All For Two and Two For All

by Arktron66

Summary:

Name: Izuku Midoriya
Quirk: All For One

Name: Katsuki Bakugou
Quirk: One For All

Izuku and Katsuki are best friends, practically brothers, they have to be considering nobody else will be there for them. Izuku, the outcast everyone is convinced is destined to become a villain with his quirk who wants nothing more than to help people. And Katsuki, the quirkless boy who is determined to show everyone how strong he can be. When a chance encounter with All Might results in an offer the pair can't refuse they decide together they can change the course of history with two of the world's most powerful quirks.

That's assuming the two lunatics don't give All Might a heart attack before he even finishes training them for UA. Nobody said mentoring your brash loudmouth successor and the son of your greatest enemy would be easy.

Chapter 1: Quirk Diagnosis

Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugou met when they were each just a few weeks old. The meeting had gone as expected, Inko and Izuku had visited only two weeks after Izuku was born. Both mothers had cooed as Inko had placed Izuku in Katsuki’s playpen. Both babies had rolled about for five minutes before seemingly becoming aware of each other, red eyes met green as both boys froze upon discovering they were sharing the space. They stared at each other for a few minutes before Katsuki leaned forward slightly. Reaching out he gave Izuku a slight pop on the face, it was little more than a flick, even for a baby.

 

But of course Izuku was a Midoyria.

 

His wails filled the room as Inko scooped him up, Bakugou giggled at the whole display as his mother desperately tried to apologise to her green haired counterpart. 

 

Izuku and Katsuki had been best friends ever since.

 

Multiple playdates and eighteen months later saw the two boys sitting in high chairs at the Bakugou’s, the remnants of a pasta meal strewn about their faces. It wasn’t unusual to find the two Midoyria’s round for dinner. Inko’s husband worked abroad and so as a result she often found herself lonely at home. Mitsuki was all too happy to have her oldest friend visit as much as possible, she always felt outnumbered when with her husband and son. Masaru was just happy to take the time to nap and take a break from his overactive wife and son. Izuku and Katsuki were always happy when they saw each other, which was almost every day at this point.

 

Said toddlers had also just started to form words and sentences, this had of course led them to try and pronounce each other's names. Easier said than done (or not in this case) as lips spluttered and spit shot out from their mouths as they both tried, their faces red with the effort. It was Izuku who had some success first.

 

“Ka-Ka-” The child desperately started, unable to finish the name, “Kaaaa-Kaach-Kacchan!”

 

Izuku looked unashamedly proud of himself as he repeated the ‘name’ again and again. Both parents started to giggle as Katsuki gave him a grumpy look before clenching his fists.

 

“I-Zu-I-I-Zuzu…Zuzu!” Katsuki shouted and held his hands up high, eyes gleaming.

 

At this point Inko and Mitsuki were actively giggling like schoolgirls watching the pair. 

 

Izuku frowned at Katsuki’s declaration and held up his hands, “Kacchan!” he shouted louder.

 

Katsuki locked eyes with Izuku, “Zuzu!” the blonde shouted so loud it woke his father from his nap upstairs.

 

Izuku narrowed his eyes, “KACCHAN!”

 

“ZUZU!”

 

“KACCHAN!”

“ZUZU!”

 

Inko and Mitsuki howled with laughter as the latter tried to keep her phone steady as she recorded the entire situation.

 

The boys were two when the hero obsession started, Inko and Mitsuki were spending some ‘girl time’ together and so Masaru had decided to take the boys out for some ice cream. Vanilla for Izuku and chocolate for Katsuki. Masaru smiled to himself as they walked through the park, the two boys happily talking away to each other. 

 

Suddenly Masaru came to a stop, almost dropping his own ice cream as he collided with a very small but stiff green haired toddler. Katsuki had also noticed his friend was no longer next to him and had turned around with a confused expression.

 

“Izuku?” Masaru asked.

 

“What’s that?” Izuku said, not looking at Masaru but pointing in the distance.

 

Masaru and Katsuki followed Izuku’s finger. Not far from them there seemed to have been a commotion, a police car was parked up, sirens flashing as one officer put a handcuffed man in the back and the other questioned a rather unhappy looking man. Said man was wearing a wild costume with literal flames coming off it. 

 

Masaru smiled, “That my boys is a hero, Endeavour, if I’m not mistaken.”

 

“Woah…” Katsuki said, his mouth agape and equally fixated on the hero.

 

“Uncle Masaru, what do heroes do?” Izuku asked, finally tearing his sight away from the flame hero.

 

Masaru ruffled Izuku's hair, “They use their quirks to protect people, both from natural disasters and villains, people who use their quirks to do bad things.”

 

As if pre planned, both boys gave Masaru hopeful looks and spoke in perfect sync, “Can I be a hero?”

 

Masaru chuckled, “With the right quirks I have no doubt you could do it.”

 

Masaru would regret the way he phrased that sentence for years.

 

And so began the pairs hero obsession, Katsuki became obsessed with how strong heroes were. Who had the most powerful quirks and how it made them the top heroes. Izuku however was more focused on the nuances and technicalities of the quirks. They all quickly discovered Izuku had a talent for analysis. The moment he could hold a crayon he started the first versions of his infamous notebooks. 

 

It was only a few weeks after they first saw Endeavour the pair came across All Might. If their parents thought they had an obsession before it was nothing compared to how they worshipped The New Number One Hero. Katsuki loved to watch his fights, the most powerful hero of them all while Izuku pondered over the man's mysterious quirk. By the time the boy turned ten her had three notebooks worth of theories on what it might be. 

 

As the boys grew older there were… some concerns about their behaviour. Katsuki almost became power hungry, insisting he would have a powerful quirk and become the greatest hero of all time. It caused him to quickly develop a superiority complex, putting down all the other kids around him, even Izuku. The worse it became the more Mitsuki wondered when it was time to have a firm talk with her son.

 

Inko also had her own problems with Izuku, the boy was more than obsessed with quirks, they made up his entire existence. Endless notes and mutterings on every quirk they came across, his eyes would glaze over as he came up with theories on how best to utilise the quirk… and fight it. Inko had caught her son more than once looking at her with something akin to madness when she used her quirk around the house. She would never breathe a word of it but even she had to admit it was creepy.

 

Both mothers were concerned about the routes their children were going down, Katsuki the road of a bully and Izuku the road of a social outcast.

 

As it were they didn’t have to be concerned. Because everything changed when the boys turned four.

 

It was a few weeks after Izuku, the youngest of the pair, turned four that Inko and Mitsuki had a brilliant idea. It seemed everyday the boys would come home and talk about how someone at their daycare had gained their quirk (though the conversation lasted significantly longer for Inko). As a result the mothers decided it would be fun to visit a quirk councillor together to see if they could discover the boys' quirks.

 

At first the plan seemed to go off perfectly, as Mitsuki drove them to the clinic Katsuki and Izuku chatted away in the back happily.

 

“You’re serious Zuzu? You’d rather have your Moms quirk than your Dads? But he can breathe fire!” Katsuki explained.

 

Izuku just nodded his head, “Of course Kacchan. Loads of people have fire quirks but not a lot of heros have telekinesis, I’d be more valued.” 

 

Mitsuki didn’t miss the slight smirk on Inkos face.

 

Neither mother could remember a time where their boys behaved so well, both happy to do all the tests the doctors gave them without complaint. Izuku practically vibrated with excitement every time they poked and prodded him. Katsuki just stood around with a smug look, knowing he was going to have a powerful quirk.

 

Eventually all four sat in an office awaiting the results, both Katsuki and Izuku had wide grins of excitement spread across their faces. Eventually the same doctor who had tested the two of them came through with their folders.

 

Inko and Mitsuki shared a concerned glance, Izuku’s was far larger than Katsuki’s.

 

The doctor cleared his throat and sat down, “Right, so, Izuku Midoyira and Katsuki Bakugou…”

 

“Soon to be the best hero team ever!” Katsuki declared and puffed out his chest.

 

The doctor winced at the display, “Yes… well… um… let’s start with Midoriya shall we?”

 

Katsuki deflated slightly but didn’t protest as Izuku’s face lit up like a Christmas tree.

 

“Well doctor?” Inko asked, hugging her son tightly, “Do we know what his quirk will be?”

 

“I’m afraid not,” the doctor started and quickly continued when he saw Izuku's crestfallen expression, “don’t misunderstand me son. You have a quirk, an emitter type and a powerful one at that. It’s just that we don’t know the specifics, it doesn’t match any of our records, it may well even be the first quirk of its kind.”

 

Inko’s heart was filled with pride while Izuku practically tore his face in half with the smile he wore, even Katsuki was giving the green haired boy a smug but proud look.

 

“Maybe you’ll make a good sidekick Zuzu.” Katsuki said and Izuku just nodded, too excited to realise the backhanded compliment.

 

“So what are our next steps?” Inko asked, trying to make sure her child didn’t vibrate so much he phased through the floor.

 

“At this point all we can do is wait, I’d advise being patient and waiting for the quirk to activate naturally.” 

 

Inko nodded, she just hoped that Izuku could wait.

 

Finally having heard enough about his friend Katsuki interrupted the conversation, “My turn! So tell me doc, how powerful is my quirk!”

 

The doctor winced once again and hesitated before sighing, “Yes well… you see… that’s just it. We’ve run every test he can, they all come to the same conclusion. I’m sorry Mister Bakagou but it appears you’re quirkless.”

 

A deathly silence fell over the room, the excitement from a moment ago evaporated into the air. Katsuki had gone deathly pale as his eyes unfocused.

 

“I..I’m..” he wasn’t even able to finish the sentence.

 

“I’m sorry son, really I am, but it’s just not going to happen for you.” the doctor said with a sympathetic smile.

 

The hole in Katsuki’s soul would never fully recover from that day, for the first time since he was a baby tears started to fall down his cheeks.

 

“Can I… Can I still be a great hero.”

 

The silence that followed was enough of an answer, Inko at least had the respect to look ashamed, the doctor acted like he hadn’t even heard Katsuki. But it was his mother that hurt the most, she couldn’t even look at him, but he could still feel the pity pouring from her.

 

“Yes.”

 

All eyes snapped to Izuku who was looking at Katsuki with determination, “I think you can still be a hero Kacchan!”

 

Katsuki opened his mouth to snipe back with a snarky comment when he shut it again. He took a long look at Izuku, the boy he had admittedly belittled for months and suddenly he saw it. Izuku was strong, not because of his quirk but because of his determination. The boy who had kept up his hero notebooks despite his own mother thinking it was odd. It was at this moment Katsuki knew so long as he stayed by Izuku’s side they could do anything.

 

“Thank’s Zuzu.”

 

From that moment on the boys were inseparable, Mistuki and Masaru were silently grateful for that everyday. They were almost certain that had Izuku abandoned Katsuki the boy would have broken completely. The quirkless were not looked upon well in modern society, combined with Katsuki’s… less than stellar personality and he likely would have grown up bitter and alone. The one silver lining of the event was that it seemed to mellow out Katsukis superiority complex while giving Izuku a bit of a confidence boost. The overall effect was to balance out their friendship and bring them closer.

 

The next few years were odd, word soon got around that Katsuki was quirkless and by comparison Izuku was destined to have a powerful quirk. The fact one could not be found without the other resulted in a simple reaction, most people ignored them. Too disgusted by Katsuki to approach Izuku. Too envious of Izuku to bully Katsuki. Life wasn’t easy for the pair, but it wasn’t difficult either. There was also the added excitement of waiting for Izuku's quirk to manifest.

 

At least it was for anyone who wasn’t Inko. She had always panicked about Izuku’s quirk, she had always been an overprotective mother. But it was an incident when the boys were five, before Izuku’s quirk had manifested, that drew her worry into overdrive.

 

There had been a plumbing issue in their apartment and so Inko had called out a specialised quirk plumber. Said plumber had walked into her apartment and instantly drew all the water out of the pipes, holding it one big ball above his head as he worked.

 

“Wow” Inko had exclaimed, “That’s quite the quirk.”

 

The plumber chuckled, “Both my parents were pro-heroes, I may not have followed them career wise but I still have their powerful quirks.”

 

Inko nodded as she watched him work. A commotion from her front door alerted her to the fact that Katsuki and Izuku were home from school.

 

“I’m telling you Zuzu, Endeavour could easily beat Midnight.”

 

“Nuh uh Kacchan, we don’t know if Midnight's gas would burn, if not she could just knock him out like everyone else.”

 

Inko smiled, “Hello boys.”

 

“Hey Aunty!”

 

“Hi Mom!”

 

It was at that moment both boys turned the corner and saw the plumber at work. Both froze instantly as they watched the man effortlessly use his quirk.

 

Inko smiled sadly as she saw the same look of envy on Katsuki’s face every time he saw someone use their own quirk. But it was the look she saw on Izuku that drove a shiver up her spine.

 

He looked hungry.

 

No, that was putting it mildly, it wasn't like he wanted lunch. It was more like he was ravenous, he was frozen solid, staring at the man like he was nothing put a piece of meat for Izuku to tear apart and enjoy.

 

Inko was rooted to the spot in fear, unable to move as she watched her son’s eyes fill with something she had only seen before in the worst villains on TV. She could only stare in horror as Izuku slowly moved forward, hand reaching out and-

 

“Come on Zuzu, I wanna watch the new All Might fight!” Katsuki moaned as he yanked Izuku by the arm.

 

Izuku blinked a few times before he snapped out of whatever state had overcome him. Shaking his head he gave Katsuki a soft smile, “Sure, Mom, we’re going to use the computer if that’s ok?”

 

Inko could only give a very stiff nod in response.

 

As the years went by she would notice that look more and more and though she didn’t want to admit it there was an obvious connection. Every time Izuku got within a certain distance of someone with a powerful quirk it was like he was overcome with a desperate hunger directed at said person. Inko didn’t know if anyone else ever noticed but she was too afraid to ask.

 

It wasn’t until Izuku was seven that the puzzle all came together. Things had steadily been declining for Katsuki and Izuku at school, every single classmate had long gained their quirk. The only two left were Katsuki, who would never gain his quirk, and Izuku. This left many starting to wonder if Izuku’s powerful quirk was just a lie to cover up the fact he was also quirkless.

 

As a result a few people had started to be more ‘aggressive’ towards their disdain for the pair, Katsuki in particular. Though they were mainly restricted to hushed whispers and insults with Izuku, Katsuki received a much more physical form of bullying. One child in particular, a boy with a fire quirk, found great pleasure in cornering Katsuki on those rare occasions he was separated from Izuku.

 

It was on one of these said occasions that it happened. Izuku had done exceptionally well on a test and so his teacher wanted to keep him behind to discuss the gifted and talented programme. As always Katsuki had waited for Izuku just outside of the school gates when Firecracker (Izuku’s idea) turned up with his two minions.

 

“Hey, if it isn’t the quirkless loser.” Firecracker sneered.

 

Katsuki just narrowed his eyes and turned away from the three.

 

“Ha, he’s scared of you!” One of the minions exclaimed proudly.

 

Katsuki just rolled his eyes and gave him the finger. He may be seven but he was still a Bakagou.

 

Firecracker scowled, “Figures you’d wait for your lying idiot friend.”

 

Katsuki snapped round to face Firecracker with a growl, they could insult him all they liked but no one went after Izuku.

 

Firecracker just laughed as his hands lit up with flames, Katsuki balled his own into fists.

 

“Kacchan!”

 

Both boys looked to see Izuku running up to the scene, the ever present determination evident on his face. Katsuki rolled his eyes at the display while Firecracker just scowled.

 

“Well well well, the liar and the weakling. When are you going to admit you’re both quirkless losers?” Firecracker drawled as Izuku stood next to Katsuki with a frown.

 

“We’re not losers!” Izuku said defiantly, “We’re going to be the best heroes ever!”

 

Katsuki couldn’t fight the smirk that pulled at his lips, Izuku had come a long way with his confidence.

 

“That’s right!” Katsuki shouted with a fist bump in the air, “You’re the losers!”

 

Firecracker paused before he and his lackeys burst into laughter, “You two quirkless losers heroes? Don’t be stupid, you’d get pummelled in your first fight. Me on the other hand, my quirk is perfect for beating villains.”

 

To prove his point Firecracker held out his hands activating his quirk. Long claws made of white hot fire extended from his hands, he couldn’t manipulate or shoot out the fire but the white hot claws could cut and burn anything. Including Izuku and Katsuki, both had small scars to prove it.

 

“Pffft, you think a quirk like that could beat All Might, it’s basically a fancy knife.” Katsuki scoffed.

 

Firecracker snarled in response and was easily drawn into a shouting match with the loud blonde. Izuku however had stopped noticing and was instead staring intently at Firecracker with wide eyes.

 

The moment the boy had activated his quirk, Izuku had noticed some type of ‘energy’ surrounding the boy. It was white, much like the fire of his claws, and flowed rapidly around him. It was simultaneously bright and transparent, Izuku would describe it as blinding except it was easy to stare at and almost completely transparent. It was also not evenly spread out, while it covered his entire body the energy seemed to concentrate in Firecracker's hands and forearms. Something in the back of Izuku’s mind told him it was likely quirk related then, the fact he was also vaguely aware that Firecrackers two lackeys also had their own energy while Katsuki didn’t appear to have any cemented this theory.

 

However Izuku was distracted by these thoughts due to one overwhelming feeling. 

 

Hunger.

 

Not the sort of hunger he gets when his Mom is late with dinner or when he sees a candy shop full of his favourite treats. It wasn’t even similar to the day he and Katsuki forgot lunch and had to go through the entire day with only a granola bar between them.

 

No, this hunger was something else. It pounded in his head, clawing at his skull to get out, desperate to be fed. And somehow Izuku knew exactly what to feed it, to stop the ravenous feeling that engulfed his body.

 

Running on autopilot Izuku mentally reached out for Firecrackers energy, there was a slight pull against him before the energy flowed directly from Firecracker to Izuku. It felt… good.

 

Izuku raised his left hand, looking at the white energy which now flowed over his arm, almost identical to how it had been for Firecracker. Staring at his own hand Izuku didn’t notice how Firecrackers own energy had vanished or how his fire claws had disappeared the moment Izuku took the energy. He also failed to see the looks of horror he was getting from the bullies and the one of concern from Katsuki. All he could focus on was the energy and his left hand.

 

“Z-Zuzu…” Kacchans call brought him back to reality, he turned to his friend to respond only to find Katsuki staring at Izuku’s right hand.

 

Izuku frowned and looked down at said hand.

 

Oh.

 

From the fingers of his hand protruded a set of white hot claws. Firecracker’s quirk. He was using Firecrackers quirk.

 

That’s when he noticed his fingers and hand, the bubbling red raw flesh and smoke rising up from them.

 

Katsuki would have nightmares for years about the scream that came out of his best friends mouth that day as the green haired boy collapsed on the sidewalk.

---

Many hours later found five people crammed into the small quirk councillors office at their local hospital. Inko sat cradling Izuku her in lap, the boy’s eyes were red with tears and his right hand was covered in a thick layer of bandages. Katsuki stood next to them, holding tightly onto Izuku’s good hand, angry glaring at anyone who dared look at his friend the wrong way. Mitsuki sat in the other chair in the office with Masaru standing behind her, both kept glancing at Katsuki nervously.

 

When the three of them arrived at the school after the emergency call the plan had been for Mitsuki to accompany Inko and Izuku to the hospital while Masaru took Katsuki home. The moment it had been suggested Katsuki had grown so angry and aggressive his parents wondered if he too was about to throw a quirk at them. The situation was far too serious to spend any time arguing and so Masaru had simply shuffled the group into his car and sped to the emergency room.

 

The burns had been bad, Firecrackers quirk was white hot, far hotter than any natural fire. Chunks of Izuku’s hand had actually burnt to ash in the few seconds he had it active. It was unlikely he would ever be able to feel anything in his right hand again and there would be bad permanent scarring. The doctors hadn’t said it outright but they had strongly hinted that he should start to learn to write with his left hand.

 

That had all seemed minor in the build-up to the real question everyone had, what had actually happened? Once they had finished work on Izuku’s hand the hospital had instantly transferred him to their quirk department, running several tests, with a powerful quirk like this they wasted no time. Silently Katsuki’s parents were relieved his original quirk diagnoses had come from a small local clinic, they weren’t sure how he would react to going back there. Though he had still refused Izuku’s whispered suggestion of getting his own quirk status checked out with a better team of experts and equipment.

 

Finally they had been summoned into the small office they now sat it, the tension thick in the air, the only sounds were Izuku’s sniffles and Katsuki’s occasional growl.

 

The door to the office swung open and five sets of eyes snapped to the doctor walking in with a rather large file. He stumbled in surprise slightly at the full room but quickly regained an air of professionalism.

 

“Ah, Izuku Midoriya and… family?” The doctor asked cautiously.

 

“Damn straight!” Mitsuki replied to an eye roll from her husband though he noticed the small smiles that graced both Midoriya’s.

 

“Right I see, well I’ll get right to it. You’ve had an eventful day after all.” That was the understatement of the century.

 

“First of all I’d like to reassure you all that Midoriya’s classmate is ok, no harm done.”

 

Mitsuki’s eyes widened in shock and she opened her mouth to respond, her son beat her to it however.

 

“Who gives a shit if he’s ok! Look at Zuzu! He nearly lost a hand!”

 

“Katsuki.” Masaru scolded though there was no real bite to it.

 

“Right of course… which brings me to Midoriya's quirk. Quite simply, it appears he has the ability to steal other people’s quirks… permanently.”

 

There was utter silence in the room, the three adults had wide eyes in surprise. Izuku had curled in on himself, not wanting the attention. Only Katsuki actually supported a proud smile.

 

“You.. you mean he now has his classmates quirk?” Mitsuki asked.

 

“Oh, no. It also appears he is able to return or even transfer the quirks he steals,” Katsuki frowned at that word being said again, “his body returned his classmates quirk most likely as a reflex when he passed out. As of right now your son is essentially quirkless.”

 

The Bakugou parents flinched at that word but luckily Katsuki was too focused on Izuku to react to it.

 

“That seems like a… powerful quirk.” Mitsuki commented, Inko had gone strangely silent and rigid as the discussion moved forward.

 

The doctor nodded in agreement, “Powerful and dangerous, I’ve already informed the boys school and local authorities, the heroes will need to keep a close eye on him as he grows older.” Once again Katsuki frowned, did this doctor think Izuku was a bad guy?

 

“There do however appear to be two main drawbacks to his quirk,” the doctor continued, “Firstly while is able to steal the core element of the quirk he is unable to take any mutation abilities that come with it. Thus the incident today, while he took the fire ability of his classmate he didn’t have the fire resistant skin to deal with it.” Izuku flinched and drew his bandaged hand into his chest.

 

“The other dangerous drawback we were able to discover from your accounts of the past few years and today's incident. Your son's quirk also comes with a hunger, a desperate need to feed off and take powerful quirks.”

 

Everyone in the room looked uncomfortable, they had all seen the way Izuku had zoned out around powerful quirks, it was not a pleasant sight.

 

Masaru decided to quickly move the conversation onwards, “Is this normal? I know people can have mutations of their parents' quirks but this seems… out there…”

 

The doctor flicked through a few pages of the file he had while Inko paled, “It is… odd. His ability to steal the quirks over a distance is obviously derived from Mrs Midoriya here. The rest I have no idea about, you say his father has a fire quirk?”

 

All eyes turned to Inko who, much to the surprise of Mitsuki, had at some point started crying silently.

 

“H-Hisashi isn’t Izuku’s father.”

 

There was a brief moment of utter silent shock in the room before, “He’s WHAT!?” Mitsuki cried, her chair falling behind her as she got to her feet.

 

Inko started to openly sob, “I-I’m sorry! It only happened once but… Oh God… He was always working abroad, n-never home. I was so lonely that I went to a bar one night after he left for another trip. There was this lovely man there, we chatted and- and…”

 

She didn’t need to finish for everyone to understand the implications. Inko had been lonely, met a stranger in a bar and nine months later Izuku had popped out.

 

“You… you BITCH!” Mitsuki had stalked over to Inko who cowered back at her friends seething look, “Why Inko!? Why didn’t you tell me!? God fucking damn it! Think of Izuku! Think of Hisashi! They’ve spent seven years thinking-”

 

“Enough!”

 

It was rare for Masaru to raise his voice, so much so that both Inko and Mitsuki looked at him in shock. His wife’s voice died in her throat as she looked at the fire in her husband's eyes.

 

“This is not the time nor the place, look at your sons.” Masaru said with barley contained anger.

 

Inko hadn't even noticed Izuku slip from her lap, Katsuki’s arms wrapped around him protectively as the blond boy stood between him and the adults. Both boys were looking at their mothers with fear in their eyes, more so for Izuku who had started silently crying again.

 

The doctor cleared his throat, the tension in the room dipping slightly though still rampart between everyone, “If I may, there’s not much more to discuss, it’s possible that his real father had a copy quirk, though even by those standards this is an extreme mutation. I’ve labelled the quirk ‘Quirk Theft’ on all your sons files. Apart from that my suggestion is to watch him closely, many villains start out like this.”

 

“Excuse me!?” Both women in the room said in unison, their argument long forgotten. Izuku himself flinched at the doctor's words.

 

“How dare you, Izuku is anything but a villain!” Inko cried, her tears now gone and replaced with anger.

 

“Who the fuck are you to decide that!?” Mitsuki agreed, both women on their feet.

 

“I- I didn’t mean anything by it but statistically speaking… We should be careful, he could be a powerful villain,” It was obvious the doctor was rambling at this point, “The heroes will need to keep a close eye on him. He won’t be able to attend hero school of course, too many risks invo-”

 

There was a slam from behind everyone causing them all to turn and see a shaking door and raging Katsuki, it was obvious Izuku had just fled the office and his best friend was not happy about it.

 

“Izuku!” Inko cried.

 

“Fucking idiot!” Katsuki cried, running forward and kicking the doctor in the shin before anyone could react.

 

“Ha! That’s my boy!” Mitsuki cheered as the doctor cried out in pain.

 

“Mitsuki!” Masaru shouted with exasperation as Katsuki ran out the room to follow Izuku.

 

He had to run down a few corridors before he found his friend sat in a corner sobbing into his hands. Katsuki slowly approached him before sitting down and silently bringing him in for a hug.

 

Izuku didn’t even look up as he spoke, “K-Kacchan, I-I’m a villain, you should run-”

 

Katsuki merely hit Izuku in the back of the head, “Tch, idiot, you’re not a villain and even if you were I haven’t got a shitty quirk for you to steal.”

 

Izuku couldn’t help but giggle at that, “You- you really don’t think I’m a villain.”

 

“Zuzu you cried when I swatted a fly once. Nah, that doctor is an idiot you…you have an amazing quirk.”

 

Izuku didn’t miss how hard it was for Katsuki to admit to that, he knew his friend hated talking about great quirks, not having one of his own. Combined with the fact Katsuki hated admitting he was weak and he had never used the word amazing in response to someone’s quirk before and Izuku knew how much Katsuki really did mean those words.

 

“Then we can still both be the best heroes!” Izuku said with a teary smile, looking at Katsuki

 

“You.. you still want to be a hero with me?” Katsuki asked in mild shock, he had assumed now that Izuku had a powerful quirk he wouldn’t need his quirkless friend.

 

“If I’m not a villain that means you’re not weak, we’re going to be the best heroes Kacchan!”

 

Katsuki could only give a dangerous smile in response.

---

The next week of Izuku’s life would go down as one of, if not the worst week of his life. Despite the Bakugou’s showing support of the situation, the air between Mitsuki and Inko was tense. The moment they arrived at the Bakugou’s home Masaru had shepareded Katsuki and Izuku into Katsuki’s room. Though that did little to muffle the shouting from down below.

 

Mistuki had demanded Inko call Hisashi the same day and tell him everything. Masaru had come into Katsuki’s room two hours later to explain what a divorce was to the two boys. It had made Izuku feel sick, in one day he had gained a villain's quirk and lost his father.

 

Once Inko had made the call and calmed down however Mitsuki seemed to mellow out slightly, offering her support to Inko. Financially Inko wouldn’t be able to keep going with the lifestyle she and Izuku had. So it was quickly decided that the Midoriya’s would move in with the Bakugou’s, albeit on a temporary basis for now. 

 

Katsuki had returned to school a few days later but Izuku took another two weeks off, partly to let his hand heal and for him and his mother to move but also to get used to the effects of his new quirk. 

 

The main change was the energy that now surrounded every person he met, bar Katsuki. Each person was different, his mother had a bright green energy which concentrated in pulsing balls in her hand. Mitsuki had a brown energy which looked like it had soaked her body, she had threatened to stop making Katsudon if Izuku ever told anyone. Masaru was similar to his mother, he had bright yellow energy which sparked in his hands.

 

Izuku also found he could ‘sense’ when the energy was being used, in other word when people used their quirks. He felt his mother pull a file for work towards her while she was downstairs while he sat reading in his new room. He realised Masaru was lighting a fire in the kitchen while he and Katsuki played in the backyard. Mitsuki was different however, her quirk didn’t turn on and off and so while he had a much harder time sensing her as clearly he was almost always aware of her presence within the house.

 

The hunger was also something he had to get under control, luckily it only really flared up when people used their quirks around him and generally it was little more than a pang in the back of his head. It seemed he only really struggled with powerful quirks, it would be a problem if he really did end up in hero school but not so much for a seven year old.

 

Eventually once Izuku had some semblance of movement in his bandaged hand and he was used to his new quirk his mother made him return to school.

 

If he thought the previous week had been bad he wasn’t prepared for Monday morning.

 

He had a meeting with the principal first thing so he had arrived early before Katsuki. The meeting itself was odd in his mind, though the principal had congratulated him on his quirk, he had insisted Izuku remain standing by the office door away from his desk. He had also stumbled over words, telling Izuku like many other quirks they would have to make some unique changes for Izuku.

 

At first Izuku hadn’t understood what he meant, but then as he walked to class he started to gain an uneasy understanding. First the school nurse had started walking his way in the halls, only to spot Izuku and quickly turn the other way. It was only when he arrived at his classroom he realised the full effect of what was happening.

 

Every set of eyes turned to him, some looked terrified while others were full of hate. But Izuku wasn’t paying attention, he was staring at what was written on the blackboard behind the teacher.

 

Quirk Theft: How to protect ourselves

 

Izuku could only stare as bile raised in his throat. They had been… discussing him… his quirk, without his permission. 

 

“A-ah… Midoriya! I didn’t realise you were here…” His teacher said awkwardly.

 

“We were uh… just making sure everyone knew about your quirk and its dangers, can’t be too careful now?” His teacher said with a slight chuckle which almost made Izuku vomit.

 

“We've also… made some changes to the seating arrangement, all just precaution of course.”

 

Izuku followed his teachers gesturing hand to a desk that had been stuffed into the furthest corner at the back of the room. The entire room had been reorganised to make sure every other desk was as far apart from it as possible.

 

“Right…” Izuku croaked out, tears brimming in his eyes.

 

Head down Izuku walked over to his desk and sat down, never feeling so alone as every eye in the room bored into him. He was about to break when there was a scraping to his right followed by a huff and a thud.

 

Opening his eyes Izuku saw that Katsuki had dragged his desk over and planted it right next to Izuku’s, glaring at anyone who dared to question his decision. Their teacher seemed to debate it for a moment before seemingly deciding it would be easier not to challenge the two.

 

At Izuku’s wide eyed look Katsuki just shrugged, “Can’t be hero partners unless we get used to working together.”

 

Izuku gave him a wide smile, he would later find out Katsuki had a weeks worth of detention for swearing multiple times throughout the presentation on Izuku’s quirk.

 

Mitsuki bought them a cake to celebrate the detention.

Notes:

So I just wanted to give you all the heads up updates for this won't be on any sort of real schedule, I'll just post updates as I finish chapters, but should be at least once a week or so

Chapter 2: The Worst Number One Hero

Summary:

Izuku and Katsuki's day was already going pretty badly, then they met a literal pile of sludge

Izuku sighed as he finished another page of his notebook, his entry on Death Arms now four pages long. Honestly it was a rather boring entry, there wasn’t much to his quirk. His arms were strong. That was it. There were literally hundreds of heroes with strength quirks out there, some of them far better than a simple set of strong arms. Of course Izuku knew the exact reason Death Arms had soared in the ranks, it was written about halfway down the third page of his entry.

 

…almost always uses excessive force to end his fights, breaks bones and limbs, more of a show for the media. Also drags easy fights out, gets better attention and plays to a crowd, comes with a high risk of collateral damage.

 

Izuku frowned, rereading the entry, Katsuki’s influence was coming through. His brother best friend wasn’t bitter per say… ok he was bitter. Growing up together Katsuki had been forced to take part in Izuku’s quirk analysis, watching hero fights and making notes about them. As time had gone on though Katsuki had started to notice the less desirable heroes who operated. The likes of Death Arms and others who were it for fame, glory or money and not for the very basic motivation of helping people. Combined with Katsuki being quirkless himself and he had grown an utter hatred for those who he said abused their quirks.

 

Izuku had to admit once he started to look closer and got over his hero obsession he had to agree. They didn’t hate all heroes, there were of course those who were genuine, Miruko, Present Mic and Edgeshot just to name a few. But equally there were those who Izuku and Katsuki believed should have their licences revoked, they weren’t bad people per say, but they weren’t good heroes either.

 

Izuku couldn’t help but chuckle at some of the notes Katsuki had made next to his own in the notebook. Kacchan wasn’t as good at hero analysis as Izuku but he wasn’t bad either. Though his red notes stood out all over Izuku’s notebook, mainly because they weren’t as… well thought out at Izuku’s own.

 

Idiot will break his fucking back if he only has strength in his arms

 

His costume isn’t even fireproof, the dickhead is literally made of wood

 

He’s a glorified fucking hosepipe, I wouldn’t even need support equipment to take him down

 

Katsuki hated analysis, though he would never admit the real reason but Izuku knew it was because he hated taking apart quirks without being able to do the same for his own. But he also realised that if he really wanted to be a quirkless hero he needed to be smart and knowing how to take apart your opponents quirk was a key element of that.

 

Izuku didn’t have an excuse as to why his own quirk wasn’t in one of his notebooks. It wasn’t that he hadn’t analysed it, he could probably fill an entire notebook with it. But he had quickly learned that he should never discuss his quirk in public or have any reference to it on his person. He had even rubbed it out with a marker on his school ID. Why his school insisted on putting them on their ID’s in the first place was an entire can of worms in of itself.

 

That didn’t mean he knew nothing, he had done experimentation in private, even away from Katsuki. Theoretically he could hold multiple quirks at once however he only took the core element of the quirk in its very basic form. For instance he could take his classmates' bull quirk and he would gain a hardened skull and strength but he wouldn’t grow horns. He had a rough range of about ten metres for which he could steal a quirk, it didn’t matter if he couldn’t see the person or even if there were physical objects in the way. As long as he could sense the quirk he could take it. Well, at least he could with most. People with weak untrained quirks he could take with ease, he knew if he wanted he could take Auntie’s quick without even really thinking about it. But powerful quirks or people who had trained with them were harder to take, their energy was more resistant to his pull. Uncle’s quirk was the most used and most powerful of the three adults at home and Izuku knew it was the hardest to pull on and take. Surprisingly the easiest had been the first quirk he had taken during the incident.

 

Thinking of the incident made him glance at his right hand, he had never regained feeling in it and couldn’t feel anything from his elbow onwards on his right arm. He flexed his fingers, the scarring was bad, the skin on his hand was nearly all scar tissue, and Izuku wore a glove on said hand at every moment. He only took it off to shower. Even then his fingers were obviously crooked and damaged. It had taken him years to get used to using his left hand for everything and tasks that needed two hands were still difficult. Without any feeling combined with his crooked fingers and the fact that sometimes his hand didn’t respond to commands, it often led to accidents at home.

 

That was another thing, despite the theoretical temporary arrangement the Midoriya’s and the Bakugou’s still lived together. Inko had long since finished her law studies and now made enough money for her and Izuku to move out but truth be told by that point everyone had grown used to it and so instead the big family had moved into one large home together. It was nice but Izuku and Kacchan knew the real reason behind it was the fact their mothers did not want to deal with either of them alone. 

 

But it meant Katsuki and Izuku lived literally in the rooms next to each other. It made training together easy at least, because of course Kacchan insisted that Izuku had to actually train to be a hero. It was probably a good thing if Izuku was being honest, at least both boys had some semblance of muscle now. Which helped with the bullying or at least it helped Katsuki because no one dared come anywhere near Izuku for fear of losing their quirk.

 

It was because of this that despite now attending Aldera Izuku and Katsuki still sat in a corner together far away from their classmates.

 

Izuku was brought out of his musing by their teacher’s voice, glancing next to him he could see Kacchan was near the point of dozing off. Kicking the blonde in the shin to wake him Izuku scowled at him, he did not need Katsuki getting detention for falling asleep and he definitely didn’t need to get dragged along too just because to their teachers if one of them was out of line, they both were.

 

Katsuki jolted in his seat and met Izuku’s scowl, they had a silent argument before Katsuki relented and turned to front, giving the teacher the minimum amount of attention required to not be called out. Izuku too listened in on his teacher's drawl.

 

“... I’d ask what you all want to do but let's be honest, you all want to be heroes.”

 

“Crap.” Katsuki muttered before the room exploded into a variety of quirks.

 

People cheered and shouted as they displayed their quirks while their teacher chuckled along at the widely illegal quirk usage.

 

Izuku gritted his teeth as his body tensed and he grabbed onto his desk with a near enough force to crack it. The energy surrounding his classmates flared around him as he felt the hunger in the back of mind rear its ugly head, none of them had the powerful type of quirks which pushed his limit but with this many people in one room it was still a lot to deal with. Their energy was a mix and match of colours. Izuku found himself facing them all, the pang increasing as he licked his lips. 

 

‘Hungry’

 

His grip slowly loosed on his desk as he started tor rise and-

 

“Tch. Sit down before we get arrested, idiot.” Kacchan said as he slapped him on the back of his head.

 

Izuku came to his senses and sent a sheepish smile at his friend at being caught out, Katsuki just rolled his eyes. Luckily it seemed no one else had noticed that he had nearly stolen every quirk in the room.

 

“Oh, that’s right… Midoriya, Bakugou, are you sure about your choice. You both want to go to UA?”

 

Izuku heard Kacchan swear under his breath beside him as every student turned to look at the pair, all wearing disbelieving smirks.

 

Katsuki growled, “Yeah? What of it?”

 

“Come on man,” Said a student with solid white eyes, “You don’t even have a quirk and no hero school is gonna let a villain in. Maybe you could both become garbage cleaners.” she snickered.

 

Katsuki stood up with clenched fists, “Oh yeah? Your quirk is x-ray vision and you’re thin as a stick, I could beat your ass any day of the week.”

 

Izuku just sighed as the rest of the class came to the girls' defence, doodling in his notebook and waiting for the bell to signal the end of the day. He kept one ear on Kacchans shouting though, making sure it didn’t get too out of hand.

 

“Well maybe if you stopped hiding behind the big bad villain we’d actually believe a quirkless nobody like you could fight!” One boy shouted.

 

“I’m not hiding! You’re all just too pussy because Zuzu has the most powerful quirk here!”

 

“Then come prove it.” The boy responded with a smirk.

 

Katsuki grit his teeth and stepped out from behind his desk. Izuku looked up and noticed their teacher watching them, a familiar glint in his eye as he looked for any excuse to give the two boys detention.

 

“Kacchan, it's not worth it.” Izuku said and reached out to grab his friend's wrist.

 

Katsuki seemed to consider it briefly before he huffed and sat back down. Izuku had to stop himself from lashing out when he saw his teacher's expression of disappointment.

 

It was at this moment that the bell rang, their teacher mumbled something to officially let them go despite half the class already heading for the door. Izuku and Katsuki took their time packing their bags, making sure they were last to leave. It was simply because they liked to let the queues die down at the snack bar just across the road. It definitely wasn’t because it meant Katsuki could keep close to Izuku who would scare away any of the kids who would get more physical with the quirkless boy.

 

As they approached the door however their teacher called out to them, “Midoriya, a word?”

 

Katsuki and Izuku exchanged a look, “I’ll just be outside.” Katsuki said and left the room.

 

Izuku slowly approached his teachers desk before they held up a hand, “That’s close enough.”

 

Izuku had to fight the urge to scowl, he was seven metres away, if he wanted to steal his teacher's quirk he could.

 

“Midoriya… UA, really?” His teacher gave him an unimpressed look.

 

This time Izuku did scowl, “I don’t know what you mean sir.”

 

“Don’t be sassy with me boy, you know about the black mark on your file as much as I do.”

 

Izuku clenched his fists, he had no idea why the doctor had done it, maybe he was just spiteful at Kacchan kicking him. But one week after discovering his quirk they had also discovered his doctor had put a black mark on all his public files. To put it simply it indicated he was a child at risk of turning to villainy despite the fact Izuku had never done anything even remotely illigal, all because of his stupid quirk.

 

“UA has no rules against students with black marks.” Izuku ground out.

 

Their teacher just scoffed, “A publicity stunt at best. Well, if I can’t convince you, maybe when you and Bakugou are rejected you’ll understand. You may go.”

 

Izuku stormed out before he really did do something to get himself arrested, slamming the door open and catching Katsuki by surprise who had been idly scrolling on his phone.

 

“Let’s go.” Izuku said that indicated no arguments.

 

Katsuki merely nodded, recognising the mood his friend was in and knowing better than to argue as he followed.

---

“She really should have set up in the country.”

 

“Fucking idiot, she nearly took the entire building down.”

 

“It would be pretty easy to escape her, just run into a heavily populated building.”

 

“That kick was nothing but a limelight grab, she wasn't needed here at all.”

 

Izuku and Katsuki were standing down the road from where Mt Lady had just made her debut. She was posing for the cameras while still in her gigantic form, it was a waste of quirk energy for the sake of a few pictures if you asked both the boys.

 

They couldn’t get too close to the main fight for fear that Izuku would lose control in the large crowd, not to mention the powerful quirks of the heroes themselves. As a result they were sat on a brick wall a ways down the road, Izuku making rapid notes while Katsuki gave his input every now and then.

 

It’s safe to say both boys were not impressed with Mt Lady's performance. Heroes with gigantification quirks operated best in the country where they had a lot of land to move about without fear of taking down apartment blocks. Not only that but between Death Arms and Kamui Woods the situation was well under control, there really was no need for her to intervene.

 

But she had taken the villain down effectively and quickly, albeit the kick had been risky with a lot of people around, so Izuku had to admit she at least knew what she was doing. As he mused, Katsuki reached over and scribbled something in the margin of the notebook, Izuku just tilted his head as he read it.

 

Suit doesn’t offer protection, just get her stand on some sharp metal pipes in some rubble

 

That was a good point, her suit looked to be little more than expanding skin tight fabric. You would have thought she was aware of the obvious flaw of a gigantification quirk: All her vulnerable areas suddenly became massive and easy to hit targets. You wouldn’t have to be very accurate to launch a projectile into her eyes. In fact Izuku added that next to Katsuki’s own notes.

 

Eventually however things started to wrap up and Izuku folded his notebook, Katsuki took that as a sign to start moving as they both hopped down from the wall.

 

“We should take another route home,” Izuku said, frowning at the still sizable crowd, “I’m not sure how much control I’ll have in a crowd like that.”

 

Katsuki mealry grunted in response and shoved his hands in his pockets, Izuku knew that was Kacchan language for an agreement. Izuku raised his eyebrow as he followed his friend, Katsuki had an unnatural talent for always knowing which routes to take back home as the blonde stormed through the various alleyways causing Izuku to narrow his eyes.

 

“Kacchan what’s wrong?”

 

“Nothing, I’m fine nerd.” The blonde responded in a gruff voice.

 

Izuku rolled his eyes, “Kacchan you haven’t been able to lie to me since we were eight.”

 

Karsuki paused before turning round to face Izuku. Despite being a few inches shorter Izuku just looked up definitely at him.

 

“What the fuck did the prick tell you?” Katsuki demanded.

 

“Nothing important.” Izuku responded with a hard look up at his friend.

 

Katsuki paused, “Zuzu, you haven’t been able to lie to me  since we were eight.”

 

Izuku narrowed his eyes at his own words being used against him. Katsuki simply narrowed his back as the two entered an intense staring contest. To any passers by it almost looked like they were about to start throwing punches at each other. With Izuku and Katsuki it was entirely possible.

 

Eventually however, Izuku relented and sighed, his whole body sagged, “He said I should stop my application to UA because of my black mark.”

 

Katsuki frowned, “Fucking asshole,” he spat, “I swear one day I’m going back for that doctor.”

 

Izuku wasn’t listening, however, he bit his lip and looked nervously away from Katsuki, “What… What if he’s right though? What if no matter how well I do UA rejects me because of my black mark?”

 

Katsuki scoffed, “Then there a bunch of fucking idiots. Once you actually gain the balls to start taking quirks,” Izuku winced at that, “you’ll be the most powerful hero in history. You could literally steal the quirks of villains and stop them there and then.”

 

Izuku shrugged, “We don’t even know how many quirks I can steal, my limit could be two.”

 

Katsuki just rolled his eyes, “At least he actually thinks you can pass the entrance exam, probably doesn’t feel the need to speak to me. He’ll just wait until I end up in hospital trying to get in.”

 

Katsuki hadn’t moved much as he said it but Izuku could see the fear and insecurity in his eyes, “I thought we agreed Kacchan, you could easily get in, it’s me who’s gonna be dragging us back.”

 

“Ha! I guess we’ll just have to show those damn extra’s what a real hero looks like!” Katsuki said with a feral grin and holding out his first.

 

Izuku smirked and met the fist with his own, “Sounds good to me.”

 

The mood now significantly lighter, the two continued on walking home, talk turned to far more pleasant subjects of what they should get for Inko’s birthday. 

 

It was as they passed under a small tunnel that Izuku felt it before they saw it. The energy spike coming from below them his eye’s immediately snapped downwards. He could vaguely see the energy moving about, it was thick and black  and moved randomly around what he presumed was a body.

 

Katsuki was a few steps ahead when he realised his friend had fallen behind, turning round with a confused expression he called out to him, “Zuzu?”

 

Izuku’s head snapped to Katsuki, the pang of the hunger hitting him as the energy drew closer. Glancing to his right Izuku saw it approach the manhole cover next to Kacchan.

 

Izuku’s eyes widened, “KACCHAN LOOK OUT!”

 

Katsuki’s eyes widened in confusion before the manhole cover exploded, sludge pouring out of it as a slick laugh filled the alleyway.

 

“My luck is turning around, two pretty boy skin suits to choose from!” the sludge said as it crawled out of the sewers, Izuku could see a mouth and two sets of nightmare inducing eyes follow it all out of the sewers.

 

His eyes widened in horror as he saw the sludge reach out for Katsuki as the boy stumbled back. Without even realising it Izuku found his feet charging him forward directly for the blonde.

 

“Kacchan!” Izuku shouted as he barrelled into the boy, pushing him out of the way of the incoming sludge hands.

 

Katsuki fell to the ground and rolled away as the sludge wrapped around Izuku who yelped out in fright and he found himself lifted off his feet and being dragged into the sludge.

 

Katsuki Looked at the boy and leapt to his feet.

 

“Get the fuck off him!” He growled, sprinting towards Izuku.

 

“Get lost kid, otherwise I’ll kill you too.” The Sludge said as it swung what Izuku assumed was its arm at Katsuki.

 

The blonde tried to dodge but to no avail, he took a blow directly to the chest, the air knocked out of him as he was sent flying across the alleyway. His clothes tore as he skidded across the ground, his skin getting cut up. Coming to a stop Katsuki let out a groan of pain.

 

Izuku went to cry out only to find the moment he opened his mouth it was filled with sludge. He screamed internally as he felt the stuff fill his mouth and travel towards his lungs, it sunk under his clothes and he could feel tears pouring down his face. He clawed at the sludge only to find it pointless as his fingers went straight through. Desperately he felt out with his quirk and tried to pull in the energy surrounding the creature. However it was futile, the energy was too attached to the sludge, too engraved into the physical body of the villain. No matter how hard he pulled Izuku couldn’t get the energy away from it.

 

“Don’t worry kid,” The sludge villain snarled, “It’ll all be over soon, then once I kill your friend I’ll be on my way.”

 

Suddenly he felt a hand on his wrist, Izuku tried to see what was going on but sludge was clouding his vision. He then felt the hand pull so hard Izuku thought he might dislocate his shoulder. But he could also feel the sludge pulling away and the next thing Izuku knew he was on the ground, coughing his lungs out and desperately clawing sludge out from his mouth.

 

Looking around he saw Katsuki, bruised and bleeding and panting next to him, “That’s fifty seven times I’ve saved your ass now.” the blonde said with a hint of a smirk.

 

“Damn, you brats are starting to get annoying.” The sludge villain said as Izuku and Katsuki looked toward him, his body nearly completely filling the alleyway as he looked down at the two boys with a dangerous grin.

 

“Well then you’re going to find me incredibly troublesome.” Said a booming voice.

 

The Sludge Villains eyes went from gleeful to filled with terror, it went to turn around when a gust of wind as strong as a hurricane filled the alleyway. Izuku had to cover his face as dust was blown up and Katsuki was pushed to the ground.

 

That was mild compared to how the sludge villain exploded with a strained cry into nothing more than a puddle with two closed eyes at the centre, the being seemingly knocked out. 

 

“Sorry about the delay boys, these sewers really are a maze.”

 

Izuku had gone silent, staring at the new person on the scene. Katsuki however was tsill rubbing the dust out of his eyes and getting up.

 

“Hey asshole, we didn’t need the help of some god… damn… hero…” Katsuki’s voice died as he found himself staring face to face with the imposing figure of the Number One Hero.

 

All Might raised an eyebrow at Katsuki’s comment but let out a deep laugh, “Hahaha, of course not, my mistake! You two did well to fight until I arrived!”

 

Katsuki could only stare as All Might started to get the villain into a pair of bottles. He had just called the greatest hero of all time an asshole. Izuku was never going to let him live this down. If he was lucky however he could save this moment.

 

“Play it cool Katsuki, just play it cool.” He mumbled to himself.

 

All Might to his credit pretended not to hear as he turned around with two full bottles and gave the boys his signature smile, “Well boys I need to get this villain to the police, you should get home and get patched up. Your friend looks like he needs a motherly hug.”

 

Katsuki frowned, “Huh?” he asked and turned to Izuku.

 

Said boy was frozen solid, staring right at All Might, his face was pale and eyes wide. His pupils were dilated and he was looking at All Might with an almost feral look.

 

Suddenly it clicked in Katsuki’s mind. Izuku’s quirk gave him an insatiable hunger for powerful quirks.

 

All Might had one of the most powerful quirks in the world.

 

Fuck.

 

“ZUZU NO!”

 

It all happened at once.

 

All Might leapt into the air as Izuku lunged forward with a snarl at the hero. Katsuki jumped out, desperately trying to stop his friend.

 

The end result was that as All Might looked behind him as he flew through the air he found the two teenage boys holding onto his leg for dear life. Izuku had at least come back to his senses as was looking down in terror at the ground below while Katsuki was focused solely on glaring at his friend as their hair whipped in the wind.

 

“W-What are you boys doing! Let go!”

 

“We can’t!” Izuku cried.

 

“If we let go we’ll fucking fall to our deaths you idiot!” Katsuki shouted though he was still glaring at Izuku.

 

“R-Right!”

 

All Might made sure they all landed safely on a nearby rooftop as Izuku and Katsuki scrambled off, Katsuki already mid rant at his friend, despite knowing full well there was no way Izuku could have controlled his hunger next to All Might. Izuku ignored his friend as he bowed down low, facing the hero.

 

“I’m so sorry All Might! I- My quirk has a drawback and-”

 

All Might however wasn’t paying attention as steam poured off his body and he cursed under his breath. Katsuki and Izuku both looked up as, with a puff of steam, All Might was replaced with a stick man who looked like he had died several years ago.

 

“What the FUCK!?”

 

“Im-imposter!?”

 

All-Might raised his hands at the panicked pair, “Boys, please calm down. I’m not an imposter, I’m still All Might.”

 

Katsuki and Izuku jaws dropped at that, “But… how?” Izuku asked.

 

“You know how you get those guys at the pool who puff their chests out? That’s essentially how my quirk works but I can only hold it for about three hours every day.” As he spoke All Might lifted up his shirt, both boys grimaced at the gaping wound on his left side.

 

“About five years ago I nearly died fighting a villain, I lost a lung and most of my stomach. Ever since then the amount I can use my quirk had slowly been going down.”

 

Izuku frowned, “Five years ago? Your only big fight back then was with Toxic Chainsaw.”

 

“Pfft,” Katsuki said, “No way that two bit villain could’ve done this, his chainsaw couldn’t even penetrate All Might's skin.”

 

All Might raised an eyebrow, “That’s an impressive level of knowledge. But you’re right, this battle wasn’t shown by the media and I’d like to keep it that way. That includes my injury and time limit, you boys understand of course.”

 

Izuku nodded so hard All Might was concerned he might get a concussion, “Of course All Might Sir! And again I’m so sorry, my quirk it well…”

 

All Might just waved the boy off, “Don’t worry about it young man, quirks come in all shapes and sizes, they all have drawbacks we struggle with.”

 

Izuku nearly burst into tears at those words. Katsuki however spoke softly next to him.

 

“All Might… sir…”

 

Izuku turned around so fast he almost got whiplash, Katsuki never spoke like that and he definitely never called anyone sir.

 

“What is it my boy?” All Might said with a kind smile.

 

“Can… can someone without a quirk become a hero?”

 

Izuku’s mouth made a wide O shape, of course that’s what was going through Kacchan’s mind. It was no secret that every person he had ever asked that question to had responded in the negative. Bar Izuku of course.

 

All Might's smile dropped, as his attention focused on Katsuki, “You know, I have one of, if not the, most powerful strength enhancement quirk in the world. Yet even with that I still received an injury that nearly killed me. So to answer your question, can you become a hero without a quirk? No, I don’t think you can.”

 

Izuku’s jaw tightened and his fists clenched. Had All Might really just said that? Had he really just crushed Katsuki’s dreams in front of the boy?

 

Apparently he had as Izuku heard a sound he had only heard a handful of time in his entire life. Katsuki let out a strangled sob before he fled for the door and to exit to the roof.

 

“Kacchan!” Izuku cried but it was no use, his friend had already slammed the door behind him.

 

It was rare for Katsuki to cry, it was even rarer for Izuku to feel pure unadulterated rage.

 

But it seemed All Might was able to cause both within the same afternoon.

 

Izku turned to face The Number One Hero with a furious look, All Might even flinched at the sight and looked awkwardly at the child not sure what to say. Izuku on the other hand could feel his anger bubble inside him while he stared at All Might.

 

If he wasn’t furious he would have appreciated All Might's energy, it was bright, brighter than any he had come across. Its focus was a pure white orb in the centre of All Mights chest, the orb was solid and unmoving, always there and casting it’s light. But the interesting thing was the layers surrounding the orb, six of them to be exact. Each layer was slightly different, one was solid black and looked like it was made of black bandages while another almost looked like pure smoke.

 

Izuku could count on one hand the amount of times he had used his quirk. The first was the incident when he was seven, the other three were in secret on his mother, aunt and uncle and the final use had been just thirty minutes ago. But in this moment Izuku didn’t care about himself or his villainous quirk, all he cared about was how the man in front of him had hurt his best and only friend and he latched onto All Might’s energy.

 

Izuku pulled.

 

Pain stabbed into his head the moment he did, it was like someone had planted a hot knife into his brain. Izuku instantly let go and fell to the floor clutching his head and panting, sweat falling down his face. Despite not actually stealing his quirk it looked like All Might hadn’t fared better. The mans legs had collapsed under him and he had fallen to the ground, violently coughing up a dangerous amount of blood.

 

The blonde haired hero looked up and caught Izuku’s eye. Izuku had to suppress a wince when he saw the amount of fear in the man's eyes..

 

Deciding to ignore what just happened Izuku instead ran to the door, desperately trying to find Katsuki. But just as he reached out for the doorknob he felt a hand on his shoulder pull him back.

 

He turned around to find himself staring up at the face of All Might, this time Izuku did wince at the anger in the man's face.

 

“Stop. You’re coming with me. I need to know who your father is. Now!” Even though he was in his thin form, All Might’s voice still boomed down at him.

 

Izuku finally snapped.

 

Pulling his fist back Izuku heard a satisfying crack as it made contact with All Mights nose. The hero stumbled back in shock, clearly not expecting that reaction.

 

“I don’t even know my fathers fucking name, that good enough for you!? I never thought you of all people would be a fake hero.” Izuku spat before ripping the door open and chasing after Katsuki.

 

All Might could only stare as the door closed, the immense guilt slowly building in his chest.

---

As Izuku swept through the nearby streets his anger slowly started to fade and a sick feeling started to replace it. Izuku had used his quirk. Something he swore he would never do to anyone but a villain. Not only that but he had used it on The Number One Hero.

 

Maybe Izuku really was a villain.

 

He was shaken out of his thoughts by the large crowd that had gathered up ahead. Izuku paused, going to turn away so as to make sure his quirk remained calm when something caught his eye. Or rather caught his quirk.

 

Izuku could sense the energy of the gathered crowd, but in front of them were a few stand outs. He recognized the energy of Mt Lady and Death Arms and scowled. He really didn't want to see a fight like this right now, not when he needed to find Kacchan.

 

He was about to leave when he felt an energy he recognized. The brown slow moving energy of The Sludge Villain.

 

Izuku gasped, maybe All Might was talking with the other heroes and had the villain with him?

 

Izuku knew it wasn’t true, there was no way he would miss All Might's energy.

 

Despite his better judgement Izuku forced himself into the crowd. He desperately pushed back at the pangs of hunger in his head as he ducked and weaved his way to the front. When he finally did arrive his heart dropped. There in full view was The Sludge Villain, surrounded by rubble.

 

“Stay back heroes! I’m warning you!” The villain cried as a massive arm of sludge shot out, smashing into the building above them and causing rubble to fall onto the street.

 

“Everyone please stay back!” Backdraft ordered as he pushed against the crowd.

 

“Dammit, none of our quirks are compatible, we can’t get close.” Death Arms swore as he watched the carnage.

 

Izuku gave the man a disgusted look, what did he mean his quirk wasn’t compatible? It was a strength quirk; it didn't have compatibility!

 

Not to mention Izuku had realised the villain had a hostage, one who was certainly being choked to death just as Izuku had earlier that afternoon. He could only feel guilt as he wondered who had been taken hostage in his place. Whoever it was, Izuku could see they were giving a valiant fight against the villain.

 

Red eyes met green.

 

Izuku gasped in horror, it was Katsuki. Katsuki was the hostage fighting for his life.

 

And the good for nothing heroes were doing nothing!

 

Izuku moved.

 

It was like his body had a mind of its own, his legs moving forward as he ducked under the arms of the shocked heroes trying to grab him.

 

Next his quirk seemed to activate without him using it, latching onto the grey energy of Death Arms Izuku drew it into himself, instantly feeling it in his own arms and flexing his muscles.

 

The Sludge Villain caught sight of him charging forward, “You!” it cried reaching out with a massive arm.

 

Izuku dived forward, reaching out he landed on the ground with one bent arm. Using Death Arms energy he pushed himself up.

 

The concrete cracked as Izuku launched himself into the air. The arm of sludge swept uselessly under him as he flew forwards. Landing right next to the villain Izuku didn’t even hesitate to reach out and grab Katsuki. Pulling with his newfound strength Izuku fell back as Katsuki stumbled out of the sludge next to him coughing.

 

“I think that makes us even.” Izuku said panting.

 

Katsuki actually gave him a dangerous smirk, “As if nerd!”

 

“You fucking kids!” The Sludge Villain cried as it brought another arm down.

 

Katsuki and Izuku dived away from it as the ground exploded on impact. Izuku’s rucksack was torn open, stationary falling all over the road. 

 

“What the fuck do we do, he’s made of sludge!” Katsuki cried as they dodged another swing.

 

Izuku's thoughts were firing a million miles an hour as he dived to his right, then it struck him, “His eyes are solid!”

 

Katsuki sent him a grin that would look far more appropriate on a beast than a human teenager, “Two targets each.”

 

Izuku nodded and leapt into action, sliding under a wave of sludge as he grabbed a large chunk of concrete. Even with Death Arms quirk it was surprisingly light. Jumping back slightly Izuku pulled his arm back, pausing to take aim before throwing the chunk with all he had.

 

It shot through the air and hit right on the target, there was a sickening burst noise as the concrete made contact with the villain's left eye.

 

“YOU FUCKING BASTARD!” The Sludge Villain cried out as it closed it’s quickly swelling eye.

 

“Zuzu!”

 

Izuku didn’t have time to bask in his own glory as Kacchan came running at him wielding… Izuku’s pen?

 

Somehow Izuku knew exactly what to do as he reached down and cupped his hands. Katsuki leapt up, placing his right foot in Izuku’s hands who subsequently shot his arms upwards. Katsuki flew straight up into the air and over the sludge villain.

 

The villain only had time to look up as Katsuki gave him a snarl before falling back down directly over the villain. Wielding Izuku’s pen, Katsuki pushed it straight down into the villain's eye. The villain let out another anguished cry as Katsuki rolled into the ground, coming to a stop next to Izuku.

 

“YOU FUCKING KIDS, I’M GONNA TEAR YOU APART!” The villain cried as he swung his arms out wildly, destroying every bit of property around him.

 

“We uh… really didn't think about this.” Izuku mumbled as he and Katsuki were forced to the ground.

 

They could only watch helplessly as another arm of sludge raised up in front of them before smashing down.

 

Except the smash never came.

 

Izuku, who had closed his eyes to accept death, slowly reopened them to see The Number One Hero holding back The Sludge Villain.

 

“I really am pathetic,” All Might said as he held the sludge villain in place, “How dare I tell you you couldn't be a hero when all we heroes did was stand by and watch as two teenage boys risked their lives for each other. Well boys, let me try to make it up to you… SMAAAAAASH”

---

Izuku and Katsuki sat side by side in the back of the ambulance as they were checked out by paramedics. By some miracle neither had any serious injuries other than few cuts and bruises. Izuku was incredibly tired but that could've been from the fact it was the first time he had ever really used his quirk. He had of course returned Death Arms quirk the moment All Might had stopped the villain.

 

Speaking of All Might it had initially looked like he had wanted to speak to Katsuki and Izuku but he had instantly been swarmed by reporters before disappearing. Katsuki and Izuku had quickly been swept up by the other pros. Said pros had not been happy, they had ripped into Izuku, telling him how despite having a strength quirk, what he did was incredibly dangerous. But they had been even worse to Katsuki, questioning why a quirkless school kid had not gone straight home after school. It made Izuku’s blood boil while Katsuki just frowned and took the verbal beating.

 

It looked like things were just calming down when a loud voice caused the paramedic and officer looking after the boys to jump.

 

“Arrest that boy!”

 

Izuku pulled in on himself as he recognized the voice, he should have guessed this would happen. Suddenly Death Arms appeared in front of the two boys, seething and looking at Izuku. Katsuki raised his eyebrow at the display.

 

“Excuse me?” The officer said, looking a little out of his depth.

 

“That boy is a villain and needs to be locked in Tartarus immediately!” Death Arms claimed, pointing an accusing finger at Izuku.

 

“What the fuck dude! We’re kids!” Katsuki cried though Izuku knew full well that Kacchan had a perfect idea of exactly what he had done.

 

“You think I care!? This child is a threat to heroes everywhere we need to get him locked away before-”

 

“Enough!” 

 

All heads turned to a man who was wearing a brown trench coat and a scowl as he approached the group.

 

“Detective Tsukauchi!” The young office said in surprise, “I didn’t expect you?”

 

“A… friend suggested I drop by.” Tsukauchi said eyeing Katsuki and Izuku with curiosity.

 

“Excellent, then you can facilitate the arrest of this menace” Death Arms said approvingly.

 

Izuku could hear Katsuki’s teeth grinding next to him but he reach out and grabbed the boys arm, attacking a pro would definitely get them barred from any hero school. Izuku himself was refusing to look up from his lap however.

 

“On what grounds?” Tsukauchi asked.

 

“He stole my quirk!”

 

The paramedic sat dressing Katsuki’s wounds scoffed, “Weren’t you just lifting a car a moment ago?”

 

“Well… I took it back!” Death Arms said with a scowl.

 

Tsukauchi actually rolled his eyes, “Death Arms do you actually have any evidence?”

 

“Of course!”

 

Izuku actually looked up at the detective when he asked his question, he hadn't really noticed his quirk but it seemed to have activated when he asked the question. Tsukauchi’s energy was focused in his head, it spun around in a grey orb, it looked incredibly plain. However when Death Arms had answered the colour of the energy changed from grey to red.

 

“Don’t lie to me Death Arms, I’ll ask you again, do you have any evidence the boy stole your quirk?”

 

Death Arms clenched his jaw and stared at Tsukauchi for a moment before replying through gritted teeth, “No.”

 

This time Tsukauchi’s energy changed from grey to green.

 

“So it could’ve easily been caused by someone in the crowd accidentally activating an erasure quirk?”

 

Death Arms seemed to want to argue back before the paramedic cut in, “Wouldn’t it be bad press to be caught arguing with the police and a child?”

 

Death Arms narrowed his eyes at her but huffed and moved on, instantly morphing his face into a smile and waving at the crowd, reassuring them that Katsuki and Izuku were fine. It made the boys sick.

 

With the hero gone Tsukauchi turned to Izuku, “I won’t press for details but I need to advise you despite everything that was still illegal quirk usage out there.”

 

Izuku shrunk in on himself, he knew this would come up and with his black mark there was no way they weren’t going to arrest him. At least he’d still be able to watch Katsuki in The UA Sports Festival.

 

“Calm down kid.”

 

Izuku’s eyes opened to find Katsuki had stood up protectively in front of Izuku and was practically glaring at Tsukauchi.

 

“We’re not going to arrest your friend.”

 

“You’re not?” Izuku asked, surprised.

 

Tsukauchi shook his head, “No, your lucky, you have a powerful friend who vouched for you. We’ll overlook it this time, but I suggest you don’t let me see you again. My friend's word will only go so far.”

 

And with that the detective turned around and left, leaving a very confused Katsuki and Izuku in his wake.

 

“Do you boys need help getting home?” The other police officer asked.

 

“Pfft, we’ll be fine.” Katsuki said as he jumped out of the ambulance, Izuku quietly following.

 

It was only as they walked up their drive Izuku realised something.

 

“OH MY GOD KACCHAN! I punched All Might!”

---

Yagi hadn’t had a single drop of alcohol for nearly three years. The reason was obvious, his body could barely handle the stuff these days. But after the day he’d had the moment he walked into his apartment he had grabbed his emergency bottle of whisky and had poured himself a glass.

 

He now lay on his sofa, nursing said glass as the weight of the guilt from the day crushed him underneath it all. He’d had worse days as a hero sure, but he could honestly say today he had failed at every turn.

 

First he had let the sludge villain get away from him into the sewers. Then he let the villain get away AGAIN and gain a teenage hostage. And of course when Yagi caught up to the situation his excuse had been his lack of time. How fucking pathetic. Two teenage boys, one of which was quirkless, had given a better fight than he, The Number One Goddamn Hero, had.

 

Of course that brought him to his other failings of the day. The two boys he had met, who he was certain were no longer fans of his. Not only had been late to save them, meaning both would most likely be traumatised from their fight with the villain, he had then handled their questions with about as much tact as Endeavour had during an interrogation.

 

Yagi was supposed to be better than this.

 

All Might was supposed to be more than this.

 

Could a quirkless person become a hero? No, they couldn’t. It was an undeniable truth that Yagi wished he could change. In his early years as All Might he had desperately done research into it, hoping that other quirkless people like he had once been could pursue their dreams. But the truth was quirkless people would be hopelessly outmatched.

 

Sure, they could use support equipment but so could those with quirks. Just because someone had a strength quirk didn’t mean they couldn’t use a grappling hook and weapons. 

 

So perhaps they could become a master martial artist. But it was the same issue, nothing was stopping people with quirks doing the same. Yagi remembered a villain from his early days who had a fire quirk. Yagi had gotten in close hoping to finish them off quickly only to find the villain was black belt in karate.

 

Even heroes who focused on investigation had quirks to help them. His old sidekick Sir Nighteye went on roughly six active missions a year. He had a powerful quirk but even he had to fight tooth and nail not to get thrown off the hero course every day he was there. And even now Nighteye had once admitted to Yagi he was nothing more than a glorified police detective.

 

The facts of the real world were that no matter what a quirkless person did they just couldn’t gain the same unique edge quirks gave. Not even The Number One Hero could change that.

 

Even so, the way Yagi had shot that child down made his stomach churn. He may as well have slapped the kid across the face. There were far better ways to go about a conversation as serious as that. None of them were on top of a rooftop moments after a villain attack.

 

Idiot.

 

Then of course there was the other boy.

 

And wasn’t that the most shocking thing to happen to Yagi in five years.

 

He had felt the way the boy tried to rip his quirk from him, of course One For All couldn’t be stolen and so it hadn’t worked but… Yagi knew that quirk. The child, for a moment all he had seen was the man who killed his mentor. The fear that ran through to his bones had shaken him to his core.

 

But it was obvious even if that boy really did have All For One that he didn’t truly know it. There was no way the greatest villain of all time would have had his heir apparent attending a standard elementary school in a local district with his quirkless best friend.

 

Of course Yagi hadn't considered this, he had just seen the boys quirk. And how had he responded? He had forcibly grabbed a young child.

 

He was ashamed, those were the actions of an uncaring soul, not the actions of the Symbol of Peace. It was obvious the boy didn’t know the truth of his quirk but Yagi had acted like he was the second coming of the antichrist.

 

Before he could wallow in his self pity any longer Yagis phone went off. Squinting at the contact he sighed.

 

“Tsukauchi.” He greeted.

 

“Shit Yagi, you sound awful.”

 

“It’s been a rather… trying day.” Yagi confessed as he fell back in his sofa.

 

“So I hear, that sludge villain turned out to be more trouble than he was worth.” Tsukauchi said, sounding exasperated.

 

“You’re telling me.”

 

“Mhmm… anyway I just wanted to let you know the two boys you asked about? They got back home safe.”

 

Yagi raised an eyebrow, “No one demanded an arrest?”

 

Tsukauchi scoffed, “Oh no, Death Arms wanted to see the green haired kid locked up for the rest of his life.”

 

Yagi clenched his phone tightly, despite popular belief Yagi was well aware of the attitude of some so called heroes.

 

“But luckily All Might's name goes a long way in the department.” Tsukauchi continued, “I’m fairly sure those kids could’ve gotten away with mass murder if you vouched for them.”

 

Yagi sighed, “I’m not sure that’s a good thing.”

 

“It is what it is. Anyway I did some digging on these kids.”

 

“Oh?” Yagi asked, sitting up straight.

 

“Blonde one is called Katsuki Bakugou, parents are Mitsuki and Masaru, diagnosed quirkless. Family life seems standard enough, parents are in the fashion industry and make a good living. But the kids school files are a different story.”

 

“Let me guess, it’s a mile long?”

 

“Bingo, all his teachers' notes talk about how he’s a delinquent, always starting fights. Not to mention he's refused anger management on several occasions. Paints a picture of an unstable aggressive kid.” Tsukacuhi said though didn’t seem convinced.

 

“You disagree?” Yagi asked.

 

Tsukauchi seemed to pause in thought, “When I spoke to his friend earlier, the moment he suspected I might try to do something with the kid he was on his feet protecting him. Sure the kid has a hell of a mouth on him and looks like he enjoys punching things a little too much but he doesn’t have the eyes of a lunatic, just someone who’s taken too much shit.”

 

“Well, he is quirkless, we know what that’s like. Interesting kid.”

 

Tsukauchi actually laughed, “I thought he was interesting too until I looked into the other kid. Names Izuku Midoriya, parents were originally listed as Inko and Hisashi. But once the kid’s quirk came in his father changed to ‘unknown’ and his original parents got a divorce.”

 

“So she had an affair that became obvious when his quirk manifested?”

 

“It’s more common than you think. Mutations happen but it’s pretty obvious when you and your husband have water quirks and the neighbour has a fire quirk the same as your son’s.”

 

Yagi just shook his head, he’d never reality settled down so had never really dealt with these sorts of issues, “So no idea who the boy's father really is?”

 

“Not a clue, apparently when asked all his mother can say is the man went by Ren. She spent one night with him and never saw him again. But that’s not even the interesting part. The boys quirk, it’s one of the most powerful I’ve ever seen.”

 

Yagi felt a sense of dread come over him, knowing exactly what was coming.

 

“It was labelled as Quirk Theft,” Yagi frowned, that was a pretty controversial name for a quirk, “The kid can permanently steal and transfer quirks. Which pretty much confirms he was using Death Arms quirk today, though he did give back. Apparently the quirk has some drawbacks though, he’s unable to effectively copy quirks completely. He discovered the quirk when he stole his classmate's fire quirk, except he didn’t gain the fire resistance with it.”

 

Yagi wince, he had noticed the gloved crooked hand of the boy, that can’t have been an easy quirk awakening.

 

“Do you think he’s dangerous?” Yagi couldn’t help but ask.

