Chapter Text
Aizawa Shota had obtained many regrets throughout his career as a hero. Too many to count and certainly too many to keep at the forefront of his mind. He’d be consumed be with sorrow and become unable to perform his heroic duties. So, he shoved them to the deep dark depths of his memories and swore to never make the same mistakes again.
But there was always one regret that would never truly stay down, destined to resurface ever so often and cause Shota’s heart to clench in guilt. Those days he felt utterly hopeless. Those days there was an invisible chain, binding him to his bed, only to be broken by the comfort and support of his husband.
He would never forget the child he failed to save from the clutches of the hero commission.
So, when Principle Nezu informs him, a few days before the beginning of the new school year, that one of his to-be students was under the commissions thumb, he vowed not make the same mistake twice.
Akatani Mikumo, 15 years old, born 1st January 3609- or that was what his file said. Shota was sure the name was a fake one. He knew the commission only referred to their pawns as code names from the second they were initiated into the program but they would have needed a proper name to sign him up for UA. They wouldn’t want anyone connecting him with his old identity, of course, so they couldn’t use his real name either. The only thing that was likely real was roughly how old he was but honestly, he wouldn’t put it past the commission to force a younger child to get into high school early.
“The commission failed to inform me of Akatani’s association with them. I was forced to find out through my own means.” Nezu chirped.
Shota knew that what Nezu meant by his ‘own means’ was hacking into the hero commission’s secure database. The principle enjoyed doing so regularly, especially since the commission was keen on keeping vital information to themselves. The hobby had paid off several times before and Shota was sure this time would be the same.
“What do you think their purpose for him attending UA is?” Shota asked with a sign.
Nezu considered for a moment. Shota half expected him to turn it into one of his cruel tests and make Shota find out on his own. But with a child’s wellbeing on the line, he knew Nezu would hold back his usual chaos. “I regret to admit that I am unsure.” Nezu confessed solemnly. “However, I do have a few theories, the most realistic one being that he was sent here due to All Might’s employment.”
Shota raised his brow. “You think he’s being sent here as protection for the number one hero?” After learning of the hero’s diminishing power, he supposed it made some sense.
“Well, no. That is a possibility, I suppose. But I was on the train of thought of Akatani keeping an eye on him.”
Then Shota realised. UA had a track record of being opposed to the hero commission’s methods and policies. All Might had never been openly pro or against the hero commission. The commission had tried to bring him onto their side multiple times but the man had refused. But now that he had employment at UA, they must have been worried that it had been an act against them.
Shota wasn’t sure the true reason behind All Might’s decision to join the school but he was sure it wasn’t. As much as Shota hated the hero commission, he understood that the number one hero suddenly opposing it would destroy Japan. All Might knew that too so he wouldn’t do anything as public as joining the most famous hero school in the entire world just as an act against them.
“There may also be another potential reason.” Nezu mused. “I cannot tell you the whole story, as that would be a breach of privacy, but I can say that All Might is looking for a student to train and mentor personally. The commission may want to orchestrate it so that Akatani is that student.
“That buffoon is looking for a student to train and mentor personally,” Shota repeated in disbelief. “He has almost zero experience and the only reason we employed him was that we knew it would be good for our publicity.”
“I understand it sounds utterly bizarre. However, I assure you he has the best intentions and there is a very important reason behind it.”
Shota sighed. If Nezu approved then who was Shota to disagree. “All right. Thanks for the information. I’ll be sure to observe Akatani and report back to you on my findings.”
After saying their goodbyes, Shota sat down at his desk and began to research Akatani Mikumo. As he predicted, Akatani really didn’t exist until a few months ago. They really should have done a better job in giving him a proper back story. There were a few records of the previous schools he supposedly attended and a few academic achievements but other than that, there was almost nothing. They blamed it on his upbringing. Apparently, he grew up with a villain parent who neglected updating his files. Shota supposed that part could be true. The commission loved taking the children who wouldn’t be missed by society.
The only information on the kid’s quirk was that he had an analysis one. There was nothing explaining how it worked or its limitations. It must be powerful enough for the commission to hide its true capabilities. Shota would just have to find out for himself in the quirk assessment.
---
The first day of the new school year arrived. He watched, hidden in the vents, as his students began to filter in. Tenya was first, of course. It was no surprise to Shota, considering he’s known the boy since he was born. Second was Yaoyorozu Momo, youngest daughter in the Yaoyorozu family. Akatani was the third and Shota made sure to look especially closely at him. The kid was plain-looking; he had brown curly hair, green eyes just like Null had, freckles scattered across his cheeks and a short but stocky build. The most notable features he had was the small vertical scar across his upper cheek and the awfully tied tie.
As Akatani sat down at his desk, he looked up towards Shota’s direction, clearly noticing his presence. Just as quickly as he glanced to Shota, he looked back to the front of the class. As more students walked in, he made no attempt to greet them but nodded slightly if they acknowledged him. Probably not wanting to draw attention to himself but wanting to be polite at the same time.
