tornado that has no wind power really at all.

Anyway, speaking of wind, there is a literal typhoon season in Japan from about late August through early October, if I remember correctly. Now that was a weird experience for me being from a landlocked state. For those who don't know, a typhoon and a hurricane are the same, it just depends on where they occur. Lots of rain and wind and whatnot. Many buildings have storm shutters for the windows. (Mine I kept partially drawn down so I could reach them 'cause I'm a shorty at 5' 2''. :P) Commuting to school, especially on foot for some, was...not fun during this season. But Japan is all about showing up and putting in the effort at work, so even in bad weather they expected us ALTs to show up to work same as the Japanese teachers. Something that I thought was kind of a safety concern, but you just gotta make it work. Being culturally understanding and sensitive and all.

That's it for this chapter! Hoped you liked my version of the USJ climax. :) Up next, the conclusion of USJ and an aftermath along with it. Thanks for reading and let me know of any typos or weirdness!

Chapter 29: USJ: Heroes To The Rescue

Notes:

We have now reached the resolution of the USJ arc and the conclusion of the fourth day. Dang, Izuku's first week at UA has been super busy and long, ne?

Anyway, enjoy!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Surrender. Or, if you think you can take me, bring it on!

Shigaraki was visibly shaking with rage.

He cheated,” the handy man seethed, pale hand reaching up to scratch his neck. “He beat me. He defeated my Noumu. He’s not weaker. He’s not any weaker at all!

Shigaraki Tomura…please calm yourself,” Kurogiri implored. “Observe. He has definitely weakened. Noumu’s attacks have clearly managed to deal real damage. He is alone and the children do not seem to intend on interfering. The other Heroes most likely won’t arrive just yet, allowing us a few more minutes. If we work in tandem, together we still have a chance.

The man-child stopped scratching as the other Villain spoke, taking what he was saying to heart.

You’re right. We can’t waste this opportunity,” Shigaraki relented as he lowered his hand. “After all, the final boss is right here.

With renewed resolve, the two Villains shot towards the Symbol of Peace. From his stance, Izuku could tell that All Might only had enough energy to continue to maintain his muscle form. Not enough to fight. In fact, it seemed that he couldn’t even move with all the effort he was putting into remaining to appear strong. If the Villains managed to make contact, they would learn about his secret and possibly succeed in their goal.

Where are the other Heroes?!

A bang rang through the air as a bullet shot through Shigaraki’s outstretched hand. All of the students turned to the entrance where Iida had finally returned with the other teachers in tow. Seeing that more Heroes had shown up, the last of the small-fry Villains were quick to go on the offensive. Only to get overwhelmed by one of Present Mic’s Voice attacks.

Ectoplasm opened his mouth wide and sent out numerous clones down towards the Central Plaza. Some of the teachers focused on rescuing the students while others worked on fighting and securing the remaining Villains. Snipe fired more shots at Shigaraki, landing a few before Kurogiri moved to shield the handy man. Thirteen, while being held up by Sero and Satou, attempted to keep the misty man from warping away.

Unfortunately, Shigaraki and Kurogiri still managed to escape. After a declaration that they weren’t finished yet and would be back of course. You know, typical Villain exit. With the ‘bosses’ gone, the rest of the Villains were defeated and captured quickly. Seeing Cementoss raise a wall between All Might and the three Hero students in the Central Plaza, Izuku closed that window on the screen first so Asui wouldn’t see the man’s smaller form.

With a sigh, the greenette shut down the rest of the camera views and slumped back into his chair, relieved that everything would be alright now. The Heroes had finally come and the remaining Villains were being taken care of. The students were safe and ambulances were on their way. Though he did worry about how Aizawa, Thirteen, and All Might were fairing.

“Thank you, Asui-san,” Izuku said, turning towards the other student with a drained smile.

“For what, kero?” Asui asked. She took note of his green eyes since his goggles were still on top of his head. “And I told you to call me Tsu.”

“Oh r-right,” he replied shyly. “Well, for your help in the Flood Zone and getting us both out of there. I don’t think I would have gotten away without you, Tsu-san.”

“Just Tsu,” the frog girl insisted.

“Tsu…chan?”

“Eh, I’ll take it,” Tsuyu shrugged, admitting defeat to his need to be polite. Besides, it was adorable. “Anyway, you’re welcome. But don’t sell yourself short, Hiro-chan. Your electric bomb stopped all those Villains all at once. Your quick thinking and inventing helped us out of there, too. Not to mention you helping the others fight from here. So, thank you as well, kero.”

The greenette blushed at her kind words, still not used to others thanking him. Then he blushed even more when he remembered she witnessed a lot of his muttering aloud without meaning to.

Oh gods, that’s so embarrassing. I really need to get my mumbling under control.

“Yeah, you really do,” Tsuyu interjected, smiling kind-heartedly with the tip of her tongue poking out of her mouth.

“Ah, heh heh, y-yeah,” Izuku said, rubbing his neck bashfully. “A-anyway, we should probably h-head out of here. They might be wondering where we are.”

“Of course, Hiro-chan,” she replied.

The Support student led the way out of the Control Hub through the same hatch they used before. Izuku made sure to adjust his goggles back over his eyes before they resurfaced. Once they were intercepted by the Heroes, they were escorted outside to the ambulances to be checked over. But with their quick defeat of the Villains in the Flood Zone and spending the rest of the time in the Control Hub, neither of them had anything serious beyond a few scratches.

After they were checked over, some officers came over to get their statements. The pair of greenettes relayed their version of what happened. Izuku provided the names and describe the Quirks of the Villains who got away. He also told them what he had observed about the creature called a Noumu. Tsuyu made a point to tell them how Izuku had defeated all the Villains in the Flood Zone and how he helped the other students coordinate their fights against the Villains from the Control Hub. The officers took notes and informed the students that they would be contacted if they had any more questions.

The rest of the school day was cancelled and students were sent home early. Class 1-A plus Izuku were held on campus until their parents came to pick them up. The teachers wanted to explain what happened to the parents directly and assure them that UA would do everything in their power to protect the students in the future. At some point, a group of officers appeared out of the nearby wooded area and approached the front of the USJ. They had managed to find and apprehend the Noumu left behind by the Villains. With Shigaraki gone, the Noumu had no commands to follow and mindlessly complied with the officers.

As the students waited for their parents, they all checked in with their friends and classmates. Uraraka and Iida came over to Izuku and Tsuyu who both received hugs from the gravity girl while the engine teen asked if they were alright with jerky arm movements. Kirishima remained near Katsuki but he did glance at the greenette and gave an inquiring thumbs-up. Izuku gave an affirmative one back which made the red head smile before turning back to the blonde. Todoroki also glanced his way with a questioning head tilt and raised brow to which Izuku answered with a smile and a nod that was returned in kind but minus the smile.

Knowing his mom was on her way, Izuku shot her a text saying he was alright and would explain when she got to UA. He also made sure to text Mei and Hitoshi to tell them the gist of what happened and that he was safe. The pinkette proceeded to blow up his phone with texts which he quickly replied to so as to assure her he was alright. Hitoshi also sent numerous messages followed by a flood of cat pictures as a means of distraction. Which honestly did help while he waited for his mom.

One by one the students were picked up and eventually Izuku’s mom came. Thankfully, Katsuki’s parents had arrived before this or else his cover would have been blown. Being his homeroom teacher, Maijima was the one to talk with Inko. There were tears, as always when dealing with Midoriyas, but the mother managed to hold most of them back. Though the teen knew the flood gates would open once they got home. And that he would easily join her because damn was today scary.

When he was cleared to leave, they left UA and headed for home. Izuku made sure to entrust his notebook to his homeroom teacher before leaving. They were also informed that school was cancelled the next day to allow the students to recuperate as well as for them to improve security on campus. And since tomorrow as a Friday meant they all had a three-day weekend. As they left the school, the two Midoriyas looked forward to a well-cooked meal and a quiet night at home. With cuddles, of course.

~~~

In an empty bar across town, a hazy ball of black mist formed and grew. From the fog emerged a man covered in hands who fell to the floor with a groan as he bled from the various bullet wounds that riddled his body. Once Tomura was all the way out, the vapor condensed to a man in a suit with a metal casing around his neck and an obscure face made of black mist. Kurogiri stood over his charge silently.

“Ow,” Tomura grumbled from the ground. “Got shot by a damn Hero. In both arms and legs no less. All our cannon fodder was crushed. Even Noumu was defeated. We failed. Those kids were so strong. And the Symbol of Peace wasn’t weakened at all…”

The blue haired man turned his attention to the monitor on the far end of the bar top. The screen was on but was blank apart from the words ‘audio only’ being displayed.

“…you were wrong, Sensei!”

No, I wasn’t,” a deep voice, Sensei, asserted from the monitor. “We merely got ahead of ourselves and weren’t as prepared as we should have been.

Agreed,” a second deep but scratchy voice interjected. It was the doctor that worked with Sensei. “We underestimated them. Thankfully that ‘cannon fodder’ came cheap. Now, what of the Noumu we created? Where is it?

“He was overcome and sent flying out of the USJ by All Might,” Kurogiri replied, as Tomura continued to sulk on the floor in a pool of his own blood. “We needed to leave quickly and without precise coordinates, there was no way to retrieve him.”

What?!” the doctor squawked. “Damn. After all the work we put into making it a rival for All Might.

No matter,” Sensei stated, with no sense of loss. “In this situation, it can’t be helped I suppose. Though we will need to search for Quirks to replace the ones lost with the Noumu.

“Quirks…that reminds me,” Tomura muttered from the floor. “There was an admin there. ‘He’ was able to pick apart our Quirks as if it was nothing.”

Oh? Sensei said curiously.

“There was a student who may have an Analysis Quirk of some kind,” Kurogiri reported calmly. “When I confronted Thirteen and the students at the entrance, there was one student who was able to deduce my Quirk and its limits within seconds of seeing it at work. He also divulged Shigaraki’s, Noumu’s, and my own Quirks to All Might when he arrived as well as warn him of our plan.”

“I think he also was talking to Eraserhead when we were fighting,” Tomura added from the ground. “He jumped back before I could decay him as if someone told him about my Quirk. Damn that admin! If he hadn’t revealed our stats like that, we might have been able to kill All Might!”

The decayer scratched at the wooded floor in irritation. That brat!

Hmm…an Analysis Quirk could be quite useful,” Sensei drawled. “Kurogiri, who was this student? What did they look like?

“Unfortunately, I do not know, Sensei,” Kurogiri answered. “According to the information we retrieved from UA, there would only be eighteen students in attendance. Yet there were nineteen in the USJ. The student in question wore a hat and goggles that concealed his features. However, he did wear some Support Items on his person.”

An extra student among the Hero fledglings,” Sensei mused. “Wearing Support Items, you say? A Support Course student, perhaps.” A thoughtful hum emitted from the monitor. “We may not know his identity as of now, but let us keep an eye out for him in the future.

“Of course, Sensei,” Kurogiri complied with a small bow.

Now Shigaraki Tomura, take this failure as a learning experience,” Sensei continued, causing the bleeding man to perk his head up. “Gather more to your cause. Focus on collecting the elite, rather than the mass mediocre, to strengthen the League of Villains. Take all the time you need. Although I must remain hidden, you will be a symbol for others to flock towards. Next time, you will show the world that you are one to be feared.

~~~

In an alley not too far away, a man armed with many knives fought yet another fake Hero. The arrogant phony boasted about their power and claimed they would beat the Hero Killer all on their own. They had some skill he would admit but, in the end, all that bragging was just hot air.

With a swipe of his blade, Stain cut the fake Hero and licked the blood he needed to paralyze them with his Quirk. Once the faux was down, the Villain plunged his sword into them over and over again. Blood pooled on the ground of the dark alley. In the distance, he heard the sounds of police sirens approaching.

All that talk of defeating me on their own and they call for backup in the end. Pathetic.

Dislodging his sword, Stain leapt towards the roof and ran across the rooftops, leaving the fake to die. Having completed his mission for the night, he headed towards the temporary home he occupied in the current area he was cleansing. There, he shed his knifes and armor to tend to later and turned on the old shabby radio he owned to the local news.

…and we send our condolences to their family.

In other news, there was a Villain attack at UA High School today. A group calling themselves the League of Villains managed to infiltrate the campus earlier today and attacked during a training session at one of the school’s more remote training facilities. Investigators have revealed that the League had planned the attack in an attempt to kill Number One Hero and now UA teacher, All Might.

Two teachers are in critical condition but are receiving treatment. There are no major injuries reported for the students, eighteen of which are in the Hero Course and one in the Support Course. No news on how the Villains managed to get past UA’s security as of yet, but it is reported that All Might was able to get there in time and finally defeat the Villains before any students were seriously injured. The police arrested 72 Villains at the scene, but the League’s leaders escaped. Their whereabouts are currently unknown.

We will update you on this story more as it progresses…

“An attack on UA, huh?” Chizome mused aloud. His mind wandered to a certain green haired Hero-to-be.

I don’t know for sure, but with his obsession with All Might, the boy must have applied to UA. If so, I don’t know if he would be in the Hero Course yet or not. But considering he had befriended that pink haired girl who seemed to be constantly tinkering with something…perchance he applied to the Support Course?

Chizome went to his makeshift kitchen to get something to eat. Exposing false Heroes could really build up one’s appetite. However, said self-imposed profession did not pay the bills and led to many microwaved cups of ramen.

As of tonight, I have cleansed this area of three fakes and need only one more before I move on, he thought, already having his next target in mind. Perhaps within the next couple of days after I cleanse another fake, I will go check on the boy. He may be able to provide more information on this League of Villains. Attacking children…how vile.

The Hero Killer sneered at the thought. Even he had standards against attacking children. Unless they proved to him that they were just as fake as the rest of those he cleansed. Then, he would already know what their true colors were that would carry on into adulthood. After all, a person’s true nature is not easily changed.

Notes:

There ya have it, folks! The end of the USJ arc. I hope you liked it! Izuku is relieved that whole mess is over and he'll never have to deal with the League of Villains ever again. Oh our sweet summer child who knows nothing.

But in other news, Izuku has a new friend! Tsu-chan! So the reason I have Izuku changing from calling her Tsu-san back to Asui-san through the attack is he is so shocked at seeing the heroes go down that his mind kind of does a reset on what he calls her. And Tsuyu being Tsuyu, I'd say she's not one to bother with honorifics since she asks people to call her by her first name. But my Izuku is a polite boy and does mind. The reason he calls Katsuki by his name but without one is because they've known each other for forever.

Anyway! We got some insight on the villain side of things. Shiggy and Kurogiri spill the beans about the admin and Sensei is intrigued. Uh oh! And Stain is being Stain. So, in Vigilantes, before Stain became Stain and was Stendhal, he made it clear that he keeps his work and personal life very separate. To which I would think would carry over into his work as Stain. Which is why sometimes he is Chizome and others he is Stain. But, more on that in a future chapter. ;)

Fun Facts About Japan:

Emergencies in Japan. A country that is a plagued by earthquakes and typhoons on the regular. It is highly recommended to have an emergency pack ready at all times and to know where your nearest emergency shelter is located. For me, the nearest to my apartment was the elementary school down the street. From my experience, schools were often the closest shelter which made it super easy to get to if something happened during work. 'Cause, you know, I was a teacher. Heh. Anyhoo, the emergency number is 119 for fire and rescue. And guess what? Ambulances? They are free in Japan. That's right! Ambulances are free. The only fees are cost of care.

There are some English speaking operators in the Tokyo Fire Departments, but perhaps not as many or at all the further you are from the capital. But! I know for my lil' city of Yachiyo there are firefighters at least trained in what we called 'emergency English'. How do I know? Because I helped train them! :D I believe during my second year, about 2017/2018, the other ALTs and I started doing 'emergency English' training with the local firefighters and I believe the Board of Education is still organizing those to this day. They started as preparation for the Tokyo Olympics since more foreigners would be coming into Japan for that. Which, with it being postponed, just means those firefighters have more time to practice! :) We covered English medical terms and phrases, practicing pronunciation as a big group and then we broke into smaller groups to act out scenarios for more practice. There were about 10-12ish firefighters per group and 2 ALTs. We were given a scenario such as a hurt foot, vomiting, choking, etc. Then two of the group would assess the situation and practice going through such phrases as 'are you hurt?', 'when is your birthday?', 'we are off duty firefighters', and 'we will call an ambulance' among others.

Also, there are different uniform colors depending on what kind of emergency service they provide. Orange uniforms with yellow reflector stripes are for the rescuers. Blue with orange stripes are for normal firefighters. Grey with white for emergency medical services. And black with yellow and white strips for specialized firefighters or officers.

That's it for this chapter! Thanks for reading so far! Next up is the recovery from the USJ attack. Lots of food, friends, and fun! Though the weekend gets a little tainted at the end. Or rather...'Stain'ed. ;D Kekekeke. 'Til next time, please enjoy, suffer some suspense, and let me know of typos or weirdness! Tata!

Chapter 30: Everbody's Working For The Weekend

Notes:

Some working to keep their mind off things. Others with a violent self appointed duty. (I couldn't really think of a good chapter title so that's what I came up with. -shrugs- ) Anyway, it's the weekend after the USJ! Finally got past USJ at chapter 30! When I first started writing this fic I had no idea it would be this much of a slow burn, but I hope you, dear readers, are enjoying reading it as much as I am writing it! ^____^ Thanks for all the comments, kudos, bookmarks, and hits!

So, you know what I noticed the other day? Thirty chapters in and I just realized I didn't add Izuku fanboying over Lunch Rush! How dare I! I know it's a small detail but Izuku has fanboyed about many other heroes but not Lunch Rush! So! If you are interested, I added a small blurb in the first paragraph of chapter 11. Does not affect the story whatsoever.

Alright, let's get this weekend started! (in the story 'cause you know...it's Tuesday irl...) -clears throat awkwardly- Onward!

Linktree to all the things! This includes the discord, tumblr, and more! Join if you'd like! :D

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

The next day, Izuku woke up a little later than usual since he didn’t set his alarm. But why would he? It was a day off from UA after all. Something he knew to take advantage of with how hard the prestigious school pushed its students. But especially so with what had happened yesterday. However, that wasn’t something he wanted to think about right now. Instead of getting up right away, Izuku lazed in his bed as he scrolled through Hero news on his phone. There were some articles about new Hero debuts or various Villain take-downs, but the majority were about the attack on UA.

Many articles were reporting on what happened and offered speculations on certain details that were not made known to the public. Such as how the Villains were able to get onto campus in the first place or what the Noumu’s capabilities were. In fact, there was no mention of the Noumu at all. As for the leaders of the League, the handy man, Shigaraki, and the warper, Kurogiri, there wasn’t much mentioned of them other than reporting that they had escaped. The news instead focused on the number of Villains that were detained and how they were defeated by not only the teachers but the Hero students as well, praising them for their bravery in such a situation.

Thankfully, the only mention of Izuku was vague as an anonymous Support student who was helping the class. No mention of his role of communicating and relaying information across the USJ. Nor anything on his on-the-spot analysis of the Villains’ Quirks. But, considering Nezu and Aizawa thought that his analysis could be dangerous, it would make sense not to divulge that to the press. Good thing, too, because the teen really didn’t want to deal with the media. Sounded like a pain.

Mixed within the numerous articles about the USJ attack were ones reporting the latest news on the Hero Killer. Sightings of Stain had been reported in the region adjacent to Musutafu for a few weeks now along with already finding two Heroes attacked and in critical condition. And, as of yesterday, yet another Hero had been found and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their body riddled with stab wounds that resulted in them bleeding out before help had arrived.

After meeting the Hero Killer, Izuku researched all he could about the man. At first it was as if he was searching for a ghost, but once the man gave him his name upon their second meeting, he was able to find out a bit more. Akaguro had attended a private high school for Heroes though the name of the school was kept anonymous. Also unknown were the exact reasons why the man had suddenly dropped out of that school and changed to giving soapbox speeches about the need for a ‘hero revival.’ Soon after, the man known as Akaguro Chizome disappeared without a trace and ten years later, Stain began to make his bloody mark on society.

Why did you stop trying to be a Hero, Akaguro-san? What happened to you that would push you down the road of Villainy? Where were you for those ten years?

All were questions that sometimes kept Izuku up at night. Ones that no news article could seem to answer. And believe him, he tried. At this point he doubted he would ever get the answers to those questions. Besides, it’s not like he could ask the man himself. Sure, he’s met with Stain twice, but what are the odds of it happening again?

Putting those thoughts aside, he continued to scroll and read. Eventually after finishing going through the news, Izuku got up and dressed in casual clothes, opting for dark blue cargo shorts and one of his many pun t-shirts. This particular one had ‘flannel shirt’ written on it. No one else ever seemed to get the joke but he liked it. With a shrug, he pulled on some socks and grabbed his phone as he left his room.

In the kitchen, Izuku met his mom who was busy making breakfast. She smiled as he entered and gave him a big hug which he returned in kind. Inko went back to cooking while Izuku helped to set the table with plates and chopsticks. Soon the food was ready and the pair ate a delicious breakfast of grilled fish, miso soup, and white rice topped with an egg.

After cleaning the dishes, the rest of the morning was spent binge watching Disney movies together. The mother and son cuddled on the couch as they watched the animated stories play out. Simply enjoying the other’s company and trying not to dwell on what the younger had been through the previous day. The way his mother’s fingers ran through his green curls also helped calm them both. A tactile reminder to them both that Izuku was safe and well.

Around noon, their movie marathon was interrupted by the arrival of Mei and Hitoshi. Izuku may or may not have been tackled to the floor in a hug by the former when he opened the door, while the latter laughed at his predicament before helping the pair up. Inko, ever the hostess, insisted they all have lunch together and made enough curry rice for everyone. Afterward, the mother unfortunately had to go to work so the three friends left the Midoriya apartment and went to Mei’s lab instead.

The rest of the day was spent with Mei and Izuku working on their various gadgets while Hitoshi used one of her testing rooms to train for the Sports Festival. Despite how scary yesterday had been, seeing the other students in action had given Izuku some ideas. Like electrified gloves similar to Kaminari’s Quirk and a shield like Yaoyorozu maybe but slightly altered. Perhaps collapsible or self-returning if it was thrown. After all, just because his focus was on replicating Quirks didn’t mean they had to be exactly the same.

The hours passed as the two inventors tinkered away while the other trained. Every now and then, Izuku would take a break and do some sparring with Hitoshi. Soon the sun was beginning to set and the two boys headed to their respective homes. The Midoriyas enjoyed another quiet night and watched another movie before going to bed. It had been a nice easy day of food, movies, cuddles, and friends. One much needed after the craziness that was yesterday.

The next two days passed by much the same. In the morning, the Midoriyas would enjoy the first half of the day together eating breakfast and watching TV. Then around noon, Mei and Hitoshi would come for lunch. The trio would then spend the afternoon at Mei’s lab, passing the time inventing and training.

At one point, the Midoriyas even managed to set up a short video call with Hisashi outside of their regularly scheduled ones. Hisashi’s work kept him busy most of the time and he wasn’t always available. Plus, the time difference between Japan and the US made it difficult as well. But because of what had happened, they made it work even if it was brief.

Izuku had just enough time to fill him in on what he could about the event, which wasn’t much different from the news, and let his dad know he was fine and uninjured. Hisashi had been relieved, of course, and expressed as much before he unfortunately had to get back to work. There was an incident at work and a coworker had been injured on the job so he was needed to help to pick up the slack. The two Japan-bound Midoriyas bid him goodbye and took comfort in each other’s company after ending the call.

It was difficult sometimes with Hisashi being so busy. Not to mention in another country. Since Izuku turned five, Hisashi’s job required him to work abroad to provide for his family. He had visited periodically through the years, though those stopped a few years ago. You see, his dad had been severely injured in an accident and couldn’t travel after due to medical concerns. Izuku understood, of course, and they still talked through calls and video chats when they could. But he still missed his dad actually being there in person at times.

Before they knew it, the weekend consisting of cuddles, comfort food, and companionship had ended and it was Sunday night. That evening, Izuku went to bed early in hopes of a good night’s sleep since it was a school night. A couple hours later though, Izuku was woken up by a tapping on his window. With eyes blurry from sleep, he looked towards the window to see a dark figure. After blinking several times to make sure he wasn’t seeing things, the greenette studied the form and nearly fell out of bed when he realized it was Stain outside his window.

Seeing that the boy had recognized him, the Hero Killer silently gestured for him to meet him on the roof and then jumped away. Izuku scrambled out of bed, grabbing a jacket, house key, and his phone. He quietly but quickly left his room as he tried to rub the sleep from his eyes. Silently, he put on his shoes, casted a glance at the closed door to his mother’s room, and then left the apartment to head towards the roof.

~~~

After making sure the boy knew it was him, Chizome scaled the apartment building to the roof. He could have left a note like he did last time, but having considered the possibility that the Hero-to-be might have been in danger, he wanted to see the boy for himself as soon as possible. The man let out a small chuckle at the look the teen had given him. Green eyes wide, eyebrows raised so high they disappeared into his curly bangs, and mouth hung open like a fish. Not to mention that he appeared to have almost fallen out of his bed. Though, considering the boy had the Hero Killer outside his window, one couldn’t blame him for being startled.

Chizome made it to the roof first and sat on the ledge as he waited, looking out at the lights sparkling along the city skyline. A few minutes passed before the door to the roof opened and the boy hesitantly made his way to sit by Stain. There was still some distance between them, but Chizome took notice that it was somewhat less than it had been last time. And that wasn’t the only difference he noticed.

“What? No frying pan, Little Hero?” the man asked with a smirk.

The boy’s face somehow contorted into a mix of a blush from the teasing while at the same time paled at the thought of having no protection against the Villain. As if he had been in such a rush to get to the roof that he hadn’t even thought of grabbing it. Which was probably the case.

“I-I…forgot?” the teen responded, sounding unsure. He wrung his hands nervously. “B-but this is the third t-time we’ve met, A-Akaguro-san…”

The boy paused and side-glanced at the man, assessing his reaction to using his name. Chizome simply nodded for him to continue, secretly pleased the boy used his real name. It had been a long while since anyone had called him that. Besides, he wasn’t acting as Stain right now, but as himself.

“…and you haven’t t-tried to attack m-me once. A-at this point I’m thinking you w-won’t unless I do s-something stupid or unheroic. Or m-maybe just the latter because m-meeting you like this c-could be considered extremely s-stupid. Multiple times e-even more so.”

“That is one way to look at it,” Chizome replied, chuckling at his logic. “I still believe you have a true Hero’s heart and that is something I would never cut down. But also, you are still a child. Unlike an adult, a child’s true nature is still forming. Children are not a part of my purge, unless they prove to me their true nature has already been set in stone and would be a hindrance to my work.”

The boy blanched at the reminder of what the man sitting next to him did for a ‘living’. As well as the fact that the murderer next to him had been ‘hard at work’ just a few days ago. Though it seemed to give him some comfort that the man was above hurting children. Unlike some other Villains…

“Although I am one not to attack children at random, it seems there are others who would sink so low,” the man said with a sneer before side-eyeing the teen next to him. “I heard about the attack on UA. I know you never told me which high school you were applying for, but with you being a fan of All Might and having a strong desire to be a Hero, I figured that’s where you would go. And with you working with that tinkering girl on the beach, I guessed you might have gone into Support possibly. So, when I heard there was a Support student among the children attacked, I had to check if it was you.”

The boy looked at Chizome with wide green eyes, in awe at his deductions as well at the notion that he cared enough to check on him. But since the teen wasn’t denying it, the man assumed he had been correct in his assumptions.

“So, I was right?” Chizome asked. “It was you during the attack, Little Hero?”

“Y-yeah, that was me,” the teen finally replied with a sigh, looking back out to the city. “I was there t-to observe the Hero students training. But things…d-didn’t exactly go as planned.”

“So, it would seem,” Chizome said somberly before letting out a chuckle. “Figures it was actually you. Encountering that Sludge Villain, meeting me, and then getting caught in a Villain fight on school grounds…you do seem to be one who gets into trouble a lot, Little Hero.”

“N-not on purpose!” the boy exclaimed all flustered.

“If you say so…Trouble Magnet,” the Hero Killer teased, making the teen squawk indignantly. “So…who were the idiots that dared to break into a school of Heroes to attack children?” He scoffed out the word ‘idiots’ disapprovingly.

The boy’s brows furrowed in thought, most likely deciding what would be alright to tell the Villain sitting next to him. Chizome couldn’t help the small smile that formed at the sight of the Hero-to-be already hard at work to not collaborate with a Villain or reveal anything deemed confidential. Although he would like answers, he would not press the boy to say anything he wasn’t comfortable with. Besides, it wouldn’t be very Hero-like to give sensitive information to a Villain. After a few minutes, the boy seemed to have made up his mind and answered.

“They c-called themselves the League of V-Villains,” the teen said. “I-I’m not sure what all I can, or r-rather am allowed to, tell you, Akaguro-san. The most i-important details were already reported in the n-news.”

“Fair enough,” Chizome replied with a shrug. “I’m just glad that you’re alright. I was worried another true Hero could have been lost. But despite that League of Idiots’ foolish attack, here you are safe and well.”

Without thinking, the man found himself reaching out and placing his hand on top of the boy’s head. As if on pure instinct. The world seemed to freeze in that moment. The boy instantly tensed up upon contact, not daring to even pull his head away from the hand in his hair. He side-eyed the Villain next to him in fear, watching his every move. The man also froze, shocked by his own actions, and could only stare at the teen with wide mask covered eyes.

They sat there for what felt like an eternity, neither moving a muscle. Green eyes searched red ones for any hint of aggression or ill intent. Finding none, the boy remembered that the Villain had said he didn’t attack children without reason. Realizing this, his tense muscles relaxed somewhat, let out the breath he had been holding, and turned his eyes away to look out on the cityscape.

Strange, Chizome thought in disbelief at this bizarre turn of events. It’s been so long since someone trusted me like this. To actually allow me to touch him…he is an odd one. The man stared at the teen for a few more seconds before ruffling the green curls slightly and then retracted his hand.

“So, uh, the Support Course, huh?” Chizome said awkwardly, breaking the silent tension between them. “Why?”

The boy perked up, gladly grasping the change of subject and distraction from what had just occurred.

“A-after finding out that UA h-had a policy that banned the use of S-Support Items that didn’t directly a-affect a Quirk,” the boy explained. “I knew that I wouldn’t be able to p-pass the Hero Practical Exam. It was frustrating a-and annoyingly biased towards those w-with Quirks, specifically physical ones. But I know of another way i-into the Hero Course.”

“Oh? How so?” Chizome asked, curious.

“Have you h-heard of Eraserhead, Akaguro-san?” the boy questioned as he glanced at the man.

“Yes, I’ve seen him fight from time to time,” the Hero Killer answered. “He is one of the true Heroes, not caring about the media.”

Even working with Vigilantes when necessary. Focusing on the best way to save others with no care as to how he is perceived.

“Did you know that he f-failed the Hero Practical when he was in s-school?”

The man stared in shock at the teen and slowly shook his head.

“H-his Quirk is non-physical a-and only works on other people,” the boy explained, purposefully not going into too much detail. Stain was a Villain after all. He wouldn’t be responsible for passing on information about a Hero to him. “However, he was able t-to transfer into the Hero Course by winning the Sports Festival his f-first year. He impressed the principal a-at the time enough to warrant his transfer.”

“Such humble beginnings,” Chizome muttered, gaining even more respect for the Hero. “I’m guessing you hope to do the same?”

The teen nodded and continued. “Since I knew I wouldn’t be a-able to get into the Hero Course through the entrance exam, that b-became the new plan. And considering I needed Support Items to fight, naturally I-I applied for the Support Course.”

“A sound plan,” Chizome said with a warm but still slightly creepy smile. “It seems you have a firm grasp on your journey towards becoming a Hero and a clear goal to work towards. Use that Hero’s heart of yours to push yourself forward until you achieve your objective.”

Intentionally this time, the man reached out and ruffled the teen’s soft green curly hair. The boy still flinched but didn’t move or bat his hand away, even smiled hesitantly. The Hero Killer stood up from the ledge and the younger followed suit. The man walked towards the opposite side of the roof a few feet before stopping and looking back at the boy.

“Do your best in the Sports Festival, Little Hero,” Chizome said with a slightly creepy but warm smile meant to be encouraging. “Show the world what a true Hero is. I’ll be watching.”

With that, the Hero Killer ran and jumped to the neighboring building, running from rooftop to rooftop. He needed to get back to his temporary home and pack since he had finished cleansing that area. After his third victim, he had spent two days following his final target for the region and managed to take them down earlier that day. With four false Heroes now eradicated, it was time to cleanse a new city.

Hmm…where should I move my purge to next…Hosu, perhaps?

~~~

After the Hero Killer left, Izuku made his way back down to his apartment. Quietly, he listened for any sounds of movement before carefully unlocking the door. Thankfully, his mother was still asleep and didn’t know that he had once again met up with a Villain. Thinking back, he probably shouldn’t have gone up there willingly. The man was a murderer after all.

But Stain stated he didn’t attack children and clearly didn’t approve of the League of Villains resorting to such a ‘low act’ as he said. And during all three times now that the man had met the greenette, he had never made any move to harm him. In all their interactions, he never looked down on Izuku or treated him badly. In fact, it was the opposite.

Akaguro Chizome, a man of strong ideals of what a true Hero is, had shown Izuku nothing but respect and civility. From the beginning, he treated Izuku as an equal and took the time to listen to his goals and dreams. Rather than declaring it impossible like everyone else, the man encouraged him to keep fighting for his dreams and said he believed he could do it.

Before that day they first met, the closest thing to encouragement Izuku had gotten was from Hisashi the same day he had found out he was Quirkless. After his mom had merely sobbed while apologizing to her son, his dad, who wasn’t the biggest fan of Heroes, had told him that he could still at least try. Not a firm ‘yes’, merely a ‘maybe’. But this man, Stain the Hero Killer, actually believed in him. The Villain, who had a self-appointed duty to cleanse the world of false Heroes, told him, a boy with no Quirk, that he could be the Hero he aspired to be.

It still disturbed Izuku to be so familiar with a Villain. The Hero Killer had ruffled his hair twice tonight for goodness sake! The same hand that had taken lives had run through his very own green curls. The thought made him shiver that the same hand that committed such acts of violence was also capable of the gentle gesture. The contrast was enough to make his head spin.

Before heading back to his room, Izuku stopped in the kitchen for a glass of water. Glancing at the empty drying rack next to the sink, he reflected on how he hadn’t even thought to grab the frying pan for protection. Perhaps, subconsciously, he already knew the Hero Killer wouldn’t hurt him and that the protection wouldn’t be necessary. Whether that was the case or not, he had gone to the roof without it and nothing bad happened. Finishing his water, he rinsed the glass and placed it in the drying rack then returned to his room.

After quietly closing his bedroom door, Izuku laid down in his bed and stared at the ceiling. His mind was still too worked up to sleep. Still filled with questions about the man that he hadn’t had a chance to ask. Though perhaps he still could in the future. They’ve met three times now, why not a fourth? A disturbing yet likely possibility.

Feeling restless, Izuku pulled up his phone in hopes of a distraction when he had a random thought. He had taken his phone along with the mind of having it in case he needed to call for help. Also, out of habit. Though now he thought that maybe he should have used it to record their conversation. This was their third meeting and maybe it would be good to have some record of what they talked about if anyone ever found out he knew the Villain. Or could having evidence of their little ‘talks’ backfire on him instead?

Letting out a frustrated sigh, he decided that conundrum was an issue for future Izuku to worry about and instead scrolled through the many cat pictures Hitoshi had sent him. All the adorable cats made his smile and distracted him from his thoughts. As he quietly chuckled at one picture of a particularly fat cat trying to sit in a much too small box, he received a notification from one of the Hero News sites he followed. Clicking on it, he brought up the latest article.

He wished he hadn’t. Not now. Not even the next morning. Not ever. But he had.

‘ANOTHER VICTIM OF HERO KILLER DEAD

In the early evening Sunday night, another victim of the Hero Killer Stain was found by authorities. The Hero was discovered in an alley by police and was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately was pronounced dead upon arrival. This is the fourth Hero attacked by the Hero Killer in…’

Not wanting to read anymore, Izuku clicked out of the article and laid there stunned. Stain had killed again. The Villain had killed before meeting him tonight. He had attacked another Hero and then came to talk with Izuku as if it was nothing. The same hand that took that Hero’s life had been on his very own head not too long ago.

Izuku felt like he might puke. The thought of a killer’s hand touching him made him sick. He appreciated the man’s words of encouragement, but nothing he said would change the fact that the man was a murderer. With a shudder, he turned off his phone and placed it on his nightstand to charge. Turning away from his window, Izuku closed his eyes in search of sleep. But with his thoughts constantly mulling over the Hero Killer, he was in for a restless night.

So much for a good night’s sleep.

Notes:

Stainy's back! Back again! Yes, he's back! Tell a friend! :D And Izuku forgot his frying pan. Oops! But like Akaguro said, he doesn't attack children without his own just cause. Aka, he thinks they're just going to be a fake. Also...AKAGURO RUFFLED IZUKU'S HAIR!!! :D I hope that doesn't seem too out of character but my brain demanded it.

Sh-sh-shout out to Uta_M and WinterCrow on here! Your comments about Stain and Izuku's relationships helped inspire me in writing the interactions between these two before Hosu. Both this and future interactions. ;) Also to 'generic user' on here for the Chizodad idea! If you, dear readers, have any ideas or guesses on the plot, please comment! I've gotten several ideas when I was stuck on what to do for this or that because of what someone commented. Bouncing ideas of one another is big while being creative! So much appreciated! :D

So! In the Vigilante spin off, we get to see the origins of Stain. As Stendhal, he makes it very clear that when he is working he is Stendhal and when he isn't he is Akaguro. No overlap. As I said last chapter, I believe that this mentality would carry over to him as Stain. But that it is very rare, to practically never, that he has been Akaguro with another person since becoming Stain. Which makes him acting as Akaguro with Izuku even more special because he feels that by the end of their second meeting, marked by Stain giving Izuku his real name, he doesn't have to act as Stain around Izuku and his true hero heart. Because there is no judgement he needs to pass.

In other news, we got some info on future quirk replicating support items that Izuku has in mind. And we got to learn more about Hisashi! He is a very busy man but is still involved in Izuku's life. So, it's mentioned that Hisashi said that Izuku could try. If you're wondering why that wasn't mentioned in the first chapter, well honestly it wasn't because that element didn't exist as I was still fleshing out Hisashi's character. But also, if you read chapter 1 again, they are highlights of negative reactions and those who told Izuku 'no' while Hisashi is semi-encouraging. But more on that in the future.

Fun Facts About Japan:

As I've mentioned before, names are very important in Japan. In the US, we typically give out first names in casual settings and last names in professional ones. As well as giving a last name in a casual setting to be more distant and first names in professional to be more personable. In Japan, most situations, whether personal or professional, last names are given. Calling one by their first, or given, name is very personal. So to be able to use someone's first name is a sign of being closer to that person than others who use their last name. And having a nickname is even more personal. Which is why I have a focus on what a character refers to other characters in regards to their name.

This is more for reference rather than a fun fact as you could easily google it. But for those who don't know, the time difference between the US and Japan is between Japan being 13 hours ahead on the east coast and 16 hours ahead on the west coast. Either way, it's a lot and Japan is always in the future. :P

That's it for this chapter! Next week, we start the second week of UA! The first week has been super long but there's just so much stuff that happens! The coming chapters will speed us off to the sports festival with more character development along the way. ;) 'Til then, thanks for reading and let me know of typos or weirdness!

Chapter 31: Friends, Inventing, And Declarations

Notes:

With chapter 31, we have the start of the second week at UA. The USJ attack happened but school life must go on. Izuku gets readjusted back into the routine and finally gets some studio time. Plus, his friends are the best! :D

This chapter is the longest yet. I had originally planned to have it split, but changed my mind last minute. This is the first part of first day of the second week. So there's more to happen on this day. But I'll say again that not all chapters will be long like this. So enjoy! ^___^

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

“Woah, what happened to you?”

At their now usual morning meeting spot, Izuku turned to see Hitoshi approaching him, a cup of coffee in the taller one’s hand. The purple haired teen looked his friend over, taking note of the bags under his eyes and overall exhausted appearance.

“You look like you stayed up all night,” Hitoshi commented further.

With a tired chuckle, Izuku replied, “Kind of. I, uh, didn’t get much sleep last night. My brain kept thinking about…things. Wouldn’t let me fall asleep.”

“Ah,” Hitoshi let out in understanding. He himself was constantly plagued by insomnia and practically always existed in a state of tiredness. Which was why coffee was basically his life’s blood. Speaking of, he took another sip of his cup.

The greenette watched his friend and grimaced. “I don’t understand how you can drink it black like that,” he said with a look of confused disgust. “It’s so bitter.”

“That’s the way I like it. Bitter and black. Like my soul,” Hitoshi replied, dramatically taking another swig.

“I think you’ll have to fight against Tokoyami-kun or Kuroiro-kun for that claim,” Izuku remarked with a smirk. “One has a Quirk called Dark Shadow while the other’s is simply called Black. And they both have the whole ‘darkness is my friend’ vibe going on.”

“Then let us fight,” Hitoshi declared, tossing his now empty cup in a trash can nearby. “There can only be one who is friends with the darkness.”

“Ok, Highlander,” Izuku chuckled and shook his head with a smile.

“I was going more for Bane,” Hitoshi said flatly, making the other laugh.

Soon, Mei arrived and, after she gave Izuku a big bear hug as she had done everyday since Friday, they walked into UA. They exchanged small talk as they walked through the halls, made a stop at the teachers’ room so Izuku could pick up a notebook, and parted ways a few minutes before the first bell. The two Support students sat in their seats in the back and waited for homeroom to begin.

After the events last week at the USJ, it felt a little weird to Izuku to be back in school as if nothing happened. The normal routine he had formed upon starting in UA had been interrupted by the Villain attack. Not to mention yet another visit from Stain, one that left him just as conflicted as ever concerning his connection to the man.

As he sat in his seat, the other Support students glanced his way knowing he had also been in the USJ during the attack. But they kept their distance when Mei would glare at them if they tried to get too close. He was grateful for his friend’s protectiveness because he really didn’t want to talk about it.

The bell chimed and their homeroom teacher arrived to begin class. Although Izuku still felt a bit off, the standard pattern of procedures for homeroom helped ease him back into the usual routine. He found himself focusing on the matter at hand and not on the USJ…or Stain.

~~~

“Before I get to the main topic today, about what happened last week,” Higari said, looking seriously at his students. Or as seriously has the orange haired man could with his helmet on and being a foot shorter than most people. “The incident at the USJ is part of an ongoing police investigation and those involved are not allowed to talk about it other than what has been reported to the news. So, be respectful and do not ask them about what happened there. Understood?”

“Yes, sensei,” the class replied, though a few still glanced back at Midoriya. They wouldn’t ask but that didn’t stop their curiosity.

“Good. Now then, what I want to talk about today is the upcoming Sports Festival,” Higari announced. Some of the students were shocked and commented about how UA could still go through with the festival after the Villain attack. “Quiet down. We’re going forward with the Sports Festival in order to show the public that UA’s Crisis Management Protocols are sound. Security at the event will also be increased compared to past years with five times the police presence. The Sports Festival is a huge opportunity for all UA students and not something that can be cancelled over a few Villains.”

The students murmured amongst themselves, questioning the decision to push forward despite the USJ attack.

“The UA Sports Festival is one of the most-watched events in the world. In the past, the Olympics held everyone’s attention acting as the world’s Sports Festival. But with the ever-increasing appearance of Quirks, the popularity of the Olympics lessened and the UA Sports Festival’s grew. With the high level of viewership, the Sports Festival is a great way to get noticed. Whether you’re aspiring to be a Hero…”

Higari glanced subtly at Midoriya, the slightest turn of his helmet was all that gave it away. Upon making secret knowing eye contact, the greenette gave him a determined nod.

“…or you want to show the world what you can do. The top Heroes will be watching as well as Support companies scouting for new talent.”

This time the teacher covertly eyed a few of his more promising students. Especially the jittering over-excited pinkette in the back. Who just received a flick to the arm from her aspiring Hero friend in hopes to calm her down. It didn’t work.

These next few weeks are going to be hell, aren’t they?, he thought, sighing internally and already dreading whatever chaos Hatsume would create.

“This festival isn’t just for the Hero Course students to show off. Take this opportunity to show them what you can do. Embrace UA’s motto. Go beyond. Plus Ultra!”

The classroom exploded in cheers as the students chanted ‘Plus Ultra’ over and over. The Support Hero couldn’t help but smirk at their antics. After letting the class go wild for a few more seconds, the teacher got the students attention again and continued on with homeroom.

When the bell chimed at the end of the period, Higari gathered his papers and turned to leave for the Support Studio. But he paused when he heard one of his students call out to him. Turning, he saw Midoriya hurrying over to him.

“Midoriya, what is it?” the teacher asked, looking up at his student. He noticed the bags under the boy’s eyes and wondered if he was alright.

“Sensei, I-I wanted to ask you about Aizawa-sensei, Thirteen, and A-All Might,” Midoriya said, concern clear in his eyes.

Of course, he would worry about them. Perhaps the reason he looks so tired was from worrying about the others.

“They’re fine, Midoriya,” Higari answered in a reassuring tone. “Aizawa had major splintering in the bones of his arms and some facial fractures around his eyes. But he didn’t have any brain damage and his eyesight wasn’t affected. If anything, he won’t be able to use his Quirk for as quite as long as before and should be fine with some healing and bed rest. As for Thirteen, they had some pretty bad lacerations on their back, but they’re going to pull through just fine. And All Might was easily fixed up by Recovery Girl.”

The greenette was visibly relieved and the teacher placed his large hand on his student’s shoulder in comfort.

“So, there’s no need to worry about them, Midoriya. They’re alright,” Higari said with a smile. "Also, thank you for your hard work in the USJ. With your on-the-spot analysis, you were able to help a lot during the attack. Keep up the good work, Hiro-kun~.” The man stressed the nickname he had heard from multiple Hero Course students when they recounted their own experience during the USJ attack.

Subtle much?

The boy blushed at the nickname but smiled softly and nodded before going back to his seat.

The teacher left the classroom and walked through the halls. He had heard of what his student had done. How he was able to make a device to incapacitate a large group of Villains using what he had at hand on the boat. How he had aided other students in their own fights against their attackers. How he had figured out the Villains’ Quirks so quickly and relayed the information to the others so they weren’t caught unaware. Doing everything he could to help turn the tide of the attack in the Heroes’ favor.

Usually, the Support teacher didn’t put much energy into thinking about the Sports Festival. Typically, the Hero Course students were the stars of the show for the event with rare outliers in other courses stealing the spotlight. But this year…this year may prove to be more interesting. With an aspiring Hero and a chaotic mad inventor in his class, Higari looked forward to seeing how his two, secretly favorite, students faired.

~~~

After homeroom, Izuku found it easier to focus on his lessons. Although there had been some serious injuries, he was relieved to know that everyone was safe and would be just fine. He still worried about how the beating that Aizawa took from the Noumu would affect his Quirk, but even if he had some kind of added limit was better than suffering brain damage, losing his eyesight, or not being able to use his Quirk at all.

As each period passed, the teachers taught their lessons as normal, some checking in with Izuku to see how he was holding up. It was nice to know that the teachers cared enough to ask. Once English class came around, Yamada being Yamada would constantly sign ‘how are you feeling’ to him. Sure, the new JSL phrases he had given him to study involved expressing emotions and such, but Izuku had a hunch the subject matter was influenced by his concern for the greenette.

While the Voice Hero reviewed the English grammar points covered last week, the Hunting Dog Hero Hound Dog interrupted the lesson and asked to talk to Izuku privately. Leaving his newest JSL worksheet on his desk, he stepped out into the hall and nervously waited to hear what the Hero had to say. The man introduced himself as Inui Ryou and that he was the school guidance counselor. Izuku wondered how that worked when the Hero tended to resort to incoherent growling when angry.

Inui informed the greenette that all students involved in the USJ incident would be required to attend a few counseling sessions with him. Which made sense. There may not have been any serious physical injuries among the students, but experiencing a Villain attack so soon into their first year, the school wanted to address any emotional trauma as well. The students’ mental health was just as important to UA as their physical health was. Besides, Izuku knew that even Pro Heroes went to counselling when needed. Being a Hero was not an easy job, physically or mentally.

Izuku thanked the Hero once he was informed of when and where his counseling sessions would take place within the next few weeks. Hound Dog nodded and released the student to return to class. The rest of the lesson passed by and soon the chime sounded for lunch. Before he and Mei left, Yamada called out to the greenette.

“Can I talk to you for a sec, Midoriya?” the teacher said, beckoning him to the desk at the front.

Glancing at Mei, who smiled and gave an assuring nod, Izuku approached the front while she went ahead to meet Hitoshi and get a table. The Hero waited for the rest of the students to leave the classroom before speaking, gathering his papers in the meantime. Once the room was empty but for them, the blonde gestured for him to sit at one of the front row desks while the man dragged a spare chair in front of it. He had the chair positioned so the back was facing the desk and he straddled the chair to face the student with his arms resting on the back of the chair.

“Um, w-what is it you want to talk a-about, Yamada-sensei?” Izuku asked nervously. His hands were balled into fists on his knees.

“Relax, little listener. It’s nothing bad,” Yamada said, waving his hand dismissively. “I just wanted to see how you’re doing.”

“You m-mean signing variations of ‘I’m fine’ fifty times in the last h-hour wasn’t enough?” the student teased, earning a chuckle from the teacher.

“Alright, you got me there,” the blonde resigned. “But seriously, how are you holding up? You look as tired as Shouta does on the regular.”

“I-I am fine, sensei, I promise,” Izuku assured with a small nod. “It was s-scary, sure, but everyone d-did their best and got out o-ok. I wish I could have h-helped more, but there was o-only so much I could do from the C-Control Hub.” The student lowered his head somberly while wringing his hands.

“Hey, hey there, little listener,” Yamada said, placing a hand on the boy’s shoulder in comfort. “You did a great job, Midoriya. You helped keep Asui and yourself safe against the Villains in the Flood Zone. You were able to help the other students fight and warned them of any dangers. You helped the Heroes by telling them the Villains’ Quirks. You helped Shouta not get decayed by that Villain.”

“B-but he still got badly h-hurt by the Noumu!” Izuku exclaimed, shifting his face up showing the tears forming in his eyes.

The man sighed but gave the student a reassuring smile and a pat on the shoulder before removing his hand. “Yes, he was, but there’s no telling what kind of damage a Decay Quirk could have done on top of that. So, I want to thank you for warning Shouta about it and preventing him from getting hurt more. As a token of my thanks, I wanted to give you this.”

From the pocket of his leather jacket, Yamada took out a small package and handed it to the teary-eyed boy. Izuku looked at the gift-wrapped parcel and then at his teacher who gave a nod for him to take it. Carefully, he took the gift and gingerly removed the wrappings. Inside he found a Hero merch figurine and not of just anyone. It was one of Eraserhead.

“H-how did you…” Izuku stammered in shock. “How d-did you get this? It’s n-nearly impossible to find his m-merch.”

And he would know. He’s tried.

“I have my ways,” Yamada said with a wink behind his yellow tinted glasses. The Voice Hero may or may not have bought and/or custom ordered, any and all Hero merch of his husband whenever the opportunity arose, much to the other man’s entertaining annoyance. “Shouta told me you’re a collector and even had one of me. I thought I would give you a buddy to go along with your Present Mic figure.”

Izuku let out a squeak in embarrassment, cheeks flushed red. “H-he told y-you about that!”

Dear lord, kill me now.

“No need to be embarrassed, little listener,” Yamada chuckled as he briefly ruffled the student’s green curls. The boy flinched ever so slightly but didn’t pull away. A reaction Yamada took note of but didn’t comment on as he casually withdrew his hand. “You’re not the first fanboy to have merch of me. And you won’t be the last. Your love of Heroes must be why you started those notebooks of yours. Show it with pride. Now, go on and get some lunch. And thanks again for your help. You really acted like a Hero.”

With a smile on his still slightly flushed face, Izuku bowed to the teacher in thanks and left for the cafeteria. As he walked, he delicately studied the newest addition to his Hero collection. The figurine was of Eraserhead in an action pose with his hair raised and his capture weapon floating around him. The greenette wondered what the artist who made it used as reference. Possibly one of the same grainy videos he himself had found in the far corners of the internet in search of information on the Underground Hero. With care, he wrapped the figurine back in the wrappings and placed it in his bag.

Soon enough, Izuku made it to the cafeteria and searched the room for his friends. He found the familiar pink and purple hair of Mei and Hitoshi sitting with Uraraka, Iida, and the newest addition, Tsuyu. Upon spotting his friends, he headed towards the table to drop his things off before getting food. Uraraka was the first to notice him approaching and called out to him.

“Hey Mido! Over here!”

“Hi, sorry I’m late,” Izuku said, making his way to his usual seat next to Mei. However, there was already a plate of food there. “Um…is someone sitting here, Mei-chan? Who’s katsudon is that?”

“Nope! This seat is for you,” Mei replied, pulling out the chair for him. “I wasn’t sure how long you would be and, since I know this is your favorite, I decided to get it for you before they ran out.”

In typical emotional Midoriya fashion, tears started to build up in his eyes at the kind gesture. “Y-you didn’t have to d-do that, Mei-chan!” he cried, taking the seat.

“But I wanted to,” she said with a warm smile. Izuku hugged his friend in thanks and eagerly dug into his food.

“So, what did Yamada-sensei want to talk to you about, Izuku?” Mei asked, going back to her own lunch.

“Oh, he just wanted to check on me after…what happened last week,” Izuku replied, all those who had been at the USJ cringed slightly. “And he wanted to thank me.”

“Thank you for what?” she questioned.

“For helping Aizawa-sensei during the attack,” he answered, reaching into his bag. “He gave me this.”

Unwrapping the figurine, he placed it on the table for the others to see. Everyone at the table looked at the figurine in awe.

“Is that Aizawa-sensei?” Iida asked.

“Yeah,” Izuku answered, still in a bit of awe at the kind gesture of his English teacher.

“Why would he give you that?” Uraraka asked.

“I call favoritism!” Hitoshi interjected. Izuku rolled his eyes and stuck his tongue out at his friend.

“Apparently, Aizawa-sensei told him about my Hero merch collection I have at home,” Izuku explained, blushing slightly as girls cooed about him being a Hero fanboy. “I have a Present Mic figurine and Yamada-sensei said he wanted me to have this to be a ‘buddy’ for it. I’m surprised he had it in the first place. Finding any kind of merch for Underground Heroes is basically impossible, especially Eraserhead.”

“How does Aizawa-sensei know of your collection at home, Midoriya?” Iida asked.

“Because he’s been to my house,” Izuku replied. He was going to explain further but Iida interrupted him.

“Why would he go to your house?” Iida prodded further, his arms chopping through the air as he spoke, coming to outlandish conclusions. “Were you in trouble? Was he there to discuss disciplinary action? Is your standing in the school in question?”

“It’s not like that, Iida-kun!” Izuku interjected, finally stopping the slew of accusations. “Aizawa-sensei came to my house to collect my other notebooks. He and Nezu-sensei thought it would be better to keep them here at UA.” He didn’t tell them the reason why though.

“I see. I apologize for assuming,” Iida said with a stiff apologetic hand gesture.

He seems to jump to conclusions too quickly, Izuku thought, making a mental note to add that to his notes on the engine teen. Though it is good to quickly assess a situation, one shouldn’t start assuming things off the smallest bits of information. It could lead to making mistakes in the field.

“Can I ask a question?” Tsuyu suddenly spoke up. The others stopped talking and looked her way. The frog girl turned her attention to the boy with the familiar green eyes. “Are you Hiro-chan, kero?”

Izuku looked in shock at her and nodded slowly while Uraraka said, “Oh, that’s right! I only introduced him as Hiro to you. Tsu, this is Midoriya Izuku, aka Hiro-kun.”

“Nice to officially meet you, Izuku-chan,” Tsuyu said, making him blush at the sudden use of his first name. Though he shouldn’t be surprised with her insistence that he call her Tsu.

“Nice to m-meet you too, Tsu-chan,” Izuku replied. “I-if I may ask, h-how did you know?”

“You referred to the USJ as if you were there and mentioned notebooks,” Tsuyu explained, a finger touching her chin as she spoke. “Also, your eyes are green.”

“Oh, right…I g-guess I did take my goggles off in the Control Hub,” Izuku said, hand rubbing the back of his head. “C-could you not mention that I’m H-Hiro to people outside of this group?”

“Sure, Izuku-chan,” Tsuyu agreed. “May I ask why?”

“Because Bakugou is an ass,” Hitoshi deadpanned. At the pointed look Izuku gave him, he shrugged and tacked on. “What? He is.”

Tsuyu tilted her head in confusion so Izuku explained. How he’s known Katsuki since they were kids and how he stopped being his friend when he was pronounced Quirkless. When he revealed that he was Quirkless, the frog girl’s neutral face didn’t even flash any sign of pity or disgust. And when he asked her to not tell others, she easily agreed to help keep his secret.

The group of friends went back to eating and exchanging small talk after that. At some point, the topic went back to Eraserhead when Tsuyu commented, “You know, if you compared that figurine with Aizawa-sensei right now, I don’t think anyone would think they were the same person.”

“Why do you say that, Tsu-chan?” Izuku asked, one brow raised.

“Because he’s all covered in bandages,” she answered flatly.

How would she…oh no…

“Don’t tell me he came to school today,” Izuku said, dragging a hand down his face in exasperation. “He shouldn’t be teaching let alone standing with those injuries.”

“That’s what we thought,” Uraraka chimed in. “We were wondering who would teach us instead when he came through the door looking like a mummy!”

Of course, he would…, Izuku thought with a sigh as he rolled his eyes. Aizawa-sensei is dedicated to his work, I’ll give him that. Ugh, I bet he did it for the shock factor too. What a drama queen.

The rest of lunch passed quickly after that. The students finished their food and headed to their various afternoon activities. Hitoshi left for 1-C, the Hero students for 1-A, and the last two for the Support Studio. Izuku was looking forward to finally having his first full session there with no observation interruptions.

The next few hours were spent inventing. Though Izuku found himself having to contain Mei’s chaos from time to time. Between curbing her excited outbursts, he wrote down his ideas in his Quirk Replication notebook. From watching Kaminari, he wanted to make several Support Items that channeled electricity. At first, since he had been practicing with staffs and escrima sticks for years, he wanted to make his own version of the weapons that also emitted electricity at the ends. But after the USJ, he wanted to make gloves that did too after watching Kaminari use his own body as a taser.

From watching Yaoyorozu, he thought that it would be good to have a shield. But possibly one that was collapsible or has a feature that allows the wielder to call the shield back if it is thrown during a fight. He would have to look for a strong but light material to make it out of.

The greenette also looked at his notes from the Battle Training for other ideas. Some that he had were a tape/grappling gun inspired by Sero’s Quirk and a flash bomb of sort with inspiration coming from both Katsuki’s and Aoyama’s Quirks. Perhaps an array of bombs like flash, smoke, and plain explosive. Maybe even a glue one like Bondo’s Cedemine Quirk in 1-B.

He also thought it would be a good idea to have some kind of heat detecting gear like infrared in case he went up against someone like Hagakure. Luckily, he could use the same design he had for the goggles he made for Aizawa for himself. Infrared Detector was one of the features he had included.

Of course, he planned to use his Jet shoes as they would be great for added mobility. And, as mentioned during his practical interview, Izuku wanted to make a mask or mouth piece that replicated his dad’s Fire Breathing Quirk. Izuku wanted to have a variety of gadgets to choose from that could help with hand-to-hand combat as well as fighting from a distance. After outlining his ideas and drawing out some rough sketches of what they would look like, he got to work. No time to waste with the Sports Festival just weeks away.

~~~

When the bell rang to signal the end of the last period, Hitoshi collected his things and left 1-C. No one bid him goodbye because he wasn’t really friends with anyone in class. Not that he minded nor did he really try. After all, he figured that it would be pointless to try if he was going to transfer into the Hero Course in hopefully the near future. Walking through the halls, the brainwasher noticed a crowd was growing out of one of the classrooms.

1-A, huh? Of course, the Hero Course gets all the attention.

Making his way toward the crowd, Hitoshi heard a certain annoying blonde speaking.

“…scouting the competition,” Bakugou scoffed, facing the crowd head on. “We’re the class that survived a Villain attack. They want to see what they’re up against before the Sports Festival.”

The blonde glared at the other students.

“Take a good look. This is what a future Pro Hero looks like. Now move it, extras.”

At that declaration, Hitoshi pushed his way through the crowd to face the arrogant bastard while the other 1-A students chastised Bakugou for being rude.

“Future Pro Hero, huh? That’s quite an ego you have there,” Hitoshi drawled, tired purple eyes meeting angry red ones. “Makes you sound like an ass.”

This was the first time Hitoshi had been anywhere near the blonde. But he had heard plenty of stories of his piss pot of a personality from Izuku. Although his friend phrased more kindly and in a too forgiving manner in his opinion.

“Are there any others in the Hero Course as delusional, or just you? How disappointing to come here and find a surplus of ego maniacs.”

Glancing past the explosive teen, he saw the other 1-A students non-verbally denying the claim. He made eye contact with the Hero students that sat with him and his friends at lunch, nodding his head ever so slightly before looking back at Bakugou. He didn’t consider them officially friends yet, but they were slowly growing on him.

“I wanted to be in the Hero Course,” Hitoshi continued. “But like many others here, I was forced to choose a different track. There’s quite a few of us actually and not just in General Studies.”

As if they were under the control of his Quirk, no one spoke or made any attempt to interrupt the brainwasher. Not that they knew that fact about him, of course.

“Depending on how we do in the Sports Festival, the teachers could decide to transfer us to the Hero Course. And if that happens for enough of us, they may need to transfer people out to make room.”

A few of the 1-A students flinched at that implication. Bakugou simply clicked his tongue and continued to glared at him.

“Scouting the competition? Maybe some here are, but for me, and others like me, this is the perfect chance to knock you off your high horses. If you don’t bring your very best, you’ll find your spot stolen right out from under you. Consider this a declaration of war.”

At that, silence fell and purple eyes staring into red ones, daring the other to look away first. The staring contest was interrupted when another student started spouting out their two cents.

“Hey you!” a boy with messy shoulder length gray hair yelled. “I’m from Class 1-B next door to you! Heard you fought some Villains, and I came to find out more. But all I’m seeing is this arrogant bastard! Think you’re better than us! Keep talking. It’ll make it more embarrassing when we beat you.”

Hitoshi watched as Bakugou stared at the other teen with the same scowl he always had. Apparently, the blonde had heard enough by this point and turned to shove his way through the crowd.

“Don’t you ignore me!” the 1-B student demanded.

“Wait, dude! Where are you going?” Kirishima called out, making the retreating student pause. “You can’t just get everyone riled up and hating us, then leave. You gotta say something!”

“Why should I give a crap?” Bakugou growled. “These people don’t matter.”

Wow…how charming…

“The only thing that matters is that I’m aiming for the top. I’ll beat them all no matter what.”

Having said his piece, Bakugou sent one final glare out at the crowd before pushing his way through. Hitoshi heard Kirishima lamenting at how manly that exit was while a few others complained about the target Bakugou had painted on all their backs.

Good, Hitoshi thought as he turned to leave for one of the gyms to train. Be on your guard, Hero Course. When Izuku and I come at you, you won’t know what hit you. We’ll take you all by storm.

Notes:

That's part one of the start of the second week! Lots of friend times! :D Maijima's thoughts on being a short teacher come from my own experience with that. Having to look up to your students can be weird. :P Also, I'm having the students involved in the USJ attack get some counseling! 'Cause I say so. Yamada's favoritism is showing through again and Maijima reveals his own. ;P And we got more of a preview of what Izuku has in mind for quirk replication!

Tally of who knows Izuku is Hiro: Mei, Hitoshi, Uraraka, Kirishima, All Might, Iida, Aizawa, Maijima, and Tsuyu.

Tally of who knows Izuku is Quirkless: Inko, Hisashi, Stain, Mei, Hitoshi, Uraraka, Kirishima, Todoroki, Iida, Monoma, Tsuyu, and the teachers of UA.

Tally of who knows Izuku wants to be a Hero: Inko, Hisashi, Stain, Mei, Hitoshi, Uraraka, Kirishima, Maijima, Aizawa, and Nezu. (Note that Todoroki, Iida, and Tsuyu do not know this. Izuku had mentioned he was Quirkless but not his dream to be a Hero. Also All Might doesn't know he still wants to be one despite what he told him.)

Fun Facts About Japan:

Japan has a cultural tradition of gift giving with souvenirs. Souvenir is omiyage (お土産 , おみやげ ) in Japanese. In Japan, when you go off on a trip, no matter how short, it is socially expected that you will bring omiyage back for your family, friends, and/or coworkers as a sign you were thinking of them while you were away. Omiyage can really be anything, but often times it's a form of snack like rice crackers (sembei, 煎餅 , せんべい ) or rice cakes (mochi, 餅 , もち ) among many others. You can find various packages of omiyage snacks everywhere in Japan. When I first came to Japan and when I would start at a new school, I would give omiyage unique to where I was from. Special themed magnets, small pouches, pens/pencils, etc. I also gave out prickly pear candy as well. Again, the omiyage can be anything but it's fun to bring back something that is unique to the area you came from.

If you are a fan of figurines and plan on visiting Japan, I highly recommend going to Akihabara. There are so many figurine shops there it is ridiculous. XD They also have a ton of gashapon/gachapon ( ガシャポン / ガチャポン ) vending machines if you like those. I certainly got addicted to them. ;) They're capsule toy dispensers for those who don't know. Kind of similar to the ones in the US that you put a quarter or two in for a cheap toy, but the ones in Japan are higher quality in my opinion.

There ya have it! The start of the second week! Coming up next is part 2 of this day in the story. For those who are here for the Tododeku slow burn, it officially starts next week. ;) Til next time, please let me know of any typos or weirdness!

Chapter 32: Warm

Notes:

Welcome back for another chapter! It's part 2 for this day in the story. Y'all...the Tododeku slowburn officially starts...now. I hope you like it! Let's go! :D

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Once the crowd cleared out in front of 1-A, Shouto made his way to the Support Studio in search of the green eyed Quirkless boy who had watched their combat training. He didn’t exactly know much about the other boy, only knowing him as Hiro and that his eyes were green, but the Support student had mentioned his class was 1-H. The bi-color boy had started there but was informed that any students from the class that was still on campus would probably be in the studio. Which brought him to his current path down the halls.

As he approached the door, Shouto could hear something popping inside and only his years of training saved him as he instinctively dodged the door as it exploded open. Smoke poured out of the room and he heard coughing from within. A soot covered student wearing grubby dark blue coveralls came out to fix the door and paled upon seeing it had almost hit someone.

“Mei-chan, can you tone down the explosions? You could have hurt someone out here!” the other student called back into the room. They turned back to Shouto who was still stunned from the explosion. “Oh, hey Todoroki-kun! Sorry about that. Mei-chan likes to experiment a lot. Did you come to talk about that Support Item?”

It was strange. He had no idea who the other teen was, but they seemed to know Shouto already. Racking his brain for answers, he studied the soot covered student in front of him. Despite the soot, he could see their messy curly hair was mostly a dark green with some highlights showing in the light. They were shorter than him and had freckles on their cheeks hidden under dark smudges. But what finally helped him make the connection was their eyes. They were a calm welcoming green.

“Hiro?” Shouto questioned, tilting his head.

The greenette blushed and scratched his head embarrassed. “Heh, I guess that w-would be the only name you kn-know me by. Hiro is just a n-nickname though. I’m Midoriya Izuku. It’s nice to meet you!” He bowed in greeting with a bright smile.

Cute, Shouto thought, only to pause at how fast the word came to his mind. He wasn’t sure where it came from. He chose to ignore it for now, cooling the sudden warm feeling on his cheeks with his right side.

“Todoroki Shouto. Nice to meet you, Midoriya,” Shouto said, returning the bow. “You’re right, by the way. I did come to talk about your offer to help with my ice.”

“Awesome!” Midoriya chirped, sending another smile at Shouto, making him want to squint at its brightness. “Let me tell Maijima-sensei and then we can go to one of the gyms so we can practice with your ice. I’ll be right back.”

Midoriya rushed back into the room, smoke still trickling out into the hall. Less than a minute passed as he came back out in his formal uniform sans jacket having shed the coveralls. He had also cleaned up as much of the soot as he could. With notebook and pencil in hand, together they headed toward one of the unoccupied gyms. Once there, the Support student readied his notebook and pencil, eager to start.

“Now then,” Midoriya said, turning his full attention on Shouto. The concentrated gaze intimidated the taller boy a bit, the other’s enthusiasm was clear in his green eyes. “Before I can start designing anything, I need to understand your Quirk more to figure out what will benefit you the most. To do that, I’d like you to show me what you can do with your ice then I’ll ask you any questions I have. Is that okay with you?”

Shouto didn’t respond right away, a bit blown away that the Support student already had an idea of how to come up with a plan to help him even though they just got there. The amount of thought he was already putting in to help with his ice made him feel strangely warm. Another blush tried to break free but he smothered it with his right side. He mentally shook himself out of his stupor to answer.

“It is. I could show you what I usually do while training,” Shouto suggested.

“That would be a great place to start,” Midoriya smiled, notebook at the ready. “Whenever you’re ready, Todoroki-kun.”

With well-practiced moves, Shouto displayed his skills with ice that spanned from close quarters to distance attacks. He showed he could manipulate his ice in a variety of ways. Such as producing a glacier of ice that could be used to capture an opponent easily or covering the entire gym in a thin layer of frozen crystals that could affect the traction of a surface. He could also do precision attacks and control the speed and direction of his ice. The control he had over this side of his Quirk was impeccable and one he had trained with since his Quirk had manifested. The only downside was if he overused his right side, his body became too cold. Leading to him having to use his left side. The side that he hated.

I will never use his fire in combat. And hopefully, with this Support Item that Midoriya offered to make, I won’t have to ever use it at all and completely reject that bastard.

As he watched, the Support student noticed that the more ice the other boy produced, the more frost built up on his right side. He still couldn’t understand why the other refused to use his fire when he clearly needed it to keep the balance within him. The greenette would still work on some kind of Support Item to help him with the frost build up, but he knew it would only serve as a bandage rather than a long-term solution. He needed to learn more about why the ice user rejected half his power and maybe help him overcome whatever those reasons are.

“Todoroki-kun,” Midoriya called out, catching the other’s attention. “Come here for a second.”

Shouto stopped immediately and walked towards the shorter teen.

“What is it, Midoriya?” he asked as he sat down in front of the other.

“C-can I see your right h-hand?” Midoriya asked shyly, a blush on his cheeks.

“Sure?” Shouto replied, holding his hand out to the boy.

Tentatively, the greenette took the offered hand in both of his own, studying the ice that had built up on his skin. The touch was feather soft as the Support student gently maneuvered his hand to observe it at different angles.

“The main issue we need to deal with is this build up,” Midoriya stated, his fingers carefully grazing one of the ice patches on his skin. “The more you use your ice, the more frost appears on your right side. Like I said before, I believe your left side is meant to be used to counter balance and prevent the buildup. But since you insist on not using it, we’ll have to find something that works in a similar manner.”

“What do you have in mind?” Shouto asked, his focus split between the other boy’s words and what his hands were doing.

“I have a few ideas as of now,” the Support student replied. “They’re pretty vague so far but with some testing, we’ll figure it out eventually. One idea I have is some sort of insulating material you could wear under your clothes. Or you could…”

As the greenette continued talking while examining his hand, Shouto couldn’t help but marvel at the sensation of skin touching skin. The feel of the other boy’s hands on his own was surprisingly soothing. And warm, so comfortably warm. It was something he was beginning to enjoy more and more.

Shouto couldn’t remember the last time anyone had touched him like this. Not since his mother ‘left’. He remembered his mother’s hands were always cool to the touch. Memories of them sitting close while reading books together and his mother running her fingers through his hair, mixing the white and red together. He had found the coolness of her touch soothing and reassuring. But that ended when she…went away.

The youngest Todoroki never blamed his mother for what happened when he was six. That he blamed on his bastard of a father. When his Quirk appeared, he was no longer a son to Endeavor, but a ‘masterpiece’ that was destined to defeat All Might and become the Number One Hero. Once his Quirk developed, instead of blessing him with the power to be the Hero Shouto wanted to be, it became his curse, forced to be the Hero Endeavor demanded him to become.

Training, if you could call it that, became his life after his Quirk came in. Endeavor finally had a child with the perfect mix of fire and ice. He would ‘train’ Shouto constantly and harshly to push him further and further, not even stopping when the boy would collapse from exhaustion or was covered in bruises and burns. His mother tried to help him, but eventually the strain was too much and she…snapped.

After tarnishing his creation’s face with a scar, Endeavor sent his mother away to a hospital. With the absence of his wife, the man continued to mold his ‘masterpiece’ with his own hands. Hands that were always too hot, burning him. The same hands that had burned Touya who had disappeared when he was still young.

Touya…the eldest of the Todoroki siblings. Shouto couldn’t even remember much about how his eldest brother’s hands felt. Vague memories of rough hands helping him up from the training room floor and back to his room to recover. He could remember the texture more that their temperature. Whether they skewed towards being hot or cold he didn’t know anymore.

Even with his brother, Natsuo, and sister, Fuyumi, he wasn’t very tactical with them. Natsuo tried to stay away from the Todoroki abode as much as possible. Anything to be away from Endeavor. As for Fuyumi, after his mother left, she tried to be there for him when she could, hands cool like his mother’s. But for the most part he was left on his own and was limited on any close physical interactions.

Hot or cold. Those were really the only touches he knew. Too much hot and not enough cold. Until now.

Warm.

That’s what came to mind while Midoriya held his hand. It was neither hot nor cold. Not fire nor ice. It was just…warmth. Shouto had never really felt warm before and when Midoriya eventually let go, he found himself missing the contact, not wanting the other to stop.

That’s new, the bi-color teen thought. He had never wanted to hold someone’s hand before.

“I think I have everything I need today,” Midoriya said, closing his notebook and standing up. Thankfully none of the ice had gone anywhere near where he was sitting or he would have been stuck to the floor.

“Alright, let me clear the ice before we go,” Shouto said, as he stood up as well and used his left side to melt the ice away. He begrudgingly sighed in relief as the use of his left side melted the frost buildup on his right side. Once he was finished, he made his way back to the other teen.

“Since this will be an o-on-going project, can we e-exchange numbers?” Midoriya asked slightly nervous, holding out his phone. “It’ll be easier to k-keep in contact rather than trying to f-find each other in the halls.”

“That makes sense,” Shouto replied, taking the phone in front of him while handing over his own.

“Great! If I have any follow up questions, I’ll text you,” the Support student said cheerfully, exchanging phones once again. Making sure everything was put back how it was before, the pair left the gym.

“If I may ask, why did you go by Hiro when you observed our class?” Shouto asked as they headed back to the studio with Midoriya next to him on his right side.

“Oh, that’s to hide from Katsuki,” Midoriya explained. When he saw Shouto’s confused look, he mimed explosions with his hands as a hint and the other boy gave a small ‘ah’ in understanding. “He and I have known each other since we were born basically. We used to be friends but he doesn’t like me all that much now. Remember how I asked you to not tell people I’m Quirkless?” Shouto nodded. “Well, if he knew it was me, he would blurt it out for the whole world to hear. I’d rather be the one to tell people so I’m trying to put that off as long as possible. At least until the Sports Festival.”

“I see,” Shouto said simply before inquiring a tangent topic. “Speaking of the Sports Festival, do you think you might have something done by then?” He hoped to use whatever the Support student came up with during the event. Anything to show his father he didn’t need his damn fire.

“Maybe? We’ll have to see,” Midoriya mused, a hand on his chin in thought. “I have other projects that I need to work on first. I have some catching up to do since I haven’t been in the studio much, having been watching the Hero Course training sessions instead. But if I find time to work on it, I’ll let you know.”

“Oh, ok,” Shouto said, slightly disappointed but he understood if the boy had other responsibilities that took priority. He was offering to do this for him outside of his other work after all. “I look forward to whatever you come up with. Even if you don’t have anything done for the festival, I appreciate the effort.”

Though classes were over, the hallways were still slightly crowded with students either heading home or staying to study, train, or work on projects. As they walked, the pair found themselves needing to walk closer together as they weaved through other students. Shouto almost froze in place when his fingers brushed against the other boy’s. Without thinking, he reached over with his right hand and gently took the shorter boy’s hand in his, enjoying the contact he didn’t think he would already miss so much.

Warm.

Green eyes shot up to heterochromatic ones in surprise. The greenette’s face was redder than usual, blushing from the contact.

“Is this okay? I can stop if you want,” Shouto offered as they continued walking. Though he pointedly did not let go because he certainly didn’t want to stop any time soon.

“N-no, i-it’s okay!” Midoriya managed to squeak. “C-can I ask w-why though?”

“It felt nice when you were examining my hand earlier,” Shouto explained bluntly, no shame at all. “I’ve never really held hands with someone like this before, not for a long time anyway and not with someone who isn’t family. But I enjoy the feel of yours in mine. It’s…warm. Is that strange?”

He glanced at the other boy for his reaction, the shorter boy was still blushing. But a shy smile grew on his face.

Is that a good sign?

“No, i-it’s not s-strange,” Midoriya replied, glancing up at him through his bangs. “Friends h-hold hands sometimes. W-we are friends, r-right?”

“Friends…” Shouto said slowly, as if to feel how the word felt rolling off his tongue. He glanced down at their joined hands as they walked.

The closest to a friend he ever had growing up was Yaoyorozu. Though that was only because she also came from a higher-class family and attended the same events. They had often found themselves spending time together during those times, whether happenstance or not-so-subtly arranged meetings via their parents in hopes of making a match. But nothing ever came of it other than them becoming more than mere acquaintances and leveling out as ‘casual’ friends.

“I’ve never really had friends before,” Shouto continued as he looked back into the other’s green eyes. “But I would enjoy it if you were my friend. If you’ll have me.” A slight smile managed to slip through his neutral expression.

“O-of course, Todoroki-kun!” Midoriya beamed, giving his hand a squeeze. “I would love to be your friend!”

Once again, the word ‘cute’ crossed his mind as Shouto looked at his new smiling friend. Before, he had been confused to associate such a word with someone, but in that moment, he realized it suited the greenette perfectly. They continued holding hands all the way to the studio, ignoring the curious looks from passing students. They weren’t anyone he knew so it didn’t matter. Once they reached the Support studio, Shouto stopped and turned to Midoriya, still not letting go. The shorter boy was still a little pink but his blush had toned down as they had walked.

“Thank you for your help today, Midoriya,” Shouto said with a small smile. “I look forward to what you come up with.”

“Thank you for letting me observe your Quirk, Todoroki-kun!” Midoriya responded, smiling as well. “What I learned today will help out a lot. I’ll keep you updated on my progress.”

The pair fell into a slightly awkward silence, neither making a move to let go. Shouto found himself studying their hands before looking back up at his friend.

“Midoriya…,” Shouto started, orbs of grey and blue earnestly looking into green ones. “Would it be alright if I held your hand sometimes? Only if you’re comfortable of course.”

The greenette’s blush came back in full at the request. They stood there staring at each other, the taller boy waiting patiently for the shorter one’s response. He would let the other consider it as long as he needed to. Besides, it allowed Shouto to keep holding his hand for a little while longer.

“S-sure,” Midoriya managed to eventually stutter out before giving the taller boy’s hand one last squeeze then letting go to disappear into the studio. He managed to squeak out a goodbye before quickly shutting the door.

Shouto watched the door close before turning to head home for the day. He didn’t know why the other boy left like that but he had given the ‘ok’ for future hand holding. The ice user looked forward to the next time he would see his friend.

His warm friend.

Notes:

The Tododeku is a go!! :D And it all starts with the holding of hands. We got a peek into Shouto's life. I feel with a quirk like his and the family he was raised in, temperature would be significant. For him, cold is associated with good and hot with bad. But warm is different and new. And Shouto has no shame in asking to hold Izuku's hand. Hee hee! Basically we're going to get blunt Todoroki and flustered Izuku as the Tododeku evolves in the story because they are adorable.

Also, now Todoroki knows Izuku is Hiro! But he still doesn't know that he wants to be a hero. So there's still a bit of mystery between them. They'll learn more about each other as the story goes.

Fun Facts About Japan:

This is more of an observation than a concrete fact. The students that I worked with were more affectionate with each other than I expected. Hanging off of each other a lot. Sitting on each other. Play fighting. Literal cuddle piles on the floor between classes. Girls in one and boys in another. And of course janken all the time. Even the teachers have more physical contact with the students than teachers in the US. Bopping of heads. Friendly shoving. General good natured teasing. I myself shared many a fist bumps. The other ALTs and I even came up with a Japanese version of one. The one where you go for the fist bump and then say 'jellyfish' while your hand 'swims' away. We did the same but translated. Jellyfish is kurage (海月 , くらげ ) in Japanese. (Not to be confused with karaage ( 唐揚げ , からあげ ) which is Japanese fried chicken.) One girl I did that with enjoyed it so much she would go for a fist bump every time she saw me! XD

That's all for now! Next week, we see Izuku's reaction to this new hand holding situation. ;) Complete with a knowing Mei and a comforting Inko. Until next time! Please report typos or weirdness!

Chapter 33: What Are Feelings?

Notes:

And we're back with part three and end of this day in the story. It's time for Izuku's pov regarding the events of last chapter. Let's go!

TW for teasing from [“Oh really?” Mei said, a knowing smirk on her face....] to [...With that, she turned around to go back to her babies.]

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

“Midoriya…”

Green eyes tore themselves away from the sight of their joined hands to meet heterochromatic eyes, one grey and one blue.

“Would it be alright if I held your hand sometimes?”

Eh?

“Only if you’re comfortable of course.”

Only if I’m…eh?!

Freckled cheeks, still slightly pink, flushed red in a fierce blush. Todoroki, the strong, stoic and, though he would never admit it out loud, cute Hero-in-training, wanted to hold his hand. Hands that could manipulate ice and, though he hadn’t seen it yet, fire wanted to hold his own hands that could do nothing special having no Quirk to wield. The only power they offered was from hard work and a will to never give up.

When Izuku first asked to see the other’s hand, he merely wanted to examine the effects of the overuse of his ice up close. No ulterior motive whatsoever. Honest! Though he would admit that he had found he enjoyed the feeling of the other’s hand in his own. He might have rambled on about possible Support Items a little longer than necessary, but the ice user hadn’t said anything about it nor seemed uncomfortable at his touch. Pretty grey and blue eyes simply watched as he talked.

Prolonging the contact for as long as he thought was appropriately possible, Izuku eventually let the slightly cool hand go and made to leave. He was proud of himself when he had built up the courage to ask for Todoroki’s number. Strictly for Support reasons, of course. It would make it so much easier to ask any Quirk related questions he had rather than hunting the other down.

Since the hallways were still crowded, Izuku had found himself having to walk closer to Todoroki’s side as they continued to talk on the way back to the Support studio. Not that he minded. His eyes had widened slightly when he felt cool fingers graze his own briefly. But the real shock was when those same fingers had reached with purpose and gently wrapped around his hand.

Izuku’s head shot up to look at the taller boy, cheeks warm and red. It was unexpected but far from unwanted. When asked why, the bi-color teen simply explained how he wasn’t used to such contact but liked when he had held his hand before and thought of his hand as warm.

Todoroki didn’t know it but Izuku had also enjoyed holding the other boy’s hand. And he understood. Having no friends growing up, he didn’t have much experience being tactile with others. Save for his mother, but that wasn’t quite the same as with those his own age. Plus, his dad had been working abroad since he was five. Sure, he was tactile with Mei but her friendly gestures consisted mostly of bear hugs and arms slung on shoulders. As for Hitoshi, he wasn’t really a touchy-feely person in general.

So, of course he said it was fine. They were friends after all. Friends hold hands, right? Not that he knew for certain, but holding the other’s hand felt right to him. Todoroki described his hand as warm while Izuku would say the hand in his was cool. It was soothing. Refreshing. Like a cool breeze on a hot day.

Is his hand cool because of his Quirk? It is his right side that channels ice. Does that mean his left hand could possibly feel warmer because of his fire? He did mention he ran warmer on his left side. I wonder if he would let me test that even though he doesn’t like to use that side of his Quirk.

Figuring it would be a onetime thing, Izuku had put aside his questions and enjoyed the moment of holding his newest friend’s hand as they walked through the halls. But then, when they stood there quietly outside the Support studio both studying their joined hands, Todoroki asked if they could hold hands again in the future.

Just when Izuku thought he had his blush under control, the cute boy holding his hand had to ask that. The flustered flush of red came back in a crimson vengeance. His brain seemed to stop working as he tried to process the question. Eventually he recovered and managed to let out a short agreeing answer before he escaped into the Support studio.

Did Todoroki-kun really just ask that? And did I really just say yes?! Oh boy…

“What’s up with you, Izuku?”

Izuku looked up and met the yellow cross haired eyes of his friend. Mei looked at him with a look of concern, taking in his flustered appearance.

“I-I’m ok!” Izuku squeaked, his voice coming out a little higher than usual. “I was j-just coming back from training with T-Todoroki-kun!”

“Did you run back or something?” Mei asked, one brow quirked up. “You’re all red.”

“N-no, I, uh, T-Todoroki-kun and I were w-walking back and the halls were c-crowded,” Izuku managed to stutter out before going on a full ramble. “A-and then, T-Todoroki-kun started h-holding my hand. I th-thought it was only f-for the walk back, b-but he just asked i-if he could do it a-again…and I-I said y-yes…” Knowing that his friend wouldn’t judge, he also admitted, “…it was nice.” A small sweet smile formed as he thought about how the other boy’s hand felt in his own.

“Oh really?” Mei said, a knowing smirk on her face. “Only the second week of school and you’ve already found yourself a boyfriend.”

“Wha?!” Izuku squawked. “I-It’s not like that! We’re f-friends! Friends h-hold hands!”

“How about my hand?” Mei asked, taking his hand in hers. “Well?”

“It’s…fine?” Izuku replied confused, not sure what her point was. Though if he thought about it, her hand was a bit greasy.

“Fine and nice are not the same, Izuku,” Mei said flatly as if it was obvious, letting his hand go. “Do you like him?”

“Eh?”

“Do. You. Like. Him?” Mei asked, poking his chest at each word.

L-like him?! How would I know?!” Izuku retorted, hands gesturing in a flustered fury. “This is only the third time I’ve ever talked to him and only the second face to face! We met only last week!”

Mei didn’t seem convinced but didn’t press. “Well, when you figure it out, let me know.” With that, she turned around to go back to her babies.

Izuku spent the rest of the afternoon forcing himself to focus on his own inventions, trying to distract himself from thinking about a certain boy. But no matter what, his mind kept wandering back to a cool hand and grey and blue eyes. Before he knew it, it was time to go home. Sighing in slight frustration for not being as productive as he would have liked, the greenette packed his bag and headed home. The train ride and walk home were uneventful, besides stray thoughts of what Mei had asked.

Do you like him?’

To be honest, he didn’t know. Before UA, he didn’t have anyone he was interested in let alone friends in general. Besides, who in his old school would be interested in the Quirkless freak who muttered to himself anyway? That’s all he had been to everyone at Aldera Junior High. Something Katsuki made sure of.

Once he made it to his apartment, Izuku greeted his mother and went to change out of his uniform. The mother and son shared a dinner of oyakodon and talked about their days. Izuku informed his mom that those injured during the USJ were doing just fine which she was glad to hear. Though he did call Aizawa an idiot when he mentioned that the injured man had apparently still gone to class despite being hurt and looking like a mummy. Inko couldn’t help but agree with a slight giggle.

He also let her know that he would be having, much to Inko’s approval, a few counseling sessions with Hound Dog. Who he then went on a side tangent of fanboying about the Hero’s Quirk. He wondered if there would be time during their sessions for him to ask about it or not. Inko had to grab his attention to keep eating when he started falling into a rambling spiral.

Blushing slightly, Izuku talked about the announcement that the Sports Festival was coming up in a few weeks. Inko brought up similar concerns as his classmates had about having the event so soon after the attack. He did his best to put his mom at ease by telling her what his homeroom teacher had said. She didn’t seem entirely convinced but figured that UA would do their best to ensure the safety of the students. Especially after what had happened last week.

As they ate, Izuku went on about his time in the Support studio in the afternoon. He described the different inventions he worked on and his plans for the coming Sports Festival. Inko was happy to see her son so animated and excited for the event. She planned to stay home to watch her son compete against the others, recording it to send to Hisashi later as he would probably be busy, and would of course make katsudon to celebrate no matter what place he came in.

“Oh, and I helped one of the Hero Course students today,” Izuku announced with a smile. “His name is Todoroki Shouto and he’s in Class 1-A!”

“Is he one of the students you met when you were observing them?” Inko asked.

“Yeah! He has a really powerful Quirk,” Izuku replied, gesturing enthusiastically. “It’s called Half-Cold Half-Hot. He can create ice from his right side and I think fire from his left. During the training he was able to defeat the Villain team in seconds by covering the building in ice. And today he showed me what else he could do with his right side too. He has a good grasp on long- and short-range attacks with his ice.”

Inko looked fondly at her son. He always got so excited when talking about Quirks.

“What about his left side?” the mother asked with a warm smile, indulging her son in his antics. “You said it was fire, right?”

“I-I’m not sure,” Izuku replied, a flash of concern on his face that did not go unnoticed by his mother. “I haven’t seen him use it yet. Only his ice. I don’t know why but he told me he refuses to use that part of his Quirk.”

Though I wonder if it has something to do with Endeavor. He did react negatively when I asked if the man was his father.

“Anyway,” he continued, figuring the reasons why Todoroki didn’t use his fire were very personal ones. “Since he doesn’t want to use that side of his Quirk, I offered to make him a Support Item to relieve the side effects of using his ice too much.”

“That was nice of you,” Inko said, smiling warmly. Though she wondered what had her son so worried about his friend not using all of his Quirk. “I’m sure he appreciates your help.”

“Y-yeah,” Izuku said with a slight blush as he remembered the feeling of a cool hand but didn’t mention it to his mom. “He said as much.”

The mother and son talked about a few other things as they finished their dinner. Izuku mentioned the present Yamada had given him and gushed over how awesome it was. Having helped her son find rare Hero merch over the years, Inko was also impressed that the Voice Hero had managed to find anything for such an elusive Underground Hero as Eraserhead.

Once they finished eating, the pair worked together to clean up and fell into their usual routine of her washing and him drying. With the last dish washed and dried, Izuku hugged his mom before going to his room to work on his homework.

Before he got started on his work, Izuku reached into his bag and took out the present from Yamada. Removing the wrappings, he took out the figurine of Eraserhead and went over to his desk. Making some room, he placed the new figure right next to his ‘buddy’, Present Mic. Seeing the two next to each other, Izuku couldn’t help but think that they made a good pairing both as a Hero duo as well as friends. Or ‘buddies’. Though he did have some suspicions that they could be more than friends. Perhaps he could find out if he was right during his time in UA.

Shaking himself out of his thoughts of what he could learn about the Heroes that taught at UA, Izuku took his homework out of his backpack and got to work. He moved from subject to subject as he completed each assignment diligently. With years of passing the time studying to fill the hours after school, he developed the habit of completing his school work as soon as he got it. It allowed him more time to research Heroes and Quirks as well as kept him busy. However, tonight he would be researching something else other than Heroes.

‘Do you like him?’

Seriously, how was he supposed to know that? It’s something he’s never had to think about before. Which is why he turned to the internet for possible answers. But after a couple of hours of going through countless articles and taking numerous quizzes, he still didn’t know. He sat there staring at his computer with a furrowed brow, no closer to answers than when he began. With a sigh, Izuku let his head fall on his desk with a ‘thunk’ in exasperation.

Knock knock.

“Izuku?” his mom’s voice called from outside his door. “It’s getting late. Is everything alright? May I come in?”

“Come in,” Izuku called out. With his head still on the desk, he turned to watch his mom enter his room. Worry for her son was clear on her face. “I’m fine, mom. Just…confused is all.”

Inko glanced at the computer screen and after seeing what he had been research turned back to her son.

“Would you like to talk about it?” she asked as she sat on the bed. “Maybe I could help.” She patted the spot next to her.

Standing up from his desk, Izuku walked over to his mom and sat down next to her. He rested his head on her shoulder and she raised her hand to run through his green curls. They sat there in silence as the mother waited patiently for her son to gather his thoughts. Eventually he took a deep steadying breath and began to talk.

Sitting side by side, motherly fingers running through unruly green locks, Izuku plucked up the courage to tell her what had happened between Todoroki and him. He talked about how he initially was holding the other boy’s hand to study the effects of his Quirk. But then had found that he liked the feel of the other’s hand in his. He told her how the hallways were crowded and Todoroki held his hand as they walked. How the other boy had told him why he wanted to hold his hand and that it was warm. He described what holding Todoroki’s hand felt like and that he hadn’t thought he would have liked it so much. But he did. Finally, he divulged that the other boy had asked if they could hold hands again…and Izuku said yes.

“A-and when I got into the s-studio,” Izuku stuttered, tears budding in his eyes from feeling exposed, uncertain, and embarrassed all at the same time. “M-Mei-chan asked i-if I liked h-him. But I-I don’t know! You kn-know I didn’t really have m-many friends before UA. And I-I’ve never had anyone that I’ve l-liked before. I just…I d-don’t know.”

Inko pulled her son into a hug and let him burrow his head into her shoulder in search of comfort. She knew that, before Izuku had met Mei on the beach, his number of friends were…few to none. Over the years, she couldn’t help but notice Izuku spent more time at home than out with friends. How could she not? She’s his mother. Inko also knew that he was bullied, no matter how hard he tried to hide if from her. And she knew that Katsuki was one of the ones responsible.

Inko and Mitsuki had been friends since high school and had stayed close ever since. So, it wasn’t a surprise that Izuku and Katsuki had grown up together and had been friends practically since birth. However, after Izuku was declared Quirkless, she couldn’t help but notice the change in how the blonde treated her son. She particularly hated when he started referring to her son by the nickname ‘Deku.’

Then she began to notice a number of his injuries were burn marks that were suspiciously in the shape of small hands, prompting her to call on her friend Mitsuki. When asked, Katsuki had claimed they were all accidental and Izuku said nothing to contradict him. But Inko didn’t buy it. Despite his increasing hostility, Izuku still remained close to the blonde in hopes their friendship could be repaired.

Seeing the way their relationship had changed, Inko remained close to Mitsuki but stopped arranging play dates between the two children. She knew Mitsuki did her best to try and fix her son’s behavior as she had brought up her concerns about the boys. But there was only so much the blonde mother could do with his explosive personality and inherited stubbornness. They eventually came to an arrangement that Mitsuki would come visit Inko at the Midoriya home while Masaru stayed with Katsuki back at the Bakugou household. There wasn’t much Inko could do to limit Izuku’s exposure to Katsuki, but at least she could distance them a little at home.

As Izuku grew up, more and more injuries appeared. Izuku had tried to hide any cuts or bruises he got from his ‘friends’. But she noticed none the less and helped patch him up, making sure to take pictures as evidence just in case. Inko had always been one to document everything after all. She had wanted to talk to the parents of the children who hurt her son, but Izuku would brush the injuries of as nothing and never said who was responsible.

When Izuku started grade school, the bullying continued and her son would come home hurt but still refused to say who had done it. She had called the school about the bullying numerous times, getting reassurances they would look into the issue. But, again and again her son came home hurt and nothing changed at school. Inko even went as far as to meet with the principal who waved it off as ‘boys being boys’ or that ‘accidents happen’. But ‘accidents’ like this don’t happen over and over and over again.

That was the reason why when her son came to her asking to take up self-defense classes, she immediately agreed and signed him up. Once he began to learn to defend himself, he started coming home with less and less injuries until they stopped altogether. However, even though he could fight back physically, it did nothing to stop any verbal abuse or other bullying involving his school things.

As her son went through school, she noticed that certain days he would come home with a less bright look in his eyes. Sometimes he would even have to ask for a new notebook or another pencil, claiming he lost or broke what needed to be replaced. He never complained about anything, but, with her motherly instinct, she could tell something had happened that he wasn’t talking about.

However, without knowing what had been done or said, Inko couldn’t call the school to report anything. Though she did keep track of everything she ever had to replace. Since she was unable to help him at school, Inko became more determined to be there for her son as much as she could outside of school. Which was why, even though she thought his chances were slim to none, she still supported her son’s dream to become a Hero. She would do anything for her son and be there for him with all her being.

“Izuku,” Inko began, carefully pushing her son away slightly so she could look at him. His eyes were slightly red and puffy and there were tear tracks down his cheeks. Gently, she wiped away a few stray tears. “It’s ok to not know right away. Having feelings for someone is something that happens over time.”

As the younger Midoriya sat quietly listening to his mom, she tucked a lock of green hair behind his ear.

“I didn’t know how I felt about your father for a while despite having ‘fallen’ for him when we first met,” Inko said, earning a small giggle from her son. He knew the story well of how his parents met by Inko literally running into and falling on Hisashi one day when she was running late for work. “We were friends first before we became a couple. This is only the second week that you’ve been in UA. How long have you known this boy?”

“F-for a little l-less than a week?” Izuku answered. “We’ve o-only talked th-three times. And only twice i-in person.”

“So, you haven’t known him for very long,” Inko said, cupping his cheek in her hand. “And that’s ok. Instead of focusing on if you like him, start with becoming his friend. Talk to him. Spend time with him. Get to know him. Don’t worry about how you feel right now. Your feelings will form on their own. If you notice a change of how you think or interact with him, maybe write it down to collect your thoughts. Writing things down has always helped you before.”

“Y-you’re right,” Izuku said, letting out a small chuckle and smiling warmly at his mom. “I shouldn’t w-worry about it so m-much. I just need t-to be myself and take m-my time.”

“Good,” the mother said, leaning forward and placing a loving kiss on his forehead. “And, if you ever want to talk about it again, you know where to find me.” She gave him a playful wink.

Giggling at his mom, Izuku replied, “Thanks, mom. I will. You’re the best.”

“I know,” Inko stated with another wink, making him laugh again. “And Izuku, no matter who you like, I will support you. Unless they hurt you, ‘cause then I will kick their ass!”

“Mom!” Izuku exclaimed with a blush, slightly shocked at her language since she rarely cursed.

Inko simply laughed and pulled her son into another hug before insisting that it was time for bed. Glancing at the clock and seeing the late hour, Izuku didn’t protest and got ready for bed. Feeling emotionally exhausted but also lighter after talking with his mom, he fell asleep quickly. Dreams painted with reds and whites depicting images of gray and blue eyes paired with one cool and one warm hand carried him through the night and left him waking up feeling warm and happy.

Izuku couldn’t wait to see and hold hands with his friend again. His cute friend.

Notes:

There ya have it! Izuku is a confused green bean, Mei knows what's up, and Inko is best mom! We got some more insight on Izuku's childhood and Inko knowing about the bullying but not being able to do anything about it. But don't worry, she'll find a use for all her documented evidence in the future. ;)

Also a little nugget of info on how Inko and Hisashi met! :D We'll learn more about that later.

Fun Facts About Japan:

Some odd food things for ya that I experience for the first time in Japan. Oyakodon ( 親子丼 , おやこどん ) is a donburi ( 丼 , どんぶり ), or rice bowl dish, that literally translates to 'parent and child' for those who didn't know. That's because it has both chicken and egg served together in one dish. So in this chapter, a mother and son were eating a 'parent and child' dish together. Kinda morbid, ne?

Another weird food I was introduced to was yakisoba pan ( 焼きそばぱん , やきそばぱん ) which is a sandwich of fried noodles in bread. Talk about a carb overload! You can buy them at many conbini in Japan and it was served one time for school lunch in my three years there.

Then there's natto ( 納豆 , なっと ) which are fermented soybeans. Natto is a food that either you love it or you hate it. And to me, natto is...disgusting. At least in my opinion. It's slimy, stringy, and smells and tastes like dirty socks. Again, in my opinion. Sometimes they would serve natto during school lunch and I had a hard time eating with the students on those days. It was served either in the salad of the day or in a small cup with accompanying soy sauce and mustard packets. The kids would eat it with white rice but because it's so stringy, there would be strings of the slime connecting their mouth to the bowl of rice and it was difficult for me to look at while eating. If you like natto, all power to ya, but I am not a fan. XD And yes, I know it's healthy 'cause that's what every student and teacher would say when I said I didn't like it. But I ain't eating it!

I did try basashi ( 馬刺し , ばさし ) which is raw horse meat. It wasn't that bad actually and I would recommend trying it if you're an adventurous eater. If you're thinking 'eating a horse?! le gasp! how could you!', my response is a shrug and a 'when in Rome'. ^___^

Alright! The Tododeku slowburn has officially begun and we now have the thought of both parties. Next chapter brings a time skip of preparing for the upcoming sports festival! We'll get a look into what kind of support items Izuku will be making along with what else happens in the weeks leading up to the event. Until then, see ya and be safe and healthy! Please let me know of typos or weirdness! Ta!

Chapter 34: Training The Body And The Mind

Notes:

Welcome back readers! This chapter we're going to be doing some time skipping and covering the preparation leading up to the sports festival. :) An update of friends, heroes, inventing, and training. Let's go!

TW for teasing from [“So, did you figure it out yet?”...] to [...“Come on, Izuku. Let’s get to class.”] and [Kayama liked as she put it ‘vibrant youth’ and ‘thrills.'...] to [...eventually with a determined smirk on her face.]

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

After a morning spent eating breakfast with his mom and a quiet commute to school, Izuku found himself heading to class with Mei and Hitoshi. Once the taller boy bid them goodbye and left for 1-C, Mei turned her attention to her friend and classmate.

“So, did you figure it out yet?” Mei suddenly asked. “Do you like him?”

“N-no, I d-didn’t,” Izuku replied, nervously rubbing the back of his head. “But I talked w-with my mom about it a-and she said it was ok if I-I didn’t know and to take my time. To focus on b-being his friend for now.”

“Auntie is a wise woman,” Mei stated, nodding her head in approval.

“Sure does sounds like it,” a voice from behind them interjected. The two Support students spun around to find Midnight, or Kayama Nemuri, behind them. “When it comes to feelings and the workings of the heart, one should always take their time. So, who is it that you think you like?”

“Oh, it’s T-,” Mei started to say but Izuku quickly slapped his hand over his friend’s mouth.

“It’s no one!” Izuku exclaimed, voice coming out a high pitch than normal.

“Hmm…keeping it a secret, eh~?” Kayama drawled, a mischievous look on her face. “I do love a challenge. I’ll figure out who it is eventually, Midoriya. Better keep on your toes~.” With a devilish smile and playful wink, the 18+ Only Hero walked past the students.

“…she’s not going to leave it alone, is she?” Izuku said as he watched the woman head down the hall with a skip in her step.

“I’d say no,” Mei replied frankly, slinging an arm across his shoulders. The greenette let out a sigh and slumped said shoulders, already exhausted. Taking pity on her friend, she gave him a comforting squeeze and steered them both to 1-H. “Come on, Izuku. Let’s get to class.”

The rest of the morning classes passed by in a blur and before they knew it, the lunch bell rang. After meeting up with Hitoshi, the trio made their way to the cafeteria. When they got there, green eyes immediately zeroed in on a familiar head of perfectly split red and white hair. As if sensing his gaze, grey and blue eyes met green ones and Todoroki pushed off the wall walking towards them.

“Midoriya,” Todoroki called out as he approached. “Would it be alright if I joined you for lunch?”

“Oh, h-hey Todoroki-kun!” Izuku greeted shyly, a light blush dusting his cheeks. “Sure, you c-can join us if you’d like.”

The bi-color teen seemed to notice the other two for the first time, titling his head slightly in question. Sensing his confusion, Izuku was quick to introduce everyone. Hitoshi simply nodded in greeting while Mei offered him a handshake which he first looked at perplexed until she grabbed his hand herself and gave it a firm shake. Giving Izuku a knowing smirk, Mei walked ahead with Hitoshi in the lunch line while Izuku stood next to Todoroki.

As they waited in line, Izuku took his mom’s advice and used the time to get to know his new friend. Between the time they entered the line and got their food, Izuku learn that the cute boy next to him liked reading books, listening to classical music, and his favorite food was cold soba. Which he just so happened to get for lunch. Once they had their food, the group of four found a table and were joined by Uraraka, Iida, and Tsuyu.

“Hey, Mido and Co!” Uraraka called out as the three additional Hero students sat down. “Oh, is Todoroki joining us today?”

“Yes,” Todoroki answered simply before taking a slurping bite of soba.

“Does he know, Izuku-chan?” Tsuyu asked bluntly. Izuku made a mental note to include lessons in discretion in her notes.

“Yes, he does, Tsu-chan,” Izuku replied. When he saw Todoroki’s questioning quirked eyebrow, he added. “They also know that I’m Hiro.”

“Isn’t that supposed to be a secret, Izuku?” Hitoshi chimed in with a teasing smirk. “At this rate, they’re all going to find out before the Sports Festival.”

“Isn’t the main point to not have Bakugou know though?” Todoroki asked upon slurping down another mouth full. “As long as he doesn’t, then Midoriya’s plan would be a success.”

Izuku beamed at his friend and turned smugly toward Hitoshi. “See? He gets it.”

Would you kindly shut your yap, Izuku?” Hitoshi playfully jeered, his tone enough to reveal to Izuku that his Quirk was active.

The brainwasher had used his Quirk during lunch before and he wasn’t advertising what his Quirk is exactly, but also not keeping it a secret. Izuku figured that Hitoshi would have to deal with the situation of having people find out his Quirk eventually and needed practice to work around that. Which Aizawa had agreed with as well since he had to work around a similar issue with his own Quirk.

Knowing that his friend was trying to brainwash him, Izuku pointedly did not respond verbally. Instead he stuck out his tongue and turned back to Todoroki, smiling brightly. The ice user smiled softly back at him and reached under the table to take the shorter teen’s hand. This time with his left hand.

So, his left side is warmer than his right, Izuku thought as a blush blossomed across his face.

“Are you ok, Mido?” Uraraka asked in concern at the sudden redness.

“I-I’m fine!” he squeaked, turning back to his food. Mei snorted with a knowing smirk while he shot her a glare.

Izuku side-glanced at Todoroki who was eyeing him as well. The ice user had the smallest of smiles on his face, but it was one of the warmest smiles Izuku had ever seen. Todoroki gave his hand a comforting squeeze before letting go and going back to his soba.

Oh boy, Izuku thought, unsure what to make of the situation exactly. But he still liked it. With a reserved smile, he turned back to his own food.

~~~

The next few weeks passed by relatively quickly. The mornings were spent being taught normal school subjects by not-so-normal teachers. They were all Heroes, after all. For instance, Ectoplasm taught Mathematics, Midnight taught Modern Hero Art History, and Cementoss taught Modern Literature. And, of course, Present Mic was in charge of English. Or, for Izuku, sign language.

The Voice Hero expertly managed to teach both JSL to him and English to the rest of the class. All at the same time. The multitasking skills of the man who was a Hero, teacher, and radio host were scary good. Every new word sign or phrase Yamada taught him was soaked up by the greenette’s brain like a dry sponge in water. With each passing class, the student found he could hold longer conversations with his teacher and would sign at the man whenever he saw him.

Some of the other teachers caught on and would sign to him as well. Having these silent, and kind of private, conversations with his teachers made him brave enough to ask the Heroes some of the questions he had burning in his brain and notebooks. He learned that Ectoplasm liked karaoke a lot. He also learned the solemn fact that the Hero had lost his legs to a Villain when he asked why he wore prosthetics.

Kayama liked as she put it ‘vibrant youth’ and ‘thrills.'  Izuku didn’t know exactly what she meant by that, but he did know she liked to make him flustered. Since finding out he might like someone, she would constantly ask him embarrassing questions about who the person was that he liked. Every time, gray and blue eyes under white and red hair came to mind. But remembering his mom saying it was ok to take his time, he would sidestep her questions with vague answers much to the Hero’s curious annoyance. She would sign that she swore to find out who he liked eventually with a determined smirk on her face.

As for the other teachers, Cementoss, or Ishiyama Ken, liked round things and his favorite food was manju. Maijima, being a Support Hero and teacher, unsurprisingly liked cars. Yamada liked radio and TV. No surprise there since he hosted a radio show called ‘Put Your Hands Up Radio’ on Friday nights. Which Izuku listened to every week. The Voice Hero also told him his favorite food was fried chicken. Even Aizawa joined in and admitted that he liked cats. Like a lot.

Hitoshi-kun and Aizawa-sensei can so relate on that. I’ve already lost count the number of times we’ve hung out at cat cafes.

All this new information about Heroes went straight into Izuku’s notebooks, of course. Speaking of notebooks, mid-way through the second week Nezu called Izuku to his office and announced he had finished the code for the notebooks. It was a symbol-based code and the language used behind the symbols was an interesting mixture of Japanese, English, and also Navajo. Izuku had gone on a research tangent when he got back home that day to learn all he could about the Navajo Code Talkers from World War 2.

A number of English periods were spent with Nezu explaining the code to Izuku and having him practice writing in it before moving on to coding the notebooks. Once the chimera was satisfied with his proficiency with the code, the principal gifted Izuku a tablet with an attachable keyboard case and stylus. After the student gave a questioning look, Nezu explained that he had thought having the notes in a digital form would be beneficial. It would allow Izuku to edit, condense, and organize his notes more easily than in his notebook. Plus, the tablet was programmed with a security system designed by Nezu himself including numerous firewalls, biometric security, and had its own closed network among other features. The tablet was to remain on UA campus, of course.

From then on, English classes were spent switching between learning JSL and coding his notebooks. Izuku felt a wave of nostalgia when he opened up his earlier ones. He couldn’t help but giggle as he read through his early analysis. Some of his original theorizes were…interesting to say the least. Reading through his notes again, Izuku realized he had some redundant or incorrect questions and information which he was able to reduce or correct. He also made separate files for each Hero which were labeled so they could be searched by Hero designation, Quirk, Hero type, or Hero Agency with ease. All encoded, of course.

Lunch was spent eating and talking with his friends. Todoroki became a regular at their table after he first joined them, taking the opportunity to hold Izuku’s hand under the table whenever one arose. The greenette couldn’t help but blush every time. But when Todoroki sent him a questioning look to see if it was still ok, Izuku would squeeze his hand and give him a reassuring smile that it was.

Every time that would happen, Mei sent him a knowing look and he would pointedly ignore her. It wasn’t long before Hitoshi figured it out and would send teasing looks at his friend. Uraraka sent him questioning looks whenever he would seem to randomly blush but he waved her concerns off. Iida seemed oblivious to it all while Tsuyu, having seen them holding hands a few times, respected her friends’ privacy and said nothing.

When it came to holding hands, Todoroki seemed rather private about it. Which Izuku could understand and was fine with. Holding the other boy’s hand was something special just between the two. A secret comfort just for them. Though Izuku found himself wanting to do so even in a crowd at times. Which had prompted him to start a new tradition of linking their pinkies together while waiting in line for food. Todoroki had been surprised at first but gladly embraced this new addition to their friendly gestures.

Time after lunch was spent in the Support studio. Mei and Izuku worked diligently building, testing, and refining their designs. There were some…mishaps here and there when one of Mei’s experiments got out of hand and Maijima had to scold her. But they continued to work hard to finish making as many Support Items as they could before the Sports Festival.

After the last period of the day, Izuku would either stay in the studio to continue working or go to one of the spare gyms to train with Hitoshi as well as test his gear. When he had first met up to train and finally saw Aizawa for the first time since the USJ, he couldn’t help but cringe at the sight of one of his favorite Heroes covered in so many bandages.

Uraraka-san wasn’t exaggerating. He does look like a mummy.

Since Aizawa obviously wouldn’t be able to actually spar with them, he recruited the help of Yamada. Who, it turned out, was the homeroom teacher for 1-C and so was already acquainted with Hitoshi. The purple haired teen had to suffer through his Hero fanboy friend complain about how he hadn’t told him this fact before then. To which the taller boy promised to buy the other a snack as an apology just to shut his friend up so they could train and the greenette happily agreed. Their antics received a chuckle from the loud man while the tired one rolled his eyes.

Despite the Voice Hero’s slim appearance, he was also quite deft at hand-to-hand combat. The blonde claimed it was all thanks to the Erasure Hero, who somehow visibly grimaced through his wrappings as the other man praised him loudly while slinging an arm around his bandaged shoulders. The two Hero-hopefuls trained vigorously and stuck to the diet and exercise plan Aizawa had written up for them.

Sprinkled throughout all this, Izuku had a handful of counseling sessions with Inui. They discussed what happened at the USJ and how Izuku had been fairing since then. He admitted he sometimes had nightmares about it but they had been less and less frequent as time passed. The Hero suggested some meditation techniques to help calm him. After trying them and getting some good results, Izuku added meditation to his regular training routine.

As for after school, the days were spent resting from each day’s training for the body and the mind while conversing with friends over the phone. Izuku and Hitoshi would trade memes and cat pictures back and forth. Mei would text him whenever a new baby idea came up. Uraraka, Tsuyu, and Kirishima would message him from time to time if they had Quirk questions or had something they wanted to share. Iida would occasionally ask for his opinion on something in the news or any question he had about homework.

The number of friends texting him was a bit overwhelming at times. Growing up with no friends for years then to suddenly have regular correspondence would do that to you. Izuku had even gone so far as to not tell anyone in his past schools that he even had a phone. Fearing that if he did, the other students would demand his number and extend their verbal taunts further through technology.