 

“On paper? Absolutely, this kid doesn’t even need to touch you to take your quirk. He could walk into a hero convention and steal half of the top ten quirks before anyone noticed. Imagine a villain with that amount of power,” I don’t have to, Yagi internally thought.

 

“But?” Yagi asked, he could tell Tsukauchi was getting onto something.

 

“The kid seems to have a heart of gold. We’ve had a few officers called into his school when his teachers became… fearful of his quirk. Each and every time the kid would burst into tears and apologise profusely. Apparently one of the new recruits was there just last month, got the kid talking, he wants to be a hero just like All Might.”

 

Yagi couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony of that.

 

“Quite frankly it’s all bullshit.” Tsukauchi said with a hint of venom.

 

“Bullshit?” 

 

“The kid has a black mark on his record.”

 

Yagi’s eyebrows rose in surprise, “You said he was a good kid though?”

 

“He’s had the mark since he was seven… three days after he registered his quirk.”

 

Yagi gasped, “You mean they…?”

 

“Took one look at his quirk and decided he was a villain.”

 

Yagi went very pale, the guilt coming back like a freight train. This child had been told nothing but his whole life he was a villain unfairly. Judged purely for his quirk. And then All Might himself, the kids hero, had done exactly the same.

 

For the first time in many years Yagi questioned if he was really hero material.

 

“That’s… terrible.”

 

Tsukacuhi let out a long sigh, “It’s becoming more and more common. Sad truth is heroes these days all have flashy quirks. The sort that people love to watch while the villains have much more dangerous and unknown quirks. Society starts to push these two types of people in their respective directions the moment they show up.”

 

“So you’re saying…?”

 

“That most villains and heroes have their paths chosen by others purley based on their quirks.”

 

Yagi sighed and fell back into his chair, he knew it all too well. How many villains had turned out that way because they felt rejected by society? How many heroes were arrogant because they had been told from a young age that they were special and powerful?

 

Too many.

 

“Sorry,” Tsukauchi said, interrupting the silence, “I didn’t mean to get political on you.”

 

“It’s fine, thank you for the information but it’s late and I won’t keep you.”

 

“Anytime, anything else before I go?”

 

Yagi didn’t need the information, he hadn’t even considered it but for some reason when Tsukauchi asked he responded automatically.

 

“Do you have an address for them both?”

 

“Of course, funny thing, ever since the divorce the two families have lived together. I’ll email it to you, if there’s nothing else have a nice night Yagi.”

 

“You too.” Yagi replied before hanging up.

 

Yeah, he had fucked up big time.

 

These two kids were obviously outcasts who had been abused by the way their society had been built since the outbreak of quirks and heroes. And then came along Yagi, a man who claimed to be above it all, a man who claimed to be a symbol above it all, he had beaten them down just  like they had been their entire lives.

Yagi sighed and downed the rest of his glass of Whisky, it burned his throat and he could feel his stomach churning at the liquid but he didn’t care. He ran his hand down his tired face as he leaned forward over his coffee table. Opening his eyes he came face to face with a file he had spent the last few days reading over and over. He read the large name on the cover of the file.

 

Miro Togata

 

Nedzu had been kind enough to send over the young heros file after he discovered Sir Nighteye had recommended him. Yagi had been over the file several times in the past few days yet despite that he still found himself reaching out and flicking open the papers.

 

Bright blue eyes stared back at him, the school photo taking up most of the first page as well as a lot of basic information. Togata’s age, home address, quirk, things like that. Speaking of quirks Yagi had been impressed by Togata’s control of his complex quirk. Apparently the boy had nearly been kicked out of UA in his first year due to his lack of control. However after some tutoring by Nighteye Togata now had precise control of his quirk and could use it to deadly effect. He had gone from being the only hero student to be knocked out of the first round in his first year sports festival to completely dominating his second year festival.

 

His complex quirk was a plus, Yagi wasn’t sure what effect One For All would have on permeation but whatever it was it would likely be hard to control. Having experience working with a difficult quirk would mean he would gain control of One For All quickly.

 

Flipping to the second page detailed Young Togata’s life before UA. It was typically middle class, he was an only child who had grown up in a happy family. Nothing really of note. Yet despite Togata’s upbringing he had never grown an ego or been selfish. Even before UA his teachers had praised his kind hearted soul and how he always helped out around the classroom.

 

This of course continued into his notes from UA on the next page. Every teacher had nothing but praise for the boy. Even Eraserhead, the most critical of all the UA teachers, had a begrudging respect for the kid, claiming that his newfound control of his quirk shows the work ethic of someone who could excel at heroics. Outside of the classroom Togata was popular and well liked by his peers, he was often the focus of group training and people turned to him as a natural leader.

 

The rest of the file continued much like this: notes from Nighteye, accounts of his missions as an intern and his performance at the provisional licensing exams. All of it pointed to one thing, Togata would make an excellent symbol of peace. The kid even looked a little like All Might.

 

Yagi had no doubt that if Young Togata received One For All he would soar through the hero rankings. The young hero could easily become a new symbol of peace within his first few years and Japan would naturally replace him with All Might. He was very nearly a perfect candidate.

 

So why did he feel so much like the wrong choice to Yagi?

 

To be honest Yagi knew the answer to that, it wasn’t that there was anything wrong with Togata, in fact quite the opposite. He would be perfect to continue the legacy of All Might and be The Next Symbol of Peace. But after today Yagi wondered to himself, is that really what Japan, maybe even the world needed?

 

Yagi wasn’t arrogant, he knew he was only the top hero in Japan. The rest of the world had plenty of powerful heroes; the number one heroes in America and Europe had incredible quirks and could easily go toe to toe with All Might. But equally Japan was the centre for quirks on the planet, their hero industry was larger, the sheer volume of powerful quirks far exceeded that of any other country and the rest of the world often looked to Japan to see how to handle quirk and hero laws. Yagi had never once stepped foot in Italy yet his fights were always top news in the country.

 

What the top heroes of Japan did resonated around the world. And whoever Yagi passed his quirk onto would easily become a top ten hero with that amount of power. The question was what did Yagi really want the legacy of his successor to be? 

 

Being The Symbol of Peace had been important when Yagi was young, villains were starting to become better organised and powerful quirks were turning up at every dark alley. Not to mention the hero industry had stagnated, new hero licences given out every year had been on the decline. Society had needed a hero to rally around, to look up to and hope when there was no hope left. That’s what All Might had been.

 

But now? There were more heroes than ever, sure All Might still came at the top and was still a symbol. When Yagi had moved into the area, UA crime had dropped by 50%. But he wasn’t the only one in the game. When Endeavour had moved cities a few years ago villains had run for the hills and there had been no crime within fifty miles of his new agency for a month. When Miruko had made her debut it had been so impressive criminals had actually come forth and handed themselves over to avoid her wrath.

 

So did Japan still need a Symbol Of Peace? The truth was probably in the negative, it needed heroes but the symbol All Might had been was from another era. So what did society need?

 

Yagi found his thoughts drifting back to the two boys he had met today, Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugou. Did the two of them really care what sort of symbol he was? To them it didn’t matter how many villains he took down, they were still bullied, still outcasts that people looked down upon with disgust.

 

The two were eerily similar yet totally different. Bakugou was foul mouthed, aggressive and cocky. He wanted to prove he was the best and his competitive streak ran perhaps deeper than even Endeavours. But he was quirkless, constantly told he was weak would amount to nothing. Yet despite that Yagi saw how the child had bit back, defied those who claimed otherwise. It reminded him of Nana. 

 

Then there was Midoriya, the child was shy, nervous and unsure of himself. He wanted to help people yet never had the confidence to stand up for himself. But on the flip side he had arguably one of, if not the most powerful quirk in history. But he was more afraid of it than any real life villain, only using it when his friend was in danger. 

 

That was something they both had in common, they were fiercely loyal to each other. Yagi had seen how the loud boisterous Bakugou had spoken softly to Midoriya when the boy was overwhelmed after the second incident with The Sludge Villain. And how could he forget how the normally quiet Midoriya had reacted when he saw how Yagi had hurt his friend.

 

He thought back to the way he had watched them fight The Sludge Villain together. They had been in perfect sync, even pro’s who trained together for years couldn’t match it. Bakugou had moved and fought despite being quirkless while Midoriya had utilised Death Arms quirk perfectly despite having only taken it moments before. And these two kids wanted to be heroes?

 

Yagi wondered just how powerful a hero with All For One could become. Not to mention they had both grown up knowing the downside of their hero obsessed society. Neither of them could become Symbols Of Peace, they had seen too much pain for that. But perhaps the pair could become something else all together. Symbols for change instead of peace.

 

It was just a shame that for all Midoriya’s power Bakugou would struggle to keep up with his lack of quirk.

 

Oh.

 

Wait.

 

Yagi smiled to himself. It was a mad idea, Bakugou was the complete opposite of Togata. He was brash, had a mouth like a sailor and his main goal in life was to prove how much better he was than anyone. The boy would terrify any opposition he had into submission and beat down anyone he felt was even remotely morally ambitious.

 

Yagi gained a smile that would cause even the most seasoned pros to sweat as his mind cemented on his decision.

 

One For All and All For One working together, they would be unstoppable.

 

Man, Nighteye was gonna be pissed.

Chapter 3: All Might's Offer

Summary:

Tracking down Izuku and Katsuki All Might makes them an intriguing offer

 

Things had been… odd after The Sludge Villain incident for Izuku and Katsuki. Their parents of course had swept them into tight hugs the moment they walked through the door back home. Inko had nearly flooded the kitchen with how much she had cried when she held them both. Mitsuki had given them both hard slaps on the back of the head, ranting and raving about how they needed to be careful and look out for each other more. Though despite her rant the tears falling down her face and the relief in her eyes spoke of another story.

 

It had been Masaru who had surprised the boys though later that night, after they had both had long showers and sat in Katsuki’s room scrolling through their phones. Masaru had knocked quietly before shutting the door behind him and kneeling down to the boy's level. He had put hand on both their shoulders and simply told them if they ever needed to talk he would always be there for them both.

 

Both boys had agreed not to talk about the way they had both cried into Masaru’s arms after that.

 

Unfortunately on the other side school had become even worse, if that were possible. The moment the boys had walked into the classroom their classmates had hounded them.

 

“Man, I assumed you guys wouldn't come back after that embarrassing display.”

 

“I’m surprised the villain didn’t recognise one of his own Midoriya.”

 

“Maybe it was a secret plan to kill Bakugou, I wouldn’t blame them.”

 

“THE FUCK YOU EXTRA’S TALKING ABOUT? THAT SLUDGE VILLAIN WAS NOTHING COMPARED TO US!”

 

Katsuki's shout just made the class laugh harder as their teacher half heartedly tried to calm them down. To the casual observer it looked like nothing had changed, but Izuku could tell. Katsuki didn’t have the normal bite behind his words. His pride had been wounded and not by The Sludge Villain. It was his childhood hero telling him that he couldn’t achieve his dream.

 

It made Midoriya clench his fists, if he ever saw All Might again he wasn’t sure he could stop himself from punching the man.

 

…again.

 

Ironically it was only three days later the boys saw the hero again. For the first time in a while there had been no hold ups on their way home, no villain fights to observe and luckily no classmates to fight with. 

 

It was Katsuki who spied him first at the end of the road from their house.

 

“What the fuck!?”

 

Izuku, who had been quietly mumbling to himself, jumped in surprise, “Kacchan?”

 

Katsuki didn’t respond verbally, but only pointed down the road. Following his outstretched arm Izuku came face to face with All Might in his deflated form, standing just down the road from their house and looking incredibly awkward.

 

“Oh… hello boys…”

 

“Hi.” The coldness in Izuku’s reply caused All Might to look away in shame and Katsuki to raise an eyebrow slightly, it was a very unIzuku like response.

 

“What are you doing here, don’t you have villains to take down?” Katsuki said as he crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at the hero.

 

All Might sighed, suddenly looking much weaker than they had ever seen him, even in his skeleton, “I came to apologise to you both and… talk.”

 

Izuku and Katsuki turned to each other, having a silent conversation with their eyes as they made various facial expressions at each other. All Might withheld a chuckle, they really were perfectly in sync. After a few tense minutes the boys both turned back to him.

 

“All right, we’ll hear you out.” Katsuki said as Izuku nodded in agreement.

 

“There’s a park down the road with a few benches, it should be quiet.” Izuku said and waved for All Might to follow.

 

Considering the man was the number one hero he was fairly timid as he followed the boys to the park. True to their word the park was all but abandoned, not surprising considering the torn up ground and rusty equipment, much of it broken.

 

“There was a small time villain fight here a few years ago, but they never did rebuild the park.” Izuku explained as they all sat at one of the few remaining benches, Izuku and Katsuki facing All Might.

 

“Right…” All Might said as he sat down, more evidence of how damaging their hero obsessed society had become.

 

“So,” Katsuki said, leaning back and staring at the man, “You said you wanted to talk.”

 

“Yes, I did…” All Might said and scratched the back of his head, “First of all I wanted to apologise to you both. My actions on the day we met were… not what All Might is supposed to be. Not only did I not intervene when the two of you were under attack by that villain, the way I treated you both… what I said to you…”

 

Suddenly All Might had stood up from the bench and bowed low in front of them, “I offer you my deepest apologies, I am truly ashamed of my actions.”

 

Katsuki and Izuku blinked, out of everything that had been expecting that was not it. Izuku was the first to recover.

 

“I… it’s ok All Might. I have a villainous quirk that I attempted to use on you. You don’t need to apologise for how you reacted.”

 

At Izuku’s words All Might frowned as he sat back down, “Young man there is no such thing as a villainous quirk,” Izuku’s head snapped up at that, “Quirks are simply a part of us. Some use theirs for good, others for evil. A knife is capable of both stabbing someone and chopping vegetables. Yet we don’t deem them inherently good or bad.”

 

Izuku could feel the tears welling in his eyes, All Might, ALL MIGHT, had said his quirk wasn’t villainous. He was the first person outside of Kacchan in his entire life to have said something along those lines, even his own mother was uncomfortable when discussing his quirk.

 

“S-still, I should apologise too, I-Oh God I tried to take your quirk and-”

 

All Might held up a hand before Izuku could fall into one of his famous mumbling episodes, “You were a child who was reacting with emotion, it is perfectly understandable, I should not expect someone of your age and experience to react any differently to the situation. Truly it is I who reacted poorly, I am pro, I should not be afraid of a child with a powerful quirk. I treated you no better than some people I have put behind bars.”

 

All Might looked off to the side, a light breeze catching his hair, seemingly having an internal debate before he spoke, “Many years ago I fought a villain with the ability to steal quirks,” Izuku’s eyes went wide, “He was a powerful foe and had stored hundreds, if not thousands of quirks by them time I stopped him. I may have come out on top but… it was one of my most difficult fights, I lost a lot that day… including my closest friend. When I felt you pull on my quirk all I could think about was how he killed her… I… I was weak… I allowed my fear to overcome me and you paid the price. For that I am sorry.”

 

Izuku had gone very quiet, looking down into his lap where his fists were clenched, “I… I don’t know who my real father is…” 

 

All Might realised where his line of thinking was going, “Young man, I cannot tell you if the man I fought was your father. Is it possible? Yes, your quirks are very similar, with the exception that while you can take at range he had to touch someone to steal their quirk. Yet it may also be coincidence, perhaps your real father had a powerful copy quirk which mutated to become stealing as opposed to copying.”

 

All Might knew it was a long shot, all copy quirks came with a time limit and could only copy a few quirks at a time. Izuku was able to completely take someone's quirk and keep it indefinitely. But, he was not ready to burden these boys with the truth about All For One just yet. 

 

Izuku merely nodded, lost in thought. On the one hand this was the closest he had ever been to finding out who his real father was. On the other hand if this man really was his father then that meant Izuku’s quirk really was villainous and that everything anyone had ever said to him was all true. It made Izuku feel sick.

 

“Were you wrong, about quirkless heroes?”

 

The soft voice from his left startled Izuku, he had completely forgotten Kacchan was also there, caught up in his thoughts about his quirk and possible familial connections to a villain able to take on All Might himself.

 

Katsuki sat incredibly still, his fists clenched and knuckles white as he stared intently at All Might. His eyes were hard and on fire, the intensity of them almost made Izuku slide back away from him. It made Izuku shiver slightly.

 

All Might however met his gaze unflinching, he didn’t say anything at first, just stared directly into the boy's eyes with his own look of equal intensity. It was obvious to All Might whatever he said next would change the course of this boy's life, he had to be careful with his words.

 

“Truthfully, I don’t know.”

 

The answer took both Katsuki and Izuku by surprise, their eyes widened and Izuku’s jaw dropped slightly. Katsuki quickly recovered however and slammed his fist on the table between the benches.

 

“What do you mean you don’t fucking know! It’s a yes or no answer!” Izuku could see the wetness of his eyes as tears started to form in them.

 

“The issue lies in that there has never been a quirkless hero, it is only in recent years that the quirkless have been allowed to apply for hero courses and exams. But no one has yet passed either, I have nothing to compare it to so I cannot say for certain if it is possible.” All Might explained.

 

“But what about heroes who fight quirkless,” Izuku countered, “Take the underground hero Eraserhead, he essentially fights quirkless.” 

 

All Might raised an eyebrow, that was an impressive level of knowledge on the illusive underground hero, “That is true yes, but by his nature Eraserhead makes it so that everyone is fighting quirkless against him. He evens out the playing field.”

 

Izuku opened his mouth to argue but it died in his throat, All Might was right. Most heroes who fought quirkless did so with an advantage their quirk supplied. Ms Joke distracted her enemies to allow her an easy win, Ragdoll operated as a part of a team that essentially fought for her while she provided support.

 

“Support equipment exists! I’d like to see someone with a strength quirk stop a flamethrower!” Katsuki cried, standing up, Izuku could hear the desperation creeping into his voice.

 

All Might gave him a sad smile, “No, but why could they not use their own flamethrower?”

 

Katsuki snapped his mouth shut as Izuku sighed, that was a good point they hadn’t thought of. Most pro’s didn’t use support equipment and utilised their quirks but that didn’t mean they couldn't. And once you were both using support equipment it still came down to quirks.

 

Katsuki sat back down, a defeated look on his face, “So you’re saying it’s impossible?”

 

All Might paused, he clasped his hands together and looked at the two boys in front of him, “Young Midoriya, Young Bakugou,” That caught the boys attention, they didn’t realise All Might knew their names, “Tell me, what sort of heroes do you want to be?”

 

Both boys paused and looked at each other. They both knew the answer to that question for themselves and each other off by heart.

 

Izuku went first, “I.. I want to give people hope. Not the same hope you do. Not that I don’t want to give everyone hope!” Izuku corrected, waving his hands around, “But… I want people like me, people who hate their own quirks, who… who have villainous quirks. I want them to look at me and think ‘I can do that too’.”

 

All Might gave Izuku a warm smile as Katsuki began to speak, “I want to prove them all wrong. I want to be the best! I want to win it all! I want to show those fuckers what a real hero is! What a real hero should be! Not those damn fakes and extras like Death Arms!”

 

All Might couldn’t help but chuckle at Katsuki's mini speech. At some point the boy had risen to his feet and looked very much like a hero, except for the scowl etched onto his face.

 

“I thought as much, both fine reasons for being heroes. Perhaps better reasons than most of us. But tell me, with your own goals in mind, could you become the hero you WANT to be without a quirk?”

 

Katsuki scowled deeper and went to open his mouth, another rant on the tip of his tongue. However, said rant died when he actually paused to think about it. Could he really become the best without a quirk? Would support equipment, luck and quirkless skills really take to the same level as the top ten?

 

Katsuki sagged and sat back down, letting out a long sigh that caused Izuku’s face to morph into concern, “No I couldn’t, even if I passed all the exams and became the first quirkless hero I’d most likely be an underground or investigatory hero.”

 

Al Might nodded in agreement, “Yes, I’m afraid that is the most likely scenario.”

 

Izuku turned to All Might with a frown, “So we’re just supposed to give up?”

 

All Might gave Izuku a hard look that nearly made the boy cower back, but he just steeled himself and stared right back. All Might smiled.

 

“Did I say you should give up? Tell me, what do you know about my quirk.”

 

Izuku tilted his head in surprise but answered the question anyway, “No one really knows what your quirk is, every time you’re asked about you dodge the question.”

 

Katsuki nodded in agreement, “It’s obviously some kind of strength enhancement, me and Zuzu have always suspected it’s something more.”

 

“You two really are bright,” All Might said with a chuckle, “My quirk is called One For All, at its core my quirk is power, it’s why it takes the form of strength for me. But more than that it is a quirk that is passed down from generation to generation. You see I was given One For All by my Sensei who was given it to herself by her Sensei and so on.”

 

Izuku’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped, “You can… you can pass on your quirk!? That’s amazing! How’s that possible!? It defies all known quirk laws! How does the power even transfer, hoedoesthenewhostadaptoitisitalwasyastrength-”

 

“Oi! Nerd!” Katsuki shouted as he slapped Izuku on the back of his head, “Don’t get into a muttering storm.”

 

“S-sorry” Izuku mumbled.

 

Katsuki turned to All Might, “Why the hell are you telling us about your transferable quirk anyway?”

 

All Might gave Katsuki a deadpanned look.

 

Katsuki suddenly paled as all the pieces clicked into place and he gave All Might an astonished look.

 

“You… you want me… to…”

 

All Might just nodded, “That’s right Young Bakugou, I would like to offer you my power. While it may mean you cannot be the first quirkless hero it will mean that you and Young Midoriya here can rise to the tops of hero society and from the top you can make the changes so that no one should suffer like you have.”

 

“But… Why me?” Katsuki asked softly in a rare moment of vulnerability, “I’m not… I’m not a particularly nice person, I could hardly be a symbol of peace.”

 

Izuku turned to argue that point but All Might beat him to it, “Young Bakugou I do not want you to be the next symbol of peace. I want you to be the hero you are. The truth is that it is too late for me, in all my years I never saw the society I was helping to create. The world does not need another All Might. But I firmly believe it needs Katsuki Bakugou.”

 

Katsuki could only stare at All Might, his mouth opening and closing in shock.

 

“The word you’re looking for is yes, maybe even a please if you’re feeling generous.” Izuku sassed from next to Katsuki who shot the giggling boy a two finger salute.

 

Katsuki turned back to All Might and took a breath, “Alright All Might, I accept your quirk and with it I’ll show all those shitty heroes what they’re supposed to be.”

 

All Might gave Katsuki a wide smile, “Excellent then we’ll begin your training immediately. Please both meet me at Dagobah Beach tomorrow at 6AM.”

 

Katsuki blanched at the early hour while Izuku looked at All Might in confusion, “Both of us?”

 

“Of course Young Midoriya. First of all I’m well aware the two of you are a package deal-”

 

“Damn straight.” Katsuki muttered.

 

“-However, I believe that both of you can be great heroes. And with your quirk you have the potential to be one of the best, I want to help you both achieve the dreams you have that I was unable to. You, Young Midoriya, have the heart, soul and quirk of a hero.”

 

Izuku could feel the tears gather in his eyes before All Might had even finished. Katsuki too noticed the incoming flood.

 

“Aw fuck.”

 

Suddenly Izuku burst into sobbing, tears flowing freely from his eyes as the dam burst,” Tha-Thank you All Might Sensei! I promise I won’t let you down!”

 

All Might had leapt back from the bench as a small flood started around them, “Oh uh.. it’s fine young man. Is this uh, normal for him?” he asked, turning to Katsuki.

 

Katsuki just shrugged, “Eh you just gotta wait it out.”

 

---

 

For Izuku 6AM came far too late, they were being trained by ALL MIGHT. He was certain he was going to wake up any minute and discover it was all a dream. Izuku didn’t even know what this training was going to be. A slight pit formed in the bottom of his stomach, would All Might make him use his quirk? He was fine when the man was in his thin form, his energy was dulled, but Izuku wasn’t sure how he would react when the man activated his quirk.

 

Katsuki was less than pleased about the early start, he had always valued his sleep. Though he was notably in the best mood he had been since the incident a few days ago. This just translated as him being louder, swearing more and his insults being  more creative. Such as the one he had been calling All Might all morning.

 

“Fucking Stick Might and his early starts, why couldn’t he have let us sleep in?” 

 

“To be fair Kacchan we still have school, we’ll need to utilise all our time if we want to pass the UA entrance exams!” Izuku said with far too much enthusiasm for the morning.

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes, “Whatever.”

 

As they walked, Katsuki mellowed out slightly and gave Izuku a concerned glance, “Zuzu…”

 

Izuku hummed, “Yes Kacchan?” 

 

“You uh… you know you’re going to have to get used to stealing quirks and… and gain control of the hunger.”

 

Izuku didn’t respond at first, as if on cue the familiar pang in his head flared up slightly. He wrung his hands together nervously and looked away from Katsuki.

 

“I know. The stealing quirks I… I think I can handle that part. I just need to get used to it but the hunger… there’s going to be a lot of powerful quirks if we get into UA…” Izuku didn’t need to finish for them both to understand the consequences if Izuku lost control in the middle of a hero school.

 

“WHEN we get into UA, not if.” Katsuki corrected though he didn’t push the topic further, the hunger was something Izuku rarely discussed, even with him.

 

Not long later they came to the beach, one look had Katsuki scrunching his nose in disgust, “THIS is our training ground!? This place if fucking filthy.”

 

“Language!” Said a deep voice from behind them, turning round they found a small might walking towards them  with a smile on his face, a pick up truck parked not far behind him.

 

“All Might!” Izuku greeted him with a bow.

 

“First of all Young Midoriya, there is no need to bow. Secondly in this form please call me by my civilian name Toshinori Yagi.”

 

Izuku nodded his head vigorously while Katsuki just huffed in agreement.

 

“Come on then, hand your quirk over.”

 

“Kacchan!” Izuku reprimanded, though Katsuki ignored him, instead glaring at Yagi.

 

Yagi chuckled at the display, “It’s quite alright Young Midoriya, Bakugou here I expect is just excited. But I’m afraid I can’t give you my quirk just yet.”

 

Katsuki’s eyes widened in annoyance, “Hah!? But you said!?”

 

“What I mean is that you need training before taking One For All, it’s a powerful quirk and without the body to handle it it could blow your arms and legs off.”

 

Izuku stumbled at those words while Katsuki’s rage dropped significantly, maybe he could wait a few more months to gain a quirk.

 

“So is that why we’re at this junkyard?” Katsuki said, indicating to the massive piles of trash behind him.

 

Yagi nodded, “Yes but not just that. This beach used to be beautiful, a real romantic spot for people to come visit. But then people started using it to dump their trash and slowly it became the junkyard you see today.”

 

“So… you want us to clean it?” Katsuki said, sounding unimpressed.

 

“Don’t look so down Young Bakugou, community service is an important part of hero work, regardless of the kind of hero you want to be. Present Mic for instance has his radio show while The Wild Wild Pussycats host camping trips for young children for free every summer. By cleaning this beach not only will you build the required muscle to take One For All you’ll also be helping the local people and providing a service.”

 

“Is that all?” Katsuki said though his bite had definitely gone now that he understood the reasoning.

 

“Oh no, the beach will be your main focus when I cannot be present for your training, I am still a hero after all. When I am able I will assist you both with other exercises. Which brings me to these!”

 

Yagi reached into his pocket and pulled out two packets and handed each one to Izuku and Katsuki. Izuku looked down at the colourful packet.

 

Aim To Pass: American Dream Plan, Midoriya Version

 

Izuku flicked through the packet and his eyes almost fell out of his sockets, the workout was extreme and the diet even more so. Izuku was fairly sure this would kill him before he even made it to UA and from the look on Katsuki’s face his packet was no different.

 

“Now, one thing to say straight off the bat is that your plans are slightly different. Midoriya for you I have focused on building lean muscle and being athletic, with your quirk you need to make sure your body can withstand the blowback of any quirks you may take in the field but you also need to be able to use them effectively so having a more rounded training plan will be the most beneficial.”

 

Izuku nodded, that made a lot of sense actually, he had never really considered his physical prowess a key part of his quirk however he didn’t want to take a quirk one day to find his body couldn’t handle it. He was rather embarrassed his analytical mind hadn't picked that up.

 

“Young Bakugou’s plan however concentrates more on strength building and muscle gain. Your body is better suited to it and you’ll need it for One For All.”

 

Katsuki gruffed in response as he looked through the diet plan, “It’s a good fuckin job we’ve got a lawyer and two fashion designers in the family. This shits gonna be expensive.”

 

Yagi sweat dropped at that, he had admittedly forgot about the economic element of the plan.

 

“I’m trusting the two of you to keep each other on track with this plan, if you fall behind or overwork yourselves the plan won’t be as effective as it’s designed to be. This goes even more so for you Young Bakugou, if you falter from this plan I won’t be able to give you One For All.”

 

Katsuki nodded with determination, his back straight, “I won’t fail and I’ll make sure Zuzu sticks to it too. I’m not having a weak ass partner.” Izuku giggled at that but his eyes were full of the same determination as Katsuki’s.

 

“Yagi Sensei, what uh… what about training my quirk?” Izuku asked timidly, not looking Yagi in the eye.

 

“That is… a problem I’m still working on,” Yagi admitted as he rubbed his chin in thought, “We can’t exactly go around taking peoples' quirks to train you. For now I suggest focusing on your basic physical skills as well the generic skills everyone needs for quirk usage. In the meantime I’ll brainstorm some ideas.”

 

“You really don't have to.” Izuku mumbled.

 

“Nonsense Young Midoriya, Bakugou may be my successor but you are now both my students. I will make sure we incorporate your quirk into our training somehow.” Yagi said as he placed a hand on Izuku’s shoulder.

 

The boy smiled up at him, “Oh, there’s also something else we need to bring up. Actually two things… is it just two or-”

 

“Nerd.” 

 

“Right sorry!” Izuku apologised to Katsuki though the blonde was looking at his friend with curiosity, he knew one thing they had agreed to bring up, he did not know the second.

 

Izuku closed his eyes as his body tensed before looking up at Yagi, “My quirk has a rather… large drawback and it’s something I need to learn to control before UA.”

 

Katsuki’s eyes widened as he realised what Izuku was getting at while Yagi nodded, indicating for the boy to continue.

 

“I… well… I’m drawn to quirks. We uh… we call it the hunger. I feel it in my head and it’s like I NEED to steal the quirk. It gets worse with more quirks around and the more powerful quirks. It’s why I don’t do well in crowds.” Izuku confessed as he stared directly at the ground, meanwhile Katsuki was looking directly at Yagi, daring him to say something.

 

Yagi paused for a minute, considering this information, “Well, that explains what happened when we first met, I assumed you lost control.” At Izuku’s ashamed nod Yagi continued, “You seem fine with me now though?”

 

“Your energy- uh quirks look like energy to me- is a lot smaller and weaker in this form, it’s fairly easy to deal with.”

 

Yagi nodded in thought, that made sense, he didn’t technically have his quirk active right now. He looked down at Izuku with a smile.

 

“I can see why you’re concerned, it was brave of you to tell me about this. Luckily this aspect of your quirk shouldn’t be difficult to train. I have the only quirk in the world that you can’t steal so first we can get you used to being around me and go from there.”

 

Izuku looked up at Yagi with wide eyes as tears started to gather in the corner of his eyes. Fearing another flood Yagi frantically waved his arms around.

 

“What’s the second thing!?” He all but shouted in their faces.

 

“We should tell our parents.” Katsuki grunted.

 

Yagi coughed from the shock, stumbling back as blood poured out of his mouth to the shocked look of Katsuki and Izuku. Bringing out a handkerchief Yagi wiped his mouth clean as he waved off the boy's concerned looks.

 

“Don’t worry, this happens all the time. I’m sorry boys but we can’t tell your parents, One For All is a secret only a handful of people know about, it’s too risky.”

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes, “Not about your quirk dumbass.”

 

Yagi sweat dropped at being called a dumbass, had he really chosen this boy as his successor? 

 

“What Kacchan means,” Izuku said with a harsh look at Katsuki, “Is that we should at least tell them we’re being trained by someone who works for a pro hero. And maybe that you believe Katsuki has a latent quirk, it’ll be less of a shock then when you hand it over.” 

 

Yagi thought about it for a moment, it would definitely be easier if their parents had some idea of what was going on. He can’t imagine it was easy to convince them to let them leave the house at 5AM every day.

 

Yagi nodded in agreement, “All right, we can cut training short after your school finishes today to visit your home.”

 

---

Yagi could honestly say he had no idea what to expect from the boy's parents as he followed them up their driveway. All he really knew was that they were a wealthy family and that Midoriya's mother may have had an affair with the most powerful supervillain of all time. Not exactly the sort of light conversion one brought up over a cup of tea.

 

The house itself was fairly impressive, Yagi already knew it was a wealthy area when he came here yesterday. But actually walking up to the house he saw why his diet plan wasn’t a concern for the boys. The house was rather large, which of course made sense when there were three adults and two teenage boys living there. Three stories high Yagi suspected his apartment could fit within its walls five times.

 

They walked up the path to the front door that split the garden in two and Yagi found himself slightly nervous. He hoped the boy’s parents didn’t react badly to him or his training plan. He decided the best method was to go with his usual cover story, that he worked as an assistant at All Might's agency. It would help explain why he had access to such lavish resources.

 

He was shaken from his thoughts as he entered the house and Katsuki called out, “Auntie we’re home!”

 

“Mom works from home when she’s not in court.” Izuku explained as he neatly packed his stuff away by the door and they walked further into the house.

 

“Oh! Hello boys, I was wondering when- Oh! Who’s this?” A small woman had turned around from the stove as the three had entered the kitchen.

 

It was obvious this was Izuku’s mother, their green hair matched perfectly. It was clear she had just been working out, she was wearing tight fitting gym clothes and had her hair tied up in a bun. Despite being a single mother it was obvious she worked to maintain a figure and Yagi found himself staring slightly.

 

“A-apologies, my name is Toshinori Yagi” He said and gave a low bow.

 

“A pleasure to meet you, I’m Inko Midoriya, Izuku’s mother.” Inko supplied with a warm smile that made Yagi’s mouth dry, ‘pull it together you old fool!’

 

“I apologise for the intrusion Ms Midoriya, we would have called ahead but this was a last minute decision.” Yagi explained.

 

Inko’s eyes widened in fear as something seemed to come over her, “You’re… you’re not with the police are you!? Is this about Izuku!? Did Katsuki start a fight!?” Inko stepped protectively in front of the surprised boys who had been scouring the fridge for snacks. 

 

Yagi had to bite back to remind them they were no longer allowed candy, he supposed it was the first day.

 

“I assure you it’s nothing untoward, I actually work for The All Might agency.” Yagi said with a chuckle.

 

Inko’s jaw dropped, “All Might!?”

 

“There’s a lot to discuss, perhaps we should wait until Young Bakugou’s parents are also present?” Yagi suggested.

 

“They just pulled up,” Izuku said as he and Katsuki fought over a bar of chocolate, it appeared it was down to a thumb war, “I can sense their energy.”

 

Inko gave Izuku a surprised look, he never casually spoke about his quirk to strangers.

 

To prove Izuku’s point the sound of the front door being slammed open filled the room causing Yagi to jump slightly.

 

“Inko we’re home! Are Brat Version One and Brat Version Two home yet?”

 

“We’re all in the kitchen Auntie!” Izuku called out, it appeared he had won the thumb war as he sat digging into the chocolate while Katsuki moped in the chair next to him.

 

“Man, what a day, I could really do with- who the fuck is this!?”

 

Yagi sweat dropped as the Bakugou mother entered the kitchen, suddenly his successor's behaviour made a lot more sense. Like Inko and Izuku, Katsuki and his mother had near identical hair, she had her hand on her hip and was giving Yagi a scowl that he had seen many a time on Katsuki’s face. Yagi guessed the timid looking man behind her was Katsuki’s father.

 

“Oi Hag, he’s our guest!” Katsuki shouted.

 

His mother just scoffed, “Shut up Brat One, he’s in my house, I’ll ask the questions.”

 

“This is Toshinori Yagi, he works for The All Might agency.” Inko supplied and sent a reassuring smile to Yagi who couldn’t help but smile back.

 

“All Might Agency huh?” The elder Bakugou said and shot a smirk at Izuku, “Hey Brat Two, you didn’t steal the number one hero's quirk did you?”

 

Izuku spluttered in shock, nearly choking on his chocolate, “Auntie! I- of course not!” In his panic he dropped the rest of the bar which was quickly swiped by Katsuki with a smug look.

 

“I’m kidding, you Midoriya’s with your nerves. Names, Mitsuki Bakugou, the moron behind me is the man I tricked into marrying me, Masaru.” Mitsuki said and pointed a thumb at her husband who gave Yagi an apologetic look and a slight wave.

 

“A pleasure, I can assure you however they boys are not in any sort of trouble, in fact quite the opposite. Perhaps we should discuss this in a more comfortable setting?” Yagi suggested.

 

“I’ll make tea!” Inko said and clapped her hands together.

 

Soon Yagi found himself sitting in the living room in a comfortable chair, steaming cup of tea in his hands, facing the entire family. Izuku and Katsuki were sitting together on a sofa nervously looking at the four adults in the room. Mitsuki and Masaru shared the other sofa in the room while Inko had plopped herself on the armrest of said sofa. It didn’t go amiss to Yagi that it was set up very much like an interrogation.

 

“So, Mr Yagi, what does All Might have to do with our boys?” Inko asked, her gaze kept flickering to Izuku in concern.

 

Yagi cleared his throat, “I’m sure you’re aware of The Sludge Villain incident earlier in the week.”

 

All three adults nodded as their eyes briefly snapped to Izuku and Katsuki who were pointedly not looking at anyone.

 

“Well, truth be told, All Might felt guilty about the whole event. Your sons were put in danger by his delay and he wanted to apologise.”

 

“Damn straight! If he were here I’d give him a piece of my mind!” Mitsuki claimed with a slight frown, Izuku, Katsuki and Yagi all exchanged a look at her comment.

 

“Yes well…” Yagi stumbled a bit, not used to dealing with someone so… abrasive, “As you know I work for The All Might agency, nothing fancy, just as an assistant. All Might asked the police for your address and asked me to check in on the boys. Upon meeting the two of them we started to chat and I learned of their goals to be heroes and go to UA.”

 

Yagi did not miss the looks that crossed the faces of the adults if only for a second. He sighed internally, he couldn’t blame them but he couldn’t imagine how much that would hurt Katsuki and Izuku if they ever caught it.

 

“Upon discussing this with All Might we both saw the potential in the boys and were eager to offer to train them together. Well, mainly me with a little input from All Might. That’s where they were today, meeting with me to discuss their regimes.”

 

“You… you really think they could be heroes?” Inko asked, her voice wavering slightly at the end, Mitsuki and Masaru were also looking intently at Yagi.

 

Yagi gave a firm nod, “Absolutely, with the right training we believe they are shoe ins for UA.”

 

Inko gave a happy sob though Mitsuki seemed torn at this, Masaru looked thoughtful as he spoke, “You mentioned a training regime.”

 

Yagi nodded, “Boys?”

 

In perfect sync Katsuki and Izuku pulled out their dream plan packets and handed it to their parents. Masaru took both packets and opened them up, flipping through the pages. Inko and Mitsuki leaned in, both reading over his shoulder.

 

“These-these look intense.” Inko said with a frown as she prepared Izuku’s workout regime for week eight.

 

“I assure you they are safe, they were created by experts with specific goals in mind while taking into account the boys' ages and body types. So long as they follow these to the letter there will be no negative effects.” 

 

Mitsuki scowled as her eyes flicked over the two packets, “Why is Brat One’s regime more intense than Brat Twos’?”

 

Yagi chuckled slightly, then instantly regretted it when Mitsuki gave him a look that indicated one wrong move and he’d be dead.

 

“Oh… um.. Well..” Yagi cleared his throat to regain control of his voice, “First of all they are as intense as each other, it’s just that Young Bakugou’s concentrates more on muscle mass while Young Midoriya’s is more about overall athleticism. There is, however, a very good reason for this and the main reason I came here today.”

 

All three adults gave Yagi a confused look, “Once Bakugou told me he was quirkless we did some tests at the agency. As it turns out this is an incorrect diagnosis,” three jaws immediately dropped to the floor in shock, “It seems Young Bakugou has a dormant argumentation quirk. It seems to be incredibly strong, so much so that his body is not currently able to hold the power and so had automatically shut the quirk down so to speak. This plan should get his body ready for the quirk in roughly eight months.”

 

Mitsuki paused before a wide smile spread across her face, “HAH! I knew my brat was special, a quirk so strong he needs to train to be able to even use it!”

 

Masaru however had a grim look on his face, “A strength quirk? From ours?” he said as his eyes looked at Inko who had gone incredibly pale.

 

The realisation hit Yagi at a hundred miles an hour. He had just informed the Bakugou's that their son had a strength quirk. A quirk completely different from either of his known parents' quirks. Just like they had found when Izuku gained his quirk.

 

Fuck.

 

Yagi desperately had to save the situation before he tore his successor's family apart, “It’s not completely unheard of, tell me has there ever been a strength quirk in your family?”

 

Masaru seemed to think it over before his eyes widened, “Ah yes! Of course, my great aunt’s family all had them. To think it lasted all the way to Katsuki.”

 

Yagi let out a breath of relief, he was starting to think he needed to stop speaking all the time before he really did ruin someone’s life.

 

“Mr Yagi,” The small voice of Inko caught his attention and he turned to look at her, her face etched on worry, “I’m not sure how much Izuku has told of his quirk but there are… drawbacks.”

 

“He knows about my hunger Mom.” Izuku said, looking firmly in his lap.

 

Yagi nodded, “Izuku has given me the full details of his quirk. I assure you I meant what I said earlier, your son has the potential to be a great hero Ms Midoriya.”

 

Inko smiled, “Please call me Inko, Ms Midoriya was my mother. I’m sorry to worry it’s just… I’ve never seen another quirk like Izuku’s and I don’t want my baby to get hurt.”

 

“Please then Inko, call me Toshi. I promise you myself and All Might are working hard to make sure that by the time the UA entrance exams come around in ten months Young Midoriya will have firm control of his quirk, including being able to be near powerful quirks without giving into his hunger.” Yagi said as he stood up and bowed low.

 

Inko smiled, “Thank you Toshi, All Might is lucky to have you.

 

Yagi sputtered while Mitsuki watched the display, a smug grin slowly making its way to her face, “Well, I’m convinced. I’m not sure it would make a difference even if I said no. So you hear that Brat One, you better be the best hero I know you can be!”

 

Katsuki actually gave his mother a small smile at her words, “Thanks Hag.”

 

“I agree as well.” Masaru said with a smile at his son.

 

Inko looked away briefly as Yagi turned his attention to her, biting her lip, “I don’t see an issue with it so long as Izuku…”

 

Izuku nodded at the silent question, “I want to Mom, I want to use my quirk for good and prove it’s not just for evil.”

 

Inko looked at her son for a moment before nodding and turning back to Yagi, “Then you have my permission, we will help in any way we can.”

 

Yagi smiled, “I shall look after them both with all I have. Now I’m afraid I must be on my way.”

 

Mitsuki latched onto the opportunity, “Hey Inko why don’t you show Toshi out. Just make sure it is to the front door and not your bedroom.”

 

Both Inko and Yagi spluttered as Masaru rolled his eyes and his wife cackled.

 

“C-come on Toshi, I’ll show you the door.” Inko said as she and Yagi fled the room both with coloured cheeks while Mitsuki cackled harder.

 

Izuku frowned at the display and narrowed his eyes, “Did that seem weird to you Kacchan?”

 

Katsuki just grunted in response.

Chapter 4: The Quirk of a Villain

Summary:

While their physical training is going well All Might has concerns about dealing with Izuku's quirk

A month later and Yagi had to admit he was quietly impressed with his successors and Izuku’s progress. They had cleared a decent chunk of the beach working together, far quicker than Yagi was expecting. He was going to have to change their plans towards the end of their schedule, they would run out of trash to clear at the beach before they finished. 

 

Katsuki had dived into the training with more aggression than Yagi had been expecting. And he had been expecting a lot of aggression. The boy made sure to let out a curse word every time they got another piece of trash into Yagi’s truck. Even in the exercises where Yagi supervised them he cursed like a madman, pushing himself as hard as his body would allow him.

 

That wasn’t to say Izuku hadn’t done the same, the boy had a silent determination about him that matched Katsuki’s intensity. For as much as Katsuki shouted and made a scene when he was pushing himself you could always find Izuku right next to him. No, it wasn’t Izuku’s training regime or his dedication that was the issue. It was his quirk training.

 

Three weeks in and Yagi had come up with a way of working on Izuku’s ‘hunger’ problem. It had been one of the times the boys training had them doing different things, Izuku and Yagi had left Katsuki completing a series of press ups and crunches on the beach while Yagi followed Izuku on a run.

 

They were about halfway through it when Yagi stopped for a quick water break. As Izuku had been downing the bottle Yagi had, without warning, changed into his All Might form for the first time since they had been on the rooftop when they met.

 

It had been a disaster.

 

The odd thing was that it wasn’t because Izuku had given in. At first Yagi had panicked when he saw Izuku’s reaction. The boy had frozen solid, water falling down his front as he crunched the plastic bottle in his fist. Then he had started to shake, his head turning slowly to look at Yagi and man, if that hadn’t been terrifying. It was something straight out of a horror film, the pale face and dilated dead eyes looking into Yagi’s very soul. At that point Izuku had taken a step forward and Yagi had been about to deflate, preparing for the tugging on his quirk, when Izuku’s eyes had regained their normal spark and the boy had fallen back.

 

Yagi had gone to praise him only to find him sobbing, begging Yagi to stay at least ten metres away (he later realised this was the effective range of the boy's quirk). Izuku had been a mess, constantly shaking and terrified to even move. Yagi had eventually retrieved Katsuki using his All Might form who was able to calm the boy down to the point that he was willing to move again. 

 

But ever since then Izuku had been avoiding Yagi, despite the man apologising and assuring him that he wouldn't try that again without permission. Izuku had of course said that it wasn’t Yagi’s fault but Yagi could tell the boy still feared his hunger. Every time he got too close Izuku would take a few steps back, making sure to keep a good distance between them.

 

Yagi sighed as he watched Izuku haul an oven unit into his truck, Izuku gave him a wave but ran back to the beach before Yagi could respond. Katsuki was, to an extent, easy. Yagi knew how to train the boy for his quirk and how to prepare him. He also knew what it was like to be quirkless and while they were different he understood the boy's goals to become a hero.

 

Izuku was different, Yagi could appreciate his struggles but he didn’t understand them, not really. When Yagi had gotten his quirk just before UA he had received nothing but praise for his powerful and flashy superpower. No one had ever put the label of villain anywhere near him yet for Izuku it was the first thing anyone ever assumed.

 

Then there was the quirk itself, Yagi just didn’t know how to handle it. How did you train All For One a stealing quirk? Yagi was sure even if he pulled up volunteers Izuku would be too nervous and afraid to steal their quirks. Then there was the hunger, Yagi appreciated it was hard but the truth was they needed to work on it, one month and they’d only had one disaster for their efforts. Try as he might Yagi couldn’t figure out how to get through the barrier of Izuku seeing his quirk as dangerous and villainous.

 

In the back of his mind Yagi wondered if this is how he started, if society had been cruel to him and pushed him into the life he led. He shook his head of those thoughts, Izuku was not All For One, even it seemed like he really did have the quirk.

 

Loath as he was to admit it, Yagi couldn't help Izuku with this problem. But maybe he knew someone who could.

 

 

---

Aizawa sighed as he approached Nedzu’s office, a yawn escaping from him as he threw his latest juice pouch into the trash. Sometimes he really hated the rat- bear- whatever he was. Aizawa got one free period a day and today he apparently had to spend it in a meeting with his boss. 

 

Someone better have died.

 

Aizawa didn’t bother to knock as he arrived at the office, he knew Nedzu would have seen him coming anyway and just swung the door open, admittedly a little harder than he needed to.

 

“What?” He asked in a tired voice.

“Ah! Hello Aizawa!” Nedzu said in his usual cheery tone.

 

Aizawa had expected this, Nedzu always seemed overly enthusiastic. What he hadn't expected however was to see The Number One Hero sitting in one of the chairs facing Nedzu’s desk, his muscular form looking far too large for the seat.

 

All Might gave Aizawa one of his signature smiles that was much too large for Aizawa to be perfectly comfortable with.

 

“Eraserhead! It’s a pleasure to formally meet you, we’ve neve had the pleasure of working together!” All Might said and held out a hand.

 

Aizawa raised an eyebrow, he had of course been informed just a couple of weeks ago by Nedzu that All Might would be taking a teaching position, but he hadn’t expected to meet the man so soon.

 

“Yes,” Aizawa said slowly, “We’ve never had such a ‘pleasure’.”

 

All Might winced at Aizawa’s words, it was no secret he was not loved completely by the underground community. His method of fighting was the literal opposite to how they operated.

 

A polite cough from Aizawa’s left reminded him that he was still technically a teacher and that his boss was sat right there. Sighing he reached out and shook All Mights hand, “I’m interested to see what you can bring to the Hero Foundation course.”

 

Nedzu glared at Aizawa briefly for the underhanded compliment but All Might didn’t seem to pick up on it and vigorously shook Aizawa’s hand. Taking a seat next to the hero, Aizawa turned to Nedzu.

 

“I assume this is about school business?”

 

“Actually no, we don’t need to worry about that for another few months yet.” Nedzu explained as he poured himself a cup of tea.

 

“Yes,” All Might said a little awkwardly which surprised Aizawa, it was a bit of a change from the loudmouth hero seen in the media, “This is actually regarding a personal matter…”

 

Aizawa’s eyebrows rose in surprise, “What issue could you possibly have that you need an overworked teacher and underground hero?”

 

All Might chuckled, “You’d be surprised. You see, I’m currently mentoring this young man, two of them in fact. If all goes according to plan you’ll see them here at UA next year.”

 

The surprises kept coming it seemed, in all his years active All Might had never taken an intern or work study, his agency was notorious for running on a skeleton crew and considering he had been a top ten hero for at least three decades he had only ever had one sidekick. And now all of a sudden he was mentoring two teenage boys to enter UA? Aizawa’s thoughts started to wonder if All Might had been married in secret.

 

“They’re not my secret children.” All Might said as if reading Aizawa’s mind.

 

At the teacher's raised eyebrow All Might indicated to Nedzu, “I asked the same thing,” The rat supplied.

 

“Right,” Aizawa nodded, “So, these two kids, what’s the issue?”

 

“It’s actually only one of them I need your help with, Midoriya is his name. He’s a good kid, heart of gold. He wants to be a hero not just to save people to change people’s perception of quirks.”

 

“A noble goal but unless he has a quirk on par with yours it’ll be difficult to make any headway.” Aizawa said, it was blunt but it was the truth.

 

Instead of expecting All Might to be disappointed or snap back, the hero just laughed, “Funny you should say that… It’s actually his quirk that is the issue. Midoriya has dived into the physical aspect of our training with more dedication than I could have ever imagined. But his quirk training on the other hand… We’ve had one disastrous incident in an attempt to deal with the main drawback of his quirk and I’m not even sure how to go about the main training of it.”

 

If Aizawa had been intrigued before he was now fully involved, who the hell was this kid?

 

“Exactly how complex is this kids quirk situation?”

 

It was Nedzu who answered, “As of two weeks ago, Izuku Midoriya’s quirk, at the request of All Might, was classified and removed from all official documents. His quirk counsellor and current teachers all agreed to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Though we can do nothing about his classmates who are all aware of the basics of his quirk, any other information on it is now classified under the HPSC, Level 0.”

 

If Mic was playing a prank on him Aizawa was going to be so fucking pissed. Level 0 was the highest level of classification for any hero information; only the top members of the HPSC, government ministers and the number one hero could access that level. Even Endeavour would be rejected. It contained information such as a complete record of Tartarus security, the identity of every double agent working in villain organisations and-

 

“You have the only other quirk I know of classified at that level.” Aizawa said to All Might, “Just what the hell is this kid's quirk that it needs to be one of only two quirks classified under such high security.”

 

All Might gave him a small smile, “One of three actually, Katsuki Bakugou, the other child I mentioned who I’m mentoring. His quirk is also classified under that level.”

 

“Fuck off.”

 

All Might actually let out a booming laugh at Aizawa’s words, “I understand this is a lot to take in but actually, the favour I’m asking of you is far more simple than that.”

 

“Go on.”

 

All Might actually sagged as he continued, “Midoriyas quirk is powerful and dangerous not to mention it isn't  just some simple elemental or physical quirk. I admit, even I was afraid of it at first. So you can imagine how most people react.”

 

“They think he’s a villain in the waiting,” Aizawa said, realisation coming over him, “And you want to help him but the truth is you never experienced quirk discrimination and don’t how to handle it.”

 

“Bingo.” All Might said looking defeated, perhaps Aizawa had misjudged his character, it was obvious he cared about these boys.

 

Aizawa sighed, “Look, I’m happy to talk to the kid but I don’t know much help I can be if I don’t even know what his quirk is.”

 

All Might hesitated and looked at Nedzu who nodded his head slightly, “I told you this morning Yagi, you can trust Aizawa with these secrets.”

 

All Might and stood up from his chair, “Well then, it’s probably easier to start from the beginning,” he said as the office filled with steam.

 

 

---

Izuku panted as he made it to one of the markers in the sand, he didn't even pause before turning on his heel and running in the opposite direction to the other marker on the beach. It was one of the days when Yagi was able to join them for their training. As such Izuku and Katsuki were split up. Katsuki was currently a little further down the beach, doing pushups while Yagi sat on his back reading today's paper. Izuku meanwhile was running between two markers in the sand, his phone to the side beeping at intervals with each interval being quicker than the last. His goal was to make sure he got to the other marker before the beep.

 

Running in sand made the task even more difficult and Izuku’s lungs and legs were screaming at him by the time he made it to the marker just before the final beep of that stage. Collapsing on his back in the sand Izuku panted hard and closed his eyes, he didn't need to check his pack to know he now had a ten minute break. He and Katsuki knew their breaks right up until the end of the ten months, it was the only way they were staying sane.

 

As he lay there recovering Izuku became vaguely aware of someone's energy approaching him as he felt a slight pang of hunger in his head. 

 

“You really need to lay down after that display?” Came the low bored tone of the intruder

 

Izuku frowned and opened his eyes to find himself staring at… a hobo? The man was wearing dark shaggy clothes to match his black matted hair. He had heavy eye bags that made it look like he hadn’t slept since the day he was born and half his face was covered by a grey scarf. Something in the back of Izuku’s mind told him he should recognize this stranger.

 

Izuku stood up and brushed the sand off his clothes, “I have been going at it for four hours now.”

 

“Is that all?” Came the drawled out reply of the man.

 

Izuku gave the man an incredulous look, “Excuse me but uh, who are you?”

 

“I’m a colleague of All Might.” The stranger replied.

 

Izuku felt the excitement start to bubble in his chest, “You’re a pro hero!?”

 

“No, we're in the same barbershop quartet.” The stranger deadpanned back.

 

Izuku’s face fell, “That wasn’t very funny.”

 

“Agree to disagree. Sit with me.” The stranger said and summoned him over the stairs down to the beach in a way that indicated it wasn’t a question.

 

Izuku dragged himself over and sat next to the stranger, internally mumbling about how this was easting into his precious break time. Over on the other side of the beach Katsuki had started to hit his limit and had resorted to his usual method of pushing through the pain.

 

“247, fuck!”

 

“248, shit!”

 

“249, BASTARD!”

 

The stranger snorted at the display, “That’s some kid. He’s the one that’s going be taking One For All?”

 

Izuku froze as he heard those words, the stranger must have noticed however as let out a soft chuckle, “Relax kid, I’m in the big secret club of secrets, All Might himself told me.”

 

Izuku relaxed, the tension leaving his shoulders as he smiled looking at Kacchan, “Kacchan can be a little aggressive but he’s going to be a great hero one day.”

 

The stranger turned to him, looking Izuku up and down with a gaze that made the teenager a little uncomfortable, “And you won’t be?” 

 

Izuku sighed and turned away from the stranger, “I want to be but… my quirk… it’s…”

 

“A villain's quirk?” The stranger finished for him.

 

Izuku sagged, “Yeah, something like that.”

 

“What a coincidence, same here.”

 

Izuku’s head whipped round so fast the stranger was concerned the boy might have gotten whiplash. For the first time Izuku actually took a good look at the strangers energy and realised just how unusual it was. It was concentrated in his eyes, trails of it spreading out from there all over his body. Outside of that it seemed to contradict itself, it was bright yet dark at the same time, it was thick yet thin and Izuku couldn’t place its colour. Somehow Izuku seemed to know that this stranger's quirk was both weak at first glance yet in reality incredibly powerful and was focused on his eyes.

 

The puzzle pieces came together in Izuku’s mind, the scarf, the eyes and the unusual quirk.

 

Izuku gasped, “You’re Erasurehead, the hero who can erase quirks!”

 

Erasure actually smiled, “Not bad kid, I’m almost impressed, call me Aizawa.”

 

Izuku tilted his head in thought, “I don’t understand, how could your quirk be considered villainous?”

 

Aizawa rolled his eyes at the question, “Think about it kid, I deactivate people’s quirks. People like their quirks, they don’t like not being able to feel them.”

 

Huh, now that Izuku actually thought about it he supposed that wasn’t too different to his own issues. People feared both their quirks because it took away their own quirks. Albeit Izuku’s method was a little more permanent.

 

“When I was kid I could hardly control Erasure, it used to randomly activate and deactivate the quirks of anyone I was looking at. Every time it did I was kicked from foster home to foster home. Eventually it happened one too many times and I got a black mark on my record. Had it not been for some old hero on the brink of retirement finding me and seeing how useful my quirk could be I may have very well become a villain.”

 

Izuku took Aizawa's words and pondered them, “But… things changed when you got into UA right?”

 

Aizawa seemed to stare at Izuku for an eternity before answering, “To an extent. A lot of people saw the value in my quirk, a lot of my classmates didn’t care what my quirk was. I had better control of it by then too, it helped that it didn’t randomly activate all the time. Eventually I had friends who encouraged me to use my quirk on them to help them train, the first time they asked I nearly fainted in shock.”

 

Izuku scoffed before turning to Aizawa, “I feel like there’s a but.”

 

Aizawa nodded, “I won’t sugar coat it kid, not everyone was as accepting of my quirk. Even at UA people still thought it was villainous and that I couldn’t be trusted. Too ingrained in their idea that heros had naturally flashy and ‘traditional’ quirks. Even now, there are still heroes who refuse to work with me.”

 

Izuku could feel the pit in his stomach grow, Erasurehead was a well respected underground hero and even he still dealt with this sort of quirk discrimination. And his quirk only temporarily deactivated someone else's. Izuku’s quirk had a far more permanent effect.

 

“Not what you wanted to hear?” Aizawa asked, interrupting his thoughts.

 

“No, not really.” Izuku admitted.

 

“Does it matter?”

 

Izuku’s brow furrowed and he turned to Aizawa, “What do you mean?”

 

“Tell me kid, do you want to be a hero to become popular?”

 

Izuku had to laugh at that, “One of the drawbacks of my quirk is that I gain a kind of hunger for other quirks. I despise crowds.”

 

Aizawa smirked, “A kindred spirit. In which case kid, who gives a shit what people think of your quirk?”

 

“Uhh the Hero Commission?”

 

“The hero commission doesn’t care about charts or media, if you get the job done they’ll give you missions and patrols. You think I could be the number one underground hero if the Hero Commission cared how people viewed my quirk? In the field only two things matter, keeping people safe and stopping the villain. You need to grab some civilians' quirk to get them safety? Who cares if they rant and rave at you afterwards because no matter what they say you still saved them, they get to go home to their family because of your actions. That’s what being a hero is about, not what people think of your quirk.”

 

Miruko had suddenly been knocked down from Izuku’s second favourite hero to his third as Erasurehead shot up the charts. In fact the underground hero was even challenging All Might for the top spot at this rate.

 

“I guess… I guess you're right.” 

 

“Mhmm, there’s no guessing about it… steal my quirk.”

 

Aizawa sentence nearly caused Izuku to fall down the stone stairs to the beach, he looked at the hero with wide eyes, “Are you… are you…?”

 

“Yes, now come on kid, I’m holding down two jobs here, time is precious.”

 

Izuku nodded and reached out for Aizawa’s energy, latching onto it Izuku pulled. It put up a bit of resistance and was more difficult to take than Death Arms quirk, but after a bit of tugging Izuku watched as the energy flowed from Aizawa into himself. Aizawa’s slight twitching of his eyes was the only indication he had felt anything when his quirk left him.

 

“That felt… odd. Forty three seconds.” Aizawa said, looking down at his watch.

 

“What?” Izuku asked in confusion, half distracted watching Aizawa’s quick energy morph over his body.

 

“It took you forty three seconds to steal my quirk. I’m guessing you don’t have anything to compare that to?”

 

Izuku looked sheepish, “Ahhh no, I’ve only stolen a handful of quirks in my life. I don’t remember how long it took to take Death Arms quirk and my Mom, Aunt and Uncle are all pretty much instant but they’re not pro heroes.”

 

Aizawa nodded, “We’ll table that number for now then. Think you can use my quirk?”

 

Izuku frowned and concentrated on Aizawa’s energy flowing through his body. It was more difficult compared to using Death Arms’ quirk, he didn’t have to actively do anything there, he just let the energy flow through him. But with Erasure he had to figure out how to actually turn it on and control it. Focusing on the energy in his body Izuku tried to feel how it moved, how it seemed to gather tendrils from within his body and lead them to his eyes. Feeling these tendrils he  tried to follow the flow of energy, feeling it moving upwards. He imagined reaching out and grabbing onto that energy, forcing out through his eyes. As he did the energy responded to him and he felt it pour through his eye sockets, at the same time he felt a tingle on his head as his hair stood on all ends.

 

Turning to Aizawa he could see the man was giving him a rather deranged smile, “Damn, that is kinda creepy. I get why it shuts Mic up now.”

 

Izuku let go of the energy, stopping it from leaving his eyes again and felt his hair fall back down as Aizawa checked his watch again.

 

“Four minutes thirty two seconds. I suppose it’s better than ten years, but still not great.”

 

Izuku allowed the energy to flow back into Aizawa as he questioned the man, “What do you mean?”

 

“That’s how long it took for you to activate my quirk. Overall it took more than five minutes for you to steal and activate my quirk. In a real life hero scenario that’s a massive amount of time.” It came off almost as a scolding and made Izuku wince slightly.

 

“You’re saying I need to improve my quirk.”

 

“I am, your commitment to being a hero is admirable. But it’s all for naught if you won’t actively train your quirk. The students that get into UA have normally spent years getting to grips with their quirks, you and for that matter your friend, are about ten years behind. You said you’ve taken your families' quirks?”

 

Izuku nodded, “Only in their sleep though, in the middle of the night.”

 

“That's good but I want you to start actively taking their quirks with them knowing about it. And not just taking them but using them, get used to trying to use quirks on the fly. If you do get into UA you’ll likely be in my class. I do an assessment at the start of every year to… see if people have the potential to be heroes. I’m giving you an extra test on top of everyone else, I want you to get that time down to under two minutes, prove to me you can go plus ultra.” Aizawa said, standing up as he finished.

 

Izuku stood too, clenching his fists and giving Aizawa a hard look, “I promise Sensei, I’ll get in and I’ll get my time down. I’ll prove to you and everyone else that I can use my quirk for good.”

 

Aizawa gave him a wicked smile, “Damn right kid. Oh, and make sure you get that hunger aspect under control. It would look pretty bad on your permanent record if you went insane and started stealing everyone’s quirks on your first day. Good luck kid, I’m rooting for you, don’t let the bastards get you down.”

 

Izuku could only smile, tears in his eyes as Aizawa walked off. He wasn’t alone; there were other people out there who truly understood him. It also made him realise something, there were plenty of heroes like Aizawa, who were looked down upon or forced underground because of their quirks. In that moment Izuku made a decision, he wouldn’t just be a hero, he would be a top hero. A limelight hero who would prove to everyone quirk discrimination was bullshit and would be a symbol for not just kids with villainous quirks but heroes too. Showing them all that they were not alone.

 

With a newfound determination Izuku turned on his heels and started to march down the beach towards Katsuki and Yagi who had finished their workout and were on a break. Katsuki caught sight of him first and raised an eyebrow at how Izuku was marching towards them as if he was about to take down the greatest villain of all time. Yagi too seemed surprised as he rose from his seat to greet the boy.

 

“Yagi Sensei!” Izuku called out in a voice that made both Katsuki and Yagi raise their eyebrows in surprise.

 

“Please change into your muscle form, I want to train against my hunger.” Izuku all but demanded of the number one hero, causing Yagi to give him a wide smile and Katsuki to smirk.

 

God have mercy on the next kid to call Izuku’s quirk villainous.

Chapter 5: A Pair of Lunatics

Summary:

It's finally time for All Might to pass on One For All to Katsuki, surprisingly, it doesn't go to plan

Notes:

Hi all, first of all, thanks for all the Kudos and comments, really thrilled people are enjoying this. Second of all, I just have a few notes/points I want to make you all aware of:

1) Apologies for misspelling Eraserhead in the previous chapter, autocorrect updated and I didn't think to check. I've made sure it's correct from now on and will go back and edit the last chapter when I get a chance.

2) I've added Mina into the plolycule and edited the tags, so Izuku's romantic relationship will be Izuku/Kyouka/Eijiro/Mina. Apologies if you're not a fan, I'll be honest I'm a sucker for poly relationships but having said that the romantic relationships in this fic will be fairly background with the focus being on Izuku and Katsuki and their brotherly relationship

3) I'm going to be taking some liberties with how canon OFA works with Katsuki, nothing too dramatic like giving him laser vision but I didn't want him to feel like Izuku 2.0 in this fic so made a few tweaks to try give him is own style of using OFA outside of All Might and canon Izuku

4) For those wondering Izuku will use AFO to take and keep quirks and gain his own stockpile, but it will be a slow build up of his stockpile. As much as Izuku will be powerful in this fic I didn't want him completely OP and to walk into UA with 100 quirks and backhand everyone

That's all of it, hope nobody hates these points too much and I'm sorry if the change turns you off the fic. But if you're willing to stay I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Seven months. That’s how long it took for Katsuki and Izuku to clear the beach of trash. Yagi had thought he was pushing them to complete it in eight, but once again he had underestimated the pair. Together they had pushed each other to their limits and further. When Katsuki had started to stop eating their lunches due to the mocking at school Izuku had practically force fed him. And when Izuku had slowed in his weight lifting caused by the uncomfortable feeling he had towards his damaged hand Katsuki had all but zip tied the dumbells to Izuku.

 

Not only did the pair push each other they also watched each other like hawks and made sure they didn’t push past what would be safe. Yagi had discovered that Katsuki had found Izuku was staying up into the early hours training and had spent two solid weeks sleeping on the boy's floor to make sure he went to sleep at a reasonable time. Meanwhile Izuku had found that Katsuki worked through their allocated break times when he thought no one was watching, since that day Izuku made sure the blonde was always within his line of sight when training.

 

It was strange, Yagi had often mused, the two didn’t seem to care about their own wellbeing and both had crippling self confidence issues. Despite his persona it was obvious Katsuki saw himself as weak and useless, his loudmouth and aggression stemmed from a belief it was the only way anyone would notice a quirkless boy like himself. Meanwhile, since his talk with Aizawa Izuku was more comfortable with his quirk, at least around his family, his hunger was still an issue but he hadn’t lunged at All Might in weeks. Despite that however Yagi could tell the boy still saw himself as a villain and was just waiting for The Number One Hero to turn around and arrest him.

 

 Yet despite their own issues the boys were undoubtedly the greatest supporters of each other. Izuku had nothing but praise for Katsuki, always impressed by what the boy could achieve. While Katsuki himself always went on about how heroic Izuku was and that he would even surpass All Might in the book of legends. They were fiercely loyal to each other and dangerously effective at teamwork. Yagi prayed every night that if they did get into UA their final exam wouldn’t be against him, he wanted to live for at least another few years. There was also something else about the pair.

 

They were absolute fucking lunatics.

 

On their fifth week Yagi had to stop the pair from attempting to topple the tall piles of trash over live dominoes for a better spread across the beach. In their sixth week Yagi had fallen asleep during their training due to a tough villain fight the night before and hadn't been able to take the truck to the landfill once full as normal. Not wanting to wake the hero, the boys had decided to hot wire the truck and drive it themselves, luckily the yelp from Izuku when he electrocuted himself woke Yagi up. The incident on the twelfth week hadn’t even been during training. Yagi had been patrolling as All Might and saw a fight in the distance. As he jumped over the rooftops he noticed the pair on top of a building overlooking the fight. Obviously their angle to watch it had not been good enough for them as Katsuki had literally been dangling Izuku over the ranglings on top of a twenty story building. Even after giving them both a stern talking to and asking what the hell they were doing the pair had both just shrugged and claimed it was research.

 

At this rate Yagi was going to have survived All For One just to be killed by a heart attack induced by his own successor and the son of his greatest enemy. No wonder Inko had moved in with the Bakugous.

 

Yet despite all the bumps in the road the pair had done it one month ahead of schedule. Yagi only felt pride when he looked down at the two exhausted boys as they hauled the final piece of trash into the back of the truck.

 

---

Izuku grunted as the final fridge was thrown into the pick up truck, Yagi standing off to the side beaming at them. He paused and looked down at his hands, the skin was rough and raw on his left hand. He imagined his right was the same though he still had one of his gloves on. They had done it and a month early to boot.

 

“FUCK YEAH! SCREW YOU, YOU STUPID TRASH, YOU WERE NOTHING COMPARED TO KATSUKI FUCKING BAKUGOU!” 

 

Izuku could only smile at Katsuki’s proud declaration, the blonde panting next to him with two fists held high into the air. Yagi chuckled at the display.

 

“Well done boys, you have once again impressed me.”

 

Katsuki merely gave Yagi a smug grin and crossed his arms, “It was nothing.”

 

Despite his words Izuku could see the genuine joy he got from the praise.

 

“Yes,” Yagi nodded, looking Bakugou over, “I think it’s about time you received my quirk.” 

 

Izuku's eyes widened and Katsuki’s face lost a lot of its colour, with all the training they had been doing together it was easy to forget the main reason for it. So that Katsuki could receive All Might’s quirk. But Izuku had to agree, he was definitely ready for it.

 

Katsuki had always been bigger than Izuku but now it almost looked like Izuku was several years younger than his friend. True to his word, Yagi’s plan for Katsuki had focused on muscle gain and it had paid off. Katsuki now sported broad shoulders and huge arms, his entire wardrobe had needed to be bought again due to going up a size. He had also grown a few inches and now practically towered above Izuku.

 

That’s not to say Izuku had been a slouch, he too had gone through some major changes. While had not gained as much muscle as Katsuki there was a notable increase in the size of his chest and arms. Not to mention that he had next to no body fat, every muscle he had could be seen flexing as he worked out and he had smugly gazed (in private) at his new found six pack for hours in the mirror.

 

Katsuki may have been able to knock Izuku out in one punch but Izuku could dodge those punches for hours.

 

Katsuki looked at Yagi with a small amount of awe, “Are… are you sure?” he whispered.

 

Yagi smiled kindly at him, “My boy, I’ve been sure since the day we met.”

 

Katsuki's eyes flickered with an emotion Izuku recognized as self doubt, a rare find on Katsuki around anyone who wasn’t Izuku. Before his friend could start to spiral Izuku nudged him with his shoulder, their eyes met for a brief moment and Izuku nodded, watching as the doubt vanished from Katsuki’s eyes.

 

The blonde turned back to Yagi, “I’m ready All Might, I’m ready to receive One For All.”

 

Yagu gave him a wide smile, “Well then Young Bakugou, it’s time!”

 

Izuku flinched and froze as Yagi became All Might and he felt the wave of hunger slam into him as All Might’s quirk flared up and nearly blocked everything else out from Izuku’s vision. However before the hunger overcame him he pushed back, focusing on his other senses as he forced the hunger back taking a deep breath to regain control of himself. It was a credit to how much he improved that neither All Might nor Katsuki even glanced in his direction, trusting him with the control of his quirk.

 

“So uh… how do I actually gain your quirk?” Katsuki asked, scratching his chin in thought.

 

“It’s quite simple,” All Might said as he reached up to his hair, it was an odd sight for Izuku who could see the energy of the hero's quirk. As All Might reached up to his hair his quirk pulsed as if knowing the man's intention, a chunk of the central bright orb broke off travelling upwards. As it travelled it took the six layers with it, leaving nothing but the pure bright orb left. Pinching a section of his hair, Izuku watched as the energy flowed into All Might's golden locks and eventually into the single strand he pulled out. Said strand glowed with such an intensity Izuku had to shield his eyes.

 

“Eat this!” All Might declared as he held out the hair to Katsuki.

 

“Eh!?” Katsuki cried looking at the hair with disgust, “You want me to do what!?”

 

All Might just smiled brighter, Eat it! To gain my quirk you must ingest my DNA!”

 

Katsuki paled slightly, staring at the hair, Izuku couldn’t help but smirk, “You’re not afraid of a little hair are you Kacchan?”