The classroom erupted into chaos when one Bakugo Katsuki walked into the room. The blonde initially stood stunned when he walked into the room and caught sight of Akatani.
“Izuku…” He whispered, just enough for Shota to hear. The slight twitch Akatani made told Shota he had heard too.
This was a turn of events Shota hadn’t been expecting. Bakugo knew Akatani, potentially from his life before the commission. He’d have to talk with Bakugo after class to ask more about what he knew. The knowledge he had could help the investigation significantly.
Akatani made no effort to respond and acted like he hadn’t heard, causing the blonde to rage.
“What the fuck Deku. Where the hell have you been!” Bakugo yelled as he slammed his hands down on Akatani’s desk to force his attention on him. Shota noted the flinch Akatani suppressed.
Akatani took a deep breath, looked up at Bakugo and smiled. “I’m sorry. You must be mistaking me for someone else.” He stated evenly. “My name is Akatani Mikumo. I don’t know who ‘Izuku’ or ‘Deku’ is but I assure you, I am not them.”
Bakugo grabbed him roughly by the collar. “I know it’s you Deku. You can’t fool me!”
At this point, Shota knew he needed to step in. Bakugo was clearly not one to shy away from violence and he had no idea about Akatani’s capabilities. If he was anything like Hawks, he could be deadly and with the distant look in his eyes as he stared into Bakugo’s own, Shota couldn’t read him at all.
Shota jumped down from his place in the vents, startling Bakugo. “That’s enough, Bakugo. Let Akatani go and sit down at your seat.” He ordered sternly.
Bakugo growled but begrudgingly obeyed. Akatani gave him a nod of gratitude after coming back to himself.
Shota supposed it was time to start his morning introductions and announcements.
---
The class were not very happy when Shota revealed that they were to be doing a test instead of the usual opening ceremony. Their displeasure only increased further when he threatened last place with expulsion but at least it properly motivated them.
He paid close attention to Akatani throughout the tests. He watched him analyse every test, carefully assessing the best course of action for each. Shota was half tempted to use his quirk, to see how it would affect his analysing ability but knew it might raise suspicion.
Akatani was surprisingly fast and strong for someone who only had an analysis quirk. It was like all of his physical abilities had been enhanced. It could be that his true quirk was an enhancement of both his physical and mental abilities but Shota was unsure as to why the commission would want to hide that type of quirk. Even with his speed and strength, Shota could tell the kid was still holding back. He’d probably been ordered not to stand out.
Shota keeps his eye on Akatani for almost the entire time. He takes his eye off for a second as his attention is drawn to Bakugo who is seething in anger as he watched Akatani. He gives Bakugo a warningful stare before deciding that he could trust him to contain himself.
He glances back to Akatani who leaping over the sandpit.
For a moment, all he could see was Null as he jumped across the rooftops of Musutafu.
“Hey Eraserhead!” Null smiled. He wore a mask covering his mouth but Shota could see the smile in the creases of his shining green eyes.
“Null” Shota grunted. “I thought I told you to stop coming out on patrol. It’s dangerous.” He’d told the kid that there was a serial killer on the loose who was infamous for killing vigilantes but in reality, it was that the commission was closing in on him and were very keen on capturing the vigilante. (He wished he could go back in time and tell the vigilante the truth. Maybe then he would have been more cautious.)
“Pshhh You think I could be defeated by a measly serial killer?” Null sassed.
“Kid… please just promise me to stay out of trouble and be careful.” Shota pleaded.
Null just laughed and started running towards the edge of the building.
“Null- wait!” But the vigilante simply ignored him and leapt to the next rooftop. Shota wanted to follow but feared he may lose the small amount of trust he had earned from him.
(He didn’t realise until later that Null didn’t just lack basic self-preservation but was verging on suicidal.)
Shaken by the memory, Shota struggled to focus for the rest of the tests. He desperately wanted the comfort of his husband but knew he needed to hold it together until the end. He couldn’t help seeing more and more similarities between Atakani and Null. He knew it was all in his imagination but it still hurt. Logically, he knew that Null most likely wouldn’t have even survived the first brutal round of the commission trials.
Finally, the tests came to an end. Akatani came 11th, a perfect position to not be noticed. Last place was Mineta. Shota was in no mood to give the boy a chance and expelled him on the spot. He sent his shocked class back to get changed after asking Bakugo to speak with him afterwards. He needed to help Akatani as soon as possible, even if that meant neglecting his emotions. He hoped he had enough time to see Hizashi first.
“Sho? What’s the matter?” Hizashi asked softly after Shota walked into the teacher's lounge and gripped onto him the moment he saw him.
“He’s just- so like him.” Shota sniffled and buried his face into his husband’s chest. He’d already informed him of the Commission student so thankfully didn’t need to properly explain. Shota didn’t think he would even have the capability to.