But with this new group of friends, Izuku wasn’t afraid to share his number anymore. He cherished each new message he received, smiling every time a new notification came in. Though, to be honest with himself, the ones he looked forward to the most were from Todoroki.

I’m still not sure if I ‘like’ him, but I do like talking to him.

The bi-color teen was just as inexperienced with texting as Izuku had been until he had befriended Mei and Hitoshi. Though most of his experience of what he guessed was ‘normal teenage texting’ was with his insomniac meme-lord friend. As well as with his new friends he made in UA. But the longest with Hitoshi. And the greenette was pretty sure Mei’s tendency to primarily talk only about current and future babies wasn’t usual. So, with mostly Hitoshi’s influence and a sprinkling of the others, Izuku would share pictures of cats or other things he thought Todoroki would enjoy and the other would respond just as bluntly as he did in person. The greenette found his bluntness endearing.

Though I learned to not send him as many memes as Hitoshi does to me.

Izuku had realized early on to only do so if he intended to explain why the meme was funny. Todoroki, having grown up so isolated, didn’t have much experience with that version of internet comedy. An ignorance that Hitoshi took advantage of as soon as he learned about it during lunch. Leading to many a situation that left the majority of the table laughing while the ice user sat there confused and looking to Izuku for answers. Leaving him the task of explaining the joke to his internet-innocent friend while his jerk of a friend cackled.

With all of that going on, before they knew it there was only a few days left before the Sports Festival. Teachers and students alike were busy preparing for the televised event. As the days passed, something dawned on Izuku about the Sports Festival. During the commentary of the festival, the Quirks of the students were usually announced as the events played out. Which means they would announce that he was Quirkless before he was ready for it.

Finally building up the courage, the day before the Sports Festival, Izuku signed to Yamada that he’d like to ask him something after class. Getting an affirmative sign back, Izuku went back to coding his notes. English class passed by and soon the bell rang for lunch. Waving Mei off to go on ahead to the cafeteria, he grabbed his bag and waited for the other students to leave. Once the last student left, Izuku took a seat at one of the front desks and Yamada dragged over a chair like he had a few weeks ago.

~~~

“So, what’s on your mind, little listener?” Hizashi asked, straddling the chair casually.

“Yamada-sensei, you’re g-going to be announcing the Sports Festival, r-right?” Midoriya asked.

“That I am!” the blonde grinned. “I even managed to get Shouta to agree to join me! Since he’s still recovering. Why do you ask?”

“During the festival, you’ll be a-announcing student’s Quirks, right?” the student inquired and received a nod. “W-well, ever since Aizawa-sensei and Nezu-sensei brought up th-that my analysis could be dangerous, I thought m-maybe giving too much information at the festival w-would be too?”

“Huh, guess I never thought about it that way before,” Hizashi stated, a hand on his chin in thought. “But you do have a point. It is important to showcase their Quirks for the scouts in the crowd, but revealing too much about them could have negative consequences. I could modify my commentating to not give out certain details.”

“O-or, um, you c-could do puns?” Midoirya offered with a hesitant smile.

Oh, Shouta is going to hate that. I’mma do it.

“Sure thing, little listener,” Hizashi replied, grinning at the thought of his future exasperated husband who he loved to mess with. “So, what brought this on?”

“I-I want to make sure everyone is safe,” Midoriya replied, wringing his hands nervously. “But I also want everyone t-to have a fair chance to prove themselves. N-not everyone is seen as having the ‘right’ Quirk a-and are judged by them.”

He’s probably referring to Shinsou, Hizashi thought, already having bonded enough with the purple teen in his homeroom to work him through some of his learned self-deprecation in regards to his Quirk. On top of stressing to his homeroom from the beginning that any Quirk discrimination would receive harsh punishment. He may be known for his easy going and friendly demeanor, but the Voice Hero could channel a glare to rival his husband's when he needed to.

“And you kn-know I’m…,” the Support student continued but struggled to get what he wanted to say out. “That I d-don’t…”

Have a Quirk, Hizashi finished in his mind.

“I’ll stop you right there, little listener,” Hizashi interrupted, hand held up in a ‘stop’ gesture. The boy stopped fussing with his hands, placing them on the desk instead and looked nervously at his teacher. “Your Quirk status is nothing to be ashamed of.”

“I-I’m not ashamed, Yamada-sensei,” Midoriya said, fingers nervously scratching at the desk. “I’ve worked h-hard to be where I am, a-and I will work even harder t-to get to where I want to be. But I know that a-as soon as people find out, they’re g-going to write me off a-as a fluke.”

“Midoriya, you are anything but a fluke,” Hizashi said, looking at his student with concern. “These past few weeks, you have trained your ass off and have made some incredible Support Items to help you.”

I know that a-and you know that,” Midoriya muttered.

“And Shouta and Shinsou know that,” Hizashi interjected. “Plus, Nezu and your other friends.”

“Y-yeah, that’s true,” the student relented. “But growing up…” He grimaced. “…it’s difficult for people l-like me. I’ve always wanted to be a Hero, b-but because I don’t have a ‘heroic’ Quirk p-practically everyone thought my dream w-was impossible. I want the chance to prove myself before people j-judge me on something I can’t control.”

The student continued to nervously scratch at the desk while the man silently fumed upon learning his student had been discriminated against. Something the Hero had experienced himself growing up. Hizashi had been born with his Voice Quirk and managed to damaged his parents’, and the attending doctor’s and nurse’s, hearing on his first day living in the big bright world. Their hearing only got worse during his first years of life as he was a baby and had little to no control of his Quirk. It was the reason why Hizashi learned sign language in the first place. He also started Quirk Counseling as soon as was feasible.

Children can be cruel and when they learned what Hizashi’s Quirk had done right out of the womb, they would avoid and not talk to him. They were afraid that if they did and he spoke, he would deafen them too. That, and he himself being afraid of doing just that, led to Hizashi becoming selectively mute for a period of time.

It took him a while to begin speaking again with the help of his parents and Quirk Counselor. Progress was slow but he managed to gain control over his Quirk and was able to live out his dream of attending UA and becoming a Hero. He even made the best friends he ever had and found a husband he loved with all his heart. Even if said husband could be a grumpy cat a majority of the time. In a way, UA was a magical place that helped you move on from your past. Something Hizashi was sure Izuku had already begun to notice.

“What would you like me to do, Mid…Izuku?” Hizashi finally asked, choosing to use his cough favorite cough student’s first name for the moment.

Midoriya blushed at the use of his first name by the Hero. Looking at the man cautiously, he said, “W-would it be possible to keep m-my Quirk status a secret until the r-right time?”

“I could do that,” Hizashi offered with a reassuring smile. “Maybe focus on your use of Support Items until then. But when is the right time?”

“Whenever I get b-beaten,” Midoriya answered, lowering his gaze. Then he took a deep breath and looked back up at the man with hesitant determination. “Or…when I win first place.”

The Voice Hero beamed at the aspiring student sitting in front of him. “That, little listener, I can do.”

Notes:

Uh oh! Midnight knows about Izuku's maybe crush! ;) And Mei is not helping. Nor is Hitoshi. But at least Todoroki's got his back! Or rather hand. ^____^ Also, they're all texting! Including Kirishima because I know I'm having him hang with Katsuki during lunch. But I hope to have more Izuku and Kirishima friend moments later on. :)

Izuku is learning more sign language and the teachers are giving him plenty of practice! Also the code for the notebooks has been made! The code is entirely fake and I have no intention of actually making it. I'm not that extra. But I threw in the Navajo part because that's just a cool bit of history!

Yamada's favoritism is showing again! By the way, I hope you like puns because the sports festival is going to be full of them! :D Also, I decided upon posting this chapter that Yamada was going to be 1-C's homeroom teacher to make certain plot points easier later. So that's why there was no mention of it before this.

Fun Facts About Japan:

Let's talk about handshakes versus bowing. In the US, a handshake is a common action when meeting people. In Japan, bowing is that common action. Japanese people bow all the time and after living there for three years, I still find myself bowing from time to time. (Then again, I tend to collect mannerisms anyway. Like many current or ex-Disney cast members, I still do the Disney point.) Anyway, the level of the bow shows the formality level of it. A slight head bow, basically a nod, is very casual. But the lower you go, the more formal the bow is. Which is why when a character lowers themselves all the way to the floor to bow, it is the most formal of the bows. Because it is literally putting the other above the one bowing.

Bowing occurs in many different situations. Japanese people bow when talking, usually the small head bow as a show of active listening. Like how we say 'uhuh', 'ok', 'go on', etc. in English while nodding, they bow slightly with a kind of grunt sound. For Japanese, 'un' is a positive sound while 'uun' is negative and they'll also say yes or 'hai' ( はい ) or 'I understand/I understood' or 'wakarimasu/wakarimashita' ( 分かります , わかります / 分かりました , わかりました ) as well. Another situation is while driving. In the US, typically we hold up a hand as a 'thank you' gesture. They sometimes do that in Japan as well but bowing is the typical 'thank you' gesture. Also, Japanese people bow when talking on the phone. Seriously, they do. I, myself, found it adorably hilarious because they bow even though the other can't see them but it's really just out of habit than anything. ^_____^

That's it for this update! Coming up, the start of the sports festival! :D The students prepare, inventions are revealed, commentary is made, classes are introduced, and a certain angry blonde makes a speech! I'm excited to share the sports festival with you! Stay safe and let me know of typos or weirdness!

Chapter 35: Sports Festival: Let The Games Begin

Notes:

The sports festival is here! :D I hope y'all are as excited as I am!!

Giving a warning for excessive swearing this chapter. So I know I have the tag for Izuku swearing already. However, we're getting our first Katsuki pov this chapter and boy does he have a potty mouth. So just wanted to warn ya if you're sensitive to that! Also, if there's anything else you feel needs a trigger warning, please let me know!

formatting reminder:
"Dialogue heard through a speaker or sound system. Most character dialogue like this will have normal capitalization."
...meanwhile...
"PRESENT MIC WILL COME THROUGH LIKE THIS BECAUSE OF HIS ENTHUSIASM!"

Onward! Plus ultra! :D

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

GREETINGS SPORTS FANS AND MEDIA ALIKE! WELCOME TO UA’S SPORTS FESTIVAL! SET UP THOSE CAMERAS, GRAB SOME GRUB, AND SETTLE IN FOR WHAT’S GUAR-AN-TEED TO BE ONE HECK OF A SHOW!

Yamada-sensei sure is loud this morning, but then again, his Quirk is Voice.

It was the day of the Sports Festival and all students were doing final preparations for the event. While most classes were either stretching or getting into the right mind set, Class 1-H, like the other Support classes, were doing final checks on their gear. Mei was looking over her many babies and Izuku was taking stock of his numerous Quirk Replicating Support Items.

“Let’s see…Jet shoes, check. Fire Breath mask and fuel cartridges, check and check. Electric escrima rods and gloves, check, check. Collapsible shield, check. Tape gun, check. Goggles, check. Various bombs…flash, smoke, explosive, and glue. Check, check, check, and check. And last but not least, my very first invention for good luck! Check!”

With care, Izuku placed the small black disc in his assigned Support Item box along with everything else. After a final scan of his gadgets, he closed the container with a smile and a determined nod to himself.

“Alright, 1-H. It’s time to go,” Maijima announced. “Grab your gear and get to the changing rooms. Then go to the waiting room assigned for 1-H. Remember, you are allowed to use any Support Item that you have made yourself. Show them what you and your inventions are made of. Plus Ultra!”

After cheering the school motto, the students of 1-H all grabbed their boxes of Support Items and headed for the changing rooms. Since this was a school wide event, all students were required to wear the designated school gym uniform. No matter what course you were in, everyone would be wearing the same clothes. However, being in the Support Course allowed for those students certain…perks. Aka their own inventions.

For example. Under Izuku’s gym uniform, he was wearing a thin under armor body suit that was fire resistant. During the weeks before the Sports Festival, Izuku had managed to find some time to work on the Support Item for Todoroki. A kind of temperature regulating bodysuit of sorts. It was going along fine until one of Mei’s babies exploded and almost took him and the bodysuit out with it. He, himself, got a little singed, not enough to warrant going to the nurse’s office by Support Course standards, but the suit itself wasn’t damaged at all. Which gave Izuku the idea to make something similar for himself.

It would be great defense against Katsuki if I ever go up against him. Or if Todoroki-kun ever does use his fire...I still wonder why he refuses to use it though.

Adjusting his bodysuit and gym clothes, Izuku started to put on his Support Items. He attached the Jet shoes to his own shoes, clicking them into place. He checked that the Fire Breath mask had a fuel cartridge inserted on the side of it before pulling the mask over his head and had it hanging loosely around his neck for now. He positioned the goggles so that they rested on top of his head since he didn’t need to use either of them yet.

Around his waist went his utility belt that the various bombs along with other supplies like extra tape cartridges. On his right leg, he attached the Tape gun with a special holster that attached to the belt and had a strap that wrapped around his thigh. To the belt, he attached the two Electric escrima rods, one on either side. On his left arm, he strapped the shield in its collapsed state. Finally, he grabbed the Electric gloves and put them on, securing them by fastening the straps around his wrists. The only thing left in the box was his first ever Support Item as he closed the lid.

As they all waited for the Sports Festival to begin, students gathered in waiting rooms separated by class. Izuku carried his box and made his way to the room assigned for 1-H. Opening the door, he was met with the sight of his fellow geared up classmates and their gear boxes were scattered across the room. He entered the room and placed down his own case in an open spot before turning to observe the other 1-H students.

His classmates were all decked out in their self-made Support Items and were ready to show what they had created. They wanted to use the Sports Festival to show Support Companies that they would be good hires in the future. While Izuku wanted to use the event to show the world that the Quirk didn’t make the Hero. They all had their own goals and would do their best to reach them.

“Are you ready to show them who’s boss, Hero-kun?!” Mei hollered cheerfully as she entered the room in her usual dramatic fashion. She walked over to her friend and placed her box next to Izuku’s.

The others, having gotten used to her antics over the last few weeks, ignored the boisterous pinkette while Izuku looked over his friend’s gear. On her feet were her own version of hover shoes that she called Hover Soles. They were bulkier than Izuku’s but packed a bit more power too. On her upper torso she wore a harness with her grappling hook baby which she called Wire Arrow. And on her head were her signature goggles in all their steampunk glory. He wasn’t sure what the purpose of all the various copper pipes and what looked like a handle to a water spigot though. Probably just aesthetic.

“You bet!” Izuku chirped, excited for the festival to start. Taking in all of his friend’s gear, he commented, “You look great, Mei-chan! Do you have everything you need?”

“Yep!” Mei replied, popping the ‘p’ as she adjusted her goggles. “All of my babies are in perfect working order and ready to be loved by all the Support Companies watching today. These babies are only a taste and I have lots more to show later on. They’re going to see how amazing my babies are and want me to make even more of them!”

If anyone else listened to this conversation without context, they would be very confused…, Izuku thought, smiling at his eccentric friend.

The Sports Festival will be starting shortly. Students, please proceed to your designated tunnels and wait for your class’s introduction.

After the announcement ended, Izuku offered a fist bump and declared, “Let’s do our best, Mei-chan!”

“We’re going to blow them away, Hero-kun!” Mei proclaimed, returning the fist bump.

This was it. Though he was still nervous about today, he had trained hard and was able to make all of the Support Items he wanted to for the festival. He was ready to show the world that, as All Might would say it, ‘I AM HERE!’. As they walked, he thought back to what the man had told him back on the second day of school.

‘Use the skills you have to be the best hero you can be with your own strengths.’

Izuku knew that Yagi still thought that he couldn’t be a Hero without a Quirk. Knew he meant ‘hero’ as in one who acts heroic, not a ‘Hero’ professionally. The man’s words were meant to be encouraging, but they still stung with the pain of not being considered Hero material. All because he was born without a Quirk.

But he would use those words as motivation none the less. His training and his Support Items were his own strengths. His ‘edge’ as Akaguro would say. And he would use them to show the world that anyone can be a Hero. Especially a certain green haired, green eyed, plain looking, Quirkless boy who has only ever wanted to help.

I will show them all.

~~~

“…AND SETTLE IN FOR WHAT’S GUAR-AN-TEED TO BE ONE HECK OF A SHOW!” Hizashi announced into the microphone before switching it off and turned to his husband/fellow commentator. “Ready to give some colorful commentary, Mummy Man?”

“I still don’t know how you talked me into this, Zashi,” Shouta retorted. Even though his face was all covered in bandages, Hizashi could still picture the tired man’s ‘I’m so done’ face.

“Aw, come on, Shouta! It’ll be fun!” Hizashi implored with a bright smile, causing the other to squint. “I know under that grumpiness is excitement to see your ‘problem children’ shine.”

“We can’t play favorites, Hizashi,” Shouta stressed. “Keep the commentating unbiased.”

“You got it, Shou!” Hizashi replied, shooting finger guns while the other rolled his eyes fondly. Unbeknownst to the tired man, the loud mouth next to him had a pun-tastic plan for just that.

Shouta turned to the box he had in front of him which he tried to open with bandaged hands. They weren’t as heavily bandaged as they were a few weeks ago, but the wrappings still made his grip clumsy. After struggling for a few minutes with no success, he huffed a frustrated sigh and turned back to his husband. Who was just sitting there watching him with an annoyingly amused smirk.

He just likes to watch me struggle, doesn’t he? Ass.

“Need some help there, Kitten?” Hizashi asked cheekily, earning an obscured glare.

Definitely an ass. Why did I marry him again? Oh right, because I just had to fall in love with the damn cockatoo.

Sighing again, Shouta nodded and Hizashi opened the box for him to reveal a set of yellow goggles.

“Aren’t these the goggles that the little Green Bean made you?” Hizashi asked as he took the goggles out of the box.

“Yes, I want to test them while we’re commentating,” Shouta answered.

Hizashi frowned and scolded, “Shou, you heard what Chiyo said. No using your Quirk until the bandages are off unless absolutely necessary.”

Despite the wrappings, the Voice Hero could feel the deadpan glare from his husband. To which he responded with a challenging look of his own. They had a short staring contest until the Erasure Hero’s dry-eye caused him to blink and look away.

“I’m not going to use my Quirk, Zashi,” Shouta assured with a sigh. “I merely wanted to have them on in case a situation comes up that would allow me to test out some of the features Midoriya included. And since my other ones…broke…”

The reason that they had been broken by a creature called a Noumu by slamming Shouta’s head into the ground twice went unsaid. Though they both still flinched at the unspoken thought, Hizashi more dramatically than the other.

“…I’ll need to test them before wearing them during patrol. They’re the only pair I have now. Or the only pair I’m willing to wear on the job.”

Hizashi looked at his husband with a solemn expression. He knew that the other was alluding to the first pair of goggles he ever used as a Hero. The ones safely sitting in a box back at their home. The ones that had been a gift from their high school friend. A friend that had been gone for some time now.

Without another word, Hizashi helped the other man put on the goggles and arrange them comfortably on his head. After brushing his bangs out of his line of vision, the blonde pecked the black-haired man on the lips and turned back to the microphone, ready to put all of his energetic extra-ness into the upcoming live coverage. Next to him, bandages hid the blush that blossomed on the Erasure Hero’s face.

Damn cockatoo.

~~~

HEY-O!!

Present Mic’s voice rang through the stadium as a live video feed of the Hero appeared on the many screens set up above the crowd for all to see.

MAKE SOME NOISE, SPORTS FANS! IT’S TIME FOR UA’S SPORTS FESTIVAL!! WHERE FLEDGLING HEROES GATHER TO FIGHT FOR THE CHANCE TO SHOW THE WORLD WHAT THEY’RE MADE OF AND THAT THEY’VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES! BEFORE WE GET STARTED, I HAVE ONE QUESTION FOR YA! ARE YOU READY?!

“YEEAAAHHH!!” the crowd screamed as one. They were all pumped and ready to watch all the action to come.

THAT’S WHAT I LIKE TO HERE, LISTENERS! LET ME HEAR YA SCREAM AS OUR STUDENTS MAKE THEIR WAY TO THE MAIN STAGE! THIS FIRST GROUP ARE NO STRANGERS TO THE SPOTLIGHT! YOU MAY KNOW THEM AS THE RISING STARS THAT POWERED THROUGH A VILLAIN ATTACK! FROM THE HERO COURSE, IT’S CLASS 1-A!!

The crowd cheered loudly as the eighteen students of 1-A walked onto the field.

OUR NEXT GROUP HASN’T HAD NEARLY AS MUCH SCREENTIME, BUT ARE NO LESS IMPRESSIVE! PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR THE DAZZLING STUDENTS OF HERO COURSE CLASS 1-B!!

More cheers as the full class of 1-B entered the field. It wasn’t quite as loud as the one for 1-A, but the crowd was still excited to see what they could do.

NOW OUR NEXT GROUPS MAY NOT BE STUDYING TO BECOME HEROES, BUT THEY ARE SMART COOKIES NONE THE LESS! LET’S HEAR IT FOR GENERAL STUDIES CLASSES C, D, AND E!! FOLLOWED BY THE EVER-HELPFUL SUPPORT COURSE CLASSES F, G, AND H!! AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, THOSE EXPERTS OF ADVERTISING, BUSINESS COURSE CLASSES I, J, AND K!! LET’S HEAR IT FOR THIS YEAR’S FIRST-YEAR CONTESTANTS!!

The crowd roared as the rest of the first-year UA students assembled on to the field. Some students looked nervous while others appeared to be getting more pumped from all the cheering.

WITH ALL OF OUR CHALLENGERS ON THE FIELD, TURN YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS YEAR’S REFEREE FOR THE FIRST-YEARS, MIDNIGHT!!

Said Hero took the stage as the crowd cheered. Especially those that found her attire quite attractive. Though others questioned if having the 18+ Only Hero hosting an event for minors was appropriate or not. With a snap of her flogger-style whip, Midnight silenced the crowd and grabbed everyone’s attention.

Now for the student pledge! Midnight announced, her voice spilling from the speakers. “The first-year student representative is from Class 1-A, Bakugou Katsuki!

The crowd waited with baited breath as the blonde walked on stage while those who knew him eyed him warily, wondering what would come out of the explosive teen’s mouth.

~~~

This is it, thought Katsuki as he walked up the stairs with his hands in his pockets. Time to show all these extras what a real Hero is.

Ever since he had started at UA, Katsuki had been waiting for this moment. The world-famous UA Sports Festival. Where only the best of the best claim victory. As he would. This was his moment to show them all that he was the one who would be the Number One Hero one day. Even better than All Might. Today they would all see that he was the best.

“He’s the first-year rep?” some extra asked.

“Well, I guess he did place first in the entrance exam,” Soy Sauce answered.

“Only for the Hero Course entrance exams,” another extra sneered with a sigh.

Katsuki ignored all their comments as he approached the microphone. He stared out at the crowd, letting them take in the sight of the future Number One Hero.

I just wanna say…

The arena was dead silent as they waited for his words. The crowd waited in anticipation while the students became more nervous the longer it took.

…at the end of this, I’m gonna be the one in first place.

The field erupted into a cacophony of boos and complaints from the students but Katsuki ignored them. They didn’t matter.

“Why would you show such disrespect for your fellow students?” Four-Eyes reprimanded him with his stupid robot arm movements. “Shouldn’t you have more tact than that? You’re representing us all!”

“Why should I?” Katsuki replied with scowl. “All of you are just stepping stones to my victory.” He flashed them all a thumbs down as a big ‘fuck you’ to all the extras.

The students continued to rage and even the loud extra from 1-B shouted a challenge over the noise. But he didn’t care. None of them mattered. As he left the stage, the blonde scanned the crowd of students who stood between him and first place. Among the extras, Katsuki spotted a familiar head of green hair that quickly ducked out of sight.

Deku.

He had almost forgotten about the damn nerd. Katsuki hadn’t run into Deku once since he started at UA. Not directly anyway. Sometimes he saw him in passing in the hallways or in the cafeteria. Flashes of green hair amongst the rest of the extras but that was it. It was quite different from having the nerd following him around like a puppy since they were kids.

Though, now that he thought about it, he hadn’t seen Deku much for about a year now. Ever since he started hanging out with Dreadlocks. Katsuki would see them together either going to or coming from Auntie Inko’s house. Joined later by some freaky purple Troll Doll extra after the UA entrance exam.

Tch. Just thinking about how the idiot still had the audacity to apply to UA even after I told him not to pisses me off.

He thought back to their last interaction before the exam. That smug look on the shitty nerd’s face when Deku said he couldn’t be stopped from applying and that he would go for the Support Course. Then spouting some crap about other ways into the Hero Course.

As if. The Hero Practical is designed to weed out those too weak to be a Hero. Not like me and my Explosion Quirk which is perfect for Pro Hero work.

Katsuki remembered how when they were kids, he and Deku both wanted to be Heroes and they were going to become the strongest duo when they grew up. Of course, he would be the stronger of the two no matter what stupid Quirk the nerd got. But then Deku just had to be one of those Quirkless freaks and ruin all of their plans. All of his plans. On top of that, it pissed Katsuki off when the idiot still insisted on trying to become a Hero.

He’s Quirkless. You can’t be a Hero without a Quirk. It’s impossible. He’ll just get himself killed.

Which was why, after that, Katsuki did his best to teach Deku his place in the world. Only those with the strongest Quirks could be Heroes. Like All Might or Endeavor. And since Deku didn’t have one at all, there was no way for him to ever be a Hero. But no matter what he did, the shitty nerd never seemed to learn.

Growing up, Katsuki tried to teach the other boy what he himself knew to be true. Even going so far as to use his Quirk to do it. But that came to a stop when Auntie Inko talked to the old Hag and they stopped arranging meetings between the two boys. Though he still was able to get some ‘lessons’ in at school, sometimes with the help of the other extras in his class.

Eventually, it became clear that any physical persuasion wasn’t going to work anymore. Not after the damn nerd finally grew a backbone and had learned to fight back. But just because Deku could fight didn’t mean he could be a Hero like Katsuki could. He still didn’t have a Quirk after all. What kind of a Hero doesn’t have a Quirk?

Since physical influence was off the table, Katsuki fell back on the only thing left. Words. Every day he used his words to verbally teach the idiot to just give up. There was nothing he could do to fix the problem of being Quirkless. Though Katsuki had offered a suggestion anyway.

‘If you want a Quirk so bad, why don’t you take a swan dive off the roof and pray for a Quirk in your next life.’

As soon as those words had left his lips, he had regretted them. Katsuki didn’t want the nerd dead. He only wanted Deku to finally get it into his head that he couldn’t be a Hero. He was Quirkless. How could he take down Villains when he had no Quirk to fight with? Pursuing such a dangerous profession without the power to back it up was like a death wish in and of itself. He didn’t want the nerd to put himself out there only to die because he was too stubborn to accept reality.

But the words had been spoken and he couldn’t take them back. On that day, Katuski actually found comfort in the fact that the nerd never listened to him. Confident that Deku would never ever take that kind of advice. Though he still wished he could take them back. They weren’t very heroic and thankfully weren’t their last due to the nerd’s stubbornness. The words from their last real conversation played in his head.

‘What the fuck have you been doing after school, Deku?’

‘How is that any of your business?’

Come to think of it, he never did find out what the nerd had been doing after school during their last year of junior high. Probably something shitty and stupid with Dreadlocks.

‘You better not be fucking training to be a Hero, Deku. You know it’s impossible.’

‘Do I? Or is that just your ego talking?’

It’s not ego. It’s fact. Everyone knew it except the damn idiot nerd himself.

‘Don’t even fucking think of trying for UA, nerd. There’s no way a Quirkless Deku like you could ever pass the Hero Practical.’

‘You’re right. There isn’t. But I’m not applying to the Hero Course. I’m applying for the Support Course.’

When Deku had said that, Katsuki had thought he had finally gotten through to the nerd that his dream was impossible.

‘Hah?! The Support Course? So, you’ve finally accepted your shitty ass could never be a Hero.’

‘I didn’t say I was giving up on becoming a Hero. I may not be taking the Hero Exam, but that isn’t the only way into the Hero Course.’

What a load of crap. At that point, Deku had come off as downright delusional thinking there was another way into the Hero Course. Katsuki had never heard of a Hero that had been able to do that. And he was no idiot when it came to the strongest Heroes. Either you passed the Hero Practical or you didn’t make the cut.

‘What are you fucking talking about, shitty nerd?’

‘Not telling. After all, it would ruin the surprise.’

A surprise? Yeah, right. No matter what the stupid idiot thought, Katsuki knew there was no way such a useless Deku could ever become a Hero. Not in a million years. But now was not the time to waste thinking about the Quirkless Blunder.

Tch. Whatever, Katsuki thought clicking his tongue as he left the stage. Deku should know by now not to get in my way. The damn nerd matters even less than these other extras. His Quirkless ass doesn’t stand a chance. I’ll take them all down and show them the Hero I was born to be.

He would win this. Prove that he was the best. Perhaps even finally drill into that Quirkless idiot’s head that he could never, under any circumstances, be a Hero. As he took that last step off the stairs and on to green field, one last thought of what Deku had said that day popped into his head.

‘Bye…Katsuki.’

The blonde scowled at the thought before brushing it away. He still couldn’t place that sour feeling in his gut.

~~~

I just wanna say…” Katsuki drawled into the microphone.

He’s not really going to, is he?

…at the end of this, I’m gonna be the one in first place.

Of course, he is.

Izuku sighed as his once-friend riled the students up in a rage in a very Katsuki manner. He knew the blonde was aware of what he was doing and provoked the other students on purpose. He was pushing himself, determined to come out on top. And he would accept nothing less than to claim victory against opponents who put their all into the fight. All the while painting a target on his fellow classmates’ backs.

It’s just so…Katsuki…

As the explosive teen left the stage, Izuku could feel the sharp gaze of glaring red eyes on him and he couldn’t help but hide. The greenette had been avoiding the blonde since day one and old habits die hard. But hopefully, once he proved to Katsuki, and the world, that he wasn’t useless without a Quirk, maybe then the other boy would finally see that Izuku could be a Hero too.

Maybe we could even become friends? Nah, even then, I highly doubt that. I still don’t really know why Katsuki hates me so much.

And now, without further ado, it’s time to get started! Midnight announced, drawing everyone’s attention to the screens. “This first event is where the pain begins and many are sent crying home every year. The first fateful game is a qualifying round and only the best will move on. Hold your breath, everyone. Our first round is…

On the screens, the options for the first round appeared so fast that they were a blur. But Izuku already knew what it would be. It was practically the same every year for the first event. But, since this was technically a show, he couldn’t blame UA for the dramatics.

…an Obstacle Course Race! Midnight announced with her usual flair.

Well at least that’s slightly different. They did a sort of maze last year.

The R-rated Hero went on to explain that all students from the eleven first-year classes would compete against each other in a race around the stadium. Anything went during the race as long as they stayed on the course.

Which means anyone could sabotage others…or help them.

Now students, take your places and get ready,” Midnight said as she finished explaining. “As soon as the last light turns off, the race begins…

Izuku, like the rest of the students, gathered around the tunnel that led outside of the stadium. Three lights lit up above the archway. He shared a look with Mei as they waited who smiled and gave him a determined nod in return. There were too many students for him to find Hitoshi but that was alright.

Before they parted ways this morning, they all agreed to do their best and not hold back. They were friends but this was a competition. They could help each other but, in the end, they needed to fight using their own strength.

Turning his attention back to the tunnel, Izuku fixed the Fire Breath mask over his mouth and his goggles over his eyes. The roar of the crowd died down and the students waited in anticipation as the lights turned off one by one.

Three.

Two.

One.

Begin!! Midnight yelled as the last one turned off. The students shot forward toward the tunnel as the festival officially started.

Watch out world. It’s go time.

Notes:

There ya have it! The sports festival has officially begun! :D Some pov hopping this chapter. We got to see into the announcer booth and Aizawa is finally getting to try out those goggles! And we got some insight into the mind of Katsuki and his views on a certain Quirkless boy. Sharing explosions is caring, right?

The reveal of the beginnings of Izuku's quirk replicating support items! :D He's got a start of a real arsenal there, don't cha think? Also, if you don't remember what his first invention was, it's a small black disc with a dial timer on that when it times out the disc buzzes. It was introduced way back in chapter 5! :D Also, I have a post showing my sketches of his support items here. Check it out! ^_____^

Fun Facts About Japan:

Sports festivals are a thing in Japan and I was able to attend three of them. Two at a big school and one at a medium school. I can't really think of anything to compare it to in the US. Maybe track and field day in PE? But in Japan, the sports festival is basically a mini Olympics in the schools themselves. The entire school is divided into three or four teams depending on the size of the school. Even in the classes themselves, they are divided into one of those teams. Each team has an assigned color and elected team leaders. The teams come up with their own symbol like dragons, tigers, firebirds, etc. The entire school spends about two to three weeks preparing for the festival. Creating a student painted flag with their symbol on it. Practicing for the different events which I'll go into on a later chapter. They even have a cheer event which I will also cover later. It is intense and they get really into it.

I was going through my festival pictures and decided to make a post of the various team flags the students made which can be found here. Check it out if you'd like! :D

Small fact about mic checks. In the US, I'd say we typically say, "Testing, testing. 1, 2, 3." Or something along those lines. Well in Japan, they say, "Ah. Ah." into the mic to test it. I just thought that was entertaining. ^____^

Sooooo....a thumbs down gesture in Japan is not a good one. It's equivalent to flipping the middle finger to someone. Though the thumbs down has the connotation of 'go die' so it's pretty bad. So please be very careful when using thumbs up/down in Japan! Another is the upward head nod I typically associate with asking 'what's up/sup' in the US. In Japan, it's seen as a challenge to 'fight me' so be careful with that one too. My fellow ALTs and I would do that to each other as a joke, but knew to be cautious with others.

By the way, junior high school kids in Japan love flipping the bird at each other and find it hilarious. Also, one time I was randomly teaching a first year class how to count to ten in sign language. (One of the few things I do know about sign language.) If you don't know, the sign for ten is basically a thumbs up. Of course, them being little stinkers, one kid signed up to ten and did a thumbs down instead. My usual reaction to seeing a rude gesture was that I would gasp and act all shocked and the student would look all shy for being noticed and smile while saying, "Sorry, sorry." XD I totally saw that, kiddo. You've been caught.

That's it for this chapter! Up next, the obstacle course. In. It's. Entirety. The festival itself is a multiparter though not much of a shocker as I find it typically is in fics. Lots of stuff happens after all! Anyway, yeah, the whole obstacle course is next chapter. Until then, let me know of typos or weirdness! :)

Chapter 36: Sports Festival: Obstacle Course

Notes:

Happy Halloween, dear readers! :D Decided I would give you a Halloween treat and post an early chapter! The regular Tuesday update will still happen so don't worry. ^___^

It's the Obstacle Course, y'all! Let's see how Izuku makes his way through!

Formatting reminder:
"Dialogue heard through a sound system."
...
"PRESENT MIC'S DIALOGUE HEARD THROUGH A SOUND SYSTEM."
...
-Dialogue using sign language.-
...
"-Dialogue using sign language and verbal language.-"

If there is a better way to format the sign language dialogue, please let me know!

We got some fanart! :D From boba on the discord, we got this awesome drawing of Izuku all geared up with his support items! :D Check it and thanks boba!

Enjoy!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Begin!!

The anxious mass of students shot towards the tunnel like a rubber band, the tension clouding their judgement. Izuku hung back as the students rushed forward in a giant mob, clogging the tunnel and making it difficult for anyone to get through.

AND THEY’RE OFF TO THE RACES! OUR PLAYERS ARE RACING AGAINST EACH OTHER, TRAVERSING THROUGH A SPECIALLY MADE OBSTACLE COURSE TO TEST THEIR SKILLS! THIS FIRST EVENT IS A QUALIFYING ROUND SO AS LONG AS THEY STAY ON TRACK, ANYTHING GOES!

Watch it.

I bet Yamada-sensei is gesturing wildly and almost hit Aizawa-sensei. He’s just so…extra. In a good way!

AS THEY DUKE IT OUT, WE’LL BE GIVING YOU LISTENERS A PLAY BY PLAY OF THE ACTION WITH THE FOOTAGE CAPTURED BY THE CAMERA ROBOTS SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE COURSE! SO, TELL ME, MUMMY MAN! WHAT DO YOU THINK WE SHOULD BE PAYING ATTENTION TO IN THE EARLY STAGES OF THE RACE?

Why am I here when you could clearly do this on your own?

AW, COME ON, ERASER! DON’T BE A SPOILED SPORT!

…fine. The first challenge actually comes before they even start. The doorway.

But Izuku had known that already which was why he was taking a moment to strategize. This was the first real obstacle of the race before the officially planned ones. A test of their problem-solving skills. The tunnel was too narrow for the amount of people trying to get through. He scanned the scene to assess the situation, the best plan of attack forming in his head. After taking a deep breath and readying his stance, the Quirkless teen made his move.

Activating his Jet shoes, Izuku jumped and shot up above the crowd of students’ heads. At the same time, he grabbed his Tape gun, took aim, and pulled the trigger towards him firing a length of tape toward the other end of the tunnel. The end of the tap attached to a part of the wall further down the passage. Pushing the trigger forward, the tape began to retract back into the gun and pulled Izuku forward in the process.

“No way. Someone else has a Tape Quirk?” Sero called out as he flew by.

Using the Jet Shoes and Tape gun quickly appeared to have been the right idea as the tunnel and the ground beyond it was suddenly covered in a layer of ice.

“Apologies,” Todoroki uttered as he passed students frozen in place and skated into first.

Other students of 1-A weren’t far behind. Katsuki was propelled forward with blasts firing from his hands. Aoyama used his Navel Laser with his usual winking expression. Yaoyorozu created a length of metal to pole-vault over the ice. While Kirishima pushed forward out of sheer manliness.

“Nice try, Todoroki!” Yaoyorozu yelled.

“You’re not getting away that easily, IcyHot!” Katsuki raged with a scowl. “Get back here!”

Being in the air, Izuku avoided getting stuck in the ice, though he still got blasted by a chilled breeze and was knocked off course. He pressed a button on the Tape gun to cut the tape free and used his Jet shoes to bounce from wall to wall until he was free of the tunnel, holstering the gun as he went. Once he was out, Shouto was in the lead while most of the students were struggling to cross the ice covering the ground as the bi-color teen kept sending blasts of ice to try and stop them.

Ojiro used his tail to hop along the ice, making as little contact so he didn’t get froze in place…again. Dark Shadow helped Tokoyami stay afloat while Ashido used her acid to clumsily skate along. Others tried using their Quirks to keep going though most ended up slipping and sliding as best they could until they could reach the end of the frozen ground.

With his Jet shoes, Izuku didn’t have that problem and skated/hovered over the ice. As he made his way across the cold crystals, he would help those who were about to fall before moving forward again. It was a competition but Izuku still wanted to help others as much as he could while still aiming for the top. Or rather close to the top.

For this first round Izuku wanted to avoid placing in the top ten. The first event was usually an elimination round with about the top fifty-ish, more or less, moving on to the second. He also had noticed that they tended to tack on an extra twist to those at the very top. Whatever it was changed every year. Sometimes extra points or added obstacles. Not knowing what that would be this year, he wanted to avoid it and planned to place at least below the top ten.

As he skated toward the end of the ice field, Shouto was far ahead and making his way to the first official obstacle. The ice user had the lead when a very short boy with purple balls on his head was approaching fast and started yelling at him.

“You think you’re so cool,” the boy yelled, as he bounced along the balls he threw on the ground.

Those purple balls seem to be sticking to the ground yet he touches them without getting stuck. Even bouncing off them. Wait…a boy with purple balls on his head. Isn’t he the one who…?

“I may have been kicked out of the Hero Course,” the boy continued to rant with a disturbing look on his face. “But I’ve outsmarted you and I’m going to take you out. Then all the girls will see how strong I am and they’ll all flock to me!”

Yep, that’s him. The one that peeked into the girls’ locker room. But didn’t Uraraka say he was expelled?

“Now take this! Special move – Grape…!”

Before he could finish calling out the move, the pervert was punched out of the way by a robot.

Ha! Karma! Wait, what? Robots?! Are they the same one’s from the Hero Practical?

HEAD’S UP, SPORTS FANS! OUR FORERUNNERS HAVE REACHED THE FIRST OBSTACLE! SEEMS THEIR WAY IS BLOCKED BY INCOMING ENEMIES! IN A TEST OF STRENGTH AND CUNNING, THEY’LL HAVE TO FIND A WAY PAST! IT’S ROBO INFERNO!!

One after another, more robots blocked their path. Each new type was bigger than the last, the final one towering over the students.

Holy crap, they had to fight these? Izuku thought as he deactivated his Jet shoes for the moment. What the hell, UA?!

Other students shared in Izuku’s freak out. Those that had taken the test lamenting having to face the zero pointers again. Which turned out to be the biggest one. That’s the zero pointer? He was now really glad he didn’t even try for the Hero Practical. ‘Cause, damn.

“So, this is what the others went up against in their entrance exam,” Todoroki deduced with a fierce and determined look. With a stomp of his right foot and placing his right hand to the ground, ice erupted from the ground in a circle around him. “Seems they went to a lot of trouble, but I wish they had planned something a little more difficult.”

One of the zero-pointers reached out to grab the boy surround by ice.

“Especially since my dear-old dad is watching.”

With an upward sweep of his hand, he sent ice at the enemy. Frozen crystals assaulted the robots, covering them in a layer of ice, and freezing them in place. The wave of glacial power was a sight to behold. Everyone, especially Izuku, stood there in awe as Todoroki brushed it off as if it was nothing. He breathed out a cloud of breath and began running again.

Seeing the robots immobilized, the students began to cheer and claim that this was their chance to get past the robots too. But Izuku didn’t think so. He knew his friend was smart and wouldn’t make it so easy for his fellow students to take advantage of his handiwork. And it turns out he was right as the robots began to fall, having been purposefully frozen while off balance.

As a huge cloud of dust rose from the falling robots, shards of ice broke and flew off them in all directions. On instinct, Izuku activated his shield, causing the separate blades of metal to fan out into a circle on his left arm. He ran forward and raised his shield, protecting a student that had almost been hit by the falling ice.

I know you’re trying to show the power of your ice, Todoroki-kun, but have you ever heard of restraint?

AND THAT LISTENERS, IS CLASS 1-A’S TODOROKI PULLING AHEAD! WHAT A CHILLING DISPLAY AS HE SHOWS OFF HIS POWERFUL CONTROL OF ICE!

Was that a pun?

COMING IN ON RECOMMENDATION, THIS WAS HIS FIRST TIME EVER FACING THOSE ROBOTS! ANY THOUGHTS TO ADD, PARTNER?

His attack was strategic and worked as both offensive and defensive. Allowing him to pull ahead while leaving behind his own obstacle for the other students.

SUCH CHART-TOPPING MOVES! HE’S DEFINITELY ONE TO WATCH OUT FOR AS THE GAMES CONTINUE!

From beneath the robots came Kirishima and Tetsutestu, popping out like daisies in snow, one after the other. Luckily it was the two students with Quirks that hardened their skin. Anyone else would have been crushed.

WOAH! LOOKS LIKE KIRISHIMA FROM 1-A AND TETSUTETSU FROM 1-B WERE CAUGHT IN THE DOWNFALL! LUCKILY KIRISHIMA IS ROCKING IT DOWN THERE WHILE TETSUTETSU REALLY SHOWED HIS ‘METAL!

You just said ‘metal’ instead of ‘mettle’, didn’t you? Ugh…are the puns absolutely necessary?

As the commentary went on, Izuku turned to see who he had protected and saw that it was Kouda from 1-A crouching on the ground behind him. The greenette hadn’t talked to the quiet boy before but he had noticed while observing 1-A’s Hero training that the boy tended to talk in sign language rather than verbally.

Collapsing his shield, Izuku offered his hand which the other took and helped him up. Once he did, the greenette shifted his goggles up off his eyes and brought his hands together in front of him. He wasn’t sure what the circumstances of the other was, why he used sign, or if he read lips. With the mask over his mouth, if the other boy did read lips, he wouldn’t be able to.

“-Are you alright?-” Izuku asked out loud as well as signed.

-You sign?- Kouda signed back, clearly surprised.

-I’m learning.- Izuku replied, only in sign this time. -Are you alright?-

-Yes, I’m fine,- Kouda signed with a smile.

-Good,- Izuku signed back with his own hidden smile. -I’m sorry that it’s too loud for any animals to be around. Which means you can’t use your Quirk. But still try to do your best, ok?-

With that, he gave the other boy an encouraging thumbs up while readjusting his goggles, activated his Jet shoes, and skated away. Leaving behind a happy but also confused Hero student who wondered as to how the random boy who saved him could sign and knew about his Quirk.

Although Todoroki had taken out a number of the robots, there were still more left behind blocking their way. Izuku turned off his shoes and stood there for a moment like the others, trying to think of a way past. There was talk of temporary team ups when Katsuki, getting impatient, propelled himself up and over with timed explosions.

LOOKS LIKE BAKUGOU FROM 1-A HAD A BLAST OF INSPIRATION!

Seriously?

Sero was quick to follow using his tape to scale the robots while Tokoyami wasn’t far behind. Dark Shadow had wrapped itself around the bird boy’s waist and somehow was able to pick him up allowing them to fly.

So cool.

SO FAR THE ONES AT THE FRONT ARE MOSTLY FROM CLASS 1-A! CARE TO EXPLAIN, ERASER?

Class 1-A has learned not to hesitate. After seeing what the real world is like, they know the fear of facing Villains and fight on despite that fear. They’ve grown, knowing if they want to stay alive, they must act quickly.

Following the forerunners’ example, the rest of 1-A and Izuku were quick to find their own way past the obstacle. Iida ran and kicked his way through with the help of his engines. Jirou used her earphone jacks to short circuit the robots with the soundwaves of her heartbeat. Kaminari became a human taser but made sure not to use too high of voltage. Uraraka negated the robots’ gravity, sending them floating, and released them back to gravity’s pull once she was home free. While Ojiro used his martial arts training and his tail to make a path forward.

As for Izuku, he activated his shoes and shield while taking out his gun. Shooting his tape while jumping, he shot forward over the robots and blocked any incoming hits with his shield. While flying through the air, the sound of a cannon boomed through the air. Looking back, he saw that Yaoyorozu had made an actual cannon and wondered if she could have made something more compact or smaller to save her lipids. But that was a thought for later. Once he landed past the robots, Izuku deactivated his shoes, holstered his Tape gun, and collapsed his shield as the greenette continued on.

IF YOU THOUGHT THE FIRST OBSTACLE WAS A PIECE OF CAKE, LET’S SEE WHAT YOU MAKE OF THE SECOND! ONE MISSTEP, YOU FALL AND YOU’RE OUT! EVEN IF YOU GOTTA CRAWL, IT’S TIME FOR THE FALL!!

Did you rhyme that on purpose?

Before them was a deep canyon with islands of rock spread throughout and connected by ropes. Without hesitation, Tsuyu jumped forward and began to quickly cross the ropes on her hands and feet like, well, a frog. Izuku was temporarily distracted at her expertise that he didn’t notice Mei stepping up to stand beside him.

“Izuku!” Mei called out suddenly, causing her friend to jump in surprise. She offered him a fist bump. “Ready to show them what we’re made of, Hero-kun?”

“Let’s do it, Mei-chan!” Izuku replied with a look of determination and reciprocated the fist bump.

Mei readied her babies while Izuku grabbed his Tape gun. He took out the tape cartridge, placing it in a pocket of his belt, and exchanged it for a different one instead. This one included a special grappling hook attachment connected to a line of rope. Inside the cartridge, the hook remained collapsed flat until fired and then it would unfold into a grappling hook until retracted back into the gun. Effectively changing his Tape gun into a grappling gun. Once ready, they stepped toward the edge of the ravine together.

“Hey! Why do you two get to have all that stuff?” Ashido whined as she took in the Support students’ extra gear. Uraraka stood next to her not saying a word. Izuku gave her a friendly nod which she returned with a smile and a wink.

“Student’s in the Hero Course get extra training that the other courses don’t,” Mei explained, activating her Hover Soles.

“To keep it fair, those in the Support Course are allowed to bring any gadgets and costumes we want,” Izuku chimed in, activating his Jet shoes as well. “As long as we make them ourselves.”

“So, sit back and enjoy the show!” Mei trilled, shooting out one of the Wire Arrows. Followed close behind by Izuku firing his gun, gripping it tightly with both hands, and shooting out the grappling hook.

In tandem, their projectiles made contact to a rock spire each and they shot forward as wire and rope alike retracted. They fell into the pit connected to their respective lines and cushioned their impact with the columns using their shoes. Continuing to retract their tethers, they flew up the rock faces and launched into the air.

WELL LOOKIE HERE, FOLKS! WE’VE GOT TWO STUDENTS FROM THE SUPPORT COURSE FLASHING THEIR OWN UNIQUE STYLE! FROM 1-H WE HAVE HATSUME AND MIDORIYA SPORTING SOME AMAZING SUPPORT ITEMS MADE WITH THEIR VERY OWN TALENTED HANDS! SEEMS IT’S NOT ONLY THE HERO COURSE THAT WANTS TO SHOW THEIR STUFF!

It isn’t just the Hero Course that has something to prove here. Don’t underestimate the other students just because they’re in a different department.

Again and again, the pair of Support students continued their process until they traversed the chasm. Mei let out an excited but also maniacal sounding laugh as they flew through the air. Izuku rolled his eyes but flashed a hidden smile and a peace sign for the camera as they continued their unique way of traveling across. He appreciated Aizawa for adding in his own comment and knew Hitoshi would as well. As they went, he wondered how his friend was fairing in all this.

THE LEADER IS DRAWING AHEAD, CREATING A SIZABLE DISTANCE BETWEEN HIM AND THE REST STILL STUCK AT THE FALL! THE NUMBER OF QUALIFYING STUDENTS HAS NOT BEEN ANNOUNCED SO THERE’S NO GUARANTEE OF PLACING OR ANY TIME TO REST!

The pair made their last jump and finally made it past the second obstacle. Once they were across, they both turned off their shoes so as not to over work them. They still had two more rounds after all. The pair shared a look and a nod, knowing that they needed to make their own way for this last leg of the race.

Running on their own power, Izuku easily pulled ahead of his friend since he ran practically every day while Mei fell behind. Being an inventing savant, she tended to put more time working on her babies than running. Though Izuku knew that even if she wasn’t much of a runner, she could lift like no other having seen her lift some of her babies as if it was nothing that even he would have struggled with.

OUR CONTESTANT CURRENTLY IN FIRST PLACE HAS FINALLY REACHED THE FINAL OBSTACLE! BETTER WATCH YOUR STEP! IT’S A MINEFIELD! LITERALLY! IF YOU LOOK CAREFULLY, YOU CAN SEE WHERE EACH MINE IS PLACED! BUT DON’T WORRY! THESE LAND MINES WERE DESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR THE GAMES AND ARE MORE FLASH THAN BANG! PACKING JUST ENOUGH PUNCH TO MAKE YOU WET YOUR PANTS!!

Get a hold of yourself.

What on earth is Yamada-sensei doing to warrant that response?

Since Izuku decided to run on his own power to the last obstacle, by the time he got to the beginning of the mine field Todoroki and Katsuki were battling it out closer to the other end. As he took his time observing the other students already making their way across the field, the two forerunners made it to the end and sprinted towards first place.

Perfect.

IN A BATTLE FOR FIRST PLACE, TODOROKI AND BAKUGOU ARE NECK AND NECK AS THEY HEAD TOWARDS THE FINISH LINE!

Come on, Todoroki-kun!

With the battle for first raging, Izuku activated his Jet shoes and began to skate above the ground. He made sure to adjust the air pressure output, using just enough to hover above the ground but not too much so as not to set any of the mines off. Skating along, he once again helped others who were either about to fall or were sent flying by clouds of glittering pink after accidentally setting off a mine. His actions brought him strange looks from other students while those he helped thanked him. Izuku continued to help others along the way and actually found himself even back tracking to do so.

WHAT’S THIS? DESPITE IT BEING A COMPETITION, LOOKS LIKE MIDORIYA IS HELPING OTHERS ON THE MINEFIELD! WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE GOING THROUGH HIS HEAD?

There’s no rules against helping other students. Same goes for sabotaging others. Also, although we may not be able to see, it’s possible he has a plan of his own. Like I said, students in other courses may have something to prove. He clearly has his own motivations and reasons why he’s doing what he is doing.

GUESS WE’LL HAVE TO JUST WAIT AND SEE!

You do that. While I wait until at least first place is claimed.

The minutes passed as more and more students traversed the minefield. Some used their Quirks to cross while others had no choice but to make their way at a snail’s pace and carefully navigate around the mines. The further they got the closer the mines were and the more careful they had to be. Finally, Izuku heard what he was waiting for.

IT WAS A CLOSE CALL RIGHT UP UNTIL THE END, BUT WE FINALLY HAVE OUR WINNER OF THE FIRST ROUND! GIVE IT UP FOR OUR FIRST PLACE WINNER! FROM CLASS 1-A, IT’S…

Just then, Izuku spotted something that made him so angry that he inadvertently tuned out the rest of the announcement. Up ahead, Yaoyorozu was racing towards the end of the minefield. As she ran, the pervert with the purple balls launched himself forward and, using his Quirk, attached himself to the creation girl’s back just as she cleared the field. It slowed her down significantly while he stuck to her like a parasite.

Oh hell no.

Ignoring everything else, Izuku skated toward the two while reaching for one of his escrima rods. As he drew near, Izuku activated the rod and electricity started to spark from the tip. He reached out and jabbed the end into the purple pervert’s back, causing him to spasm and let go. Though the balls remained stuck to the girl’s shirt.

Feeling the loss of weight, Yaoyorozu turned around as Izuku turned off his shoes, kicking the other boy away. She looked from him to the pervert on the ground in shock before giving him a thankful smile and running off. Izuku watched her go and then glared down at the still conscious though slight incapacitated pervert before running towards the finish line himself.

With his years of running, Izuku managed to catch up to the creation girl without the use of his Support Items. As she ran through the tunnel with him close after, they were declared the sixteenth and seventeenth place qualifiers. It was then he realized that in his fervor to help Yaoyorozu, he missed the announcement of who had placed first.

Oops.

Notes:

Alright! Izuku made it into the top twenty! I'll post the ranks of the other students next chapter. And the puns have begun! Kekekeke. There are so many more to come. ;) So, Izuku has used his Jet shoes, Tape gun, shield, and electric rods so far. Both to help himself and others! Also, the sign language has come into play! I love Kouda so much and I want him to become friends with broccoli boy. ^____^

So, um, Mineta is still in the story even though I said he was expelled. However! I said, and the tag I used says, he was expelled from class 1-A, not UA altogether. I didn't originally plan to keep him in the story, but I decided to for plot reasons as well as so I didn't have to make an OC 'cause I'd rather not do that. As a personal preference. So, he's still in the story for now.

Fun Facts About Japan:

Typically the sports festival is held on a Saturday though can be moved to the following Sunday or Monday for weather reasons. My first school had to split up the festival into two days because it started to rain half way through. Either the sports festival is held in summer or fall depending on the school. When it comes to day of, the students all bring out their chairs from the classrooms to the field. Typically with tape on the feet of the chair which they peel off at the end to prevent tracking in dirt. Students sit on one side of the field while the parents, judges, and other teachers are on the other side, usually closest to the school building.

The students, along with the teachers assigned to their teams, wear colored headbands based off their team's color. The teachers typically also dress in themed outfits based off the color of their teams. For example if they're blue, their clothes will be blue along with whatever other accessory they wear will also be blue. Some team teachers work together to design a team shirt with the team's symbol on it. For example, one sports festival I was on the yellow team which were the Pudding Lions and their symbol was a lion standing on top of a flan-like pudding. Here's what it looks like. Other teachers would go as far as to wear morph suits that show your face in their team's color. They looked like the human Gudetama man but in different colors. XD Basically, the teachers get really extra and get hella themed for their teams during the sports festival.

That's it for this chapter! I hope you enjoyed this Halloween treat! Up next, we find out which students qualified, new friendships are formed, and a secret is accidentally slipped to a few more students. See ya next week, folks! Let me know of any typos or weirdness!

Chapter 37: Sports Festival: Qualifiers

Notes:

Long time no read, dear reader! ;) (Not really cause the early update but I couldn't resist. :P ) Continuing on with the sports festival, we find out who exactly qualified for the next round. And Izuku gets to meet some new people and make some friends! :D Because he deserves all the friends.

Warning for excessive swearing again this chapter.

Formatting reminder:
"Dialogue heard through a sound system."
...
"PRESENT MIC'S DIALOGUE HEARD THROUGH A SOUND SYSTEM."
...
-Dialogue using sign language.-
...
"-Dialogue using sign language and verbal language.-"

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

COMING IN AT SIXTEENTH AND SEVENTEENTH RESPECTIVELY, WE HAVE YAOYOROZU FROM 1-A AND MIDORIYA FROM 1-H!

The crowd cheered as Izuku crossed the finish line close behind Yaoyorozu. He slowed his pace from running to jogging and finally to a stop further onto the field as more students made it to the end.

Seventeenth, huh? I can work with that, Izuku thought as he focused on calming down and catching his breath. He lowered his mask so it hung loosely around his neck and lifted his goggles to rest on his head. Clear the first round? Check.

“Congrats on getting in the top twenty, Mido!” Uraraka cheered as she made her way over to him.

She was followed by Iida, Tsuyu, and Todoroki. The latter took a spot so he was standing close to his friend’s side. Green eyes met gray and blue as the taller boy instinctively reached for his hand, briefly linking their pinkies as a brief but encouraging gesture before letting go. Despite the moment being so fleeting, this did not go unnoticed by Uraraka, but she chose not to draw attention to it. For now.

“Thanks, Uraraka-san,” Izuku said, smiling as he turned his attention to the rest of the group. “Where did you all place?”

“I got fifteenth,” Uraraka answered first.

“Twelfth for me,” Tsuyu replied next, a finger on her chin and her tongue poking out slightly.

“I placed in fifth,” Iida reported with robotic arm movements as always. “I would have preferred first. But being in the top five will have to do.”

Speaking of first…

“Um, who did place first?” Izuku asked, still slightly annoyed with himself that he tuned it out.

“It was me,” Todoroki said, though he didn’t sound too happy about it.

“Wow, really, Todoroki-kun? Congrats!” Izuku praised, though he planned to ask about his friend’s not-so-happy reaction to placing first later.

“Thanks,” Todoroki responded, giving him the smallest of smiles.

“You really didn’t know, Izuku-chan?” Tsuyu asked.

“Heh, um, no. I was a little…distracted,” Izuku confessed while rubbing his head.

“By what?”

“Excuse me,” a voice called out to the group. Izuku turned to the voice and saw that it was Yaoyorozu. “Sorry to interrupt. I wanted to thank you for what you did earlier, um…”

“Midoriya Izuku,” he offered with a smile and a bow. “And it was no trouble.”

“What did he do?” Todoroki asked, one eyebrow raised ever so slightly in curiosity.

“Near the end of the obstacle course, he helped me with a…problem,” Yaoyorozu explained with a slight grimace. “The boy with the purple balls on his head who was kick out of our class. Mineta, I believe? Well he, um, he…used his Quirk to stick to my back after I cleared the minefield.”

She turned to show the purple balls that were still stuck to her shirt. Izuku’s ever thinking mind started brainstorming ways to get them off. Beside him, Todoroki usually stoic face sported a slight frown out of concern for his fellow student/casual friend as well as anger at the fact someone tried to use her like that.

“Mineta? But I thought he was expelled?” Uraraka asked, confused.

“Perhaps it was another of Aizawa-sensei’s ‘logical ruses’,” Tsuyu chimed in with a finger on her chin and her tongue peeking out.

“Maybe he was only expelled from the Hero Course but not UA altogether,” Izuku offered.

“It is possible,” Yaoyorozu commented, looking thoughtful for a moment before continuing. “Anyway, Midoriya-kun saw what he did and managed to get him off me.”

“How?” Todoroki asked, turning his attention to the greenette curiously.

“With this,” Izuku answered, grabbing one of his escrima rods and activating it to show the end sparking.

“Midoriya-kun!” Iida interjected before starting to reprimand him. “While your actions were commendable, it is unbecoming of a UA student to attack a peer in this manner.”

“Cool your jets, Iida,” Uraraka cut in, quick to defend his actions. “He was only trying to help.”

Iida looked like he was about to continue pushing his own views, but Izuku cut him off.

“I-I know that technically a-anything goes so what he did w-would have been ruled o-ok,” Izuku stated, putting the rod back and rubbing his hand together nervously. “B-but it didn’t sit right with me that h-he would take advantage of her like that. A-and I heard he was k-kicked out for not being…respectful enough. S-so I stopped him.”

He and Uraraka shared a look before he turned back to the pony-tailed girl. He sent her a look to convey he knew what happened and that he was sorry that it did.

“Thank you, Midoriya-kun,” Yaoyorozu said with a warm smile. “That was very noble of you. Oh, how rude of me. I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Yaoyorozu Momo from Class 1-A. It’s nice to meet you.” She bowed in greeting.

“Nice to meet you too, Yaoyorozu-san,” Izuku said, bowing again for good measure. He was a polite boy after all. “Do you, um, want help getting…those off?”

“You can do that? Really?” Yaoyorozu asked, black eyes widened slightly in surprise. “I was planning on asking for a new one. But if it’s not trouble, then please do.”

The group moved off to the side so they weren’t blocking anyone. He just started to examine the creation girl’s shirt as she stood with her back to him when another student approached the group. Izuku felt a tap on his shoulder and looked up to find it was Kouda.

-Excuse me,- the quiet boy signed. -Sorry to intrude. I wanted to thank you for protecting me from the ice.-

“Oh, you’re welcome!” Izuku replied as the others turned to see the newcomer. “Glad to see you made it! Though it’s still unfortunate that there weren’t any animals for you to use your Quirk with. Where did you place?”

-I placed in nineteenth,- Kouda answered. -But how did you…- He began to sign before getting interrupted.

“Izuku,” a familiar voice called out. Izuku gestured for Kouda to pause for a second before turning around and seeing it was Hitoshi.

“Hitoshi-kun! You made it!” Izuku chirped, smiling brightly making the others squint. “Where did you place?”

“Twenty-sixth,” Hitoshi answered as he approached. “Do you think that’s going to be enough?”

“Oh, for sure,” Izuku affirmed as his friend joined the group. “They’re still giving placements and haven’t mentioned anything about the qualifying cut off yet.”

The rest of the group looked at the greenette in confusion. He blushed from all the attention and answered, “I-I researched the past f-festivals and the number of qualifying s-students that go on to the next round a-averages about fifty.”

The others, minus Hitoshi, looked at him in shock, surprised at his level of preparedness. But Izuku turned his attention back to the quiet boy.

“What were you going to ask me earlier, Kouda-kun?”

-How did you know my Quirk worked with animals?- Kouda signed, before his eyes widened in realization. -Wait, how do you know my name?-

“Oh, um, that’s because…”

“HERO-KUN!”

The greenette found himself enveloped in a sudden embrace as Mei joined the group, announcing her presence as energetic as ever while being mindful of his gear.

“-Hiro-kun?!-“ Yaoyorozu exclaimed at the same time Kouda signed with a look of shock and a squeak.

“Oops,” Mei said, detaching from Izuku. “Sorry, Izuku.”

Izuku sent her a half-hearted glare before patting her shoulder to let her know he forgave her. It was an accident and the secret would come out eventually. “So where did you place?”

“Fortieth,” Mei answered. “Still no announcement of the number of qualifiers.”

“Huh, I wonder when the cut off is going to…” Izuku said only to be interrupted when a signal blared over the noise of the crowd.

WITH THAT SOUND, WE HAVE REACHED OUR SECRET-UNTIL-NOW NUMBER OF QUALIFYING STUDENTS!

Wow, way to cut me off while talking about the cut off…

COMING IN AT FORTY-FIRST AND FORTY-SECOND PLACE RESPECTIVELY, LET’S HEAR IT FOR OUR LAST QUALIFIERS, MINETA FROM 1-E AND AOYAMA FROM 1-A!

Looking over, the group watched as the last qualifying students crossed the finish line. The short purple haired boy entered the stadium looking a little too smug for someone in second to last place of the qualifiers.

Damn, the pervert made it through.

He was followed by the normally glittery Aoyama who currently looked a little greener around the gills as he held his stomach grimacing. Izuku made a mental note to look into a way to help the boy with the negative side effects of overusing his Quirk. The blonde was also missing a shoe which led Izuku to think that Mineta might have sabotaged him to make it into the stadium just before him. Allowed but still seemed like a dick move.

After being distracted by his friends and the other 1-A students joining them one by one, the sight of the short pervert reminded Izuku of the task at hand. That of removing the purple ball still stuck to the back of Yaoyorozu’s shirt. He presented the problem to Mei and explained what he knew about the related Quirk. After a few minutes of discussion, Mei had some ideas that she wanted to try and requested Yaoyorozu remove her shirt so she could test them.

Izuku was surprised when the creation girl easily agreed to do just that. After he asked multiple times if she was comfortable, which she assured him she was, the others formed somewhat of a circle around Yaoyorozu with their backs to her to give her as much privacy as possible. She then took her shirt off and stood surrounded by the others in her sports bra.

After a few minutes and some trial and error with some of Mei’s experimental serum babies, they were able to get the purple balls off without damaging the material of the shirt. Izuku handed the shirt back to the creation girl who quickly got dressed again and the protective circle dispersed.

“Thank you again, Midoriya-kun. If I may ask, are you really Hiro-kun?” Yaoyorozu asked to which he nodded. She glanced at the others seeing that they, besides Kouda, didn’t seem shocked by the reveal. “Why aren’t the rest of you surprised by this?”

“Well…,” Uraraka said, rubbing her hair nervously. “That’s because we already knew?”

“Mei-chan, Hitoshi-kun, and Uraraka-san were there when the idea of Hiro was…created,” Izuku explained, gesturing to each person in kind. “Kirishima-kun, too. Then I told Iida-kun when I asked about his Quirk and he didn’t know how I knew what it was. Tsu-chan figured it out on her own after the USJ attack. And I told Todoroki-kun when I was helping him with his Quirk after school.”

Upon mention of the USJ, there was a collective cringe from those who had been there but were quick to recover.

-Is that why you know my Quirk and my name?- Kouda signed to Izuku.

“Yeah, it is, Kouda-kun,” Izuku answered, then signed and spoke, finger spelling his name. “-I’m M-i-d-o-r-i-y-a I-z-u-k-u. Nice to meet you.-”

-I’m K-o-u-d-a K-o-u-j-i,- Kouda signed, finger spelling his name as well. -Nice to meet you. I’m selectively mute, but I can hear and talk. My name sign is ‘Kouda’.-

The rock-like boy signed the gesture for animal with his hands forming in the sign letter ‘K’.

-Kouda- Izuku signed, repeating the sign back to confirm and Kouda nodded with a smile. “Wow, that’s a cool name sign, Kouda-kun! I don’t have one myself.”

-I could give you one,- Kouda offered with a shy smile.

“Really? I would be honored!” Izuku replied cheerfully. “-Thank you, Kouda-kun-.” Signing his thanks as well as the other’s name again. It’s always good to practice!

-You’re welcome,- Kouda replied, a slight blush on his cheeks. -I’ll let you know when I figure out the right one. It will be nice to have a friend to sign with.-

He thinks of me as a friend already? Izuku thought as he beamed at his new friend.

The two students most recently let in on the Hiro-kun secret looked like they had more questions. But they were interrupted before they could ask as Midnight called for everyone to assemble back in their class groups. In their own little group, the Hero students left for the far end of the field, Hitoshi headed over to where 1-C was gathering, and the two Support students joined the others from 1-H. As students shuffled around, the results for the race were displayed on the screens.

Oh, looks like Katsuki got second. He can’t be happy about that.

Glancing over to where 1-A was, he easily spotted the seething blonde who was glaring at Todoroki as he walked over, while being held back by Kirishima like a human shield. The redhead must have said something to placate the explosive teen that made him turn his attention away from the ice user. Only for his fierce red eyes to meet green briefly before Izuku ducked his head and looked away. He did not need Katsuki’s scrutiny on him right now and needed to keep his distance for as long as possible.

~~~

Katsuki was pissed. Second. He came in fucking second. Right after that Half-and-Half bastard. Who didn’t even look proud of his ‘win’. If you could even call it that. Was he looking down on him? Thinks that Katsuki wasn’t enough of a challenge for him? It pissed the blonde off so fucking much. On top of that, the damn nerd somehow made the cut into the next round.

Fuck. Deku better not let getting past that shitty Obstacle Course go to his head. Bet it was a fluke. How else did his Quirkless ass get through? Whatever.

Shoving thoughts of the Quirkless Blunder aside, Katsuki tuned out the extras around him and started to theorize what event UA would throw at them next. Whatever it was, he would definitely win this time and kick IcyHot off his damn high horse. If only the extras would hurry the fuck up and get back to their class areas. He was itching for the next round to start.

“So that really was Hiro-kun,” Ponytail said as she and a few others walked over, finally joining the rest of the class. “He’s a very kind and considerate boy.”

“Yes, but keep who he is a secret, ok?” Round Face said, as she walked up with the other girl along with IcyHot, Four Eyes, Frog Face, and the extra that never talked. “He doesn’t want Bakugou to know.”

As soon as they noticed he was in listening distance, the idiots shut their traps and moved away from him. Only until they were a bit farther away from him did the group of not-so extras continue to whisper amongst themselves.

What the fuck?

“Who the hell is Hiro?” Katsuku muttered quietly to himself with a scowl. Kirishima gave him a somewhat disappointed look but kept quiet to help keep Midoriya’s secret.

Seriously, who the fuck is Hiro? What shitty secret is he keeping? And why doesn’t the extra want me to know?

Katsuki swore to himself he would fucking find out. After he claims victory over everyone, of course.

~~~

With the elimination round complete, only the top forty-two will advance to the next round!” Midnight announced once the students had settled in their groups. “But don’t be too worried if you didn’t make the cut! We have some other opportunities for you to shine!

Of course! They hold side games before the final one-on-one battles, Izuku thought, remembering his research. This allows the others to still show their skills while those competing in the last round have time to prepare.

Now, on to the second event where the real fun begins! What do we have in store for you next? I know, of course, but you must be dying in suspense! Let’s end this torturous waiting, shall we? The next event is…THIS!

‘CAVALRY BATTLE’ popped up on the screens.

So, that’s this year’s group battle…cavalry, huh? I think last year they did a version of capture-the-flag.

Some of the students groaned at the reveal. While others started questioning how the event was going to work since it was team based. Midnight began to explain as a graphic of an example of a ‘horse’ appeared on the screen.

Oh my god, All Might looks ridiculous as the rider and he’s so tall you can barely make out Snipe behind him. Would Thirteen, Yamada-sensei, and Snipe actually be able to hold up the Symbol of Peace like that? Last I knew he weighted like 562 lbs., in his buffed up form at least, and let’s face it, Yamada-sensei is a toothpick. Albeit a strong one but a toothpick none the less.

Our participants will form teams of their choice made of two-to-four people! The rules are fundamentally the same as the regular cavalry game! However…to spice things up, we’ve add our own little twist!

Called it! I knew they would have a twist. Wonder what it is this year…

Each of you has been assigned a point value depending on how you placed in the last round!

Various students started to theorize amongst themselves about how it would all work until Midnight snapped at them with an accompanied snap of her whip. Seems they were getting ahead of themselves.

Maybe you should shut up and let me talk!! As I was about to explain, your point values go up by increments of five starting at the bottom. For example, forty-second place is worth five points, followed by forty-first being 10 points, and so on. As for the value of the student at the very top…

Midnight paused for a second and squared her gaze on Todoroki.

…our first-place contestant is worth…

Kayama-sensei sure does like to build suspense, Izuku thought as he and everyone else turned to look at Todoroki too.

…TEN MILLION!!

Oh boy…this is why I avoided trying for the top. Whoever has the ten million holds the points to instantly win while also becoming the primary target of the other teams. Hope you can handle the pressure, Todoroki-kun!

Izuku glanced over at his friend whose expression remained neutral despite everyone eyeing him as either a prize to gain or an obstacle to knock down. Their eyes met and Izuku sent him a, hopefully, reassuring nod and smile. The corner of Todoroki’s mouth twitched ever so slightly up and he tilted his head minutely accepting his friend’s concern.

I’m really starting to get the hang of reading Todoroki-kun’s subtle changes of expression, Izuku thought with a small warm smile.

That’s right, everyone! This is the survival round and also your chance for those at the bottom to overthrow the top! The game will last fifteen minutes! Your individual values will be added together to make your team total! Your worth will be displayed thanks to your headbands! Swipe as many headbands as you can to increase your team’s score until the time is up! Stolen headbands must be worn from the neck up! But don’t worry if your headband is stolen! Whether you lose all your headbands or your formation is broken, keep playing until time runs out! It’s not over ‘til it’s over!

With forty-two contestants dividing into teams of two-to-four, there should be about ten to twelve teams on the field at once. This round will be a test of our teamwork and coordinating skills. Not all Quirks work well together and teammates need to be considered carefully. Not much point strategizing too much now until the teams start forming.

This battle is going to be rough! You may use your Quirks as much as you like! However, there are still rules against attacking other teams and making them fall on purpose! Do that and I will slap you with a red card, disqualifying your entire team!

Katsuki won’t like that.

Now, you have fifteen minutes to form your teams! Choose wisely~! BEGIN!

I don’t plan on trying for first and have an idea to gather more points while everyone else is gunning for the ten million. So, the point value of those I team up with doesn’t really matter. However, I figure most students will stick to those from their own class. Which means I’ll have to find a team willing to allow me to join. Perhaps I can convince them by sharing what I know about the others’ Quirks.

“Hey, Mido!” Uraraka called out, breaking him out of his thoughts. “Let’s team up!”

Izuku blinked at his friend owlishly before asking, “A-are you sure? Don’t you w-want to team up with the o-others in 1-A?”

“Well, sure I could but I’d like to team up with you too, Mido!” Uraraka replied with a smile. “You’re really smart and good at strategy. Plus, you know the others’ Quirks which I think will come in handy. Besides, we’re friends and teaming up with people you like just seems right.”

Being the emotional Midoriya that he is, Izuku couldn’t help but tear up a little at that. It still felt strange at times to have friends after so many years of being outcasted by his peers. But it was sinking in more and more that UA was different. In a good way.

Wiping away his tears, Izuku turned to his friend/teammate with a determined look. “Right. That means with my 130 points and your 140, our current total is 270 points so far. So, who else should we asked to join our group? I have a few ideas but I’d like to hear yours too.”

Uraraka smiled and seemed happy he wanted her input as well. “Let’s see. Iida’s out. I tried to get him to join us on my way over but he had already joined Todoroki’s team.”

They stood there discussing possible options for other teammates when Izuku got hugged/tackled from behind.

“Hero-kun!” Mei practically screamed in his ear. “Team up with me!”

“Mei-chan! That was right in my ear!” Izuku exclaimed, pulling away from his friend slightly while rubbing said ear.

“Sorry,” Mei apologized though still smiled excitedly. “But seriously, I want to team up with you. Together we can show them all the beautiful babies we’ve made!”

Despite having spent time with Mei and all her eccentricities, Uraraka still blushed slightly at her habit of calling her Support Items ‘babies’ while Izuku merely rolled his eyes at her antics. He knew she would never change and that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“Weren’t you planning on joining who ever got in first?” Izuku asked as Mei detached herself to stand beside him like a ‘normal’ person. But then again, in a world of Quirks, who was normal anyway? “You know, so you could put your babies in the spotlight since everyone would be focusing on them the most.”

“Oh, I did,” Mei answered simply. “But Todoroki’s team was already full before I could get to him. Explody boy may have come in second, but I would never team up with him. And since we’re the only two Support students in the second round, we can combine our babies to make one hell of a show!”

“Wow, great to know I’m your secondish choice?” Izuku said with a playful punch to her shoulder.

“You know I love you, Hero-kun,” Mei retorted with a wink.

“Ok. With Mei-chan joining us brings our 270 points to 285,” Izuku said, hand on his chin in thought. “With our combined Support Items and your Zero Gravity Quirk, that gives us options for offense as well as improved mobility. But we could use some more defense…”

“Do you have someone in mind?” Uraraka asked with a tilt of her head.

Izuku scanned the crowd and his green eyes seemed to light up as they fell on one particular student.

“I do.”

Notes:

Alright! We've learned other characters' ranks and who ended up in first! Come on, like I would let Bakugou win. XD Nah, son, I've got other plans for his angry angsty ass. The complete list of rankings is here so check it if you'd like! Izuku is curious about why Todoroki is sad and will find out that among other things when the iconic Talk happens. Also, Uraraka noticed a thing! :D A fluffy adorable pinky thing to be exact. ;) I see some teasing in Izuku's future.

Izuku officially meets Yaoyorozu and helps her with her 'issue' with the assistance of Mei. And Kouda becomes his friend! :D They're going to be sign language buddies! Ok, honestly I don't really know how sign names work and just kind of went with that for Kouda. Also, I have no idea for what Izuku's should be! If you have any ideas or suggestions please share them! ^_____^ I'd appreciate it tons! Also shout out to Azure_aeb and Littleshylotus123 for their advice on sign language! I wanted to save that for this chapter when Izuku and Kouda had more of an actual conversation.

So...Mei has a big mouth and let slip a secret. Oops! So now we have a new tally of who knows Izuku is Hiro: Mei, Hitoshi, Uraraka, Kirishima, All Might, Iida, Aizawa, Maijima, Tsuyu, Todoroki, Yaoyorozu, and Kouda! Oh and I guess by proxy Yamada does too though he hasn't been told directly. As for Katsuki...he's just become aware that Hiro even existed. That's just so sad. -disappointed head shake-

Fun Facts About Japan:

Ok, I know the obstacle course was last chapter, but I'm going to talk about this chapter anyway! Not all schools have an obstacle course as part of the sports festival, but one of mine did. It was actually more of an obstacle course relay. They had hurdles, vaulting horses, a net the students had to crawl under, and then they had to run to give it to the next leg in the race.

Speaking of legs, another type of event I saw was three-legged races of varying kinds. The traditional two students tied together at the ankle of course. But also one where two students had to run, untied but together, to a giant pair of shorts that they had to put on with one student in each leg and run to a certain point, turn around, run back, take the shorts off, and then the next pair would go. Or for students tied together at the ankles, some schools would have more than two tied in a row. About 4 to 8 as far as I witnessed. They would either have them tied together side by side or one after another with some length of rope between them so they don't kick each other...as much. Definitely a test of timing, synchronizing with each other, and team work. XD

That's all for this chapter! Up next, we'll learn the rest of the teams and the cavalry battle will begin! Izuku finds the final member of his team, who exactly Hitoshi teams up with, and copycat makes an appearance! ^_____^ Let me know of typos or weirdness! See ya next week!

Chapter 38: Sports Festival: Off To The Races

Notes:

Get it? Cause it's a cavalry battle...and they're 'horses'? :D Heh heh. Oh, anyone else who keeps up with the manga freaking out about chapter 290? No spoilers but oh man things are spicing up!

Formatting reminder:
"Dialogue heard through a sound system."
...
"PRESENT MIC'S DIALOGUE HEARD THROUGH A SOUND SYSTEM."

Anyway, let's find out the final arrangement of teams and then get right into the first half of the cavalry battle! ^______^ Ready! Set! Go!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Fumikage stood alone observing the other teams as they were being formed. He wasn’t sure of his plan as of yet and was waiting to see where he would fit in best. His Quirk, Dark Shadow, was a powerful entity with many capabilities. But there were certain types of Quirks it was necessary for him to avoid as they would negatively affect his own.

Light. It’s Dark Shadow’s weakness. Which is understandable considering a regular shadow was also affected by light. On a bright sunny day, shadows were small or close to none existent. While at night, even with the moon full and bright, shadows were the rulers during those dark hours.

The bird headed boy didn’t necessarily hide this weakness from his peers. He simply didn’t talk about it. Thinking that, if one paid close enough attention and used simple logic, they would realize it on their own. Though he wasn’t sure if any of his classmates were aware it as of yet.

“Excuse me.”

Fumikage was broken out of his thoughts to find a slightly taller green haired boy standing in front of him. The other was decked out in what looked like Support Items making it obvious he wasn’t from the Hero Course but in fact the Support Course.

“May I help you?” Fumikage asked, eyeing the boy curiously.

“H-hello! And, um, yes,” the boy replied nervously. The other took a deep breath as if to build up his courage, before determined green eyes met inquiring red ones. “I’m Midoriya Izuku and I’d like you to join my team.”

He came over to inquire about me specifically? Hmm…

“Tokoyami Fumikage,” Fumikage replied with a bow. “Is there a particular reason you desire for me to accompany you into battle?”

From his recollection he had never met the other before and so wondered as to why he had pointedly sought him of all people out.

“I already have two on my team and amongst us we have offense and mobility covered,” the boy, Midoriya, explained. “What we need, and what I’d like to ask from you, is help with our defense.”

“Defense, you say?” Fumikage responded, brow quirked in interest. “Pray tell why you believe I am the most suited for the task.”

“Your Quirk is Dark Shadow…”

How does he know of Dark Shadow? Fumikage thought with slightly widened red eyes as said entity poked out its head from his stomach. The other boy’s eyes flicked down at the spirit briefly before looking back up.

“…which has the power and skill to be used for both offense and defense.”

Astute observation. Though it is still unclear as to how or when he learned of my Quirk.

“However, Dark Shadow is not all powerful. Like a normal shadow, Dark Shadow becomes bigger in darkness and smaller in the light.”

Fumikage stared at this stranger in surprise with widen eyes. He figured his weakness was logically obvious but not so obvious that someone he had never met before knew of it. Dark Shadow came out a little more but mostly remained hidden.

“Since we’ll be fighting in daylight, I assume that Dark Shadow’s attack power would be lessened due to the amount of light. But there’s still a lot of potential for defense since Dark Shadow is sentient and can react to defend us without direct orders from you.”

A sound strategy, Fumikage thought. A silence fell between the two as he eyed the teen in front of him, considering his proposal.

“Your…observations are correct,” Fumikage stated, after a minute. “Dark Shadow is indeed weaker in the light. Its attack power is directly affected by the amount of light it dwells in. However, I am curious. How did you come to know so much of my Quirk? I have no recollection of ever making your acquaintance before. Do I know you?”

The greenette blushed and his eyes widened as if in realization of something. He brought his arm up and rubbed the back of his head nervously.

“Oh, yes, um,” Midoriya said, looking at the dark teen shyly. “You know th-the student who has been observing y-your training? Hiro? Th-that’s me.”

This is Hiro?

Fumikage had been curious of the mysterious student who had observed their training. He had wondered why he, who was obviously disguised, had cloaked himself in such secrecy. Perhaps he was one who also embraced the soothing cover of darkness? Or was he in a certain predicament that required a shroud of mystery?

“If you are Hiro,” Fumikage said, red eyes assessing the other. “Then that infers you are aware of not only my Quirk, but of the other’s Quirks within 1-A as well.”

“And 1-B,” Midoriya added, tone a bit more confident. “As well as the other students who are not in the Hero Course that made it through to the second round.”

“Knowledge of their Quirks is quite advantageous,” Fumikage stated, his gaze turning contemplative.

“A-anyway, like I said I have two more in my group,” Midoriya said, sounding a bit shy again. “One for offense and one for mobility. I-I can also help with offense. I think you’d be a good addition to our defense. Dark Shadow could keep an eye on our blind spots. I know I d-don’t have a high point value and m-maybe someone of your strength should go for a higher point team, but I…”

Midoriya,” Fumikage said, cutting the other boy off who blushed. “Your assessment of my Quirk is astute and your strategy is sound. You have taken into account my Quirk’s weakness and have chosen the correct role for me. You have proven you truly are Hiro. Very well. I will follow your lead.”

“Really? Great!” Midoriya beamed, smiling so brightly that it alone could become a weakness for Dark Shadow.

Speaking of.

“I like him, Fumi!” Dark Shadow piped up, emerging from him entirely. “But he’s too bright.”

Midoriya stood there wide eyed as Dark Shadow moved itself into his personal space, looking over their newly made ally.

“Indeed,” Fumikage agreed with a smirk while the other boy blush. “His smile appears to be the sun incarnate.” That only caused the other to blush further.

Dark Shadow flickered around the boy who slowly reached out a hesitant hand. The entity eyed the gloved hand before nestling its head against it. Fumikage stood there surprised as the spirit allowed the boy they had only just become acquainted with to pet it while nuzzling into the touch. All the while the boy smiled during the experience as the sentient shadow looked close to purring.

“Can we keep him, Fumi?” Dark Shadow blurted out of nowhere.

“K-keep me?!” Midoriya squeaked, withdrawing his hand in shock.

“You can’t keep him, Dark Shadow. He’s not a pet,” Fumikage scolded, causing the entity to send him a challenging look which he returned with one of his own before turning back to the other boy. “Apologies, Midoriya. Dark Shadow can be…difficult to handle at times.”

“O-oh, it’s ok,” Midoriya assured with a smile. “Um, shall we?”

He gestured for them to join the rest of their group before the dark teen nodded and followed his lead. As they walked, the greenette asked various questions about his Quirk both to him and the entity emanating from him. Dark Shadow was eager to share its own thoughts and Fumikage was surprised but pleased that the other boy treated the spirit as the individual it was. Dark Shadow may be a part of his Quirk, but the entity had a mind of its own.

Fumikage did not know much about this boy and had only recently discovered that he was indeed the Hiro that observed their training. But the other had a solid strategy and the advantage of having knowledge of everyone’s Quirks. On top of that, he treated himself and Dark Shadow with respect. 

Yes. Under the circumstances, joining this team will indeed be the best fit.

~~~

Before the Sports Festival, Hitoshi and Izuku had discussed in great length all the in’s and out’s of past festivals, picking the events apart and looking for reoccurring components. Such as the first round being a qualifier with an average of fifty-ish students moving on to the second. Or how the top students from the first are thrown off with some sort of twist to, as Midnight had said, ‘spice things up.’

Another thing they had noticed is that one, the second round is usually a group battle, and two, those who make it tend to stick with the other students in their class. Which could prove to be a problem for the outliers such as Izuku, Mei, and Hitoshi. Like the Hero Practical, the Sports Festival was skewed towards physical Quirks. Meaning those that passed the practical typically did well in the festival too. So, the top fifty-ish mostly was made up of the Hero Course usually.

With students sticking to those in their own classes, the outliers like himself were left to either talk their way onto another team or the dregs left over had no choice but to team up. It was a shitty reality, but a reality none the less.

Izuku had a bit of an advantage in avoiding the latter of the two options. He was closer friends to the Hero Course students who ate lunch with them and if Mei wasn’t able to team up with the top spot, Hitoshi was sure she would pair with her fellow Support student. But for Hitoshi, being the only one from 1-C, had no classmates to fall back on. And he’ll be damned before he teamed up with the pervert who sullies the color purple.

Hitoshi’s team-up prospects seemed bleak, but he had a plan. And it involved reuniting with another student who had challenged 1-A. As teams were forming around him, Hitoshi made his way to the far end of the field where 1-B was gathering. Upon approach, he heard a boy with sandy blonde hair giving a speech.

“Seems almost everyone in the audience is foaming at the mouth, focusing on Class 1-A. Why is that? What makes them so different? They fight off some Villains and suddenly they are the stars? It’s like Tetsutetsu said. 1-A is so damn cocky. Thinking they’re greater than us. But just because we’re Class 1-B doesn’t mean we’re second rate. Let’s show them we can win this whole thing and that we’re not ones to be underestimated. What do you say? Are you with me?”

The other students in Class 1-B cheered at the speech, getting fired up. Their cheers naturally died down but they noticed there was one persistent slow clap remaining. The blonde along with the others turned to see a boy with gravity defying purple hair still clapping and smirking at the group.

“That was a nice speech,” Hitoshi snarked, clapping one last time. “I want in.”

“Sorry, but we’re all full up,” the blonde sneered, hands on his hips and a smug look on his face. “We have a beef to settle with 1-A and don’t need a General Studies leech feeding off our hard work.”

Let’s see…sandy blonde hair, light blue eyes, cocky personality, hatred of 1-A…this must be Monoma. So that means…

Hitoshi scanned around the group and began to place the student with the Quirk from Izuku’s notebooks. Along with training and strategizing, Izuku and he had spent hours reviewing the notes Izuku had taken during his observations of the Hero Course’s combat training. They could come in quite hand for the pair of aspiring Hero students. And they would. Right now.

Pointing toward the boy he saw outside of 1-A with the silver hair, he said, “Steel.”

Turning to another student, a girl with orange hair in a ponytail. “Big Fist.”

“Scales,” Hitoshi continued on, pointing at each student in turn. “Black. Twin Impact. Mushroom. Solid Air. Weld. Size. Razor Sharp. Cemedine. Lizard Tail Splitter. Poltergeist. Vines. Horn Cannon. Beast. Gyrate. Comic. Softening.”

As he had pointed at each 1-B student and stated that student’s Quirk, the group as a whole became paler and paler as his reveal went on. Finally, he pointed to Monoma.

“Copy.”

When he finished with the sandy blonde, he didn’t even try to stop the smug look that grew on his face as the other’s disappeared into one of shock.

I do love to mess with people.

“H-how…” Monoma began, before clearing his throat and composing himself, feigning confidence. “You know our Quirks. How?”

Izuku was right. His cockiness is a kind of mask.

“Let’s just say we have a mutual friend,” Hitoshi answered, folding his arms and smirking. “One who observed yours and 1-A’s training.”

“You mean Hiro?” Monoma asked, blue eyes widened slightly in surprise.

“Hey, I remember you,” the silver haired teen interjected. Tetsutetsu, if he recalled. “You were the Gen Ed student who challenged 1-A before me. You wanted to be in the Hero Course but didn’t make the cut.”

“Yeah, that was me,” Hitoshi confirmed, sparing the boy a glance before slowly passing his gaze across the group of 1-B students. “Those like me who were pushed to the side in favor of those deemed more worthy are willing to fight our way out of the masses and claw our way to the top. Teaming with you will allow me to do that. Together, we can knock them off their high pedestals and show the world we have what it takes too.”

He could see some of the 1-B students looked at him in awe, which was weird by the way. While others had the fire of determination burning in their eyes. Hitoshi’s Quirk may be Brainwashing, but he had a natural ability to pick up hints and find the words to manipulate others. A skill he planned to always use for good and heroic purposes.

“What’s in it for us?” Monoma asked snidely, crossing his arms. “How do we benefit?”

“I told you,” Hitoshi said, turning his attention to the blonde. “We have a mutual friend. One who observed your Quirks…”

Tired but driven purple eyes stared into curious pale blue ones.

“…and 1-A’s.”

That was what got Monoma on board. With some discussion, introductions, and rearranging of teams, Hitoshi found himself on a team with Tetsutetsu, Shiozaki, and Shouda. With their combined points of 85, 170, 200, and 55 respectively, their team was worth 510 points. He was also let in on half of 1-B’s plan to focus on collecting lower headbands during the Cavalry Battle.

Huh…that’s similar to what Izuku plans to do.

As the last of the prep time ended, the teams spread out to make their own strategies. For his own group, Tetsutetsu’s Steel would be good for defense, Shiozaki’s Vines would provide offense, and Shoda’s Twin Impact could be good for both. As long as none of their Quirks made another team fall.

“And you, what about your Quirk?” Tetsutetsu asked, directing the question to Hitoshi as they continued to strategize.

“With my Quirk,” the brainwasher replied with a smirk. “I can be…persuasive.”

~~~

Your fifteen minutes are up!Midnight announced as she stretched her arms. “Time to get this party started!!

HEY, LOOK ALIVE, ERASER!

Huh, I’ll bet Aizawa-sensei was taking a nap. Did he bring his sleeping bag up there? Making him a caterpillar commentator? Ha!

AFTER HAVING FIFTEEN MINUTES TO FORM THEIR TEAMS AND STRATEGIES, LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE TWELVE TEAMS LINED UP AND READY TO GO HEAD-TO-HEAD!

Hmm…interesting. They’ve come up with some unexpected student combinations.

Izuku looked around at the other teams and agreed with the Erasure Hero. He noticed Todoroki had teamed up with Iida, Yaoyorozu, and Kaminari with a total of 10,000,425 points. Katsuki teamed up with Kirishima, unsurprisingly, but also with Ashido and Sero, totaling at 685 points. The greenette’s own team consisted of Mei, Uraraka, Tokoyami, and himself with a total of 470 points. He didn’t have much time to take in the other teams before Present Mic continued his commentary.

PUT YOUR HANDS UP, LISTENERS, AND LET ME HEAR YOUR BATTLE CRY! IT’S TIME FOR UA’S BATTLE ROYALE! HERE COMES ONE FINAL COUNT DOWN BEFORE THE GRAND MATCH!

This is it.

“Uraraka-san?! Are you ready?”

“Yeah!”

THREE!

“Mei-chan?!”

“Heh heh heh!!”

TWO!

“Tokoyami-kun?!”

“Yes!”

ONE!

“Alright…let’s do this!!”

BEGIN!! Midnight shouted and instantly, the field came to life in a burst of activity.

Predictably, there was a mad dash after the first-place team. But those who thought that Todoroki’s team would be a push over were utterly mistaken. Iida, their front man, improved their mobility with his Engine Quirk and also his fit body provided defense as well. Kaminari, as the left guard, would be able to keep other teams at bay with his Electrification Quirk. Yaoyorozu, as the right guard, could provide insulation from Kaminari’s Quirk as she did in the USJ as well as help with movement and defense. She even made roller skates for Kaminari and herself to help with mobility.

And Todoroki…he could provide both offense and defense with his ice. Though Izuku thought his combat advantage would increase if he ever decided to use his left side, but the greenette knew the ice user refused to use that side of his Quirk. It was frustrating to the Quirkless teen that someone with such natural power would squander it for unknown reasons. But they were his reasons and his alone. Though…perhaps Izuku could try to find out what those reasons were.

Later. Now is not the time for that.

Izuku’s team watched as numerous others went after the ten million. Team Hagakure, worth 410 points, consisted of Jirou in the front, Kouda on the right, and Satou on the left with a topless Hagakure as the rider taking full advantage of her Quirk albeit it being a bit risqué. Team Tetsutetsu, worth 510 points, also aimed for the top. Tetsutetsu, as the rider, pursued the prized headband along with Shouda as the left, Shiozaki as the right, and…wait, was that Hitoshi at the front?

Looks like he decided to team up with 1-B. Huh. Good luck, Hitoshi-kun!

WE’RE BARELY TWO MINUTES IN AND THE FIELD IS ALREADY COMPLETE CHAOS AND A TOTAL FREE FOR ALL!

Those teams were so focused on going after Todoroki’s team that they didn’t notice that others had a different strategy. Still on the sidelines to observe, Izuku and his team saw Team Monoma take Hagakure’s headband. The 1-B team, consisting of Monoma as the rider, Tsubaraba as the front, Kaibara as the left, and Kuroiro as the right, suddenly increasing their points from 325 to 735.

WATCH THOSE HEADBANDS! THE TEN MILLION IS QUITE A PRIZE BUT DON’T THINK THAT MEANS YOUR OWN POINTS ARE SAFE! ANY AND ALL HEADBANDS ARE UP FOR GRABS!

“Huh,” Izuku muttered from the rider position.

“What is it, Izuku?” Mei asked from his right.

“It looks like some teams from 1-B is also going for lower headbands,” Izuku replied. “I figured everyone would be going for the ten million, but it seems some of 1-B has a different strategy like us.”

“Will that prove to be an issue?” Tokoyami asked from the front, while Dark Shadow kept a look out.

“No, we’ll stick to the plan,” Izuku assured. “Stay away from the top team, focus on how many points whichever team is in third has, and take any points we can when the opportunity arises.”

“Right!” all three of his teammates said together.

So that’s what they did. As a team they stuck to the outskirts, targeting any other group that came near them while also paying mind to the team in third. With two Support students on one team, they had their choice of ‘babies’ to choose from. Izuku and Mei had interchanged some babies, but not all, for optimum use amongst their team members.

Mei wore his Fire Breath mask and had his Tape Gun strapped to her leg. Izuku sported her Air Jet inspired jet pack while Uraraka wore Mei’s Hover Soles. The brunette had used her Quirk on them to negate their gravity to increase their mobility. Just in case they needed a quick escape though, since they weren’t the holders of the ten million, they didn’t need to use that strategy very often.

That didn’t mean they were free from being targeted at all. After all, Team Midoriya wasn’t the only one going for other point values than the ten million. Thankfully, with the motion detecting sensors in his goggles, Izuku was able to dodge the hand that reached out for his headband. He turned to find that the hand belonged to the sandy blonde boy with the Copy Quirk, Monoma.

“Well well well,” Monoma drawled, with a smug look. “Look what we have here. Some of 1-A’s cocky students pairing up with Support Course dregs. You must have been desperate to form such a team, 1-A. Did the other’s in your class not want you?”

Izuku knew the blonde’s demeanor was more of a mask than anything, but what he was saying wasn’t very nice. It was one thing to have a rivalry with the other first year Hero Course class, but he didn’t have to be so rude about it. Also, Support Course dregs? Not cool!

“Be careful what you say, Monoma-kun,” Izuku said, getting a surprised look from the other boy at the use of his name. “You may have your issues with 1-A, but I won’t let you insult them or my friends. My team wasn’t made out of ‘desperation’, but of cooperation and strategy.”

“You sure talk all high and mighty for a kid not in the Hero Course,” Monoma sneered, arms poised ready to attack. “But you won’t be for long once I copy your Quirk!”

Monoma lunged forward and Izuku blocked him by grappling with his hands. The blonde’s face sported a triumphant look when they connected. Only for it to morph into confusion when his Copy Quirk came up with nothing.

“Try all you want, Monoma-kun,” Izuku said with a leer. He leaned forward to the blonde’s ear and whispered so quiet only he could hear. “But you can’t copy something I don’t have.”

Pale blue eyes widened as realization struck as Monoma gasped, “…Hiro…”

Taking advantage of his surprise, Izuku shoved the other boy away and signaled to his teammates to retreat. In an instant, Mei and Uraraka covered their eyes as Izuku activated the jet pack and sent them into the air. With the help of Uraraka’s Quirk and using the Hover Soles, the brunette was able to maneuver them away for a quick escape and they landed a fair distance from the attacking team.

~~~

“What just happened?” Kaibara asked as Neito was still stunned.

“Were you able to copy his Quirk?” Kuroiro prodded, glancing back.

“No…I…” Neito looked to the greenette to his own hand and back. “I couldn’t…”

“Oh, one of those ‘misses’ you talked about, huh?” Kuroiro commented, looking back at the other team with a calculating glare.

“Yeah…” the blonde said, staring at the Quirkless boy whose stance was defensive.

This was Hiro. The same boy who observed all of the Hero Course’s Quirks and said they were all fascinating. The one who was, as that Shinsou kid had said, a ‘mutual friend.’ The one who told the copier that his Quirk was useful unlike everyone else had told him growing up.

‘You’ll never be a Hero with a Quirk like that. There’s no such thing as a Hero who can’t do anything on their own.’

Hearing those words all his life had hurt. They didn’t believe he could be a Hero with a Quirk that could only copy other people’s powers. That when it came to a fight, without another Quirk to copy, he would be useless. But Hiro, a boy without a Quirk, saw his ability as useful. Versatile. A way to ‘add an advantage to a fight.’ He didn’t see it as ‘weak’ as everyone had in the past. Quite the opposite in fact.

‘It’s a Quirk you can use to make yourself strong.’

This boy…he too knew what it was like to be considered ‘weak’ by others. At least with Neito’s Copy Quirk, other’s thought the blonde would have some use in any other area than being a Hero. At least he had a Quirk at all. But this boy, he had nothing but himself. And yet, he didn’t let it define him. Hiro said so himself. He also said that it didn’t define Neito either. That he was the only one to decide his own worth.

‘Every person, and Quirk for that matter, has the potential to be great.’

Neito didn’t think he would meet Hiro on the battle field and yet here they were. Facing off. In a fight that was in all sense a Quirkless one since the other had no Quirk for him to Copy. A standoff. One that, in any other situation, he would gladly take on. A true test of skill without reliance on Quirks. But now was not the time. They still needed to prove that Class 1-B was just as good as 1-A. That they were not to be underestimated. Something that he knew Hiro already understood.

“Come on, guys,” Neito announced suddenly. “Let’s leave them be.”

“Wha?!” Tsubaraba exclaimed indignantly. “But what about their points?!”

“Don’t need them,” Neito declared with a smirk. “We have other teams to steal from…”

The sound of explosions rang through the air from the other side of the field.

“…like that pompous Bakugou.”

The sandy blonde sent a subtle nod of understanding and comradery towards the greenette who returned it. Then he steered his team to chase after the explosive teen. The other’s on Hiro’s team seemed a bit confused as to why the copier had left them alone. But they weren’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth and went on to implement their plan.

Notes:

And that is the first half of the cavalry battle! :D Most teams are the same because I didn't feel the need to change them too much. Here is the run down of all the teams if you're interested.

So, Izuku's last teammate is Tokoyami! The cliffhanger really left it up in the air but they do that in canon too! Season 2 episode 17 from 12:13 to about 12:23. (My extraness at its finest. :P) We see Izuku reach out and place his hand onto an unknown student's shoulder then it cuts to Monoma's speech keeping it all mystery like. I liked the transition so decided to use it! Tokoyami is one of my favorite characters and I had a lot of fun writing from his pov. Though it took me a bit to get into that bird boy's head. Then I thought, what is the most dramatic way to write this sentence and went with that. Tokoyami is quite the drama bird after all. :P

Hitoshi however went a completely different route from canon. Since he actually has friends I feel like he wouldn't resort to brainwashing his way on to a team. It took me a while to figure out who his teammates would be since that would influence future parts of the story. But I hope you like how I did it thus far for this part of the sports festival. ^_____^

Monoma is back in play! Seriously, I want him to become friends with Izuku because I swear there's a less crazy boy in there, deep deep down, that only needs someone to believe in him and his copy quirk to bring him out of his shell.

Fun Facts About Japan:

So cavalry battle is a thing and was an event I saw at all three sports festivals I attended. A group of four students made a team of three 'horses' and one 'rider' as seen with most teams in MHA. Each school did the event a little differently. One school only had the boys go against each other, two teams at a time. The riders wore team colored hats and the goal was to take the hats off which would disqualify a team. This was a medium size school so there were three teams. Red went up against blue first and red lost. Then red went up against yellow and yellow won. Then yellow went up against blue and blue won.

Another school had the girls go against girls and boys go against boys. The riders wore team colored hats and gloves with the same goal to take the hat off another team. This was a large school so they had four teams. The girls went first with orange versus red and yellow versus blue. Then orange versus blue and yellow versus red. The boys went next in the opposite order to orange versus blue and yellow versus red. Then orange versus red and yellow versus blue. I don't actually remember which teams won but it was fun to watch!

I have one more school that did the event different but I'll save that for next chapter. ;) Hey! I only have so many fun facts I can share and the length of this fic is way longer than I thought or even perceived so I need to spread them out. :P

Alright! That's the first half, folks! Next week we'll get the second half of the cavalry battle! Until then be well and be safe! Please report any typos or weirdness! :D

Chapter 39: Sports Festival: Reining It In

Notes:

Welcome back, dear readers! Part 2 of the cavalry battle. Soooo...I totally noticed while editing this chapter that there are actually 12 teams, not 11. I missed the total points of one in my notes so I fixed that in the previous chapter. Sorry about that! ^____^; Doesn't change really anything except for that one word in Present Mic's announcement.

Warning for excessive swearing again for our dear Katsuki and his potty mouth.

Formatting reminder:
"Dialogue heard through a sound system."
...
"PRESENT MIC'S DIALOGUE HEARD THROUGH A SOUND SYSTEM."

Anyhoo! And now for the second half of the cavalry battle! Let's go!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

The cavalry battle went on and Team Midoriya fell into somewhat of a routine. As they stole headbands left and right, Izuku made sure to flip all of them so their values didn’t show as they hung around his neck. He also made sure to change out the one on his head to which ever headband had the lowest point value. From time to time, another team would steal that one hoping for higher points only to be disappointed as Izuku’s team ran away. After which, he would put the next lowest headband on his head once more.

As time passed and his team’s points came and went, Izuku also kept an eye on how Todoroki was fairing. Constantly different teams made their own attempts at the ten million. Mineta had somehow convinced Shouji to team up with him, making a team initially worth 160. Reluctantly, Izuku had to admit that the strategy of the taller boy shielding the shorter one with his dupliarms was a good one.

Predictably, Team Bakugou also persistently pursued the team in first place with Katsuki’s usual raging enthusiasm. He was so loud, Izuku could hear his ravings from across the field.

“Get back here, you Half-and-Half bastard!” the blonde yelled as he blasted his way into the air in an attempt to grab Todoroki’s headband. Only to get blocked by a well-timed pole to the gut by Yaoyorozu and some quick maneuvering away by Iida.

WHOA! LOOKS LIKE BAKUGOU BLASTED AWAY FROM HIS UNIT! IS THAT EVEN ALLOWED?!

As the blonde fell, Sero shot out some tape and reeled Katsuki back in. He was caught by his teammates and righted back to his position as rider.

Technically, yes! His feet never touched the ground so it’s okay! Midnight declared.

AS EXPECTED, THE MAJORITY OF THE TEAMS ARE GUNNING FOR THE FIRST PLACE TEAM! THE CONSTANT GRABS FOR THE TEN MILLION GIVING THEM NO TIME TO CATCH THEIR BREATH!

The crowd cheered as Team Todoroki made one successful escape after another.

SO FAR SEVEN MINUTES HAVE PASSED! LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT HOW THE RANKINGS ARE DOING!

A rundown of each team’s points appeared on the screens. With Class 1-A’s previously impressive displays of their power and skill, everyone expected those teams to be claiming the top spots. However…

WHAT’S THIS?! BESIDES TEAM TODOROKI, CLASS 1-A ISN’T DOING TOO HOT!

TEAM RANKING:

1st: Team Todoroki – 10,000,425 points

2nd: Team Tetsutetsu – 1,325 points

3rd: Team Midoriya – 960 points

4th: Team Monoma – 935 points

5th: Team Kendo – 485 points

6th: Team Rin – 180 points

7th: Team Bakugou – 0 points

8th: Team Kodai – 0 points

9th: Team Tsunotori – 0 points

10th: Team Mineta – 0 points

11th: Team Asui – 0 points

12th: Team Hagakure – 0 points

WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FIRST PLACE, THE TOP SPOTS HAVE MOSTLY BEEN CLAIMED BY TEAMS FROM 1-B! AND ANOTHER UNEXPECTED TURN IS THE RISE OF TEAM MIDORIYA TO THIRD PLACE! THEIR MIXTURE OF HERO AND SUPPORT COURSE SEEMS TO BE QUITE THE POWERHOUSE!

The crowd was shocked to see that indeed Class 1-A wasn’t doing so well. With only six students in the top three, four on Team Todoroki and two on Team Midoriya, the rest of the teams with any points were from 1-B. Plus Hitoshi on Team Tetsutetsu of course.

EVEN BAKUGOU, OUR SELF-PROCLAIMED FUTURE WINNER, IS LOSING!

~~~

One moment the 685-point headband was tied around Katsuki’s head and the next it was gone.

What the fuck?

“Class 1-A really is too small minded,” a smug-looking blonde extra drawled as his team passed Katsuki’s, twirling the headband around his finger. “You need to think bigger.”

“He got us!” Raccoon Eyes exclaimed.

“What the hell did you say?!” Katsuki yelled, filled with so much rage and his pupils so small his eyes appeared white. “Get back here. I’ll fucking kill you!!”

“Aw man, that means we’re sitting at zero points now!” Soy Sauce Face carped.

“When Midnight announced the first event, she also mentioned it was a qualifying round,” the extra explained, cockily not even bothering to face him. “It didn’t take a genius to figure out they wouldn’t thin out too much of our numbers right off the bat.”

Who is this arrogant extra? Does he think he’s better than me?

“After realizing that, it wasn’t much of a stretch to imagine they’d allow a fair number to move on from there,” the extra continued, finally glancing over his shoulder to look at Katsuki. “We guessed about forty or so would be a reasonable amount. So, we purposefully stayed back from the top and kept in the middle ranks. It gave us a chance to observe our soon-to-be rivals’ Quirks and tendencies. Only a fool would waste so much effort on a preliminary round.”

So, this extra and the others are willing to settle for less than the best? Well, fuck that. Not me. I’m aiming for the top!

“Your whole class planned this?” Katsuki asked, glaring at the 1-B extra.

“Well, not the entire class,” he replied with a shrug. “But I’d say it’s been working out so far.”

“Hey, they’re coming,” the black-haired extra said, looking at something behind Team Bakugo.

But Katsuki had angry eyes only for the other blonde’s team. The fucking extra still had his points after all.

“It’s better than chasing after some fleeting first place title,” the extra chided with a smirk. “Acting like a horse going after a carrot waving in his face.”

Katsuki scowled at the other, eyebrow twitching in agitation.

“While I have your attention, I’d like to say something,” the extra added. “You 1-A riffraff think you’re all that after one Villain attack. Especially you. Acting all high and mighty. But from what I’ve seen you’re all talk. What was it you said in your pledge earlier?”

‘I just wanna say…at the end of this, I’m gonna be the one in first place.’

“It must be so embarrassing for you now,” the annoying extra sneered as he added the headband to the others around his neck. “But don’t be mad. You were the one that provoked us after all. You brought this on yourself. Now be a good boy and accept that you’ve been bested.”

“Monoma, don’t provoke him,” the black-haired extra scolded. “That’s the kind of thing he would do.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” the blonde idiot extra replied with a sigh. “It’s not very heroic of me. Besides, you know how these things work. Heroes being hounded for some kind of payback…”

Taunting pale blue extra eyes met rage filled red ones.

“…by moronic Villains desperate for revenge.”

Ok, that’s it. No one calls me a Villain. It. Is. ON.

Kirishima…,” Katsuki seethed from his position as rider. His teammates looked up at him with terror as they felt the rage radiating from their leader. “…we have a change of plans.”

“Calm down, Bakugo,” Kirishima warned, turning back to the other team and watching them warily. “You gotta keep your cool or we’ll never get our points back!”

“Shut it! I’ve never been calmer!” Katsuki barked, looking anything but calm. “Before we take down IcyHot, we’re gonna murder every last one of these B-list idiots. I’m not just going to make it to first place …”

The self-proclaimed future first-place-winner scowled at the soon-to-be dead extra’s team that was already running off to gather more headbands.

“…I’ll be taking the first of all firsts and be the undeniable champion!!”

~~~

From across the field, Izuku could see an enraged Katsuki confronting Team Monoma who had just stolen their headband. Whatever the sandy blonde said to the spiky blonde set the explosive teen off. The fury emanating from Katsuki was so intense that he appeared to glow in a halo of red.

Oof…I feel bad for his teammates right now, Izuku thought as he watched the scene unfold. Good luck, Monoma-kun. Whatever you said awakened the beast.

With one blonde-led team targeting another, the Cavalry Battle continued on. From the start, Izuku planned to get his team in third place and, if he can, remain there. In past Sports Festivals, at least the top three teams in the second event moved on to the third round. Sometimes there were more but there was no telling if that would be the case this year.

Still continuing their earlier strategy, Izuku and his teammates kept an eye on the rankings and would steal headbands when opportunity struck while protecting their own as best they could. As the minutes passed during the second half of the battle, those teams without points were getting more desperate. Many of which targeted the ten million more earnestly than before.

Team Midoriya watched as numerous teams converged on Team Todoroki at once, surrounding the first-place team. With so many charging towards the holders of the ten million, one would think that the ice user’s team was doom. But Izuku noticed something else ‘charging.’

“Guys, we need to take to the sky!” Izuku proclaimed suddenly, eyeing the electricity starting to spark on Kaminari’s skin. “I think Kaminari is preparing for a wide spread electrical attack!”

“What makes you say that?” Uraraka asked, glancing up at him.

“He’s sparking,” Izuku answered, not taking his eyes off the electric teen. “Mei-chan, can you see if Yaoyorozu-san is making anything?”

“Let’s see…” Mei said, using her Quirk to zoom in on the creation girl. “Yep, looks like she’s making some kind of cloth from her stomach and a sort of stick from her arm.”

“That cloth might be like the one she made during USJ,” Izuku commented, hand on his chin as he muttered. He didn’t see Tokoyami’s slightly shocked expression at the sudden realization that the boy had been there as well. “If I’m right, she’s making an insulation sheet and a grounding stick. We need to get airborne. Fast.”

“Right,” his teammates said together.

Once again, Izuku activated the jet pack and they shot up into the air. Just in time to avoid the conductive wave of electricity that spread out from the epicenter that was Team Todoroki. The surrounding attacking teams found themselves stunned, yelling and jittering in place unable to move.

While they were still immobilized, Todoroki threw the sheet away as Kaminari ended his attack. The bi-color teen reached down to the grounding stick and used it to channel his ice to the arena floor. It spread across the ground and froze the other teams where they stood, incapacitating them further.

WHAT’S THIS?! WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT! TODOROKI TOOK OUT ALL THOSE TEAMS IN ONE SHOCKING ATTACK!

Only after they were immobilized by Kaminari’s own attack. Todoroki most likely recalled how many competitors were able to dodge his ice at the start of the Obstacle Course. To account for that he’s adapting his strategy.

NICE COMMENTARY THERE, ERASER!