 

Katsuki sneered, “Shut up Zuzu! Give me the damn hair!”

 

He swiped the hair from All Might and shoved it into his mouth, even making his swallow aggressive. Izuku tilted his head in fascination as the glow from the hair travelled to the centre of Katsuki’s chest where it formed an orb similar to All Might's, except Katsuki’s orb was far smaller yet far brighter than his predecessor. It seemed to pulse with energy for a few moments before exploding and slowly fading.

 

Katsuki looked down at himself with a frown, “Did it work?”

 

Izuku nodded, “It’s… odd. I can’t see any energy but I know it’s there. You’ve always been… blank. But now I can sense something, I just can’t see it.”

 

“Give it time my boy! You need to not only digest my DNA first but allow the quirk to spread within your body!” All Might reassured the blonde as Katsuki flexed his hand a few times, as if he was expecting it to suddenly explode.

 

“Now, we still have three months until the UA Entrance Exams! We can’t stand around all day wasting time! I want at least 100 laps of the beach from Young Bakugou and 150 from you, Young Midoriya!”

 

Both boys jumped and scrambled down to the beach to complete the required laps. It wasn’t for another two hours, both boys nearing exhaustion, that Izuku noticed the change in Katsuki’s energy.

 

At first he had assumed it was Yagi’s quirk, except that the man had long since deflated and the quirk was just as bright as when he was in his muscle form. Katsuki was currently stretching as Izuku observed his new energy, much like All Might’s it was centred in his chest and was incredibly bright, almost blinding. Unlike All Might's however it was not centred around a solid orb instead it looked almost like a constant explosion, similar to videos he had seen of the sun. And instead of the eight layers surrounding and encasing the orb they now shot out in streams that broke free from the explosive orb before disappearing, again Izuku couldn’t help but compare them to solar flares that came off the sun.

 

“Man Zuzu, you can be really creepy sometimes.” Katsuki said and Izuku realised he had been staring, Katsuki was looking at him with a smirk.

 

Izuku just rolled his eyes, “Fine, I won’t tell you about your new quirk energy then.”

 

“WHAT!?” 

 

Izuku had to suppress a chuckle as excitement swarmed over Katsuki, the boy practically jumping into the air at the thought of using a quirk as he rapidly started patting down his body. It was like he expected a button to have grown on him that would activate One For All.

 

Yagi too, was amused by the display, “Calm down Young Bakugou, One For All isn’t a quirk that will cause any obvious changes.”

 

Katsuki stopped patting his body down and frowned, “So how do we test it?”

 

“That’s easy! Try making a punch!” Yagi exclaimed.

 

Katsuki looked confused but shrugged, turning away from Izuku and Yagi who took a few steps back as a precaution. All Might could change the weather with his punches, they didn’t want to be on the receiving end of something like that.

 

Katsuki took a deep breath before adjusting his stance, it was similar to how a boxer stood, and raised his right arm back. He paused briefly before launching his first forward.

 

Nothing happened.

 

Katsuki’s first merely shot out and stopped, no weather change, no shockwave, not even a little bit of disturbance in the sand.

 

Katsuki looked down at his fist confused, “Uhhh?”

 

Izuku couldn’t help it, “Damn Kacchan, that’s some quirk you’ve got there. It’s so powerful it made it look like nothing happened at all.”

 

Katsuki spun round and glared at him, “Shut it Zuzu. Maybe I just need to actually punch the face of an idiot for it to work.”

 

Izuku frowned, “I’m not sure how quickly we can find a mirror Kacchan.”

 

“Ahem, boys,” Yagi said as he sweat dropped, these kids were exhausting.

 

“Young Midoriya is right, using One For All is more than just simply punching. You need to grasp the quirk and wield it like any other part of your body.” Yagi explained.

 

“How do I do that? I’ve never had a quirk before?” Katsuki asked with a huff, clearly less than pleased with the results so far.

 

“It’s simple really,” Yagi said before he puffed into All Might causing Izuku to wince and take a step back from the energy, “You just clench your butt cheeks and yell from the depths of your heart!”

 

Izuku and Katsuki just deadpanned at All Might, “The hell does that mean!?” Katsuki cried with a wave of his arms.

 

All Might looked confused and tilted his head at his successor, “Well my boy it means… uh… well, what it implies is that you have to… well… um…”

 

“Are you seriously trying to tell me I need to use this quirk by essentially holding in a shit?” Katsuki said as he crossed his arms and glared at All Might who spluttered under the suggestion.

 

“Um, All Might, I have some experience in welding new quirks” Izuku suggested, true he had only actively used four quirks in his life (he didn’t include the incident from when they were seven) but it was more quirks that most people had to use.

 

All Might simply nodded, seemingly lost at what to do.

 

Izuku nodded and turned to Katsuki, pointing at his chest, “Your energy is like All Might's but different. All Might had a solid bright orb at his centre surrounded by six different layers,” both boys missed All Might's surprised look at this, “But yours is more volatile, it’s like a never ending explosion with the six layers now contained within. You need to think about how your quirk works, for Eraserhead I had to manipulate his energy and push out of my eyes, Mom’s energy naturally flows outward so to use her quirk I had to reverse the flow of it, for Uncle it’s like his energy is fixed in a certain way and if I change it in the right pattern it will create sparks.”

 

Katsuki seemed to understand as he nodded along with Izuku’s explanation, “So what you’re saying is that my energy is incredibly violent,” Izuku rolled his eyes at that description, “and that I need to direct that violence with my punches?”

 

Izuku shrugged, it was a very Kacchan description but it wasn’t wrong, “Think of it like this, for All Might One For All is a lake he takes from but for you it’s more like a raging river, you can’t take directly from it but you can direct it.”

 

As Izuku finished he felt a large strong hand slap him on the back, almost pushing him over into the sand, “I was just thinking the same thing Young Midoriya, I see you really do have a knack for quirk analysis!”

 

Izuku looked up at All Might with narrowed eyes while the hero looked back at him with a desperation in his eyes that tried to convey a simple message.

 

‘Please let me have this’

 

“Right…” Izuku said with a slight eye roll while Katsuki took his place once more, ready to launch another punch.

 

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, his whole body sagged briefly before he tensed it again.

 

“Ok,” Katsuki said, “Let the explosion out through your punch.”

 

Katsuki lifted right arm back, paused and threw a punch.

 

Several things happened at once.

 

Firstly as his arm shot forward Katsuki’s quirk flared up. And not like a bright light like All Might's did, no this was much more akin to a supernova. The lights were almost blinding to Izuku as he watched what had been a small explosion encompass all of Katsuki’s body, a section of it ripping apart from the main source and travelling up the blonde’s arm.

 

This of course had the effect of causing Izuku’s hunger to charge full steam into his head. But this wasn’t the pleasant relaxing pang he got with All Might, this was like a rampaging horde of rhinos had smashed straight through his skill. Clutching his head Izuku fell to his knees as the hunger became so intense pain sliced through his mind like a hot butter knife. His chest became constricted and heavy and he felt like he couldn’t breath, the world fading around him. Vaguely aware of All Might's panicked cries.

 

The final thing to occur was the actual result of Katsuki using One For All. The pressure from the punch caused the air to expand rapidly with a great boom. The sand in front of him burst like a pipe as the shockwave from the punch travelled down the beach, tearing apart anything in its path. 

 

For a few hours the beach had been a beautiful sight to look at with not a single piece of trash visible. Now it looked like a warzone where a great battle had taken place with massive clashing armies, sand strewn everywhere, the sea a mess with seaweed on the surface and the pier cracked and broken.

 

Then, as quickly as the chaos had started everything calmed down, Katsuki’s quirk returned back to its normal state and the hunger in Izuku was swept away. He let out a shaky breath, finally able to breath again as his thoughts returned, his head still thumping however.

 

Despite what happened Izuku was proud of his friend, he was excited for his new quirk. It had been much more powerful than they had been expecting!

 

“Kacchan that was-!” Izuku cut himself off as he got a look at his friend, Katsuki wasn’t paying attention, focused solely on his right arm.

 

Said arm was completely red and purple, visible tears on the muscles that had torn through his skin. Bent backwards, Izuku could see the bone sticking out. The fingers were mangled and some looked to be hanging on to Katsuki’s hand by a thread.

 

Izuku would have screamed.

 

But Katsuki was not Izuku.

 

“FUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!”

 

Suddenly there was a whoosh of air from next to Izuku as a very panicked All Might landed next to Katsuki and lifted the screaming boy into his arms.

 

“Meet us at UA!” All Might shouted as he bent his legs and shot into the sky.

 

The shockwave from All Might's jump threw Izuku onto his back with the force and as the sand settled back down and Izuku starred up into the sky he could only think of one thing.

 

What the fuck was that?

 

---

Izuku’s breath hitched in his throat as he stared up at the intimidating building that was UA. Four separate towers for each department rose up and penetrated into the sky. The famous UA barrier blocked his view of the grounds as it stood tall against any intruders. It was a Sunday evening and the area around the school was deserted and eerily quiet. Izuku gulped and steeled himself, he could hardly hope to become a great hero if the very school he wanted to attend made him this nervous. 

 

Getting to UA hadn't been too difficult, it was only one train ride and a short walk, however Izuku had gotten some odd looks. He supposed he was wearing shorts and a tank top and his hair was covered in sand. Not to mention the single black glove on his right hand. 

 

He had considered calling Kacchan or Yagi but decided against it, he didn’t know how Kacchan was being treated and he didn’t want to cause anymore stress to Yagi who had clearly been panicked by the result of the punch.

 

But now he was standing outside the gates of UA and he had no idea what to do, he was fairly sure he couldn’t just stroll right in. Did Yagi know he was here, should he text him? Izuku wondered if there was some kind of intercom and stepped forward to the gate. As far as he could see it was solid steel yet he started to run his hands over it looking for any kind of secret doorbell.

 

Secret doorbells were a thing right?

 

“Midoriya.”

 

Izuku swung around from his doorbell investigations to find a man clad in rugged black clothes looking at him with a raised eyebrow from within the UA gates.

 

“Aizawa Sensei!” Izuku greeted with a bow.

 

“I’m not your sensei Midoriya.”

 

Izuku shrugged, “Not yet but I hope one day you will be.”

 

Aizawa observed Izuku with a critical eye before waving him inside, “Come on, All Might sent me to get you.”

 

“Is Kacchan ok?” Izuku asked as he jogged up next to Aizawa.

 

“Kacchan?”

 

“Oh, sorry, I mean Katsuki. It’s uh… a nickname.”

 

Aizawa just gave a non caring shrug at the explanation, “He’s fine. All Might made the right choice in bringing him here, if it wasn’t for Recovery Girl we might not have saved his hand.”

 

Izuku winced, in the rush of seeing UA for the first time he had forgotten the very serious reason he was here.

 

“Will he still be able to use his arm?”

 

“A few days of rest and it should be fine, albeit with some scarring.”

 

Izuku pondered the thought as he subconsciously played with his gloved hand. As they entered the main UA building Izuku found himself… disappointed. It was like any other school building, long corridors with classrooms at regular intervals. The odd notice board that had various announcements on it from lunch menus to reservations about gyms and training rooms. 

 

Izuku supposed that for all its grandeur UA was still just another school, there were only so many ways someone could make English exciting. Bedside's UA’s real diamond was the massive amount of land behind the main school which housed its various training grounds and the arena for The Sports Festival. Not to mention the pro heroes who taught there.

 

“I’m surprised you didn’t sense my energy earlier.” Aizawa commented as they turned yet another corner.

 

Izuku gave him an embarrassed look, “Oh well, I’ve been training to gain control of my hunger and well, the best way not to be drawn to people's quirk energy is to learn to ignore it all together. It’s easier if I keep my mind busy.”

 

Aizawa hummed as he processed this new information, “That’s not a terrible strategy, especially for everyday life. However your ability to sense quirk energy could be a useful tool in  being a hero, you’d be almost impossible to sneak up on. You should try making sure you can withstand the hunger while still being able to track energy.”

 

“All Might has been transforming periodically around with no warning. I uh.. Stopped lashing out at him after two months, I still freeze and need to take a few deep breaths but I’m not losing control anymore.”

 

“Progress is progress kid, keep working at it, you’ve still got two and half months till the exams.”

 

Izuku frowned and looked up at Aizawa, “Aren’t the entrance exams three months away?”

 

Aizawa raised a curious eyebrow but shrugged in response, “Right, my mistake. We’re here.”

 

It was obvious they were outside the medical wing of the school, not only was it signposted but the entrance looked like the swinging doors they had at hospitals except the windows were blacked out. Inside Izuku could see both Katsuki and Yagi’s energy but he could also see a third energy. It was a soft green and flowed in two directions from two central points. It seemed like a simple quirk yet the pang in his head told Izuku it was a powerful one.

 

Aizawa pushed open the door and the two stepped inside.

 

“-complete idiotic fool of a hero! No supervision, no research, just punch and see what happens!? The boy could’ve lost his arm, you damn moron!”

 

Izuku could only stand and watch as a tiny old woman in a lab coat beat Yagi over the head with a furious expression on her head. Yagi held up his hands in an attempt to block the blows but the number one hero was no match for her as her wooden cane came down over and over on the man's head. Katsuki watched the whole display from one of the hospital beds with wide eyes, his facial expression halfway between amused and terrified.

 

Aizawa cleared his throat to announce their presence, “Kid’s here,” he said and gestured to Izuku.

 

“Young Midoriya! Look Recovery Girl, it's Midoriya!” Yagi exclaimed with enough enthusiasm to make Izuku take a cautious step back.

 

“Oh no! Don’t you think you’ll distract me with another accident prone student!” Recovery Girl shouted as Yagi scrambled back.

 

Ignoring the pair, Izuku quickly walked over to Katsuki’s bedside, “Kacchan! Are you ok?”

 

Katsuki scoffed, as if the fact he could be hurt in any shape or form was all but a myth.

 

“I'm fine nerd, nothing old lady there couldn’t patch up.” 

 

“I heard that!” Recovery Girl yelled as she finally walked away from Yagi, leaving the man in the foetal position on the floor.

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes and held up his bandaged arm, “Gonna have some pretty sick scars though I’m told.”

 

This time it was Izuku’s turn to scoff, “I’m not sure breaking a few bones can’t compare to having chunks of skin burned off,” he said and held up his right hand, “point to me.”

 

Katsuki frowned, “Dammit, you reckon we could start a quick fire in this place?”

 

“The bed sheets look pretty flammable.”

 

“Probably won’t burn hot enough to get the same sort of damage you have.”

 

“If we’re lucky there might be some chemicals in the medical cabinets we could use to upgrade the fire.”

 

All three adults gave the boys concerned looks before Aizawa shook his head.

 

“I trust you’re going to make sure this doesn’t happen again?” He said with a glare directed at Yagi who flinched under the man's gaze.

 

“Yes… I must apologise, when I took One For All I was able to use it completely with no blowback. I had not expected the negative effects to be so severe for you.” Yagi said with a bow.

 

“Eh, no harm done.” Katsuki said nonchalantly as he poked and prodded his bandaged arm along with Izuku.

 

“Yes, harm was done.” Recovery Girl said with mild shock, “Harm very much done, you nearly lost an arm.”

 

“Yeah but I didn’t thanks to you doc.” Katsuki said and waved his arm around to prove he still in fact had two of them.

 

Aizawa sighed and mumbled about problem children while Izuku turned to recovery girl, stepping forward a bit with an excited smile on his face.

 

“Um… E-Excuse me, Recovery Girl?”

 

“Oh here we go.” Katsuki mumbled.

 

Recovery Girl looked Izuku up and down and raised an eyebrow, “Yes deary?”

 

Izuku opened his mouth and the words came tumbling out, “I…I just want to say you’re one of my favourite heroes! You have such a useful and cool quirk, it’s really hard to become a hero with a medical quirk and you were the first to do it and thoughI’mnotthesameIhaveasimilarsituationandjustwantedtosay-”

 

Izuku shut up when a pillow hit him in the back of the head thrown by a laughing Katsuki who rolled his eyes as Izuku blushed and mumbled a quick apology to Recovery Girl.

 

“Why thank you dear, I didn’t think I had any fans left,” Recovery Girl observed Izuku for a moment before turning her full attention to him, “You’re the kid who can take quirks huh?”

 

Izuku gulped and nodded nervously.

 

“Don’t suppose you’d be willing to take mine and let me retire?”

 

Aizawa let out a snort of laughter as Izuku blushed slightly.

 

“I’m uh… not sure my mother would approve.”

 

Recovery Girl sighed, “Figures, well back to work, damn rat and his small print employment contracts…”

 

Izuku guessed the damned rat was probably the principal, Nedzu if his knowledge served him right.

 

Which it always did.

 

With Recovery Girl placated somewhat Aizawa took the opportunity to turn his ire to Yagi, who was finally scrambling up from the floor.

 

“I trust you actually have a plan to train your quirk within the kid and not just have him throw random punches?”

 

Yagi withered under the intense stare, “Y-yes well. I was thinking that perhaps we um… maybe use some martial arts?”

 

Even Izuku and Katsuki have to give in at that point and admit their faith in All Might's training had somewhat declined. It seemed the man didn’t have much more of a plan other than:

 

Step 1: Gain Muscle

 

Step 2: Hand Quirk Over

 

Step 3: Profit?

 

“I’m sorry,” Yagi said as everyone gave him exhausted looks, “I hadn’t expected Young Bakugou to have such a blow back, not with the muscle he had packed on in the last seven months.”

 

“Idiot, even with your training the kid’s entire body is only as wide as your bicep.” Aizawa said with an eye roll, the comment causing Katsuki to frown.

 

Yagi put one hand on his chin, tapping it with his finger as he thought about the situation, “Well, it seems your body can’t handle One For All completely yet young Bakugou. Perhaps if you were to try and limit your power output?”

 

Katsuki turned to Izuku with a look of confusion, he wasn’t dumb but Izuku far outweighed him in anything related to quirk academics. As predicted the boy’s eyes were out of focus and he was mumbling at a pace fast enough to give those with translator quirks a run for their money as he tried to decipher Katsuki’s issue with One For All.

 

Clicking his fingers Izuku returned to the world with a slight glint in his eyes, “It’s like an egg and a microwave! You just need to make sure you set the temperature and timer right to not overload the egg Kacchan!”

 

Katsuki gave him an expressionless look, “Are we sure Auntie didn’t drop you as a baby?”

 

Izuku responded to the comment in the most mature way he could think of. He stuck his tongue out at Katsuki who rolled his eyes and looked at Aizawa.

 

Aizawa just shrugged at the look, “Don’t look at me, my specialty is psychic quirks. I’ve never dealt with an uncontrollable strength quirk.”

 

Katsuki threw his arms up in the air in defeat, “God damnit, does no one know anything about this fucking quirk!?”

 

“Gran Torino might.” Recovery Girl commented from where she sat at her desk with her back to the group.

 

The effect on Yagi was instant, his legs nearly gave out from under him as his whole body started to violently shake. His face paled and his eyes grew wide with fear as he spluttered in shock.

 

“I-I’m not sure that’s com-completely n-n-necessary!”

 

Aizawa raised an eyebrow at the display and Izuku and Katsuki exchanged a look. Who the hell was this guy if he could scare All Might like this?

 

“Who the fuck is Gran Torino?” Katsuki demanded to the room as Izuku went over a list of names in his head.

 

“He’s not in the Top 100 heroes.” He commented.

 

“How do you know?” Recovery Girl asked, swivelling in her chair.

 

Katsuki scoffed, “Damn nerd has the entire list memorised.”

 

Aizawa filed that information away for later before he spoke, “His name crossed my desk once or twice when I started out. I’m fairly sure he also used to teach here.”

 

“He was a teacher here during this moron's UA years,” Recovery Girl said and pointed her cane towards a still shaking Yagi, “Knows the big secret too so you don’t have to be all tiptoed around him.”

 

Aizawa seemed to nod in agreement, “Seems like a smart move, I assume his contact details are still in the school database.”

 

“B-but..” Yagi all but begged much to the amusement of Recovery Girl.

 

“Oh stop being such a big baby. The man was gentle at heart, oh how I remember our days in UA, he had such a way with his hands.” She swooned, “Oh get over yourselves!” Recovery Girl snapped as she glared at Izuku and Katsuki, both of whom had gone slightly green.

 

Shaking his head to get thoughts of Recovery Girl doing that out of his head Izuku put forward his agreement with the idea.

 

“I agree with Aizawa and Recovery Girl, if it helps Kacchan become a better hero we have to do it!” He could hear Katsuki mumble something about him being overly sappy.

 

“Besides,” Izuku continued, “I’m sure Auntie and Mom won’t be impressed with today. I know Mom would be relieved knowing Kacchan was being trained safely.”

 

At his comment Yagi seemed to perk up, “Oh… you think Inko would be pleased?”

 

Izuku gave him a confused look while Recovery Girl and Aizawa raised their eyebrows simultaneously.

 

“Well Auntie will probably be more concerned but yeah, I guess Mom would be pleased too.”

 

Izuku missed the eye roll Katsuki gave as Yagi finally stopped shaking, “Then I shall endeavour to convince Gran Torino at once! Anything for Inko-I mean Young Bakugou!”

 

Aizawa snorted while Katsuki let out a laugh, Izuku just tilted his head in confusion at the display.

 

“Well I’m sure they’ll be able to thank you themselves!” Izuku said with a bright smile that made Aizawa grumble.

 

“What are you talking about nerd?” Katsuki asked.

 

“Oh! They’re right outside, I can see their energy!” Izuku declared happily while Yagi suddenly started shaking again.

 

Before anyone could say anything else the door to the medical unit slammed open. Anything Recovery Girl had been going to say to reprimand to offenders died in her throat when she saw the pure rage emanating from Mitsuki Bakugou with a nervous looking Inko behind her. 

 

Aizawa took one look at the raging woman and swivelled on his feet, “Nope.” he declared and subsequently jumped out of the open window.

 

Izuku could only stare at said window and blinked a few times, “Did he just…?”

 

Recovery Girl sighed, “You get used to it.”

 

Ignoring her son, Mistuki turned to a, yet again, trembling Yagi and stormed over to him, Inko giving the two boys a slight wave.

 

“You!? You said you’d train them safely and what do I get? A fucking phone call from the nurse of UA to say my son suffered a broken arm! Explain yourself!”

 

Yagi held up his hands and took a step back, “W-we weren’t prepared for his quirk to be so powerful! It-it took us all by surprise.”

 

“SURPRISE!?” Mitsuki screeched, “A surprise is when my husband brings me flowers home! This isn’t a surprise, it’s a fucking disaster!” Mitsuki cried, jabbing a finger into Yagi's chest.

 

“Oi shut up hag! He’s already agreed to get All Might’s old teacher to help!” Katsuki shouted at his mother, matching her own volume.

 

Inko seemed to perk up at this news, “Oh what an excellent idea Toshi. I’m sure this trainer will be perfect for Katsuki, don’t you agree?” she asked Mitsuki in an attempt to placate her friend, Mitsuki just scoffed though she didn’t argue.

 

There was a pause in the room as Yagi started to recover from Mitsuki’s wrath before-

 

“FUCK!”

 

All four adults turned their attention to Katsuki, Mitsuki already opening her mouth to scold the boy. But when they looked at him they saw him staring at Izuku with a mixture of shock and pride. Izuku himself was sporting a deep frown and it was obvious it had instead been him who had shouted.

 

“Izuku Midoriya!” Inko gasped in shock at her son's language, Mitsuki just laughed, Izuku didn’t swear often but he spent enough time around Katsuki to be able to pick it up.

 

Katsuki himself had to suppress a laugh, “What the fuck is the matter Zuzu?”

 

Instead of answering the question Izuku just held up his right hand with his glove on though his fingers weren’t as crooked or twitchy as normal. Still as Katsuki laid eyes on the glove his own face dawned with realisation.

 

“God fucking damnit!” He shouted much to the confusion of the adults.

 

“What the hell is wrong with you brats?” Mitsuki asked with narrowed eyes.

 

In response Izuku at Katsuki held out their right hands to the adults, both hands now slightly crooked, one covered in bandages, the other in a glove. Mitsuki and Inko too seemed to realise the issue as Inko sighed.

 

“Ah yes, that is rather frustrating.” She commented.

 

Yagi furrowed his eyebrows, still confused, “Am I missing something?”

 

Izuku turned to him using his left hand to point to his right hand and Katsuki’s, “I still don’t have a use for all my spare left hand gloves.”

 

Yagi could only facepalm as his suspicions were confirmed.

 

A pair of absolute fucking lunatics.

Chapter 6: Gran Torino

Summary:

Izuku and Katsuki finally meet Gran Torino as Yagi takes their training to the next level

A week had passed since Katsuki’s punching incident but despite that both he and Izuku had refused to stop training, much to the concern of their mothers. Yagi had managed to convince them both, partly due to fact nothing had happened to Izuku so there was no need to interrupt his training, but also under the agreement he would lighten the load on Katsuki until such a time that Gran Torino could oversee the training. Katsuki had initially argued until Izuku had pointed out that permanently damaging his right arm further would not be a good idea. The fact Izuku knew exactly what it was like to deal with a damaged limb went unsaid.

And so for the past week Katsuki had been focused on two things during training. The first was general athletics, though he was taking a break from strength training while his arm recovered he was still able to complete laps of the beach and work on his ability to dodge blows. The other half of his training consisted of getting used to feeling One For All run through his body. Yagi had absolutely forbidden him from doing any form of movement with the quirk active but at least Katsuki was able to bring the quirk forward and allow it to run through his body safely, even if it was only for a few moments before he was overcome with pain. 

What Yagi had failed to mention was that the temporary reduction in Katsuki’s training meant the opposite for Izuku. With the beach clear and Izuku in good physical condition Yagi decided it was time to teach him more specific skills. Moving from the beach to more urban areas Yagi started the mornings by teaching Izuku the basics of parkour, leaping over rooftops and twirling through alleyways. Then in the afternoon they focused on hand eye coordination, Katsuki taking great pleasure in throwing tennis balls at Izuku with Yagi as the boy tried to dodge. At first Izuku had wondered if Yagi was just getting random training from the internet but then Yagi explained his reasoning, firstly Izuku couldn’t effectively take mutation quirks and replicate them and so he would mainly be using emitter type quirks, so hand eye coordination was a must for those. But of course all that came assuming he would eventually start taking quirks, because as of right now he was effectively quirkless which meant if he wanted to keep up with his classmates he needed skills that didn’t require a quirk, parkour being a prime example, especially after Yagi had told him Aizawa had recommended the skill himself. 

It was a Saturday morning when Izuku and Katsuki finally met Gran Torino. Yagi had decided that with the beach clear they should start training in other areas to expand their skills. Today he had decided on a forest, mainly for Izuku who was currently jumping from tree to tree. It was a good idea to make sure his parkour skills weren’t limited to flat concrete buildings. Katsuki meanwhile was finally able to return to strength training and was on his tenth consecutive set of pushups below the tree ranches while Yagi stood off to the side watching them both.

Katsuki finished up his current set and wiped the sweat off his brow. Looking up he watched as Izuku jumped and swung from branch to branch, a million different new nicknames flew into his mind at once before he settled on one. He looked at Yagi who gave his successor a quick nod causing Katsuki to smirk and look up at Izuku as he leapt off one branch, reaching out for another.

“Hey Spider-Monkey!”

The shout caused Izuku to briefly glance in Katsuki’s direction. That of course wouldn’t be enough to put the boy off his leap but what Katsuki did next definitely would. As soon as Izuku looked in his direction Katsuki activated One For All. It was only for a moment and he instantly felt the pain shoot through him but it was enough.

As Izuku reached out for his target branch he heard Katsuki’s call, it was dumb and Izuku only paid the vaguest of attention as he looked at his friend. However the moment his eyes met Katsuki’s he saw the familiar red lines cover the blonde's body. Despite being a good distance away the effect was immediate. Izuku’s mind was all but torn apart by the hunger. His entire focus was on pushing it back and regaining control of his body so he didn’t even notice as he started to fall through the air, his hands reaching out tirelessly.

After what felt like an eternity but was probably only a few moments Izuku felt himself push the hunger back. He became aware of his surroundings again and blinked a few times. He looked down and saw Katsuki still smirking at him while Yagi was giving him a thumbs up. That confused Izuku at first, hadn’t he just very nearly lost control to the hunger? That’s when he realised he hadn’t actually fallen to the floor, it was also when he realised the tugging on his right shoulder. Turning his head to look up Izuku saw that his right hand was gripping tightly onto the branch he was aiming for. Huh. Well it was progress, the first few times Katsuki had activated One For All around him he had all but blacked out.

“Hey Zuzu!”

Izuku turned to look at Katsuki who had a glint in his eye and a wide, dangerous smile. Izuku sighed, “Kacchan… please don’t.” 

Katsuki's smile only grew wider, “How’s it hanging?”

Izuku groaned and ran his free hand down his face while Yagi chuckled. They may have made light of the situation but Izuku knew he needed to improve. Even if he could resist actively letting the hunger consume him he still needed to work on dealing with it  so it didn’t  completely take over his mind in the middle of a battle.

As Izuku mused he suddenly felt something from behind him, frowning he concentrated on what he quickly realised was someone's fast approaching energy.

“Uh, guys-” Izuku didn’t manage to say anymore as he felt something make an impact from behind him. 

His was ripped from the branch he had been hanging on and thrown across the air, landing hard on the ground and rolling until he came to a stop.

Katsuki’s eyes widened as he saw his his friend groan from his position in the dirt, “Zuzu!” 

Katsuki didn’t have time to do anything other than shout however as an orange and white blur slammed into him. Katsuki’s head snapped back as he was sent tumbling in the same direction as Izuku, landing next to the boy who had at least managed to sit up.

“What the fuck?” Katsuki managed to get out as he rubbed his jaw.

As Izuku looked up, the blur landed in front of them to reveal a small old man, he couldn’t have been much taller than Recovery Girl. His grey hair and beard only added to his old age, not to mention the cane he was using. The white and orange suit indicated he was at least a pro hero of some kind though the scowl he was giving the teenagers was slightly concerning.

“So, you’re the moron he’s given his quirk to,” the old man said and pointed his cane at Katsuki, “and you’re the idiot who can take quirks. First impression of you both is pretty lousy, aren't you supposed to feel my quirk energy or something?” He finished pointing his cane at Izuku.

“G-Gran Torino!” Yagi cried, though he kept himself distanced from the man, “I didn’t realise you’d come this quickly.”

Gran Torino turned to Yagi with a frown causing the man to jump slightly, “Chiyo called me, told me how the moron broke his arm. You should’ve called me the moment you decided to train these two. They would’ve been pro heroes by now if you had.”

Yagi could only tremble under the gaze of Gran Torino, trying to mutter out something about wanting to train his own successor. Gran Torino just scoffed and turned back to the two teenage boys.

“Well, what’s your explanation for being caught off guard? Idiot, couldn’t you sense my quirk energy?” He demanded of Izuku.

Izuku panicked under the man's intense gaze, “I… uh well, you were coming so fast and I wasn’t sure-”

“Wasn’t sure! If I were a villain you’d be dead! And you,” Gran Torino turned his attention to Katsuki, “You had ample warning I was here after your friend got hit yet you left yourself wide open!”

“I thought Zuzu was injured!” Katsuki shouted back as the boys got back to their feet.

“And what could you be if he was injured and you were dead! Lesson number one, make sure your enemy is subdued before you let your guard down!” Gran Torino declared and smacked them both over the head with his cane.

“You just got us by surprise old man, next time you won’t stand a chance against me and Zuzu!” Katsuki shouted in Torino’s face.

The old hero frowned before jumping in the air with a jet from his feet. Izuku could barely react before he felt a foot to the side of his face and he was thrown into the dirt again. A grunt and a thud next to him indicated Katsuki was in a similar situation.

Groaning, he opened his eyes to find Gran Torino staring down at them from a branch with a smug look on his face. Izuku could feel his back click and bones creak as he stood up, much slower than Katsuki who practically leapt to his feet with a feral grin.

“Alright! Stop taking us by surprise! You won’t get a lucky a third-”

Katsuki couldn’t even finish his sentence before the blonde was thrown through the air and slammed directly into a tree, Izuku could only sigh before he too was thrown next to the blonde. Both boys fell to the ground, clutching their chests.

“Kacchan?”

“Yeah?”

“Shut the fuck up.”

Gran Torino snorted with amusement as he landed on the ground in front of both of them. Luckily Katsuki listened to Izuku’s advice and the boy just scowled while he and Izuku helped each other up.

“So, who can tell me what they’re issue is?” Gran Torino asked the two boys.

Katsuki and Izuku shared a glance before nodding to each other. 

“Kacchan can’t access One For All without breaking his body. He needs to figure out how to limit his power output so that he can still move with it activated.”

“And Zuzu needs time and focus to take, activate and learn quirks, it’s not practical in a real life situation. He needs to work out how to cut that time down and do it on the fly with quirks he’s never encountered before.”

Gran Torino blinked a few times and looked between the boys, his face morphing into one of slight surprise, clearly he hadn’t expected the boys to answer for each other. Torino raised a curious eyebrow to Yagi as he walked up behind his old teacher.

Yagi just shrugged in response, “They’re better at analysing each other than they are their own quirks. You get used to it.”

Gran Torino just shrugged and turned his attention back to the teenagers.

“Well the solution to both your problems seem obvious to me. Sounds to me like the moron needs to stop thinking about reducing the power of his quirk and start thinking about how much he can access for his body. While the idiot needs to stop treating his quick like a tool or a piece of equipment, start considering it an extension of yourself just like your arm or leg.”

Katsuki and Izuku glanced at each other, both taking in the advice with thoughtful expressions. Izuku supposed that Gran Torino was right. He had spent years dissociating his quirk from himself, considering it an aspect of him he never wanted to use. Most people grew up using their quirks, knowing completely how they felt and how to wield them. It was like Izuku was learning to walk in preparation for a marathon. Katsuki may have been in a similar position but really all he had to work out was how to activate One For All safely, from there his fighting style was based on skills he had been working on for years. Izuku’s quirk operated separately to the rest of his body, he was trying to play catch up on years of experience everyone else had.

“And how exactly are we fucking supposed to do that?” Katsuki asked with an huff and crossed his arms.

Gran Torino just gave a shrug, “No idea but you best work it out if you don’t want the snot beaten out of you all day.”

“Huh?” Izuku intelligently responded.

Before either teenager could do anything else, Gran Torino had shot into the air and up to the branches above them. Izuku tried to keep track of his energy but the man moved too fast, it was like trying to keep track of a bird. As Izuku attempted to focus Katsuki grabbed his arm.

“Run you damn nerd!” The blonde shouted before dragging Izuku further into the forest at a sprint.

He quickly matched Katsuki’s pace, being the more athletic of the pair, as they ran. Above him he could hear Gran Torino shooting from tree to tree. He was vaguely aware of his energy but it was almost impossible to pinpoint.

“Any idea how to take this guy down?” Katsuki shouted back to him.

“You could start by running faster!” Gran Torino shouted and Izuku felt the impact on his back between his shoulders.

He managed to break his fall with his arms before he had a mouthful of dirt but he still stumbled to the ground. Katsuki was less lucky and as Izuku got to his feet he saw him spitting clumps of dirt out of his mouth onto the ground.

“For fuck sake!” Katsuki yelled and slammed his fist into the dirt.

“We need to get to thicker woods, the more trees the less room he’ll have to manoeuvre.” Izuku said as he desperately tried to keep track of the air streams Torino left behind him.

“Damn it, I swear I’ll break my arm to keep this asshole off us!” Katsuki shouted, his eyes darting around frantically. 

‘Huh,’ Izuku thought, ‘I guess he can’t keep track of him as well as I can, maybe being aware of energy really is a help.’

“Come on, we need to move!” Izuku yelled and started sprinting towards a thick layer of trees, Katsuki hot on his heels.

As they ran Izuku tried to lock onto Torino’s energy, even if the man was keeping out of his range to take his quirk his ability to detect someone's energy went on for nearly half a mile. But even then it was almost impossible, the moment Izuku felt Gran Torino’s energy to his right he heard the man on his left. He was just too fast to keep track of.

It also appeared Torino had figured out their plan, “Oh no you don’t you sneaky brats!”

Izuku felt the boot make contact with his left side and he was thrown into Katsuki who had been running next to him. Both boys started to tumble and he could practically feel Katsuki’s rage puring off him.

“Fuck off you old man!” 

It all happened in slow motion. Izuku’s eyes widened as he felt Katsuki’s quirk flare up with power, enough power that the punch he was attempting to make would throw them both completely off course and break his arm. 

“Kacchan!” Izuku yelled and panicked and without thinking felt his quirk lash out, tugging on One For All.

Both boys yelled out in pain as their quirks clashed, though it had the desired effect and Katsuki’s body lost the red lines appearing over it. They both tumbled down, apparently they had been on top of a hill and they quickly rolled down to the bottom.

Izuku groaned and went to stand when he felt a hand slap around his mouth and a set of arms drag him back. He fought the urge to fight back and lash out with his quirk again and let Katsuki pull him into some undergrowth. Moments later he felt Torino’s energy come into range, the man jumped around the area looking for the boys while both stayed perfectly still in their hiding spot before the retired hero seemed to give up and move on.

Katsuki sighed and let go of Izuku who rolled away from the blonde slightly and frowned at him.

“Real clever Kacchan, breaking your arm at the guy and launching us both halfway across the forest, what a fantastic plan that would have been.” Izuku said in a rare moment of frustration, sarcasm laced his voice.

“Oh shut the fuck up Zuzu, at least I tried something! I counted at least five times he came in your range and you did nothing.” Katsuki shot back and narrowed his eyes at Izuku.

Izuku waved his arms around, “He’s too fast! I can’t lock onto him!”

“What the fuck does lock on mean, why do you have to lock onto anything!” Katsuki whisper shouted back, both boys not risking being caught.

“I need to lock onto his energy to be able to take it Kacchan.” Izuku said with an eyeroll.

“Since when!? When have you ever locked onto a quirk to take it.” Katsuki said as both boys started to get in each other's faces.

“How to hell do you know how my quirk works!? I need to focus, it’s impossible-”

“Did you know you take quirks in your sleep?”

Katsuki’s surprisingly calm words drove Izuku’s entire mind to a screeching halt. He eyed the other boy's face to indicate any kind of lie or cruel joke. But Katsuki hadn’t really lied to Izuku since they were four.

“I… what?”

Katsuki sighed, “I didn’t find out till we were eleven and the hag made me promise to never tell you but… yeah sometimes Aunty, Dad or the hag used to wake up in the night without their quirk. I was getting a glass of water one night and overheard Dad telling Aunty that his quirk had gone and they needed to replace your sheets as you had damaged them by sparking your hands without realising. We never told you because we were worried about how you’d react but you actually do it at least twice a month. Dad reckons as you wake up your body notices the quirk and you subconsciously reject it before you realise what happened.”

Izuku didn’t know how to respond to that.. He.. he’d been taking quirks this entire time? He would have never guessed he activated his quirk in his sleep. He knew it wasn’t unheard of, his Mom often woke up to find she had dragged her beside clock to her in the night. But Izuku’s quirk was far more complex than that and he just… took quirks asleep?

“So why tell me now?” Izuku asked in the best neutral tone he could muster.

“Because you keep nerding out and overthinking your quirk,” Katsuki responded with a huff, “All this talk of locking on and latching onto someone’s energy. You just need to take it, stop overthinking about how you do it and just do it. You don’t think about locking on every time you throw a punch.”

Izuku paused at processed Katsuki’s words. That was actually a good point. Izuku always considered his quirk as a separate entity, something he could call upon to use. But he didn't call upon his legs to run, he didn’t call upon his eyes to read, he didn’t-

A slap on the back of his head brought him back to reality.

“Tch. Next we just need to break that damn muttering habit.”

Izuku blushed, “Right… ok, so I just need to… stop thinking and take his quirk. Shouldn’t be too difficult, his energy is pretty light and is focused mostly on his lower legs and feet. Not like yours or All Might's who’s focus is the centre of your chest.”

As Izuku silently mused a strategy he caught sight of Katsuki’s jaw dropping and eyes going so wide Izuku thought they might pop out.

“What the fuck did you say?” 

Izuku jumped slightly at the question, “Uh… his energy won’t be hard to take as it’s not wide spread?”

Of everything Izuku had thought might happen in response to his answer he had not been expecting Katsuki to leap forward and hug him so hard he thought the boy had activated his quirk.

“Zuzu you’re a fucking genius!”

Izuku gave Katsuki an awkward one arm hug back, “Uh… thanks?”

Katsuki pulled back from the hug with an excited look, “I’ve been going about it all wrong! I’ve been treating One For All like a river that I try to direct into certain body parts, like putting into my arm to punch! But I need to treat it like a lake with a dam, a dam I can open a little bit and flow all over my body!”

To anyone else Katsuki’s explanation might have seemed stupid and impossible to follow. But not for Izuku who’s smile grew just as wide as Katsuki’s.

“Of course! It’s not about trying to direct the force of the quirk, it’s about letting your body naturally use it. If you can get that down everything you do will naturally be enhanced.”

Katsuki took a step back and folded his arms, puffing out his chest, “And One For All effects my entire body, so getting it under control with amplify everything about me.”

Izuku frowned, “Was that a euphemism?”

Katsuki spluttered in denial, complaining about how Izuku used to be incredibly innocent and was now a tainted soul. Izuku didn’t point out her learnt what sex was by Katsuki smuggerling a few dirty mags home when they were twelve. They had been grounded for weeks after that.

The crack of branches caused their heads to snap to their right, apparently they had been too loud and Gran Torino was heading back to their position. The growing awareness of his energy confirmed the suspicion in Izuku’s mind.

“I think I might have a plan.” Katsuki said and turned to Izuku.

“Lead the way oh mighty One For All.” Izuku said with a mock salute causing Katsuki to roll his eyes.

“I’ll distract him long enough for you to take his quirk. But I won’t be able to hold him for long so you better not fuck about with all that nerd shit and just do it.” 

Izuku nodded, “I’ll do it.”

Katsuki gave him a feral smile, “Good,” he said and ran out into the open, “Hey Oldman! Come fight like a real fucking hero!”

In the distance Izuku could hear the mad laughter of Gran Torino as his energy took on a more direct approach to them. Crouching down Izuku took cover behind a tree, he trusted Kacchan to do as he said, he just had to keep up his end of the plan. Katsuki was right, he needed to stop trying to focus and think, just feel for the quirk and take it. Taking a sigh Izuku closed his eyes and learnt against the tree, pushing everything else away and focusing on the energy of Katsuki and Gran Torino.

Meanwhile Katsuki stood firm, eying the forest carefully as he tried to listen out for where Gran Torino was. As the sounds grew louder and Torino closed in, Katsuki took a deep breath and felt inside for his quirk. However unlike the other times he’s used it, rather than imagining the force of it heading towards one section of his body he imagined simply allowing a small amount out and letting it flow naturally.

To his amazement (though he would never admit it) it worked.

Katsuki felt One For All slowly spread over his body like a cloak, it’s power was significantly reduced but it still felt incredible. He instantly felt stronger, faster and more capable. If he had to guess he was currently allowing around 5% of the quirk to flow through him. On the outside his body had lit up with red lines of power that had formed all over his skin. However as he gained control the lines disappeared and instead were replaced would could only be described as a pure red and black fire that encased his body. But unlike the calm house fire people had in their homes this fire crackled and sparked, almost like a small fireworks show surrounding him. As he focused his eyes his bright red irises glowed with raw power. It was all rather intimidating.

Katsuki focused and put his second theory to the test, at it’s core One For All was a power quirk that augmented and enhanced the natural abilities of the user. This is of course in essence meant their physical capabilities were enhanced, they gained strength, speed and endurance. However there was a lot more to the human body than muscle’s. Katsuki grasped a small amount of the power flowing through him and focused it in his eyes just as Gran Torino smashed through the foliage from above.

He was moving slowly.

At least more slowly than he had been before. Katsuki couldn’t resist the urge to smirk, the nerd would be damn proud. Using One For All in his eyes had allowed Katsuki to perceive time far slower than the average person, he wasn’t sure how long he could hold it for but he didn’t need long.

Planting his feet in the ground he followed Gran Torino’s outstretched leg heading straight for his chest. Making sure not to arouse suspicion and cause the old hero to change his trajectory, Katsuki tried not to respond too quickly. Not until Torino was in perfect range.

Waiting until the last second Katsuki simply sidestepped Torino’s outstretched leg as his foot passed harmlessly through thin air. Torino only had time to widen his eyes in surprise briefly before Katsuki reached out, grabbing the man's arm and holding on with an iron grip enhanced by One For All.

As predicted Gran Torino reacted by using his own quirk to launch himself in the opposite direction. Katsuki threw the arm not holding the retired pro hero out, it made a crunching noise as his hand slammed into the tree next to him digging into the trunk. Using it as an anchor Katsuki grunted and swung Gran Torino round, gritting his teeth as the force pulled at his shoulders hoping he wouldn’t dislocate his arm.

Luckily though Katsuki’s arm stayed in tact and he slammed Torino into the tree, using his body to pin the man down. All he had to do now was hope Izuku could take his quirk before the hero escaped.

Izuku was doing just that. He had kept his eyes closed the entire time, focusing only on the quirk energy he could feel. He had to fight the hunger slightly when Katsuki activated his quirk but it didn’t put up much of a fight. He also felt Gran Torino’s energy come into play and he stopped trying to focus and locate both of them, concentrating purely on being aware of the energy.

The moment Torino's energy came within range he didn’t even think, he pulled. Instantly the quirk put up a fight. It wasn’t a particularly strong quirk but Gran Torino was an experienced hero who knew their quirk inside and out, the energy was putting up a hell of a fight.

He just needed to focus on it, think about how to- No! It was thinking which was letting him down, this was his quirk, his power. He didn’t need to think, he just needed to PULL!

Izuku let out a cry as, with a burst of effort, he ripped Gran Torino’s quirk from him and felt the old man's energy flow into his body. 

Izuku let out a sigh and collapsed to his knees, wiping the sweat off his brow. He had gotten used to easily taking known quirks, he wasn’t prepared for such a battle. Walking out of his hiding spot he saw Katsuki collapse, he also looked exhausted at really using his quirk for the first time. Though based on the gaping hole in the tree his method had worked.

Gran Torino meanwhile slide down from the tree onto the ground and Izuku briefly panicked, thinking they had seriously hurt the hero before the man jumped up.

“Ha! Not bad kids, I’m almost impressed.” He said and clicked his back, “Man, feels weird not having your quirk.” He mumbled.

Izuku was too ecstatic to listen and started to run over to Katsuki, “Kacchan, that was amazing! I can’t imagine what you’ll be able to-”

The was a sudden burst from beneath his feet and the next thing Izuku knew he was flying through the air. He watched the world twist and turn around him as he smacked into a branch mid air and was once gain thrown to the ground.

Katsuki was of course sympathetic, “HAHA, you fucking idiot Zuzu that was brilliant!”

Gran Torino scoffed in amusement, “Looks like we need work on you being able to control the quirks you take.”

“You think.” Izuku grumbled back as he pulled leaves out of his hair.

 

---

 

Izuku watched the scenery fly past as Yagi swerved his truck in and out of traffic. The street signs indicated they were heading further into the city. Yagi had grabbed Izuku not long after he had returned Gran Torino’s quirk and informed him it was time they took the next step in his training. The fact Gran Torino could stay behind to help Katsuki with his new so-called ‘full cloak’ move made the timing even better.

Though Izuku still had no idea what they were doing, they had been driving for awhile now and Yagi had not said a word to him since they had entered the truck. It wasn’t an awkward silence by any means and Izuku was thankful to have some time to contemplate the mornings training and his and Katsuki’s progress. However curiosity was starting to get the better of him. 

“So you mentioned something about taking the next step in my training?” He asked Yagi as he turned his attention to the man.

Yagi nodded though he kept his eyes on the road, “Yes, overall your training is going well. You’ve gained not only the skill but also the confidence to take quirks, though I’m aware this is still in a very limited capacity. However, one aspect which I am concerned about is that you may be falling behind on your hunger.”

Izuku winced slightly, “I’ve been doing better though. You don’t really cause much more than a slight jolt these days and even Kacchan only causes me to lose focus briefly. Not to mention I barely reacted to Gran Torino and I’ve never met him.”

“That's all true,” Yagi responded, “However, you’ve had months to get used to One For All and though skilled Gran Torino doesn't have a very powerful quirk. We can’t be sure how you’ll perform in a crowd of people, especially a crowd made up of UA Hero Students.”

“So we’re training my hunger today?” Izuku asked and looked out of the window, they were definitely reaching a nicer part of the city, he doubted his own family could afford to live out here.

“We are, tell me, have you ever heard of Café Leblanc?”

Izuku tilted his head in slight surprise, “It’s an online conspiracy theory. Essentially Café Leblanc is supposed to be a secret chain of restaurants across Japan only accessible by pro heroes. Most people who believe it say the locations are kept secret to keep it away from prying eyes. There’s various theories about its true nature, some think it’s actually a club for heroes while some argue they’re actually safe houses for undercover operations. Though that wouldn’t make sense, why give all the safe houses across the country the same codename not to mention-”

Yagi’s cough made Izuku realise he was mumbling again and the boy blushed slightly.

“It’s actually far more simple than that,” Yagi explained, “Put simply it’s a series of restaurants that allow pro heroes to enjoy a quiet meal out without being hounded by fans. There are strict ruled for every site and you have to sign a non-disclosure agreement, however you and your family can attend freely after that.”

“That’s… actually a pretty smart business idea.” 

Yagi chuckled, “The man who came up with it is richer than any pro hero I’ve ever met.”

The dots started to connect in Izuku’s mind, “So we’re going there to test my control of my hunger?”

“Exactly, it might be throwing you in the deep end a bit but if you can handle a room full of pro’s then I have no doubt you’ll manage at UA.”

Izuku fidgeted in his seat slightly, sure he had a much better control of his hunger now but training it like this… If Izuku lost control here he had no doubt he would be blacklisted by every hero school in the country. That was assuming he didn’t end up in Tartarus.

Yagi seemed to pick up on his mood, “You’re worried what will happen if you lose control.”

Izuku nodded, “ I could hurt people.”

Internally Yagi couldn’t help but smile, for all the problems it would cause for the boy himself Izuku’s main concern was the wellbeing of others. It was further evidence that, even if his suspicions about the boy's real father were true, Izuku Midoriya was about as far away from a villain as you could get.

“It’s definitely a risk, but it’s a calculated risk. Don’t forget I am still The Number One Hero and you’re unable to take my quirk. If it comes to it I can simply buff out and get you out of there to a safe spot. And if it does come to it I will happily vouch for you at any hero school you apply for.”

Izuku took in Yagi’s words and mulled them over, he supposed he couldn’t just train to resist a few quirks forever. At least this method was far more controlled than having him walk around public crowds.

“Alright, I trust you.” Izuku said with a slight smile to Yagi.

Yagi nodded, “Good, now if you open up the glove box there’s a few items in there for a uh disguise. Despite it being a pure hero restaurant All Might would still gain some attention, luckily the owner allowed me in as All Might's secretary, you’ll be coming with me as my nephew, Akira.”

Izuku nodded and reached into the glove box, inside he found a beanie, glasses and a pair of false contacts. He put the contacts in first, changing his eyes from gleaming emerald to brilliant blue. He made sure to push all his green hair into the beanie which had been added with tufts of blonde to give the impression he shared Yagi’s hair colour. Finally the black rimmed stylish glasses, the lenses of which were just made with ordinary glass, completed the look.

Izuku turned to Yagi with a wide smile, “So how do I look?”

Yagi glanced at him and nearly swerved his truck off the road, the boy looked almost identical to how Yagi had in his younger years. Almost like he was the son of himself and Inko. Yagi quickly shook those thoughts away and shot the boy a quick smile.

“You look perfect, it’s best no one links you to me when you come out as a hero. That could cause complications so I’m afraid the disguise is necessary.” Yagi glanced back at the boy when he heard sniffling, only to find tears welling Izuku’s eyes, “My boy! Whatever is the matter!?”

Izuku rubbed his eyes, careful not to disturb the contacts, “You said WHEN I become a hero, not IF.”

Yagi sighed, they really needed to work on this crying issue.

Eventually they reached a central residential area of the city, the buildings were all exquisite. Perfectly trimmed bushes and driveways full of cars that probably cost more than Izuku’s own house. The streets bristled with activity, men and women wearing expensive clothes and jewellery that glinted in the sun. If Izuku ever decided to become a criminal he knew what suburb he was robbing first.

He raised an eyebrow when they turned down a street which seemed eerily quiet. The cars on the drives looked older than most, the gardens where well kept but simple, easy to maintain with no extravagant extras and the houses all had tinted windows trying to hide the luxurious lives of those inside instead of proudly showing them off.

“So this is the street it’s on.” Izuku commented.

Yagi gave him a curious look, “What makes you think that?”

“This suburb is clearly expensive and a place for the super rich. But the kind of rich that like to show off, otherwise it’s a pretty bad suburb, it’s out of the way, hero patrols are light and there’s no nearby station to get into the city. The only reason people live here is the ability to show off how wealthy they are. Every house we’ve passed has been extravagant in some way or another. All except for this street, sure it’s nice and clearly expensive but there’s nothing that stands out. Like it’s trying to fit in without drawing attention to itself.” Izuku explained in a monologue that would have divulged into muttering had it not been for Yagi pulling into an alley and catching Izuku’s attention.

Yagi chuckled, “You would have made a great detective in another life.”

Izuku blushed as they drove further into the alley and was surprised to find… a homeless man? The figure was wearing dirty old clothes that hung over his body and his face was largely covered by a baseball cap. Yagi didn’t seem fazed however by the man and simply pulled up along side him, opening his door window.

“Good Afternoon,” Yagi greeted the man with a smile as he flashed him some sort of ID card, “Toshinori Yagi, I have a booking for two at 14:00 with my nephew.” 

The homeless man leaned forward and read the ID card before smiling, “Good Afternoon Mr Yagi, it’s good to see you back.”

Izuku’s jaw dropped as the man's clothes started to morph, they retreated back to fit the man's body as if tailor made while the very material and colours seemed to change. Before long the homeless man was wearing a red tuxedo accompanied with a valet hat.

“Woah… Is that your quirk!?” Izuku asked excitedly.

The man chuckled, “My cousin is Best Jeanist, though the hero gig didn’t suit me, excuse the pun.”

Yagi slapped his hand over Izuku’s mouth before the boy started to rant and gestured for him to exit the car. Sulking slightly Izuku followed as Yagi passed the man the keys to his truck. They entered the building through a side door just by where the man had been loitering.

The moment they stepped through Izuku could feel the wealth radiating off the place. The lush red carpet that lined the entranceway and stairways was so vibrant Izuku thought he had been colour-blind his whole life until that moment. They handed their coats to the staff in the entrance way and were led upstairs, gold seemed to line everything from the lights to the picture frames, each one containing a famous hero, until they reached a set of large double doors.

A large man with a wide smile greeted them just before the doors, “Ah Yagi! How good to see you! It’s been too long!”

Yagi shook the man's outstretched hand, “Genji, a pleasure as always. Please meet my nephew Akira, Akira Genji is the manager here.”

Izuku bowed low, “It’s good to meet you sir.”

Genji smiled down at him, “A fine young man I see, just like your uncle. Tell me Yagi, will All Might ever again visit us? It’s been so long since he was here, he’s always welcome to a private room. Doesn’t the man ever date?”

Yagi sputtered slightly, “W-well you know, being the number one her does keep him busy.”

Genji laughed, “Of course, of course. Still we are always delighted to see his secretary, your money is as good as anyone's! Please let me show you to your seats.”

Izuku smiled and followed Yagi and Genji, he knew of course the very nature of this place meant he couldn’t go up and talk to anyone but just imagine the heroes he might be able to see! Maybe Miruko or Edgeshot! There could be any number of them, he desperately strained his head to see behind Genji as they walked through the doors and-

!HUNGRY!

Izuku was thrown into darkness, the only thing he became aware of were the masses of energy that swirled around him. It was like his own personal typhoon, different coloured energies lashed around him with each feeling more tempting than the last. The hunger was overwhelming and caused his mind to break. Izuku didn’t know if he was kneeling or stumbling forward, he felt his hands press onto his head but also hug his body, he wanted to throw up but at the same time was starving.

He could feel his mind ebbing away, he couldn’t remember why he was here, what was he doing? He tried to push back against the hunger, the overwhelming need to absorb the energy that surrounded him. But why should he fight it? The energy looked delicious, it looked like the perfect meal. And boy was Izu… what was his name again? Oh well, it didn’t matter, the energy didn’t have a name and that was what was important. There was a bright orange one in front of him, just in range. It looked perfect, so incredibly powerful and fierce, all he needed to do was reach out and-

NO!

Izuku’s mind came crashing back directly into the hunger, the two forces battling for dominance. He threw all his willpower into it, everything else vanishing as he pushed back against the force.

HUnGry! 

NO!

Izuku’s mind was like a warzone, the two forces pushing and pulling against each other, neither giving in. In all his years growing up Izuku had never known pain like it, it was like his head was being torn in two and his mind ripped apart.

He needed to fight back against it push it down and contain it he needed-

!FEED!

Izuku was sure if he had been aware of his body and able to feel anything he would have just thrown up there and then. He had never felt such a strong desire to feed off quirk energy before. The hunger had fought back against him and dialled itself up to a new level he had never felt before. He started to panic, where the fuck was All Might? 

He couldn’t do it, he couldn’t win against it. There was no way he could push this level of force down and keep it away from himself. It was just an element of himself he couldn’t fight.

Wait.

What had Gran Torino said? He needed to stop separating his quirk from himself. He would never win by directly fighting against the hunger, he needed to accept it.

Man he hoped All Might was telling the truth about stopping him.

Izuku stopped fighting and let the hunger overflow him.

HIs mind vanished, all that was left was a shell of a human.  All For One His quirk taking full control using his body as a vessel while the energy around him flared up, it surrounded him in one giant ball, crackling around him, ready to be taken and-

“Are you alright?”

Izuku’s eyes snapped open. He could feel sweat on his brow and he was breathing heavily, his whole body shaking slightly. His vision was blurred and slowly coming into focus. His memories came stumbling back and he realised he was still in LeBlanc, the sounds of chatter and scraping chairs around him. 

In front of him stood a boy about his own age with two-tone hair, one half red and the other white. The boy was looking at him with a blank expression that made Izuku nervous. His energy was also off, rather than one type the boy had two distinct types of energy. On his left side the energy was a bright orange and crackled with life, it was constantly moving and looked like it was fighting to get out. On his right his energy was a soft blue, it was far more solid and almost formed spikes against his skin. What was really off however was the fact the two energies refused to interact or touch, there was a solid line between the two in the middle of the boy's body where no energy sat. There was also something else Izuku noticed.

He desperately wanted to take the energy.

He could feel the hunger all over his body, desperate to feed off this unique energy like a starved animal staring at a perfect meal. Yet… Izuku just ignored it. It was there sure and he could feel it but unlike every time before he felt in control of it. It was almost like when he was thirty and training at the beach, no matter how appealing the ocean might look like to drink from he never uncontrollably ran towards it and started gulping down. Much like how he felt now, the hunger was there and strong but he just chose not to act on it. 

Izuku smiled and relief flushed through him, sure it was incredibly uncomfortable and borderline painful but here he was, standing in a room of powerful quirks and he was able to simply ignore his hunger. 

He smiled at the two-toned boy, “Yes thank, I’m ok, just some uh quirk issues.”

The boy nodded in understanding, “I understand, I also have issues with my quirk sometimes. I hope it doesn’t disappoint your family too much either.”

Izuku’s smile twitched slightly at that, “Oh uh… are you here with your family?” 

“Yes, father decided it would be nice to visit for my sister's birthday. Even my older brother came. It’s a nice break from training.” The boy said with a bored expression.

Izuku went to respond when a voice distracted him.

“Young Mi-Akira! There you are!”

Izuku turned his head to find a frantic Yagi running up to him, fear etched across his face, “My boy I’m so sorry, I got distracted talking to Genji and didn’t realise you had wondered. Are you ok?”

Izuku turned to the boy he had been talking to only to find him gone. He filed away the encounter in his mind for further analysis at a later date before turning back to Yagi with a wide smile.

“You know what? I’m fucking great!”

 

---

Yagi smiled to himself as he sat on the balcony of his apartment, simply taking in the last of the day's sunshine, its rays giving a slight warmth to his tired bones. Today had been perhaps the most successful day he’d had since agreeing to train Young Bakugou and Midoriya. Bakugou was now able to control a small percentage of One For All and was adapting to the quirk quickly with Gran Torino. Yagi had no doubt the way he was now he would practically walk through The UA entrance exams.

Not only that but Midoriya had also made great progress with All For One, yes Yagi was no longer in denial about the truth of the quirk. He seemed to have finally accepted the quirk in its fullest as being a part of him. Though he still had issues with the idea of taking quirks and they shouldn’t get too complacent with his hunger. But the boy was finally willing to use the quirk in battle and do it safely.

A slamming at Yagi’s door caused him to jump slightly. With a frown he walked back into his apartment, ready to buff up at a moment's notice. Only two people knew of this address, the first was Tsukauchi and the second was…

Oh no.

The front door of the apartment was torn open, the lock flying off its hinges and nearly embedding itself in Yagi’s skull.

“Next time don’t lock the damn door!” Gran Torino grumbled as he stepped inside, a duffel bag over his shoulder.

“G-Gran Torino, what are you doing here!” Yagi cried as he tried to shut his ruined door.

“What, you didn’t think I’d do this training for free now did you!? Free accommodation and food while I stick around and train the kids is the least you could do.” Torino scoffed as he walked further into the apartment looking over the place with a slight frown of disgust.

“O-oh of course, I uh suppose there’s the spare room.” Yagi said trying not to let his voice quiver.

“Good enough. Place is a little modest considering how much you get paid.” Torino said and threw his bag down on the sofa in the main room.

“Well I like to give a little back to the community…” Yagi explained.

Torino chuckled, “So much like Nana… You got any grub in this place?”

The old hero seemed to use his sixth sense to head straight into the kitchen, Yagi followed. Like the rest of the apartment the kitchen was fairly modest but well stocked, there were five different blenders that allowed Yagi to eat meals without a stomach. Said man froze when he walked in behind Torino and found the man staring at various papers strewn about the kitchen table.

“Toshi… What are these?” Torino asked in an uncharacteristically quiet tone.

Yagi smiled nervously, “They’re my lesson plans for UA.”

Torino paused and looked up at him with a blank expression, “Toshi I say this as your old Sensei and your friend… these plans are the worst fucking teaching I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Yagi had to quickly grab the handkerchief he stored in his pocket to catch the blood that shot out from his mouth as he coughed at Torino’s words. Before he could defend himself however the old hero whipped out a folder that Yagi recognised as his lesson plan for the first day.

“You’re going to just have them go at each other in their first ever heroics lesson!?” Torino exclaimed.

“W-well… it’ll be a good way to see where they stand with their quirks.” Yagi said, the quiver in his voice back in full force.

“That’s what the entrance exams are for you knumbskull! Having teenagers just fight with no training is a sure fire way to kill someone! What if the moron accidently let too much of One For All slip and caved in someone's skull!? What if the idiot stole a quirk he couldn’t control!” Torino all but shouted, throwing the folder back onto the table.

“B-but in-in the field they won’t know-”

“This isn’t the damn field Yagi! It’s school! At the very least they need to understand their own quirks and how to restrain themselves before letting them use them against an actual person.” Torino shot back and started flicking through the rest of the folders on the table

“I.. I hadn't thought about that…” Yagi admitted as his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Torino’s scowl only deepened as he read more folders, “Where are all the classroom lessons? These are nothing but practicals.”

“Ah well I figured we’d get combat down first and then move onto the classroom portion of heroics.” Yagi tried to point out.

Torino grunted, “Sure, if you want to make forty vigilantes. Heroics is more than just pummelling the bad guy. Not everyone will be the type of hero you are, the recon and stealth students won’t gain much by being beaten up every lesson. Not to mention all the paperwork and technicalities of hero work. The role the HPSC plays in it, how to come up with patrol routes, how hero quick classification and grades work…”

Yagi was feeling more and more embarrassed as Torino turned to him and pointed at one of the kitchen seats.

“Sit down!”

Yagi spluttered, “W-why?”

Torino took his own chair opposite where he had told Yagi to sit and grabbed the folder for Yagi's first lesson plan.

“I’m already teaching the two kids, may as well become your Sensei again and try to make a real teacher out of you.”

Chapter 7: Aizawa's Recommendation

Summary:

As Entrance Exams draw near Aizawa visits Izuku and Katsuki for an update on their training and a suggestion for Izuku

Izuku crouched low in the undergrowth, keeping his senses open as he made sure to control his breathing with slow, quiet breaths. The trees above him rustled in the wind slightly as he focused on his surroundings, letting his quirk spread out and search for any energy in the area. He flexed his hands and felt the quirks he had taken flow through him, their energy almost second nature to him at this point. 

 

He scanned the trees, of his two opponents the most dangerous would come from above, using their speed to stop him from taking their quirk. His timing was better but he was also learning the more he used it on someone the better they became at fighting it. There was no point worrying about his second opponent, Izuku would sense their energy a mile away. 

 

As he sat waiting to ambush anyone who came by, he pondered the last few weeks. With the addition of Gran Torino training them he and Katsuki were now reasonably decent fighters. Katsuki was able to wield roughly 5% of One For All throughout his body constantly and raise it to 10% for a split second at times. He used this to deadly effect focusing on precise and sharp movements, jabs and kicks fuelled by his 10% output to quickly take down an opponent while increasing his endurance with his Full Cloak technique.

 

Meanwhile Izuku was getting better at quickly adapting to quirks he took, Torino had encouraged his analysis skills and used classroom style lessons to help Izuku quickly break down the core of a quirk and how best to use it. Combined with his now reasonably solid control of his hunger and increased ability to take quirks and Izuku was becoming just as deadly at close range as Katsuki was.

 

Gran Torino could run circles around them both but even he had to be cautious, if he got too close to Katsuki, or stayed in Izuku’s range too long, he would be finished in a moment.

 

Speaking of Torino, Izuku could sense the man's quirk coming his way, it was subtle but he could feel it. Izuku tensed up, not moving a muscle as he lowered his breathing to the point he was almost drowsy. As Torino’s energy got close Izuku could feel the hunger start, he accepted it and let it guide him to Torino, keeping it reeled in but using it to focus on the energy.

 

Izuku held out his hand, briefly glancing at the weird mix of green, brown and golden that swirled around it. He waited until he felt Torino launch above him in the trees and focused on the green energy in his hand. Pointing towards a tree opposite him Izuku activated his mothers quirk causing a branch on the tree to snap off and fall to the ground.

 

Torino reacted immediately, his path above Izuku altered and he headed straight for the disturbance. Izuku really did stop breathing at that point, his entire strategy rested on the element of surprise, the moment Torino knew he was in the area he would make sure never to be within Izuku’s range for more than a second.

 

Torino landed in the trees above and paused, clearly trying to scan the area for either Izuku or Katsuki. Izuku smirked, his energy was exactly ten metres away, he just needed to make sure he pulled with as much force as could and didn’t give-

 

Tornio shot back using his quirk, Izuku’s eyes widened slightly and he ducked down, feeling Torino’s foot miss his head by only a slither. Not giving Izuku a chance to take his quirk, Torino landed on the ground next to him and shot back into the sky. Izuku rolled out from the undergrowth and looked up to see Torino perched on a branch looking down at him, just out of range.

 

“Smart, using a relatively weak quirk tactically turns it into a useful tool and while being sneaky may not always be popular, surprise attacks often result in low casualties and an easy win.” Torino said approvingly while Izuku watched the man carefully, “Yet again however you made one fatal mistake.”

 

Torino flew from his branch, jumping between the trees above Izuku. Not bothering to try to keep track of him physically, Izuku turned and ran, making sure to feel Torino's energy around him. 

 

He quickly planted his feet in the ground and stopped himself moving forward as Torino ripped through the air just in front of him. Had he not kept track of the energy and stopped, it would have been a direct hit. 

 

Izuku could always try and counter Torino but the truth was he wasn’t as strong as Katsuki and the first time he had tried it it was like being barrelled into by a freight train.

 

Torino once again landed in the trees above Izuku, “Idiot, you hesitated in taking my quirk. Again.”

 

Izuku rolled out of the way as Torino nearly took his head off with another quirk powered kick, “I had to be sure I took it.”

 

“Well you failed on that front, you need to control your hunger, I could feel it on my quirk the moment I landed.” 

 

As if to emphasise his point Torino came at Izuku from the side, not even looking in the boy's direction as Izuku jumped back onto the ground. It was probably time for plan B.

 

By this point Izuku knew exactly how Torino's quirk worked. The air jets he released were actually fairly basic, they launched him in whichever direction his legs were pointing. While the bones and muscles in his legs were more solid than a normal persons to take the pressure he still needed to keep his ankles straight to avoid damage. As a result he actually struggled with manoeuvrability and so used short jets to fly between areas so as to change direction. It also meant while he was able to change direction mid air it came at the complete loss of ant control of his movements 

 

And it played right into Izuku’s plan.

 

Ducking and diving to avoid Torino’s attacks, Izuku led the man into an open area, the exact opposite of his plan when he first encountered him. Torino shot past him and started jumping between the trees. Izuku loosely tracked his energy while focusing on his mothers quirk. He waited patiently for the perfect moment.

 

Suddenly he felt Torino change direction and put his plan into motion. Activating his Mother’s quirk, Izuku pulled piles of leaves and twigs into his hand, they hadn’t had rain for a while and the foliage was crisp and dry. Which meant when Izuku threw his two piles directly at Torino while activating his Uncle’s quirk it caused the piles to burst into flames and spread through the air. Torino was strong but he wasn’t flame proof.

 

The man saw what appeared to be a wave of flame in his path and immediately activated his quark to avoid it. Unfortunately, like Izuku predicted, Torino couldn’t fully control his momentum and shot away at an awkward angle, unable to correct himself. It also meant he stayed within Izuku’s range a second too long.

 

Izuku let his hunger out and tore the quirk from Torino with relative ease, the hero too confused and focused on landing to put up any real fight. Torino stumbled slightly onto the ground before finding his feet and turning back to Izuku, giving him a nod while Izuku smiled with pride

 

“Good work idiot. Though you still have a problem, you’re too focused on one opponent.”

 

Izuku’s smile vanished from his face and he turned on his feet just in time to see a massive tree trunk hurtling towards him. He activated Torino’s quick just in time and was able to leap over the (entire fucking) tree that had been thrown at him and landed on the ground with a thud, the tree crashing behind him as Torino walked off, cackling like a madman.

 

Katsuki stood deeper within the forest, the smirk evident on his face even from this distance. Clearly Izuku had been too loud in taking down Torino and his friend decided to launch his own surprise attack.

 

Even if it was about as subtle as an atomic bomb.

 

Before Izuku could recover Katsuki punched another tree, using One For All and tearing it from the ground. He then swung in with an enhanced kick, the middle of the tree buckled but the force sent it rocketing towards Izuku. 

 

Izuku was forced to jump back and duck as the tree flew overhead. Somewhere in the back of his mind he wondered who was going to pay for all this damage.

 

Katsuki quickly launched another tree as Izuku activated Jet and took cover behind a large maple which buckled and creaked under the attack but held firm. This was bad, clearly Katsuki knew that his best strategy was to weaken and exhaust Izuku at range before moving in. Which meant Izuku had to get close to Katsuki.

 

While Katsuki threw literal trees at him.

 

Well, Plus Ultra and all that.

 

Izuku turned around from the tree and used Jet to launch himself into the air. Another tree came flying at him and he was forced to launch himself above the tree line to avoid it. He momentarily got a complete view of the forest, birds flying in every direction away from the chaos and an obvious gap in the tree line from Kacchans deforestation technique, before he plummeted back down.

 

Using jet he launched through the tree line, directing himself to Katsuki and avoiding another tree thrown his way. With the amount of noise they were making he’d be surprised if a hero didn’t turn up.

 

Another tree flew at him and he dove to the left, pushing forward.

 

Another and he ducked under it, leaping straight.

 

Another tree and he leapt over it with one final push bringing him to Katsuki.

 

He landed in front of the blonde, just within range of his own quirk. They were surrounded by tree trunks that had been torn in half by Katsuki. Both boys stood staring at each other and panting. 

 

Katsuki smirked at him, “Nice take down of the old man Zuzu, you’re getting pretty good at using Dad and Auntie’s quirk. But even three quirks won’t be enough to take me down.”

 

Katsuki was annoyingly correct, Izuku was at a disadvantage. Sure he could just let the hunger tear away at One For All but that would hurt Izuku just as much as Katsuki. The first time he had done it Torino had spent an hour lecturing him on appropriate tactics.

 

Izuku’s only real advantage was speed and agility, even with his quirk Katsuki wasn’t as light on his feet at Izuku, doubly so when he was using jet. But the issue was Katsuki hit like a truck, Izuku wasn’t exceptionally tough and one decent hit could take him out. Meanwhile Katsuki was as tough as they came and with One For All flowing through him it was like hitting solid rock, it could take hours for Izuku to eventually beat him down.