Hizashi slid his arms around Shota. “Shhhh it’s okay. We’ll save him. I’ll make sure of it. It won’t be like last time.” He rubbed small circles on Shota’s back. It was comforting and warm.
After a few minutes, Shota pulled away. “I have- I have to speak with another student about Akatani. He might know him from before his commission enrolment.”
Hizashi gripped his hand. “Do you need me to come with you?”
“No, it's okay. I’ll see you at home.”
He gave Hizashi a quick kiss and headed back to his classroom where Bakugo was waiting for him. Shota got him to take a seat before starting the discussion.
“What’s this about, Teach?” Bakugo huffed and shifted his feet.
“It’s Aizawa. And it’s about Akatani.” Shota stopped Bakugo before he could complain and continued. “I need you to tell me everything you know about who you think he is. Who was the Izuku you were talking about?”
Bakugo looked suspicious for a moment before obliging. “Deku- er Midoriya Izuku was a childhood friend of mine. Well, was a friend until… Anyway, he went m-missing when we were 10. Auntie died – his mother- a few weeks before. They thought he ran away but… no one ever found him. I didn’t think I’d ever see him again… especially not here.”
Shota was disgusted at the thought of a 10-year-old being kidnapped by the commission and forced through brutal training just to meet their standard.
“I see. I’m sorry. Would you mind telling me why you thought Akatani was Midoriya?”
“Those damn freckles and big green eyes. His face is almost the same as his, other than that scar on his face. His hair has the same fluffiness to it even if it’s been dyed brown. I just… I know it's him.” Bakugo said bitterly.
“What was his quirk?” Shota knew that that was the billion-dollar question. Appearances could change, quirks could not.”
Bakugo looked hesitant for a moment before whispering. “He was quirkless…”
Damn, Akatani wasn’t quirkless. Else it would have been a perfect match. Now Shota was back at square one. “Unfortunately, Akatani is not quirkless.”
“He’s not?” Bakugo looked defeated.
“No. Akatani has an analysis quirk.” Shota sighed.
Shota allowed him time to process the information. A few moments of silence passed between them before Bakugo lit up. “Could someone… fake an analysis quirk?”
Shota mulled over the question. Could someone fake one? He supposed it was possible if they were smart enough. If Akatani was actually quirkless then it would explain why there was such little information on his quirk. The commission wouldn’t want to risk Akatani’s quirk to be questioned if he was inconsistent in his analysis. “Yes. It’s possible.” Shota finally concluded.
Hope was brought back into his student’s eyes. “I remember he used to write in these notebooks. He’d analyse quirks, heroes and villains alike.”
Once again, Shota was reminded of Null. The vigilante was often seen sitting on the edge of a rooftop, legs swinging over the side with a notebook in hand as he watched a battle between a hero and a villain in the dead of night. No… it couldn’t be… “Notebooks.” He breathed. “What- what did he name these notebooks?”
“I- I think it was something like ‘Hero analysis for the future’. I thought it was stupid… at the time.”
He let his brief moment of hope slip away. Null had named his simply ‘vigilante analysis’. He remembered because it was the last thing of Null’s that he ever saw. Left on their usual meetup rooftop without any other trace of Null to ever be seen again. Besides- Null had to have been at least 13, Midoriya had been 10. He shouldn’t have even entertained the thought.
“All right, thank you Bakugo. Is there anything else you think would be worth mentioning?”
His student fiddled nervously with his hands for a few seconds before answering. “Yeah… He- There were a lot of scars on his body. I saw… when he changed into his PE uniform. He tried damn hard to hide them but I caught a quick glimpse of them. Some of them I recognised… as ones I gave him.”
Shota buried his face in his capture weapon to hide his expression of anger. He wasn’t surprised, he knew the true nature of the hero commission but it still hurt to think of his student being put through all of that. Shota ignored the last comment, he wasn’t going to push for the moment. He needed to focus on getting Akatani, or Midoriya, out of his situation, then he could worry about the past relationship between the two boys.
“Okay. Now Bakugo, I need you to listen carefully. This is incredibly important and involves Midoriya’s safety if he is Akatani. I need you to stop referring to him as Izuku or Deku.” Shota put his hand up to stop him as he was about to argue. “If word were to get out that you recognised him from… before, he may be moved away. Or worse. I believe him to be in a dangerous situation right now and there is an ongoing investigation being handled personally by myself and the principle. Also, I need you to not breathe a word of this to anyone”
Bakugo nodded in understanding. “Is there anything I can do to fucking help or whatever?”
“Yes, in fact. I won’t be teaching your class all the time so, for the times I am not there, I would like you to watch him closely. His interactions with others, any strange behaviours, anything you are concerned about, bring everything to me as soon as you can.”
They wrapped up their conversation and Shota gave his student his phone number. As Bakugp walked out of the door, he was back to his prior angry self. Shota honestly hadn’t expected to see such as side from him.
After packing up his things, Shota went home and finally had the privacy to break down in his husband’s arms.