I can just see Yamada-sensei giving a thumbs up, Izuku thought to himself with a small chuckle.

BUT IT LOOKS LIKE TEAM TODOROKI WASN’T ABLE TO STOP EVERYONE! TEAM MIDORIYA IS STILL IN PLAY AS THEY TOOK TO THE SKY MERE SECONDS BEFORE THE INCAPACITATING ASSUALT!

If you hadn’t noticed before now, Midoriya has clearly had a plan in mind since the beginning of the Sports Festival. Although we don’t know what that is exactly, he has shown his observation skills by being able to quickly assess a situation and decide on the best course of action. Whether that was helping others during the Obstacle Course or now when he saw the signs of the upcoming attack and acted accordingly.

Taking advantage of the aftermath of Team Todoroki’s attack, Izuku instructed his team to land amongst the partially frozen students. Once they did, they maneuvered around and took a headband here and there, enough to secure them more into third place.

The plan was working as the minutes passed during the second half of the game. The time dwindled down and Izuku’s team was still in third place as the timer reached the one-minute mark. The greenette was starting to think they would be just fine as the seconds counted down to their victory. Or so he thought.

WITH TIME ALMOST UP AND ONE MINUTE LEFT, TEAM TODOROKI REMAINS IN FIRST, FOLLOWED BY TEAM TETSUTETSU IN SECOND AND TEAM MIDORIYA IN THIRD! COULD THESE BE OUR TOP THREE TEAMS? BUT IT LOOKS LIKE THERE’S A FIERCE BATTLE STILL IN PLAY FOR FOURTH BETWEEN TEAM MONOMA AND TEAM BAKUGOU!

Green eyes searched the field and found the two blonde-lead teams were still at it. Katsuki had blasted away from his team only to be blocked by Tsubaraba’s Solid Air Quirk. But this was Katsuki here. Someone who never let anything stand in his way. Izuku would know since he had been considered one of those ‘things standing in his way’ growing up. For some unknown reason he wasn’t aware of.

Class 1-B had a reasonable strategy. However, they didn’t take one thing into account…

Being his usual Katsuki self, the explosive teen hammered the solid air with his fist so hard that it broke. Taking the opportunity, he reached forward and managed to snag a couple of the headbands away before blasting off back to his team. Once again, Sero reeled him in and caught their leader to resume their formation.

…Bakugou’s overwhelming tenacity.

WELL ISN’T THIS A TURN IN THE LAST MINUTE! TEAM BAKUGOU HAS JUST STOLEN TWO HEADBANDS FROM TEAM MONOMA, MOVING THEM TO FOURTH PLACE!

But it didn’t seem like Katsuki was done with the other blonde’s team. Izuku watched as his childhood friend raged from his position as rider, pounding his fist on the top of Kirishima’s head. Whatever he said, probably about how it wasn’t over and he would kill the other team, it seemed to inspire them as they rushed to confront Monoma’s team again.

Katsuki must have realized he actually needed to work with his teammates after only halfway succeeding alone. He always has been one to go at it alone first, seeing working with others as a weakness. But it seems he might just actually be learning that teamwork can actually help.

With their skills and Quirks combined, Katsuki led his team to attack the other aiming to steal all their points. Sero shot his tape forward, seemingly missing but Izuku theorized it was intentional. Turned out he was right as Ashido shot her acid forward and with Katsuki rocketing them forward with controlled blasts from his hands combined with Sero reeling his tape in, they shot forward. Tsubaraba tried to protect his team with another air shield but Katsuki blasted it away with practiced ease, snatching the last of Monoma’s headbands in the process.

BAKUGOU IS ABSOLUTELY MERCILESS! DESPITE HAVING ALREADY STOLEN HALF OF TEAM MONOMA’S HEADBANDS, TEAM BAKUGOU CONTINUED TO FIGHT UNTIL THEY HAD ALL THEIR POINTS! PLACING TEAM BAKUGOU IN FOURTH PLACE! AND LOOK, HE’S EVEN GOING AFTER TEAM TODOROKI WITH LESS THAN A MINUTE LEFT! WHAT A POINT HOG!

Obviously finished ‘killing’ Team Monoma, Katsuki’s team turned tail and beelined it for the ten million. Izuku observed as the explosive blonde’s team maneuver through the teams still frozen in place, stealing a headband here and there that the greenette’s team hadn’t managed to get to yet. Green eyes peeked up at the score board to see Team Bakugou’s points increased and was bumped up a place with only seconds left.

Crap! If Katsuki’s team is in third, that means we’re in fourth! Which means we might not be a high enough rank to move on to the final round! Double crap!!

“Guys, we need to get more points and back in third!” Izuku called out as he frantically scanned for headbands to steal until he found one. “Over there! Go!”

Following their leader’s instructions, Team Midoriya ran towards the closest team that still had points. Izuku had his hands outstretched to reach for their headbands while they defended when Present Mic made his announcement.

TIMES UP!!

Instantly everyone and everything stopped. Todoroki’s defensive stance fell as he lowered his impromptu ice spear. At the same time Katsuki faceplanted into the dirt and began to pound the ground with his fist, raging like a petulant child. Izuku lowered his hand as the team he confronted did the same.

HOLD THOSE HORSES BECAUSE THAT IS THE END OF THE CAVALRY BATTLE!

You’re insufferable.

WITH THE END OF THE SECOND ROUND, LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT WHICH TEAMS WILL BE MOVING ON! IN FIRST PLACE IS TEAM TODOROKI!!

The audience applauded the first-place team that managed to keep their original points throughout the entire battle.

COMING IN SECOND IS TEAM TETSUTETSU! FOLLOWED BY TEAM BAKUGOU IN THIRD!

As Present Mic had listed the top teams, the crowd cheer for each one announced. But ever since time had run out, Izuku hadn’t been paying attention to that. His eyes were glued to the score board.

4th: Team Midoriya

Fourth. His team came in fourth. Not third, as planned, but fourth. Sure, in the past they would sometimes have the top four teams move on, but that was no guarantee this year. Which was why he strategized to get them in third and stay there. But with last minute point stealing, they ended up in fourth. Did his plan end here? Were they not moving on? Was he not moving on?

“Izuku,” Mei said, carefully draping a comforting arm around his shoulders. He had been so distracted that he didn’t even notice that his teammates had lowered him down and broken formation. “It’s going to be okay.”

“B-but what if it’s n-not?” Izuku asked, the inevitable Midoriya tears starting to build and were revealed when he lifted his goggles above his eyes. “What i-if fourth isn’t enough?!”

“Midoriya,” Tokoyami interjected, taking Izuku’s attention. “It is indeed alright. Observe.”

“Wha?” Izuku said as the dark teen gestured to the screens. The images were split between Present Mic and the qualifying teams that would be continuing to the next round. The top four teams.

AND LAST BUT DEFINITELY ABSOLUTELY MOST CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, OUR FOURTH PLACE QUALIFIER! TEAM MIDORIYA!

“Eh?!”

“We did it!” Uraraka cheered as she jumped up and down while latched to his arm.

“W-we did it…” Izuku uttered in somewhat disbelief, tears of relief freely flowing from his eyes.  

“Indeed, we did,” Tokoyami smirked, his arms crossed while Dark Shadow excitedly hugged Izuku around his middle. The greenette absentmindedly pet the spirit, still stunned they would be proceeding to the next round. “Your leadership has led us to victory. I give you my thanks, Midoriya.”

“Yeah, thanks, Sun Boy!” Dark Shadow chimed in as it released Izuku but still allowed the boy to pet the entity.

“Of course, we did!” Mei proclaimed, giving Izuku’s shoulders a reassuring squeeze with one arm while gesturing wildly with the other. “Hero-kun is a genius when it comes to strategy. His analysis skills combined with our collection of babies and your Quirks on top, there’s no way we wouldn’t!”

That wasn’t exactly true. They could have lost like anyone else. But her level of confidence was hard to argue with. Besides, what did it matter now? They were moving on to the third round. The one-on-ones. The final stage. Where Izuku, along with Hitoshi, was going to prove to everyone that anyone can be a Hero.

Izuku looked at his team as they reveled in their advancement. Soon they would be rivals once more, duking it out against each other to reach the top. But that was something to worry about later. For now, he joined his teammates and celebrated their combined win. Their excitement was hard to ignore and he couldn’t help but smile and wipe away the last of his tears.

However, as he looked across the field, his smile dimmed when he spotted Todoroki’s team. The ice user’s teammates looked pleased with their win…well, most of them. Iida and Yaoyorozu were talking jovially while Kaminari was wandering around, obviously having short-circuited himself with his electric attack earlier. He was still smiling, although dumbly. 

But Todoroki himself didn’t look very happy. Not that he looked anything but neutral most of the time anyway. Now though, he was glaring at someone in the crowd. Following his challenging gaze, Izuku found he was looking at the Number Two Hero, Endeavor. Todoroki Enji, his father.

Ok, there is definitely something up with that. What happened with Todoroki and his father that would cause this level of hostility? It’s on par with Katsuki’s anger. Which can’t be good.

Izuku had been wondering why Todoroki refused to use his fire since they first met. But with his friend glaring daggers at his own father paired with his past anger when asked about the man, the greenette was officially one hundred percent resolved to find out. And hopefully, possibly find a way to help his friend overcome it. His thoughts were broken slightly as Present Mic spoke up over the speakers.

WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE SECOND ROUND, LET’S TAKE A ONE-HOUR LUNCH BREAK BEFORE THE AFTERNOON PORTION OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAL! HEY, ERASER, WANNA GRAB SOME GRUB?

I’m taking a nap.

WHA?!

That’s so Aizawa-sensei, Izuku thought with a chuckle as he listened to the announcement. Though he was sure Yamada would get him something to eat regardless. It was something he had done regularly while Hitoshi and Izuku had been training with Yamada and Aizawa before the Sports Festival. Bringing snacks and bentos, whether from the combini or homemade, to their training sessions. Anything to keep the tired man from living off of energy juice pouches alone. Which was still creepy to watch him do when he was wrapped up in his yellow sleeping bag by the way.

I still have my suspicions that they may be more than friends.

With that, students and crowd alike broke for lunch. Some went for the food stalls out front while others stuck to the cafeteria to get food from Lunch Rush. Izuku, on the other hand, excused himself from his team after trading back borrowed Support Items with Mei and headed over to Todoroki. His friend hadn’t moved from his spot, still glaring at where his father had stood in the stands even though the man had already left.

“H-hey, um, Todoroki-kun?” Izuku stammered nervously, getting the taller boy’s attention. Todoroki was still glaring when he turned but his expression softened instantly seeing who had spoken to him.

“Midoriya,” Todoroki said, walking closer to his friend and taking his hand in his own in search of comfort. Specifically reaching for the shorter boy’s hand with his right hand. “What is it?”

The typically private contact caused the greenette to blush but he didn’t pull away and only smiled at the touch, giving an assuring squeeze to the cool hand.

“C-could we talk?” Izuku asked nervously. “P-privately?”

“Sure,” Todoroki answered with a small nod.

Izuku gave his own small nod and led the bi-color teen off the field, still hand in hand.

Notes:

And that's the second half of the cavalry battle! We've got our top four teams! Yes, I know basically everyone, other than Shouda, are the same as canon that end up in the third round but I have reasons for that happening. So bear with me please! ^___^

For the Monoma/Katsuki confrontation, if you're wondering about the lack of Sludge Villain attack mention, reminder that the second attack does not happen in this fic. So Katsuki does not have any connection to that event because it never happened. Also our angry boy does not like being called a villain whatsoever. Let's pour one out to Kirishima and his poor head getting pounded by the angry Pomeranian.

Fun Facts About Japan:

Alright, so the third school's cavalry battle. The two I mentioned last week were pretty tame. The goal being to take the hat off the other team to count as a win. Well, this third school's version was more...brutal? Carnal? Some other adjective? I dunno. Anyway, they had it where only the older boys competed and the riders were shirtless. The goal was they had to knock the other team down to disqualify that team. The team with the most horses still standing in a certain amount of time was the winner. So they would be grappling with each other until one of them knocked the other over. They had blue versus green and red versus white. Blue and white won so it was then blue versus white and red versus green to determine the winning order. End result was blue, white, red, and then green! (This was the school that I was on the blue team so we won first place in that event! :D Go blue team!)

Alright, folks! We've got our finalists for the one-on-one matches! Coming up next week, the notorious heart to heart talk between Izuku and Todoroki. Secrets will be revealed and truths will be told. ;) Until next time, thanks for reading, stay safe, and please report any typos or weirdness!

Chapter 40: Sports Festival: The Talk

Notes:

Welcome back readers with chapter 40! :D Another ten chapters in with this fic! Thank you to all who have left comments and kudos as well as those who have bookmarked! ^____^ As well as all others who have taken a gander. Much appreciated to all!

Warning for excessive swearing cause Katsuki. :P

Now then, let us go forth into...The Talk. Enjoy!

Linktree to all the things! This includes the discord, tumblr, and more! Join if you'd like! :D

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Fuck.

Third. Fucking third. Not only after the first round did Katsuki end up in second, but now after the second he was in third. Shitty fucking third. What the hell was up with that? He was the fucking best and yet he still hadn’t laid claim the position of first place that was rightfully his.

No, that Half-and-Half bastard came in first. Again. And he didn’t look happy about it. Fucking again. Standing there all smug and glaring at some extra in the crowd. Though when Katsuki followed his gaze he saw it actually wasn’t just ‘some’ extra. It was Endeavor, the Number Two Hero.

What the hell is that about?

On top of that, the shitty ass Deku managed to qualify to the next round. Fucking again! What the fuck was up with that?! Making it through the first round he could write off as a fluke. Making it through the second? Now he was starting to get really pissed off.

I bet he only made it through ‘cause Pink Cheeks and Birdbrain teamed up with him for some fucking reason. Of course, Dreadlocks did too. Those two damn nerds have been glued to each other for over a year now.

Glaring at the damn nerd, Katsuki watched Deku cross the field and approach the damn Candy Cane. The blonde saw that arrogant bastard’s angry expression soften for some reason as the taller boy turned to the shorter.

What?

IcyHot moved closer to the useless freak of nature and acted as if he knew him already.

What?!

Then the Half-and-Half bastard took Deku’s hand in his and the Quirkless fucker actually smiled.

WHAT?!

The shitty nerd said something to the other boy and they walked off the field together.

What in the ever fucking hell is happening?!

Katsuki had no idea what was going on with those two. Or how in the hell they knew each other. But he was going to fucking find out that’s for damned sure. Shoving his hands in his pockets, the explosive teen stalked off after the frustrating and annoyingly mysterious pair.

~~~

“Well it isn’t first, but I guess second isn’t too bad,” Tetsutetsu said as he removed the headbands from around his head and neck. “In any case, good work team.”

“I’m merely happy we did not get any divine retribution,” Shiozaki sighed with relief.

“From what?” Shouda asked, eyeing his classmate nervously.

“From stealing that small one’s headband early on,” she replied with a slightly concerned frown. “It was a bit underhanded, don’t you think?”

“I wouldn’t worry about it,” Hitoshi stated, sending a side-eyed glare in perverted Grape’s direction. “From what I’ve heard of him, any kind of karmic punishment he gets is well deserved. He was kicked out of 1-A after all.”

The three 1-B students looked at the 1-C student curiously but didn’t push the subject further. It didn’t matter anyway. That insult to the color purple wouldn’t be moving on to the third round. While Hitoshi and Izuku would be.

Make it through the second round, check.

“I want to thank you,” Hitoshi said, turning back to his team. “You didn’t have to team up with me but you did. I know to you I’m just some punk from Gen Ed and you took a chance with letting me join you. So, uh, thanks. For taking that chance.” By the end of his little speech, Hitoshi rubbed the back of his head a bit sheepishly.

“Nah, man, thank you,” Tetsutetsu said, patting the purple-haired teen on the back reassuringly. “You may be in Gen Ed but you’ve got some fight in you.”

“Not to mention your Quirk did help us along the way,” Shiozaki added.

“Yes, with your Quirk, a few teams literally just gave their points away,” Shouda pointed out. “Which helped us come in second. Thanks for that.”

 “…you’re welcome,” Hitoshi replied hesitantly, still unsure how they really felt about his Quirk.

Brainwashing helped them get some points, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t see it as villainous like most people typically do. He had still been hesitant to reveal his Quirk to them, but knew it was necessary if they were going to work together. They hadn’t said anything about whether they thought his Quirk was villainous or not, jumping right into strategizing how to use it in conjunction with their own. It left their true opinions on it up in the air, but that hadn’t been the time to worry about it. Though, now that the round was over and they passed as they had planned, the worry came back anew.

“Before you mentioned you wanted to be in the Hero course,” Tetsutetsu said, breaking Hitoshi out of his thoughts. “And that there was a way to be considered for transfer, right?”

Why is he asking?, the purple haired teen thought, remembering that the steel user had been there for his declaration of war against 1-A. Though it was mostly directed towards Bakugou.

“…yes, there is,” Hitoshi hesitantly confirmed with a nod. “Our mutual friend and I both want to be Heroes, but the Hero Practical is biased towards more physical Quirks. So, we didn’t get in the Hero Course. But if we make an impression during the third round, they may consider us for transfer.”

Is he now going to tell me not to try like everyone else had? Well, except Izuku…and Aizawa…and Yamada.

“Well then, I wish you luck,” Tetsutetsu said, offering a fist bump. The tired purple eyes looked at it in surprise but returned it none the less.

Huh.

Tetsutetsu grinned when he reciprocated and continued, “You’ve got the drive and the skill to do it.”

“I agree,” Shouda chimed in, surprising the 1-C student again. “Plus, being able to order an opponent to do what you want by simply responding to a question is a useful skill. Both for offense and defense. There are many ways a Quirk like that would be suitable for Hero work.”

Hitoshi quirked a brow as his eyes widened slightly, a bit bewildered. He thinks it’s good for Hero work?

“Yes, your heart is of one who seeks to prove their worth,” Shiozaki added, bringing her hands together as if in prayer. Once again, Hitoshi was surprised even further. “May you be blessed and receive your validation.”

“Oh, uh, thanks,” Hitoshi replied, blushing slightly. “Good luck to you, too.”

He still wasn’t used to people finding his Quirk useful or heroic. So, to hear that these Hero Course students, that he practically barely just met, thought so was a shock. Before UA, he had always been told that he had a Villain’s Quirk. That, with his brainwashing, he was born to be a Villain and could never be a Hero. Not even at hom…not even in the house he lived in did any of the people think he could be a Hero. Only a Villain. Some even believed it so thoroughly that they refused to respond to him whenever, or rather, if ever he would talk. Fearing that Hitoshi would use his natural born power to manipulate and control them for his own personal gain.

But that is something I’ve never wanted to do.

Izuku had been the very first person to say his Quirk could be heroic ever in his life, quite adamantly in fact. Hitoshi swore he could still feel where the greenette had emphatically poked him repeatedly in the chest. Mei didn’t care either way and merely gushed about what kind of ‘babies’ she could make to help him, for his Quirk or not. The 1-A students that joined them for lunch didn’t know what it was exactly, mostly out of habit of not bringing it up, but he didn’t necessarily keep it a secret as he found himself using it more casually without fearing being judged. Other than his friends, Aizawa, and Yamada, these 1-B students were the first to actually know what his Quirk was in UA.

However, they only knew partially what he could do with his Quirk. He had purposefully only used his Quirk asking questions in case they faced off in the finals. During their training, Izuku and he had discovered he didn’t have to ask a question specifically as long as the other person responded to whatever the brainwasher said. He only had to have the intent to brainwash with whatever he said for it to work.

But still, these students, who had only recently met and fought with him, believed his Quirk could be useful in a heroic way. It was a bit overwhelming and didn’t seem real, but after having met an insistent Izuku, he decided to take them at their word. His Quirkless friend had shared with him how UA was turning out to be different from any of the other schools he had been in during their weeks of training. And after this, Hitoshi couldn’t help but agree.

UA is different.

With a few more words of thanks and wishes of luck, the 1-C student bid goodbye to the Hero students and turned to head off to lunch. Now to find his friends and relax during lunch before the real battles begin.

Having made it through the first two rounds, Izuku and he planned to use the third to show that they had what it takes to be a Hero. Unfortunately, the angry Pomeranian also made it through. Though seeing the explosive teen throwing a temper tantrum while faceplanted into the ground had been hilarious. But after hearing stories from Izuku about the blonde along with the guy’s super inflated ego, Hitoshi wished he hadn’t made it to the third round.

I really hope Izuku doesn’t have to go up against him. At least not any time soon. But if he does, I’m positive he would beat that bastard’s ass.

Speaking of said ass, Hitoshi noticed Bakagou stomping angrily across the field and following Izuku and not-at-all-his-boyfriend Todoroki, who were holding hands. Worried for his friends, the 1-C student trailed after the blonde to make sure he didn’t do anything to hurt his friend. And if need be, use his Quirk if he had to. His Heroic Quirk.

~~~

Walking hand in hand with fingers intertwined now that they were alone, Izuku led Todoroki off the field and through the hallways within the UA Stadium. They made a brief stop at 1-H’s prep room so Izuku could store his Support Items until the third round before continuing on their way. Since everyone broke for lunch, students littered the hallways so the pair continued to walk until they found a place they could be alone. Which turned out to be one of the pathways that led to outside of the stadium, but was well away from prying ears. At least as far as they knew.

The two stopped a few feet from the entryway and Izuku had them sitting side by side against one wall. The greenette sat cross-legged nearest to the opening, partially cast in sunlight, while the other sat to his left with his legs stretched out, cast in mostly shadow. They sat there for a moment in silence, their hands entwined between them, before the shorter of the two broke it.

“So…I’m g-guessing you’re wondering what I w-wanted to talk about?” Izuku asked, glancing at the boy next to him.

“I am,” Todoroki replied, drawing his eyes away from their hands to look at his friend. “What is it?”

“Well, um, f-first I wanted to say congratulations o-on winning again!” Izuku stated with a smile.

“Oh…thanks,” Todoroki said, turning away with a slightly sad looking expression.

That. That’s what I want to talk about.

“Y-yeah, you worked really hard a-and won first place in the first two rounds,” Izuku continued, giving his friend’s hand a squeeze. “Your ice r-really helped you out.”

Though he could have had more of an advantage if he had used his left side as well.

Todoroki glanced at him and offered a small smile that didn’t hold as much warmth as others he had given before. Then he turned his heterochromatic eyes away again to look at the adjacent wall with a blank and somewhat sad expression.

“Todoroki-kun, why are you not happy with your wins?” Izuku asked abruptly.

The taller teen quickly looked at his friend with slightly widened eyes. “W-what do you mean?”

“You d-don’t look happy about your wins,” Izuku said, biting his lip nervously. “Y-you look sad.”

“Oh…well, I’m not really sad,” Todoroki responded, turning his gaze back down to their hands. “More…indifferent.”

“Why?” Izuku asked with a tilt of his head.

“Because I don’t particularly care about winning,” Todoroki replied with a slight frown. “I’m only fighting for first to prove a point. All my life I’ve been raised to be a Hero. The Hero my father wants me to be. He had me start training ever since my Quirk manifested. Showed me off at various Hero events over the years. He even got me into UA on recommendation. Everything that I’ve ever ‘accomplished’ before now has been because of him. Not me.”

The bi-color teen let out a sigh and slumped back against the wall, his head falling back with a slight thud.

“I did win the first and second round and I know I should be happy with that,” Todoroki continued. “But I know for him…since I didn’t use his fire and only my mother’s ice, it’s not enough. It never is when I refuse to use my left side. But I won’t ever give him the satisfaction and will continue to win using only my right. I will prove that I can win on my own, without his fire.”

Why does he keep calling it his father’s fire?, Izuku thought as he huffed out an exasperated sigh, earning a curious side glance from the other.

“I know you have your reasons for not using your left,” Izuku said, his brow furrowed in frustration. “But I still think you should use both sides of your Quirk. Mostly because I don’t want you to get hurt, but also because I think if you did you would be even better of a Hero.”

Todoroki grimaced and let go of his hand as he stood up.

“You don’t understand,” he muttered, moving to the other wall and leaning against it with his arms crossed, facing away from the opening of the tunnel.

“No, I don’t,” Izuku retorted, standing up as well. “But I want to. If you’ll tell me.”

The only response he got was a scowl aimed at the floor.

“Todoroki-kun, you have a powerful Quirk,” Izuku pressed, still on his side of the tunnel. “You have the ability to channel ice and fire. That power could be used to help a lot of people. But if you don’t use and train with half your Quirk, you won’t be fighting with your full potential.”

Again, all he got was stubborn silence. The way the other was so determined to not use his full power was really starting to irritate him.

“You know, you winning by half-ass means is an insult to everyone else in this festival.”

That got a reaction as grey and blue eyes glared at him.

“What do you mean?” Todoroki asked, some venom in his voice.

“You have been gifted with a powerful Quirk, Todoroki-kun,” Izuku replied, keeping a neutral expression on his face. “So much so that you got in on recommendation. Yes, with your father’s influence at the start, but you were the one that passed the Recommendation Exam.”

The taller teen’s glare softened a tiny bit but it was still there as he stared at the boy across from him.

“But for those who didn’t get in on recommendation,” Izuku continued. “They’ve worked their asses off to be here. And are still fighting with all their might. But you…you are half-assing your way through these trials and still succeeding as if this was child’s play. For everyone to be trying their hardest while you don’t is an insult to their efforts.”

“What others do is not my concern,” Todoroki retorted. “I’m only here to prove to my father I don’t need his damn fire to be a Hero. When in battle, I will never use my left side.”

“But you could be so much more if you did!” Izuku shot back, brows furrowed in anger.

“How would you know?! You’re Quirkless!” Todoroki snapped, causing Izuku to flinch. Seeing that, a flash of guilt appeared on the other’s normally stoic face as he quickly offered, “Sorry.”

An awkward silence fell between them. At one point, Izuku thought he heard a noise down the hallway but when his ears were met with nothing but his and Todoroki’s breathing, he waved it off as nothing. He turned his attention back to the stubborn boy across from him.

What happened between him and his father for him to be so against using his left side? Well, if the reasons are as personal as I suspect, being asked to just share it out right could be too much. And we haven’t known each other that long. But maybe if I…

“Y-you’re right,” Izuku finally said, breaking their silence. “I don’t know w-what it’s like to have a strong Quirk like yours, l-let alone a Quirk at all. I can analyze a-and theorize about Quirks all I want, but I will never know what it’s like to have one. I-I know that.” Small tears started to form in the corners of his eyes in frustration.

“…Midoriya,” Todoroki said in an attempt to console his friend. His first real friend.

But Izuku didn’t let him interrupt and wiped his eyes as he continued, “You grew up w-with high expectations set upon you. Though with your father b-being the Number Two Hero, I would imagine that would be h-hard to avoid. Not just f-from Endeavor but also from the public s-since you would be a legacy.”

Todoroki flinched at the word ‘legacy’.

“Well, I-I grew up with none. N-not even the usual ‘you can do whatever I don’t care’ expectations. No. I literally mean none. B-because I’m Quirkless, since the age of four, n-no one, except my parents, had any expectations of me a-at all. They didn’t think I c-could do anything. Nothing at all. It was like I was too weak and fragile without a Quirk. Even my childhood friend t-turned into a bully and labeled me a ‘Deku’.”

Again, Izuku thought he heard a noise from down the hall, but he paid it no mind. He needed to focus on the stubborn boy in front of him.

“…Deku,” Todoroki murmured. “But that means…”

“Useless,” Izuku confirmed with a small nod and a grimace. “J-just because I was born without a Quirk, s-something I had no control over, made e-everyone around me think of me a-as less than others. Inferior. Or as if, without a Quirk, I w-was not even a person to them. Just a weak, useless Deku.”

Todoroki stared at his friend in shock. He didn’t consider his friend to be inferior. He wasn't weak or useless. Midoriya was just…Midoriya.

“But I’m not,” the greenette continued, his voice more stable as he let out some of his frustration that had built up over the years. “If anything, I’m not limited because of a Quirk. And we didn’t always have them. Quirks started showing up hundreds of years ago but there was a time when no one had them. Only now it’s more ‘normal’ to have a Quirk than not. But so what that I don’t have a Quirk. That doesn’t mean I have no potential at all. In fact, if you think about it, I have more than most.”

“How so?” Todoroki asked, eyeing the other curiously.

“Those with Quirks may have a skill that I will never have, but as Mei-chan puts it, I’m a ‘blank canvas’,” Izuku replied. “I have the potential to be anything I want because I have nothing to hinder what I want to become. No Quirk that assigns me a certain set of skills. I get to choose what those skills are and how I use them.”

The greenette pushed off the wall and walked over to stand in front of the bi-color teen. He took the taller boy’s right hand in his left, still finding the coolness of it fascinating.

“You can choose what your skills are too, Todoroki-kun,” Izuku said, green eyes meeting grey and blue ones. “You have a strong Quirk that has a lot of potential, but you are letting whatever issues you have with your father limit that. Letting them limit you. Please, Todoroki-kun, tell me why you refuse to use your left side.”

Izuku pleaded silently with his eyes and the bi-color teen tried to resist but eventually knew he couldn’t. Not against those calm, comforting green eyes of his friend. With a sigh, the taller boy tore his focus away from the face of the other to look at their joined hands instead.

“Earlier I told you my father started training me once my Quirk manifested,” Todoroki started, getting a nod in reply. “Well…there’s a reason for that. My father, Endeavor, is the Number Two Hero. The second greatest Hero of all time. A powerful man with a powerful Quirk. But being second best wasn’t enough. Not for him.”

The greenette looked at his friend in concern, but said nothing, not wanting to interrupt him now that he was finally talking.

“My old man is an ambitious bastard. Always aiming for the top and becoming stronger. But, despite all his power that helped him make a name for himself, he could only ever go so far. All Might, the living legend, is seen as nothing but a roadblock and an eyesore to my father. Living proof of his failure to become number one. That he has never been able to beat All Might on his own. But he refused to let that stop him. So, he came up with a plan to take down All Might. By any means deemed necessary.”

What does he mean? Izuku thought to himself as his friend finally met his eyes.

“Midoriya, have you ever heard of…Quirk marriages?”

Izuku paled suddenly as he nodded. Of course, he had heard of Quirk marriages. With all the research he did on Quirks how could he not have. The problematic practice arose in the early generations after Quirks had first started appearing. Those with strong and powerful Quirks would seek a potential mate solely because of their Quirk and with the intention of creating children with a strengthened version of them. It was entirely unethical and laws were created to prevent them. But if what his friend was implying was true…

Oh no…

“With my father’s wealth and fame, along with his blinding ambition, he had no issue convincing my mother’s family into agreeing with the marriage. He practically bought my mother just to get his hands on her Quirk. After three attempts that he ultimately considered failures, I was born with a ‘perfect’ mix of their Quirks. Ice on one side, fire on the other. His ‘masterpiece’ as he says.”

Izuku still didn’t want to interrupt, but he did give his friend’s hand a comforting squeeze. To help ground his friend in the moment, but also to get some feeling in his own hand again. As he talked, the ice user’s right hand had frosted over slightly as he relived his past.

“As you said, I am his ‘legacy’. But you are more right than you know. I was created to do what he never could. He raised me to fulfill his own ambitions and be the one to usurp All Might. It’s so annoying. That scumbag sees me only as a tool. I hate it!”

“Todoroki-kun…” Izuku muttered, tears forming in his eyes. But Todoroki was on a roll and kept plowing forward.

“Because of that human garbage, in every memory I have of my mother, she was always crying. She tried to stop him but no matter what she did he wouldn’t. He even went as far as to hit her when she got in his way. It came to the point that she started to associate my left side with him.”

Todoroki reached for his scar with his left hand, covering it up. Izuku eyed the action with worried curiosity. Was it…not a Quirk accident?

‘His left side is unbearable’. That’s what she said that day before she poured boiling water on my face. This scar was no accident, but because of him.”

Izuku couldn’t help himself. Without thinking, he lurched forward and wrapped his arms around the taller teen. Todoroki was surprised to suddenly find himself in a hug, not knowing what to do with his arms. It was the first hug he had had in a long time. He couldn’t even remember the last time he had been hugged. But just like Izuku’s hands, the feel of his arms around him was nice…and warm.

The shorter boy pulled away, wiping tears from his eyes with his hand. “I-I’m sorry if I m-made you uncomfortable, Todoroki-kun. But I…I’m so s-sorry you had to go through th-that. A-and your poor mother.”

Our worlds growing up were so different and yet somewhat similar. We’re both aiming to be Heroes. But while everyone had tried to push me down, he was pushed up to his limit by his own father. No care to what his own child dreamed to do and forced his never achieved aspirations onto his son. It’s so horrible.

“It’s fine. You didn’t make me uncomfortable,” Todoroki said, taking Izuku’s hand in his again. Though he made a mental note to ask about the hug later. Maybe they could do that too? “After that day, my mother was sent away and I haven’t seen her since. I don’t blame her for what she did. It wasn’t her fault, but his. All of his pushing drove her to snap. So, you see, Midoriya…”

Grey and blue eyes looked up and met green ones, silently pleading for him to understand.

“…by not using my left side…it’s my revenge on him. I will prove to that bastard that I don’t need his damned Fire Quirk to win. That I reject him and his power. That by winning without using it, I will have denied him everything.”

I can see why he’s so focused. With a tragic backstory like that, he’s like a protagonist in a comic book. Then again, who am I to talk?

“I-I understand why you don’t want to use your left, Todoroki-kun,” Izuku said, running his thumb along the other boy’s knuckles. “I still think th-that you should use it regardless because it’s your Quirk, b-but I get why you don’t.”

Todoroki let out a sigh and squeezed his hand. “Thank you, Midoriya.”

“You’re welcome, Todoroki-kun,” Izuku said with a small smile. “W-we’re friends. Friends support each other.”

Even if they’re making slightly dumb and petty choices. But I’ll get it through his thick skull that it’s his fire eventually. I am, if not anything else, persistent.

“Come on,” Izuku prodded, gently tugged at the other’s hand. “Let’s go get some food before the second half of the festival. We’re both going to be in the one-on-ones later and need our energy.”

“Sure,” Todoroki replied, with a small smile of his own and following the shorter boy back down the hall.

Once they reached the end of the hallway, Izuku caught a whiff of a distinctive smell and paused. It smelled sweet but also burnt, like caramel. The scent was familiar, but how? Wait…

Katsuki.

Of course. A part of his Explosion Quirk was a nitroglycerin-like sweat that secreted from his skin. That burnt sugar smell was one he knew well from growing up with the explosive teen. Once his Quirk had come in, not a day went by without a hint of it in the air. But why was it here in this hallway? Izuku scanned the area for any other sign of the blonde but found nothing.

“Midoriya, is something wrong?” Todoroki asked.

“Eh? Oh no, it’s nothing,” Izuku replied, turning back to his friend. “Shall we?”

“Yes.”

Hand in hand, they walked towards the cafeteria to eat and relax before their next round of battles. The Sports Festival was far from over, but for now they would rest.

Notes:

There ya have it! The Talk. Katsuki is a nosy busy body when it comes to Izuku. He needs to learn to mind his own damn business. Hitoshi just wants to protect his friend. And Izuku just wants to comfort his friend. As well as to at one point to hopefully get him to accept his full power. But that will have to wait until later. :P

Also! Hitoshi gets some encouragement from his 1-B teammates! I like to think that those that got into UA, except Katsuki, would be more accepting of others. So that's how I'm writing it! :D 'Cause it's my fic and I'll do what I want. :P Besides, Hitoshi deserves to get encouragement and acceptance from his peers as well as make new friends just as much as Izuku does.

Fun Facts About Japan:

Another event that I've seen in a sports festival was kind of similar in concept to the multiple person three-legged race, but instead of having them tied together, the group had to hold on to a bamboo pole. For example, a group of 6-7 girls will all have to keep holding on to a bamboo pole, run across the field to a cone, as a group circle the cone 1-2 times while keeping hold of the bamboo, and then run back to the next group. If anyone let go of the pole, a teacher would make the group stop and go back to the point before that student let go. All groups of that team for that event would go and the last one would have a special jersey to mark them as the last and when they finished, they would stand the bamboo pole straight up vertically to signify they were done. So a kind of group relay race. :)

EDIT: Changed some bits in the talk part. Shout out to reader SkyPalaceBuilder on fanfiction point out having Izuku compare himself to being disable is insensitive on my part. So I apologize if that upset anyone. I've changed that to something else. Also shout out to Present_Listener for pointing out the hundred years issue. It has been now fixed. :)

And that was the Talk! Next week, we'll see Katsuki's reaction 'cause you know his nosy self eavesdropped, some reflection from Hitoshi, and Izuku makes another friend during lunch! :D Until then, be healthy and report any typos or weirdness!

Chapter 41: Sports Festival: Lunch Time With Friends

Notes:

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I know I posted this on Friday instead of Thursday, but I figure many of you would be with your families as I am. And if you weren't, or don't celebrate the holiday, I hope you had a pleasant Thursday anyway! :D

Time for the reactions to The Talk from last chapter. Time for how Katsuki reacted to what he wasn't supposed to hear, Hitoshi's protective side for our broccoli boy, and more lunch time friend-making shenanigans. ^____^ Let's go!

Once again, warning for excessive swearing for Katsuki. Um, maybe a need for a teasing warning? It's at the end of Hitoshi's pov from "Maybe I should start..." to "...Mei about it later." That's it I think though.

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

What the fuck?

When Katstuki had followed Deku and IcyHot, he only did it in hopes of finding out how the nerd knew the annoying Half-and-Half bastard. And maybe what the Quirkless Wonder had been up to while at UA. Other than staying the hell out of his way, as he should.

At first, he found their conversation irritating with Deku complimenting Peppermint boy on his wins. Which then led to them talking about feels, ugh, and other blah blah blahs. Stupid shit like that. Though he did find it entertaining that the shitty nerd called out IcyHot for half-assing his way through. As well as pushing to find out why exactly which the current-first-place thorn in his side stubbornly refused to answer.

Then Half-and-Half snapped and called Deku Quirkless. In a tone that meant the nerd will never get what it’s like to have a Quirk. Which was true and something that Katsuki could understand and get behind. That is until he apologized for some reason. It confused the blonde who clicked his tongue a little louder than he intended.

Why would he apologize to the shitty nerd by calling him what he is? Quirkless. Useless. Deku.

In fact, Deku even agreed with him after a few moments of silence. Even going as far as to confirm he knew that no one expected him to amount to anything. Because what could a useless Quirkless nobody like him ever amount to anyway.

Though he didn’t appreciate the damn nerd calling him a bully, clicking his tongue again in annoyance. He wasn’t a bully. He was only trying to teach Deku his place. That without a Quirk he was nothing. Which the nerd said as much.

See. Even Deku gets it.

Or so he thought. Until the fucker started spouting crap about not being a waste of space and actually having ‘potential’. The amount of optimism still left in Deku after all these years made him want to puke. As if some shitty gadgets and fucking doohickeys could ever replace a Quirk. There was just no way.

‘But he did make it through the first two rounds using those doohickeys,’ an inner voice supplied unwantedly.

Katsuki didn’t want to acknowledge anything remotely resembling a fact that the Quirkless Blunder could have done anything without real natural-born power. Choosing instead to write it off as luck and having to scrape by while clinging to others in order to get by. There’s just no way Deku could actually do anything. Then the fucker said something that couldn’t ever remotely be true.

“I have the potential to be anything I want because I have nothing to hinder what I want to be.”

Pssh. Yeah, right. No matter how fucking glass-half-full the shitty nerd thinks, Deku’s glass has been empty ever since he was four and never manifested a Quirk. Ruining everything in the process. How could we possibly be a Hero duo when he couldn’t ever be one without a Quirk. He would only get himself killed.

Katsuki continued to listen to the shit coming out of the fucking nerd’s mouth. Somehow, whatever he said did get through IcyHot’s walls and got him to talk. Crap about Endeavor using his natural power to work his way to the top, but never surpassing All Might.

Maybe his old man could never do that, but I will. I’ll be the Number One Hero someday and the best out of all of them. As I was born to be.

All Might was Katsuki’s idol, a strong Hero that used that strength to take down Villains and be the best. Endeavor, although not as highly, was also a Hero he looked up to because of his amount of raw power. You would think, being the son of the Number Two Hero, Half-and-Half would look up to his father too.

But he didn’t and openly glared at Endeavor with an anger that rivaled Katsuki’s own. He chalked it up to some rebellious phase or whatever. At this point, he didn’t think he would get the answers as to how the two knew each other and planned to walk away. That is…until the bombshell was dropped.

“Midoriya, have you ever heard of…Quirk marriages?”

What the fuck?

That…that was way more than he had bargained for. Katsuki didn’t know everything about Quirk marriages, but he knew enough to know they were bad. Forced partnerships that led to health complications most of the time among other things. Just bad.

Endeavor…forced a Quirk marriage? And Half-and-Half was a result of that? What the actual fuck?

Before he had planned to leave but found himself frozen in place as he listened. Hearing one bad thing after another about a Hero he looked up to for his power. A power the man used to reach for the top but also to force a marriage and abuse his family apparently. Something not heroic at all.

That inner voice tried to bring up that he was a bit of a hypocrite but Katsuki silenced it by letting the anger push it back down to nothing. As he always did.

So, this is the reason IcyHot has been half-assing this whole time? As a big ‘fuck you’ to his old man?

After hearing what he did, Katsuki couldn’t help but agree that the ass of a man deserved it. But then again, he also couldn’t help but remember that he was here to prove he was the best. And if that damn Half-and-Half bastard wasn’t going to give it his all over some petty grudge, then whatever win Katsuki did get wouldn’t be a complete one.

That pissed him off. Any win other than a fight fought with each side’s full power was something he could never consider a true victory. He needed to prove he was the best. Prove that everyone who said he would be an amazing Hero was right. Prove to them, his parents, Deku, but most of all…

…prove it to himself.

~~~

Hitoshi had followed the angry Pomeranian as he in turn followed Izuku and Todoroki. The purple haired teen stuck to the shadows and took advantage of corners and doorways to stay out of sight. Whatever Izuku was up to with Todoroki wasn’t his business. But Bakugou following them as if it were his business was what drove the brainwasher to follow as well.

Up ahead, he saw his friends turn another corner into a tunnel that led to outside of the stadium. Bakugou continued down the hall and stopped just before the corner, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets.

Well, at least he’s not totally inserting himself into their business. But the eavesdropping isn’t much better.

Stopping at his own shadowed corner, Hitoshi remained mostly hidden while still keeping an eye on the blonde. From where he stood, he could sort of hear the voices of his friends but was far enough away that he couldn’t make any sense of the words muffled by distance. But again, what they were talking about wasn’t his business. Bakugou was.

Following people was not a habit of the purple-haired teen usually practiced. But this involved Izuku. The first person who ever said his Quirk wasn’t villainous. The first person to ever believe that he could be a Hero with a Quirk like his. The first person to be his friend.

Izuku was someone who had literally stumbled into his life and had suddenly become a very important part of it. His words that day had turned Hitoshi’s thoughts about his own Quirk completely around. Years of everyone calling it a Villain’s Quirk didn’t completely vanish, of course, but the belief of this random boy had helped him more than he could ever express in words of his own.

So, he would be damned if he let anything happen to his friend. Especially when it came to Bakugou. As their friendship had progressed, Izuku and he had exchanged stories of the discrimination they had experienced growing up. Hitoshi for his not-actually-villainous Quirk and Izuku for his lack of one.

Hitoshi felt that Izuku tended to down play aspects of the bullying he had received due to his friend’s forgiving nature. But there was one element of the greenette’s accounts that kept coming back again and again. A certain explosive element by the name of Bakugou Katsuki.

His friend had told him tales of how his once childhood friend had changed when they were four. That the blonde’s already fiery personality had evolved and became as explosive as his Quirk, especially when Izuku never developed one of his own.

Izuku said he didn’t really understand why Bakugou had stopped being his friend or why he was so adamant about telling him he couldn’t be a Hero. All he knew was that after the blonde learned he would never have a Quirk, the older of the two seemed to have turned all that fiery anger to him.

From what Hitoshi had heard, it seemed to him that Bakugou was one percent evil and ninety-nine percent hot angry-ass gas. Or that his anger level was unusually high for someone of his dick size. Not that he knew for sure or anything, but the guy seriously oozed tiny dick syndrome. Acting as if that by yelling loud enough, everyone would have to listen and follow what he says not matter what. Which, as it turned out, had been how the explosive teen’s school life had gone with his followers of ‘extras’ including students and teachers alike. Letting him get away with anything as he understood it.

The bullying had started as physical with Bakugou using his Quirk as well as his fists on Izuku and inspired others to do the same. But the physical attacks had stopped once Izuku started taking self-defense classes and learned to stand his ground. So, the physical turned to verbal.

‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.’

Whoever said that was an idiot. Hitoshi knew from experience that words can hurt you just as much as any ‘sticks’ and ‘stones’ could. Words may not cause bones to break, but they can inflict just as painful wounds and leave just as unpleasant scars behind. New words could treat those wounds and sooth those scars, but they would never truly and fully heal just like any physical injury. His own were slowing getting better with Izuku’s help, along with their other friends, and Hitoshi hoped that it was the same for his friend.

Which led his thoughts back to the task at hand. Keeping to the shadows, Hitoshi eyed the weirdly-quiet blonde as the other stood there with his hands in his pockets and listened in on a conversation that had nothing to do with him. Hitoshi couldn’t really hear anything and only had Bakugou’s expressions to tell whatever tone his friends’ talk was turning.

For a while, the angry Pomeranian stood there with the usual scowl on his face. But then, his expression turned to one that Hitoshi could only think to describe as horror. What the hell were his friends talking about to make Bakugou look like that?

It wasn’t too long after that, that Bakugou schooled his face back to his typical glare and stormed down the hall. Hitoshi pushed himself further into the shadow he stood in and watched the explosive teen stalk by, unaware he was being watched. Wafts of burnt sugar filled the air as he trudged by which Hitoshi knew was due to his Quirk. The blonde was out of sight by the time Hitoshi saw his friends entering the corridor.

Staying hidden, Hitoshi saw Izuku pause and sniff the air. Probably also smelling the left-over odor of Bakugou’s Quirk he guessed knowing the greenette’s observant nature. Watching the shorter of the pair wave off the taller one’s concerns as they continued down the hall, Hitoshi waited until they were closer before he revealed himself.

“There you two are,” Hitoshi said as he stepped out from around his corner.

Izuku jumped slightly at his sudden appearance and said, “Oh, H-Hitoshi-kun! Hey! Were you l-looking for us?”

Hitoshi noticed that they had immediately stopped holding hands once he had appeared, but he didn’t say anything.

“Yeah, I was,” he said, turning around as he beckoned them to follow and then started to lead the way to the cafeteria. He could hear the other two following him. “Mei and the others went ahead to get a table. Let’s grab some grub before lunch is over, yeah?”

“Of course!” Izuku chirped behind him while Todoroki merely hummed a reply.

So, together they walked through the halls with Hitoshi walking slightly ahead. As the trio walked, the three passed some small talk back and…well, not really forth. Mostly it was Izuku muttering about the Quirks he had seen and theories of how one student would fair against another in the coming battles. From time to time, Todoroki and Hitoshi would make a small comment, but for the most part it was Izuku doing the talking.

As they walked, Hitoshi would glance back every so often and see that they weren’t holding hands per se but their pinkies were linked. But again, he never said anything. It wasn’t his place to comment on Izuku and his not-his-boyfriend friend seeking a small comfort like that. It was actually kind of adorable to be honest. Especially paired with the small smiles they would trade with each other.

Maybe I should start a betting pool to see how long it takes for them to get together officially? Though, taking both of their either obliviousness or denial, it could still be quite a while. I’ll have to talk with Mei about it later.

~~~

Once they got closer to the cafeteria, Izuku and Todoroki shared a look and one last comforting squeeze before letting go of each other’s pinkie. It wasn’t out of discomfort that they didn’t hold hands, or fingers, in front of others, but more out of a want of privacy. It was something special between him and his friend that they mutually wanted to keep to themselves for the most part.

After standing in line, they arrived at the front and ordered their food. Although Izuku loved katsudon, today he went for something lighter and nutritional but still delicious and opted for a lunch of cooked fish, rice, and miso soup. Hitoshi and Todoroki both ordered cold soba, the former because he just felt like it and the latter because it was his favorite.

Izuku, as well as his growling stomach, was looking forward to eating after fighting so hard to make it to the third round. However, after they got their food, the greenette found himself distracted by something he overheard before settling down to eat. That something involving a certain perverted grape boy who was scheming something or other. Specifically, something involving the girls of 1-A from what he overheard as the three passed by the short boy talking to Yaoyorozu and Jirou, both with trays in hand.

What is he up to?, Izuku thought as he strained to listen as they passed by.

“…you’re a class rep so I figured you knew all the girls are required to participate in the cheer competition after lunch,” the small boy said.

“That’s odd,” Yaoyorozu said, brows furrowed in confusion. “No one told us about this before. Are you sure?”

“Maybe you forgot or something,” the shorter boy said with a shrug, turned around to point across the room at something. “But apparently all the girls have to wear uniforms like those to compete in it.”

Following his finger, Izuku saw he was pointing at some foreign cheerleaders in matching outfits. The greenette then turned back only to see something that raised a red flag in his mind. With his back to the girls, they couldn’t see the disturbing look on the pervert’s face. But Izuku could. And he didn’t like it. That doesn’t suggest anything remotely close to good intentions. Breaking away from his small group, Izuku headed over to the girls.

“Excuse me,” Izuku said, catching their attention as he walked towards them. The girls looked surprised at his sudden appearance though recognition dawned on Yaoyorozu’s face. “Where did you hear that the girls had to participate in a cheer competition?”

The girls looked confused at that information while the shorter boy sent him a glare as if to say ‘why are you trying to mess this up?’.

“I heard if from Aizawa-sensei himself,” he sneered. “So, unless you want to get the girls in trouble, I suggest you butt out of this.”

“But why would Aizawa-sensei tell you instead of Yaoyorozu-san who is, as you said, a class rep?” Izuku challenged, brows furrowed and hands wishing he had his escrima stick with him to use on the other boy again.

“Because I, uh,” the shorter boy started, obviously trying to think of a plausible explanation on the fly. “He was in a hurry a-and told me to pass the reminder along.” A slightly smug look spread on his face at the quick lie.

Yeah right.

“Well, I’ve studied the past Sports Festivals and having the girls participate in such an event has never come up,” Izuku retorted, trying to channel his inner Aizawa to look as stern as possible. “Plus, if all the girls are supposed to compete, where are the uniforms they would be required to wear?” He looked down at Mineta’s obviously empty hands.

“They, uh, ran out,” Mineta said, sweating nervously slightly. “So, she would have to, uh, make some with her Quirk!” He smirked at the end as if his reasoning wasn’t to be questioned.

Not to be questioned, my ass!

“But if they wanted the girls to participate in the event, wouldn’t they have provided enough outfits to include them?” Izuku challenged further. “Seems off that they wouldn’t since it’s ‘required’ like you said and that they would expect the girls to make the uniforms themselves. Especially since they would have no idea that one of them had a Creation Quirk that would allow them to do so.”

Izuku turned his attention to the girls.

“Doesn’t that seem odd to you?”

The girls shared an inquiring look between them, then turned again to look at Izuku and Mineta. The greenette could see the uncertainty in their eyes, unsure if to believe the short pervert or not. After all, it was Mineta. But if Aizawa had said something…

“I agree with Izuku,” Hitoshi called out from behind him. Seems he and Todoroki had followed after him rather than moving on to the table. Izuku smiled. It felt nice to know his friends had his back.

“I as well,” Todoroki added, sending a hard expression down at the shortest teen. Izuku was his first real friend, but since they both came from prominent families, he had enough of a friendship with Yaoyorozu to be angry. Trying to take advantage of her or anyone else like this was wrong. “Perhaps we should confirm with Aizawa-sensei and see what he has to say.”

Mineta started sweating buckets under the hard glare before sputtering out some crap about a misunderstanding and quickly ran away. The girls and Izuku let out a collective sigh of relief.

“Saving someone again from the pervert?” Hitoshi asked with a teasing tone.

“Apparently,” Izuku huffed. “At this point, it’s getting tedious. Though at least this time didn’t take a taser.”

“Taser?” Jirou questioned, brow quirked curiously.

“He’s the one who shocked Mineta off my back when he used his Quirk on me during the Obstacle Course,” Yaoyorozu explained and then sent a grateful smile to Izuku. “Thank you again, by the way.”

“I-It was no trouble,” Izuku replied with a blush.

“Oh, so, does that make you Hiro?” Jirou asked.

“Eh?!” Izuku exclaimed.

“You really are terrible at keeping secrets, aren’t you, Izuku?” Hitoshi snarked, causing Izuku’s face to redden more as he focused his attention on his food tray.

“It’s not his fault,” Jirou interjected, looking a bit shy herself. “My, uh, Quirk is a listening type and I tend to hear things that most people want to keep secret. I have a lot of practice not sharing what I’ve heard because they’re not my secrets to tell.”

Izuku perked up at the new tidbit of information about her Quirk to which Hitoshi rolled his eyes affectionately.

“Anyway, I overheard enough hints here and there to guess that you’re Hiro,” Jirou continued with a shrug. “Plus, your voice is exactly the same. But like I said, it wasn’t my secret to tell. The only reason I brought it up is because I knew these three already did.” She gestured to Yaoyorozu, Todoroki, and Hitoshi.

“Oh! Well, um, thank you for keeping it a secret,” Izuku said, smiling with cheeks still slightly pink. “I really appreciate it. I’m Midoriya Izuku. Nice to meet you.” He gave a small bow of his head.

“Jirou Kyouka. Likewise,” Jirou replied with her own small bow and smile.

“Alright, enough with making new friends,” Hitoshi interjected with an exaggerated huff. “You’re catching them like Pokémon. I’m starving and my food is getting cold.”

“But you have cold soba like me,” Todoroki commented with a quirked brow. “It’s supposed to be cold.”

Hitoshi gave the bi-color teen a deadpan look before abruptly turning around to find where Mei and the others were sitting. Todoroki glanced at Izuku questioningly who simply shrugged in reply. The taller boy let out a curious hum before following after the purple haired teen.

Izuku made to follow as well but was stopped by a poke to his shoulder. Turning around, he saw it was from one of Jirou’s earphone jacks and that she had walked closer to him while Yaoyorozu seemed to be looking for a place to sit.

“What is it, Jirou-san?” Izuku asked.

“I…um…I didn’t just overhear you were Hiro,” Jirou said quietly, earning an inquiring look from him. “I, uh, I know. About your…about your Quirk status…”

Green eyes widened at that reveal, first in shock and then in fear. What does she think me? Wait, if she knows that, does she know that I…does she know I want to be a Hero?

Sensing his panic, Jirou quickly said, “I’m not judging you on it at all! I just wanted you to know that I knew and that I won’t tell anyone that either.”

“Y-you won’t?” Izuku asked, the beginnings of tears in his eyes from his panic.

“No, like I said, it’s not my secret to tell,” Jirou replied with a comforting smile. “It’s yours.”

“Th-thank you,” Izuku said, giving her a wobbly smile in return.

“No problem,” she said as she turned to join Yaoyorozu who had found a table. Izuku moved to join his friends as well before she added one last comment. “By the way…”

Izuku glanced back at the punk purple haired girl, head tilted slightly in curiosity.

“…I think it’s really cool that you want to be a Hero. Seems you’re already acting like one though. Keep up the good work.”

He couldn’t help the deep flush of red that sprouted on his face as she snorted jovially at his reaction before leaving to sit with her friend. In a daze, Izuku crossed the room and sat in the seat next to Todoroki as was tradition by now. Hitoshi sat in the seat on his other side.

“You alright there, Mido?” Uraraka asked, as Todoroki took Izuku’s hand under the table and giving his own inquiring squeeze.

“Y-yeah, I’m, uh, I’m alright,” Izuku said, breaking out his trance from the anchor that was Todoroki’s hand. He returned the squeeze with a smile before letting go so he could eat. “So, how do you think the ongoing battles will go?”

With that subject put forth for discussion, the group consisting of Mei, Hitoshi, Iida, Uraraka, Tsuyu, Todoroki, Izuku, and also with the addition of Tokoyami and Kouda, talked about their own theories of the possible outcomes. Though not going too into their own Quirks in case they faced any of those sitting at their table. They may be friends but it was still a competition.

As everyone talked, Izuku sat there enjoying his fish, rice, and miso soup, marveling at the number of friends he had now. The warm feeling in his chest made all those years of loneliness seem ages ago and he couldn’t help but smile.

A sudden pressure on his knee made Izuku first look down to find a warm hand there. He then follows the hand to the attached arm up to his friend’s face on his right. Todoroki silently asked if he was really alright with a slight squeeze to his leg. This was the first time he had ever done that so it caused Izuku to blush a little more than usual, but he gave his concerned friend a reassuring smile in answer. With a nod from the taller boy, after a comforting pat he let go and went back to his soba.

Todoroki-kun sure does love soba, Izuku thought as he chuckled to himself, cheeks still a bit pink. I wonder…

“Hey, Todoroki-kun,” Izuku said, grabbing his friend’s attention mid bite. He chuckled again at the sight of noodles hanging from chopsticks in front of the bi-color teen’s open mouth as he quirked a white brow to show he was listening. “Some Quirks are fueled by what people eat or drink. Like Iida-kun drinks orange juice to fuel his Engine Quirk or Satou-kun eats sugar for his. I was wondering if that’s the same for you and soba or if you just really like it.”

Todoroki sat there thinking, bringing the noodles into his mouth where they were then hanging out from between his lips with the ends resting in the zaru sauce. Then he slurped the noodles up before answering simply, “Yes.”

“Yes? To it fueling your Quirk or to you just liking it?” Izuku asked.

“Yes,” Todoroki replied again, preparing another bite.

Izuku looked at him in confusion for a second before brushing it off and chuckling with a smile. Todoroki can be silly at times. But that’s ok. He deserves to be able to be silly. Especially with how he grew up. The greenette reflected on what he had learned from his friend about his upbringing. He finally had the answer as to why he didn’t use his left side, but knowing how he had been treated growing up left a sour taste in Izuku’s mouth. And it wasn’t from the food he was eating.

So, he won’t use his fire to spite his father, Izuku thought as he continued eating his fish, chewing each bite carefully in thought. I get it, but I also don’t. Todoroki-kun keeps calling it ‘his’ fire as if that part of his Quirk was his father’s. But it isn’t. Why doesn’t he realize that the fire that comes from his left side is his own? Maybe I can make him realize it myself…

Izuku side-eyed his stubborn friend as the other continued to slurp up his precious cold soba. Todoroki was a mostly silent addition to their table, but Izuku could tell he enjoyed eating with them. Grey and blue eyes watched the others, absorbing whatever topics were passed back and forth, sharing his own comments between bites when he felt it necessary. It was a far cry from the first time Izuku had interacted with him, a figurative and literal cold shoulder.

I’m happy he’s more comfortable around us and that he wants to be his own kind of Hero. But refusing to use his left side, to use a part of him, will hinder him more and more as time passes. I need to get him to realize that his fire isn’t, nor will it ever be, his father’s. That his left side is a part of him and he will never be his own person until he accepts it. Well…he may be stubborn, but so am I.

With a new kindling determination, Izuku finished eating his food with vigor, getting a few quirked eyebrows from those at the table. But he paid them no mind. He would help his friend realize that his fire was his own. No matter what it takes.

Notes:

Alright! So, Katsuki got more than he bargained for when he chose to be nosy and eavesdrop. Starting to question his idolizing of Endeavor if ever just a bit. And we see a glimpse into his insecurity when it comes to him becoming the best hero.

More insight into Hitoshi and his thoughts! Super protective of our green bean. How could he not be for his first ever friend! For them trading 'tales of their childhood' I feel with how Izuku is, he would tend to downplay the seriousness or severeness of the bullying because that's just how his personality is. Like he does in canon of saying 'now Kacchan is the one getting teased' when in actuality Kacchan's 'teasing' was not just teasing to the other. If that makes sense. But at least Hitoshi sees Katsuki's actions for what they are. And he will protect his friend no matter what.

Mineta is up to his usual tricks but Izuku came to the rescue. I really hate how in canon Mineta, and Kaminari as well unfortunately, tricked the girls into dressing up as cheerleaders. Seriously not cool! And on top of that, they didn't face consequences for that which also bothered me. But don't worry! He will in this fic. ;)

Jirou is now in on the secret! Though I seriously think that she would know many of secrets with her quirk. I'm actually wondering if she could possibly know about OFA or All Might's true state in canon. But either way, I love fics where Izuku and Jirou are friends. ^____^

Fun Facts About Japan:

Let's talk festival food! :D A delicious subject indeed. So for those who don't know, 'festival' in Japanese is 'matsuri' ( 祭り , まつり ). At matsuri, there are numerous festival foods that are standard and are super tasty. Common ones are yakisoba (grilled noodles), yakitori (grilled meat), okonomiyaki (grilled savory pancake), and ikayaki (grilled squid). (If it's not obvious, 'yaki' ( 焼き , やき ) is 'grilled' and it comes from the verb yaku ( 焼く , やく ) which means 'to fry or grill'. :P ) Others are kakigori (shaved ice with syrup), choco banana (chocolate banana), karaage (Japanese fried chicken), taiyaki (fish shaped pastries that are Gran Torino approved!), crepes, dango (grilled dumplings made from mochi), takoyaki (octopus balls which are cooked in a special pan), and ringo ame (candied apples). There are tons of other festival foods and many more that are region specific. All are super tasty!

For the girls I worked with, their favorite was the jaga bata (じゃがバター) which is a grilled potato with butter. And I mean a lot of butter. They also often provided other toppings like sour cream, mayo, soy sauce, etc. so you can top it as you like. My personal favorite was the doner kebab. This is not a kabob with the meat and veggies cooked on a stick. A doner kebab is a Turkish dish and is more of a sandwich type thing. At least how they typically served it there but it can also be on a plate. (A similar dish would be like gyro or shawarma.) The meat is cooked on a vertical rotisserie and shaved off in thin slices from there to be served in a pita with tomato, lettuce/cabbage, onion, and various types of sauces. My favorites either being the mixed sauce (half mild half hot) and the garlic sauce. It's not traditional Japanese food but I found it at every matsuri I went to in Japan and was my go-to festival food. There are also tons of doner kebab stands around Tokyo as well. So tasty and I miss it!

That's it for this chapter! Next week, the start of the one-on-ones! :D We find out the line up and will get a start on the battles! See ya on Tuesday for that! Enjoy the rest of your weekend and let me know of typos or weirdness! Ta!

Chapter 42: Sports Festival: The Third Round Begins

Notes:

Welcome back and happy Tuesday, everyone! :D Hope you enjoyed your weekends. ^____^ We're back with chapter 42 and the start of the one-on-ones! Let's see how this second half of the sports festival begins!

Formatting reminder:
"Dialogue heard through a sound system."
...
"PRESENT MIC'S DIALOGUE HEARD THROUGH A SOUND SYSTEM."

Warning for teasing in the paragraph starting with "Both Izuku and Kaminari...". The teasing is from "The R-rated Hero..." to "...with a shrug and a smirk.".

I'm posting this a little earlier today due to me being in Texas currently to visit my sister! Her, her husband, and her pets which consist of three dogs, one cat, and five cuddle chickens. XD She's a crazy chicken lady. :P

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

The rest of lunch passed by fairly normal. The group of friends ate and talked about the Sports Festival so far. Their successes and challenges. Izuku was able to ask Hitoshi how he faired in the second round. The purple haired teen recounted his experience working with the 1-B students and filled the greenette on any new observations he had of their Quirks. It was good to hear that they didn’t judge him on his Quirk and actually utilized it in their plans. His Brainwashing helped them score some of their headbands when the others’ Quirks didn’t work.

Though some of those on the affected teams apparently weren’t too happy about it. Hitoshi told him about a particular blonde boy with a tail who had looked at him with a guarded glare after he was released from the hold of his brainwashing and Tetsutetsu already had their points. From his description, Izuku figured he was referring to Ojiro in 1-A.

I hope Ojiro-kun was only mad that his team lost their points and that it wasn’t because of Hitoshi-kun’s Quirk. This is a competition and everyone is using their Quirks and skills to fight as hard as they can. Hitoshi-kun has every right to use his Quirk same as everyone else.

He’ll be damned if he lets anyone make Hitoshi feel insecure about his Quirk. Hitoshi was his friend. A friend who had dealt with years and years of Quirk discrimination. Whose only goal ever was to be a Hero despite everyone seeing him as a Villain. A friend who also revealed how his team was the one to take Mineta’s headband.

It sucks for Shouji-kun, but…I do not feel sad for the other. Speaking of, I should probably let Aizawa-sensei know he tried to get the girls of 1-A to dress up like the visiting cheerleaders.

Izuku was sure that given the man had kicked the boy out of his class due to peeking into the girls’ locker room, he wouldn’t take too kindly to this either. A sentiment Izuku shared after having to ward off the pervert twice in one day.

Soon, the bell chimed for the end of lunch and a general announcement went out that the festival would be resuming in ten minutes. Plenty of time for everyone to finish eating and make their way back to the stands. Students returned to their class prep rooms to regroup, or in the case of the Support Course, those that remained in the running to gear up again. All in preparation for the second half of the Sports Festival.

It wasn’t long before the crowd was mostly settled and the students were requested back out to the field. Those who would be moving on to the next round, consisting of thirteen students from the Hero Course, one from General Studies, and two from the Support Course, were ushered forward toward the stage while everyone else hung back. Midnight took the stage once more as Present Mic began announcing.

WELCOME BACK, SPORTS FAN! IT’S TIME FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THE FIRST YEAR SPORTS FESTIVAL!!

The crowd cheered and hollered in excitement.

BEFORE WE GET TO THE THIRD ROUND, WE’VE PREPARED SOME RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES THAT EVERYONE ONE CAN PARTICIPATE IN! WHICH IS GOOD NEWS FOR THOSE WHO DIDN’T MAKE THE FINALS, GIVING THEM ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO SHINE!

Many, but not all, of the students who were not finalists seemed excited for the coming games.

I HOPE YOU ARE ALL AS PUMPED AS I AM!

No one can be as pumped as you.

WE EVEN INVITED CHEERLEADERS FROM AMERICA TO GET EVERYONE’S BLOOD PUMPING IN EXCITEMENT!! SO MUCH ‘PUMP’ AND CIRCUMSTANCE!

I hate you.

NO, YOU DON’T! YOU KNOW YOU LOVE ME!

No, I don’t.

TELL THAT TO OUR FIFTEEN YEAR FRIENDSHIP!

What friendship?

ERASER, NO!!

On the edge of the field, said cheerleaders were shouting and dancing as the crowd went wild while the two commenting Heroes bickered like an old married couple. Again, more fuel to the fire that was Izuku’s theory about their relationship.

So, those were the uniforms that pervert wanted the girls to wear? Izuku thought, eyeing the design consisting of high white socks with teal stripes, a short-pleated orange skirt with white and teal accents, and a mid-drift orange tank top with teal stripes and ‘UA’ across the chest.

It made Izuku mad. Those women chose to be on the cheer team and to wear those uniforms. While Mineta had tried to manipulate the 1-A girls into wearing them against their will. He was definitely going to be bringing that up with Aizawa.

LET’S ENJOY THIS LITTLE RECREATIONAL SIDE GAME INTERLUDE, EVERYONE! ‘CAUSE ONCE THEY’RE OVER, WE’RE MOVING ON TO THE FINAL EVENT! THE SIXTEEN STUDENTS FROM THE TOP FOUR TEAMS OF THE PREVIOUS ROUND ARE GOING TO BE DUKING IT OUT IN SERIES OF ONE-ON-ONE BATTLES!!

“So, it’s a tournament, huh?” Kirishima commented with a smirk. “We’re finally getting a chance to really show ‘em what we’re made of. I watch the finals every year on tv, and this time I’m actually here! Man, I am so pumped!”

Me too, Kirisihima-kun. Me too.

“Is it a tournament every year?” Ashido asked next to the red head.

“Well, the finals are always some version of a head-to-head competition,” Sero answered. “But they like to switch up the format every year. Last year was a foam sword fight I think.”

At this point, Midnight cracked her whip and drew everyone’s attention to her. Once she had it, the R-rated Hero produced a box with a hole in the top.

In order to decide who will fight who in the final event, our sixteen finalists will be drawing lots! Once we have our matchups, we’ll move on and enjoy the pleasure of the recreational games before the tournament begins! Our finalists have the option to participate or not in those activities. I’m sure there are a number of you who would rather save your strength and stamina for the coming battles. Now, let’s start with the first-place team…

One by one, starting with Todoroki, each student drew a piece of paper from the box. On that paper was a number from one to sixteen that determined their placement on the bracket. Izuku didn’t know if it was rigged or fate or whatever, but of course he would draw the number one out of the box.

Great, this means I’ll be up first for the start of the third round. Definitely going to take the time to strategize against who I’ll be facing.

Excellent~,” Midnight cooed as the last of the lots were drawn and everyone’s numbers were recorded. “Look to the screens, my lovelies, and take a look at the bracket. These are your opponents!

Please not Katsuki. Please not Katsuki! Please not Katsuki!!

Hesitant green eyes looked up at the screen to see who he would be facing first and couldn’t help but sigh in relief.

One-on-One Battles Round One Lineup

Midoriya Izuku VS Kaminari Denki

Shouda Nirengenki VS Ashido Mina

Todoroki Shouto VS Sero Hanta

Iida Tenya VS Hatsume Mei

Yaoyorozu Momo VS Tokoyami Fumikage

Shinsou Hitoshi VS Shiozaki Ibara

Kirishima Eijiro VS Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu

Uraraka Ochaco VS Bakugou Katsuki

It was a miracle. Katsuki’s name was nowhere near his own and in fact was on the opposite side of the brackets at sixteen. Though Izuku was relieved for himself, he did feel bad that Uraraka would have to face the explosive blonde so early. He knew she was strong and could take care of herself, but this is Katsuki. The greenette cast a concerned look in her direction with a few fleeting ones to her future opponent.

“Uraraka?” Katsuki questioned to himself aloud. “Who the hell is that?”

Said girl gave an offended squawk though Izuku wasn’t at all surprised. Katsuki had always classified anyone he deemed lower than himself as ‘extras’ and never put any effort to remember an ‘extra’s’ name. You were lucky if he acknowledged you with a nickname, moving you above the ‘extra’ title. No matter how bitter the nickname ‘Deku’ was for Izuku, at the very least it was a step up from ‘extra’.

The other finalists took in who they were going to be fighting. Some griped like Kirishima and Tetsutetsu, who had very similar Quirks and would probably result in a standoff until one wall of defense cracked under the other. Others declared they would give it their all like Tokoyami and Yaoyorozu. While others like Ashido talked trash talk to their opponent to pump themselves up which Shouda took in stride with his own determined look.

Izuku turned his attention back to the screen, his mind already starting to strategize.

Kaminari-kun, huh? With his Electrification Quirk, that makes my escrima rods and gloves useless for offense, but they could still work for defense. I’ll have to watch out for his Indiscriminate Shock move. My Jet shoes should come in handy to keep my contact with the ground to a minimum. I’ll also have to consider…

A flick to his arm broke Izuku out of his muttering storm. He looked up to see that it was from Hitoshi beside him while Mei was no longer standing next to him. Over the crowd, he could hear Present Mic talking again.

WITH THE MATCHUPS DECIDED, LET’S PRESS PAUSE ON THIS TRACK FOR THE MOMENT AND GET ON WITH THOSE THRILL-A-MINUTE AND PULSE-POUNDING SIDE GAMES!!

“Come on,” his purple haired friend said, beckoning with his hand. “They’re going to be starting the side games soon so we gotta get off the field. You can strate-mumble in one of the waiting rooms.”

Izuku gave a nod in reply and then scanned around for where Mei had gone. He found her head of pink dreadlocks next to Iida, the inventor already chatting and trying to outfit the other with some of her ‘babies’.

Huh, I guess that’s a good way for Mei-chan to show off more of her babies, Izuku thought as he and Hitoshi left the field. By having both her and her opponent using her inventions during one fight, she would be able to showcase as many as she could.

The two Hero-hopefuls headed through the halls and to one of the waiting rooms for the finalists. From their room, the pair could still hear Present Mic announcing each game as they started. The activities consisted of a variety of games usually played during sports festivals. Scavenger hunts, tug-a-war, three-legged races, team jump roping, etc. All great opportunities for students who didn’t make the finals to show their skills as well as have fun.

While the majority of the students participated in the games, the finalists did whatever they needed to prepare for the coming battles. Whether that be also joining the activities, resting, refueling, hyping themselves up, or calming their nerves. Everyone had their own ways of psyching themselves up and be ready both physically and mentally for the trials ahead.

As for Hitoshi and Izuku, they chose to spend the time discussing their relative opponents’ Quirks and possible strategies of attack using their own skill sets. Although Izuku didn’t have one of his notebooks with him, he had the information memorized anyway and incorporating whatever new observations they had, whether from Hitoshi or himself, their discussion was well informed.

All too soon, the side games were finished and the time had come for the one-on-one battles to begin. After a last check of his gear, Izuku walked with Hitoshi through the halls to the tunnel that led out to the field. They arrived as Cementoss was putting the finishing touches on the arena using his Cement Quirk.

“Alright,” Cementoss said. “That will do. I’m done here.”

THANK YOU, CEMENTOSS! HEYA, LISTENERS! ARE YOU READY?!

The roar from the crowd was answer enough that they were excited for the third and final round. The one-on-one battles were the most viewed part of the entire Sports Festival.

HECK YEAH!! IT’S TIME, SPORTS FANS! WE’VE SEEN THEM OVERCOME EVERY CHALLENGE WE’VE THROWN AT THEM SO FAR! OBSTACLES COURSES AND CAVALRY BATTLES ALIKE! NOW WE GET TO WITNESS THEM FIGHT IT OUT IN THE ONE-ON-ONE TOURNAMENT!!

Hitoshi placed a comforting hand on Izuku’s shoulder. Green eyes met purple as he turned to face his friend.

IN THIS THIRD AND FINAL ROUND, OUR FINALISTS HAVE ONLY THEMSELVES TO RELY ON! NO MATTER WHAT COURSE YOU ARE IN, WHETHER HERO, GENERAL, OR SUPPORT, NOW IS THE TIME TO EMBRACE OUR SCHOOL MOTTO!

They crowd let out their own ‘Plus Ultra’ at the mention of the motto.

STRENGTH! SKILL! COURAGE! WISDOM! SPIRIT! HEART! IN THESE BATTLES, THEY WILL NEED TO USE ‘EM ALL IN ORDER TO RISE TO THE TOP!!

“This is it,” Izuku breathed out, confident in his strategy but still nervous none the less. There were a lot of people out there and this was televised. The greenette wouldn’t be one in the crowd this time and would be practically standing alone in front of everyone.

“You can do this, Izuku,” Hitoshi said, his hand giving a reassuring squeeze. “We’ve both made it this far and now we can prove ourselves to everyone who doubted us.”

“I-I know,” Izuku stuttered, wringing his gloved hands together. “I just hope we can get through enough of the one-on-ones to do that. I’m worried that if we get out too fast then we’ll miss our chance. The odds are slim enough in catching the principal’s eye and being offered to transfer in the first year. If we miss and have to try again next year, I don’t have anything to confirm if a transfer in the second year is even possible. Plus, I…”

Izuku.

“Wha…” Izuku replied, eyes glazing over for a moment before Hitoshi let his mind go.

“Relax, you’ve got this,” Hitoshi insisted, brows furrowed in determination. “We’ve trained for this. You’ve built, tested, and trained with your gadgets for this. You have the same drive as I do to show them that they were wrong to judge us. And I know you have the brains to outsmart that defective Pikachu out there.”

Izuku couldn’t help the snort that came out of him. Green eyes filled with as much determination as the purple ones had.

“Y-you’re right,” Izuku said, hands fisted in conviction. “I can do this. We can do this.”

The greenette held out a fist bump to his purple friend who wasted no time in returning it. With one last squeeze to the shorter boy’s shoulder, Hitoshi steered his friend around toward the tunnel opening and gave him a friendly push forward. Taking one more steeling breath, Izuku slowly walked toward the end of the tunnel, waiting for Present Mic to announce his entrance.

LET’S GET RIGHT TO THE FIRST MATCH! FIRST UP, A COMPETITOR THAT HAS BEEN HELPFUL TO HIMSELF AND OTHERS, MIDORIYA IZUKU FROM THE SUPPORT COURSE!

Putting on his mask while keeping his goggles on the top of his head, Izuku walked out of the tunnel and on to the field as the crowd cheered.

VERSUS THE BOY WHO HAS SPARKED OUR INTEREST, KAMINARI DENKI FROM THE HERO COURSE!

From the other side of the arena came Kaminari who hosted a confident smirk on his face.

THE RULES ARE SIMPLE! YOU CAN WIN ONE OF THREE WAYS! EITHER BY KNOCKING YOUR OPPONENT OUT OF THE RING, IMMOBILIZING THEM, OR GETTING THEM TO CRY ‘UNCLE’!

Ok, that’s simple enough…though easier said than done.

DON’T HOLD BACK IN THESE FIGHTS! BRING ON THE PAIN! WE’VE GOT OUR VERY OWN RECOVERY GIRL ON STANDBY! SO PUT THOSE MORALS ASIDE AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO FIGHT DIRTY!!

Recovery Girl is here?! Well, I haven’t met her yet but I’d bet she doesn’t appreciate you telling us that.

BUT OF COURSE, NO GOING FOR THE KILL! THAT’S IS A BIG NO-NO AND YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED!

Izuku snorted at that. He knew that Katsuki wouldn’t be happy with that.

REAL HEROES’ FISTS FLY TO CAPTURE VILLAINS, NOT KILL THEM! NOW LET’S CRANK IT UP TO ELEVEN AND GET THIS PARTY STARTED!!

Both Izuku and Kaminari walked up into the fighting arena. The blonde was sizing him up while Izuku turned his attention to Midnight. The R-Rated Hero, ever wanting to find out who Izuku’s crush was, gave suggestive and inquiring looks between him and his opponent. Izuku rolled his eyes and shook his head slightly to which she responded with a shrug and a smirk.

READY?!

Izuku turned back to Kaminari as he fitted his goggles over his eyes. His opponent stood across from him, a confident smirk on his face.

BEGIN!!

~~~

In a none disclosed area of Japan, a pale blue haired man-child sat in a dark room lit only by the glow of a computer screen. Tomura scratched his neck in annoyance at the idiotic Hero pageantry put on before the start of the PvP rounds of the UA Sports Festival while Kurogiri stood dutifully silent behind him.

Now pay close attention, Shigaraki Tomura,” Sensei’s voice said, coming from the same monitor. “The finalists of this bread-and-circus charade may very well become obstacles for you in the future. Observe and learn as much as you can from these government sponsored fights between children.

“What a load of crap,” Tomura muttered to himself, all while watching the live cutscene as told.

Personally, he figured that he shouldn’t have to worry about a bunch of kids. They weren’t even involved with his current campaign anyway. However, when Sensei gave him a task, it was usually for a reason, even if Tomura didn’t find out what it was until later. Like unlocking hidden quests or achievements. So, he knew that watching these final matches was something Sensei believed were important and had purpose.

“Patience, Shigaraki Tomura,” Kurogiri said from behind him. “Perhaps the ‘admin’ you seek is amongst the finalists.”

“Hmm,” Tomura hummed in thought as he scratched lightly at his neck.

The warper of his party had a point. If the admin was among the final sixteen, this would be an excellent opportunity to see him at work and collect some stats. Which he wouldn’t be surprised if the admin was, what with that Analysis Quirk he had. He would be able to pick his opponents’ Quirks apart and unlock how to counter them with ease.

I know the admin isn’t in the Hero Course and is actually in Support as we thought. Which means that of the few in the sixteen that aren’t in the Hero Course, between the two Support and one Gen Ed NPCs, the only possible option is this Midoriya Izuku. That is…if the admin did actually make the final sixteen.

The decayer focused on the decked-out Support student as he entered the ring for the first match of the first round. The boy’s face was hidden under some sort of mouth guard and goggles, but his unruly green hair was no longer covered by a hat. At least there was one more feature Tomura could add to his possible character description.

The kid hadn’t shown any sign of a Quirk so far, relying on his Support Items as an assist. But an Analysis Quirk wouldn’t necessarily have any obvious physical traits since it’s connected to the mind. Tomura hummed to himself in thought, playing with the theory of this green kid being the one he’s been looking for.

Show me, Midoriya, Tomura mused, red eyes fixated on the green haired teen on the screen. Are you the admin that I seek? Or will you prove to be merely another NPC?

~~~

Denki wanted to be a Hero. He always had. They were cool and trendy and helped people. Everything he wanted to be and do. So of course, he wanted to be a Hero. He wanted to be seen as the cool and trendy Hero that was there to save others. And with an Electrification Quirk like his, he had a sure-fire way to do that if he didn’t say so himself. And here he was. The third round of the Sports Festival.

Let’s just say he was thrilled. Despite being worried about making it through the past two rounds, he was here in the final event. Ready to ‘electrify’ the crowd with his Quirk. He even was in the very first battle against some guy from 1-H. The kid wasn’t even in the Hero Course and hadn’t shown his Quirk yet. Just used Support Items. And how good could those be against his electric attack?

Yeah right, Denki thought confidently. I’ve got this in the bag.

He may not be the brightest when it came to academics. Ok, that was an understatement. His academic record was poorer than others who made the Hero Course. Finding himself easily bored and distracted when the content didn’t catch his interest. Not to say he was dumb or anything. Academics in general just were not his strength!

Denki was pretty smart actually. His smarts were just more…selective. He loved to learn, but only those subjects that interested him. Like literature and art and music. Cool subjects. Ones that lead him to have a larger vocabulary than others realize and pops up from time to time.

Another thing that was a strong point was his Quirk. Electrification. How powerful is that? Denki didn’t know what his opponent’s Quirk was, but if he could defeat robots in the Hero Practical with ease, what chance did the other boy have against him?

READY?!

Denki assessed the greenette across from him. Broccoli boy may have gadgets, but I’ll bet I can fry anything he throws at me. He so had this.

BEGIN!!

~~~

Midoriya Izuku VS Kaminari Denki

As the call to start rang out through the stadium, Izuku readied himself into a defensive stance. He had a plan to deal with Kaminari’s widespread electric attack, though he hoped his opponent would show more creativity with his Quirk.

A Hero shouldn’t be a one trick pony, right Aizawa-sensei?

“You’re from Support, right?” Kaminari called out, his stance still appearing casual despite the match having already begun.

If he acted like this in front of a Villain, they would take advantage of it. I’ll have to add a note about that in my notebooks.

“Yeah,” Izuku replied through his mask, still in his defensive stance and not wanting to make the first move.

“I think it’s pretty obvious which one of us will win already,” Kaminari said with a confident smirk. “I mean, we’re both in the first battle. But with one in the Hero Course and one in Support…the winner of this is clear.”

Izuku didn’t reply to that. Keeping his stance, he grabbed the two escrima rods on either side of his belt and connected them to turn it into a staff while his opponent was talking.

“So, no hard feelings,” Kaminari continued, eyeing what the other was doing but apparently didn’t feel the need to do anything about it. So self-assured that his Quirk would be enough. “It’s nothing personal, right?”

Still Izuku didn’t answer and instead activated his shield so it fanned out into its circular form. It may not be the best defense against electricity, but the straps of the arm brace for it acted like grounding straps. Enough to protect him from any stray sparks that escaped from what he had planned.

“Woah, is that a Poké ball?” Kaminari asked, eyes on the shield.

Slightly confused, Izuku spared a quick glance at his shield. Activated, it was circular in shape with a line running diagonally across, one half white and the other half red with the rest of the shield being the typical metal gray color. Where those lines neared the edge of the shield, they curved to follow the shape of the edge and tapered to a point. In the center was a circle that was mostly black with a half-white-half-red line through it that actually had a hidden ‘Q’ that appeared as a circle to have been crossed out as a subtle reference to his Quirklessness.

“Huh,” Izuku huffed out. He never thought of his shield looking similar to a Poké ball before, but it kind of did. Funny how that happened. Green eyes flicked back to his opponent, a hidden challenging smirk on his face. “What of it? Afraid I’ll try to catch you, Pikachu?”

Thanks for that, Hitoshi-kun.

“P-Pikachu?” Kaminari sputtered, blushing slightly before squaring his confident smirk back on his face. “Heh. Well, it doesn’t matter. ‘Cause this match is going to be over in an instant!”

Izuku noticed how Kaminari’s casual stance became more focused. Yellow sparks of electricity started to emit around him as he charged up his attack.

Is he going to…?, Izuku thought, eying his opponent’s movements. He knew he would only have seconds to react. But he was ready.

“Indiscriminate Shock…”

Of course, he is, his thought continued, sighing internally. He jammed one end of his staff into the arena floor in preparation, hard enough for it to stand on its own.

“…one point three million volts!”

As Kaminari moved to aim his hands towards the ground, Izuku simultaneously extended the staff to its full length and activated his Jet shoes to jump up high above the arena floor. The electric attack spread across the ground and was attracted to the staff like a lightning rod. Up in the air, Izuku brought his shield in front of him to protect himself from any stray sparks as he flew up to the apex of his jump.

Bringing his shield up cut off Izuku’s view of his enemy which could be considered a risky move. But the damage that electricity could do to the human body was no joke. Especially when one did not have a Quirk that gave them a certain level of immunity to it. So, he accepted the risk, keeping as much of his body behind the shield as possible as he fell back down to earth. With his legs partially extended, his Jet shoes cushioned his landing and kept him hovering off the ground.

Upon landing, the greenette crouched behind his shield and waited for anything to signal the attack was done using his other senses. The dying down of the crackling of electricity paired with a dumb sounding laugh was good enough for him. Peaking around his shield, Izuku was met by the sight of Kaminari having once again short-circuited himself after only one attack.

We really need to either address how to fix this or focus on him using a slightly lower voltage while in battle. Ending up like this would be a huge disadvantage in a real Villain fight.

Still hovering above the ground, Izuku pulled his staff out of the ground and used it to poke the hindered electric user out of the arena one stumbled step at a time. He had no way of knowing if Kaminari could still run electricity through his body in this state and didn’t want to take any chances. Poke after poke, with a few corrective prods here and there, Izuku got his opponent to cross the line.

Kaminari is out of bounds!” Midnight announced with a snap of her whip. “Midoriya is the winner and is moving on!

Once the end of the match was announced, robots programmed to help injured contestants came onto the field. Izuku helped maneuver Kaminari onto the stretcher and walked with them to Recovery Girl. He wanted to make sure the other boy made it there alright, even though he knew the blonde would remain like this for an hour.

Izuku was so focused on helping his opponent that he didn’t really register what Yamada was announcing nor the roar of the crowd at his win. He was only focused on helping the other. Helping like he always wanted to do.

Notes:

The third round has officially started! :D So! Most of the fights are being kept same as canon for two reasons. One because I feel they have some kind of important character moment or development. And two because of all the other stuff I have planned I didn't see the need to change all of them. Besides, we'll be seeing them from Izuku's pov like we did with the battle training for 1-A and 1-B. So we'll see his analytical side of things. ^____^

Uh oh! Shigaraki is on the look out for the admin and has his eyes on Izuku! :O Better watch it, broccoli boy! Oh! And we get a Kaminari pov! It isn't really brought up in the anime but in the manga when Kaminari is commenting on Katsuki's personality on the bus ride to USJ, he does have a high vocabulary. And Katsuki even snaps back while mentioning it. Something like 'Mr. Vocabulary' or something. (currently don't have that volume of manga to check.) But according to the wiki, he likes to learn about subjects that interest him like literature, art, and music but not so much other subjects that don't interest him. So he's still a smart cookie but in his own way.

As a reminder for what Izuku's support items look like, here is the link to that post on the tumblr again. :)

Fun Facts About Japan:

So during the sports festival, there is a cheering competition that they typically hold half way through the day's events. The team leaders come up with the cheer their team does. This includes the song(s), dance, and any sort of props they would need. Such as little pompoms, streamers, or whatever else they come up with. Then the teams will practice the cheers alongside practicing for all the other events in the weeks leading up to the festival.

The teams also get judged on how much they cheer for their teams during the events. The leaders come up with chants that they teach their teams. For example, my first school I was on Team D which was the blue group. One of the cheers they came up with was "We. Are. D-bun. We are D-bun. Oh yeah!". Another was the chorus of the song Shots by Lil John but the word 'shots' replayed by 'D'. No joke! I have some of the cheer papers they gave out at home and I'll make a post with them once I get back from Texas. ^____^

Anyway, for the cheering competition they get judged and given points for it. As for the other cheering, they have a separate sort of spirit award for the team that cheers the most.

That's it for this chapter! Next time, a look into All Might's thoughts after Izuku's match, Izuku meets Recovery Girl, and we'll get the next match! See ya then! Please report typos or weirdness!

Chapter 43: Sports Festival: An Inkling And An Offer

Notes:

Hey all! Still in Texas and surrounded by chickens, but here to keep up with the regular posting schedule with another chapter! (As I was typing that, my sis literally placed a chicken on my lap to cuddle. XD Here's a pic if you're interested! His name is Clyde. ^____^ )

Formatting reminder:
"Dialogue heard through a sound system."
...
"PRESENT MIC'S DIALOGUE HEARD THROUGH A SOUND SYSTEM."

Anyway! Let's take a look into All Might's thoughts, see how Izuku's first meeting with Recovery Girl goes, and see what happens in the next match! :D Onward!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT? THE MATCH WAS OVER IN SECONDS! THAT STAFF MADE BY MIDORIYA TOOK THE BRUNT OF KAMINARI’S ATTACK! TALK ABOUT STICK-ING IT TO ‘EM!

You are insufferable. But yes, Midoriya’s counter measures against Kaminari’s Quirk were simple and effective. It goes to show that a powerful Quirk isn’t everything.

AND LOOK! MIDORIYA ONCE AGAIN WANTS TO HELP HIS OPPONENT TO MAKE SURE HE’S OKAY! TALK ABOUT SOMEONE WITH HERO MATERIAL!

Hero material, huh? Toshinori thought to himself as he looked down at the field while he sat in the teacher seats in his smaller form. Sunken blue eyes tracking the head of unruly green curls as Midoriya helped lead the incapacitated Kaminari off the field.

He had met the boy about a year ago, saving him from the Sludge Villain that had managed to slip away from the Number One Hero. Though not for long. Thankfully he had made it in time before the Villain could drown the poor boy in his clutches. Unthankfully, he was low on time to remain in his muscle form and had to get out of there quickly.

When the boy had grabbed onto his leg as he leapt away, it was…unexpected. Not to mention reckless. The boy could have gotten seriously hurt! Though it did bring the man’s attention to the slipping bottles in his pockets. It would have been bad if the Villain had gotten away from him again to wreak more havoc.

Another innocent could have been attacked!

Toshinori had managed to land them safely on a roof a fair distance away. At the time, he knew he was even closer to his limit and had to get out of there fast. However, he couldn’t help but take pause at the question the boy had asked.

‘E-even if I don’t have a Quirk, d-do you think I can be a Hero like you?!’

It was desperate and clearly had taken all of the boy’s courage to say. Or blurt out really. As the boy continued to talk of his motives, Toshinori felt that his time was finally up and he shrank to his smaller form in a shroud of steam. But he did nothing to leave as he was deep in thought. The question was sudden and revealing. The boy was Quirkless and wanted to be a Hero.

A Hero like me, huh?

No one but a fair few knew this, but Toshinori didn’t always have a Quirk. In fact, up until near the end of junior high school, he had been, in fact, Quirkless himself. With the dream of becoming a Hero, one that would act as a pillar of support for society. A goal he was able to reach as he now stood as the Symbol of Peace.

But this was a goal reached by way of a Quirk. A very special Quirk that was passed down to him by his predecessor, Shimura Nana. A Quirk by the name of One For All. A truly unique Quirk that could stockpile powers and be passed on through DNA to another person but could never be taken by force. Although it could be forcibly given.

One For All was the reason Toshinori was able to be the Hero he had dreamed of becoming. With the strength that One For All gave him, he was able to shoot up through the ranks and become the Number One Hero. He fought Villains and saved innocents with it. Brought the people a sense of safety because of it. Something that wouldn’t have been possible without it. Which was why he had answered the way he did.

‘The life of a Pro Hero is one of risk and danger. Without a Quirk, can one become a Hero like me? It pains me to say this, but I must say no, I don’t think it’s possible.’

It was harsh and he regretted saying it so bluntly, but it was a truth that needed to be said. Because Toshinori knew. He had been there. The Quirkless child who wished to become a Hero. The boy was in the same place he had been. But life can be cruel which was evident that once again someone with the urge to help didn’t have the power to fulfill those wishes.

So, with a heavy heart, Toshinori spoke his truth and advised the boy to choose another path. After all, being a Pro Hero wasn’t the only way to be a hero to others. Police, firefighters, doctors, nurses…they are all heroes in their own way. And for the boy, it would not do to dwell on impossible dreams.

The Number One Hero didn’t see the boy again until a few days into the school year during 1-A’s Battle Training. Boy, had that been stressful. At first, Toshinori had thought he had revealed his smaller form to another random child again, only for it to be the same child as before. A child named Midoriya Izuku.

Our first meeting had been so fast, I never did catch his name before.

Midoriya had been quick to calm him down and reassure him that his secret was still safe. That had been a relief. It was also a relief to see that the boy had taken his advice to choose a different course. Becoming a Support Engineer would also be a good way to be a hero in his own way. On top of that, his analysis was quite insightful and would be useful to Heroes, inventors, and strategists alike.

Working with the boy was easy. Especially since the student already knew of his smaller form so Toshinori didn’t have to keep up appearances once class was finished. Being able to, as the boy said, ‘deflate’ was a relief at the end of a long training exercise. Plus, with how Midoriya helped to keep his secret, the man had no qualms about sharing his civilian name or personal phone number with the boy.

The fact that the boy had been involved with the attack at the USJ was…unfortunate. He wasn’t a Hero-in-training and shouldn’t have been in that kind of dangerous situation to begin with. But Midoriya had been smart and sheltered himself and another student in the Control Hub, while also putting his analysis skills to good use by helping the Hero Course students as well as Toshinori himself.

There is more than one way to be heroic. By focusing on protecting himself and others, he allowed the Heroes and Heroes-in-training to do their work.

However, Yamada’s comment on ‘Hero’ material started an itch in the back of the Number One Hero’s brain. It was small, barely noticeable, but it was there. Toshinori had found himself drawn again and again to that head of green curls throughout the first two rounds. The boy hadn’t been aiming for first place in either round, focusing instead on helping those around him while also showing what his Support Items could do.

Those shoes remind me of something, but I can’t quite place what, Toshinori thought, as a subtle subconscious shiver ran down his spine. I’ll have to ask young Midoriya about them after the Sports Festival.

The want to help others was a good trait for a Hero to have. After all, bottom line that is what Heroes do. Help others. And Midoriya had made it clear that was one of his goals in the first two rounds over placing in first. Something that Toshinori had the feeling the boy could have done easily which grew more and more apparent as he observed.

While aiming for the top is a goal one should strive towards to raise the spirit of soceity, the desire to help others is a very strong basis for a Hero.

And now, here the boy was, the first winner in the first stage of the one-on-one battles of the third round. Midoriya was quick on his feet in assessing the situation and acted accordingly. Using his analysis skills and Support Items to bring him victory. Then, after winning, his focus was on helping his opponent immediately after the fight. The boy had the makings of a great Hero. If only he had…

Wait…

Like lightning striking, an epiphany ignited in his mind as the itch in the back of his mind grew exponentially in intensity.

What if…what if the boy did have a Quirk? What if he had my Quirk?

Toshinori had been looking for a successor for a while now. That was in fact the entire point of him teaching at UA and the reason he agreed to Nezu’s mad idea of him becoming a teacher. Him! A teacher! He may have years and years of experience as a Hero, but that doesn’t mean he knows how to teach others how to be one.

Sunken blue eyes looked down into the arena, watching as they prepared for the next match but not really paying attention as his mind wondered. The idea of possibly giving One For All to the boy was new and still only the beginnings of one at that. And the was a decision the man didn’t and wouldn’t take lightly. Finding a worthy successor was a difficult and important task.

Not to mention that even if I did offer One For All, that doesn’t necessarily mean he will accept it.

The Symbol of Peace shook his head at that with a small smile, thinking a rejection was unlikely. One For All was an amazing and powerful Quirk to have with a long history of Heroes using it for the greater good. Toshinori felt that if someone with the strong desire to be a Hero couldn’t possibly turn down receiving One For All.

Down below, the field was finally ready for the next match and Midoriya was long gone. But blue eyes stayed tracked to where the teen had left. The idea was merely a seedling, freshly planted in his mind. Toshinori still wanted to wait to find the one worthy to take on the honorable burden that is One For All, but the idea of maybe possibly choosing this boy was intriguing. The man felt connected to him in some way.

After all…I was once Quirkless too.

Toshinori had no concrete plans as of yet, but he would continue to watch Midoriya’s progress in the finals. Because maybe…just maybe his wait for a worthy successor was over. Only time would tell.

~~~

As soon as the match was over, Izuku followed the medical robots through the halls to the school’s nurse’s office. He knew Kaminari would be fine in the school nurse’s hands, but he wanted to see for sure himself. This would be the first time he had stepped into the nurse’s office since starting at UA. The group reached their destination in no time and Kaminari was deposited on one of the beds.

“Oh my. What do we have here?” an elder sounding female voice called out.

“This is Kaminari Denki from Class 1-A,” Izuku explained, focusing on the other boy. “His Quirk is Electrification and he has a tendency to overload himself.” Then he turned to the voice and squeaked out, “Wait, you’re the Youthful Heroine Recovery Girl!”

I know Present Mic mentioned that she was working at UA, but this is my first time to the nurse’s office. This is so cool!

“That I am, young man,” the nurse chuckled. “And you are?”

“O-oh, I’m Midoriya Izuku,” he said with a bow and a smile. “I’m a first year i-in the Support Course in Class 1-H. Nice to meet you!”

“Nice to meet you as well, Midoriya-kun,” Recovery Girl replied with her own bow. “You already know me as Recovery Girl, but my name is Shuuzenji Chiyo. So, what can you tell me of his condition?”

“W-well he has an Emitter-type Quirk for electricity,” Izuku starts off nervously, but calms down as he continues and looks down at the other boy. “And I’ve witnessed several times that when he goes for a full-blown attack that meets or exceeds his limit, he tends to ‘short-circuit’ himself. Something that I think could be detrimental to his health over time. I don’t know why anyone hasn’t addressed this before but the effect of the electricity on the human brain is something to be concerned about. Even on those with Electric Quirks. I worry that if he continues using his quirk this way, it could harm him in the long run.”

“I will add this to his health records and insist the Support Department work on a way to aid in this strong Quirk side effect” Shuuzenji stated as she made a note on her clipboard. “Have you noticed any others?”

With how much and how long Izuku has been analyzing Quirks, he knew that no Quirk was perfect and each had some kind of draw back or weakness. So, he stuck to the most concerning side effects he had noticed for now and could bring up any others at a different time. They were still in the midst of the Sports Festival after all.

For Class 1-A, besides Kaminari’s draw back, Izuku brought up Uraraka and Aoyama becoming queasy or having stomach issues when they overuse their quirks. He described what he had noticed about when Todoroki would use his ice side too much and his thoughts on the natural counterbalance the bi-color teen’s Quirk most likely had, but didn’t go into why the other refused to use his left side. He also mentioned Tsuyu’s probable weakness to extreme temperatures given her frog-like features. Like she had said during the USJ attack, fire and frogs don’t mix well and most likely not with the cold either.

For Class 1-B, Izuku couldn’t think of as many glaring issues as the class’s Quirks were pretty well rounded. If anything, Tetsutetsu could use a more iron based diet if the greenette’s suspicions of the grey-haired boy’s Quirk was fueled by what he ate like Yaoyorozu or Satou. Overuse of Tsubaraba’s Solid Air could lead to lightheadedness and that he should practice breathing exercises. And despite getting in on Recommendation, Tokage’s Lizard Tail Splitter Quirk allowed her to split her body into parts, but having to regenerated too many destroyed pieces could be exhausting over time.

“I-I have some other observations, but th-they can wait until after the festival,” Izuku said as he finished his spark notes version of his concerns.

“Thank you for your insight, Midoriya-kun,” Recovery Girl said, taking more notes on her clipboard to add later. “Some of those I’ve noticed as well and will see to. Each student’s health is my top priority after all. However, I can only observe so much from the after math. It’s helpful to have some eyes on the field.” She gave him a wink.

Izuku blushed at the compliment as the Heroine made her way to the bed. After a check of Kaminari’s vitals and any other injures besides the overloading, Shuuzenji puckered her lips and planted a kiss on the electric user’s forehead. The effects were immediate as dumb-looking expression on Kaminari’s face faded and was replaced with a restive one as the nurse’s Quirk did its job.

Recovery Girl’s Heal Quirk is so cool! She has the ability to speed up and amplify the natural healing process of the human body through physical contact by giving the injured person a kiss. I wonder if it can only be applied by a kiss or if another form of physical contact would work. With her Quirk, she can heal injuries ranging from bruises to lacerations to broken bones. But because her Quirk is fueled by the life force of the recipient, she has to be careful how much healing she does at one time. Otherwise, the recipient has the potential of draining too much energy at once and could die. This is probably why she is able to control the amount of healing she deals out rather than healing all injuries automatically. Or is this an ability she developed from training and studying medicine.

“Your observations are quite insightful,” Recovery Girl said, giggling a little as he blushed having mumbled aloud. Again. “Might you be this Hiro-kun I’ve heard of?”

“Wha-,” Izuku sputtered, cheeks growing more red. “I…uh…y-yeah…”

“No need to be embarrassed, dear,” Recovery Girl assures with a smile and a pat on the shoulder. “I’ve heard many good things about you. Your analysis is exceptional and your assistance in training has been very helpful across departments. Not to mention your actions at USJ that helped prevent many injuries.”

Not used to all the compliments, Izuku found himself a blushing mess and was hiding his face with his hands.

“I wonder if you ever had any interest in first aid or EMT work,” Recovery Girl commented, looking at him curiously.

That broke Izuku out of his flustered state though his face was still noticeably pink.

“F-first aid? EMT?” he asked, peeking through his fingers. “Well, yeah, I mean that would be a useful skill for a, um…”

“For a Hero?” Shuuzenji offered with a warm smile.

“Y-yeah…” He lowered his hands while he timidly looked away.

“Do you want to be a Hero, Midoriya-kun?” the Heroine asked.

Izuku was too nervous to answer and simply nodded while avoiding eye contact. As the school nurse, she would know his Quirk Status and doctors in the past had not been…kind to him.

“Well then, with your brains and clear desire to help others…” She gestured toward the unconscious boy on the bed. “…then I think you’ll make a great Hero.”

Green eyes shot up in shock, still not used to people actually believing in him like this. “You r-really think so?”

“Yes, I do,” Shuuzenji stated firmly. “I know you may have had a hard time in the past, but I have seen my fair share of Heroes through the years with Quirks not considered ‘right’ for the job. Even my own wasn’t seen as such as Heal is a non-combative Quirk. But the Quirk does not make the Hero. Aizawa-kun had his own struggles at the beginning and yet he is a Pro Hero. After all, his Quirk merely…”

“…levels the field to a Quirkless one,” Izuku said without thinking before he stopped and apologized. “Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to interrupt you.”

“That’s quite alright, dear,” Shuuzenji chuckled, patting his shoulder again. “But, yes, you’re right. So, don’t go doubting yourself. Anyway, if you would like, I’d be more than happy to show you some simple first aid.”

“R-really? You actually want t-to teach me first aid?” Izuku asked in surprise.

“Only if you’re interested, Midoriya-kun,” Shuuzenji replied. “As a start at least, then we could move on to more advance EMT training if you wish to continue. I know you have a pretty full schedule with being in the Support Course and your own personal training. Not to mention being Principal Nezu’s personal student.” She gave him another wink. “But I can talk to your teachers and figure something out. Perhaps the first twenty minutes after lunch a couple days a week would work.”

“If…if you could, that would be amazing, Recovery Girl!” Izuku chirped, excited to have yet another new thing to learn that would help him be a Hero. Another step towards his dream.

“Please call me Shuuzenji, dear,” the Heroine said, smiling warmly at his enthusiasm.

“Thank you very much, Shuuzenji-sensei,” Izuku said with a bow.

“Not yet, but I’m sure we can figure something out,” Shuuzenji responded with a chuckle at his enthusiasm. “Now run along. You’re still in the running for the one-on-ones. I know you want to do your best, but I would rather not see you in here with anything more serious than a scratch, you hear me?”

“Yes, Shuuzenji-sensei,” Izuku said, nervously scratching his head. He hadn’t even injured himself yet and she was already scolding him. “I guess, uh, I hope not to see you later?”

Recovery Girl chuckled again as she shooed him out the door. Izuku thanked Shuuzenji for her time and her services, bowing before leaving for the 1-H stands.

When Izuku arrived at the seats for 1-H, Mei was easy to pick out from the crowd. One, because she was his friend and her pink hair stood out, but also, she was the only one other than him still decked out in Support Items. Since the others in 1-H as well as the rest of the Support Course were no longer in the running, they had already returned their inventions to their boxes to be brought back to the studio later.

“Hey, it’s Midoriya!” one of the other 1-H students called out, noticing he had arrived.

“Midoriya! You were awesome!”

“Congrats, Midoriya!”

“Way to represent the Support Course!”

So many of the other 1-H students were calling out congratulations and encouragements as Izuku walked over to sit next to Mei. He bashfully accepted their thanks with a shy smile, still not used to this kind of attention from his peers. But the change was nice from what he had experienced in his past.

“Welcome back, Hero-kun!” Mei cheered as he sat beside her. “Congrats on showing off some of your babies!”

Of course, that’s what she’s most focused on, Izuku thought as he chuckled. “Thanks, Mei-chan. You’ll be able to do that too soon.”

“You betcha!” Mei exclaimed with her mad scientist smile. “I’m going to show all of my precious babies to those Support Companies scouting for the next generation of geniuses. They’re not going to know what hit them!”

I will always admire her passion for Support.

“You sure will,” Izuku replied with a warm smile. “And it’s nice that Iida seemed to want to help you show them off.”

“Uh…heh heh, yeah,” Mei replied, turning her away to look out of at the field. “He is.”

What was that reaction about?

Before Izuku could ask Mei what she meant, Present Mic began to announce the next match which turned his focus down to the field.

ALRIGHT, EVERYONE! AFTER THAT SHOCKINGLY QUICK FIRST MATCH, LET’S SEE IF WE CAN GET SOME ACTION WITH THE SECOND! YOU’LL FIND YOURSELF DOING A DOUBLE TAKE ‘CAUSE THIS GUY CAN PACK A PUNCH! IT’S SHOUDA NIRENGENKI IN THE HERO COURSE!!

From one tunnel came out a boy of average height, ice-blue hair, and a round face. His expression looked unsure but he smiled up at where Class 1-B was cheering him on loudly.

Hmm…Shouda Nirengenki. His Quirk is called Twin Impact. When attacking, at the site of any initial impact, his Quirk allows him to apply a second impact at that same site but with several times more strength than the initial blow. He can use it on people and objects and can initiate the second impact from a distance. However, the initial impact would need to be at close range and he has no weapons to use in this fight. So, he’ll need to get closer to his opponent to use his Quirk. Which might be difficult since…

VERSUS! WATCH WHAT YOU SAY OR SHE’LL MELT YOUR FACE OFF! IT’S ASHIDO MINA ALSO IN THE HERO COURSE!!

Out of the other tunnel came Ashido sporting a pink smile, pink peace signs, and a head of pink unruly curls.

Ashido Mina. Her Quirk is called Acid. She can produce a corrosive acid-like liquid from her skin and can adjust the solubility and viscosity as desired. Her skin has a natural resistance to her own acid, but she still has a limit for how long she can produce it before the resistance isn’t enough. From what I’ve observed, she uses it mainly offensively, but can also unitize it to help with her mobility.

Both opponents made their way across the grass to the concrete ring in the middle. The crowd was cheering in anticipation for an exciting match.

Both of them are close combat fighters. However, Ashido-san has somewhat of an advantage that Shouda-kun does not. She can use her acid as a weapon both up close or far away by throwing it. While he has no weapon and must make physical contact first before his Quirk can be applied. Shouda-kun will have to get in close, but also be mindful of her acidic attacks. While Ashido-san will have to dodge his fists, though her flexibility and quick reflexes should help with that.

The two Hero students stood across from each other under the watchful eyes of Midnight and Cementoss. Ashido looked confident while Shouda appeared determined. Neither was going to go easy on the other.

READY? BEGIN!!

Shouda Nirengenki VS Ashido Mina

Upon the start of the match, Shouda ran toward Ashido and aimed a fist at her which she dodged with ease. He tried to aim another but had to dodge himself as she threw a fist full of acid at him. The attack missed and landed on the ground behind the pale haired boy.

Huh. Ashido-san’s attack missed, but a pool of acid could work in her favor as an obstacle for her opponent. Like an acid land trap.

Shouda backed up a bit, seeming to assess the situation and likely trying to form another plan of attack. Which he then implemented by not punching at his opponent and instead at the ground. There were sounds of confusion from the crowd at the action, but a murmur of surprise spread as the fighting ring began to shake.

Oh! Shouda-kun is using his Twin Impact to make a sort of earthquake effect! That’s so smart!

With the ground moving beneath her, Ashido’s balance was put off a bit but her reflexes were quick to adjust. While she was distracted by trying to keep herself up, Shouda dove in for an attack. But again, she managed to dodge the fist aimed at her and threw more acid from her hand while also shooting more from her feet which she used to ‘slip’ away.

The fight continued in this manner for a while. Shouda tried to distract Ashido with his mini earthquakes and then attempted to get in close. To which she would dodge and produce more acid. As time passed, more and more of the arena was covered in her acid leaving less and less space for Shouda to punch let alone stand. In the end, the boy found himself stuck near the edge of the ring. Ashido took advantage and skated towards him on her acid while aiming another hand full at him. There was nothing else he could do to dodge but to step over the line.

Shouda is out of bounds! Midnight announced. “Ashido will be advancing!

The crowd cheered as the pair left the field and the work to repair the ring began immediately to remove all of the acid. As the restoration was in progress, everyone in the stadium were waiting in anticipation for the next match. Including Izuku himself. Todoroki would be up next after all and the greenette was looking forward to supporting and watching his friend fight.

I wonder how Todoroki-kun is going to use his ice this time, Izuku wondered to himself. I know he has a lot of versatility with it and so can be unpredictable in a fight. I still wish he would use his fire, but he’s about as stubborn as I am about becoming a Hero. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Notes:

Oof. All Might seems to still think one must have a quirk to be a Hero. Wonder how that line of thought will go in the future. But Recovery Girl sees Izuku's potential! :D Good ol' Shuuzenji wants to teach our beloved broccoli boy as well. He's going to be so busy but also so well prepared! I didn't originally have her offering to teach him but it just kind of flowed that way while I was writing. ^___^ -shrugs-

Fun Facts About Japan:

Small one, but the nurse's office in schools are called hospitals. Which I was certainly surprised when I first heard that.

Last chapter I mentioned the scavenger hunt among other events. I'll talk about the others in future chapters, but let's talk about the scavenger hunt. They do have that as an event during sports festivals though not at every school. I only had one school festival that I attended have that as an event. The students run up one at a time for their team and are given a clue or something to look for. Could be for a bag, towel, water bottle, etc. or it could be asking for a specific person. I don't know for sure what specifically but probably concerning what club they were in or what they like to do or can do. Whatever the clue is, the students have to go find that thing or person and bring it/them back to get the 'point' and the next person can go get another clue.

That's it for this chapter! Next up we'll have Todoroki versus Sero, Iida versus Hatsume, and Yaoyorozu versus Tokoyami! So many battles next week. ;) See ya then and please report any typos or weirdness!

Chapter 44: Sports Festival: Friends And Friends?

Notes:

Welcome back, dear readers! As this chapter comes to you, I am also back home from visiting my sister! I do miss her and her chickens, but it's also nice to be home. My mom and I even decorated our Christmas tree yesterday! :D

Formatting reminder:
"Dialogue heard through a sound system."
...
"PRESENT MIC'S DIALOGUE HEARD THROUGH A SOUND SYSTEM."

Anyway, let's get on with the chapter and the next three matches! Todoroki VS Sero, Iida VS Hatsume, and Yaoyorozu VS Tokoyami! Plus a little more of Izuku and Mei at the end with Mei being signature Mei. ;) Let's go!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Entering the hallway, Shouto’s expression was neutral as usual. His mind partially focused on his upcoming match and what actions he could take against his opponent. The other part was on Midoriya which he found his mind wandering to the other boy more and more as time passed. He wasn’t sure why exactly but he didn’t really mind either. Currently, his thoughts on his friend were split between his victory against Kaminari as well as lingering on his talk with Midoriya earlier.

Shouto was proud of his friend for advancing on. He knew how society viewed the Quirkless even though he never understood why when anyone without a Quirk were just as capable as anyone with one. No surprise that Endeavor was one of those that looked down on them and considered them a burden on society. But Shouto didn’t see Midoriya’s Quirk status when looking at his friend. He saw the heart and the skill the other boy had. The kindness. The warmth.

He would make a great Hero if he wanted to be. Actually, I don’t think I ever asked him what he wants to be in the future. I wonder…

His wonderings were cut off as he turned the corner and took in the aggravating image of his father, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, waiting for him customarily surrounded by his intentionally intimidating flames.