 

It was like he was attacking Katsuki with a butter knife while Katsuki wielded an axe.

 

But of course Izuku was nothing if smart and so that night before training he had come up with a plan and called in a favour with his Aunt.

 

“Four.”

 

Katsuki frowned, “What?”

 

“I’m using four quirks Kacchan.”

 

As he spoke Izuku held out his palm and focused on the sweat that had built up in his hand from Auntie’s quirk and simultaneously activated his uncle's quirk.

 

BOOM!

 

The explosion threw Izuku back through the air as it filled the area with fire and smoke. The entire forest shook with the force and Izuku could hear ringing in his ears as he crumpled to the ground. His wrist throbbed with pain and his vision blurred as he looked up. He could still, however, sense Katsuki’s energy run up to him.

 

“Zuzu! Are you ok?” 

 

Katsuki slowly came back into focus and Izuku flinched slightly at the sight, his friend's clothes were burned and scorched, it matched the rest of the area of the forest where smoke was rising up from some of the burned tree trunks.

 

“Well that sucked.” Izuku said as he sat up, nursing his wrist, luckily it didn’t feel broken.

 

Katsuki snorted at the response, “I’ll say, pretty impressive move though.”

 

“What the hell was that!?” Gran Torino shouted as he came running into the clearing, scowling at Izuku who gave him a sheepish smile.

 

“Well, Auntie finally let me borrow her quirk for the day. She sweats nitro-glycerine and Uncle creates sparks so…” Izuku responded while at the same time giving Torino his quirk back, he didn’t miss the slight relief in the man's eyes.

 

“Combining the two equals explosion.” Katsuki said with a toothy grin and a look in his eyes that made Izuku shudder slightly, “Man imagine if I had gotten that as a quirk.”

 

“You probably would’ve been an asshole.” Izuku deadpanned to which Katsuki responded with a two fingered salute.

 

Torino rolled his eyes, “Your logic was sound but you clearly didn’t think through what the overall effect would be.”

 

Izuku nodded as Katsuki helped him to his feet, “I guess I didn’t think about how my body wouldn’t adapt to an explosion quirk, turns out it has a pretty big blowback.”

 

“I’ll say.” A monotone voice from behind them.

 

Izuku whipped round to face the voice, “Aizawa sir! What are you doing here?”

 

Aizawa just rolled his eyes as he walked up to three, Yagi next to him as they both glanced around the damaged forest. It was the first time Izuku had seen Aizawa out of his hero costume. Though the man didn’t look much different, he still wore a pair of faded black jeans, ragged black jacked and the bags under his eyes were perhaps even worse.

 

“I heard a commotion and thought it best to investigate, ran into Yagi who explained you were doing some… rigorous training.” He responded with a shrug.

 

“Ah yes, sorry about that.” Izuku and Yagi said at the same time.

 

“Don’t apologise for training.” Katsuki and Torino responded in sync.

 

Aizawa blinked several times, unsure how to treat the situation before settling on the best route forward. Ignoring it all together.

 

“Actually I was glad I ran into you, there was something I wanted to discuss with you and Yagi.”

 

“Yes, it appears I must apologise Young Midoriya. In all the time we spent training I had never stopped to pause and think about your situation.” Yagi said with a small smile at the boy.

 

Izuku raised an eyebrow, “My situation?”

 

Aizawa nodded, “It occurred to me when we spoke at UA, you said you only had three months, now just three weeks, until the entrance exam.”

 

“Well yeah, me and Kacchan have already put our applications in.” Izuku said with visible confusion.

 

“I’m aware, however, you shouldn’t be taking the entrance exam.” Aizawa said with neutral expression.

 

Izuku froze and his face paled, beside him he felt Katsuki stiffen up. After all this time did Aizawa really think he didn't deserve to try? He could feel a wave of self doubt creeping over him as Katsuki opened his mouth to let off what Izuku assumed as a fiery rant and defence of his friend.

 

Before he could, however, Aizawa raised his hand, “Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not saying you shouldn’t apply for UA, I’m saying the entrance exam isn’t the way to do it. For a quirk like yours The Recommendation Exam would be far more suitable.”

 

Katsuki’s mouth snapped shut and Izuku felt colour return to his face, at least Aizawa wasn’t suggesting he couldn’t be a hero. After all this time he wasn’t sure he could take that blow. Still that didn’t mean he agreed with the man.

 

“No,” Izuku said and firmly shook his head, “I don’t want any special treatment, I’ll take the entrance exam just like Kacchan.”

 

“Illogical.” Aizawa responded, causing Izuku to frown.

 

“Why? I’m going to prove that even with a quirk like mine I can become a hero, the same way as everyone else.” He defended.

 

“The type of hero you become won’t be determined in a school exam problem child. It doesn't make you any less of a hero, I took the recommendation exam when I applied for UA.” Aizawa admitted in a tone that dared Izuku to challenge him.

 

Izuku was thrown off slightly by that revelation, “Aren’t the Recommendation Exams for like… uh…”

 

“Rich pompous assholes.” Katsuki finished for him, causing Izuku to splutter in surprise.

 

Aizawa sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, “Not officially no, though I can’t deny most of the applicants come from a certain background. The actual purpose of the recommendation exams was to create an alternative for those whose quirks weren’t best suited for direct combat. Quirks like mine. Truth is the entrance exam is pretty biased towards people with flashy powerful quirk like Bakugou’s, no offence.”

 

Katsuki just gave a shrug in response, truth was in a one on one situation both teenagers knew Izuku wouldn’t stand a chance against Kacchan in his current state.

 

“He’s right kid,” Gran Torino commented, “Even back in my day the entrance exams were pretty physical, I had to chase down a runaway car, all self driving too, not another real person in sight. No quirks you can take in that situation.”

 

Yagi nodded in agreement, “Yes, while the UA entrance exam changes every year all the alumni I’ve ever spoken to say the same thing. I remember my entrance exam was essentially a complex game of a tag with a robot.”

 

“I obviously can't reveal the details of this year's exam but they’re correct, the exam will focus on physical attributes and how you utilise your quirk. Will you be using your parents' quirks for the exam?” Aizawa asked.

 

Izuku scratched the back of his head, “Ah, no. They let me borrow them here and there but I can’t keep them permanently. Apparently it’s uncomfortable to go an entire day without your quirk so it’s best I don’t get too used to them.”

 

“Uncomfortable is the least of it, it’s like losing a limb. I don’t mind you doing it during training, but I’d hardly call it a pleasant feeling.” Torino grumbled, letting off a few small bursts of air under his feet as if to make sure his quirk still worked.

 

“Right,” Aizawa continued, “And I’m assuming you won’t take any of the fellow examinees quirks.”

 

Izuku looked horrified at the thought, “Of course not! That would be completely unfair! It could ruin someone’s chances of passing for my selfish needs!”

 

Katsuki and Torino snorted at that while Yagi gave him a beaming smile, Aizawa just rolled his eyes.

 

“I disagree but I won’t argue with you. The point is you’ll essentially be going into the exam quirkless and while not impossible you’d be giving yourself a massive handicap to pass. Compare it to the recommendation exam which not only consists of a physical test but also an interview and you’d have a better opportunity to succeed in a more closed off and controlled exam situation. Part of being a hero is understanding where your strengths lay and adapting to them. Quite frankly I’ve seen too many potential heroes never make it past the entrance exam because their quirks weren’t suited for it, it would be a shame if you were one of them.”

 

Izuku thought over Aizawa’s words, he had always assumed he and Kacchan would take the same path to being a hero. Complete the entrance exam for UA together, be in the same class and so forth. But he supposed that was a childhood dream and that the reality was of course always going to be different. The truth was even without taking in their quirks into account Izuku and Katsuki were incredibly different, they wouldn’t always take the same paths.

 

Izuku sighed, “I see your point. But isn’t this all hypothetical? The exams are just a few weeks away, surely it’s too late to be recommended?”

 

Aizawa shrugged, “Normally yes, we accept 100 recommendations about six months before the exam. But one of the examinees dropped out a few days ago so there’s a free spot.”

 

“But isn’t that still against the rules and how would I even gain that spot? I doubt my school would recommend me and there’s no way our parents would have enough influence for it.” 

 

Yagi coughed into his hand slightly and gave Izuku a smile, “Well, being the number one hero does have its benefits.”

 

Izuku’s eyes widened at Yagi, “Yagi Sensei… you would recommend me?”

 

“Of course my boy!” Yagi said with a bright smile, “Like I told you from the start, Young Bakugou may be my successor but you are also my student. I would be proud to put my name in as your recommendation.”

 

“And as loath as I am to admit it, All Might does have enough influence to bend the rules and get you that spot.” Aizawa admitted with a slight frown.

 

Izuku paused and turned to Katsuki who had largely remained silent throughout, a constant curious eyebrow raised at the conversation.

 

“Kacchan, what do you think?”

 

Katsuki turned to him and gave him a serious look, “I think that I’ll kill you if you don’t get into UA, so if this is the best way for you to do it then I say take the recommendation.”

 

Izuku nodded, his mind made up and turned back to Aizawa, “Ok, I’ll take the recommendation exam, any advice?”

 

Aizawa smirked slightly at him, “Maybe there’s hope for you yet. The ‘exam’ as it’s called consists of three parts, a written exam, a physical assessment and an interview with Principal Nedzu. Don’t get cocky about the written, the paper for the recommendation is purposely made harder than the standard entrance. You’re supposed to be the best of the best and we want you to prove it. For the physical, don't get too pent up on winning, sure it’ll be a point in your favour if you do but we’re looking for people who utilise their quirks both to support themselves and use against others. You’re essentially showing us the basics of how you’ll operate as a hero. Finally, don’t underestimate how important the interview is. Though all the teachers contribute to the discussion the final decision on who gets in falls to Nedzu, you can get top scores in both the written and practical but fail to impress him in your interview and you’ll be rejected. Equally subpar scores on both of the other tests have sometimes been overruled by Nedzu due to the potential he saw in the interview. Oh, you’ll also need to bring an item to the interview, something personal to create a talking point for Nedzu to discuss with you.”

 

“It’s also worth pointing out I’ve never recommended a student before or even had an intern and while the recommendations aren’t necessarily advertised they’re not kept secret either. My recommendation will likely raise a few eyebrows.” Yagi admitted.

 

Katsuki snorted, “More raised eyebrows than a hero student who can take people’s quirks?”

 

Yagi paused, “Point.”

 

Izuku sighed and rubbed his temples, he hadn’t expected everything to get so intense and complicated so quickly.

 

“Ok, so I’m taking the recommendation exam, when is it anyway?” He asked.

 

“Three days time.” 

 

“WHAT!?”

 

---

 

Izuku gulped as he approached the gates of UA, his whole body was shaking with nerves and he was sure he was leaving a trail of sweat as he walked. His school uniform felt tight around his body, despite his mother only buying it a few weeks earlier to accommodate his new muscle. His backpack felt like it weighed a ton even though it only had a notebook, his pencil case and gym clothes in it. His recommendation letter had long been crumpled on one end as he held it in an iron tight grip in his hand.

 

His mother had offered to take the train with him to the exam but he had refused. She couldn’t coddle him if he got into UA and having her with him would only make him nervous. Well, more nervous than he already was. She had of course given him a teary goodbye and good luck, Auntie and Uncle had also given him tight hugs. Katsuki had only said that if Izuku failed today he was going to kill him, though the look in his eyes gave Izuku more motivation than anyone else could.

 

His nerves had steadily increased on the train journey to UA, it had only really hit him as he sat there reading his letter over and over again that he was about to take The Recommendation Exam. Who would have guessed he of all people would have been standing here with a recommendation from a top ten hero? Certainly not his current homeroom teacher who had needed a good ten minutes to recover from the shock of Izuku telling him he needed the day off for it. He had almost been tempted to hand over the name of his recommendation but he decided he didn’t want to comatose his teacher. 

 

His nerves only grew as he walked down the street to the entrance to the school. Though not because of UA itself, he had already seen and been in the school of course, but rather the other examaniess arriving. Because fuck almighty Izuku had never felt so out of place. The street was lined with limos and expensive cars, people dressed in clothes that looked to be worth a small house hugging their sons and daughters who all wore school uniforms from some of the best private schools in the country. The students all walked with such grace and elegance (some also with an air of superiority) and proudly handed over their letters to the teachers at the gate. Izuku swore he had even seen a private helicopter land within the grounds.

 

And there was the energy around him. Man, was he glad he and Yagi had visited LeBlanc a few more times since their first outing. Because Izuku was certain if they hadn't done so he would have lost control and taken half the quirks present already. The energy around him was like his own private fireworks display, some people had powerful unstable energy, one boy almost felt like he had a tornado surrounding him. Others had more subtle energy that could be missed at first glance but upon further inspection became more and more enticing to Izuku’s hunger. It was spread all over his body and was pulsing with his heart but luckily due to his training Izuku was able to deal with it. Mostly.

 

He shook his head and tried to flush all thoughts of the other examinees away, right now he needed to focus on himself and pass this exam. He rolled his shoulders back and walked up to the gates with what he hoped was at least some semblance of confidence. A few of the students (and some adults) gave him mild looks of confusion and disgust, clearly realising he wasn’t from Japan's elite like everyone else. He walked up to the gate and was greeted by the pro hero Midnight, he bit his cheek desperately to stop himself from fanboying out.

 

Midnight gave him a smile, “Ah hello, here for the recommendation exam?”

 

“Y-yes Ma’am.” Izuku nodded and handed over the letter in his hand.

 

Midnight giggled at his stutter, “Nervous huh? Don’t worry kiddo, I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

 

Izuku tried to give her a smile but he was certain it was more creepy than anything, “Thank you ma’am.”

 

“Now lets see,” Midnight said and started to read his letter, “Izuku Midoriya… from Aldera Junior High…  you’ll be in group two… recommendation came from-”

 

Midnight's jaw dropped open and her eyebrows rose up so high Izuku thought they may disappear off her head. The woman's eyes snapped from the letter to Izuku and then back again. Clearly Yagi had been right, getting a recommendation from All Might really would gain attention, even from other pro heroes.

 

Midnight quickly regained her professional composure however and gave Izuku a smirk, “Well, aren’t you just the most curious little thing. Recommended by the big man himself huh? I’ll be making sure to keep a close eye on you.” She said and gave him a saucy wink.

 

Izuku blushed madly and started to stutter causing Midnight to laugh, “You’ll need to work on that confidence though. Here you go, examinee number 100, head straight in and to the assembly hall.”

 

Izuku didn’t need to be told twice, he wiped his ID badge from her, gave a quick bow and practically sprinted to the building. 

 

Finding his seat in the hall was fairly easy, being 100 meant he was in the very back right hand corner of the seating arrangement. It was obvious the assembly hall was designed for a lot more than 100 people as they all sat close to the front, just by the stage. He put his bag under his seat and sat trying to calm his nerves while observing the other examaniess (and their energy) take their seats.

 

Huh, was that the two-toned boy he’d seen at LeBlanc? 

 

Eventually all 100 students took their seats, a few seemed to know each other and made small talk but a majority sat silently. Izuku himself was trying to calm his nerves by reading people’s energy and trying to analyse their quirks based on what he could see.

 

The two side doors on the stage swung open and the teachers of UA filed out onto the stage, Izuku recognizing each pro hero with excitement. Some like Midnight and Present Mic had excitable faces on, chatting amongst themselves and pointing out a few students. Izuku lowered himself in his chair when he saw Midnight point at him and say something to make Present Miz trip slightly. Others like Aizawa had more serious looks and gazed intently out at the hero hopefuls. Principal Nedzu himself had a wide smile on his face as he approached the microphone at the centre of the stage.

 

“Greeting applicants! I am a bear? Am I a rat? Who knows, more importantly I’m the Principle of UA! It’s a pleasure to welcome you all to this year's Recommendation Exam. As I’m sure you’re all aware you all represent the best your generation has to offer.”

 

Izuku noticed Aizawa hide what he assumed was a scowl behind his scarf at that comment.

 

“Some of you were recommended by the best schools around the country based on your grades and test scores, others are here to carry on a proud family legacy of heroics,” Izuku swore he saw someone's energy in the assembly flare up at that, but there were too many quirks around to focus on it.

 

“There’s also those of you who were recommended by industry leading figures who saw your potential as a hero, this includes those of you who were recommended by heroes themselves! I and my staff look forward to seeing what you can accomplish today in your efforts to prove these recommendations were not made in vain. On that note, while there is no requirement to keep recommendations a secret we ask that you respect your fellow examinees if they do not wish to divulge this information. Equally please understand that some of you will come from heroic families who’s quicks have certain classified traits, please don’t push anyone for this information. Anyone found ignoring these rules will fail the exam immediately.”

 

Izuku gulped slightly at that, suddenly becoming aware of the calibre of students here. Quicks with classified elements were usually that way to protect heroes who used them or keep powerful villains from discovering the secrets of the quirk. Izuku should know, seeing as his entire quirk itself was classified, he wondered if even the teachers knew the full extent of what he could do.

 

Nedzu continued his speech, “Now as I’m sure you’re all aware the day will consist of three separate sections, a written and practical exam and interview with yours truly. You have been split into three separate groups to spread you out throughout the day. Group one will complete their practical, then have the interviews and finish off with their written exam. Group two will start with written, move onto the practical and then have their own interviews. Finally group three will start with the interview, then written and of course finally your practical. If you’re unsure of your group please see a teacher after this assembly.”

 

Izuku supposed it could be worse, being in group two at least he would get the written exam out of the way, though he wasn’t looking forward to finishing off the day with a grilling from Nedzu.

 

“There will be a rest after each event and time between the first and second event to eat a lunch provided by ourselves. Now, are there any questions? Yes, examinee number 23?”

 

A girl a few rows in front of Izuku stood up, she was wearing a black skirt and blazer trimmed with gold. Her hair was in a pony table and her looks could easily be summarised by a few of the staring boys who were actively drooling. Her energy was also interesting, it shone brightly, almost as bright at All Might but was spread throughout her body.

 

“Thank you Principal, in regards to the written exam, how much time do we have and is there a word limit on our answers?”

 

“You will have three hours to complete the exam, there is no word limit and we have plenty of paper to write as much as you like, however I must warn you that quirks are strictly forbidden for the written test. Once again anyone caught out will fail immediately. Yes, examinee number 41.”

 

A boy practically on the other end of the seating arrangement to Izuku stood up, yet even at that distance Izuku’s eyes widened at how tall the boy was. He had a buzz cut of dark hair on his head and had an intense look in his eyes. He likely even towered above Katsuki. His energy was violent, like a tornado than encompassed his whole body

 

“I am most honoured to be here, Principal!” The boy shouted before bowing so quickly and so low Izuku thought he may have broken his back but he soon stood straight again, “For my question; are we allowed to know the parameters of the practical test before taking part?”

 

Nedzu nodded at the boy, “Of course! The practical assessment will consist of an obstacle course race against the fellow examinees in your group, your goal is to reach the finish line in as little time as possible. All supervised by teachers of course.”

 

Izuku immediately picked up on that wording, Nedzu hadn’t said the goal was to win, merely complete the course. This of course meant that a win wasn’t guaranteed admission. He knew from speaking with Aizawa that the goal wasn’t necessarily just to beat your opponents, however it was definitely an element. The real test was your time. But of course the unmentioned rule was that your time was only good or bad compared to the average. They were here to prove they could be heroes. And what better way to secure a high time than to push everyone else down? It was cruel but it would be effective. It was exactly something Izuku would imagine Aizawa thinking of.

 

The issue of course was just how much they were allowed to use their quirks. Obviously he didn’t want to seriously hurt anyone but Izuku didn’t want to be caught out by using his quirk in a way that wasn’t allowed. Especially for a quirk like his which he had a complex relationship with to say the least. Somehow he needed to gain more information on how best to use his quirk, he already had a plan in mind but it was one that could easily get him disqualified. Maybe if he tried to ask Aizawa quietly or text Yagi when he had a chance he could-

 

“Yes, examinee number 100?”

 

Huh?

 

Izuku looked up from where he had been quietly mumbling and found a gloved hand in the air. His own right arm had betrayed him and risen to ask a question without his consent. His lack of feeling in the arm meant he didn’t even notice. He now had over 100 sets of eyes looking at him expectantly.

 

He nodded in thanks and rose in his seat nervously, “Y-yes thank-thank you sir. I was uh… I was just w-wondering. Is-is there a limit o-on quirk usage during the uh practical section of the exam?”

 

Nedzu clapped happily, “Of course not! You are here to prove yourselves, you will be allowed to use your quirk however you see fit. Now any other-”

 

Izuku cleared his throat and interrupted The Principle, much to the shock of the assembled students and some of the teachers. Nedzu however actually looked excited at the interruption.

 

“I’m s-sorry sir. But it's really important that I understand c-correctly. You’re telling me there is absolutely no limit on what we do with our quirks and nothing we do with them will get us disqualified?”

 

Nedzu paused for a moment and Izuku thought he saw the glint of something in the rat's eye.

 

“You are correct number 100, bar setting out to seriously maim your other examinees on purpose, you may do anything you wish with your quirk. We have Recovery Girl on standby for any serious inquiries and our own Eraserhead will be overseeing the practical should things get really out of hand.”

 

Izuku nodded his thanks and finally sat back down, a few of the students around him held their curious gazes for a few moments longer before turning their attention back to the stage. The questions continued for another ten minutes. There were some obvious ones like asking when they’d get their results, how many students would be admitted and how long the individual interviews would take. Other questions definitely showed the type of crowd Izuku was in, could their personal chef bring their lunch, could they use their pre-made hero costumes for the exam and if UA provided private study rooms for those who were willing to pay.

 

Throughout it all Izuku only paid half attention, his mind piercing together his plan for the practical. There was of course no way he would steal the quirks of other examinees. He couldn’t quite bring himself to do that yet. But Nedzu had assured him no matter what he did he wouldn’t be disqualified. He just needed to make sure he positioned himself right for the start of the race in regards to his range.

 

It Made sense they would have Aizawa watching over the physical, if anyone lost control of their quirk he could just erase it.

 

Of course that was assuming Aizawa still had his quirk.

 

---

 

The growl of his stomach indicated to Izuku that he needed to eat and he strongly agreed. He was glad he had taken Aizawa’s advice and done some last minute cramming for the written exam because quite frankly it was the hardest thing he had even done. He was certain at one point his brain had started leaking from his ears. His left hand had cramped up towards the end and he just hoped whoever was marking his paper could make out the scrawls he made when using his right.

 

Luckily however they had now finished the exam and he and the rest of group two were trudging towards the lunch hall. Everyone looked as exhausted as he felt, well except for the ponytail girl who had asked the first question, she looked ecstatic and Izuku could hear her complimenting how wonderfully challenging the test had been. Izuku agreed, if by challenging she meant literal psychological torture.

 

A few of the examinees had started some conversions and Izuku found himself pulled into one.

 

“Hey 100, that was an odd ass question earlier. You got a quirk that’s gonna kill us all or something?” One boy asked with a chuckle.

 

“Huh!?” Izuku asked with a panicked wave of his arms, “O-oh, no, I just wanted to clarify the rules.”

 

Another girl laughed, “Sure. Hey, what school do you go to? I don’t recognise that uniform from any private school in the area?”

 

Izuku blushed slightly, “I uh don’t go to private school. We could never afford that.”

 

The pair's eyes widened, “You don’t!? How did a commoner get into a program like this? Surely UA’s standards haven’t dropped like this, the entrance exam is for people like you.”

 

Izuku felt a flash of anger from him, “Actually the recommendation exam was created to help those with less physical quirks. It’s just been manipulated by the rich and elite to act more as a stepping stone for those with wealth and power.”

 

Somewhere in the school Aizawa sneezed.

 

The pair looked at Izuku with shock for a moment before sneers of disgust appeared on their faces, “Don’t be ridiculous, who exactly did you bribe to get a recommendation from? Perhaps your a villain who-”

 

“Examinee numbers 12 and 78, at the start of the assembly I informed you not to mistreat your fellow students. Please return to the UA gate, you have both failed.” 

 

Nedzu’s voice came through the intercom and caused the entire group to turn to the security camera which was focused on the pair talking to Izuku. Izuku himself tried to cower into the ground and avoid being seen by everyone, several of whom were staring right at him.

 

The girl looked at the camera with shocked eyes, “But- You can’t do this! My parents are-”

 

“Nothing compared to the might of UA, now please leave before we are forced to escort you. You are now delaying the group, two of which have personal recommendations from two top ten heroes. I doubt they’d be pleased to hear you delayed their students' exam.”

 

The pair blushed with embarrassment but turned on their heels and stormed back down the hall towards the exit. Izuku watched them go and sighed with relief, at least it seemed UA had a principle with some morals.

 

“Interesting, I wonder who the second top ten recommended is.”

 

Izuku turned at the comment to find the two-toned boy standing next to him. He wasn’t exactly sure if the boy had asked him the question as his eyes were focused on the retreating pair of examinees. However Izuku decided to attempt some conversation anyway.

 

“You were recommended by a top ten?” He asked.

 

The boy nodded but didn’t turn to look at Izuku, “Yes, my father is Endeavour.”

 

Well shit.

 

That was definitely not the answer he had been expecting. Endeavour was a curious hero for Izuku and Katsuki. He was aggressive, violent and held the record for property damage. But they couldn't deny he was powerful and he put away his fair share of villains.

 

“Oh.” Was all Izuku said.

 

This time the boy did turn to him, “That’s not the reaction most people have.”

 

Izuku shrugged, “I’m not most people.”

 

The boy paused and looked Izuku in the eyes for a few moments, “I see.”

 

And with that he walked off.

 

Shaking off how weird that interaction had been, Izuku followed the boy into the lunch hall. Due to timings the groups were separated for lunch, something Izuku was glad of. Even with his better control of his quirk he still didn’t like large crowds. He walked into the hall to find most of the students split into several small queues. It seemed UA had spared no expense, fine cuts of meat, soups and other luxuries could be seen as nearly everyone felt their mouths water. Izuku however was drawn to something in particular, something that not even the hunger of his quirk could compare to in his desire.

 

Katsudon.

 

Izuku quickly walked over to a large steaming pan, pleased there was no real queue. Once again he had to avoid mumbling a million questions at Lunch Rush who happily served him a bowl, pleased someone finally went for the Katsudon he had made. Izuku thanked the hero and easily found an empty table in the cafeteria, sitting down and going over his plan for the practical.

 

“Excuse me!”

 

Izuku jumped slightly at the interruption and looked up… and up… and up until he came face to face with the enthusiastic boy earlier who asked the second question. Izuku cowered slightly in the shadow of the boy who was staring at him with a solemn expression.

 

“Y-yes?” Izuku stuttered out.

 

Just like before the boy suddenly bowed low, so low in fact his head collided with the ground.

 

“I would like to apologise! Those two students from earlier go to my school and I would like to assure you that they do not represent all students from there! I for one am pleased to see the recommendation exams do not limit themselves to those of us with privileged backgrounds.” Whether it was because his head was facing away from Izuku or he was just loud, the boy seemed to feel the need to shout every word.

 

Maybe Katsuki had a long lost brother.

 

“Oh no, I would never assume you were the same. But Thanks for apologising I guess.” Izuku said a little awkwardly.

 

The boy once again straightened himself up and gave Izuku a smile that would rival even All Might and held out his hand, “My name is Inasa Yoarashi!”

 

‘Ok Izuku, you prepped for this, you just have to be friendly, remember this isn’t Kacchan and he isn’t a bully.’

 

“I’m Izuku Midoriya, I’d shake your hand but my right hand is fucked.”

 

Nailed it.

 

Yoarashi’s smile faltered slightly at Izuku's words before he let out a bellowing laugh, “Fair enough Midoriya, may I join you for lunch?”

 

Izuku nodded his head, “Be my guest.”

 

Yoarashi smiled and sat opposite Izuku, “So how did you find the written portion of the exam?”

 

Izuku sighed, “Harder than I expected and I had expected it to be impossible.”

 

Yoarashi chuckled, “Yes I agree, I knew UA was the best obviously but I’m not sure anyone could be prepared for that.”

 

Izuku nodded, “I spent at least a third of my time on the mathematics section, I eventually just settled for 567 on the last question.”

 

Yoarashi’s face paled, “567?”

 

Izuku nodded.

 

“Oh um, excuse me?”

 

Both boys turned to face the new voice, at the end of their table stood the ponytail girl from earlier. A slight blush on her face as she looked away nervously.

 

“I’m sorry, I overheard you both talking about the exam and well… I’m quite eager to discuss it but no one else seemed keen. Do you mind if I join you?”

 

Izuku shook his head, “Not at all, Yoarashi?”

 

“Of course not! I look forward to comparing our thoughts!” Yoarashi bellowed and Izuku was starting to think Katsuki had finally met his match in the loud department.

 

The girl smiled and took a seat next to Yoarashi, “Thank you, I’m Momo Yaoyorozu, it’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

 

“I’m Izuku Midoriya.” Izuku responded with a smile.

 

“And I’m Inasa Yoarashi! I hope I’m not too forward but Yaoyorozu? Are you by chance related to the Yaoyorozu support company?” 

 

Yaoyorozu smiled with a slight blush, “Yes, my father and Aunt own and run the company.”

 

Yoarashi, “I thought so, they make all the support equipment for my Uncle.”

 

“Your Uncle is a pro hero?” Izuku asked, the excitement in his voice was obvious.

 

“Ah yes. He’s the pro hero Typhoon.” Yoarashi said with pride.

 

“Wow! Typhoon is one of the best rescue heroes out there! Only The Wild Wild Pussycats consistently rank above him and they have four members. He’s famous for using his ability to create air suction to control floods and other natural disasters.” Izuku's eyes sparkled as he practically leaned across the table.

 

Yoarashi chuckled a little, “I see you’re a hero fan.”

 

Izuku blushed immensely as Yaoyorozu giggled at him, “Sorry I uh… can get a bit excited sometimes.”

 

Yoarashi merely grinned at him, “Don’t apologise! I am proud of my Uncle and hope to continue in his work!”

 

“I assume he was your recommendation then?” Yaoyorozu asked.

 

“Yes, I’ve trained him since I was young and decided to be a hero. He was kind enough to offer me the recommendation to UA. I’m guessing you were also recommended by your family?” Yoarashi asked and turned the tables attention to Yaoyorozu.

 

“Of sorts yes, technically the entire company recommended me as well as few other support companies,” Izuku nearly choked on his food at that, here he was thinking a recommendation from All Might was impressive, “Though my family have always traditionally gone into support I decided to buck the trend and so here I am.”

 

Both then turned to Izuku who coughed nervously, “Uh, it’s probably best for me to keep the specifics of my recommendation on the down low. But I don’t mind telling you it came from a pro hero who has been mentoring me, though not a family member like you Yoarashi.”

 

“Of course, forgive us for prying,” Yaoyorozu said before Yoarashi could snap the table in half with a bow, “Now about the exam, Midoriya you said you got 567 for the final mathematics question?”

 

Izuku nodded, “Once you carried it all over, yeah, that’s what I came out with.”

 

Yaoyorozu frowned, “Odd, I got 604 as my answer.”

 

Yoarashi paled considerably at that, “604?”

 

Yaoyorozu nodded, “Yes, what about you Yoarashi, what did you get?”

 

Yoarashi gulped, “Uh… X?”

Chapter 8: How To Kill The Principle of UA

Summary:

Izuku faces both the physical assessment and his interview with Nedzu

There was a satisfying pop from Izuku’s back as he completed one final stretch. Around him the rest of his group were completing similar exercises. He noticed a few people working their quirks and felt his hunger briefly flare up but he kept it under control. He blushed and had to look away when he saw Yaoyorozu in nothing more than a sports bra and bike shorts. He assumed she needed skin exposure to work for her quirk, much like Midnight. Yoarashi wore similar clothes to Izuku, a simple tank top and shorts. Now that he had his plan in mind Izuku was glad he hadn’t gone with something heavier.

 

The examinees were currently standing by the start of the obstacle course, there was some damage left by the first group but it appeared to mostly be repaired. It was hard to judge what they would be facing as the dirt path of the track took a sharp right only a few metres from the starting line.

 

As the students stood nervously Izuku felt four energies approach, he turned to see the supervising teachers approaching, Aizawa, Present Mic, Midnight and Ectoplasm.

 

“What’s up little listeners!?” Mic asked excitedly to which a few people responded with half hearted hellos.

 

Mic frowned and Midnight giggled, “Don’t feel so bad Mic, this is the group who just sat the written exam. Though if you ask me they’re the group who are going to put on the best performance~” 

 

Midnight’s eyes briefly snapped first to Endeavour's son (Shoto Todoroki, Izuku had been told) and then to Izuku himself, it made his skin twitch slightly.

 

Ectoplasm ignored Midnight and stepped forward, “The four of us will be overseeing the race, we’ll keep an eye out for any serious injuries as well as watching your overall performance. Any questions?”

 

This time nobody raised their hands and Mic pulled out a starting gun, “Alright listeners, take your starting positions!”

 

Most people took a casual walk up to the line. Izuku on the other hand all but sprinted to the right hand side of it, taking a spot right on the edge where the four teachers stood. The move caused a few curious glances his way and he noticed Aizawa giving him a critical eye. 

 

“Sorry, I’m just excited.” Izuku said and it was true, he was excited, because from this point all four teachers were comfortably within ten metres of him

 

Mic gave him a supportive thumbs up but Aizawa kept his eyes on Izuku, clearly suspecting something. Izuku made eye contact with him briefly and decided he may as well make sure his plan was ok before the race started. 

 

With a pull he took Aizawa’s quirk.

 

Aizawa’s eyes widened briefly though whether it was from piercing together Izuku’s plan or the fact his quirk had been taken Izuku couldn't say. However as Aizawa overcame the surprise Izuku could have sworn he saw a smirk play at the man's lips.

 

“Hey Mic,” Aizawa said to his colleague, “Why don’t I start the race this time?”

 

Mic practically dropped the starting gun in surprise, his jaw on the ground. It was a battle just to get Aizawa to attend these things, let alone get him to actively take part. Even Midnight and Ectoplasm were caught off guard.

 

“Uh, sure.” Mic responded and passed the gun over.

 

Aizawa nodded his thanks and turned to the examinees, “Ok everyone, get into your starting positions.”

 

Izuku smiled and crouched low, he wasn’t sure if what Aizawa was doing was completely moral but he was hardly one to complain. Aizawa would make sure to keep the race going while Izuku prepared, it was rather convenient in the end. He knew he could comfortably hold four quirks.

 

And there were four teachers.

 

“Get ready.” Aizawa said as he held the gun up.

 

Izuku pulled at Midnight's energy first. He had noticed it when he first arrived, her energy looked similar to her gas, except it was a darker shade and seemed to be thicker. It floated within her whole body almost like she was a balloon someone had filled up. The quirk put up a slight fight as Izuku pulled on it but the energy quickly flowed from Midnight into himself. Midnight went very pale the moment her quirk left her, she froze completely and looked down at her hands, clearly in shock.

 

“Three.”

 

Next Izuku targeted Present Mic. His energy was similar to Aizawa’s, it flowed upwards from his chest to his throat and mouth but unlike Aizawa’s more firm lines of energy vibrated upwards almost moving in sync like shockwaves. Mic had a more visible reaction to having his quirk taken and winced slightly, he opened mouth to speak but he was cut off when his energy was taken by Izuku.

 

“Two.”

 

Finally Izuku latched onto the energy of Ectoplasm. Out of the four he had the most unusual, it contained what looked like pockets of gas connected by strands of energy throughout his body. It also put up the most fight, but compared to Gran Torino it was still relatively easy for Izuku to take. The four quirks sat in his body, it gave him a warm feeling like he had just eaten a large meal. Ectoplasm seemed to panic, his eyes widening as he turned to Aizawa, but it was too late.

 

“One.” Aizawa said and let off the shooting gun.

 

The entire group of examinees surged forward. Or at least they would have if not for the fact the moment Aizawa let off the gun Izuku used everything he had to force out Midnight’s quirk. Luckily most emitter quirks worked the same way and all he had to do was focus on the energy and expel it from his body. 

 

The gas poured from Izuku’s skin, unlike Midnights his was a thick green and looked far more toxic than alluring. He didn’t wait to see if it worked as he sprinted down the dirt track. However based on the various thuds he heard behind him and the shocked cry of Present Mic he assumed it had worked. Keeping a steady stream of gas spewing from his body, Izuku skidded round the first corner.

 

Squelch!

 

He almost fell flat on his face as his foot made contact with the damp moss beneath him. Having turned a corner Izuku could see their first obstacle. To put it simply it was a swamp, water was everywhere and there were mounds of mossy covered soil. Annoyingly there were no trees or upper pathways Izuku could take to avoid the swamp altogether. Which meant he had no choice but to plough straight through. 

 

He would have to buy Yagi a present for making him run along that beach over and over again. Though not identical to the moist swampy landscape he was in currently, running on all that sand made it far easier to stumble his way through the swamp at a reasonable speed. By the time he made it across where the dirt path picked back up his shoes were soaked through. But as far as he could tell he was still in the lead.

 

However as he picked up the pace down the dirt path he felt someone’s energy appear right next to him. Glancing to his right Izuku saw that it was Yaoyorozu, she had somehow managed to get hold of a gas mask and was wearing it over her face to avoid the green gas Izuku was still pushing out of his body.

 

But that was nothing compared to fucking bike she was on. 

 

Izuku assumed this all had to do with her quirk but he didn’t have time to think about it. Yaoyorozu was quickly getting ahead of him and he could feel the energy of others approaching the end of the swamp. He stopped expelling the sleeping gas from Midnight's quirk, no need to use up the effort when it had already served it’s main purpose.

 

He saw Yaoyorozu skip to a halt up ahead and he wondered if something had gone wrong as she got off her bike and ran to the right, throwing her gas mask on the ground. It was only when Izuku skidded round the corner he realised why. 

 

They had gone from one extreme to another it seemed, instead of a swamp in front of him this time Izuku was faced with a towering forest. The forest was far thicker and the trees far higher than the one he and Katsuki had trained in. Up ahead he could see Yaoyorozu making a path in the foliage with a machete, presumably it came from the same mysterious place as the bike and mask.

 

Izuku couldn’t help but smirk, getting through a forest? It was hardly a challenge for him. He charged forward. There was one issue though, he would move best within the branches of the trees, but getting up there would be difficult. There was no way one jump would do it and while he could climb up that would cost him a lot of time. Realistically he needed someone to give him a boost.

 

Oh right, Ectoplasm.

 

As he approached the forest Izuku zoned in on one of the trees. Meanwhile he grabbed onto Ectoplasm's quirk and manipulated the energy. It felt odd, rather than using the entire stream of energy Izuku latched onto one of the gas balls floating in his body and forced it out through his mouth. The mist of the quirk was blown out from his throat and in front of him.

 

A few moments later and there was a perfect clone of Izuku, clothes and all, running slightly ahead of him. As they approached the tree the clone swung round and knelt to the ground, clasping his hands together and holding out his palms. Izuku put one foot in the open palms and lifted the other onto his clone's shoulder.

 

He heard his clone grunt as they pushed him up with as much strength as they had. Izuku used his own legs to further propel himself up and he flew into the air. Reaching out he grabbed a low hanging branch and used it to swing himself up. Down below his clone turned back to mist and returned to Izuku, becoming a ball of energy within him once again.

 

Now up in the branches Izuku took a sigh of relief and smiled to himself. He quickly started to leap from branch to branch, making his way through the tree line. He wasn’t sure what place he was in but based on the energy he could feel a large chunk of the group was still a fair ways behind him.

 

It didn’t take long for him to clear the forest jumping down from the final tree and onto the ground below. Up ahead he could see the finish point for the course. Unfortunately between him and the finish line there were two final blaring obstacles. The first being a raging set of rapids he needed to cross and just beyond that a deep cavern that he was sure was so deep he wouldn’t be able to see the bottom.

 

He could see Yaoyorozu within the river, she was using some kind of grappling hook to pull herself across and had made it about halfway. But she looked like she was struggling, the rapids were merciless and were pounding away at her, her face scrunched up in pain as she pulled herself along.

 

Izuku scanned the river, there was no way he was going to attempt to head straight through, even with four quirks he had nothing he could use to stop himself being swept away. Looking upstream he could see calmer waters but again heading up that way would cost him valuable time. He could however see several rocks and boulders sitting in the river, the tops of a few protruding out of the water. Izuku gulped, he didn’t have a choice.

 

Bracing himself he crouched low and took aim at the first boulder. With a running start he jumped into the air and landed on said rock. The moment his feet made contact he felt them sweep out from under him. He toppled forward and managed to grab hold of the edge of the rock at the last minute, landing harshly on top. He could feel the water from the river whip up and quickly soak him through.

 

Taking a breath to steady himself he eyed the next boulder in his path. Pushing up with his feet he flew across the rapids below and landed again with a sharp thud. His feet slipped and he almost fell into the raging river but was able to haul himself up, by this point his clothes were pretty soaked. Izuku observed the path ahead, if he did it right he would get across with just another two jumps.

 

A scream tore his attention away from the rocks. Snapping his head to his left he saw Yaoyorozu being swept away by the current, her face full of sheer panic. The grappling hook she had been using apparently hadn’t been able to take the weight and had snapped, one end of it flying through air.

 

Izuku moved without thinking.

 

On instinct he pushed off from the rock he was perched on, eyes trained on the snapped end of the rope. He snatched it out of the air with his left hand while his right reached out. He grunted and cried out in pain as he landed in the water, his left hand wrapped around the rope and his right now gripping the rock he had originally been planning to jump to. His arms were stretched in a T pose as he grit his teeth, feeling the pull of the rapids on his shoulders.

 

Looking down he saw Yaoyorozu still gripping onto the rope for dear life, she was looking back at him with wide panicked eyes.

 

“M-Midoriya!”

 

“Just hold on Yaoyorozu!” Izuku cried and grit his teeth as he felt the force of the water strain his muscles.

 

As he looked down stream he saw the forest collapse slightly, shards of ice tearing apart the trees. To his utter relief Todoroki came charging through, his body coated in a thin layer of frost. The boy paused and took a quick look at the river in front of him.

 

“Todoroki!” Izuku called, “We need help!”

 

Todoroki didn’t even glance in their direction. He paused to catch his breath before stepping forward and shooting out a wave of ice behind him, easily clearing the rapids and leaving the pair behind. Yaoyorozu stared in horror as the boy took off while Izuku scowled.

 

“TODOROKI!” He roared, his cry driven largely by the pain in his body.

 

He gripped harder, the rope slowly running through his left hand giving him painful burns. He couldn’t even feel what was happening with his right hand. His entire body felt like it was going to be torn in half from the force. Just as Izuku was beginning to panic he felt a rush of air next to him and was suddenly aware of someone’s energy.

 

“Midoriya!” Yoarashi cried, he was currently floating on what appeared to be a tornado next to Izuku, the water below him whipping up in all directions.

 

“Keep hold of the rope! I’ve got you!” He cried and wrapped an arm around Izuku who released his hold on the rock. 

 

Yoarashi grunted as he took Izuku’s full weight, luckily despite his training Izuku was still small compared to larger boyi. Izuku grabbed the rope with both hands while Yoayorozu grit her teeth and kept hold at the other end. 

 

Using his quirk Yoarashi pulled Izuku through the air, Yoayorozu being dragged along through the river. The boys collapsed on the bank across the other end and Izuku dug his feet into the ground, pulling hard on the rope. 

 

Yoarashi dove forward grabbing the rope also and together boys slowly pulled Yaoyorozu to the shore line. She hauled herself out of the river and all three collapsed onto the ground panting.

 

“Are you both ok?” Yoarashi said as he helped Yaoyorozu to her feet.

 

“I-I think so… Thank you both. I clearly didn’t create the rope with enough tensile strength.” Yaoyoroze had an embarrassed blush on her face as she apologised.

 

Izuke waved her off, though he wasn’t sure what she meant by created, “It’s fine Yaoyorozu, you couldn’t have known. At least most of the group is still behind us.”

 

Indeed the rest of the group were starting to break out of the forest and arrive at the river. It looked like most didn’t have any quirks that would work well in the situation however and were struggling to cross.

 

“Todoroki is storming ahead however.” Yoarashi said, looking over at the canyon, the final obstacle, where Todoroki stood on the edge slowly forming an ice bridge to cross.

 

“I-I can’t believe he just left us.” Yaoyorozu said with a quiver in her voice, it looked like she was in mild shock.

 

“He what!?” Yoarashi cried in outrage.

 

“It doesn’t matter right now, we need to focus on completing the course. This is still a race after all.” Izuku was pushing his own anger down at the boy but there was nothing he could do right now.

 

Yaoyorozu and Yaorashi looked at each other before nodding at Izuku, “Right,” they said in unison.

 

There was a gust of wind and before Izuku realised it the pair had rushed ahead of him, heading straight for the canyon. Izuku cursed under his breath and started to follow, trying to calculate a plan in his mind to cross the obstacle. Todoroki had almost completed his ice bridge while Yoayorozu’ stomach was glowing, a large pole slowly growing out of it. Yoarashi simply flew straight over the gap. If Izuku didn’t do something they were going to leave him in the dust.

 

His thoughts ran a million miles an hour and he was sure he was mumbling out loud as his mind raced. He had pages of notes on all four quirks he currently had, there had to be something he could do. Aizawa and Midnights quirks were pretty much useless for it and he didn’t think a clone would get him across nor was the range of spewing them out great enough to get over the crevasse. That left him with Present Mic’s quirk but how could a soundwave quirk help him? Sure it was powerful, Present Mic famously needed to hold a certain pose while using it due to the force of-

 

Wait.

 

Could that really work? Was Izuku really that crazy enough to try it?

 

Of course he fucking was.

 

Izuku skidded to a halt just before the canyon, Yoarashi and Yaoyorozu had already crossed and Todoroki was moments away from completing his bridge. Spinning on his feet Izuku faced back towards the river, there were a few other examinees attempting to cross now, some gave him an odd look as he faced them.

 

Izuku bent his legs low while feeling the energy of Mic’s quirk, just like Aizawa’s he realised he needed to force it out. He pushed off the ground hard, jumping into the air and let Mic’s quirk rip through his throat.

 

The soundwaves instantly roared out, several examinees (both completing the physical exam and across the entire school) jumped at the sudden noise. Even Todoroki’s head whipped round to Izuku. The sound waves slammed into the dirt, cracking it and blowing it in all directions. Izuku himself was sent through the air by the force, launching himself over the canyon. Unfortunately for Todoroki the shockwave proved too great for his ice as the bridge collapsed.

 

Izuku’s flight over the crevasse was hardly majestic, he twisted and turned awkwardly in the air as he made sure that the soundwave always faced the right direction. When he was sure he had gone far enough he shut his mouth and turned off the quirk. He crashed into the dirt below, rolling painfully on the ground and gaining a mouth full of dust.

 

Izuku coughed and scrambled back to his feet, he had made it across but Yaoyorozu and Yoarashi were still in front and quickly approaching the finish line. Izuku put everything he had into his legs and pursued them. But while he was slowly gaining on Yaoyorozu it was clear with his quirk Yoarashi would leave them in the dust. Literally. And Izuku had decided he no longer wanted to just do well, he wanted to win.

 

“Sorry Yoarashi.” He said to himself before activating Aizawa’s quirk.

 

Yoarashi’s wind vanished in an instant and the boy yelped as he tumbled to the ground. Izuku kept his eyes on the shocked boy for as long as he could. To his credit Yoarashi only paused in shock briefly before he started a far more traditional sprint to the finish line. However it was clear he just wasn’t built for running as well as Izuku and Yoayorozu who both quickly passed him.

 

Izuku clenched his fists as he desperately tried to catch Yoayorozu but it was obvious at this stage she would hit the finish line before he could pass her. By the looks of things she wasn’t actively using her quirk so he couldn’t cancel it out. In a last ditch effort he threw Midnight's quirk out, trying to throw it forward as green gas filled the area.

 

But Yoayorozu wouldn’t be fooled twice and before the gas could take effect her hand glowed and she pulled out a mask, covering her mouth. Izuku cursed, she would finish before the gas got through that. Maybe- yes!

 

If he used Ectoplasm’s quirk he could throw a clone forward who would be able to pass Yaoyorozu. He wasn’t sure if it would count but it was worth a try. He latched onto one of the energy orbs from Ectoplasm and pushed it forward. What he hadn’t realised was that he was still using Midnight's quirk.

 

The orb of energy shot forward but rather than having mist spew from his mouth Izuku watched up ahead as the gas from Midnight's quirk started to move. It drew itself into one location, solidifying and morphing into a figure. As the gas further solidified the figure grew skin, their eyes shone a bright emerald and their hair stuck up in green spikes. 

 

Izuku’s clone fell from the sky and landed right over the finish line.

 

The scoreboard to their right bleeped as Izuku’s name appeared across the top. Moments later Yaoyorozu crossed the line, followed by the original Izuku who starred as his clone with a mild amount of shock. He didn’t think too hard however before he saw the four teachers staring at him, three with slight fear and the forth with a look of expectation. Izuku gave Aizawa a sheepish grin and let the four quirks he was holding onto drift back to their owners.

 

A commotion caused him to turn back to the race. It appeared Todoroki had finally managed to cross the canyon and was heading straight to the finish line. But Yoarashi was hot on his tail, having finally figured out he hadn't lost his quirk permanently and was picking up dust as he pushed it to its limits. Izuku had to admit it was exciting watching two people with such powerful quirks go head to head. Eventually however Yoarashi squeezed out in front at the last minute, the scoreboard bleeped twice, showing their places in the third and forth under Izuku and Yoayorozu.

 

1st Izuku Midoriya: 06:32:12s

 

2nd Momo Yaoyorozu: 06:33:40s

 

3rd Inasa Yoarashi: 07:09:24s

 

4th Shoto Todoroki: 07:09:25s

Yoarashi turned to Todoroki with a wide smile, “Woah! That was incredibly close there at the end! Who knew the battle for third would be so intense! Should we both get in, I look forward to several rematches!”

 

Todoroki didn’t even look at him and Izuku shivered slightly at the coldness in the boy's eyes, “We are both failures, but I will be the top overall, you all just stand in my way.”

 

Yoarashi’s smile vanished and the boy looked both angry and outraged, before he could respond Todoroki turned and marched to the changing rooms. Izuku frowned at the interaction but quickly smiled and ran over to Yoarashi.

 

“Yoarashi,” he called, “That was amazing! I guessed you had a wind quirk but I didn’t expect it to be so powerful!”

 

Yoarashi jumped slightly but his smile soon returned to his face, “Whirlwind is truly a fantastic quirk to be gifted with! Yet I still only came third, truly the standard of UA is phenomenal!”

 

“Your quirk control is amazing too, I mean you used it to fly!” Izuku said excitedly.

 

“I wouldn’t call it flying, it’s more that I can hover over the ground. It was pretty useless in the forest.” Yoarashi said with a shrug. 

 

“Still, it’s a credit to how hard you’ve worked!” Yoarashi beamed at the compliment, “You too Yaoyorozu, I couldn’t quite figure out what your quirk is though,” Izuku said as the girl walked up to the two boys.

 

She smiled at them both, “Thank you, my quirk is called Creation. So long as I know the molecular structure of something I can create it.”

 

Izuku’s jaw dropped, “That’s… that’s got to be the most powerful quirk I’ve heard of. I mean, what are its limits?”

 

Yoayorozu gave him an awkward smile, “I’m afraid the specifics of my quirk, including its limitations, are classified with the HPSC.”

 

Izuku waved his arms in front of him, “Of course, my apologies for asking.”

 

Yoayorozu just shrugged, “No harm done.”

 

Yoarashi chuckled, “I can’t believe we’re here discussing our quirks when the real topic is your quirk Midoriya. I swear I saw you use several of them, I can’t even begin to work out what it is.”

 

Yoayorozu nodded her head, “I too am curious, I assumed you had a quirk like Midnights but then you used something akin to Present Mic.”

 

Izuku froze and gulped nervously, “Uh… I’m afraid my quirk is also classified under the HPSC.”

 

Yaoyorozu gave him a kind smile, “That’s ok, you can just tell us the declassified elements.”

 

Izuku scratched the back of his neck, “Ah no, sorry I mean my entire quirk is classified.”

 

Izuku was sure Yoayorozu was about to faint while Yoarashi spluttered in surprise. Both giving him wide eyes of awe, it made Izuku slightly uncomfortable to be honest. Before anyone could say anything more Izuku cried out as a wooden cane hit the back of his head.

 

“Idiot teenager, when were you going to see me about that!?” Recovery Girl all but shouted, pointing at Izuku’s right hand.

 

“Huh?”

 

Izuku looked down and winced, his right hand was twisted in completely the wrong direction, his wrist clearly broken while thick drops of blood were landing on the floor, his glove torn to shreds.

 

“M-Midoriya!” Yoayorozu screeched, “How are you resisting all that pain?”

 

Izuku gave her a toothy smile, “It’s fine, I haven’t felt anything in my right hand since I was seven.”

 

“WHAT!?” Yoarashi cried.

 

Recovery Girl sighed, “If you and your brother get in I’m demanding a raise.

 

---

 

Izuku was uncomfortable, his whole body ached despite the warm shower he had after the physical assessment. Putting on his school uniform again had felt like crawling into a coffin. He wanted nothing more than to fall into bed. But he still had one last element of the exam to go, the interview with Nedzu. He sat in the waiting room outside the principal's office as the students were called in one by one. If he had thought this part of the test would be easy he was quickly being proven wrong. Several people had walked out of the office sickly green, one examinee had even been sobbing. It didn’t even look like Nedzu was picking people in any order, he just came out and shouted a random name. 

 

Over half of the group had already left and Izuku was growing more nervous. He had to stop himself from tearing his notebook in half several times. Izuku had decided to lean into his more academic side and bring in a quirk analysis notebook for his talking point. Of course he hadn't brought in just any old book, he had spent the past three days putting together an overall summary of his others, using points and an index to create an incredibly professional looking book.

 

He couldn’t help but look at what everyone else had brought, a few had what looked like priceless family heirlooms while others had brought entire bags of items. Todoroki had surprised him slightly and brought a flower he didn’t recognize while Yoarashi was tightly holding onto some kind of book.

 

Izuku frowned when he glanced at Yaoyorozu, “Have you got your talking point Yaoyorozu?”

 

Yaoyorozu gasped, “Oh my! Thank you Midoriya. I can't believe I forgot to prepare.”

 

Izuku’s face burst into red as the girl lifted her shirt, showing her tight stomach. He watched as he stomach glowed and she pulled out-

 

“Is that a gold bar?!” Yoarashi whispered, though it was still louder than Izuku’s indoor voice.

 

Yaoyorozu smiled as she adjusted her shirt, “Only coated, it’s iron inside. Technically I could use my quirk to create endless supplies of money, but doing so would destabilise the economy and so I thought it would be a good discussion topic.”

 

Izuku wasn’t completely sure about that, even if she could, he doubted one person could destabilise an economy based on a population of over 100 million people, even with Yoayorozu’s quirk. But he understood the concept and wouldn’t argue.

 

“What about you two, what did you bring?” She asked the boys.

 

Izuku bit his lip, “I uh… I do quirk analysis as a hobby and brought in one of my notebooks. I figured I'd lean into it seeing as it’s both relevant and a favourite pastime of mine.”

 

Yaoyorozu giggled and covered her mouth, “No wonder you were so interested in our quirks.”

 

Izuku blushed and scratched the back of his head, “Yeah I uh.. Had to restrain myself from adding to my notebook.”

 

Yoarashi chuckled, “I’m not sure I made the right choice with mine hearing what you two brought in.”

 

“What did you bring Yoarashi?” Yaoyorzu asked.

 

Yoarashi held up an old and tattered book, “It’s an old book I used to read as a child. It’s about a legend from England about King Arthur and Camelot. King Arthur was always a moral and just King in the story and it’s his principles that inspired me to be a hero.”

 

“That’s not stupid at all, I think it’s great you have a strong set of morals for being a hero.” Izuku commented with a smile.

 

Before any of them could continue the office door swung open and Todoroki stepped out, it was difficult to tell if the interview had any effect on him as his face looked as blank as ever. Nedzu quickly appeared on the doorway behind him, a vicious smile on his face as he scanned the room.

 

“Inasa Yoarashi!”

 

“Wish me luck.” Yoarashi said as he stood up while the other two nodded their heads.

 

Fifteen minutes later he stumbled out of the office, eyes wide and his book clutched to his chest like a long treasure. He didn’t even acknowledge Izuku and Yaoyorozu as he escaped into the hallway. The pair glanced at each other and gulped.

 

“Izuku Midoriya!”

 

Izuku’s heart skipped a beat but his body moved on autopilot following the principle into his office. As he entered he noticed several screens replaying the key moments from his obstacle race. He was finally able to see how effective his first move had been, the gas had knocked everyone out but Yaoyorozu who had only survived because she was the opposite end of the starting line as him.

 

“Ah, I see you’re admiring your handiwork.”

 

Izuku’s focus was pulled from the screens as he noticed Nedzu looking up at him with a smile from behind his desk. Izuku blushed and took his seat opposite the principal.

 

“Sorry Sir, I didn’t get to see what happened at the start of the race.”

 

“Oh I wasn’t criticising! Observing your own work is a key element of how you improve, I must say though I was impressed with how effective your initial plan was, Midnight’s quirk truly is powerful when used effectively.” Nedzu said with a clap of his hands.

 

Izuku froze in his seat, “You uh…”

 

“Oh of course, my apologies Midoriya. I am in what Aizawa likes to call The Big Secret Club. I am fully aware of the details of your quirk as well as One For All.” Nedzu explained and Izuku let out a sigh of relief before the principal gained a more serious expression, “I must warn you however even if you have been trained by All Might and your friend is his successor you have just as much chance of passing or failing today as everyone else here.”

 

Izuku felt a weight lifted off his shoulders, “Oh thank you. I was so worried you were going to give me an automatic pass due to my quirk and connections. I’m glad I’m getting in on my own merits.”

 

Nedzu blinked. It wasn’t often he was surprised but they weren’t five minutes in and Izuku had done it. Most of the examinees with recommendations of the calibre he had expected to walk in and be offered a spot there and then. It was refreshing to find someone who actually wanted to earn their spot.

 

“I’m pleased to hear it. Now would you like some tea?” Nedzu asked, a cup and teapot seemingly appearing from thin air.

 

“Oh, uh sure. Thanks.” Izuku said and Nedzu looked genuinely thrilled at being taken up on the offer.

 

“I want to reassure you today that even if you fail you will automatically be entered into our entrance exam in two weeks. If your written test today has been up to standard you will only be required to take the practical section of the exam also. However, based on your performance today you are looking strong. If I might say, congratulations on your win in the practical section.” Nedzu handed Izuku a steaming cup of tea and the boy was surprised to find it was quite delicious.

 

“Your use of the four quirks you took from my staff was impressive, especially considering that for three of them this was the first time you ever used them. Many people spend years gaining even a small amount of control of their quirk but you did it in a manner of minutes.” Nedzu said with a glint in his eye as he sipped his own tea.

 

“Actually sir, it's quite easy to adapt to them. Most quirks work the same way, especially emitter quirks.”

 

“Oh, is that so?” Nedzu said with a hint of excitement.

 

Izuku nodded, “Quirks appear as a type of energy to me, it’s how I take them, I draw the energy into myself. Emitter quirks are quite simple from there, all I really need to do is expel the energy, the quirks automatically take the correct path out of the body and take on whatever effect they have.”

 

“Fascinating. So the difference between Eraserhead and Present Mics' quirks…?” 

 

“Eraserhead's energy I push through my eyes while Present Mic’s I push through my throat, the energy automatically morphs into the quirk from there. I often theorised the reason I’m able to see quirks as energy is less to do with taking them and more to do with making it easier to use them when I do gain them.” Izuku explained trying not to fall into a mumbling rant. 

 

Nedzu nodded and stroked his chin in thought, “That would make sense, your quirk would be useless if you were unable to effectively use the quirks you gained. However, while we could spend all day discussing your quirk there are plenty of other questions I am curious about, first let's start with the obvious: Why UA?”

 

Izuku answered automatically, “Because it's the best hero school in the country.”

 

Nedzu’s smile faltered slightly though he hid it from Midoriya. It was a little disappointing, the boy had been steadily getting more interesting. But he had given the same old answer nearly every other examinee gave, they wanted to be here because it was the best. Nedzu was proud of that fact of course but it was a lazy answer to the question. 

 

“Yes, well, we do have the best curriculum and alumni I suppose.” He sighed.

 

Izuku’s eyes widened, “Oh no, it’s not that. I mean yes you do have both of those and of course you’re the school All Might went to. But UA excels due to how flexible your heroics  course is and how much freedom your teachers are given. Most hero schools and classes focus on different types of heroics. Tokyo Hero School for instance is all about strong emitter quirks while The Kyoto Recon school of course specialises on those with recon quirks. There’s nothing wrong with having a specialty of course, there are great heroes who do. Miruko for example focuses on quick and strong attacks, overcoming her opponent before they can really fight back. It’s a sound tactic but she doesn’t have more than three supermoves and she’s been caught out in long firefights before. UA alumni are far more flexible however, look at The Wild Wild Pussycats, while they may be a primarily rescue based team they are also effective in villain situations, this is largely due to them all being in the same UA class and learning how to adapt and rely on each other as a group in any situation. 

 

“As you can imagine for someone who’s whole concept is taking a variety of quirks I’ll need to make sure my hero style is as flexible and adaptable as possible. Not only that but having a varied hero education will allow me to be a better hero and take on many different missions and patrol routes. There’s also the fact you were the first school in the country to allow quirkless applicants which proves to me you really don’t care about the actual quirk someone had and more their capabilities. Which uh… as you can imagine is a bit of an issue for me.”

 

Nedzu was unable to hide the wide smile that graced his face at Izuku’s explanation, he had clearly done more than some surface research into different hero schools and had clear reasons for his top choice. Though Nedzu suspected there was another reason he had chosen UA.

 

“Ah yes, your quirk is definitely one of the more complex facts about you. I noticed on your application you have a black mark.”

 

Izuku sagged in his seat, “Will-Will that be a problem sir?”

 

“If it were a problem we wouldn’t have allowed you to sit the exams,” Nedzu waved off the concern, “However I can’t imagine many hero schools were as lenient as we were.”

 

Izuku looked down at his clenched hands in his lap, “Out of the 10 hero courses I applied for only two didn’t immediately reject me and Shiketsu requested a review of my case if I pass their entrance exam.”

 

Nedzi sighed, “Humans are such foolish creatures. Anyone with half a brain can see you had that mark assigned to you when you were seven and only a few days after your quirk diagnosis. It’s obvious you had a prejudiced quirk doctor who labelled you unfairly. For all intents and purposes we will ignore that mark in regards to your application.”

 

Izuku let out a sigh of relief, “Thank you sir. And thank you for what you did earlier with those two other examinees. I’m uh.. Not used to people defending me, well, except Kacchan.”

 

Nedzu tilted his head, “Is that why you want to be a hero? To defend people like you?”

 

“Partly. Of course I want to save and protect people from villains but I also want to be a symbol, I want to show the world that having a ‘villainous quirk’ doesn’t mean anything and give hope to the people like me, the ones outcast from society, show them they can be like the other heroes.” Izuku explained with a quiet firmness in his voice.

 

Nedzu stroked his chin in thought, “It almost sounds like you take issue with our society?”

 

Izuku hesitated which Nedzu seemed to pick up on.

 

“Please Midoriya, I won’t judge you for what you say here, I’d much rather you give me honest and blunt answers than waffle about what you think I want to hear.” Nedzu assured him.

 

Izuku eyed the principle carefully for a moment, looking for any obvious signs of deceit. But when he couldn’t find any he decided to just drop the bombshell.

 

“Then if I can be honest sir, the hero system and our society at large is in complete shambles, widely corrupt and has led to Japan as a whole becoming an elist and unequal society.”

 

Nedzu almost dropped his tea at the confession, he had of course come across people who had issues with how heroes operated but he had never had someone show such disdain for hero society before. Especially not someone who wanted to join said society.

 

“If I may be so bold then, why become a hero at all?” He asked the student.

 

Izuku sighed, “Because being a hero should be about two things, saving people and giving people hope. But it’s become an easy way for those with flashy and powerful quirks to gain money, fame and reputation. I read a news article four weeks ago, there was a villain robbing a store and a local hero arrived to intervene. No-one big, but they have a face for TV and have been steadily climbing the ranks. Turns out the store owner had a quirk that allowed him to throw out extended blood vessels like a whip while the robber could project light from their hands. The hero took one look at their quirks and beat the owner half to death, by the time anyone realised the truth the real villain was long gone.”

 

Nedzu had gained a horrified expression while Izuku gave a bitter laugh, “The worst part is there wasn’t even a lawsuit. The owner will never walk again yet because of their quirk and the influence of the hero no reasonable lawyer was willing to represent. And do you want to know what the hero said? They said they hoped the villain was found because with a quirk like theirs there was hope for rehabilitation.”

 

“That is… rather disturbing.” Internally Nedzu filed away the information for further investigation later on, “So you’re hoping to change hero society from within?”

 

Izuku nodded, “There are already pressure groups out there but the issue is the HPSC tends to shut them down fairly quickly. It’s frustrating but I don’t blame them, allowing dozens of protesters onto the site of a villain battle is asking for trouble. But the HPSC would change if its heroes did, it might finally start to have more rigorous entry requirements and closer watch of those with licences. Maybe get rid of some of the fake heroes out there.”

 

“An interesting goal, I can’t help but ask then, what do you think of Endeavour?” 

 

Izuku shrugged, “He’s rude, arrogant and careless. He’s powerful and knows it, throws villains around like their toys, destroying property in the process. He has a substantial hate group because of it, people say he’s dangerous and like a wild animal, and from his interviews they may not be wrong. I also have some… suspicions about what he’s like in private that don’t paint him in a positive light.”

 

Nedzu hummed to himself, “Yes, I also have my own suspicions about that. I do, however, sense a but?”

 

Izuku sighed, “Truth is despite all of that he’s powerful and has excellent control of his quirk. All Might might be a better symbol but statistically Endeavour puts away more villains every year. Despite popular belief he actually doesn’t have a high casualty rate compared to other heroes of a similar power level, he’s fine tuned his quirk to make sure he doesn’t harm bystanders. Sure he might destroy your home but he’ll make sure you're out of it first. And as much as I hate to admit it, All Might can’t be everywhere at once taking down every villain, sometimes there are villains whose power is so great we need someone like Endeavour.”

 

“So you’re saying he’s a necessary evil?” Nedzu inquired as he poured himself another cup of tea.

 

“Not exactly,” Izuku said thinking it over, “I wouldn't call Endeavour a real hero but I wouldn’t call him a fake either it’s more like he’s a soldier. In his mindset the most important thing is taking down villains, sure he has a healthy ego to go with it but the reason he is a hero isn’t corrupt in of itself. The issue is HPSC doesn’t push back against him because he’s their perfect soldier, he’ll follow orders without question. But if the heroes around him questioned him more and made the public do the same things would have to change. Not to mention if other powerful heroes the HPSC relied on started pushing back.”

 

Nedzu chuckled at him, “So not only do you want to be a true hero, you want to knock down the number two and turn hero society on its head. That’s quite the ambitious goal, you’d easily need to be a top ten hero to achieve them. For most people I’d almost say it was impossible.”

 

Izuku bit his lip and looked away from the principle, “So you’re saying I can’t do it.”

 

“I said most people Midoriya, you are not most people.” Nedzu said with a smile at the boy, “Let's not beat around the bush, you have one of the most powerful quirks in existence, these goals are well within your reach.”

 

“I suppose my quirk is impressive on paper.” Izuku mumbled.

 

“Indeed, now let's discuss your quirk. I must say I’m impressed with the skill you showed during the practical assessment. I am aware of your general dislike of using your quirk so the fact you freely took my teachers' quirks and used them to your advantage indicates you’ve come a long way. Though I’m assuming you’d still be unwilling to use it on your fellow students?”

 

Izuku nodded and scratched the back of his neck, “I uh, know it’s a problem, especially as I’ll need to train my quirk once here but…”

 

Nedzu gave him a warm smile, “Midoriya I would not expect you to have complete dominance of your quirk just yet. That is what we are here for, many of the students who arrive here barely have control of their quirks. The fact you have been able to go from completely terrified of your quirk to actively using it on teachers you just met is a credit to your dedication to being a hero.”

 

“Thank you sir.” Izuku said, trying to hold back his famous tears.

 

“Now I do have one other concern, as it stands you’ve mostly used your quirk as an advanced form of a copy quirk and while effective this doesn’t utilise the full potential of what you can do.”

 

“Is there something wrong with copy quirks sir?” Izuku asked with a frown.

 

“Not at all!” Nedzu replied with a chipper smile, “Just yesterday I was reading over an applicant for the general exam who processes one, they are impressive and versatile quirks. However unlike your own quirk they normally have a time limit of just a few minutes and can only hold a handful of quirks at a time, using their basic effect. You on the other hand are able to keep the quirk permanently, wield its more advanced versions with skill and can hold an indefinite amount. So I’m curious, do you plan to continue using your quirk purely as a copy quirk?”

 

Izuku shook his head, “No, even if I wanted to, it's actually more ineffective as a copy quirk. I can’t replicate a quirk, I take it completely, it’s hardly something I can frequently use on allies.”

 

“In which case my next question would be how do you plan to gain your own stockpile of quirks?”

 

Gran Torino had asked the same question a few days into their training, Izuku’s answer had surprised him as much as it was about to surprise Nedzu.

 

“Well the obvious answer would be volunteers but this has several problems. First of all I’ve discovered no-one likes having their quirk taken, even if they hate the quirk itself it’s like losing a part of you,” He held up his gloved right hand, “When I was seven I lost all feeling in my hand, you could take my pinkie and I wouldn’t feel anything. But I’d still miss it, I still don’t want you to take it. My brother suggested I take the quirks of people on their deathbeds but quite frankly that feels completely weird and immoral, it would be like harvesting someone’s organs before they’ve gone. Not to mention most quirks aren’t actually that strong, stocking up quirks that allow me to see an extra colour would be pretty pointless.”

 

Nedzu gave a slight shiver, flashes of his cage back in his early days flashing into his mind.

 

“Yes, that is quite the image. So if not volunteers then how?”

 

Izuku smirked slightly, “Villains.”

 

Nedzu tilted his head, “Villains?”

 

Izuku nodded, “Yes, the most efficient way in a villain encounter for me to take them down would be to take their quirk. And then I just… keep it.”

 

Nedzu blinked several times, “Surely that’s illegal?”

 

“Actually it’s not, at least not technically,” Izuku had never been more pleased his mother was a lawyer, they had gone over dozens of documents in the past few weeks proving all this, “You see the law is fairly lenient when it comes to heroes, once someone commits a crime and is classed as a villain licensed heroes are able to use whatever means they deem necessary to deal with them. Except this permission never officially ends, there was a case a few years ago of someone being attacked accidentally by a hero. They tried to sue but because twenty years before they had robbed a store the permission for heroes to use their quirks on them was still technically allowed.”

 

Nedzu frowned, “The law hasn’t been rewritten to close that loophole in all these years?”

 

Izuku shook his head, “The issue is the HPSC always pushes back due how psych quirks work. Take Ms. Joke for instance,  her quirk has been known to last for days at a time and she doesn’t have the ability to turn it off. Without that loophole it leaves her open to lawsuits every time she takes down a villain.”

 

Nedzu nodded his head, seemingly thinking it over, “How interesting, under a hero licence you would have permission to use your quirk freely on a villain,  which technically means taking theirs. And with this loophole you would be under no obligation to return it. It’s a sound tactic, however the chances are the more you do this and the more you rise in the ranks it’s likely there will be calls to close this loophole, even from other heroes.”

 

“True,” Izuku admitted, “But generally hero laws are controlled by the HPSC, so as long as I stay in their good books they should make sure any changes protect my ability to stockpile quirks.”

 

Nedzu hummed, “A good point, but just being a strong hero may not be enough.”

 

“Oh I’m well aware. I’m also aware that the HPSC has been hounded for the past few years about costs, Tartarus alone cost over 100 Billion Yen last year. Running a prison where each individual cell has to be designed to contain someone with a unique quirk isn’t cheap.”

 

Nedzu seemed to realise what he was getting at, “But if they didn’t have a quirk to contain…”

 

“Then most of them could be put in standard prisons, saving millions while I hold onto the quirk for free. It might not work for the weaker villains or the ones who only have short sentences but most of Tartarus have life sentences anyway.” Izuku said with a slightly smug grin.

 

Nedzu gave him a toothy smile, “Ingenious, you keep the HPSC costs down and in return gain your own stockpile of quirks. Meanwhile if the public or other heroes do push back against it the hero commission could easily fight back by saying you holding onto their quirks eradicates the risk of them ever breaking out. I don’t say this often Midoriya and especially not during a recommendation interview but I’m impressed.”

 

Izuku blushed, “Thank you sir.”

 

“Now then!” Nedzu chirped and clapped his hands together, “I think it’s about time we move onto your talking point. I’m curious as to what you brought.”

 

Izuku pushed his notebook across the desk, “I uh… I like to analyse quirks as a hobby and I thought I’d bring in one of my notebooks to show you.”

 

“One?” Nedzu asked with a raised eyebrow as he took the book.

 

“There are uh… several volumes… the first were in crayon.” Izuku admitted, slightly embarrassed.

 

Nedzu chuckled as he looked down at the book, “Now lets see what we have here, Quirk Analysis for The Future: Attack Plans and Counter Information.”

 

Izuku’s whole body stopped working for a moment. He’d brought in the wrong notebook. He must have just grabbed the book on top of the pile without looking at the title. That wouldn't be so bad if it was one of his recent volumes but this was the worst notebook he could’ve grabbed. Attack Plans were full of notes on how to take down various heroes and villains and how to counter quirks. It was brutal, he hadn’t written down just how to beat but how to crush them, seriously maim and in some cases even kill them. They were covered in notes by him and Katsuki about how to take down the greatest heroes of all time, there was even a page on All Might.

 

“Ned-Nedzu sir! I apologise but-”

 

“Please Midoriya,” Nedzu said as he flicked through the pages, “I do not like to be disturbed while reading.”

 

Izuku snapped his mouth shut and watched in horror as Nedzu flicked through the various pages, pausing to read some and completely skipping others. Izuku sat there, sweat building on his forehead as his heart nearly beat through his chest, his whole body ridged.  

 

After what felt like hours, Nedzu flipped the book round, “Tell me, how confident are you of this theory?”

 

Izuku looked down to where Nedzu was pointing, it was his entry of Midnight.

 

… her gas would be least effective in humid environments, water based quirks would be the best method to attack her with. Also worth looking into if there is a chemical composition of her quirk, there may be a counter agent and the gas may even be flammable. If you are able to nullify her gas the best method is close quarters attacks, target the weak spots of her costume and go for the neck and eyes. Dispose of her quickly before she can gas you again.

 

Izuku gulped, “W-well… Obviously I-I’m not aware of the details of her q-quirk but… the humid theory should work regardless. And depending on the composition of her gas there will definitely be a counter agent out there.”

 

Nedzu flipped the book back around and frowned, “I honestly hadn’t considered that, I may need to amend our security protocol to account for that. I’m also not sure she even considered herself that her gas would have a chemical composition.”

 

Izuku winced, “I’m sorry sir, I understand these notes are inappropriate.”

 

Nedzu’s head snapped up from the book, “Inappropriate? Midoriya these notes… Quite frankly they’re brilliant. There are professional heroes who couldn’t hope to replicate these kinds of tactics.”

 

Izuku blinked several times, “You mean… you approve?”

 

Nedzu beamed at him, “Approve!? Midoriya these notes could help make you an incredible hero, you could break down a quirk in minutes, take it and use it effectively. Quite frankly I wish I had led with this, these notes are fascinating.”

 

“I have to confess, they’re not all mine, the book I meant to bring in only included writing from me. But some of those notes were made by my brother.” izuku said and sighed with relief at not being kicked out immediately.

 

“I assume they are the ones done in red scrawl?” Nedzu asked.

 

Izuku nodded, “Yes, that’s them.”

 

“While not as impressive as yours they still show a keen mind. I look forward to seeing him take the entrance exam. I do notice however that I’m not here?” Nedzu said with a vicious smile.

 

Izuku shrugged, “I mainly write them while watching hero fights and you’re more of a background investigator, most of your fights go unrecorded.”

 

“Fair enough,” Nedzu looked at him with a wide feral smile, his eyes gleaming, “In which case I’d like to hear how you’d take me down now.” 

 

Izuku paused and considered it for a moment, “Well your quirk is called High Specs, at its core it’s an intelligence based quirk but it specialises in allowing you to predict patterns and events in a domino effect. Naturally the best option to take you down would be to lure you into a trap.”

 

“The obvious choice but I would easily see any trap coming and counter it, assuming I even bothered to walk into it.” Nedzu countered.

 

“True but as smart as you are you’re famous for also loving a challenge, if it were someone like Sir Nighteye I imagine you couldn’t resist.” Izuku replied with a smirk.

 

Nedzu’s smile only widened, “You make an excellent point, ok say you lure me into this trap, what's the plan?”

 

Izuku chuckled, “Who ever said I had a plan?”

 

Nedzu raised an eyebrow, “You're taking me on without a plan?”

 

Izuku nodded, “Any plan I could come up with you’d be easily able to counter. The key would be being unpredictable, I'd bring a team of course but I’d just grab whoever was available.”

 

“So you’d make sure there was nothing for me to predict?” Nedzu said quickly, getting excited.

 

“I’m not an idiot, even running in with no plan you’d be able to predict some elements. How each individual moves, their supermoves and even how likely we are to work together as a team.” Izuku confessed knowing that no matter how random you made something there were always patterns. 

 

“Very true, while I might not be able to predict an overall plan I’d certainly be familiar with their basic moves and attacks. Easily able to counter them, which again puts you in a bind. Check.” Nedzu said and leant back in his chair, the smugness radiating off him.

 

Midoriya only smirked back, leaning forward, he was in his element, “Oh I have no doubt you could predict their moves, but you’re forgetting one thing.”

 

“Oh? Am I?” Nedzu asked with an arrogant chuckle.

 

“Yes you are Principle, you’ve forgotten I don’t just take quirks, I can transfer them.” Izuku said and leant forward across the desk.

 

Nedzu’s eyes widened and his smug smile fell, “You could swap their quirks out at will.” 

 

Izuku bared his teeth at the rat with a smile, “You might know how Endeavour uses his quirk, but who knows what Edgeshot would do with it. Or how Miruko would use Mt. Lady's gigantification. What did you say? Check.”

 

Nedzu practically leaped forward, slamming his hands on the desk, “Even that can still be predicted, quirks are limited in their capabilities!”

 

“But even you would struggle to keep up with all the possibilities, especially if I were to keep swapping quirks out. Once we close in it’d be easy to overpower you.” Izuku all but shouted back, at some point he had risen out of his seat.

 

“Hah!” Nedzu cried and pointed a finger at him, “You’ve made the same mistake all my enemies do, just because my specialty is intelligence does not mean I’m not a capable fighter! You’d be lucky to land a single hit on me with how slow humans are, not to mention my senses are far greater than yours!”

 

At this point the pair were all but leaning over the desk, giving each other vicious smiles.

 

“Ah but your senses can easily be a weakness, blinding lights and sound would disorient you while barely affecting the rest of us.” Izuku said, his grin growing wider.

 

“You really think you would be able to effectively use anything like that on me!?” Nedzu was now fully standing on his desk cackling like a wild animal.

 

“Of course, you seem to have a weak spot for getting too excited, all I’d need to do is get you worked up and you’d be too distracted.” Izuku’s voice was laced with smugness.

 

Nedzu gave him narrowed eyes and a wide smirk, “And how exactly do you know this would work.”

 

Izuku leant back in his chair and smiled at the ray, “Because halfway through this conversation I stole your quirk and you still haven’t noticed.”

 

Nedzu froze, his fur standing on end and the smile falling from his face. He suddenly became aware that the usual formulas and predictions that always ran in the back of his mind had stopped. He didn’t rely on his quirk for basic intelligence but he was acutely aware of the difference suddenly.

 

Meanwhile Izuku sat back down in his chair, a cheshire grin stretched across his face and his hands clasped together. Oh he was absolutely going to look back at this later today and freak out about how he’d acted, but at the moment he couldn’t help but be dragged into a battle of wits about quirk analysis.

 

“I believe that’s checkmate sir.” Izuku said and released Nedzu’s quirk, the soft blue energy returning to the rat, sitting in an orb in his head.

 

Nedzu paused for a moment before falling back in his chair, letting out a laugh better suited to All Might in sheer volume.

 

“Oh my that was wonderful! Thank you Midoriya, I haven’t had a vigorous debate like that in months. I’m starting to see why All Might speaks so highly of you and Mister Bakugou.” Nedzu said as he calmed himself down.

 

Izuku blushed a little, “I’m glad you didn’t freak out about my notes.”

 

Nedzu tilted his head, “Why would I? When it’s all said and done, being a hero is about winning fights, these notes and skills will be a great asset in that regard… I’m assuming you’ve had negative reactions before?”

 

Izuku looked away, “My teacher found my notebook once… he took me to the police station to get me arrested. He assumed I was analysing quirks to steal.”

 

There was a long pause before Nedzu spoke, “Life has not been kind to you, has it Midoriya?”

 

Izuku felt tears form in his eyes, “Did you know I didn’t touch my mother for a year after my quirk diagnosis? I was so terrified that I’d steal her quirk accidentally and she’d hate me for it. If I ever accidentally touched someone in class they were automatically sent to the nurses office and I was given detention, despite the fact I never once stole their quirk.”

 

Nedzu didn’t speak, he just watched Midoriya with a neutral expression as the boy turned back to him, a few tears falling down his face but a fire in his eyes.

 

“I know I've picked a hard path but I don’t care who stands in my way. I will become a top hero and I will make sure that no one has to go through what I did again. I’ll fight you, The HPSC and any hero I have to to prove it.” By the end of his small speech Izuku was standing with clenched fists.

 

“Even if you have to do it alone?” Nedzu asked with a raised eyebrow.

 

Izuku smiled at him, “I haven’t been alone since I was four years old, sir.”

 

Nedzu paused before a wide smile spread across his face, “I’m sure. Well I’m pleased to say that you’ll face no opposition from me. However I’m afraid our time is up. I want to thank you for a fascinating interview Midoriya, should you pass or fail today's exams, we will inform you in a week's time via letter.”

 

Izuku bowed low, “Thank you for the opportunity to take today's exams sir, I appreciate there were some strings pulled to allow me here.”

 

Nedzu waved him off, “No thanks needed, it was quite worth it.”

Chapter 9: Chapter Title: REDACTED

Summary:

It's time for The UA staff to decide on the who passed The Recommendation Exams

Izuku took a few deep breaths to calm himself down in the halls, today had been intense to say the least. His brain felt like it had short circuited, his muscles ached with every step and the questions on how he had performed were already starting to pop into his mind. He shook his head as he headed for the exit. The school was surprisingly quiet, he assumed those taking the written portion were still mid-exam while those doing the physical had long since left. It was just those from his group that were slowly trickling out.

 

As he strolled through an empty hallway he heard the click of a door ahead of him. Midnight stepped out and sighed, Izuku smiled and went to greet her when the woman turned and caught sight of him. The effect was immediate. 

 

Midnight's eyes widened in fear, her body went from relaxed to tense, her hand laying gently on the end of her whip. It made Izuku freeze mid-step. He recognized the look she was giving him, he’d seen it over and over throughout his life. It was the look someone gave when staring down a villain.

 

The tension in the hallway rose considerably, neither party moving. Izuku didn’t dare do something that would trigger Midnight and Midnight clearly didn’t trust Izuku enough to move on.

 

“Midoriya?”

 

On instinct Izuku whipped round and came face to face to Aizawa, as he did he heard a door snap shut behind him.

 

“Aizawa sir!”

 

Aizawa raised an eyebrow and looked over Izuku’s shoulder, “Who was that?”

 

“Uh… N-no-one.” Izuku stammered out.

 

Aizawa clearly didn't believe him but didn’t push the question, “I assume you’ve just had your interview?”

 

Izuku nodded his head.

 

“How did it go?” Aizawa asked and Izuku was surprised by the genuine curiosity in his voice.

 

“Well enough I suppose, honestly it was a little strange.” Izuku said with a sigh.

 

Aizawa snorted, “Only a little? Well regardless of what happens you should know I was mildly impressed with your performance in the physical. I hadn’t expected you to take four quirks so casually.”

 

Izuku shrugged, “It was that or lose.”

 

Aizawa smirked slightly, “Indeed. You should get on home, I imagine your family is eager to hear about your performance.”

 

Izuku bowed, “I will sir, thank you.”

 

He quickly hurried down the hall and out on the front gates, he took a deep breath and finally let some of the tension in his body ease away. A shout to his right caught his attention. He turned to see Todoroki quickly stepping into a limo while Yoarashi stood on the sidewalk next to it with a furious and outraged expression.

 

Izuku raised an eyebrow as the limo sped off and he waved an arm, calling out, “Yoarashi!”

 

Yoarashi glanced at him and his face moped from anger into a smile, “Ah, Midoriya, how was your interview?”

 

“Confusing, I have no idea how I did.” Izuku said as he walked up to his fellow examinee.

 

Yoarashi chuckled, “Yes I feel the same. Nedzu seemed intent on questioning me about my interest in knights.”

 

Izuku hummed, “Maybe he uses the talking points we bring to gauge how we would act not only as heroes but throughout our time at UA.”

 

“That’s a good point.” Yoarashi said, lost in thought.

 

“Anyway, we’ll find out in a week, I hope we’ll both get in.” Izuku said with a beaming smile.

 

Yoarashi’s face fell slightly, “Actually I’m going to drop out.”

 

Izuku’s jaw dropped, “What!? But why? Yoarashi you were amazing today, you don’t need to worry about your results!”

 

“It’s because of Todoroki.” Yoarashi stated, causing Izuku to frown.

 

“Why Todoroki?”

 

“I don’t like Endeavour.” Yoarashi said with a steeled expression.

 

“Understandable.” Izuku responded automatically.

 

This caused Yoarashi to blink in surprise, “Oh, most hero hopefuls I meet normally attack me for saying that.”

 

Izuku gave a soft chuckle, “I have some pretty uncommon beliefs when it comes to heroes.”

 

“I see,” Yoarashi said and his eyes shone with curiosity, though he continued with his explanation, “I tried several times to talk to him today and be friendly and all I got in response was the same cold eyes as his father. I can’t attend the same school as Shoto Todoroki.”

 

“That’s… completely fucking stupid!”

 

Yoarashi spluttered and yelped at Izuku’s outburst, both at the language and the scowl now present on Izuku’s face.

 

“You’re not going to attend your dream school because you don’t like one person who may not even get in? What happens after school, if you’re both called to a hero response are you just going to ignore it and put people at risk?” There was a slither of anger in Izuku’s voice and it made Yoarashi pale slightly.

 

“So what if you don’t like him, Yaorashi you may not even end up in the same class. You can’t just alter your life because someone doesn’t like you, hell if I did that I’d be a hermit by now!” Izuku took a breath after he finished his rant, Yaorashi was looking at him with wide eyes and a pale face, the boy paused before-

 

SLAM!

 

Izuku jumped and took a step back as Yorashi’s skull cracked the concrete between them slightly.

 

“You are completely right, Midoriya! How can I ever hope to be a great hero if I allow petty dislikes to hinder my path! Thank you for talking sense into me, I too hope we pass together!” Yoarashi shouted so loudly it caused Izuku’s bones to vibrate.

 

Izuku laughed at the display, “I’m just glad you didn’t do something stupid, if UA is where you want to go you shouldn’t worry about everybody else.”

 

Yoarashi straightened himself up and smiled, “Yes, you’re right!”

 

“Midoriya! Yoarashi!”

 

Both boys turned to find Yaoyorozu walking towards them, she was smiling but it was obvious she was as tired as they were.

 

“Ah, hello Yoayorozu! I trust your interview went well?” Yaorashi asked.

 

“Oh yes, I had quite an in-depth discussion with Nedzu about economics.” Yaoyorozu said with a clap of her hands.

 

“There’s definitely a theme here.” Izuku mumbled as Yoayorozu pulled out her phone.

 

“I’m glad I caught you both, I wanted to get your numbers so we can stay in contact in the run up to the results and hopeful start of term for us!”

 

“An excellent idea!” Yoarashi cried, pulling out his own phone.

 

Izuku’s heart skipped a beat. Was… was he making friends? He hadn’t ever made a friend before. Kacchan didn’t count, he had always been there since they were babies. Is this what it was like for everyone not to be terrified of you?

 

“S-Sure.” Izuku said as his hands fumbled with his own phone, his crooked right hand awkwardly inputting the numbers.

 

“So what did you discuss in your interview Midoriya?” Yoayorozu asked.

 

Izuku was only half paying attention as he put in the digits and answered automatically, “Oh I explained to Nedzu how I’d kill him.” 

 

---

 

Aizawa nursed a large cup of coffee as he leaned back in his chair, the final examinees had left a few hours ago and it was time to decide on the results of the day. Many of the teachers considered it literal torture that Nedzu made them stay to make the decision immediately after the exams, they often finished in the early hours of the morning. But this was one of the rare occasions where being an insomniac paid off, whereas most of the staff tended to dip into sleep towards the end Aizawa remained as awake as he did throughout the day.

 

Admittedly this wasn’t actually that much.

 

The entire staff, bar Nedzu, were sitting around the conference table where most of these decisions were made. Projected onto one wall of the room there were 87 pictures and names of the examinees. Each staff member also had a file in front of them with a more detailed page on each examinee. Several had already failed due to various actions throughout the day, such as the pair that mocked Midoriya. Nedzu was always watching and if he saw something he didn’t like he had no qualms failing someone there and then.

 

Finally the door to the room swung open and Nedzu stepped in, taking his seat at the head of the table and beaming at his assembled staff.

 

“Well done everyone, another year of recommendation exams completed successfully. I dare say this was one of the most interesting years to date!” Nedzu said and clapped his hands together in excitement.

 

“I’ll say…” Mic mumbled next to Aizawa, it didn’t take a genius to work out what he was referring to.

 

“Now then, let’s get rid of the stragglers shall we!” Nedzu said and tapped away at his tablet.

 

The straggles, as Nedzu liked to call them, were the examinees who had performed relatively poorly throughout the day. They either had one blaringly poor score, for example not completing the physical or getting below a passing mark on the written. Or their scores were sub par across the board and trailed behind the obvious leads overall. It actually got rid of most of the group and the same rang true for this year as Aizawa watched the names on the board go down from 87 to 20.

 

“A slightly larger than normal group of stragglers this year but the remaining group performed higher than expected, the gap between the leaders and rest was far larger than normal, most intriguing. Now, let's rank them based on their physical performance.” Nedzu again typed away at his tablet as the names moved across the screen, showing the overall performance based on everyone's times in the race.

 

Aizawa glanced over the top performers.

 

1st Setsuna Tokage

 

2nd Juzo Honenuki

 

3rd Izuku Midoriya 

 

4th Momo Yaoyorozu

 

5th Inasa Yoarashi

 

6th Shoto Todoroki

 

“Now then, Eraserhead, Midnight, Mic, Ectoplasm, you were the assessors this year, any thoughts on the top scorers?” Nedzu asked as the room's attention was drawn to the four.

 

“Tokage showed the most ingenuity and outside the box thinking out of everyone who participated today,” Aizawa started, “When the race began she used her quirk to split her body and observe the area. She quickly realised the race was in a rough loop. She also read between the lines and figured out we said they needed to reach the finish line as opposed to run the race itself and simply walked over to the destination. It gave her an impressive time.”

 

Ectoplasm nodded in agreement with Aizawa, “She wasn’t the only one, Honenuki used his quirk to travers underground and search the area for the finish line. He more or less ignored the course and the only reason he had a worse time was due to having to come up to actually see where he was and where he needed to go.”

 

“It’s definitely ingenious compared to how Todoroki and Yoarashi ran the course,” Mic commented stroking his goatee, “They pretty much just blasted through with not much planning.”

 

“To be fair to them, many students with powerful quirks do the same. You don’t need to think up a plan to get over the wall if you can just smash through it.” Thirteen commented, it was generally regarded that she had the most powerful quirk on the staff so she understood these sort of tactics better than most.

 

Well… she did have the most powerful quirk up until All Might officially joined.

 

“That may be so and I’d understand if not for the fact they lost.” Aizawa countered.

 

“Eraserhead makes a good point, both Yaoyorozu and Midoriya got the head start on them.” Hound Dog growled out as if disgusted by the students poor performance, “Neither had back up plans to counter this and paid the price. Compared to Yoayorozu who looked like she had a plan to deal with everything we threw at her.”

 

“True, she definitely planned for every scenario. However she clearly pre planned all these and didn’t come up with them on the spot. During the rapids when her rope snapped she panicked, had it not been for Midoriya one of us would have needed to intervene.” Ectoplasm said as he flicked to Yaoyorozu’s file.

 

“Lets not get ahead ourselves, combat experience and crisis response is hardly something we expect to see in our incoming students. There is time to teach Yoayorozu these things.” Nedzu said in defence of the girl.

 

“Well she’s certainly got the quirk for it, one of the most impressive I’ve seen. With some training in quick thinking she could be a real asset in the battlefield, she could happily slot into any role.” Ectoplasm continued and Aizawa too reached out for his folder and flicked to Yoayorozu’s file.

 

Name: Momo Yoayorozu

DOB: September 23rd 

Father: Coco Yoayorozu

Mother: Makoto Yoayorozu

 

Quirk Name: Creation

Description: Allows the user to create inanimate objects from any part of their body

Classification: Emitter 

Requirements: Fat lipids as well as an understanding of the object at a molecular level

Limitations: REDACTED- HPSC CLASSIFIED LEVEL 2

Other known users or similar quirks: REDACTED- HPSC CLASSIFIED LEVEL 2

HPSC Quirk Grade: TBD (Assumed Omega)

 

Mic whistled as he read the file, “Not a lot of Omega quirks in heroics these days.”

 

“A complex quirk to say the least, though if her written and interview scores are good enough she’s definitely what we’re looking for.” Vlad King commented and Aizawa found himself agreeing with his rival for once.

 

“I was actually disappointed with Todoroki’s performance after reading up on his quirk. He only used half of it to compete.” Aizawa said with a scowl as he flicked to Todoroki’s file.

 

Name: Shoto Todoroki

DOB: January 11th

Father: Enji Todoroki

Mother: Rei Todoroki

 

Quirk Name: Half-Cold Half-Hot

Quirk Description: Allows the user to create frost and cold from the right side of their body and fire and heat from the left side of their body

Classification: Emitter 

Requirements: None though the user must monitor body temperature

Limitations: REDACTED- HPSC CLASSIFICATION LEVEL 1

Other known users or similar quirks: None

HPSC Quirk Grade: S-Grade (Grade formerly requested by Endeavour agency)

 

“He refuses to use his left side.” Nedzu said while looking off in thought, “It appears he has issues with his father and won’t use his quirk.”

 

“That could be problematic.” Hound Dog replied, being the school's psychiatrist he often took an interest in these things early on.

 

“It worked against him in the practical, perhaps if he had decided to use it against the leads he could have easily pushed Yaoyorozu back.” Ectoplasm said with a shake of his head.

 

“Both her and Midoriya showed an impressive use of their quirks, which explains why they won.” Aizawa said, subconsciously feeling his quirk in his body as he did.

 

“I have to confess, I couldn’t actually work out what Midoriya’s quirk was from the footage.” Snipe commented in confusion as a few of the other staff members nodded in agreement.

 

“Yeah, I mean I was there and still don’t know. So what is.- Hey! What the hell!?” Mic screeched as he slammed his hand down on his folder.

 

Aizawa raised an eyebrow and flicked to the end of his papers to Midoriya’s file. As soon as he landed on it he understood Mic’s outburst, he had forgotten he was technically in on a secret that only two people in the room were aware of.

 

Name: Izuku Midoriya 

DOB: July 15th

Father: Unknown

Mother: Inko Midoriya 

 

Quirk Name: REDACTED- HPSC CLASSIFIED LEVEL 0

Quirk Description: REDACTED- HPSC CLASSIFIED LEVEL 0

Classification: REDACTED- HPSC CLASSIFIED LEVEL 0

Limitations: REDACTED- HPSC CLASSIFIED LEVEL 0

Other known users or similar quirks: REDACTED- HPSC CLASSIFIED LEVEL 0

HPSC Quirk Grade: REDACTED- HPSC CLASSIFIED LEVEL 0

“That’s… unusual.” Cementoss said as the rest of the staff turned to the page, all wearing equal looks of surprise.

 

Aizawa snorted at that, unusual was one hell of an understatement.

 

“Just who the hell is this kid? No father? He’s not like… All Might's kid or something is he?” Mic asked with a wide open jaw.

 

Nedzu chuckled, “I can assure you he's not. Though myself and HPSC do have our suspicions about his lineage I’m afraid that is also classified.”

 

“We can’t exactly admit a student if we don’t know their quirk.” Vlad King said with a frown

 

“Ah, not to worry, both myself and Eraserhead are aware of the full details of Midoriya’s quirk.” Nedzu replied happily as every eye in the staffroom turned to Aizawa who glared at the rat.

 

“I’m fairly sure just the fact that we know that is classified.” Aizawa drawled.

 

“Why the hell does Eraserhead know? His security clearance only goes up to Level 1”. Vlad King complained with a scowl, Aizawa smirked at him in response.

 

“I got promoted.”

 

Vlad King was at his feet in an instant, pure outrage plastered across his face, “You promoted him and not me!?”

 

Nedzu just smiled and shook his head, “Of course not, this was an internal promotion by the HPSC. Though generally unknown and less official underground heroes do have their own rankings. Eraserhead has consistently been the number one underground hero for a number of years now, thus, with All Might's backing, it was decided he should have the same security clearance as the number one limelight hero. Of course if Midoriya is accepted we have permission to share the basics of his quirk.”

 

Vlad King looked like he wanted to argue further but thought better of it, sitting down and scowling at Aizawa who’s smug grin only grew wider.

 

“Well then Eraserhead, given you know the nature of his quirk, how do you feel he performed?” It was difficult to tell how Thirteen felt about the whole situation with their helmet on.

 

Aizawa paused to consider his answer, “Admirably. He has a rather large metal block that stops him using his quirk to its full potential, it’s a problem but it’s understandable if you know his history. Having said that he’s clearly worked on his personal issues and when he does use his quirk he excels, he showed a tremendous amount of skill and quick thinking today. He has potential.”

 

A few of the staff raised an eyebrow, that was high praise indeed coming from Aizawa who was normally more critical of the recommended exams.

 

“Hmmm, so our top six scorers in the physical showed a unique mix of power, skill and ingenuity. What about the rest of the remaining candidates?” Nedzu asked.

 

“The gap was fairly wide this year, the time difference between sixth and seventh place was almost a full two minutes.” Ectoplasm commented as the Aizawa nodded in agreement.

 

“Midnight, do you have any further comments? You’ve been unusually quiet.” Nedzu asked, a slight hint of concern in his voice.

 

Midnight jumped at hearing her name, she had been distracted the entire meeting and finally seemed to refocus herself, “Oh… uh… no… the top six were all very capable.”

 

Aizawa raised an eyebrow, something was off about her.

 

“I see and I’m afraid to say there are also no impressive interviews from the rest to make them stand out. Well it seems like we’re down to six candidates.” Nedzu said as another 16 names were wiped away.

 

“It looks like this will have to come down to the interview, they all had reasonable written results, though Yoarashi was a minor disappointment.” Cementoss said and Nedzu clicked the button to display their written exam scores next to their positions in the physical.

 

1st Setsuna Tokage- 87%

 

2nd Juzo Honenuki- 90%

 

3rd Izuku Midoriya- 86%

 

4th Momo Yaoyorozu- 96%

 

5th Inasa Yoarashi- 68%

 

6th Shoto Todoroki- 81%

“Yaoyorozu continues to show an impressive level of intellect,” Ectoplasm said with approval, perhaps someone would finally enjoy his classroom lessons.

 

“Makes sense, with a quirk like hers she needs a certain level of intelligence to operate it effectively.” Aizawa said with a gruff nod of agreement.

 

“It’s worth noting that while she may not have achieved the highest score, Tokage did show a level of emotional intelligence far above her competitors.” Nedzu explained, his eyes deep in thought.

 

“That will be useful, a lot of kids tend to underestimate how difficult heroics is and the toll it takes. Having someone like Tokage could provide a support model for whatever class she’s in.” Vlad King said as he made some notes, it was after all often him that ended up with the more naïve of the two classes.

 

“While it definitely looks like Yoarashi didn’t perform as well in the written, it's not worth counting him out. Let’s not forget he apologised to Midoriya during lunch due the behaviour of his classmates and they both stepped in to help Yaoyorozu during the incident in their physical.” Lunch Rush said, he may not be the most prominent staff member but he often had the biggest insight into the examinees when they thought they weren’t being observed during lunch.

 

“Agreed, let's take a look at their interview results.” Nedzu said with a slight smirk.

 

Just like the written, Nedzu gave each examinee a percentage on how he felt they performed in the interview. No one was completely sure how the grading system worked but it hadn’t failed them yet. Nedzu was also a notoriously harsh scorer. Yet despite that Aizawa was still a little surprised by the scores of the bottom two on the board.

 

5th Inasa Yoarashi- 45%

 

6th Shoto Todoroki- 32%

 

“You gave the number two hero’s kid a score of 32%?” Snipe asked in shock, it appeared a few of the other teachers had noticed the low scores.

 

Nedzu sighed, “Yes, I’m afraid both he and Yoarashi disappointed me for similar reasons. Todoroki, while an intelligent and polite young man, doesn’t really seem to know why he wants to be a hero. Throw in the fact that he hates his father and refuses to use his fire is further concern for his mental state. Meanwhile Yoarashi has the exact idea of why he wants to be a hero and how he’ll get there, while this isn’t a bad thing in of itself the issue lies that he isn’t flexible about this path. He refuses to budge if there’s a slight change on what he sees as his overall career as a hero, including anything to do with his schooling. I was almost concerned he would drop out due to the tension between him and Todoroki.”

 

Hound Dog mulled this information over, “So you’re saying they could both-

 

“WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK!?”

 

Aizawa scowled and snapped his head round to Mic as he activated his quirk to shut the blonde up, the clock had just ticked over 1AM and he was in no mood for the man's antics. Mic didn’t even look at Aizawa but merely pointed to the board to prove his point. Aizawa rolled his eyes and turned, scanning the names. Tokage and Honenuki had decent scores which was not a surprise and then-

 

Oh.

 

Well.

 

Fuck.

 

3rd Izuku Midoriya- 100%

 

As other staff members caught sight of the score jaws dropped to the floor and there were several gasps around the room, Nedzu himself sat back in his chair with an evil smile on his face, clearly enjoying the show.

 

Vlad King whipped his round to the corner of the room where Recovery Girl sat, even she had a look of shock on her face.

 

“Recovery Girl, has he ever…?” Vlad asked.

 

Rocovery Girl shook her head, “No, the highest up until this point I’ve ever seen was 92% with Best Jeanist.”

 

Aizawa turned to Nedzu, “Explain.”

 

Nedzu chuckled, “From the beginning I was always going to give him a high score. Throughout the interview he showed several attributes that we should value in a hero. He has an admirable, albeit challenging, goal he wants to achieve and has the determination to get him through. His understanding of his own quirk and the wider hero industry is certainly the level we expect of our recommended students too. However, there was one reason I decided to give him a perfect score.”

 

“And that was?” Aizawa asked with a raised eyebrow.

 

“He outsmarted me.”

 

Several things happened at once. Vlad King and Mic shouted at the top of their voices, crying out how that was impossible. Meanwhile Thirteen and Ectoplasm for the first time since he’d met them genuinely looked shocked to Aizawa. Aizawa himself went pale and would privately admit to feeling a shiver of fear up his spine. Midoriya already had a powerful quirk, combining it with the ability to match Nedzu in a battle of wits and it made the boy all the more threatening.

 

It was Midnight’s reaction however which garnered the most attention.

 

“Nedzu… you… you can’t seriously be thinking of admitting this boy?” 

 

Several confused eyes turned to Midnight while Nedzu’s own eyes narrowed.

 

“Whatever reason wouldn’t we? He was a top scorer in all three categories and was recommended by All Might, who’s judgement I think we all can agree to trust.”

 

“But.. his quirk! You can’t let that near other students.” Midnight cried, she was beginning to cause a bit of a stir among the staff, “Mic, you must have felt it too, what he did?!”

 

Mis suddenly looked very uncomfortable in his chair, “I mean sure… I have my suspicions but Nedzu and Sho trust him…”

 

Midnight turned her desperate eyes to Aizawa and it finally clicked in place for him. She was afraid of Midoriya.

 

“Aizawa… you… you can’t tell me you don’t have concerns. This boys quirk, it’s the quirk of a -”

 

“If the next word out of your mouth is villain you can consider our friendship over Nemuri.” Aizawa’s voice was so cold it even caused Nedzu to jump in surprise slightly.

 

“Just what the hell is this kid's quirk?” Vlad King asked, clearly exasperated by all the cloak and dagger.

 

Nedzu and Aizawa exchanged a glance and Aizawa sighed, “Let's be honest here, it doesn't matter how much anyone pushes you against it. You’re going to accept Midoriya regardless. You may as well tell them his quirk.”

 

Nedzu nodded before turning to his staff and clearing his throat, “Izuku Midoriya’s quirk is called Quirk Thief, though I still dislike the name, to put it simply it allows him to take or steal other peoples quirks.” 

 

The entire room's eyebrows rose and Cementoss gave Nedzu a quizzical look, “Like a copy quirk?”

 

Aizawa shook his head, “No, copy quirks copy the basic nature of a quirk for a temporary basis and don’t affect the person who’s quirk is being copied. Midoriya completely takes your quirk, essentially making you quirkless. He also has greater control of the quirk and can use it to its fullest extent. Unlike copy quirks he can also keep the quirk permanently with no currently known time limit.”

 

Several faces paled at the thought and Aizawa couldn't blame them. He would fight anyone who dared claim the quirk or the boy himself were villainous. But the quirk itself held enough power to make anyone nervous.

 

“So at the physical…” Mic all but whispered.

 

Nedzu nodded, “He took your four quirks to use throughout the race before returning them.”

 

Ectoplasm tilted his head, “That clears things up. It’s certainly a powerful quirk, it would make an effective tool against villains.”

 

Vlad King snorted, “I’ll say.”

 

Suddenly Midnight slammed her hands on the table, standing up with a furious expression.

 

“How can you all be so casual about this!? HE STOLE MY QUIRK!” 

 

“Borrowed,” Nedzu said calmly, “He borrowed your quirk.”

 

“Only because he gave it back, what if next time he decides to hold onto it? Aren’t you all afraid of what he’s capable of?” Midnight cried, her eyes darting between the various staff members.

 

“Oh I’m absolutely terrified.” Aizawa admitted and caused a few raised eyebrows in his direction, “He doesn't have to see or touch you to take your quirk. He could stand outside this room right now and steal half our quirks before any of us noticed. And even then I doubt we’d be able to take him down without a fair amount of casualties on our side.”

 

Several of the staff members had paled at that and Nedzu was looking at Aizawa with a curious eye. Midnight meanwhile gave an incredulous look.

 

“And you’re fine with that?” She asked with a shriek.

 

Aizawa smirked and nodded, “Of course, if a 15 year old untrained kid can make an entire room full of pro heroes nervous, imagine what that kid will do as a fully qualified pro hero. Imagine how the villains would feel with him around, I’m not even sure All Might and Endeavour could muster even that much infamy.”

 

Nedzu copied Aizawa’s smirk while Mic gave him a slightly terrified look.

 

Midnight however wasn’t convinced, “But he-”

 

“Nemuri,” Nedzu’s tone caused Midnight to flinch, “Midoriya not only excelled in today's exams but he showed all the qualities of a true hero and a good natured person. Yes, his quirk is certainly complex and powerful but that's exactly why he will make a great hero. He’s getting in Nemuri and I expect you to treat him like any other student.”

 

Midnight cowered under the intense gaze of Nedzu and when it was obvious she wouldn’t find any other support around the table she sat back down, looking down at her lap and trying to make herself small.

 

“Well that takes care of one of the spots, what about the other three?” Vlad King asked.

 

“Seems fairly obvious to me based on the over five scores.” Mic said as he and Aizawa scanned through the names and their interview scores.

 

1st Setsuna Tokage- 86%

 

2nd Juzo Honenuki- 91%

 

3rd Izuku Midoriya- 100%

 

4th Momo Yaoyorozu- 80%

 

5th Inasa Yoarashi- 45%

 

6th Shoto Todoroki- 32%

 

“Agreed,” Nedzu said, “As I already mentioned Tokage showed an impressive level of emotional intelligence while being relaxed and comfortable in the interview. Her natural sociability will definitely help her become a focus point of any class she joins. I have some concerns she may not realise the true depth of being a hero but anyone rarely does at her age. Meanwhile Honenuki performed consistently well across all categories and remained calm and collective in every situation. The answers he gave in the interview were all very logical and thought out, though he never came across as cold or impolite. While it’s unlikely he’ll be seen as a leader or take up the limelight he’ll be a calming agent for his peers. Though I did notice he didn’t really have any firm motivation for being a hero other than as a career path.”

 

“And what about Yaoyorozu, she seems to have a slight dip in her score compared to the others.” Snipe commented.

 

“True, she’s led a very privileged and sheltered life and it’s obvious she doesn’t fully understand the requirements of being a hero. However she’s a borderline genius and does have a clear motivation as to why she wants to be in this school. However it’s likely that she’ll struggle socially in her class and possibly crumble under her first real challenge in the course.” Nedzu explained.

 

“Isn’t the point for us to help them through all that though, teach them how to deal with it all?” Power Loader commented from the side, like Lunch Rush he normally had little to do with the hero course but could still offer an opinion.

 

“Precisely!” Nedzu said with a smile, “Which is why I don't doubt she’ll make a fine student.”

 

“So, Midoriya, Yaoyorozu, Tokage and Honenuki. Not a bad patch for our recommended students I suppose.” Aizawa said and mulled over the four names in thought, already deciding on who he wanted in his class.

 

“Failing Todoroki and Yoarashi will cause a ruckus but I believe it's for the best. Failing will make Todoroki actually think about his motivations for being a hero and why he’s doing all this outside of his father. Meanwhile Yoarashi will be forced to face the fact his path to being a hero may not be so clear cut.” Hound Dog said as he scribbled down notes on both students in his notebook.

 

“Excellent, we’re all in agreement then. I’ll prepare the letters for the failures and record the congratulations for the four that passed.” Nedzu said and closed the projection down.

 

There was a collective sigh of relief from the staff as the clock ticked just past 2AM and they all started to shuffle out of their seats.

 

“Now then, there's just enough time to go over the last minute details of The Entrance Exam!” Nedzi cried happily.

 

Aizawa almost quit there and then.

 

---

 

Izuku had been steadily growing more nervous with each passing day after the recommendation exam. Unlike the entrance exam it was impossible for him to predict how he had done. He knew he had performed well in the physical of course (a fact Katsuki took great pride in informing Torino and All Might the next day) but the written and interviews were a complete unknown. 

 

His nerves had also been coming through in his behaviour, he was fine when he was out training but left alone at home his mind started to wander and he quickly became a mess. Mitsuki had suggested he keep himself busy at home in order to distract his mind. 

 

Boy had that been a mistake.

 

For the past week the rest of the family had to avoid Izuku for fear of being barrelled into while doing his chores. Masaru had caught him throwing laundry into the machine as if he was pitching for baseball while Inko had nearly been decapitated as the boy went about making meals like a man possessed. 

 

Today was no different as Izuku stormed around the kitchen cleaning it. Katsuki, the only member of the family who dared get close to Izuku recently, sat eating cereal on the table watching his friend with amusement. 

 

That was until Izuku suddenly swept up next to him and picked his bowl up in the air, “Hey! What the hell Zuzu!?”

 

“Don’t get milk on the table Kacchan!” Izuku cried before cleaning the table with a sponge.

 

“It’s my house too you know, I’ll do what I damn- FUCK! HEY!” Katsuki’s eyes widened as Izuku tilted his chair back, with Katsuki still sitting in it.

 

“Sorry, there’s dust under your chair.” Izuku said simply and quickly threw a broom under the legs of the chair before putting Katsuki back.

 

“Dammit Zuzu why can’t-”

 

“I-Izuku!”

 

Both boys snapped their heads round to the entrance of the kitchen where Inko was shuffling in, her whole body shaking slightly.

 

“Mom? Is everything ok?” Izuku asked, his voice quickly becoming concerned.

 

Katsuki also stood up, a little worried at his Aunts actions. Inko however just shuffled forward, holding out what appeared to be a letter.

 

“It-it came… The results of your UA exam, they’ve arrived.”

 

Izuku ‘s face paled and Katuski froze as their eyes locked in on the letter in Inko’s shaking hand. As if sensing the scene Mitsuki and Masaru came charging into the kitchen?

 

“It came!?” Mitsuki shouted, her eyes wide and staring at the letter.

 

Inko could only nod her head in response as Izuku took a deep breath, “I’d like to open in private please.”

 

Masaru nodded with a smile, “Of course Izuku, we’ll all wait here.”

 

Izuku nodded and took the letter out his mothers hand, giving her a soft smile as he did. He went to turn and head up to his room when he felt a hand on his arm. He turned and came face to face with Katsuki who was giving him an uncharacteristically soft expression.

 

“Whatever happens, whatever they say, you’re gonna be an amazing hero one day.”

 

Izuku smiled at him, “Thanks Kacchan.”

 

He hurried up to his room and closed the door, tension slowly rising in his body as he sat down at his desk with the envelope. He tore it open and jumped in surprise as a small round disk fell out. He was just about to pick it up when it lit up and a projection of Nedzu appeared above the disk.

 

“Greetings!”

 

“AHHH!”

 

“What the hell is going on up there brat?!” Mitsuki yelled from downstairs.

 

“Nothing Auntie!” Izuku quickly shouted back as Nedzu continued.

 

“Am I a rat, am I a bear? It doesn't matter, I’m the Principle and I’m here to inform you of the recommendations results!”

 

Izuku let out a sigh of relief at realising it was a recording and sat back, his heart beating so fast he had to check he hadn’t stolen a superspeed quirk.

 

“Izuku Midoriya, All Might’s recommended student himself, first of all your written results were impressive and in the top 10% of examinees this year, congratulations. Of course you already know you performed well in the physical, coming first in your group and third overall. Being one of the staff members here at UA to know your quirk both myself and Aizawa were impressed with your ingenuity and skill when using it to gain the upperhand early on in the race. However, where you really excelled was the interview portion. Most recommended students who I speak to fall into two easy categories, the first are those whose intentions are good however they underestimate the reality of being a hero and aren’t prepared to face this reality. The second are those who are better prepared for this reality but lack the same drive and motivation as the first group. You however Midoriya have both an understanding of what hero society really is like while still having clear goals with the drive to back them up. Combined with your unique viewpoint on hero society and quirks and I must say your interview was the first I genuinely enjoyed in a long time. I do have some concerns, mainly regarding the mental blocks you have placed on the use of your quirk. That and there is a minor concern that you lack a few social skills. But of course those are skills we excel at teaching here at UA.”

 

Izuku couldn’t breathe, he had actually done well? Not only had he passed the written but  Nedzu had not thrown him out for his controversial views but actually been impressed by him? Was Nedzu really saying…?

 

“With all that in mind, it gives me great pleasure to inform you that you have passed The Recommendation Exam and gained a spot on our hero course! Welcome, Izuku Midoriya, this is your hero academia.”

 

Izuku almost fainted in shock, he had passed! He’d gotten in! He really was going to be a hero!

 

“Now, before you run off to what I imagine will be a rather chaotic celebration I have two last things I’d like to bring up. The first is in relation to The Entrance Exam, each year we like to invite the successful recommended students to observe the practical portion of the exam. We feel it gives you a good insight into where the rest of your classmates are coming from as well as a good way for the four of you to meet. Secondly, I would like to invite you to a brief meeting with me after the exam. Nothing nefarious I assure you, I just had a few thoughts about your quirk and wondered if you’d indulge me, you’re welcome to bring your friend along as well as I know he’ll be taking the exam itself. Please let me know within a few days for both points. You’ll also receive your class assignment in a letter sent out along The Entrance Exam results. I look forward to seeing how far you go, Mister Midoriya.”

 

Izuku’s whole body was numb as he stood up from his desk. He’d done it. He’d gotten in. He… He could actually be a hero. And it wasn't just someone telling him he could be one, he was actually going to become a hero. UA hadn’t judged him on his quirk and they had deemed him worthy!

 

He was barely aware of his surroundings as he stumbled down the stairs and turned into the kitchen. All activity stopped immediately and he was met with four anxious stares. None of them more desperate for an answer than Katsuki.

 

“I…I got in.” Izuku said to the room, still not quite believing it himself.

 

There was a brief pause and then-

 

“OHHH MY BABY IZUKU!” He felt the air rush out of his lungs as his mother pulled him an airtight hug, “Oh I’m so proud of you Izuku, you’ve worked so hard and you deserve this!”

 

“Atta boy Brat 2, show them who’s boss. I knew you could do it!” Mitsuki shouted before joining Inko in the bone crushing hug, Izuku silently hoped he wouldn’t have broken ribs for the start of term.

 

As Izuku struggled to breath Masaru came up and chuckled at the sight, “Ladies, let's not kill him before his first day of classes. I’m proud of you Izuku.” He said and ruffled the boy's hair.

 

Izuku blushed slightly as Mitsuki and Inko let him go, both still cooing over the boy slightly. The adults parted and Izuku came face to face with Katsuki’s unreadable expression. There was a slight pause before the boy jumped forward and wrapped his arms around Izuku.

 

Mitsuki and Inko practically melted at the sight, the two boys didn’t hug very often. Izuku didn’t like to be touched due to his quirk and Katsuki was hardly the most emotional person. The result was that when it did happen it was always a fairly awkward hug.

 

As indeed it was right now, Izuku simply stiffened up and accepted the hug, it only lasted for a moment before Katsuki broke it. He cleared his throat and gave Izuku a look that indicated they would never speak of the hug again.

 

“Not bad Zuzu, I always told you if you were just willing to use your quirk you’d be unstoppable.” Katsuki said with a smirk.

 

Izuku snorted, “I won a race, I’m fairly sure I’d be decimated by any reasonable pro hero. Speaking of, you better pass The Entrance Exam, there’s no way I’m going to UA without you.”

 

Katsuki laughed, “Ain’t no way I’m gonna let you go it alone, I’ll wipe the floor of anyone who tries to beat me in the exam.”

 

Izuku smirked back while their parents rolled their eyes at the display.

 

A few hours later after the sun had set and Izuku was laying in bed feeling bloated, technically he was still training but All Might had said he could indulge as a one off. As a result Inko had prepared the best Katsudon he had ever had and Mistuki had baked a cake full of so much sugar Izuku had been bouncing off the walls. The best thing about it was smugly devouring both meals in front of Katsuki who couldn't cheat so close to his own exam day.

 

As he lay smiling at the memory his phone beeped from his side. He had a notification from the group chat he had with Yoayorozu and Yoarashi ever since the exam. Of course he had completely forgotten in all the excitement they would also be getting their result today. He quickly opened the chat to find a message from Yaoyorozu.

 

Would Not Recommend

 

Einstein's Daughter: I’m sure you’ve both had busy days like myself but I figured I’d start the ball rolling here and let you know I passed and got in!

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Congratulations Yaoyorozu! I knew you’d get in, there was no way they’d say no with your quirk and intellect!

 

Einstein's Daughter: Thank you Midoriya, what about yourself? I can’t imagine they’d fail the winner of our physical.

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Actually I was told that wasn’t a guarantee but yes, I also passed.

 

Einstein's Daughter: Oh wonderful! Congratulations, who knows we may even be in the same class!

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: I hope so! What about you Yoarashi?

 

Air Conditioner: Well done to you both, it’s understandable that UA would want such fine candidates as its recommended students. Though I’m afraid I didn’t get in, my written score was weak and Nedzu had some concerns during my interview which knocked me down.

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: I’m sorry Yoarashi, for what’s it worth I still think you’re going to make a great hero.

 

Einstein's Daughter: Yes I agree, it’s just a shame only four people out of everyone who took the exam were admitted.

 

Air Conditioner: Thank you both but I have already started working towards passing the standard entrance exams! I won’t let this bump in the road deter me!

 

Einstein's Daughter: Excellent, I’m glad you’re not letting this get to you Yoarashi.

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Oh hey, my brother is taking The Entrance Exam too, I could add him to this chat? Might be worth it?

 

Air Conditioner: Ah yes! That would be most useful to exchange training tips and advice!

 

Name: CLASSIFIED added Katsuki Bakugou to the chat

 

Einstein's Daughter: I didn’t know you had a brother Midoriya?

Name: CLASSIFIED: We’re not technically brothers but we’ve grown up together and lived together since we were seven, we just kinda started referring to each other as it

 

Katsuki Bakugou: What the fuck is this?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED changed Katsuki Bakugou's name to Angry Boi

 

Air Conditioner: Ah! It is a pleasure to meet you Bakugou!

 

Angry Boi: Huh, who the fuck is Air Conditioner?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Kacchan, this is Inasa Yoarashi and Momo Yaoyorozu, the people I met at The Recommendation Exam. Yoarashi sadly didn’t pass, I figured since you're both going to be taking The Entrance Exam it would be good to meet!

 

Angry Boi: Alright but you better not slow me down! 

 

Air Conditioner: Oh yeah! That's the sort of spirit and motivation that’ll get us through!

 

Einstein's Daughter: If I may be curious Bakugou, is your quirk also classified?

 

Angry Boi: Nah, not to the same extent Zuzu’s is. My quirk is called Enhancement, it’s pretty simple really, it enhances and augments my physical capabilities. Though currently I can only use a small percentage of it or risk it breaking my body. The rest of my quirk info is classified though.

 

Air Conditioner: Impressive! Both you and Midoriya have seemingly powerful quirks, it’s a wonder your parents aren’t heroes! 

 

Einstein's Daughter: Also, Kacchan and Zuzu?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Nicknames we've had since we were kids and we both have pretty big mutations, our parents' quirks are actually pretty different to what we both have.

 

Einstein's Daughter: Ah, I see. Oh, Midoriya, will be observing the entrance exams too?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Oh yeah! I’ll be there, I’d never miss a chance to watch Kacchan make a fool of himself.

 

Angry Boi: Fuck you, you just spent an hour crying over chocolate cake.

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Oh fuck you Kacchan, at least I didn’t punch a wall when Mommy told me I couldn’t have cake.

 

Angy Boi: FUCK YOU! 

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: FUCK YOU!

Air Conditioner: Oh dear.

Notes:

Thanks for all the Kudos and comments everyone! Just a note, Quirk Grades are something I've come up with for this fic which will be explained in later chapter

Chapter 10: The Entrance Exam

Summary:

Katsuki and Yoarashi take the entrance exam together

Katsuki looked at the crowds of people scrambling through the gates of UA and scowled. Even from across the road he could already start to see who would pass and fail. Some people were walking in with too much confidence, most likely those who had powerful quirks or had been praised throughout their childhood and expected to breeze through this exam. Some of them probably would make it in but others clearly weren't ready for the reality of the test.

 

It wasn’t just the arrogant ones either, there were plenty of people who were practically shaking into the school, they looked terrified before they had even made it in, let alone at what the exam would throw at them. Many of them looked woefully unprepared. He noticed one boy with purple hair who looked like a soft breeze might blow him over. It didn’t matter how good your quirk was, you still needed to be physically fit to be a hero, you couldn’t hope to coast by on a quirk alone. There were far too many people like that, ones who clearly hadn’t done anywhere near the amount of physical training required to be a hero.

 

Others, the worst in Katsuki’s opinion, just looked like they didn’t really care. To them it was just another school exam, another career choice they had considered. They weren’t motivated by heroics, they were motivated by fame and money. If they failed here they could always find it elsewhere.

 

It all made Katsuki furious, if you weren’t putting 100% into being a genuine hero then you shouldn’t be here. 

 

That wasn’t to say everyone here was a lost cause, as he watched from his position Katsuki could respect a few obvious contenders for the course. He’d seen a pink skinned girl walk in with a clear air of confidence while a boy with multiple arms had seemed incredibly cool and collected yet held determination in his eyes.

 

Katsuki was starting to get fidgety, he had arrived thirty minutes early but he had insisted he’d wait for his… friend? He supposed it was the closest he had out of Zuzu (who didn’t count) and besides, his Mom and Aunt were always going on about how he needed to make new friends.

 

“Bakugou?”

 

Katsuki grunted and looked up to his left where he found a boy well over six foot towering over him. The boy had a slightly nervous smile on his face. Katsuki just nodded in response.

 

“You must be Air Conditioner huh?”

 

Yoarashi’s nervousness vanished and his smile grew wide, “Ah! It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Bakugou!”

 

Katsuki gave a slight grunt, “You too I guess. You ready for this?”

 

Yoarashi clenched his fist and gave Katsuki a firm nod, “Yes, failing the recommendation exam has given me a renewed determination in my hero career. I refuse to fail once again.”

 

Katsuki raised an eyebrow, “Not bad Airhead,” Yoarashi blinked at the nickname, “I guess Zuzu doesn’t have too bad a taste in friends.”

 

Yoarashi let out a bellow, “Ha! I see where Midoriya gets his snap from! I’m glad I found friends in both of you.”

 

That made Katsuki pause. Yoarashi considered him a friend? Did that mean Yaoyorozu did too? He had chatted to them a lot over the past week in their group chat but he just kind of assumed they were there for Izuku. It made sense, Izuku was friendly, kind and easy to talk to. Katsuki was loud, brash and rude. He never had friends, it just wasn’t his thing.

 

But that didn’t mean he didn’t want them.

 

“Same here.” Katsuki said and held out his fist, Yoarashi smiled and eagerly gave him a pump, it felt kinda nice to have a friend.

 

“Shall we head inside?” Yoarashi suggested.

 

Katsuki nodded and together they marched towards and through the gates. They made quite the intimidating pair, both over six feet and muscular. Yoarashi with his ever wide and slightly daunting smile and Katsuki with his famous scowl and narrowed red eyes. As a result several students all but jumped out of their way. Except for one.

 

“Oof.” Katsuki grunted as he almost toppled to the ground, luckily at the last minute he felt Yoarashi grab onto his shoulder.

 

“Oh my GOD! I’m so so soooo sorry!”

 

Katsuki turned to face a very panicked girl with brown bobbed hair, wide auburn eyes and a slight blush on her cheeks. She was looking at him with an equally fearful and embarrassed expression.

 

“I wasn’t watching where I was going, I was so in awe and I just bumped into you and-”

 

Katsuki held up his hand to stop the girl who snapped her mouth shut and blushed further, “Don’t worry about it. No harm done, just be more careful.”

 

The girl seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, “Phew, thanks! You both look super scary so I was kinda afraid you’d bite my hand off.”

 

“What! How could you think the two of us are scary?!” Yoarashi cried, causing Katsuki to roll his eyes as the girl jumped back, clearly Yoarashi didn’t appreciate just how loud and tall he was.

 

“It’s cool, I guess there’s gonna be a few nerves today.” Katsuki said with a shrug.

 

“I know,” the girl said gazing up at the building, “It’s really intimidating to be honest. And I heard there’s a few people who failed the recommendation exam here, I’m not sure I can hold up against that. Especially with my quirk.” She said, sounding a bit dejected.

 

Katsuki scoffed, “You quirk won’t matter. This is an exam, just like any other exam you’ve ever done. Just go in there, give it your absolute best and nothing less. You do that and it doesn’t matter what your quirk is, you’ll pass.”

 

The girl blinked a few times before her eyes filled with fire, “Hell yeah! I’m gonna go in there and just give it my all! Thanks! I’ll see you inside.”

 

The girl turned on her feet and quickly scurried into the building without so much as asking for a name. Katsuki may have been out of the loop in terms of a social life but he was fairly sure that could be classed as odd.

 

“Wow!” Yoarashi exclaimed next to him, “Who knew the standard entrance exams would attract such an intense crowd, it’s almost more exciting than the recommendation exams.”

 

Katsuki snorted, “Think about that two hours into the written exam.”

 

Yoarashi paled.

 

---

 

Considering it was only the third time he’d been at the school Izuku was surprised by how genuinely calm he felt. Maybe it was the knowledge he wasn’t one of the thousand or so students being tested today. It might also be the excitement he felt at seeing Katsuki let loose with his quirk. In training against each other they generally held back for fear of seriously hurting the other and due to the fact they trained in a public space. But he knew Katsuki would do nothing less than give it his all for the exam.

 

As Midoriya walked up to the front gate he smiled as he saw the other three recommended students already waiting. Yaoyorozu saw him and waved.

 

“Oh Midoriya! It’s so good to see you again!” 

 

Izuku gave his least nervous smile back, “You too Yaoyorozu, how have you been?”

 

“Well, I celebrated and relaxed for a few days but then had to get back into my training. My quirk is fairly useless if I don’t understand the things I’m making, so studying is a big part of my life.” Yoayorozu said with a sigh, it was often the topic of their group chat, how complex her quirk was.

 

“I know what you mean, I had all of three hours before Kacchan demanded I start training again.” Izuku said with a chuckle.

 

Yoayorozu giggled, “He does seem rather intense, I suspect Yoarashi is in for quite the day.”

 

“Well whatever happens Kacchan won’t let him fail. Whether he admits it or not he considers you both friends now and he doesn’t let friends fall behind.” Izuku said with a shrug.

 

“Hey, aren’t you the guy who won the second group physical?” A girl with short green hair, not too dissimilar to Izuku's own, walked up next to Yoayorozu as did a boy who appeared to have no lips.

 

Izuku scratched the back of head nervously, “Uh yeah… I did…”

 

The girl gave him a wide smile, “Damn, I heard your group's race was pretty intense. I’m Setsuna Tokage by the way.”

 

The lipless boy nodded at Izuku, “Juzo Honenuki”

 

“I’m Izuku Midoriya.” Izuku replied with a polite nod and a smile he hoped didn’t show how intimidated he was.

 

“Nice hair.” Tokage said as she pointed to her own green hair and winked at Izuku causing the boy to blush.

 

“H-How did you guys do on your exams?” Izuku asked, hoping to change the subject.

 

“Man it was the written for me, I was in the group who had it last and all I wanted to do was crawl into bed by that point.” Tokage moaned dramatically.

 

“Just be glad you didn’t have the physical last, half my group didn’t even finish it due to exhaustion.” Honenuki said with a shake of his head.

 

“At least you got the grilling from Nedzu over with.” Yoayorozu said with a shudder.

 

Izuku just shrugged, “To be honest I quite enjoyed the interview.”

 

All three of his fellow recommended students turned to him with horrified expressions. It was if he had just admitted to having had a quiet lunch date with The Devil. Which he supposed in a way he had. Before anyone could respond Izuku felt someone’s quirk energy approach.

 

“Ah, greetings everyone. Welcome back to UA.” Vlad King said as he met the students at the gate, “I'm glad all four of you could make it today.”

 

“It will be interesting to see what the standard exams are like, it will give us a good idea of how our classmates also got their places in the hero course.” Honenuki said in thought as the four teenagers followed Vlad King into the school.

 

“It’ll be a good opportunity to scout out any cuties too.” Tokage said with a wiggle of her eyebrows causing Izuku and Yoayorozu to blush and Honenuki to roll his eyes.

 

Vlad King chuckled at the display as he led them towards a minibus.

 

“The entrance exams take place within the grounds, it’s just a ten minute drive to the monitoring station,” He explained at the questioning glances the four were giving him.

 

They all clambered into the mini bus, which felt fairly empty considering it was designed for a class of 20 students. Vlad King sat behind the wheel as they made their way down the road. The four students in the back sat in silence, all observing the sights as they went. Izuku was finally understanding why UA had such a high reputation. The land they owned spread for miles in all directions, he could see training grounds in the distance spread out among the landscape. Makeshift cities, rivers and even mountains could be seen dotted about the place. It made the main UA building, impressive in of itself, look like someone's oversized dollhouse.

 

Eventually they made it to what almost looked like an old aircraft control tower. The four students all looked around in wonder as Vlad King led them inside with a smug grin. They took an elevator in the centre of the tower up to the top floor. As the doors opened with a ping the four students all had equal looks of amazement.

 

They were in a large circular room, one half of the room was completely covered in screens, each one trained on a group of teenagers waiting outside different makeshift cities. In the centre of the room sat Nedzu on what, in a certain light, could easily be described as a throne. Several other teachers sat with him while the rest of the UA staff stood around the place, though all of them turned their attention to the group as they excited the elevator.

 

Izuku didn’t miss the way Midnight tenses and stepped as far away from him as she could the moment he stepped out. At least Aizawa gave him a nod of acknowledgment.

 

“Ah! Our recommended students! Welcome all of you, I’m so pleased you could all make it.” Nedzu said and smiled with a clap of his hands.

 

Yaoyorozu bowed, “Thank you for the invitation sir, I’m looking forward to seeing our future classmates in action.”

 

“Quite,” Nedzu responded, “Though of course sadly not everyone out there today will pass, out of nearly a thousand students only 36 will join you here at UA. Tougher odds than even your exams.”

 

Nedzu continued to chat to the recommended students but Izuku had quickly become distracted. It had been a while since his hunger had really played up but surrounded by pro heroes it was obvious how much of a step up they were from a standard crowd and it took a few deep breaths to stop himself letting go of his grip on the hunger. However, he did pick up on a familiar type of energy.

 

“E-Excuse me sir?”

 

Nedzu turned to with a curious tilt of the head, “Everything ok Mr Midoriya?”

 

“Yes, sorry. I was just wondering if I could get some water?” Izuku asked.

 

“Of course, there’s a refreshment area opposite the viewing screens, you’re all welcome to take advantage of it.” Nedzu said, looking at Izuku with a knowing smirk.

 

Izuku nodded his thanks and wandered over to the table that contained a selection of snacks and drinks. He truly was thirsty but there was another reason he had walked over to pour himself some juice. He’d noticed it the moment they entered the room, the energy in the far corner of someone trying to hide in the darkness. It would’ve worked if not for the fact Izuku could see with more than just his eyes.

 

He felt the man tense as he made his drink, it was lucky the refreshments stand was right next to the corner the man had chosen to hide in.

 

“You know I can sense your energy right?” Izuku said nonchalantly.

 

The man coughed violently in surprise and had to pull out a handkerchief to catch the blood which came out through his mouth as he did. It made Izuku panic but before he could spiral the man turned to him with a smile and a chuckle.

 

“I suppose I let it slip my mind.” Yagi said as he shuffled out of the shadows and into the room more.

 

Izuku gave him a slight frown, “Are you here to watch Bakugou’s performance?” 

 

“Partly yes, though I’m here to observe the overall process.” Yagi said with a gesture to the wider room.

 

Izuku furrowed his eyebrows in confusion before the gears in his head started to move.

 

“You’re going to be teaching here?” Izuku asked in no small amount of surprise, Yagi wasn’t the… best teacher he’d ever met.   

 

Yagi frowned, “Don’t sound so surprised, after all you and Young Bakugou were the perfect practice I needed for it.”

 

Izuku sweat dropped, Yagi seemed to be forgetting how Katsuki had broken an arm and Izuku himself had lost control several times throughout their training. Well, at least Gran Torino seemed to have noticed the issue as well, Yagi’s teaching had certainly started to improve in the past weeks.

 

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Izuku asked, though there was no malice in the tone, only general curiosity.

 

Yagi shrugged, “I know what you’re both like, had you discovered I was taking a teaching position here you wouldn’t have allowed me to teach you. And even if you had you both would have suspected I was influencing you to be admitted to the school.”

 

Izuku scratched the back of his head, “I guess you have a point. But Nedzu assured me in my interview you weren’t.”

 

“Indeed and for the same reason I ask you don’t tell your brother at least until he receives his results from today.” Yagi said with a smile.

 

“Don’t worry, he deserves to know he passed this exam on his own merits.” Izuku responded as he turned to the screens, scanning the different areas and trying to find Katsuki.

 

Yagi followed his gaze and nodded, “Yes, I’m quite curious to see how far he’s come with One For All.”

 

---

 

Katsuki wasn't the nervous one, he left that role up to Zuzu. Izuku was the one whose body would shake with nerves and who tripped over his own words when panicked. Katsuki was the cool collected brother who never slipped. At least that what most people believed, the truth was Katsuki could be as nervous as his brother, he just didn’t show it as much.

 

But as his bus approached the area for his physical section of the exam he felt said nerves flare up. His eyes darted around the bus, finding escape routes and eyeing up anyone he thought might attack. His body tensed and he rapidly clenched and unclenched his fists.

 

“Are you ok Bakugou?”

 

Katsuki looked up at the teenager sitting next to him, Yoarashi was looking down at the blonde with a look of concern etched on his face. The pair had met up after the written test and had been pleasantly (though Katsuki would never admit it) surprised to discover during the briefing they were in the same area for the physical section.

 

“I'm good Airhead… Just… There’s no way I’m letting Zuzu go here alone.” Katsuki said and looked away from his friend, slightly embarrassed by the admission.

 

Yoarashi nodded, “Yes I can imagine, though I’m sure not to the same level as you, I too don't want to let Midoriya down. Nor Yaoyorozu for that matter. They’re both so incredible and I want to prove to them they didn’t make a mistake befriending me.”

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes, “Zuzu wouldn’t stop being your friend just because you didn’t get in moron. If anything he’d spend every waking hour trying to coach you to be able to transfer later on in the year.”

 

Yoarashi chuckled though from his mouth it was more like a bellow that drew several people's attention. A blue haired boy near the front turned to scowl at the pair. Katsuki met the boy's scowl with his own, he recognized him from the presentation, the one who had interrupted Present Mic. The boy turned back with his nose raised high, Katsuki would’ve normally made some comment about privileged private school kids but considering there was another private school kid sat next to him he decided against it. Izuku really did have an influence on him.

 

Eventually Yoarashi stopped laughing and smiled back down at Katsuki, “You’re correct, which is why I’m excited to show you all what I can do.”

 

Katsuki just nodded in agreement, his focus moving away from Yoarashi as the bus slowed to a stop. The group of students all stepped off, the silence among them slightly unnerving as they all looked up in awe at the giant walls and gate which lead to their examination area.

 

Katsuki took a step away from the crowd and observed the gathered examinees. The group looked far larger off the bus, there were easily at least a hundred people around. Some of them were giants like Yoarashi with obvious mutant quirks while others may have been smaller or less threatening but gave off an aura that ebbed of confidence. It made Katsuki frown, there would of course be a limited number of robots so as result he wasn’t just fighting to gain points he was fighting to take it away from everyone else. He suspected the obvious infighting this would cause among the students was all part of the psychological games Nedzu and UA were famous for.

 

It gave him an idea.

 

“Hey Airhead,” Yoarashi, who had been stretching not far from Katsuki, turned to him with a curious gaze, “We should work together. You’re quirk excels at range while mine is almost exclusively close combat. If we go it alone I’ll have to avoid the ranged robots while you need to make sure you don’t get trapped in close quarters.”

 

Yoarashi seemed to think it over before giving Katsuki a wide smile, “An excellent idea! Together we are bound to get more points and wow the UA staff!”

 

“Excuse me!”

 

Katsuki and Yoarashi turned to the outraged voice and they came face to face with the same blue haired boy who had scowled at them on the bus. The same scowl was present on his face as started to shout at the pair, his arms waving wildly.

 

“You two are being far too loud, everyone here is trying quietly to prepare for the exam and here you are laughing, it’s completely-

 

“Start!”

 

The blue haired boy was thrown back and the rest of the group momentarily stunned as a shockwave spread throughout them followed by a great gust of wind. A few people looked around in shock, not completely sure what actually just happened.

 

Up above Present Mic smirked down at them, “What are you waiting for? There’s no countdown in real life, you best all hurry up or those two are going to get all the points!”

 

Up ahead Katsuki and Yoarashi were screaming down the street neck and neck. Katsuki had spent months training with Izuku who utilised surprise attacks and as a result was always keeping one ear open to his surroundings. Yoarashi had only been a moment behind but had quickly caught on the second he realised his friend was moving.

 

Katsuki’s feet slammed into the concrete as he ran, One For All flowing through his body. Each impact on the ground left a cracked footprint as he charged down the road. Yoarashi was right next to him, a whirlwind surrounding his body and pushing him through the air. As the pair went further into the city they came across a collection of robots, a group of one pointers surrounded a three pointer while a few two pointers had taken positions on the roofs surrounding the street.

 

Katsuki smirked, of course the first set that anyone would likely face had been set up as a trap.

 

“Airhead, you take the two pointers up top, keep them off me while I take out the group below!” Katsuki shouted through the air that whipped over his face.

 

Yoarashi nodded in response, “Right, I won’t let you down!”

 

Yoarashi swerved off to the side, making his way up a fire escape on one of the buildings. Katsuki had to admit he was mildly impressed, Yoarashi ‘flying’ was little more than levitating slightly off the ground but it meant he was able to move far swifter than anyone without a speed quirk.

 

Focusing back on the robots in front of him, Katsuki pumped a little bit more of One For All into his body, the red crackling fire of full cloak surrounding him. The one pointers quickly saw him coming and started to turn towards his direction.

 

He was suddenly thankful that Izuku had forced him to share in his hobby of quirk analysis. As the one pointers started to move Katsuki noticed a blaring weakness, the mini guns on their arms took time to spin up. Several had already started but it was obvious they needed a few seconds before they could hail him with bullets. 

 

Luckily Katsuki needed less time.

 

His feet slammed into the ground as he sprinted as fast as he could before launching himself off the road with his shoulder facing forwards. Bracing himself, Katsuki flew through the air and smashed into the first one pointer. Barrelling through it he grit his teeth as he felt the metal tear across his skin, luckily with One For All running through him it didn’t draw blood.   

 

He smashed through several more until his momentum died and he skidded to a halt on the ground surrounded by one pointers. Several of them quickly turned with the one closest swinging its arm around. Katsuki managed to catch the arm as it swung towards him, his fingers digging into the shield it had as the metal creaked under his grip.

 

Planting his feet Katsuki used the momentum of the robot's swing to his advantage and used all his strength to throw the entire machine upwards. It flew over his head and slammed into another one pointer, the explosion tearing through the air and ringing in Katsuki’s ears.

 

He smirked as he dodged another arm that came swinging his way leaping forward and launching several strikes to the centre of the robot. Its chest quickly crumpled away as oil and sparks fell from it, the robot falling back. 

 

A rumbling behind him made him spin on his heels. He only had  a second to raise his arms before a green steel fist rammed into them, forcing him to skid along the concrete. The three pointer wasn’t very fast but it was bulky and strong. The pair were now locked in a battle of strength, Katsuki pushing against the fist from the three pointer which was trying to force him back.

 

The whirring sounds of guns starting up to his right caused him to panic as his head snapped over and he saw several one pointers taking aim at him. Before he could react however a two pointer fell from the sky into them, another explosion ripping through the street. 

 

Looking up, Katsuki could see Yoarashi fighting on the roof top. The two pointers were trying to flank him but he was expertly using his whirlwinds to control the battlefield. A tornado flew across the edge of the roof and threw several more of them off as they reigned down onto the street below. Yoarashi was clearly no slouch when it came to combat training.

 

Yet his range still had limits, groups of two pointers from other rooftops were turning their attention to him. Unlike the one pointers they didn’t need to warm up their weapons. Bullets flew toward Yoarashi and he was forced to go on the defensive. He brought up two great gusts of wind, powerful enough that they forced the projectiles being shot at him completely off course. But the wind was so powerful Yoarashi was unable to manoeuvre it, all he could do was stand there and take the hits.

 

Katsuki frowned and clenched his jaw, he needed to get Yoarashi out of there. He turned his head to face the three pointer which was still trying to push against him. He also noticed how the rocket launchers on its back were starting to power up. He didn’t feel like testing if One For All enhanced him enough to survive that.

 

Katsuki took a breath before letting slightly more of One For All flow through his body. He then swivelled on his feet, letting the arm of the three pointer go. The robot lurched forward with the sudden release of force and Katsuki leaned into the advantage. He stepped forward and grabbed the metallic forearm of the robot and pulled.

 

The arm was torn off with the sound of sparking electricity. Swinging it forward, the three pointer was forced to move back to avoid Katsuki’s attack. Using the distraction Katsuki dropped the arm and jumped up, the force of his quick launching him high into the air. Much like how he had landed on The Sludge Villain, Katsuki twisted in the air and landed on the robot’s back.

 

He dug his feet into the easy slots between the metal plates that made up the three pointers back to steady himself as he landed. The robot started to move around, trying to throw him off and so he worked quickly. Reaching out, Katsuki grabbed one of the launches from the machine's shoulder. He yanked it back and grinned when it broke off easily.

 

He looked upwards to the rooftops and identified one of the groups of two pointers laying down fire on Yoarashi. Biting his inner lip he pulled his arm back and took aim. Allowing as much of One For All as he dared to flow into his arm he threw the launcher, which was still full of rockets, at the group.

 

It soared through the air and not a second later made impact. The explosion was the biggest yet and ripped apart the two pointers and destroyed a chunk of the building they were on.

 

Not letting up Katsuki repeated the move with the second shoulder launcher from the three pointer. This time the two pointers tried to shoot down the makeshift projectile before it reached its target but Katsuki’s throw was far too powerful. The ground shook as the top of the building collapsed and the fiery remains of the robots fell to the ground.

 

Katsuki glanced back at Yoarashi who gave him a thumbs up. With the incoming fire lessened he was able to manoeuvre more and quickly went back to taking out the last of the two pointers. 

 

Meanwhile Katsuki looked down at the three pointer he was still standing on. Its remaining arm reached back and tried to throw him off. Before it could, however, Katsuki raised his hands up and stretched out his fingers flat. Increasing the amount of One For All in his arms he shot both straight down at a point and they went seep into the back of the robot. Katsuki grunted as he then pulled them apart with all his might. The machine below him groaned against the pressure before it gave out and the robot was split in half, Katsuki falling through the middle and landing on the concrete with a thud.