What the hell does he want? Shouto thought as his face twisted into one of irritation as he glared at the man.

Wanting to ignore the old man, Shouto walked angrily down the hall aiming to simply walk around his father without a word. But the bastard had other plans and chose to speak.

“Your performance so far has been a disgrace, Shouto,” Endeavor’s voice boomed, his disappointment reverberating off the walls. “You may have placed in first in the initial two rounds, but your victories could have been even more overwhelming and undeniable if you simply used your left side. The side I gave you.”

To hell with your disappointment, Shouto thought, letting out a disgruntled huff as he trudged past. Only you would consider winning first place twice a ‘disgrace.’ All because I refuse to use your fire.

“This petulant childish rebellion of yours needs to stop. You have a duty to fulfill and your actions so far of half-assing this competition will not do. To do what none of your siblings could ever do and surpass that imbecile All Might. The entire reason why I created you. My greatest masterpiece.”

Half-assing, huh? Shouto thought as he paused briefly. Midoriya said something similar. ‘You know, you winning by half-ass means is an insult to everyone else in this festival.’ Could he be connected to my father somehow?

“Is that all you have to say?” Shouto growls as he continued down the hall away from the bastard. “I’ll win this match as I did the past two rounds. Hell, I’ll win the whole festival! All the while using only mom’s Quirk. I will never give you the satisfaction of using your power in combat.”

“That may be enough in this tournament between children,” the man sneered, angrily eyeing his son as he walked away. “But once outside of the shelter this school provides, you’ll learn soon enough that limiting yourself this way is a hinderance. One that will lead to your defeat in the long run and limit your potential.”

Shouto growled again. Out of annoyance and anger. But most of all, out of how similar his father’s words had mirrored Midoriya’s. Again.

‘Todoroki-kun, you have a powerful Quirk. You have the ability to channel ice and fire. That power could be used to help a lot of people. But if you don’t use and train with half your Quirk, you wouldn’t be fighting with your full potential.’

He may have entered the hallway neutral, but his face contorted into one of long earned resentment as he stormed away without another word. The only thoughts on his mind were of anger. Not of the crowd. Not of his opponent. Not of the match. Only his absolute dick of a father, Endeavour. And whether or not Midoriya was connected to him somehow.

He hoped not.

~~~

THAT LAST MATCH CERTAINLY CORRODED OVER TIME! EVEN THE ARENA!! BUT NOW WE’RE MOVING ON TO OUR NEXT PLAYERS! FIRST UP, HE CAN REALLY STICK IT TO YOU…

You already used that one with Midoriya. You can’t use it again. Also, can you please stop?

NO CAN DO, PARTNER! AT THIS POINT IT’S TRADITION SO I CAN’T TAPE-R OFF NOW! SO, IT’S GONNA KEEP HAPPENING ‘TETHER’ YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!

Why do you do this to me?

‘CAUSE I CAN! ANYWAY, LET’S HEAR IT FOR SERO HANTA FROM THE HERO COURSE!!

There they go bickering again, Izuku thought with a chuckle. Down below, Sero, a tall boy with short black hair and odd-looking elbows, walked out onto the field as the crowd cheered. Izuku wondered how the tape user planned to use his Quirk in the coming fight.

VERSUS…HE’S REALLY ICE-OLATED HIMSELF SO FAR BY STAYING IN FIRST PLACE SINCE THE BEGINNING! LET’S HOPE HE DOESN’T GET COLD FEET NOW! IT’S TODOROKI SHOUTO ALSO FROM THE HERO COURSE!!

Out came Todoroki on the other side as the crowd cheered even louder than for Sero. Ouch, to Sero, but that wasn’t what Izuku was paying attention to. Instead, his eyes were solely on Todoroki. His stride…his expression…it all screamed angry to Izuku. What could have made his friend so mad?

But that question answered itself as Izuku caught sight of a certain literally-flaming man enter the stands a few sections over. Endeavor seemed to glare down into the arena with his arms crossed over his chest. This alone was enough for the greenette to guess that he had talked to Todoroki before the match.

That can’t be good, Izuku thought as he wearily turned his attention back to the two down below.

AND NOW, FOR THE THIRD MATCH OF THE FINALS! READY? BEGIN!!

Todoroki Shouto VS Sero Hanta

Much like during the Battle Training, Todoroki’s match was over almost instantly. Not to say Sero didn’t put up a good fight though! As soon as Present Mic called to start, Sero shot out his tape, capturing Todoroki, and made to swing his opponent out of the ring. It was a good plan and would have worked, only…

WHAAA?! TALK ABOUT THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG!!

Isn’t it technically a glacier?

Before he reached the boundary line, Todoroki had stomped his right foot down and in an instant ice spread across the arena. Frozen crystals formed and grew, capturing Sero in their icy grip along the way, until in the blink of an eye there was a towering mass of jagged spires of ice.

Holy crap, Izuku thought, stunned at the sight. It’s so tall that it’s jutting out beyond the stadium’s roof! Talk about overkill.

The greenette looked back to the field. Sero was frozen in place, his arms still outstretched from his attack. Todoroki broke out of the frozen tape that bound him with ease. His right side was littered with patches of frost, most likely due to the large amount of ice he had just produced. The attack was so intense that even Midnight had been partially encased in ice.

Tell the truth, Sero,” Midnight said, shivering from being half frozen. “Can you move?

Obviously not. He’s basically an ice sculpture right now!

Sero has been immobilized!Midnight stated as Sero confirmed below though the crowd couldn’t hear him. “Todoroki will advance to the second round!

~~~

Shouto shivered as he walked toward his classmate once his victory was announced. The crowd started to cheer out chants of ‘nice try’ in hopes of cheering Sero up from his sudden and overwhelming defeat. Shouto felt bad about going all out like that.

“Sorry…I went a bit overboard,” Shouto said as he raised his left hand and placed it on Sero’s chest. Steam began to rise from the point of contact as he used his left side to thaw the ice. “I was angry. I didn’t mean to take it out on you.”

“I-It was a b-bit much,” Sero stuttered back. “But n-no worries, m-man. It’s a c-competition and I d-didn’t really think I could w-win. But I g-gave it my best.”

“Yes, your strategy was a good one,” Shouto replied with a nod. “On another opponent it could have worked.”

“Humble m-much?” Sero mumbled as the other boy finished thawing him out.

Shouto then moved to help unfreeze Midnight as well while a team came to start clearing the remaining glacier. Both Sero and he were then instructed to report to Recovery Girl to check for frostbite. For Sero it made sense to him, but Shouto knew he would be fine now that he had used his left side.

I swear to never use that bastard’s power in combat, and although I’d prefer to not use it at all, it does have some potential for rescue purposes, I guess. I’m sure Midoriya could come up with dozens of applications.

Speaking of Midoriya, usually he didn’t mind his thoughts wandering to his friend. However, now Shouto couldn’t help but think about how similar the other boy’s words were to his father’s. He thought that Midoriya was his friend and genuinely wanted to spend time with him. But was it possible it was all an act? Was the warm boy that he held hands with merely pretending to be his friend because Endeavor willed it? Shouto very much hoped not, but the idea festered in the back of his mind, tainting his memories of his ‘friend’.

Shouto and Sero continued to Recovery Girl’s temporary nurse’s office in silence. As predicted, the tape user needed more attention as his body wasn’t accustomed to exposure to ice as his own was. Recovery Girl gave the ice user a kiss on the forehead to any scraps or small injuries Shouto had before sending him on his way so she could focus on Sero. He left his classmate in the Youthful Heroine’s capable hands and joined his class to watch the rest of the matches.

~~~

Izuku was concerned. Todoroki had appeared angry before his fight and it definitely showed through his attack. Such a powerful burst of glacial force had come from his friend that was fueled by the animosity he held for his father. It wasn’t healthy. The greenette was becoming even more determined to get it through his friend’s thick stubborn head that he needed to use all of his Quirk, his asshole of a father be damned.

Perhaps, if I make it far enough, I could, uh, ‘beat’ some sense into him, so to speak? Maybe…

But that was a problem for future Izuku. Right now, there wasn’t much he could do about the situation since his words before didn’t seem to do the trick. Plus, there were other matches to watch and Quirks to analyze of possible future opponents. Izuku wasn’t going to rule anyone out who made it to the finals.

NOW THAT THE ARENA IS ALL THAWED OUT TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED TEMPERATURE, LET’S MOVE ON TO OUR NEXT MATCH! BRINGING US CLOSE TO THE HALF WAY POINT OF THE FIRST ROUND OF MATCHES, HE VROOMED INTO FIFTH PLACE THE FIRST ROUND AND BEING ON THE WINNING TEAM IN THE SECOND CERTAINLY GAVE HIM A BOOST! IT’S IIDA TENYA FROM THE HERO COURSE!!

Out came the stiff rule-abiding class president of Class 1-A, a serious look of determination on his face.

Iida’s Engine Quirk definitely gives him an edge with his improved speed. Although his maneuverability is affected by the increase in velocity. Which could prove to be an issue in a close quarter fight such as this. He’ll have to be careful of how much speed he uses and be mindful of where the boundary lines are.

VERSUS…IT’S NO ISSUE TO SEE THAT SHE IS SUPER FOCUSED ON HER GEAR! IT’S HATSUME MEI FROM THE SUPPORT COURSE!!

From across the field came his friend, Mei, decked out in her babies walking out with a look of pride.

Mei-chan’s Zoom Quirk isn’t much help in a fight physically. But, like me, she relies on her babies to get the job done. I’ll bet she’s going to try and show off as many babies in this fight as possible.

SIMILAR TO OUR FIRST MATCH, IT’S HERO VERSUS SUPPORT! WHICH DEPARTMENT WILL BE THE WINNER THIS TIME?

It was at this point that Iida, much to the confusion of the crowd, suddenly started to deck himself out with Support Items that, to Izuku, were obviously borrowed from Mei. The greenette smiled at the thought that Iida was willing to help Mei show off her babies.

WHAT’S THIS? LOOKS LIKE IIDA IS SPORTING SOME NEW THREADS! ARE THOSE SUPPORT ITEMS? AREN’T THOSE FORBIDDEN TO HERO COURSE KIDS?

Correct! Midnight confirmed with a snap of her whip. “Hero Course students are not allowed to use Support Items unless they have to.

Unless they fill out the proper paperwork, Izuku thought as Iida appeared to be arguing his case. With robotic arm motions, of course.

True, however Aoyama turned in the proper forms for his belt,” Midnight responded to an unheard conversation.

See?, Izuku thought, once again watching Iida passionately speaking. I wonder what he is saying…

Ooh! Such vigorous youth!!Midnight squealed, her body wiggling in excitement. “To be willing to equal the playing field in an act of sportsmanship. And at your opponent’s request and your respect of her earnest spirit and integrity. All in search of a fair fight. It’s so deliciously naïve! I’ll allow it!! She emphasized her decision with another whip crack.

That…doesn’t sound like the Mei-chan I know, Izuku thought, confused. She doesn’t care about a fair fight. Only showing off her babies. It’s almost as if she…oh no. Mei-chan, you didn’t…

IS THAT REALLY OKAY?

Well, I guess if both parties are in agreement, then yes?

WELL, UH, LET’S GET GOING, I GUESS? READY? BEGIN!!

Iida Tenya VS Hatsume Mei

Izuku’s suspicions were confirmed when Mei activated her own microphone with a crazed giggle as soon as Present Mic called for the start of the match.

…Mei-chan, you did, Izuku thought with a sigh. No wonder she answered weird when I commented on Iida helping her earlier.

Iida, quick as ever, initiated the fight immediately. His speed seemed faster than usual though.

Don’t you love how incredibly fast that gear makes you, eh Iida?” Mei called out, obviously having managed to hack into the stadium PA system. How exactly was a mystery, but also didn’t surprise Izuku one bit. Mei was a mad genius after all.

HUH?

Is that a mic?

HEY, NOW! I’M THE ONLY MIC ALLOWED HERE!

That, clearly, was not something Mei cared about as she pushed forward on announcing her babies, one after the other. However, while she was determined to make the match into one big commercial, Iida was taking the fight seriously and quickly went in for the attack.

…that’s what you’ll get with my custom Leg Enhancers!

Iida ran forward to try to get close to her and push her out of bounds as she commentated her own fight. But Mei easily evaded him.

…dodging made easy with my Hydraulic Bracers!

The telescopic metal pole that shot out of her baby effortlessly pushed Mei out of the way without her having to do a thing. Iida tripped slightly over the suddenly appearing pole and flailed to right himself before going in for the attack again. Coming from behind, he seemed to have the advantage only for another pole to shoot out.

…no need to watch your back because my Sensors will do it for you!

Again, Iida’s momentum pushed him forward and this time he tripped hard over the pole. Mei-chan is really taking Iida-kun for a ‘trip’, huh? However, the engine user didn’t fall.

…manuevering has never been easier with my Auto Balancer!

The borrowed Support Item righted Iida up and away from the boundary line, keeping him in the ring in a comical spinning motion. Clearly looking irritated with what was going on, Iida used his anger to push himself more and made for Mei again. But he couldn’t get close as she shot up into the air.

…you’ll feel like you’re flying with my Electromagnetic Soles!

Iida appeared ready to attack yet again as soon as Mei landed. However, when she did, she shot a gun at him and out came a net that captured the engine user where he stood. And then subsequently fell as he lost his balance.

…capture Villains in seconds with my Capture Gun!

Now there’s an interesting idea. But I already have my Tape Gun so perhaps a sort of Capture Bomb instead?

Izuku may have the goal to make Quirk Replicating Support Items, but that doesn’t mean he can’t take inspiration from other sources. Such as his spastic Support genius friend with the scary yet impressively long list of babies. And Izuku knew she was only getting started even after five minutes of ‘fighting’ and announcing.

…all of these items were designed by yours truly, Hatsume Mei!! A Support Course prodigy at your service! If you’re a Support Company looking for promising recruits, clearly, I’m the one you want! Again, that’s Hatsume Mei, H-A-T-S-U-M-E!! And now, to show you a few more of my beautiful babies!!

Called it! Mei-chan is a natural saleswoman. But…I do feel bad for Iida.

Mei spent the next ten minutes showing off as many babies as she could with Iida as her patsy. The engine user kept running at the pinkette but again and again found himself being pushed and pulled by his opponent and said opponent’s borrowed gear. He kept running at her as she announced each of her babies, one by one. But all of her Support Items countered every attack at the same time the borrowed ones kept Iida in play. The match seemed to drag on with no end in sight until Mei, obviously pleased with herself, simply stepped out of the ring bringing the commercially viable fight to an end.

Uh,Midnight uttered, clearly surprised at the outcome. “Hatsume has stepped out of bounds. Iida will be moving on!

Izuku could see how infuriated Iida was from being used like that and Mei had the decency to look a bit apologetic. He’ll have to talk to her about apologizing properly to the engine user after the festival was over. They’ve been sitting together at lunch for weeks now and Iida seemed the type to count that as being friends. But Mei hadn’t called him by his first name yet, at lunch or during the match, which to her was the mark of friendship. He’ll have to talk to her about that too.

Down below, his two friends had already cleared the field and the arena, having not been destroyed this time, was ready for the next match. Now that Mei was out, he didn’t expect her to be back right away since she would have to put her babies away. In the meantime, Izuku focused on the field below.

WELL, UH, AFTER THAT ~INTERESTING~ LAST MATCH…

That was more of a commercial than a match.

…LET’S MOVE ON TO SECOND HALF OF THE FIRST ROUND! NOT TO BE OVERSHADOWED BY THE PREVIOUS PLAYERS! HE’S THE MYSTIFYING MASTER OF MYSTERY, GIVE IT UP FOR TOKOYAMI FUMIKAGE FROM THE HERO COURSE!!

Tokoyami exited the dark pathway into the sunlight of the open-air stadium and made his way to the ring.

With his Quirk, Dark Shadow, Tokoyami-kun is a strong opponent. Although Dark Shadow is weak to light, the spirit can still pack a punch during the day. However, Tokoyami-kun seems to rely on his Quirk, keeping his distance, more than on close combat. So, getting in close would be the best plan of attack by…

VERSUS…GET READY TO MARVEL AT THE HANDIWORK OF THE CREATIVE QUEEN OF UA! MAKE SOME NOISE FOR YAOYOROZU MOMO ALSO FROM THE HERO COURSE!!

From the opposite end of the field, out walked Yaoyorozu with her ponytailed head held high.

Yaoyorozu-san also relies on her Creation Quirk, however she obviously has trained to use the weapons she can create. Especially a bo staff which she seems to favor. She’s already proven ingenuity with her Quirk with how she changed the material of the net she used during the USJ attack. If she can realize Tokoyami-kun’s weakness and create something to exploit it, then she has this fight in the bag.

READY? BEGIN!

Yaoyorozu Momo VS Tokoyami Fumikage

Tokoyami immediately released Dark Shadow while Yaoyorozu produced a shield to defend herself. Ok…not the route I would have gone. Dark Shadow’s advance was blocked by the shield to which the spirit reeled back and attacked again. And again. And again.

The attacks from Dark Shadow are so rapid and in quick succession that Yaoyorozu-san can’t seem to focus on her Quirk. Is Dark Shadow aiming for the shield on purpose?

At least, that’s what it looked like to him. With each hit to the shield, Yaoyorozu was being pushed back little by little. A fact she didn’t seem to be aware of, though not surprising if she couldn’t even focus enough beyond blocking. Which was confirmed by her shock when, after she had unknowingly crossed the line and Dark Shadow stopped attacking, she was readying to fight back only for Midnight to stop her.

Yaoyorozu! You are out of bounds! the R-rated Hero announced with a crack of her whip. “Tokoyami will advance!

The crowd cheered for Tokoyami’s win as he bowed respectfully, but Izuku focused on Yaoyorozu. She was visibly upset by the outcome of the fight. She didn’t get to be on the offensive even once. Perhaps he could talk to her later about planning to counter the Quirk rather than just the physical attacks. Maybe at the same time he asks her about helping to redesign her Hero costume.

By this point, the pair below exited the field and Mei had returned to 1-H’s booth. Various other Support students in the class awkwardly congratulated on her successful advertising while avoiding the topic of her forfeit. Izuku greeted her as she sat in the seat beside him.

“Hey, Mei-chan,” Izuku said, giving her a brief hug. “Uh, congrats on showing off your babies, but did you need to use Iida-kun like that?”

“Yeah, uh, about that,” Mei replied, awkwardly scratching the back of her head. “I may or may not have manipulated the situation to best serve my needs and possibly got a bit carried away. Heh heh.”

“A bit?! Mei-chan, he was practically your puppet!” Izuku exclaimed. Mei started to look a little more guilty. “You know he considers you a friend, right?”

Or at least did and hopefully still does.

“Huh?” Mei said, surprised.

“We’ve eaten lunch with him for a while now,” Izuku explained. “Uraraka-san, Tsu-chan, and Todoroki-kun too. For a lot of people, that’s something friends do.”

“Huh,” Mei said again, the guilty look was back. “I didn’t think about that. I guess I may have considered them more your friends than mine. After all, I already have you and Hitoshi.”

“You can have more than two friends, Mei-chan,” Izuku responded.

“But you two are more special than the others!” Mei asserted. “You have so much baby making potential!”

Despite how long he had known his friend and her tendency to not watch how she says things, context-necessary moments like these keep popping up. Izuku blushed as he facepalmed at Mei’s lack of tact while the students around them sputtered at the comment.

“Mei-chan, you really need to work on your wording!!”

“What?” Mei questioned, oblivious as ever whether purposefully or not. “It’s true! You and your blank canvas-ness and Hitoshi’s obvious need for a voice changer as well as other helpful babies. I could be happy making babies with you two alone!”

And the tactlessness continues. Tune in next time for more embarrassing ramblings featuring Mei-chan and me as her hapless perpetual victim. Same Mei-chan time, same Mei-chan channel.

“Ok ok, I get it,” Izuku conceded, still red in the face. “Well, best friends are a thing, you know?”

“Hmm…that’s true,” Mei replied, hand on her chin in thought. “There is a tier system in the concept of friends. I hadn’t considered that before.”

Well…that’s a weird way to put it but ok. Whatever works for you, Mei-chan.

“So, will you go talk to Iida-kun later and apologize?” Izuku asked.

“Yeah, I guess I need to,” Mei sighed.

“Good,” Izuku said, giving his friend a comforting hug which she gladly returned. “By the way, why did you step out of bounds? You obviously could have won that fight easily with how you threw Iida-kun around like a ragdoll.”

“Seemed like the thing to do at the time,” Mei said with a shrug. “I showed off all the babies I wanted to and didn’t see much of a point to continue on.”

“I guess,” Izuku said. “But you could have shown how your babies work against other Quirks besides Iida-kun’s Engine.”

“Huh, didn’t think about it that way,” Mei replied thoughtfully before clapping her hands together with a grin. “Oh well, nothing I can do about it now! Besides, with me forfeiting, that means Ii-Tenya can have a real fight. Plus, the Sports Festival is mostly when the Hero Course gets to show off while the Cultural Festival is when it’s the Support Course’s time to shine!” She gave him a wink.

Oh yeah, that is true about the Cultural Festival. Students from all grades and courses get to participate in de-stressing activities together. Such as musical performances, themed cafes, games, and various contests to name a few. And the Support Course students get to show off what they’ve made. Good point, Mei-chan.

THAT LAST MATCH LEFT NO SHADOW OF A DOUBT OF WHO WILL BE ADVANCING TO THE NEXT ROUND! LET’S KEEP THIS BALL ROLLING!

Oh right, the next match. Hitoshi-kun is up next, I think. Go Hitoshi-kun!

Notes:

Uh oh! Todoroki is second guessing Izuku's intentions. Though, considering his homelife and I'm guessing severe lack of friends growing up, he can't help but second guess. I'm not going to specify whether Todoroki was homeschooled or in public/private. But I feel that if he had been in public/private he would be surrounded by people trying to suck up to him just because Endeavor is his father. Like how others sucked up to Katsuki just because of his heroic quirk. So Todoroki wouldn't have much experience with actual friendship either way. Just my thoughts.

I hoped you liked the fight between Iida and Hatsume! And the insight on her thoughts of afterwards. I personally feel that she is so focused on her inventing that she has a hard time with social interactions if they aren't connected to that. So Izuku was her first friend and Hitoshi was kind of tacked on in the beginning but also became an inspiration. But with the hero course kids, they were drawn to Izuku and hadn't even mentioned anything about support items so they didn't really register in Mei's mind as friends/baby making material. But don't worry! She's going to apologize and make friends with her lunch mates later! :D

So reasons for these fights to be the same is because with Todoroki VS Sero, it's Todoroki's hatred of his father showing through. With Iida VS Hatsume, it's one) Mei showing off her stuff and two) my vehicle of Izuku teaching Mei that she has more friends than she thinks. With Yaoyorozu VS Tokoyami, this is when Yaoyorozu's insecurity in leading starts and I want to address that. Because it comes up repeatedly in canon.

Fun Facts About Japan:

Let's talk about another event I say at several sports festivals featuring a bamboo pole. This one is not like a three legged race. There are two students who run with a bamboo pole between them. They run holding either side to one side of the field and race to their team on the other side. Then they lower the pole to just above the ground as their team of about 5 students across and about 15 students back has to jump over the pole as the two holders run the pole under the group. The team then has to crouch down so the two holders can hold the pole above the team as they run back to give the bamboo pole off to the next set of holders. I think they have about 6-7 sets of holders in total depending on the school. Anyway, the last pair runs back and then stands the bamboo pole up vertically to show their team has finished. Fastest team wins! This even takes a lot of coordination in the group that has to jump over and then duck under the pole.

That's it for now! Next week we have Shinsou VS Shiozaki, Kirishima VS Tetsutetsu, and Uraraka VS Bakugou! More fights, more fights! :D Thanks for reading and let me know of typos or weirdness! ^_____^

Chapter 45: Sports Festival: Boom Goes The Dynamite

Notes:

Hey there, dear readers! Hope you're having a happy December! We're back with chapter 45! We've got three more fights to get through and some friend bonding time thrown into the mix. Hope you like puns because there's gonna be an extra dose of them this chapter. ;)

Warning for swearing 'cause of Katsuki pov.

Formatting reminder:
"Dialogue heard through a sound system."
...
"PRESENT MIC'S DIALOGUE HEARD THROUGH A SOUND SYSTEM."

Onward! :D

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

MOVING ON! YOU BETTER BE-LEAF ‘THISTLE’ BE SOMEONE WHO CAN CATCH YOU IN A ‘VINE’!

Isn’t it ‘in a bind’? Also, the amount of plant puns is totally unnecessary. Actually, all of the puns are.

I’M ONLY TRYING TO GIVE SOME ENCOURAGE-MINT!

You are the absolute worse.

NO, I’M NOT~! SAY ‘ALOE’ TO SHIOZAKI IBARA FROM THE HERO COURSE!!

Purple eyes watched as Shiozaki entered the field while the crowd cheered. Class 1-B’s shouts of encouragement were especially loud for their classmate.

She’s the one with the Vine Quirk, Hitoshi thought, eyeing the girl who had been one of his team mates during the Cavalry Battle.

VERSUS…MY MIND IS A BIT FOGGY BUT THIS GUY SEEMS TO BE A BIT OF A MYSTERY SO FAR! HERE TO JOG OUR MEMORY IS SHINSOU HITOSHI FROM GENERAL STUDIES!!

At his introduction, Hitoshi strolled out with his hands in his pockets. Over the noise of the mass of people, he could pick out Izuku and Mei as they screamed their own support for him loud enough for him to hear. Hitoshi was able to find them and give a thumbs up with a smirk. His own Class 1-C, along with 1-D and 1-E, also cheered for him as the sole representative of General Studies in the finals. He raised a hand to them in thanks.

Hitoshi then turned his attention forward, walking leisurely to give him a few more seconds to mentally prepare. He was going to be fighting Shiozaki, a modest girl who seemed nice and all but had a serious ‘holier than thou’ vibe. She knew about his Quirk and he knew hers.

This is a Mental versus Physical Quirk fight, Hitoshi thought, trying to get into a ‘What Would Izuku Do’ mindset. Shiozaki’s Vines are fast growing and great for defense and capture. For anyone else, getting wrapped up in her vine-like hair would be game over. But Midnight knows of my Brainwashing which means even if I’m captured, I still have a chance.

Both Hitoshi and Shiozaki walked until they were in the ring but still a fair distance from each other. Tired purple eyes stared into dark green ones. He hoped that if he won this fight, and subsequently the others, that he would be looking across the arena at a different pair of green eyes. Friendly eyes.

READY?

Not particularly, but what can you do? I need to figure out a way to get her to respond. Maybe I could take a page out of Yamada-sensei’s book. Or should I say ‘leaf’?

BEGIN!!

Shinsou Hitoshi VS Shiozaki Ibara

Whelp, here goes nothing.

“Do you have the thyme?” Hitoshi said, hands still his pockets. He didn’t even bother trying to use his Quirk just yet. “I need to get somewhere around tree o’clock.”

Across the ring, Shiozaki looked at him confused but said nothing. She knew his Quirk required a verbal response. And he knew that she knew. However, it was an obstacle Izuku and he had discussed was one he needed to work on countering anyway. And he had a pun-derful idea he wanted to try out.

Lettuce do our best, yeah?” Hitoshi quipped further, having a world of plant-based humor to work with. “I’m sure your friends are rooting for you!”

Still confused but starting to look a bit annoyed, Shiozaki took a defense stance.

“Did you know I have a fear of roses?” he asked, gaining a quirked green brow but nothing more. “It’s a thorny issue and I’m not sure what it stems from but I’m stuck with it. Bit of a prickly topic you could say.”

Pun-fortunately, Shiozaki still said nothing and instead shot her vines towards him. In seconds, Hitoshi was wrapped from the neck down in the green appendages.

“How are you doing?” he asked, not concerned at all by the situation. He noticed her annoyance growing with each pun-ishment he dealt out. “I’m vine, by the way.”

A murmur of confusion rolled over the crowd at the sight before them. One student was clearly immobilized by the other’s Quirk and yet Midnight was making no move to declare a winner.

Jokes on you! I may not be able to move, but I’ve still got game.

“Everyone romaine calm!” Hitoshi assured jokingly, loud enough for the crowd to hear. “Good chives only here!”

Ignoring the bewildered audience, he pushed through with his current pun-dertaking as she squeezed her vines tighter in irritation. He was surprised she hadn’t tried throwing him out of the ring by now, to be honest. But he could see she was close to a breaking point and started to lace in his Quirk.

Don’t kale my vibe just yet,” Hitoshi said, wheezing a bit at the tight grip. “At least let me plant one on ya!

That apparently was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.

“Is this a joke to you?!” Shiozaki yelled at him, clearly frustrated and not thinking clearly.

Is it not to you?” Hitoshi asked, with Quirked words and a quirked brow.

“No, I…” she responded, only to stop with a blank look on her face with green eyes turning a hollow white as he took control of her mind.

“Gotcha,” Hitoshi grinned in triumph. “Now…release me gently from your vines and then walk out of bounds.

Without protest, Shiozaki dutifully followed his orders while the crowd expressed their bewilderment. Guesses and questions about his Quirk were shot back and forth in an attempt to understand this sudden turn of events. Of how the prior clear winner with the upper hand before was now doing exactly what the underdog of the pair told her to do.

Shiozaki is out of bounds! Midnight announced with a crack of her whip as the girl crossed the line. “Shinsou will be moving on!

At the call of his win, Hitoshi walked over to Shiozaki and gently released his holding on her mind. Life came back to her dark green eyes as she looked around in confusion.

“Sorry about that,” Hitoshi said, nervously rubbing his neck as she looked down to see she was out. “But you know what my goal is and that I won’t go down without a fight.”

Shiozaki looked at him appearing a bit dazed still from his brainwashing. But then she smiled and bowed to him slightly.

“Please do not worry, Shinsou-kun,” she insisted. “This is a competition and we must all put forth our best efforts to realize our ambitions. I appreciate you approaching this match with the mind to try your hardest.”

“Heh, thanks,” Hitoshi huffed out, cheeks ever so slightly pink. “Same to you. You grow girl.”

“Was that necessary?” Shiozaki asked, letting out a small chuckled that had a hint of a groan at his continued pun-chlines.

“What can I say?” Hitoshi replied with a smirk and a shrug. “I’m a succa for puns”

This earned him another satisfying groan as they left the field together. From the seats above, Hitoshi spotted his friends in the 1-H booth and raised a fist bump up towards them. From afar they returned it and cheered even louder along with 1-C and the other General Studies classes as they shouted about ‘Gen Ed Pride’.

“You have very supportive friends, Shinsou-kun,” Shiozaki commented, as they enter the tunnel of the stadium heading to be checked over by Recovery Girl.

“Yeah, uh, they’re pretty great,” Hitoshi replied with a small smile, rubbing his neck again.

Pretty great indeed.

~~~

HUH! THAT LAST MATCH HAD ME HYPNOTIZED! WHO KNEW OUR MYSTERY BOY FROM THE LAST MATCH HAD SUCH PUN-TENTIAL?!

You know it! thought Izuku with a grin. The power of bad jokes is pun-questionable!

Now you’re making puns about puns? Ugh, kill me now.

AW, DON’T BE SUCH A STICK IN THE MUD, ERASER! IT’S TRADITION NOW AND I GOTTA ‘STICK’ TO IT!

And now the stick joke is back. Great…

YOU KNOW YOU SECRETLY LOVE~ IT!

Would you just stop and get to the next match already?!

Woah, he actually snapped at Present Mic.

RIGHT-O, PARTNER! WHAT’S THIS? I FEEL LIKE I’M LOOKING IN A MIRROR FOR THIS NEXT ONE, FOLKS! FIRST UP, WE HAVE SOMEONE WHO DEFINITELY DOESN’T TAKE LIFE FOR ‘GRANITE’! IT’S KIRISHIMA EIJIROU FROM THE HERO COURSE!!

The red head was obviously already frustrated by this match up, clenching his fist and wearing a scowl on his face paired with manly tears.

Kirishima-kun’s Hardening is great for offense and defense, especially in close combat. However…

VERSUS…I’M SURE HE’S NOT TRYING TO ‘STEEL’ THE OTHER’S LOOK! BUT WE’LL ‘IRON’ THAT OUT LATER! LET’S HEAR IT FOR TETSUTETSU TETSUTETSU ALSO FROM THE HERO COURSE!!

The grey-haired teen was also visibly annoyed at having to face the other with such a similar Quirk as his own. Even screaming his frustration out loud.

…Tetsutetsu’s Steel basically is good for the exact same thing for the exact same reasons. Their Quirks are different but still very much the same.

READY? BEGIN!!

Kirishima Eijirou VS Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu

At the call to start, both teens hardened their skin with their own respective Quirks and charged towards each other. Kirishima readied his right hand into a rock-like fist while Tetsetetsu did the same with his left into a steel-like one. Their mirrored attacks met in the middle hard as one would expect between a rock and a hard-as-steel place. The point of impact seemed to even spark from the combined power behind their unyielding twinned strikes.

Yeah, that’s what I thought. This will be a test of endurance and stamina more than anything else. Though I have a feeling it may end in a draw.

Thinking that this would be a match that would stretch on for a while, Izuku excused himself from the 1-H booth in lieu of something a bit more productive. No offense to Kirishima-kun! But there’s something I feel like I need to do. Winding through the maze of tunnels of the stadium, the greenette made his way to the prep rooms in search of Uraraka. She was going up against Katsuki next and he wanted to show his support.

Ha! Support from Support!

Soon he found the prep rooms but wasn’t sure which one of the two Uraraka was in. Cautiously, he approached one of the doors and listened for any signs of life inside. Upon hearing a few small explosion noises, Izuku internally declared a firm ‘nope’ and made for the other door. From the outside, he could hear two voices within as he politely knocked.

“Come in,” Uraraka’s voice called out and so Izuku opened the door and entered. “Oh, hey, Mido. What’s up?”

“Ah, Midoriya-kun, what brings you here?” Iida asked with jerky hand movements. “Also, what is it with Hatsume-san? I thought we were friends!”

“I-I already talked to Mei-chan about that and she’ll apologize to you later, Iida-kun,” Izuku answered and then focused on Uraraka. “You’re going up against Katsuki and I-I wanted to check on you before your match.”

Uraraka smiled at him and was about to respond when Iida interjected, “Surely, there is no need to worry. He may be a brut in a fight but wouldn’t use his full power against a female opponent, rig-?”

“What does her being a girl have to do with it?” Izuku snapped a little harsher than he meant to, shutting the taller boy up with a shocked look. Uraraka sat there stunned into silence as well. “Uraraka-san is just as strong as he is and her gender has nothing to do with it. Are you saying you would disrespect a classmate by going easy on them just because they were a girl?”

It was ridiculous to him. Whether you were one gender or another or anything in between does not mark one strong or weak. That way of thinking made him angry. It was similar to how society viewed having a ‘strong’ Quirk versus a ‘weak’ Quirk or in his case no Quirk at all. To determine someone’s strength, and subsequently their worth, by the lottery known as genetics was ludicrous!

“Mido, it’s ok,” Uraraka assured him, having gotten up from her seat during his rant. “He didn’t mean anything by it.” She brought her upset friend into a hug. “Right, Iida?”

“O-of course,” Iida said, looking a bit ashamed of himself. “I hold great esteem for all my classmates and meant no such disrespect. I apologize for my ignorance.” He finished with a stiff bow as is signature Iida.

“See, Mido?” Uraraka said as she pushed away from him slightly and brushed a few stray hairs out of his face. “No harm, no foul.”

“R-right, sorry for blowing up at you, Iida-kun,” Izuku said, wiping a few frustrated tears away. “I just…to judge others by something out of their control…hits too close to home for me.”

Iida and Uraraka shared a look and then turned back to him with expressions of understanding. Uraraka pulled him into a hug again and Iida placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. It was during moments like these that Izuku really appreciated being in UA. Having the support of friends is amazing.

Heh! Now it’s support for Support!

Giving one last squeeze, Izuku pulled away from the hug. “A-anyway, as for Katsuki, he won’t hold back. Actually, I don’t think he even knows how to as he never did when we were growing up. His Explosion Quirk is strong and he has the fighting skills to match…”

The other two paled a little as he spoke.

“…but you are strong too, Uraraka-san.”

The brunette looked at him in awe as he gingerly grasped the back of her hands and turned them palms up. He marveled at the pink pads on her fingers, finding them every bit as interesting as he does with all Quirk related features. The sheer number of different characteristics that form in relation to the functionality of Quirks was just so fascinating.

“Zero Gravity is a strong quirk and I know from seeing you fight that you use it well,” Izuku continued, green eyes looking sincerely into auburn ones. “You’re also smart and determined and I have every confidence that whatever plan you come up with will be great. I do have an idea myself, but I will only share it if you want me to. Because I believe you can do this.”

Throughout his little speech, tears started to build up in Uraraka’s eyes and the dam burst at the end as she threw her arms around Izuku’s neck, bringing him into a hug for the third time as he wrapped his arms around as well. Iida was not immune either and was tearing up at his words but did nothing more as to not interrupt their little moment.

“Thank you,” she whispered before pulling back and wiping away a few tears. “For everything you said. I appreciate your offer, but I think this is something I should do on my own. You’re amazing and super smart and strong and kind. Which is why I teamed up with you during the cavalry battle. But I won’t always be able to rely on my friends in a fight and need to learn to rely on myself.”

Uraraka had started to walk to the door as she spoke and paused before it.

“Everyone is doing their best and fighting for their future,” she declared with her back to them. “Including me. I’m going to go out there and give it my all. So…”

Taking a deep breath, she turned around with a determined look and held a thumbs up to her friends.

“…I’ll see you in the finals.”

With that, she opened the door and held it open in a silent signal for them to leave so she could finish preparing for the match alone. Izuku stood there a bit stunned by her strong will and character before shaking himself out of his stupor with a smile. Understanding her quiet request for some alone time, Iida and Izuku took their leave and left the prep room together, heading back to their respective class areas.

Mei greeted Izuku at his return as he sat down next to her which he returned and then turned his attention to the ongoing match. Down below, Kirishima and Tetsutetsu were still at it, throwing punch after punch at each other. Never letting up or going easy on the other. Izuku figured they must be exhausted if they both had been going all out like that this entire time. Which turned out to be true as after a final twinned blow of right hardened fists against left hardened cheeks, they both collapsed to the ground.

WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT? WITH SUCH SIMILAR QUIRKS, THESE TWO HAD A SCORE TO ‘METAL’ AND NOW SEEMED TO HAVE HIT ROCK BOTTOM AT THE SAME TIME! ARE THEY BOTH KO’D?!

Midnight entered the ring to assess the situation before announcing, “Both are down! This match is a draw! Since this is a tie, we will determine the winner with an arm wrestling match once they recover!

Called it! In a head-to-head fight, their Quirks are so similar it basically like fighting a copy of yourself. But they certainly fought with passion. Manly passion as Kirishima-kun would say.

With both opponents of the seventh match down for the count, they were carted off to Recovery Girl. Up next would be Uraraka against Katsuki. Izuku knew he wouldn’t pull back and would fight with all his strength. That’s just the kind of person he is. Izuku worried for Uraraka having to go against him, but he meant it when he said he believed in her. He had no idea what she had planned but he looked forward to whatever she came up with.

~~~

LET’S PUT THAT LAST TRACK ON PAUSE FOR NOW AND MOVE ON TO THE EIGHTH MATCH! STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE AND SELF DECLARED FUTURE WINNER OF THE WHOLE SHE-BANG! IT’S BAKUGOU KATSUKI FROM THE HERO COURSE!!

Of course, I’m gonna be the winner in the end, Katsuki thought to himself as he entered the arena. He may have come in second in the first round and third in the next, but in these final matches, he would be the one to finish in first in the end.

VERSUS…SHE MAY SEEM LIKE THE UNDERDOG IN THIS MATCHUP BUT DON’T FALL FOR THAT! SHE CAN BE QUITE THE UPLIFTING PERSON! GIVE IT UP FOR URARAKA OCHAKO ALSO FROM THE HERO COURSE!!

Across the ring came one of the brunette extras in Katsuki’s class. One of the strong ones.

Oh, so I’m up against Round-Face, huh? Ura…something. What was her Quirk again?

Judging by the irritating yet insightful puns from Present Mic, Katsuki remembered it had something to do with gravity. It also was activated by her hands which means he’ll have to keep her at a distance. But that shouldn’t be a problem with his Explosion Quirk.

“You’re the floaty one, right?” Katsuki called out, hands in his pockets. “The one who messes around with gravity, huh, Pink Cheeks?”

“Pink Cheeks?!” she squeaked. “My name is Uraraka! Do you really not know that? We’re classmates!”

“Whatever,” he replied with a click of his tongue. Her name didn’t matter to him. Only the fight mattered and him winning against someone using their full strength. “If you’re gonna just give up in the end, save us all the waste of time and do it now. ‘Cause holding back isn’t a part of my vocabulary and I don’t want to suffer through a half-assed fight.”

Like that damn Half-and-Half bastard has been doing so far.

Round-Face didn’t answer and readied herself in a defensive stance. Katsuki’s brow quirked up ever so slightly, whether from intrigue or annoyance he didn’t know. But if the look of fierce determination on her face was a match to her strength, this fight could prove to be interesting after all.

READY? BEGIN!!

Uraraka Ochako VS Bakugou Katsuki

At the call of start, Pink Cheeks came running straight at Katsuki, yammering that giving up wasn’t an option. Good. That means she was going to fight hard. Judging by her low stance and readied hands, she planned to come in low and fast in an effort to try and affect him with her Quirk.

Like I’d let that happen.

Katsuki removed his hands from his pockets and readied his right for an attack. By keeping his hands in his pockets in the heat of the day, he was able to produce a preemptive layer of the nitroglycerin-like sweat that was a part of his Quirk.

“And now…” he said, readying the spark within his palm as he reared his arm back. “…you die.”

As soon as Round-Face got too close, Katsuki swept his arm forward as his sweat ignited and blasted the extra away. A bright flash of light was quickly smothered by a cloud of black smoke. A move that obstructed his vision but he wasn’t worried. It was a side effect of his explosions and a hurdle that he had a lot of experience dealing with. But Floaty Girl on the other hand did not.

From the crowd of extras, he could hear some of them griping about how he was being too rough and harsh against a girl. At this, Katsuki scowled. He already knew Pink Cheeks was strong which is why he even called her that in the first place. Same with Frog-Face, Racoon Eyes, Earphone Jack-Ass, Ponytail, and Invisi-bitch. He knew they were all strong and deserved to be in the Hero Course. Being a girl had nothing to do with their strength.

So, what the fuck are they griping about?

“If that’s all you’ve got, then you should have dropped out when you could!” Katsuki yelled, shifting his stance and readying for another explosion. From within the smoke, he spotted Gravity Girl’s uniform in the haze. Gotcha. “You have no chance in hell of beating me!”

He swung another explosion-charged sweep at his target and pushing her into the ground. Only to find that all he had blasted was Pink Cheek’s damn jacket!

Fuck! A decoy? I hate to admit it but that was smart. Dammit! Where the fuck did she go?

HOLY SMOKES, FOLKS! LOOKS LIKE URARAKA HAD A ‘SP-ACE’ UP HER SLEEVE AND USED A DECOY! AND BAKUGOU FELL FOR IT LIKE AN APPLE FROM A TREE!

The hairs on the back of Katsuki’s neck rose and was the only warning he had. On instinct, he spun around and blasted Round-Face away from him. Bits of rock from the arena floor rained down due to his explosion being so close to the ground.

Damn, that was close. She’s fast and seems to actually have more than two braincells. Unlike that discount Pikachu. This fight might be harder than I thought.

WHAT DISTUR-BANG-LY INTENSE REACTION TIME! DESPITE THE DISTRACTION, BAKUGOU MANAGED TO COUNTER HER SNEAK ATTACK!

With another explosion had come more smoke, but Katsuki knew Ura-something was on the other side. Still in bounds apparently as Midnight hadn’t announced his victory. But not for long. He swiped the air to clear the smoke as Floaty Girl readied her stance before coming at him once more.

BUT THAT DOESN’T SEEM TO WEIGH HER DOWN AS SHE’S CHARGING IN AGAIN!

Not to be outdone, Katsuki swept a crackling hand across the ground while yelling, “Too slow!”

Larger chunks of debris shot through the air in tandem with the blast that once again blew Ura-whatever back. More smoke obscured his vision and he again lost sight of his target.

“Think again!” the extra’s voice called from behind him.

Once more, Katsuki aimed another low swung explosion at her, further tearing the arena floor apart. Over and over, they danced around like this. Pink Cheeks running towards him or coming from behind only to be forced back by his repeated outbursts.

IT’S OBVIOUS THAT BETWEEN FIGHT OR FLIGHT, URARAKA HAS FIRMLY CHOSEN FIGHT! SHE’S A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH AS SHE CONTINUES TO ‘SPACE’ THINGS UP!

Charge. Blast. Blow back. Repeat.

BUT BAKUGOU IS STILL SPARKING OUR INTEREST WITH HIS CONTINUING ONSLAUGHT! HE’S A WHIZ-BANG WITH THOSE BLASTS THAT HE FIRES OFF IN A-BURN-DANCE! IT’S FULL ON WAR-FLARE DOWN THERE!

She’s still here, Katsuki thought as he panted from exertion as he threw another explosion her way. Still standing. Still fighting. Uraraka…you are strong.

Then some idiot extra in the crowd started heckling him. The fuck? The dumbass carped about how someone should stop the fight. That it was too rough and he was toying with her. That he was a bully? Oh hell no. How he should just end the fight if he was so strong. But he was strong, that wasn’t the issue. It was that Uraraka was strong too. That moron and the others around him who were now booing Katsuki didn’t know jackshit.

The blonde once again got into a defensive stance as the brunette across from him did the same. Katsuki’s arms were shaking ever so slightly from having produced so many explosions in a short amount of time. But he didn’t care. In fact, he was just getting started.

The arena was a mess, broken in bits and scorched from his blasts. Because of her. She’s earned his acknowledgement. Like Kirishima had in the Cavalry Battle. She was strong. A worthy opponent. Skilled in battle. Had definitely given him a challenging fight. She was no extra.

“We’re not done yet…” Katsuki growled as he stared fiercely at the not-so-extra who returned the look in kind. “…Uraraka.”

~~~

WHAT’S THIS? THE CROWD IS NOW BOOING AT BAKUGOU!

Izuku was seething in his seat as Mei tried to calm him down. Someone in the crowd had whipped a large amount of people into a booing frenzy. All because they thought that Katsuki should go easy on Uraraka just because she was a girl.

“Mei-chan, do you still have your mic?” Izuku asked, glaring at the heckling mob.

“No, it’s packed up,” Mei answered. “Why?”

“I was hoping to call out some idiots,” Izuku replied.

If she did have her mic with her then he would have done it too. But Aizawa and his abhorrence for stupidity came to save the situation.

Who is the one that started this uproar?! Are you a Pro? If you are and are being serious, then I’d suggest you leave now and consider finding a different profession.

The crowd quieted down and those in the epicenter of the mob were looking aghast.

The fact is that the severity of Bakugou’s attacks and his fierceness is because he acknowledges his opponent’s strength. Uraraka has fought her way to where she is just as he did. His caution is a sign that he recognizes her as a worthy opponent. He knows she deserves to be here and that he can’t be careless in this fight or hold anything back. Doing everything he can to keep her at bay as his goal is clearly to come out on top.

The standard Aizawa bluntness was exactly what was needed to school those who had foolishly underestimated Uraraka. Izuku would very much like to thank the man later for defending his friend so intensely. Maybe get him a coffee or something.

Next time, take the time to observe and fully understand the situation before talking out of your ass.

And that is what I’d call a verbal mic drop.

Down below, Izuku could see through the wisps of smoke that Katsuki was readying for another charge from Uraraka. But instead of running forward as she had done on repeat for the majority of the fight, she stayed on her side of the ring as she raised her hands before her. Positioning them the same way she does when she deactivates her Quirk.

“What is she…?” Izuku muttered to himself, scouring the scene for a sign of what she could possibly be ‘releasing’.

“Up there!” Mei called out with a grin, pointing to a spot above the stadium. It didn’t take her Zoom Quirk to see what she was talking about.

Woah…this was even better than my strategy!

Floating in the patch of sky above the arena was an abundance of debris that looked like an asteroid field. Seeing it now, Izuku mentally berated himself for not noticing sooner. Throughout this whole fight, Uraraka had stayed low with her attacks and in doing so forced Katsuki’s explosions to be aimed down to counter. There by breaking the floor of the ring and inadvertently giving his opponent weapons she could use.

I knew you could do it, Uraraka-san!, Izuku thought as his friend’s padded fingers pressed together and the large cluster of rocks began to fall.

HOLY CRAP! IT’S A METEOR SHOWER!!

It was an amazing strategy albeit it a self-sacrificing one. But a killer move none the less. For anyone else, the sheer amount of debris falling towards them would be overwhelming and cause panic. Keep them busy either dodging or counterattacking long enough for Uraraka to get close and use her Quirk. It was improvised and smart and seemed like a guaranteed win. Except…

BOOM!!

…this was against Katsuki.

In a flash of explosion and a blast of fire power, Katsuki had managed to render the barrage attack completely useless in just one shot. Holy crap… It was the biggest explosion the blonde had let off yet. Uraraka was blown back along with the improvised weapons. The blast was so powerful that the rush of air from it even reached the stands, blowing everyone’s hair and clothing into a frenzy.

In the ring, Uraraka was slowly sitting up as the figure of Katsuki gradually became visible as the resulting smoke from his attack dissipated. Tiny bits of rock fell here and there being all that remained of her improvised weapons. From the sheer intensity of his explosion, the blonde’s still outstretch arm had tendrils of smoke emanating from his hand and was shaking slightly from the exertion of such a strong blast. Uraraka was clearly horrified at the sight of him still standing after demolishing all her hard work in one fell swoop.

HOLY GUACAMOLE! THAT LAST BLAST WAS SO LOUD I BET EVEN THE LISTENERS UP IN SAP-PYRO COULD HEAR IT! IS THAT SAITAMA IN DISGUISE DOWN THERE ‘CAUSE HOW ELSE COULD HE BLOW URARAKA’S SECRET PLAN TO SMITHERINES IN ONE SHOT?!

Despite being visibly exhausted, Izuku and those around him gasped as Uraraka shakily pushed herself up. Her fierce need to not give up powered past her exhaustion as she stood up and steeled herself to endure. Katsuki smirked, clearly pleased with her resolve to keep fighting, and charged towards her to continue the match.

But it didn’t. Everyone watched as the blonde stopped his advance as Uraraka’s fatigue overwhelmed her. From the combined effort of running, dodging, and using her Quirk to such a prolonged length in time and intense amount, the strain on her body proved to be too much to continue as she collapsed to the ground.

URARAKA IS DOWN!

The stadium was eerily quiet as Midnight held up a hand to signal to stop fighting as she moved to check on the downed student. Uraraka, to her credit, was still trying to crawl her way forward despite clearly being incapacitated.

Uraraka has been KO’d and is unable to continue,” the R-Rated Hero announced as a pair of medical robots came out with a stretcher. “Bakugou will advance to the second round!

Notes:

With that the first round of one-on-ones are complete! Or almost because of Kirishima and Tetsutetsu tying. But whatever. :P

I hope you liked Hitoshi's fight! I kept finding more and more plant puns and just thought that it would be a fun way for Hitoshi to use his quirk. Plus, going up against his teammate from the cavalry battle meant he needed to be a bit more creative with it. Also, puns are just fun. :P And I feel Shiozaki is a good girl and would be a good sport about losing to him.

I kept Kirishima and Tetsutetsu's fight the same because I had fun writing their fight with such similar quirks. Plus, I think it's important because their fight and subsequent tie breaker lead to a good friendship founded on manliness and punches. They're just so adorable!

So, uh, y'all, I dunno about you but I hate how they treat Uraraka during her fight with Bakugou in canon. All the 'show her mercy', 'go easy on her', 'poor girl', etc. Even canon Midoriya is all 'do you know what they're talking about?' when Aizawa speaks up during the fight. Thank goodness for the hobo caterpillar and his words of wisdom. Present Mic totally deserved that elbow to the face in canon. So that's why I have Izuku snap at Iida for what he said and be mad at the crowd for being idiots. 'Cause seriously she can hold her own! She got third place in the entrance exam for goodness sake! Let Uraraka show you she can kick butt before judging her!

More insight into Katsuki and how his angry mind works! At least he isn't an ignorant ass like the crowd. Still an ass, just not an ignorant one. More showing importance of names which is a bit different for Katsuki. He recognizes Uraraka's strength like he did with Kirishima during the cavalry battle.

Fun Facts About Japan:

Another event they have in their sports festivals is tug of war and they actually have two versions of it. One is the standard one with the rope. And it is a looooong rope. Even to have 30-40 students on either end of the rope. The teams go against each other with the teachers monitoring the results. Typically the winning team would then have an additional round facing off against either the teachers or the parents or both!

The other version is with bamboo poles. In this one, there are about 7 poles placed on the field and two teams wait on the sides for the signal to start. They then run to the poles and try to pull them to their side. In this, you don't have to stay on the same pole the whole time. The goal is to get the most poles to your side. So if one was considered a 'lost cause' and basically over the line, the students would abandon it and join another group to try and get that pole instead. So they're allowed to have as many students pulling the pole as they can fit on it. The students keep going until all the poles are claimed or the time runs out. Then the groups go back to their sides and hold the bamboo poles vertically to show their wins.

That's it! Next chapter will be the start of the second round. More friend bonding time between Uraraka and Izuku, more Katsuki povs and his increasing frustration when it comes to Izuku still being in the festival, and we'll get to see Izuku versus Ashido! It's gonna be fun! Stay safe, happy holidays, and let me know of typos or weirdness! Ta!

Chapter 46: Sports Festival: It's Electric

Notes:

Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and cheers to you, dear readers! My present to you is another chapter as a holiday treat! Regular Tuesday update will happen as usual. Thanks so much for reading and have a lovely day!

This chapter we've got friend bonding time, explody boy being a sneak, and Izuku's next match!

Warning for swearing because Katsuki pov. Warning for teasing as well. Two parts. First starts at "So, Izuku, I saw something interesting..." and ends before "Giggling, Ochako pulled him in for one last hug...". The second is super brief when Izuku is walking out to the field. It's only one sentence of the paragraph that starts "As Izuku made his way to the ring..." So you can skip to the next sentence starting with "Pink hair just as unruly as his own..."

Formatting reminder:
"Dialogue heard through a sound system."
...
"PRESENT MIC'S DIALOGUE HEARD THROUGH A SOUND SYSTEM."

Alright, warnings and formatting reminders out of the way, let's get to the chapter! :D

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Uraraka has been KO’d and is unable to continue. Bakugou will advance to the second round!

“Poor Uraraka,” Izuku sighed, more to himself than anything as he watched his friend being carted away. “She had such a good strategy and was doing so well. But Katsuki can be just so overwhelmingly powerful.”

“Why don’t you go see how she’s doing?” Mei offered, knowing he would want to go.

“Maybe later,” Izuku replied. “She’ll probably be with Recovery Girl for a while. I wouldn’t want to intrude while Shuuzenji-sensei works.”

THE CONCLUSION OF THAT LAST MATCH HAS REALLY BROUGHT US BACK DOWN TO EARTH IN A BOMB-BLAST-IC WAY! THE FIRST ROUND OF ONE-ON-ONE MATCHES IS NOW ALMOST COMPLETE! WE’LL TAKE A SHORT BREAK BEFORE THE SECOND TO REPAIR THE ARENA AS WELL AS WAIT FOR OUR TIED PAIR TO WAKE UP! SO, STAY TUNED FOR THE DECIDING ARM-WRESTLING MATCH BETWEEN KIRISHIMA AND TETSUTETSU!

During the break, the two friends sat, chatted, and did a once-over of Izuku’s gear together as the fighting stage was repaired by Cementoss. The Hero even formed a podium in the middle for the upcoming tie breaker. In what felt like no time at all, the short break was over and the fully recovered opponents from the seventh match were once again entering the ring.

Now, with this arm-wrestling match, it’ll come down to not only their arm strength, but also how their Quirk works. Or, if my guesses are correct, what fuels their Quirks specifically.

Izuku, already having a guess on who would win and why, excused himself as the next match this one would be his and he wanted to prepare. The greenette navigated through the halls same as he had done before Uraraka’s match and headed for the pre-match prep rooms. As he approached, he saw his next opponent, Ashido, who upon spotting him gave him a smile and a peace sign paired with a wink before disappearing into Waiting Room 1. Which left the second one to him so he opened the door. He expected it to be empty, but turned out it wasn’t.

“Oh, hey Mido!” Uraraka said to a surprised Izuku. “Guess I lost, huh? Darn it!”

~~~

Katsuki was heading back to the 1-A booth after being fussed over by Recovery Girl when he saw a flash of green. It was Deku, making his way to the prep rooms as his match was next after Shitty Hair and that other extra finished their stupid tie breaker. The blonde’s annoyance over the fact that somehow the damn nerd was still in the running came back with a vengeance.

How in the fucking hell hasn’t the Quirkless Blunder been knock out yet?

In the hopes of catching Deku alone and talk some sense into his idiot brain as well as possibly get some answers from him, Katsuki followed the other boy through the halls. As they approached the prep rooms, the blonde hid himself when he saw Pinkie was there as well. The extra gave the nerd a friendly greeting for some reason and claimed one of the rooms.

Perfect, Katsuki thought as he made to leave his hiding place as Deku opened the door to the other room. We’ll have plenty of privacy to have a little ‘chat’.

“Oh, hey Mido! Guess I lost, huh? Darn it!”

The fuck? I know that voice, Katsuki thought as he quickly returning to his hiding place. Uraraka’s in there? Wait…

The blonde suddenly froze as he realized something. Instead of being surprised by Deku’s sudden appearance and demand that he leave, there was recognition. She had called him Mido.

What the actual fuck?! Since when did Deku start hanging out with Round-Face?! What the fucking hell? How did they even fucking meet? Damn it! I’ll bet that shitty nerd was the one that gave her the idea for that attack in the first place. That fucker!

Seething, Katsuki resolved to wait and see if maybe the damn extra would leave. Then maybe he could get the answers he deserved from Deku. That shitty nerd had some explaining to do. But for now, he would listen and see if he could find out how the hell Deku and Floaty Girl knew each other.

~~~

Expecting a vacant room and being met with the sight of a slightly bandaged Uraraka instead left Izuku confused and meant that he could only respond in one way.

“Eh?”

“You went to all that effort to pep me up before,” Uraraka continued, rubbing the back of her neck. “But I let you down in the end. I was so caught up thinking I had it and got carried away. But Bakugou is just too strong! I couldn’t even get close!”

Shaking himself out of his stupor, Izuku stepped into the room.

“Are you okay, Uraraka-san?” he asked as he closed the door behind him. She seemed fine but also…not. Like she was forcing herself to be cheerful right now. “You were hurt pretty bad. I thought you’d be with Recovery Girl still.”

“Oh, I was but I’m all good now!” she said with a smile that didn’t quite meet her eyes. “Still a few scrapes and scratches here and there because she didn’t want to drain my stamina too much. But I’ll be good as new in no time.”

A buzzing noise started sounding which drew Izuku’s attention to the phone in Uraraka’s hand. The notification on the phone screen showed it was her dad calling. Probably to check on her after that intense match. But the brunette cut the call off without answering.

“Are you sure you’re ok?” Izuku asked, taking the seat next to her.

“Of course, I am, Mido!” Uraraka insisted, really playing up an upbeat attitude but he could see through it. “Sure, I lost, but that just means I need to train harder and get better.”

“You don’t have to pretend to be fine with your loss, Uraraka-san,” Izuku said, gently placing a gloved hand onto one of her balled fists in comfort. “It’s ok to be upset.”

At that, tears started to form in auburn eyes then suddenly burst forth like a tsunami. Izuku pulled her into a hug, being mindful of his Support Items, as she sobbed against his shoulder. Doing what his mom does when he’s upset, the greenette ran his fingers through her hair and gently held her with the other arm.

“You fought so hard and did so well,” Izuku said, quietly. He could feel a protest coming and shushed her kindly. “Shh…yes, you did. Don’t mind what the crowd said. You were putting your all into that battle and they were being idiots for not seeing that. No ‘if’s, ‘and’s, or ‘but’s about it.” That earned him a snort from the girl in his arms. “And that plan of yours? That was awesome!”

“It wasn’t that great,” Uraraka mumbled with a bitter tone. “It didn’t work. Bakugou didn’t even get a scratch on him. Even took it out with one shot.”

“Are you kidding?” Izuku interjected, placing his hands on her shoulders and pushing her away ever so slightly to look her in the eyes. “That strategy was amazing!  Did you come up with that before or during the fight?”

“D-during,” she stuttered, rubbing some of the tears from her puffy eyes. “After he broke up the ring when I tried to get him with that first sneak attack.”

“Wow, that was really smart of you, Uraraka-san!” Izuku chirped. “Even I was surprised by it.”

“Really?” Uraraka asked in disbelief. “But I thought that was something you would come up with.”

“Maybe,” he conceded with a shrug. “But I didn’t. My idea involved you ending the fight quick by getting in close and using your Quirk on him. With the factor that you had no weapons to use, that seemed the best strategy. I’m guessing that was your first plan?”

She nodded.

“Smart. You were being mindful of your opponent’s and your own skills,” Izuku continued with a comforting smile. “Then, seeing that it wasn’t working, you adapted on the spot and tried a new strategy. Being able to improvise on the fly is a good quality for a Hero.”

Uraraka sniffed as she looked at his with a teary smile. A real one. “Thanks, Mido. You’re a really good friend, you know that?”

This made Izuku blush and stuttered out, “Th-thanks, Uraraka-san.”

“Please, call me Ochako,” Ura-Ochako said. “And none of this -san stuff. Though if you insist on an honorific, I will settle for -chan like with Tsu.”

“Oh, o-ok, Ochako-chan,” Izuku said, smiling bashfully for being called out for his incessant need to be polite. “Please, c-call me Izuku. Or Mido! I l-like that, too.”

Both smiled at each other, happy about becoming closer friends and shared another hug. The hug was cut short as an announcement was made.

Kirishima is the winner!” Midnight declared, the announcement loud enough to hear from the prep rooms. “He will be added to second round bracket!

“Oh gosh! I’m sorry, Izuku!” Ochako exclaimed, jumping back in her seat. “That means you’re up next and I just wasted all your prep time with my blubbering!”

“I wouldn’t call it a waste, Ochako-chan,” Izuku assured with a smile. “After all, I got to comfort a friend. That’s never a waste.”

“Alright alright, I’ll give you that, Mido,” Ochako conceded as she stood up. “Come on. I’ll walk you to your fight.”

Together, the two friends left Waiting Room 2 and headed towards the field.

~~~

At the announcement of Shitty Hair winning against the other extra, Katsuki clicked his tongue as he glared at the two leaving the room together. So much for getting answers. Whatever, he would confront the damn nerd about everything later.

The decision to eavesdrop had led to him having to listen to their overly mushy conversation. Gross. Dealing with emotions? No thank you. Ultimately it was pointless. It gave the blonde no answers as to how the hell the two knew each other. But it seemed that Uraraka actually did come up with that powerful attack on her own. Though it pissed Katsuki off that she did so by thinking what Deku would do.

Who in their right mind would rely on that shitty nerd for anything? Let alone a battle plan. What would a weak-ass Quirkless nobody like him know about fighting anyway? He’s useless, a Deku.

‘Yet he’s still in the running and is in fact going to fight right now,’ that unwanted inner voice interjected. The one at the back of his head he ignored on the regular. Though, today it seemed particularly persistent in speaking out.

Scowling in annoyance, Katsuki clicked his tongue again and left for his original destination. He was going to watch this match closely and see how in the hell the damn nerd was doing it. Because there was only one explanation as to why he was still in the lineup that made sense to Katsuki.

Deku has to be cheating.

~~~

“So, Izuku, I saw something interesting~ after the Obstacle Course,” Ochako said with a not-so-innocent smile as they walked. Izuku looked at her with his head tilted in question. “I saw you linking pinkies with a certain boy. Since when have you and Todoroki been dating?”

“Eh?! Wha-…you…he…I…what?!” Izuku sputtered out, freckled cheeks crimson. “We’re not dating! We’re just friends!”

“Are you sure~, Mido~?” she teased, wiggling her brow. “Looked pretty subtly intimate to me~.”

“Why are my friends the worst?” Izuku whined, hiding his flustered face with his hands. “You are just as bad as Mei-chan and Hitoshi-kun!”

“They know about this?” Ochako asked, surprised they hadn’t said anything before. But then again, she had notice them giving the greenette strange looks from time to time. Possible gossip buddies?

“Yeah,” he sighed, dragging his hands down his face. “They keep asking if I like him and teasing me about him being my boyfriend. But I don’t even know if I do like him like that. We’ve only known each other for a short time and I’m focusing on being his friend first while I figure it out. And what’s worse is that Kayama-sensei kind of knows, too.”

“Even Midnight?” she prodded further, curious for some gossip.

“Yes, and she is the worst of the bunch,” Izuku affirmed, slumping his shoulders in exasperation. “Mostly because she doesn’t know who it is exactly and won’t stop trying to find out.”

WITH THE LINEUP FOR THE UPCOMING MATCHES NOW ETCHED IN STONE, LET’S PRESS ON TO THE SECOND ROUND OF THE FINALS!!

“Ugh, I don’t have time to think about this right now,” he said, brows furrowed in slight annoyance. “I gotta fight Ashido-san next.”

Though I’m actually relieved for the distraction.

“Alright, I’ll stop talking about it,” she relented, causing him to sigh in relief. “For now.” He squawked. “I’m not finished with you yet, I-zu-ku~.”

“Fine, fine! Whatever!” Izuku conceded with a flail of his arms in exasperation.

Giggling, Ochako pulled him in for one last hug before pushing him towards the field. Izuku began to walk forward before he remembered something.

“Hey, uh, Ochako-chan?” Izuku asked, getting a curious hum from her. “Remember to call your dad back. I’m sure he wants to check up on you and say how proud he is of you. Like I am.”

Ochako looks at him stunned before smiling warmly with a confirming nod.

“Do your best out there, Izuku!” she said with a wink. “I’ll be watching.”

Izuku gave her a determined smile and a nod before turning away. He adjusted his gear as he waited for his name to be called.

BEFORE WE GET STARTED, LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT OUR LINE UP FOR THE SECOND ROUND OF THE FINALS! CHECK IT!!

From his spot at the tunnel’s mouth, Izuku peered up at one of the many screens spread around the stadium. On them, the list of the next for matches were shown.

One on One Battle Quarter-Final Lineup

Midoriya Izuku VS Ashido Mina

Todoroki Shouto VS Iida Tenya

Tokoyami Fumikage VS Shinsou Hitoshi

Kirishima Eijirou VS Bakugou Katsuki

THESE NEXT MATCHUPS WILL DETERMINE WHICH FOUR OF THE REMAINING EIGHT WILL BE MOVING ONTO THE SEMI-FINALS!!

Izuku was up next. If he won, he could possibly be up against Todoroki in the semi-finals. Or rather, most likely. No offense, Iida-kun, but Todoroki is very skilled with his ice. But, if…no, when they do fight, Izuku hoped he could help his friend learn that his fire is his own. Though that was an issue for future Izuku to tackle.

WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, LET’S GET CRACKING! ‘OHM’ EXCITED FOR THIS ONE, FOLKS! STARTING US OFF, HE’S GOT THE ATTITUDE! HE’S GOT THE GADGETS! BACK AGAIN TO HIT ‘EM WHERE IT HERTZ! IT’S MIDORIYA!!

At the call of his name, Izuku walked out into the sunlight.

~~~

“VERSUS! SHE’S HERE BY NO ACID-DENT! HERE TO WALK ON THE WILD SLIDE, GIVE IT UP FOR ASHIDO!!” Hizashi announced loudly beside his bandaged counterpart.

Shouta, still untested goggles fixed over his eyes, rolled said eyes for what seemed like the hundredth time today as yet another unnecessary pun passed through his husband’s lips.

Whoever inspired the damn cockatoo to do this is dead to me, he thought, suspecting one or both of the not-yet-his-students problem children. His sheer volume is pun-ishment enough. Wait…did I just think that? Fuck. Now I’ve been infected too. Ugh.

The tired man groaned in annoyance while turning his attention down at the arena below. The green one, his main suspect for the pun bombardment, was up next against the pink one. He was curious how Midoriya was going to work through this match. The man hadn’t been too worried the first one when he was up against Kaminari. His student’s Electrification Quirk was strong, no doubt about that, but it was no match for Midoriya’s brain.

And with the way Kaminari has the tendency to go beyond his limits and become defenseless right off the bat, it seemed an obvious call who would win.

However, this time Midoriya was going up against someone who’s Quirk doesn’t incapacitate them instantly. Ashido wasn’t the academically brightest of the students in 1-A, but when it came to using her Acid Quirk, she was quite adept.

So far, Ashido has used her Acid Quirk mostly offensively and has shown its potential to improve her mobility. She tends to keep her opponents at a distance and favors using her acid to back them into a corner.

Down below, he could see the pink one talking up a storm. I’d guess trash talk, knowing her. While the green one seemed to stay silent though it was hard to tell with the mask he was wearing.

Midoriya was most likely sizing her up right now. Assessing her in the moment while also recalling everything he’s observed before. Having already observed all of the Hero course students’ Quirks beforehand may be an unfair advantage, but Shouta didn’t care to point that out. After all, many Heroes’ Quirks were well known by the public because of the media coverage of Villain fights. It was a good experience to go up against an opponent who already knew their Quirks to prepare them for the future.

This fight will come down to whether Midoriya finds a way to counter Ashido’s Quirk or hinder her in some way. What will that brain of yours come up with this time, problem child?

“READY?” Hizashi yelled beside him. “BEGIN!!”

One second, the ring was in full view with the two fighters visible to all watching. The next, a brief flash of light and then the field was lost in a cloud of smoke.

“WHA?” the loud cockatoo let out. “THE MATCH HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN AND ‘EYE’ CAN’T SEE A THING! WHAT’S GOING ON DOWN THERE?”

“Hold on,” Shouta interjected, raising a bandaged finger to one of the buttons on his goggles. “I’ve got this.”

Let’s see how well your invention works, Midoriya, the tired man thought as he activated the infrared.

~~~

VERSUS! SHE’S HERE BY NO ACID-DENT! HERE TO WALK ON THE WILD SLIDE, GIVE IT UP FOR ASHIDO!!

As Izuku made his way to the ring, he pointedly ignored the inquisitive and suggestive look from Midnight and instead watched his opponent enter the field. Pink hair just as unruly as his own paired with pink skin and the whites of her eyes were instead black. Like a negative of a photograph. In fact, if he thought about it, by color scheme alone Ashido was very similar to him but opposite. Like the other side of the coin, her pink, instead of red, being the compliment to his dark green.

“So, you’re Midoriya, huh?” Ashido called out once they were both in the ring. “You’re one of those Support Course students I met during the Obstacle Course.”

Izuku nodded but said nothing as he eyed his opponent through his goggles. He knew she had a good handle on her Quirk and that a major factor of this fight would be how he handled against her Acid. The outcome of the match would depend on his ability to dodge her abrasive attacks or impede her efforts in some way.

I’ve got an idea for that, he thought as he reached into a pocket on his belt.

Ashido, undeterred by his silence, continued talking while smiling confidently. “Well, you may have won against Kaminari with your gadgets, but you’ll be no match for me. He’s kind of a dumby, letting his own Quirk short him out like that. But my Acid is gonna melt your butt!” She finished with a wink.

Well, she’s definitely confident.

READY?

“This match will be a piece of cake!” Ashido said, getting into a defensive stance with a determined grin.

Ok, now we’re leaning more towards being cocky.

BEGIN!!

Midoriya Izuku VS Ashido Mina

At the call to start, Izuku immediately threw the smoke bomb in his hand to the ground and quickly dodged the Acid attack he predicted that Ashido would send his way. Or rather where he used to be.

WHA? THE MATCH HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN AND ‘EYE’ CAN’T SEE A THING! WHAT’S GOING ON DOWN THERE?

Let there be light, Izuku thought as he activated the infrared feature on his goggles. The world he saw went from an obscured one of grey smoke to one filled with vibrant color. From the coolness of blues and greens that marked the ring and field to the heat of oranges and yellows that lit up his opponent who was frantically looking around for him.

Hold on. I’ve got this.

Copycat, he thought with a silent chuckle, knowing that Aizawa was also using infrared.

Izuku eyed the girl across from him and took note of the red puddle that marked where her acid had landed on the ground, still warm after leaving her body. He’ll have to be careful to avoid it and any others that may form in the future. The greenette knew he could use his Jet shoes to evade them easily but he had to be careful as that would also churn up the smoke and possibly give his position away or even thin it out faster. He already knew his cover was only temporary so for now he kept them deactivated.

Seems that Midoriya released a smoke bomb of sorts in order to obscure his opponent’s vision. Probably figuring that if Ashido can’t see where he is, then she won’t be able to accurately attack him.

WOW! THAT’S QUITE THE EPI-pH-ANY TO HAVE RIGHT OFF THE BAT!

…you said that with ‘pH’ in mind, didn’t you?

GUILTY AS CHARGED!

But you used it for Midoriya. He isn’t the one with acid.

‘ACID’ IT ‘CAUSE I CAN!

You know what? For that and this continuous torture of puns, I say your pH level is 14.

BUT THAT WOULD MAKE ME BASIC!

Exactly.

‘VIEW’ KNEW YOU COULD BE SUCH A MEANIE! WELL, I FEEL BLINDSIDED ‘CAUSE I CAN’T SEE A THING! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO COMMENTATE WHAT I CAN’T SEE?

Upgrade your gear and stop complaining.

NO NEED TO BE SO SNIPPY, ERASER! NOT ALL OF US HAVE FANCY SHMANCY GOGGLES MADE BY THE VERY SAME SUPPORT COURSE STUDENT FIGHTING RIGHT NOW, MIDORIYA!

Thanks for the advertising, Yamada-sensei!

Tuning out the bickering commentary, Izuku focused on the task at hand. Ashido, lit up orange and yellow like the sun, hadn’t moved from her initial spot which was understandable because now she couldn’t see where the boundary lines were. He also couldn’t really see them, only the slightest change of color on the ground being any indication of the stripe of white that separated victory from defeat.

“Ugh! I can’t see anything!” Ashido pouted, still trying to find Izuku in the haze. “Where are you?”

Izuku quietly readied him stance before saying, “Over here.”

As soon as he spoke, he dodged out of the expected acid attack and another pool of acid formed in the ring.

“Missed me.”

Again, he evaded as she aimed for where his voice had come.

“Missed me again.”

Another dodge, another attack.

“That one wasn’t even close.”

Once more he avoided her acid, adding another puddle to the several that littered the ring. Thankfully his Jet shoes, now activated, would keep him elevated above the acid traps.

I’M SEEING SOME MOVEMENT, BUT STILL CAN’T MAKE ANYTHING OUT! TELL US WHAT’S HAPPENIN’, MUMMY MAN!

Midoriya is currently playing a game of cat and mouse with Ashido. He has his own version of the same goggles I’m using. Which means that he has a setting that detects infrared allowing him to see his opponent while leaving the other in the dark.

“This is so unfair!” Ashido complained, obviously growing frustrated. “Hero Course students aren’t allowed Support gear!”

“That’s true,” Izuku replied as he skated around avoiding her acid. “But like I said before…”

Dodge once.

“…Hero Course students get special training…”

Dodge twice.

“…that other courses don’t.”

Dodge three times.

At this point, Ashido was beyond frustrated and had begun to toss out handfuls of acid at random. Her desperation meant that her attacks were more sporadic and globs of acid were flying everywhere. Izuku found he needed to activate his shield to protect himself from the stray beads of corrosive liquid.

GIVE US AN UPDATE, ERASER! YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS THE DEETS!

Ashido still can’t see where Midoriya is and so is now attempting to land a hit on him by chance. At this point, she’s frustrated and getting desperate.

SO…YOU COULD SAY SHE’S ‘LIPID’?

…she isn’t the only one who’s livid right now.

Was that a growl? I can almost feel his glare from here.

He ducked and dodged over and over as the ring became an ocean of acid with Ashido at the epicenter. The greenette had a mind that his cover may soon be too thinned out to be affective and a comment from his opponent confirmed it.

“There you are!” the pinkette exclaimed, her posture obviously turning to his direction.

Note for Ashido, don’t reveal your advantage to your opponent.

Reflexively, Izuku used his Jet shoes to leap into the air at the same time he turned off the infrared on his goggles. If she could see him then he could see her and with so much acid on the ground the boundary lines were blurred, or rather corroded. Being able to judge with his own eyes would be far easier than trying to differentiate the subtle color changes of temperature.

The world lost its rainbow color overlay and returned to its natural hues. It was a little disorienting at first, but Izuku had trained with switching between the two view modes in preparation for the Sports Festival. As he landed on the cushion of air his Jet shoes provided, the Support student quickly turned to face the other.

WELL, THIS IS A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES! FINALLY, WE CAN SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING!

Oh good, now you can stop slacking off and do your job.

“So, you done with playing hide and seek?” Ashido asked with an impish glare.

“I guess it’s time to finish this,” Izuku replied, taking a hold of one of his escrima rods while keeping his shield unfolded.

“Do you think a stick is really going to help you against my acid?” the pinkette taunted, eyeing the rod in his hand. She had seen him use the pair of them as a lightning rod to attract Kaminari’s Electricity during his first match, but she didn’t know what else they could do.

“You would think not,” Izuku replied, quickly dodging as she shot acid at where he had just been standing. “But here’s the thing…”

He jumped high in the air out of the way again and maneuvered up and over his opponent until he was right behind her back.

“…it’s Electric.”

Before Ashido could spin around, Izuku activated the rod and electricity crackled from the tip. He shoved the sparking point on to her back and caused the pink girl to twitch from the electric current. Before she could fall to the floor, he deactivated the stick and caught her to protect her from her own acid.

Ashido has been incapacitated! Midnight declared with a crack of her whip. “Midoriya will be moving on!

The crowd cheered and the medical robots came out as the greenette skated over to the edge while carrying the acid user in a princess hold. Izuku gently placed Ashido on the provided stretcher and, after deactivating his shield and shoes, walked with her to Recovery Girl’s temporary nurse’s office. When they arrived, he helped to get the pinkette onto one of the beds. Shuuzenji checked Izuku over to check for any injuries and, after finding no serious issues, gave him a small peck on the forehead before shooing him off so she could focus on Ashido. Izuku thanked her for her hard work and left for the 1-H seats.

Notes:

"...it's Electric." -cue the Electric Slide- Talk about a nostalgic blast from the past! My 90's kid is showing through. XD If you don't know what the Electric Slide is watch this. Though I personally preferred the Cha Cha Slide myself which can be found here. The actual song starts at about 0:30.

So, Kirishima won and they did have their manly moment off screen while Izuku was comforting Ochako. I'm always sad that canon Midoriya didn't comfort her so my Izuku does. And they become closer because of it and are on a first name basis now! Also, Ochako is going to be keeping an eye out for Tododeku moments. Katsuki is a sneak and has a bad habit of eavesdropping on private conversations. And just can't seem to accept that Izuku has as much of a right to be there as he does. Tsk tsk, explody boy.

Hoped you liked the fight! I had a lot of fun with the colors and such. And the nostalgic reference at the end. ;) Before I even knew who would fight Izuku or when this line would be used, I just had to use that line because it was just so hilarious to me. It had to happen!

Fun Facts About Japan:

Gonna take a break from sports festival facts and talk about Christmas. In the US, Christmas is a time for family. We have Christmas trees, lights, presents, carols, etc. It's a big deal. In Japan...not so much. It's still celebrated kind of but is no where near as big as it is in the US. It's actually considered more of a couple's holiday than a family one. So couples or small family groups but not big gatherings. They do sell Christmas themed food and other items at stores. Christmas lights displays aren't really a thing. I think I only saw one or two houses in my area that put any up and even then it was minimal. Disney of course decorates for Christmas.

Some things I learned through my various English lessons on Christmas. There is a Japanese version of the Rudolph Christmas carol, but they don't actually mention his name in the song so the students didn't know it. But they know the tune! They don't know of Frosty the Snowman at all. When showing them a picture of eggnog and asking what they thought it was, typical answers were pudding or corn soup. They really liked seeing pictures of the different levels of Christmas decorating people do on their houses since that isn't really a thing there. And I had fun showing them a video of the dancing houses that people coordinate the lights to music! If you haven't seen those, please do so now. XD They're fun.

For food, a Christmas cake is a standard treat in Japan. Cakes in general are typically smaller in size unlike the big sheet cakes you can find in the stores in the US. They tend to be more expensive too in my experience. Oh, speaking of cake, I had one teacher who looooooved cake. He had his favorite little cake shop and would go there multiple times a week for a snack. You can get them as whole cakes or just slices typically. He even liked to give cake as a thank you gift instead of tea or other snacks. It was quite adorable.

There's another food traditionally eaten at Christmas in Japan. KFC chicken. Weird, right? Well, apparently, as I was told by the teachers I worked with, at some point KFC had done this marketing campaign saying that Americans eat KFC on Christmas and that Japan should too. Or so I was told. So, if that is wrong you can blame it on the teachers. ;P But yeah, when I would ask the question 'what do you eat on Christmas?' to the students, the typical answers were Christmas cake and KFC chicken. Go figure!

That's all for this chapter! Up next, more of Katsuki thinking wrong about Izuku, Todoroki versus Iida, and lil' update on our favorite knife wielding, blood licking, number-one-Izuku-fan villain, Stain! See ya on Tuesday, dear readers! Please report any typos or weirdness and have a happy holiday!

Chapter 47: Sports Festival: Blood Run Cold

Notes:

Another Tuesday and another update! Welcome back! This chapter brings more angry boy thoughts, the speed versus ice match, and an update on the villain side of things.

Warning for swearing for Katsuki povs. We got two this chapter. ;)

Formatting reminder:
"Dialogue heard through a sound system."
...
"PRESENT MIC'S DIALOGUE HEARD THROUGH A SOUND SYSTEM."

Onward!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

From the 1-A booth, Katsuki glared down at Deku as the shitty nerd left the field with Pinky out cold on the stretcher. He was fuming at the fact that once again the Quirkless Blunder somehow won and was moving on to the next round of matches. Which should have been impossible for that useless fucker to do. Impossible for someone like him, one with no natural power, to do. Which left only one conclusion in the blonde’s mind.

Deku is cheating.

It was the only explanation that made sense. If he didn’t have those shitty gizmos, his Quirkless ass wouldn’t have stood a chance from the beginning. He would have been eliminated by the Obstacle Course because there was no way Deku could have gotten through on his own. Not without his precious gadgets and certainly not without a Quirk. So yeah, cheating was the only answer Katsuki could come up with to explain why Deku was still in the running.

That Quirkless fucker seriously thinks he can compete against the Hero Course students? Against me? No fucking way.

Scowling, Katsuki let out some of his pent-up anger by setting off small explosions in his palms. The other 1-A students spared him a wary glance before looking away. Kirishima, ever the brave soul, placed a placating hand on the blonde’s shoulder.

“Hey, man,” Shitty Hair said. “Save it for the matches, yeah?”

“Tch, whatever,” Katsuki replied, crossing his arms with a huff as he slumped back into his seat. He did not stop just because Shark Teeth asked him to. Absolutely not.

~~~

NEEDLESS TO ‘SEE’ WHO THE WINNER OF THAT LAST MATCH WAS! BUT LET’S NOT LOSE OUR COOL AND INSTEAD SPEED ALONG TO THE NEXT MATCH!

Izuku made it back to the 1-H section just as Present Mic was announcing the next fight. Once again, his classmates congratulated him as he headed toward his seat next to Mei. The greenette smiled bashfully and thanked them for their kind words before sitting down beside his friend. Mei gave him a hug in greeting and then they both turned their attention to the field.

BOTH OF OUR NEXT COMPETITORS ARE THE NEXT GENERATION OF HERO FAMILIES! FIRST UP, HE AIN’T ‘CALF’ BAD! IT’S OUR RESIDENT SPEEDSTER, IIDA!!

Out came Iida, looking serious as ever. Izuku knew that Iida knew that Todoroki was a strong opponent and the engine user was not going to take this match lightly. Plus, after the commercial-like fight he had with Mei, Iida most likely saw this as his opportunity to really show what he was capable of. That he had what it takes to win and wasn’t just someone’s puppet.

“So, how do you think this one will go?” Mei asked, giving the field her full attention.

“Well, they’re both strong fighters,” Izuku replied, a hand on his chin and brow furrowed in thought. “Todoroki-kun has very good control of his ice while Iida-kun’s Engine gives him incredible speed.”

VERSUS! IT’S ‘ICE’ TO SEE THIS GUY AGAIN! IF LOOKS COULD ‘CHILL’, IT’S TODOROKI!!

The head of perfectly parted red and white hair stood out starkly against the green grass as Todoroki walked out of the other tunnel. Izuku was still concerned about his friend. In his last match, the bi-color teen had finished the fight in an instant, his attack fueled by anger. Now, he seemed fine, or at least better, but the greenette was still worried.

“Todoroki-kun is going to start with an ice attack as he has with his other matches,” Izuku theorized out loud. Mei, along with a few of the other 1-H students near him, listened to his thoughts. “But Iida-kun still has a chance if he’s fast enough to evade.”

READY?

The pair below both readied themselves into a defensive stance.

“This match will come down to timing. Whether Iida-kun can outpace the ice or Todoroki-kun can immobilize him before he can fight back.”

BEGIN!!

Todoroki Shouto VS Iida Tenya

As Izuku predicted, Todoroki’s first instinct was to send a glacial wave of ice towards his opponent. Iida dodged and ran to his left only to be blocked by another wall of ice. The engine user skidded to a halt and quickly changed directions, now finding himself boxed in between two icy barricades shaped in a V formation with Todoroki at its point.

IIDA HAS BEEN ‘BRR’ICADED IN AND HAS NOT MANY PLACES TO RUN!

Todoroki, still crouched from his second attack, turns his focus to his opponent and sends another barrage of ice straight down the middle of the V towards Iida. With a burst of engine power, Iida jumps up into the air and over the frozen attack toward the ice user.

Now that’s a standing long jump!

While still in the air, Iida seemed to yell something and positions his leg for a kick. Is he going to power it with his Quirk? The answer was ‘yes’ as Iida’s Engines activated and blue flames fired out of his exhausts in his calves. The extra power made the kick faster and stronger, but Todoroki has been training for years and was able to duck down to dodge.

This was a new move that Izuku hadn’t seen before so he didn’t know if it was only a temporary boost or not. But typically, with Quirks, when an amplified attack like that happens, there’s usually some kind of time limit. That or some other draw back such as a higher loss of energy like with Satou or loss of cognitive function like Kaminari.

Iida landed a few feet away to Todoroki’s left and instantly goes for another kick attack. The engine user jumped and flipped in the air, more blue flames powered his kick forward and this time it hits. Despite the bi-color teen raising his right hand in defense, the blunette’s foot connected with the back of Todoroki’s head and caused his body to slam into the ground. Izuku couldn’t help but flinch with sympathy pain.

Ouch. That looked like it hurt.

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT HE WAS CLOSE TO DE’FEET’, IIDA COMES BACK STRONG WITH A POWERFUL KICK!

Again, Iida skidded to a halt and pivoted around to run back toward his opponent for another attack. Todoroki had recovered slightly from the kick and was crouched on the ground. He placed his right hand on the ground and spread a thin layer of ice along the surface, but Iida jumped into the air to avoid slipping.

As the engine user landed, he grabbed the back of the other’s shirt and made a break for the boundary line. They were fast, almost a blur, Iida speeding towards the edge of the ring with Todoroki being dragged through the air behind him. It seemed that the blunette had this fight in the bag as he raced along. That is…until he came to a sudden and abrupt stop.

What the…?

Looking closely, Izuku noticed that there were now spikes of ice blocking Iida’s mufflers. The pair had come to a standstill and Todoroki reached for the arm that was holding his shirt with his right hand. Ice grew up the engine user’s arm at the same time Todoroki sent ice out through his right foot to trap Iida’s legs.

Oh, Todoroki-kun must have iced Iida’s legs when he got kicked before. He has been showing mostly ranged attacks today, but he can do precision moves too.

The ice continued to spread until Iida was encased almost entirely except for his head. His face portrayed his frustration as he shivered from the cold. Todoroki stood up while rubbing the back of his head.

Iida has been immobilized,” Midnight declared. “Todoroki will be moving on!

Down below, Todoroki looked contemplatively at his left hand before turning to release Iida from his icy prison. As they left the field to be checked by Recovery Girl, Izuku could see that Iida was disappointed in himself since he lost. The greenette was sure his friend was worried about what his brother would think. But Izuku was sure that Ingenium was proud of his younger brother who put his all into that fight.

Todoroki, on the other hand, looked neutral about his win. As he had about all his other wins throughout the festival. Izuku scanned the crowd and easily spotted the disgruntled looking Endeavor glaring down as the ice user left the field. He still hadn’t used his left side in a fight and with what Todoroki had told him, Izuku could bet that Endeavor was far from pleased even if his son had won again and again this entire time.

With Todoroki’s win, that means I’ll be fighting him next. His anger towards his father I can understand from what he told me, but by associating that anger with half of his Quirk and refusing to use it, Todoroki-kun is seriously hindering himself. I need to get it through that thick head of his that it is his fire. His and his alone. I’m going to save you from yourself, you pretty idiot.

There wasn’t much damage to the ring this time and the ice was quickly melted away in preparation for the next match.

~~~

IIDA CERTAINLY GAVE HIM A GOOD RUN FOR HIS MONEY! BUT IN THE END, TODOROKI IS THE WIN-TER OF THAT MATCH!

So, Four Eyes was beaten and IcyHot was moving up the ranks. Set to fight Deku next in the semifinals. There’s no way the shitty nerd could win against arguably one of the strongest fighters in 1-A. After Katsuki of course. Which means that Half-and-Half bastard will be the one to make it to the final match. Once Bird Face beats Troll Doll, Katsuki beats Shitty Hair, and goes on to beat Birdbrain after, then Katsuki would face off against that damn Candy Cane and prove that he, Bakugou Katsuki, was the strongest and the best of the Hero Course. Feeling confident with his predictions, the blonde stood up to head out for the prep rooms.

“Hey, where are you going, man?” Kirishima asked, watching him walk up the stairs. “Whoever wins this could possibly be your next opponent. If you can get through me, of course.” The red head flashed a challenging toothy grin at the other.

“Of course, I fucking will, Shitty Hair,” Katsuki snapped back, glaring at the other but it did nothing to dim that damn smile. “And obviously that Bird fucker is gonna win against the purple Troll.”

“I wouldn’t be too sure about that,” Kirishima replied, looking down at the ring.

“Yeah, right, Birdbrain has got this in the bag,” Katsuki fired back as he turned to leave. “What can words do up against that fucking shadow of his?”

With a click of his tongue, the blonde left confident of who his future opponent would be and already had an idea of how to take that Vulture out. As Katsuki left, another blonde from 1-A, one with a tail, watched him leave but remained seated. Ojiro had a suspicion of what Shinsou’s Quirk was and had already warned Tokoyami about replying to anything the purple-haired teen said. He would watch this fight in case Shinsou did win, gather as much information about the 1-C student’s Quirk, and warn whoever went up against him next. There was something fishy about how Shinsou was winning that didn’t sit well with Ojiro.

~~~

At the same time the younger Iida brother was being pitted against the youngest child of Endeavor, Chizome was sitting on a roof with his phone in hand. Hosu was the current city to be subject to his purge and there was much work for him to do to cleanse it. Fakes to find and selected targets to stalk to discover the most vulnerable part of their patrols. However today Chizome found himself slightly distracted from his self-appointed work. The UA Sports Festival was taking place and he had been keeping tabs on the live stream to observe the Little Hero’s efforts.

The boy had been doing quite well for himself so far. Navigated the Obstacle Course with ease, coordinated efficiently during the Cavalry Battle, deflected the electric boy’s attack, and had just defeated the girl with the acid powers. All the while putting his Support Items, his ‘edge’, to good use. Chizome was proud that the boy had taking his words to heart and did in fact find the edge he told him to seek. It brought a foreign warm feeling in the man’s heart.

Checking the time, Stain stopped the video feed and prepared himself for the arrival of his prey. His ‘faux’ approached and entered the dark alley below, signaling to the hunter it was time to act. He dropped down behind the other with the mouth of the alley to his back. The fake turned to see him standing in a dark silhouette, eyes appearing to glow red, with a knife in one hand and a katana in the other while facing his latest victim. The counterfeit Hero went into a defensive stance, the culturally appropriating costume the fraud wore was an eyesore to the Hero Killer.

“Native,” Stain growled, glaring at the fake. “You do not deserve the sacred title of Hero.”

“S-stay back,” Native shouted, putting on a brave face though was clearly terrified about the entire situation.

Taking a step forward, Stain continued to preach.

“You have been weighed…”

The faux Hero took a step back. Stain stretched the arm holding the katana out to its full length.

“…you have been measured…”

Another step forward while the other retreated. The tip of the katana scraped along the wall, tiny sparks igniting at the friction.

“…and you have been found wanting.”

Stain flicked the katana forward, causing more sparks, while bringing his arm back in and then crouched down in preparation of rushing the fraud only to be interrupted by another Hero arriving. Landing in an iconic ‘hero crouch’, the newcomer stood up in yet another media perfect pose, standing between Stain and his target.

“Not today, Hero Killer Stain,” the newest addition to the situation declared.

Taking in the knight-like armor that the other wore, Stain figured that the other must be the Turbo Hero Ingenium. As far as Heroes go, Ingenium wasn’t terrible. He focused on rescuing those in need and usually worked with others as a team. Perhaps a little too lenient when it came to certain laws or working with Vigilantes, but still not the worst Hero. He certainly wasn’t on Stain’s shit list. But in this moment, the semi-decent Hero was being a hinderance. Blocking Stain from his goal.

My Quirk works best in one-on-one fights. Some fakes can be fast, but I’m faster than most. However, Ingenium’s Quirk allows him to be quick too. This could prove to be difficult.

Stain moved to perhaps get around the new obstacle but the Hero mirrored him. He tried again and still no good. The Hero Killer glared at Ingenium in annoyance.

“Get out of here,” Ingenium yelled to the one behind him, obviously determined to protect the fake. “He’s not after me. I’ll hold him off so you can get to safety.”

“R-right,” Native stuttered, hesitating for a second before running off.

The Hero Killer scowled at the retreating form of his quarry before turning back to the irritant in front of him.

“You let him get away,” Stain seethed, tightening his grip on his blades.

“You have killed enough innocent people, Stain,” Ingenium retorted, preparing himself for a fight. “As a Hero, I can’t let your reign of terror continue.”

“Hmm…brave words,” Stain drawled, a small sneer on his face. “Let’s see if you can back them up.”

In the seeming blink of an eye, the cleanser of the Hero world shot forward towards his new foe. Ingenium dodged and got into a defensive position, clearly being cautious of what Stain could do. Good, he doesn’t know what my Quirk is and therefore is being wary. But that was no worry for the Hero Killer. All his prey fought guarded to an extent and he had learned to adapt accordingly.

Stain advanced at Ingenium who dodged in turn to then attempt to land a hit on the Hero Killer only to find air instead. The Hero was skilled and obviously had experience fighting. Throwing punches and kicks while evading the Hero Killer’s bladed attacks. However, as their fight continued, the exertion of combat and the weight of his armor were getting to him and slowing his movements. Which was what Stain had been waiting for.

As a distraction, the Hero Killer threw a knife at the other, turning Ingenium’s focus on dodging the flying blade. Taking advantage of his diversion, Stain swung his katana at the Hero and managed to slice through the other’s armor across his back. The injured man cried out in pain and reached back to put pressure on the wound.

It was at that moment that Stain brought the bloody blade to his mouth and licked the life liquid he needed for his Quirk. Bloodcurdle took effect as soon as the metallic tasting substance touch his exceptionally long tongue. Ingenium fell down limp to the dirty floor of the alley and a pool of blood started to form around him. The fall caused the Hero’s phone to pop out onto the ground.

The Hero Killer picked up the phone and found the emergency app that all phones had that reported a Villain attack instantly. A necessary one the Hero Commission enforced to be on every phone with the rise of Villain activity. It sent the phone’s location to emergency services so first responders could find the victim more easily as well as record any conversation that occurred after activation. Though most people would dial 119 in case of an emergency, the app worked best for when a phone call would give them away or if they were in a situation they physically couldn’t talk. Or in this case, when Stain somewhat regretted having to down a Hero that was not his target.

“Of those who deserve to be cleansed in this city,” Stain stated as he activated the app. “You were not one of them, Ingenium.”

The downed Hero groaned in pain at his feet. Drops of his blood dripped down onto the ground in front of Ingenium’s face from the blade of the katana in his attacker’s hand.

“Fame…money,” Stain continued to rant. “Those who claim the title of Hero yet only seek attention and compensation have no right to the name. Only those who seek to help and defend justice, who put everything on the line for what is right, have the privilege of that sacred title. Like All Might.”

Or the Little Hero.

“You are no All Might, Ingenium. But you are tolerable as a Hero…”

But, then again, he had allowed my mark to get away, setting him free to continue his false Hero work, Stain thought, looking down at the questionable Hero in contemplation.  

“…however, you interrupted me. My judgement. Protected that fake, one that has left you here to my mercy. Perhaps…you are not so untarnished as you seem. Why else would you save one who doesn’t deserve it?”

The Hero Killer glowered down at the bright screen of the phone in his hand before dropping it. The device clattered to the ground as a notification popped up on the screen from someone named Tenya. A black armored boot stomped down on the phone and the screen cracked as it went black. Stain turned to leave as sirens started to sound in the air.

Oh, yes. I did give his location, didn’t I? Hmm…

“Perhaps we will leave your fate up to chance,” Stain said as he sheathed his katana while staring down at the paralyzed Hero. “If your Hero heart is true, they will save you. If not, then my judgement will have come to pass.”

With that, the Hero Killer picked up his discarded knife and then left the other lying in a pool of his own blood. He scaled the building to the roof and jumped across the rooftops. Once he was a decent distance away from the scene, the man hid himself in another alley and pulled out his own phone. His target got away and he ended up having to attack someone not on his list. It left Chizome irritated and in need of distraction. Thankfully the Sports Festival was still airing and the Little Hero was still in the running.

Midoriya Izuku…yes, you are one worthy of the title of Hero. You still have far to go to be a properly trained one, but your heart is already in the right place. You are doing very well on your quest, Little Hero. Keep up the good work and good luck in your upcoming trials.

Notes:

Ok, the title of the chapter is Blood Run Cold, but it was more like Cold Run Blood plot wise. Heh. -shrugs- I liked it. :P

Stainy is back! He still lives in this fic even if we haven't heard from him since chapter 30. This chapter was a bit shorter than the previous one but I hope this lil' Stain update will sate your reading palates until the next one. I was super excited to share it and I hope you liked it! I, myself, am in the firm belief that Ingenium wasn't Stain's original target and that he ran into him by chance. And I added Native as the original target just for the fun of it as well as plot convenience since he attacks him anyways. But this'll be a little 'what if he got away before' scenario to play with.

Now, I'm still up in the air if Tensei will be paralyzed or not. It doesn't really affect my plot either way. If he is then Tenya will inherit the hero name Ingenium. If he isn't but out of commission for awhile, then Tenya could bear it as a temporary title to keep the name Ingenium alive. Though that would add the extra challenge of coming up with a different hero name for Tenya. Wondering what your thoughts are on that matter. Let me know in the comments if you feel like it!

Katsuki is having more wrong thoughts about Izuku. As well as being over confident with his predictions. Really putting more faith in the power of brawns over brains. Not saying Katsuki is dumb. Not at all. He is one smart explody cookie. Just not in this specific case. But he'll learn in time.

Edit: Adding this as there has been some concerns in the comments about Ojiro. I too don't like how Ojiro handles the situation with Shinsou in canon. Which is why I'm including it because I want to address it in a future chapter. Please have faith in me, dear readers!

Fun Facts About Japan:

Back to sports festival events, another they have is group jump roping. And I mean a group. They'll have two rows of students with about 10 to 12 students in each row. The goal is of course to keep jumping as many times as you can and the obvious challenge is actually coordinating that jump. With so many students it can be quite difficult but they do their best. And the students have a lot of fun with it too!

That's it for this chapter! Coming up, we've got two more matches with Tokoyami versus Shinsou and Kirishima versus Bakugou. Oh, and Endeavor shows up. Anyway, stay safe, report any typos or weirdness, and see ya next update!

Chapter 48: Sports Festival: Birdbrains And Poprocks

Notes:

Happy new year, dear readers! Another holiday treat for y’all! Again, regular Tuesday update will still happen. Anyway, we've got Tokoyami (bird) versus Shinsou (brain) and Kirishima (rock) versus Bakugou (pop). Yes, technically that would be rockpop with the name order instead of poprocks but that's not how the word goes! Oh and a flaming sorry excuse of a father shows up too. Wonder how that's going to go...

Thanks to those who shared their thoughts on the Tensei situation in the comments. (I haven't gotten around to replying to them just yet but I will when I can!) I'm still deciding but the exchange of ideas is getting my mind coming up with some fun ideas of my own. So thanks very much and keep 'em coming if you have something to share!

Warning for a Katsuki pov.

Formatting reminder:
"Dialogue heard through a sound system."
...
"PRESENT MIC'S DIALOGUE HEARD THROUGH A SOUND SYSTEM."

Now, I won’t be posting on every holiday. Just when I feel like it. But this holiday season really helped me get through the sports festival arc faster. It’s so much longer than I thought it would be! XD There’s just so much to cover! Though the sports festival arc is half of season 2 of the anime and 20 chapters of the manga so I digress. Anyway, enjoy the chapter!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

MOVING RIGHT ALONG, LET’S GET TO THE NEXT MATCH! HE’S GETTING QUITE A FOWL-LOWING, WITHOUT ‘FEATHER’ ADO, IT’S TOKOYAMI!!

Hitoshi watched as the bird headed teen exited the opposite tunnel and walked towards the ring as the crowd cheered.

VERSUS! HE’S STILL A BIT OF A MYSTERY, BUT HAS HIS OWN ‘SWAY’ OF DOING THINGS! HERE TO ‘PHRASE’ THE ROOF, IT’S SHINSOU!!

Taking a deep breath, the General Studies student left his own tunnel and made his way to face the Hero Course student. Hitoshi knew what the dark teen’s Quirk was as he had talked about it with Izuku. Dark Shadow. A sentient shadow monster that manifests from Tokoyami’s body. The spirit was strong but the brainwasher knew about its weakness to light. Which made sense because the entity acted like a shadow and seems stupidly obvious after Izuku had pointed that out during their discussions about Quirks.

I have nothing that could create more light, but since we’re fighting in broad daylight, Dark Shadow should be weaker than he normally is. Though I don’t actually know how strong that is exactly to begin with.

“I was warned about you,” Tokoyami stated, crossing his arms while staring down his opponent. Or rather up because Hitoshi was taller than him. The purple haired teen raised an eyebrow in a silent question. “One of my classmates has a theory as to how your Quirk works.”

READY?

The brainwasher silently stared at the other, gauging the bird boy who had shared their lunch table not too long ago. Though more because of Izuku than anything else as they had been on the same cavalry team. He was curious as to what this classmate had told the other exactly and if the other knew what his Quirk actually was. A challenge he had already met when he faced off against Shiozaki. So not wanting to shut him up yet by talking in case he did know, Hitoshi tilted his head in further question in response in lieu of speaking.

“He believes it requires a verbal response to any question you ask,” Tokoyami continued. Yep, good call on the not talking. “However, if I do not reply then you will not be able to use your Quirk.”

BEGIN!!

Tokoyami Fumikage vs Shinsou Hitoshi

“Well, I guess you have me all figured out, don’t you?” Hitoshi spoke with a smirk, watching the other shut his beak immediately.

Tokoyami moved to a defensive stance as Dark Shadow emerged. He didn’t seem too worried about ending the match immediately, even though he could, since Hitoshi didn’t have a Quirk that could be used as a physical weapon. All he had were words. Which didn’t seem like much and that his chances of winning were slim to none. However, Izuku had a theory about his Brainwashing and how it would affect a certain Quirked entity.

Let’s test that theory out, shall we?

“A mutual friend said I would have to fight you for the title of being friends with the darkness,” Hitoshi drawled, not bothering with his Quirk just yet. Tokoyami wasn’t his target. “Guess he was right.”

The bird headed teen quirked a brow but said nothing. He still stood defensively, seeming to be waiting for Hitoshi to make the first move.

“You have this whole ‘darkness is my friend’ vibe,” Hitoshi continued, standing casually as can be. “That mutual friend is Izuku, by the way, and so I know all about your Quirk.”

Tokoyami and Dark Shadow both glared at him warily.

“Izuku, who you probably already know is Hiro since he can’t seem to keep his yap shut, told me all about it along with all the other Quirks in the Hero Course. But then again, he is a muttering Quirk fanatic.”

The glares intensified into a scowl but still they said nothing.

“It’s safe to say that your Quirk is stronger than mine,” Hitoshi confessed, readying his Quirk for what he said next. “Don’t you think so, Dark Shadow?

The spirit grunted in confirmation with a nod. It was quiet and short, but the response was enough for Hitoshi to brainwash the entity.

Interesting.

Appearance wise, the phantom looked close to normal. The only evidence of it being under his control were the eyes. The typically yellow color was gone, brainwashed away to hollow white. A change that Tokoyami didn’t seem aware of as his focus was on Hitoshi.

The mental pull on Dark Shadow’s mind felt a bit different than when Hitoshi used it on a person. Normally the puppet strings from the brainwasher’s mind felt solid and firm. Like the tension on a guitar string. But with Dark Shadow, the strings felt different. Softer, fuzzier. Like a loose piece of yarn being played with by a kitten. Not as much tension but enough to feel pressure. It was strange and new and fascinating. But most importantly, the pull was there in the first place. He’ll have to tell Izuku about it later.

“Glad we’re in agreement,” Hitoshi said, smirking again. “Now, Tokoyami, would you be so kind as to step out of the ring?”

His opponent looked at him in confusion before smirking himself and silently shaking his head no.

“No?” Hitoshi asked, quirking a brow before shrugging. “Well, alright. Dark Shadow, please force Tokoyami out of bounds.

“Do you really think my own quirk would lis-…?” Tokoyami began, feeling safe since it wasn’t a question or directed at him in the first place, only to be interrupted.

Dark Shadow, as commanded, grabbed Tokoyami and lifted him up. It was interesting to see that the sentient shadow being could pick up the other without touching the ground itself. Tokoyami was surprised at this turn of events, as was the crowd, and began to flail in hopes of escaping his own Quirk’s clutches.

WHA?! DARK SHADOW SEEMS TO BE FOLLOWING SHINSOU’S LEAD!

Unceremoniously, Dark Shadow plopped Tokoyami down on the other side of the boundary line. Once the other had made contact with the ground, Hitoshi released his hold on the spirit.

Tokoyami is out of bounds! Midnight announced. “Shinsou will advance!

Dark Shadow was clearly confused as to what happened as he looked from Tokoyami to Hitoshi and back.

WELL ‘OWL’ BE! YOU WOULD THINK THERE WOULD BE ‘MOA’ FIGHTING, BUT SHINSOU HAS ‘SWAN’ AGAINST THE BIRD BOY!

Hitoshi walked over to the other boy as the entity started to fret over its person while Tokoyami stared at the approaching teen in confusion. The winner of the match offered a hand to the other and helped him up. Dark Shadow floated near the two visibly concerned and tearfully gloomy.

“W-what happened?” Tokoyami asked, sounding somewhat distressed. Hitoshi could guess he never had Dark Shadow turn on him like that before.

“I used my Quirk on Dark Shadow,” Hitoshi explained, looking at the spirit briefly before turning back to the other boy. “I wasn’t sure if it would work, but Izuku thought it was possible to control it since Dark Shadow is sentient.”

“But Dark Shadow did not say a word,” Tokoyami stated, still confused.

“Any verbal response, even if it’s only a sound, activates my Quirk,” Hitoshi replied. “I wasn’t lying when I said that your Quirk is stronger than mine. Physically anyway. But once you are under my control, strength doesn’t matter anymore.”

“I…I see,” Tokoyami said, his nervous understanding showing on his face.

“I hope there’s no hard feelings,” Hitoshi said, offering his hand again cordially. “This is the Sports Festival after all. Everyone is putting their all into this, including me. You could have won this match easily if you had attacked first. But you hesitated and I used that to my advantage.”

Tokoyami stared at him in contemplation before reaching out and taking his hand.

“Your assessment is correct,” the bird headed teen conceded. “I should not have deferred the initiation of the fight to you. My belief that only I was vulnerable to your Quirk was my hubris and brought my downfall. I appreciate your approach to this fight and the creative use of your Quirk. You have provided me with much to consider.”

Hitoshi smile and nodded his head in thanks as he gave the other’s hand a shake. Upon releasing the other boy’s hand, the purple haired teen then offered his hand to Dark Shadow. The being looked to the hand to Hitoshi to Tokoyami, who gave an approving nod, then back to the offered hand. A hesitant shadowy hand, not used to being acknowledge like this, reached forward and grasped Hitoshi’s.

Much like the mental pull of Hitoshi’s Quirk, the feel of the spirit’s hand was also different to what a person’s hand typically felt like. The shadowy substance Dark Shadow was made of buzzed with energy. As if it was static condensed and captured into a being. Or one of those hand buzzers. Yet another observation Hitoshi planned to share with Izuku later.

He released his grip on Dark Shadow’s hand who then retreated back to Tokoyami who in turn gave the entity a comforting pat on the head. They left the field together in good spirits, the brainwasher, the shadow wielder, and the spirit itself.

~~~

SHINSOU MANAGED TO SNARE ANOTHER WIN! HE KEEPS RISING IN THE RANKS BY LEAPS AND ‘SOUNDS’!

What the actually fuck? Birdbrain lost to that fucker? No way! That Vulture’s Quirk is strong. Is that Troll Doll cheating too? Like Deku? The two freaks are friends so I wouldn’t put it past the fuckers. How else could that Gen Ed extra beat Bird Boy?

Katsuki was fuming. He had been so sure about his prediction of the shadow wielder’s victory and that he would be the blonde’s next opponent after he beat the crap out of Shitty Hair. But he had been wrong. The Bird Fucker lost and Katsuki would be facing off against the Gen Ed reject. The one that spouted crap of being able to transfer into the Hero Course.

Yeah right. Like that’s ever happened. If you can’t pass the Hero Practical, you don’t have what it takes to get into the Hero Course.

Only the strong are accepted into the elite program and, having placed first in the practical, Katsuki was the strongest. No one can beat him.

‘Yet you haven’t placed first at all’, that annoying voice said again.

Katsuki growled in irritation and pushed the voice to the back of his mind with a big mental ‘fuck you’. His anger was growing as his thoughts lingered on that annoying fact because it was true. The blonde hadn’t placed higher than second since the start of the Sports Festival and was demoted to third after the Cavalry Battle. All the while Half-and-Half remained in first and that damn Deku still wasn’t eliminated.

All of this pissed him off. This wasn’t how this day was supposed to go. He needed to punch something. Needed to let out this anger inside him. If he didn’t do that soon, he felt like he would explode.

LET’S BLAZE THROUGH TO THE NEXT MATCH ‘CAUSE IT’S SURE TO ROCK YOUR WORLD!

Fucking finally.

GROWING ‘BOULDER’ WITH EVERY FIGHT, IT’S KIRISHIMA!!

Perfect, Katsuki thought as he watched Shitty Hair walk out to the field. With his Hardening Quirk, that means I can really let loose.

VERSUS! OUR OWN PERSONAL TICKING TIME BOMB, IT’S BAKUGOU!!