 

Despite that however he smirked and looked around the road, the remains of the robots he and Yoarashi had fought were everywhere. Smoke was rising from some and it filled Katsuki with no small amount of pride. A whoosh to his right indicated Yoarashi had returned from the rooftops.

 

“Wow!” The wind quirk user cried, “That was incredible Bakugou! Midoriya was right, you really don’t have anything to be worried about, you’ll definitely pass!”

 

Katsuki grunted, “Obviously, it’s not over yet though.”

 

He indicated to a one pointer which had skidded round a nearby corner and was approaching them. Katsuki powered up his quirk and got ready to leap forward. Before he could, however, a bright blue laser appeared on the scene and cut the robot clean in half.

 

Katsuki scowled and turned to see a blonde haired boy give him a wink. His scowl deepened as he saw the rest of the group approaching.

 

“Come one,” He said and indicated to another street, “There’ll be too much competition here, we need to get away from the main group.”

 

Yoarashi nodded and two boys took off.

 

---

 

Izuku was beaming, his smile nearly tearing his face in two as he watched Katsuki dispose of robot after robot. His training was coming through in spades, he ducked and weaved past attacks to get in close and take down the various enemies any way he could. He punched through their chests, ripped off their heads and kicked them clean in two. 

 

Meanwhile Yoarashi flew around him, taking out all the stragglers and groups that tried to ambush them. Robots flew high into the air on the back of tornados while others were ripped apart by the sheer force of the gales Yoarashi was creating. Together they were easily racking up points.

 

“The blonde kid with the strength quirk is your brother?” Honenuki asked to which Izuku nodded.

 

Tokage whistled, “Man, the guys tearing apart those robots like it’s nothing.”

 

“Yoarashi too is giving off an impressive display, I had no idea his wind could be so powerful.” Yaoyorozu commented as she watched said teenager rip apart a three pointer with nothing more than air.

 

“Don’t underestimate his quark,” Vlad King commented from the side of the recommendation students, “He’s recorded as being able to achieve wind speeds of 300mph.”

 

Izuku’s eyebrows rose in surprise, with those sorts of speeds if Yoarashi was able to create a whirlwind large enough he could destroy entire buildings if he wanted. It was a reminder that while he, Katsuki and Yoayorozu might have complex and classified quirks it didn’t mean that the more basic ones, such as elemental control, could be any less devastating.

 

“It’s a good example of why we need the recommendation exams, quirks like theirs excel in these environments while in the obstacle race they struggled against Young Midoriya and Yaoyorozu who were more adaptable. Yet if the two of you were out there I have to confess I think you’d struggle to keep up with their sheer power with your current training levels.” Yagi said as he stroked his chin in thought.

 

“...what?” He asked as he noticed every set of eyes in the room had turned to him with an equal amount of jaws on the floor. Aizawa even looked like he wanted to cry with joy.

 

“Who did you say you were again?” Tokage asked.

 

Yagi chuckled nervously, “Toshinori Yagi… I’ll be uh… a teaching assistant here in the new term.”

 

Izuku noticed a few staff members raising their eyebrows at that comment, even Nedzu looked a little surprised. Clearly they had been expecting All Might to teach his classes and not Yagi.

 

“While those two truly are impressive we mustn’t neglect the rest of the candidates either.” Nedzu commented as his eyes darted from screen to screen, taking in each individual examinee and their performance.

 

Izuku forced himself to look away from Katsuki and Yoarashi and started to observe some of the other test areas. He was glad he did as he found himself presented with a wide array of new quirks to analyse.

 

He first came across a pink girl with horns, she had removed her shoes and was sliding around on her feet, a gooey like substance underneath them that allowed her to move around gracefully. She approached a one pointer and threw out a blob of the same substance from her hand, it hit the robot directly in the face and Izuku watched in fascination as the robot's head melted away.

 

Acid he realised, again it was a pretty simple quirk but a powerful one. He assumed she must have been able to change the PH of the acid as the trails she was leaving under her feet weren’t melting the road like the metal. It was also curious how the robots she was hitting weren’t exploding or catching fire, it meant her acid wasn’t flammable which suggested it had some sort of specific chemical composition.

 

Moving away from the pink girl Izuku saw another monitor show a one pointer charge directly into a student. For a minute Izuku panicked but then he saw the boy's skin harden and take the full force of the blow. The one pointer bent under the sudden force and the boy quickly punched back, easily tearing through the robot. It looked like he had some sort of quirk which hardened his skin.

 

Though there must be more to it than that Izuku thought, if all he did was harden his skin the force of that impact would have still thrown him down. It was possible that whatever method was used to harden his skin also increased his weight substantially, this would mean he could both take blows and punch harder. It also raised the question of just what exactly hardening meant, it was clearly more than just thick skin and didn’t look like bone. Again it was possible the substance wasn’t something that could be found in the natural world.

 

Next to the hardening boys screen there was a purple haired girl who, unlike a majority of the students, was taking more of a stealth route. She was keeping to the shadows and moving quietly, she seemed to be aware of everything going on around her however and was easily creating ambushes for the robots. She targeted ones outside of a group and as they passed her her ears shot out. They appeared to have some sort of jack on the end which she slammed into the robot which would then vibrate violently before collapsing to the ground.

 

At first it looked like she had a vibration quirk, but thinking about it this didn’t make sense. For starters, requiring whatever was hanging from her ears as a contact point wasn’t very logical, even for a quirk. And if it was a simple vibration quirk then the entire robot would be ruined, instead it looked like the damage was mostly internal. There was also the way she moved, it was obvious much like how Izuku could sense energy she was using something outside of standard sight to gain awareness of the battlefield.

 

There was an awkward cough from next to Izuku and he blinked several times, returning back to the real world. He noticed that, like Yagi a moment ago, every pair of eyes were on him. Yagi, who it appeared had been the cougher, was looking at him with mild amusement, Aizawa was smirking at him and Nedzu was giving him a look of pure glee that somehow sent a shiver down Izuku’s spine.

 

Yoayorozu giggled next to him, “You weren’t joking when you said you were into quirk analysis.”

 

Izuku blushed furiously, “I mumbled all that out loud didn’t I?”

 

Yagi let out a loud laugh, “Don’t worry my boy, we all have bad habits.”

 

Izuku grumbled in response which just caused Yagi to laugh even more.

 

“It looks like Todoroki is retaking the exam as well.” Yoayorozu said and Izuku stopped pouting to follow her gaze.

 

Indeed in another area separate from Bakugou and Yoarashi he could see great seas of ice sweeping across the city streets. Every robot within the area was instantly frozen and fell to the ground, their systems unable to take the sheer cold. Todoroki himself was simply moving from street to street, taking out every point on the road in one massive attack before moving on.

 

Izuku frowned at the display, “He’s being a complete idiot.”

 

A few surprised gazes were sent his way as Vlad King spluttered next to him, “How on earth could you say that, in one move he racked up more points than over half the other competitors?”

 

Izuku had to fight the urge to roll his eyes, despite Yagi and Aizawa’s influence he and Katsuki still had a few issues with authority. It wouldn’t do him any favours to start antagonising the UA staff before he even started, especially given the looks some of them were giving him. It was clear they now knew of his quirk.

 

“He might be gaining a lot of points but that’s only because of the amount of power he’s using. He’s just launching giant sweeps and not thinking about it, he’s lucky he hasn’t hit another person yet.”

 

As if to prove his point Todororki shot out a massive wave of ice which barrelled over several robots in an alleyway. But several people in the room flinched as the purple haired girl was forced to scramble up a fire escape out of its path. She scowled at Todoroki who simply walked away from the scene.

 

“That is… rather concerning.” Yagi commented with a frown.

 

Nedzu sighed, “I’d hoped failing the recommendation would cause him to humble himself but if anything it’s made him more stubborn.”

 

Izuku meanwhile was watching Todoroki carefully, “Somethings wrong.”

 

Aizawa gave him a curious look, “How so?”

 

“Look at him,” Izuku said and indicated to the screen, “His entire right side is covered in frost.”

 

“He has an ice quirk, that isn’t unusual.” Vlad King commented with a confused furrow of his eyebrows.

 

“No, Midoriya is right.” Nedzu said and leaned forward, narrowing his eyes at Todoroki, “He’s moving slowly and shivering, the ice is slowly harming him.”

 

“So… what’s the issue?” Tokage asked, completely lost.

 

Izuku turned to her, “It’s incredibly rare for people with elemental quirks not to be completely resistant to said element. Yoarashi for example is still able to breath easily despite the extreme winds that go on around his body and Endeavour can’t be harmed by fire no matter how intense. But Todoroki is clearly being affected by his ice here, if I were to guess I’d say he’s not using his second quirk to regulate the temperature of his body.”

 

“Wait,” Honenuki said, “How do you know he has two quirks?”

 

Izuku froze, the answer was of course that he could sense the two different quirk energies within Todoroki but he wasn’t about to admit that to the entire room. Yagi too seemed to have realised his dilemma and was sending the boy a nervous glance.

 

“Oh you only have to listen to Endeavour for five minutes at any high society event to hear him brag about it. Supposedly his son has both an ice and fire quirk.” Yaoyorozu said to which Izuku felt relief wash through him.

 

“He’s still not using his fire, which is a concern.” Aizawa said as he glared into the screen so hard Izuku half expected Todoroki to die on the spot.

 

“Then perhaps he needs something a little more challenging.” Nedzu commented with a sadistic smile as he reached for the large red button in front of him.

 

---

 

Katsuki jumped forward, cleanly punching the head off a two pointer and smirking to himself as it flew high into the air. There was a crash to his right as another two pointer was thrown into the side of a building, the whirlwind which had launched it slowly dying down. Various other bodies of robots were strewn about the place, the pair had circled back to the main street and had caught a group of them preparing an ambush off guard. It made for easy pickings.

 

Yoarashi jogged up to him, both boys were panting heavily with sweat dripping down from their foreheads. Katsuki’s whole body ached and he could feel the strain One For All was putting on him. He couldn’t risk going above 5% currently for fear of causing permanent damage to his body. Yoarashi also looked to be suffering from quirk exhaustion, his wind becoming unstable and harder to control as the pair pushed themselves beyond their limits.

 

“Where to next?” Yoarashi asked as he scanned the area.

 

Katsuki looked around the various street options, “Doesn’t look like any big groups are nearby and we’ve only got a few minutes left. Our best bet is to head back to the main street and mop up anything the other candidates haven’t already got to.”

 

Yoarashi nodded and the boys took off down the road, it was obvious how exhausted they were by the fact that neither activated their quick to do so. They exited the side street they had been down and came out onto the main plaza. It was obvious most of the fighting had taken place on this street, chunks of robots littered the area and nearly every building in sight had some form of damage to it. The ground itself was scorched and cracked in some places, it almost looked like a warzone.

 

“Your plan to move away from the main area was definitely a good one.” Yoarashi commented and indicated down the street.

 

Katsuki watched as the blue haired boy from earlier (who appeared to have exhausts sticking out of his legs) charged straight at a one pointer. Before he could, however, green vines shot out from the ground and crushed the robot, causing a minor explosion to ring out. The boy shot a girl, whose hair appeared to be made of said vines, a frustrated look before speeding off to find another robot.

 

“Yeah, I’d be surprised if any of these extra’s were able to tally up as many points as us if they stayed here the whole time.” Katsuki said as he watched the brown haired girl from earlier throw several three pointers into the air before letting them fall to the ground, he was mildly impressed.

 

“Maybe if we move down-”

 

Yoarashi was interrupted as the ground around them started to shake, chunks of rock fell from the already weak buildings and a few of the candidates around them were thrown to the ground. Katsuki snapped his head round and his eyes widened as he looked up the street. A massive cloud of dust and debris was being thrown up in the air but that was nothing compared to the colossal robot that towered above the skyline, looking down at the now mostly terrified students.

 

“That’s the fucking zero pointer!?” Katsuki shouted as he strained his neck to get a view of the whole thing,

 

Yoarashi looked positively ecstatic at the giant death robot making its way towards them, “HAHAHA! I knew UA was impressive but WOW! Truly they are challenging us even in the entrance exam!”

 

“Run you fucking idiot!” Katsuki shouted and grabbed Yoarashi’s arm as the other candidates sprinted past them away from the zero pointer. 

 

Yoarashi looked shocked at Katsuki’s suggestion, “Bakugou, isn’t it a hero’s duty to stop threats like this?”

 

Katsuki turned and nearly punched Yoarashi who refused to move from his spot, “It’s worth zero points, it’s far too strong for us to take down and there’s no civilians in the area at risk. Attacking it would be pointless and too risky for us, sometimes you need to know when to stand down.”

 

Yoarashi didn’t look convinced, “But as heroes-”

 

“We’re no good to anybody if we’re dead,” Katsuki said with a stern look, he’d had this conversation far too many times with Izuku, “We shouldn’t engage that thing unless-”

 

“Owwww”

 

Both boy’s heads snapped round to the zero pointer, Katsuki scanned the area before his eyes focused on the same brown haired girl he’d collided with at the gates. She was trapped underneath a large chunk of rubble as she scrambled to escape, even from this distance Katsuki could see the pain on her face. To make matters worse the zero pointer was making its way towards her, crushing everything in its path.

 

Katsuki didn’t even think before he was moving, One For All flowing through his body as his feet slammed into the ground. He sprinted down the road and came to a skidding halt next to the girl who looked up at him with a small amount of awe and shock. 

 

“Can you move?” Katsuki asked as he reached down and hauled the concrete slab off her.

 

“I-I think my leg is broken.” The girl said and winced when she looked back and saw the awkward angle her right leg was at.

 

“Then I’ll have to carry you.” Katsuki reached down and plucked the girl off the ground, she let out a yelp as he picked her up bridal style, with his new found muscle she was easy to carry and the small girl looked tiny in his arms.

 

“Look out!” The girl cried and Katsuki whipped round to come face to face with an incoming steel fist the size of a small car.

 

Before he could jump out of the way a massive whirlwind of air caught the fist. The arm of the zero pointer groaned under the pressure as it tried to push back against the hurricane level strength. Standing next to Katsuki, Yoarashi grunted under the intense pressure as he pushed his quirk to its absolute limits, his whole body tensed as he tried not to break under the force.

 

“Airhead, what are you doing!?” Katsuki shouted.

 

His friend shot him a smile, “What sort of hero and friend would I be if I let you tackle this alone?”

 

Katsuki smirked, “Can you hold it?”

 

Yoarashi hissed as he was forced back slightly, the arm of the giant robot pushing against his tornado. The building behind the arm was being torn to shreds from the force of the wind but the arm itself seemed to be holding.

 

“Just about, you should-”

 

“It has ANOTHER ARM!” The girl screamed from Katsuki’s arms.

 

Katsuki swivelled on his feet, the girl was right, it’s second arm was less than a metre away from completely pummelling them both. He could try to jump to avoid it but with Yoarashi’s powerful wind in the area he could be violently thrown off course. And with the girl in his arms he didn’t have any way of fighting back. His mind raced through scenarios, Zuzu always told him to use his head.

 

Use. His. Head… 

 

As the giant steel fist came towards him Katsuki let as much of One For All as he could flow into his forehead. With a cry of rage he leant back before ramming it forward. He headbutted the fist dead on, the strength of One For All causing his forehead to split open and blood to spurt out.

 

The fist was stopped in its tracks, a great dent appearing in the shape of Katsuki’s head. The metal creaked and shook as the force of the headbutt reverberated through it. The arm was forced back and started to crumble, unable to take the force of the vibrations shaking it. It wasn’t long before the entire left arm of the zero pointer collapsed, chunks of it exploding as the arm fell to the ground.

 

Katsuki smiled in victory, in his arms the girl looked at him with terror filled eyes, he was giving the zero pointer a manic smile with his face covered in blood. He looked far more like a villain than a hero yet despite that she still felt reassured in his arms.

 

There was a shout of pain behind them and the pair turned their heads to see Yoarashi pushing the last arm of the giant robot back with everything he had. The gust of wind that shot from his hands caused the metal plates of the robot's arm to tear off and be thrown into the air. The building behind it all but vanished as it collapsed in on itself from the pressure.

 

The zero pointer was forced back slightly by the wind and Yoarashi deactivated his quirk, nearly dropping to his knees from exhaustion. Katsuki quickly made his way over to him.

 

“Can you run?” he asked.

 

Yoarashi looked up at him with a pale face but nodded, “Yes, I can still move.”

 

Katsuki started to pass the girl in his arms to Yoarashi, the girl cried out as she was passed between them, “Get her out of here, I’ll keep it distracted.”

 

Yoarashi’s eyes widened, “Leave you behind? Bakugou I couldn’t-”

 

“You’re spent, you can’t use your quirk anymore and you’re on the verge of collapsing and she has a broken leg.”  Katsuki said with a scowl and forced the girl into Yoarashi’s arms.

 

“But-”

 

“I’m not arguing Airhead, get the fuck out of here!” Katsuki shouted as the zero pointer started to rumble forward again.

 

Yoarashi looked like he wanted to argue more but he snapped his mouth shut and took off running down the street with the girl in his arms.

 

Katsuki turned to face the zero pointer, its remaining ruined arm moving rubble out of its way. He clenched his fists, one solid punch might do the trick but it would have to be dead on and would absolutely destroy his arm. The vibrations he’d sent through its other arm had worked a charm, he just needed to replicate that on a larger scale.

 

Katsuki smirked, he’d heard how Zuzu had dominated his obstacle race, he had to one up his brother somehow.

 

He charged forward, allowing his quirk to run freely into his arms, the pain was immense but he just grit his teeth and pushed through it. The zero pointer swung down but Katsuki ducked under it’s arm. With a warcry he leaped off the ground aiming at the tracks the robot moved on. His arms were engulfed in red flame and he brought them down together in one movement directly onto the bottom of the zero pointer.

 

The effect was instant, the metal and rubber collapsed under the force and Katsuki felt his muscles tear from overusing his quirk. The force from the attack ripped through the entire robot, the whole thing shook violently as parts of it were thrown off. The vibration from Katsuki’s attack shook the whole machine. Explosions escaped its body at various locations as it started to fall back. Katsuki jumped backwards as the whole robot fell in of itself, fire and smoke filling the area before-

 

“And that's time!”

 

The entire street was utterly silent as the smoke cleared, the remains of the zero pointer taking up half the view. Katsuki himself was standing just in front of it, arms limp at his side and body covered in blood. But he was grinning maniacally.

 

As the smoke cleared Yoarashi came running through, the girl still in his arms, “Bakugou!”

 

“Are you ok!?” The girl cried as she saw his state.

 

Katsuki ignored them and searched around wildly, the girl and Yoarashi glanced at each other in concern. From their perspective it looked like the blonde had finally snapped. But eventually Katsuki found what he was looking for.

 

The security camera was perfectly focused on him and even seemed to to look closer when he noticed it. Katsuki’s smile was so wide it almost resembled a wild animal.

 

“You see that Zuzu!? You may have won some shitty obstacle race but I just took down a giant fucking robot! YOU DON’T STAND A CHANCE AGAINST ME ONCE WE REALLY START!” Katsuki bellowed much to the amusement of Yoarashi and the confusion of the girl.

 

Inside the observation room everyone was silent in watching Katsuki, the beaten up boy screaming at the camera. Nedzu had subtly activated the volume so they had all heard what had just been said.

 

They all shivered when there was a dark chuckling in the room.

 

“Well played Kacchan… well played.” Izuku said with his own maniacal grin as he looked at the remains of the zero pointer.

 

“...is anyone else fucking terrified?” Tokage said.

Chapter 11: Quirk Energy

Summary:

Izuku and Katsuki discover some things about their quirks with Nedzu

Notes:

Thanks for all the comments and kudos as always! Just wanted to warn you all this chapter diverges from canon a bit in regards to how quirks work and the science behind them, hopefully it's too much of a dramatic change for you all

Izuku's smile hadn’t left his face since the end of the entrance exam, he knew Katsuki had come far since their first day on the beach but watching him take down a giant robot had proved to everyone just how strong his brother had become. Katsuki was right, Izuku really did have some catching up to do if he wanted to stay on the same level.

 

He watched the other students file out the gate of UA, more than a few had faces of disappointment, clearly they already knew they had failed the exam purely based on their performance. A few others looked hopeful however. Izuku had already said goodbye to Tokage and Honenuki while Yoayorozu had elected to wait with him for Katsuki and Yoarashi.

 

“May I ask you a question, Midoriya?” Yoayorozu said to his side.

 

“Sure.” Izuku responded with a tilt of his head.

 

“Why do you and Bakugou seem so…” Yoayorozu bit her lip in though, clearly unsure how to phrase the question.

 

“Odd? Weird? Complete maniacs?” Izuku said with a chuckle, “It’s ok Yoayorozu, I know we’re not exactly normal.”

 

“I wouldn’t say that but well… your relationship isn’t like any I’ve seen before.” She admitted.

 

Izuku shrugged, “We had a… difficult upbringing, I won’t go into details but it’s safe to say we definitely didn’t have what could be classed as a normal childhood.”

 

“I see.” Yoayorozu said, her eyes drifting off in thought though she didn’t press the issue.

 

“I told you assholes you didn’t need to wait!”

 

Katsuki’s shout drew the pair's attention as he stormed over, Yoarashi close behind. They had clearly been to see Recovery Girl as Katsuki had bandages over his arms and forehead while Yoarashi was looking far better than he had at the end of the exam and some colour had returned to his face.

 

Izuku rolled his eyes, “Did you forget I have a meeting with Nedzu?”

 

Katsuki grumbled and blushed slightly while Yoayorozu looked at Izuku in surprise, “You do?”

 

Izuku nodded, “Yeah, nothing major, he just wanted to have a discussion on my quirk before the term starts.”

 

Yoarashi laughed, “After seeing Bakugou’s quirk in action I’m almost afraid of what yours could be to warrant it being fully classified.”

 

Katsuki scoffed, “Oh you have no idea.”

 

Izuku elbowed the boy in the side to which Katsuki scowled back at him.

 

“Oi watch it, I’m still recovering!”

 

“Oh, does the big bad Kacchan need me to take him home so his mommy can give him a  glass of milk?” Izuku mocked and Yoayorozu and Yoarashi sighed.

 

“Hey asshole, did you happen to see the giant fucking robot I just took down?” Katsuki shouted back with a smug grin.

 

Izuku just waved him off, “Pffft, Yoarashi helped you take it down and I already beat Yoarashi so I win.”

 

“THAT’S NOT HOW IT WORKS!”

 

“Hey!”

 

The fifth voice to enter the area pulled Katsuki and Izuku away from their scowling as the brown haired girl from the exam came running up to the group. She was limping slightly but other than that appeared to be fully healed, Recovery Girls quirk really was something else. Katsuki raised his eyebrow at the new arrival while Yoarashi gave her a wide smile.

 

“Ah it’s you! I’m glad to see your leg is all healed up!” The wind user cried with a thumbs up, a few people walking past the group turned at the volume.

 

“Mhmm,” The girl nodded, “Recovery Girl got me healed up though it’s still a little sore, she said to rest for a few days. Anyway, I wanted to thank you both for what you did back there, I was gonna be mincemeat for sure if you hadn’t intervened!”

 

“I’m sure UA wouldn’t have allowed any serious injury to befall you.” Yoayorozu said with a smile.

 

“Nedzu’s in charge.” Izuku reminded her and the girl paled. 

 

Katsuki snorted, “Don’t worry about it, we can't exactly call ourselves heroes if we didn’t help you.”

 

“Indeed!” Yoarashi agreed, “Helping someone in need is the essence of a hero!”

 

The girl giggled, “Man you guys are intense, I’m Ochako Uraraka.”

 

“A pleasure to meet you Uraraka, I’m Inasa Yoarashi!” Yoarashi announced with his standard bow which shook the ground, it caused Uraraka to yelp while Katsuki and Yaoyorozu jumped slightly. Izuku barely moved, too used to it by this point.

 

“I’m Momo Yoayorozu, it’s also good to meet you.” Yoayorozu said in the most formal voice Izuku had heard her use.

 

“Katsuki Bakugou,” Katsuki grunted, “Green haired idiot-”

 

“Hey!”

 

“-next to me is my brother, Izuku Midoriya.”

 

Izuku folded his arms and pouted at Katsuki who just smirked in response, Uraraka giggled at the display before turning to Izuku and Yaoyorozu.

 

“So did you two take the entrance exams too?” She asked.

 

“Ah no,” Izuku said with an awkward shrug, “We both already got in through the recommendation exams.”

 

Uraraka’s eyes went wide and her jaw dropped slightly, “Woah, you two must have really impressive quirks then!”

 

Katsuki frowned and stepped forward, Izuku was confused for a moment before the blonde reached out and flicked Uraraka on the forehead. The girl in question could barely respond to the display, her body freezing as she looked up at Katsuki in pure shock. Yoarashi and Yoayorozu too had both horrified and panicked looks on their faces. Katsuki just stepped back and narrowed his eyes at Uraraka.

 

“Kacchan! You can’t just go… go flicking people!” Izuku shouted as he waved his arms in the air.

 

Katsuki just rolled his eyes and ignored him, “What did I say before we walked in?”

 

Uraraka suddenly realised he was talking to her and blinked in surprise, “Huh?”

 

“I told you quirks don’t matter,” Katsuki said, “Zuzu and Yaoyorozu didn’t get in on recommendation because of their quirks, they got in because of their hard work, smarts and skills.”

 

Uraraka paused before she giggled at the display, “Man, you really are all serious about that. But yeah you’re right, it’s more than just quirks.”

 

“Speaking of which I’m going to be late to my meeting, you coming Kacchan?” Izuku asked.

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes, “Obviously.”

 

---

 

Izuku and Katsuki approached Nedzu’s office, a few students (and some staff) had given them strange looks as they walked in the opposite direction to the crowd and made their way through the school. Izuku had assumed he could remember the way, unfortunately this proved wrong and Katsuki was becoming more and more frustrated as they turned round various corners.

 

“I think if we take the next left…” Izuku mumbled as he looked at various doors they walked past.

 

Katsuki seethed behind the green haired boy, “Dammit Zuzu I swear to god if we pass that fucking trophy case one more time I’m going to-”

 

“Ah boys you’re here!”

 

Both boys turned to their right where Nedzu was standing in a doorway smiling at them, the glint of mischief in his eyes made Izuku narrow his own. He was almost certain this wasn’t the same office he’d had his interview in, for starters there was no waiting room like last time. Izuku wouldn’t put it past the principle to have several offices throughout the school just to confuse people.

 

But he wasn’t going to let Katsuki know that.

 

“See Kacchan, I knew exactly where to go.” He said smugly and followed Nedzu inside the office.

 

Katsuki just ground his teeth together as he took the seat next to Izuku, both of them facing Nedzu who sat behind his desk with his paws clasped together. He gave both boys a smile.

 

“Would either of you like a cup of tea?”

 

“Yes please.” Izuku responded as he watched Nedzu once again pull out his magical teapot from the nether realm, Katsuki just gave a shrug in response which Nedzu took as a yes and handed them both steaming cups.

 

“May I ask what this meeting is about? You were pretty unclear in your message.” Izuku asked as he took a sip of the tea.

 

“Ah yes, my apologies,” Nedzu said with a slight bow of his head, “Truthfully it’s not all that necessary but I just couldn’t wait until the start of the term. You see, in watching your physical assessment I noticed some things about your quirk and combined with the quite frankly abhorrent quirk diagnoses you received I thought it was about time we updated your HPSC records.”

 

Izuku blinked a few times in surprise as he stared at Nedzu, “You can do that?”

 

Nedzu chuckled, “Of course, who do you think updated Mr Bakugou’s record here.” 

 

“Huh?” Bakugou said, looking up from his tea, “That was you? Why didn’t All Might do it?”

 

“Believe it or not, heroes don’t have the authority to update those kinds of records, but as the principle of UA I’m able to. It's not unusual for students to undergo dramatic changes to their quirks under the intense training they go through here so it’s really a requirement of the job. On that note I must say Bakugou I was impressed with your control of One For All in the exam, you’ve even started to adapt to your own style, precise deadly strikes over All Might's powerful blows, it was truly interesting to watch.” Nedzu said with a glint in his eye.

 

Katsuki just folded his arms and stared at the rat, “So did I pass?”

 

“Kacchan!” Izuku cried.

 

Nedzu just let out a laugh, “I see now why you give both Yagi and Aizawa such a headache between the two of you. I’m afraid you’ll just have to wait like everyone else.”

 

Katsuki huffed, “Fine, so what about Zuzu’s quirk?”

 

Nedzu turned to a computer he kept on his desk and started to tap away at the keyboard, “Now then, I suggest a complete wipe of all your previous notes. A fresh start is what I feel is best. Now, first things first, what shall we call it?”

 

Izuku gave Nedzu a shocked look, “We’re even changing the name?”

 

Katsuki however looked relieved, “Finally! Damn doctor never should have been allowed to call it that.”

 

Nedzu nodded in agreement, “Katsuki is right, by law quirk names are supposed to be neutral. How that doctor got away with the name Quirk Thief I’ll never know. But we’re here to change that.”

 

Izuku stroked his chin in thought, “Well, the doctor wasn’t technically wrong in what I can do. I do take quirks, but I can also transfer them, theoretically I could take your quirk and give it to Kacchan right now.”

 

Nedzu titled his head in response to that statement, “Have you ever transferred a quirk?”

 

Izuku shook his head, “No, I can barely tolerate taking a quirk for myself let alone giving it to someone else. Plus there’s no way of knowing what the blowback would be, my body has limited ways of adapting to new quirks but others won’t have anything. Imagine giving an ice quirk to someone with no frost resistance.”

 

Katsuki shuddered at the thought though Nedzu looked lost in thought, “You know that’s not a bad battle tactic. Giving someone a quirk they can’t handle.”

 

At that moment both Katsuki and Izuku had never been more terrified of an animal. Neither boys were strangers to brutal and effective combat tactics, which Nedzu of course knew from Izuku’s interview but even that seemed going a little too far for being a hero.

 

“Don’t forget about the weird energy shit you can sense,” Katsuki commented, “It’s probably why you understand quirks better than anyone else too.”

 

Nedzu was tapping his fingers together as he spoke, “The more I go over your quirk the more I realise how complex it is.”

 

Izuku blushed slightly, “It’s not that bad.”

 

Katsuki scoffed, “It’s more complex than mine.”

 

Izuku gave him a deadpanned look, “Kacchan you have a quirk that was passed down to you from at least nine generations from the most powerful hero in the country.”

 

Nedzu chuckled, “You are quite the pair, to think Bakugou holds One For All and you Midoriya hold All For- An equally powerful quirk.”

 

Nedzu panicked internally at his slip up, he had been so engrossed in the discussion of the quirk he had completely forgotten Midoriya wasn’t aware of All Might's theory. He noticed the boy turn to him with a quizzical look but luckily neither of his guests seemed to pick up on what exactly he had slipped up on.

 

Clearing his throat Nedzu continued, “There is also another theory about it I want to pick up on but for that we need some assistance to test it out.”

 

On a perfect cue the door to the office swung open and Aizawa and Ectoplasm walked in. Aizawa looked exceptionally bored while Ectoplasm just gave both boys a pilote nod. Katsuki raised his eyebrow as the teachers walked around to flank Nedzu.

 

“Don’t look so impressed, he had us wait outside for five minutes.” Aizawa said.

 

Nedzu frowned and pouted, “Please don’t ruin my fun Aizawa, messing with humans is the only hobby I have left.”

 

Aizawa just grunted in response, “What are we here for?”

 

“Ah, that’s quite simple. I have a theory about Midoriya’s quirk and you both advised me you were comfortable with him borrowing yours.”

 

Izuku looked up at the two teachers, “You are?”

 

Ectoplasm nodded, “We are hero teachers and while I don’t enjoy having my quirk taken, if it advances my students skill set then I am more than happy to help.”

 

“What he said,” Aizawa said with a nod in his colleague's direction.

 

Izuku couldn’t help but feel a well of happiness in his chest at their words which Katsuki clearly picked up on as the boy rolled his eyes and elbowed Izuku.

 

“Don’t fucking cry.”

 

Nedzu chuckled, “Now if we could all just pay attention to the following video clip please.”

 

Everyone turned to the screen on the wall as Nedzu played the clip. Izuku recognised it instantly as the final moments of his obstacle race during the recommendation exam. He and Yaoyorozu sprinted through the green gas he’d created using Midnights quirk while the gathered group watched as he used Ectoplasm’s quirk and a clone of Izuku morphed at the edge of the gas cloud and jumped out, passing over the finish line.

 

As the footage finished Katsuki nodded at him, “Not bad Zuzu, it’s not quite a giant robot but not bad.”

 

Izuku responded by giving Katsuki the finger. A cough made him realise there were others in the room and he blushed as the three teachers were giving him amused looks.

 

“Now,” Nedzu said, “Does anyone notice anything strange about what happened?”

 

“I can,” Ectoplasm responded, “That’s not how my quirk works. There should have been a mist which formed from Midoriya’s mouth, not to mention the range at which the clone appeared was almost double what I can do.”

 

“I’m assuming it’s not a coincidence that the clone appeared at the edge of his gas cloud.” Aizawa said, a hint of genuine curiosity in his voice.

 

“Exactly, I noticed these too and came up with a theory, so, Midoriya, could  you please take my staff’s quirks.” Nedzu said as his eyes gleamed with excitement.

 

Izuku glanced up at Aizawa and Ectoplasm who both gave their nods of approval. He sighed and closed his eyes, he first focused on Aizawa’s quirk, by this point he could grasp onto it fairly easily. It put up a slight fight but Aizawa quickly let it go and it flowed into Izuku.

 

He then turned to Ectoplasm and grasped at his quirk, he gave a slight pull and felt some resistance. Izuku frowned and tugged further yet unlike Aizawa who let the quirk go Ectoplasm seemed to pull the pack. Izuku grunted slightly and pulled harder, allowing a small amount of his hunger to reign free and help him. Unfortunately the result was for Ectoplasm just to pull back and they quickly got into a tug of war over the quirk. Izuku grit his teeth and pulled harder letting more of hunger out, as he did he felt Nedzu and Katsuki’s quirk around him, both looked appealing, maybe after he took-

 

“STOP!”

 

Izuku’s shout, followed by his subsequent collapse to the ground, made the entire room jump in shock. Izuku clutched his chest, taking deep breaths as he tried to steady himself, in fighting for the quirk he let his hunger slip and he needed to regain control. Around him the office erupted into pandemonium. Ectoplasm fell back against the wall, clearly winded and with wide eyes.

 

Katsuki was on his feet in seconds, standing protectively in front of Izuku. One For All flared up around his body and he slammed his hands onto the desk, the wood cracking underneath them.

 

“WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!?” He roared at the teachers who all wore shocked expressions.

 

Aizawa went to activate his quirk to calm things down only to realise Izuku was still holding onto it and he cursed under his breath.

 

“Please Mr Bakugou, calm down,” Nedzu said with a surprising amount of patience for someone who had a border line feral teenager looming over them, “I’m just as lost as you are here.”

 

Katsuki made to open his mouth and shout the rat down but was stopped when he felt One For All vanish from his body. He snapped his round to see Izuku staring up at him from the ground with glowing red eyes, his green hair standing up on end.

 

“It’s fine Kacchan, I know what happened.” Izuku said as he struggled back into his seat.

 

“As do I,” Ectoplasm responded as he also seemed to calm down and shake himself off, “I apologise Midoriya, the moment I felt you tug against my quirk instinct took over.”

 

“Ah, it appears I understand what happened. Am I right in thinking Midoriya pulled against your quirk and you automatically fought back against it?” Nedzu asked as he turned his head to Ectoplasm.

 

“It’s not entirely his fault,” Midoriya said though he was glaring at Katsuki as the boy sat back down, “I should’ve stopped but I let more and more of my hunger out and I risked losing control.”

 

Aizawa raised an eyebrow, “This was never an issue before?”

 

“Before the recommendation exam I used a method of pushing it back to control my hunger, now I let it out completely but maintain control of it. It’s useful but it means when actually using my quirk it’s easier to succumb to it.” Izuku explained.

 

“How interesting,” Nedzu said as he stroked his chin, “Still, you didn’t seem to have too much trouble taking Aizawa and everyone else’s quirk for the exam.”

 

Izuku shrugged, “I was able to focus entirely on the quirks at the time and apart from Aizawa, who let me take it, everyone else had their guard down and was taken by surprise. In reality I can’t just waltz up and start taking quirks, especially not in the middle of a battle, people start naturally fighting back. The first time I took Gran Torino’s quirk, Kacchan had to hold him down for nearly three minutes and Torino had a relatively weak quirk to take. I doubt I’d be able to take the quirk of anyone in the top thirty hero charts unless it was by surprise and they had their guard down.”

 

Aizawa grunted, “That’s a weakness we’ll need to work on when you start. Your idea for stockpiling quirks won’t work well if you can’t take a villain's quirk mid battle.”

 

“Indeed, but that’s for another time. For now are you both confident in trying again?” Nedzu asked, indicating both to Izuku and Ectoplasm.

 

The two of them nodded and Izuku closed his eyes again, focusing on Ectoplasm’s energy.  Ectoplasm at first tugged back against him but after an audible sigh from the hero Izuku felt his energy transfer into himself. He opened his eyes and nodded at Nedzu to initiate the success.

 

“Excellent!” Nedzu cried with a clap of his hands, “Now, I wonder if you might use their quirks one after the other.”

 

Izuku nodded and activated Aizawa’s quirk first, he felt the quirk energy shoot out of him and saw both Nedzu and Katsuki shudder slightly at the loss of their quiks. He quickly deactivated Eraser, not wanting to make anyone uncomfortable for longer than they needed to be. He then followed it by opening his mouth, mist sped forth into the space between him and Katsuki’s chair. A perfect clone of Izuku appeared and smirked down at Katsuki.

 

“Hey Kacchan.” Both Izukus' said in unison.

 

Katsuki frowned, “You know it’s only murder if I kill the real Zuzu right?”

 

Izuku grumbled as he let his clone fly back into his mouth, Katsuki just laughed at him.

 

“Now,” Nedzu said with a wide smile, “I’d like you to try using both quirks in unison.”

 

Four sets of eyes turned to Nedzu with equal looks of surprise. Izuku’s mind was racing, could he do that? Use both quirks at the same time? He’s never tried something like that, sure he had combined his Uncle and Aunties quirks in training before but Auntie’s was just a constant, he didn’t need to actively turn it on. He had never used two quirks together… unless…

 

“I see what you’re getting at.” Katsuki said as realisation dawned on his face, “You think he used both Midnights and Ectoplasm quirk at the end of the exam. That’s why it worked so differently.”

 

Nedzu nodded, “Indeed Bakugou, I’m quite curious to test my theory. So Midoriya, do you think you could give it a try?”

 

Izuku nodded in response and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He felt the two energies within him, activating each one individually was fairly easy at this point but trying to activate them together would be difficult. He could expel the energy of both quirks at the same time but he felt that wasn’t really what Nedzu was getting at. He tried to think back to his exam and when he used Ectoplasm’s quirk then. At the time he had subcoinsily still been pushing Midnight's quirk out. He vaguely remembered what had happened, normally when he used Ectoplasm’s quirk one of the balls would be  pushed out through his mouth as mist. But when he’d used it at the end of the race the ball had joined with Midnight’s energy and been pushed out through his chest. So maybe the key was to combine the energies.

 

As he thought about it Izuku latched onto Ectoplasm’s energy within himself and imagined pushing it towards where Aizawa’s energy sat. To his shock it worked, he felt the balls of Ectoplasm's quirk move within his body and start to line up behind his eyes where Aizawa’s energy sat. The lines of Aizawa’s energy seemed to reach out and pull the orbs into it, the two energies slowly changing to the same colour.

 

Izuku took a breath and activated the quirks- no, the single quirk. The rest of the room watched as he opened his mouth and the familiar mist of Ectoplasm's quirk poured out and surrounded the office. Ectoplasm himself raised an eyebrow at the sight, already noticing a few differences in the mist.

 

After a short time a solid wall of mist surrounded the occupants of the office. Izuku paused before he opened his eyes and activated Aizawa’s section of the quirk. The moment he did the mist that surrounded everyone was filled with eyes identical to Izuku’s own. They floated in the mist glowing red and staring down at everyone. The slight jump from both Nedzu and Katsuki indicated they were under the effect of Eraser and had indeed lost their quirks.

 

Katsuki smirked as he looked at the various glowing red eyes around the room, “Wicked.”

 

Izuku blushed slightly at the comment and deactivated the quirk before pushing Aizawa and Ectoplasm’s energy back to their masters. It took a little longer than usual as he had to separate them back into their separate quirks but after a few minutes both teachers had slightly relieved faces when they felt their quirks return.

 

Nedzu meanwhile was tapping away at his computer like a rat possessed, “Wonderful! Wonderful! Thank you Ectoplasm, Eraserhead, you can both return to your duties.”

 

Ectoplasm gave everyone in the room a slight nod before walking out the door. Aizawa however didn’t move a muscle from where he stood.

 

Nedzu sighed, “You’re not going to leave are you?”

 

“Nope,” Aizawa confirmed, “I’m in the secret club remember, I want to see where this goes.”

 

Nedzu just waved over at a spare chair, “Fine, then grab a seat and don’t disturb my note taking.”

 

Aizawa smirked slightly and pulled up a chair next to Nedzu, eyeing Izuku and Katsuki each individually. Izuku couldn’t tell if he was genuinely unimpressed or if it was just his natural face. Maybe it was both.

 

“So then,” Nedzu said, his voice vibrating with excitement, “It seems you’re able to use two quirks at once?”

 

Izuku shook his head, “Actually, it’s more like I took their energy once I had them and combined them to create one new singular quirk.”

 

Nedzu’s hands were all but a blur as he typed away, Katsuki watched with a slightly fearful expression. The similarities between Nedzu and Izuku’s quirk obsession was far too high to be comfortable with. From the look Aizawa was giving his boss he too felt the same.

 

“So in summary, your quirk allows you to take, transfer and combine quirks. You’re able to do this all due to the energy that you can see and manipulate which is unique to each quirk, correct?” Nedzu asked as he paused his typing and looked over at Izuku.

 

Izuku nodded, “That sounds about right.”

 

“Wonderful, in which case I have the evidence I need to support my theory. Midoriya, you have misdiagnosed, you do not in fact take quirks.” Nedzu said with a smile as if he hadn’t just dropped a bombshell right on top of Izuku.

 

There was a brief pause around the office before-

 

“WHAT!?” Katsuki shouted, jumping to his feet though unlike last time he hadn’t activated his quirk.

 

Aizawa sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, “Nedzu I don’t normally question your insanity but this is one I have to. I can assure you he definitely takes quirks, trust me I've had it done three times to mine now.”

 

Nedzu just nodded, “Yes he’s also taken my quirk but I still think I’m right.”

 

Izuku had remained very quiet and still since Nedzu had spoken but broke his silence with a soft whisper, “Nedzu s-sir, could you please explain?”

 

The other occupants of the room turned to Izuku and suddenly realised how uncomfortable he looked. Katsuki slowly sat back down but was still scowling at the two teachers while Aizawa sighed and leant back in his chair. Nedzu’s face softened slightly as he spoke.

 

“May I ask Midoriya, do you have your own quirk energy?”

 

Izuku stopped breathing mid gasp, his whole body just stopped at the question.

 

“Nah, Zuzu doesn’t have quirk energy, almost like he’s quirkless.” Katsuki said, giving his friend a nervous glance.

 

“I see,” Nedzu said with a slight frown, but before he could continue Izuku spoke in barely a whisper.

 

“I do have my own quirk energy.”

 

Katsuki turned to him with wide wide eyes, “What the hell Zuzu!?”

 

Izuku gulped, “I-I wanted to tell you but- but I was so afraid of what you’d say. And then you got your quirk and it’s amazing, it’s like the sun in your chest and mine… my energy is disgusting.”

 

Katsuki took a few deep breaths which Izuku recognized as his method of calming himself down. His fists were clenched by his sides and Izuku started to panic, he hadn’t realised how angry this would make Katsuki. But when the boy opened his eyes to look at Izuku he felt his breath catch in his throat, his eyes weren’t filled with anger but rather pain.

 

“We swore Zuzu,” Katsuki said in a tone that didn’t fit the brash blonde, “We swore we would tell each other everything. We said no secrets between us. I’ve told you everything, you stayed up with me for three hours after I got my quirk and freaked out. So why wouldn’t you tell me this?”

 

Izuku flinched, “Because I wouldn’t survive you looking at me the same way they do.” 

 

Katsuki blinked in surprise and gave Izuku a confused look, “Huh?”

 

“I’m not blind,” Izuku said and looked at Aizawa and Nedzu who both felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze, “I see the way people react when I take their quirks, I see the relief in their eyes when I give them back. No matter how hard anyone tries, at the moment I take their quirk they look at me like I’m a monster even if it's just for a second.”

 

Internally both Nedzu and Aizawa winced slightly. Though neither of them took issue with Izuku using his quirk on them, that didn’t mean they enjoyed the sensation. It was difficult not to let your face briefly change when it felt like you were having a limb ripped from you.

 

Izuku turned back to Katsuki, “Even Mom glanced at me in fear when I first took her quirk. It was only a moment but I saw how uncomfortable it made her. I couldn’t- I couldn’t stand it if you looked at me the same way.”

 

Izuku turned away from Katsuki as he finished, not wanting to look at the boy any more. There was a slight pause as Izuku felt every beat of his heart in his chest before a hand slapped the back of his head.

 

“Tch. Moron, how could you think I’d ever look at you like that? Especially when it’s something where you’re literally the only fucking person who can see it.” Katsuki said with an eye roll and a huff.

 

Izuku felt the end of his lips tug and he sighed, “My energy… the best way I can describe it is that it looks like a black hole. It’s a black murky orb in the centre of my chest, when I take someone's energy it passes through the hole before spreading over my body.”

 

Aizawa and Nedzu glanced at each other, it wasn’t lost on them that was the complete opposite to how Izuku described Katsuki’s quirk and One For All. One was a bright sun which constantly expelled energy while the other was a black hole which absorbs energy.

 

Katsuki gave Izuku a dumbfounded look, “You thought I’d freak out over that!? Zuzu a black hole is fucking awesome!”

 

Izuku couldn’t help but scoff at Katsuki’s words while Aizawa just sighed and mumbled a few curses along with the words problem children under his breath. Nedzu returned to his rapid typing before facing the boys once again.

 

“Tell me, do either of you know anything about Quirk Fuel Theory?” Nedzu asked.

 

The boys nodded in sync and Katsuki started to speak, “Yeah, it basically says that there’s some sort of matter we can’t see or detect that fuels quirks.”

 

“The basic idea is that quirks shouldn’t be possible, science just says they can’t exist-” Izuku said.

 

“- like, it shouldn’t be possible for someone just to shoot fucking fire from their hands.” Katsuki finished.

 

“Even with a quirk factor in our genetics we still as a species shouldn’t be able to wield the powers we do-” Izuku started.

 

“-So Quirk Fuel Theory believes there is some unknown energy, similar to say dark matter, that our quirk factor allows us to manipulate and convert into what we commonly believe to be quirks.” Katsuki completed.

 

Nedzu and Aizawa stared at the two in shock for at least another minute. On one hand they were impressed with how much knowledge the boys had, on the other the way that they had completed each other's sentences was quite frankly… creepy.

 

Nedzu cleared his throat, “That's uh… correct. Now, do you see the correlation between Midoriya's quirk and this theory?”

 

Katsuki slowly started to nod his head, “I get it, you think the energy Zuzu see’s in this undiscovered quirk fuel?”

 

Nedzu nodded excitedly, “Precisely, which leads me to believe that in reality what Midoriya takes from someone is their quirk fuel and is then able to use it as his own.”

 

Aizawa had a thoughtful expression on his face as he spoke, “That would make a lot of sense, it would also explain my quirk more. I essentially cut them off from their supply. It also makes sense as to why quirks don’t show up until your four, presumably it takes that long for the raw quirk fuel to adapt to your quirk factor and become your quirk.”

 

“Indeed,” Nedzu agreed, “So in summary Midoriya I believe your quirk has two parts. The first is the ability to manipulate this quirk fuel and take it for yourself and fuel your own quirk. The second is that your body and own quirk factor are able to adapt to the fuel you take and replicate the original quirk. It also explains why you essentially leave someone quirkless, they have no fuel left to charge their quirk factor with.”

 

“So you’re saying it’s the combination of quirk fuel and a quirk factor that allows someone to use a quirk?” Katsuki asked, it wasn’t lost on everyone in the room as to why he was asking.

 

Nedzu nodded, “Yes, in fact it makes you two rather unique.”

 

“It does?” Izuku asked as he and Katsuki glanced at each other.

 

“Yes, you see you operate in similar ways. You Midoriya effectively have a blank slate for a quirk factor, think of it as a blank canvas. When you take the energy of someone your quirk factor adapts so that you may replicate the effect of their quirk. But this also allows you to combine the effects and create a new quirk altogether with the energy you take. Meanwhile, Bakugou, you have no quirk factor at all, therefore when All Might gave you One For All he was essentially giving an endless supply of quirk fuel which comes out in its purest form when you use it.” Nedzu explained as Aizawa looked at the two boys with a critical eye, it was at this moment he decided he was going to have them in his class no matter how hard anyone fought him on it.

 

“For all intents and purposes you both lack your own unique quirk and quirk factor yet have the unique ability each to wield quirk energy directly, albeit with different results. This of it this way, most people force their quirk energy through a certain shape which turns the energy into their quirk. Let's say a square for a fire quirk and a circle for a water quirk, this is their quirk factor. Midoriya you are essentially able to change the shape of your quirk factor at will, you can change it to a circle and produce a water quirk or change it to a square and produce a fire quirk. However you need the correct fuel to do this which is why you need to take the quirk energy of others. Bakugou however has no quirk factor, no shape, at all, you just freely force the energy out of you. ” Nedzu finished.

 

Izuku and Katsuki turned to look at each, each with wide eyes. There was a pause before they both gained equal wide grins that made Nedzu and Aizawa shiver internally.

 

“Awsome.” They both said in unison.

 

Aizawa and Nedzu shared a concerned glance, they had hoped for an easy school year, somehow that was seemingly less and less likely.

 

“Wait,” Izuku said with a frown, “If my quirk factor can adapt to the quirk energy I’m taking to replicate the effect of the quirk, why did this happen?”

 

Izuku raised his gloved right hand indicating his injury he had received all those years ago. If he was able to adapt to quirks due to his blank quirk factor why did he get such a blowback from some quirks.

 

“Ah yes,” Nedzu said, “Most likely your initial injury was caused by a delay in the full activation of your quirk. The section of your quirk which allowed your body to adapt was not yet developed. It’s also a concern for your teaching here, with such menial use of your quirk it’s likely you still won’t be able to adapt as effectively as you could. Not to worry though, that’s what we’re here for!”

Izuku and Katsuki nodded in sync, causing Aizawa to blanch, as they came to the same agreement as the rat.

 

“Well,” Nedzu said, regaining the boy's attention, “Now I think it’s finally time we updated your records, so what are we feeling for a name.”

 

Izuku paused before giving the first genuine smile he’d ever had in relation to his quirk, “Quirk Absorption.”

Would Not Recommend

 

Einstein's Daughter added Ochako Uraraka to the chat

 

Ochako Uraraka changed her username to Floaty McFloat

 

Einstein’s Daughter: It was a pleasure to meet you today Uraraka!

 

Floaty McFloat: You too, it was great to meet all of you! I feel so out of place though, Bakugou and Yoarashi were soooooo cool today and you and Midoriya are recommended students!

 

Air Conditioner: Nonsense! You were just as impressive out there today Uraraka!

 

Einstein's Daughter: Agreed! I watched you for a time in the observation room and the way you used your quirk was impressive!

 

Floaty McFloat: OMG! You guys are making me blush but thanks! I was so tired when I got home though.

 

Air Conditioner: As was I, I’m still exhausted now!

 

Angry Boi: Ha! Weaklings! Get on my level!

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Kacchan you had a two hour nap as soon as we got home and fell asleep on me on the train

 

Angry Boi: SHUT THE FUCK UP ZUZU NO I DIDN’T

 

Floaty McFloat: Press X to doubt

 

Air Conditioner: There is nothing wrong with getting sleep Bakugou, all the best heroes do!

 

Angry Boi: Shut up Airhead! All you do is push air around

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: All you do is punch things

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: I’ve been told to inform you all Kacchan just shouted a ‘sick and traumatic burn’ across the house back at me but as my quirk is classified I’m unable to share it with you

 

Einstein's Daughter: Sick?

 

Angry Boi: Yaoyorozu pop culture alert

 

Floaty McFloat: Wut?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Yaoyorozu was homeschooled so doesn’t have the best social skills for how people are age

 

Air Conditioner: The three of us have endeavoured to teach her before the start of UA!

 

Floaty McFloat: …I’m not sure you three are the best representatives

 

Angry Boi: WHAT THE FUCK DOES THAT MEAN ROUND FACE!?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: … I see your point

 

Angry Boi: SHUT UP ZUZU YOU’RE AS FUCKED AS I AM

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Eh, if we’re being honest I’m probably more fucked up

Floaty McFloat: …you two aren’t normal are you?

Chapter 12: Blood Brothers

Summary:

Katsuki and Izuku reflect on their lives before they start at UA

Katsuki responded to the wait for his exam results differently to Izuku, whereas Izuku became frantic and ran around like he'd had his cereal with Endeavours Branded Energy Drink every morning, Katsuki became quiet and eerily calm. He was still Katsuki however and as the days drew on he became more and more irate. He started to snap and shout at anyone and everything that irked him the wrong way. A week after the exam and Izuku was the only other person he could stand being around.

 

That was how the boys found themselves currently sitting in Izuku’s room, Izuku sat at his desk, watching the latest hero fight and scribbling away in his notebook. Katsuki meanwhile was laying on Izuku's bed mindlessly scrolling through his phone, he wasn’t actually really looking at anything but the distraction was enough to stop him going insane. The calm silence between them was the only thing stopping Katsuki from tearing the house down. 

 

The door slammed open, tearing the silence away from Katsuki and he shot off the bed with a snarl, ready to tear whoever had disturbed him limb from limb. The anger on his face vanished however when he saw his mother standing there, face pale and body frozen solid. Her right arm was outstretched towards Katsuki and she held a pristine white envelope in her hand. The UA symbol of the front blaring out at everyone in the room. Izuku nervously looked between the letter and Katsuki as he held his breath.

 

Without another word Katsuki grabbed the envelope and marched into his own room, Izuku and Mitsuki watching him as he went. He shut his door and let out a shuddering breath before walking over to his desk. Luckily Izuku had warned him about the disk and he took it out with a slightly shaking hand and placed it in front of him.

 

“I AM HERE AS A PROJECTION!”

 

Katsuki jumped slightly as All Might appeared before him, he may have been prepared for the projection but he assumed like Izuku he would be greeted with Nedzu. Not the booming voice of his predecessor.

 

“First of all Young Bakugou allow me to apologise, truthfully I am not just in this city to fight villains. You’re looking at the newest member of the UA faculty, I’m sorry I never told you or your brother but I felt it was for the best.”

 

Katsuki huffed and scowled at the projection of All Might with such intense hatred the real All Might felt a shudder from miles away. He of course knew the reasons behind the deceit but that didn’t mean he had to be happy about it.

 

“Now! Onto your results! You passed the written exam with a solid score, though, seeing as you’ll both ask anyway, you were slightly behind Midoriya.” The projection of All Might sent Katsuki a wink who growled at the knowledge had lost to Izuku.

 

“As for the practical, the staff were impressed with the teamwork you displayed with Young Yoarashi. Not to mention it paid off, you received a total of 55 villain points. A decent score in itself!”

 

Katsuki couldn’t help the smile that pulled at his lips, he had overhead a few people discussing their scores in the changing rooms after the exam. But none of them had felt they had gotten over 40 points. He was easily going to get in with 55.

 

“But that’s not all! What sort of hero school would we be if we ranked people purely on their quirk power? Not only did you regularly help Yoarashi throughout the exam, you stepped in together to face the zero pointer. A feat you knew would garner no points yet you didn’t hesitate to help a fellow examinee you saw in need. As a result you have been awarded 40 rescue points. Giving you a total of 95 points for the exam, not only is that more than enough for you to get admitted, it's also the highest score this year! Congratulations Katsuki Bakugou, this is your hero academia.”

 

Katsuki’s mouth was dry as All Might vanished. He’d done it. He’d gotten in. The quirkless boy everyone saw as weak had not only gotten into UA he’d gotten in with the top score. He wasn’t weak anymore. He had proven them all wrong. He took a large swallow as the top ten scores jumped up on the screen and he quickly read through them.

 

1st

Katsuki Bakugou

Villain Points: 55

Rescue Points: 40

Total: 95

 

2nd 

Inasa Yoarashi

Villain Points: 53

Rescue Points: 35

Total: 88

 

3rd 

Shoto Todoroki

Villain Points: 85

Rescue Points: 0

Total: 85

 

4th

Ejiro Kirishima 

Villain Points: 39

Rescue Points: 35

Total: 74

 

5th

Ibara Shiozaki

Villain Points: 36

Rescue Points: 31

Total: 68

 

6th

Itsuka Kendo

Villain Points: 25

Rescue Points: 40

Total: 65

 

7th

Ochako Uraraka 

Villain Points: 28

Rescue Points: 35

Total: 63

So both Yoarashi and Uraraka had made it in too huh? And with decent scores of their own. The only other name on the list Katsuki recognised was the Todoroki kid Izuku had told him about. His villain score was impressive though his lack of villain points told Katsuki all he needed to know about the boy.

 

Not wasting any more time on the scoreboard, Katsuki opened his door and walked down to the kitchen. In a scene that mirrored two weeks ago he walked into the kitchen to find the entire family. Izuku was sitting at the table with his mother, a few papers strewn about which Katsuki assumed was his class and supply list. Mitsuki and Masaru stood off to the side and both locked eyes with their son the moment he walked in the room, Izuku and Inko not far behind.

 

Katsuki scoffed, “Of course I got in, who do you think I am?” 

 

Just like Izuku, the family celebrated with as much food as they could find. Katsuki himself had a smile on the entire afternoon. It was made even better when he discovered both he and Izuku would be in the same class. They might have taken different routes but they had gotten there together. It was as Katsuki was finishing off his final piece of cake while Masaru set up his favourite film to watch that his phone buzzed.

 

Would Not Recommend

 

Floaty McFloat: Guess who got in bitchez

 

Einstein's Daughter: Yas Queen

 

Einstein's Daughter: Did I do that right?

 

Floaty McFloat: Yes, Yaoyorozu, you did and it was the single greatest moment of my life

 

Air Conditioner: Congratulations Uraraka! I also got in!

 

Einstein’s Daughter: Oh Yoarashi that’s wonderful news, you deserve it after all your hard work

 

Floaty McFloat: Yessssss you go Yoarashi!

 

Einstein’s Daughter: Have we heard from Bakugou?

 

Angry Boi: What? You really think they’d let those two idiots in and not me?

 

Floaty McFloat: You really have a way with words you know that?

 

Einstein’s Daughter: Oh this is fantastic, all of us got in. I won’t need my notes of condolences after all!

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Well done you guys, I knew you could all do it!

 

Air Conditioner: I’m glad I’ll be able to have a rematch with you at some point Midoriya!

 

Floaty McFloat: Are we just gonna ignore the fact Yaoyorozu had condolences notes?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Yes

 

Angry Boi: Yes

 

Air Conditioner: Yes

 

Einstein’s Daughter: Yes

 

Floaty McFloat: Moving on… What class did you guys get? I’m in 1-A

 

Einstein's Daughter: Oh me too!

 

Air Conditioner: Same here!

 

Angry Boi: Me and Zuzu are in that class too

 

Floaty McFloat: OMG we’re all gonna be classmates, that’s awesome!

 

Angry Boi: I suppose I can tolerate you assholes

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: I can literally see the massive smile you got from reading that Kacchan

 

Floaty McFloat: Awww Bakugou you do care

 

Angry Boi: I SWEAR TO GOD

 

---

All Might had been fairly vague in the text he had sent Katsuki, simply asking him to meet him on Dagobah beach. They hadn’t spoken since the exam and Katsuki would admit he was slightly nervous about all the cloak and dagger. Though the text didn’t mention anything he had of course invited Izuku but his friend had turned him down, saying he understood that Katsuki and All Might would sometimes need some one on one time without him due to their shared quirk.

 

And so Katsuki found himself walking along the sandy beach long after the sun had set, apparently All Might didn’t operate on the same time zone as everyone else and it had taken Katsuki nearly an hour to convince his Mom to let him go. As his eyes wandered over the beach Katsuki couldn’t help but feel a small amount of pride. A year ago this beach had been little more than a junkyard that no one would step within a mile of. Today, after months of work by himself and Izuku, it was a pleasant and welcoming beach, he even saw a few people on late night strolls making use of the now clean sand.

 

He spied Yagi off in the distance, the man was staring out into the ocean with a faraway look in his eyes. The wind blew through his hair and whipped up the golden locks, Katsuki silently approached and stood next to him.

 

“You know this was where my predecessor gave me One For All?” Yagi said.

 

Katsuki side eyed the man, “You’ve never mentioned them before?”

 

“She died,” Yagi said, his voice was steady but Katsuki could hear the underlying emotion behind it. “We were fighting a powerful villain, she sacrificed herself to give me an opening to escape. And for over three decades I trained to stop that villain, I became The Symbol of Peace to show him and the rest of the world that I wouldn’t back down. Everywhere he looked he would be reminded of me, knowing that one day I was coming for him. Then five years ago I did. The battle nearly killed me but I finally defeated him.”

 

“Why are you telling me all this?” Katsuki asked, it wasn’t that he didn’t want to know, it just seemed very out of place for the number one.

 

“Because I want you to understand where I went wrong, where I failed as a hero.” Yagi responded, “I may have become the Symbol of Peace, an icon that brought hope and fear to villains but that didn’t stop the bullies who came after you and Midoriya. That didn’t stop my neighbour from killing his wife because he was throwing his quirk around in a drunken stupor. And it didn’t stop the death of my mentor's son.”

 

Yagi's eyes seemed to be filled with pain at that moment and Katsuki was suddenly aware this was a man who had spent three decades as the number one. He had been in every major battle, put down monsters that had come straight out of fantasy novels and probably lost more in his life than Katsuki could ever comprehend. It hadn’t gone unnoticed to himself and Izuku that Yagi didn’t have a family and rarely spoke about having any friends. All Might may have been the most powerful hero in Japan, maybe even the world but he had achieved that by taking every blow ever sent his way and standing back up from it. Katsuki suspected Yagi was in more pain, both physically and mentally than he let on.

 

Katsuki sighed, “I’m sorry.”

 

Yagi was pulled from his memories and turned to Katsuki with a look of surprise, “My boy, whatever for?”

 

Katsuki clenched his fists as he spoke, “I- I should’ve done better. I know I got the most points but Todoroki took down more villains. You would’ve done better, you would’ve destroyed the robot in one punch, you would’ve-”

 

“Katsuki.”

 

The use of his name made Katsuki jump slightly and he looked up to find Yagi staring down at him with a warm smile. The hero reached out and gave his shoulder a squeeze and for once the boy didn’t shrug it off.

 

“I have told you many times, you are not me and you should not try to be me. I chose you precisely because you are not like me. You are headstrong, brash and loyal, qualities that could all be found in my predecessor Nana Shimura, that is what first drew you to me as a successor. But then as I watched you train I saw far more, you chose to work with others in the entrance exam rather than go it alone. Something even now I still struggle to do. I’ve also watched you share the burden of One For All with Izuku, you never hesitated to inform him of your progress, your struggles and doubts with the quirk. Again, this is a level of trust I almost never had in the forty years I held the quirk. Yet before you even took the entrance exam you had someone who would help you shoulder the responsibility.”

 

Yagi sighed and stepped back, giving Katsuki a wide smile, “You’re right Katsuki Bakugou, you’re not All Might. Because you have so much more potential than I ever did. All Might was a Symbol of Peace, the greatest hero of a generation. But Katsuki Bakugou has the potential to change the world.

 

Katsuki paused, the swelling in his chest was getting on his nerves and it was the sand in his eyes making them water, it had nothing to do with his emotions. At least that’s what he would say to anyone who claimed otherwise. Yagi of course didn’t say a word and politely ignored the display as Katsuki rubbed his eyes.

 

“So you weren’t disappointed in my performance at the entrance exam?” He asked.

 

“Quite the opposite, I was highly impressed!” Yagi replied with excitement, “Your control over One For All is far beyond what we could have hoped for at this stage. True you don’t have the same level of strength as me or perhaps the same level of speed I would expect from someone like Izuku but your technique is flawless. Not to mention the unique way you use the power of One For All to enhance your senses and not just your basic physical abilities.”

 

Katsuki shrugged, “Actually that’s pretty easy to do now that I have a better understanding of how the quirk works.”

 

“Ah yes,” Yagi said with a thoughtful rub of his chin, “Nedzu informed me about your meeting after the exam. It’s a plausible theory and would explain why with myself and you One For All appears far more basic when compared with our predecessors.”

 

Katsuki blinked and furrowed his eyebrows, “You and me?”

 

Yagi slapped his forehead, “I can’t believe I never told you, in all this time it never occurred to me,” he said with a chuckle, “Like you I was also quirkless when One For All was passed down to me.”

 

Katsuki’s jaw almost dropped to the ground. All Might, the most powerful hero in history, had been quirkless just like him?

 

Yagi laughed at Katsuki’s shocked expression, “Perhaps I should have told you sooner. But if this quirk energy theory is correct it would explain why for you and me One For All comes out as raw power, enhancing our capabilities. For Nana however it turned her simple float quirk into full blown supersonic flight.”

 

“Wait,” Katsuki said holding up his hands, “Your predecessor could fucking fly!? Do you have any idea how rare flight quirks are? There’s only six recorded cases of it in Japan in the last two hundred years alone.”

 

Yagi shrugged, “Honestly she just used it to avoid traffic most of the time.”

 

Katsuki couldn’t help but facepalm at that, much to Yagi’s amusement.

 

“Oh yeah,” Katsuki said, straightening up, “I almost forgot.”

 

Yagi raised an eyebrow in confusion before Katsuki jumped off the sand, a small amount of One For All flowing through him to help him gain height. He shot off the ground while simultaneously pushing his head back. Yagi’s eyes widened as he recognized the stance from the entrance exam. But before Yagi could respond Katsuki threw his head forward and made contact with his predecessor's own forehead.

 

There was a defining crack throughout the beach as Yagi stumbled back slightly frowning and rubbing his head. Katsuki landed back on the sand and crossed his arms with a huff, glaring at Yagi.

 

“That’s for not fucking telling me you were going to be a teacher at UA.” 

 

Yagi could only laugh.

 

---

 

It was late by the time Katsuki returned home and the house was dark and quiet as he walked up the drive. A quick glance up at the windows told him most, if not then the entire house was asleep. Luckily since gaining his quirk his parents had allowed him to be out later than usual on his own into the night. He was well aware of what that told him about how they viewed his quirklessness but he was hardly one to complain about more lenient rules.

 

Making sure to be as quiet as possible, Katsuki crept through the front door of the house. Considering there were five people who lived in the large home it was eerily silent as he slowly shut the door. He went to throw his shoes off before a soft but sharp breeze passed over his skin.

 

With a slight frown and a shiver Katsuki moved to the back of the house where he found the back door open out into the yard. Even without his quirk enhancing his eyesight there was enough light from the moon to make out the scene. The yard was completely empty save for a lone figure sat on the grass in the middle, gazing up at the moon as the rays lit up his green hair.

 

Katsuki raised an eyebrow and made his way out into the yard, without speaking he sat himself down next to Izuku who continued to look up into the sky.

 

“Hey.” Izuku said softly.

 

“Hey,” Katsuki responded without his usual grunt.

 

“Everything good with All Might?” Izuku asked as his eyes flickered to Katsuki.

 

“Just wanted to go through my progress with his quirk.” Katsuki said with a shrug.

 

“YOUR quirk Kacchan.” Izuku corrected as he turned his full attention to the boy.

 

“Right,” Katsuki said with a firm nod, “My quirk.”

 

Izuku nodded his head in agreement and returned to looking up at the sky. Katsuki joined him and bent his neck back. It was a clear sky and so he could easily see the moon surrounded by thousands upon thousands of stars. He remembered how Izuku had described his quirk energy and wondered if the starry night sky was what Izuku saw when he focused on people's quirks. Katsuki couldn’t decide if he was envious of it or if he pitied him.

 

“What are you doing out here anyway?” Katsuki asked.

 

Izuku chuckled at the question, “It just kinda hit me you know? We did it, we both got into UA, despite what everyone said.”

 

Katsuki scoffed, “We haven’t done shit yet, for all we know we might get expelled on the first day”

 

“If we managed to get through Aldera without getting kicked out I think we can survive UA.” Izuku responded with an amused smile.

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes, “Only because they realised by the fifth time Auntie was a good enough lawyer to stop them.”

 

“I can’t believe she managed to stop you from getting expelled after you broke what's his face’s nose.” Izuku said with an uncharacteristic snort.

 

“Nah, too many other fights going on to be able to defend that without expelling loads of others. We were definitely more at risk when you caused blondie to have a mental breakdown.” Katsuki said with a wide smile as the memory of the incident flashed across his mind.

 

Izuku blushed slightly, “Th-that wasn’t my fault! She asked for a breakdown of her quirk!”

 

“Yeah but you didn’t have to completely rewrite her understanding of her quirk and life. You turned a simple voice changing quirk into a weapon of mass destruction!” Katsuki explained with a wide smile as he enjoyed Izuku squirm.

 

“Sh-shut up Kachaaaan!” Izuku whined before he started laughing and fell back slightly.

 

Katsuki frowned a little as he looked down at the boy, “You’re acting weird.”

 

Izuku blinked a few times looking up at him before turning his head, it was as if he was making sure the yard was completely abandoned before he leaned in. 

 

“I was celebrating.” Izuku whispered into Katsuki’s ear and pulled out a bottle of whisky that had clearly had a good portion of it drunk already.

 

Katsuki’s eyes went so wide he thought they might pop out. Of everything he expected this had not been it. Izuku Midoriya, the sweetest cinnamon roll on the planet and the boy who had cried when he accidentally stepped on an ant once, had snuck whisky right out from under their parents' nose. The smirk that grew on Katsuki’s face would be enough to make even pro heroes shiver.

 

“Izuku Midoriya you sly dog, I never figured you’d be the first of us to sneak booze out of the house.”

 

Izuku giggled slightly, “I was wandering downstairs for a drink and Uncle must have left this out. I was going to ignore it but then I figured what the hell? It’s horrible to drink though.”

 

Izuku scrunched his face up as he stared at the bottle remembering the pain as the drink had gone down his throat.

 

“Ha! That’s just because you’re weak!” Katsuki said and swiped the bottle from Izuku, “It takes someone tough to enjoy this stuff.”

 

To prove his point Katsuki lifted the bottle to his lips and chugged it back, taking a large swig of the drink as Izuku’s eyes widened with panic. Before he had even moved the bottle away from his lips Katsuki started coughing, the liquid burning his throat. Izuku had to take the bottle from him for fear of Katsuki collapsing while still holding it.

 

“Wow Kacchan, you really are tough.” Izuku mocked as he took his own swig of the drink, he grimaced slightly but otherwise fared far better than Katsuki.

 

Katsuki growled at Izuku’s smug face as he swiped the bottle back, “I just need to get used to it you damn nerd.”

 

What followed quickly became one of the most unusual competitions the pair had ever had. One after the other they took bigger swigs in an attempt to prove who was tougher, each one trying not to react. Soon both boys were on their feet and passing the bottle between themselves and it wasn’t long before Izuku went to take a drink only to realise the bottle was empty.

 

“Ha!” Katsuki exclaimed, “I WIN!” He shouted with a slightly slurred voice.

 

Izuku stepped forward, waving his arms about wildly, “Shhhh Kacchan, we *hic* we don’t wanna wake anyone up.”

 

Katsuki crossed his arms and scowled at Izuku, “I still won though.” He whispered though it still carried throughout the area.

 

Izuku just rolled his eyes, “Fine you *hic* won. Here is your reward.” 

 

Izuku held out the empty bottle with a completely fake innocent look on his face. Katsuki growled and swatted the bottle out of his hands.

 

Izuku gasped, “What did that bottle ever do to you Kacchan?”

 

Izuku was able to hold his look of outrage as he stared up and pouted at Katsuki for another few seconds until he started to wobble on his feet. His arms shot out as he tried to steady himself but Izuku quickly gave in to the enemy of gravity and promptly fell back onto his ass, letting out a yelp as he fell. Katsuki predictably burst into laughter.

 

“Hahahahaha, you fucking idiot Zuzu!” Katsuki cried as he doubled over in laughter.

 

Izuku tried to haul himself up only to lose his balance once again and fall back down onto the grass. He looked up at Katsuki, who had at this point almost collapsed himself from laughter, 

and stuck his tongue out at the boy before bursting into giggles himself.

 

“Kachaaaaan,” Izuku whined, “I think we might be drunk.”

 

Katsuki shook his head violently and laughed at the very idea, “Maybe you but not me, I’m All Might's chosen succ-seckes-succeceor- I have All Might's power! And no one can push me down!”

 

With his declaration Katsuki struck a mighty pose worthy of any top hero, he stuck his chest out and folded his arms, chin up high with a fearless look in his eyes. Katsuki frowned however as the world started to tilt while he was holding his pose. The sky seemed to turn at a perfect angle and he found himself landing on the grass next to Izuku with a thud.

 

This time it was Izuku’s turn to burst into laughter, “I think we should call All *hic* Might Kacchan, I think your quirk is broken.”

 

Katsuki scrambled to his knees (there was no way he could manage to get to his feet) and stuck a finger in Izuku’s face, “Shut up you fucking nerd, my quirk works just fine. It’s stupid gravity that’s broken.”

 

Izuku couldn’t help but laugh louder at that. In protest Katsuki scowled at him and turned away crossing his arms and pouting. Eventually Izuku’s laughter died down and he fell back onto the grass, the night sky shining down on him, and a comfortable silence came over the pair.

 

“I’m proud of you Katsuki.”

 

Izuku’s words hit Katsuki like a freight train. Sure it was nice when his parents said that to him, when Auntie and All Might praised him but hearing it from Izuku? The boy who had been with him his entire life, who was the first to criticise and correct him when he was wrong but also the first to praise him when he was right, it just hit different.

 

But it didn’t stop the pit that had been growing in his stomach.

 

“What if… what if I’m not strong enough.” Katsuki said with barely a whisper, not daring to turn and look at Izuku as he spoke.

 

Behind Katsuki Izuku propped himself up onto his elbows and frowned at the back of the blonde's head, “Kacchan you got first in the entrance exam.”

 

“That’s not the point,” Katsuki yelled and swivelled round to face Izuku, tears in his eyes, “What if I can’t do it? What if despite everything I can’t change anything! We said we’d change the world together, but you’re already beating other hero students and I struggled against some robots. What if I can never use more than 5% of my quirk? I’m supposed to be just as strong as you but I don’t know if I can keep up.”

 

Izuku held up his hand in a rare role reversal and Katsuki snapped his mouth shut. He had never seen such a serious face on his friend as he stared into Izuku’s green eyes which held such an intensity within them.

 

“You didn’t let me finish,” Izuku said and it was like the alcohol had been washed away as his voice held firm, “You got first place in the entrance exam. You mastered your quirk in just a few months, something that normally takes people a decade to do. You saved Uraraka when no one else did. You helped me gain control of my own quirk. Hell Kacchan you did more in that entrance exam then some hero graduates do in a lifetime. Of course you’re strong enough to be a hero, Kacchan, because you already are.”

 

As Izuku finished what he was saying Katsuki could only stare at him, tears now freely falling down his face. Izuku cried out as he was quickly pulled into a tight hug. The pair sat on the grass, arms wrapped around each other as they let their emotions out in front of the only person they each trusted completely in this cruel world.

 

“I’m scared too, you know.” Izuku whispered as his own eyes filled with tears, “People will find out about my quirk eventually. What if- what if they hate me? What if our friends don’t want anything to do with me? People might demand I be expelled or they might not let me-”

 

Izuku was cut off as Katsuki squeezed the small boy tightly in the hug, “Then we fucking leave. We become vigilantes if we have to. I don’t give a flying fuck who or what stands in our way, we’re going to be the greatest heroes in history. No matter what anyone says… I’m proud of you too, Izuku.”

 

Katsuki felt the tension in Izuku’s shoulders ebb away and the pair separated, both wiping their eyes as they sat in the grass. At this point they had no idea what time it was and they were both barely able to stand due to the drink but they both had smiles on their faces again.

 

“Uhh Kacchan?” Izuku said rather timidly as he looked away with an embarrassed blush.

 

“Huh, what is it?” Katsuki grunted in response.

 

“I uh… I had an idea. I saw it online and well… I guess I just… with everything moving so fast recently I wanted us…” Izuku stammered, unable to complete his sentence.

 

Katsuki rolled his his eyes, “Just fucking spit it out.”

 

“I want us to become blood brothers!” Izuku managed to force the sentence out of his mouth. As he did he reached into his pockets and pulled out a small pen knife Katsuki recognized as his fathers. Izuku had his eyes shut and was shaking slightly as if he expected Katsuki to use his quirk to yeet the boy into orbit for suggesting it.

 

“Tch, just give me the knife.” Katsuki said and grabbed the blade from Izuku, internally Katsuki’s heart was swelling at the idea of him and Izuku becoming kind of official brothers.

 

Izuku sighed with relief as Katsuki flicked open the knife. He bit his lip as he brought the steel down onto his hand and pushed it into the skin. Izuku winced as he watched Katsuki slice his hand open, blood quickly beginning to flow from the wound.

 

Katsuki pushed the knife back into Izuku’s hand, “You better not fucking cry.”

 

Izuku nodded and opened his own palm, gently pushing the knife down onto the skin. The boy gave a more physical flinch as the blade sliced his hand open and blood dripped down onto the grass but there were no tears.

 

Izuku fumbled with his non-injured hand as he put the knife back in his pocket. He briefly glanced at Katsuki and the boys nodded to each other. They held out their hands and pressed them together, both hissing slightly as their respective wounds pushed against each other.

 

They held the position for a few moments, technically this was a massive health risk and didn’t actually mean anything. But for Katsuki and Izuku it was everything, it was a sign that they were real brothers and that no matter what might happen once they stepped through those gates of UA they would always have each other.

 

Eventually once the blood started to drip from between their hands the pair pulled their hands back. Katsuki reached down and ripped two sections of his shirt off, passing one to Izuku who wrapped it around his wound. Once again the boys found themselves sitting in a comfortable silence.

 

“Kacchan.”

 

“Yeah Zuzu?”

 

“I think I’m too drunk to walk back to the house.”

 

“Same.”

 

Both boys erupted into giggles (though Katsuki would claim it was boisterous laughter until the day he died) and ended up leaning against each other as they looked out into the yard.

 

“Man,” Izuku said, “Can you imagine how pissed out Moms would be if they found us like this.”

 

Katsuki shuddered slightly, “They’d probably say something like, ‘you’re supposed to be hero students, not drunk delinquents’.”

 

“You know Inko I couldn’t have put it better myself.”

 

“I completely agree Mitsuki, Katsuki took the words right out of my mouth.”

 

Izuku and Katsuki froze in complete horror and their eyes filled with pure unadulterated fear. As a pair they slowly turned around to find Mistuki and Inko staring back down at them, both women were wearing bathrobes and had furious looks on their faces. Behind them the kitchen light had been turned on and the boys could see Masaru standing in the back door giving the pair an amused look though even he wasn’t brave enough to stand in the way of their Moms’.

 

“Well well well, what do we have here? It looks like you boys are having a good evening.” Mitsuki said, her voice was laced with venom.

 

“You know I could’ve sworn that you had to be twenty to enjoy a drink. Not two teenage boys who should have been asleep hours ago.” Inko said, her voice quivered with pure rage that made Izuku and Katsuki gulp simultaneously.

 

“Wait! Mom! Auntie! I can explain.” Izuku said as he tried to get to his feet.

 

Under the effect of the whisky however Izuku wobbled and struggled to get up. Luckily Katsuki was there to help him and by some miracle the boys managed to clamber up to their feet together, leaning against each other as Izuku took a deep breath and looked up to their mothers, both of whom had their eyebrows raised with unimpressed frowns.

 

Katsuki nodded at Izuku, he was the one who was best in these situations. He would know exactly what to say to get them out of this mess. He had a way of smiling and managing to convince their parents everything was ok. So when Izuku opened his mouth to talk, Katsuki had complete and utter confidence in him.

 

Izuku threw up.

 

The boy hunched over and quickly emptied his stomach onto the ground. Inko looked slightly surprised at the turn of events and Mitsuki gave a slight scoff but neither moved to help him. Eventually Izuku finished spewing his guts everywhere and collapsed onto the ground with a groan. Katsuki stood over him, a little unsteady on his feet but a wide smile spread across his face as he came to the only logical conclusion.

 

“HA! I WIN ZUZU!”

 

Katsuki then also promptly threw up

Notes:

Just a note: Uraraka's score is slightly down for the exam as she didn't have the chance to save Izuku like in canon

Chapter 13: Izuku's Piggy Back Ride

Summary:

On his first day at UA Izuku must figure out how not be to be expelled

Izuku had to practically jog through the halls to keep up with Katsuki who marched forward, their difference in height never more apparent than Izuku having to take two steps for every one Katsuki did. It was a good job Katsuki had the sense to check the school map yesterday otherwise Izuku was sure he would have ended up stranded on the roof trying to find their classroom. That didn’t mean he agreed with everything Katsuki had done that morning, dragging Izuku out of bed before the sun had even risen was not something the boy had appreciated. Out of all their similarities, Katsuki’s obsessive need to be at least an hour early to everything was not something Izuku shared. 

 

Despite his foul mood at being woken up early he couldn’t help but smile when he saw himself in the mirror with his UA uniform on. At first he’d struggled with his tie, making it comically short, but Masaru had caught sight of him and corrected it with a chuckle. Katsuki had almost torn the house apart when their mothers had made them pose for photos and cooed over the pair. But after several shouting matches between Mitsuki and Katsuki, an unhealthy amount of sighing from Masaru and biblical levels of tears from Inko the pair had made it out the door and into UA. Exactly an hour before they needed to be.

 

Izuku needed a coffee.

 

“Remind me why we needed to be this early?” Izuku asked with a yawn as he managed to catch up and keep pace with Katsuki.

 

“First of all, you take at least ten minutes to get out of bed and there was no way I was gonna be late for my first day. Secondly we don’t know what our classmates will be like, we need to make sure to assert dominance and show that we mean business in this course by making sure to turn up early for every class.” Katsuki explained as he led Izuku round another corner.

 

“Kacchan it’s 7AM.” Izuku groaned as another yawn caused his jaw to expand 

 

“Which means we’ll be the first here, all those other extras will panic about it and how serious we are in our studies and will see us as a threat. We’ll be at the top of the food chain by the end of the day.” Katsuki said with a wide and dangerous smile on his face.

 

Izuku just gave him a deadpanned look, “We’re not a pack of animals Kacchan.”

 

Katsuki just responded with a growl that made Izuku question whether Katsuki was in fact just an animal with a mutation quirk.  Before the conversation could continue further however, Katsuki came to a sudden stop, Izuku almost slamming into the back of him.

 

“We’re here.” Katsuki said as both boys turned to stare up at the massive door with the words 1-A plastered over it.

 

Izuku gulped, “T-The door must be that large to accommodate all kinds of quirks.”

 

Katsuki frowned, “Tch, I thought we’d worked on that stuttering of yours?”

 

Izuku scratched the back of his head with a little embarrassment, “It’s not that easy just to stop.”

 

“Whatever,” Katsuki said, waving it off, “Come on, there’s no way we’re not the first here. If we get set up and prepared our air of superiority will practically make our classmates cower before us!”

 

Katsuki gave a wide smirk before reaching out and grabbing the door handle. He pushed it to the side with such force Izuku wondered if he’d used his quirk. The wall of the classroom shook as Katsuki marched through with an air of confidence into the empty classroom, except for the fact-

 

“Oh! Bakugou, Midoriya! You’re here early too!”

 

“GOD FUCKING DAMMIT” Katsuki screamed and slammed his fist into the side of the wall.

 

Izuku ducked under Katsuki’s arm and gave a wide smile, “Yaoyorozu! It’s so good to see you!”

 

It was clear Yoayorozu too had only just arrived as she was standing by the teachers desk, rucksack over her shoulders and a few extra books in her arms.

 

“And you,” Yoayorozu replied, “Though Bakugou looks angrier than usual.”

 

Said angry teenager huffed and turned around to dramatically slam the door shut behind him. Crossing his arms with a scowl he walked up to stand next to Izuku, giving Yaoyorozu a curt nod.

 

“He’s just pouting because he wanted to be the first here and you beat us to it.” Izuku said with an eyeroll to which Katsuki glared at him.

 

Yaoyorozu giggled at Katsuki, “While I would like to claim that title I’m afraid I was second to arrive.”

 

Yoayorozu indicated with her head to the back of the class. Turning, Izuku made eye contact with Todoroki who was sitting at his seat, the two boys stared at each for a moment before Todoroki gave Izuku a curt nod, still with his famous neutral expression and returned to the book currently open on his desk. Bakugou scoffed but Izuku chose to just ignore the situation and return to Yaoyorozu. The three quickly fell into comfortable chat about their days since the entrance exam.

 

“Ah, I should’ve known you three would be here early!” Yoarashi declared as he entered the classroom and while he didn’t actively try to slam the door like Katsuki had he still closed it with enough force to cause a loud bang to reverberate throughout the classroom.

 

The sound made Todoroki look up with a frown, Yoarashi caught the movement out of the corner of his eye and turned to face the duel coloured boy. Yoarashi froze mid step, his face flipping from a wide smile to a deep scowl. The action made Todoroki’s own frown deepen as both parties narrowed their eyes at each other. The tension in the room rose considerably, Yaoyorozu actively shrinking back from it. Izuku could’ve sworn he also felt a slight chill in the room and a strong breeze despite the door and windows being all closed.

 

Izuku cleared his throat, gaining Yoarashi’s attention before a fight could break out before class had even started, “Yoarashi! How have you been? Did you manage to get that new move down?”

 

And just like Izuku had flicked a switch, Yoarashi was suddenly sporting another wide smile and walking over to his friends. The tension that had filled the classroom briefly vanished as Todoroki returned to his book. Izuku sighed as the four friends once again fell into an easy conversion, though the overall volume had raised considerably since Yoarashi had joined them.

 

“What’s this? Is a social circle already being formed!?”

 

Izuku blinked in surprise at the arrival of another voice that he could only describe as supernaturally upbeat considering it wasn’t even 8AM yet. Looking round Yoarashi's giant frame Izuku was met with a smile that could easily be argued to be as wide and bright, if not more so, than his own. Said smile belonged to a girl with pink skin and pink fluffy hair, again almost as fluffy as Izuku’s own. She further stood out by the horns on her head combined with her golden eyes with black sclera. The pink girl all but bounced over to the group, inserting herself between Izuku and Yoarashi though both boys found her infectious bubbly attitude too happy  to be annoyed by it.

 

“I was soooo worried everyone was gonna be awkward and that’s no fun! I figured I was gonna have to try super hard to start making friends but you guys are way ahead of me!” The girl’s voice was full of so much energy Izuku thought he might have accidentally put coffee in his mug that morning.

 

“Actually we all met at the entrance exams! We all quickly became great friends and rivals!” Yoarashi declared, puffing his chest out with pride at the quality of his companions.

 

The girl puffed her cheeks out in annoyance, “Damn it, why didn’t I think of trying to make friends at the exam. I was so focused on passing I didn’t talk to a single person!”

 

“To your credit, myself and Midoriya got in on the recommendation exams so we met beforehand.” Yaoyorozu explained with a warm smile at the new arrival.

 

“Plus we’re brothers, makes it easy to get to know each other.” Katsuki said, his voice laced with sarcasm which earned him an elbow from Izuku.

 

The girl laughed, “Oh that makes a lot more sense, I’m Mina Ashido!”

 

‘She’s so pretty’ Izuku thought to himself as he couldn’t help but stare at Ashido’s wide smile and wide eyes.

 

Said pretty girls’ eyes widened in surprise and flicked their attention to Izuku, a purple blush forming on her face. Meanwhile Yaoyorozu had to cover her mouth as she let out a very unlady-like snort and giggle while Yoarashi’s smile turned into more of an amused smirk. Katsuki didn’t bother to cover his mouth though as he burst into full blown laughter, giving Izuku a playful shove.

 

“We’re really gonna have to work on your mumbling habit Zuzu.” Katsuki said as he looked at Izuku with eyes full of deadly mischief.

 

Izuku’s face morphed into one of horror and he felt his cheeks heat up as if he’d stolen a fire quirk, “I-I said that OUT LOUD!?”

 

Katsuki, Yaoyorozu and Yoarashi couldn’t hold their laughter in as all three barrelled over at Izuku’s situation. Izuku himself was starting to wonder if friends were really worth the torment. Ashido meanwhile seemed to recover from the slight shock of Izuku’s words and swung an arm around his shoulders with a smug look.

 

“Gee, I didn’t even have to swing my hips for the first guy in class to show an interest.” Ashido said as she wiggled her eyebrows at Izuku, leaning into him slightly.

 

Izuku’s face turned into a deep shade of red as his heart nearly beat through his chest, “I-I’m s-sorry, I didn’t mean to-to…”

 

Ashido just responded by squeezing his shoulders more, “It’s ok, I quite like a man who’s forward and you’re pretty cute yourself.” she said with a wink.

 

At this point Izuku wouldn’t have been surprised if he just collapsed to the ground in a catatonic state as Ashido leaned up against his rigid frame. He tried to respond but words failed him and he was only able to utter out something between a scream of a terror and a moan of ecstasy. Luckily, before he literally died, Katsuki decided to intervene.

 

“Lay off him pinky, I promised his Mom I’d look after him today.” Katsuki said though he was still smirking at Izuku.

 

Ashido giggled but obliged, taking a step away from Izuku who suddenly realised he hadn’t been breathing and started to gasp for air. Slowly life returned to his body and his face stopped being an imitation of a tomato. He let out a shaky breath and sent a quivering smile to Ashido.

 

“Th-thank you, I’m Izuku Midoroya.” He managed to get out.

 

Everyone else in the group introduced themselves, well, Katsuki grunted and Izuku informed Ashido that his name was in fact not just a noncommittal noise from the back of your throat. Ashido took it all in perfect stride, bouncing on her feet throughout the entire conversation and laughing along like she had been part of the group for weeks. It was clear she was a social butterfly and was thrilled to be meeting new people this early into the term. 

 

As they spoke and made introductions other students started to trickle into the classroom, a few glancing in curiosity at the group gathered at the front of the room. Izuku had to stop himself from running over to practically every person and rambling questions about their quirk. He noticed a few with obvious mutant quirks such as a boy with a large tail but others were more of mystery. The only reason he hadn’t bombarded Ashido with questions was due to him recognizing her as the acid girl from the exam, something Yaoyorozu had mentioned to the girl who had seemed slightly flustered by the praise.

 

“Perhaps we should take our seats.” Yaoyorozu suggested as more students started to enter the classroom.

 

Everyone agreed and Izuku quickly looked around to find his seat, as it turned out he was at the front of the class on the very left hand side facing the teacher. Coincidentally this was the exact opposite to Katsuki who sat at the back of the class on the right hand side. Izuku wondered if this had been done on purpose. 

 

Which it absolutely had been as there was no way Aizawa was going to let the problem brothers anywhere near each other during classroom hours. 

 

Izuku took his seat at the front of the class and he was pleasantly surprised to find Ashido was stationed directly behind him. The girl dropped her backpack under her desk and sat down on the chair instantly leaning forward with her smile still plastered on her face.

 

Now that he wasn’t so flustered he was able to get a good look at her quirk energy. It wasn’t unlike Mitsuki’s, it was like Ashido was coated in a layer of greyish thick liquid that dripped down her body. From the way his hunger reacted Izuku could tell her quirk wasn’t exceptionally strong, at least not compared to the likes of Katsuki or Yoarashi. It also didn’t seem particularly complex, it didn’t have the same almost exotic appeal to him that Yoayorozu’s quirk energy had. But that didn’t mean he still wasn’t impressed, the energy had a… sturdy feel to it. It wasn’t powerful or complex but it was reliant and useful. Much like how he felt about katsudon. It wasn’t the most extravagant meal in the world but it never failed to fill his belly and make him smile.

 

“So Midoriya! Looking forward to UA?” Ashido asked as she leaned over her desk.

 

Despite how flustered the girl made him Izuku couldn’t stop the wide smile that broke out over his face at the mention of the start of their hero careers, “Oh yeah! Honestly I’m still convinced this is all just a dream, I never thought I’d actually be here with Kacchan.”

 

“Kacchan?” Ashido asked with a confused scrunch of her eyebrows.

 

“It’s a nickname for Katsuki.” Izuku explained.

 

“Oh right, it must be cool that you got in with your brother.” Ashido said as she eyed Katsuki at the other end of the classroom, the blonde was currently leaning back in his chair, feet up on the desk and eyeing Todoroki with a mix of curiosity and rage.

 

Izuku nodded, “Yeah, we were lucky we all got in the same class.”

 

“Man I’m so jealous of how you all knew each other beforehand, I don’t know anyone here.” Ahsido whined as she face planted her desk, the sight making Izuku chuckle.

 

“I’m just lucky I guess. Besides, you’ve been here 15 minutes and you’re already talking to me. If I hadn’t met Yaoyorozu and Yoarashi at the recommendation exams I’m sure I’d be a stuttering mess right now and not make any friends.” Izuku said with a sigh.

 

‘And even if I could, I definitely won’t have any friends left once they find out about my quirk.’ He added to himself internally, Uraraka liked to joke a lot about his mystery quirk in the group chat but he wasn’t sure she’d be so accommodating if she knew what he could actually do.

 

“Nah, your cuteness would naturally draw people in.” Ashido said with a wink as she pulled her head off the desk.

 

Izuku once again blushed furiously and covered his face with his hands, “Please stop,” he begged, which only made Ashido giggle.

 

She looked like she was about to make another remark before something to the side caught her attention and her eyes widened in surprise, “Kirishima!?”

 

Izuku raised an eyebrow in curiosity and followed Ashido’s gaze. In the doorway to the classroom stood a broad and clearly muscular boy with bright red hair that was gelled up in spikes. The red hair matched the boys' nervous looking red eyes that were scanning over the classroom. He jumped slightly at the call of his name but gained a smile as he saw Ashido waving over at him. Izuku noticed as the boy smiled that his mouth was also full of razor sharp teeth.

 

The now named Krishima quickly walked over to Ashido and Izuku’s desks, his smile growing wider with each step. He failed to notice however that while his smile was growing wider Ashido’s was fading from her face.

 

“Ashido!” He cried as he finally made his way over, standing next to their desks, “I can’t believe we’re in the same class.”

 

Ashido paused briefly before-

 

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you were taking the UA exam!” Ahsido shouted as she pelted the boy with multiple punches.

 

Kirishima panicked and backed up slightly, though it didn’t appear Ashido’s fists were actually doing any serious damage. However Izuku couldn’t blame the poor guy, Ashido looked like she was ready to throw him out the window.

 

“A-Ashido! Stop! I’m sorry I-I didn’t tell anyone!” Kirishima pleaded as he held up his hands to block Ashido’s blows.

 

Said hands were now completely solid and Izuku realised this was the boy he’d seen take a punch at the entrance exam, the one with the hardening quirk. It was also fascinating to watch Kirishima’s quirk energy as he activated said quirk. His body was full of a pale like thin gas, but when he activated his hardening the gas moved towards the spots or spots and gathered at the edge of Kirishima’s aura, thickening and becoming far more solid to the point Izuku almost couldn’t see through the energy.

 

Ashido quickly realised that lightly punching a man who could turn his body into a substance harder than concrete probably wasn’t the smartest move. Instead she went for the classic tactic of folding her arms, huffing and pouting at the red head.

 

“Still, I can’t believe you didn’t tell me even after you got in. Especially after I gave Midoriya my whole sob story about being all alone in the class.” Ashido said and unfolded her arms to gesture at Izuku. 

 

Kirishima turned his attention to Izuku who gave a small smile and a slight wave, “Hi, I'm Midoriya.”

 

Ashido gasped and slapped her forehead, her quest to pout long forgotten as she once again beamed at the pair, “Oh my God! How could I forget! Izuku Midoriya, this is Eijiro Kirishima, we went to junior high together. Eijiro Kirishima, this is Izuku Midoriya, a recommendation student and my new bestie!”

 

“B-Bestie!?” Izuku stammered in surprise.

 

“Oh man, you’re a recommendation student? That’s so manly Midoriya!” Kirishima exclaimed and held out his fist.

 

Izuku had enough social skills to understand how to give a fist bump, albeit a little awkwardly, “Thanks, uh.. Manly?”

 

Ashido giggled and waved him off, “That’s Kiri’s thing, it just means you're a pretty awesome person.”

 

“I-I see, thanks Kirishima. I saw you at the entrance exam, you were pretty uh manly there yourself.” Izuku said with a small but nervous smile.

 

Kirishima looked like he was ready to burst into tears of joy with that statement, “Thanks man!”

 

Ashido just rolled her eyes and muttered something about boys under her breath.

 

“Excuse me, you’re kinda in my way.”

 

Kirishima swivelled around and suddenly realised he’d been practically sitting on the desk next to Ashido. Standing by said desk was a girl with purple hair and what appeared to be headphone jacks hanging from her ears. Though she seemed relaxed Izuku could see the slight nervousness in her eyes that seemed to be plaguing the entire class.

 

“Oh man, sorry!” Kirishima apologised as he took a step back next to Izuku’s desk.

 

The girl responded with a nod as she sat down and started to unpack her bag. Izuku couldn’t help but take a look at her energy. It was mainly focused around her ears, a build up of the purple energy told him her jacks weren’t just a useless mutation but served her quirk as well. From her jacks she had purple lines of energy which flowed directly from her ears and into the area Izuku knew held her heart. The lines themselves seem to vibrate at a rhythm that matched what he assumed was her heartbeat.

 

“You’re the sneaky girl with the vibration quirk!” Izuku suddenly declared much to the shock of the people around him.

 

The girl in question snapped her attention to Izuku with a slight blush forming on her face from embarrassment, “”W-What!?”

 

Ashido giggled, “Man Midoriya, you need to calm yourself, the first day and you’ve already made two girls blush.”

 

Once again Izuku went bright red, waving his arms in front of his face desperately, “I’m sorry! I was watching you at the entrance exam!”

 

Being distracted as he was, Izuku didn’t realise how that came out and could only watch on in horror as the girl’s eyes filled with fear and she started to shakily get out of her seat. Luckily Ashido decided that Izuku didn’t deserve to end up in Nedzu’s office for harassment on the first day of school.

 

“He’s a recommendation student, he means he watched the exam with the teachers. He’s just not all that good with words.” Ashido reassured the scared girl before shooting Izuku a wink, causing said boy to groan and collapse onto his desk.

 

The purplette took a few calming breaths before sitting back down with a small smile, “A recommendation student huh? That’s pretty rad dude. I’m Kyouka Jiro by the way.”

 

“That’s what I said!” Kirishima shouted with a toothy smile and Izuku couldn’t help but wonder how ‘rad’ and ‘manly’ were even remotely the same, “I’m Eijiro Kirishima!”

 

“Mina Ashido!” Ashido’s enthusiastic voice carried throughout the classroom.

 

“Izuku Midoriya.” Izuku groaned from his spot at his desk, “I wish I had been in 1-B”

 

Jiro snorted while Ashdio gasped with mock outrage, Kirishima let out a chuckle, “It can’t be that bad?”

 

“HOW DARE YOU TREAT SCHOOL PROPERTY LIKE THIS, GET YOU FEET OFF THE DESK!”

 

“FUCK OFF FOUR EYES, GET THAT STICK OUT YOUR ASS AND SIT DOWN!”

 

“HOW DARE YOU! INSULTING A CLASSMATE ON YOUR FIRST DAY!”

 

Izuku sighed, he opened his eyes and sat back up even though he didn’t need to to know what was happening. Indeed the sight that greeted him (and the rest of the present students who were all looking at the scene) was that of Katsuki, still leaning back in his chair, and a blue haired student, frowning and shouting at each other.

 

“PFFT CALM YOUR TITS! WHO GIVES A FUCK IF I SCUFF THE DESK, IT’S A FUCKING DESK!” Katsuki shouted back at the boy as he purposely leaned back with a smug expression, of course Izuku knew Katsuki didn’t really care about his feet on the desk, the point was this newcomer had now challenged him and Katsuki wouldn’t back down.

 

The blue haired boy looked like he was going to shout again but paused before he let out a long sigh, “Perhaps we should start over, my name is Tenya Iida, I attended Somei Private Academy.”

 

“Somei huh?” Katsuki responded with a grunt, “Were they the assholes that put that stick up your ass then?”

 

Iida once again took on an affronted look before quickly returning to shouting down at Katsuki and waving his arms in a chopping motion. Katsuki of course just fought back by raising his own voice, as if the pair were in competition to see who could shout the loudest. Which of course they more or less were.

 

By this point the entire class was watching the argument unfold. Ashido was observing it all with an amused smile while Jiro and Kirishima looked on with fearful frowns.

 

Kirshima gulped, “Man I really wouldn’t want to be on the wrong end of that blonde guy, I heard he’s the one who took down a zero pointer.” 

 

Jiro shivered at the thought, “Remind me to stay away from him, only someone with a death wish would antagonise that.”

 

Izuku meanwhile sighed as he watched Katsuki slowly lose it, he was half expecting him to start frothing at the mouth. He reached down and pulled out a spare notebook from his bag which he opened and tore a page out of. He scrunched the paper into a tight ball and reached back with his arm, taking aim and sticking his tongue out in concentration as he did. Ashido was the only one around who seemed to notice what he was doing and was watching him with a curious gaze.

 

Once he was sure he had his aim right Izuku threw his arm forward. The paper ball flew through the air (rather gracefully) towards the other end of the classroom. Jiro, Kirishima and a few other members of the class noticed the ball as it made its journey. As it flew it started to fall towards the ground, rolling in the air until it landed directly between Katsuki’s eyes before rolling onto the floor. 

 

The entire classroom seemed to take gasp and hold their breath, both Katsuki and Iida paused mid argument, one of Iida’s hands was frozen in mid air while Katsuki’s mouth hung open halfway through saying the word fuck. Kirishima and Jiro turned to look at Izuku with horrified expressions, as if they were about to witness a murder live in front of them. Only Ashido remained somewhat amused at the whole situation.

 

Katsuki’s head slowly turned until he was making eye contact with Izuku who narrowed his eyes, “Just take your feet off the desk Kacchan.”

 

For a moment it looked like Katsuki was going to start shouting across the classroom. But instead he narrowed his eyes back, holding Izuku’s glare for a moment before taking his feet off the desk with several mumbled curse words aimed at Izuku who just rolled his eyes in response. Katsuki made sure to give Iida a challenging scowl, daring the boy to challenge him on something else. Luckily however while confused at the interaction Iida at least had the sense to leave Katsuki alone, nodding his thanks to Izuku before taking his own seat.

 

Kirishima turned to Izuku with eyes full of awe, “Are you a witch?”

 

Ashido snorted at the question and Jiro rolled her eyes, “Seriously dude? Maybe it’s I dunno… a quirk?”

 

Kirshimia blushed a little at the jab and chuckled nervously, “Uh right…”

 

“Actually it’s not a quirk, he’s my brother.” Izuku explained with a slight grimace as he watched Katsuki be pulled into another argument with Uraraka who had just arrived with only a minute to spare, a crime as great as murder in Katsuki’s mind.

 

“Damn man…” Jiro said as her eyes snapped from Izuku to Katsuki and back again.

 

There was a sudden commotion at the door and the whole class was silenced. In the doorway to the class there now stood a yellow caterpillar with the face of Eraserhead. Said caterpillar was just finishing up a juice box and staring at the class with disappointment.

 

“It took you 8 seconds to be quiet, that’s unacceptable,” Aizawa said as he climbed out of his sleeping bag, “My name is Shota Aizawa and I’m your teacher.”

 

---

 

Izuku eyed Aizawa nervously, though he didn’t know the man extremely well but felt he had enough of a rapport to at least be friendly with the man. So when Izuku had rushed first out of the changing room (because the boys had started to discuss quirks and he didn’t wait around to be asked about his own) he thought it was perfectly fine to give his teacher a friendly ‘Good Morning Aizawa Sensei!’. Sadly it seemed he was wrong.

 

Aizawa’s face had changed from one of uninterest to one of borderline contempt as his gaze focused solely on Izuku and his eyes narrowed slightly. Izuku himself tried to keep his body from shaking under Aizawa’s fixed stare, it was like being circled by a hawk. Izuku silently wished he’d at least waited for Katsuki so he wasn’t standing outside alone with Aizawa.

 

“Midoriya,” The lack of emotion behind Aizawa’s voice made Izuku gulp, “I appreciate you know me outside of the classroom, I also appreciate I have complimented you several times on the progress of your quirk and training.”

 

“Th-thank you sir!” Izuku stuttered out, not exactly sure where this was going.

 

Aizawa gave a non committal nod and continued, “However here, in the classroom, you’re on the same level as everyone else. If you fail to impress me, fail to make progress with your quirk or fail to show me that you deserve to be here I will expel you just like everyone else. Just because you had a harder fight than most to get here doesn’t mean I’m going to treat you any differently.”

 

Izuku;s body had gone rigid as he listened, though Aizawa hadn’t said anything Izuku could read between the lines, “You want me to take my classmates' quirks?”

 

Aizawa nodded, seemingly unsurprised by Izuku's detective skills “Yes, not necessarily today but at some point you will need to gain the confidence to take their quirks. Right now the biggest thing holding you back is that mental block, it may be the first day but I expect you to overcome that block if you want to be a hero. In the meantime remember, your quirk is not the only tool in your arsenal, prove to me you have other skills for being a hero and I might be slightly more forgiving.”

 

Despite the harsh words Izuku could feel the slight smirk from Aizawa at the end, he gave a firm nod to his teacher, “I won’t let you down Sensei.”

 

Aizawa responded with a nod and left the conversion at that, returning to his uninterested and unfocused gaze (which Izuku now realised was just him keeping a general observation of the area as opposed to actually being unfocused). Izuku sighed in relief slightly when he felt Katsuki’s energy approaching, no longer having to suffer Aizawa alone. 

 

“They ask you about your quirk?” Izuku asked, not bothering to turn and look at Katsuki, he knew his friend was aware that Izuku could ‘see’ him.

 

“Of course they did, all anyone here seems to care about is quirks,” Aizawa gave a slight grunt and snapped his eyes to Katsuki who rolled eyes, “Fine, everyone but our teacher cares about quirks. Think Todoroki was the only other guy besides us who wasn’t enthusiastic about the conversation, he didn’t even refuse to answer, just ignored dunce face.”

 

“Dunca face?” Izuku asked with an amused expression and a raised eyebrow.

 

“That dumb guy with the blonde hair. Anyway, I don’t blame you for getting out of there. They all freaked out when I told them everything bar the name of my quirk was classified, can’t imagine how they’d react to you.”

 

Izuku snorted but internally his heart plummeted, if Aizawa wanted him to use his quirk on his classmates it meant they’d eventually find out about the truth behind it. The thought caused a pit to grow in Izuku’s stomach. Would Yoarashi want a rival with such a villainous quirk? Would Yoayorozu trust him enough to ever get close to him again? What if Uraraka become so afraid of him she-

 

“Tch, I can hear your thoughts from here. Who cares what those extras think when they find out.” Katsuki said with a slap at the back of Izuku’s head.

 

“Thanks Kacchan.” Izuku said with a small smile though he rubbed the back of his head, Katsuki sure had become a lot stronger.

 

“Midoriya and… Bakugou?”

 

The two brothers whipped round to come face to face with Todoroki who was looking at them with blank eyes. Izuku and Katsuki exchanged a confused glance.

 

“Uh yeah… that’s us?” Izuku said slowly.

 

Todoroki nodded, “Midoriya, you beat me in the recommendation. And Bakugou you beat me in the main entrance exam.”

 

Kastuki frowned, “Yeah, so?”

 

“How?”

 

Izuku blinked in surprise at the question, Katsuki also seemed to have been taken by surprise due to the lack of shouting.

 

“What do you mean?” Izuku asked with a tilt of his head.

 

“Practically speaking, I have the strongest quirk in the class, perhaps the entire school. Yet you both beat with a simple strength quirk and… I’m not even sure what your quirk is Midoriya.” Todoroki said with the same lack of expression that he seemed to maintain at all times.

 

“There’s your problem right there, we beat you because we were thinking outside of our quirks,” Katsuki said and Izuku was more than happy to let him take the lead on this, even months after receiving One For All quirks were still a sore topic for Katsuki, “Zuzu adapted to the race without trying to barrel through everything like you even when your quirk wasn’t the best option. Meanwhile I actually thought about tactics when it came to the entrance exam, teaming up with someone to counter my weaknesses.”

 

Todoroki seemed genuinely surprised at Katsuki’s answer, “I see. My father asked me the same question and I could not answer him. I shall pass on your thoughts, hopefully he will not be too displeased with them.”

 

Izuku and Katsuki once again glanced at each other, it was safe to say Todoroki was an odd character. Izuku had been preparing to calm Katsuki down from an impending argument but Todoroki had acted like he was after a genuine answer to the question as opposed to riling up for a fight. Before either party could investigate further the rest of the class started to trickle out of the changing rooms and Todoroki took a few steps back into the background. 

 

Much to the surprise of the brothers they quickly found themselves surrounded by… friends? Uraraka, Yoayorozu, Jiro and Ashido had come out first, Uraraka appeared to have roped Ashido into another lesson on teenage culture for Yaoyorozu while Jiro watched on laughing. Then came Kirishima and Yoarashi, still talking to each other about their respective quirks, Izuku didn’t blame them, just because he and Katsuki had a few (read a lot) of issues with quirks didn’t mean they should stop others' enthusiasm. 

 

Soon the entire class had wandered out onto the field and Aizawa gave them all a slight frown, “10 minutes between leaving the classroom and getting out here, I want that down to five next time.”

 

This made a few people in the class stand up straighter, Aizawa was clearly not messing around.

 

“First of all, congratulations on passing the entrance exams to get here. But as of right now, that biased exam means nothing. If you want to stay on this course you need to prove to me you deserve your spot, otherwise I’m not afraid to expel the whole class.”

 

Several people paled considerably at Aizawa’s words and he focused his attention on Izuku and Yaoyorozu, “This includes you two, just because you’re recommended students doesn’t mean you get an easy ride.”

 

Both students gave Aizawa a firm nod while Izuku felt several pairs of eyes in the back of his head.

 

“Bakugou,” Aizawa called out, making said boy raise an eyebrow, “You came first in the entrance exam, what was your score for a ball throw back in junior high?”

 

“67 metres.” Katsuki responded as Aizawa pulled a baseball out from his pocket.

 

“Try it again for me, except this time feel free to use your quirk. Only rule is not to leave the circle.” Aizawa explained as he threw the ball to Katsuki who caught it effortlessly.

 

The One For All user walked up to the plate with an air of quiet confidence. A few people started to lean forward in anticipation of what Katsuki would do, he was after all the top scorer on the entrance exam. Once in the circle Katsuki stretched his arm for a moment before firmly planting his feet and pulled back. Knowing what was coming Izuku made sure to have a firm grip on his hunger. He saw Katsuki give a slight smirk.

 

“FUCK YOU!”

 

Katsuki’s scream took the entire class by surprise for a moment until the surprise caused by the scream was completely overridden by the surprise that came with the massive shock wave caused by Katsuki’s throw. His entire body was lit up with red and black fire as the ball shot out of his hand. Dust and dirt was thrown into the air around Katsuki and was blown over the class, several jaws dropping as it did. Izuku felt his hunger flare up and tensed slightly but was otherwise unaffected by the sudden power of Katsuki’s energy. The only one seemingly unaffected by the raw power of the throw was Aizawa who still looked bored.

 

As the scene calmed down there was a beeping from the device Aizawa was holding in his hand, he glanced down at it, “Not bad kid, though watch the language next time.”

 

Aizawa turned the device for the entire class to see.

 

813.4m

 

“Woah!” Kirishima exclaimed in genuine awe, “That’s so manly!”

 

Several other students nodded along despite half of them not knowing what that really meant. Izuku had to suppress a proud smile from forming on his face, not that he wasn’t proud but if Katsuki saw he’d never let him live it down.

 

“The truth is not all men and women are created equal,” Aizawa continued as Katsuki re-joined the class with a smug smile, “As heroes you need to be greater than most and this starts with your physical training. So for me to understand where your potential lies, if at all, you’ll be completing the standard physical assessment test, except you’ll be allowed complete use of your quirks to achieve a score for each task.”

 

There were mixed reactions among the class, some looked excited, some looked nervous and others looked disappointed.

 

“But Sensei, what about the opening ceremony?” Uraraka asked with a downtrodden expression.

 

“A pointless display, you can get all that from your school booklet. At UA the teachers are given far more control over our classes than most and you’re in the hero course, your training to fight villains, not to become an accountant.” Aizawa said with a serious expression at the class, Izuku felt a shiver up his spine as memories of the sludge villain surfaced.

 

“Oh man, completing an assessment with our quirks though? This will be fun!” Ashido said with an excited clap of her hands a slight jump in the air.

 

Aizawa zeroed in on the pink girl immediately, his face morphing into one of sadistic joy, “Fun huh? This isn’t fun, this is for you to prove to me you deserve your spot. So whoever comes in last will be expelled.”

 

It was like someone had thrown a bucket of ice water over the entire class. As a collective the faces of 1-A paled considerably, even Todoroki, Katsuki and Yoarashi, who’s quirks were perfect for an assessment like this, were looking slightly nervous.

 

“A logical ruse.” Izuku heard Yoayorozu mumble next to him.

 

“Actually Yoayorozu, my uncle told me about Eraserhead, I suspect he is very serious…” Yoarashi said from behind Izuku and he felt the Yoayorozu stiffen up next to him.

 

As Aizawa walked over to the racetrack to set up for the 50 metre dash the entire class gave a collective gulp and many started to seriously think about the applications of their quirks for the test. Izuku too was going over various plans in his head, except he had one obvious issue.

 

He didn’t have a quirk to use.

 

He could technically take a few of his classmates but there was no way he was ready for that. Not to mention the chaos it had the potential to cause. But there was something else nagging in Izuku's mind. This whole scenario was… very un-Aizawa.

 

The man himself didn’t have a physical quirk, so of course he would understand better than anyone that just being allowed to use your quirk in these tests wouldn’t make a difference to every student present. Izuku’s eyes drifted to the floating set of gym clothes, he didn’t know her name but it was obvious the girl had an invisibility quirk, how was that supposed to help her throw a ball? Would Aizawa really expel her if she came last?

 

‘Don’t get too pent up on winning’

 

Aizawa’s advice about the recommendation exam floated into Izuku’s mind. Back then Aizawa had explained that the purpose of the exam was to look for heroic potential and not just win a race. So why now had he done a complete 180? Especially in a test with as much bias as this.

 

Unless…

 

‘Prove to me you deserve your spot here.’

 

Aizawa wasn’t really bothered about who won or lost, he was watching how people reacted to the challenge. Izuku had no doubt he really would expel last place, but only if he felt they weren’t giving the tests their all. He would equally expel first place if he felt they didn’t deserve to be here.

 

Ok, so now that Izuku didn’t have to worry about not coming last he needed to worry about not being expelled. Aizawa was well aware he wasn’t going to use his quirk here and while he wasn’t against stealing Aizawa’s quirk directly he doubted that’s what his teacher wanted to see. He’d already used that trick and bringing down the rest of his class was hardly pushing himself.

 

Izuku then remembered something back on the day of the entrance exam. When talking to the teachers they had mentioned how while most of group 2 during the recommendation exam had used brute force all of them had been beaten by Tokage and Honenuki who had used smarts and ingenuity. And Izuku was no slouch when it came to smarts, he just needed to figure out how that could translate to better scores on the test.

 

‘Achieve a score for each task’

 

Wait. Aizawa hadn’t said they needed to complete each exercise, just that they needed to achieve a score. Those were two very different things and there was no way Aizawa was someone who would make a verbal slip up like that. Izuku couldn’t help but smirk slightly, Aizawa was a cleaver teacher, he set it up so that the likes of Katsuki would dominate the ranks. He was not only making a point but trying to push those in the class like Izuku who needed to think outside the box if they wanted to achieve decent scores.

 

And if there was one thing Izuku Midoriya knew how to do, it was think outside the box.

 

---

 

Izuku’s plan for the 50 metre dash was arguably the riskiest, not because of the danger of his plan but rather the feasibility. Aizawa was making them do the run in pairs which meant Izuku’s plan only hindered on who he was paired with but also if they were willing to go along with his plan. His confidence also took a hit when he watched both Yoarashi and Todoroki storm across the track, nearly destroying it in the process and getting less than 3 seconds each.

 

But, whether it be the intervention of God, Aizawa actively taking pity on him or an unknown luck quirk, Izuku nearly burst into tears of joy when Aizawa called himself and Katsuki to the field.

 

As they walked together Izuku slowed their pace slightly and leaned towards Katsuki, “Hey Kacchan, I have an idea…”

 

To the rest of the class it looked like the boys had had a casual conversion as they made their way to the starting line. Katsuki bent down, planting his feet and leaning on his hands in a traditional starting position for a runner. Izuku however simply stood in the general vicinity of the starting line with a relaxed posture and a smile on his face.

 

“What’s he doing?” Jiro asked with a raised eyebrow.

 

“Isn’t he taking this seriously!?” Iida whispered with frown.

 

“Could it be to do with his quirk?” Kirishima asked, his eyes widening with anticipation.

 

“Oh! Are we about to see the mysterious quirk in action!?” Yoarashi asked, his voice carrying over the class, Todoroki’s eyebrows rose with surprise at the question.

 

“Oh my God, Bakugou said the other day he reckons Midoriya’s quirk is more powerful than his. This is gonna be insane!” Uraraka whispered to an eager looking Ashido as she bawled her fists in her hands.

 

Despite the voices carrying, Izuku and Katsuki ignored them as the robot at the start line began its count down.

 

“On your marks.”

 

Katsukis body visibly tensed as Izuku shifted his feet slightly and bent his knees. At this point nearly the entire class has shuffled forward to see what was about to happen. Aizawa simply looked on, internally curious as to how Izuku would handle the situation.

 

“Get set.”

 

Todoroki had expected Izuku to unleash god-like power and tear the course apart.

 

Yoarashi had expected a brilliant display of a well tuned and stunning quirk.

 

Uraraka had expected a battle of brothers the likes of which could only be seen in anime.

 

What no one, not even Aizawa, had been expecting was for Izuku to jump onto Katsuki’s back, wrapping his arms around the large boy's chest and legs around his waist. Katsuki had clearly been expecting the passenger as he didn't respond back, locking himself in for Izuku to jump on and adjusting his weight accordingly.

 

“Go!”

 

The moment the starting pistol went off Katsuki (and by extension Izuku) were enveloped in red and black fireworks. Katsuki launched them off the starting point and tore across the track, each step he made causing a small crater in the dirt as the force of his quirk ran through his body. It didn’t take long for Katsuki to cross the finish line, bringing Izuku with him.

 

“3.23 seconds.” The robot at the end of the line announced.

 

“Dammit!” Katsuki shouted and kicked the dirt as Izuku jumped off his back, “That’s only 4th!”

 

“Relax Kacchan,” Izuku reassured as he patted his friend's shoulder, “You’ve still got several tests to go, you can bring it back.”

 

Meanwhile the entire class had frozen in shock, jaws hanging open. Izuku’s stunt had gained even more of a reaction than Katsuki’s ball throw. Even Yoarashi and Yaoyorozu were looking at Izuku with something akin to disbelief, as if the teenager had just given Aizawa the middle finger and expected not to get expelled. As did the entire class.

 

However Aizawa himself merely added the boys' scores into the system with a blank expression, “Alright, next up is Jiro and Tokoyami.”

 

“Sensei!” Iida cried, causing every set of eyes to snap their attention to him, “Aren’t you going to reprimand Midoriya!?”

 

Katsuki narrowed his eyes at the boy and growled, though this went unnoticed by Iida who watched in abstract horror as Aizawa gave him a confused look.

 

“Why would I do that?” 

 

“Because!” Iida cried as his hands came flying down, several students around him taking a step back out of range, “He cheated!”

 

“Did he?” Aizawa asked with a raised eyebrow, “I didn’t notice.”

 

Iida’s face seemed to be going red though out of outrage or exhaustion from waving his arms around nobody was quite sure, “He completely ignored the rules of the dash!”

 

“What rules?” Izuku asked with a slight frown, surprising both Katsuki and Aizawa who both had open mouths in readiness to respond, “Aizawa Sensei never set out any rules other than getting from the start line to the finish line in the fastest possible way. Which considering my options was pretty much latching onto Kacchan.”

 

Katsuki crossed his arms and glared at the class, “Of which I gave my ok beforehand, any of you extra’s got a problem with that?”

 

Before anyone could respond Aizawa raised his voice slightly, “Stop antagonising each other, Iida if I had a problem with the way Midoriya or anyone took the tests I’d make them redo it.”

 

That at least seemed to satisfy Iida although he sent a couple of dirty looks to the brothers as they re-joined the class. Meanwhile Izuku could’ve sworn he’d seen Aizawa smirking underneath his scarf as he completed the race.

 

---

The grip strength test was another challenge for Izuku, he could probably get a reasonable score on his own, at the very least it wouldn’t be in the bottom five. But compared to the likes of Katsuki and the kid who had six tree trunk sized arms, who had just pulled 374kg and 540.5kg respectively, his score would be nothing. And Izuku was damned if he wasn’t going to push to get his best.

 

He could of course just ask Katsuki to squeeze his grips tester for him but he suspected even with his leniant rules Aizawa would quickly tire if Izuku became a one trick pony throughout the tests. Instead Izuku decided to walk around the test area for inspiration. They had moved inside and were in a rather well equipped gym for the test. Izuku walked past the various free weight benches when he spotted something in the corner.

 

It was a landmine. A piece of gym equipment made by taking a barbell and securing one end of the barbell to the floor with a pivot, allowing someone to add weights and lift the other end. As Izuku observed the equipment his eyes lit up with an idea.

 

He quickly found a barbell with no weights on and slipped it through the grip tester he was using. Laying the grip tester down on the ground he let the empty barbell rest directly on top of the trigger that he was supposed to squeeze, checking the tester he saw it now read 10kg, the exact weight of the barbell.

 

Izuku smirked and hurried over the landmine, lifting the free end of it up (that already had some weight on) and allowing it to rest on top of the empty barbell which in turn pushed down against the grip tester. A quick check showed it now read 50kg the added weight of the landmine now being taken into the equation.

 

Izuku’s eyes shined with victory and he quickly ran about grabbing more weights to add to the landmine. The first he tried nearly broke his back and he realised he’d been trying to lift a single weight that read 200kg. He didn’t know what it was made out of but UA clearly made sure to accommodate the gym for those with strength quirks. Luckily he found some lighter weights he could shift and started to add them to the landmine.

 

He added as many to the end as he could until there was literally no room left to slot any more of the round weights on. A few of his classmates had spared him odd glances at his behaviour but none had bothered him about it. He stepped back for a moment once he’d added the final weight on and waited for the machine to ping indicating it had recorded his score. Once done he made sure to put the landmine and weights back the way he found them.

 

With a smile he grabbed the grip tester and checked his score, he hadn’t been keeping track of the weights and so hoped he’d at least broken 200kg.

 

Oh.

 

875kg

 

---

 

The long jump presented more of a challenge than the first two tests. Aizawa was very clear in the way he worded this test, they had to jump off at the start and the robot would record their distance until they hit the ground again. There was no clever way around that and nothing Izuku could think of to boost his score through smarts.

 

He had considered asking Katsuki to throw him but he wasn’t quite desperate enough to stoop to that level. Not to mention he suspected Katsuki would literally make him beg out of some sadistic pleasure. You know, in a lot of ways Izuku’s brother was similar to Aizawa.

 

Instead Izuku just watched the other students perform, partly to see in more detail how their quirks operated but also to see if there were any tricks he could pick up. If not he’d just have to give it his all with a standard jump and hope for the best.

 

There were plenty of students doing well here, more so than the dash and grip test. More than a few were completely clearing the sandpit and Aizawa had to stop Yoarashi from flying off into the forest, giving him the top score, due to the fact Yoarashi could theoretically fly.

 

Up next was Todoroki and Izuku was curious to see how he’d tackle the jump. Ideally he’d use his fire to help propel him through the air, similar to how his father does. But seeing as Todoroki hadn’t once used his fire he doubted that there would be a sudden twist at the long jump of all places.

 

Indeed Todoroki simply walked up the jump before putting himself in a prone position. The ground shook as a great pillar of ice rose up from the ground carrying Todoroki across the sand pit. Izuku shivered slightly as the giant pillar of ice caused a cold wind to pick up. He also felt his hunger reaching out for the powerful quirk as he watched Todoroki’s energy flare up.

 

Eventually the ice structure started to crack slightly and Todoroki jumped down onto the ground as he waited for his score to be announced. Izuku frowned, normally the robot announced it the moment their feet touched the ground. A quick glance at the robot revealed the issue, it had been caught in Todoroki’s ice, head mid turn as it had followed him across the sand pit. Izuku wasn’t quite sure how it worked but the robot seemed to lock onto the person at the start of their jump and follow them through the air until they landed.

 

Which meant Izuku’s score was completely determined by the robot registering him landing on the ground. 

 

As Todoroki melted the massive ice structure to free the robot an idea formed in Izuku’s mind, it was arguably the sneakiest idea so far but he figured if Aizawa had a major problem with it he could just do the jump again.

 

Once free the robot snapped its attention to Todoroki, “32.5 Metres.”

 

It was a good score, not as high as Yoarashi’s flight or Yaoyorozu’s pole vault but decent enough to get him in the top three. Izuku shook his head, he didn’t need to worry about Todoroki’s score, only his own.

 

“Midoriya, you’re up next.” Aizawa said without looking up from where he was entering Todoroki’s score into the system.

 

Izuku nodded and walked into position, a few of classmates followed him curiously, while he hadn’t tackled the tests with any kind of flamboyant quirk, a few people were curious to see what method he’d use next.

 

Izuku made sure to give himself a running distance to the jump line, if his plan was to work he still needed to achieve a decent jump. He took a few calming breaths before taking off, sprinting as hard as he could towards the jump line. He reached the line and launched himself into the air, except unlike everyone else he pushed off at a slight angle. As it had with everyone before him the robot locked onto Izuku and followed his path through the air.

 

Right up until the moment that Izuku’s feet made contact with said robot. He came flying through the air and landed directly on top of it. His feet hit its head at the perfect angle, snapping it around on its ‘neck’ and forcing it to face away from Izuku as the whole robot collapsed to the ground.

 

Izuku didn’t waste a second, he had no idea how long it would take for the robot to recover, he quickly rolled on the ground into the fall before leaping back to his feet and taking off down the sandpit. He smirked to himself when he didn’t hear the robot beep, he was right, his score wouldn’t be recorded until the robot regained sight of him. So the further away he got the longer his ‘jump’ would be recorded down  as.

 

As Izuku ran he managed to clear the sand pit and was just starting to wonder how far he’d get when he heard the beeping of the robot ring out. Skidding to a stop Izuku saw that while still on the ground the robot had managed to lift its head (which was now dented) and lock back onto him.

 

“46.8 Metres.”

 

---

 

Try as he might, Izuku couldn’t figure out a way to ‘cheat’ the repeated side steps and there was no clever tactic to improve his ability at the test. Plus he knew the ball throw was next and he needed time to prepare. So he just gave it his all without any sly underhanded score manipulation and hoped that would be enough.

 

On the plus side he was one of the first to go and once he finished he quickly walked over to Aizawa, “Aizawa Sensei, may I go to the bathroom?”

 

Aizawa gave him a look which indicated he very much knew Izuku didn’t need to go to the bathroom but just grunted and nodded his head in agreement.

 

Izuku nodded his thanks and quickly fled out of the gym where they were doing the side steps. Walking back out into the courtyard he spied a box next to the circle they would be using to throw the balls from. 

 

Walking over it was as he expected, the box was filled with baseballs. Picking one up he saw the name Kaminari stencilled onto the ball. Just above the name was a small black metal circle with a blinking light. So they were throwing normal baseballs with tracking devices stuck on them.

 

Putting the ball back into the box Izuku rummaged around until he found his own ball, picking it up out of the box he rolled it in his hand and found the tracking device. A quick play around with it and Izuku was able to pop it off relatively easily.

 

He quickly started scanning through the rest of the balls while his analytical mind ran at full speed. He knew quirks, he should easily figure out who would get a good score here. Katsuki had already gone which ruled him out, Yoarashi was bound to get a good score with his wind as well. He didn’t know what Todoroki planned to do but the boy had excelled in nearly every test so far so it was a safe bet. But none of them had the perfect quirk for this test, Izuku already knew exactly who he was looking for and finding the right ball he just hoped they would go along with it.

 

Eventually the rest of the class joined Izuku outside who whistled innocently, Katsuki gave him a look but he just shrugged and smiled in a way that told him to watch and find out. Izuku watched as the class started to go through the ball throw. He briefly wondered if he should have gone with Yaoyorozu who created a literal canon and achieved the highest score so far with 872.9m. But Izuku was still confident in his choice.

 

He smiled as Uraraka was called up, she searched the box for her ball before bringing it out. As she looked down at it she paused and frowned slightly, she glanced at Izuku before turning to Aizawa.

 

“Aizawa Sensei, I think there’s an issue with my baseball.” 

 

Aizawa sighed, “Just throw the ball Uraraka, if there is an issue with it we have plenty to try again.”

 

Uraraka hesitated before she nodded and walked up to a plate. Her throw didn’t look particularly strenuous but the entire class watched as the ball travelled straight up. It kept rising into the sky until even anyone with a sight based quirk would struggle to see it. 

 

A few eyes widened as Aizawa turned as his tablet pinged and simply showed a score of infinity. Uraraka smiled sheepishly at the looks she was getting.

 

Aizawa was about to move on when his tablet pinged again, with a frown he looked down. As he read what was on his screen he let out a slight snort.

 

“Well played Midoriya.” He said and turned the tablet to the rest of the class, the infinity symbol also showing under Izuku’s name.

 

“Wait… huh?” Kirishima said, dumbfounded and what had just happened.

 

“Let me guess,” Aizawa said as he tried to hide the way the edge of his mouth twitched, “You came out early and stuck the tracking device from your baseball onto Uraraka’s?”

 

Izuku gave an affirmative nod, he could practically feel the dirty glares he was getting in the back of his head (and literally feel a few quirks flare up), “That’s right, sorry I didn’t get your permission Uraraka.”

 

Izuku bowed at the girl who just giggled and waved him off, “It’s fine, I figured it was you, I just wanted to make sure it didn’t invalidate our scores.”

 

Aizawa nodded, “You're fine, though I would still like to record your standard throw Midoriya.”

 

Izuku agreed and was pleasantly surprised by his score of 50.4m.

 

---

 

Like the side step Izuku couldn’t figure out a method for improving his scores in the seated toe touch and sit ups. But most of the class didn’t really have quirks that suited these two tests so Izuku simply did them as standard to the best of his ability. Luckily after months of an intensive course with All Might he was still able to perform decently on physical capability alone.

 

Finally they had the long distance run, again Izuku wasn’t sure what exactly he could do to improve his score here, however, while Katsuki may have been physically stronger, when it came to running Izuku could run (literally) circles around most people at this point. So he just figured he’d do the best he could and would probably get into at least the top half of the class. That was until Aizawa explained the test.

 

“This is a test of your endurance, the rules are simple, you need to keep moving around the track until you stop. The moment you stop, even for a breath, you’re out.” Their teacher drawled as the class lined up on the track.

 

Izuku meanwhile met the man's eyes, they stared at each other briefly and Izuku tried to read his expression. Which proved to be impossible seeing as Aizawa had a better poker face than even Todoroki could muster. Izuku sighed, he’d just have to trust his gut again.

 

Because Aizawa never said they had to run along the track.

 

And so when the pistol went off to indicate they could start Izuku hung back and let the rest of the class shoot off from the starting line and tear across the path. Even Yaoyorozu had created a small moped and sped off with the others. Izuku meanwhile stuck his hands in his pockets and started to stroll down the track, enjoying the wind in his air.

 

Technically he was moving.

 

A snort drew his attention to Aizawa who wasn’t even bothering to hide his smirk, the pair nodded to each other before Aizawa turned his attention to the rest of the class.

 

It didn’t take long until Izuku found himself lapped. First uo was Iida, who was leading the charge, and Izuku couldn’t help but be impressed, give him some distance and Iida could really pick up some top speeds. His energy was focused in his legs, when not being used it looked like a slick black oil but when activated turned into what he would describe as bright blue flame that matched the pattern of his engines.

 

After Iida came Katsuki, Todoroki and Yoarashi who were all battling for second place, Katsuki rolled his eyes as Izuku gave him a wave and the three ripped past him. Izuku would admit that he was nearly tripped up by the spike in hunger caused by the three active and powerful quirks.

 

Next came a larger group of the class who all possessed mobility based quirks, the boy with the tail, the girl who frog leaped everywhere and Ashido who seemed to be using her acid to skid along the ground. Yaoyorozu was also a part of this group as her moped moved along at a pleasant pace.

 

Finally came the group that, if Izuku was running, he would probably be in, it was everyone who didn’t have a quirk to help them run. Kirishima seemed to be leading the charge with this group and waved to Izuku as he jogged past and Izuku gave him a wave back. Jiro too shot him an amused look as she went past him. Though a few people were definitely giving him less than friendly looks.

 

Eventually people started to drop out, some from quirk exhaustion and other from regular exhaustion. Izuku winced as he watched Iida have to be carried from the course by Kirishima and a now identified Shoji due to his engines overheating. Once the first person went down it wasn’t long before only Izuku and Yoayorozu remained on the track. Aizawa eventually told them to come back, realising that Izuku could probably walk for hours and Yaoyorozu would keep going until she ran out of gas.

 

---

 

There were more than a few tired looking students as the class gathered for the final results. Despite not having worked nearly as hard physically as some of his other classmates Izuku still felt like he could do with a rest and the dirty glances a few people were sending his way didn’t help. He suspected more than a few assumed he was about to get expelled, he knew (hoped) they were wrong.

 

“Well then, here are the results.” Aizawa said with absolutely no ceremony and clicked a button on his tablet, the outside screen lighting up with a list of names.

 

Izuku instantly snapped to last place, breathing a sigh of relief when he saw Hagakure’s name, though he did feel a pang of sympathy for the invisible girl who had started to sniffle upon seeing her name. Luckily Ashido also picked up on this and quickly ran over to the girl with a reassuring hug. 

 

Izuku started to scan the middle of the board for his name, based on not using his quirk he assumed he would be around this area. But panic started to set in when he didn’t see his name. Had he gone too far? Had Aizawa simply not scored him because he was already expelled?

 

“Not bad nerd, next time you’re mine though.” Katsuki said with a grunt a smirk next to him.

 

“Huh?” Was Izuku’s philosophical response as he turned to Katsuki who rolled his eyes and pointed at the board.

 

Izuku nearly fainted.

 

1st Momo Yaoyorozu 

 

2nd Izuku Midoriya 

 

3rd Shoto Todoroki 

 

4th Inasa Yoarashi 

 

5th Katsuki Bakugou

“Oh man, I guess you two really are recommendation students!” Kirshima, who was sat comfortably in 9th place, exclaimed with a wide smile and a thumbs up at Izuku and Yaoyorozu.

 

“Also, no one is expelled, I was just trying to motivate you.” Aizawa said with a smile that could only be described as deranged.

 

“Hmpf, I knew it was a logical ruse.” Yoayorozu said to Yoarashi who looked slightly offended by the fact their teacher had just lied to them.

 

“Actually I was fully prepared to expel any of you if I felt like you didn’t belong here, even if you had come in first.” Aizawa explained with slightly narrowed eyes.

 

Yoayorozu gulped, “So… is anyone getting expelled?”

 

Aizawa paused to answer and for a brief moment 20 people were filled with utter dread, “No. While many, if not most, of you disappointed me, none of you did so poorly that I feel the need to get rid of you.”

 

The entire class let out a sigh of relief mixed with a slight grimace at their teacher's words. A few people frowned however.

 

“You’re not even going to expel Midoriya, after everything he did to cheat?” The boy with the tail asked and Izuku instantly felt every pair of eyes on him.

 

He started to sweat and curled in on himself slightly, hoping the world would swallow him up. Next to him Katsuki took a protective step in front of his friend, eyes narrowed at the tail man.

 

“Of course not,” Aizawa said, bringing the attention back to him, “In fact out of everyone Midoriya impressed me more than anyone else in the class.”

 

Izuku looked up and blinked in surprise, as did most of the class at the smile Aizawa was sending Izuku’s way. He hadn’t used his quirk once in the exam yet he was more impressive than the likes of Todoroki and Yaoyorozu to Aizawa?

 

“But Sensei!” Iida cried, raising his hand, “He didn’t even use his quirk!”

 

Aizawa smiled, “Exactly. Kaminari!” He barked and the blonde boy jumped, “How did your quirk help you during the 50 metre dash?”

 

Kaminari frowned in confusion, “It didn’t… I didn’t use it.”

 

Aizawa nodded before moving his focus on, “Hagakure, did your quirk make you stronger for the strength test?”

 

“What? No? It’s just invisibility.” Hagakure said, her voice still quivering slightly from the shock of nearly being expelled.

 

“Precisely,” Aizawa said like he’d just had a eureka moment, except far more subdued, “Quite frankly I never cared about your scores because this entire test is rigged in favour of those with physical quirks like Bakugou and Yoarashi. Meanwhile those of you with more specialised or less physical quirks were always going to struggle. For most of you your quirks would only help boost your score in one or two tests, in fact for some of you, such as Midoriya, your quirks wouldn’t be of any help in these tests at all.”

 

It wasn’t technically true, Izuku’s quirk was arguably the best quirk here for the tests, seeing as how, if he really wanted, he could pick and choose which quirks among the class he used in each test. But he understood what Aizawa was trying to say.

 

“However, unlike the rest of you who just approached these tests with a simple mind set of completing them quirkless, Midoriya knew he would be outmatched if he went at them like that and instead faced the problem at various angles and worked out loopholes. Out thinking how the tests operated. If you made sure to pay attention I never said you had to complete the tests, only that you needed a score. The only other person to pick up on this was Yaoyorozu and the only reason she beat Midoriya is because her quirk is better suited to that way of thinking. Had those of you who were able to use your quirks in a few of the tests thought like either of them chances are you would also be in a top spot. Remember, your quirk is just one tool in your arsenal, you’ll face plenty of situations as a hero where your quirk is useless, you need to be able to adapt to that. Now, the rest of the day is free, please collect your welcome packs and class schedule from your desks back at the classroom. Midoriya, stay behind.”

 

Various glances were shot at Izuku as the rest of the class started to make their way towards the changing rooms. Some glances were impressed, some curious and more than a few were angry enough for Izuku to feel uncomfortable. Katsuki hung back slightly but Izuku waved him off, he highly doubted Aizawa would attack him after that speech.

 

“Don’t get too cocky,” Katsuki said as he turned to join the rest of the class leaving, “Next time I’ll beat you.”

 

“Don’t you need to beat Yoarashi and Todoroki first though?”

 

“SHUT UP ROUND FACE!”

 

Izuku sighed as the class disappeared into the changing rooms, at least he had some friends among them.

 

“You good kid?” Aizawa asked, slightly surprising Izuku.

 

“What do you mean?” Izuku asked with a furrowed eyebrow.

 

“I’m not an idiot problem child, I was standing where you were once. I’m also not blind, I saw some of the looks you were getting.” Aizawa said and for once his voice and expression softened.

 

Izuku just shrugged, “It’s not their fault, they’ve been brought up to believe their status is based on their quirk, they don’t like being beaten by someone who was effectively quirkless.”

 

“They’ll learn,” Aizawa said, “And if not I’ll just make sure to beat it into them.” He said with a sadistic smile which made Izuku shudder.

 

A chuckle alerted Izuku to a third member of the group and his eyes widened slightly when he saw Cementoss approach them, “Threatening your students again Aizawa? Maybe one day you’ll get through the first day without making a student cry.”

 

Aizawa just scoffed, “Unlikely, children are just oversized brats.”

 

“Uh, what am I here for?” Izuku asked a little nervously.

 

“Don’t you remember?” Aizawa replied, “I told you if you got into my class I’d give you an extra test on top of everyone else. I expected you'd tackle the assessment quirkless but I still want to monitor your quirk progress too. And Cementoss here was willing to volunteer.”

 

“It gets me out of my third year management class for 15 minutes, I tell you, those kids are like vultures.” Cementoss said with a slight shiver.

 

“Ok.” Izuku said and closed his eyes, “Give me a countdown.”

 

“No, go now.” Aizawa said.

 

Luckily Izuku was half expecting it so the moment he heard Aizawa respond he latched onto Cementoss’s quirk. The pair quickly got into a tug of war over the quirk, it was relatively powerful and Cementoss was a pro hero and teacher. Izuku grit his teeth as he pulled harder and harder, allowing his hunger to aid him without it being overwhelming. He could feel sweat start to drip down his face as he finally managed to tear Cementoss’s quirk away from him.

 

He let out a sigh and heard a grunt behind him, but he was being timed and he knew Aizawa would stop if there was a serious concern. A quick glance down at his arms showed him Cementoss’s quirk energy. Unlike most, rather than being fluid, his energy was made up of several grey like bricks stacked together that now sat in Izuku’s forearm. He pressed his hand to the ground and focused on the quirk energy.

 

Despite being an emitter cement was the first quirk he’d used where the energy of the quirk itself wasn’t the actual power. Unlike Aizawa’s power Izuku needed to use the energy to wield an external force, simply pushing the energy out of his body wasn’t enough. He focused on the quirk and felt it hum, he pushed the hum out through his hand and watched in fascination as bricks from the energy shot out in pathways in the ground. Izuku kept track of each path, feeling it hum information back at him, he felt the ground around him match the hum and it felt like the entire area was an extension of his body.

 

Clenching his jaw, Izuku willed the concrete in the ground to move. There was a rumbling from underneath him and a pillar of concrete shot up into the ground, causing a few nearby birds to flee in terror.

 

Izuku smiled to himself and wiped the sweat off his brow, turning back to Aizawa and Cementoss he returned for the former's quirk with a nod of thanks. Cementoss gave Izuku a quick smile before turning back and quickly heading into the school. Izuku sighed, it was the kind of reaction he had been expecting.

 

Aizawa decided to ignore the awkwardness of Cementoss’s exit and turned to Izuku, “Not bad kid, 1 minutes and 53 seconds to take and use the quirk.”

 

Izuku smiled, “It’s more difficult when they know what's about to happen.”

 

“Still, I told you I wanted it to take under two minutes and you did it. Good job problem child. Now, go and make sure your brother doesn't kill someone and make me expel you both.”

 

Izuku decided Aizawa was a rather odd person

Notes:

Thanks for all the kudos and comments everyone! Just wanted to give you all a heads up updates may slow down for a bit as I'm really bust at the moment, but will try to keep it as regular as I can

Chapter 14: Quirk Grades

Summary:

1-A Must elect their class president before finally having their first heroics lesson

Notes:

Hi all, as always thanks for all the kudos and comments, you're all amazing! Just a few things to say here:

1. Just to confirm 1-A is exactly the same as canon except for the fact Yoarashi replaces Mineta

2. To those who asked, when Izuku takes a quirk like Cementoss he gains the ability of the quirk but not the mutation, the mutation comes from the quirk factor which he doesn't steal, just the quirk fuel, so Cementoss was still a block when Izuku took his quirk. Izuku's own factor adapts to replicate the mutation of the quirk where required for him to wield it (but these quirks are incredibly difficult for him to steal)

3. I should have mentioned this sooner but I'll pre warn you all not everyone is going to get on with Izuku and accept his quirk, I love all the canon characters but it just seemed too boring if everyone was chill with Izuku's Quirk so some of the characters will be a little OOC in the fact that they're assholes

4. The timeline here is a little different than in canon but only in that the class president election is happening a day early

Izuku dramatically fell on top of Katsuki’s desk, “Why do you insist on torturing me? What cruel god did I piss off to receive you as a brother?”

 

Katsuki snorted from his seat, “Stop being a cry baby, my plan worked didn’t it?”

 

Izuku raised his head and scowled at Katsuki. Seeing as Todoroki and Yaoyorozu had beaten them yesterday, this morning Katsuki had insisted on getting up and leaving the house even earlier. Inko and Mitsuki hadn’t even been awake when they left and Masaru only offered them a tired wave as he poured himself a cup of coffee. But it worked and unlike yesterday they were the first to arrive in the empty classroom.

 

“You’re right Kacchan, there’s no way we won’t be top heroes now, you’ve discovered the secret to All Might and Endeavor's success. Arriving to class two whole fucking hours early.” Izuku snapped back with a bit more bite than he anticipated but screw it, he’d been having a wonderful dream that definitely did not involve Ashido when Katsuki had woken him up.

 

“Oi, cut the sass, if it wasn’t for me you’d probably be late.” Katsuki said and narrowed his eyes.

 

Izuku narrowed his eyes back as the pair glared at each other. Luckily before punches could be thrown the door to the classroom opened and Todoroki stepped through. If he was surprised by Izuku and Katsuki’s presence he didn’t show it. However once he noticed them he did make his way over to the pair.

 

Izuku glanced at Katsuki who just shrugged his shoulders, “Uh, good morning Todoroki.” Izuku said politely.

 

Todoroki nodded at them both, “Good Morning. I informed my father of why you have consistently beaten me. He disagreed.”

 

“O-oh…” Izuku stammered, not entirely sure how to respond to that statement.