At the sound of his name, Katsuki headed for the ring, hands in his pockets and a determined scowl on his face. Time to let off some stream…through explosions.

~~~

Izuku was so proud of his friend and happy for his win. Seems that my theory about how Dark Shadow could be brainwashed was correct. Or, at least he thought that was what happened, but it was hard to tell since you couldn’t hear what the fighters were saying from the field. Unless you have a microphone and hack the PA system like Mei did.

Hitoshi had won though and against Tokoyami whose Quirk made him a strong opponent. However, the dark teen seemed to rely on Dark Shadow a bit too much and should probably learn how to fight without the entity. The greenette made a mental note to add that to Tokoyami’s profile. Close combat skills were good for a Hero to have.

LET’S BLAZE THROUGH TO THE NEXT MATCH ‘CAUSE IT’S SURE TO ROCK YOUR WORLD! GROWING ‘BOULDER’ WITH EVERY FIGHT, IT’S KIRISHIMA!!

That’s right. Kirishima-kun is up next against Katsuki.

Izuku looked down at his shark toothed friend as he walked out into the arena. The greenette hadn’t had much of a chance to talk to Kirishima since the other boy had started to sit with Katsuki at lunch. They did manage to talk through text these past few weeks, but with their schedules and personal routines being so different, they hadn’t been able to interact face to face.

Hopefully, that will change soon. Once Hitoshi-kun and I are transferred to the Hero Course.

VERSUS! OUR OWN PERSONAL TICKING TIME BOMB, IT’S BAKUGOU!!

Out came Katsuki, a scary determined look on his face and Izuku knew that it meant the blonde was looking to explode something. Kirishima’s Hardening would protect him from the blasts, of course. But the real question was how long he would be able to keep it up before the use of his Quirk became too much.

READY?”

Good luck, Kirishima-kun.

BEGIN!!

Kirishima Eijiro VS Bakugou Katsuki

The pair below ran towards each other instantly at the call to start. Kirishima aimed a hardened fist at Katsuki and partially landed a hit on the blonde’s right cheek. The rough surface of his skin cut into the other’s face despite his attempts to turn his head away from the punch. In retaliation, Katsuki let off an explosion against Kirishima’s right side.

The red head’s hardened skin protected him from the blast, but the same couldn’t be said for his shirt. There was now a sizable hole where the explosion was fired off. Both were pushed back by the attack and Kirishima seemed emboldened by his Quirk protecting him from the other’s power. He smiled his shark-like smile as tendrils of smoke dissipated around him.

Kirishima-kun’s Hardening is strong and gives him great protection from most attacks. But Quirks are physical abilities. Much like exercising, if you use it too much you can wear yourself out. The longer this match draws out, Kirishima-kun may overuse his Quirk and take himself out along with it.

Going on the offensive, Kirishima sent out punch after hardened punch at Katsuki who dodged every one of them. His evasive movements were pushing him back, ever closer to the boundary line. The blonde, having had enough of being on the defensive, countered again with an explosion to Kirishima’s left side.

Again, the red head hardened his skin while his shirt suffered another burnt hole. Katsuki had a feral smile on his face with his hand positioned threateningly in front of him. Wisps of smoke leaked form his hands, hinting at the explosions about to be unleashed.

Then the fight turned…brutal. Katsuki held nothing back and produced a blast with both hands. The light from it was blinding. After that, the explosive teen fired off explosion after explosion at Kirishima. Between flashes, you could see more and more of the hardened boy’s uniform being burned away. The barrage was so rapid, all he could do was shield himself while the other continued the steady attack.

With the intent to finish the match, Katsuki swiped one last explosion at the other with his right hand. Kirishima was blown back and fell to the ground covered in carbon and soot. And he did not get back up.

Kirishima has been KO’d,” Midnight declared. “Bakugo is the winner!

I’m not surprised, Izuku thought as he watched his friend get loaded onto a stretcher. Kirishima-kun put up a good fight, but Katsuki outlasted him. His tenacity to win is strong and helps to fuel his Quirk much like his nitroglycerin-like sweat. He’s just so powerful.

WITH THAT FLARE-OCIOUS WIN, BAKUGO IS ADVANCING TO THE SEMI-FINALS! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THESE ARE OUR FOUR FINALISTS!

Up on the screens appeared next two matchups for the third round.

One on One Battle Semi Finals Lineup

Midoriya Izuku VS Todoroki Shouto

Shinsou Hitoshi VS Bakugou Katsuki

With Katsuki winning, that meant that Hitoshi would be fighting him next while Izuku would be going up against Todoroki. There was going to be a short break before the semi-finals began and the greenette wanted to prepare. Mei gave him a hug of encouragement and as he left the 1-H section his classmates gave their own well wishes. It was rare for a student outside of the Hero Course to make it so far in the tournament and, although they might not be the closest of friends, the Support Class of 1-H was proud of their remaining representative in the Sports Festival.

Smiling warmly as he left, Izuku made his way to the waiting rooms and did a final check of his Support Items before his coming match. His Jet shoes, Fire Breath mask, electric escrima rods and gloves, collapsible shield, goggles, and the various bombs in his belt. All were in working order with only minor damage to the devices. Such as small divots on his shield where Ashido’s Acid had melted the metal. But it was still functional despite that. The greenette wasn’t sure which of his gadgets he would need in the upcoming match against Todoroki. But they all worked and he was ready for whatever the ice user threw at him.

Once the short break was up, Izuku once more donned his Support Items and left the waiting room. He was heading towards his designated tunnel when it happened. First, a flaming boot appeared from a connected hallway and then the rest of Endeavor’s towering fiery figure came into view. The temperature of the corridor rose due to the active fire the Number Two Hero emitted as part of his Hero costume.

Izuku wasn’t sure how to feel right now. On one hand, holy crap the Number Two Hero was standing in front of him! His inner Hero fanboy was freaking out. On the other, holy crap his friend’s abusive father was standing in front of him! His inner Hero voice was screaming to punch the bastard where it hurts. Let’s just say he was…conflicted.

“Ah. There you are,” Endeavor said as he noticed Izuku. “I was looking for you.”

Eh?

“Y-you were looking for m-me?” Izuku stuttered out, nervous. Whether from geeking out or feeling intimidated, he wasn’t sure. “What i-is it that you want?”

The man stared down at him for a moment with his arms crossed, scrutinizing the boy for some reason. Izuku stood there watching the man apprehensively.

“I’ve been watching you since the First Round,” Endeavor finally spoke up, a frown on his face. “Since that announcer pointed out that you were helping others rather than focusing on the race and, by doing so, squandered your chance of placing higher in the ranks. This is a competition, you know. Not a charity event.”

“W-well, sure, b-but I…” Izuku began only to be interrupted.

“Then in the Second Round,” the man spoke over him rudely. “It seemed you had some sort of strategy to stay low and almost lost your chance to continue when another team stole your spot at the last second. Only luck of having the top four teams continue rather than the top three saved you.”

Izuku cast his eyes around nervously as the fire user continued to talk. Why exactly was the Number Two Hero criticizing him? Because he helped people and didn’t want the top spot?

“Now in the one-on-ones, your Support Items have been carrying you through,” Endeavor sneered, as if using them made his wins mean less. “This entire time you haven’t shown your Quirk once, relying on those inventions of yours like a crutch.”

“What e-exactly are you getting a-at?” Izuku asked timidly while wringing his gloved fingers.

“This leads me to assume that you do not have a strong Quirk,” the man said with disapproving glare. “Which means you have no place to be in these last rounds. The only reason you are still in this competition is due to your Support Items. Not your natural strength.”

Izuku could only stare up at him. The man, Endeavor, thought that he didn’t belong. That, because he didn’t show a strong Quirk, he shouldn’t still be in the running.

“On top of that, your apparent need to help others is reminiscent to All Might,” the Number Two Hero said as he leaned and leered down at him as Izuku’s eyes widened in fear. “The thought of another one of him pisses me off.”

And now apparently is pissed at me because my desire to help people reminds him of All Might? Does Endeavor not have that same desire? If not, why is he a Hero in the first place?

Todoroki’s words rang through Izuku’s head.

‘My father, Endeavor, is the Number Two Hero. The second greatest Hero of all time. A powerful man with a powerful Quirk. But being second best wasn’t enough. Not for him. My old man is an ambitious bastard. Always aiming for the top and becoming stronger.’

Endeavor wasn’t a Hero to save people. He was a Hero for power, pure and simple. Fought his way up the ranks for the prestige of the Number One Spot. But all his plans, all his efforts, have been for naught as he found himself stuck as the Number Two Hero.

‘But, despite all his power that helped him make a name for himself, he could only ever go so far.’

All Might, a perpetual thorn in his side, had claimed that spot and had kept it ever since. His charisma and helpful attitude secured his rank as the Number One Hero and there was nothing Endeavor could do about it even with all his power.

‘But he refused to let that stop him. So, he came up with a plan to take down All Might. By any means necessary.’

In desperation to fulfill his own desires, Endeavor had forced a Quirk marriage and kept attempting to create the perfect Quirk combination, having three ‘failures’ and one ‘success’. His ‘masterpiece’. It made Izuku sick to think that a person, a parent, would think of a child, their own child, as a sort of ‘project’. An ‘experiment’. One that the man had repeated until he got the desired result.

‘I was created to do what he never could. He raised me to fulfill his own ambitions and be the one to usurp All Might.’

“I don’t know what your quirk is,” Endeavor said, breaking the younger out of his thoughts. The man walked around the boy clearly dismissing him as irrelevant. “And, despite reminding me of him, you are no All Might when it comes to power. Somehow you have made it this far, but that crutch of yours will only hold you up to a certain point. Which is now. Fight my Shouto and allow him to use you to show his superiority.”

WHAT.

He was pissed. He was seething. He felt like how he imagined Katsuki did all the time.

Izuku.

Was.

Angry.

“What does it matter if I have a strong Quirk or not,” Izuku called out, causing the Number Two Hero to pause and glance back at him. “I fought my way here same as everyone else. I have earned my spot through hard work just as all the others have. Quirks don’t determine who has the ‘right’ to be in these final matches. One’s efforts do.”

The supposed Hero huffed out a dismissive sigh, but made no further move to interrupt.

“You say my helping others reminds you of All Might,” the greenette said. “That it pisses you off. But why? That’s what a Hero does, right? Help others?”

Endeavor continued to glared down at him.

“But it seems that all you care about is power,” Izuku continued, hands clenched and shaking. “‘Natural power’, as you said. Power you can use to rule over others. Like your son…”

The flames emitting of the man grew a bit larger and a bit hotter at the implication.

“My helping others does not make me All Might,” Izuku declared, glared at Endeavor over his shoulder.

“Of course not…” the man attempted to interrupt.

“The same as sharing blood does not make Todoroki-kun you,” Izuku pushed onward, talking over the other. “He has the right to be his own person and the kind of Hero he wants to be. Not the one you ‘created’ him to become.”

The man’s brow twitched at the word ‘created’ and there was a flash of panic at the potential of the boy knowing what he had done. But it was only a flicker that was quickly covered up by anger.

“You’re right that I am no All Might,” Izuku stated as he began to walk away, continuing to his original destination. “And Shouto…”

He paused for a moment, sparing a fleeting glance back at the angry bastard. The man's expression had morphed into one of seething, shaking slightly in anger as if he was holding himself back from hurting the boy.

“…he is not you.

Without another word, Izuku stormed down the hallway.

Notes:

Uh oh! Broccoli boy is now an angry broccoli boy! Watch it, Endeavor, or Izuku will, as a commentor suggested, turn a fire extinguisher on you someday. I know Endeavor is going through a redemption arc in the manga which is kind of going up in flames. Is that too much of a spoiler? Anyway, for this fic, since I'm using it to vent and fix things, I'm having him be worse than in canon. Not a large amount but enough to satisfy my brain and its many plans for this fic.

Hoped you liked Hitoshi's match! Not sure if anyone else has had him brainwash Dark Shadow before because I've never come across that in my readings of other fics. But I thought it would be an interesting twist! Dark Shadow is sentient after all so there's gotta be a mind for him to brainwash in there somewhere. Also, I had fun playing with Dark Shadow's character again. The spirit is just so cute!

Katsuki, as ever, is harsh and brash and holds nothing back. Kirishima put up a good fight but lost in the end. I kept this fight the same because I feel the point of quirk exhaustion was important. We did see it with Uraraka's fight too but that was a combination of running around along with quirk use while this fight was almost purely just quirk use. If that makes sense.

Fun Facts About Japan:

Another break from sports festival facts to talk about New Years. Now, on the topic of Christmas, I had said that it was more of a couple's holiday than a family one while in the US it's the opposite. For New Years, I'd say we typically think of it as a couple's holiday in the US. Yes, people throw parties and get togethers. But more among friends rather than specifically family. Not to mention the whole 'kissing someone you love at midnight' part. So in the US I feel it's a couple's holiday. Well, again, in Japan, it's the opposite. New Years, or shougatsu ( 正月 , しょうがつ ), is the big family holiday. Not to mention one of the most important holidays, if not the most, of the year. Businesses shut down and families gather together during that time. Now I never experienced a Japanese New Year family gathering myself during my time there as I would go home to spend the time back in the US with my family, but I'll share what I was told, learned, and experienced in regards to that.

Each new year is seen as separate from the last. Businesses and the like even throw a bounenkai ( 忘年会 , ぼうねんかい ) which is a 'forget the year' party where everyone gathers, eats, and drinks the passing year's problems away. Like a clean slate. I've been to a few and they are fun. My first school they had a white elephant gift exchange. Now me, I love giving gag gifts or just down right silly ones. It's just fun that way. So I got one of those toy hammers that squeaks when you hit it. And it ended up being given to this science teacher who loved it and found it hilarious. He was one of the teachers that dressed like a human Gudetama man back in chapter 36's end notes. Specifically a green one so kind of a 'green eyes and ham' type of deal. XD Also at that same party there were two teachers dressed up. One was a male teacher in a Christmas dress and a wig just for the silliness of it. The other was dressed up as Pikotaro from PPAP which was a huge hit with the students my first year in Japan. Any time pens or pineapples or apples came up in conversation they would start singing and doing the gestures! Talk of pens? In a school? That never comes up! ;)

There are special phrases in Japanese you say to those you see for the first time after the turning of the year. Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu. ( 今年もよろしくお願いします , ことしもよろしくおねがいします ) Which basically means 'Please take care of me again this year' or 'I hope to work well with you again this year'. More or less. Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu. ( あけましておめでとうございます ) Which is 'happy new year'.

I have more about New Year stuff but am dwindling in available characters so I'll save them for next chapter. :)

Speaking of next chapter, it's one of those moments you've been waiting for. Izuku versus Todoroki! The ice, the fire, the breaking of walls, and reaffirming of friendships. That's what's in store next update. Till then stay safe, report typos or weirdness, and have a happy new year!

Chapter 49: Sports Festival: Break The Ice

Notes:

Happy Tuesday, dear readers! Hope you are well. :) This chapter comes with a long waited moment. The fight between Izuku and Todoroki is finally here! :D

Warning for teasing during when Izuku enters the fighting ring. Starts at "Izuku walked up the stairs..." and you can skip to the end of that paragraph to the last sentence that starts as "Rolling his eyes...".

Formatting reminder:
"Dialogue heard through a sound system."
...
"PRESENT MIC'S DIALOGUE HEARD THROUGH A SOUND SYSTEM."

Better grab a jacket cause it's about to get chilly. ;) Let's go!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Izuku’s head was buzzing with rage as he made his way to his assigned tunnel. He was absolutely furious that a person like Endeavor could become the Number Two Hero. Or even a Hero in the first place. A man obsessed power and craved to be declared the best. Caring more about that than actually helping people which is what a Hero is supposed to do. Frustrated at not achieving his ambition to the point of taking steps to ‘create’ the perfect successor to pursue his failed dream and succeed in doing what he could not. Pushing so far as to hurt his own family in the process.

It was sick. It was vile. People like him are the ones who should become targets of Stain.

Wait, what?

The greenette paused, thankfully a fair distance away from where he had encountered Endeavor. Where did that come from? He had never thought anyone should become one of Stain’s marks before. Sure, he believed that Heroes should be held to a certain standard but this was different. He had never thought that anyone deserved to be at the other end of Stain’s blade before. Were the meetings with the Hero Killer and the research into his character rubbing off on him?

During his research of the man, Izuku had looking into the Hero Killer’s victims to try and understand him more. Some were all talk and no action, boasting their deeds only to avoid the places that needed Heroes the most in favor of where ever they would get more media attention. Others were dealing under the table, neglecting their duties if the price was high enough and ignoring the innocents that needed their help. While others broke the law and worked with the Villains and thugs they swore to take down while still pretending to be the upholders of the law they claimed to be.

Egotism. Corruption. Lies.

He doesn’t really know Akaguro’s true motives but he has an inkling. As far as he could figure, to Stain the name ‘Hero’ was a moniker that he believed only those with the truest heroic intentions should be blessed with. A Hero was someone who helps others. Who puts the safety of innocents first. Who doesn’t seek fame or attention for their deeds. Who doesn’t let money corrupt them. Who doesn’t sully themselves with the scum of society.

To Stain, those who let their Heroic duties go astray did not have the right to the title of Hero. But…what if there was a Hero whose intention was to raise another Hero but by questionable means? How would Endeavor fair against Stain’s judgement? A man who had sought out to create a better Hero than he. With the intention of them being a pawn that was more powerful than All Might and would become number one, but a Hero none the less.

While a small part of the result of his intentions was good in a sense, the methods Endeavor had taken to fulfill those goals were the problem. Seriously? A Quirk marriage in this day and age? And, although Todoroki never said anything specific, Izuku would bet the man’s ‘training’ with his son to further mold him into the perfect all-powerful Hero he desired was harsh, extreme, and not ideal for a child. With the way the man performed in his Hero duties, never holding back his flames, he could guess the same would go for training his son as well.

Endeavor was far from the ideal Hero. To the point that had Izuku wondering how the man would fair if he were to fall under Stain’s scrutiny. But Izuku didn’t think he should be killed for his actions. Oh no. Then he wouldn’t actually learn anything and no one really deserves to die. But if his misdeeds were to come to light for all to see, maybe he would learn what he did was wrong.

IT’S TIME TO START THE SEMI-FINALS, SPORTS FANS! ARE YOU READY?!

Present Mic’s announcement and the crowd’s cheering shook Izuku out of his thoughts. Using one of the meditation techniques he had started to use after his counseling sessions with Hound Dog, the greenette calmed himself down a bit, but not completely. The adrenaline would give him a boost in the coming fight and considering who he was up against he could use all the help he could get. Todoroki was one of the strongest fighters in these final matches. With a deep breath, he marched off to his exit tunnel as the time to face off against Todoroki was drawing ever closer.

After meeting his friend’s father and listening to him rant, Izuku was entirely resolved in helping Todoroki. Endeavor was a Hero who sought power and encouraged his son in a ‘misguided’ manner to follow in his footsteps. The opposite of what happened between Izuku and All Might. The Number One Hero’s intentions had been good when he told the Quirkless boy he couldn’t be a Hero. But not even the sight of his mangled torso could extinguish the fire of Izuku’s desire to be a Hero. And he wouldn’t let his friend’s hatred of his own father extinguish his fire either. His own fire.

Not on my watch.

~~~

Shouto was still pissed. It had been two matches, ones that he had won easily with his ice alone, but he was still pissed. Still stewing over Endeavor’s words. How they were so similar to Midoriya’s. The thought of the other boy being connected to his father in some way had continued to fester after his match with Iida. And now he would be facing off against the Quirkless boy. His friend. Or was he? So many questions were running through his head.

How is Midoriya connected to my father? Why is he so adamant in butting into business that he has no reason to? It isn’t his problem so why does he care? Or does he actually care at all? Was he even my friend or was it all a lie? Could he possibly have been paid off by my father as a way to force me to use that bastard’s power?

Shouto wouldn’t allow it. Like hell he would use ‘his’ fire. So yeah, he was pissed. Angry at the possibility that his first real friend wasn’t actually his friend at all. That his old man could possibly be meddling in his life even more than he already does. That if it was true, then Shouto had left himself exposed to a stranger on his father’s pay roll.

IT’S TIME TO START THE SEMI-FINALS, SPORTS FANS! ARE YOU READY?!

The announcement broke Shouto from his thoughts. Letting out a huff, he cracked his neck and continued to trudge toward his assigned exit. His suspicions of Midoriya possibly being a puppet of that bastard still stewing in his mind. Once he arrived at the entryway to the field, he stopped just inside keeping to the shadows.

THIS ROUND OF SEMI-FINAL MATCHES ARE BETWEEN OUR TOP FOUR COMPETITORS! WHOEVER WINS THESE NEXT TWO FIGHTS WILL BE OUR FINALISTS AND MOVE ON THE FINAL DECIDING MATCH AND DETERMINE WHO IS THE ULTIMATE WINNER OF THE FIRST YEAR SPORTS FESTIVAL!

The crowd cheered overhead as Shouto leaned against the wall of the tunnel with his arms crossed. He was confident that it would be himself moving on to the last round. Midoriya was strong and his Support Items have been effective so far. But if Shouto could overpower him with his ice quick enough, there wouldn’t be much the other boy could do.

FIRST UP, HE HASN’T PLACED SUPER HIGH THROUGHOUT THE COMPETITION, BUT HE DEFINITELY HAS A YOU ‘CONDUIT’ ATTITUDE! REPRESENTING THE SUPPORT COURSE, GIVE IT UP FOR MIDORIYA!!

From across the field came Midoriya decked out in his Support Items. Shouto glared at his ‘friend’.

VERSUS! HE’S BEEN CONSISTENTLY ‘FREEZING’ THE DAY AND THE TOP SPOT! REPRESENTING THE HERO COURSE, PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR TODOROKI!!

At the call of his name, Shouto exited his tunnel and walked onto the field. He ignored the noise of the crowd and focused only on the other boy, still glaring. The bi-color teen didn’t know if Midoriya had lied to him or if he was actually involved with his old man in some way, but the thought of the possibility of such a situation made him angry. He would get to the bottom of this and find out the truth. One way or another.

~~~

Izuku walked up the stairs to the ring for the third time that day and made the mistake of looking at Midnight. As Present Mic announced Todoroki, the R-rated Hero once again wiggled her eyebrows and nodded her head towards the other boy. With an exasperated huff, the greenette relented and nodded slightly in confirmation to her silent question and the woman squealed in delight. Rolling his eyes, he turned to watch as Todoroki made his way to the ring and was a bit shocked to find his friend glaring at him.

He’s looking at me like Katsuki does, Izuku thought. He really didn’t like it.

“L-let’s do our best, T-Todoroki-kun,” the greenette stuttered with a wobbly smile.

His friend merely grunted in response, still scowling at him. A bit disheartened by the somewhat cold interaction, Izuku frowned slightly as he adjusted his mask and goggles over his face. Once covered, he glanced at Midnight who looked between the two in worry.

READY?

Taking a steadying deep breath, Izuku focused back on his friend who still seemed angry about something. He really hoped it wasn’t about something he had done, though he had no idea what that could possibly be. The Support student readied himself in a defensive position, prepared to find out what was bothering the other boy. And to help him embrace the entirety of his Quirk. One way or another.

BEGIN!!

Midoriya Izuku VS Todoroki Shouto

Same as every match so far, Todoroki stepped forward with his right foot and instantly started with a large-scale ice attack. Izuku easily dodged with his Jet shoes, jumping high into the air and doing a backflip before landing away from the ice while the other pivoted to face him.

“I have a question for you, Midoriya,” Todoroki hissed, the icy tone he used for his name made Izuku shiver. “How long have you been working for my father?”

Eh?

“W-working for…,” Izuku stuttered out in shock, his confused look hidden under his gear. “What you talking about, Todoroki-kun?”

The bi-color teen sent out another frozen assault that the greenette again managed to avoid it. He found himself boxed in much like Iida had in his fight against the ice user.

“You. You’re working for my father, aren’t you?” the bi-color teen accused, his expression was cold.

“Wha?” he gasped.

Again, the bi-color teen unleashed a glacial wave that was fueled by anger and Izuku was too stunned by the accusation to dodge this time. So, for the first time during the festival, the greenette activated his mask and unleashed the power of his replication of his father’s Fire Breath. A raging billow of flames roared into life and collided with the approaching ice. The immense heat melted it before it could get even close to him.

WHAAA?! AS ‘FIRE’ AS WE KNEW, MIDORIYA COULD HOP TO IT AND ZAP INTO ACTION WITH HIS SUPPORT ITEMS! BUT NOW HE’S SPORTING SOME FIERY FLARE! WHAT A DISPLACE OF PYROTECHNICS!

Midoriya has a wide range of Support Items at his disposal which allows him the flexibility to adapt to any given situation. He knows of the importance of having as many ‘tools in his belt’ as possible.

LITERALLY OR FIGURATIVELY?

Both.

Izuku appreciated Aizawa’s remark on the matter, but his attention wasn’t on the commentary right now. Instead, it was on his friend who had just accused him of working for his poor excuse of a father.

“Why would you think that?!” Izuku questioned incredulously.

The Support student quickly tapped a button on the side of his mask to checked the level left in the current fuel cartridge and heard two beeps indicating it was still two thirds full. Which meant he had two more shots before having to change it out for a new one.

“It’s obvious, isn’t it?” Todoroki replied coldly. “Why else would you keep insisting that I use his fire?”

Again, with the ‘his’ fire.

“Because I don’t want you to get hurt!” Izuku snapped back in response. “Because I’m your friend!”

“Are you?” Todoroki retorted back.

Ouch.

The ice user shot out another attack and Izuku jumped high enough to escape the boxed in area. He skated around the ring until he got behind the other. Temporarily anyway since Todoroki quickly turned to keep his opponent in his sight.

“After the Cavalry Battle, you pulled me aside to talk,” Todoroki said, glaring at the greenette but not moving to attack just yet. “You said I was ‘half-assing’ my way through the festival. That if I were to use this curse of a left side, I would reach my ‘full potential’.”

Um, yeah, I know. I was there. He gave a nod in response.

“Well, before my match against Sero,” Todoroki continued coldly. “My father said something similar.”

Wait, what? Well, shit.

“So…how much is he paying you to pretend to be my friend?”

WHAT.

Once again, Izuku was angry at a Todoroki. But not at the one in front of him now. No. He was still pissed at the elder Todoroki, Endeavor. A man who seemed like even more of a terrible person the more he learned about the so-called Hero. One who’s reputation with his own child was so bad that his son actually thought his father would stoop to such a low tactic.

“I’m not working for your father, Todoroki-kun!” Izuku insisted with a covered glare. “I never even met the man until today!”

Todoroki didn’t seem to believe him and sent another barrage of ice at him. Izuku didn’t dodge in favor of melting it away with Fire Breath again. Leaving him with one more shot.

“But you have met him,” the bi-color teen retorted back.

“For the first time and only minutes before this fight!” Izuku shot back. “And he was nothing but insulting the entire time!”

“That sounds on brand for him,” Todoroki conceded with an icy huff. “However, that doesn’t prove you don’t work for him. That bastard is that way with everyone and yet people still work at the Endeavor Agency.”

Another ice assault that met a fiery end. The ring was starting to look like an artic ocean with puddles of water covering the surface, making the glaciers appear more like icebergs.

“Do you want to know what he said to me?” Izuku asked irately. “That since I haven’t shown any sign of a ‘strong’ Quirk, I don’t belong here. That I only have my Support Items to thank for where I am. That my only purpose is to be used by you to, and I quote, ‘show your superiority’.”

This time when the ice came for him, Izuku jumped and dodged, changing out the fuel cartridge with a new one from his belt and tossing the empty one aside as he did so. Bringing him back to three shots with his mask.

“If he knew what my true Quirk status was, I bet he would have been even worse,” Izuku continued. “I told you that my entire life has been filled with people who wrote me off as soon as they found out about it. I’m used to people not believing in me and expecting absolutely nothing from me. People like that are ones I refuse to associate with. Not after I finally found people who do believe in me.”

Once again, Todoroki directed a glacial assault his way which he avoided with ease. Izuku jumped, flipped, and landed on top of one of the jagged walls of ice. The rubber foot pads helped a bit with traction but he noted to add more texture to the bottom of his Jet shoes later. The greenette forced himself out of inventing mode and glared down at the other. He could see the frost building up from overusing his right side.

“So, why the hell would you think I would work for him, Todoroki?!” Izuku spat, angry enough to drop the honorific. “After what he said to me? After everything that you told me?!”

The ice user glowered up at him but made no move to attack so he could listen.

“Forcing a Quirk marriage,” the greenette continued, staring the other down even though his eyes were hidden. “Viewing his children as mere results of some kind of sick science experiment. Rejecting the others and focusing on you as his ‘masterpiece’. Training you past your limits since you were young. Driving your mother passed her breaking point. All in all, he is a bastard.”

Internal conflict flickered in grey and blue eyes as they focused on him. Maybe he was getting through to him, even just a little. As they stared off, Izuku reflected back on those that had supported him to be where he was at this moment.

His parents, if only semi-supportive of his dreams to be a Hero, had still always been there to encourage and take care of him. Mei, his first friend after so long, labeled him a ‘blank canvas’ and the fact he was Quirkless meant that ‘anything was possible’. Hitoshi, having the same dream as him to become a Hero, believed in him and together they would show those who judged them for their Quirk, or lack of one, were wrong. That they could be Heroes same as anyone else.

His other friends he had made since starting at UA supported him. Kirishima, Uraraka, Iida, Tsuyu, and Todoroki had all helped him in hiding from Katsuki until now. Even new possible friends he had met today, Tokoyami, Kouda, Yaoyorozu, and Jirou, had thanked him for helping them. And the teachers at UA had been helping him. Nezu with his analysis, Maijima with Support, Yamada with sign language, and of course Aizawa with helping Hitoshi and him train for the Sports Festival. Even Recovery Girl wanted to help him.

But most of all, the one Izuku was most grateful for was the man who had finally told him that yes, he could be a Hero. Stain, the Hero Killer. Or, as he now knew him better as Akaguro Chizome. A man of ideals. A man of conviction. Misguided, yes, but still strong willed with a desire to hold those responsible who are tasked to keep the peace and protect innocent lives. And he believed, truly believed, that Izuku could become a Hero.

‘Do your best in the Sports Festival, Little Hero. Show the world what a true Hero is.’

They supported him. Believed in him. And look how far he had come. Here he was, a Quirkless teen, facing off in the third-round of one-on-one battles against one of the school’s strongest students. Others had fought Todoroki and been taken down with ease. But he was still here, still standing in the ring. Still fighting using his own strengths and the ‘edge’ that Akaguro encouraged him to find.

“I’m here because I had people who supported me,” Izuku said, gesturing to the crowd in general knowing his friends and teachers were among them. “Who helped me to get to where I am today. And now, I’m going to pass that on and help you.”

Izuku jumped down from the ice wall and faced Todoroki, who adjusted his stance but didn’t attack.

“You can’t help me because there’s nothing to help,” Todoroki replied defensively, but also a bit apprehensive and confused. “Fire…it’s too warm. Too Hot! It only causes pain! I refuse to use his fire!”

Oh, for the love of…

“Get it through your thick head!” Izuku snapped at his infuriatingly stubborn friend.  “It’s not ‘his’ fire! He didn’t magically give it to you and lose his own! That’s not how Quirks work! Same as your ice isn’t your mother’s! Both sides of your Quirk are your own. Entirely unique to you!”

The other boy’s internal conflict became more and more apparent on his face.

“It’s yours!” Izuku insisted further, gesturing in a sweeping motion of his arm as if to push the thought of it being his father’s fire out of his mind. “Your Quirk, not his!!”

Todoroki looked at him, stunned. As if this realization had never occurred to him before. Or at least not in a long time. Hopefully, this was a sign that the Quirkless boy was finally getting through to him.

~~~

Shouto didn’t know how to feel. What to think. Vague memories were being brought back up to the surface. Memories of his mother. Ones he had almost forgotten.

‘Shouto…’

Of her supporting him.

‘You still want to be a Hero, right?’

Comforting him.

‘You are not bound by blood to follow in his footsteps. Not a prisoner of your lineage.’

Insisting that he didn’t have to be a Hero like his father.

‘Stay true to yourself. You and you alone decide who you want to be. What kind of Hero you want to become.’

Just like this enigma of a boy before him. Determined. Helpful. Supportive. Quirkless. But most of all, his friend. Yes, he had come to the conclusion that Midoriya was really his friend. Why else would he be going this far? From the beginning he had insisted that Shouto should use his whole Quirk. To make it his own. But his view of his left side had been tainted for so long.

Flashes of his early childhood appeared in his mind. Of watching his siblings playing in the yard. Of Shouto being forced to train harshly instead. Of his mother trying to protect him from his father only to be forced away. Of everything coming to a head when the strain became too much for his mother. That night would forever be fresh in his mind. He had woken up thirsty and had gone to the kitchen for some water. Only to find his mother there talking on the phone.

‘I know it isn’t right, but I feel like I’m going crazy. I…I can’t take this anymore.’

He had stopped, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he listened to his mother talk.

‘The children…everyday they seem more like him. A-and Shouto.’

He had stood there confused as his sleepy child mind tried to understand.

‘His left side…is becoming unbearable and I can’t help but hate it more and more. All I can see is his father. I can’t…I can’t raise him anymore. I shouldn’t because I’m afraid I’ll…’

‘Mama, what are you saying?’

Entering the kitchen had been a mistake. The mere sight of him had caused his mother to snap, grabbing the boiling tea kettle to protect herself from the demons in her mind. Ones that reminded her of ‘him’. Resulting in the burn scar on Shouto’s face. But he had never and would never blame his mother for the incident. The fault of it fell squarely on that bastard’s shoulders for what he had done to their ‘family’.

It surprised him that he had forgotten so much of those days before she left. Watching Hero programs together, cuddling on the couch, cool hands running through his hair. Almost fading away and replaced with only the tainted memories of harsh training, punishments for disobedience, and isolation. All to force the youngest Todoroki to follow what ‘he’ wanted Shouto to become.

That is…until Midoriya stuck his nose into his business. Meddled where he didn’t belong. And yet, Shouto couldn’t help but be grateful to his friend. He could feel it, a power growing from his left side. A fire, the beginnings of a raging inferno, lied just below the surface waiting to be set free, but still the ice user hesitated. Grey and blue eyes sought out green ones as small wisps of smoke started to escape from his skin.

~~~

Todoroki was frozen in place, as if it was Izuku who had an Ice Quirk. Which could be something he could do with the right Support Item. But now wasn’t the time for that. The greenette slowly walked towards the other, who was still stunned, as he pushed his goggles up to reveal his eyes.  Carefully, he removed the electric glove from his left hand and stretched it out to gently cup the right side of the taller boy’s face.

“Do you feel that? The warmth?” Izuku asked, ignoring the sting of the frost covering the other’s skin. “Does it feel bad?”

The bi-color teen shook his head minutely, not wanting to dislodge his hand. That grounding touch and comforting green eyes were all he could concentrate on.

“That’s right. Warm isn’t bad, fire isn’t bad,” the Support student continued with a hidden assuring smile. But Todoroki could see it still in his eyes. “My own dad has a Fire Quirk and he is one of the kindest people I know.”

The crowd was getting restless as they were having their moment but the two friends didn’t care. Izuku knew this needed to be said.

“You trusted me with your past,” he said, smiling at the boy as he still caressed his face. “I understand why you’re refusing to use it. But don’t you see? By not using your fire, you’re still letting him control you.”

“I…I can’t,” Todoroki replied, his inner turmoil was clear on his face. “After all this time, I can’t give him the satisfaction of using it. I refuse to use ‘his’…”

Stop, Todoroki-kun,” Izuku said, taking another deliberately slow step forward bringing them closer. “You keep insisting on calling it ‘his’ fire. But I already told you it isn’t, Todoroki-kun. It’s your Quirk. Which means it’s your fire. Your ice. Both of them make your one Quirk. Your Quirk and yours alone.”

Flames suddenly bloomed along Todoroki’s right side. Izuku watched in awe, still cradling the ice side of his face with his hand.

“Beautiful,” escaped the greenette’s lips. He could feel the heat on the exposed parts of his face, but the fire resistant under armor protected the rest of his body.

“You must be crazy,” the bi-color boy stated, chuckling lightly. “To help me in the middle of a fight like this.”

“Maybe,” Izuku smirked under his mask, subtly reaching his other hand towards Todoroki. “But it was worth it to see you like this. Also, I’m sorry.”

“Why are you sor-?”

It happened in an instant. Izuku quickly activated the electric glove still on his right hand and shoved his sparking fingertips into Todoroki’s abdomen while at the same time removing his other hand from the other’s face. Soon the dual Quirked boy fell to the ground stunned at the Quirkless boy’s feet. The crowd roared.

~~~

“WHAAA?! WHAT JUST HAPPENED? Hizashi exclaimed next to Shouta as he also looking down at the field in surprise.

Didn’t expect Todoroki to let Midoriya get in that close, the Erasure Hero thought. And somehow Midoriya got Todoroki to use his left side. Something I haven’t been able to get him to do since the start of the year. What on earth did Midoriya say to him down there?

From the announcer booth, they watched Midnight navigate through the maze of ice to the no longer fighting pair. Shouta could see the green one explaining something while gesturing nervously to the R-rated Hero as she checked over Todoroki.

Todoroki has been KO’d,” Midnight announced from down below. “Midoriya will be moving to the finals!

TODOROKI FROM THE HERO COURSE, WHO HAS WON EVERY MATCH BEFORE THIS WITH HIS SIGNATURE BRR-RAGE OF ICE, IS NOW DOWN!” Hizashi announced. “MAKING THE SUPPORT COURSE’S OWN MIDORIYA IZUKU OUR FIRST FINALIST FOR THE LAST ROUND!!”

The reaction from the crowd was mixed. Mostly consisting of shock that such a strong forerunner, a child of a high-ranking Hero no less, was defeated by one of the remaining underdogs. There were a fair amount of people cheering earnestly for the Support student’s win while a few others did boo as they were clearly rooting for the son of Endeavor. As for the Number Two Hero himself…Shouta could only describe it as a grown ass man throwing a temper tantrum as his son was carted away to Recovery Girl. With the green one not too far behind.

Notes:

Our broccoli boy is the winner!!! :D I hope you liked the fight! Izuku was able to talk some sense into Todoroki who now knows Izuku really is his friend. Not some puppet for Endeavor. Thank goodness 'cause that misunderstanding was killing me. Izuku's words have unlocked Todoroki's fire side even though he only used it for less than a minute. Oops. But it's a start!

So, Izuku's having some Stain like thoughts though more in the sense of holding heroes responsible rather than the killing part. 'Cause no. But seriously Endeavor needs to face some consequences. As well as learn how to be an actual adult instead of throwing a tantrum when he doesn't get what he wants.

Izuku finally got to use the mask! I'm really happy that I changed the fuel source from the back tank to cartridges. Dear lord that would have been weird to write about. The cartridges made it so much easier.

Fun Facts About Japan:

Here's the rest of the new years facts. In the US, there's the concept of spring cleaning as a way to refresh ourselves at the start of the season. From looking it up, seems it originated from a Jewish custom linked with Passover which I didn't know. Interesting. Always learning new things. ^___^ Anyway, there is a similar custom at new years in Japan called oosouji ( 大掃除 , おおそうじ ) which basically means 'big cleaning'. The custom started in the Edo period and continues until today as a way to clean house but also as a sort of purification. Acting as a fresh start to a new year.

On a tastier subject, let's talk about the special food they eat. On New Year's Eve, they eat toshikoshi soba ( 年越し蕎麦 , としこしそば ) which symbolizes longevity. I'm sure Todoroki enjoys that tradition. By the way, I know it's winter but cold soba in the summer is delicious. They also have special bento-like boxes called osechi-ryouri ( お節料理 , おせちりょうり ) or simple just osechi that's filled with a variety of different foods. I won't go into detail what 'cause you can look that up with a simple google search. ;) One more food eaten on New Years is mochi. Either by itself or in a soup called ozouni ( お雑煮 , おぞうに ). However, more of a morbid fact about mochi, I was warned by many teachers to be careful when eating it as many people choke on the mochi and die. Mostly elderly people. Seriously, that's a thing. So, uh, be mindful of your mochi. ^___^;

That's all for this chapter! Next up Izuku and Todoroki have a little heart-to-heart talk in the infirmary and then it's time for Shinsou versus Bakugou! Please report any typos or weirdness and see ya next update!

Chapter 50: Sports Festival: Add Insult To Injury

Notes:

Welcome back, dear readers! It's chapter 50 and holy crap we're still in the sports festival. Seriously, when I started this fic, I had no idea it would be this long. Before this, the longest fic I ever wrote was 20 chapters back in high school and that felt long to me. But this...50 chapters in and I look at all my notes and ideas...there's no end in sight for now. Oof. But I've got this. ;) Your encouragement through comments, kudos, bookmarks, and hits give me strength to keep going. So thank you to all of you for taking the time to read this fic! :D

Alright, for this chapter, we've got some Tododeku fluff and then it's on to the Shinsou versus Bakugou match. Wonder how that's gonna go. No Katsuki pov this chapter so not really a need for a warning for swearing. He still does but we don't get his head speak in addition.

Formatting reminder:
"Dialogue heard through a sound system."
...
"PRESENT MIC'S DIALOGUE HEARD THROUGH A SOUND SYSTEM."
...
"Hitoshi using his Quirk."

On your marks, get set, go! -Katsuki shoots a blast in the air in place of a start gun-

Linktree to all the things! This includes the discord, tumblr, and more! Join if you'd like! :D

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Izuku once again followed his opponent off of the field and to Recovery Girl’s temporary office. But this time it was his friend he was following. His cute yet stubborn and currently unconscious friend. The walk to the infirmary was short and Izuku assisted the medical robots in getting the taller boy onto the bed.

Recovery Girl was quick to start checking both of them over. She found that Izuku had no injuries, only less energy from dodging so much. With a quick kiss and some energy giving gummies, he was marked as fit and good to go. The Youthful Heroine then turned her undivided attention to Todoroki. She determined that he was suffering from minor hypothermia and the beginnings of frostbite. Though thankfully, his short use of his left side at the end prevented any serious damage.

The greenette stayed as she checked over his friend, keeping out of her way as she worked. He had some time before Hitoshi’s match since they had to clean up all the ice. As she attended to Todoroki, Izuku removed his mask and goggles placing them on the bedside table. Once she finished with a kiss and placed a blanket over the cold teen, the greenette pulled up a chair next to the bed and took the other boy’s left hand in his own as the other one was wrapped in bandages. Waiting for the dual element user to wake up as he laid there unconscious breathing slowly and steadily.

A few minutes passed as Izuku waited, mindlessly rubbing his thumb along the back of the hand held in his own. He found himself studying it and silently still marveling at the fact that the left side did run at a slightly higher temperature. Despite having experienced the sensation multiple times in the last few weeks along with the coolness of the right. He couldn’t help it though what with his mind constantly in a state of analyzing everything.

A slight twitch of the hand in his, a subtle change in his breathing, and a quiet grunt signaled to Izuku that Todoroki was waking up. Green eyes shot up as grey and blue ones slowly blinked open. Todoroki tried to sit up but Izuku was quick to stop him.

“Take it easy, Todoroki-kun,” Izuku insisted, using his free hand to gently push the other boy back down.

“Where am I?” Todoroki asked groggily as he laid back down without protest.

“We’re in the nurse’s office,” the greenette replied. “Recovery Girl looked you over and healed you.”

The drowsy teen merely hummed in answer and briefly squeezed the hand holding his own. The noise of their conversation brought the fact that Todoroki was awake to Shuuzenji who hurried over to check on him.

“How are you feeling, dear?” the healing Hero asked.

Todoroki laid there a moment in silence as he assessed himself before replying, “Tired mostly. A bit colder than usual from using my right side. There’s a spot on my mid torso that feels somewhat numb. What happened?”

Shuuzenji directed her eyes from Todoroki to Izuku and the injured boy followed her gaze. Izuku blushed at the sudden attention.

“W-well, um, we were f-fighting in our match, Todoroki-kun,” the greenette stuttered, picking at a stray thread on the bed sheet with his free hand. “You were u-using only your ice and I was d-dodging or melting it. A-and then I was talking to y-you and you used your fire. Then I, um, electrocuted you?”

As further explanation, the Support student held up his gloved hand and activated it briefly to show the sparks of electricity. The voltage wasn’t lethal and intentionally at a level to incapacitate only. Just like he had done for the electric bomb during the USJ attack. His electric escrima rods were the same.

Recovery Girl clicked her tongue in disapproval and said, “You need to be careful with that technology of yours. This is the third student you sent here unconscious today. This is a school sanctioned competition, not a life-or-death situation. You don’t need to go all out.”

“I’m sorry,” Izuku replied with a sigh. Then a determined look formed on his face and he looked the Hero in the eye. “But I’m Quirkless. If I don’t go all out, I’ll never win.”

Once again, the elder woman clicked her tongue but said no more and walked back to her computer to update her notes. Izuku watched her go for a second and then turned back to his friend. They stared at each other in silence for a moment unsure of what to say. The shorter boy offered a weary smile and a comforting hand squeeze. This brought Todoroki’s attention to their hands and, upon seeing it was his left, tried to pull away after remembering he had broken his personal promise and used his fire.

“Please don’t,” Izuku said, keeping a firm but gentle hold on the other’s hand. “Don’t be afraid to share both of your hands, or your Quirk, with me. Your power is amazing and so are you.”

~~~

At those words, small whisps of smoke emitted from Shouto’s left side as he stared at his friend in awe. Noticing the fumes, the bi-color teen took several deep breaths to calm down. It seems that the mental seal he had made to repress his left side was cracked and the years of built-up fire within was leaking through. The Quirkless boy had been able to break ever so slightly through years of self-implemented conditioning with just his words alone.

‘It’s your Quirk. Which means it’s your fire. Your ice. Both of them make your one Quirk. Your Quirk and yours alone.’

The thought that mere words could hold such power. But then again, throughout history, time and time again words have been quoted to have power. To be compelling, influential, life changing. That one should be mindful of the words one says as once spoken can never be taken back. Forgiven, yes. But forgotten, never. And this boy’s words, his friend’s words, would never been forgotten by Shouto.

“You really like to stick your nose into other people’s business, don’t you?” Shouto quipped with a small smirk.

“Well, a-as All Might said once,” Midoriya replied with a chuckle. “‘Meddling where you don’t technically have to is the essence of being a Hero.’

“Is that what you want to be, Midoriya?” Shouto asked, remembering his earlier curiosity. He carefully tried to get up and this time Midoriya helped him into a sitting position, the blanket pooling at his hips. “A Hero?”

“Y-yes, I do,” Midoriya answered with a confirming nod. He stood up from the chair and opted to sit on the side of the bed next to his friend. “It’s all I ever wanted to be. But, because I’m Quirkless, pretty much everyone thought it was impossible. I’m here today to prove them all wrong. Which was why I got so angry that you weren’t giving it your all.”

The greenette looked at his friend in the eye before continuing.

“I want you to know that I would never work for your father,” Izuku declared with a serious look on his face. “Nor would I pretend to be anyone’s friend for money. I’m not sure where that idea came from but I’m not and I wouldn’t. You are my friend, Todoroki-kun. Like Mei-chan and Hitoshi-kun. And Iida-kun, Tsu-chan, and Ochako-chan.”

Shouto believed him. After that fight and everything else the boy in front of him had done for him, how could he not now? Midoriya was his friend. As was Hatsume, Shinsou, Iida, and Tsuyu were. But who was…?

“Ochako?” Shouto questioned, brows furrowed in confusion.

“You know…Uraraka Ochako,” Midoriya replied, making a ‘floating away’ gesture with his free hand.

“Oh,” he uttered, subconsciously scooting forward slightly to be closer to his friend. Then he quirked a brow. “Why do you call her by her first name now?”

“Um…we had a bonding moment and she asked me to?” the greenette answered though his tone inflected up at the end so it sounded more like a question. He shifted slightly to sit more comfortably but remained close to his friend.

“Why?” the bi-color teen asked, leaning forward a bit more in curiosity.

“B-because sometimes friends do that,” Midoriya explained, not the first time he had to explain what friends do for him. “Call each other by their first name when they feel closer.”

“Oh…well, we’ve bonded and are closer,” Shouto said, grey and blue eyes peering into green ones. A little too close to be just friendly, but Shouto wasn’t really aware of that. “Could you call me by mine then?”

Those warm and comforting green eyes widened in surprise as a blush spread across his face. Why exactly, Shouto didn’t know. But his mind once again supplied the word ‘cute’ to describe what he was seeing. It was…nice.

~~~

Izuku felt a slight flutter of something in his stomach and his heart started to beat a little faster as he gazed at his friend. The space between them was small, but Izuku was so entranced by his maybe-not-just-a-friend’s grey and blue pleading eyes that he couldn’t pull away.

“Sure, Sh-Shouto-kun,” he stuttered out, green eyes wide and cheeks flushed red. “Please c-call me Izuku then.”

“Izuku…,” Tod-Shouto said slowly as if to feel it on his tongue.

For some reason, his name sounded so good coming out of the other boy’s mouth. A shiver surged down Izuku’s spine at the utterance. Green eyes widened further at the sudden sensation. That’s new. He had never felt that before. The shorter boy was broken out of his shock when T-Shouto spoke up.

“Izuku,” Shouto called out, drawing his friend’s attention to him. “Before, when we talked after the Cavalry Battle, we hugged.”

“O-oh, um, yeah, we did,” Izuku confirmed. “What about it?”

“I wanted to ask you something,” Shouto said, looking down at their joined hands for a moment before looking back up into curious green eyes. “Would it be alright if we could hug sometimes like how we hold hands?”

“O-oh, sure, Shouto-kun,” Izuku said, his blush darkening ever so slightly. “If you’re comfortable with that too.”

“I am,” the bi-color teen said with no hesitation. As always.

“A-alright,” the greenette said with a shy smile. He certainly couldn’t complain in getting hugs from a friend. Especially this friend.

I wonder if his temperature difference is spread over his entire body. Not that I would be able to tell right now with my under armor on.

“Can I hug you now?” Shouto asked bluntly.

Green eyes widened impossibly further at the question as his entire face started to resemble a strawberry. Izuku wasn’t sure if he would ever get used to his friend’s candid demeanor. Much like how he would never be able to get over Mei’s lack of tact when talking about her babies in public. But the request was far from unwelcome coming from the other boy.

“S-sure,” Izuku replied, with another shy smile.

Shouto smiled softly back and let go of his hand. The taller boy wasn’t sure exactly what to do so he awkwardly held his arms open in invitation. Izuku eyes widened in surprise before returning the smile with a small chuckle at his friend’s awkwardness. He leaned forward and hugging his friend, wrapping his arms around the other’s waist. Again, Shouto wasn’t sure what to do with his arms so he just patted his green hair then carefully wrapping his arms around the shorter boy’s shoulders. After a few moments, they parted but kept their hands where they laid on each other’s body.

“So, h-how was that?” Izuku asked, trying not to spontaneously combust over his hands resting on the cute taller boy’s waist.

“It was…nice. And warm,” Shouto answered with a small warm smile. His own hands were settled on the greenette’s shoulders. “Can we do it again?”

“O-okay,” Izuku replied simply with yet another shy smile of his own.

This time Shouto seemed confident with his actions, wrapping his arms around Izuku more solidly. The slight flutters started to build in intensity in Izuku’s stomach but he ignored them and enjoyed the hug. Even let himself snuggle closer into the hug with a content sigh. Though after a few moments, instead of letting go, Izuku found himself being pulled down onto the bed. Shouto let himself fall back and took his friend with him, resulting in the greenette landing on his chest.

“Shouto-kun?” Izuku questioned, lifting his head up slightly so he could see his friend.

“I’m tired,” was the other’s reply.

“Oh, well, let me go and you can rest, ok?” Izuku offered and tried to get up. Only the other’s arms kept him firmly in place. “Wha? Sh-Shouto-kun?”

“No, I don’t want to let go. Not just yet,” Shouto insisted, a small frown on his face at the thought of ending the hug. He looked at the shorter boy with a pleading gaze. “Can we lay here and hug for a little while longer?”

“Well s-sure, we can,” Izuku quickly answered. “Though technically that would be…cuddling.”

“Cuddling?” Shouto questioned.

“You know, it’s like hugging for a really long time,” the greenette explained, his chin resting on the other’s chest. “Either while sitting or lying down together.”

“Hmm…,” Shouto hummed, still not letting his friend go. “So, cuddling is like…an extended hug?”

Izuku giggled at the comparison. “Y-yeah, you could think of it like that, I guess.”

“I will,” Shouto replied simply, earning another chuckle. “Can we cuddle now?”

“Sure,” Izuku replied, smiling endearingly at the touch starved stubborn boy holding him. After all, he could understand being touch starved himself.

The greenette attempted to adjust himself to lie more comfortable on the bed while holding his friend. Though his belt and Tape gun proved a challenge which he eventually decided to just take off and placed them next to his goggles and mask. They ended up lying side by side under the blanket, enjoying the tactile moment. The shorter boy’s blush managed to die down as time passed, shifting here and there to get more cozy. But the fluttering feeling in his middle remained. He wasn’t sure what it was but it made him feel giddy in a way. They laid there together enjoying the other’s company for a short while only to be interrupted.

HEY-O, SPORTS FANS! AFTER HAVING TO SNOW-DOWN AND CLEAR UP ALL THAT ICE, OUR LIL’ BREAK IS NEARLY OVER! ALLOW ME TO HAVE YOUR ATTENTION AND GET READY FOR THE NEXT SEMI-FINAL MATCH!

The sudden announcement made by Present Mic caused Izuku to jump in surprise. Shouto looked at his friend in concern at the reaction, instinctively hugging him more firmly for a second.

“What’s wrong, Izuku?” Shouto asked, grey and blue eyes conveying worry.

“O-oh, nothing’s wrong. Promise,” Izuku assured, smiling shyly at his friend. “It’s just…cuddling is a long-time activity. A-and Hitoshi-kun’s match against Katsuki is coming up. I know you want to keep doing this and I wouldn’t mind either, but I also really want to see his match. Also, I have my own last match to prepare for and I…”

A comforting squeeze of elemental wielding arms around the rambling greenette broke him out of his little rant. Green eyes, wide with shock and embarrassment, shot up to meet his friend’s gaze who looked at him with a small warm smile.

“It’s ok, Izuku,” Shouto assured. “He’s your friend and you want to support him. I would go too but I don’t think Recovery Girl will let me just yet.”

“That’s right, deary!” Shuuzenji chimed in from across the room.

Both boys’ cheeks flushed slightly at realizing they weren’t actually alone and still in each other’s’ arms. Shouto more subtly as he cooled the blush down with his right side while Izuku’s was clear as day. The pair chuckled in embarrassment and hugged each other once more before the bi-color teen reluctantly let his friend go. The Support student stood up from the bed and put his gear back on before heading to the door.

“Izuku,” Shouto called out just before he could leave. The greenette turned back to his friend. “Good luck in your last match. I hope I can get out of here to watch it. Do your best.”

Izuku smiled brightly at the other boy and simply gave him a confirming nod. The Quirkless boy bowed to Shuuzenji and thanked her for her help before leaving. He took one last glance at his friend who waved him off before shutting the door. The Support student walked through the halls making his way back to the 1-H seats when a familiar voice called out to him.

“Hey, Izuku,” they said to which Izuku discovered it was Hitoshi as he turned around.

“Oh, hey Hitoshi-kun!” Izuku greeted cheerfully. “Are you ready for your match?”

The two friends walked side by side towards where Hitoshi was needed.

“I guess?” Histohi replied with a shrug. “I’m up against Bakagou so we’ll see how that goes.”

“Yeah, Katsuki will definitely be a challenge,” Izuku replied, hand on his chin. “Of the different methods we came up with for using your Quirk, so far you’ve used humor and misdirection to take advantage of your opponent lowering their guard. Neither of which I think will work on Katsuki. Which leaves…”

“That I need to get him angry,” Hitoshi interjected. “Which shouldn’t be too hard because he’s like the human embodiment of rage.”

“The trick will be getting him to respond though,” Izuku asserted. “Katsuki may be anger personified but he’s also smart and observant. I’m sure he’ll have some guesses on how your Quirk works and will be on his guard.”

“Great, thank you for your words of encouragement,” Hitoshi sassed, earning a flick to the arm.

The pair paused as they had arrived at Hitoshi’s designated tunnel. The two friends stood facing each other, mirroring their position from when Izuku went out for his first match. But this time it was the taller of the two’s turn to fight. Izuku placed a comforting hand on his friend’s shoulder.

“I’m not going to lie to you. This is going to be difficult,” Izuku warned. “Katsuki is ruthless and will attack. But we’ve trained for this kind of thing. This will be a test for you and an opportunity for you to show that, even in a situation where your Quirk is not ideal or difficult to use, you still have skills that you can use anyway. In this case, your ability to dodge would be your best bet. And do you remember what I told you about how Katsuki fights?”

“He always starts with a right hook,” Hitoshi answered. “So, I’ve got to watch out for that.”

“That’s right,” Izuku affirmed with a nod. “Just remember that and be aware of your opponent. Try to learn and acclimate yourself to how they fight as you go. Be mindful and adaptive. Show them that, Quirk or no Quirk, you have what it takes.”

Hitoshi snorted with a smile and reached out to ruffle the shorter boy’s hair.

“Thanks, coach,” he quipped as his friend batted his hand away playfully. “I promise to do my best to see you in the final round. And Izuku?” The greenette hummed affirmatively. “If I don’t, kick his explosive ass for me.”

This time it was Izuku who snickered.

“You got it,” Izuku said, grinned up at his friend. The shorter boy offered a fist bump which was returned. “Good luck, Hitoshi-kun. Mei-chan and I will be rooting for you.”

With that, the Support student turned and left for the 1-H booth. Possibly using his Jet shoes to get him there a little faster as this was a match that he didn’t want to miss. A fight between one of his best friends, who had the same goal to be a Hero, against his childhood friend turned bully who had always told the Quirkless boy he could never be one.

But here he was. The first finalist. Having beaten all of his opponents despite not having the formal training of the Hero Course. And, if all goes well, Hitoshi would be there to meet him in the final match. Proving that you don’t need a strong Quirk to fight and win. Like Eraserhead and many other Heroes who don’t have the societal ‘ideal’ Quirk and yet were still able to become Pros. That all you need is the determination, training, and your own personal edge to win in a fight.

And to be a Hero.

~~~

MAKE SOME NOISE AS WE GET TO OUR SECOND SEMI-FINAL MATCH UNDERWAY! FIRST UP, HE’S MADE IT THIS FAR FAIR AND ‘SNARE’! REPRESENTING GENERAL STUDIES, GIVE IT UP FOR SHINSOU!!

Taking a deep breath, Hitoshi strolled out onto the field as the crowd cheered. Over the din, he swore he could hear Izuku and Mei chanting his name as he picked out the calls of ‘HI-TO-SHI’ in the cacophony. Making a small smile flash across his face as he raised a hand in their direction.

VERSUS! HE’S SHOWN A ‘FLARE’ FOR THE DRAMATIC SINCE THE START! REPRESENTING THE HERO COURSE, LET’S HEAR IT FOR BAKUGOU!!

Across the arena came Bakugou stomping out with the perpetual scowl on his face and his hands in his pockets. Hitoshi noticed the ovation for the blonde was a bit more than what the brainwasher had received. Not that he blamed them. After all, the explosive teen had consistently given more of a show to the audience than he had. Explosions were flashier than words.

Hitoshi studied his opponent as they both walked to the ring. From strategizing with Izuku, he figured that the blonde was trying to build up his nitroglycerin like sweat by keeping his hands in his pockets. Trying to build it up so that the first attack was as big as possible. The purple haired teen really needed to watch that first right hook that Izuku had repeatedly warned him about.

They had discussed different ways of getting a response out of other people. Jokes, misdirection, singing songs or jingles, etc. Ways that the blonde probably won’t respond to. But there was one that might work on Katsuki that they had brainstormed for and if that didn’t work, downright insults were always the last resort. Either way, if Bakugou was as smart and observant as Izuku claimed, the trick would be pissing him off enough to lower his guard.

“You’re that mind controlling fucker, right?” Bakugou asked out of the blue.

He’s talking to me? Wow, didn’t expect him to say anything at all. Especially since, like Izuku said he would, he does actually have some idea of what my Quirk can do.

“Maybe,” Hitoshi replied with a smirk. “What’s it to ya?”

The blonde sneered at him and didn’t respond right away. Not that Hitoshi had his Quirk active when he asked. The fight hadn’t started yet after all.

“You better get off your fucking high horse now,” Bakugou said, glaring him down. Or rather slightly up since Hitoshi had a two-inch height advantage. “Your Gen Ed ass has been lucky to get this far. Probably getting crappy advice from that shitty nerd, Deku. That or you’re cheating like that Quirkless fucker is.”

What. Does he seriously think we’re cheating? Is his head really so far up his own ass that he refuses to acknowledge how hard we’ve worked today?

“But the one who’s going to win this is going to be me,” the egomaniac continued with a sneer. “So, if you want to save yourself a beating, drop out now and go back to being the extra you are.”

READY?

“Yeah, no thanks,” Hitoshi replied, earning a harder glare from the other. “I’ve got a point to make and you’re going to help me do just that.”

The blonde clicked his tongue and spoke no more.

BEGIN!!

Shinsou Hitoshi VS Bakugou Katsuki

As expected, Bakugou immediately rushed forward yelling with his arms held out threateningly. Hitoshi was surprised he was yelling but then again, wondered if the blonde’s Quirk worked at all without screaming like a feral cat. Quickly, he dodged the predicted fiery right hook and maneuvered away from the explosive teen.

Alright. Time for some trash talk.

You know, I was going to give you a nasty look,” Hitoshi spoke, lacing his Quirk in right away. Knowing that unlike his other two matches, this wouldn’t be a matter of timing but rather of pure chance of getting a response. “But I see you already have one.

Again, Bakugou screamed as he aimed a fiery hand at his opponent. Unfortunately, the screeching from the other boy apparently didn’t count as an actual response and so did not activate his Quirk. Another observation to tell Izuku once this was all over. Once more, Hitoshi dodged out of the way and tried to keep his distance.

Roses are red, violets are blue,” Hitoshi tried again, evading another explosive fist. “I’ve got five fingers, the middle one is for you!

At which he then proceeded to flip Bakagou off before ducking away from his attack. Another feral screeched escaped the blonde’s mouth. Enraged, Bakugou charged forward faster than before. Hitoshi just barely managed to dodge but the explosive fist grazed his side. A small section of his uniform was burned away and the revealed skin was slightly pink. The brainwasher hid a hiss of pain as he sneered at the other with a devilish smirk.

I was sort of hoping for a battle of wits,” Hitoshi jeered as he evaded, getting slightly singed from a close call. “But it would be wrong to attack someone who’s totally unarmed.

The blonde growled angrily and shot forward once more. Hitoshi ducked and dodged making it look like he was dancing around the arena. The air was filled with wisps of smoke and the sharp sweet scent of burnt sugar as the explosive teen was sweating more and more as they moved. Not something favorable to Hitoshi as the fight continued.

As time went on, it was obvious that Bakugou had no regard for the safety of his opponent. His attacks aimed for anything and everything with no regard to the other’s health or safety. In fact, he even had the audacity to aim an explosion at Hitoshi’s ass as he skirted around the blonde.

Now that’s uncalled for.

Well now,” Hitoshi said with a slight grunt of discomfort. “If you’re gonna be a smart ass, first you have to be smart. Otherwise, you’re just an ass.

The explosive teen threw another blast at him still yelling angrily but not actually responding to him. The brainwasher ducked out of the way and managed to get behind the blonde somehow.

And I may not be a proctologist,” Hitoshi remarked, taking advantage of his position and kicked the other boy. In the ass of course. “But I know an asshole when I see one.

The blonde was pushed away from him by the kick but only staggered for a moment before righting himself. He turned to face the brainwasher with his stance ready to attack again. Obviously pissed that the other managed to land a hit.

If you have a problem with me,” Hitoshi said, staring down his opponent.  “Then cry me a river and drown yourself in it.

Again, Bakugou lunged forward. The explosive attacks increased in strength with Bakugou’s growing fury. More and more hits were making contact with Hitoshi’s uniform, leaving patches of pink burned skin exposed. But the brainwasher pushed on.

I would insult you more,” Hitoshi sneered, trying to fend off the angry Pomeranian of a human attacking him. “But I’m afraid I won’t do as well as nature did.

More screeching from one and dodging from the other. The brainwasher had only managed to land one hit the entire fight and the explosive teen seemed determined to not let him get another.

The trash gets picked up tomorrow,” Hitoshi said with a grunt. “Be ready, you piece of human garbage.

Another barrage of explosive fists was aimed at the brainwasher. He evaded best he could, his gym shirt looking less and less like a shirt as time passed. The blonde pushing him more and more, almost making him go over the line. But at the last second, Hitoshi managed to skirt away and put some distance between them.

I know what you did to Izuku,” Hitoshi shot out, the name of the greenette made Bakugou pause. “I know how you’ve treated him.

The blonde stood there panting, glaring at the purple haired teen in front of him.

Of course, I know there are two sides to every story,” Hitoshi continued, trying to hide the fact that the continued use of his Quirk was beginning to drain him. He needed to try and end this before he was incapacitated with a migraine. “But you’re a douche in both of them.

For some reason, the angry blonde still didn’t move to attack. He stood there seething and leering at him but doing nothing else.

Do you belittle Izuku because you’re afraid he will succeed?” Hitoshi jeered, secretly relishing this moment of calling the bully out on his crap. “That deep down you know he’s better than you? A better person? A better Hero?

Brows furrowed, teeth grinding, and red eyes so small in anger they were mere pinpricks. Bakugou was pure rage at this point. Angry at all the insults. Angry that the fight was still going and he hadn’t won yet. Angry that his childhood friend turned victim was spilling secrets from their past. So very angry that he seemed to be on some kind of ledge and only needed one more push.

Here goes nothing.

Because he has the makings of a great Hero. While you on the other hand…,” Hitoshi chided hopefully one last time. “…you’re nothing but a Villain.

At the word of ‘Villain’, Bakugou screamed and blasted himself forward. Fist clenched ready to send a flurry of fiery punches at the other.

“SHUT UP!!” Bakagou screeched as he moved to send another explosion at Hitoshi.

But the attack never came because the angry idiot had finally responded. As soon as he spoke, Hitoshi felt the strings of Bakugou’s mind and pulled, taking control instantly. The blonde froze in place, arms falling limp to his side, and his usually feral red eyes were now a vacant white.

“That’s it,” Hitoshi panted, a triumphant grin on his face as sweat poured down his face. “I win.”

There was some strain on his mind from having his Quirk active for such a long period of time on top of now controlling someone. But it was worth it to see the jerk like this. Hitoshi walked forward and stopped just in front of the bully of his best friend. He made sure not to touch him though Izuku had a theory that Hitoshi’s touch wouldn’t break his hold on someone unlike an external force or other person. But now was not the time to test that theory.

“Listen up, ass hat,” Hitoshi growled, knowing that Bakugou would be able to hear him but do nothing about it. “Izuku is the kindest, smartest, strongest person I’ve ever met. He and I are going to get into the Hero Course and teach you, along with everyone else, that we have what it takes to be a Hero. That anyone can be one no matter what their Quirk is. Or isn’t. That the people like you, the ones who have tried and failed to push us down, are wrong about what makes a Hero.”

With his two-inch height difference, Hitoshi glared down at the blank faced jerk in front of him. Taking in one last look at the other’s vacant expression. Knowing that if he wasn’t under the brainwasher’s control he would be raging right now. However, he was and Hitoshi relished the respite from the sound of explosions for a moment longer.

“Now then,” Hitoshi said, taking a step back. Purple eyes scanned the ground for any obstacles that would trip his puppet and found none that would break his hold. “Let’s end this. Turn around and walk out of bounds.

Obediently, Bakagou turned around and walked out of the ring without a word. It was strange to see him so calm when he usually trudged along rather than walk normally. In no time, the explosive teen reached the edge of the arena and stepped out of bounds. Hitoshi immediately released his hold, leaving the blonde looking around confused, and brought a hand up to his temple, the beginnings of a migraine starting.

Bakugou is out of bounds! Midnight announced with a crack of her whip. “Shinsou will be moving on to the final round!

In an instant, Bakugou, disregarding the rules of no combat outside of matches, raged forward with the intent to attack Hitoshi. Midnight, quickly assessing the turn of events, ripped her Hero costume and released her Quirk. The sleep-inducing aroma permeated the air and easily subdued the blonde who collapsed to the ground before he could get close to the brainwasher. Unfortunately, since she had no precise control over the direction of her Quirk, Hitoshi got knocked out as well.

Ah, the sweet bliss of unconsciousness, he thought as the world went black.

Notes:

HITOSHI IS THE WINNER!!!! :D Ok, so for Katsuki's screaming, here's my reasoning. Now with Tokoyami's fight, Dark Shadow did respond with a grunt but it was one that actually answered the question and wasn't just a random sound. While with Katsuki, my thinking is that he's just yelling out his emotions and frustrations. Not actually responding to what Hitoshi is saying. If that makes sense. I hope you liked the trash talk! :D

IZUKU AND SHOUTO ARE ON A FIRST NAME BASIS!!!!! ^_____^ And they're now hug and cuddle buddies. Hee hee! I just love me some fluff. Also, Izuku is starting to get some feelings though he doesn't really understand them right now. While Shouto just can't seem to get enough of his warm friend. Doesn't know why but also doesn't care either.

Fun Facts About Japan:

Back with another sports festival event. This one is another sort of relay involving a ball and a basket. One student at a time from each team runs across the field to a ball and basket. The student has to wear the basket on their back using the attached straps. Then they have to bounce the ball hard enough on the ground for it to fly in the air. The goal is to then catch the ball in the basket. Which with it being on their back is obviously the challenge. But once they do catch the ball, the student takes the basket off and runs back to their team for the next student to go. Obviously, the team to finish the fastest wins.

That's all for this chapter! Next update, Izuku prepares for his final match, receives a warning from a concerned peer, and is confronted by a certain blonde has had enough and wants answers now. That's right, dear readers. The long awaited confrontation is next. ;) It's gonna be a blast. Until then, stay safe, be well, and report any typos or weirdness! Ta!

Chapter 51: Sports Festival: Confrontation

Notes:

And we're back with another chapter on yet another Tuesday! :D With another long awaited moment. The inevitable confrontation between Izuku and Katsuki.

Warning for swearing because of course there's a Katsuki pov in this.

Prepare yourselves, dear readers. Ready, set, boom.

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Watching that last match between one of his best friends and his childhood tormentor had Izuku sitting on the edge of his seat the entire time. With each blast of Katsuki’s hands made him cringe, old memories of those same hands being aimed at him came creeping up to the surface in his mind. But it had been years since the blonde had been physical with him and it didn’t bother him anymore. Well, at least not as much.

But Hitoshi had done it. He had won. Izuku wondered what his friend said to finally get Katsuki to respond. He figured it had to have been some kind of insult as that would be the best route amongst the many other methods they had talked about when brainstorming ways to get people to respond to him. It would make the most sense to take advantage of the natural level of anger in the explosive teen and turn it up to eleven. A risky move but one necessary to take at the time.

At the call of Hitoshi’s win, Katsuiki being Katsuki, charged towards the purple haired boy despite the match being over. Izuku’s fists were anxiously balled tightly on his knees, knuckles white in strain under his gloves. Mei comfortingly placed her hand on one of his but didn’t tear her eyes away from the ring. Midnight, true to form, knocked him, and subsequently Hitoshi as well, out to prevent the attack.

Due to one of the finalists being unconscious, a break was announced until Hitoshi woke up and was deemed fit enough to fight by Recovery Girl. Izuku did want to visit his friend but ultimately decided against it. They were going to be fighting against each other next after all. And even though the other was his friend, Izuku had no intention of going easy on him. Besides, Hitoshi would be asleep anyway.

Instead, the greenette decided to use the extra time to do a final check on his Support Items and mentally prepare to fight one of his best friends. Izuku bid a goodbye to Mei and his classmates wished him good luck as he left. He couldn’t help but smile as he told them he would do his best. It was nice having classmates who supported him for once.

Heh. Supported by Support.

The Support student walked through the empty halls toward the room assigned to 1-H in no particular hurry. The quiet was calming and centering in a way. He could do this. He could fight Hitoshi. Izuku knew all about Hitoshi’s Quirk and the other knew all about his Quirk status as well as was familiar with his Support Items. Well, most of them anyway. There was one that he wasn’t.

“Excuse me,” a voice called out, breaking Izuku from his thoughts.

The greenette turned around to find it was Ojiro who had spoken to him. What does he want?

“Yes?” Izuku asked with a tilt of his head.

“Sorry, you don’t know me,” Ojiro began, not knowing in reality that Izuku did actually know him. “My name is Ojiro Mashirao. I’m in the Hero Course Class 1-A.”

“Oh, I’m Midoriya Izuku from Support Course Class 1-H,” Izuku replied. The pair exchanged bows in greeting. “Um, what is it that you want?”

“I’m here to offer you some advice,” Ojiro answered solemnly. “And a warning.”

Warning? Warning about what?

“Oh?” was his response.

“You’re going up against that Shinsou guy from General Studies in the final round, right?” Ojiro inquired, earning a nod from the other. Where is he going with this? “You need to be careful with him. Something about his Quirk is…off.”

What.

“What do you mean by ‘off’?” Izuku asked, his brows slightly furrowed. The tail boy may have taken that as the greenette having concern for himself when in reality he had the beginnings of looking at the other boy in angered disbelief.

“His Quirk. I think it’s some kind of mind control,” Ojiro stated with no hesitation. “That if you respond to him verbally, he can take control of you and make you do whatever he wants. At least I think so because during the Cavalry Battle, he used his Quirk on my team and the next thing we knew our headband was gone. And with these last few rounds he’s obviously gotten the others to respond to him and made them go out of bounds. It’s all kind of…shady.”

WHAT.

Obviously Ojiro thought he was helping but in actuality he was being incredibly rude. It seemed that this entire day was filled with people who were there to make Izuku mad. Mineta, Endeavor, and now Ojiro with this sudden Quirk discrimination. Against one of Izuku’s best friends no less.

‘Shady’ as in ‘Villainous’?” Izuku probed, hoping he was wrong but had an inkling he wasn’t.

“Possibly,” Ojiro confirmed with a serious tone.

Remember, Izuku, he thought to himself taking a centering deep breath. You’re not allowed to fight anyone outside of an official match. Taking one more breath to calm down he turned his focus back to the other boy.

“You know that’s Quirk discrimination, right?” Izuku pointed out with a glare. The other boy flinched at the accusation. “A Quirk doesn’t make one Heroic or Villainous. Only the person themselves decides to be good or evil. By their choices and actions. And I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t talk about my friend like that.”

“Your…friend…?” Ojiro murmured, his shock clear on his face.

“Yes, Hitoshi-kun is one of my best friends,” Izuku revealed, trying his very best not to growl. “He’s had to deal with people judging him by his Quirk his entire life. Labeled him a Villain for it. Yet all he’s ever wanted to be is a Hero.”

Just like me.

The look of shock on Ojiro’s face turned into embarrassment.

“I’m sorry,” the tail boy apologized. “I didn’t mean to come off like that. I only wanted to warn you like I did the others so it would be fair.”

‘Like I did the others’?” Izuku seethed, full on looking at the other boy incredulously. “Who else did you ‘warn’ against my friend’s Quirk?!”

“Tokoyami and Bakugou,” Ojiro admitted, bowing his head in shame. “I thought I was helping.”

Deep breaths, Izuku. Deep breaths.

“That was very rude of you, Ojiro-kun,” Izuku scolded. “This is a competition and the use of Quirks, any Quirk, is fair game in an official match. There was nothing you needed to ‘warn’ about because everyone entered this festival on equal ground.”

“But the others in the top sixteen knew each other’s Quirks already,” Ojiro shot back to try and justify himself.

“The one’s in your class maybe,” Izuku retorted, folding his arms in frustration. And me because I’ve observed all of you as Hiro but Ojiro-kun doesn’t know that. “Ashido-san didn’t know Shouda-kun’s Quirk and vice versa. Iida-kun didn’t know what Mei-chan would do and her Quirk doesn’t even help with physical combat anyway. Kirishima-kun and Tetsutetsu-kun only learned they had similar Quirks for the first time today. Also, you didn’t warn Shiozaki-san when she went up against Hitoshi-kun. You said you only told Tokoyami-kun and Katsuki before me. Not to mention you didn’t warn me about Kaminari-kun’s, Ashido-san’s, or Shouto-kun’s Quirks before my matches with them.”

Ojiro looked more and more ashamed at what he had done. As well as shocked that Izuku knew of the other contestants and apparently was on a first name basis with a few of them.

“So, tell me, Ojiro-kun,” Izuku continued, glaring at the other. “How exactly is it fair to warn only the people in your class and then me about Hitoshi-kun’s Quirk and only his?”

The tail boy was obviously completely regretful of his actions now that Izuku had laid out everything and he apologized sincerely complete with a deep bow.

“I know that you now realize what you did was wrong,” Izuku said, placing a consoling hand on his shoulder. “But I’m not the one you need to apologize to. Hitoshi-kun is.”

“Y-you’re right,” Ojiro conceded solemnly as he stood up. “I’ll apologize to him as soon as I can.”

With a reassuring smile and a pat on the shoulder, Izuku bid the other boy goodbye and continued his way through the halls.

~~~

Red eyes slowly blinked awake to the sight of white ceiling as Katsuki came back to consciousness. He lazily looked around him and judging by the other beds and medical equipment, he figured he was in the nurse’s office. His barely awake mind tried to piece together memories of what had happened to have led him here.

It was his semi-final match up against that purple extra with the weird mind Quirk. Something to do with talking or other according to that Monkey extra. Whatever it was, it shouldn’t have been much of a match to his own Quirk. The blonde remembered a lot of explosions and the dull ache in his arm joints acted as evidence of that fact. And then…

…that Troll Doll fucker brainwashed me!

Katsuki shot up in a rage and scanned the room for the damn extra with his hands readied to explode the fucker. Red eyes spotted a flash of purple and found the prey he sought lying unconscious in another bed across the room. The explosive teen moved to attack and yell at the bastard who cheated Katsuki, the future Number One Hero, out of his win. Only to be sharply whacked on the head by something blunt and solid. He turned around glaring to find that it had been Recovery Girl who hit him with her syringe-like cane and she did not look pleased.

“That’s enough, young man!” the Youthful Heroine reprimanded with a frown. “You are both injured, Shinsou-kun is unconscious, and there is no fighting outside of an official match. Control yourself! Now, let me check you over.”

Internally Katsuki was seething but this was an adult, a Hero, and he knew he needed to behave. Somewhat. With a huff, he allowed the nurse to examine him for any additional damage. Over all, he felt fine besides the aches in his arms but that was normal for him when he used his Quirk too much. Which he didn’t expect to have to use his explosions as much against the mind fucker but the extra had managed to avoid most of them somehow.

That Quirk of his is a total cheat. He didn’t win with his own physical strength. He got lucky, that’s all. I’ll never fall for that trick again.

A few more checked vitals and the blonde was deemed fit to leave. Recovery Girl gave him an irritating peck on the cheek, dulling the ache in his arms further, and discharged him so he could watch the final match. Adding on a warning to not attack another student or there would be consequences. Yeah, right. He waited until he left to let the irritation show on his face.

The final match was up next as soon as Troll Doll woke up. That purple extra was moving on to the final fight. Up against Deku. And where was Katsuki? Not in the final match, that’s what! What the fuck was up with that? He was the best! That’s what everyone told him growing up. That he was strong and powerful and he would make a great Hero. Hell, even Katsuki had declared he would be the winner of the day.

But he wasn’t. And he can’t be now. He was out. He, Bakugou fucking Katsuki, somehow lost in the semi-finals and the fight for first was now left to that useless Quirkless fuck and his shitty mind controlling friend. How the hell did those two extras make it to the finals above all the students in the Hero Course? Above him?  Again, there was only one answer that made sense to Katsuki. They were cheating.

This insulting charade has gone on long enough, he thought as he stormed down the hallway.

Intending to hunt that shitty Deku down, he trudged through the halls in search of the nerd. He wasn’t sure exactly where the other boy was but it had to be somewhere around the prep rooms. Katsuki stalked his way there, red eyes scanning the area for any sign of the Quirkless cheating fucker. Each passing moment his anger and frustration grew until finally he saw a flash of green down the hall disappear into a room.

Finally. Time for some fucking answers.

~~~

Izuku had decided to stop by the prep room assigned to 1-H to do one last check of his gear before moving to one of the waiting rooms until the final match. Seemed a good thing to do seeing he had the time while Hitoshi was recovering. Though, the greenette didn’t necessarily plan to use really any of his Support Items when he went up against his best friend. Except one in particular that hadn’t made an appearance yet. But he wanted to still wear his gear because once he was a Hero, he would have to regardless if he used the Support Items or not. It would be good practice for the future. Or at least the one he hoped for.

Once he arrived, the greenette walked into the room strewn with boxes and moved toward the table his own container was on. He started to take off each of his Support Items one by one and laying them on the table next to his box. Starting with his shield followed by his Tape gun, escrima rods, and Jet shoes. His Fire Breath mask was still around his neck, goggles on his head, belt around his waist. He was about to take off his gloves when it happened. In the distance, he heard a yell.

“DEKU!”

Oh no. Izuku froze in his actions at the sound.

“YOU SHITTY!!”

Why here? He let out a sigh.

“FUCKING!!!”

Why now? He adjusted the goggles down a little further onto his forehead.

“NERD!!!!” Katsuki yelled as he slammed open the door, looking absolutely feral.

Why ever? He pressed two buttons on the side of the goggles. The one activated the recording feature he had added to them while the other sent out a signal that was sent to a certain hobo looking Hero’s own pair of goggles. Taking a deep breath, Izuku slowly turned and looking at the ticking time bomb that had just entered the room.

“What do you want, Katsuki?” Izuku asked flatly.

“Explain yourself, Deku!” Katsuki snarely as he entered the room and slammed the door shut.

You have your entire life to be a jerk. Why not take today off?

“Explain what?” Izuku shot back as he crossed his arms.

“Tell me how you’re doing it,” the blonde demanded, stalking over to the greenette. “How the hell you managed to get into the finals, you Quirkless cheating fucker!”

Cheating? Seriously?

“I’m not cheating, Katsuki,” Izuku insisted, glaring at the other. “I fought my way to here same as you.”

“You’re a filthy fucking liar, Deku, and you know it,” Katsuki declared with a sneer. “There’s no way a Quirkless worthless ant like you could get this far without cheating. It’s all that dumb crap you’ve been using, isn’t it?”

“This ‘dumb crap’ is allowed in case you forgot,” Izuku retorted while rolling his eyes. “I’m in the Support Course and therefore am authorized to use any Support Item I have made myself.”

The blonde clicked his tongue.

“That’s a stupid ass rule,” Katsuki chided as he crossed his own arms in annoyance. “This is a competition to show off Quirks which you don’t have. You shouldn’t have even been allowed to compete in the first place. Only those with the strongest of Quirks are destined to win.”

“I’d agree with you, but then we’d both be wrong,” Izuku snarked with a huff and a shrug. “In case you haven’t noticed, you got taken out by Hitoshi-kun despite your ‘strong’ Quirk.”

And despite Ojiro-kun’s discriminating warning.

“That fucker has to be cheating too,” Katsuki declared, unraveling his arms and clenching his fists. “How else could two extras like you and that Troll Doll be the ones in the final? This is a Hero school and a Hero competition. Only those from the Hero Course should have been allowed to compete since we’re the ones who are getting scouted.”

“I’m trying my absolute hardest to see things from your perspective,” Izuku retorted, staring at the other boy in front of him with a quirked brow. “But I just can’t get my head that far up my ass. Do you seriously believe the crap coming out of your mouth? The Hero Course isn’t above the other courses. This is a festival for everyone to compete and show what they can do. To prove something.”

Katsuki growled and took a step forward threateningly.

“And what exactly are you here to prove, Deku?” the blonde snarled.

“That me being Quirkless doesn’t define who I am or what I am capable of,” Izuku stated, a look of determination on his face. “That, despite what people like you say, I am not ‘useless’ without a Quirk. That I have what it takes to be a Hero!”

“There’s that load of crap again,” Katsuki drawled, rolling his perpetually angry red eyes. “You can’t be a Hero, Deku! And there’s no way for you to be since you’re not in the Hero Course. Hell, you didn’t even try for the practical ‘cause you already knew your Quirkless ass would fail. Either you pass the Hero Practical or you don’t have what it takes to be a Hero.”

Izuku couldn’t help but snort at the other’s ignorance.

“What’s so funny, nerd?” the blonde sneered.

Oh, sweet exploding summer child, you know nothing Bakugou Katsuki.

“Don’t you remember I told you that wasn’t the only way into the Hero Course?” Izuku giggled. Katsuki quirked an irate but curious brow. “There is a clause in the UA bylaws that states if a student in a course other than the Hero Course places high enough in the Sports Festival, they can be offered the chance to transfer if they want to. And would you look at that? Here I am waiting to fight in the final match. I’d say placing first or second is high enough to be noticed, wouldn’t you?”

Katsuki growled and step forward again, getting right into the greenette’s face. But Izuku stood his ground and glared up at the blonde, not letting those angry red eyes or their two-inch height difference intimidate him. He refused to back down and was done hiding from Bakugou Katsuki.

“The only reason you are here, Deku,” Katsuki spat out with a growl. “Is because of your shitty gear. Take that away and you are nothing. Weak. Useless. Quirkless. Deku.”

“You’re wrong, Katsuki,” Izuku shot back with a scowl. He lowered his arms and clenched his fists in irate determination. “I may be Quirkless, but I am not useless. Mei-chan says that I am a ‘blank canvas’ and because of my lack of Quirk, I have the potential to do anything. Yes, I don’t have a Quirk, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight. Having a Quirk gives you an edge. A tool you can use to fight. I just happened to make my ‘edge’ instead of being born with one. An edge that has helped me to get where I am now. And there’s nothing you can do to stop me.”

Katsuki was shaking in anger and his rage was causing him to sweat. The room was filling with the sweet scent of nitroglycerin. But still, Izuku did not back down and continued to stare into challenging red eyes. The greenette could see the gears turning in the other’s head, trying to make sense of his words. He secretly hoped that maybe, finally he had gotten through that thick egotistical skull of his.

He should have known better.

Rather than actually using his brain, Katsuki, as always, let his anger take control over every other emotion and acted on instinct. The blonde, for some reason, suddenly lurched forward and grabbed Izuku’s right gloved hand letting off an explosion to destroy it. The electrically charged glove short-circuited and delivered a nasty shock to Izuku’s hand. He let out a screech of pain, kicked the other away on reflex while jumping away, and then yanked the glove off. His hand was covered with jagged red burn marks from being electrocuted by his own gear.

“What the hell, Katsuki?!” Izuku yelled. He clutched his injured hand close to him and glared at the other.

The explosive teen had been surprised when the Quirkless boy had kicked him away, but he recovered quickly. Izuku expected to him to come at him again and took as best a defensive stance as he could with his injured hand. Instead, Katsuki went for his other Support Items picking up his Tape gun from the table and exploding that too before letting it fall to the floor in pieces.

“You say these are your edge in a fight, right?” the blonde sneered, picking up one of his Jet shoes. “Your substitute for the natural power of a Quirk. So, if you no longer have this edge…”

He exploded the shoe in his hand.

“…that means you won’t be able to fight.”

He dropped the ruined gadget to the ground.

“You’ll only be…”

He grabbed the other one.

“…as you always have been…”

He exploded that one too and dropped it same as the other.

“…a useless Quirkless loser.”

The Support student stood there frozen in shock and watched in horror as Katsuki picked up his Support Items one by one. Each invention, weeks of hard work, met a fiery explosive end within seconds as soon as the blonde took hold of them. Tears started to build and fall at the loss of the fruits of his weeks of labor and training. His lips quivered in fear and disbelief that his once-childhood friend would go this far just to prove he was right. That Izuku really was a Deku.

That. Is. It.

“BAKUGOU, ENOUGH!” Izuku snapped, bitter tears turning into ones of anger.

The sudden use of his family name and not his first caused Bakugou to flinch. That sour feeling in his gut returned and had grown bigger for some reason.

“Now listen here, nerd…” Bakugou started, but Izuku wasn’t going to let him.

“NO, YOU LISTEN, BAKUGOU!” the greenette screamed with a swipe of his good hand. The fact he had yelled back managed to get the blonde to shut his damn mouth for once. “I’m sick and tired of you and all of your bullshit!!

The explosive teen growled but didn’t interrupt. Not that Izuku would have let him.

“We’ve known each other for a long time,” Izuku continued, clenching his good fist. “We used to go on adventures together all the time. Catching beetles, exploring the woods, playing Heroes. We used to be friends! We were going to be Heroes together!”

A scowling blonde brow twitched.

“But you…you changed when I was diagnosed Quirkless,” Izuku choked out, bitter tears once again building in his eyes. “When I didn’t get a Quirk, you dropped me like a bad penny. Became a bully to me. Gave me that belittling nickname to label me and show how useless you think someone without a Quirk is.”

The other boy cringed slightly at the word ‘bully’. He did not like that word. Especially not to describe himself.

“You even gave me a bit of advice once,” the greenette stated, forgetting he was recording and spoke the words he had never repeated to anyone before. “‘If you want a Quirk so bad, why don’t you take a swan dive off the roof and pray for a Quirk in your next life.’

A fleeting expression of guilt flashed across the blonde’s face.

“You’re lucky I’m too stubborn to ever actually do that,” Izuku continued, the look of regret did not go unnoticed but did nothing to lessen his ire. “Nor could I ever do that to my parents. By the way, did you know that same day I got attacked by a Villain?”

Bakugou stared at the shorter boy in dismay. He didn’t know the other had gotten attacked.

“Don’t worry,” Izuku assured seeing the look on the other’s face. “I was saved by a Hero quickly and he took the Villain out.”

Izuku didn’t care to share the fact that the Hero had been All Might who then had proceeded to crush his dreams and leave him on a roof. Not the best place to leave someone who was recently told to jump off of one though the Hero hadn’t known that. Nor that Akaguro had come soon after to encourage him to keep fighting for his dream. The irony of being told ‘no’ by the Number One Hero to only then be told ‘yes’ by the Villain known as the Hero Killer was still baffling to the Quirkless boy. But the bully in front of him didn’t deserve to know any of that.

“I tried…for so long I tried to be friends with you,” the greenette said, a forlorn expression on his face. “But after what you said that day and after I met Mei-chan, I came to realize we weren’t friends anymore. Hadn’t been for a long time. Not since we were four. You were no longer the boy I knew. And now, after this…”

Izuku gestured to the bits and pieces of gadget debris around them.

“…I realize I don’t know you at all anymore.”

Another flicker of guilt flashed in red eyes.

“You’re not Kacchan,” Izuku went on with a resolved look. “You’re not even Katsuki…you’re Bakugou! The one who has treated me like shit ever since a little quirk of genetics decided that I would never have a Quirk of my own. The one who told me since we were four that I was useless because I was Quirkless. The one who used his Quirk on me until I learned to fight back. The one who claims to want to be a Hero but acts like a Villain!”

Again, the blonde flinched at the use of his family name and the sour feeling intensified. Then cringed at being labeled a Villain. Again. But he wasn’t! Right?

“Why do you hate me so much?” Izuku demanded to know, sorrowful tears starting to fall down freckled cheeks. “What on earth is making you go this far? I have done nothing but try to be your friend and yet you still treat me like trash! WHAT DID I EVER DO TO YOU, BAKUGOU?!”

“I THOUGHT YOU WERE LOOKING DOWN ON ME!” Bakugou blurted out.

Green eyes stared wide at the other boy in front of him. The boy he had known since they were in diapers. And yet, after all these years, he never knew that this was what the other thought of him.

“You…you thought I looked down on you?” Izuku muttered in disbelief. “That I have this whole time?”

“I thought you saw yourself as above me despite being Quirkless,” Bakugou confessed, the charged moment forcing him to be even so slightly vulnerable. In an angry way of course. “You were always happy, smiling. Saying you wanted to be a Hero even though you have no power to actually become one. Thought that a weakling like you could become a Hero same as someone like me with a strong Quirk. As if you thought you were better than me. Me! The future Number One Hero!”

What?!

“Are you an idiot, Bakugou?!” Izuku snapped. “I LOOKED UP TO YOU, DUMBASS!”

Bakugou was taken aback as his sudden outburst.

“You have always been strong,” Izuku confided, keeping eye contact with the other in order to stress he was being genuine. “And I’ve always known you would make a great Hero.”

This time red eyes widened in shock, peering into green in bewilderment.

“But you’ve let your ego take over, Bakugou,” the greenette said with a furrowed brow. “You care more about being the best rather than what’s most important about being a Hero.”

“Oh, and what’s that, shitty nerd?” Bakugou asked, trying to hide in his anger again. As he always did. Not liking the implications he’s in the wrong.

“Heroes are meant to save people, Bakugou,” Izuku insisted with furrowed brows. “Strength helps, sure, but you won’t be a true Hero with your head so far up your ass that you don’t realize the way you’re acting is nowhere near Heroic. Do you know who you remind me of, Bakugou? Endeavor.”

That spurred the explosive teen up and Bakugou shot forward. The blonde rammed his right arm across the front of the shorter boy’s shoulders, pinning him against the wall, while he held his other hand threateningly close to Izuku’s stomach.

“Don’t you dare compare me to that bastard,” the blonde seethed.

“So, you were listening,” Izuku commented, confirming the fact that the boy in front of him had eavesdropped when he had talked to Shouto. “That was a private conversation, Bakugou.”

The explosive teen clicked his tongue at being caught but said nothing.

“But there’s nothing we can do about that now,” Izuku stated, making no move to push the other boy away. “That man is a bastard with what he’s done. A flaming pile of trash. And if you continue as you are, that’s how you’ll end up too.”

Bakugou growled as a warning but the greenette pushed on.

“You need to rethink why you want to be a Hero, Bakugou,” Izuku said with conviction. “Do you want to be one to help people like All Might? Or do you want to be one to be the best like Endeavor? The choice is up to you.”

Once again, Izuku could see the gears turning in the other’s head. Trying to process his words as best he can with all their other drama swirling around in his head. There was still a small sliver of hope that maybe he could inspire the other to change his ways but it was wavering as the seconds passed by. Because Izuku knew that Bakugou has hidden behind his anger for so long that he didn’t even think the other knew how to emote any other emotion anymore. Or ever did for that matter.

As always, the blonde’s temper won out and several things happened all at once. Bakugou screamed and ignited an explosion with the hand held up against his stomach. Izuku instinctively stiffen in an attempt to protect himself from the blast. The door to the room slammed open and two figures, one black and one yellow, barreled into the room. A flash of red and whip of white shot forward, pulling the explosive blonde off of the greenette. Though his mind was still trying to catch up with what happened, Izuku knew he was now safe.

Notes:

Bakugou you absolute fucking deep-in-denial idiot. You are in for one hell of a wake up call. All Izuku has ever wanted to do was be your friend and you treat him like shit. Well, guess what, Izuku is officially done with all your crap. No more Mr. Nice Broccoli Boy for you. Sadly...many of Izuku's support items did not survive the encounter. -____-

Oh, so insults this chapter and last chapter are courtesy of researching the interwebs for comeback ideas. ^___^ Also, same with the puns. I'm fairly punny myself irl but needed a little extra help for this arc. Punpedia is a very good source and can be found here!

Finally got to address Ojiro and his warning. Like, I get why he felt the need in canon to an extent. Shinsou did use him without his consent along with Aoyama and Shouda. That would make anyone upset and not want anyone else be subjected to that. But still not cool to do it the way he did. Anyway, just another thing I felt the need to fix and/or address.

Fun Facts About Japan:

This is another event that I saw at one of the sports festivals I attended and was performed by the boys. One team had a group of boys crowding together on one side of the field with a bamboo pole sticking straight up in the middle. Their goal was to protect the pole and keep it upright. The other team would charge at the signal, run across the field, and try to knock the pole down. They can try pushing the other team or climbing on top of the pile of boys to get to the pole. I believe they either had to knock it down or hold the bamboo up until the time limit ran out. Depending on if the pole was up or down would determine which team got the points. They would play this with shoes off for the team tasked with knocking the pole down. 'Cause a shoe to the face while trying to protect a bamboo pole would not be a fun time.

That's it for this chapter! Coming next update, we find out who came to save Izuku and the beginnings of Bakugou finally facing consequences. About damn time. Thanks for reading, stay safe, and let me know of any typos or weirdness! :D

Chapter 52: Sports Festival: Tired And Loud Save The Green One

Notes:

Heyo, dear readers! Hope the wait wasn't too bad for ya. ;D But we're back with the aftermath of the confrontation! Also, several people seemed interested in punpedia so I added a link to it last chapter. ;P

So, a commenter asked if I had a discord on a previous chapter. Answer is I do! Considering this fic has garnered quite a following, more than I ever expected btw, I decided on a whim to make a discord channel for this fic! :D Um, I'm not so great at adminning stuff like that nor have I ever run a discord channel. So we'll have to see how that goes... ^___^; Anyway, join if you like and I'll do my best! ^_____^

Anyway, let's see who has come to the rescue. ^____^ Onward!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

They were on a break waiting for Shinsou to wake up when Shouta received a sort of notification on his goggles. What the…? Fumbling with bandaged fingers, the tired man took the instructions for the goggles out of the box for them to figure out what it was exactly. Turns out it was a distress signal that was sent from a paired device. Which, considering this day had been the first time Shouta had ever used these goggles and the only other one who worked with them before was the inventor himself, that left him only one conclusion as to who sent the signal.

The green problem child is in trouble.

The Erasure Hero shot up and ran out of the room with his husband and fellow Hero instinctively following behind. The pair sprinted down the halls, years of experience working together meant that there was no explanation needed from the Underground Hero to the other. Hizashi trusted the other’s instincts when it comes to potential danger and followed dutifully. Thankfully there were few people in the hallway and they knew to keep out of the racing Heroes’ way. Merely stared at them in shock as they ran past.

Since the green one would be fighting in the final match, Shouta had a hunch of where he could possibly be. The waiting rooms. Either that or the prep rooms for the classes. Thankfully they were all in the same relative area. The two Heroes raced through the tunnels to the prep rooms as fast as they could. As they drew closer, their ears were met with the sound of explosions coming from one of the rooms. This caused them to run even faster as Eraserhead pressed a button on his goggles to start recording when something gave them pause. A yell to be specific.

“BAKUGOU, ENOUGH!”

That was Midoriya, Shouta thought, concerned for the green one and curious as to why the angry blonde one was involved.

The Erasure Hero held a hand up as signal to stop and glanced back at the other behind him holding a finger to his lips in a request to keep quiet. The Voice Hero nodded with a worried but down-to-business look on his face. The pair slowly and cautiously approached the door to the prep room as the conversation between the two students continued.

“Now listen here, nerd…”

“NO, YOU LISTEN, BAKUGOU! I’m sick and tired of you and all of your bullshit!!

What.

Shouta knew that the two knew each other before UA and the green one continued to say as much. Before the USJ incident, Midoriya had said that they ‘didn’t get along’ and that Bakugou had started ‘teasing’ him after he found out he was Quirkless. But to say he was done with ‘all of his bullshit’ implied that there was more to it than mere teasing. As he had suspected. The two Heroes shared quick glances filled with concern but stayed silent to listen as years of experience as Heroes told them instinctively to wait and gather more evidence.

“But you…you changed when I was diagnosed Quirkless. When I didn’t get a Quirk, you dropped me like a bad penny. Became a bully to me. Gave me that belittling nickname to label me and show how useless you think someone without a Quirk is.”

A bully, huh? So, that’s how it is. Quirk discrimination. Or in this case, the lack of one.

Unfortunately, it was still common even today with all the variety of Quirks out there. No matter how much society has evolved, there have always been people who considered themselves superior and would put down others to prove it. The tired man could guess that the explosive teen didn’t even see it as discrimination since the other didn’t even have a Quirk. And what is this about a ‘belittling nickname’?

“You even gave me a bit of advice once. ‘If you want a Quirk so bad, why don’t you take a swan dive off the roof and pray for a Quirk in your next life.’

Bakugou. Said. WHAT.

Oh, the angry blonde one was so going to get what’s coming to him for that alone. That was far from mere ‘teasing’. Suicide baiting was a serious offense and punishable by law.

Did anyone know that he had said that?

Shouta tensed up ready to spring into action then and there but a restraining hand gripped his shoulder. He looked back to Hizashi who shook his head and quietly signed with his other hand that they needed to wait. To listen for anymore that had been kept secret but needed to be addressed. A point that the tired man reluctantly conceded to with a nod earning a pat on his shoulder from his husband before he removed his hand.

“You’re lucky I’m too stubborn to ever actually do that. Nor could I ever do that to my parents. By the way, did you know that same day I got attacked by a Villain?”

Yes, the green problem child was stubborn about a lot of things and thank heavens he was about that too. But what the hell was this about him getting attacked by a Villain on the same day he was suicide baited?

“Don’t worry. I was saved by a Hero quickly and he took the Villain out.”

Shouta had a gut feeling that there was more to that story than a simple Villain take down and that was that. Something he’d hopefully have a chance to get into later.

“I tried…for so long I tried to be friends with you. But after what you said that day and after I met Mei-chan, I came to realize we weren’t friends anymore. Hadn’t been for a long time. Not since we were four. You were no longer the boy I knew. And now, after this…”

There was a pause as if referencing to something but what exactly Shouta didn’t know. What the hell did Bakugou do? Whatever it was, he suspected that the explosions they had heard earlier may be a part of it.

“…I realize I don’t know you at all anymore.”

Throughout this whole time, Shouta noted that Bakugou, who was usually quite…expressive, was uncharacteristically quiet as the green one continued.

“You’re not Kacchan. You’re not even Katsuki…you’re Bakugou! The one who has treated me like shit ever since a little quirk of genetics decided that I would never have a Quirk of my own. The one who told me since we were four that I was useless because I was Quirkless. The one who used his Quirk on me until I learned to fight back. The one who claims to want to be a Hero but acts like a Villain!”

Before, Shouta wouldn’t have gone that far as to label the aggressive blonde a Villain. Not to describe a child. But upon learning said child had discriminated against the Quirkless boy, called the other useless, and apparently went as far as to use his Quirk on him, the Erasure Hero couldn’t help but think it was a bit accurate. Bakugou’s actions were far from Heroic.

“Why do you hate me so much? What on earth is making you go this far? I have done nothing but try to be your friend and yet you still treat me like trash! WHAT DID I EVER DO TO YOU, BAKUGOU?!”

For the first time since Shouta and Hizashi had arrived to Midoriya going full rant, Bakugou spoke. Or rather, shouted.

“I THOUGHT YOU WERE LOOKING DOWN ON ME!”

There was a moment of pause in the…'conversation'. Probably the green one trying to absorb that outburst.

“You…you thought I looked down on you? That I have this whole time?”

Did he not know?, Shouta thought as the angry blonde continued.

“I thought you saw yourself as above me despite being Quirkless. You were always happy, smiling. Saying you wanted to be a Hero even though you have no power to actually become one. Thought that a weakling like you could become a Hero same as someone like me with a strong Quirk. As if you thought you were better than me. Me! The future Number One Hero!”

Well, he sounded sincere. In the beginning at least and in a Bakugou sort of way. However, the way the angry blonde one implied that the green one couldn’t be a Hero just because he had no ‘power’ left a sour taste in Shouta’s mouth. It reminded him of when people had told him he couldn’t be a Hero simply because his own Quirk only took away the power of others. That Erasure wasn’t enough to be a Hero.

And yet he proved them wrong and became a Pro Underground Hero spending his nights kicking Villain ass. Learned to fight to compensate for not having a ‘strong’ Quirk same as how Midoriya decided to make up for his lack of Quirk with his Quirk Replicating Support Items. Neither letting their Quirk or lack of one hold them back from their goals. Being Quirkless didn’t mean Midoriya couldn’t be a Hero.

“Are you an idiot, Bakugou?! I LOOKED UP TO YOU, DUMBASS!”

I knew Midoriya swore sometimes but this is the most I’ve ever heard him curse. Kind of weird to hear coming from the, as Hizashi would put it, ‘sunshine’ boy’s mouth.

“You have always been strong and I’ve always known you would make a great Hero. But you’ve let your ego take over, Bakugou. You care more about being the best rather than what’s most important about being a Hero.”

Shouta would agree on the ego bit. From the start of the school year, Bakugou oozed overconfidence but had been slowly learning that he was not in fact the top dog that apparently he had been before UA. It was interesting though to learn that despite how the blonde one had treated the other, the green one still saw the potential to be a great Hero in him.

“Oh, and what’s that, shitty nerd?”

His anger is popping up again.

“Heroes are meant to save people, Bakugou. Strength helps, sure, but you won’t be a true Hero with your head so far up your ass that you don’t realize the way you’re acting is nowhere near Heroic. Do you know who you remind me of, Bakugou? Endeavor.”

Damn, problem child, Shouta thought as a dull thump sound came from the room.

“Don’t you dare compare me to that bastard.”

What?

“So, you were listening. That was a private conversation, Bakugou.”

Listening to what though exactly? A conversation about Endeavor? One that had both of them irate?

“But there’s nothing we can do about that now. That man is a bastard with what he’s done. A flaming pile of trash. And if you continue as you are, that’s how you’ll end up too.”

Midoriya, the Hero fanboy, not liking a Hero? The Number Two Hero to be exact? What gives?

The green one was hinting at something bad that Shouta wasn’t aware of.

Do I need to look into the two-toned problem child as well? Ugh. Why are there so many problem children this year?

“You need to rethink why you want to be a Hero, Bakugou. Do you want to be one to help people like All Might? Or do you want to be one to be the best like Endeavor? The choice is up to you.”

There was a brief pause of silence coming from the room, an unsettling quiet after such charged words. Eraserhead and Present Mic braced themselves to step into action as the pair of Heroes anxiously waited for some kind of signal. It came in a form of an enraged screech. The sound of the explosion blended into the sound of the door slamming open as the Heroes burst into the room.

It looked like a bomb had gone off. Which, considering the kid with the Explosion Quirk was involved, was probably exactly what happened. There were bits and pieces of what remained of the green one’s Support Items littered on the ground, appearing burnt and broken. The sickly-sweet scent of nitroglycerin hung in the air mixed with the smokey aroma of freshly ignited explosions. Bakugou had Midoriya pushed up against the wall, one arm pinning him and the other letting off an attack against the shorter boy’s torso.

I’d say this qualifies as ‘absolutely necessary’.

On reflex, Eraserhead activated his Quirk and lashed out his capture weapon to restrain the blonde. Present Mic ran forward as the green one instantly relaxed and slid down the wall to the floor. The 1-A homeroom teacher tied up his squirming charge as the feral blonde thrashed against his restraints on the ground. He resembled more of a wild animal rather than a human being at the moment. The sight caused the tired man to huff out an exasperated sigh. At the same time, the loud man was checking the green one.

“Are you alright, Izuku?” Hizashi asked, keeping his tone soft and volume low as he knelt down in front of his not-at-all-secretly favorite student.

Shouta wasn’t even surprised by the man referring to the teen by his first name. Especially not in this situation. Green eyes looked up and fixated on greenish yellow ones. He blinked a few times as he worked on trying to focus and then smiled as if nothing was wrong.

“I’m okay, Yamada-sensei,” Midoriya assured despite looking far from fine with a gaping hole in his shirt, exposing another material beneath. “My under armor is fire resistant so I didn’t get burned.”

Of course, the green problem child would brush it off as nothing. Though, after hearing that the explosive teen had used his Quirk on him in the past, the green one was unfortunately probably used to it. Something needed to be done about that. But not right now.

Shouta pulled out his phone and texted the group chat for the teachers. Sending out a request for any available teacher to come to the 1-H prep room as they were needed in regards to watching a student pending punishment. There were several responses of concern before Ectoplasm volunteered to come and said he was on his way. Typing a simple ‘ok’ back, the tired man pocketed his phone.

While they waited, Hizashi helped Midoriya off the ground and onto a chair. The Voice Hero fussed over the green one who kept saying he was fine but was clearly cradling an injured hand. Black eyes spotted a damaged glove strewn on the ground and was able to piece together that the boy had been electrocuted by his own tech. Meanwhile, Shouta remained standing over the still struggling blonde but a Quirked glare made Bakugou calm down enough to stop squirming.

At the table, the green one removed his remaining Support Items with a slight tremble he tried to hide. He took the glove off his left uninjured hand with his teeth and then removed his Fire Breath mask and belt, placing them all into the box. The boy then held out his goggles to Shouta who took them without a word, figuring the green one had thought to record the incident same as he had. The tired man tucked the goggles into the mysterious space that was his capture weapon out of sight.

It wasn’t long after that Ectoplasm arrived and a look of shock somehow appeared on his normally hard to read face. Hizashi helped Midoriya up from the chair and the green one reached into his box for something before leaving for the nurse's office. The Erasure Hero waited until the pair left before addressing the bound trouble maker on the ground.

“Listen up, Bakugou,” Shouta growled, scowling down at the boy. Ectoplasm watched silently from the side. “We will be discussing this and there will be consequences for what you have done here. Not to mention we will be looking into your past school records in regards to the accusations Midoriya has made about what you have done and said in the past.”

Below him, the blonde blanched at his words which hardened the man’s resolve to do just that. There was something fishy about the pair of students’ intertwined pasts and he was determined to find out what exactly had occurred between the two.

“Now, I’m going to untie you,” he said sternly, squatting down in preparation to do so. “What you are going to do is stay in this room. First, you are going to clean up this mess you’ve made. Place every bit of the Support Items you broke into the box. Then, you are going to stay here until I, or another teacher, come back to get you. Understood?”

His student glared up at him but relented and nodded. Good. The tired man skillfully unwrapped the teen despite the boy having tangled himself further with his thrashing. The blonde stood up and rubbed some feeling back into his arms.

“One more thing,” Shouta said, holding out his hand as he stood up as well. “Phone. Now.”

“What?!” Bakugou barked.

“You are being punished, Bakugou,” the teacher stated firmly, wondering if the boy had ever faced consequences for his actions before. “Which means you will clean this room and then sit here reflecting on what you have done. Which means no phone. Now hand it over.”

With a growl, the teen fished out his phone and bitterly smashed the device into his teacher’s hand. Once he relinquished it, Bakugou stomped over to the cabinet that held the cleaning supplies and grabbed a broom to start sweeping. Satisfied that the blonde was following his instructions, Shouta turned to leave and gave a grateful nod to Ectoplasm as he exited the room.

The tired man pocketed the confiscated device as he stalked through the halls to Recovery Girl’s office. He took the phone both as punishment but also so that his problematic student couldn’t contact his friends. This needed to be settled before Bakugou was allowed to interact with his friends again. That was a privilege, not a right.

It didn’t take Shouta long to get to the nurse’s office and he let out a sigh as he opened the door. Midoriya was on a bed with his ruined gym shirt and upper half of his under armor off, the latter pooled around his waist and the former nowhere to be seen. He was getting checked by Chiyo with Hizashi sitting in a chair next to the bed. Further into the room, the tired man could see the fluff of purple that was Shinsou’s hair as the boy laid there still unconscious.

Well, I was right, he thought to himself with another sigh as he entered. This year’s festival has been interesting. Though not in the way I ever expected. Seems the green one is more of a problem child than I thought, the explosive one is in urgent need of a decent dose of karma, and something apparently was up with the Todoroki boy.

Now that Shouta had arrived, Hizashi got up giving a quick ruffle to the green one’s hair, a bow to Recovery Girl, and a shoulder bump to his husband as he left the room. Most likely to give an update on the contestants of the final match. The tired man walked further into the room and took the seat that Hizashi had vacated. As he had said, Midoriya had not in fact been burned by Bakugou due to his under armor as his exposed lower torso appeared unmarked.

He must have worn it with encountering the explosive teen specifically in mind. Smart and forward thinking as always. An excellent quality for a Hero.

At this point, just by being the final two no matter who inevitably won, Shouta had no doubt that Nezu would have to offer his problem children a spot in the Hero Course. If he didn’t then the mammal was a fool. A Quirked smart fool but a fool none the less.

Chiyo finished her check and gave the boy a peck on the cheek. She observed the healing her Quirk caused on his injured right hand before bandaging it up. Shouta observed that most of the discoloration faded but there was some faint scarring that remained. Understandable after being electrocuted. After all, Recovery Girl’s Quirk merely sped up the body’s natural healing process, not actually reverse any damage. The boy would live with those scars for the rest of his life. Like Shouta would with the one under his eye among his many others collected over the years of Hero work.

Satisfied with her work, Recovery Girl left briefly and came back with a new uniform shirt and a snack bag full of energy gummies. Midoriya took both gratefully with a bow. He placed the gummies on the side table and then proceeded to put his under armor back on before slipping the new shirt over it. After adjusting his clothing, he picked the candy back up and popped them into his mouth one by one. The student and teacher sat in a slightly awkward but amicable silence for a moment as he slowly chewed the gummies.

“So,” the man uttered, breaking the silence. He saw the boy flinch slightly but made no comment on it. “Do you want to talk about what happened?”

“N-not really,” Midoriya stuttered, obviously uncomfortable. “But y-you’re different from teachers I’ve h-had in the past, Aizawa-sensei. You and Yamada-sensei saved me. Helped me. I t-trust you and know you’ll b-believe me.”

Black eyes widened slightly at that comment. He had only known the green one for a few weeks and, if what the boy’s words implied, having his trust was a big deal. That, if his instinctive assumptions about the boy’s past teachers is correct, the kid was probably used to negative interactions with teachers when it came to discussing situations like this. Damn Quirk discrimination. The tired man schooled his face back to neutral, though that didn’t take much since he was still covered in bandages, and gave the teen his full attention.

“Plus, I do h-have a recording of what happened so you’d have to,” the boy quipped, earning a small chuckled from the man which caused a small wavery smile on his freckled face. The teen picked at an escaping strand on the blanket as he talked. “I w-was in the prep room waiting f-for Hitoshi-kun to wake up. Checking my Support Items, you know?”

The tired man nodded and the boy continued.

“Well, um, a-as I was putting my gear back on,” Midoriya said. “Ka-Bakugou came i-into the room and started y-yelling at me. I started r-recording just before he came in.”

Again, Shouta nodded and gestured for the teen to go on.

“We a-argued back and forth,” he said, his left hand touching his injured right one gently. “He said some things a-and I did too. It’s b-been a long time since we h-had even talked to each other.”

Ah, yes, the hiding. Understandable now after seeing…that.

“And then he…”

The boy’s grip on his own recently healed hand tightened and, not wanting the kid to hurt himself, Shouta placed his much larger hand over the teen’s to ground him. Midoriya tensed slightly at the contact but then relaxed his body and his grip realizing he wouldn’t get hurt. Black eyes gazed into green with a silent question to see if he was alright. The boy nodded minutely and the man patted his hands before removing his own.

“Then he g-grabbed my hand and e-exploded my glove. It b-broke and sh-shocked me.”

I’d say that was way more than a shock, Shouta thought, eyeing the bandages on said hand hiding the remaining scars but said nothing.

“I k-kicked him away and tore the g-glove off. I thought h-he would attack me again, b-but instead he started t-to break my other S-Support Items.”

I figured as much considering the amount of debris.

“I was s-so shocked I couldn’t move. Just w-watched him as h-he destroyed all m-my hard work. And then I snapped at him!”

Ah, that must have been when we arrived.

“W-we argued some more, a-and then I compared him to E-Endeavor. I asked him w-why he wanted to be a H-Hero and after that was w-when he attacked me a-and you and Yamada-sensei came in.”

Midoriya fell silent when he finished, avoiding the teacher’s eyes obviously unsure if he would believe him despite having said he trusted the man. Years of mistreatment by an authority figure would do that to you. Shouta was sure there was more to unwrap in regards to this situation, but he had some research to do before broaching the subject. And he was sure a certain mammal would be willing to help considering this involved his own personal student.

“Alright,” Shouta said, running a hand through his hair as he let out a sigh. “Here’s what we’re going to do. Bakugou will be punished for attacking you and destroying your property. As to what those punishments are exactly, we will discuss it with you, Nezu, your mom, and myself.”

As well as address the issue of the suicide baiting, Shouta thought, not bringing it up in that moment in case it triggered something. As well as the other things I have questions about. He watched as the green one paled at the thought of getting his mother involved and tried to protest.

“No, this is not up for discussion,” Shouta said, holding up a hand to silence the teen. “You were attacked on school grounds and so this is a school matter. You are also a minor and so your parent and/or guardian must be involved. The same goes for Bakugou once we decide on his punishment. Understood?”

“Y-yes, sir,” Midoriya muttered quietly with his eyes downcast before peeking up at him. “Um, w-what is going to h-happen to Bakugou for the r-rest of the festival?”

He gets beaten up and his hard work destroyed and yet still worries about the one who attacked him. This kid…

“Currently he is cleaning up the mess he made,” Shouta answered, scratching his chin. “Then he will stay in that room under Ectoplasm’s supervision until I, or another teacher, gets him.”

“A-are you going to d-disqualify him?” the green one asked, his voice barely a whisper.

“It would be warranted considering he attacked a fellow student outside of an official match,” the tired man replied, leveling a look at the boy. “Especially after having tried before with Shinsou and now has gone after you and had to be stopped by a teacher both times. It would be the rational thing to do. Why do you ask?”

The green one remained silent for a few seconds, taking some deep breaths as if to build up his courage. Shouta calmly waited for the teen to form his thoughts. It wasn’t long until green eyes filled with determination made contact with his black ones.

“Please don’t disqualify him,” Midoriya requested, his voice firm and his stutter gone. “Bakugou fought just as hard as any of us to get where he is. He won his spot fair and square. I don’t want him to be disqualified just because we ended up bringing up our personal issues during the festival.”

‘Bringing up our personal issues’…ugh.

“You know that’s completely irrational, right?” Shouta prodded, brow quirked. “We have rules regarding attacking other students out of turn. Not just for the Sports Festival but in school in general. Disqualifying Bakugou would teach him that what he did was wrong.”

“M-maybe that would work with o-other students, Aizawa-sensei,” Midoriya piped up, his nerves and the stutter returning. “But Bakugou i-is different. He w-wouldn’t learn from it. T-trust me, I know. H-he also already thinks that H-Hitoshi-kun and I cheated our way t-to the final.”

What.

“A-and if one of the s-semi-finalists was suddenly disqualified, w-wouldn’t there be questions a-as to why?”

Most likely.

“I kn-know you said Bakugou will be p-punished and I a-agree that he needs it,” the boy conceded. “But d-disqualifying him wouldn’t be e-effective at all and it would r-raise questions I’d rather not answer. N-not right now anyway. So, please keep h-him in the festival.”

The green one even bowed his head low to put weight into his plea. Shouta stared at the boy in front of him, so caring and kind that he even still had concerns over the one who had just attacked him. Willing to put aside dealing with the incident in order to focus on the here and now.  Midoriya Izuku really was something else.

“Alright, problem child,” the tired man relented with a huff, reaching a hand out to ruffle the boy’s unruly green curls. “I don’t necessarily agree with you but we’ll do it your way for now. We’ll wait to worry about Bakugou’s punishment until after the Sports Festival.”

He stilled his hand in the boy’s hair and Midoriya shifted his head up to look at him through a fringe of green locks.

“Th-thank you, Aizawa-sensei,” the boy said with a smile and pink dusted cheeks.

“Yeah, yeah,” Shouta said, mussing his hair once more before retracting his hand. “For now, focus on what you need to do. You have one last match after all.”

“Right,” was the teen’s answer with a determined grin.

It was at this time that a rustling sound came from the other injured occupant in the room. Chiyo, ever observant, quickly went over to check on her other patient who was finally gaining consciousness. Midoriya, not wanting his friend to question why he was in the nurse’s office, hopped off his assigned bed. Recovery Girl noticed and waved him off indicating he was free to go. Shouta decided to leave with the green one and stood up from his chair. The teacher and student bowed to the Youthful Heroine before they left, leaving the nurse to check over Shinsou.

“Are you going to be alright for the last round?” Shouta asked as they walked. “I have your goggles and most of your gear was damaged.”

“As I’ll ever be,” Midoriya replied with a shrug, his stutter gone as he was now ‘back to business’. “Besides, this is going to be against Hitoshi-kun. I know his Quirk and he knows my lack of one. I figured it would be a battle of strength and technique in the end. Also…”

Midoriya reached into his pocket and took out whatever he had removed last minute from his Support Item box. He held up a disc for the teacher to see.

“…I have this.”

Shouta eyed the small black disc in the student’s hand and raised a questioning brow but said nothing. The boy beside him, proven to be smart and forward-thinking time and time again, must have some kind of plan for whatever that disc did. The tired man looked forward to whatever the kid had in store. This last match between the green one and the purple one was going to be interesting.

Together they made their way through the hallways and towards the tunnel that let out to the field. Eventually, they arrived at a point where the two needed to part ways. After one last ruffle of the boy’s green hair, the Erasure Hero left for the commentator’s booth to finish the festival. Stewing over what had happened and what he planned to do with the hot-headed blonde who had just attacked his future student.

But that would have to wait until later. For now, he had a fight between two soon-to-be-in-1-A students to watch. They were his students now. Even if the principal somehow still managed to not see their potential as he did, the problem children were his.

~~~

Shouto had used the break waiting for the final match to use the restroom and was heading back to the 1-A booth when he came upon a curious sight. Aizawa and Izuku were walking and talking together as if they knew each other. His friend even took something out of his pocket and showed it to his homeroom teacher. The bi-color teen found himself following the pair at a reasonable distance so as not to be detected.

The two continued on their way followed by their unknown tail until they stopped. Aizawa ruffled his friend’s hair as if he did that all the time before leaving. Shouto found the interacting…intriguing. The gesture was almost parental in his opinion. Not that he knew much about parental interactions, but a peculiar thought took root. A new part of his mind seemed to awaken as conspiratorial thoughts started to form.

Was it possible…? Was Izuku…? Could his teacher be his first friend’s…?

Could Midoriya Izuku actually be Aizawa-sensei’s secret love child?

Shouto swore to find out.

Notes:

There ya have it! Aizawa and Yamada to the rescue! Got some nice Dadzawa in this chapter with a lil' Yamadad sprinkled in. ;) Izuku is just fine besides his hand. I'm guessing some readers forgot about his under armor. :) Like I would let Bakugou hurt him to bad. I like angst but not that much. Bakugou is in enough trouble and we don't even know the full extent of his punishments yet.

I know Izuku’s argument for Bakugou not being disqualified seems kind of weak right now. But he has stronger points later on. For now, please consider that he just got attacked after years of not having any physical altercations with Bakugou and is, of course, shaken up by it. All the while knowing he needs to focus on his fight with Hitoshi. So trying to compartmentalize and keeping his focus on the coming task at hand without having to deal with the drama at hand. Not just yet. There will be time to deal with Bakugou and his consequences after the sports festival is done. So please bear with me and my extra brain's need for a slowburn development.

We have the start of conspiracy theorist Shouto! :D I love his conspiracies. They're freaking hilarious! I've got a few ideas for other conspiracies but could always use more. So please share your favorite Todoroki conspiracy theories or any suggestions you might have if you like! ^____^

Fun Facts About Japan:

Got another event for ya. This one involves a basket on a tall pole and a bunch of different color balls about the size of a tennis ball. The goal is to throw the balls up into the basket and get as many in there as possible before time is up. Pretty simple but the challenge is throwing it in a way to actually land in the basket. Also, all the teams compete at once. Not all of them but a group of representatives each. Can't remember how many but enough that it is a frenzy as students scramble for their team's colored ball and throwing it. The team with the most balls of course is the winner. I also had one school that did that first with the students and then again letting the parents get involved so they could help support their kids. Getting a few extra points for their teams. ^______^ It was a fun audience participation moment.

Also, as a side note, cabinets holding brooms, dust pans, a bucket for water, and rags for cleaning are pretty much in every room. Like classrooms, the teacher's room, and intermittently in the hallways. For easy access to cleaning materials for cleaning time or it there ever was a mess or an accident that needed to be cleaned up.

That's it for this chapter! Next update will feature the final match of the sports festival. Izuku versus Hitoshi. Quirkless versus Brainwasher. Two friends that were destined, by me 'cause I always wanted it to be them in the finals, to come face to face as the top two of the festival. Who will win? To be revealed next chapter. Dun dun duuuuuuunnnnn!!!!! ;) Thanks for reading! Join the discord if you like and please let me know of any typos or weirdness! :D

Chapter 53: Sports Festival: Mind Over Matter

Notes:

And we're back! Y'all, it's the final match of the final round. Finally! I have enjoyed exploring the sports festival but I am so ready to move on to a new arc. XD With this chapter we get to see which one of the green one and the purple one wins first place. I hope you like it! Especially since it's a longer chapter than usual at over 13 pages. ;P That's just how the natural breaks worked out and I just had to keep all of this together!

Formatting reminder:
"Dialogue heard through a sound system."
...
"PRESENT MIC'S DIALOGUE HEARD THROUGH A SOUND SYSTEM."
...
"Hitoshi using his Quirk."
...
-Dialogue using sign language.-
Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Purple eyes slowly opened only to immediately shut at the sight of the stark white of the ceiling above him. The brightness did not help the headache lingering in Hitoshi’s brain after using his Quirk continuously like that. In fact, it caused a sharp twinge to arise behind his eyes and he couldn’t help but let out a pained grunt. The noise caught the attention of another person in the room.

“Now now, dear,” a calming elderly woman voice said. Hitoshi squinted an eye at her and saw that it was Recovery Girl, recognizing her from Izuku’s notebooks. “Lie still and let me take a look at you.”

Hitoshi gladly just laid there with his eyes closed as she checked him over. From his match against Bakugou, he knew he had some burns and scrapes from his dodging being more or less successful. The purple haired teen was grateful for all the training he had done with Izuku, Aizawa, and Yamada before the Sports Festival. He had a feeling that if he hadn’t then that match would not have gone as well as it did.

Izuku was right that a Quirk is just a tool and you need to have more than one in your belt to be successful.

In fact, now that he thought about it, the rest of the festival would have been quite different if Hitoshi hadn’t ‘ran into’ Izuku when he had and become friends with the insistent greenette.

I probably would have been a friendless General Studies student who just brainwashed his way all the way through and lost in the first wave of one-on-one matches.

At this realization, he was even more grateful that Izuku had literally fallen into his life. He owed the green haired shorty so much and all he had to do to begin their friendship was to declare that Hitoshi’s Quirk didn’t make him a Villain. That he was the one who chose who and what he wanted to be. That his Quirk did not define him.

“Alright, dear,” Recovery Girl said, breaking him from his thoughts. “I already disinfected and treated any physical injuries you may have. Most were healed by my Quirk and the rest should be fine after some more rest. Though I’ve noticed you’ve kept your eyes closed this entire time. Any other ailments I need to address?”

“I have a slight headache,” Hitoshi admitted because the ache behind his eyes was only slight in his experience. Though perhaps to others it might be more moderate than slight. “I sometimes get them because my Quirk is a mental type and I was using it continuously during the fight.”

“Hmm…very well. I’ll mark that down in your file to research possible solutions later,” the nurse said, helping him sit up on the bed. Thankfully she faced him away from the main source of light and he was able to slightly open his eyes to see her. “For now, I’ll give you some fast-acting pain killers for the headache. I’m also going to use my Quirk again to heal some of your more serious burns a bit more now that you’ve rested a little. But only those so as not to drain too much of your energy. You have one last match to attend after all. Though I would prefer to let you rest longer.”

Hitoshi watched through barely opened eyes as the Hero walked over to a cabinet and took out a bottle. She deposited two small pills in her hand, grabbed a bottle of water, and returned to the bed he was sitting on. He gratefully took the water, opened it, and then popped the pills in his mouth downing them with a swig of water. The liquid soothed the dry feeling in his throat that he hadn’t noticed before. It felt nice so he swallowed another mouthful.

Satisfied with him taking the medicine, Recovery Girl gave him a peck on the cheek and Hitoshi could feel the worst of his injuries suddenly feeling better. At the expense of him feeling more tired as the healing occurred. Though, being half dead on his feet was not a new experience for the insomniac. He’s struggled through a day on less energy than this. Though, the energy gummies the nurse handed to him on his way out were helping as he munched on them on his way through the halls.

~~~

A ‘ping’ noise sounded in the commentator’s booth. Shouta turned to look at Hizashi as the blonde took out his phone to read the message just sent to him. He passed the phone over to his husband before turning to the microphone. The tired man sighed in relief at the text that said the purple one was up and moving, getting the reluctant all clear from Chiyo to compete in the final match. Shouta swore that the two problem children, who weren’t even in his class yet, were going to be the reason he developed early grey hairs.

“WE’VE GOT AN UPDATE FOR YA, SPORTS FANS! OUR SLEEPING BEAUTY IS FINALLY AWAKE AND SO OUR TWO FINALISTS ARE NOW READY TO KICK IT INTO ACTION! OUR NEXT AND FINAL MATCH WITLL BE STARTING ANYTIME NOW, SO GET THOSE BUTTS BACK IN THOSE SEATS!”

Hizashi turned off the mic and then slumped back in his seat with a huff. Despite his show of energetic excitement, the tired man knew he was just as stressed about the currently underlying situation as Shouta was. Even more so on an emotional level as this involved his favorite student. Plus, the blonde had grown attached to the purple one from his homeroom after training with him for weeks alongside the green one. Both of whom had been recently attacked, one sanctioned until it wasn’t and the other not at all, by the same aggressive explosive teen. Unfortunately, because the festival was still underway, the handling of the situation had to be put on hold, leaving a level of suspense as Bakugou was awaiting punishment for his actions.

The lack of immediate justice must be eating Hizashi up inside as much as it is with me.

Now, Shouta wasn’t much one for words when it came to expressing himself. He was more one for actions. Which worked well for him in his Hero work. Though in situations like this, the Erasure Hero found it difficult to show his support and desire to reassure the other that he was there for him. Especially not in public as he was a very private man.

But, in the privacy of the commentator’s booth, there was one small comfort he could provide for his husband. Reaching towards the other, one of the tired man’s bandaged hands took hold of one of the blonde’s and intertwined their fingers. A silent physical sign that he was there for the other.

Hizashi shot him a surprised look which then morphed into a warm smile. The Voice Hero brought the hand in his up to his lips and placed a soft kiss on the wrapped knuckles. He then gave his hand a comforting squeeze, but not too hard since he was still healing. Lowering their connected hands but not letting go, he worked to prepare for the final match one handed. Thank the heavens Shouta was still wrapped in bandages so no one, not even Hizashi, could see the slight pink flush of his cheeks.

The married couple sat in companionable silence as they waited to continue to the last match. Enjoying their private moment of holding hands, grounding each other through this stressful time. It was at that time that Shouta got a call on his own phone.

What now? Shouta thought with a sigh. Not letting go of Hizashi’s hand, he pulled the device out of his pocket with his free one and quirked an eyebrow in question at who was calling. Iida?

~~~

As they had waited for Shinsou to wake up, Tenya sat in his seat in the 1-A booth feeling disappointed in himself. He had lost and didn’t make it as far as he had hoped. Sure, the engine user had made it to the top five of the Obstacle Course and was on the first-place team in the Cavalry Battle placing him among the top sixteen students over all. However, the one-on-one matches he had did not go as anticipated.

First of all, Hatsume took him for a ride and used him to showcase her, as she called them, ‘babies’ while feigning it under the guise of sportsmanship. And he had believed her because he thought they were friends. But were they? He didn’t know. At least she bowed out after using him as her advertising puppet allowing him another chance to show his skills.

Midoriya did mention she wanted to apologize though.

Then he was in the top eight students and was eager to fight his way into the semi-finals. But first he would have to face Todoroki. He didn’t know much about the youngest son of Endeavor before he started to share lunches with him at UA thanks to Midoriya. Yes, Tenya had seen Todoroki sometimes at social events where Pro Hero families were invited, but the bi-color teen had usually seemed occupied spending time with either his father or Yaoyorozu at such events. Which he didn’t want to interrupt so as not to intrude.

Being the progeny of the Number Two Hero suggested to Tenya that Todoroki would have had training prior to attending UA. Which was confirmed as he witnessed the other boy’s skills during Hero training in the weeks leading up to the Sports Festival. Todoroki had great skill with his ice and who knows what he could do with his fire as he had proclaimed he refused to ever use it in a fight before the Cavalry Battle. Therefore, going up against Todoroki seemed a daunting challenge but one he had looked forward to facing.

During their match, the engine user had given his all with the goal to win the fight as fast as possible. He knew his Recipro Burst had a time limit but it was his best bet to win against the ice user who had taken Sero out in an instant. Yet it wasn’t enough for he had foolishly forgotten that not only could Todoroki sent out large long ranged attacks, but also precision ones at close range. This lapse of awareness cost him the match as well as the first-place spot, effectively ending his advancement and remaining in the top eight.

WE’VE GOT AN UPDATE FOR YA, SPORTS FANS! OUR SLEEPING BEAUTY IS FINALLY AWAKE AND SO OUR TWO FINALISTS ARE NOW READY TO KICK IT INTO ACTION! OUR NEXT AND FINAL MATCH WITLL BE STARTING ANYTIME NOW, SO GET THOSE BUTTS BACK IN THOSE SEATS!

As Present Mic announced that the other finalist was now awake, an alert from his phone caused Tenya’s whole body to vibrate raising concerned looks from his peers. After assuring his friends and classmates that everything was alright, he took out his phone to see what it was about.

Mother?

The engine user excused himself to respond and left the 1-A section to call his mother back in private. After finding a quiet corner, he mentally prepared himself to confess and apologize for his loss before he phoned her back. His call was picked up immediately barely a ring into it.

“Hello, mother,” Tenya said promptly. “I am sorry to tell you this, but I lost. I apologize for disappointing you. I…”

Tenya, that’s not what I’m calling about,” his mother interjected. She sounded like she was in distress. “I mean, I’m sorry for you. But…

There was sniffling on the other side of the line. What on earth could have happened?

“Mother?” Tenya inquired, worry building inside him. “Is everything ok?”

No, son, it’s…it’s your brother,” his mother whimpered. “Tensei, he…a Villain got him!

Losing didn’t matter anymore. Tenya’s brother had been attacked by a Villain and was most like seriously injured. Snapping into action as a class president should, he was able to get the hospital location from his mother and then promptly called Aizawa to inform him of the situation. His homeroom teacher granted him permission to leave and be with his family. Tenya thanked the Hero and swiftly walked through the halls to change.

~~~

Izuku made it to his assigned tunnel just as Present Mic announced that Hitoshi was awake and okay enough to participate in the final match. The greenette sighed in relief to know that his friend was alright after the fierce battle he had against Ka-Bakugou. No, he isn’t Katsuki anymore. He’s Bakugou now and probably has been for a long time. Izuku had held onto the hope that they were still friends at some level for so long but after what the other did to him and his Support Items, he finally realized that they weren’t friends anymore.

It hurt. To know that the boy who had been his childhood friend, who used to play Heroes with him, and who had wanted to become Heroes together now valued him so little to destroy all his hard work. That he chalked up all his efforts to cheating rather than the strategy and hard work that it was. That despite having found his edge and used that edge to get him this far, the other still believed that just because he was Quirkless that he shouldn’t be here at all. That because of a genetic peculiarity that assigned him two pinky toe joints rather than a Quirk, he had no chance, or right to even try apparently, to become a Hero.

Bakugou is wrong, Izuku thought to himself, his face twisted into determined anger and his fists clenched. I made it this far with my own power. Which just so happens to be my analysis and my Support Items rather than a Quirk. I will become a Hero and so will Hitoshi-kun. We are the final two students and surpassed all the other Hero Course students despite their extra training. We can do this.

THE TIME HAS FINALLY COME FOR OUR FINAL MATCH OF THE FINAL ROUND! LET’S HEAR IT FOR OUR FINALISTS IN THIS FINALIZING FINALE!!

And I’ll finally be free of these annoying attempts at humor of yours.

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT, ERASER?! MY PUNS HAVE BEEN FANTA-STICK!

A muffled growl followed by a muted smack and a distressed squawk came through the sound system and Izuku couldn’t help but giggle to himself at their antics.

ANYWAY! THIS YEAR’S FINALISTS ARE MAKING HISTORY! NEVER IN THE HISTORY OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAL HAVE WE HAD NOT JUST ONE BUT TWO FINALISTS THAT ARE NOT IN THE HERO COURSE!

There was a collective murmur of awe from the crowd at that revelation. Typically, the finals consisted of competitors solely from the Hero Course with a few outliers here or there spread throughout the years. Such as Aizawa when he had attended UA and won his first year Sports Festival. Said Hero then proceeded to share his two cents on the situation.

This is proof that the current form of assessing potential future Heroes is flawed. That just because you have a ‘strong’ Quirk does not guarantee you success. I, too, had to fight my way into the Hero Course and I can confirm that those two have the same goal in mind. By making it to this point, fighting using their own strength and skills developed through hard work, they have proven their potential to be Heroes.

YOU SOUND LIKE A PROUD PARENT, ERASER! AND THEY AREN’T EVEN IN YOUR CLASS!

…yet.

That one word came out as a quiet murmur from the Erasure Hero, but the mics picked it up all the same. Izuku couldn’t help the small smile that flashed on his face at their mentor’s praise. Green eyes looked across the field at his friend who approached the opening of his own tunnel. Although he couldn’t really see it from a distance, Izuku could guess that even Hitoshi couldn’t stop a proud smirk from growing on his face.

Aizawa, Pro Hero Eraserhead, known for expelling students as he saw fit, believed in them and was proud of how far they had come. The finals. Izuku almost couldn’t believe it himself but looking up at the screens confirmed it where pictures of Hitoshi and himself were shown.

One on One Battle Final Lineup

Midoriya Izuku VS Shinsou Hitoshi

They really did it. The two Hero-aspiring underdogs had fought tooth and nail, making it to the final match. The final battle for the coveted first place spot. To have both the finalists not be from the Hero Course was practically unheard of until today. That fact filled Izuku with pride.

FIRST UP, REPRESENTING THE SUPPORT COURSE, SO FAR HE’S PROVEN TO BE SHARP AS A ‘TECH’ AND QUICK TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE SITUATION! LET ME HEAR YOU SCREAM FOR MIDORIYA IZUKU!!

The crowded yelled their encouragement as Izuku stepped out onto the field. However, there was some vocalized confusion from the stands as he walked out quite noticeably bereft of the abundance of Support Items that he had sported throughout the festival. The greenette paid them no mind as he walked to the arena with his hands and his single Support Item in his pockets.

VERSUS! REPRESENTING GENERAL STUDIES MUCH LIKE ERASER HERE DID BACK IN HIS HEYDAY…”

Heyday?

…HE’S SHOWN TO BE ONE TO WATCH WHAT YOU SAY AROUND HIM OR HE’LL FORCE YOU TO BEHAVE! GIVE IT UP FOR SHINSOU HITOSHI!!

The greenette watched as his friend left the tunnel and headed towards him. Hitoshi still had some bandages wrapped around him here and there and the shadows under his eyes appeared a bit darker than usual. Though Izuku chalked that up to Recovery Girl using her Quirk just enough to allow the injured teen to compete. As the taller boy approached, purple eyes took in the lack of Support Items and quirked a brow in question. Izuku simply smiled at his friend and said nothing.

READY?

“Midoriya…” Hitoshi uttered.

Ah, trying to trip me up by using my family name instead of my first. Nice move, Hitoshi-kun!

BEGIN!!

…what happened to your Support Items?” the brainwasher asked, now standing in a well-practiced defensive stance.

Izuku knew that Hitoshi had laced the question with his Quirk. That what he was about to do would be seen as foolish and stupid on his part to those who knew he knew all about the other boy’s Quirk. But Izuku had a plan. To help Hitoshi show his skill and…that there is always a way around a Quirk.

Looking at his friend, Izuku smiled with the hand in his pocket turning the dial on the hidden device a number of clicks. He took a steadying deep breath and replied with only one word.

“Bakugou.”

Then he was under.

~~~

Hitoshi was disappointed, to say the least. In less than a second, Izuku had responded to his very first question without putting up so much as a fight. He thought that they had agreed to not throw the match or go easy on the other. But Izuku had answered to him right at the start and that was that.

With a sigh, he walked up to his friend but not close enough to touch. Hitoshi looked into those typically green eyes, but while under his control, the friendly hue was nothing but vacant white. It was sort of unnerving to see the greenette like this. The brainwasher had been conditioned growing up to associate his Quirk with Villainy. Both at hom…at the house he lived in and at school. So, to see his first real friend like this felt very very wrong.

Also, did Bakubitch really have something to do with Izuku’s lack of Support Items? Wait…Izuku said Bakugou, not Katsuki. What the hell did that dickwad do?!

WHAT’S THE DEALIO WITH THIS, YO? BEFORE THIS, MIDORIYA HAS SHOWN HE IS NO ONE TRICK PONY! BUT SHINSOU SEEMS TO HAVE SNARED HIM OUT OF HIS WITS! ON TOP OF THAT, OUR SUPPORT REP HAS A SERIOUS LACK OF TECH ON HIM!

There was an…issue with Midoriya’s Support Items and so was unable to bring those that ‘malfunctioned’ into this match.

“Issue, my ass,” Hitoshi snarked to a blank faced Izuku. “Bakagou himself is a malfunction. Though I know you would object to me saying that with your forgiving nature if you weren’t under my control at the moment. Well, I guess there’s no use stretching this out. Now turn around and…”

But Hitoshi’s command cut off as he felt the hold on Izuku’s mind abruptly snap away from his mental fingers as life suddenly returned to those familiar green eyes. What…what just happened? The purple haired teen stared at his friend in shock as the shorter boy blinked and, upon seeing how close Hitoshi was, swiftly aimed a kick at him. The taller boy blocked it with his arm and then jumped back to a safer distance. Hitoshi looked up to see the other grinning at him in a somewhat defensive position while keeping one of his hands in his pocket.

H-how did you do that?” Hitoshi asked, mixing his Quirk in on instinct.

“It’s a secret,” Izuku replied, knowing he did but answering anyway.

Green eyes turned white once again. Hitoshi felt the pull of the mental strings in place as his Quirk took effect. He was unsure what had broken his control before but again, Izuku had responded to his Quirked question. The purple haired teen studied the other for anything out of the ordinary but nothing really stood out to him. Especially with the lack of Support Items.

Turn around and walk out of bounds,” the brainwasher commanded, eyeing the other suspiciously.

The greenette slowly turned and began to walk towards the edge. However, after a few steps, the mental tethers snapped once more and Izuku stopped while Hitoshi looked at him in shock. Again, he had managed to break out of his hold. Once Hitoshi could consider a matter of luck, but twice? No. Something was up. He studied his friend again for any clues as to how but still nothing major stood out. Except for maybe the hand in his pocket.

Hitoshi eyed the concealed hand and purple eyes flicked up to green with a smirk, “You’ve got a trick up your sleeve, don’t you?

Izuku smirked back, “Maybe.”

Again, he went under and his eyes went blank. This time Hitoshi didn’t waste time and ordered his friend to walk out of bounds right away. But whatever broke him out the first two times saved him again and severed the connection. Izuku turned around and this time rushed at his friend.

WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT! MIDORIYA MUST HAVE SOMETHING LEFT IN HIS BAG OF TRICKS BECAUSE HE’S MANAGED TO BREAK OUT OF SHINSOU’S CONTROL! NOT JUST ONCE BUT MULTIPLE TIMES! QUITE A FEAT CONSIDERING SHINSOU HAS BEEN ABLE TO STOP THEM ALL DEAD IN THEIR ‘TRICKS’ UNTIL NOW!

These two are good friends and have been working together to prepare for this festival from the very first day of school. They know how the other works and as it has been from the beginning of the festival, Midoriya has a plan in mind even though we don’t know what it is. There’s no telling how this match will go.

Hitoshi moved to defend against the coming punch from a bandaged fist aimed at him. Where did the bandages come from? Apparently, it was a feint though as Izuku ducked down into a low spinning sweep kick. The brainwasher found himself losing his balance as the other knocked his legs out from under him and then proceeded to tackle him to the ground. Hitoshi found himself pinned by the shorter yet stronger boy.

How are you doing this?” Hitoshi asked, Quirk laced in hopes of getting him to respond again.

However, Izuku seemed to have other plans and avoided answering the question. Instead, he looked down at Hitoshi with a conspiratorial grin as he said, “Let’s spar, Hitoshi-kun.”

The response did not in anyway answer Hitoshi’s original question and so didn’t count for his Quirk to work. An annoying drawback Izuku and he had discovered during their training. That the ‘victim’s’ response, whether consciously or subconsciously, had to be related to the question or statement for it to work or no dice.

“Huh?” the brainwasher breathed out, surprised by that to the point of forgetting to use his Quirk.

“We’ve gotten this far,” Izuku said cheerfully, his hand already back in his pocket. “Let’s just have some fun!”

Seriously?” Hitoshi asked with a huff of disbelieving laughter, a quirked brow, and once again, his Quirk as well. “In the middle of a fight?

“Yep!” Izuku chirped with a bright smile only for his face to go blank under his control.

Get off me,” the brainwasher ordered with a fond but incredulous expression.

Slowly the white eyed greenette lifted himself off of the other and Hitoshi righted himself as well once he was free. He was about to command Izuku again when whatever had severed the connection before did so once more. Green returned to his eyes as the tethers were ripped from the other’s mental fingers. Then that conniving smile reappeared on his friend’s face.

This was not how Hitoshi had expected this fight to go. Before the match, the Gen Ed student had been worried how the match would pan out. Thinking Izuku would have all his tech and kick his brainwashing ass out with ease. Then Izuku had walked out with no visible Support Items at all. Hitoshi was of course concerned since his friend was so proud of his gadgets and had used them so expertly throughout the entire day.

Until now that is.

Going up against a friend was weird. Hitoshi’s Quirk relied on his ability to read people and figure out the best way to get them to respond. Rile them up or caught them off guard. Easy to do with most but this was Izuku. One of his best friends. Hitoshi didn’t want to make him angry or frustrated. And he wouldn’t be able to catch Izuku off guard either with all the practice and analyzing of his Quirk they had done together.

Which left the issue of how to get the greenette to respond. To figure out what question, what comment, would get him to answer the brainwasher. A conundrum that was solved by Hitoshi’s concerned curiosity about his friend’s sudden lack of Support Items. Surprisingly getting a willing answer that filled the taller teen with worry and anger for his friend.

With Izuku under his control after that first question, Hitoshi had thought the match was over much like his fights before. That his friend had ‘let’ him win even though they had promised not to. It had filled him with disappointment until that first severed connection. Whatever the Quirkless teen had in his pocket was serving as a perfect counter to his brainwashing. Allowing him to break free from his control again and again as Izuku purposefully responded to him.

He wants to draw this out, Hitoshi thought with an amused huff.

Izuku didn’t want to give up. Not without a fair fight. Which, with whatever gadget he had in his pocket, this match certainly was. The brainwasher versus the Quirkless boy with the perfect tech to counter his Quirk. Proving that no Quirk is infallible and that there’s always a way to counter it.

I wonder what exactly he’s got in his pocket.

A question to be asked later after their fight. For the here and now, the current match was more important than finding out how Izuku was breaking from his control. Here the greenette was asking for them to ‘spar’ and ‘have some fun’ to show them who they are. Which was a brainwasher and a Quirkless teen. Both with a mental advantage though one was from a Quirk and the other from his own natural intellect.

To be honest, between the two of us, Izuku is definitely physically stronger.

Not too surprising considering Izuku had been training longer. Had already started his personal fight for his dream to be a Hero years ago. Taking self defense and then taking the initiative to clean that dump of a beach practically single handedly. All to help the community as well as do strength training at the same time. Selflessly not taking the credit being simply happy that people could enjoy the beach again.

Izuku…you really are a Hero.

It was the truth. Izuku was a Hero. Not in title, but in mind, body, and heart. Down to his very soul, the Quirkless boy was a Hero. Not being in the Hero Course be damned. Yet, anyway. His friend’s drive to be a Hero was kind of intimidating, to be honest. Seemed more genuine than Hitoshi’s who did want to help people but also wanted to be a Hero out of spite for those who labeled him a Villain because of his Quirk. Which Izuku was doing as well to spite those who had told him ‘no’ but there seemed to be so much more to it. As if Izuku’s entire being was to be a Hero. Nothing else would do. Nothing else fit.

Izuku is a Hero through and through.

They both wanted to be Heroes. Had both fought their way through all the other students to end up here in the final match. To prove that they had what it takes to be Heroes same as those who managed to pass the Hero Practical. That they were worthy to join those blessed with ‘strong’ Quirks. To end up here as the final two above all the rest.

Take that, universe.

At this point, it didn’t matter which one of them won. A single placement difference and nothing more. Being the final two just had to be enough to prove themselves. Aizawa’s earlier ‘yet’ comment brought some credence to that hope. That they were enough to be considered for transfer.

Unless the universe decides to pull the rug out from under us at the last minute.

Hitoshi forcefully shook that negative thought away as now was not the time for that. He needed to focus on the task at hand. During his thoughts, Izuku hadn’t made a single move proving that he didn’t want to rush this. He wanted this to be a fair fight. Quirk versus Support Item. Tit for tat. About as fair as one could get.

By this point, the crowd was growing restless. It was the final match and neither of them had shown anything flashy yet. No sparks or explosions. No fire or ice. No acid, vines, or sentient shadows. Not even super speed or hardened strength. Izuku didn’t even have any tech to show off other than whatever was in his pocket. The audience of the UA Sports Festival was used to a flashier finale and yet the two finalists weren’t giving it to them.

As the two stared at each other, the crowd started to voice their peeved opinions. Demanding for the two finalists to stop messing around and fight for real already. For them to show off their Quirks and give them the flashy fight they craved. One that they would never get when the match was between one with a mental type Quirk and one with no Quirk at all. A fact that made the Quirkless boy across from him laugh.

“Ha! Jokes on them!” Izuku quipped, rolling his eyes at the audience before turning back to his friend with an almost feral grin. “We don’t have enough ‘flash’ between the two of us to light a lightbulb.”

Jokes, huh? Hitoshi thought as Aizawa decided to chime in with his own thoughts on the matter.

If you’re expecting a ‘flashy’ fight, prepare to be sorely disappointed. These two are good friends. They’ve trained together for weeks and know each other’s skill sets. Neither have a ‘flashy’ Quirk and are relying on their own strengths and trained techniques. This will be a fight of personal strength, strategy, and endurance. Factors that play a huge role in Hero fights especially the ones that don’t get covered by the media just because they don’t offer much of a show. Heroes are not just their Quirks but the effort and hard work put in to save others and keep the peace.

“Well, that was quite the rant,” Izuku commented with a huff of laughter. “Way to call out the media on their BS coverage.”

Hitoshi simply hummed in response, still thinking about Izuku’s comment about jokes. It was one of the several techniques they had discussed in getting people to respond to the brainwasher. He had already tried questions, puns, misdirection, and insults with pretty good results. Jokes was another along with others such as famous commercial jingles and even impressions once Hitoshi got the proposed voice changer from his Support friends.

As Aizawa said, this was a fight between friends. Good friends. Best friends. Friends that knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Well, mostly anyway. Izuku had kept whatever was breaking him out of the brainwasher’s control a secret which Hitoshi could respect. Whatever it was has kept this final match interesting. The purple haired teen had thought the fight had been over after Izuku responded the first time. But the repeated escaping from his brainwashing with no clue as to how on Hitoshi’s part added a level of suspense.

“Come on, Hitoshi-kun,” Izuku drawled with a grin, moving a hand back into his pocket. “They want a show. Let’s ‘show’ them what we’re made of.”

Alright, Izuku. We’ll do it your way. Let’s put on a show.

A conspiratorial grin of his own spread on Hitoshi’s face as he took a defensive stance and said, “Hey Izuku, what did the paper say to the pencil?

A flash of confusion fleetingly past over the greenette’s face before he also fell into a practice stance with an understanding smile and his hand in his pocket as he answered, “Write on.”

Green faded to white once more as Izuku’s posture slackened. Hitoshi again ordered him to walk out of bounds but was unsurprised that the other broke out of his mental hold before he did. Which was fine because he didn’t care about winning that way. Or winning in general because that didn’t matter. As Izuku requested, it was time to have some fun.

Once Izuku came back to himself, he lunged at Hitoshi and the pair fell into a well-practiced dance as they swung at each other and dodged in response when necessary. For a while, Hitoshi shot Quirked questions out left and right which Izuku refused to answer. Instead, he kept his mouth shut and focused on keeping the fight a physical Quirkless one for a time. They fought like a well-oiled machine, a result from their weeks of training together.

Izuku,” Hitoshi called out after succeeding in pushing his friend away for a moment and tried a different kind of joke. “Knock knock.

-Who’s there?- Izuku signed and silently mouthed with a cheeky smirk rather than reply verbally. One of the few signs Hitoshi could recognize having watched the greenette practice at lunch and outside of school before.

So that’s how you’re going to play, huh?

Alice,” the brainwasher went on.

The greenette put his hand in his pocket before responding, “Alice who?”

Green turned white yet again.

“Alice is fair in love and war,” Hitoshi said, finishing the joke with a smirk. “Now turn around and run out of bounds.

The greenette did as commanded. Abruptly spinning around and running to the edge only to once again stop before he crossed the line.

Damn, so close.

Seeing how close he was to the line, Izuku scrambled back towards the middle of the ring before turning to face Hitoshi again. They were both breathing heavy from their sparring yet also wore matching grins at their play. Because that’s all their fight was now. Playful. Fun. A fight fueled by comradery and friendship. Neither cared who won. Just that the fight was fought fair and square. Both giving their best efforts to the match.

“Hitoshi-kun,” Izuku breathed out with a smile and prepared stance. “What does a pepper do when it’s angry?”

The brainwasher quirked an eyebrow at the fact that the greenette was telling him a joke now. He was about to ask a Quirk laced ‘what’ when his friend lurched forward with an attack.

“It gets jalapeño face!” Izuku declared with a bandaged right hook to Hitoshi’s jaw.

The blow knocked the taller boy back but he righted himself quickly. The shorter teen surged forward to attack again and the purple haired one matched to grapple with the other. Hitoshi had to use all his strength to keep Izuku at bay but didn’t let it show on his face. After learning how long his friend had been learning to fight, Hitoshi wondered how Izuku would have fared if he had taken the Hero Practical, Quirks be damned. His physical strength alone was no joke.

I told you ten jokes to get you to laugh,” the brainwasher quipped, working his Quirk in despite figuring the other wouldn’t answer. “Sadly, no pun in ten did.

Izuku’s face scrunched as he obviously was trying to hold back a laugh as that would count as a response. Instead, he crouched down slightly only to spring up with both feet and kick Hitoshi in the gut. The greenette used his body as a spring board to back flip through the air and land a distance away. While the purple haired teen flailed to right himself.

“What did the ocean say to the beach?” Izuku called out from across the arena, hand already in his pocket.

What?” Hitoshi barked back.

“Nothing, it just waved!” the greenette chirped with a bright smile that quickly vanished.

Again, the brainwasher ordered his friend to run out of bounds and again, the other broke out of his hold before he did. They fell into a new routine of trading jokes back and forth while they sparred and then separated. Just two punny guys duking it out through physical attacks and word play.

What’s brown and sticky?

“A stick!”

Purple controls green. Green escapes purple.

“What do you get when two drums and a cymbal fall down a mineshaft?”

What?

“Ba-dum tss!”

Green willingly answers purple only to free himself again.

How does a dog say ‘hello’ in Japan?

“Konni-chihuahua!”

On and on, the jokes kept coming as they lunged and parried with their fists and feet. Trading blows to their bodies as well as their minds. Hitoshi even tried to shake things up at times not even bothering to use his Quirk every time. Both as an attempt to catch Izuku off guard as well as to give his mind a break from the building headache. One that was building on top of the previous one he earned during his fight with Bakugou. But no matter what, Izuku would not answer him until he fiddled with whatever was in his pocket first.

The crowd’s protests from early on in their fight had died down long ago. Instead, they watched with bated breath as the two students fought down below. Gasping each time the General Studies student was able to control the Support Course student and ordered him around only for the other to break whatever hold he had been under. The fight wasn’t flashy but as it went on the suspense of who would be the ultimate winner grew with tension of the live audience.

But as with all good things, this match too had to come to an end. Frankly, both Izuku and Hitoshi were tired. It had been a long ass day of constant fighting and after this final drawn out match, they were absolutely exhausted. They continued trading jokes and hits alike while trying to push the other over the edge. Other than one of them managing to pin the other long and well enough to warrant calling ‘uncle’, forcing the other out of bounds was the way this would end.

Izuku was on the offensive as he was so close to pushing Hitoshi over the line. The brainwasher saw this and punched the shorter boy in the face hard enough to make his nose bleed. Hitoshi moved to land another attack when the Quirkless boy ducked and dodged around the taller teen. Placing him closer to the boundary than Hitoshi.

The feral smile that spread on Izuku’s face as they both turned to face each other was down right terrifying paired with the bloody nose. Hitoshi even felt a shiver run down his spine at the sight. In their gut, they both knew this was the pivotal moment. The one to determine victory or defeat. They stood there staring at each other panting for a few seconds more before the brainwasher lunged.

One second Hitoshi was moving to shove his friend over the line and the next all he could see was blue sky. He found that the wind had been knocked out of him and he gasped for breath while trying to understand what happened. Izuku had grabbed him by the shirt collar with his right bandaged hand as the other took hold of the taller boy’s wrist. In a power move, the greenette had hurled the brainwasher over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and slammed him down to the ground on the other side of the line. The arena was deathly silent as Midnight made her final call.

Shinsou is out of bounds! Midnight announced with a crack of her whip. “Midoriya is the winner!

THERE YA HAVE IT, FOLKS!! WITH THE CONCLUSION OF THIS MATCH, THE ULITMATE WINNER OF THE UA FIRST YEAR SPORTS FESTIVAL IS MIDORIYA IZUKU FROM THE SUPPORT COURSE!! WITH SHINSOU HITOSHI FROM GENERAL STUDIES TAKING SECOND!! LET’S HEAR IT FOR THEM, YEAH?!

The crowd roared as Izuku went to go help his friend up. The shorter of the two offered his hand which the other took as his friend pulled him up. Hitoshi dusted off the dirt on his uniform once he was standing which Izuku helped with by brushing off his back. They then both walked out of the arena to get the mandatory checkup from Recovery Girl. Not that either of them was seriously hurt at all other than Izuku’s nose and Hitoshi’s headache.

“Congrats on winning, Izuku,” Hitoshi said as they headed towards Recovery Girl’s office. “You had me worried there at the start, but thanks for not going easy on me. By the way, how did you break out of my Quirk?”

“Thanks, and you’re welcome,” Izuku replied, as he pulled something out of his pants pocket. “Oh, and to answer your question, I was able to with this.”

He held out a small black puck like thing and placed it into Hitoshi’s hand. Hitoshi watched as Izuku turned the dial on the front face a few notches and when it timed out, the disk vibrated in his hand.

“Huh.” That was all Hitoshi could say.

“It was my first solo invention after Mei-chan started to teach me how to make Support Items,” Izuku explained, looking down at the disk with a soft nostalgic smile. “It’s not much, but while practicing with your Quirk, I thought it was a good idea to have something like this to shake me out of your control.”

“What’s it called?” Hitoshi asked, looking down at the small disk in awe. He was impressed at the level of forethought that his friend had.

“Y’know, I never actually named that one,” Izuku confessed. “It was the first Support Item I ever made to give me an edge.”

“That’s what you should call it,” Hitoshi said abruptly.

“What?”

“Edge.”

“…is this your attempt at being…edgy?” Izuku asked with a smirk. The name was good but he had another plan for it.

“Is this your way of telling me to buzz off?” Hitoshi retorted with his own smirk as he handed back the disk.

Izuku rolled his eyes at his friend’s pun. “I guess our friendship has just timed out.”

The pair continued to pass puns back and forth in playful banter as the field was being prepared for the Awards Ceremony.

Notes:

IZUKU IS THE WINNER! :D I've wanted Izuku to be the winner since the beginning so it's probably not all that surprising. I just want the broccoli boy to succeed and live his dream. ^____^ Also, I need him in first for other reasons in the future of the fic. ;)

Yes, user Remember123 and anyone else who guessed it was Izuku's first invention. XD It was indeed! When I started writing this, I had no idea what to do with Izuku's first invention. At first I thought about making it a vague mention but then thought it should be something that played a part in the story. Then when I was thinking ahead and starting to plan the sports festival, I knew I wanted to have Hitoshi and Izuku be the final two. The question being how Izuku would break out of Hitoshi's quirk. The thought of some kind of device that buzzed or poked him or something out of his control came to mind and then I just BSed the whole timer and hand buzzer stuff back in chapter 5. Then I just dropped hints here and there starting at chapter 35 to lead up to this fight. So kudos to those who figured it out! :D

I used some of my fav jokes in this like the drums-and-cymbal one. Also the one about dogs saying 'hello' in Japan is one that I did actually tell some of my teachers I worked with and they loved it! XD Thought it was hilarious.

Fun Facts About Japan:

One more event for you to go with the last match. This one involves a line of students standing side by side bending down with their backs parallel to ground and their hands on their legs to brace themselves while another student runs (or rather walks as quick as possible) barefoot on their backs across the field. The goal being to get to the other side the fastest as the other teams are doing the same thing. Basically a more extreme relay race running across students' backs. Once the runner passes, the students have to run to become another part of the 'path' for the runner to continue on until they reach the other side. It's a mad scramble. XD

The last festival I attended this was the final big event because they didn't just cross the field once. No. They had both the boys and the girls for all three grades do this. So first year girls one way until they reach the other side of the field then the first year boys go the opposite followed by the second year girls and then boys and finishing on the third year girls and boys. Going back and forth until the third year boy runner makes it to the finish line. If the runner falls off, the student they ended on has to crouch down so the runner can step back up onto the next student's back to continue their run. This event takes a lot of teamwork. For the students who make the path to be on it when running to get into position. And for the runner who has another student, usually one of the team leaders, holding their hand to help with balance but the runner has to concentrate to keep from falling over or tripping on the way. Very intense and entertaining to watch! :D All the students are yelling words of encouragement while also screaming 'hurry up!' or 'hayaku!' ( 早く , はやく ). XD

And that's a wrap of the UA sports festival! Well, the various events and matches at least. We've got one more part to cover and that's the award ceremony! :D Featuring different povs such as from the Midoriya parental units as well as a couple from the winners, heroes, and even a villain! ;) Until next time, stay safe and report any typos or weirdness!

Chapter 54: Sports Festival: Awards Ceremony

Notes:

So...uh, I accidentally hit post? So you're getting this a day early? ^___^; Heh heh. Oops.

Thank you everyone for your comments last chapter! I was a little worried about writing a satisfying last match especially after the confrontation. I even had to take a break from writing that part to work on future parts just to refresh my brain from writing fights. Which helped a lot and let my mind stew on it in the back of my mind to come up with more ideas. And thus last chapter was born. So yay to y'all liking it! :D

With chapter 54 we finally have arrived at the award ceremony! :D We have quite a few pov changes this chapter. Parents, Heroes, students, and a Villain.

Warning for swearing for Bakugou and the Villain this chapter. Also warning for teasing near the end of the chapter. From "So...if we're best friends..." to just before "Hitoshi merely hummed in answer...".

Formatting reminder:
"Dialogue heard through a sound system."
...
"PRESENT MIC'S DIALOGUE HEARD THROUGH A SOUND SYSTEM."
...
"Hitoshi using his Quirk."

Also, we got fanart!! :D I made a fanart section to the discord so if you make anything, please share! I will love any and all that you give me. ^____^ Anyway, thank you so much CyreneHime and Canon on discord for the arts! I've added the links to them in chapter 6.

Also also! I was looking through my sports festival pictures and decided to make a tumblr post of the various team flags the students made for the festival. I added the link to chapter 35. I did say I would make one for the team chants and I will but I'll need to go through my closet to find them.

Anyway! Check those out if you'd like and let's get on with the chapter! :D

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

In the Midoriya apartment sat Inko on their couch in front of the TV as the live coverage of the UA Sports Festival played. Surrounded by piles of used tissues, she watched the crowd cheer for her son and his friend as they walked off to one of the stadium’s tunnels. The mother was so proud of Izuku and could clearly see the results of all his hard effort to train and prepare himself for the Sports Festival. He really did have what it took to face off against others even without a Quirk.

The fact that Izuku had won above all others really did fill her with a sense of pride. But it also filled her with guilt at the same time. Yes, she had supported her son in following his dreams and whatever endeavors he chose to pursue. But there had still been that doubt in the back of her mind that he wouldn’t have been able to do it. Just because he wasn’t born with a Quirk as everyone else was.

But Inko had been wrong. And she wasn’t ashamed to admit it. Because her son, her precious boy who was not born with the genetic disposition to have a fantastical power, won above all others. Izuku had fought his absolute hardest, using his smarts as well as his inventions, and eventually came out on top. Even earning a higher placement than Katsuki. Proving everyone, even her, that they were wrong to say, or think, he couldn’t just because he was Quirkless.

I need to apologize to Izuku when he gets back, Inko thought, signature Midoriya tears starting to well in her eyes. Ones of both guilt and pride. Then we’ll celebrate with a hard-earned meal of katsudon.

Upon seeing her tears, Hisashi spoke up from the video chat open on her phone in her hand. He wouldn’t be able to stay on for long but after Inko had messaged him to inform him their son would be competing in the final match, he had promptly called her to somewhat watch with her.

My dear, are you alright? Hisashi asked, looking at his wife in concern through the screen.

“O-oh, yes, I’m fine,” Inko assured him as she wiped the budding tears away. “I’m just so proud of our son.”

As am I,” Hisashi replied, a fond smile on his face. “Izuku has fought well and indeed proved himself to be a force to be reckoned with and worthy of first place.

“He sure did,” Inko said, smiling at the picture of her son on the screen as there was a review of each match’s results while they waited for the Award Ceremony to start.

Whenever they got to one of Izuku’s matches, her pride would surge stronger with each declared win. But no matter how much he had proven himself to her, there was something that she worried others would judge Izuku on despite all his victories. A wave of nervousness washed over her.

“Hisashi,” Inko said, her husband’s name coming out as quiet as a whisper. She received a hum in acknowledgement. “Do you think…will they…how will they react once they find out he’s Quirkless?”

I wonder that too, my dear,” Hisashi answered, his tone calm as ever and neutral expression hiding his concern. “Will they accept him for his efforts? Or will they ignore his hard work and merely focus on that one aspect of him? Only time will tell. However, no matter what others think of him, he has indeed proven himself to those that matter. That is what is most important.

“Y-you’re right, Hisashi, as always,” Inko said, wiping a few more tears away. Her husband always knew what to say. “Our son is amazing.”

~~

After a short amount of time, the students were called out to the field for the Awards Ceremony. The crowd cheered as musical fanfare rang through the air while fireworks went off in the sky. A line of photographers stood behind a fence situated behind the class groups of students. Flashes from their cameras flickered into life sporadically as they took pictures. Once everyone was in their places, Midnight took her position in the front to begin the ceremony.

Welcome back, everyone! the 18+ Only Hero announced. “Our first-year students have been put through their paces and have completed every challenge we’ve thrown at them during this year’s Sports Festival! Now it’s time for the long-awaited Awards Ceremony!

Up on the screens placed throughout the top of the stadium, a title card for the final event appeared. More fireworks and sparklers ignited in the air as the celebratory music resonated throughout the arena. From behind Midnight, blasts of confetti shot into the air as the first, second, and third place podiums rose from the ground out of nowhere. The effect courtesy of the combined efforts of Cementoss and Power Loader.

On the lowest podium stood the third-place winners from the semifinal matches. Todoroki was on one side of the platform closer to the others with his usual stoic expression on his face. On the other stood an annoyed Bakugou with his arms crossed in irritation and was situated to be as far away from the others as possible in the small area. A bandaged but still clearly irked Aizawa was behind the explosive teen, keeping an eye on the boy who was still very much in trouble even though the audience didn’t know that.

On the second-place podium stood Hitoshi with a rightfully prideful smirk on his face. Purple eyes looked out at the crowd as they yelled and clapped. He raised his hand in the direction of the General Studies section as they applauded for their sole representative. Hitoshi was honored to be the one to represent the ones who had slipped through the cracks because of a ‘weak’ or ‘villainous’ Quirk.

And finally, on the highest podium stood Izuku, smiling proudly from his hard-earned spot in first place. He was free of any Support Items except for the bodysuit he had worn throughout the festival. His green curls were messy as always and his green eyes took it all in. The fanfare, the fireworks, the cheering of the crowd. All of the jovial atmosphere was a bit overwhelming but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Hey, how’s the view from up there, shorty?” Hitoshi called out from the slightly lower stand to the greenette’s right. Izuku shot him a playful glare.

“Pretty good, Hitoshi-kun,” he replied, beaming down at his friend. “Pretty damn good.”

To his left, Izuku heard a slight chuckled and he turned to see Todoroki looking up at him with a small fond smile. The greenette in turn gave his friend a warm smile while Bakugou scoffed and rolled his eyes. Aizawa kept his bandage covered glare on the blonde while Midnight watched Izuku and Todoroki with a fond smile before turning back to the students.

Now that we have this year’s winners in place,” the R-rated Hero said. “It’s time to break out the hard-earned hardware!

The crowd applauded in excitement for the giving of the medals.

This year we have a very special someone to hand out the awards,” Midnight continued, giving a wink to the people in the stands. From atop the stadium, a broad muscular figure appeared as the signature laugh of a certain Hero floated through the air. “Here to present them is none other than…!

In the midst of her announcement, the Number One Hero leapt from the top of the stadium down to the field, proclaiming loudly with no need for a microphone, “I am…!”

…the Symbol of Peace himself…!

“…here with the medals!” the blonde powerhouse exclaimed as he landed in an iconic Hero pose. While at the same time, Midnight said, “…All Might!

The arena fell into an awkward silence for a moment. The two Heroes looked at each other in confusion as they had both interrupted the other. Then again, they hadn’t practiced his entrance all that much, if at all, before the day of the festival. So, the timing and logistics were a bit, or rather a lot, off.

Oops! Sorry to cut you off there, All Might,” Midnight apologized with a sheepish smile. “Well, um, let’s continue with the ceremony!

All Might approached the podiums with Midnight following behind while holding a tray with four medals on it. The man took one of the bronze medals and turned towards the first third place winner, Bakugou. The shorter prickly blonde glared at the coppery-brown disk in distain as All Might came closer.

“Young Bakugou, congratulations on your placement,” All Might said, smiling down at the explosive youth. Though internally he felt unease at the hard look on the boy’s face. “You may not have placed in first as you proclaimed, but you certainly put forth much effort to get where you are now. So, take this medal as a representation of your hard work.”

“I don’t want that stupid ass medal,” Bakugou growled in annoyance while Aizawa shifted his posture ever so slight in case the teen tried something. “Anything other than first place is worthless and I don’t need that shitty thing. This whole shit show is absolute crap if that useless fucker Deku can win. This is all bullshit.”

All Might spared a glance up at Izuku who kept his focus away from the scene and then to Aizawa on how to proceed. The bandaged Hero gave a small nod for him to continue. The Symbol of Peace then cleared his throat as he turned back to Bakugou.

“Well, uh, you may not have ended up where you wished, young Bakugou,” All Might said, hiding his unease behind his iconic smile as he held out the medal. “But you still managed to place rather high. Please still accept this award. Even if as a reminder of how far you’ve come and how much further you wish to go.”

The smiling Hero reached forward to place the medal around Bakugou’s neck. The shorter blonde tried to back away but Aizawa lightly by firmly shoved him forward. With a grumble, Bakugou begrudgingly accepted the bronze medal given to him. Though rather than wear it around his neck, he snatched it by the ribbon from the man’s hand and crossed his arms in a huff with the medal dangling from his fist.

“Now then, to Young Todoroki,” All Might said as he grabbed the second bronze medal. “Congratulations to you as well. You certainly worked hard throughout this festival remaining at the top during the first and second rounds. Although you did not end up in first as you have most of the day, your efforts have still carried you this far.”

“Thank you, All Might,” Shouto said, staring up at the Hero he looked up to and aspired to be like. “I was reminded of some things about myself today that I had forgotten.” The bi-color teen spared a glance up at Izuku to his right who smiled down at him before he turned back to the Hero in front of him. “Of the kind of Hero I want to become. I…still have some…things to settle and others I need to work on. But with some time and help, I hope to become better.” He looked up at the Number One Hero with his typical stoic face but his eyes were filled with hope.

“It is quite refreshing to see this new look on your face, young Todoroki,” All Might said as he placed the medal around the younger’s neck. “Whatever it is you need to work through, know that if you are in need of help you have others you can rely on.”

“Yes, sir,” Shouto replied with a bow of his head.

Then All Might and Midnight moved over to the second-place podium where Hitoshi was. The brainwasher kept a neutral face but gulped nervously at being so close to the Number One Hero himself. All Might wasn’t his idol or favorite Hero, however he couldn’t help but freak out a little because it was freaking All Might! The purple haired teen would deny he had an inner Hero fanboy and blame Izuku for infecting him with his fanboy-itis.

“Young Shinsou, congratulations,” All Might said, smiling at the General Studies student. “We have not officially met before now, but it is a pleasure to see you here. You have shown yourself to be a well-rounded fighter by not only using your Quirk but also your physical strength. Well done on placing in second.”

“Thank you, All Might,” Hitoshi said, his inner reverence showing in his purple eyes as the man placed the silver medal around his neck.

And then it was Izuku’s turn. The greenette was forcing himself to stay still but internally he was buzzing with excitement. Because they had done it. Both Hitoshi and himself had made it through the first and second rounds just enough to stay in the running but still under the radar. Which brought them to the third round as the underdogs along with Mei though she had only had the goal to show off her babies.

Hitoshi and he had fought their hardest to get to where they are now, standing in the proverbial winner’s circle. Neither had cared who ended up placing higher than the other when they had been training for the Sports Festival. They only cared about both of them placing high enough to be considered for transfer into the Hero Course. Which they certainly seemed to have accomplished being in second and first place respectively.

“And finally, to our first-place winner,” All Might said as he walked up the stairs to the tallest podium with the gold medal in hand. “Congratulations, young Midoriya!”

Izuku beamed up at the Hero, filling with pride from his childhood idol’s praise.

“You certainly have fought hard today to end up here…”

An irritated scoff sounded from the lowest podium which Izuku knew came from Bakugou. All Might made no comment though he did glance fleetingly at the angry one of the third-place winners.

“…as well as have shown the versatility of your Support Items. For your ingenuity and hard work, I present to you this medal as this year’s first year UA Sports Festival first place winner!”

The crowd hooted and hollered as the Number One Hero placed the gold medal around Izuku’s neck. On either side of him, his friends looked up at him. Hitoshi with a proud smirk and Shouto with a subtle supportive smile. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Bakugou glaring at him while Aizawa glared at the blonde in turn. But Izuku wouldn’t let his childhood friend ruin this moment.

Instead, the greenette stood there with the gold medal hanging around his neck and a blindingly bright smile on his face, basking in the moment.

~~~

Katsuki glared up at Deku as the cheating fucker had that smug look on his face. Him and his equally cheating Troll friend who stole the top spots from those who rightfully deserved them. But more of his anger was pointed at Deku who was in the place Katsuki was meant to be in. First place.

But he wasn’t. Third. Fucking third. Again. Third he shared with that damn Half-and-Half bastard. Might as well be shitty fourth considering he had lost to that Brainfucker who then lost to Deku. And fucking IcyHot had the audacity to look up at the shitty ass Deku like he could shit gold. On top of that, he was in trouble for some reason for trying to teach the nerd his place. Like he has always done.

No one has ever stopped me from doing it before so why now? Why does everyone think that Deku is anything special now? He’s just a useless Quirkless loser who will never amount to anything.

‘And yet he won and stands in first place. Unlike you.’

Shut. Up.

LET’S HEAR ONE LAST SHOUT OUT TO OUR WINNERS! OUR THIRD PLACE WINNERS, BAKUGOU KATSUKI AND TODOROKI SHOUTO, BOTH FROM THE HERO COURSE!!

Well, at least my name was first, Katsuki thought as the people in the stands cheered.

‘Because you’re in fourth.’

Shut up!

OUR SECOND PLACE WINNER, SHINSOU HITOSHI FROM GENERAL EDUCATION!!

The section where all the Gen Ed extras roared in support of the Troll fucker.

AND OUR FIRST PLACE WINNER, MIDORIYA IZUKU FROM THE SUPPORT COURSE!! OUR FIRST EVER QUIRKLESS WINNER!!

It happened like a flip of a switch. The crowd that had been an annoying cacophony of noise went suddenly silent at that revelation. Katsuki watched as the smile on Deku’s face melted away and morphed into a blank expression. The entire stadium was eerily quiet as the crowd took their sweet time absorbing the fact that someone without a Quirk stood in first place over all the other students with powerful Quirks.

The build was slow. It started with small statements of disbelief. Questions of if it was true and comments of whether there really were still Quirkless people. Then it grew to shouts of anger. Declarations that there was no way a Quirkless person could have possibly won as well as inquiries as to why someone Quirkless had even been allowed to compete. Let alone attend UA at all. Not everyone was in an uproar, but a large portion of the crowd was yelling and screaming an onslaught of protests.

See? Even they don’t think Deku should be here, Katsuki thought as he clicked his tongue and crossed his arms. He’s Quirkless and has no place in a competition for Heroes.

‘Says the person in fourth about the one in first.’

Fucking shut up already!

Katsuki growled at the inner voice and ground his teeth in frustration. Pointedly ignoring the sour feeling in his gut as the crowd continued to jeer.

~~~

For the first time that day, Shouta wished he was in the commentator’s box so he could yell at a stadium full of idiots. Hell, he’d even go for the excitable pink one’s PA hack job. Unfortunately, neither option was available to the Erasure Hero because he had to be there to keep an eye on the explosive troublemaker in front of him.

Shouta had known how society viewed the Quirkless and how they were treated. How the dwindling percentage of the population was at around 20% last he checked. Though that percentage was most likely lower than that nowadays and most were in the older generation. He knew the statistics of those that are Quirkless in regards to discrimination, abuse, suicide, kidnapping, murder, and even resorting to crime to survive. He knew the numbers and the stories.

But seeing it firsthand like this was an entirely different experience.

The entire day, the mass of spectators applauded and cheered for the boy same as everyone else. Shouted their support as he rose in the rankings. Yelled their congratulations when he claimed first place. But as soon as his Quirk status was revealed, they turned on Midoriya as if he was a leper.

Is this the kind of ridicule Midoriya has faced all his life?

The tired man eyed the problem child who stood there with a neutral expression. Not wanting to reveal what he was feeling underneath as the crowd continued to protest. Most likely a long-learned defense mechanism to reactions such as this. For his most-definitely-future student to have to deal with crap like this, on live television no less, filled Shouta with so much anger at today’s society.

He, himself, had experienced Quirk discrimination growing up. Having a Quirk that erased most others just with line of sight led to Shouta being avoided by most everyone and marked as a Villain. Similar to what Shinsou had revealed somewhat during their training sessions. Though Shinsou was tight-lipped about the details so there wasn’t much the Hero could do about it except for showing his support and encouragement to the purple kindred spirit.

Shouta had wondered about what exactly Midoriya, who was just as tight-lipped as his friend, had gone through before UA. Had assumed there had been some level of discrimination and/or bullying. But he didn’t expect this level of animosity just because the boy didn’t have a Quirk. This, on top of what had happened with Bakugou earlier, solidified Shouta’s need to look into the green one’s past.

~~~

Toshinori wasn’t sure what to make of the situation. Midoriya had fought hard and had earned his place at the top. Before the reveal of his Quirk status, the crowd seemed to agree. But as soon as Present Mic had revealed his Quirklessness, all of his efforts were cast aside as folly. All because the boy was not born with natural strength.

Has the view of the Quirkless really gotten this bad since I was Quirkless myself?

A feeling of guilt flickered in the Hero’s heart as he remembered that he too had been one to judge the boy by his Quirk status when they first met. Had told the boy that he couldn’t become a Hero like him without a Quirk. That his voice had joined the probably thousands that had also told the boy no. But he didn’t mean to say that the boy could do nothing. Just not becoming a Hero like him. Not without a Quirk.

Although, if he did have one, young Midoriya has the makings of a fine Hero with his skills, strength, and desire to help others.

The idea in the back of his mind of the boy possibly being the successor Toshinori had been looking came forward once more. Midoriya certainly had the drive and discipline to be a possible wielder of One For All. Perhaps, after the festival was over and school started again, he would talk with Midoriya about the offer.

If Midoriya still wants to be a Hero, and the boy has certainly placed high enough to be considered for transfer, perhaps One For All would be what the boy could use to attain his dream. To become a Hero.

~~~

A pale-dry hand scratched at a pale-dry neck as Tomura watched the end cut scene play out since the PvP fights were over and done with. Red eyes focused on the head of green curls of the possible admin he sought. He still wasn’t 100% certain the boy was who he was looking for but he definitely had enough EXP and skills unlocked to not be just a mere NPC.

The decayer rolled his eyes as the Number One Asshat made a flashy entrance but then snickered as it was ruined by the scantily clad Hero messing up his intro. He continued to scratch his neck as he waited for the so-called Hero to hurry the fuck up and finish handing out the medals. Tomura had gotten a new game just the other day and was itching to play it but had to wait until the damn Sports Festival was over.

He distracted himself through the showboating by opening a new window of his web browser to catch up on the news and see if there were any possible new recruits. Finally, the obnoxious loud Hero announced the winners one more time prompting the mass of NPCs to be annoyingly noisy. Red eyes flickered back to the live feed and that head of green hair. Then the bomb was dropped.

The boy, Midoriya, was Quirkless.

At first, Tomura stared at the screen in confusion. The one he suspected to be the admin turned out to not have a Quirk at all. Which, in his mind, mostly threw off the possibility of Midoriya being the admin at all. After all, with how quickly the admin had figured out their Quirks at the USJ, he had to have an Analysis Quirk or whatever. As if someone could be that naturally smart.

Right?

But then again, the kid did show his own quick thinking during his PvP fights. Revealing his skills as a crafter and a fighter. The fact that a Quirkless person showed up all those Hero-wannabes drew out an eerie chuckle from the man-child’s chapped lips.

Then, as the crowd began to turn on Midoriya and yell in anger rather than praise, a creepy smile spread across the light blue haired Villain’s face. The sight of the boy’s expression morph from one of pride to one that was blank and guarded. As if he was used to such treatment from others. Treatment that for many would lead them down the path of Villainy.

The identity of the admin was still unclear and the chance of Midoriya being him seemed slim as of now with the reveal that the boy was Quirkless. Though, the decayer wouldn’t rule him out as a possible candidate without further investigation into the matter. Either way though, with how the crowd reacted to the Quirkless teen despite all his hard work, perhaps he could be a possible addition to the League.

If society won’t accept this player just because he doesn’t have a Quirk, the League of Villains will welcome him to our party with open arms.

Speaking of possible players to add to their party, Tomura turned his attention to the news article open on the other window. Red eyes flickered over the stilled shot taken from a security feed of an alley in Hosu. The alley itself wasn’t what he was interested in but rather the slightly burry figure of the man running into it. A man the leader of the League of Villains hoped to recruit.

The Hero Killer…Stain.

~~~

After several failed attempts at calming the crowd, Present Mic simply declared the end of the Sports Festival and the students were released to get ready to go home. First the winners were escorted off the field by Shouta and All Might. The others would follow class by class under the supervision of Midnight and Cementoss.

The group of six entered the tunnels together. Their number lessened as All Might excused himself with Izuku and Shouta being the only ones in the group to know that he was close to his limit. Shouta remained to watch over Bakugou. The blonde was still in trouble after all.

“Alright, here is how this will go,” Shouta said in his usual matter-of-fact-ness. “There will be no school on Monday to give all of you two days to recover. Come Tuesday it will be business as usual. Well, mostly. Midoriya, Shinsou…”

The said pair looked up at the tired man.

“…tomorrow you are to come to school for a meeting with Nezu in the morning. He has something to discuss with both of you.”

The two shared a look and then turned back to Shouta, the green one with a big smile and the purple one with more of a smirk but just as happy of one.

“Midoriya, we contacted your mother and requested her to come as well as we have another…issue to discuss.”

Shouta glanced at Bakugou on the word ‘issue’ as the explosive teen scowled. Midoriya nodded meekly as Shinsou glared at the blonde while Todoroki looked confused.

“Bakugou, you will also have a meeting with Nezu tomorrow but at a later time. Your parents have been contacted as well and informed of the meeting to discuss your actions from earlier. You are to remain at school until they arrive today to pick you up.”

Bakugou glowered as he shoved his hands in his pockets.

“Midoriya, Shinsou, return to your classes’ respective prep rooms until you’re called for homeroom. Same with you, Todoroki. As for you Bakugou, you too will do the same but are to remain with me after until your parents come. Understood?”

Three of the students nodded to show they did while the angry one clicked his tongue instead.

“Good. Now off with you, problem children.”

~~~

After the three friends of the group made a quick agreement to meet at the entrance after homeroom, Izuku and Hitoshi split off while Shouto and Bakugou headed off to the 1-A prep room with Aizawa in tow. The two friends headed down the hall and made their way towards the prep rooms walking in silence, both wrapped in their own thoughts. In the distance, they could hear the sound of the rest of the students heading towards their respective prep rooms.

“So,” Hitoshi said, breaking the silence. “What happened with Bakugou earlier?”

Izuku tensed up at the question. He didn’t want to talk about it. Especially since tomorrow he would mostly like have to with his mom coming to UA with him. But this was Hitoshi asking. One of his best friends. After his talk with Mei, Izuku realized that yes, she and Hitoshi were his best friends. And best friends shouldn’t keep secrets from each other. Or at least ones they could relate to and help with. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to relax.

“I…he…um,” Izuku muttered, still not wanting to talk about it but feeling he should. At least the highlights. Or rather lowlights. “We h-had an argument a-and he accused you and I o-of cheating and he y-yelled at me and he broke m-most of my Support Items a-and then Aizawa-sensei and Yamada-sensei sh-showed up and I…”

Izuku,” Hitoshi interjected as he was rambling.

“Yeah…?” the greenette replied, only to be brainwashed into silence.

Under the other’s control, he came to a stop in the hall and Hitoshi followed suit before releasing him from his mental hold.

“Relax, Izuku,” Hitoshi said, as life returned to his friend’s eyes. The taller boy placed a comforting hand on the other’s shoulder. “So, he came after you, huh? I know you’ve been avoiding him since school started, but for him to go after you like that…damn. Guess I get why you disguised yourself.”

“Y-yeah…,” Izuku sighed. “I expected s-something like this to happen, b-but I never thought it w-would be that bad.”

“You said he broke your gadgets, right?” Hitoshi asked.

“He…he p-pretty much broke everything,” Izuku answered, tears welling up in his eyes. “E-exploded them with his Q-Quirk. All my hard work. J-just…gone.”

Hitoshi pulled his friend into a hug which Izuku gladly accepted. Not something they did normally but sometimes a good hug is just what was needed. The greenette wrapped his arms around the other and smushed his face into his chest. The pair stood there hugging for short while, taking comfort from the contact.

“You’re one of my best friends, you know that?” the greenette mumbled into the other’s shirt.

“Really?” Hitoshi asked in disbelief. He pushed the short boy away slightly so he could see his face, keeping his hands on the other’s shoulders. “‘Cause you’re one of mine too.”

“R-really,” Izuku replied with a teary smile as he lowered his arms. “You and Mei-chan. I-I realized it today when I talked to Mei-chan about her match with Iida-kun. How he’s our friend along with the others. She’s going to apologize to him by the way.”

“You? Giving friend advice?” Hitoshi teased, earning a tongue being stuck out at him.

“Sh-shut up. Like you’re one to talk,” Izuku shot back as he knocked his friend’s arms away. “A-anyway, as Mei-chan said, and I quote, ‘there is a tier system in the concept of friends.’”

“She seriously said that?” the brainwasher snickered.

“Well, it is Mei-chan,” Izuku countered.

“True. Very, very true,” Hitoshi conceded. “So, we’re on the tier level known as ‘best’, then?”

“Yep!” Izuku chirped, a few tears still in his eyes but his mood was better than before.

“So…if we’re best friends,” the taller teen drawled. “What does that make Todoroki to you?”

He wiggled his eyebrows at the other who playfully whacked his arm.

“Friends!” Izuku insisted as he turned to walk down the hall. “Shouto-kun and I are just friends.”

“Oh, so it’s ‘Shouto-kun’, now?” Hitoshi grinned as he followed.

“Sh-shut up,” Izuku said, his cheeks blushed pink.

“Nothing wrong with liking someone, Izuku,” the purple haired teen said as he side-eyed the blushing boy as they walked. “Any progress past the hand holding?” The greenette’s face reddened further and he hid his face with his hands. “I’ll take that as a ‘yes’.”

“W-we hugged,” Izuku confessed through his fingers. “It was n-nice.”

Hitoshi merely hummed in answer as he patted his friend’s shoulder in comfort. They continued the rest of the way in silence, the sounds of the other students steadily growing louder, and reached the room for 1-H. The purple haired teen bid Izuku goodbye and then walked off to his own class’s room. The greenette watched his friend go for a second before walking into the prep room to wait.

Notes:

Well that was an array of reactions. First off, good parent Inko and Hisashi being proud of their son. Second, the students being proud of their placement or mostly. Bakugou certainly isn't but his inner voice isn't going easy on him. I hope you liked my version of his reaction though 'cause the canon version where he's basically foaming at the mouth is just wrong. Calm the fuck down, explody boy. Third, Aizawa hates life and judgmental people and wants to yell at all the idiots. While Awkward Might is awkward. Fourth, Shiggy makes an appearance again and has shown interest in Izuku! Watch out broccoli boy! Handy man's got his eye on you. Fifth, the crowd. Gods that hurt to write. I don't want to but I feel that's how the world would react in this AU. Izuku is challenging long standing social norms in regards to quirks and power. He's got an uphill battle ahead of him but what else is new. Guess he'll just have to keep trying.

So Bakugou is very much still in trouble. Aizawa is keeping an eye on explody boy. And Izuku sort of tells Hitoshi what happened though more of a summary than anything. He's still feeling overwhelmed by the confrontation so doesn't want to talk about it. Hitoshi is a good bestie and hugs are just freaking necessary sometimes, ya know?

Just a reminder in regards to Present Mic announcing like that, back in chapter 34 that was what Izuku asked him to do. To wait until he either lost or won first place. :P

Fun Facts About Japan:

Once the sports festival is done, the students form into their groups before the podium and the judges. They do have judges that come to be unbiased in the points. I would guess people from another school or part of the Board of Education. Based on my experience serving as judge for the English speech contest the next city over at one point and that same city would send judges to watch our students. To be as fair as possible. Anyway, at the reveal of the winner, they like to be all dramatic about it. The schools will show the scores putting one number up at a time. During the entire festival, the points would be updated and reach the triple or even quadruple digits on the school's scoring system. For the final score, the schools I went to would put the ones place first followed by the tenths and then the thousandths place if there are multiple teams in the same thousandths or they will put the tenths place followed by the hundredths then thousandths if there is a clear winner. For example from one of my schools' reveal:

Blue: ---3, Yellow: ---6, Red: ---5, Orange: ---9
Blue: --83, Yellow: --36, Red: --35, Orange: --89
Blue: 1-83, Yellow: 1-36, Red: 1-35, Orange: 1-89
Blue: 1383, Yellow: 1336, Red: 1435, Orange: 1289

They really like building up the tension. XD Of course the winning team freaks out. The team leaders get presented a trophy by the principal along with a certificate. Typically when receiving anything anything in Japan, whether a certificate, business card, book, trophy, etc., you grasp it with both hands. I believe the right and then the left. Then both parties give a bow before the giver lets go and the receiver keeps it in their hands. If it's on a stage, the receiver would then turn around to the crowd and bow to them before leaving the stage. So there's an award for the winner of the sports festival but there is also an award for cheering. Whichever team showed the most spirit and enthusiasm in their cheers both during the cheering competition as well as from the sidelines during the events. So the cheering part is very important along with the events.

Once the awards are handed out and the principal, a few teachers, and the team leaders make speeches, the students get in their groups for group picture time. There are photographers there the entire time btw taking toooooons of pictures of the events and the students in general.

That's it for this chapter! This marks the official end of the sports festival arc (thank goodness), but not the end of this day. Izuku is just so busy all the time. Next chapter we have Izuku reflecting on what happened, best friend Mei, people being idiots, and friend times! ^___^ Until then, thanks for reading and report any typos or weirdness!

Chapter 55: Support For Support

Notes:

Another Tuesday brings another update! :D We're gonna have some friend times fluff mixed with a bit of angst of people being judgmental idiots. Here's to hoping everything turns out ok! ^___^ The chapter title is a call back to Izuku's talk with Uraraka before her fight against Bakugou back in chapter 45. ;P

Warning for teasing at the line starting like "Excited to bring someone..." but it's just that one line. The one after is fine. Maybe just read the dialogue part and not the descriptive part?

Formatting reminder:
-Dialogue using sign language.-

 Also, those who are up to date on the manga as of chapter 300/301, just oof...the feels are real.

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Upon entering the 1-H prep room, Izuku’s nerves were on edge being in the room once more where Bakugou had confronted him. Where he had screamed at and berated Izuku. Where he had destroyed weeks of work in mere seconds. Where he had attacked him with his Quirk. Where Izuku had felt he could have been seriously hurt if Aizawa and Yamada hadn’t come when they did. Where it still smelled ever so slightly of nitroglycerin. The only sign of something having happened in that room as his destroyed Support Items had been cleaned up.

On one of the many tables was his box for his Support Items. Hesitantly, Izuku walked towards it and opened the lid. Inside the box were his Support Items, or rather, what was left of them. His Fire Breath mask had managed to be unscathed since it had been around his neck at the time. His belt and bombs too as he had been wearing the belt around his waist. His goggles were fine as well though currently in the possession of Aizawa. Perhaps he would get them back tomorrow at the meeting.

But the rest…his Tape Gun, Jet shoes, collapsible shield, electric escrima rods, and his right electric glove…they were all ruined. Burnt and broken. Just a pile of scrap metal. Resembling something he would have expected to find on the beach turned dump back before he had cleaned it. It hurt to see weeks of work, hours upon hours of labor, all destroyed in just a few minutes. All because Bakugou fucking Katsuki had to throw a temper tantrum like a teenage toddler. Because apparently, he thought that Izuku had been looking down on him for years.

It’s the fucking opposite, you idiot!

Izuku had looked up to his once-friend even after Bakugou had turned bully to him. A fact he was finally willing to admit to himself. Bakugou was a bully. His bully. Yet despite that, he had seen the other boy’s potential. In his strong will. In his Quirk. In his aspirations to be a Hero. Bakugou had so much potential to be an amazing Hero. Or so he had thought.

But after this stunt, Izuku was second guessing that potential. Years of praise and lack of consequences had tainted that potential and clouded Bakugou’s mind with the mindset that he was the best. That being the best was the most important thing in the world. To become the be-all and end-all of Heroes. Causing him to focus on becoming number one to prove that which he considered fact over doing what a Hero actually does.

Save people.

As of now, Bakugou was gearing up to be the next Endeavor. Which, after he revealed he had listened in on Izuku’s talk with Shouto, the explosive teen knew the man was not one to aspire to be. A man who was acting like Villain but in Hero’s clothing. If something wasn’t done to curb his anger, Izuku wasn’t sure what kind of Hero Bakugou would become.

Is a Hero still a Hero if his goal wasn’t to save people but rather just be the best? Would a Hero like Endeavor fall under Akaguro-san’s definition of a fake Hero? Would Bakugou, if he continued down this path, be marked as one as well?

All are questions he had no answers to, but perhaps Izuku may be paid a visit by the man tonight. Taking into consideration the newish trend in his life of the Villain’s irregularly regular visits, he thought it was definitely above zero chance of happening. Certainly, more likely than of Bakugou ever apologizing to him.

Bakugou? Apologize? Yeah right.

The sudden opening of the door made Izuku jump as the rest of 1-H had arrived. He quickly shut the box not wanting his classmates to see the mess Bakugou had made. A second later, the greenette found himself being tackled by an excitable pinkette from behind.

“Oof, nice to see you too, Mei-chan,” Izuku said, patting her arm as best he could as her own were pinning his to his sides.

“You did it, Izuku!” Mei cheered into his ear. Quite loudly in fact.

He playfully shoved her face away from his ear. Mei giggled into his hand and took her cue to let go of him. Others of 1-H also expressed their congratulations to the first-place winner.

“Congrats on winning!”

“Way to stick it to the Hero Course!”

“Support Course for the win!”

Izuku accepted their praise with pink dusted cheeks and a shy smile. “Thanks, everyone.”

Though, he did not miss the handful of students who stood back from the group, eyeing him in a way that reminded him of junior high. Some of whom had congratulated him earlier before his Quirk status was revealed but now gave him looks filled with judgement, suspicion, and degradation. Looks that made him lower his head in shame. Looks that were not missed by Mei.

“Hey!” Mei called out, pointing at them. “You got a problem with Izuku?”

Those that had congratulated him upon entering turned catching the tail end of the others’ glares that then morphed into surprise for being called out. Some looked embarrassed, the ones that had previously supported him, while a few returned to glaring.

“Seems weird that a Quirkless kid could win,” one said with their arms crossed.

“Says someone who didn’t even make it past the first round,” Mei snapped back.

“Or that he was even allowed into UA at all,” another interjected.

“What does his lack of Quirk have to do with going to high school?” Mei sneered.

“UA is a prestigious school and shouldn’t be sullied with the dregs of society,” yet another chimed in.

Izuku, used to such comments, kept his eyes cast down as he was once again judged because of his Quirklessness. But Mei wasn’t having it and continued to argue with them and defend Izuku. All while the supportive Support students formed a protective circle around the boy who had fought his hardest and defeated them all. Both gestures he appreciated but didn’t feel like he deserved.

“Mei-chan,” Izuku called out, stopping the argument. “This isn’t the first time people have said such things about me and it won’t be the last. Let it go. Please.”

Mei turned to her friend to see his solemn expression and sighed, “Ok, Izuku.”

The circle of supportive students made an opening as she approached her friend and  brought him into a hug while she glared at the judgemental students. Those that had been questioning his right to even be in UA had the decency to look at least slightly guilty of their words while those who appeared ashamed looked even more so.

The group of students broke apart to gather any loose Support Items to put back in their boxes. The pinkette watched them for a few seconds more before turning back to her friend. She gave him one last squeeze before letting go. Izuku waited while Mei looked through her babies. He didn’t even bother since most of his were now broken pieces of junk.

Guess I’ll have to start over again, Izuku thought as he eyed his box sadly. Then his gaze turned thoughtful. Though, this does give me the opportunity to make some adjustments and upgrades.

“So, Hero-kun,” Mei chimed as she inspected the last of her babies before putting it in her box. “How did you break out of Hitoshi’s Quirk? You came out for that fight baby free.”

“Oh, I used this,” Izuku replied as he reached into his pocket.

He pulled out the small disk and showed it to Mei. The dark pupils of her yellow eyes widened and shrank like the aperture of a camera as she scanned the object.

“Is that…” she asked in a tone of awe. “…is that the one you made in my lab?”

“Yep! My very first invention,” Izuku confirmed with a nod. “The timed buzz was just enough to allow me to break his control. And if you think about it, a lot of the credit for my win over Hitoshi-kun goes to you, Mei-chan.”

“Me?” Mei asked in surprise. “Why?”

“For teaching me,” he answered with a warm smile. “Without your help, I wouldn’t have known anything about inventing and so wouldn’t have been able to build my Support Items let alone get into UA’s Support Course. So, thank you, Mei-chan.”

The pinkette’s cheeks flushed as pink as her hair. Then a great big smile grew on her face and she glomped her friend once again.

“No problem, Hero-kun!” she chirped in his ear, just as loud as before. She gave him a strong squeeze before pulling back a bit to look at him with her arms still around his shoulders. “Hey, if that Hero shtick doesn’t pan out, you’ll always have a place as my baby making partner.”

Izuku blushed at her comment but said nothing to correct her and merely sighed in adoration of her antics.

“Thanks, Mei-chan,” he said, pulled her in for another hug before letting go. “Although, there might be some progress with the ‘Hero shtick’.”

“Oh?” Mei said as she pulled away.

“Hitoshi-kun and I are going to be meeting with Nezu-sensei tomorrow morning to discuss something,” Izuku revealed with a cheeky smile. “I wonder what that could possibly be about.”

“Yes!” Mei cheered, punching her fist up in the air. “Hero-kun is gonna be a Hero!”

“It’s not for sure,” Izuku interjected. “But I really really hope so.”

“You’ve got this, Izuku,” Mei insisted with a friendly shoulder pat. Then her face lit up as some kind of idea popped in her head. “Oh! That means we have to revamp all of your babies so they are show ready for your Hero debut!”

Mei went to go open his box but he slammed his hand down on the lid. Yellow cross-haired eyes flicked up to green ones in surprise, finding a hard look.

“Mei-chan, please don’t,” Izuku pleaded. “Not now.”

“O-ok, Izuku,” Mei conceded with a worried tone. “Can I ask why?”

“Th-there was an…incident before my fight with Hitoshi-kun,” Izuku said hesitantly. “A lot of my Support Items got…damaged.”

He didn’t elaborate any further as he had with Hitoshi. The brainwasher may hate Bakugou’s guts but he had enough restraint not to attack the blonde in revenge. Especially not with their possible transfers on the line. But Mei was a wild card most, if not all, of the time and he didn’t entirely trust her to not go on a baby making rampage with Bakugou serving as her unwilling test subject. He would tell her eventually though, during a time he could keep an eye on her and talk her down if need be, but not yet.

The pinkette considered her friend as his mood had shifted from a cheerful one to sullen again. She didn’t press for more details and merely grabbed his shoulder in comfort. At this point, a bell chimed to signal the students to return to their homerooms. The students of 1-H finished gathering their things and headed out of the room.

After a quick pit shop at the locker rooms to change back into their formal uniforms and Izuku removing his under armor adding it to his box, the students headed towards the studio to return their boxes with Izuku keeping his first invention with him. Technically he wasn’t supposed to take any Support Items home from UA but also technically that only applied to inventions made on campus. Which the disk was not and in fact had been made at Mei’s lab instead. So, technically he could and would bring it home with him. Though, all this technicality apparently didn’t bother Mei as he eyed her sneaking some of her babies into her bag to work on later.

Typical Mei-chan, Izuku thought as he smiled fondly at his friend’s dedication to inventing and saying nothing as he didn’t want to rat her out. After all, he was sneaking tech out too.

“Come on, Hero-kun,” Mei prodded once her bag was full. “Let’s blow this popsicle stand.”

Izuku giggled as he said, “We can’t just leave, Mei-chan. We still have homeroom.”

“Fine, fine,” Mei pouted. “We’ll go to homeroom and then we’ll blow this popsicle stand. Alright?”

“Sure,” he replied with a smile.

The end of day homeroom meeting went by in a blur. Izuku sat at his desk in the back, letting his mind wander as Maijima led the meeting. Thoughts shifting between the loss of his Support Items, the judgement of the crowd, and the turning of some of his classmates after the reveal he was Quirkless. The solemn expression of the greenette did not go unnoticed by the Hero as he filled them in on the change of schedule. Having two days off from school would be a nice respite after this long day. Izuku looked forward to the rest and even entertained the idea of hosting a sleepover.

Mei-chan and Hitoshi-kun have come over before and I’m sure mom wouldn’t mind. I’ll have to ask her first. Maybe we could have it tomorrow night? Oh, I wonder if Shouto-kun would like to come.

At the end of homeroom, Izuku and Mei gathered their things, her bag being a little bulkier than at the start of the day, and together they headed towards the school entrance. As they stepped outside, they moved off to the side to stand under a nearby tree. There they waited for the third of the Freakateers to arrive and watched the other students exit the building.

As students passed by, some would look over and recognized Izuku as he had just won the Sports Festival for the first years. He received a mix of reactions same as in the prep room. Some offered him smiles and nods of encouragement or calls of congratulations. Which caused him to blush and bow his head shyly in thanks. While others had the same looks of anger, suspicion, and judgement that made Izuku want to hide away from it all.

With years upon years of discrimination and bullying, one would think Izuku would have been used to such looks. But being at UA seemed to have lowered his tolerance to it. The Hero school was so different from his past ones. He had actual friends and teachers who wanted to help him. He had people who supported him and cared about him. Who didn’t care he was Quirkless.

But today, as the crowd had yelled and the people glared while passing hurtful comments back and forth had reminded him that not everyone thought the same. That many thought the Quirkless were weak and the lowest of the low in society. That someone without a Quirk could never amount to anything. Shouldn’t. That Quirkless people should just wait in the shadows until the progress of evolution bred them out of the gene pool altogether. That in this time of Quirks, there was no room in the world for the Quirkless.

So, yes, it hurt and it made Izuku want to hide. But he wouldn’t. He wanted to prove that he, and everyone else who was judged by this biased society, had the same right as anyone else to be here. To fight and succeed. To exist. To follow his dreams to become a Hero. The first Quirkless Hero in history. Because being a Hero is all he has ever wanted to be.

Therefore, rather than cower and hide, Izuku stood tall not letting their looks or words affect him. Beside him, Mei glared right back and from time to time would nod her head up in silent challenge to fight her. Thankfully, no one took her up on that offer and left the pair alone. It wasn’t long until Hitoshi came out the front door.

“Hey, Hitoshi-kun!” Izuku called out, waving their friend over. “Congrats on placing second!”

“Right back at ya, first place,” Hitoshi said as he joined them under the tree. “Man, today was something else. I’m so exhausted I could sleep for a week. Or at least I wish. Damn, insomnia.”

Izuku giggled. “I have a feeling after what we went through today, you’ll sleep just fine when you get home.”

The greenette caught a flash of sadness that flickered briefly in his friend’s purple eyes but it was gone in an instant.

What…what was that?

“I wish I could sleep when I get home,” a voice called out. The three friends turned to see it was Shouto approaching. “But knowing my father, he’s probably going to insist on me training since I lost.”

“Shouto-kun,” Izuku said, placing a comforting hand on his arm.

“It’s fine, Izuku,” Shouto said as he gave him an attempt at a reassuring smile.

“I-if you’re sure,” Izuku conceded, letting go of his arm.

Though as soon as his hand was down Shouto linked their pinkies together. As the two had their little moment, the other two watched.

“First names?” Mei whispered to Hitoshi who gave her a smirk and a nod. “Hmm…progress.”

“Yep,” Hitoshi answered simply and quietly. “They hugged too apparently.”

A grin spread on the pinkette’s face at that tasty piece of gossip. Mei wanted to ask for details but the moment was interrupted by the arrival of a group of other 1-A students.

“Hey, Mido and Co.!” Ochako called out with a wave.

She was followed by Kirishima and Tsuyu as well as Kouda, Tokoyami, Yaoyorozu, and Jirou. Though Iida was nowhere to be seen.

“Hi!” Izuku greeted as they joined them as Shouto let go of his finger. “Where’s Iida-kun, Ochako-chan?”

“Aizawa-sensei said he left early because of a family emergency,” she answered, looking worried for their mutual friend.

I hoped everyone is ok and it isn’t too serious, Izuku thought, sharing her concern. I’ll text Iida-kun later and let him know I’m open to help if he needs any. He was about to ask if she knew anything else when he was interrupted.

“Hey, Shinsou!” another voice called out. The now bigger group looked over to see Tetsutetsu waving at Hitoshi with Shiozaki and Shouda next to him. “Congrats, man!”

“I’ll be right back,” Hitoshi said as he turned to go say hello to his cavalry battle teammates.

“Now who’s the one collecting friends like Pokémon,” Izuku teased as he walked away.

“Still you, fanboy!” Hitoshi shot back with a dismissive hand raised. “You’ll probably have ten more by the time I’m back.”

The greenette stuck his tongue out as the brainwasher left briefly while the others around him chuckled. Other groups of 1-B students were also filing through the door heading home. Izuku picked out Monoma in the crowd. Pale blue eyes met green and recognition dawned on the copier’s face. The blonde seemed to be considering coming over but eyed the 1-A students around Izuku and merely gave him a nod and an acknowledging smile, which Izuku returned, before walking off.

“Good work today, everyone!” Izuku said, turning back to the group.

“Same to you, Izuku-chan,” Tsuyu said. “Congratulations on first place. To Shouto-kun as well for third.”

The other’s offered similar praises with Kouda’s being in sign and Izuku was just a bit overwhelmed by all the friendly kindness. But he smiled and took it all in while Shouto merely nodded.

“Th-thanks, everyone,” Izuku said with a warm smile and teary eyes. “For your words. They…they really mean a lot. A-and for being my friends even after everyone kn-knows I’m Quirkless.”

“Of course, we’re still your friends, Izuku,” Ochako said as she drew him into a hug which he returned in thanks. “Not having a Quirk doesn’t change that. The way the crowd reacted was not ok. Is that the reason you got upset earlier today before my match with Bakugou? About judging people on something out of their control?”

The brunette pulled away slightly to look at him. Tears ran from his green eyes down his freckled cheeks.

“Yeah, but after eleven years this after of being declared Quirkless you’d think I’d be used to it by now,” he sniffled as he let out a small wet self-deprecating chuckle.

Ochako pulled him into another hug while the others looked at him sadly for having to deal with such judgement from others. Even Dark Shadow came out because of his saddened state.

“Don’t listen to them, Mido,” the gravity girl proclaimed as she let him go. “You deserve to be in first place. No matter what those dumbies say.”

“Yeah, don’t be sad, Sun Boy!” Dark Shadow crowed insistently.

“Th-thanks, Ochako-chan, Dark Shadow,” Izuku sniffed as he stepped back to stand a little closer to Shouto who quickly linked their pinkies again in comfort.

“Hey, hey, hey, what’s with the tears?” Hitoshi said as he returned and the 1-B students left. “I leave and everything falls apart?”

“W-well, you are what holds us all together, Hitoshi-kun,” Izuku said cheekily as he wiped a stray tear away. “Like duct tape.”

“Uh, I think that actually is you, Izuku,” Hitoshi countered with a grin as he threw an arm around the shorter boy. “You are the one factor that’s brought this lil’ party together. The backbone of this group if you will and I can prove it.”

Izuku made a ‘by all means’ gesture with his free hand as Hitoshi then points out each person and said how they met in kind.

“Met in a garbage dump…”

Mei winked with a smirk.

“…met in a park…”

Kirishima pounded his fists with a manly grin.

“…tripped in front of her…”

Ochako offered a peace sign and a smile.

“…literally ran into…”

Hitoshi pointed himself with a smirk and quirked brow.

“…introduced through a friend…”

Tsuyu gave a ribbit.

“…training…”

Shouto let out a hum as he squeezed his pinkie.

“…aaand today in general.”

 Kouda blushed as Tokoyami nodded his head and Dark Shadow chirped. Yaoyorozu smiled and bowed her head as Jirou gave him a warm grin and a nod.

“Ok, ok,” Izuku conceded with a blush, pushing off his friend’s arm as the others giggled. “You made your point.”

Hitoshi nodded with a smug smirk as the others chuckled. Even Dark Shadow gave him a thumbs up and a wink. Speaking of the spirit.

“By the way, Izuku,” the brainwasher said, gaining the greenette’s attention. “Got some new insights into Tokoyami’s Quirk for ya.”

“Oh?” Izuku let out as both Tokoyami and sentient Quirk specter looked at him wide eyed.

“As you guessed, my Quirk works on Dark Shadow,” Hitoshi said and several of them present said similar ‘so that’s what happened’ comments.

“Yes, it was rather…unnerving,” Tokoyami said with a slight shiver. “Dark Shadow has never turned on me like that in the daytime. Only in the darkest of nights.”

The spirit, floating next to its person, looked down with unease.

“Aw, it’s ok, Dark Shadow,” Izuku said, trying to comfort the poor shadow. He reached out a hand to pet Dark Shadow and waited for the entity to closed the distance. “The fight is over and…woah!”

A feeling of static shock came as soon as Dark Shadow made contact with his bare hand. On instinct, Izuku pulled his hand back in surprise.

“I-I’m sorry, Sun Boy!” the spirit squawked guiltily, thinking it did something wrong as it cowered away.

“N-No! I’m ok!” Izuku assured. “But…what was that?”

“That’s one of the things I wanted to tell you,” Hitoshi interjected. “Dark Shadow feels like static incarnate. Physically. And mentally too for me. My Quirk’s pull feels different on it.”

“Wow, really?” Izuku said, looking up at Hitoshi in wonder and then turned to the specter. “That’s so cool! I had my gloves on before so I didn’t know. I wonder why Dark Shadow feels like that. That kind of sensation is usually associated with static electricity. Which is the result of an imbalance between negative and positive charges in an object. I wonder if…”

A flick to the arm stopped his muttering spiral.

“Snap out of it, Izuku,” Hitoshi said.

“S-sorry,” the greenette apologized with slightly flushed cheeks. “Um, Dark Shadow, Tokoyami-kun, may I?”

Again, he held his hand out to touch the phantom. The question put forth to both Tokoyami and the entity surprised the pair. Quirk user and said Quirk traded a look and Tokoyami gave a nod in way of saying it was up to the spirit. Dark Shadow then turned to the hand held out for him and again pressed into the flesh.

The feel of the living shadow against his bare skin was strange and interesting. Hitoshi was right that the Quirk being felt like the incarnatation of static in a more solid form. The darkness of the spirit buzzed with energy under his fingertips. Like the embodiment of the hum of a neon sign or the feeling when touching one of those lightning ball lamps. It was so different. So new and strange. So fascinating.

“Wow, that’s amazing,” Izuku said with a smile, eyes wide with wonder. “You’re amazing, Dark Shadow.”

The spirit then suddenly shot forward and hugged Izuku around his middle. “You too, Sun Boy!”

Petting Dark Shadow had been one thing. Having a sentient Quirk entity hugging him all of a sudden was another. Especially now that he wasn’t wearing any Quirk resistant gear like his gloves or his under armor. Izuku could feel the buzzing sensation of the specter through his uniform. It really was a unique experience. A little off putting but not too bad. He gave the phantom a short hug and patted its head again as it continued to hold him.

“Alright, that’s enough, Dark Shadow,” Tokoyami said with a stern voice.

“No!” Dark Shadow exclaimed. “Sun Boy is nice! I’m keeping him!”

What’s with the keeping again?

“I already told you that you can’t keep him as he isn’t a pet,” Tokoyami scolded the stubborn spirit. “Besides, we must be going if we are to catch our train.”

Dark Shadow grumbled as it reluctantly let go of Izuku. The entity knew that if Tokoyami was leaving so would Dark Shadow. The spirit may be sentient but was still tied to the Quirk that connected them.

“Don’t worry, Dark Shadow,” Izuku said to comfort the phantom. “We’ll see each other again.”

“Lunch?” Dark Shadow asked, perking up at the thought.

“Of course, if you would like to join us,” Izuku offered, more to Tokoyami since Dark Shadow didn’t actually eat. But they did come as a pair.

“The invitation is most appreciated, Midoriya,” Tokoyami said, accepting the offer. “Come the time school resumes, we would be honored to join your table.”

“Great!” Izuku chirped with a bright smile.

“Looks like you got yourself some competition, Todoroki,” Hitoshi commented over the greenette’s head as he put on a pair of prepared sunglasses.

The bi-color teen quirked a brow at the comment in confusion while Izuku elbowed the brainwasher in the gut. Mei, Ochako, and Tsuyu chuckled while the others of the group also looked confused. Izuku, knowing Shouto wanted to keep their gentle touches to themselves, moved to let go of the other’s pinkie under everyone’s scrutiny. But the ice user’s simple hold held firm, not letting the contact end.

Instead, he subtly shifted his stance ending up standing a bit closer to the greenette and brought their connected hands behind them out of view of the group. Briefly, the ice user did let go of his finger which confused Izuku at first until the other’s hand was taking his fully in its grasp. Intertwining their fingers.

Green eyes glanced up and connected with grey and blue ones. A now signature-Shouto small smile just barely showing on his lips. Izuku smiled back as the fluttering sensation in his stomach came back with a pink hue coloring his cheeks. From behind, he felt a reassuring squeeze of his hand.

It was a bit more forward than Shouto usually was with their friendly gestures. Especially since it was only their bodies that hid their joined hands rather than a table. But Izuku could figure after all of the emotional baggage that was unloaded today that Shouto was more focused on the comfort the contact provided than anything else. Much like he had been while they were cuddling in the nurse’s office. And who was Izuku to complain as he enjoyed it too.

The moment was subtle and quick, or at least Izuku hoped as he pointedly did not look at the three menaces that teased him on his possible crush. Aka Mei, Hitoshi, and now Ochako. Instead, he turned to the others not in their usual group.

“Oh, and if any of you want to join us too, you’re more than welcome,” Izuku extended the same offer. “We usually sit seven of us so adding more could be a tight squeeze. But if we find a big enough table it should be fine!”

“Thank you for the invitation, Midoriya-kun,” Yaoyorozu replied with a small head bow. “I will consider your offer.”

“Same,” Jirou added.

-If the table isn’t too full, I’d be happy to join you,- Kouda signed with a shy smile.

“Awesome!” Izuku cheered, feeling so happy to have so many friends. So many people who actually liked him and wanted to interact with him.

With that the group mostly broke up with the majority of the 1-A students leaving for their respective trains or buses. Only Shouto remained of the Hero Course students, leaving him, Mei, Hitoshi, and Izuku.

“Oh! I wanted to ask,” Izuku chimed in now that it was just them. “I was thinking that maybe we could have a sleepover at my house this weekend. To celebrate. I’ll have to ask my mom but she should be ok with it.”

He pointedly looked at all three of them individually as he talked and ended on Shouto to let him know he was invited too.

“You know I’m always down for a sleepover at your house, Izuku,” Mei replied with a wink. “More of auntie’s cooking? Heck yeah!”

“I’ve never been to a sleepover before,” Shouto confessed. “But I would like to. I’ll have to ask the old man, but I’ll come anyway even if he says no.”

“Awesome!” the greenette chirped with excitement. “What about you, Hitoshi-kun? Would your parents be ok with that?”

Again, there was a strange reaction from his friend. The purple haired teen’s eyes were hidden by his sunglasses, but there was a moment of tenseness in his shoulders and general body language.

Seriously, what was that?

“I’ll, uh, I’ll have to ask when I get back to the hou-…when I get back,” Hitoshi answered, a mere hint of sadness in his tone. “But it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“A-alright,” Izuku said, growing a bit concerned for his friend. “Well, um, I still have to ask my mom but I was thinking tomorrow?”

“I plan to visit my mother tomorrow morning,” Shouto said, earning a surprised but happy look from the greenette. “Will that be a problem?”

“Not at all!” Izuku answered with a cheerful shake of his head. “Hitoshi-kun and I have that meeting with Nezu-sensei tomorrow morning anyway. We could meet at my house in the afternoon.”

“Sounds good to me,” Hitoshi commented.

“I’m free so whenever works for me,” Mei added.

“Awesome! I’ll ask mom and let you know!” Izuku said with a big smile and then turned to Shouto. “I’ll also text you the address, Shouto-kun. Oh, you’ll get to meet my mom!”

“Excited to bring someone to meet your mom already, Izuku?” Hitoshi teased causing the flush on the shorter boy’s cheeks.

“That’s what he just said,” Shouto countered with a slightly confused look

That earned a deadpan one from the brainwasher in return who then shook his head and rolled his hidden eyes while Izuku giggled. Mei, on the other hand, had appeared to have lost interest and was actually looking into her bag at her smuggled babies.

“Shall we all head home now?” Izuku asked which everyone nodded in agreement.

Mei took the lead, eager to get back to her lab. Shouto and Izuku, letting go of each other’s hands but remaining close to one another, were not far behind. Hitoshi, hands in his pockets, followed bringing up the rear. The group of four headed towards the gate.

More people recognized the top three winners of the day and offered their congratulations as they passed. There were still some glares and quiet hurtful comments about the Quirkless boy who had won against all odds. But after meeting up and talking with his friends, Izuku found it easier to ignore them. He had fought hard using his own developed strengths physically, mentally, and technologically to come out on top using his training, analysis, and self-made Support Items.

His edge. And it had led him to victory.

Notes:

Still mixed reactions from people in regards to Izuku and his win. With 1-H being split is how I think how society will be like. Half or so being supportive and the other half or so not. So kind of a mini-representation of the world views on the matter. But no matter what, now that Izuku is in UA and pursuing his dream, he has great friends to back him up. ^____^ Talk to the hand, you negative Nellys of this AU's society! (no offense to any actual Nellys who I would assume are very nice!)

Uraraka's question about the crowd's reaction being why Izuku was so emotional during their talk before her fight with Bakugou was inspired by a comment from Cryst4lB34st so thanks for that. ^____^ You're right that they should have questioned him why but then didn't seem the time because it's kind of something you have to experience rather than being told. Plus, Izuku being Izuku would have probably try to down play it. But now his friends know the level of discrimination he was subjected to growing up if just a sampling. I sense the beginnings of the Izusquad forming. ;)

Fun Facts About Japan:

With the sports festival over, finally, let's talk about the verb 'tsukareru' ( 疲れる , つかれる ) which means 'to be tired'. This verb is used a lot in everyday life in Japan, from my experience, because of the phrase 'otsukaresama desu/deshita' ( お疲れ様です/でした , おつかれさまです/でした ). Now 'otsukaresama desu' does translate to 'you are tired' but it is said in a way that actually means 'thank you for your hard work' as in acknowledging that you are tired from working hard that day. The teachers would say it every so often during the school day. Mostly when someone was leaving for the day.

When leaving school, I would say 'osaki ni shitsurei shimasu' ( お先に失礼します , おさきにしつれいします ) with a bow to the other teachers which basically means 'sorry I'm leaving before you' and is a form of goodbye. Any direct translation loses the meaning of the phrase though. One of many in Japanese that translates differently than the intended meaning. Anyway, after I would say 'osaki ni shitsurei shimasu' as a goodbye, the teachers would reciprocate with 'otsukaresama deshita' as a thank you.

With the common use of this phrase, that's why in canon All Might goes to say 'otsukaresama deshita' in the Japanese dub, and 'thanks for your hard work' in the English dub, rather than the expected 'Plus Ultra'. Because that's what would typically be said. XD

Another way to use 'tsukareru' is to say 'tsukareta' ( 疲れた , つかれた ) meaning 'I'm exhausted'. The students would say this a lot when they would come back from PE class. Especially in the summer months 'cause Japan is hot and humid and as I said before, most schools do not have AC in the classrooms. Just fans. So 'tsukareta' was said a lot. XD

That's it for this chapter! Otsukaresama deshita to all the kiddos in the Sports Festival! :D They worked so hard. ^___^ Next update, we're going to learn more about Hitoshi, Shouto will learn about the confrontation, some TodoIzu fluff mixed in with that, and we'll get to meet another Todoroki! :) Until then, stay safe and report any typos or weirdness!

Chapter 56: Friends And Family

Notes:

And we're back with chapter 56! Time to figure what the heck is going on with Hitoshi as well as spending time with the Todorokis.

A commenter pointed out a plot hole back in chapter 11 regarding the Hero Practical points and how I had Kirishima and Uraraka meet in the exam. So I made an edit that fixed it. Thanks for that, WolfSongGirl! ^___^

Also, more fanart from CyreneHime! :D I added it to chapter 14's end notes because it's of Izuku in his Hiro-kun disguise. :)

Alright, let's get to it!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Hitoshi lingered behind the other three as they walked towards the gate, lost in thought. He was a little mad at himself for letting his emotions show through. Usually, he had control over them and hid his feelings when it came to the concept of parents and homes. But a few days ago, the foster family he had been staying with for a fair while had suddenly kicked him out. The parting hadn’t been terrible and was mostly amicable, but it still had left him feeling bitter about it.

The last few days he had been able to distract himself with training in the days leading up to the Sports Festival. Forcing his focus on being as prepared as possible for the hopefully life changing event. Which he had been and had made it all the way to the very end which he was very proud about. But the fact that he would be returning to the foster center rather than to a home or family infected that pride with a hint of disheartening gloom.

Having to move back to the foster center wasn’t a new occurrence for the brainwasher. He had been a regular ever since his birth parents gave him up when he was five, not wanting a child with a ‘Villainous’ Quirk. Over the years, he had moved between foster homes and the center intermittently. Sometimes making him feel like a ping pong ball being traded back and forth.

And this is just another hit in the table tennis match that is my life.

Some stays were longer than others, whether at the center or the foster home at the time. But eventually it ended the same way. Either they changed their minds about fostering, or more specifically fostering him, or they didn’t want to deal with the kid with a Villain’s Quirk despite the extra pay check that came with it. It wasn’t ‘worth it’ they would say.

At times, depending on the foster home, Hitoshi would welcome the time when they decided they had enough of him. Certain ‘families’ were stricter when it came to rules regarding him and his Quirk. A common rule was not speaking even when spoken too, using either writing or simple shakes and nods of his head to answer. Which, to be honest, wasn’t that hard of a rule for Hitoshi to follow as he had mostly done that anyway growing up. Like at school where people had usually avoided him.

At least until UA and Izuku’s big mouth declaring my Quirk isn’t villainous because I decide it isn’t.

But there had been a few other foster homes that went a little more…extreme. Going as far as to require him to wear a muzzle while in the house. Those families he was glad to leave behind once they finally kicked him out. To this day, he still didn’t care to wear anything over his mouth even if it was something like a surgical mask.

Though, I know Izuku and Mei have a voice changing mask in mind for me.

He wasn’t entirely thrilled with that idea, but he knew it would be very useful with his Quirk. Something he would grin and bear to wear in order to be a better Hero. He tried to reassure himself for the future discomfort that the mask would give him would be worth it. That the mask would not be to hide his voice, but to give it whole new life full of possibilities. With a voice changer, he could become anyone.

Now, with Izuku and him in first and second place respectively, they were one step closer to reaching their shared dream. To be a Hero. They had done their part of placing high enough in the third and final round. Which being the top two was definitely enough. Had to be. The next move was now in the principal’s paws and since they have a meeting with Nezu tomorrow morning, their chances seemed good.

But there’s always a possibility that we get denied. Or probably me since I placed second and Izuku came in first. He has so much potential and drive to be a Hero even without a Quirk. While me, with my so called ‘Villainous’ Quirk, in combination with not placing first could be denied the golden fruit of our labor.

Hitoshi no longer viewed his Quirk as villainous. Not after all the times Izuku had drilled those words into his head. But years of misguided judgement from others weren’t so easily erased with a few months of friendship. He was better but the doubt was still there in the back of his mind. Where it would remain until the answer of will they be offered to transfer or not was given.

With the Sports Festival done and the ball being in Nezu’s court, all they could do was go home and wait. But, as of a few days ago, Hitoshi didn’t really have a home to return to. Only the center where he was generally ignored.

Before being kicked out, Hitoshi had been with his most recent foster family for a little over a year. One of the longest stays he’d had during his time in the foster system. The couple had been nice enough compared to other families he had been taken in by. They had generally left him alone. Let him come and go as he pleased and even let him go to sleepovers at Izuku’s apartment after they met and became friends. Never any mention of a muzzle during his time with them. In fact, they had talked to him in passing from time to time though they never answered any of his verbal questions. Instead, if he did have one, he had to write it down first and they would respond to that.

Little did they know that Izuku and I figured out my Quirk doesn’t necessarily need a response to a question specifically. Any verbal response would do whether to a question or a statement.

But that was not a fact he would ever share with the couple. Not that it even mattered now since they kicked him out. Apparently, one of them had a gotten a promotion at work, however it required for them to move and they didn’t want to deal with the hassle of bringing him with them. That’s what they told him specifically. That including him in their moving plans was a ‘hassle’. Not that he would have wanted to move anyway what with him being in UA and now was finally closer to his goal. So, it was agreed, or rather decided for him though he wasn’t exactly complaining, that he would go back to the center and they would move away.

The constant changing of house and home caused Hitoshi to lose touch with the concepts of parents and family. They never stuck around long enough to become anything besides more acquainted strangers most of the time. So, he took the sudden change of his living situation with stride. After all, he had never stayed long in the foster homes anyway. Though it still hurt that this particular couple who had been decent and even sometimes talked to him had dropped him at the first sign of him being too much of a ‘hassle’ to deal with.

I wonder if they accepted the promotion with the transfer just to get away from me.

The purple haired teen let out a huffed sigh, reached into his bag, and took out his second-place medal. The silver sheen was still bright in the later afternoon light. A symbol that represented all of his hard work today. Proof that he had clawed his way to the top or rather near enough. But he had no parents, no family to share that with. The closest feeling to family he had was with the Midoriyas and Mei.

The first time Hitoshi had shown up to the Midoriya apartment he had been nervous as to how they would react to him. Him and his Quirk. Worried that they would treat him the same as everyone else had. But those worries had been unfounded as both Mei and Inko had welcomed him with open arms just as Izuku had done.

Sometimes while at their apartment, Hitoshi found himself feeling jealous of the mother and son as they lived the family life he hadn’t experienced since his Quirk had developed. Izuku was even on good terms with his father even if the man was away working in another country to provide for his family and unable to visit due to medical reasons. But even from afar, the man still acted as a father to his son.

Parents.

It had been a decade since the brainwasher had parents. The concept, after years of being traded off from foster home to foster home, now seemed foreign to him. And seeing his friend’s relationship with his mother and father made Hitoshi long for parents of his own. Even seeing, rarely, Mei’s mom who was just as passionate about Support as her daughter was made him crave that parental bond.

But he didn’t have any. Not for a long time. And he doubted anytime soon. This latest rejection further cemented the thought in the back of the brainwasher’s head that he would most likely end up aging out of the system. Then released into the big cruel world all alone.

‘But you won’t be alone,’ a voice in the back of his mind said.

Purple eyes took in the sight of his friends before him. Mei, apparently having smuggled out at least one of her babies, had thrown caution to the wind and was openly messing with the tech. While Izuku was adamantly talking with Todoroki about the day as the other intently listened and offered his own comments here or there.

That’s right. I’m not alone anymore. I may not have parents but I have friends. I have Izuku and Mei. And Inko I’m sure would help me if I needed it. After all, she's just as kind and caring as her son.

Hitoshi looked down at the medal in his hand. He knew that these people would be proud he had won second. Would care about him. Like a found family. To hell with the foster system. If they couldn’t provide him with a family, Hitoshi had a pretty good unofficial one right here.

No one at the center would care anyway. Some of the other kids or even one of the staff would probably try to nick my medal anyway. Heh…wait.

With that thought, Hitoshi grew suddenly worried about losing his medal if he brought it back with him to the center. He was certain someone would try to steal it and either keep it for themselves or sell it. Something he very much did not want to happen to the memento he held in his hand. Trying to think of a solution, an obnoxiously yellow backpack bouncing in step in front of him held the answer.

Purple eyes focused on the one unlatched strap to the top flap of the bag. He could see the zipper beneath was also slightly open giving him access to slip the medal into his friend’s bag. Izuku would keep the medal safe, he was sure of it. But the question was how to put it in there without the greenette noticing. The last thing Hitoshi wanted was for his friend to make a fuss and ask too many questions he really didn’t want answer.

The short remainder of the walk to the gate was spent with the purple haired teen trying to figure out how to exactly go about it. He could try slipping it in nonchalantly. But then there was a possibility that Todoroki, who hadn’t taken his eyes off Izuku once, would notice. No. He’d have to try something else. The gate leading off campus was drawing near which meant his window of opportunity was closing. He just had to do something. Anything.

Here goes nothing.

Going with whatever his instincts told him, Hitoshi walked forward and slumped against Izuku’s backpack with one arm over his friend’s shoulder while the one holding the medal slipped it into the bag. Once done, it joined the other arm but on the other shoulder as he positioned his head on the side opposite of Todoroki.

“U-um, Hitoshi-kun?” Izuku asked, side-eyeing his friend as the taller one leaned on him. “W-what are you doing?”

“Doing an impression of a backpack,” Hitoshi replied with a nonchalant shrug. “What’s it look like?”

“I d-don’t know,” Izuku replied.

“Huh. Must have not been a very good impression,” Hitoshi said as he pulled away. They had just passed through the gate and he had successfully slipped his medal into Izuku’s bag without him noticing. “Anyway, good work today. Izuku, I’ll see you here tomorrow morning and let me know about the sleepover. Mei, Todoroki, if it’s a go I’ll see you there.”

“Oh, ok,” Izuku said, still confused by his friend’s actions. “See you then, Hitoshi-kun.”

Mei waved but kept her focus on the baby she was working on. Todoroki merely nodded his head in farewell.

“Later,” Hitoshi said as he turned to leave and catch his train.

~~~

Green eyes watched as the figure of his purple haired friend walked away. He was concerned for the other boy and the odd behavior he noticed today. The sad look, body tension, and that last weird moment where he leaned on him and then walked away. Not quite sure what to make of that.

Hitoshi-kun looked sad when I mentioned going home to sleep and tensed when I asked about if his parents would be ok with him coming to my place for a sleepover.

It made him wonder what he had said to make his friend sad.

Was it the sleepover?

But he hadn’t mentioned that until the end. Plus, it wouldn’t be the first time he’s been over.

Was it about sleep?

No, couldn’t be. The few hours of sleep the insomniac could get were a treasure to him.

Then was it the mention of home or parents? Or both?

Was it possible something was going on in Hitoshi’s home? It was in that moment that Izuku realized he didn’t know anything about his purple haired friend’s homelife. When they usually hung out it was either at the Midoriya apartment or Mei’s lab. But never had they gone to Hitoshi’s house. Not once.

Are you ok, Hitoshi-kun? Are you safe?

“Well, I’m going to head for home too,” Mei said suddenly, breaking Izuku from his thoughts. He’ll have to looking into that later. “I want to get back to the lab. I got to test a lot of my babies today and there’s no time like the present to make them even better.”

“Heh. Alright, Mei-chan,” Izuku said fondly. Typical Mei-chan. Always working. “I’ll see you tomorrow if my mom says yes.”

“Which you know she will,” Mei said confidently. “Whelp! I’m off. Bye!”

“Bye, Mei-chan!” Izuku called out as she left. Shouto again nodded his goodbye. “What about you, Shouto-kun? Do you need to catch a train too?”

“No, I’m going to be picked up by my sister here,” Shouto answered. “I would have gone home with my father, but he had to go back to his agency for a few more hours. Enough time for me to rest up for the training session he’ll probably demand.”

“Shouto-kun, do you…?” Izuku started to ask before looking around at all the people near them.

The greenette led the remaining pair off to the side as other students trickled out of the gate for home. One, to get out of the way. Two, for some privacy. They walked along the campus wall and stopped a short distance away.

“Do you really think he’ll make you train today, Shouto-kun?” Izuku asked, worried for his friend. “I mean, we just had a full day of sports and fights. Shouldn’t that be enough training for the day?”

Shouto sighed and moved to lean against the wall with his messenger style bag hanging at his side. Izuku positioned himself on the other side, taking off his big yellow backpack and placing it on the ground near him as he also leaned against the wall. Once in place, the bi-color teen took his hand, interlacing their fingers, and scooted closer to hide the touch from prying eyes.

“Knowing him, most likely,” Shouto answered dejectedly. “Especially since I lost and placed third on top of not using his…”

“Your,” the greenette interjected as he squeezed his hand as he corrected him.

“…my fire,” Shouto conceded. It was going to take time for him to get used to referring to the power from his left side like that. “That alone was a failure on my part. He made that clear when he talked to me before my match with Sero.”

“So, that’s what made you so angry,” Izuku realized. The greenette had figured that’s what might have happened but now he knew for sure. “I mean I figured as much but I didn’t want to assume either.”

“Yeah,” Shouto confirmed. “It didn’t matter to him that I had won both the first and second round. That, because I didn’t use hi…my fire, it wasn’t as much of a win as it could have been. That I didn’t show my full power.”

“That sounds like him,” Izuku said, remembering his own meeting with the man. “Endeavor. He talked to me before my match with you. The things he said…it was clear he didn’t think much of those he considers weak. That those without ‘natural power’ have no worth.”

“You are worth so much more than that bastard, Izuku,” Shouto insisted and gave his hand a comforting squeeze. Izuku glanced up at him with a small smile in thanks which the other returned though more with his eyes than his lips. They gazed at each other for a moment before grey and blue eyes widened slightly as if he remembered something. “Oh, I wanted to ask. What was that ‘issue’ Aizawa mentioned earlier?”

“O-oh, um, that,” Izuku muttered, casting his eyes down. “You know h-how I was hiding from Bakugou?”

“Yeah?” Shouto said, watching him closely.

“Well, um, b-before my match with Hitoshi-kun, h-he confronted me,” Izuku revealed, green eyes peeking up at his friend.

“Are you alright, Izuku?” Shouto asked, concern clear on his face.

A slight blush grew on the greenette’s face. He was still getting used to Shouto calling him by his first name. It was still new but it felt right for some reason.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m ok,” Izuku assured him with a quick small somewhat sad smile. “He did use his Q-quirk on me, but that under armor I was w-wearing protected me. But my Support Items…n-not so much.”

“What exactly did he do, Izuku?” Shouto growled, brows furrowed in anger. Not at Izuku but for him.

The greenette found himself wanting to tell Shouto more about what happened than he had with Mei or Hitoshi. He felt like he owed it to him. Izuku had gotten a glimpse into his friend’s life and had provided one of his own. They both had crappy childhoods and had both experienced physical mistreatments. The Quirkless boy just had this gut feeling that Shouto would be understanding of and could relate to his situation.

Hitoshi could too as he had been bullied growing up for his Quirk. But at the time Izuku had told him, he had still been working on processing what had happened and hadn’t want to talk about it yet. Not in detail. But after having talked with and been comforted by his friends, he felt more reassured that his friends cared. That they would be understanding and supportive of the greenette. That Shouto would be.

“He y-yelled at me,” Izuku recounted, his sad face pointed toward the ground as he did so. “A-accused that I was ch-cheating. Said that my Support Items w-were how I was cheating. That I would be n-nothing without them. And th-then he…”

Tears had welled up in his green eyes as he talked, reliving the events again in his mind. Izuku didn’t really want to talk about what happened, but with all the revealing of past hurts that the two had gone through today, it seemed wrong to keep something like this from him. As if he needed the other to know.

“What…what did he do?” Shouto asked, the worry in his voice. He gave their hands a comforting squeeze, silently asking for him to continue.

“H-he broke them,” Izuku sobbed as the tear dam burst and trickled down his face. “D-destroyed them. Exploded them to u-useless hunks of charred metal w-with his Quirk.”

“Oh, Izuku,” Shouto said before he let go of his hand to pull him into a hug instead.

Izuku was surprised that he did such a thing in public when usually their touches were shared in private moments between the two. But he accepted the hug without question, needing the comfort.

~~~

Shouto held his friend as the greenette sobbed into his chest. He was a bit surprised at himself for hugging Izuku as they had only just started the practice today. That and cuddling. Both of which he enjoyed very much. Typically, he preferred to keep their friendly moments of contact between the two of them. Not wanting to share them as Izuku was his special warm friend.

The boy in his arms had done so much for him. Watching him train, offering to make a Support Item to help him with his ice, being his friend. Not to mention all of the mental wall breaking he had done today alone.

‘It’s your Quirk. Which means it’s your fire. Your ice. Both of them make your one Quirk. Your Quirk and yours alone.’

To think that mere words could hold such power. To make Shouto realize, if only for a moment, that the power that flows from his left side was his. Not his father’s, but his and his alone. The thought of using his left side still repulsed Shouto, but when he used it briefly in their fight it felt right to use it. Like it was a part of him and had been all along. Something he had forgotten until Izuku used his words to remind him.

There was still a mental barrier encasing the concept of using his left side. One that Shouto would have to work on and was sure that Izuku would be willing to help with. After all, he was the one who was able to put that first chip into his walls and the ice user was willing to work towards tearing those barricades down. As long as Izuku was beside him to help.

“I’m sorry that happened to you,” Shouto breathed into the bush of green hair in front of him.

It was a bit dirty and sweaty from the day’s activities but he didn’t care. It was Izuku so it didn’t matter to him. The boy in his arms gave him a squeeze in thanks before letting go.

“He d-didn’t get all of them,” Izuku sniffed, rubbing some stray tears away. “My mask, goggles, a-and belt are ok. But…but e-everything else is just…gone. All my work up i-in smoke.”

Wanting to comfort his friend, Shouto took his hand once more and intertwined their fingers before going back to their previous position of leaning on the wall side by side.

“Bakugou reminds me of Endeavor,” Shouto commented, earning a curious look from Izuku. “He’s loud and oh so proud of his Quirk. It’s even similar to his being fire based.”

“Y-yeah, I thought as much too,” Izuku said, nodding. “I even t-told him that when he was yelling at me. He, um, he d-didn’t like that comparison.”

“Really?” Shouto asked with a quirked brow. “I thought he would be happy with that since he’s basically a mini-Endeavor.”

“Well, uh, y-you see,” Izuku hesitated. Shouto tightened his grip briefly to prompt him to continue. “I had my suspicions he had…a-and Bakugou confirmed that he…”

“That he what, Izuku?” Shouto asked.

“That he l-listened to our conversation earlier,” Izuku revealed, looking up at him nervously. “The one in the h-hallway. When you talked a-about how you grew up.”

Shouto wasn’t sure what to do with that information. Bakugou had eavesdropped on them. Bakugou knew. He knew about how he had grown up. The highlights at least. Knew about his father’s goals. How he treated his family. Why Shouto was created. That he wasn’t the first. That his own mother hurt him in the attempt to defeat the demons his father caused in her mind. Bakugou now knew all this and didn’t like being compared to a man like that. A man obsessed with power and used said power to get what he wanted. Both in his work and at home.

Maybe there is hope for Bakugou yet.

“So, he didn’t like being compared to the bastard, huh?” Shouto chuckled.

“Y-yeah,” Izuku said with a short laugh as well since Shouto seemed ok with Bakugou knowing. “Bakugou grew up believing he was the best. Always praised by those who surrounded him. He looks up to All Might mostly but I knew he did to Endeavor too. Not on the same level, but he did admire his power. But maybe, him knowing could help Bakugou. Maybe seeing how that sort of power can go to someone’s head, even a Hero, could help him from becoming the next Endeavor.”

“Perhaps,” Shouto said simply. Then his brows furrowed in confusion and he asked, “Wait, so if Bakugou attacked you outside of a match, why was he on the podium with me? Wouldn’t he have been disqualified?”

“O-oh, uh, about that,” Izuku muttered nervously. He rubbed the back of his head with his free hand. “I may have sort of asked for him not to be?”

“Izuku, why?” Shouto questioned, sighing in exasperation. “He attacked you. He broke your Support Items. Why would you ask for him not to get the punishment he deserves?”

“Because I know it wouldn’t work!” Izuku snapped in agitation.

Shouto looked at his friend in shock.

~~~

Why doesn’t anyone understand? Izuku thought with a scowl.

He knew Bakugou. He’s known him since they were born. That Bakugou was always the older of the two with his birthday on April 20th while Izuku’s was on July 15th. How his personality proved to be just as explosive as his Quirk when it developed. That his favorite food was anything spicy and the spicier the better. That he enjoyed mountain climbing and exploring the woods in their neighborhood. He even knew that Bakugou had taken drum lessons at one point and was actually quite good. But most of all, Izuku knew Bakugou’s overwhelming ego and now just how fragile his pride really was.

“G-growing up,” Izuku said, taking a deep breath to calm himself and explained in a slow and steady pace. “W-whenever Bakugou would do something wrong, the consequences were a-always brushed under the rug. Especially when it came to what he d-did to me. All because he h-had the ‘perfect’ Quirk to become a Hero.”

His mind brought up memories of explosion charged fists and venom filled words. At the park, at school, anywhere really in public. All that went ignored by any form of authority because Bakugou was the future Hero who would raise the prestige of the school once he went Pro. While Izuku was the Quirkless nobody who wouldn’t amount to anything.

My gold medal proves otherwise.

“Bakugou doesn’t know w-what consequences his actions truly deserve b-because no one has ever punished him before,” Izuku explained as Shouto listened silently beside him. “And to do so now would not h-have the same effect on him as it would anyone else. He’ll j-just brush it off as them being wrong instead of him. See it as more of an attack o-on him instead.”

Because how could Bakugou not think that when nobody had been there to tell him otherwise in lieu of keeping his record clean. To secure his chances of becoming a Hero while at the same time neglecting to teach him what he did, said, and thought was wrong. Misguiding him and doing him more of a disservice than helping.

“Taking him o-out of the Sports Festival would have made him angry a-and he would have lost any respect to their authority,” Izuku said. “B-because before UA, no teachers or other people of authority h-had ever seen his actions as wrong and d-did nothing to curb his violent tendencies. Physical, verbal, o-or otherwise.”

He was going to be a Hero. How could anything he does be bad?

“So no, t-taking him out would have done nothing to fix this situation,” Izuku declared as he looked up at his friend. “This has been an ongoing p-problem since we were kids. Ever since Bakugou’s Quirk c-came in. Regular punishments like disqualification o-or anything similar to ‘taking away his things’ w-won’t work with him.”

Green eyes peered into grey and blue ones, willing for his friend to understand. They looked at each other in silences for a few moments before Shouto spoke.

“You do have some fair points,” Shouto conceded with a relenting sigh. “Growing up with Bakugou would provide you with a unique insight into his thoughts and reactions. But he should still be punished for attacking you.”

“I-I know,” Izuku said, giving their connected hands a squeeze in acceptance. “I’m not sure h-how exactly. But to answer your question from earlier, that’s the ‘issue’ we have to discuss tomorrow. About what exactly Bakugou’s punishment should be.”

Shouto merely hummed in response to that. Wanting to not talk of heavy subjects anymore, Izuku changed the subject back to discussing the festival. They passed the time waiting for Shouto’s sister to arrive with Izuku gushing over the Quirks he had seen that day. The bi-color teen gave his own comments here and there but for the most part listened, enjoying the sound of his friend’s voice. A soft smile graced the ice user’s face while the greenette gestured animatedly with his free hand and talked happily beside him.

It wasn’t too long when a discreet black car pulled up to the curb in front of them. The passenger side window rolled down to reveal a woman who must be Shouto’s sister. Her hair, that was white with intermittent specks of red, made that clear.

“Hello, Shouto,” his sister called out with a smile. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yes,” Shouto answered simply. Then he looked at Izuku and asked, “Come meet my sister?”

“O-oh! Um, sure!” Izuku replied, nervous but excited to meet another, and hopefully more pleasant, member of the Todoroki family.

They shared one last squeeze of their joined hands before letting go. Shouto led the way over to the running car while Izuku followed behind, putting his backpack back on. The distance was short from where they had been standing and the edge of the sidewalk. From the open window, he could see that she wore a white button up shirt and a mute pink sweater over it with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. She also had on jeans, brown shoes, and wore glasses on her face.

“Hello,” the woman greeted, directing it towards Izuku as they approached. Then she turned to her brother. “Who’s your friend, Shouto?”

“This is Midoriya Izuku,” Shouto said, a small warm smile on his face as he introduced his friend. “He’s a student in the Support Course.”

“Hello!” Izuku said with a bright smile and a small bow. “It’s nice to meet you!”

“It’s nice to meet you as well, Midoriya-kun,” she said, smiling as well with a nod. “I’m Todoroki Fuyumi. Please call me Fuyumi. And please don’t feel obligated to do the same. There are just too many Todorokis for us all to be called that.”

Izuku giggled at that.

“O-ok, Fuyumi-san!” he chirped, secretly glad she didn’t expect him to have her call him by his first name.

Not many people called Izuku by his first name. His parents do, of course, as they had given it to him in the first place. Mei and Hitoshi do as his best friends. Tsuyu and Ochako do as well. The former because that was her preference and the latter because of their bonding moment. Even Bakugou had long ago before he labeled him a Deku.

Would a Deku be able to win the Sports Festival? I think not.

And just today, Shouto had started to call him by his first name. For some reason, his name coming from the boy next to him was special. Izuku had an inkling as to why if the fluttering feelings in his stomach earlier were anything to go by. But he still wasn’t sure about that and decided not to worry about it too much. Either way, because this was the first day of them referring to each other by their first names, Izuku wasn’t really open to having another person calling him that just yet. Especially someone he literally just met even if it was Shouto’s sister.

There was a honk from another car most likely a parent also waiting to pick up a student. A slight flush of embarrassment for holding someone up came over Fuyumi’s face.

“Well, uh, we should get going, Shouto,” she said. Shouto nodded and moved to open the passenger door of the car. “Do you need a ride home, Midoriya-kun?”

The question made Shouto pause and look back at his friend. Izuku wasn’t sure what to do. He had no issue taking the train and walking home as he did that every day. He certainly didn’t want to inconvenience them by giving him a ride. But then again, he could hang out with Shouto a bit more and even have the chance to get to know his sister in the process. While also being able to avoid any more judgmental looks from passerby during the commute home. Green eyes looked at grey and blue in silent question as to see what the other thought. The ice user seemed to think for only a second before gesturing with his head for the greenette to get in.

“Sure! I-if it isn’t too much trouble,” Izuku answered shyly as Shouto moved to open the back door instead so they could sit together.

“No trouble at all,” Fuyumi answered with a reassuring smile. “Hop in.”

The two students climbed into the back, buckled up, and placed their bags on their laps as Fuyumi pulled away. Upon her request for his address, Izuku told her and their destination was loaded into the GPS. Out of the corner of his eye, the greenette saw Shouto was noting it down in his phone.

“Heh, guess I won’t have to text you my address later,” Izuku commented with a giggle.

“No, but we can still talk, right?” Shouto asked, in a characteristically serious tone.

“Of course!” Izuku chirped brightly.

“So, how did you two meet?” Fuyumi asked, from the front seat.

It was an understandable question for her to ask. With Shouto being in the Hero Course and Midoriya in the Support Course, one wouldn’t think there would be much opportunity for students of different departments to meet.

“Training,” Shouto answered vaguely.

“We first met when I was assigned to observe their Battle Training,” Izuku chimed in, providing more detail. “I was there to analyze 1-A’s, and the next day 1-B’s, Quirks during their training. There are so many amazing Quirks in the Hero Course classes. Shouto-kun’s is really interesting and powerful too! His match had been over in seconds!”

Beside him, the ice user was regulating his temperature to tame the blush that threated to show on his face at the praise.

“Then, he came to find me in the Support studio to work on a Support Item I offered to make him,” Izuku continued, ignorant of his friend’s internal struggle. “Shouto-kun has great control of his ice and is very versatile with it. And hopefully, after today, he’ll get to learn the same with his fire!”

~~~

In the front, Fuyumi sat with a wide-eyed expression at that statement. She was surprised since she hadn’t actually been able to watch the footage of the last few one-on-one matches of festival yet. She had been busy running errands and doing chores assigned to her by their father all day. Enough that kept her from watching the Sports Festival properly though she did sneak in peeks to the live feed every now and then to watch her brother’s progress. Taking first in the first two events and then winning match after match to end up in the semi-finals. The ones she hadn’t been able to catch up on yet.

Shouto? Learning to use fire? she thought in dis-belief. Since when? Ever since the incident with mother, he had refused to use it.

“W-what exactly happened for you to say that?” Fuyumi asked, glancing back at Shouto through the rearview mirror.

“In my fight with Izuku,” Shouto hesitantly explained. “He said some things. Made me realize something I had forgotten. And I…I used my fire during a fight for the first time in years.”

‘My’ fire? Shouto actually used it? And even called it his own instead of our father’s? What did Midoriya-kun say to him for that to happen?

 

“It was really amazing when he did,” Midoriya added with a bright smile. “We were fighting and there was ice everywhere. I told Shouto-kun that it was his fire and not his father’s. That it was his Quirk and he got to decide how to use it. Because it’s his own power.”

Midoriya-kun was the one to tell Shouto it was his own fire. Not father’s? Does…does that mean he knows something? About our family? Our history?

Fuyumi wasn’t sure what to think about this boy possibly knowing what happened in the Todoroki household. Questions filled her head. How did he find out? Did Shouto tell him or did he find out another way? If he did know, did he tell anyone? Would he tell anyone? Shouto seemed comfortable with him so whatever Midoriya knew didn’t bother him.

I’ll have to ask Shouto more once we drop Midoriya-kun off at his home, she thought as she drove. She also wanted to ask about them being on a first name basis as well as that had not gone unnoticed by her.

“That’s exciting to hear,” Fuyumi said. “Who won your match?”

“O-oh, um, I did,” Izuku said, bashfully rubbing his head. “I, uh, I ended up using my electric gloves to incapacitate him. Now that I think about it, it was kind of an underhanded way to beat you.”

“Don’t think that way, Izuku,” Shouto insisted as he placed a comforting hand on the other’s knee. “You won fair and square. I shouldn’t have let you distract me so much nor should I have let you get so close. You had a clean win.”

Fuyumi figured the two in the back might think she couldn’t see them since she was driving, but she actually could from the rearview mirror. Physical contact? Then she watched in glances to see the greenette smile and carefully take Shouto’s hand in his. Fuyumi was surprised when her brother didn’t shy away from the contact and in fact smiled at the other boy as he intertwined their fingers himself.

They’re ok holding each other’s hands? How close of friends are they?

“Thanks, Shouto-kun,” Izuku said with a warm smile. “We both fought hard today no matter where we ended up in the rankings.”

“Same to you, Izuku,” Shouto said with a nod.

“Where did you place, Midoriya-kun?” Fuyumi asked as they continued towards their destination. “If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Me? Oh well, I, um…,” Izuku stuttered, suddenly turning sheepish.

“Izuku won first place,” Shouto interjected flatly but the pride for his friend was apparent in his eyes.

“Wow, first place? That’s quite an accomplishment,” Fuyumi chimed in from the front.

Though father won’t be too happy about that, she thought, worried for her brother.

Midoriya was a blushing mess in the back at the praise. To spare him from his flustered state, Fuyumi asked how the rest of the festival went. Glad for the change of subject, the greenette went into an animated retelling of the events as Shouto added his own comments at times. But for the most part let his friend lead the conversation. His chatter filled the car ride as they drove to the Midoriya apartment.

~~~

Shouto sat in the back next to his friend discreetly holding hands and enjoying his voice as he recounted the day in a very Izuku way. Describing the events. What other students had done and what their Quirks were. Even getting sidetracked from time to time in theorizing other possible uses of those Quirks. But nothing a quick squeeze to the hand couldn’t fix. Or, as Shouto found out accidentally, a brush of his thumb against the other’s skin.

It wasn’t a touch he initiated intentionally. More subconscious than anything else as if his thumb had a mind of its own. For a second, but only a second, Shouto had been worried that Izuku wouldn’t be ok with it. Until the greenette simply smiled at him and brushed his own thumb back as he continued to speak. A nonverbal approval of the gesture. Adding another form of touch between the two to their growing collection.

If it had been anyone else, Shouto didn’t think he would enjoy this amount of contact. Not as much anyway or possibly not at all. But Izuku was different. Special. The other boy came into his life, breaking his walls and befriending him with ease. He said yes to his request to hold his hand and together, through mutual want and consent, they had built up these growing levels of intimacy. All the touches he didn’t know he had missed until now.

Ones I now share with Izuku.

The car ride was one that Shouto wished would never end. That Izuku didn’t have to leave his side so soon. The more time he spent with Izuku, the more Shouto found that he missed Izuku when they were apart. Shouto had noticed a sort of fluttering feeling in his chest beginning to grow when he was around his friend. He didn’t know what it was exactly, but it was a sensation he doesn’t feel in regards to anyone else. It was warm. Just like Izuku was.

What was it that Dark Shadow had called him? Sun Boy?

Yes, that was it. Izuku was like the sun. Shouto found himself warmed when standing in the comforting light of his personality. The greenette’s smile alone could brighten up a room. The same smile that the bi-color teen’s mind kept connecting to the word ‘cute’. Each time that smile was directed at himself, the resulting need to hide a rising blush took more and more effort.

Sooner than Shouto would have liked, they arrived at the Midoriya apartment building. Fuyumi pulled over to the side so the greenette could get out. Reluctantly, Shouto let go of the other’s hand, already missing the contact.

“Thank you so much for the ride, Fuyumi-san!” Izuku said after he climbed out and fixed his backpack on.

“It was my pleasure, Midoriya-kun,” Fuyumi replied kindly. “And congratulations again.”

The greenette nodded in thanks and then turned to Shouto saying, “Make sure to let me know if you can come tomorrow, Shouto-kun. It would be great to have you join us.”

“I will,” Shouto answered.

“What’s tomorrow?” Fuyumi asked.

“Oh, I offered to hold a sleepover at my place to celebrate our hard work today,” Izuku answered with a bright smile. “I invited my friends Mei-chan, Hitoshi-kun, and Shouto-kun too. I still have to ask my mom but she’s probably be ok with it. Mei-chan and Hitoshi-kun have been over before.”

“Well, that is nice of you to offer,” Fuyumi answered, though she doubted their father would let Shouto go. “We’ll have to see what our father says.”

“I’ll go whether the old man says no or not,” Shouto insisted from the back.

“Shouto!” Fuyumi exclaimed while Izuku giggled at his frankness.

“Well, let me know either way,” Izuku said with an endearing smile. “Oh, and you’ll have to let me know how the visit to see your mom goes. Bye, Shouto-kun, Fuyumi-san!”

With that, the greenette waved farewell and walked into the building. Shouto couldn’t help but smile as he watched the other boy go. Once the other was through the door, Fuyumi pulled out and headed for the Todoroki estate. As they drove, the smile fell from his face as he thought about how his father was going to react to him not only placing third, not first, but also that he lost to someone who was Quirkless. Shouto knew that Izuku’s win was well deserve, but he was sure Endeavor wouldn’t feel that way. Despite having fought all day, he knew the man would demand he spend the evening ‘training’.

With a resigned sigh, he slouched back into the seat knowing he was going to be sleeping with more burns and bruises than he already got from the Sports Festival. Nothing out of the ordinary for him, but still a bother. No matter. He would endure it same as he’s done since his Quirk manifested. Focus on something else while his father ‘trained’ him.

Sometimes he focused on school work or a new book he had started reading. Recently, his mind wandered to visions of green eyes, green curls, and soft, warm hands. But today, he would focus on something new. Something he hadn’t thought of doing since he got the scar on his face.

Today, he would focus on how he planned to finally go visit his mother.

“What was this about visiting mother?” Fuyumi asked.

Shouto shrugged and answered, “Some of the things Izuku said during our match got me thinking. Remembering things I had forgotten. Memories about mom. So, I decided I would go and visit her.”

“But why?” Fuyumi inquired further, confused. “It’s been so many years since…then.”

‘A-and Shouto. His left side…is becoming unbearable and I can’t help but hate it more and more. All I can see is his father. I can’t…I can’t raise him anymore. I shouldn’t because I’m afraid I’ll…’

Shouto raised his left hand to the rough brownish red scar on his face. The one his own mother unintentionally gave him on the side that reminded her of him. The mark that represented all her fears and worries. The disfigurement that the bi-color teen blamed completely on that bastard of a father. Not her.

‘Shouto…you still want to be a Hero, right? You are not bound by blood to follow in his footsteps. Not a prisoner of your lineage. Stay true to yourself. You and you alone decide who you want to be. What kind of Hero you want to become.’

“I realized that I miss her,” Shouto replied as he pulled his hand away and stared at it. “Her voice, her eyes, her cool touches. Everything. I don’t know if she has forgiven me, but I never blamed her for any of it. I don’t even know if she would want to see me. But I…I want to try.”

From the driver’s seat, Fuyumi glanced back at him through the rearview mirror. She took in his expression and demeanor. Could see the conflicted want and worry behind that stoic façade he had come to wear over the years. Rather than saying anything else, she merely nodded and returned her focus to driving while Shouto closed his eyes and napped until they arrived at the Todoroki household.

Notes:

So...Hitoshi. Y'all guessed pretty close to what was up with him. I'm all for the headcanon that Shinsou would be in the foster system because of his Quirk even though it pains me to make Hitoshi suffer. But the possibilities of adorable adoptions and found family is just too good to pass up. I always planned to have Hitoshi in this kind of situation though it took me awhile to figure out as to how or when exactly to introduce it to the story. I hope this was a good enough way and time to weave in this new subplot. One I have ideas on how to continue and resolve. ;) Also, I do not know how the actual whole foster/adoption thing works in Japan or in general so it's just me winging it. Anyway, Hitoshi has good friends who care now. And this further shows just how much he appreciates Izuku and his 'big mouth'. Izuku really changed his life running into Hitoshi during the entrance exam. ^____^

Izuku is worried for his friends. For Hitoshi and his unknown homelife and for Shouto and his known homelife. Our green bean just wants his friends to be happy and safe. Wonder how he's going to react when he finds Hitoshi's medal in his bag. Perhaps we will next chapter. ;) Also, we got more insight into why Izuku asked for Bakugou to not be disqualified. More to follow in future chapters. I seriously think that if Bakugou had been disqualified it would have backfired badly.

Fuyumi has made an appearance! I love good sister Fuyumi and hope to have more of her in the story. ^___^ I didn't originally plan for Izuku to get a ride home from the Todorokis, but it just kind of flowed like that as well as made it so Izuku didn't have to go home on public transport. He doesn't need that after the day he's had. (Especially considering it's been 22 chapters long and counting...) Anyway, Fuyumi has now been introduced to Izuku and she has laid witness to their handholding antics. ;)

Fun Facts About Japan:

More on cars just because I wasn't sure what else to talk about that related to this chapter. As stated previously, Japan drives on the left side of the road. Which means the driver side of the car is on the right side. Having grown up in the US, I always got weirded out sitting in the front passenger seat on the left because that's the driver side I'm used to. I would instinctively go for the right side but had to do a 'nope I ain't driving' every time I was given a ride. XD Anyway, for Fuyumi pulling up I picture it with her in the right side driver seat but it really works picturing it either way.

I also had a bonding moment with one of the teachers one time they drove me home from speech contest practice. We got talking about cars and I told her I have a red Honda Fit. Turns out her daughter had the exact same car. XD Go figure.

That's it for this chapter! Next chapter is all about the Midoriayas. Lots of Izuku reflecting, learning some more about Hisashi, and mother son bonding with angst and fluff. 'Till next time, be well and let me know of typos or weirdness!

Chapter 57: Better Late Than Never

Notes:

And we're back with another update! :D It's time for some Japan bound Midoriya angst and fluff! And we'll learn a bit more about the US bound Midoriya as well. ^___^

Got another piece of fanart from boba on the discord which I have added to the top notes of chapter 36. The obstacle course seems like an appropriate place for that. ;) So, check it out if you'd like!

Let's get to it! :D

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

After waving goodbye to Shouto and Fuyumi, Izuku headed into his apartment building and up the many flights of stairs to the apartment of the Japan bound Midoriyas. A path he knew well having walked them since he had learned to walk himself. The apartment was small, just two bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen/dining room. But it was home. The only one Izuku had ever known.

It didn’t take him long to reach the right floor and take out his key to unlock the front door. Stepping inside and closing the door, Izuku called out to his mom to announce he was home. She greeted him in return from the kitchen and bid him to get changed while she continued making dinner. He nodded in agreement even though she couldn’t see him as he took off his shoes.

On sock padded feet, Izuku walked down the hall to his room. The same hallway that he had walked down thousands of times over all the years they had lived there as a family of three. Now it was just his mother and him since his dad had left to work in the US and couldn’t return due to medical reasons.

I miss him. I wish he were here right now.

If Hisashi had been there, he would have seen how much his son had grown with his own eyes instead of through a screen. Izuku was still on the shorter side compared to other boys his age like Hitoshi or Iida who towered over the greenette. But he had still grown as the marks and dates of his varying heights stood as evidence on the frame of his bedroom door.

Hisashi also would have seen all that Izuku had accomplished in the last year. Among the family pictures was the article of the cleaned beach that Inko had framed that was hung proudly on the wall. Along side it was his acceptance letter to UA to show all his hard work had paid off. His mother would most likely find some article or other about him winning the Sports Festival to add to their growing gallery.

Most of all, the man would have found himself with his arms full of an excited son happy to see his father after so long. It had been five long years since Izuku had seen his dad in person. More or less. He knew why Hisashi had left and knew why he couldn’t visit anymore. Knew that he was working to provide for them and was medically incapable of traveling. He knew this and accepted it but he still missed him physically being there. Because video chats and phone calls only helped so much.

It was hard at first when his dad had gotten injured and the visits suddenly stopped. Having no friends growing up, Izuku had cherished the time he spent with his parents. As well as Auntie Mitsuki and Uncle Masaru whenever they came over to visit. They were the only ones that seemed to actually care about him. So, yes, he cherished his time with them even if none of them really believed or wholly support his dream to be a Hero. Not since he was diagnosed as Quirkless.

‘It’s not going to happen.’

Izuku shook his head to get those harsh words uttered long ago out of his mind as he entered his room. Sure, they were still true that he had never developed a Quirk, but he had long associated them to his desire to be a Hero as well. Not now though. Now that he was this close.

He placed his backpack on his bed and reached inside for the proof that he had what it took. The coveted first year UA Sports Festival first place gold medal. His newly scarred and bandaged fingers found the metallic round disk with ease and pulled it out. Only to be surprised to see that it was not a gold medal in his hand, but a silver one instead.

Eh? What’s Hitoshi-kun’s medal doing in my backpack?

The greenette didn’t think that Hitoshi would misplace his medal like this. Not after everything that he had gone through today to earn it. Izuku figured that his friend would be excited to take it home and show it to his family. But then he remembered the brief solemn look and tense body language he had seen coming from his friend. Flickers of sadness and unease at the mentions of homes and parents. Something he had never seen on his friend’s face before.

Again, concerned thoughts arose in Izuku’s mind for the other boy. Of his homelife. Wondering if he was safe. He was surprised that it wasn’t until today that he even thought about that before. But now that he did, he realized that Hitoshi had never talked about it. No mentions of family. No offered visits to go to his house. Nothing. As if he didn’t want them to know.

I’ll have to ask him about that when I see him next, Izuku thought, feeling it was a conversation better held face to face. Please be safe, Hitoshi-kun.

Placing the silver medal on his desk, Izuku then reached back in his bag, took out his own gold one, and put it down next to the other. He took out anything else he needed and then set his backpack on the floor. Moving to his dresser, he took out a change of clothes. Opting for a comfy pair of grey sweatpants, a white t-shirt that said ‘plain’, white socks, fresh underwear, and a striped green housecoat.

A hot shower was just what he needed after a long day such as this. The steam cleared his head and the heated water relaxed his aching muscles. The calming atmosphere left his mind to wander as he washed away the sweat and grime of the day. Memories surfaced of his parents’ words on that day he had found out he would never get a Quirk. Remembering the question he had desperately asked his mother as his favorite video of All Might played on the computer in that dark room.

‘Do you think…I could still be a Hero, too?’

‘I’m so sorry, Izuku. I wish things could be different.’

His mother, Inko, had cried and apologized over and over as she had held him in a crushing hug. The Hero’s iconic laughter filling the air as the two greenettes sobbed into each other’s arms.

Mom. Back then. That wasn’t what I needed to hear.

At the time, Izuku’s world had been crumbling. His dreams of becoming a Hero had seemed to be shattering around him. Each bark of laughter from his idol felt like a hammer to the nail in his dream’s coffin. All the tears and apologies weren’t helping. That wasn’t what he wanted to hear. What he needed to hear.

‘Yes’.

One simple word of encouragement was what he wanted. Needed. Something. Anything. Any proof that someone other than himself believed he could do it. Become a Hero. To know that he wasn’t the only one that still believed in that dream. But that was not what he got. Only the words of tearful apologies.

Then his father had come home. Came into this very room where mother and son had cried together in the dark room only illuminated by the glow of the computer screen. Had come in and helped him calm down from the growing panic attack caused by his world ending around him. Had asked him what was wrong. To which Izuku had asked his own question in return in his shaky tearful four-year-old voice.

‘Papa, do…do you…e-even if I don’t h-have a Quirk, do you th-think I can still be a H-Hero?’

At first, Hisashi’s response had been a question rather than an answer, asking his son if he could be direct with him. Which Izuku appreciated as his father was always honest with him. Even with sharing his differing opinion on Heroes with the boy but never pushing it on his son. Something Izuku also appreciated as he loved Heroes and what they did to help people. While his father never held a high opinion of them.

A young Izuku had only nodded in answer as he had been too upset for anything else. A gesture that his father had accepted with ease as he was used to his son answering as such. After all, being a Midoriya meant that Izuku was as emotional as his mother and the stuttering only got worse as the tears flowed and emotions were high. So, sometimes verbal responses were too much to get out.

Hisashi had spoken his honest opinion as he always did with his son. Pointed out a fact that Izuku knew well with all his research into Heroes. That since the emergence of Quirks and Heroes thereafter, there had never been a Quirkless Hero. Not one. A fact that caused the flow of the boy’s tears to begin anew.

His father had then taken him in his arms, shushing his son as he had tried to comfort the boy. Turned out, his dad hadn’t finished yet. Instead, Hisashi had kept going and said that yes, there had never been a Quirkless Hero before. That much was true. But that didn’t mean there never would be.

It hadn’t been the ‘yes’ Izuku needed, but it hadn’t been a ‘no’ either. ‘Maybe.’ That was basically his dad’s answer. That sure there was no precedent but that didn’t dictate that would be true forever. At the time, it had been enough of an answer to push Izuku to keep going. Keep believing in his dream. Keep striving to be a Hero. To just try.

So, he had.

While ignoring the jeers of his peers, Izuku had trained. On his analysis for his mind and self-defense for his body. Unclear of how he would become a Hero exactly, but training as he did was better than doing nothing. Taking inspiration from those Heroes like Eraserhead and Sir Nighteye who had non-offensive Quirks and relied on other means to fight. That was how he had carried on for most of his childhood.

That is…until him.

Hero Killer Stain. The Villain. Akaguro Chizome. The man. The first one to ever, in his at-the-time fourteen years of life, believe in his dream to become a Hero. To see the potential to do good inside of him. To look past the Quirkless label and see the Hero within. The person.

Izuku still couldn’t believe he had even ever met the man. As if it was a twist of fate decided by some author writing a story. Because how else could he have met the Villain. Whatever it was though, he was grateful. Because the words that Akaguro had given him that day were the ones Izuku had needed to hear for so long.

‘It won’t be easy and you will need to find something to give you an edge in a fight, but I believe you can become a Hero!’

A ‘yes’. In more words than he ever expected but a ‘yes’ none the less. The answer he had needed. The confirmation Izuku had longed to hear since that fateful day. Proof that his own belief in his dream was right. Justified. That he did have what it takes to be a Hero, a Quirk be damned. That all Izuku needed was to find his own ‘edge’ that others were naturally born with.

So, he did.

Izuku had made the decision to clean the beach which led him to meeting Mei. His first friend after so long. From whom he was then able to learn about Support and inventing that became his ‘edge’. Using his analysis and growing skills in assembling new technologies, he was able to apply to the Support Course at UA and eventually be accepted. As well as meet Hitoshi who shared in his dream while also having a less than supportive childhood experience. Who became one of his best friends along with Mei as they spent more time and grew to know each other better.

Together Hitoshi and Izuku had trained, gaining support from Aizawa and Yamada along the way. As well as Nezu for Izuku’s analysis. Practicing and pushing themselves in preparation for the Sports Festival where they would prove themselves to others and show they had what it takes. To tackle every obstacle and take every fight head on. To come out on top in proof of their skills and their suitability for the Hero Course.

And they did. He did.

Through a series of all those happenstances, here he was. Back home after the prestigious UA Sports Festival as the holder of the golden first place medal. A symbol that served to prove he was one step closer to his dream. His and Hitoshi’s. They held up their end and placed in the top two. Now it was in the paws of Principal Nezu and whatever his chimera mind decided. All they could do now was rest and wait.

Izuku finished washing up and rinsed off before turning off the shower. He quickly changed and went back to his room. The greenette placed his dirty clothes to be washed in the laundry basket and hung up his uniform as he hadn’t worn it that much today. Then he grabbed his gold medal, leaving Hitoshi’s behind, and left his room to join his mother in the kitchen. As he closed his bedroom door, Izuku looked up at the small All Might themed plaque with his name on it.

‘The life of a Pro Hero is one of risk and danger. Without a Quirk, can one become a Hero like me? It pains me to say this, but I must say no, I don’t think it’s possible.’

Izuku still admired the man despite what he had said that day on that roof over a year ago. Still respected him as a Hero. But All Might had ultimately told him ‘no’. That without a Quirk he couldn’t become a Hero. To keep his dreams attainable. But he had been wrong.

See, All Might? I may not have a Quirk, but I won. I’m the one that beat all of those with Quirks. The strong, the flashy, and the subtle alike. Out of all of them, me, Quirkless little me, am in first place. Not Bakugou, not Shouto-kun, not Hitoshi-kun. Me.

Maybe…just maybe the Number One Hero could believe what he believed. Could see what even a Villain could see.

I did it, Akaguro-san. I hope I made you proud.

The man had said he’d be watching. That he would lay witness to all his hard work in training his body and mind. Of using the edge that Akaguro had tasked him to find. Or in this case, build. His Quirk Replicating Support Items had worked even better than Izuku could have ever imagined.

Or at least had until Bakugou got to them.

Izuku grimaced at the thought but brushed it off as having to rebuild was only a minor setback in the grand scheme of things. Because they had worked. Every challenge placed before him succumbed to him and his Support Items. Showing everyone that you don’t need a Quirk to succeed in life. Even if not all of them believed it, but Izuku had no issue in working hard to prove them wrong.

After all, I’ve gotten this far, haven’t I? What’s a little while longer?

Izuku made his way down the hall to the kitchen where he saw his mother bustling away with practiced ease. Inko was as at home cooking as Izuku was analyzing Heroes. She was deft of hand when cutting vegetables and preparing pieces of meat. Sometimes seeming like a miracle worker when it came to combining ingredients to make a wonderful meal. A skill that Izuku thought would be a good one to learn has he had often joined his mother in the preparation of a meal. With a fond smile, Izuku placed his medal in his jacket pocket and moved to stand beside her.

“Hey mom,” Izuku said as he approached.

~~~

Inko turned around and a beaming smile spread across her face at the sight of her son. The green haired woman placed the knife she had been using down and turned to envelope him in a big hug. Which he gratefully and enthusiastically returned.

“Welcome home, Izuku,” the mother said as she pulled back to look at him. “I saw your fights. Even managed to get your father on a video call for a bit. You did so well today. Congratulations on placing first.”

“Thanks, mom,” Izuku said with a warm smile, sniffling slightly as the happy tears threatened to fall.

“Oh, don’t you start that now,” Inko scolded with a smile and a pat of her hand on his arm. “If you do, you know I won’t be too far behind.”

“Heh heh, sorry,” her son chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head with his hand, willing the tears to stay inside.

“So, how did your day go?” she asked as she turned back to the cutting board.

As the mother continued to prepare their dinner, katsudon of course as it was his favorite, Izuku recounted his day. Described all he had done during the Obstacle Course and the Cavalry Battle. Talked about the students he had met and possible new friends he had made. By that point they had finished cooking and moved to the table to eat. Izuku continued between bites with a play-by-play of the one-on-one matches of who fought who and how they used their Quirks with intermittent questions and theories of other possible uses for them.

During those recounting tales they finished eating, cleaning up, and moved over to the couch. As they cuddled together, the son confided to his mother the new developments between Shouto and him while not mentioning what he had learned about the other boy’s homelife. He skipped over what happened with Bakugou to avoid that topic of discussion for as long as possible. Finishing by recounting his fight with Hitoshi of what they did and what they said. The fact they had traded jokes in the middle of a fight earned a giggle from the mother.

“It kind of became like when we spar,” Izuku recalled. “We didn’t worry about who won. Not really. We were just enjoying the moment. The only difference is I had a trick up my sleeve to break out of Hitoshi-kun’s Brainwashing.”

“How did you do that?” Inko asked curiously.

“Do you remember that very first invention I made by myself months ago?” he asked to which the mother gave him a ‘so-so’ gesture to say she remembered it vaguely. “It was this small black disk that is basically a timer that buzzes when the time runs out. Just enough to snap me out of his Quirk.”

“Wow, that’s impressive,” she said with a look of awe. “To think your very first invention would help you win the Sports Festival. Though, I have to ask, why did you only have that in your last match? The announcer mentioned that you had some ‘issues’ with your Support Items before it.”

One would assume they would gain wear and tear in a competition like that, but her son’s inventions had stood up well to the challenge up until just before the finals.

“O-oh, um, well…there w-was an incident before m-my fight with Hitoshi-kun,” Izuku answered hesitantly, lowering his previously animated hands. “I, uh, was getting ready f-for the match when, um, B-Bakugou showed up.”

She had a feeling it would involve Katsuki in some way. That she could guess from the call from the school she had received asking if she could attend a meeting in the morning. They had mention they would be discussing Izuku’s future in UA as well as another ‘issue’ that had happened involving her son and him. But that wasn’t what made the mother look at her son in surprise.

Bakugou? Not Katsuki?

Inko had noticed her son had stopped calling the other boy by his childhood nickname since around the time Mei had entered their lives. That he still held the memories and the familiarity built up over the years despite the years of mistreatment. Still held the blonde to some level of esteem enough to call him by his first name. But apparently not anymore after whatever ‘issue’ they had.

“What happened with him, sweety?” the mother asked, unsure if she should use the explosive teen’s first name either. Not if this was her son’s reaction to whatever he had done.

“H-he came to the waiting room I w-was in,” Izuku recounted as he fiddled with his hands. “He was yelling a-and angry at me. Accused m-me of cheating because I was u-using Support Items. Which doesn’t make sense b-because the rules clearly say I can as a Support Course student. But apparently that d-didn’t click in his mind as he continued to try a-and put me down. Like he always does.”

Inko had suspected that there was still bullying occurring outside of her circle of control. Not anything physical against his person as she would have noticed that. She was a mother after all and a mother always knows. So that meant it had to have been verbal which her son’s last statement confirmed.

“What did he say to you, Izuku?” Inko asked, watching her son in worry.

“He said I h-had no right to be there b-because I’m Quirkless,” Izuku replied as tears starting to well.  “Th-that the festival was a competition where o-only the ‘strongest of Quirks a-are destined to win’ as he said. That s-since it was how people get scouted b-by the Pros that he believed o-only the Hero Course students sh-should have been able to compete.”

“But it’s supposed to be for everyone,” Inko commented.

“I kn-know that but apparently Bakugou d-didn’t think so,” the son stuttered out, tears starting to trickle down his cheeks. “We a-argued some more a-and then he…he…”

His voice died down as he was overwhelmed with the emotions his memories evoked. His hands, one of which was bandaged, formed into fists in his lap.

“And then he what?” Inko prompted, placing a comforting hand on her son’s knee.

“…h-he broke them,” Izuku confessed in a whisper, tears now flowing freely. “A-almost all of my Support Items. Starting w-with my right glove.”

They both glanced down at his bandaged hand but Inko had no chance to comment as Izuku continued.

“He t-took them and exploded th-them one by one right in f-front of me. All my hard work…j-just gone.”

“Oh, my poor baby,” the mother said, drawing her son into a hug.

The boy clung to her as he sobbed into her shoulder enveloped in the comforting arms of his mother. She ran her fingers through his freshly cleaned hair as he cried, whispering consoling words into his ear. Giving him all the time he needed to let out all of the anguish within him. A few minutes passed before he was able to speak again.

“I s-snapped at him,” he said, pulling away slightly but still remained in his mother’s arms. “C-called him out on h-his bullshit.”

Inko knew her son cursed sometimes. He did grow up around Katsuki after all with that sailor mouth of his. But it still surprised her that Izuku would say one in front of her. Showing how upset he truly was.

“I’ve t-tried to be his friend for s-so long,” her son continued, sniffling slightly. “O-or at least be friendly t-towards him. We b-both want to become Heroes s-so I thought we held the same g-goals. But after wh-what he did, I came to realize th-that I didn’t know h-him anymore.”

That explains calling him Bakugou.

“I a-asked him why he seems t-to hate me so much. Why he t-treats me the way he does. Turns out h-he thought I was looking d-down on him the whole time.”

He left out a solemn chuckle at that ridiculous thought the other boy had of him for so long.

“Why would he think that?” Inko asked, confused as to how Katsuki could have possibly believed such a thing.

“You g-got me. I have no idea,” Izuku replied, letting out another short sad laugh while shaking his head. “But I t-told him he was wrong. That I actually l-looked up to him. That I had always s-seen his potential to be a Hero. But he didn’t act l-like a Hero today. I told him a-as much. He d-didn’t like that.”

Izuku grew quiet with pursed lips. As if there was more but he didn’t want to say it.

“What else did he do?” the mother asked, knowing that was the case.

“He, uh, he a-attacked me,” Izuku let out in a hesitant whisper.

“He what?!” Inko exclaimed, grabbing his shoulders and searching him for any other injury besides his hand.

“Don’t worry, mom!” Izuku insisted, gesturing placatingly with his hands. “He only m-managed to hit me with one explosion.”

The mother gave her son that look only mothers could do.

“Izuku, one explosion is already one too many,” Inko said with a serious tone and a pointed glance at his hand.

“I-I know, but I didn’t even f-feel it because my under-armor p-protected me,” Izuku defended, taking hold of her hands and moving them to their laps. “Plus, Aizawa-sensei a-and Yamada-sensei came in and b-broke it up right away.”

Thank goodness for those two.

Inko had gained more and more respect for the two Heroes. Especially Aizawa as he had been the one to bring Izuku’s analysis to the principal’s attention. They had both taken her son, along with Hitoshi, under their wing and helped them more than any other teacher had done for Izuku before. From the tales she had heard of their training, Aizawa was a tough but fair teacher. Dealing out punishments where they seemed fit. This case being no exception.

Wait…

“Izuku, aren’t there rules about attacking other students outside of a match?” Inko asked, wondering why she had seen the boy who had attacked her son on the third-place podium.

“Um, y-yes?” he answered though it sounded more like a question. “They g-get disqualified.”

“Then why was Katsuki on the podium for third?” she inquired further with brows furrowed in confusion. “Shouldn’t he have been disqualified?”

Or with the principal to discuss his punishment at the very least.

“O-oh, about th-that,” he replied hesitantly. “I m-may have sort of asked them not to?”

What?!

“Izuku, why?!” the mother demanded to know, gripping her son’s hands in concern but also carefully as one was injured. “He needs to be punished for what he did to you!”

“I know that!” Izuku snapped. Not in anger but in exasperation. He took a breath to calm down as he didn’t mean to yell at his mom. “I know that. A-after all these years, all he’s done, all he’s said…Bakugou deserves to be punished.”

‘Said’? What else as he said to my boy?

“Then why, Izuku?” Inko asked, planning to ask about that later. She let go of one of his hands to tuck a stray green hair behind his ear.

“Because I know Bakugou,” Izuku answered, earning a confused look from his mother. “I don’t understand his m-motives or if he really is someone who c-can be a Hero after what he did today. But I do know h-how he would have reacted i-if they had disqualified him.”

The mother nodded her head, gesturing for him to explain.

“Bakugou has n-never really had to face the c-consequences of his actions before,” he continued as she took his hand again, rubbing her thumb across his skin in comfort. “I kn-know you tried to help in the p-past back when I couldn’t d-defend myself. That the t-teachers didn’t really listen o-or do anything about it despite a-all your pictures.”

Inko let out a tired sigh as she remembered the countless parent teacher conferences that had led to nothing. She nodded again in conceit prodding for him to go on.

“Everyone has always t-told him he would be a g-great Hero,” Izuku said, looking at their joined hands rather than into his mother’s eyes as he talked. “Could see the p-potential I saw with his Quirk. B-but the faith in and praise of h-him was too much and it went to Bakugou’s h-head. Inflated his e-ego as the years passed. Every compliment, every allowance, every slight s-swept under the rug to keep his ch-chances for a bright Hero future…it was a-all too much.”

The mother continued to run her thumb along his skin as he talked. Providing the silent comfort not wanting to interrupt.

“Bakugou d-doesn’t see his actions today as wrong. No teacher has ever stopped him o-or punished him before. This would be the first time a-anyone had ever told him he was w-wrong. That what he did was s-something bad. If he was suddenly punished l-like everyone else, he wouldn’t actually learn what he d-did was wrong. B-because he has gone so many years t-treating me the way he does a-and no one said a word. Other than you and papa. And auntie and uncle too.”

It was true. A sad truth but still true. Inko had done her best to defend her son but the bureaucracy of the school had prevented her from doing anything. Hisashi would have helped but he had already been working overseas by the time it was bad enough for her to intervene. She didn’t want to burden him with all the responsibilities he had already. Having to work in another country to provide for them was burden enough.

So, she hadn’t told him about it. Had gone to conferences on her own to talked about how the other children were treating her son. Had even talked to Mitsuki in regards of Katsuki. The fellow mother did her best to talk to her son as well, but both Izuku and Katsuki had said nothing was wrong. So, there wasn’t much they could do.

“I have a feeling th-that any kind of punishment that d-deals with taking something away w-won’t work with Bakugou,” Izuku said, finally looking up at his mother. “I think…I think wh-what he needs is to be told what he did w-was wrong. Needs to be p-punished with words, not actions.”

The one pair of green eyes looked into the mirrored pair, silently pleading for her to understand. It made sense. Katsuki had always been one to prefer actions over words growing up. As evident that Mitsuki had tried to talk to him, in her own way, but he had never listened to her because those at school had never done anything to stop him. Not even Izuku had done anything to stop him past stopping anything physical. But the blonde had apparently continued to push Izuku down with his own words. Ones that no one had stopped him from saying before.

Until now.

“I think you’re right, Izuku,” Inko relented. She reached up to cup his face with one hand, wiped away a tear before letting go. “I think you know Katsuki better than anyone else. Well, if he didn’t get disqualified, how is he going to be punished?”

“That’s wh-what the meeting with Nezu-sensei i-is partly about tomorrow,” Izuku said, sniffling a bit. Inko passed him a few tissues so he could blow his nose and wipe away any stray tears. When he finished, he looked up at his mom with a smile. “That’s why they a-asked you to come. That, and possibly a-about Hitoshi-kun and I transferring i-into the Hero Course.”

Inko looked at her son in astonishment as she said, “Do you really think so?”

“We d-don’t know for sure,” Izuku said with a shrug and a small chuckle. “But Aizawa-sensei had this c-certain look in his eye when he told us about the meeting. So, hopefully yes. We certainly placed high enough for consideration.”

“I’d say so,” Inko replied.

They both shared a chuckled before Izuku gasped out, “Oh, here!”

As if he had just remembered, he reached into his pocket and took out his gold medal. Izuku presented it to his mother with a proud smile. The object that marked his achievement. With an awestruck gaze and slightly shaking hands, Inko took the medal from her son and looked it over as if to see it was real. Suddenly, she started crying and threw her arms around Izuku to pull him into another hug.

~~~

“M-mom?” Izuku stuttered in surprise as he wrapped his arms around her.

For a few minutes, she said nothing. Merely crying as she held her son close. Blubbering into his shoulder as he ran his fingers through her hair in comfort. Returning the favor as she had done for him not even ten minutes ago. Eventually she spoke though it came out as more of a whisper.

“I-I’m so s-sorry, Izuku,” the mother cried, holding him tight.

“S-sorry?” Izuku asked as he pushed her away to see her face. It was red and blotchy with rivers of tears flowing down her cheeks. “Mom, wh-what are you sorry about?

“I-I’ve been a t-terrible mother to you, Izuku,” Inko said, uselessly wiping the emotional droplets away as more inevitably took their place. “I n-never fully believing in your dream. I was afraid that w-without a Quirk you wouldn’t be a-able to protect yourself.”

Mom…

“But now I see it. Why you w-went into Support,” she said, wearing a watery smile of pride. “Others are born with power, but you…you make your own power. You showed the world that you didn’t need a born gift to fight. You made your own power and plan to use it to forge your own path. And I’m so so proud of you.”

“Mom…,” Izuku gasped, a new wave of tears building.

“You fought so hard today, baby,” the mother said, caressing his face as his eyes began to leak. “You used your own self-made power a-and fought your way to the very top. If that principal of yours doesn’t offer you the opportunity to transfer, I have half a mind to enroll you in a different school that would. I would stop at nothing until someone realizes the potential in you.”

She would go that far? Uproot our lives just for that?

“B-because I really think you have what it takes, Izuku,” Inko said with a proud determined smile. “I believe that you, my baby, can be the Hero you’ve always wanted to be.”

The son sucked in a shaky breath as his mind reeled at those words. The words that he had longed to hear from his mother for so long. Words that overpowered all the negative words from all the nay-sayers over the years.

‘It’s not going to happen.’

‘I’m so sorry, Izuku. I wish things could be different.’

‘I know what I said to you that day was harsh, but with how dangerous the Hero profession is, it was a truth you needed to hear. I’m glad you found a more attainable dream, young Midoriya.’

‘Somehow you have made it this far, but that crutch of yours will only hold you up to a certain point. Which is now. Fight my Shouto and allow him to use you to show his superiority.’

‘The only reason you are here, Deku, is because of your shitty gear. Take that away and you are nothing. Weak. Useless. Quirkless. Deku.’

Those who doubted him, judged him for his lack of Quirk, were wrong. Their words were overpowered by the sheer number of people he had to support him now. His best friends like Mei and Hitoshi. Like Shouto. Friends like Kirishima, Ochako, Iida, and Tsuyu. Even potential friends like Monoma, Tokoyami, Kouda, Yaoyorozu, and Jirou. The latter’s words in particular brought a smile to his face even if he only truly met her in passing.

‘I think it’s really cool that you want to be a Hero. Seems you’re already acting like one though. Keep up the good work.’

Not only did he have friends now who supported him, but also the teachers. Maijima helped him train in Support. Aizawa and Yamada helped Hitoshi and him train physically. As well as Yamada teaching him JSL. Nezu helped him train mentally. And just today, Shuuzenji offered to train him in first aid. The most adults other than his and Bakugou’s parents to ever actually care about him.

And then there was Akaguro…

‘You’re doing well, Little Hero. Even now when you are still a little fledgling, you have already shown me you are worthy. I look forward to seeing what kind of Hero you will become.’

The words from the man meant so much to him being the first to ever confirm his own beliefs in himself. He would always treasure those words despite them coming from a Villain. Because he didn’t act like a Villain towards Izuku, but like the person that he was. But to hear the ‘yes’ he had desperately wanted to hear for years finally come from one of the people he loved most, his mother, meant the world to him.

‘I believe that you, my baby, can be the Hero you’ve always wanted to be.’

That’s all I needed to hear from you, mom. That you believed in me.

In a green blur, Izuku surged forward and enveloped his mom in a tight hug. He whispered numerous ‘thank you’s and ‘I love you, mom’s into her neck as he cried into her shoulder. Overwhelmed with emotions once again. Minutes passed as the two Midoriyas sat on the couch comforting each other.

“I am so proud of you, Izuku,” Inko whispered into his ear, one arm squeezing her son firmly while the other carded through his hair. “Forgive me for not believing in you before. You can and will become a Hero. No matter what.”

“Thanks, mom,” Izuku breathed, holding her tight.

He soaked up a few moments more of supportive affection. Feeling the buildup of stress, worries, and fears melt away with the touch. Hugs were magically in that way. Made all your problems seem far away or disappear entirely.

“Oh, I was able to get your father on the phone earlier,” Inko piped up, drawing them both out of the hug. “We watched your last match a-and…the Award Ceremony.”

“R-really?” he asked hesitantly, nervous as they had seen how the crowd had reacted to his Quirk status. “What did he say?”

“That’s he’s proud of you,” the mother replied with a warm smile. “That no matter what they say, you’ve proven yourself to those that matter. He plans to call tomorrow.”

“He is?” Izuku gasped, excited to talk to his dad earlier than their scheduled one.

“Mhm,” Inko assured. “He wants to congratulate you himself.”

“I can’t wait!” Izuku chirped, smiling brightly. Then he remembered what he had wanted to ask. “Oh, speaking of tomorrow, do you think it would be ok to hold a sleepover? I invited Mei-chan, Hitoshi-kun, and Shouto-kun but told them I had to ask you first.”

“That’s alright with me,” Inko answered, easily allowing the hang out. It made her happy to see her son happy and spending time with his friends. Then she realized something. “Wait, ‘Shouto-kun’? When did that happen?”

Izuku blushed at her pointing it out all of a sudden. “Y-yeah, um, we really bonded today and decided to call each other by our first names. Oh, and with Ochako-chan too though you haven’t met her yet.”

“That’s my baby, making so many friends,” Inko grinned, ruffling his hair.

The son playfully swatted her hand away and they laughed at each other’s antics. The pair settled back on the couch and decided to watch a movie to relax. They had just finished having an emotional discussion with their emotions running high then low then back up only to drop down again like a rollercoaster. The two were both emotionally exhausted at this point and spent the rest of the evening winding down with a good movie and good company.

When the credits started to roll, Izuku let out a yawn and Inko announced it was time for bed. Izuku didn’t protest in the slightest as they would have a very busy day tomorrow. He hugged his mom one last time before retiring to his room. However, despite being exhausted from both the day’s events and the talk with his mother, he didn’t go to sleep. Because, if he assumed right, his day wasn’t over yet.

Notes:

I love Inko and Izuku so much. They are just so great together. ^____^ I just love their level of communication and understanding of each other. Best mom Inko. :) Apologizing to her son for not believing in him because I wanted her to. She doesn't ever do that in canon because Midoriya gets a quirk so he's no longer 'defenseless' like when he was quirkless. But in this AU, Izuku still is and he is a freaking sunshine boy badass about it. ;) So, yeah, I had a mighty need for Inko to apologize to Izuku. Also, best dad Hisashi. He may not agree with his son when it comes to heroes, but he still loves him and encourages him to try his best. We'll learn more about Hisashi in a future chapter.

So, Izuku found Hitoshi's medal and is all, "eh?" basically. XD You'll find out in due time Izuku. He's just worried for his friend.

More reflection on Stain and his words to Izuku. It's a theme that keeps coming up again and again as I write this. Wasn't really intentional but it keeps happening. XD People telling him no and then Stain finally saying yes. The support of his friends. Even the use of names. I just...agh. I love it whenever my brain is all "time to talk about the importance of words again". ^____^ Hope you guys like it 'cause I do.

Fun Facts About Japan:

Going back to interesting local phrases. Another interesting word in Japanese is the slang term 'yabai' ( やばい ). Yabai is a term that can literally mean anything as the meaning changes depending on the way you say it. The English equivalent I can think of is the word 'great'. If you're happy, you can say it with an up tilt in tone as 'great!'. :D If you're not, you can say it with a down tilt tone as 'great...'. -____- And various other shifts in tone like if you're annoyed 'great.' with a sharp tone. >:/ If that makes sense...kind of hard to describe in text so I hope the emojis helped. If not, ah...yabai... ^____^;

That's it for this update! I'mma just confirm it now. Next up we get another meeting with our favorite friendly-only-to-Izuku neighborhood-hopping Villain, Hero Killer Stain. ;) I am so very much excited for next week you have no idea. It's gonna be funnnnnn. But you'll have to wait for that! :D For I am cruel and love to draw out the anticipation. Kekekeke. (Not really though, I'm just trying to stick to the schedule. ^___^) Anyway! Thanks for reading and for your patience. Please report any typos or weirdness! See ya!

Chapter 58: Red Of Life

Notes:

Got a special treat for ya this Tuesday, dear readers. ^____^ It's a double update! :D Why? I'll tell you why. As said, this is another meet and greet with Stain. Originally I wanted this meeting to be all in one single chapter. The others were either partials or split between chapters. But this meeting is the amalgamation of all their built up trust and familiarity. So I intended it to be one.

However...due to my extra brain's need to be extra and characterization crazy along with all the things I wanted to cover between them, this single meeting ended up 19 pages long. XD I've been keeping chapters from 8-11 pages long-ish and the other longest one I think came out to be maybe 13? But that was really pushing it for me so I just couldn't post a 19 page chapter. Too much of a contrast for me.

However however, I didn't have the heart to separate the chapters with a week. It would ruin the flow of the conversation. I couldn't do that to this meeting and I think you'll understand why when you read it. So yeah, y'all get a double update. ;)

Lots of references to the Vigilantes spin off manga in this chapter fyi.

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

This time Izuku was ready. Mentally prepared for the now seemingly routine occurrence of the man known as the Hero Killer coming to pay him a visit. It seemed that after any major event, starting that fateful day, Akaguro came to see him. After the rejection from All Might, the completion of the cleaning of the beach, the attack at the USJ, and now him having won the Sports Festival against all odds. Or so he suspected.

The greenette passed the time on his phone. He made sure to text Mei, Hitoshi, and Shouto that the sleepover was a go. The pinkette sent an excited response full of emojis, the insomniac a simple ‘cool’ paired with a picture of a cat burrito-ed in blankets, and the tactile stoic a short ‘ok’ followed by a bid good night and a sentiment of looking forward to tomorrow.

I hope his visit with his mother goes well.

Izuku also messaged Iida saying he had heard of his family emergency, offered his well wishes, and let him know he was there for him if he needed anything. Izuku could empathize with his friend and what he must be going through. He had experienced something similar when his father had been hurt so bad that they had almost lost him five years ago. He didn’t expect an answer right away, but Iida being prompt as ever, responded relatively quickly considering the circumstances.

His friend thanked him for his concern and told him that his older brother, Tensei, had been attacked by a Villain while on patrol. But he assured him that he was going to be alright as an ambulance had been sent to the scene almost immediately after it had occurred. The wound on his back had been severe but his spinal cord was intact. It was close. If the wound had been any deeper, he could have been paralyzed. Thankfully it wasn’t. Tensei would be out of commission for a while but would make a full recovery and be able to continue his Hero work with enough rest and physical therapy.

Izuku was relieved to hear that. It would have been so unfortunate for a Hero like Ingenium to have to retire so soon into his career. He asked Iida who had attacked him but the other boy either didn’t know or couldn’t say which is understandable as the attack was now part of an ongoing investigation. The greenette understood and merely sent his condolences and offered to help Iida with anything if he needed it. To which his friend had thanked him again before bidding goodbye to tend to his brother.

I wonder who attacked him.

He was about to look to see if there was any news coverage yet when he was distracted by a flash of movement he caught in the corner of his eye. Slowly he turned to his window to see the dark silhouette of a wide-eyed Stain. The shocked look on his face almost made Izuku giggle as the man probably expected him to be asleep like the last two times.

Is it weird that I’m no longer surprised to see a murderer outside my window? Izuku thought, as the man shook out of his stupor and then gestured towards the roof in silent question.

Giving an affirming nod to the Hero Killer, Izuku got out of bed as the man jumped away. Grabbing his phone, keys, and a jacket, he made his way to the front door quietly. Not bothering to bring the frying pan same as last time though a more conscious decision this time, he put on his shoes and headed towards the roof.

The greenette walked the now strangely familiar path up, reflecting on the two previous times he had done this exact same thing. More or less. The first time, after he had finished cleaning the beach, he had been terrified. Full of fear as he was clutching a frying pan as a sort of kitchen ware safety blanket. But the Villain had made no move to hurt him and merely wanted to discuss his altruistic actions.

The second, after the USJ attack, he hadn’t really thought about it, ambling up while still in a half-asleep daze. His tired mind hadn’t even thought of bringing any form of protection as he had forgotten the frying pan he had brought before. Bringing only his phone and keys to his meeting with a Villain.

This time marked the third roof top meeting at his apartment building and the fourth time he’d ever met the man. At this point he knew there wasn’t really any danger though he still would remain cautious. The man was still a Villain even if he had shown no intention to hurt him. Had even ruffled his hair last time. Twice. A gesture Izuku still wasn’t sure what to make of to tell the truth.

From day one the Villain, the man, had been kind to him. Listened to him, sat with him, had always treated him as if they were on the same level. Had seen past the Quirkless label like no one had before and saw the person within. Saw the hopes and dreams. The potential. Believed in him and his dream to be a Hero. Declared that he, Midoriya Izuku the Quirkless boy, could indeed become a Hero.

Akaguro was a Villain, yes, but he had been the first one outside of his family to treat Izuku like a person. Anyone else had stopped as soon as they learned his Quirk status. Only seeing the term Quirkless and writing him off immediately. But not Akaguro. He saw him. Saw Izuku for who he was and could see the potential of what he desired to become. He believed when no one else had.

To think that out of anyone in the world to encourage me to be a Hero, it would be a Villain. The Hero Killer Stain no less. Self-proclaimed cleanser of the Hero ranks. A man of conviction. And a murderer.

That thought sent a shiver down the greenette’s spine. Never had he thought he would ever be on amicable terms with a Villain. One who has killed people multiple times before. The thought of someone taking another’s life sickened him. It was just…wrong. Life was precious and short. Something that should be protected. Yet there are people out there that had no issue in ending another’s life before their time.

As he reached the door to the roof, Izuku paused. Here he was working to become a Hero and yet meeting a Villain in secret. One he had met more than once but hadn’t ever reported it. Hadn’t even thought to. Green eyes glanced down at the phone in his hand. Last time Izuku hadn’t thought about possibly recording their meeting until after Akaguro had already left. Hadn’t even been sure if it would have been a good idea in the first place.

I-I could always d-delete it, he thought, so nervous he found himself even stuttering in his mind.

He’d have to be careful. There’s no telling what the Villain would do if he found out he was being recorded. Being cautious, Izuku made sure to completely silence his phone of any noises. Even turned off the vibrate alert in case he got a notification during their talk. Then he pulled up a recording app on his phone and took a deep breath before pressing start. The numbers of the time elapsed shifted and grew confirming the recording had begun. Taking one more steadying breath, Izuku placed his phone in his pocket and then opened the door.

As he stepped out onto the roof, Izuku found Akaguro already there sitting near the edge of the building. His legs were outstretched while he leaned back on his arms looking more relaxed than Izuku had ever seen him. The teen walked over to the man and sat down cross legged next to him, only a few inches apart. He still found the closeness unnerving but was confident enough that the man wouldn’t hurt him. Plus, the closer he was the clearer the recording would be. The pair sat there, side by side, for a few moments looking out over the city before Stain broke the silence.

“So…first place in the Sports Festival,” Akaguro commented, side glancing at the teen with a smirk. “Not bad, Little Hero.”

“Heh, thanks, Akaguro-san,” Izuku said, letting out a nervous chuckle.

“Call me Chizome, kid,” the man said suddenly.

Eh?

Seeing the greenette’s confused look, he continued, “You’re the one person I’ve talked the most with for many many years. Even if it was only four times counting now and even these have been brief. But I feel like you’ve earned the right. Not many get the chance. Plus, I’d like to hear my name coming from a true Hero.”

He already considers me a Hero?

“O-oh…uh, ok, Ch-Chizome-san,” Izuku said, shocked that the man would ask this of him.

Calling someone by their first name was a privilege. A sign of closeness and familiarity. Of a bond. Like the ones Izuku shared with Mei, Hitoshi, and Ochako. It was a bit different with Tsuyu as she had insisted on the first name basis right off the bat though they had their own bond having survived the USJ attack together. Then there was Shouto and their gentle touches. That bond was special to him.

He wants me to call him Chizome, Izuku thought, feeling an odd warm feeling from receiving yet another gesture from the man marking them as equals. Should I extend the same courtesy? Is he expecting it? Would it come off as rude to him? Would he change his mind? Would he be offended if I didn’t?

“You don’t have to push yourself, Little Hero,” Aka-Chizome said, letting out a chuckle. Izuku blushed as he realized he had said that all out loud. “You don’t have to force yourself just to be polite. I am a Villain and anyone would be apprehensive for a Villain to speak their given name.”

The man was a Villain, yes, but he had shown the Quirkless teen more respect than anyone else he had met growing up. Treated him as an equal instead of a genetic dead end. A freak of nature with no future in sight. Others may believe that, but not him. Not Chizome. It was because of that that led to Izuku answering as he did.

“I…you…um…you can c-call me Izuku if you want,” the greenette answered, nervous but sure of his decision. “You w-were the first person to ever b-believe in my dream. You gave me the courage t-to keep pushing for it w-with just your words alone. And you kept believing in a-and encouraging me. I-I think you’ve earned the right t-to call me that.”

This time it was Chizome’s turn to look surprised, not having expected the boy to actually reciprocate. Then a slightly creepy but still warm smile grew on his face. The man’s hand reached up and ruffled Izuku’s green curls without hesitation. As if it was the new normal between them. If you could call anything about this normal.

“You really are something else…Izuku,” Chizome said before removing his hand. “Now that you’ve won the Sports Festival, what comes next? Last time you mentioned the possibility of transferring.”

“Well, the ball is in the school’s court now,” Izuku answered, smiling slightly at the affectionate touch even if it still made him internally cringe slightly. It was a hand that had drawn another’s blood before after all. “I’ve gone through with my plan. I trained, I studied Support, I fought my way into first place. All I can do now is wait and see what the principal will do.”

“And if they don’t transfer you?” the man asked with a quirked brow. “If that school proves to be as foolish as those idiots who berated you in the crowd?”

The man scowled at the memory of the people who had been cheering for the boy as he rose in the ranks, only to turn on him merely because he didn’t have a Quirk. Showing the corrupted views of society when it comes to those who hold the power and prestige of the social hierarchy.

“Then I’ll just try again next year,” Izuku replied, eyes filled with determination. “I’ll ignore those that don’t believe in me as I always have. I won’t give up on my dream. No matter what, I will be a Hero. I will keep fighting to prove that I have what it takes. That the Quirk doesn’t decide who gets to be a Hero. That anyone, Quirked or Quirkless alike, have the right to follow their dreams and become anything they want to be.”

~~~

Color Chizome impressed. The unsure boy he had met a year ago had grown to be a resolved young man. Willing to keep persevering until his dream of becoming a Hero turned into reality. Fighting his way to the top, wanting recognition, not because of egotism, but as proof that he was worthy.

“The principal would be a fool to not transfer you,” Chizome said, mussing the teen’s hair again briefly. “You’ve worked hard, using your conviction to push yourself ever forward. I’m proud of you, Izuku.”

Tears started to build in the greenette’s eyes at his words. Without thinking, the teen lurched forward and wrapped his arms around the man in a hug, burying his face in the other’s armored chest. It was…awkward to say the least. The boy’s arms had to maneuver around sheathed knives while the man looked down at the mop of green hair in confusion.

It had been a long time since Chizome had any kind of contact like this with another person. So long that he had no idea what to do with his arms. They stuck out in an unsure manner before he slowly wrapped them around the boy that clung to him.

“Thank you,” Izuku mumbled into his chest. “For your words that day. I…I don’t think I would have made it this far without them.”

“Little Hero…” Chizome sighed, resigning himself to the hug as he ran his hand through green locks to soothe the boy. “My words were just that…words. I’m sure that even without them, you would have found a way to follow your dream.”

“You’re wrong, Chizome-san,” the boy said, sniffling as he pulled away slightly with one of the man’s hands ending up on his shoulder while the other remained in his green hair. Izuku wiped a few tears from his eyes as he looked up to meet the man’s gaze. “Your words that day mean more to me than you will ever know. I-I know you’re a Villain, but you were my Hero that day.”

Chizome couldn’t help the warm feeling in his heart as those green eyes looked at him full of admiration.

He thinks of me as his Hero? I haven’t been even an inkling of a Hero since…

Forcing himself out of that line of thought, the man’s hand gave one last affectionate ruffle to the green locks before letting go of the boy. Making sure there was a comfortable distance between them as they returned to their previous positions. They sat there in silence for a short while, unsure what to do now. Unsure what to say after that strangely intimate moment they had just shared.

~~~

I can’t believe I just did that!

Izuku was internally screaming in embarrassment. He seriously couldn’t believe he just did that. Just hugged him like that. Hugged Chizome. Hugged a Villain. Who does that? Me, apparently, that’s who. Ugh, why was he like this? Why did he have to be impulsive like that at times when emotions were high? He’d blame it on being a Midoriya, but would his mother ever hug a Villain? Would his father?

Nope. Just me. Awkward Izuku at it again.

The greenette never thought he would ever hug, let alone be this close to, a Villain. Not in this familial sort of way. Where a Villain and a Hero-hopeful sat side by side, talking casually. Though not right now because awkward. How does one move past an awkward situation like this? Usually, Izuku would just talk about Heroes though he wasn’t sure what that topic would lead to when being discussed with the Hero Killer himself.

Well, if not about Heroes, what about Villains? Izuku thought, his mind offering up a change of subject. Any would do. He recalled the questions he had asked himself before meeting Chizome last time. Perhaps now was his opportunity to possibly get some answers.

“Chizome-san, why did you become a Villain?” Izuku asked to break the silence, glancing up at the man who looked at him in return with a quirked brow. “I-I did some research on you. You were enrolled in a private high school for Heroes wh-when you were younger. But you dropped out a-and started giving public speeches asking for a ‘hero revival’. Only to then disappear for ten years and then c-come back under your Villain name.”

“How do you know all that?” Chizome asked with wide red eyes, stunned at what the boy knew.

“I have a lot o-of experience researching things,” Izuku explained, though didn’t reveal it was from analyzing Quirks. The Villain beside him would be one of those ‘wrong hands’ he wanted to keep his analysis away from. “It was difficult at first but i-it was easier after you gave me your name.”

“You researched me?” the man asked, astonished as he looked at the boy next to him. And perhaps a bit scared that he had found even that much with only his name. “Why?”

“I-I wanted to learn more about you,” the boy answered, casting his eyes down to his lap rather than look at the man. “Try to u-understand you better. Understand the person wh-who put their faith and belief in me.”

“…huh,” the elder uttered simply.

“You were studying t-to be a Hero,” Izuku said, fidgeting with his fingers. “But you dropped out suddenly to start p-preaching in the streets instead. Why?”

~~~

Chizome sat there for a moment considering the simple one-word question that the answer to was filled with so much grief and history. No one had ever asked him that before. But then again, he hadn’t exactly given anyone the chance after he realized his advocations had no effect. Not until he met the Little Hero. But what to say to the boy? One who apparently holds his words most dear even though that’s all they were. Just words.

“I…,” the man started but paused, unsure where to start. Perhaps the beginning is best. He took a steadying breath. “You were inspired to be a Hero because of All Might, correct?”

The boy quietly nodded beside him.

“Well, I too took inspiration from him when I first started down this path,” he continued as the boy’s green eyes were set wide with awe. “When I was born, All Might had already made his debut during a major disaster. As I grew up, his efforts that day left a deep impression on me and awoke my aspirations to be a Hero.”

“Really?! Me too!” the boy chirped with his eyes full of stars. “I’ve watched this video of it thousands of times! He saved over a hundred people in less than ten minutes! The area was a disaster but he just kept going back for more! It was the first time he used his catchphrase!”

Chizome watched in amusement as Izuku schooled his features into a scarily accurate All Might impression as he uttered the Hero’s signature words.

“That he did, Little Hero,” he chuckled as the boy blushed but smiled bashfully all the same. “He jumped into action and saved so many lives. His actions inspired me to pursue the Hero path as well. However…”

The man’s tone changed from one of admiration to one full of bitterness as Izuku looked at him in concern.

“…rather than being taught to be a true Hero like All Might, that sham of a school’s version of Heroics was a far cry to what it truly means to be a Hero. There was no focus on protecting and helping others. Only appearance and popularity. How to make a brand of yourself rather than what it actually takes to serve society as a Hero.”

The boy appeared disapproving of that which Chizome was pleased though not entirely surprised to see. He had cleaned an entire beach practically by himself and made no move to take the credit once someone actually noticed it. The boy had no need for the media attention, satisfied enough that others could enjoy the fruits of his hard labor.

“Which is why I left as that was not the kind of Hero I wanted to be,” the man continued as he gazed out at the city skyline. “As you said, I tried to spread my views by addressing the public directly. Lectured on the streets trying to teach the masses that our current view of Heroes had become corrupt. No longer adhering to what Heroes truly are and instead becoming more commercial. A far cry to what being a Hero once was and being reduced to a fabrication. As if the role of a Hero was not to fight and protect, but rather be more reminiscent to a role in a play.”

Actors on a stage.

“It was then I learned that words had no power,” Chizome stated, turning back to the teen. “That alone they were lacking.”

“But you were wrong, Chizome-san,” Izuku said, speaking up for the first during his ‘speech’. “I’m proof of that.”

The man let out a laugh.

You are the exception, Little Hero,” Chizome said, messing up his green hair as the boy bravely enough tried to playfully bat his hand away. “Others do not take my words to heart as much as you do.”

The boy rolled his eyes at him before asking, “So, is that when you disappeared for ten years? What were you doing?”

“At first, training,” Chizome replied looking out at the city again. “I wasn’t sure what my path was once I had realized my views of Heroes and society’s differed too much for my liking. So, I trained. Trained and trained some more. Feeling for a time lost as to what to do next. Then I had an idea.”

Green eyes looked up at him in curiosity.

“Tell me, Little Hero,” the man said, peering down at the boy. “What do you know of Vigilantes?”

A contemplative expression appeared on the greenette’s face as his hand rose to hold his chin in thought.

“To be honest, I don’t really know much about Vigilantes,” Izuku answered, looking up at him as he lowered his hand. “I always wanted to be a Hero and would research their fights to learn how to become a Hero myself. I’ve come across Vigilantes from time to time when they would cross a Hero’s path, but I didn’t put much effort into studying them as much. Because I wanted to be a Hero, not a Vigilante.”

“If you had, you would have made a great Vigilante,” Chizome declared with a smirk. “Might not have been even charged with Vigilantism as the laws only take into account the unlawful use of Quirks to perform the duties typically done by Pro Heroes.”

“I guess that would technically be true,” the teen conceded, his hand back to his chin in thought. “Though I could have still been charged with physical assault.”

“Not if it was self-defense,” the man insisted with the same sly smile.

“Are you trying to argue in support of my could-have-been Vigilante years?” Izuku asked with an amused expression. “I am going to UA and may or may not be offered a transfer to the Hero Course tomorrow.”

“Merely bringing up a possible alternative,” Chizome replied with a shrug.

“Is that what you did, Chizome-san?” the boy asked, looking at him curiously. “Become a Vigilante?”

“Indeed, I did, Little Hero,” he answered with a smirk. “As I refused to become a Hero in this corrupt society, I decided to pursue a life of Vigilantism instead. In a sense, I became an unlawful Hero of sorts that stood for what it truly means to be one. A symbol of judgement to strike down those who were unjust.”

“What was your Vigilante name?” the teen asked.

“I went by the name of Stendhal,” Chizome answered with a reminiscing expression. “Hid my face behind a different mask, becoming something more than human. Without it, Akaguro Chizome was merely a man of conviction. Working towards the ideals of true Heroism. But with the mask, Stendhal was judgement personified. He was the one who cleaved the divide between the red of life and the black of death with a single slash.”

“D-did you…,” Izuku stuttered out but stopped. He took a deep breath before trying again. “Did you s-still kill people? E-even back then?”

“I did,” the man answered without hesitation. The boy paled next to him and shifted away from him, seeming to want to run as far away as possible. “I assure you I will not harm you, Izuku. Remember as I said last time. Not only do you have a true Hero’s heart but you are also a child. Children do not fall under the purview of my judgement.”

Green eyes searched red, looking for any hint of a lie. But there was none for the boy to find as Chizome spoke true. He would not hurt Izuku for those reasons as well as also because he was not here on this roof acting as Stain, but as Akaguro Chizome. Stain was the one to pass judgement while Akaguro Chizome was merely an ordinary man.

Only one with more blood on his hands.

Finding no hint of falsehood, the boy let out a shaky breath and relaxed as much as one could seated next to a murderer. The man took no offense against the remaining tension left in his posture. The greenette was still pale but nodded his head to show his understanding. Chizome’s hand itched to reach up to ruffle his hair but held himself back knowing the touch would not be welcomed at this time.

“It’s true that I performed such morbid tasks,” the man pushed forward in hopes of moving past that moment. “Though back then, I went after those who were Villainous rather than false Heroes. Those that were tainting society with their existence.”

“D-did you ever try talking to them?” the boy asked. “Giving them the ch-chance to change?”

“I did not as I didn’t see the point of doing so,” Chizome answered with a shake of his head. “Words had never worked for me before. Therefore, I preferred to use my actions to send a message. My mission was to cleanse this world by eradicating those that infected it with their Villainy. Cut them out of the whole as one would with anything gangrenous.”

“But, Chizome-san, i-if you kill them then you take away their chance t-to grow,” Izuku pressed. “To learn from their mistakes a-and change their ways. To become better th-than they were before.”

“People do not change so easily, Izuku,” the man insisted with a frown.

“B-but if they’re dead then they won’t learn anything!” the boy pleaded. “Wouldn’t have the chance to change. To improve themselves.”

“You put too much faith in people, child,” Chizome sighed as he stood up.

“Everyone has the potential to be better though,” Izuku asserted, watching as the other started to pace. “If you kill them then that takes that chance to change away from them. But if you let them live then they would be able to become better!”

“NO, THEY WOULDN’T!” the man yelled as he turned to the boy.

Notes:

Oof...that ended on a strong note. Hang in there, broccoli boy!

Alright, so Izuku guessed right and Stainy came to visit the Little Hero again. Little does he know that Izuku is recording their meeting. So many things have already happened in this first half. First names, hair ruffles, and, oh look, a wild hug! :D Chizome doesn't know what to do and Izuku is internally screaming. XD I hope it made sense. I just got the idea randomly and had to keep it in. It was just too adorably awkward!

Also, we got to learn more about Chizome's background! :D Both Stain and Izuku were inspired by All Might. Insight into Chizome's life before becoming Stain. Disillusionment to preaching to vigilanting. I used Vigilantes chapter 9-11 as reference for his time as Stendhal. I have Izuku not really knowing about vigilantes because that wasn't what he want to be nor what I wanted him to be. But you bet that he's going to do some research now after learning Chizome's vigilante name. ;)

The fate of Tensei has been revealed! Sh-sh-shoutout to pumabox, Hollyingrd6, CaseLC, Blissfullyuncaring, Jay42Leatherback666, RowanTheRabblingRavenclaw, Beaten_BlackNBlue, Undead Starmy, silverhowl55, Dedicated_Reader_842, and Isauer for their ideas on Tensei's condition. (I believe that was everyone...) He's going to be alright and will be able to return to hero work eventually much to Tenya's relief. How will this affect Hosu? We shall see! ^____^

Alright, that's it for this chapter. Since it's a double update, I'm going to hold the FFAJ section for next chapter. So go forth to part 2! :D Let me know of typos or weirdness if there were any.

Chapter 59: Black Of Death

Notes:

Last chapter ended on a tense note. The angst and fluff isn't over yet, dear readers! More references to Vigilantes. Let's get to it! :D

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

“NO, THEY WOULDN’T!”

They both froze in that moment. Chizome towered over the boy who trembled where he sat. Green eyes, full of fear, took in the intimidating figure. Black of hair and red of eyes with a face twisted in anger. Long tattered lengths of fabric, one of dirtied white and the other bloodstained red, fluttered in the slight breeze. Bandaged arms outspread and hand splayed wide, but thankfully empty, in frustration. Armored chest and boots paired with a multitude of blades in their sheaths on his person. All this illuminated in the moon light. It was enough to make anyone afraid.

The man huffing out breath after his outburst as he looked down at the boy. The greenette cowered where he sat clothed only in his night ware with nothing to defend himself. Body shaking as green eyes looked at him in terror that had not been there a moment ago. But could he blame him? No. Because before him stood an enraged man who spent his time dealing out judgement in the most lethal way. Anyone would be scared in such a situation.

But Chizome did not want the Little Hero to fear him. The boy was a breath of fresh air from all the fakes he had to deal with. A glimmer of hope for the future of this society. Just a few minutes ago they had been talking cordially about Vigilantes. Until the boy brought up his tendency to go for the kill. At first, Chizome had been able to mend the situation by reminding the boy he would not hurt him. But they fell back into this tense atmosphere.

First, Chizome took a deep breath to calm himself, closing his eyes as he did so. As he let it out, he schooled his features to be more composed and lowered his arms to put the boy at ease. When he opened his eyes, the boy was still watching him warily but not as fearful as before. Slowly, carefully, cautiously, the man walked over and sat down next to the greenette, though he gave them a bit more space than before. Again, they fell into an awkward silence unsure how to get out of it, only this time it was Chizome who eventually broke the tension.

“Forgive me, Little Hero,” he apologized, letting out a huff. “Perhaps this difference of opinion should be left alone. Let it stand that I believe one way and you another.”

“O-ok,” the boy let out in a whisper. They sat there for another few quiet minutes collecting their thoughts until Izuku was brave enough to speak. “S-so…if you went after Villains, wh-why did you start going a-after Heroes?”

Chizome sat there with his legs propped up and his arms on his knees reminiscing of the very fight that had caused the change of his path. The alley, his chosen victim, and the fellow meddlers that had meddled too much in his work. Had prevented his justice at the same time they had shown him his true purpose.

“One night, I went after a target only to be interrupted by fellow Vigilantes,” he answered staring out into the night. “I had thought that they shared in my sense of justice only for them to turn on me and protect that filth of society. I learned that day that even the other Vigilantes did not understand the truth of this world. That even they were as corrupt as those fakes who legally claim the title Hero but, in reality, have no right to it.”

Red eyes glanced down into green as he continued.

“It was then I shed my Vigilante mask and decided to take up a new mantle. To no longer even pretend to be a Hero in any sense. For I was never meant to be a Hero. Rather I was destined to become a faceless ideal who acts without really existing in this warped society. To dye the world red with the blood of the corrupt, leaving behind bloodstains to act as a path to guide others to the truth of this world.”

This time it was Izuku who sat thinking, absorbing this new information. Chizome gave the boy as much time as he needed to process his rise to the Villain he was today. Probably the only one in this world to know his story. Which, if it were to be anyone, the man was glad it was the Little Hero.

“I-I may not understand or agree w-with your views on murder,” Izuku spoke suddenly, grabbing his attention. “Or your methods i-in general really. But from what you said a-and from my own research into your victims, I do agree that n-not all Pro Heroes act as Heroes should. That there are those m-more focused on power a-and fame than saving people. But there’s one thing I think you’ve o-overlooked in your image of a true Hero.”

“And what is that, Little Hero?” Chizome asked, brow quirked in curiosity.

“The Pros, every one of them, are human,” the boy stated, gazing up at him with conviction. “Humans are not, nor have ever been, perfect. Hence the phrase ‘we’re only human’. They still make mistakes, some more than others, but mistakes are moments we can learn from. To be better in the future and work to prevent those mistakes from happening again.”

The words the boy spoke rang true even if the man was reluctant to admit it. Heroes were people and people make mistakes. Even All Might apparently when he had told Izuku he couldn’t be a Hero because he didn’t have a Quirk. But the Symbol of Peace had been wrong and the boy had proved it. That the Quirk did not make the Hero, but the heart and the conviction do.

“Perhaps you have a point,” Chizome conceded, earning a shocked look from the boy. “However, I stand by my actions. I may not take children under my consideration as they are still growing and learning, but adults, they tend to be set in their ways and reluctant to change in my experience. As another phrase goes ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’.”

“I guess,” Izuku said with a shrug as he relented. Probably seeing him as one of those ‘old dogs’ on the subject of murder. The man internally chuckled at the thought as the boy continued. “I just…death is just so…final. Like…closing a book half way through and never being able to read the ending.”

Sounds like he’s speaking from experience.

“Have you lost someone, Izuku?” Chizome asked, watching the boy in concern.

“No, b-but I almost did,” the greenette answered, propping up his legs then hugging them with his head on his knees in a guarded stance. Tears started to well in those sad green eyes. “My dad. About five years ago, h-he got injured in an accident at work. He’s okay now, mostly, b-but back then he was really hurt. To the point that, w-we thought he wasn’t g-going to make it. But he did, f-for the most part, though his health is still a-an issue to this day. Even now, because of his condition, h-he can’t travel to come visit us a-and is stuck in the US.”

Wanting to comfort the boy, Chizome reached over and placed a hopefully reassuring hand on his shoulder. Izuku flinched ever so slightly and raised his head as he looked up at him in surprise. Green eyes stared into red seeing the concern he had for the teen and so did nothing to shake him off as he turned away again.

“I’m sorry that happened, Izuku,” the man said, gently rubbing his thumb back and forth in an effort to sooth the boy.

“It’s fine, Ch-Chizome-san,” Izuku sniffed, wiping his tears away. “It was a while ago a-and I’ve gotten over it for the most part. But today, something happened th-that brought back old memories and reopened some old w-wounds.”

“May I ask what?” Chizome asked, showing one of his rare moments of politeness.

The greenette nodded as he loosened up his posture, letting his legs stretch out a bit but still held them with his arms. Chizome kept his hand on the other’s shoulder as a way to keep him grounded.

“My friend…he has a b-brother who’s a Hero,” the boy said, eyes cast down as he spoke. “He got h-hurt on patrol today. Got attacked by a V-Villain. I don’t know which one. He’s g-going to be ok though. Thankfully someone called for a-an ambulance right away. But still, it could have been w-way worse.”

Chizome sat there in thought. The circumstances sounded so similar to what had happened to him earlier that day. Of him pursuing his target. Of a Hero stepping in the way. Of his prey escaping. Of him regrettably having to fight and injure the meddling Hero. An act he had not wanted to perform as the Hero had not been his intended mark. Resulting in he himself contacting authorities as a means to atone.

Could it be him?

“This Hero…who was it?” Chizome asked, wanting to confirm but also wary to do so. If it was, how would the boy react?

“H-he’s a Hero stationed in Hosu,” Izuku answered. Oh no. “Goes by the name I-Ingenium.”

It is him.

Guilt was an emotion that was long foreign to Chizome. Ever since he had taken up the mantle of Stendhal and then eventually Stain, he had never regretted his actions when it came to his mission. Every injury, every death. All of it was for the betterment of the future. A price he deemed necessary to pay for the cleansing of this society.

But now, the man found himself filled to the brim with guilt. He had been the one to attack the Hero. Who turned out to be the brother of one of the Little Hero’s friends. May have even met the man for all he knew. He had felt a modicum of regret before and now even more so.

To find out that the Hero, or rather the man, would be alright due to his efforts gave him a sense of relief. Even though he was the one to injure the man in the first place. For it seems that fate has decided to keep the Hero in play. To which he was glad as he still believed that Ingenium was a decent Hero despite him interrupting Stain’s efforts. But the underlying guilt was still there.

I have to tell him, he thought. He felt he had to. That he owed the boy the truth. After all, wasn’t it said that confession was good for the soul?

“Little Hero, I have something I must confess to you,” Chizome said, feeling strangely hesitant as was rare for the man. He removed his hand from the younger’s shoulder as the boy looked up at him curiously. “The Villain who attacked Ingenium. I know who it was.”

“You do?” Izuku asked, gazing at him expectantly.

How will you look at me after? Will you want to look at me at all?

“Yes…I do,” Chizome let out slowly. He took a deep breath, looking out into the night. Not wanting to see the boy’s change in expression. “It was me.”

~~~

A silence fell on the shared roof as Izuku processed those three words. ‘It was me.’ Stain had been the one to attack Ingenium. Chizome had. The man may differentiate between the two identities but in the end, he was one man, one person. One who had raised his blade against another, as he had done many times before, and brought it down with the intent to harm. This time against Ingenium or rather, the elder brother of his friend.

What could have caused Ingenium to become a victim of the Hero Killer?

Of the many Heroes that Izuku thought would have been on his list, Ingenium was not one of them. Coming from the prestigious Iida family, he was a Pro in a long line of Pros who honored the Hero Code. Focusing on helping those in need and saving as many people as he could. He even was an exemplary leader having 65 sidekicks working alongside him. For him to be a target of Stain’s didn’t make sense.

“You…you attacked Ingenium?” Izuku asked, staring at the man with brows furrowed in disbelief. “Why?”

“It was not my intention to attack him,” Chizome asserted, still refusing to meet his eye. “I was after another when Ingenium interrupted. Inserted himself into my business with the fake and let the false Hero get away. He prevented me from passing my judgement allowing the fraud to continue to infect this world. I did not want to fight him and I regret hurting him, but it was the only way. That was why I contacted the authorities before I left.”

Green eyes stared at him in bewilderment. This man, this self-proclaimed cleanser of society, had attacked Ingenium but hadn’t actually targeted him. The man labeled a Villain had then regretted and called for help for the one he had just assaulted. That it was his efforts that both hurt and helped Iida’s brother. Had endanger out of necessity rather than design and yet saved due to his guilt when one would think he would feel no obligation.

Akaguro Chizome. Man turned Vigilante. Stendahl. Vigilante turned Villain. Hero Killer Stain. An enigma of the underworld that had no qualms in taking the life of those he deemed unworthy. Had killed or critically injured dozens of Heroes without a second thought. Until now.

“Y-you were the one to call it in?” Izuku asked, still trying to wrap his head around the contradicting concept.

“I can hardly believe it myself,” the man said, letting out a huff of laughter as he side-eyed the teen. “Perhaps you are rubbing off on me, Little Hero.”

The greenette couldn’t help but let out a giggle as the man’s quip relieved some of the tension. Chizome’s comment was kind of ironic. Earlier today, after meeting Endeavor, Izuku had thought that meeting and learning about Chizome had affected himself in some way. Had thought that sad excuse of a Hero and a father should be one to go under the scrutiny of Stain. Held accountable for his many misdeeds.

Wait…

Izuku glanced at the man beside him. He had wondered what Chizome would think about a man like Endeavor being a Hero. A man who was obsessed with power and the frivolous title of Number One Hero that only had a one-word difference to the moniker he already laid claim to. A person who had practically bought another person in hopes to create a child to serve as an instrument to help fulfill his failed aspirations. Who beat his wife and harshly trained his son with no regards to their health and safety. Mental, physical, or otherwise.

How would you judge a Hero like that, Chizome-san? What do you look for in a true Hero? Well, I’m here and he’s here. Why not just ask him?

And so, he did.

“Can I ask you a question, Chizome-san?” Izuku chanced, peeking up at him and received a nod. “What exactly do you look for in a Hero?”

The man hummed in thought as he considered how to respond to such a question. Which was understandable as whatever the answer was held the core idea that defined his entire being. Having shed his societal responsibilities, even going so far as to separate himself from his actions, Chizome’s ideals were all that was left to make him who he was. No friends, no family, no actual job. Only the self-appointed mission to purge what he felt was tainting this world.

“Whenever I thought of the image of a true Hero, I would always picture All Might in my mind,” Chizome began, gazing out into the night. “A man of power and conviction who used his strength to save anyone he could and found no crime or situation too small for his attention. That although he did garner popularity and wealth, he used his influence to inspire hope in millions of people and, as you so expertly told me the first time we met, would use his earning to help others rather than horde it for himself. That was the ideal I held for the markings of a true Hero.”

The greenette’s cheeks redden at the reminder he had rambled on about All Might’s altruistic efforts for a good few minutes the first time they had met. The day he had been told to kill himself, attacked by a Villain, saved by All Might, and then had his dreams shatter by that same Hero. Only to have them patched back up by words of the very man next to him. The Villain who had believed in him when no one, not even the Number One Hero, had.

Wait, ‘was’?

“What do you mean ‘was the ideal’?” Izuku asked, brow quirked in confusion.

What changed for him to not think of All Might?

That same creepy but warm smile was back as Chizome said, “Now, when I think of what a true Hero is, I no longer see All Might. After what you told me he said to you, I came to see he was not as perfect as I had once thought. He is still a great Hero and one to aspire to, but he is not who comes to mind as a true Hero anymore. Actually…”

Red eyes peered earnestly into inquisitive green.

“…I see you, Izuku.”

The Quirkless boy froze at those last four words. He didn’t know what to say, what to think. The only thing his mind could come up with was to say one word.

“Why?”

A fond chuckle burst forth from the man at the sight of the dumbfounded expression on the greenette’s face. Chizome ruffled his hair to break him out of his stupor.

“You have all the makings of a true Hero,” the man explained as the teen swatted his hand away. “You have the strong urge to help people even when you are tasked to fight for yourself as you had done several times during the Sports Festival. You hold no desire for media attention or praise as you refused to reveal that you were the one to clean that beach. The fact that you have no Quirk is actually a blessing in disguise as you have no fantastical power to let go to your head. Everything that you have and how far you have come is all thanks to your own efforts and hard work. To me, you are the epitome of the true Hero.”

Izuku gaped at him in disbelief before he barked out, “But I’m not even in the Hero Course yet!”

“It does not matter, Little Hero,” Chizome said, watching the teen next to him attempt to hide his flustered face with his arms. “Since the first time we met, I knew there was something unique about you. Something that has been missing from this warped society for a long time. You are selfless, smart, and your level of conviction is unmatched. Well, except for my own. But most of all, as you have said to me before, all you’ve ever wanted to do was to help. That is what makes a Hero.”

Once again, Izuku found himself overwhelmed with emotion and lunging forward to tackle the man in a hug. This time, Chizome was more prepared and more easily wrapped his arms around the boy. How strange for this sort of gesture to become so familiar and come so easy to the pair in so little time. They had only known each other for a little over a year, meeting in person only four times. Their conversations before this had been relatively brief, especially compared to this one.

The first two had been full of fear on the boy’s part until they had a both eased into their conversations. First of Heroes and then of the boy’s altruistic actions. The third, though still having an underlying level of unease, had been more cordial. They had even shared little moments of familial bonding with Chizome accidentally and then purposefully ruffling the boy’s hair.

But this one, this meeting was more than either of them could have ever even expected. The comfort and closeness. The serious discussions leading to some tense situations. The ups and downs and twist and turns that led to them hugging for a second time. It was strange and new and unexpected. But that didn’t mean it was necessarily unwelcome.

The two had not known each other long. The Hero-hopeful and the Villain known as the Hero Killer made an odd pair. Two possibly fated to meet at some point in their lives with their shared yet deferring views, but not expecting their interaction to amount to this level of closeness and understanding. The younger Hero and the elder Villain. Two sides of the same coin meeting neutrally on an ordinary roof in an ordinary neighborhood forming a life changing bond while the city slept around them.

“You know,” Izuku said letting out a wet chuckle as he pulled away shifting back to a cross-legged sitting position. “For someone who doesn’t put much stock in words, you sure know which ones to say.”

“Perhaps I merely had to wait for the right one who would actually listen,” Chizome responded with a playfully nudge of his elbow to the boy’s arm which he returned with a smirk.

Izuku couldn’t help but smile at the man’s words. Yet again, the second time this evening, he had said something that overwhelmed him with emotions and caused him to act without thinking. Words that had affected the greenette and would be cherished more than the man could ever know. Chizome, who held Heroes to such an impossibly high standard, said that he considered Izuku, a Quirkless boy, to conform to his image of a Hero now more than the Number One Hero himself did.

Endeavor said that my need to help people reminded him of All Might.

Izuku wondered how Endeavor would react to know that a man with such high standards considered little old him better than the Number One Hero. It would probably involve a lot of yelling, posturing, and fire. Because that was what the man was about. Even his fire beard was on purpose as a means to appear intimidating. A fact that before had excited the Hero fanboy but now filled him with anger after finding out how the man acted behind closed doors.

That reminds me…

“Chizome-san, you see All Might as a true Hero,” Izuku commented as he remembered why he had asked about Chizome’s views on Heroes in the first place. The man beside him gave a curious hum. “What are your thoughts o-on the Number Two Hero?”

“Endeavor? Hmm…,” Chizome pondered, thinking for a moment. “He has power, this is true, though his level of collateral damage is excessive. He relies more on intimidation than lifting spirits as All Might does. But he has rid the world of many of the Villains that taint this society.”

More like roasts them alive, Izuku thought to himself, remembering the statistics that showed that Endeavor had one of the highest casualty rates for both Villain and civilian alike. The man just doesn’t know how to hold back.

“H-he is strong and…’passionate’ about his Hero duties,” Izuku conceded, looking down at his hands in his lap as he gathered his thoughts. “But I learned s-something today that makes me…question his suitability t-to be a Hero.”

A masked brow quirked over red eyes as the man looked at the boy with interest to hear what he was getting at. Chizome gave a nod in way of asking for him to continue.

“I understand th-that not all Heroes are good,” the greenette said, gazing up at the man as he spoke. “There are those that c-coast by, garner favors, harbor wealth, use their power a-against others. But what about those who act Villainous b-but in a way they think is for the betterment of Heroes? That they think their actions w-would push the next generation to be a better Hero than themselves. Would you think that is V-Villainous?”

The man sat there for a second pondering the premise before answering, “If they were working towards the creation of a better Hero then no…”

“E-even if they were pushing that next generation past their o-own limits?” Izuku interjected, internally flinching at the word ‘creation’ as it was closer to the truth of the situation than the man knew. “In a way that would be h-harmful?”

Red eyes stared at him wide at the implication.

“What do you mean?” Chizome asked with brows furrowed in worried consideration.

“I-I can’t tell you specifics b-because it’s not my place to say,” the teen said, fidgeting with his hands. “But if you really are l-looking for fake Heroes a-and want a better class of Hero, you should look i-into the family life of…Endeavor.”

“The Number Two Hero?” the man prodded in need of confirmation with one brow raised in confusion.

I can’t believe I’m actually doing this, but…I want to help Shouto.

“…yes,” Izuku answered simply, quiet as a whisper.

“Hmm…and what if I find out something that warrants me to pass my judgement?” Chizome asked, eyeing the boy critically. “What if I were to turn my blade to the Number Two Hero? Are you aware of the consequences of making this request?”

He knew. Of course, he knew. The man who sat next to him was the Hero Killer after all. Had no qualms killing anyone he deemed false. That Izuku was basically handing the life of another person into the hands of murderer. Like handing a package marked fragile to a rampaging lunatic hell bent on destruction and merely saying ‘handle with care’ before leaving them to their own devices.

But Chizome was more than the murderous Villain persona he adorned himself with. He was a man. A fellow human. One with strong convictions about what a true Hero is. Ideals that Izuku found himself starting to adopt into his own views of Heroes. Seeing that not all Heroes were the same. Many are good with equally good intentions. Like All Might and Eraserhead. While others were not.

Some were either in it for the fame or money rather than helping others. Or even still others allowed themselves to be corrupted by the Villainy they had sworn to oppose. Those were the false Heroes that Stain was on a mission to rid from the world. Forcing them out of commission by either injury or death with no hesitation.

Causing injury or death was not new to the man known as Hero Killer Stain. After all, the word ‘killer’ was literally in the moniker of his Villain persona. But he didn’t kill without reason. Nor did he kill everyone he targeted. The majority survived his ‘judgement’. Nor did he target children as he had repeatedly stated to Izuku. Assuring him that he would never stoop to such a ‘low act’ as that of attacking children.

Unlike the League.

The greenette thought back to how the man beside him had sneered at the fact that the League of Villains had attacked a group of children. Had even called them idiots for the act. Further showing his distain for something so low as to attack a child. Someone who didn’t deserve it.

Like Ingenium.

The Hero hadn’t been a target of Stain’s and the man beside him had acknowledged that. Had even been the one to personally call the ambulance despite being the one to injury the other in the first place. An act that seemed out of character for the Hero Killer. One that showed that he cared.

Is Chizome-san changing?

Was it possible? Could their meetings be affecting the Villain? As they were affecting Izuku himself but differently? For Izuku, he learned to be more critical when it came to looking at the world. Seeing it more in tones of grey than strictly the black of Villains and white of Heroes. Even in the Heroes themselves the ranks were also different shades of grey. The morals and motivations differing from person to person.

What had Chizome-san learned from their meetings? Other than that Izuku was a stubborn Quirkless boy who dreams to be a Hero. That he was an impulsive emotional mess at times. That he held the man’s words so dear to his heart. The same heart that the man declared as one of a true Hero. Had even stopped picturing All Might as his ideal for a true Hero to instead replace the Number One Hero with Izuku himself. The thought warmed the greenette’s ‘true Hero heart’.

But other than learning about Izuku and all of his quirks, including his lack of Quirk, what had the man taken away from their meetings? If his helping Ingenium and telling Izuku himself what he had done stood evidence of anything, perhaps Chizome had changed. Izuku wasn’t sure how exactly he had changed, but he had a feeling that if they had not met, had not talked, that perhaps the incident with Ingenium could have end very differently.

What kind of effect did their chance meeting have on the world? Was it just another domino knocking down another? Another line in the script of his life. Or was it more of a butterfly effect? Upsetting the established order and becoming something new. An answer Izuku would probably never get nor could Chizome give it to him either. But there was an answer that Izuku needed to give.

Did he know the consequences? Yes. Did it matter to him? Still yes, but he had already opened the can and handed a worm with a request for the Hero Killer to fish out a different kind of fake. He couldn’t take that back. Not once he had said the name Endeavor. The seed was there waiting for him to officially plant it.

I don’t condone murder, but if Chizome-san has changed like I think he has, even a little, maybe just this once, he won’t.

Could Izuku have brought his concerns to anyone other than Stain? Yes. The teachers of UA were an option. But it was also not Izuku’s place to say anything. Not in detail at least. And even then, years of built mistrust for authority worked against him, holding him back despite the growing trust he had for his mentors. Izuku could have also told his mother but what could she do if she hadn’t been able to help her own child. Unable to cut through the red tape or push past the casual brush offs from his past teachers.

Other than them, who else was there left to tell? Who would believe a Quirkless boy bringing up concerns about the Number Two Hero? Who would take him seriously enough to risk the current social order and challenge Endeavor despite his ranking? Who had the conviction to follow through? Izuku knew of only one man, one person, who could help.

Well, here’s to hoping.

“I-I…I’d prefer if you d-didn’t try to kill him,” the boy stuttered as he peeked up at the man. “Or a-anyone really. But it’s not like I can s-stop you from doing whatever you choose t-to do. Or change your mind o-on the matter of murder. You are an ‘old dog’ a-after all.”

The man barked out a laugh at his gibe but didn’t even try to deny it because it was true. He was set in his ways as all adults are and was sure that just mere words would not change him any time soon. Or really ever.

“That I am, Little Hero,” Chizome conceded with another chuckle. “Very well. I will look into the matter and perhaps, just this once, I will attempt to have some form of…restraint.”

The word ‘restraint’ came out bitter and strained as if the very thought was distasteful to the Villain.

“R-really?” the boy asked, surprised the man would actually attempt to even try. He had hoped but didn’t expect it.

“Yes, but that also depends on what I find,” Chizome replied, knowing that each case he set upon himself was different. The Hero, the corruption, and the verdict. All were unique to each situation.

The teen nodded in acceptance at that fact, knowing that now that he had given the man his request it was out of his hands. That now it was in the hands of the Hero Killer Stain. The pair sat there in companionable silences, both gazing out at the twinkling lights of the city as they waded through a pool of their own thoughts.

Their conversation tonight had been quite the rollercoaster ride. Trading of first names. Talk of the boy’s future as well as the man’s past. Had ebbed and flowed through so many different emotions. From the happiness that had spurred the surprise hug to the angry outburst that instilled fear in the boy and caused a tense moment between the two. Had been full of compromises and understandings of the other’s character. Accepting their differing opinions when it came to how best to better the world.

They even spoke of Heroes. Of All Might and how they both had been inspired by the Symbol of Peace’s debut those many years ago. Of Stain’s involvement in the attack on Ingenium. His reluctance to fight the man and his guilt that led him to contact the authorities before leaving the downed Hero. And now of Endeavor and Izuku’s misgivings of the Number Two Hero. Vague ones for sure but considering who they were from, it peaked the Hero Killer’s interest.

As the moon came to its zenith in the sky, the child let out a yawn and the adult of the pair came to realize how late it had become. Chizome looked down at his watch to see that it was now just past midnight. It came as a surprise and yet not. Their conversation tonight had been their longest to date. One that, despite its ups and downs, he had enjoyed having with the thriving young Hero beside him. The man was almost reluctant to go but he knew that he must. That he had to end this moment of peaceful familiarity not knowing when, or even if, it would ever happen again.

“Alright, Little Hero, I believe it is time to call it a night,” Chizome announced suddenly as he moved to stand, causing the boy to look up at him in surprise. “It’s late and you have had a long day. I’m sure you could use a good rest. You have another big day ahead of you tomorrow. Or rather, later today.”

“It’s really that late?” Izuku asked in surprise as he got up as well.

“Indeed, it is,” the elder confirmed with a nod.

The two stood there in an awkward silence, unsure how to say goodbye nor either really wanting to part. The boy fidgeted as he sent flickering glances up at the man before him. While the man watched him, having an internal debate of sharing one last moment of affection but unsure how to go about it or if it was even wanted. Time continued to pass and eventually Chizome decided to throw caution to the wind and held his arms open in invitation.

The greenette only took a second to see if he was genuine before rushing forward to give the man one last hug. The boy burying his face into his armored chest ignoring the odd poking of the sheathed knives. Bandaged arms wrapped around him and one of the man’s hands made it into his green hair. Neither spoke, simply enjoyed the contact. It felt like a goodbye which it technically was but this one felt more permanent. As if that after this night, things would never be the same between them. Like a goodbye to what they were in this moment.

Izuku tightened his grip around the man one last time before letting go. Chizome released the boy reluctantly but knew he must. They stared at each other, green and red eyes conveying what they wanted to say but didn’t. With a sigh, the man reached out and ruffled the boy’s unruly hair one last time.

“Goodbye, Izuku,” Chizome said as he lowered his hand and promptly turned to leave. Leaping to the adjacent roof and leaving the boy behind.

Green eyes watched as the man left.

“Goodbye…Chizome.”

Notes:

What a twist of fate? Zero chance of meeting, one name given, two ruffles of hair, and three hugs shared. Who'd have thought that Izuku and Chizome would become so close? ^____^ I hope the other two hugs worked out. I originally only planned the one but these just flowed with the story. Plus, who doesn't need more Chizodad fluff. ;) Like Chizome telling Izuku he is the ideal for what a true hero is. Another thing that wasn't really planned but came out with the flow of the story.

I hope you liked Chizome being the one to tell Izuku it was him to hurt Ingenium. Originally I had Izuku finding out afterward. But the more I was brainstorming for this meeting, it felt off for Izuku to find out second hand. What with how close they've gotten in this AU. It made more sense for Chizome to tell him himself. His guilt is going to make Hosu so much more emotionally charged and I am so excited for it! :D

Sh-sh-shout out to WinterCrow for the idea of Stain investigating Endeavor as well as everyone else who expressed that same wish. ^____^ It's happening, folks. Also, I've kind of come to a conclusion about Stain in this fic. He's kind of like the Gordon Ramsey of the hero world. He's super duper tough on the adults and has no qualms about calling them out on their shit. While with children he doesn't hold it against them because they're still learning. If that makes sense. XD Sorry, I watch a lot of Food Network.

I know some of you wondered how Stain would react to Katsuki breaking Izuku's support items, but how would he have known? All Aizawa said was that they 'malfunctioned' and Katsuki wasn't disqualified. So there's no hint he is involved or that anything drastic had happened publicly. The only way he would know is if Izuku told him himself and I don't think he would throw Katsuki at the Hero Killer like that. He's still a child and still learning.

Just a reminder that this whole meeting was recorded by Izuku. Speaking of recordings...

Fun Facts About Japan:

Like with any language class, in the English classes tests were a thing. We ALTs didn't stay at school during test days because there wasn't much we could do while the students were taking their tests. So we typically spent those days at the Board of Education doing other work. But we still helped with the tests for the listening section. Making recordings of words or phrases used to test whatever vocabulary or grammar point they were being assessed on.

When talking to students in Japan as well as the recordings, it's important to speak slower than the natural English speed. Same with any second+ language class. Not at a snail's pace but enough that each word is its own word and enunciated properly to help them understand and learn. As well as watching what words you use to keep it to what the students' vocabulary would be. Like 'color' instead of 'hue'. 'Very' instead of 'quite'. Things like that. Not really dumbing it down but instead bringing the conversation to their level of English. Giving them a common ground with you where you can help them practice and grow more confident in their English skills. ^____^

There you have it! The fourth Stain meeting. Next update marks the official end of this long ass day in this story. (seriously it's still not over yet) Izuku reflects on their meeting, Stain goes to investigate Endeavor, and another Villain is introduced to the mix. ;) Until then, enjoy the double update and let me know of typos or weirdness! :D

Chapter 60: Intrigue

Notes:

It's Tuesday again! :D This chapter finally marks the end of this long ass day in the story. Dear lord it was long. XD But there were just so many character moments and other stuff happening. So yeah. :P

I made an edit to chapter 15 when Izuku first meets 1-A as Hiro. Commentor iluvstorys pointed out that Bakugou would have recognized Izuku's voice since that wasn't disguised. So I added a paragraph of his reaction when Izuku introduces himself. Thank you for pointing that out! :D

Alright, let's go!

Linktree to all the things! This includes the discord, tumblr, and more! Join if you'd like! :D

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Once Chizome was out of sight, Izuku walked to the door and made his way back down to his apartment. The trip didn’t take long and before he knew it, he was back in his home. The greenette carefully and quietly closed and locked the door behind him. After taking off his shoes, he tiptoed on socked feet back to his room. As soon as he closed his bedroom door, the teen slumped against it letting out a sigh of relief.

All this sneaking around is exhausting. How does Aizawa-sensei deal with doing that every night?

But Izuku felt it was necessary. That he had to keep their meetings secret. He also knew that meeting a Villain willingly like that was a stupid idea and yet he had done it anyway. Three times in fact. The first meeting was an accident having met unplanned on a random roof. But after that, Izuku couldn’t claim the other three as a fluke. Well perhaps the second one as Chizome was the one to choose to come to see him in the first place.

However, despite it being a bad idea, the teen had gone up to the roof to meet him and did nothing after the man left. Not the second time nor the third. No seeking of authority or telling anyone about it except in passing vague comments here or there. Nor did he plan to do so now. It felt like it would be wrong to out Chizome like that after everything he had done for and said to the greenette. He never even planned to share the recording of their meeting tonight.

Oh crap, the recording!

The teen pulled out his phone and as the screen lit up he quickly unlocked it. Having been the last app he used, the ever changing and growing numbers were displayed on the screen. The number was so high when he clicked to paused it that it caused Izuku to stare at it with wide green eyes. They had been up on the roof for hours. And the recording…

Oh gods, I recorded everything.

The exchanging of first names. Izuku’s possible transfer and the man’s support of it. Chizome’s words of pride which led the teen to get emotional. Talk of the man’s rise, or rather fall, from Hero-hopeful to disillusioned civilian to justice seeking Vigilante to finally judgement passing Villain. Their disagreement when it came to their views on murder and eventual agreement to agree to disagree.

Chizome is definitely an ‘old dog’ when it comes to his version of ‘judgement’.

The recording also captured when they had spoken briefly of the heartache one feels when almost losing a loved one. Leading to the revealing of the man’s involvement in the violent act against the teen’s friend’s older brother. Both that he had been the one to hurt the Hero but at the same time may very well be the reason that the other man would be able to recover eventually. That Chizome felt guilty about attacking Ingenium.

I never would have expected that of him.

The app had also preserved their talk of Heroes and what Chizome looked for in a true one. Of how All Might had been his standard for many many years, but not anymore. That it was actually Izuku himself that the man saw as the definition of a true Hero. Which had caused Izuku to get emotional again. After which he had set the Hero Killer’s sights on the Number Two Hero himself. Hoping that the man’s words of promise to at least try to have some restrain would stand.

I really did it. I set the Hero Killer after Endeavor. I almost can’t believe I did but it’s done. I can’t take that back. I know I could have brought it up with the teachers instead, but would they have believed me?

Izuku trusted his new mentors. Really, he did. But the years of being mistreated by authority still made him hesitate. Of being ignored, put down, or even pushed into his bullies’ sights on purpose. All because he was Quirkless. Such long built mistrust was difficult to move past. Making him feel that the teachers weren’t really an option. Nor his mother either as her efforts, though appreciated, hadn’t helped him much before. Pretty much leaving him with only one very much unconventional option.

I want to help you, Shouto-kun. I don’t know how this will help but at the time, it seemed the right thing to do. Maybe as Stain, Chizome-san can reveal what Endeavor has done and expose what he’s like behind closed doors.

So much had happened in that one meeting. No wonder it had gone on for hours. The ups and downs of the tone of the conversation. One moment filled with prideful tears and the next fearful cowering. Mellowing out to a compromising neutrality and then melancholy filled understanding. Dropping again to stunned distress mixed with remorseful admittance only to rise up slightly to surprised realization after a guilt induced reveal of uncharacteristic aid of service. Leading to concerned outreach and consequential acceptance of a potentially harmful outcome to the request. Ending on a neutral unbiased familial lull that held a sense of reluctant finality as they hugged goodbye.

I still can’t believe I hugged a Villain.

He hadn’t meant to. Really, he hadn’t. It hadn’t been planned nor would he have ever thought it a possibility. But emotions were high and Izuku tended to get impulsive in such situations. Which led to his recklessness taking over and before he knew it, he had hugged the Villain. Not once. Not twice. Three times he had hugged the man. Three freaking times in a matter of hours.

Two instinctive and impulsive as Chizome’s words had overwhelmed him. The first met with hesitation on the man’s part and the second met with acceptance. Then the third. The last one was not impulsive at all nor was it initiated by an emotional Izuku, but by an offering made by welcoming open bandage wrapped arms. Ones that the greenette had run into without hesitation.

Thank goodness there was no video of the recording. I have no idea how I could possibly explain that.

Who knows how people would react if they ever found out about that? Or anything concerning his multiple meetings with the civilian side of the Villain. But the man known as the Hero Killer Stain was more than just a hunter of Heroes. He had conviction and a strong ideal of what a true Hero was. Using that ideal to weed out those that polluted the system with their less than Heroic motives and/or actions.

But more than anything, under the armor, plethora of blades, and behind that ratty mask was just a man. Akaguro Chizome was human just like anyone else. He had had hopes and dreams once. Had aspirations to become a Hero even. Only to find the lessons to not be about helping people as he had hoped but to transform oneself into an image to sell to the public. Not the noble purpose he sought and so rather than suffer the subpar education had left to try anew as a public speaker.

However, his misadventures in attempting to spread his views had led to naught. Leaving him feeling lost as of what to do next. Eventually coming to the decision to take it upon himself to cleanse the world of Villainy. Though a bit more permanently than was to Izuku’s liking, but there wasn’t much he could do to stop the man let alone change the past.

Ten years of training and then added Vigilante activity, he had hit a breaking point in his attempts to rid the world of evil. Finally coming to the conclusion that the real problem wasn’t the Villains, but the Heroes who did nothing and failed to defeat them were the problem. Those that craved fame, garnered wealth, or even stooped so low as to ignore or work with the Villains themselves. The ones who claimed the title of Hero but either did or didn’t do things that were in contradiction to their promise to society.

I see why you became a Villain, Chizome-san. I don’t agree with your methods, but I understand how you ended up the way you did.

Bottomline, Chizome’s goals were basically the same as Izuku’s. He wanted to help. Perhaps in a rather violent manner but help none the less. The greenette found himself agreeing with the man’s conclusion that he was not meant to be a Hero. Izuku wondered how Chizome would have acted if he had managed to go to a Hero high school that actually taught how to be a Hero rather than a walking commercial. If he had become a Hero, would Chizome still have relied on such lethal techniques? Probably a question that would never have an answer.

Izuku let out a sigh and looked down at the numbers illuminated on his phone. The digits that showed the length of their talk and visibly represented all the things they had said. So much had been discussed and a lot of it damning of how close Izuku was to the Villain. Like his analysis, it could be dangerous in the wrong hands. But who is to say which hands those would be? Villains, Heroes, or civilians alike. Whose hands were the right ones and whose were wrong? Another unanswerable question.

I’ll keep it for now. I can always delete it later if I need to.

Coming to that conclusion, Izuku hit the save button and then closed the app. He plugged his phone in to charge and double checked that his alarm was set for tomorrow before climbing into bed. He was oh so ready for some hard-earned rest.

The adrenaline of the day had faded hours ago and taking into consideration the emotional rollercoaster today was, who could blame him? From fighting his hardest to place as high as possible in the Sports Festival to learning about Shouto’s horrible home life. Mix in the mess that was his confrontation with Bakugou, the emotional evening with his mother, and this most recent meeting with Chizome, you’ve got yourself a very exhausted Izuku. Physically, emotionally, and everything in between.

Essentially, it was no surprise that once his head hit the pillow, sleep took him quickly.

~~~

In the dead of that same night, Stain was still active as he ran and leapt across roof tops as he made his way to his destination. The Todoroki estate. It did not take long for him to find the address as the civilian name of the Number Two Hero was well known. Having the name of Todoroki Enji and using it to find his home address gave him insight as to what Izuku had meant about it being easy to find information on someone once you had their name. Though the Hero Killer had thought the Hero Commission would have taken some steps to protect their precious Heroes’ personal information.

No matter. Their negligence is to my advantage.

The man was headed to the home of Endeavor to begin his look into the Hero’s home life. A task set upon him on the request of the Little Hero. Typically, Stain did not take requests. For the most part anyway as his usual selection process for his next target involved listening to rumors of corrupt Heroes and then scrutinize those chosen few to confirm. If what he had heard was true, the Hero Killer would then stalk the fakes until he found the most opportune moment to strike.

This time it would be no different except for that fact he would be going after a Hero in the top ten. Something Stain had never felt the need to do before. But if the Little Hero himself questioned the Number Two Hero’s suitability, who was he to argue or second guess him. The boy had a strong sense of justice similar to his own and if he was concerned that must mean there was something there.

What is it that you want me to find, Izuku? What skeletons is Endeavor hiding in his closet?

Truth be told, Stain had never considered looking into the Number Two Hero before. Yes, there was much talk of ending the fire wielding Hero among the dregs of society. But he had chalked it up to the gripes of those that had been bested. Only complaints about his power and inevitable likelihood to claim victory in a fight. Nothing of him consorting with Villains or ignoring those in need of help. In fact, Endeavor was known to take the initiative and insert himself into any situation that would benefit from his fire.

Perhaps there is something more that I have missed.

Upon reaching his destination, the Hero Killer found it laughable about how poor the security was for the household of Endeavor. One would think the Number Two Hero would be more conscientious about the safety of his family. Stain easily avoided the cameras and infiltrated the estate. He landed on the moonlit roof of the traditional Japanese household.

Slinking into the shadows, the Hero Killer took in his surroundings. Listening for any hint as to why the Little Hero had tasked him to come here of all places. He could hear the rustling of the trees in the slight breeze. The gurgling of water and the thump of bamboo on rock from a souzu fountain as the liquid filled the hollow culm to the point of imbalance and caused the bamboo to drop its load of water into a basin. For the most part, it sounded peaceful there.

Almost.

Coming from a different part of the house than where Stain crouched, he could hear the sounds of a struggle. Expertly, the Hero Killer creeped across the rooftop to where the sounds were coming from. As he neared the building, he could hear shouts of anger and cries of pain which spurred him to move faster. The whoosh of fire and crackling of ice reached his ears the closer he got prompting him to search for a window to see what on earth was going on.

Stain hadn’t known what to expect once he found an opening, but what he eventually saw was not it. Down below in a private dojo, Endeavor, no longer in uniform but with his signature flames still ablaze, was sending fiery attacks at one of the children Izuku had fought during the festival. The heterochromatic one with the ice and apparently fire too that had leaked out at the end of their fight. The same one who seemed to be desperately sending out wave upon wave of ice to hold the fire back.

The hidden man watched in horror as the Hero sent hit after hit at the battered boy. Stain was almost too stunned to move but managed to shake himself out of his stupor and took out his phone to record the exchange. This must have been what the Little Hero wanted him to find. He quickly opened the camera, switched to video, and started to record.

Is this what Izuku meant by pushing the next generation past their limits?

Perhaps Endeavor saw it as training but what Stain was witnessing was pushing the limits of the definition of the word. More like a brutal attack against an injured opponent. And he could assume that the boy below was already exhausted from the day’s events yet was being forced to fight even more late into the night. The boy should be resting as Izuku was now. Not being forced to fight his own father in a fight that was obviously far from fair.

What on earth possesses a man to attack his own child?

Wanting to stop this but knowing he shouldn’t intervene for now, the Hero Killer stood witness to the brutal so called ‘training’. Eventually, the boy collapsed to the ground battered, bruised, and burned. The violent exchange of blows finally came to an end and the Hero growled something to the downed figure before leaving the room and the injured boy behind.

Stain stopped the video, staring down at the boy in worry. An odd feeling for the Villain to feel but his meetings with Izuku had left an effect on him. For the better or worse he didn’t know but he was affected either way. Thankfully, in only a few minutes, another figure entered the room appearing to be a young woman with white hair with flecks of red scattered about. Like blood drops on fresh snow.

The woman, possibly a sister as she appeared too young to be the boy’s mother, ran to the boy as soon as she saw the state of him. She dropped down beside him with first aid kit in hand and started treating his wounds with a concerning practiced ease. Feeling that the injured boy was in good hands, Stain decided to take his leave. After all, he got what he came for.

Again, easily avoiding the sad excuse for security, the Hero Killer left the Todoroki abode. As he ran through the night back to his current temporary home, he considered what he had discovered. Endeavor, the Number Two Hero who was known for his power and win rate, may not consort with Villains but acted in a Villainous way against his own son.

I wonder how far his harsh treatment goes?

Was it only the boy? Or was the supposed sister involved as well? What about other siblings or the mother? To what extent did the father’s violent actions reach?

I know he is a powerhouse while in action, and I am no stranger to violence, but even for me this is too much.

Stain considered what he was going to do about this situation. This fake that he didn’t even know existed, hiding his own kind of Villainy behind closed doors in the privacy of his own home. Showing no mercy as he does in the streets. Even against a child. His own child.

How vile.

The Hero Killer’s research into the Number Two Hero’s homelife had only just begun but he already wanted to murder the man. Children did not deserve such treatment. Even if it was with the purpose of the betterment of the next generation of Heroes. You can only push one’s limits so much before they end up breaking instead.

As it had with me when it came to false Heroes.

Endeavor was a walking contradiction of holding the title of Hero and serving to protect others only to be violent with his own flesh and blood. Despite wanting to rid the world of such a man who would bring his violent tendencies home with him, the Hero Killer had a gut feeling he shouldn’t.

Perhaps the Little Hero is right about murder. If they were dead, they would never face the consequences of their actions. Even then death would be too merciful for Endeavor. He deserves to wallow in a pool of karma for his misdeeds. Against his own family. Shameful.

Now that he knew of the clearly abusive conduct of the fiery fake, it was time to start researching all he could about the false Hero. Starting tomorrow, or rather later today, he would begin scrounging the underworld for any bit, piece, or scrap of information on the Number Two Hero. Attempt to collect as much evidence as he could of the fake’s sins and perhaps get them to the Little Hero to do as he pleased.

I will find the evidence of the truth you have set me to seek, Little Hero. Then I will leave it to you and whatever fate is to befall this sham of a Hero. I will help you in this, Izuku.

~~~

Across town sat a man at a desk going over some paperwork late into the night. Brown hair cut short and shaggy, eyes a golden hue, and a lean figure. He wore black suit pants and shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows paired white shoes, tie, and gloves. A black medical mask covered his lower face to protect him from any specks of dirt or germs that dared to taint his person. On the desk sat a more ornate mask colored red and gold resembling those worn by the plague doctors of old only it was designed to cover the same area of his face as his other mask.

That man was Chisaki Kai or, better known in the underworld as, Overhaul.  Acting as current leader to the Yakuza group Shie Hassaikai until the boss could be awaken. Kai was on a mission to restore the world to its natural order. To a time when the blood of this society was not tainted by the infection that sickened this world.

Quirks.

Unnatural powers that are praised and prized in this polluted population, but in actuality was a plague on the public. Ones born into this society over generations and now considered the norm. However, the origins of these powers were less than clean.

Rats.

When Quirks had first started appearing, there was a theory in the science community that the genetic abnormality started as a result of diseased ridden rats. Or more likely the fleas on those rats much like what happened with the Bubonic Plague that had wiped out an estimated 25 million people back in the 14th century. Though this plague was less…fatal, it was still malign to Kai’s thinking. A disease he aimed to rid from the world by any means necessary.

He had a plan. One to eradicate the filth that was Quirks while also fulfilling the boss’s dreams of the Yakuza rising back to power. Ruling from the shadows once more. At the core of this plan was the boss’s very own granddaughter.

Eri.

A girl abandoned by her own mother who blamed her daughter for the death of her husband. Purely an accident as it was due to the child’s Quirk manifesting for the first time. Yet the mother still blamed the girl labeling her a cursed human because of her Quirk.

Rewind.

That was the girl’s Quirk. A mutation that had no relation to any past powers possessed on either side of the family. An extremely rare occurrence but it happens. When the girl first had come to the Shie Hassaikai she had no knowledge of her Quirk. How it worked, how to use it, or how to even turn it on and off. To this day, she still doesn’t.

But Kai did. After countless experiments how could he not. The boss had first charged him to investigate her Quirk saying it was similar to his own. But it wasn’t. Rewind was not the same as Overhaul. With Overhaul, Kai could disassemble and then reassemble anything with just a touch. Remaking it into whatever he wanted. But Eri’s Quirk…

Rewind represented change.

The child’s mutation of a Quirk was exactly what Kai needed to change this world. Use it to rewind this society back to when the people weren’t plagued by the disease that was Quirks. That was the end goal anyways after Kai had successfully restored the Yakuza into its previous place of power. A goal he was working to accomplish through the distribution and use of another part of his plan.

Quirk-Destroying Bullets.

After much trial and error, Kai had managed to harness the power of the girl’s Quirk and condense it into a drug like form which was then contained in bullet form. When shot, the target would be pierced with the bullet’s small needle and disperse the drug that would destroy their Quirk. Damaging their Quirk genes and ridding them from the contamination.

The effect was only temporary. For now. But with further study of the girl’s Quirk and her blood, Kai aimed to create a more permanent effect. Eventually working towards that perfect product he could then sell for exorbitant prices to the Villains. Then, with a perfect compliment and cure, the Yakuza group would in turn sell Rewind bullets to the Heroes. Thereby making the Shie Hassaikai the ultimate ruler from the shadows.

But that goal was a long way off. They were still in the testing stage and have been preparing to release some free samples to the public to instill demand. The process to make the bullets was expensive and time consuming. They lacked funds and man power. No one wants to sponsor a Yakuza group that was all that remained of the prestigious criminal underground. An obstacle he would need to tackle eventually if he was to achieve his goal.

I’m doing this for you, Pops.

All of this was not only to sate Kai’s need to rid the world of the filth of Quirks. It was also to repay the boss. A man who had taken him in and raised him like a son. Had taught him the ways of the Yakuza and helped make him into the man he was today. The boss may not understand his goals and in fact was stuck in a coma because of that reason. But when the Shie Hassaikai revived the age of the Yakuza with the help of Kai’s endeavors to eradicate Quirks, then…then he would understand and thank Kai for all his hard efforts.

He was reading the latest report on the progress of his ongoing project when there was a knock on the door. Typically, at this time his underlings were all asleep unless otherwise ordered to other tasks so he was not used to being interrupted around now. Letting out a sigh, Overhaul adjusted his mask and gloves as he steeled himself for whatever company awaited him.

“Enter,” Kai called out from his seat.

The door to his office opened and his second in command Kurono Hari, aka Chronostasis, walked into the room before closing the door behind him. He wore a long white raincoat with the hood up as well as black pants and shoes. On his face he wore his own version of a plague mask, one that was black with a gold trim that covered his whole face and had circular glass portals for his eyes.

The new arrival stood by the door as if waiting for something. Kai eyed the other before nodding his head slightly. At his signal, the man lowered his hood and removed his mask to reveal himself. His eyes were sharp and dark grey under a head of white chin-length hair with the tips appearing arrow-shaped. Similar to a clock hand. The underling approached his desk with a slightly bowed head as a sign of respect to his boss.

“My apologies for disturbing you, Chisaki-sama,” Kurono said. “However, I have found some news in regards to the UA Sports Festival that I think might interest you.”

Kai let out a sigh in irritation.

“And what, pray tell, could possibly be of interest to me coming from that Hero-syndrome infected hive?” Kai sneered as he eyed the other with a glare.

“There’s something unique about this year’s first place winner,” Kurono pushed on despite his boss’s obvious distaste in regards to the school. He held out a tablet in his hand which Kai took from him. “A characteristic that you strive for everyone to have.”

“And what characteristic would that be?” Kai asked as he took the device.

“The boy who won is Quirkless, sir,” Kurono announced, causing Kai’s eyes to widen in surprise.

Turning his attention to the tablet, golden eyes studied the article about the first ever Quirkless winner of the UA Sports Festival. The piece featured two pictures of the boy, one where he sported various Support Items and appearing to be flying through the air flashing a peace sign while the other was of him standing on the first-place podium. The boy appeared plain at first glance with no abnormal features such as horns, wings, or odd skin pigmentation. Except for some freckles on his cheeks that reminded Kai of bits of dirt.

His only other distinguishing features were his green eyes and dark green unruly hair. A further reminder of nature and dirt that would usually make Kai’s skin crawl at the uncleanliness. Yet, he found himself not bothered by it when it came to this boy. Because despite the dirt like freckles and plant like hair, the boy was genetically cleaner than anyone in this Quirk infested society.

Quirkless, huh? So rare. So unique. So pure.

For the first time, Kai found himself itching not because of his mysophobia, but with a desire to watch the idiotic pageantry of the UA Sports Festival. A carnival for the Hero syndrome infected masses that he typically ignored. But not this year. Not when there was an apparent angel among them.

Notes:

And that concludes this long ass day! :D Izuku is still not sure whether to keep the recording or not, but has decided to keep it for now. That's a decision for future Izuku. For now, he really deserves some rest.

The Endeavor investigation has officially begun! Stain has laid witness to his 'training' and does not approve. Especially since it involves a child. I hope his reasons for not going for the immediate kill works for y'all. I want him to go for a more investigative route. ^____^

Uh oh! Overhaul has made an appearance! Though with this being a quirkless AU, personally I think it's kind of expected. Also, Izuku is a villain magnet so...

Fun Facts About Japan:

A souzu fountain ( 添水 , そうず ) is a type of shishi odoshi ( 鹿威し , ししおどし ) which is a Japanese device meant to frighten animals away from crops with the 'thunk' noise of the bamboo hitting the basin. Souzu are found in Japanese gardens typically. The original intent of them was to scare away animals but the audio and visual of the fountain became fused over time with the overall aesthetic and design of the garden.

There are also other types of fountains in Japanese culture. Chouzubachi ( 手水鉢 , ちょうずばち ) are found at Japanese temples, shrines, and gardens. They're usually made of stone with a ladle called hishaku ( 柄杓 , ひしゃく ) ready and water supplied by bamboo pipes called kakei ( かけい ). Tsukubai ( 蹲踞 , つくばい ) are another type of chouzubachi that are smaller and often found in tea gardens. Chouzubachi are washbasins that are used to wash one's hands before a tea ceremony or when visiting a temple or shrine. I've personally used both a chouzubachi when visiting temples and shrines and a tsukubai when attending a tea ceremony at a friend's house.

Before entering a temple/shrine or tea ceremony, visitors first visit the chouzuya ( 手水舎 , ちょうずしゃ ), which can also be read as temizuya ( てみずしゃ ), where the chouzubachi is contained. (Why the 'sha' is read as 'ya' in this instance I don't know.) There they perform a ceremonial purification rite called chouzu/temizu ( 手水 , ちょうず/てみず ) that means 'hand water'. Chouzu is a ritual where you use the provided ladle to first clean your left hand and then your right. Then you pour some water into your left hand to drink then spit into the fountain to cleanse/rinse your mouth. (at least I think you spit, but if any of you know otherwise let me know!) Then you wash your left hand again. With the remaining water in the ladle, you hold the handle with both hands and turn the ladle vertical to let the water run down the handle before putting it back.

Now I'd recommend not actually drinking the water mostly just because if you're not local there could be something in the water that could get you sick. Same with drinking local water anywhere when traveling though the tap water in Japan is ok to drink. But you can still go through the motions and the locals do appreciate seeing you try. Some will even show you how to do it! I had that happen and it was a fun cultural experience. ^____^

Alright! More subplots have begun! :D Coming up, we have the meeting with Nezu! Will Izuku and Hitoshi be offered to transfer? We'll find out next update! Please report any typos or weirdness and I'll see ya then! ^____^

Chapter 61: Transfer

Notes:

A wild update appears! :D You can thank Remyblunder for this update who pointed out the one year anniversary of this fic is today. XD I do like sharing more updates especially when it's for something special. :) Makes it more fun! Regular Tuesday update is still a go.

First off, omg we broke over 5000 kudos! ^________^ Thank you, thank you! Also for all the comments, bookmarks, and even the hits! So much appreciated! Alright, we have arrived at the meeting with Nezu! :D Onward!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

When morning came, it brought the start to an overcast day as green eyes shot open at the sound of his alarm. Izuku was sorely tempted to hit the snooze button and sleep just a little longer but didn’t, knowing he had an important meeting to get to today. However, as a means to allow himself to wake up a bit more while enjoying the comfort and warmth of his bed, the greenette picked up his fully charged phone to flip through the news.

While groggy, the Hero fanboy opened up his favorite news app as it always had the latest Hero news. A source he had used countlessly over the years to help with his analysis. He scrolled past a few articles until he stumbled upon one that caught his interest. A story on Ingenium…and Stain.

‘PRO HERO INGENIUM LATEST VICTIM OF HERO KILLER STAIN’

The title of the article stated what Izuku already knew having been told by the Villain himself. He did not need to read an article when he knew more about the situation than the media did. About how he had been after another target though didn’t say who and that Ingenium was more a victim of circumstance than anything else. That he had not wanted to fight the Hero as he was not marked as fake. That he regretted hurting the other and in fact had been the one to notify the authorities of his actions.

Scrolling past the story and choosing another, Izuku was reading about the latest fight Kamui Woods had been in when he received a ping from the news site. A notification of a just released article on the Hero Killer as the greenette had set up his account to be notified of any updates on the Villain.

So, he was a bit obsessed. Sue him.

Clicking the link, it brought him not to a written article but an audio report. Not wanting to disturb his mother, Izuku reached over to open his bedside table drawer and took out a pair of earbuds. He plugged them into his phone and placed the buds in his ears before pushing play.

Yesterday, Pro Hero Ingenium was found injured in an alley in Hosu city. At first it was unclear as to who had attacked this valiant Hero. That is until Pro Hero Native returned to his agency to report the incident and revealed that it was the Hero Killer himself. Ingenium had intervened when Stain attempted to attack Native which allowing the other Hero to escape.

The greenette quirked a brow in interest at that piece of information. So, it was Native that Chizome-san went after? I wonder why. He also wondered why the Hero had waited to report the incident in person at his agency. Couldn’t he have just called?

Authorities had been alerted almost immediately following the incident. Leading to the injured Hero being found quickly and is expected to make a full recovery. The immediate response playing a large part in his current welfare. However, beyond Native’s report, no other witnesses have come forward.

Who was this mystery civilian that called for Ingenium’s aid? We have an update for our listeners in regards to that. The following recording was taken upon the activation of the Hero Commission sanctioned emergency app. The following contents may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

There was a brief pause before whatever the update was played.

“ ‘Of those who deserve to be cleansed in this city, you were not one of them, Ingenium.’ ”

Izuku’s eyes widened. That’s Chizome-san’s voice. Hearing him speak as Stain sent a shiver down his spine as he listened to a pained groan paired with a dripping sound that he could only guess was blood.

“ ‘Fame…money. Those who claim the title of Hero yet only seek attention and compensation have no right to the name. Only those who seek to help and defend justice, who put everything on the line for what is right, have the privilege of the sacred title. Like All Might. You are no All Might, Ingenium. But you are tolerable as a Hero…’ ”

There was a pause as if the Hero Killer was contemplating something.

“ ‘…however, you interrupted me. My judgement. Protected that fake, one that has left you here to my mercy.’ ”

Way to call Native out like that, Chizome-san.

“ ‘Perhaps…you are not so untarnished as you seem. Why else would you save one who doesn’t deserve it?’ ”

Because he’s a Hero, you murder obsessed idiot.

There was a loud clatter and then a crunch as if the phone had been dropped and then stepped on. Which probably was the case as the audio came out more broken and staticky as you could hear sirens blaring and growing closer in the background.

“ ‘Per-aps we w-ll leave yo-r fate up to ch-nce.’ ”

The sound of metal scraping against wood came through. Most likely the Villain sheathing his katana.

“ ‘If your H-ro heart is true, th-y will save y-u. If not, th-n my judgem-nt will have c-me to pass.

You heard it here first, listeners. Hero Killer Stain himself contacted authorities leading to emergency services reaching the downed Hero in time. But why? Could the Hero Killer be more conscientious than we thought? Could there be an actual reason he targets those he attacks? What are Stain’s true intentions? More on that later as we consider this new angle to this Villain.

As the audio report finished, Izuku removed his ear buds and laid there staring up at the ceiling. So, I’m not the only one who knows now. He was surprised that they were even able to report such a thing on the news. Figuring they would want to keep it secret as evidence or something. Either way, the audio of the recording made when Stain used the emergency app had been made public.

What will they think of you now, Chizome-san?

Whatever the public opinion would be, it wasn’t something Izuku could control. Much like how he couldn’t control their opinion of him or the Quirkless population in general. Nope. All he could do was keep pushing forward no matter the adversity he faced. As he has always done.

With a huff, the greenette got out of bed with phone in hand and left his room to head to the kitchen for some breakfast. As he walked through the hallway, he caught a whiff of his mother’s excellent cooking. His nose was met with the scent of grilled fish and upon entering the kitchen he saw the table set with bowls of rice and a side of natto too. At another spot of the table that was clear of food, there were cuttings of newspaper clippings which means his mom had gone out early to get them. From multiple papers by the looks of it. The sight caused him to chuckle as it stood as evidence of his mother’s incessant need to document everything.

“Oh, good morning, sweetie,” Inko greeted as she took notice of her son. “Did you sleep well?”

“Morning, mom,” Izuku said, walking over and wrapping his arms around her in a hug. “I slept alright.”

Which was true. Despite having met with a Villain and being told by said Villain he was responsible for attacking a Hero, Izuku had slept rather well. Though, the physical and emotional exhaustion of the day had certainly helped too.

“Why don’t you go sit down while I finish getting breakfast?” the mother offered as she let go of her son.

“Sure,” the son replied with a warm smile.

The teen sat at the table as his mom finished cooking the fish. He eyed the multitude of news clippings that were split into two piles. Taking a closer look, Izuku saw one pile consisted of article titles stating positive reactions. While the other pile…let’s just say the responses were more of a negative nature that he refused to even give the tiniest bit of attention.

“Let me show you my favorite,” Inko said as she approached the table with the grilled fish.

The mother placed the last dishes down and took her seat. She reached into the pile of more approving clippings and picked one up in particular before handing it to her son. Izuku took the paper from her to see it was an article declaring his accomplishment as history making for being the first Quirkless winner of the UA Sports Festival. The story also featured two pictures of him. One of when he had given a peace sign to the camera during the Obstacle Course and the other of him standing on the winner’s stage in first place.

“That is a good one,” Izuku stated as he handed it back with a smile.

Inko placed the clipping back and after they gave their thanks the two greenettes ate their breakfast. Once they finished and cleaned up their dishes, the teen excused himself to get dressed for the day. As they would be meeting with the principal, he opted for his uniform complete with his horribly tied red tie. Giving up on it as usual, Izuku made sure he had everything he needed in his messenger bag such as his phone and wallet before leaving his room.

His mom was already waiting for him by the door with shoes on, purse slung on her shoulder, and a box in hand. Izuku eyed the object that was about the size of a shoebox curiously but Inko offered no explanation. She simply gave him a warm motherly smile and then headed for the door. The teen was quick to follow, shoving his feet into his signature red shoes as they left the Midoriya apartment.

Knowing that Hitoshi would be coming back with them after the meeting, they opted for taking the family car instead of taking the train. The drive wasn’t long and they parked in the visitor lot. Hitoshi was already there, also in uniform, with his overnight bag in hand. He came over to the Midoriyas and they stored his bag in the back before heading for the school gate.

As they approached, they saw Aizawa leaning against the gate clearly waiting to escort them on campus. The Erasure Hero eyed the box in Inko’s hands curiously but asked no questions of it. Merely muttering a greeting of ‘good morning’ before turning to lead them to the principal’s office. He was still wrapped in bandages which the mother started to fret over as they walked but he brushed off her concerns and assured her he was fine. The group of four entered the main building where they stopped briefly to change their shoes with Inko borrowing a pair of guest slippers. As they continued on their way, Izuku smiled as he watched his mother looking around in wonder much as he had his first time walking these halls.

Like mother, like son.

It wasn’t long before they arrived at the tall intimidating door of Nezu’s office. Before anyone could move to open it, the door opened on its own at their approach. Aizawa and Izuku were unfazed but Inko and Hitoshi stared at the door in shock.

“Come in,” chirped the chimera within, beckoning them to enter from his desk.

Always one to make an impression, Izuku thought with a fond giggle, leading the group inside followed by his mother and friend with Aizawa taking up the rear.

As they entered the room, they saw that not only was the principal there but also Yamada and Maijima as well. Most likely acting as representatives as they were Hitoshi’s and Izuku’s homeroom teachers respectively. The two students and mother sat down in the seats gestured to them by a welcoming paw while Aizawa walked around the desk to join the other teachers.

“Thank you so much for coming, Midoriya-san,” Nezu said with a pleasant air. “I am Principal Nezu, the administrator of this fine establishment. It’s nice to meet you.”

The mother gave a small bow and replied in kind, “Nice to meet you too, Nezu-san.”

“Nice to meet you as well, Shinsou-kun,” the principal said directed at the purple-haired teen.

Hitoshi jumped slightly at being suddenly addressed by the Quirked animal. “N-nice to meet you too, sir.”

Izuku giggled at his stutter, earning an elbow to the ribs from his flustered friend.

“And of course, it’s nice to see you again, Midoriya-kun,” Nezu said, finishing his greetings on his personal student.

“You too, Nezu-sensei,” Izuku replied with a smile.

“Now then,” the chimera declared placing his paws together. “We have much to discuss today. First off, introductions! Midoriya-san, I believe you are already acquainted with Aizawa-san, correct?”

The mother nodded with a bright smile for the man who had helped her son so much.

“Excellent,” Nezu said, clapping his paws together. “Now, as for these other gentlemen behind me, I will let them introduce themselves.”

Yamada, ever the energetic one, spoke first.

“Hey-o, name’s Yamada Hizashi or, as you probably know me as, Present Mic,” the blonde Hero announced with his usual flair complete with a wink and finger guns. The mother giggled fondly while Aizawa rolled his eyes at his antics. “I’m the homeroom teacher for General Studies Class 1-C and I also teach English, or for the little Green Bean here, Japanese Sign Language. Nice to meet ya!”

“Green Bean?!” Izuku squeeked, freckled cheeks flushing red while his friend let out a cackle beside him. The greenette paid him back with a returned elbow to the ribs.

“Nice to meet you as well, Yamada-san,” Inko said, giggling again at her son’s reaction. “Thank you for taking care of them as well as going out of your way to teach my son JSL. He was so excited to learn it and has been practicing at home. He even taught me a few things.”

The mother did a few simple gestures as well as her favorite phrase her son taught her, ‘I love you’. The Voice Hero let out an adoring ‘aw’ which made Izuku blush. Then it was the Support teacher’s turn.

“Hello, I’m Maijima Higari or Power Loader as you might know,” the redhead greeted with a bow of his head. “I’m Midoriya’s homeroom teacher of Class 1-H and I am in charge of the Support studio here. It’s nice to meet you.”

“And you, Maijima-san,” Inko responded with a nod of her own. “Thank you as well for caring for my son.”

The Excavation Hero nodded his head once more in appreciation.

“Now then, with the introductions over, let us get down to business,” Nezu stated before turning his attention to the two students. “Midoriya-kun, Shinsou-kun, congratulations on your respective placements in the Sports Festival. You two certainly made an impression.”

“Thank you, Nezu-sensei,” Izuku answered with a bright smile.

“Yeah, thanks, sir,” Hitoshi said, rubbing the back of his head bashfully.

“As I know you are already aware,” the principal said. “At UA, we have a policy that states a student in another course may be offered the chance to transfer if they place high enough in the Sports Festival. And since you two have claimed the top two spots, I’d say that is certainly high enough.”

The two Midoriyas, Hitoshi, Yamada, and Maijima chuckled at the chimera’s quip while Aizawa hid a smirk in his scarf.

“As such, I would like to offer you two the opportunity to transfer to the Hero Course if that is your desire,” Nezu put forth with open paws.

“YES!” Izuku blurted out in excitement, only to flush as the others snickered at his immediate response.

“That’s a ‘yes’ for me as well, sir,” Hitoshi answered, still snickering. He had to block an attacking elbow from his friend.

“Excellent!” the principal chirped clapping his paws together again. He then started to shuffle some papers around as he continued. “We’ll go through all the paperwork and transferring procedures. Then we can catch you up on the training you’ve missed. So, we should expect to put the transfer through starting the next school year. Plenty of time for you to…”

“No.”

~~~

The room froze at that single word. Hitoshi, confused, turned to his friend to see the serious determined look on the greenette’s face.

What?

The brainwasher had been so nervous for this meeting. Worried that maybe it was all a lie. That there wasn’t actually a way to transfer or they had changed the policy over the years since Aizawa had done it. But without hesitation, the principal had offered them the transfer.

Move to the Hero Course at the start of next year? Not ideal but it sounds reasonable. We’ll be in the Hero Course eventually.

It was more than Hitoshi could ask for. But apparently not for his friend.

~~~

Izuku could feel Hitoshi’s shocked attention turn to him while he kept eye contact with the principal. Back straight, fists clench on his knees, and face schooled into one filled with conviction. Unwilling to back down.

“No?” Nezu parroted back. “No to what?”

“No to waiting until the start of next school year,” Izuku answered.

“And why is that, Midoriya-kun?” the chimera asked, his beady black eyes and even tone portraying nothing of his thoughts.

“Nezu-sensei, how long have Hitoshi-kun and I been students at UA?” the Support student asked in turn.

The principal sat in thought for a moment before answering, “Approximately a month.”

“And how long have the Hero Course students been in UA?” Izuku prodded further.

“Also approximately a month,” Nezu answered.

“And you want us,” the greenette said, gesturing to Hitoshi and himself. “To wait until the start of the next school year to join them.”

“That is the usual procedure, yes,” the chimera confirmed with a nod.

Izuku took a quick steadying breath before speaking again.

“How does it make sense to have us wait,” he said, steadfast green eyes peering to black. “And make up a full year of knowledge, rather than do it now and make up only a month’s worth?”

There was a moment of silence as the mammal considered his words.

“Midoriya-kun,” Nezu said, his neutral expression still portraying nothing. “You do realize the amount of training the Hero Course is put through, correct?”

“I do,” Izuku replied, remaining steady and refusing to look away. “Which is why it doesn’t make sense for us to wait and miss more of the training. I could understand if we placed lower in the rankings. But Hitoshi-kun and I placed in the top two. Despite all the extra training the other students had.”

The principal considered the boy in front of him.

“You did not take the Hero Practical, correct, Midoriya-kun?” the chimera stated abruptly.

“Correct,” the teen responded.

“Why is that?” Nezu asked.

“Because I’m Quirkless, sir,” Izuku answered bluntly.

The atmosphere in the room grew tense. All eyes were on Izuku, waiting for him to continue. Nezu stared at his personal student for a moment before he nodded his head to urge him on.

‘In the Hero Practical Exam’,” Izuku cited from the UA rules from memory. “‘Support Items are allowed under permission of the UA faculty as long as the Support Item directly aides in the proper use of an applicant’s Quirk. Any Support Item that does not directly affect a Quirk is barred from the exam.’”

“I am quite aware of the school rules, Midoriya-kun,” Nezu said, his tone even. “What is your point?”

‘Does not directly affect a Quirk’,” the teen stressed. “Meaning that because I don’t have a Quirk, any Support Items I could have used would not have been permitted as they would not manipulate a Quirk. Thereby, preventing me from having the tools I could have used in place of a Quirk to take the test. To not have access to the tools that could have allowed me to succeed. Essentially, the rules of the Hero Practical do not take Quirkless applicants into account.”

His mother placed a comforting hand on his back. She could sense his stress but did not want to interrupt. The comforting gesture soothed his nerves somewhat.

“May I be frank with you, sir?” Izuku asked, keeping his face a blank as possible.

“By all means,” the principal said, granting permission with a gesture of his paw.

The boy took a deep breath to steal himself and said bluntly, “Your Hero Practical Exam sucks.”

Izuku swore he heard a snort come from Aizawa at his bluntness while Nezu merely blinked in shock at the boy.

“Oh?” the mammal asked with a tilt of his head. “How so?”

“It caters more to those with physical type Quirks,” Izuku explained. “Making those with non-physical Quirks fail just because they can’t beat up a robot.”

Izuku could feel his friend stiffen beside him.

“On top of that, the policies of UA forbid the use of Support Items that don’t help direct a Quirk. There are tons of Quirks that are perfect for Hero work but have no effect on robots. Like Midnight and Eraserhead. And then there’s…people like me.”

The principal merely nodded, letting Izuku know he was listening and wanted him to continue.

“I understand why there is a limit on Support Items,” the greenette said. “In the past, applicants have taken advantage and skewed the results of the test. But people like me. People without Quirks. We can’t use Support Items because we have no Quirk to channel according to your rules. Yet this same rule bars us from having the tools we need to show our skills like everyone else.”

Izuku paused to see if the principal had any comment, but again the chimera simply nodded at him to keep talking.

“Quirks are just tools,” Izuku said, clenching his fists tighter for a short moment. “Like Support Items, they give the user an edge in a fight. No Quirk is perfect for every battle, all having some way to be countered. Heroes have used Support Items to aid in their work since Heroes came to exist in our society. Serving as more tools to a Hero’s arsenal.”

The greenette glanced at Aizawa who gave an approving nod. The teen returned it and then turned back to the principal.

“The only difference between them and those like me is that most people are born with a tool already. I would just have to deal without that one more tool in my belt but I have plenty more to choose from.”

My edge.

“The Quirk does not make the Hero,” Izuku declared with a determined look. “The goals and drive do. The actions. I know I have what it takes to be a Hero, sir. My lack of a Quirk should not dictate my suitability to be one. Nor should not having a ‘strong’ physical Quirk.”

He glanced at Hitoshi next to him who gave him an appreciative smile.

“After all, people doubted you too, Nezu-sensei,” the Quirkless teen said as he looked back at the Quirked mammal. “Yet here you are, proving them wrong. Hitoshi-kun and I want to do the same.”

A pregnant silence grew between them. Izuku stared at the principal who quietly stared back. But the greenette could see there were calculations running non-stop behind those beady black eyes. He couldn’t look away though. This needed to be challenged.

“You’re right,” the principal said, breaking the silence.

“Eh?”

“As a matter of fact, Aizawa-san has been saying the same thing for years,” the chimera glanced up with a smirk at the Underground Hero who rolled his eyes. “Since he himself took the exam, might I add.”

“The kid’s right,” the tired man commented. “The Hero Practical is irrational and seriously lacking in differentiation when it comes to assessing applicants.”

The chimera let out a chuckle before turning back to the students.

“Midoriya-kun,” Nezu said, addressing his personal student. “You have raised some fair points. It would be a waste of everyone’s time to make you wait to transfer. All because of a policy. One hindering growth similar to the one that barred you the tools you needed for the Hero Practical. Today, along with yesterday’s efforts, has shown your potential for Heroics. Both of you. Very well. I see reason enough to warrant a transfer starting school on Tuesday.”

Both of the students just stared at the principal in shock.

“R-really?” the greenette breathed in disbelief it had worked while the purple-haired teen let out, “Seriously?”

“Certainly,” Nezu chirped. “Besides, if you think about it a certain way, the Sports Festival served as your belated Hero Practical. One that allowed you both to showcase your skills in a way the regular exam would not.”

“I-I…I can’t believe it,” Izuku stuttered out, green eyes tearing up in emotion.

“Oh, my baby,” Inko cried, wrapping her son in a hug.

“You’re telling me. Like, damn, Izuku,” Hitoshi chimed in. His friend looked at him confused. “You just talked our way into the Hero Course a year sooner. You went up against Nezu who is arguably one of the, if not the, smartest Pro Heroes out there and won.”

“Well, in a sense,” the mammal piped up, grabbing their attention. “Although I would have most likely moved your transfer sooner regardless for the same reasons. However, having figured Midoriya-kun would come here with some form of argument against waiting, I wanted him to voice his opinions as further leverage to persuade the school board. Adding fuel to the fire so to speak.”

Hitoshi sat there feeling intimidated by the amount of forward thinking. Izuku, used to his mentor’s methods, gave his friend a comforting pat on the shoulder.

“This will not be easy,” Nezu said, his tone turning serious. “You will be challenging long established beliefs that Quirks make a Hero. With Shinsou-kun it shouldn’t be too much of a shock as you said there are other Pro Heroes with non-physical Quirks. However, with you, Midoriya-kun, the media will have a field day. Are you prepared to face that? We would back you, of course.”

Green eyes stared at the principal in emotional surprise.

“You…you would do that?” Izuku whispered in shock.

“Of course, we would,” the chimera affirmed. “Here at UA, we want to give our students every opportunity and aid needed to help them succeed. We also protect and defend our students when needed as well. That includes any media backlash.”

“O-okay,” the Quirkless boy uttered, feeling overwhelmed realizing yet again how different UA was from his past school. “Th-thank you. For everything. Teachers in my past…they didn’t help me much. But you…and all the other teachers…you have. So, thank you.”

Being the polite boy that he was, Izuku bowed in his seat in gratitude. Beside him, Hitoshi followed suit in thanks as well. The principal gazed at the students in approval, feeling in his furry gut that he had decided correctly. The mother smiled teary eyed at her son who would finally be able to pursue his dream. One she would back him up on no matter what. The three Heroes had mixed reactions.

Aizawa was neutral as ever but hid a smile knowing that the problem children were now officially his problem children, having laid claim to them weeks ago. Yamada wore a wobbly smile at the scene, having grown attached to the two students over the weeks of training, homerooms, and language classes. While Maijima had a solemn but supportive smile. He was proud of his stu…ex-student being able to fight his way to a transfer to the course he had always wanted to join. But he would also miss having the kid in his homeroom and not just because of his capabilities of wrangling the overenthusiastic pinkette.

“Well,” Maijima spoke, breaking the moment as he turned to Aizawa. “Then I leave Midoriya in your care.”

“Same, Shouta,” Yamada said, flashing a smile at the tired man. “Treat the little listener well, yeah?”

“Of course,” Aizawa replied, eyeing his newly acquired problem children as the bandages shifted with his hidden smirk. “They’re still ruff around the edges but I’ll whip them into shape.”

Both students felt a shiver down their spine because they knew the mummy man meant it. Partially literally too.

“Excellent, we will have you transferred to Class 1-A starting Tuesday,” Nezu said, clapping his paws together. “Maijima-san, thank you for your time this morning.”

The Support teacher nodded at the dismissal and walked around the principal’s desk. Izuku stood to properly to thank his now ex-homeroom teacher.

“Thank you for everything, Maijima-sensei,” the greenette said with a bow. “You were the first teacher to ever actually help and support me. No pun intended.”

The shorter man chuckled as he raised one of his large hands and ruffled the boy’s unruly green curls briefly.

“You make it sound like we’ll never see each other again, Midoriya,” Maijima said with a smirk as the student looked up at him in surprise. “You’ll still need to come to the studio to work on your Quirk Replicating Support Items, right?”

“R-right,” Izuku stuttered, a warm smile on his face. “I’ll see you there then.”

The Support teacher nodded and then left the room as the teen returned to his seat.

Notes:

And that was part one of the first Nezu meeting! :D Yup, it's a multiparter again. But when is that anything new with this fic. ;)

Would you look at that? The recording of when Stain activated the emergency app in chapter 47 has been leaked. Oh dear.

Inko is at it again with those news articles. I wonder what's in that box of hers though...

Nezu is drama chimera as always. ;P I always planned on him offering them to transfer, but I wanted an explanation as to why they would be transferred earlier than Shinsou in canon. My reasoning being that in canon, Shinsou did make the top sixteen but clearly lacked training and so would need time to catch up to the others. But in this fic, Izuku has been training since way before UA and he's helped Hitoshi since they started school. With the added help of Aizawa and Yamada on top of that. So, for those reasons I feel that they would have good reason to transfer them early. ^____^ Also, I feel it's more fun to start the 1-A shenanigans as soon as possible.

Fun Facts About Japan:

As stated before, students have a formal and PE uniform for school with winter and summer versions for each. More on the formal uniform, these are worn going to and from school and typically the students will change out of them with their PE uniforms already underneath. Spending most of their school time in the PE uniform. But when it is an official or special event, the students wear their formal uniform. Parent's day when the parents come to observe classes. Chorus Festival when the classes compete against each other in a singing competition. English Speech Contest where students memorize and recite speeches in English. Various ceremonies such as entrance/exit, awards, or graduations. And, though I don't know 100% for sure, I would assume for meetings with the principal such as this. What with it being a big deal for the students' career and placement in the school. :)

For the indoor slippers, a lot of places that require changing into indoor shoes have them. All of the schools I worked at did. Some businesses and restaurants have them too. The slippers are available in case a visitor does not have their own pair of indoor shoes with them. Additionally, some places will even have slippers specifically for the bathroom. Having you change from your indoor shoes/slippers to the 'toilet' slippers. Seems a bit excessive in my opinion, but it's Japan and you do what you gotta do. :P When in Rome, as they say.

And so, the torch of the problem children has officially been passed to our favorite hobo hero. Up next, broccoli boy is going to have to talk about what happened during the confrontation and the punishments for a certain blonde human hand grenade are to be revealed. ;) See ya next update and report any typos or weirdness!

Chapter 62: What To Do With A Human Hand Grenade

Notes:

Welcome back to another Tuesday update! :D It's time for Izuku to talk about a rough subject and reveal all that had happened during his confrontation with Bakugou. But he has the support of his mother, best friend, and teachers to help him through it. ^____^ And we finally get to learn about what kind of consequences Bakugou will be facing. Onward!

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

As soon as Izuku had taken his seat once more, Nezu spoke again grabbing his as well as everyone else’s attention.

“With that matter handled, we have another topic to discuss,” the principal announced. “Concerning the matter involving one Bakugou Katsuki. Aizawa-san will remain as he is now your homeroom teacher as well as witnessed the event. Yamada-san, you may stay if you so wish since you were a witness as well. As for you, Shinsou-kun, would you be kind enough to step out for a short while?”

The former Gen Ed student made to stand but was stopped by a hand grabbing his wrist. Purple eyes looked down to see it was Izuku who grabbed him.

“A-actually Nezu-sensei,” the greenette said, not letting go of his friend. “W-would it be alright i-if Hitoshi-kun stayed? I already t-told him what happened.”

More or less, Izuku thought as his mentor’s black beady eyes assessed the situation. Of his personal student clinging on to his friend in search of comfort.

“Very well,” Nezu conceded with a nod. “You may stay, Shinsou-kun.”

“Thank you, sir,” Hitoshi replied as he took his seat again though Izuku’s hand didn’t let go of his wrist.

The atmosphere that had been full of joy at being officially accepted into the Hero Course and would be starting on Tuesday no less had turned sour. Tense. Most of the room knew exactly what had happened to warrant this next topic of discussion while the others knew enough through word of mouth. But everyone knew that this would not be a pleasant conversation.

Inko took her son’s bandaged right hand in comfort. Hitoshi moved so that he held his friend’s other hand rather than him clenching his wrist. Nezu’s gaze was even as ever, feeling protective of his personal student but knowing he needed to remain unbiased as the principal. Yamada’s worry was clear on his face. Aizawa had his usual stern face but his brows were furrowed in angry protectiveness. All while Izuku sat there, clutching the hands of two of the most important people in his life while looking like he would rather be anywhere else. Very much not wanting to talk about what had happened but knowing it had to be done.

Bakugou had to be punished.

A small hint of regret flashed on Nezu’s face as the principal broke the strained silence, “As we are all aware, there was an incident yesterday between Midoriya-kun and Bakugou-kun. An altercation that, upon viewing the recording made by Midoriya-kun, appeared fueled by recent as well as past experiences.”

As the chimera opened a drawer and took out his goggles before placing them on his desk, Inko and Hitoshi looked at Izuku in surprise.

“You recorded it?” Hitoshi asked incredulously. “Why?”

“Well, it seemed the thing t-to do at the time. Besides,” Izuku said, first looking at his friend and then turned to his mother. “It’s what mom w-would do. Document everything.”

Inko looked at her son in awe as her free hand subconsciously reached for the box next to her. That subtle gesture gave him a clue as to what was inside it. The thought that his past was going to be dug up in this meeting left a sour feeling in his stomach. But again, knew it had to be done.

Enough was enough.

“Instead of watching the footage as I’m sure Midoriya-kun would rather not,” Nezu said, paws steepled together. “I’d like you to tell us what happened in your own words. I would also like to inform you that this will be recorded for documentation’s sake.”

“R-right,” the younger greenette stuttered, really not wanting to do this but knew he must. “It happened a-after Hitoshi-kun’s fight with Bakugou. I was heading f-for the…”

The Quirkless boy recounted what had transpired during that break between fights. Of how after weeks of hiding from the explosive teen, Bakugou had finally confronted Izuku in his usual brash and violent way. How he had burst into the room with claims Hitoshi and Izuku were cheating despite the rules stating clearly that the use of his Support Items and his friend’s Quirk were permissible. Him spouting out his beliefs that neither of them should have even had the chance to compete as to him the Sports Festival was a competition of Heroes and only the Hero Course students should have been allowed.

The sudden sharp gaze on Aizawa’s face as well as the incredulous look on Yamada’s informed the boy that they probably hadn’t been there for that part. Making him wonder when exactly the Heroes had come to his aid and how much they had heard. As well as guess that the principal had reviewed the recording by himself and not with the teachers involved. Keeping the playing field even and fair as a respectable mediator should. As well as to probably gage everyone’s reactions.

The teen continued to say how he had argued with the blonde pointing out the fact that the festival was for everyone and no course was above another. Refuting the same prejudiced crap Bakugou had spewed out for years about being Quirkless and insisted that it didn’t mean he was useless. Only for the explosive boy to claim that the only reason Izuku had made it that far was because of his Support Items. Which was true, but he explained how he had countered with the fact that sure he had used Support Items instead of a Quirk. But that didn’t make his efforts mean any less because of that.

A point that Bakugou definitively did not agree with.

Izuku received comforting tightened grips on both hands as he recounted the literal ‘explosive’ argument that had transpired. How the blonde had destroyed his Support Items one by one in front of him. A concerned gasp escaped his mother when he had revealed that it had started with the electric glove on his right hand. Inko looked down at the hand in her own seeing the wrappings that hid the left-over scars from the electrical burns.

But he didn’t stop to comfort his mom. To assure her he was alright with his words. Because he felt that if he stopped now he wouldn’t have the strength to start again. It was now or never.

With tears running down his cheeks and squeezing the two hands in his, Izuku spoke of his breaking point. Of when he realized that he didn’t know the boy confronting him anymore and most likely hadn’t for a long time. The look of recognition from the two Heroes behind the principal let him know this was most likely when they had shown up.

But then why didn’t they step in sooner? Or were they waiting to see what would happen? Perhaps they were acting like mom and felt the need to document what transpired so that something could finally be done about it.

With shaky words, he talked about how he finally called Bakugou out on his years of crap. Pointedly skipping over the part about the blonde having told him to kill himself back in junior high. He ignored the pointed glared from Aizawa over the omittance and continued on. To how he demanded to know why his childhood friend had changed so much becoming his bully instead. Receiving the answer that Bakugou had somehow gotten it in his head that Izuku had been looking down on him for years. Even though it was the complete opposite case.

Finally, he spoke about telling the explosive teen that the greenette had seen the potential in Bakugou from the beginning. Had always thought he would be a great Hero. But after yesterday and the culmination of everything he had done to the Quirkless boy over the years, he was starting to have his doubts. That if nothing was done to correct his behavior, Bakugou was on the path to become a Villain.

He had skipped over the comparison to Endeavor receiving another glare from Aizawa. But now wasn’t the time to open that can of worms. Izuku hadn’t planned to slip anything about the situation as it wasn’t his story to tell. Sure, he had prodded Chizome to look into it in a moment of impulsiveness, but he still hadn’t given any details. This slip up was the most he had revealed after finding out about Shouto’s homelife. Even then it had been vague as both parties had known the conversation referenced that the eavesdropping Heroes had not be privy to.

He finished with the mention of Bakugou turned his attack on Izuku himself having run out of Support Items to explode. It was at that point the Heroes had barged in and stopped the blonde mid assault. Having finished his story, green eyes cast down to the floor as tears continued to fall after recounting the hot mess that had been their confrontation. Hoping he would never have to talk about it in such detail again.

At the conclusion of his tale, silence fell over the room again. The tension from before returned only thicker after hearing the account. The interaction certainly did not put Bakugou in a good light being the aggressor and belittling his peer. Attempting to use his words to put the Quirkless boy down and when those didn’t work resorted to violent actions.

Inko unsurprisingly broke out into her own tears and tackled her son in a hug. Izuku hugged her back while keeping hold of Hitoshi’s hand. The purple haired teen in turn patted their joined hands in comfort while internally he was angry for his friend. Nezu sat there, furry face blank but internally was reeling that his personal student had to face such mistreatment. Yes, he had seen the footage but hearing it from the boy himself was a different experience. Yamada had tears welling in his eyes and his lips were quivering under his mustache. Aizawa was clearly pissed shaking in anger at how one student had so easily attacked another with no thought of the consequences.

The three Heroes knew there were a few details that the boy had left out. Namely the suicide baiting and the concerning comments about Endeavor. But considering how distraught the three across from them were, they all mutually decided without saying a word that it was best left for a later time. They waited patiently for the two emotional Midoriyas to calm down before speaking. As they did, the mammal hopped off his chair and walked around his desk to stand in front of the boy.

“Midoriya-kun,” Nezu called out, gaining the teen’s attention as his mother let him go but kept a hand on his back. “I want you to know that here at UA we have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to bullying and discrimination.”

The tearful boy sniffled and gave a nod in understanding while stuttering out, “I-I know.”

“These actions from Bakugou-kun are not acceptable,” the principal stated. “And his views in regards to his peers and who is ‘worthy’ of being here are quite disturbing. Such things need to be addressed and given the proper consequences. Don’t you think?”

“Y-yes,” Izuku breathed out, scrunching his shoulders curling in on himself.

“Typically, when a student attacks another outside of an official match or training, it usually means disqualification from any titles or being barred from said training by ways of detention,” Nezu said, standing there with his paws behind his back. “In this case, disqualification would have been warranted. However, I was informed by Aizawa-san that you specifically requested for Bakugou-kun to not be disqualified. Why is that, Midoriya-kun?”

Black eyes looked imploringly into green. Asking for him to say why exactly he had requested such a leniency.

“B-because…,” Izuku said, taking a steadying breath. “Because I knew he w-wouldn’t learn anything from it.”

“Hmm…please explain your reasonings on the matter,” the chimera prodded with a nod.

Izuku looked to his mother receiving a reassuring nod from her paired with an encouraging smile. He then turned to Hitoshi who gave his own nod with brows furrowed in concerned determination. The teen glanced at the Heroes behind the principal’s desk earning to more nods of assurance. Then finally he turned Nezu himself who patiently waited for him to speak. Taking another steadying breath, Izuku began to explain.

“I asked for Bakugou t-to not be disqualified because I know it wouldn’t teach h-him anything,” he said, the determined fire slowly returning to his eyes. “Bakugou has never h-had to face the consequences for his actions. Never been told th-that his actions towards me nor his thoughts a-about the Quirkless or ‘weak’ were wrong. Not by the teachers o-or the other students. So, I believe he would have seen it a-as an attack on his person r-rather than as consequence for his actions.”

Nezu’s neutral face remained calmly contemplative but Izuku could see in his eyes that his logic piqued his interest.

“Before UA, no teacher o-or other person of authority has e-ever told Bakugou ‘no’. All he’s ever received was e-encouragement and praise. Both for his aspirations to be a Hero a-as well as his treatment of those he determined b-beneath him. I agree that what he d-did to me was wrong but in a way, the blame for his actions i-is not solely on Bakugou.”

Nezu, on instinct, raised a subduing paw to silence a predictable incredulous Aizawa as Yamada held him back from snapping at the boy. The tired yet angry man huffed out a breath and forced himself to calm down. The principal figured his expulsion-happy teacher had it in his mind that Midoriya was going to blame himself. But chimera had been working with the boy and slowly building his confidence and self-worthy during their lessons. Praising him for his analysis work and assuring the teen that he belonged in UA same as anyone else when his doubt showed through. He wanted to hear the boy out.

“Would you please explain your reasoning for that?” the principal asked as he lowered his paw.

“I-if you think about it, his actions are not entirely his fault, b-but rather due to past teachers’ misguided inaction,” the teen said, earning a quirked brow from Aizawa in surprise. “By letting him do wh-whatever he wanted, they taught him a-and encouraged the idea that he was the best. That he was right t-to think of me and everyone else as less than him. Never teaching him that what he w-was doing was wrong. That his actions were not the o-ones of a Hero. Either ignoring o-or sometimes encouraging his treatment towards me. S-some even joined in.”

“What do you mean they joined in, Izuku?” Inko interjected, this being the first she had heard of that.

The younger Midoriya avoided his mother’s gaze as he said, “Th-the teachers…usually they would just ignore me a-and turn a blind eye. Or downplay anything I s-said when I did build up the courage to ask f-for their help. But sometimes…sometimes the teachers w-would say the same things Bakugou did, further c-concreting the idea in his mind that he was right. Purposefully setting me up t-to be the focus of Bakugou’s and other students’…b-bullying.”

That last word was a struggle for the Quirkless boy to get out. In all these years, it was the first time for him to admit that was what Bakugou was to any kind of figure of authority. Yes, he had called Bakugou that during their confrontation but the explosive teen was already involved in the situation being the aggressor. But Izuku had never outright told a teacher or even his own mother that Bakugou was a bully.

Before he would downplay it as teasing or messing with him. Like he had with Aizawa before the USJ to explain why he was in disguise. Like how he talked about it with Hitoshi but had always felt compelled to be careful with his words when describing the harsh treatment in a kinder way than his friend would. Or like when he vaguely talked with Yamada about not wanting to be judged for a genetic trait he lacked when he asked the Sports Festival commentator to keep his Quirk status a secret until the end.

But now he’s said it. Called Bakugou for what he is. A bully. A misguided bully that was taught by his peers and teachers that he was in the right due to their inaction. But a bully none the less. Though perhaps one that could be taught a new lesson and steer him away from the same path as Endeavor. To become a Hero not for power but to save people as a Hero is supposed to do.

“B-basically, because I was Quirkless,” Izuku said, his right hand fiddling with a loose bandage until his mother took it in her own again. “I was thrown u-under the bus so that Bakugou could be the ‘perfect’ Hero.”

~~~

Shouta was seething internally but was trying not to let it show on his face. Well, not as much anyway as he still sported a scowl that nowhere near showed his true level of anger. He couldn’t believe a teacher would encourage such behavior from a student just because one was seen as a ‘perfect Hero’ while the other was reduced to the label ‘Quirkless’.

“Hmm…,” Nezu hummed, walking back to his desk and climbing onto his chair. With a few clacks of the keyboard, he brought up two documents on his computer. “According to your last school’s records, there are no reports of such actions or mistreatment. As for Bakugou-kun’s, it is spotless.”

Looking over the mammal’s shoulder, Shouta could confirm that was the case. Bakugou’s record was all praise and good grades. Perhaps a note of excessive anger but was written off as a side trait of his Quirk. While Midoriya’s…it was full of marks.

Reports of tardiness.

Probably due to having to avoid bullies. Or…other reasons.

Being unprepared for class.

Most likely from having things stolen or destroyed. He was quite protective of his belongs when he started here.

Lying about bullying, seeking attention.

More like they didn’t want to even bother. Writing him off while neglecting their job.

Being a distraction.

By their own doing! Most likely calling him out during class.

Asocial.

Tends to happen when everyone bullies you or avoids you.

The list went on and on noting his dishonesty and selfishness. All sounding very uncharacteristic of the boy after having gotten to know him. No notes of his academic achievements either. Though, thankfully none of the marks had been bad enough to warrant denying access to UA. The past records of the students were taken into account but only certain red flags barred a student from applying.

Such as bullying.

But due to the negligence to perform their proper duty, the teachers at Aldera junior high rubber stamped Bakugou through all his misguided deeds. All because they believed he would make a ‘perfect Hero’ with his powerful Quirk. The praise and lack of consequences going to the blonde’s head and inflating his ego to what it was today.

“They n-never believed me whenever I would b-bring up anything,” Izuku said, eyes cast down. “Not since Bakugou got his Quirk a-and I never got mine.”

~~~

Beside the two teens, Inko sat there looking furious with angry tears welling in her eyes as she said, “I should have known.”

“Mom?” the son asked, turning his attention to her.

“Midoriya-san?” Nezu asked as well.

Wiping her eyes with her hand, Inko turned her attention to the principal.

“For years I watched my son come back home with burns and bruises,” the mother said, lowering her hand to her lap. “Izuku never outed anyone, but it wasn’t hard to figure out who was responsible for the unique burn marks he came home with. Ones that look like they came from an explosion.”

Not that I ever told Izuku I knew.

“Y-you knew?” Izuku stuttered out.

“Of course, I knew, sweetie,” Inko replied, with a sad smile. “You tried to hide it but a mother always knows when her baby is hurting. That’s why I tried limiting your exposure to Katsuki once I noticed your friendship change.”

The two Midoriyas shared a mutual comforting tightening grip of their hands.

“Why did you not report it, Midoriya-san?” Nezu asked with an even tone.

“I DID REPORT IT!” the mother suddenly snapped, making everyone, including the Heroes, flinch. “Time and time again I tried. To talk to parents and the teachers. Even the principal! But all they did was either brushed it off as nothing and Just misunderstandings between children. Or gave me false assurances and claiming they would address it but clearly not doing anything according to those records.”

Inko gestured to the documents still up on the monitor.

“Apparently not even bothering to record it either,” the mother huffed in frustration. “I tried so many times but nothing changed. That’s why I allowed Izuku to start taking self-defense when he asked. If they weren’t going to protect him then he would need to learn to protect himself. And it worked. Izuku stopped coming home with injuries. However, I suspected that the bullying continued because he would come home sad more often than not. But words and ‘lost’ belongings are harder to document than physical injuries.”

“Document?” the chimera questioned with a curious tone.

The mother let go of her son’s hand, picked up the box, and got up to place it on the desk in front of the principal before taking her seat and her son’s hand again.

“I documented everything,” Inko answered as Nezu opened the box. Finding inside were pictures and hospital receipts amongst other things. “Every burn, cut, and broken bone. Marked by date and what kind of injury it was. How much it cost to treat. Thankfully none of them scarred too badly but that doesn’t change the fact that my son still got hurt. That nothing I said seemed to change anything. That his injuries were all chalked up to ‘accidents happen’.”

The room fell silent as the principal perused through the contents of the box briefly. Taking in the large number of different injuries his personal student had been subjected to. As well as the concerning accusations made by the mother about his past teachers and their negligent behavior when it came to the Quirkless student.

The pictures were pretty damning but also not at the same time. Yes, they captured every moment of hurt, but there was no evidence as to who was responsible for them. Nor were there any videos of the bullying. Yet.

“These are serious allegations, Midoriya-san,” Nezu said as he closed the box. “Of a school’s staff’s negligence of their students and refusal to do anything to fix their transgressions. To be honest, under normal circumstances, these pictures would not be enough to warrant any investigation as there is proof of injury but none of as to whom is responsible.”

W-what?, Inko thought as her face fell and tears started to build again. Was all my documenting for nothing?

~~~

While the mother was growing upset beside him, Izuku took noticed of the certain wording his mentor used.

“What do you mean by ‘under normal circumstances’?” the teen asked, eyeing the mammal whose neutral face grew a bit feral in delight.

“It’s not every day that I find out my own personal student has suffered such injustice,” Nezu purred in glee at having a new enemy to destroy in the way he does best. From the inside.

A shiver shot down Izuku’s spine knowing what his mentor meant. During intermittent English class times spent in the principal’s office rather than in the 1-H classroom, between their lessons on coding and the greenette encrypting his analysis, they would at times take breaks for tea. During their tea times, Izuku found out why Aizawa had flinched when Nezu had first offered to take him on as a personal student.

Calmly over jasmine tea or whatever flavor he desired that day, the chimera shared stories of some of his most satisfying take downs of various important figures and organizations who thought they were above the law. Of the hidden wheeling and dealing he unearthed with whatever surveillance, audio or video alike, as well as any other documentation he could find to serve as evidence of their misdeeds. All done with malicious glee.  Which made Izuku realize something about his mentor.

Nezu was a glutton for dealing out punishment.

Having been subjected to years of experimentation due to being a Quirked animal, the chimera took great joy in punishing humans whenever the opportunity arose. Vicariously reliving fantasies of when he had done so to the scientists that once help him captive. And now it seemed his ire was going to be directed at Aldera junior high.

“Nezu-sensei, no,” Izuku pleaded, not thinking his mistreatment was enough to take down an entire school.

“Nezu-sensei, yes,” the mammal shot back, a sadistic gleam in his eyes.

“What is going on?” Inko asked confused with Hitoshi looking just as much so on the other side of Izuku.

Aizawa let out a sigh before explaining, “Nezu has now decided to make it a personal mission to look into what took place at your son’s previous schools. Meaning that, knowing him, he’s bound to dig up enough dirt to add to your documentation to make a more solid case.”

“R-really?” the mother stuttered in disbelief. She had never been helped before.

“Of course,” Nezu answered with a more reassuring smile though Izuku could still tell he was continuing to scheme from the fire in his beady black eyes. “As I said before when it comes to defending your right to join the Hero Course, we will back you. Not only is Midoriya-kun a student of UA as well as my own personal student, but I see a kindred spirit in your son.”

“Eh?” Izuku squeaked.

He watched his mentor hop back down to the ground and make his way over to his student again. Green eyes glistened with confused tears as to why the chimera thought that.

“Midoriya-kun, do you know what my life was like before becoming a Hero?” Nezu asked once he stood in front of him.

“I…you…um…,” Izuku mumbled, not wanting to say in case it made the principal uncomfortable.

“It’s alright,” Nezu assured, placing a paw on the boy’s knee to further affirm that it was. “You can say.”

“You…,” Izuku whispered, eyeing the scar over the mammal’s right eye briefly. “…you were experimented on.”

“That’s right,” the chimera said, patting his knee before removing his paw. “I was used as a lab rat. Abused by those who thought that I was less than them. Much as you have been. I understand to some level how you feel and I don’t want you to feel that way ever again.”

Green eyes looked into black still confused as to how his situation could be remotely the same to the horror Nezu had gone through. Sure, the teen had been looked down upon and pushed down and aside just because he was Quirkless. But Nezu had been tortured having had it so much worse that he had.

“In fact, I’m sure Shinsou-kun also knows what you have, and I had, gone through,” Nezu said, suddenly turning his attention to the brainwasher.

Hitoshi jumped at having the focus abruptly turned to him even though the principal made no further comment when it came to his past. Purple eyes took in the reassuring look the mammal gave him, not prodding but showing that he knew to some level, before turning back to the greenette teen. Hitoshi was grateful that even though Nezu appeared to know something, he didn’t push for details. They were there for Izuku at the moment after all. And he was fine.

“One should never be judged for what they are,” Nezu insisted, placing his paw back on his student’s knee. “For how different one is. Because those differences make us unique. Make us who we are. It is something that no one can take away from us. I want to assure both of you that we at UA, especially me, do not tolerate any kind of discrimination. Whether during their time in UA or outside of it. Or, in this case, before.”

As customary, the Midoriya tear ducts did their job and made the pair of greenettes weepy with emotion. Even Hitoshi seemed more emotional than usual at the declaration. For being acknowledged by the principal as well as his dedication to help his friend with his bullying problem. Even if only one incident had happened in UA, the mammal sounded determined to give Izuku the justice he deserves.

“Th-thank you, N-nezu-sensei,” Izuku managed to choke out.

The principal gave the boy two more pats on the knee before returning to his seat behind his desk.

“Now then, having aired out all this dirty laundry, we still have a decision to make,” Nezu said with his paws steepled, bypassing any further discussion of a certain junior high school’s fate. “What to do with Bakugou-kun’s punishment?”

“How about a super grade antiperspirant for his hands and a big can of whoop-ass?” Hitoshi muttered quietly to Izuku.

The comment made the greenette snort who quickly covered it up with a cough as his friend got an ‘accidental’ elbow to the ribs. While Inko gave the pair an odd look but figured Hitoshi had said something to break the tension. Clearing his throat, Izuku turned his attention back to his mentor as Hitoshi softly snickered beside him.

“Like I said before, I don’t think disqualifying Bakugou would have had any effect on him,” Izuku restated, doing his best to keep his voice even. “That he would learn nothing by taking his third-place placement away. Which, to be honest, I don’t think he’s too happy being anywhere but in first, so that would be punishment in and of itself to him.”

This time Hitoshi was the one to disguise a snort as a cough while Aizawa ducked his face into his scarf even though his smirk was already hidden by his wrappings.

“I agree that what he did was wrong though it wasn’t entirely unexpected on my part,” the greenette continued. “He’s never been happy about me applying and then getting into UA. Which is why I hid from him until the Sports Festival wanting to avoid the inevitable as long as possible. But it seems my being able to stay in the lineup during the festival seemed to have aggravated the situation even more. Leading to this.”

He lifted his wrapped hand still in his mother’s hold briefly in point to his statement.

“I don’t want him to be expelled,” Izuku insisted, his gaze pointed at Aizawa specifically who rolled his eyes. “Suspension if you must, but if the Hero Course training is as demanding as you say, I think it would be a bad idea for him to miss too much.”

The tired man considered the greenette for a moment as he processed his rational. Evidently agreeing it, the Erasure Hero nodded in the affirmative with a sigh. To which Izuku nodded back in thanks before turning back to the principal.

“Back when Quirks were still relatively new and the very first Heroes came to being,” the young analyst stated, having done research in any and all things Quirks including the history of them and their connections to Heroes. “By law they were actually viewed as Vigilantes as they had no legal right to use their Quirks in public or against other people. Though back then the laws were still trying to adjust to a world of natural born superpowers.”

Nezu’s black eyes shined with interest to see where his argument was going. They had not yet gotten around to discussing Quirk history in their tea time talks. Perhaps a subject that would come up in their next one.

“The number of Vigilantes became too high at one point which led to the creation of Hero schools. Places meant to take those Vigilantes in and rehabilitate them into a new societal role. Professional Heroes. Ones taught to abide by the laws set in place and carry out justice when those laws were broken by others.”

Which unfortunately and coincidentally led to the rise of Villains as well. But that’s a subject for another day.

“From their origin, Hero schools were created to rehabilitate those that sought the Hero path but were led astray. Much like Bakugou has been. But I don’t think he’s beyond saving because he’s still growing. Still learning. I’m not sure what he needs in order to be rehabilitated, but I ask for you to give him a chance to change. Please help him, Nezu-sensei.”

He finished his little speech with another bow where he sat, staying down until his mentor spoke. The three Heroes stared at the Quirkless boy in awe though the smart one and the tired one hid it better than the loud one. As the teen remained bowing, Nezu glanced back at Yamada who gave him a small shrug as sign it was up to the principal. He then turned and glanced at Aizawa who gave the smallest of nods in a granting manner. The mammal finally turned back to his personal student pondering his request a second more.

“Very well. Bakugou-kun will not be expelled,” Nezu conceded. At his words, Izuku popped his head up in astonishment that he agreed. “However, he will be suspended for two weeks, though due to your point on the rigorous nature of the Hero Course training, we shall make it an in-school suspension. He will be kept isolated from the class during regular lessons as well as lunch under teacher supervision. He will also not be participating in Hero training with the rest of the class but will be allowed to train on his own again under teacher supervision.”

Izuku nodded animatedly in agreement to those conditions, his unruly curls bouncing as he did.

“Bakugou will be on probation status for the rest of the school year,” the mammal continued. “His behavior will be monitored by the teachers and any slipup will be documented and corrected. He will receive a mark on his record for bullying once I have collected all the evidence of such as I can.”

Nezu also planned to mark the suicide baiting as well but did not bring it up as Izuku hadn’t either. He left that for another time.

“He will also have additional detentions after school for remedial classes. The teachers as well as other experts will be brought in to teach about human decency, Quirk discrimination, and so on. Bakugou will also be barred from partaking in the upcoming internships.”

Green eyes widened at that part as Izuku protested, “Isn’t that going a little far? The first internships are important for becoming a Hero. To gain experience.”

“Midoriya-kun, you have asked for Bakugou to not be disqualified and to not be expelled,” Nezu retorted with a serious look. “The two options that are very much warranted in this situation. But you have good arguments for each and so I find myself in need of implementing a number of smaller punishments to equate to the severity of those two. All of these conditions are necessary.”

Izuku hunched his shoulders and looked down at his lap as he said a quiet ‘okay’.

“In lieu of the internship, Bakugou will continue his in-school suspension at UA,” the chimera said. “He will attend more remedial classes as well as training to keep him on track. He will also be tasked with writing apology letters to you, Midoriya-kun and Shinsou-kun, for his actions against you both.”

The greenette nodded but had a skeptical look on his face not being able to imagine that actually happening. While the purple haired teen, looked at the Heroes in surprise.

“Even me?” Hitoshi asked.

“Yes, even you, Shinsou-kun,” Nezu replied as he turned his attention to the other teen. “Bakugou is not only in trouble for attacking Midoriy-kun. He also tried to attack you not only once but twice outside of an official match. Once after your fight was called and again in Recovery Girl’s office while you were unconscious.”

The brainwasher paled at that having not been aware that had happened. Izuku gave his friend a comforting squeeze to his hand as he hadn’t known that either. But he understood what it was like to be the focus of Bakugou’s ire.

“In addition to all this, he will be required to undergo therapy and anger management for the remainder of his time at UA,” the principal added on. “This will be a mandatory condition, along with all the others, in terms of his continued enrollment here at UA. Meaning that if he does not comply or makes no progress or puts no effort whatsoever to change, he will be labeled as a lost cause. Which means I will have no other choice but to either expel him or at the very least remove him from the Hero Course. Do you understand my reasonings for all that, Midoriya-kun?”

Again, the teen nodded but more in acceptance than agreement as he said, “Yes, I do, Nezu-sensei. He’ll be stubborn. Bakugou always has been. But he has also always wanted to be a Hero. So, I think that, despite any protests he might make, he’ll reluctantly know he has to at least try if he wants to remain at UA. Which is all I could ask for. The rest will be up to him.”

“Understood,” Nezu responded as he noted down his proposed punishments for Bakugou.

Notes:

There you have it! Bakugou's future punishments. I hope those work for y'all! I also have a few more to be tacked on during Bakugou's meeting with Nezu, but I'll save those for later. Sh-sh-shout out to Accendere, Mullk6, midnightloveless, Mystroth, and riptidethepen for your comments that helped me figure out Bakugou's consequences. Seriously, thank you so much! ^_____^ I'm a goody two shoes kind of person and never had detention even once in school so I'm not well versed in school punishments. So, your advice really helped and I hope it paid off! :) Also, sh-sh-shout out to Alfredomotenai for Hitoshi's snarky comment on what Bakugou's punishment should be. XD Thanks for letting me use that. It just seemed such a Shinsou thing to say. :P

Nezu now has his revenge seeking sights on a certain junior high school. Dun dun duuuuunnn. Aldera is going down. XD Sh-sh-shout out to the peeps on the discord for the tea advice. This chapter's Nezu tea selection is brought to you by Christina! :D More to come in the future. ;) And we found out what was in the box! Inko's evidence plus whatever Nezu is able to dig up is going to tear Aldera down from the inside out.

Fun Facts About Japan:

I'm not sure what else to talk about here but let's talk about Golden Week. According to this unofficial timeline, which I've been using to keep my own sanity for this fic, the sports festival probably takes place around the beginning of May which is when Golden Week is. Golden Week is a special time in Japan. Super engrained into the culture. Golden Week is during the first week of May where there are four national holidays within seven days. Those holidays are Showa Day on April 29th, Constitution Day on May 3rd, Greenery Day on May 4th, and Children's Day on May 5th. I'll probably go into some holidays in future chapters so I won't go into them now. Anyway, with all these holidays, many people take time off for the days in between and go on vacations. It's very common for people to take trips or visit family during this time.

Now, in 2019 my last year in Japan, Golden Week was extra special because it was extra long! Reason being that Emperor Akihito retired and his son Crown Prince Naruhito was coronated as the new Emperor. Making the day of his ascension to the throne on May 1st a national holiday that year. And apparently there's a law in Japan that when a day is in between two national holidays, it too gets turned into a holiday. Turning Golden Week 2019 into 10 days of holidays from April 27th to May 6th and was labeled Platinum Week by the Japanese media. More info on that can be found here. All in all, my last year's Golden Week was extra long and fun. ;)

That's it for this chapter. This is actually part 2 of 3 for this meeting with Nezu. Next update will have part 3 with Izuku bringing up some concerns he had about a certain grape boy during the festival. We'll also have Nezu's reflecting thoughts on the meeting after it's concluded. Until then, stay safe and please let me know of any typos or weirdness! Ta!

Chapter 63: Resolute

Notes:

And we're back with part 3 of the first Nezu meeting! Let's get to the conclusion without further ado. ^____^

Linktree to all the things!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Izuku and the others were waiting patiently as the principal typed away on his computer when Aizawa chided, “Just barely into the Hero Course and you’re already trying to save someone, problem child.”

“Someone who doesn’t really deserve it in my opinion,” Hitoshi commented with a huff, letting his friends hand go now that the drama was done. “Or would even thank you for being so forgiving.”

“Perhaps not,” Inko chimed in then shot a proud smile to her son. “But then again Izuku always has been one to act the Hero without a care of getting any thanks for it anyway.”

A scheming looks spread across Hitoshi’s face. Izuku looked at him in concerned confusion as his friend added, “Such as when he cleaned that beach up without taking credit?”

“Exactly,” Inko replied with a wink as Izuku blushed at being called out like that.

“Beach?” Nezu questioned, eyes full of curiosity. “What beach?”

The mentor turned to his student who appeared to be doing his impression of a strawberry while trying to hide. The mother had a warm smile on her face while the friend was smirking. Yamada also had a confused expression on his face while Aizawa had a knowing one.

“W-well,” Izuku stuttered out. “There was a messy beach near where I live and, um, someone cleaned it up?”

His attempts to sidestep credit failed miserably thanks to a perpetually tired man.

“Don’t try to deny it, problem child,” Aizawa said with his creepy grin. “I myself saw the article in your apartment, remember?”

The principal meanwhile was typing into the computer, with the Voice Hero looking over his shoulder in interest, finding an article on the beach. The same exact one that was hung up in the entrance hallway back home.

“Is this the beach you speak of?” Nezu inquired as he turned the monitor. “Dagobah Municipal Beach Park?”

“It certainly is,” the proud mother confirmed with a smile. She reached into her purse and took out her phone. Upon going through her photos and finding the one she sought, she stood up and passed the device over to show to Nezu. “I have a clipping framed at home with this picture. We took it the day he finished.”

The chimera studied the photo of a disheveled Izuku sporting a tired but proud smile and giving a peace sign to the camera. An equally proud smile formed on his furry face at learning his personal student had already done such a Heroic act before even attending his school.

“Would I be able to have a copy of this picture, Midoriya-san?” Nezu requested, causing Izuku to turn even redder if that was possible.

The younger greenette was trying to hide behind his arms while his friend started cackling next to him. The mother and principal exchange contact information while the blushing boy shoved his friend in protest. Yamada and Aizawa also exchanged information with the mother, wanting the photo for sentimental and blackmail purposes respectively. By that time, the pair of teenagers were play fighting where they sat.

“Alright, boys, that’s enough,” Inko called out with an amused looked. The two broke it off though Izuku snuck in one last shove. The taller one moved to retaliated but was forced to stop upon hearing a stern but friendly, “Hitoshi, I said enough.”

“Yes, Inko,” Hitoshi huffed, sending a glare at Izuku who stuck his tongue out at him smugly.

“It’s wonderful to learn that you’ve had altruistic aspirations even before attending UA, Midoriya-kun,” Nezu said as Inko took her seat. “It would be perfect for PR in regards to having you transferring…”

“No,” Izuku said once again with a determined look.

And once again, Nezu questioned, “No?”

“I don’t want to take credit for the beach,” the teen insisted. “I never did nor do I need it. I did it because I wanted to. To train while giving back to the community. To help. But not for the credit.”

Black eyes studied him while Yamada looked surprised at the declaration. Though, as a Day Time Hero, he was accustomed to getting credit for his deeds. While Aizawa stood there understanding the lack of need for recognition. As an Underground Hero, he rarely ever got any for his efforts. But he too didn’t do his job for the credit. Only to save people and stop the spread of evil. Plus any media coverage could actually be a hinderance in his work.

“How long did this venture take you, Midoirya-kun?” the principal asked.

“Approximately ten months give or take,” the greenette replied.

“Were you alone in your efforts?” Nezu inquired further. “Or did you have help?”

“My friend, Mei-chan, helped me a little near the end,” Izuku answered. “Though she did it more to try out her Support Items on the bigger stuff left over. But other than that, just me.”

“Hmm…and how did you go about implementing a plan to tackle such a feat?” the chimera asked.

“When I first started, I developed a crude grid system to section off the area,” the teen explained. “Breaking the project into smaller tasks so I wouldn’t get overwhelmed. Unintentionally, I also started noting what I had found in each section. Not for any reason other than to notate what I found.”

“You put all this effort into such a selfless act and desire no credit for it,” Nezu summed up with a contemplative look before smiling. “You certainly are an interesting individual, Midoriya-kun. Most who walk these halls want at least some kind of recognition for their deeds.”

“I have always loved Heroes and wanted to become one myself,” Izuku said resolutely. “But it was never because of popularity or money or fame or ranking. I’ve always wanted to be a Hero for the one thing a Hero is supposed to do. Help people.”

Another proud smile spread across the principal’s furry face as he said, “That is very benevolent of you, Midoriya-kun.”

“Yeah, little listener,” Yamada chimed in with a grin and a thumbs up. “That’s a top-of-the-charts attitude to have.”

The blonde gave him a wink which caused Izuku to smile shyly.

“Th-thanks,” the greenette said rubbing the back of his head bashfully.

“Well, aren’t you the little Hero,” Hitoshi teased as he ruffled his friend’s hair.

Izuku swatted his hand away while an image popped up in the back of his mind of another person who addressed him as ‘Little Hero’. If only the Heroes in this room, his friend, his mother, knew who had first believed in his dream and helped guide him to the path that led to all this. That a Villain had become his inspiration after the Number One Hero himself, his idol, had told him ‘no’ like everyone else. How would they all react to that? The Quirkless boy hoped to never find out.

“Now then, that is all I had set to discuss in regards to this meeting,” Nezu said as he had wrapped up his own agenda. “Are there any questions or other topics you would like to discuss or bring up?”

Hitoshi shook his head showing he had none while Izuku raised his hand.

“Yes, Midoriya-kun?” the princicpal addressed, gesturing for him to speak.

“I have two things to ask or talk about if that’s alright?” Izuku inquired, his nerves coming back ever so slightly.

Nezu gave a nod in affirmation.

“First, um, when can I get my goggles back?” the greenette asked, gesturing towards the green pair still on the principal’s desk. “I gave my goggles to Aizawa-sensei to get the recording off of them. I was wondering if you were done with them yet?”

The chimera picked up the goggles on his desk and, rather than hand them back to the teen, instead he handed them over to Aizawa who took them and hid them back in his Capture Weapon. A disappointed look flashed on his personal student’s face as he did so.

“Unfortunately, I still have need for your goggles, Midoriya-kun,” Nezu said and the teen nodded somewhat solemnly in understanding. “Once I am done, I will have them returned to your Support box. Maijima-san is at this moment going through what remains of your other Support Items to find anything salvageable.”

“R-really?” Izuku gasped, green eyes wide in surprise. “He doesn’t have t-to do that!”

“But he wanted to,” the mammal insisted with a warm smile. “Maijima-san is your Support teacher. He cares about your Support needs. As such he felt it necessary to check the, ah, ‘left overs’ so you wouldn’t have to. Which I agree is for the best so you don’t have to go through seeing the destruction a second time. Which actually reminds me of another topic I had wanted to bring up at some point in the near future.”

“Oh?” the greenette let out with a curious expression. Beside him, Inko also was looking at the principal inquisitively.

“After having such a traumatic event occur in an already stressful situation,” Nezu explained. “I believe it would be best for Midoriya-kun to have some more counseling sessions with our guidance counselor, Inui-san. As an extra precaution to ensure his health and safety. Would that be acceptable?”

Inko gave an approving nod as she said, “I think that’s a wonderful idea. How about you, Izuku?”

“I’m fine with that,” her son answered with his own nod. “Talking with Inui-sensei really helped last time after the USJ, uh, incident.”

A concerned grimace formed on the mother’s face. Seeing this, the son grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze to remind her he was there beside her and safe. Inko looked up at her son seeing his assuring smile and smiled back at him with a nod of thanks.

“Very well, I will schedule those and will inform you on when they are come Tuesday,” Nezu said, typing into his computer.

“Midoriya,” Aizawa called out from behind the chimera, grabbing everyone’s attention. “You said you had two things to ‘ask or talk about’.” The man used finger quotes when he quoted Izuku’s own phrasing. “What was the second?”

“O-oh…right, um, well…” the boy muttered.

“Just spit it out, problem child,” the tired man sighed.

“I, uh, wanted to bring up something regarding another student,” Izuku said, earning a quirked brow from Aizawa and a gesture to continue from Nezu. “I noticed some concerning behavior with a boy acting inappropriate with the girls. I don’t really know him but he’s short with purple balls on his head. His name is Mineta-kun I think.”

The bored expression on Aizawa’s face morphed into a glare as he demanded, “What did he do now?”

Izuku knew the 1-A teacher had kicked the pervert out of his class for trying to peep on the girls in the changing rooms. Knew that he had him moved to General Studies even though he told his students the boy had been expelled. You know, for the drama. But he also knew that the tired man was not going to like what he had to say.

“During the Obstacle Course,” Izuku started, fidgeting with his fingers. “Mineta-kun said something about showing how strong he was to ‘all the girls’ so they would all ‘flock’ to him.”

He used finger quotes when he relayed what the boy had said verbatim.

“Then at the end after the mine field, he attached himself to Yaoyorozu-san’s back. Slowing her down significantly while giving himself a ride. Which I understand is allowed as there are no rules against sabotaging others like that. But it didn’t sit right with me so I made him let go.”

“How did you do that?” Yamada piped up.

“By hitting him where it ‘hertz’,” Hitoshi quipped with a smirk.

“I was just keeping my ‘ion’ him,” Izuku joked back, but upon seeing the ‘get on with it’ expression from Aizawa he got back to the topic at hand. Looking at Yamada, he answered, “I used one of my electric escrima rods as a sort of taser to get him off. Which was also allowed since, as Aizawa-sensei said during the event, there are no rules against sabotaging or helping other students.”

Again, the Erasure Hero hid a proud smile in his capture weapon, but Izuku still saw it all the same even despite the bandages. It made him beam with pride himself before his expression turned serious as he mental prepared to bring up his next point.

“My main concern with Mineta-kun is in regards to something that happened at lunch,” Izuku said. Another nod from Nezu prompted him to continue. “I found Mineta-kun trying to convince Yaoyorozu-san and Jirou-san that the girls of 1-A were ‘required’ to participate in a ‘cheer competition’ in the afternoon and wear the same uniforms as the visiting cheerleaders from the US.”

Aizawa’s expression darkened at hearing that. Izuku knew that what he said next would not make the tired man any happier.

“Yaoyorozu-san and I both questioned that,” the greenette said. “She hadn’t heard anything and I never saw anything like that happen in past Sports Festivals. Mineta-kun said that he ‘heard’ it from Aizawa-sensei himself.”

The Erasure Hero became so mad at that, his Quirk activated on instinct. Red glowing eyes and black floating hair paired with the deepest angriest scowl Izuku had ever seen on the man. Able to be seen through the bandages out of sheer intensity. Yamada place a grounding hand on his shoulder making the other breath to steady himself and shut off Erasure.

“He said for me to ‘butt out’ but I brought up the point why would you tell him instead of Yaoyorozu-san who is a class rep. He said some excuse about you being in a hurry. I asked where the uniforms were if it was true and he said they ‘ran out’ and that Yaoyorozu-san would have to ‘make some with her Quirk’. Which makes no sense at all if it was ‘required’ for them to participate but didn’t provide enough uniforms.”

Nezu was searching one of his drawers as Izuku spoke, seeming to be looking for something specific. But the mammal nodded to his student to show he was listening.

“I also thought it was weird,” Hitoshi interjected, earning a grateful smile from his friend.

“Yeah, Hitoshi-kun and Shouto-kun were there too,” Izuku confirmed. “Shouto-kun suggested we ask Aizawa-sensei himself to confirm. Mineta-kun became really nervous and said it was a misunderstanding before running away.”

“Hmm…this is not the first time we’ve had complaints about Mineta-kun,” Nezu said, looking at his computer as he had brought of the student’s file. “It was reported that he had tried to look into the girls’ changing room on the very first day.”

“Yes, Ochako-chan told me about that before we got on the bus for the USJ,” Izuku stated, giving his mom’s hand a comforting squeeze at the further mention of the event. “I don’t know what you want to do with this, but I wanted to let you know what happened. It just didn’t sit well with me that he would try to take advantage of the girls like that.”

“Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Midoriya-kun,” the principal said, pulling out some paperwork having found what he had been looking for. He straightened out the forms as he continued, “I am not one to give third chances. Second chances yes when they are warranted, but not thirds. However, I will speak with Mineta-kun and if he shows no remorse for his actions, I feel he is not the right fit for remaining at UA. As for the potential paperwork for expulsion, I’ll leave that in your experienced hands, Aizawa-san.”

The chimera held the papers out to the teacher with the highest expulsion rate with an amused grin. Aizawa rolled his eyes as he snatched them out of the prinicipal’s paw hoping the mammal got a papercut. He hated paperwork though perhaps this one could be mildly satisfying.

“Is there anything else to be discussed?” Nezu asked, received various responses of ‘no’. “Very well. Before you leave, I have a few forms for Midoriya-san to sign in regards to Midoriya-kun’s transfer to the Hero Course. Giving permission for him to attend as well as granting legal custody to the UA staff in case of emergency.”

The mother was handed a prepared clipboard and a pen. As she signed, Izuku beamed as it seemed more official that his transfer was really going to happen. That he was really going to learn to be a Hero at his dream school. He turned to look at his friend expecting to see him as excited as he was. But he wasn’t. Hitoshi looked worried.

“Um,” the brainwasher spoke up hesitantly. “Do I need to have those forms signed too?”

“No, Shinsou-kun,” Nezu replied, that knowing look was back in his eye but still gave no hint as to what exactly. “Your permission forms have already been taken care of. From when you applied to the Hero Practical.”

Oh, that’s right. Before the entrance exam, you had to send a request in for which courses you wanted to apply for. Then they send you the required forms in case of acceptance.

Izuku hadn’t even bothered with the Hero Practical because of obvious reasons. Only going for Support which had different forms granting access to the studio and its various dangerous gadgets and chemicals. But Hitoshi had applied to the Hero Course as well as General Studies so would have already filled in the paperwork.

Well, that’s good Hitoshi-kun doesn’t have to worry about that, Izuku thought as his friend let out a sigh of relief. Though I wonder why he was so concerned about it when he thought he did need to.

The younger greenette filed that worry away for later on top of the others he had about his friend’s homelife. He grew more and more concerned that he doesn’t know anything about it. Nor had Hitoshi ever talks about it. Even started acting strange just recently when the topic came up. Izuku felt compelled to ask him about it later.

“Perfect!” the chimera chirped as Inko handed him the finished forms. “I will submit these to the school board for final approval. Which, paired with my reputation as well as Midoriya-kun’s arguments, they will no doubt accept my decision. In preparation, I’d like you two to fill out these forms in regards to your Hero costume design to be submitted on Tuesday.”

The principal offered them two papers which the students took with awe as it served as another sign they were really in the Hero Course. Nezu then stood up and the others followed suit as the mammal led the way to the door. The two teens followed feeling a tiny bit nervous of the school board possibly refusing, but Nezu appeared very confident on the matter. The remaining three adults followed as well. The mother to join her son and his friend and the two Heroes to escort them off campus.

The door opened on its own accord as they approached like it did when they had arrived. The principal stopped by the door and turned to address the group.

“Midoriya-kun, Shinsou-kun, once again congratulations and welcome to the Hero Course,” Nezu said with a smile. “On Tuesday, please arrive early and meet Aizawa-san at the teachers’ room before homeroom. He will inform you of any last-minute details before you join your new classmates.”

“Thank you so much, Nezu-sensei,” Izuku said with a bow.

Hitoshi bowed too and said, “Yes, sir, thank you for this opportunity.”

“I must thank you again as well, Nezu-san,” Inko said with her own bow. “For taking care of my son and being open to what he has to say. To be willing to support him in a way he’s never had before UA.”

“You are very welcome but it is really no trouble,” Nezu insisted with a return bow of his own. “I am merely acting as a proper administrator should. I assure you I will handle the issue regarding Midoriya-kun’s past schools with absolute care.”

He’s still on about that?

“Nezu-sensei, no,” Izuku protested.

“You cannot stop me, Midoriya-kun,” the chimera insisted with a gleam in his eye.

Izuku let out a sigh knowing he was right. “Fine…well, I’ll see you next week, Nezu-sensei.”

“Of course,” Nezu replied, gesturing them to go. “Thank you so much for coming and please enjoy the rest of your weekend.”

With one last goodbye to the principal, the group of two students, one mother, and two Heroes left. The walk to the front gate didn’t take long and soon the mother and two students were thanking the teachers for their time. Before they left, Aizawa took Izuku aside.

“Midoriya,” his new homeroom teacher called out.

The greenette walked up to him and said, “Yes, Aizawa-sensei.”

“Before you said the Hiro disguise was to hide from Bakugou until the Sports Festival, correct?” the tired man asked.

“Yes, sir,” Izuku answered with a tilt of his head.

“Which means the disguise has served its purpose,” Aizawa pressed earning a nod from his student. “Do we have your permission to reveal Hiro was you?”

“Oh! Well, um, sure, I guess,” Izuku replied. “I mean, I don’t really have a need for it now anyway.”

“Very well,” Aizawa said with a nod before shooing the boy off.

The younger greenette bowed to him before joining his mother and friend to head for home. As they left, the two teachers returned to the main building to prepare for the second meeting planned for that day. It was sure to be explosive in one way or another. What with Bakugou involved. Aizawa was already feeling tired.

~~~

Nezu watched the group walk down the hall until they were out of sight before turning back to the room letting the door close behind him. The chimera made his way back to his desk and started the necessary paperwork in regards to the transfer of not just one, but two students into the Hero Course.

It had been quite a lovely surprise for the General Studies student and his personal student in the Support Course to place in the top two. Placing in the top sixteen was an impressive feat in and of itself. Though, Nezu expected nothing less from his student who showed such a strong desire to be a Hero, putting every possible effort towards that goal. An attitude that was apparently infectious as Shinsou had followed his lead and fought hard to make it to the top as well.

The two had looked so proud standing on the podiums and the people seemed to accept the odd pair. Found entertainment in the fact that the two had beaten all other students, reigning supreme even over the Hero Course students. Showing that if you had enough tenacity you could climb your way to the top even without a ‘strong, Heroic’ Quirk.

Nezu had remained unbiased as promised despite being the Quirkless boy’s personal teacher. But after the Sports Festival, he could confidently say he saw that Midoriya, along with Shinsou, had the potential to be a Hero. Had the strength of mind and cunning to work his way around any obstacle placed in front of him. That he had not let the fact that he had no Quirk limit him and went beyond, Plus Ultra, by creating artificial ones instead. The crowd had seemed to enjoy his antics with his Support Items.

Until they had turned on him.

Cheers had changed to cries of protest like the flip of a switch. Just because the boy had the genetic proclivity to be born without a Quirk in the current world of fantastical natural born superpowers. Awakening the ever-smoldering embers of anger residing in the Quirked animal.

It hurt to see Midoriya’s proud smile be wiped off his face by the crowd starting to jeer at him. To be judged on something out of his control. Nezu felt a connection with the boy for he too had been judged for such a thing. For being an animal in a society of humans despite having a Quirk that made the mouse-bear-dog hybrid smarter than most humans. He had been tortured and tested on. Subjected to experiment upon experiment. All the while having the cognitive functionality of a human as he was tested on by humans.

Nezu had to fight with tooth and nail to get to where he was today. At times literally. A small conniving reminiscing smirk flashed on his face at the thought that there probably were some of the scientists who still bore marks from the chimera. Both mentally and physically.

It had been a long hard effort to find liberation and then recognition both legally and societally as the individual that he was. Prove that despite being labeled an animal, he was a participant in the game known as life as much as any human. Because of his past experience of the world fighting against him, Nezu could empathize with the boy. Something the chimera isn’t usually able to do with most humans.

Perhaps I will have to hold a press conference in regards to this situation.

A possibility he was prepared for of course. Press conferences are at times an occupational hazard when you’re the principal of UA. Which Nezu proudly was. He had a feeling something like this would happen. Openly welcoming any and all students with Quirks or not. Knowing that a Quirkless child wished to compete in hopes of transferring into the Hero Course. That student using his analysis and expertly made Support Items to compete in the prestigious UA Sports Festival. Then said student standing on the top podium as the first Quirkless winner.

It would make history if Midoriya were to become the first Quirkless Hero. Bringing change to the established ‘natural order’ of things. Upsetting the balance of power and proving that it is not so balanced as one would think. Such an occurrence was bound to cause a ripple effect in the social norms built over generations. To which many in this society would protest and fight to keep things as they are. Because people don’t like change. Especially when they are in the majority.

So, yes, a press conference seemed warranted. A necessary step to defend his student’s right to the same opportunities as any other child. Using the Quirkless boy’s own arguments to justify his decision, of course. Izuku had brought up many good points in regards to the school’s policies so perhaps finally something could be done to fix the outdated ones. Then once he was secure in the Hero Course and Nezu made the people accept him even if reluctantly, the chimera could turn his focus onto those that had pushed the boy down before coming to UA.

First, I will protect Izuku’s future, Nezu thought as his mind already started planning his statement to the media. Then I will address his past.

Notes:

That's part 3 and the conclusion of the Izuku/Hitoshi meeting with Nezu! :D I can now wash my hands of Mineta in this story. Ugh, finally. Again, if you like the character all power to ya but I don't. However, I wanted there to be a good reason, at least enough to me, as to why he would be, in this case, threatened with actual expulsion. I don't really see myself ever bringing up Mineta again. So yay for me I guess. :P

Anyway! Nezu and Yamada now know about the beach! Joining the ranks of Inko, Mei, Chizome, Hitoshi, and Aizawa. :) At least I believe that's all at this point. Let me know if I missed anyone. Izuku still doesn't want credit for it though. But we'll see how long that lasts now that Nezu knows. XD I'm sure he'll work the reveal into his plans somehow.

As promised, Izuku is going to be getting more therapy. For whatever repercussions come up from the confrontation. As well as other things to be revealed later. For Izuku being super forgiving for Bakugou but not Mineta, as many have pointed out in the comments Izuku has a certain bias towards Bakugou. Due to their past and the conditioning of that past in addition to Izuku just generally trying to see the best in people. Even where he really shouldn't. But with Mineta he doesn't have that same bias so he isn't as forgiving. Just thought I would mention that.

Fun Facts About Japan:

This chapter is coming out during prime time hanami season. I know I've mentioned hanami before back in chapter 10 but I'd like to go more into it. :) Hanami ( 花見 , はなみ ) is literally 'flower watching' with the kanji for 'flower' and 'watch/see'. Hanami is when people spend time outside to watch beautiful flowers typically during cherry blossom, or sakura ( 桜 , さくら ), season but also for watching plum blossoms, or ume ( 梅 , うめ ), as well at times. But sakura season for sure. Every year tons of people hold picnics and outings to view sakura that is considered the national flower of Japan. The colors range from white to light pink to dark pink. At these picnics, people will eat and drink while watching the flowers and pretty much have a grand ol' time. ^____^

The sakura season is observed and recorded by the media and the Japanese Meteorological Society which observe the cherry blossom front or sakura zensen ( 桜前線 , さくらぜんせん ). It starts in late March in southern Japan working up to mid May up in northern Japan. For the Tokyo area it's typically about two weeks from late March to early April. Again, why a lot of manga and anime start with cherry blossoms because it's typically at the start of a school year which is in early April. The hanami season is very short being only one or two weeks so hanami outings are planned quickly and carefully.

Ueno park in Tokyo is a popular place to go for this where the sides of the pathways are sectioned off for people to hang out it. Though I'm not sure if they have to rent them or not or if it's a first-come-first-serve kind of situation. For me and those I was with, we would just walk around rather than sit and picnic. Though we were invited to a more local hanami party with some locals every year. They would usually pair their hanami with a tea ceremony as well. Like two chances to experience, as my students would say, 'Japanese culture'. Though it usually came out in katakana English as 'Japanese curuchaa'. Pronunciation was always a work in progress and very much part of the territory of learning a new language. ^____^ But they always said it with much enthusiasm and it showed how proud they were of their culture.

That's it for this chapter! Coming up is Shouto's visit with Rei! :D Mother son bonding time. So looking forward to that. ^____^ Until next time, please let me know of typos or weirdness!

Chapter 64: Author Note

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Greeting dear readers of Blank Canvas! :D It is I, your author, here with an announcement!

As of this update, Blank Canvas is now becoming a series. It wasn't originally planned as such but it also wasn't planned to be this long either. XD However, Heracelio on FF.net suggested that with Izuku and Hitoshi being offered a transfer to the Hero Course, this could serve as a finished arc and continue on to the next one with a sequel. I really liked this idea because it would help organize the story as well as break up the story into smaller parts. So it's not as overwhelming in length. ^____^

With Blank Canvas becoming a series, I have looked through all my notes and have split all I have planned accordingly. In doing so, I have figured that this series will have a total of four parts. Meaning there is way more to come for this AU and I do have a clear ending point in mind.

With this A/N, part one has finished so please move on to part two if that is your fancy! :D Weekly Tuesday updates as usual. Thank you, dear readers, for joining me on this journey and sticking with Blank Canvas! Onward to part two!

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