 

“He said if I’d used my fire I would have soundly beaten you on both occasions.” Todoroki said while maintaining his monotone voice.

 

Izuku exchanged a slightly concerned glance with Katsuki, the topic of Todoroki’s fire seemed to be coming up at regular intervals, “Not necessarily,” Izuku said and started to mumble as he began to start analysing Todoroki’s quirk, “Yesterday the only test your fire would have been better than your ice would have been the long jump, and even then I still might have beaten you. And during the recommendation exam you mainly lost because you didn’t have a faster way to cross the canyon. And even if you had managed to cross quickly  my quirks would have easily countered you.”

 

This time Todoroki did gain an expression of surprise as he spoke, “Quirks? As in you have multiple quirks?”

 

Izuku froze, his eyes snapping open at the realisation of what he had said. Katsuki, who had only been half listening to the conversion, nearly fell back in his chair, snapping the pencil he had been holding in half. Both boys turned to each other, having a silent conversion on how to handle the situation.

 

“I didn’t realise I wasn’t the only one in the class with multiple quirks.” Todoroki said, seemingly lost in thought at the revelation.

 

Izuku let out a sigh of relief, he supposed Todoroki thinking he had two or more quirks wasn't the worst thing in the world. But Izuku really needed to work on his mumbling habit, accidentally letting slip what his quirk was or worse, what Katsuki’s quirk truly was, would be colossally bad.

 

“Perhaps that’s why you were able to win, I shall make sure to inform my father.” And with that Todoroki turned and walked over to his own desk, apparently he had decided the conversation was over.

 

Izuku and Katsuki looked at each other, Katsuki raised an eyebrow but Izuku just shrugged and waved him off. Todoroki seemed harmless, at least for now. Bidding goodbye to Katsuki Izuku made his way to the front of the class and took his seat, watching the rest of class arrive one by one.

 

“Good Morning Midori!” Ashido said as she took her seat behind him.

 

Izuku raised an eyebrow and swivelled in his chair to face her, “Midori?”

 

Ashido nodded, “Uh huh! I give all my friends nicknames,” Her face dropped slightly, “Is that uh, ok?”

 

Izuku had to make sure he didn’t burst into tears, it was the first nickname (bar Zuzu of course) he’d ever had that wasn’t meant as an insult, “I-it’s fine.” He said, his voice quivering slightly.

 

Ashido gave him a wide smile and both Kirishima and Jiro arrived, “Hey guys!” Kirishima said with a wave while Jiro shot them both a peace sign, both taking their seats next to Izuku and Ashido respectively.

 

“Say uh.. Midoirya,” Kirishima said a little nervously, making Izuku look at him with a concerned frown, “Do you mind me asking why you’re always wearing a glove on your right hand?”

 

Izuku flinched slightly at the question and subconsciously pulled his right hand back, hiding it in his jacket and holding it with his left. Ashido noticed the reaction and turned to Kirishima with an angry expression.

 

“Oh My God Kirishima! You can’t just ask something like that!” She cried and on instinct Kirishima activated his quirk for fear of being pummelled.

 

“It-It’s ok Ashido,” Izuku said quietly, pausing the oncoming attack she was aiming at Kirishima, “I had a bad accident when I first discovered my quirk and well… my hand is pretty much all scar tissue, I can’t even feel anything below my elbow.”

 

Ashido’s eyes filled with sadness and her usual upbeat demeanour dropped slightly. Kirishima also suddenly looked very sober while Jiro shot him a glare, “Good job moron.”

 

Kirshima was forced to harden as Jiro started to attack him with her jacks until Aizawa finally entered the room and the class settled down

 

“5 seconds today, better but it still needs improvement,” Aizawa said as he walked over and stood behind the podium at the front of the class, “I had hoped to allow you some free time in homeroom this morning but Nedzu reminded me of something important, something which will affect your entire time at UA.”

 

The entire class tensed at those words, Aizawa’s expression turned serious as he scanned over the classroom, “You need to elect a class president.”

 

There was a brief sigh of relief among the class before chaos ensued.

 

“Oh pick me! I’d plan so many trips for the class!”

 

“You extra’s need a powerful leader! I’m stronger than any of you!”

 

“It would be an honour to serve as president to such prestigious students!”

 

The entire class was soon silenced however when Aizawa activated his quirk, red eyes scanning over everyone and erasing their quirks. For most of the class it was the first time they had even realised what their teacher's quirk was and the red eyes combined with the floating hair followed by the brief loss of quirk was enough to shut anyone up. 

 

However, despite knowing what their teachers' quirk was, it was still the first time Izuku and Katsuki had been on the receiving end of it. As he felt his quirk vanish Katsuki frowned slightly at the empty feeling within him, unlike most others in the class he didn’t have such an outward reaction, he had after all had that empty feeling for 15 years before receiving his quirk. 

 

Izuku, on the other hand, was one of the said class members who had a larger reaction than most. At first he was just as uncomfortable as everyone else, despite not having the best opinion on his quirk he didn’t enjoy the emptiness that came without it, he had grown so used to his hunger being a constant in the back of his mind that it’s absence made for an almost uncomfortable level of silence. He was also suddenly unable to feel the quirk energy of his classmates, to Izuku it was like being temporarily blind of deaf. Overall the entire experience made him visibly shiver and flinch far more than the rest of the class which drew a concerned glance from Kirishima.

 

But that was nothing compared to when Aizawa’s eyes snapped away from him, his quirk came rushing back like a volcanic eruption. The energy of his classmates flared brightly and his hunger swept over his mind like a flood. He lurched forward, half expecting to lose his lunch as his hands gripped the side of his the desk with white knuckled hands. He was vaguely aware of the taste of blood in his mouth as he fought to make sure he regained control of his hunger. After what felt like hours but was probably in reality only a few seconds he felt his hunger simmer down the the energy of the quirks around him dim slightly.

 

As he came back to reality he noticed the entire class was looking at him with varying levels of concern. In the corner of the room Katsuki was already out of his desk, Kirishima too had stood up but seemed too concerned to touch him.

 

Aizawa quickly came running over, a look of horror on his face, and passed Izuku a handkerchief, “Midoriya, are you ok!?”

 

Izuku sighed and nodded and wiped the blood from his mouth, his tongue was throbbing and he could feel sweat on his face, “I’m ok. Sorry Sensei, my quirk, it uh… It came back with a lot of force, I had to regain control.”

 

Aizawa sighed and pinched between his eyes, “Shit,” he mumbled under his breath before looking at Izuku again, “Sorry kid, I should’ve considered the consequences of erasing your quirk. Do you need to go to the nurses office?”

 

Izuku shook his head, “I’m fine honestly, I have it all under control now, but uh.. Please warn me in the future.”

 

Aizawa shot him a small but reassuring smirk, “I’ll make sure to think of another way to put the fear of god into you.”

 

Izuku chuckled and Aizawa returned to the front of the classroom, Kirishima sat back down as did Katsuki once Izuku gave him a reassuring nod. There were a few glances sent his way but luckily it appeared he wasn’t the only one in the class who had a reaction to having their quirk erased. Dark Shadow had appeared in almost pure terror, having essentially been temporarily wiped from existence while Jiro seemed to have had her hearing effected and was snapping her fingers next to each ear.

 

“Apologies for using my quirk on you, normally I wait until I understand your quirks better so I know who not to focus on for those of you with more volatile reactions but it’s become a force of habit in recent years.,” Aizawa said as his hair was once again captured by gravity, “Now then, I don’t care how you select them but you’ll need a president and vice president and do it without burning the room down.” 

 

And with that Aizawa quickly climbed back into his sleeping bag and propped himself in the corner of the room, eyes closed and head down. Izuku pondered if the man might have a quirk that allowed him to sleep while also being aware of the real world. Either that or he was just paranoid.

 

“Everybody!” Iida shouted and shot up out of his seat before anyone else could talk, “The best way to do this would be via a democratic vote! We should have one vote each.”

 

“Uhh I’m not sure Iida, wouldn’t everyone just vote for themselves though? I mean most of us hardly know each other” Uraraka asked with a slight frown and Izuku had to agree, he might have some friends among the class but as for the rest of them he had only just figured out everyone’s names that same morning.

 

“Exactly! Therefore the person with the most votes will be the best candidate for the job, the same goes for the person with the second most votes for vice president.” Iida insisted and a few people nodded, having been convinced.

 

“The president should choose their vice, moron.” Katsuki said with a snort from behind Iida.

 

“Why do you say that Bakugou?” Yaoyorozu (who was also hoping for the position) asked.

 

“Because the president and vice president need to be a team, they need to get along and also compliment each other in their roles.” Katsuki said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

 

“That’s… actually a good point.” Kirshima said with some surprise.

 

“WHY THE FUCK DO YOU SOUND SO SURPRISED SHITTY HAIR!?”

 

“It’s settled then!” Iida cried, ignoring how Bakugou was halfway out of his seat and practically frothing from the mouth behind him, “We shall all cast our vote for the president who shall then pick their vice!”

 

Yaoyorozu quickly took care of creating a hat and Izuku (un)happily provided a few pages out of a spare notebook. Tapping his pen for a moment Izuku considered his choice and in the end decided on Yaoyorozu, she had all the qualities he would expect of a president and had buckets more confidence than he could ever hope to possess. There was no point voting for himself anyway, no one was going to win with one vote.

 

Iida offered to tally up the votes and everyone agreed, there was no way that the man who worshipped The God of Rulemaking would ever manipulate the results to put himself in the position. He quickly wrote the results on the chalkboard and turned to reveal them with a frown. Izuku quickly saw why due to the one written next to Iida’s name. Izuku quickly moved his eyes to the top to see who had won.

 

Oh.

 

1st Izuku Midoriya: 5 votes

 

2nd Momo Yoayorozu: 2 votes

 

“W-wait… what?” Izuku stuttered as every pair of eyes in the room turned to him.

 

“Congrats man!” Kirishima said with a wide smile and shot Izuku a thumbs up.

 

“Midoriya is your new president, now hurry and get up here to pick out a vice.” Aizawa said from his corner without even looking up.

 

Somehow Izuku managed to stumble to the front of the class without falling unconscious or losing his breakfast as 19 sets of eyes locked onto him. For a second as he stood up staring at his classmates he considered resigning and just handing it over to Yaoyorozu. But then he remembered one of the reasons he wanted to be a hero was to fight for people like him, fight for those with villainous quirks. And part of that would naturally mean dipping his toes into politics and while being class president wasn’t the do or die in that situation it was at least a good start.

 

Swallowing and trying to calm his nerves, Izuku smiled in front of his class, “Th-Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I uh, I’ll be honest. I’m not the best with uh… people.” He saw a few people's faces drop and noticed how both Uraraka and Yoarashi nodded in agreement.

 

Izuku took a breath and gripped onto the podium in front of him, his face steeled and he looked out into the class with intense eyes (which caused more than a few people in the class to tug at their collars), “But something I do know about is pain. I know what it’s like to suffer, what it’s like to hate school and dread coming in every day. So I want to say that as your class president I don’t want any of you to feel like that. In this class we treat others with respect, regardless of quirks, looks or anything else. If anyone and I mean anyone in or out of this class, even if they’re my friend or… brother,” a few people sent Katsuki a curious glance but the boy was too busy smirking at Izuku to notice, “I want you to come to me and I promise I’ll do everything in my power to set it right.”

 

Izuku finished his mini speech and stood up straighter on the podium, his eyes dancing with a fire that few had seen before.

 

“Well said Midoriya, you’ll have my full support in making sure anyone who steps out of line receives a suitable punishment.” Aizawa, who at some point had once again left his sleeping back and was now standing next to the new president, said with a dangerous gleam in his eyes directed at the class, the pair combined made for quite the sight.

 

“That’s so many dude! You’re gonna make a great class president!” Kirishima cried as Ashido and a few others nodded along.

 

“Truly, with a quirk like mine, school was not always easy. It is reassuring to know our class president will happily stand at my defence within the darkness.” Tokoyami said while Shoji nodded in agreement, it was obvious despite their powerful quirks their mutations were not always well received.

 

Izuku smiled at them all, “Thank you for your support.”

 

“OH! Who’s gonna be your vice?” Uraraka asked from the back of the class.

 

Izuku paused to think, his first thoughts were to select Yaoyorozu or even Iida, out of everyone in the class they seemed like the most suited for the spot. But thinking about it he realised they didn’t counter him very well, all three would excel in paperwork and the admin side of the role while sharing similar weaknesses. He briefly considered Katsuki but that would probably be seen as favouritism and he wasn’t convinced his brother would actually want the world anyway, certainly not with Izuku being the president. Yoarashi and Uraraka wouldn’t be bad picks but again he didn’t feel they countered him well enough, Uraraka could be as timid and shy as he was in certain situations. Meanwhile Yoarashi was the complete opposite, loud and intimidating, between him and Izuku’s own awkwardness they wouldn’t exactly be approachable. What Izuku needed was a vice who could be his confidence, someone who the class wouldn’t be afraid to approach and who would easily spot any issues within the class social circle. He knew exactly who that was.

 

“I’d like Ashido to be my vice president.” Izuku said with a smile aimed towards the pink girl.

 

Ashido leaned back in her chair and her eyes widened in surprise, “Me? Not that I don’t want it but why? I’m not exactly very good at note taking and stuff.” 

 

“Exactly,” Izuku excitedly responded, “Like I said, I’m not very good with people. But you’re the opposite, you made friends yesterday before classes even started. Then when Hagakure was upset you were by her side making her feel better in an instant during the quirk assessment. I can handle all the note taking and admin side of the job but you can be the one who looks after the class and makes sure everyone is ok!”

 

Ashido paused before smiling and jumping out of her seat, skipping up to the podium next to Izuku, “Sounds like a plan to me Midori! You guys need anything at all you come to me and I’ll keep my eye on you guys. Any issues and I’ll unleash the green beast here on you!”

 

“A-Ashido!” Izuku cried and covered his face with a slight blush.

 

“Good, Midoriya is your president and Ashido your vice president. There’s a school council meeting at the end of the day today, are you both able to attend?” Aizawa asked and both students nodded in the affirmative.

 

“Good, in which case I’m going to get some shut eye before that sound demon arrives for your first English class. Anyone wakes me up and I’ll expel you.” Aizawa said and Izuku believed every word.

 

---

 

The rest of the morning went by without any major events, for 1-A their days consisted of standard lessons in the morning (which today consisted of English and Mathematics) with their afternoons dedicated to their heroics classes (the opposite way round to their sister class 1-B). Despite what most would consider fairly boring lessons Izuku was practically vibrating in his seat as he was taught English grammar by a pro hero. Katsuki had to roll his eyes as Izuku excitedly asked both teachers for an autograph after each lesson.

 

Lunch had taken both Izuku and Katsuki by surprise. As it turned out old habits die hard and the moment the bell had rung for lunch both boys had all but sprinted out of the classroom together (much to the shock of their classmates) and quickly grabbed their lunches and found a secluded two seater table in a dark corner of the cafeteria. Years of bullying had taught them that getting their lunch as quickly as possible and finishing it before anyone else meant they were less likely to have it thrown in their faces.

 

However the pair had failed to account for their new friends. Before either had really dug into their meal they found themselves ambushed by Uraraka and Ahsido who, without a word, had dragged the pair to a much larger table where the four were joined by Yoayorozu, Yoarashi, Kirshima and Jiro. Though nervous, both made an effort to be included in the conversation, luckily it seemed Ashido, Kirishima and Uraraka were all social butterflies and found it easy to include everyone.

 

That was until conversion turned to the topic of their previous schooling, both Katsuki and Izuku became quiet and focused on their meals as their friends exchanged stories of growing up. Luckily Ashido managed to pick up on how uncomfortable the pair were and managed to steer the conversation away from them. Izuku suspected she had already put the pieces together based on how the pair acted and Izuku’s mini speech in homeroom. It was further evidence that he’d made the right choice in selecting her as his vice.

 

But even reminders of their previous school couldn’t dampen the excitement both Izuku and Katsuki (and the rest of the class) felt as lunch ended and they sat in anticipation for their first heroics lesson. It was after all the entire reason they were all here. 

 

“Who do you guys think our teacher is going to be?” Kirshima asked excitedly as he sat sideways in his chair as he, Izuku, Jiro and Ashido made a huddle in their corner.

 

“I bet it’s a pro hero, maybe a retired top ten!” Ashido said with a gleam in her eyes as she focused on the door, as if awaiting it to blow open at any moment.

 

“I hope they’re not too old, I want a teacher who can get involved in the action.” Jiro said as she twirled one of her ear jacks around her finger.

 

Izuku was about to offer his opinion when a familiar quirk energy came into his range, approaching the classroom. He tilted his head in curiosity, wondering how said person was going to handle teaching the class. He got his answer when the large door to the class started to open, instantly the entire student body was sitting facing the front of the room and leaning in with anticipation at who their teacher might be, all hoping for a famous and respected hero.

 

Izuku could practically feel the disappointment radiate off the class when the door opened to reveal a tall skeleton man in a yellow pinstripe suit. Yagi gave the class a nervous smile before closing the door behind him and walking up to the podium, setting down a large looking binder.

 

He cleared his throat as he looked out over the class, “Good Afternoon everyone, my name is Toshinori Yagi and I’ll be one of your teachers for foundational heroics this year. A little bit about me, I’ve worked alongside some of the top heroes in Japan, including All Might himself.” The disappointment that had spread among the class was washed away in an instant and several people perked up, “I mostly handle the paperwork side of their agencies as well as managing all active investigations, this has given me a valuable insight into the less obvious sides of heroics and so when my colleague announced he would be teaching here I offered to join in a supportive role to cover those topics.” It was a well fabricated lie Yagi had put together with Nedzu to explain why the course normally handled by one teacher was for this year being handled by ‘two’.

 

Yaoyorozu raised her hand and Yagi nodded at her, “One of sir?”

 

“That’s correct,” Yagi responded, “I will handle all your classroom work while my colleague, who you’ll meet later today, will handle all your physical lessons.”

 

Kaminari raised his hand, a confused frown on his face, “We’ll be having classroom lessons as well as physical?”

 

“Of course!” Yagi said, apparently perking up slightly, “While the physical aspect of heroics is of course important there is plenty to the career outside of simply fighting. In these classroom lessons we’ll be discussing the role of the HPSC in your career, how to present yourself and handle the media as well as many other topics. We will start off however by delving into your quirks, skills and type of hero you want to be. While at UA you will train in all aspects of heroics from stealth to detective work to charity events however chances are you will end up specialising in something best suited to you. That shall be the main goal of our lessons here, combined with your physical lessons in which you’ll start to better learn the strength and weaknesses of your quirks and the goal for us all is to get to  know your quirk and hero style inside and out.”

 

Despite the disappointment that Yagi was not in fact a top hero (as far as 18 members of the class were aware) most of 1-A had smiles on their faces as Yagi spoke about his lesson plans. Izuku was no exception to this, it was one thing to talk and imagine being a hero, it was another thing entirely to go into an in depth discussion about their future careers, it suddenly made everything seem so real.

 

“But I’m getting ahead of myself,” Yagi said and turned to the chalkboard, “To start with, we will be spending the next few weeks analysing your quirks. Now can anyone tell me what a Quirk Grade is?”

 

Yaoyorozu, Todoroki, Iida and Yoarashi all raised their hands.

 

“Yes, Yoarashi?” Yagi said and indicated the giant of a teenager.

 

Yoarashi shot out of his seat so fast Izuku thought he may have used his quirk for a minute, “Sensei! A quirk grade is a classification given to all heroes by the HPSC to help better determine their effectiveness in battle!”

 

Yagi nodded with a smile as he started to write on the chalkboard, “That’s a good basis for it but you’re wrong on two fronts. First of all the classification is purely based on someone's quirk and not their capabilities as an overall hero. While a quirk will certainly be a large part of how you operate as a hero there will be plenty of other skills you can bring to table. And while your grade helps the HPSC determine how you may perform in a battle it is an overall indication of how to utilise your quirks. To give an example, a few years ago the HPSC noticed a small city up north that had nearly exclusively recon based quirks operating in the area. Obviously this isn’t the most efficient team and so the HPSC was able to assist moving a few heroes to balance this out. Any questions?”

 

Shoji raised his hand(s), “When are these quirk grades determined?”

 

Yagi smiled and tapped on the folder on his desk, “They have already been assigned by the HPSC within the days after we confirmed your admittance here at UA.”

 

The entire class (bar Todoroki) leaned forward in their seats with a gleam in their eyes, many theorising on what grade they may have.

 

But before revealing that Yagi tuned back to the board, “First of all I should advise you that Quirk Grades are a general secret from the public, however now that you are hero students you all signed the standard non disclosure agreement which gives you access to level 5 HPSC classified files which includes quirk grades. Now, when they were first created there was a standard ranking system of quirk grades. The system was fairly simple, it started at E, the lowest power rank and went up to A, the highest rank.”

 

Yagi wrote each rank on the board, leaving a wide space underneath each one, “Can anyone see an issue with this system.”

 

Izuku as well as Katsuki and Yoayorozu raised their hands and Yagi gestured for Izuku to answer.

 

“It’s too much of a restrictive system, basing the ranking off the pure power of the quirk means you won’t see the full potential of the quirk. Take Yoarashi for example, his quirk is a traditional elemental emitter, he’d easily be ranked A or B. But chances are if you took Hagakure’s quirk it would be a much lower rank… uh, no offence Hagakure.” Izuku added with a bit of blush realising he had more or less just insulted the girl, luckily she just waved him off and he continued.

 

“But it all depends on the situation, Hagakure would obviously be far more skilled at stealth and even outside of stealth I’d personally much rather have Hagakure on my team if we were infiltrating an underground facility. Yoarashi is much more suited to outside or open spaces. Therefore simply basing them on a rigid power structure isn’t useful to anyone.” Izuku finished and it was a miracle he hadn’t delved into mumbling.

 

Yagi gave him a wide smile, “Excellent! I couldn’t have put it better myself. You are correct and within a few years the HPSC realised the same thing. To combat this they added additional categories for those quirks which on the surface may not seem as strong but are so specialised they can be just as useful as grade A quirks. Four sub categories were created to help with this, they are Recon, Stealth, Support and Omega. Can anyone hazard a guess as to what each category means?”

 

This time more than a handful of hands went up, for obvious reasons and Izuku didn’t know if Yagi was just that naïve that he generally thought people wouldn’t know what stealth was or if he was just trying to engage the class. Izuku hoped it was the former. Stealth and Recon were identified easily enough by Kaminari and Ojiro respectively while Support, as it turned out, was slightly more complex than just healing quirks, it referred to any quirk which was best suited to aiding team members or other heroes in a confrontation. Sir Nighteye and Eraserhead were both examples of heroes who possessed non healing support quirks, though apparently Aizawa had fought against that classification throughout his entire career. It had been assigned on the basis Aizawa would operate by hanging back and allowing his team to take down villains with nullified quirks. The HPSC had not accounted for his capture weapon or his extreme levels of stubbornness. The only one the class struggled with was the Omega class, Todoroki was the only one who offered a hand for that.

 

“Omega classes are quirks with extreme variety or are so unique they are hard to classify on the standard system even with the sub categories. They are extremely rare within the hero industry and are usually considered to be extremely powerful within their own right.” Todoroki informed the class as if he was reading from a textbook.

 

“Thank you Todoroki that’s correct, omega quirks are in fact so rare that there are no current active heroes in Japan with an omega classified quirk. The closest country with one is China with a hero who has the ability to ‘flip’ the effects of other quirks. Omega quirks aren't necessarily automatically more powerful than other quirks but can often be used in any situation from limelight villain battles to underground investigations.” Yagi explained and Izuku couldn’t help but glance behind him at Yaoyorozu, if anyone in their class had an omega quirk it would be her.

 

“There is also one more addition that was brought in since the system's creation. The S Grade.” Yagi said and his face took on a much more sombre expression, “Class this may be getting ahead of myself but if you ever come across an S Class villain, especially one with training, you should never engage alone, no matter how strong you are. Grade S was created when quirks started to mutate to levels beyond what we ever anticipated. S grade quirks are quirks that one upon a time went into grade A but are deemed so powerful, unique or dangerous that they are worthy of being singled out. They are even rarer than Omega classed quirks and there are considered to be only around 10 to 12 S Class quirks in all of Japan and only around 30 to 40 on the entire planet. To give you an example, the only current active hero with a Grade S quirk is All Might.”

 

Aizawa could have walked in wearing a bikini and declared his love for All Might and it wouldn’t have gotten a peep out of anyone at that moment. The collective facial expression of the class was one of dread, they all knew of course that as heroes they would have to face villains but getting a warning like that on day two… it was a stark reminder that some heroes never made it home from work.

 

Yagi coughed into a handkerchief and cleared his throat, “Apologies for what may have seemed like a dark comment but while I may not agree with Aizawa on everything, including his taste in coffee,” That at least got a chuckle from the class, “I do agree that we shouldn’t sugar coat what this career path really is like. Now, let's move onto the main event shall we? Time to figure out your quirk grades.”

 

It was like Yagi had produced a wave of pure happiness as the entire class switched from pale faces and sober moods to wide smiles and highs made of pure excitement. Ashido was leaning so far forward in her chair she was practically sitting on her desk while Katsuki had a vicious smirk on his face, confident he was a Grade A. Only two people in the room weren’t excited. The first was Todoroki, who already knew his quirk as informed by his father. The second was Izuku himself, although he was thrilled and excited by the idea of finding out his friend's Quirks Grade he didn’t have the same enthusiasm for his own quirk. Call him a broken record but he still didn’t enjoy thinking too hard about the reality of his abilities.

 

“Now, before I tell you your official grades I want you to try and estimate your own, please keep in mind that these grades are based on the full potential of your quirk. So just because you are ranked Grade A or B doesn’t mean you're ready to face down villains, without training nearly all quirks can be considered class C or less. You won’t deal with the HPSC until after graduation anyway so there’s no point grading your quirks in their current state. It’s also possible for your quirks to change as you are put under the intense training here, some of you will likely have quirk awakenings which may up your grade or gain you a subclass, so please don’t fear if you’re disappointed by your result. Now then, please spend 15 minutes coming up with what you think your grade could be and then present it to the class. Yes Yaoyorozu?”

 

Izuku jumped in his seat slightly, he hadn’t even realised they were open to questions as Yoayorozu spoke, “Sensei, some of us have classified elements to our quirks, will this be an issue?”

 

“Ah, forgive me as I should have mentioned this already. Due to the close nature of training to be heroes together HPSC classification rules are void within a heroics class. Myself, Aizawa and your other heroics teacher all have access to the complete information on your quirks. Meanwhile if you choose you may also inform your classmates, though it isn’t necessary to and you are all protected under the non-disclosure agreements you signed.” Yagi explained as he started to hand out paper around the room.

 

Izuku sighed as he looked down at the blank paper as the scratching of pens and pencils filled the room. At least Yagi wouldn’t force him to reveal his quirk to the class on day two. But that didn’t mean he was thrilled about analysing his own quirk. He knew that his quirk had the potential to be powerful but honestly he suspected he was within the B range. The issue was he knew he needed specific requirements for his quirk to work. If a fight were to break out right now in class he would be pretty useless if he was unable to focus and have the time to take anyone’s quirk. Deciding that he was probably a solid B Grade he quickly wrote down his reasons.

 

After the promised 15 minutes were up Yagi started to go around the room and discuss people's quirks grades before revealing their actual grade. Honestly… it was painful to watch most of them. More than a few estimated themselves one or even two grades higher than they actually were.Aoyama had actually suggested he was an S Grade. He had nearly fainted at being told he was in fact just a C Grade. There were a few, however, who underestimated themselves. Uraraka was surprised to discover she was a Grade B, apparently the HPSC believed with the correct training it was possible that the amount of weight she could nullify could be limitless. Tokoyami was the first student to get a Grade A followed by Yoarashi, both boys received impressed glances from their classmates. But it wasn’t until it was Katsuki’s turn that the real shocks started.

 

“I think I’m Grade A,” Katsuki declared to the surprise of no-one, “It might seem arrogant but my quirk is simple and powerful, currently I have to limit the amount I use so as not to break my body. Yet despite that I’m stronger and faster than most of you extra’s so by the time I graduate I’ll be stronger and faster than all of you!” Katsuki finished with a smirk at the class.

 

Yagi chuckled slightly, “Smart reasoning, I don’t think it’s arrogant at all, in fact if anything it’s not arrogant enough…”

 

Nearly every head snapped to the chalkboard as Yagi turned to add Katsuki to the growing list, none faster than Izuku who nearly had whiplash as his thoughts caught up with Yagi’s words.

 

‘No way…’

 

Grade S

Katsuki Bakugou

 

“Holy fuck…” Someone in the class whispered though no one was able to identify who it was.

 

Very slowly the entire class turned to look at Katsuki who was looking so smug that Izuku almost took a picture to show Auntie after school. It was definitely a look that would go down in the history books. Though thinking about it it actually made sense, All Might and Katsuki did have the same quirk after all, of course they would receive the same grade.

 

The entire class was looking at Katsuki with something akin to awe, even Yoarashi who had seen his quirk first hand was in a mild amount of shock. Apparently he hadn't realised Katsuki was forcibly limiting his power output.

 

“Now then, let's move on,” Yagi said swiftly, probably in an attempt to stop the class erupting in chaos, “Todoroki?”

 

Todoroki stood up and nodded, “My father already had my quirk assessed by the HPSC, I’m Grade S.”

 

This time Yagi couldn’t stop the chaos. Several students shouted over each other, a few accidentally activating their quirks. Others paled in fear, suddenly realising at some point they would have to spar against these two quirk gods. Izuku just sat back and let it all unfold, keeping control of his hunger which had flared up slightly at the energy. Eventually however Yagi did regain control of the class and was able to get a few more people’s grades in before the next major surprise came.

 

“It’s hard to classify my quirk,” Yaoyorozu said as she read off her notes, “Compared to the likes of Bakugou it’s not all that powerful but my quirk does have several uses, therefore I felt that I would be a Grade B with the subclass of support.”

 

Yagi rubbed his chin, “I can certainly see why you might feel like that at this stage. But you must consider Yaoyorozu while your quirk doesn’t have any obvious power behind it, with enough training it could have nearly unlimited possibilities, able to help in any situation.”

 

Turning to board Yagi added Yaoyorozu to a small list of students.

 

Grade A

Fumikage Tokoyami

Inasa Yoarashi 

Momo Yaoyorozu (Omega)

 

Yoayorozu’s jaw dropped slightly, “Oh my, I have the Omega class?”

 

“Damn straight Yaoyorozu!” Uraraka cheered, “You’re going to be the only Omega class hero! That will be amazing!”

 

Yoayorozu blushed at the complement and sat back down, a few more words of praise being sent her way. Even Katsuki and Todoroki seemed to look at her with some level of respect. Both could admit even their power had its limits compared to someone who could create literally anything for any situation.

 

Eventually Yagi had 19 names on the chalkboard as all but one person had been informed of their Quirk Grade. Izuku didn’t know if it was coincidental or on purpose that it was just his name missing, maybe Yagi was well aware this wasn’t enjoyable for Izuku and had put it off for as long as possible. Nevertheless Izuku was the only person left as he read off the board.

 

Grade E

Hagakure (Stealth)

Koji Koda (Support)

 

Grade D

Hanta Sero

Rikido Sato

Mashirao Ojiro

 

Grade C

Kyouka Jiro (Recon)

Mina Ashido

Yuga Aoyama

Mezo Shoji (Recon)

Grade B

Eijio Kirishima

Tsuyu Asui

Ochako Uraraka (Support)

Tenya Iida

Denki Kaminari

 

Grade A

Fumikage Tokoyami

Inasa Yoarashi

Momo Yaoyorozu (Omega)

 

Grade S

Katsuki Bakugou

Shoto Todoroki

 

Izuku couldn’t help but be impressed, half the class were Grade B or above which, according to Yagi, was above average for most hero classes. Not to mention they had not one but two S Grade students and the only Omega student in the country. Izuku wouldn’t be surprised if they made up the top three heroes one day. He sighed as Yagi called his name and stood up, at least he still felt his quirk was a solid B Grade.

 

“I believe my quirk to be Grade B. Though I know my quirk has the potential to be powerful it has certain conditions which prevent me from being ranked higher,” Izuku missed Katsuki’s frown in disagreement but the blonde didn’t interrupt, “I know I don’t hold a candle to anyone above me or maybe even those already Grade B, if we were attacked now I’d probably be useless, but I hope with training I can earn the Grade B my quirk represents.”

 

Yagi was giving Izuku a look he didn’t recognise and there were a few people mumbling in the class and giving him mixed looks. Some, like Todoroki and Ojiro looked disappointed, others like Yoarashi and Kirishima seemed confused, they had thought he had a strong A Grade quirk, while Katsuki was completely alone in his frown.

 

“Well that’s… a little disappointing.” Ojiro said with a slight scowl.

 

Several heads turned to Ojiro with angry expressions, Katsuki was literally growling at the body and Izuku could feel One For All starting to activate under his brother's skin. But it was Jiro who was the voice of the small group of angry students.

 

“Hey man, that’s not cool, like, at all. In fact it’s borderline quirkist, besides you’re only rank E.” She said with a vicious scowl that almost impressed Katsuki with how mean it looked.

 

Ojiro held up his hands at the incredibly hostile energy he was getting from a section of the class, “I’m just saying, he made the big speech about how he’ll stand up for us, how’s he supposed to that when half the class, and quite possibly the school, have a more powerful quirk than him.”

 

By this stage Izuku had curled in on himself, refusing to look anywhere but down at his desk, he could practically feel the eyes of his class slicing open his skin and trying to look at his disgusting quirk energy. Meanwhile Katsuki had risen out of his seat and looked ready to commit murder, though this wasn’t surprising. What was surprising though was that Yoarashi and Kirishima had also risen out of their seats and half the class had to shuffle away from the pure rage that Uraraka was giving off. Even Ashido and Jiro had rather menacing scowls on their faces. For a minute it looked like all out war was about to break out.

 

“Enough! All of you!”

 

Yagi’s voice made the entire class freeze, even Katsuki and Izuku. Neither had heard him talk like this, it was almost similar to how he spoke as All Might towards villains, he hadn;t shouted but his voice held enough authority that everyone but Izuku sat back down and faced the front.

 

“Ojiro,” Yagi said with a frown towards the boy who flinched slightly under the surprisingly intense gaze, “Jiro is right, we do not determine someone’s worth here based on their quirks. Hagakure and Koda are the lowest Grade here yet I suspect none of you could infiltrate a base as effectively as Hagakure meanwhile Koda has the potential to amass an entire army within moments, something none of you could even come close to replicating.” Said students both seemed to relax slightly and Koda even sported a small smile, both had been rather disappointed by their Grades, “These Grades are purely to help you understand where you might be most useful and do not indicate someone’s worth.”

 

The mood settled in the classroom and Izuku felt some tension leave his shoulders. Yagi turned to him and his face once again turned into a smile.

 

“Besides, Midoriya here was actually wrong about his grade.”

 

Izuku’s heart started to beat far too fast for it to be medically safe, he wasn’t sure he could handle the embarrassment of overestimating his grade. He held his breath as Yagi stepped away.

 

Grade S

Katsuki Bakugou

Shoto Todoroki

Izuku Midoriya (Omega)

 

There was utter silence as the entire class took in that information, only one person seemed unfazed.

 

“Pfft, obviously.” Katsuki said with an eye roll.

 

“M-Midoriya…?” Jiro asked without taking her eyes from the board.

 

“Y-Yes?” Izuku asked, he himself still taking in the shock of his grade.

 

“What. The. Actual. Fuck?”

 

Then the floodgates opened.

 

“Holy SHIT Midori! You really are a badass!”

 

“Midoriya if you don’t tell me what your mystery quirk is I swear I’m gonna float you into the sun!”

 

“TO THINK MY OWN FRIEND AND RIVAL HAS SUCH AN IMPRESSIVE QUIRK, I TRULY AM HONOURED TO HAVE FOUGHT AGAINST YOU IN THE RECOMMENDATION EXAMS!”

 

It took Yagi nearly twice as long to calm the class down compared to when they had exploded at Todoroki’s revelation. Izuku himself felt numb as he sat down. He was not only an S Grade but also an Omega. Quite frankly it was a lot to take for a person who a year ago had never once used his quirk.

 

“Jesus fuck me sideways,” Sero muttered from across the room, “Yagi Sensei said there were twelve S Grade quicks in Japan. That means a quarter of them are in this room!”

 

Technically there were actually four S Grades in the room at that moment but obviously only three people were actually aware of that fact. 

 

“Not only that, Midoriya is the first hero to ever be classed as both Grade S and Omega.” Yagi said with a chuckle which caused nearly every student in the room to look at said boy with a mix of awe and jealousy.

 

Todoroki seemed to be having an existential crisis as his attention switched between Katsuki and Izuku. If Izuku were to guess he assumed Todoroki thought he would be the only S Grade in the class, after all his own father was only an A Grade. To discover he had not one but two rivals in the same grade not to mention an Omega would be making him rethink his position.

 

“Now then,” Yagi said and finally drew the attention back to him, “With the knowledge of your quirk grade for your homework I’d like you to each do a brief analysis of your quirk and determine which situation it would be best suited for. I’d like you to form your answer in terms of the four main branches of heroics, Limelight, Underground, Rescue and Investigation.”

 

The class couldn’t help but let out a collective groan, after the excitement of the last hour it was easy to forget they were still technically at school. The whole situation made Yagi chuckle.

 

“Sorry kids, but this is still technically a lesson just like Mathematics or English. On the brightside, I think it’s about time you headed for the practical part of your lesson!”

 

The mood in the class switched instantly, they were finally getting to the good part of studying heroics! Twenty wide smiles that ranged from pure joy to deranged danger spread out among the students.

 

“Now, if you could make your way to Ground Foxtrot you’ll meet your second heroics teacher there. But of course, as young heroes, you’ll be needing these first.” Yagi said with a slightly smug wink.

 

The wall to the left of Izuku suddenly opened up to reveal several stacked cased numbers from one to twenty. Izuku’s eyes were suddenly filled with stars as he realised what he was looking at.

 

“That’s right!” Yagi said, “You hero costumes designed and created to your specifications by the Yaoyorozu Support company!”

 

Yaoyorozu blushed slightly at the mention of her parents' company but the rest of the class were too excited to question her on it.

 

Ashido turned in her seat to face Izuku, “Oh my god Midori, this is so exciting. I can’t believe all this. And hey, what is your quirk anyway?”

 

But by the time she turned to face him Izuku had already grabbed his costume and was halfway out the door.

Chapter 15: Gran Torino's Influence

Summary:

It's time for Class 1-A's first heroic practical lesson and while All Might might actually be a decent teacher he's also learned to channel his inner Gran Torino

Izuku wasted no time in running to the changing room and getting changed into his hero costume. Unlike Katsuki he despised the attention that would inevitably come from his quirk grade. Some, like Todoroki and Yoarashi would take it as a challenge, defeat the Grade S Omega hero and there's few left who could challenge you. Others would probably try to befriend him, partner up with a hero with that much power and you’re bound to soar through the ranks. Even those without ulterior motives would still naturally be curious about his quirk. 

 

Izuku knew he was just delaying the inevitable, there was frankly no way he would be able to pass his hero exams and avoid expulsion via Aizawa unless he started to use his quirk on his classmates. But he’d had two good days so far, he wanted to at least enjoy his first heroics lesson without worrying about his classmates' reaction to his quirk.

 

But even with all of that absolutely nothing could bring his mood down once he finished putting on his hero costume and caught himself in the mirror. Despite having literally dozens of costume ideas growing up when it had actually come down to designing them (after Katsuki had managed to stop Izuku crying from the very thought of his own hero costume) they ended up being relatively simple designs. The truth was in practice One For All was a relatively simple physical quirk so, while powerful, Katsuki didn’t really need any specialised costume adaptations to help him. Meanwhile there was no telling what Izuku’s costume would need to handle so there was no way to know what adaptations and equipment he required.

 

In the end both boys would admit their initial designs ended up being a little bland bar the colours, just standard jumpsuits with a utility belt each. That was until Katsuki’s fashion designer parents caught sight of the designs.

 

---

 

A few weeks ago

“So you’ll be working at UA this year?” Inko asked Yagi as she poured him a fresh cup of tea, feeling kind she had picked the boys up from training that day and insisted Yagi come back to the house for tea.

 

“That’s right, it’s not a full time role but the boys will probably see me around the campus, I may even end up teaching a lesson or two if they let me.” Yagi said with a chuckle.

 

Inko smiled and glanced down at the other end of the table where her and Yagi were sitting, to where Katsuki and Izuku were surrounded by pens, pencils and sheets of paper. Quietly discussing costume ideas between themselves.

 

“I’m glad you’ll be around, I know he’s come a long way but I still can’t help but be concerned for Izuku. Katsuki too, they’ve been through so much.”

 

Yagi leaned forward and put his hand over Inko’s own much smaller one, “I won’t promise the path they’ve chosen will be easy but they’ll have mine and All Might's support throughout.”

 

Inko blushed slightly as her hand was wrapped up but smiled nonetheless, “Thank you Toshi.”

 

“What is this crap!?”

 

Yagi and Inko jumped slightly in surprise and turned their heads down to the end of the table again, though their hands didn’t move. At the other end Mitsuki and Masaru were currently standing over the boys and Mitsuki had a slightly disgusted look on her face while Masaru seemed deep in thought. 

 

“What the hell hag? These are our costume designs!” Katsuki retorted with a slight growl, Yagi perked up slightly at hearing they were designing their costumes.

 

“I know that Brat One!” Mitsuki said as she leaned in and investigated the two designs, “Quite frankly I’m disappointed in both of you, you’ve grown up in a house with two fashion designers and THIS is the best you can both come up with!?”

 

Masaru picked up both designers and furrowed his eyebrows, “They are rather… dull boys.”

 

Izuku’s face suddenly looked downtrodden and Katsuki frowned, “It’s not the circus, they’re practical!”

 

“Actually boys,” Yagi said intervening in the conversation, Masaru and Izuku turned their attention to him while Katsuki and Mitsuki continued to glare at each other, “Having a good a costume can be important, especially for limelight heroes who want to rise through the ranks. Getting noticed and having a memorable costume is half the battle when it comes to the media and popularity rankings. Just look at Endeavour, he uses his flames for style while The Wild Wild Pussycats are themed around cats despite only one of their members having cat like features, the most important aspect must always be functionality but if you want to achieve the top spots you’ll need to stand out in appearance as well as performance.”

 

“Hmpf, fine then hag, what do you think?” Katsuki said through gritted teeth as he reluctantly allowed his mother to sit with him.

 

Izuku meanwhile sighed, “Even while making it look good I’ll still struggle with practicality, there’s no way of knowing what kind of quirk I’ll be using.”

 

Yagi tapped his chin in thought, “You know I did hear of a second year UA student who had issues getting his costume to work with his quirk. I believe they used a new method to create a new costume for him that used DNA extracted from his hair to create a material that worked alongside his quirk. Your body is able to adapt to the quirks you steal, perhaps using a similar method to create your outfit would give it equal levels of adaptability.”

 

Izuku’s eyes gleamed however Masaru hesitated, “Is that standard for a first year student?” he asked.

 

Yagi’s smile dropped slightly, “Ah… no, most companies and schools won’t pay the costs for a first year. But… The All Might agency has plenty of money to spare.” 

 

All five members of the Bakugou-Midoriya household snapped their attention to Yagi who froze under the intense gazes, “That’s uh… assuming you want the funds?”

 

---

 

In the end Izuku and Katsuki’s hero costumes had been designed by the elder Bakugous, funded by the All Might Agency and created by the Yaoyorozu Support Company. Apparently Izuku’s costume had caused quite the stir in the industry, while hero outfits could obviously be designed to be to withstand most quirks Izuku’s could theoretically withstand all quirks. He didn’t quite understand how it worked but the material was able to react to outside forces and adapt to them, it could become fire resistant one moment and able to withstand ice the next. It had gotten to the point where Inko had to get involved with her legal agency to make sure Izuku’s DNA wasn’t sold or sought after by other companies. But weeks later Izuku could say that the result spoke for themselves.

 

The basic jumpsuit he had originally designed made for the base of the costume, though it was a much darker green than he had originally anticipated. The top half was fit tightly around his chest while the legs were more baggy and lead to his signature red shoes (though these weren’t actually his shoes and instead reinforced copies). He had a black and red utility belt around his waist though apart from a small first aid kit it was mostly empty, the theory was he would be able to use it to store equipment that would help the quirks he took from villains as he built his stockpile.

 

The dark green was accompanied by black lines that went down to his legs, each line coming out of the large black star on the centre of his chest. On his right arm he had a full sleeve that went into a glove, completely covering his scarred hand and fingers, the sleeve followed the same pattern as the rest of his costume and was coloured a dark green with black stripes, the exception being the red colour of the glove to match his shoes. The entire arm, along with his overall costume was padded to give him better protection against blows. His left arm however was completely sleeveless, his costume ended at the shoulder and his arm was completely bare apart from the fingerless red glove on his hand. The reason behind the arm difference was partly that Izuku still didn’t like people seeing his right hand and partly that he had no way of knowing if he might take a quirk requiring exposed skin like Yoayorozu’s.

 

The suit was accompanied by a hood that Izuku could pull over his head as well as a dark red mouth guard which was actually built similar what Present Mic used and when equipped would allow him to modulate any voice related quirks.It might not have been as flashy as Mitsuki wanted but if Izuku drew his hood, put on his mouth guard (which came with a voice editor so he could talk with a much deeper voice than his own) and it was a fairly intimidating look.

 

But that was nothing compared to how terrifying Katsuki’s outfit was. Like Izuku he had a standard jump suit as the basis of his outfit. Whereas Izuku’s was green with back patterns, Katsuki's was black with red patterns. His chest had a large red X on it that spread round to his back and helped bring out the red belt around his waist, though it wasn’t a utility belt like Izukus. During the design of Katsuki’s outfit Yagi had pointed out how it would be a good idea for the boy to have some leg and forearm supports while he developed the strength of his quirk. But of course Mitsuki wouldn’t accept just a standard set of supports.

 

Instead Katsuki wore a set of greaves and gauntlets styled after European Knights and made to look like they were made of dark tinted red metal. The greeves went up to his knees and included knee guards while the gauntlets went right up his arm and included shoulder pads. Of course Katsuki being Katsuki had included spikes on the greaves and gauntlets, though they were technically dulled. The overall look was completed with a simple black mask and went over his eyes. 

 

As Izuku watched the other boys get changed he realised why All Might’s agency had been required to fund his own costume. Despite how flashy some of them looked it was obvious they weren’t too complex, not like Izuku’s was. He understood why, of course, hero suits were expensive and could cost hundreds of millions of yen for the more complex versions. Not to mention the fact that out of the thousands of first year hero students starting their courses this year only 52% of them would make it to pro hero status. So schools and support companies weren’t exactly eager to pour money into costumes that would never be used out in the field. Despite that Izuku still thought the majority of his peers looked absolutely incredible, he also knew he’d be spending hours after school today adding notes about all their outfits in his notebook.

 

Ground Foxtrot as it turned out was essentially just a giant gym, far larger than the one Aizawa had them in yesterday, Izuku was fairly sure it was even larger than a standard aircraft hangar. It was filled to the brim with complex and expensive looking equipment that varied from standard weight benches and treadmills to more advanced technology that Izuku couldn’t even start to fathom for what purpose it was. Even the walls and ceilings were covered in equipment for those with agility or even flight based quirks.

 

Izuku and Katsuki, being the first two out of the changing rooms as per usual, were staring up at the gym in awe as the rest of the class started to exit in their hero outfits.

 

“Oh my God! You guys look amazing!” Uraraka squealed as she practically skipped towards the pair, Jiro along with her.

 

“Th-thanks Uraraka, you guys look great too.” Izuku stammered in response trying to ignore how tight Uraraka’s outfit was.

 

“Not really,” Jiro said with a sigh, “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted so my only specifications was a kind of punk look as well as the speakers on my legs.” She said and indicated the two large speakers which completely covered her shins.

 

At the sight Izuku’s eyes lit up, “Oh that’s such a good idea, it’s essentially a weaker version of Present Mics quirk, in fact you could add speakers to other locations of your body you may even be able to go as far as replicating Present Mics quirk ifyouaddedaspeakerasamouthpiecelikeIhaveand…”

 

Katsuki sighed as Izuku fell into a mumbling storm, “Well that’s him gone for the next five minutes. Seriously though, if you want any recommendations for changes just ask the nerd, he’ll probably have three pages worth of notes on it by the end of the day.”

 

Jiro and Uraraka watched with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity as Izuku continued to ramble. Uraraka waved her hand over the boy's face to find no reaction from him whatsoever.

 

“Uh, is there any way to snap him out of it?” Jiro asked as Uraraka started to snap her fingers in front of the boy's eyes, again, Izuku didn’t even flinch.

 

Katsuki smirked, “Yeah, there's one way.”

 

There was a resounding slap that echoed through the gym causing a few of their other classmates to turn around in surprise. Meanwhile Uraraka and Jiro had open jaws and shocked expressions as their eyes snapped between Izuku and Katsuki. The latter was smirking at the former who had stopped mumbling and whose head was now facing to the side, a large red hand print on one of his cheeks.

 

Jiro and Uraraka held their breath, Izuku’s wasn’t moving, eyes wide and simply registering the slap. The two girls were all but ready to run and get a teacher to report a fight breaking out between the pair.

 

“Oooooooow, that hurt Kacchan.” Izuku said, tuning back to Katsuki and pouting at the slapper.

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes, “Stop being such a baby. You were the one who said you wanted me to slap you every time you mumbled.”

 

“You didn’t have to slap me so hard,” Izuku grumbled and crossed his arms before his eyes widened, “Wait, I was mumbling!? I’m sorry, please forgive me!”

 

Izuku turned to Uraraka and Jiro and gave a low bow, his face flushed with embarrassment. The two girls looked down in surprise before tuning to each other and offering an in sync shrug.

 

“It was a little creepy but you don’t need to apologise.” Uraraka said with a wide smile.

 

“Yeah, don’t apologise for being smart, if anything I’m glad you have some thoughts about my costume.” Jiro said as she looked down and observed her punk outfit.

 

Izuku gained a shaky smile as he stood back up, he opened his mouth to say something when a sight behind the girls drew his attention.

 

“K-Kirishima!” He stuttered as the red haired boy walked over followed by Yoarashi.

 

Said red haired boy was wearing his hero outfit, which consisted of a fairly simple design which didn’t include a shirt with his bare chest on display. Apparently Izuku wasn’t the only one shocked by the topless boy based on how Uraraka covered her mouth as she giggled and Jiro had to look away, her face growing red and jacks clicking together. Bakugou just scoffed at the whole display.

 

“Hey guys!” Kirishima shouted with a wave, “Wow, I thought Yoarashi had the most impressive costume but all you guys look amazing too!”

 

Izuku couldn’t help but agree on the note about Yoarashi, considering the teenager's already intimidating height, his costume just added to the fear factor. It was thick, clearly made to keep him warm when using the intense gale force winds of his quirk and had equipment dotted around to help him control said winds. Combined with how one arm seemed to be encased in a massive glove with the billowing cape behind him and Izuku gulped slightly, compared to Yoarashi the rest of them looked like children playing dress up.

 

“Oi shitty hair!” Katsuki cried, “What the fuck kind of costume is that!?”

 

Kirshima laughed and beat his chest slightly, activating his quirk as he did, “Well, my main tactic is gonna be taking blows so any costume I do wear will get pretty torn up, so I figured why bother?”

 

“Because!” Jiro exclaimed, she appeared to be the only one besides Izuku who had become flustered at Kirishima’s bare chest, “You’re… what if… I mean… Won’t you get cold?”

 

Katsuki raised an eyebrow and Uraraka shot Jiro a sly smirk, Kirsihima just chuckled, “Nah, using my quirk also helps negate temperature a little.”

 

All thoughts of Kirishima’s bare chest were forgotten as Izuku's eyes lit up and filled with excitement. But before anything happened Katsuki slapped his hand over Izuku’s mouth.

 

“I ain’t letting you fall into another mumble storm.”

 

Izuku grumbled in protest, much to the amusement of the group, but left it and they quickly fell into casual conversation with each other as the rest of the class arrived. Ashido and Yaoyorozu soon joined them and all four boys had to make a conscious effort to make sure they never looked anywhere but directly into Yaoyorozu’s eyes. Eventually the whole class stood on the gym floor, still no teacher in sight, wondering what their lesson would be.

 

Once again Izuku felt a familiar energy at the edge of his range coming from above them, he turned to the rest of his friends (where Katsuki was currently in a shouting match with Uraraka over which rescue hero was the toughest), “You all might want to brace.”

 

“Ah! I see you’re all ready for your lesson!” A voice from somewhere near the top of the warehouse shouted down, “That’s good! Because I AM HERE… TO TEACH YOU!”

All Might crashed down in front of the shocked class, a great gust of wind pushing a few of them over from the shockwave. All Might put his hands on his hips and smiled down at the class wearing his silver age costume.

 

“It- it’s All Might!”

 

“Ribbet, he’s wearing his silver age costume, he looks incredible.”

 

“I can’t believe we’re going to be taught by All Might!”

 

“This class is going to be so manly!”

 

A few people, including Izuku and Katsuki shot Kirishima confused glances at that last comment while All Might let out a great bellow of a laugh.

 

“That’s right, students! While Yagi will handle all your classroom lessons I shall be taking control of your physical lessons! Here our main goal is for you to develop your quirk while also learning all the skills you’ll need for hero work. We’ll work hand in hand with your classroom lessons to better understand your quirk and make sure you can utilise it to its fullest. But we’ll also be working on skills directly outside of your quirks such as stealth, hand to hand combat and endurance training!” The more All Might spoke the more the man seemed to fill with confidence at how much attention every single student paid him, even Izuku and Katsuki, who had been taught by the man for nearly a year at this point, were just as captivated by his words.

 

“But before we get into that we need to get as familiar with your quirks as we can. That’s why we're here in Ground Foxtrot, put simply you're currently standing in one of, if not the, most advanced gymnasiums in Japan! There is equipment here to test the limits and boundaries of every quirk imnagaible, some of the equipment has even been added for some of the quirks we have in this very class!” 

 

All Might pushed a button on a remote he had and several robots zoomed up to the class, each holding what appeared to be a stack of folders, “Each of you have a folder that myself and Aizawa created based on your quirks, once a week one of your practical heroics lessons will be based here with each week having a set exercises to go through designed to help better understand your quirk and it’s limitations as well as track your progress.”

 

A robotic student up near the front of the class raised their hand and All Might indicated for them to speak, “Sensei!” Ah, the robot was Iida, “This seems very basic for heroics lessons, simple exercises and quirk tests? I already spent years at home testing the limits of my quirk and pushing myself, surely we’re ready to test those limits in battle!”

 

Izuku half suspected All Might to splutter and panic in response, but the hero just have a satisfied smile, as if Iida had just sprung a trap, “Tell me Young Iida, at what speed and force would one of your kicks be powerful enough to snap a person's neck?”

 

Izuku was sure that if Iida wasn’t wearing a helmet he would have seen the boy pale considerably. As it was Iida froze up completely and nearly every smile within the class dropped (bar Katsuki of course) some were looking at Iida and All Might with slight fear, a couple whispered to themselves and Izuku swore he heard Jiro say something about not realising her lessons would involve killing her classmates. After a few moments Iida seemed to regain control of his senses.

 

“I.. I don’t know Sensei…” He admitted and All Might nodded, moving his attention away.

 

“Ashido!” All Might boomed and the girl squeaked next to Izuku, “Do you know when your acid strength has hit the PH required to melt skin?”

 

Ashido gulped and shook her head, “No… I’ve never… I’ve never really measured it against a living creature.”

 

All Might smiled and turned to another student, “Kaminari, what voltage is required to stop someone's heart?” 

 

Kaminari literally sparked with nerves under All Might's intense gaze, “I have uh… no idea Sensei.”

 

All Might’s smile softened slightly, “Of course not. I would not expect any of you to know the answers to these kinds of questions at this stage. But they are important questions nonetheless. These classes will be about learning to limit and control your abilities as much as they will teach you to push and train them. Not every hero fight will be against a supervillain, not every rescue operation will be in the midst of a natural disaster. When I stop a simple robbery or save someone who has fallen down a well I don’t use the full extent of my strength, that could risk lives or cause unnecessary destruction. Let us also not forget that quirk exhaustion also exists and as much as your bodies are adapted to your quirks they can also still be harmed by them if not wielded correctly.”

Both Izuku and Katsuki flexed their right hands at All Might's words, both thinking back to the accidents they’d had when first using their quirks, “Understanding your quirks isn’t just about pushing them to their limits but knowing when those limits aren’t necessary. Therefore our time here will also be spent learning control. It’s also important to keep in mind that while a few of you come from legacy families there are those in the class who had little more than a backyard to train their quirks in, for many this will be an opportunity to finally test their limits with real equipment. I expect you all to face these exercises head on, PLUS ULTRA!”

 

All Might's dramatic finish (in which he threw a fist into the air) managed to raise the spirits of the class. For most of them, who didn’t come from hero legacies or hadn’t received special training like Izuku and Katsuki, it was like All Might had said, it was their first time really being able to test their abilities. People quickly ran up and grabbed their folders, flipping them open, a few read through the first few pages, getting a sense of their plans while others simply looked up the first exercise and ran off into the gym.

 

Izuku took his folder with some trepidation, he was mainly aware of how thin it was compared to many of the others in the class. It wasn’t even a quarter of the size of Todoroki’s, who had the largest folder out of everyone. He gripped it tightly and tried to open it but something in his chest prevented him, it was like an external force stopping him from moving his arms. Meanwhile all his friends were excitedly reading through their folders.

 

“Oh neat! I’ve got to try and melt several minerals and substances to see how strong my acid is and try to gauge how to better control it! What about you guys?” Ashido asked as she bounced on her feet.

 

“I’ve got to listen to various decibels and see what my actual hearing range is before lifting various weights with my jacks to see how strong they are.” Jiro said as she twirled said jacks around her fingers.

 

“Guess I’ll see you there ears, I’m pretty much just lifting weights and testing my strength all afternoon.” Katsuki said as he slammed his folder shut with a grunt.

 

“I am also in the weight area!” Yoarashi declared with enough enthusiasm to make Katsuki roll his eyes, “I’m pushing weights with my wind to see just how strong I can make it without launching them off the ground.”

 

“Guess I’m with you guys then, I need to test how much weight I can nullify at once!” Uraraka said with a fist pump though her other hand held onto her stomach nervously.

 

“I uh… I have to stand and let various projectives hit me…” Kirishima said as he paled and the entire group flinched slightly while Uraraka patted him on the back with an understanding smile.

 

“How fascinating,” Yoayorozu said as she read through her file, “Sensei has given me a list of items to create but not written down their chemical or molecular makeups. He’s incorporated studying into my practical lessons! Oh how exciting!”

 

The rest of the group sweatdropped at Yoayorozu’s words before Ashido turned to Izuku, “What are you doing Midori?”

 

Izuku jumped slightly at the attention he was getting, “Oh… well… uh”

 

Both Ashido and Katsuki seemed to pick up on how uncomfortable the question was making Izuku (though only Katsuki really understood why) and glanced at each other. 

 

“Come on Airhead, Round Cheeks, let's go lift some weights.” Katsuki declared and grabbed Yoarashi and Uraraka by the elbows and started to lead them away, both were luckily too hyped up about the exercise to really be bothered by it.

 

“Hey Yoayorozu, fancy keeping me company in my area while you work on your exercises?” Ashido asked the girl with a bright smile.

 

“Oh what a wonderful idea Ashido, let's go!” Yoayorozu clapped her hands together and followed Ashido further into the gym, Jiro shot Izuku a peace sign and she (along with a rather sick looking Kirishima) also went to their respective stations leaving Izuku alone by the entrance.

 

Well, alone except for two other people.

 

“All Might Sensei,” Todoroki said as he approached their teacher, his folder open in his arms, “I cannot complete these exercises.”

 

All Might frowned slightly, “Is there an issue with your exercises, Young Todoroki? I assure you they were tailed specifically to you and made sure they were safe by Recovery Girl.”

 

Todoroki shook his head, “It’s not that, half these exercises involve using his fire. I can’t and won’t use my fire side.”

 

Izuku raised an eyebrow, Todoroki had referred to it as ‘his’ fire, not ‘my’ fire. The more Izuku interacted with the boy the stranger he became. All Might’s frown deepened and his eyes filled with concern, despite it not being directed at him Izuku felt like he had suddenly disappointed a puppy and it felt horrible, though Todoroki seemed unfazed.

 

“Todoroki,” All Might said with a stern voice, “Why do you want to be a hero?”

 

Todoroki looked surprised by the question and paused to answer, “I’m… not sure. I originally wanted to spite my father,” both All Might and Izuku winced slightly at that, “But since my failures he seems to have… given up on me. He hasn’t even trained me since the entrance exam results came out, I’m not sure what’s going on. Regardless I will still prove to him I don’t need his fire to be a hero.”

 

Izuku scowled at those words, of course Todoroki needed to use his fire.

 

“Of course you don’t need to use your fire!”

 

Wait what?

 

Todoroki too seemed a little stunned by the response, “I don’t?”

 

All Might smiled, “Of course not! Your ice alone is powerful and easily worthy of a Grade A rank quirk.” All Might's smile however dropped slightly after a moment, “That is of course assuming you want to be only half the hero you could be.”

 

Todoroki’s face went through several phases, the first was shock, the second anger and the third outrage with the two toned teen eventually settling on confusion, “What do you mean?”

 

“Tell me, how do you feel Yoayorozu will do as a hero?” All Might asked.

 

Todoroki didn’t hesitate with his answer, “She’ll excel, her quirk has almost limitless possibilities with enough study.”

 

All Might nodded in agreement, “Agreed. So can you imagine what sort of hero she would be if she didn’t study for her quirk and just relied on making basic equipment?”

 

Izuku almost had to withhold a surprised snort. He was actually impressed with how All Might was handling the situation. It wasn’t too dissimilar to the conversation Izuku himself had with Nedzu during his interview, if Izuku only used his quirk as a copy quirk he would be holding back his potential.

 

For the first time since knowing the boy Izuku saw genuine emotion on Todoroki’s face as it morphed into a slack jawed surprised look, “I… well… what?”

 

All Might sighed, “Todoroki I cannot force you to use your fire. Can you become a hero without it? Absolutely. But you’ll never achieve your greatest potential, you’ll always look at those ahead of you and wonder how they did it. But the truth is you’ll never surpass or even compete with them if you’re not willing to utilise your quirk to the fullest. However, I’m sure Aizawa will discuss this with you, for now you may just complete the exercises involving your ice.”

 

Todoroki had seemingly stopped paying attention to All Might halfway through the conversation and was staring into the abyss with an empty look in his eyes as if his entire world had just been shattered. Despite that he gave All Might a polite nod and took off in the direction of his first exercise.

 

Izuku watched him go and furrowed his eyebrows, he couldn’t even begin to imagine how much there was to unpack there.

 

All Might too briefly watched him walk away before turning back to Izuku, “And then there was one, is everything ok Young Midoriya?”

 

And just like that Izuku’s nerves came crashing back to the front of his mind and he gripped his folder tightly, All Might seemed to notice as his eyes briefly moved down to where Izuku was all but crushing the folder.

 

“Have you managed to read through your exercises yet?” All Might asked, then stepped forward and leaned down slightly, “Yours and Bakugous are actually a continuation of your dream plans.” He whispered (read borderline shouted) to Izuku.

 

Izuku gave him a shaky smile, “Uh yes… I haven’t had a look… I’m just… well.”

 

“You’re worried that your exercises involve going around and taking your classmates' quirks.” All Might said, it wasn’t a question the man had known Izuku long enough to connect the dots.

 

Izuku looked down at his folder in shame, tears pricking at his eyes, all that work he had done with All Might and Katsuki to get here and he couldn’t even face his first heroics lesson.

 

“Izuku.” 

 

Izuku’s head snapped up to face All Might at the mention of his name, the man’s eyes were soft and despite the situation his smile caused a swell of warmth within Izuku’s chest.

 

“Please open and read your folder.” All Might insisted though his words carried nothing but kindness.

 

Izuku gulped and nodded, opening his folder and reading the first page.

 

Class 1-A Foundational Heroics Quirk Training Schedule

 

Izuku Midoriya 

 

Week 1

 

Please go around the gym and observe your classmates' quirks and energy analysing and making notes on how the energy works in relation to the quirk. Please include tactics about how you would take and use their quirk and the proposed difficulty of taking said quirk. Once every classmate has been observed please proceed to make notes about possible combinations once taken and which quirks you would take in the below scenarios. If you complete this all within the given time frame please then run through a basic weight training routine until class is finished.

 

Below the text was a list of various scenarios that ranged from wildfires to rural villain encounters to hostage situations. Izuku blinked in surprise and looked up from his folder at All Might who was still smiling at him.

 

“I’ll be honest my boy, in the time I’ve known you I have picked up that Bakugou may be the optimist between you.” Izuku winced slightly because not only was that true he was also well aware that describing Katsuki as an optimist was like calling Yoarashi a quiet man, “While it’s true you will eventually need to train that part of your quirk myself and the staff here are not unaware of how you feel. Your plan has been adapted to allow you to slowly gain the confidence required for that area. Besides, your classmates could hardly practise with their quirks if you were taking them every five minutes.”

 

Izuku sighed and felt relief wash over him, perhaps All Might was right, he needed to stop assuming that UA was trying to get him to use his quirk on his fellow students every ten minutes. Honestly the mix of dread and relief was becoming an emotionally exhausting rollercoaster at the start of each lesson.

 

Izuku frowned still however, flicking through the pages of his folder, “Is there a reason mine is so thin compared to everyone else’s?”

 

“That’s because while everyone else's covers the full year, yours only goes up to your internship week.” All Might explained.

 

“Huh?” Was Izuku’s intelligent response, “Why?”

 

“Don’t you remember your plan? To stockpile the quirks of villains? Our hope is that you may be able to encounter some small time villains during your internship and start to stockpile quirks. We’ve left your training open past that point so as to be able to accommodate those into your new plan.” All Might said and Izuku’s mind already started to clog up with thoughts of internships, but he quickly pushed those thoughts aside to handle the situation at hand.

 

He gave All Might one final nod before turning and approaching his classmates. He made sure to study everyone bar Katsuki, mainly because he couldn’t steal One For All anyway and partly because he already had half a notebook on the quirk. So he started with Uraraka, it was the first time he had really observed her use her quirk and it was fascinating to say the least. Her energy was a soft pink that was focused in her fingers and hands, when she used her quirk her energy would flow out of her finger tips and encase the object she was using it on. It was almost like she created an anti-gravity field around the object as opposed to negating the force of gravity itself. It opened up so many possibilities with her quirk and Izuku had to force himself not to spend the entire lesson with her.

 

Eventually he was able to move around the gym, many of his classmates gave him odd looks as he would walk over and sit down observing them and making notes, Izuku would admit it was probably a little creepy to watch. But with Yoayorozu also studying to train her quirk most just assumed he was doing something similar, a few, such as Ashido, even seemed to try to put on a show as he watched them.

 

Despite himself Izuku had a wide smile on for the entire lesson as he observed the energy and quirks of his classmates. He watched as Asui and Ojiro climbed over equipment on the wall and ceiling, listened to Koda who stood by the windows chatting with various animals looking like a scene straight from a Disney movie and was even pulled into the excitement of watching the likes of Todoroki and Kaminari decimate targets with their emitter quirks.

 

Izuku was also starting to realise his previous observations of quirk energy were incredibly limited. He’d more or less seen mostly emitter type quirks which all operated along similar lines of having energy expelled at various points in the body. The one quirk that had stood out before this was of course One For All but now Izuku had a whole class of stand out quirks.

 

Koda’s quirk energy worked by being expelled from his mouth and forming a connection with the animals he spoke to. It was also the first time Izuku observed mutation quirk energy (watching both Ojiro and Asui) and while rather simple, being simply coloured energy that filled the entire person's body, it was still a useful titbit of information. Yaoyorozu’s quirk energy was also fascinating, as she created an object Izuku would watch as her energy gathered within her and started to take the shape of said object before turning into the relevant material as it left her body. But by far the most unusual quirk energy in the class was that of Tokoyami, at first Izuku had to do a double take as it appeared the raven headed boy didn’t have any quirk energy. Then he was even more shocked when he realised Dark Shadow was Tokoyami’s quirk energy, his quirk was literally santiant quirk energy. Izuku also had to cover a laugh when he watched Dark Shadow retreat into Tokoyami’s chest and move into the foetal position much like a chick inside an egg.

 

In the end there was no way Izuku would finish before the end of class for some physical training, in fact he was still scribbling down notes about how he might combine Todoroki’s fire and Yoarashi gale force when All Might loudly called everyone back to the front of the gym. Several of his classmates looked exhausted, Uraraka looked like she was trying to hold back a stream of vomit and Kirishima was limping back to the group, having been attacked with everything from rubber bullets to a cannonball. Izuku couldn’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if his quirk couldn’t handle the cannonball. Much of the class however, like Izuku, had wide smiles however despite the rather mundane form the lesson had taken.

 

“Well done all of you!” All Might boomed at the gathered students, “I would call that a successful first lesson!” Izuku suspected the man was reassuring himself as much as he was his students.

 

“But we have just enough time left for one final surprise!” All Might declared and Izuku felt a pit of dread form in his stomach, “You’ll be running an obstacle race!”

 

The way All Might said it with grandeur meant he was probably expecting a round of excitable cheers. Instead his words were met with no small amount of audible groans and a particularly terrified look from Kirishima. But it was Iida who was the brave student who raised his hand.

 

“Sensei!” The boy shouted as he wobbled on his legs slightly having run the equivalent of nearly five marathons in an hour, “Most of us are exhausted, is it truly wise to have us run an obstacle course after such an intense workout regime?”

 

Katsuki and Izuku made eye contact from across the group and smirked at each other. This is what the class considered an intense workout? For the two who had spent months training with All Might and Gran Torino this was nothing but a warm up and from the smirk that All Might had on his face he quite agreed. Perhaps the man took after Gran more than most realised.

 

“You think this is the peak of your training?” All Might let out a booming laugh which quite frankly, terrified most of the students, Koda looked ready to run for the hills, “This was simply a pleasant exercise to get us better acquainted with your quirks. It’s also important to remember that the average hero patrol lasts for 15 hours.” Many faces paled at that while several whimpers could be heard from a few students and Kirishima had to be held up by Bakugou as the boy nearly fainted, “So a quick obstacle course should be easy to cover after a relaxing and invigorating workout!”

 

Izuku couldn’t help but snort, All Might was definitely channelling his inner Torino here. The man knew full well that while for any pro hero the past hour might have been a breeze for a group of teenagers on their second day in hero school it was downright torture. Izuku also suspected his ‘quick’ obstacle course was anything but.

 

---

 

Izuku was right, the quick obstacle course was not in fact quick. To be honest it was even a stretch to call it an obstacle course. If he were asked to describe it Izuku would say it was actually an intricate race track designed to torture and eventually kill off the student body of UA. The course itself wasn’t far from Ground Foxtrot and like the recommendation exam was focused on outdoor settings, in fact it was an almost exact, albeit smaller, copy of said exam of course.

 

Almost in the fact that in this course the swamp had geysers that spewed poison gas, the forest was literally a wildfire, the river was now infested with (robotic) crocodiles and the canyon was at least three times as long. And if that wasn’t enough the course was littered with the robots from the entrance exam. Izuku wouldn’t be surprised if the canyon was hiding a zero pointer inside. There was absolutely no way this course hadn’t been created without some of Gran Torino’s input.

 

It didn’t take long for the class to work out that they weren’t actually expected to complete the course, especially after the first few people to go didn’t even make it past the wild fire. All Might confirmed as much when asked by Yaoyorozu when Yoarashi, one of the top members of their class, was brought down by rocket fire while trying to cross the river. 

 

“I would be surprised and extremely impressed if any of you got past this course. You’ll be running it every two weeks as a better way to track your progress. My hope is that by the end of the year you’ll all be able to make it through the course.”

 

Katsuki, who had been next after those words, had proudly declared he would be the first to complete the course. He had then promptly got lost within the wildfire and accidentally slammed directly into a three pointer which managed to knock the boy out. Even Todoroki couldn’t get past the fire which turned out to be far too intense for his ice to handle. The fact he could have negated it with his own fire went unsaid.

 

Surprisingly it was Hagakure who made it the furthest, being invisible meant she could completely ignore the robots and slowly make her way through the actual areas. She might not have been quick but she was the only person to make it past the river. Unfortunately by the time she did she was covered in soot and mud which made it fairly obvious where she was and was subsequently brought down by the robots.

 

Once again Izuku found himself as the final member of the class to go and as Asui (who’s frog mutation made it almost impossible for her to operate in the heat of the fire) returned to the class’s position at the start he wondered if All Might was doing it on purpose.

 

Excellent work Young Asui though might I suggest thinking about adapting your suit to help combat your weakness to extreme temperatures?” Asui nodded in agreement with a ribbet and All Might turned to Izuku, “Looks like it’s just you Midoriya, do you have everything you need?”

 

Izuku could read between the lines, All Might was giving him a chance to steal any quirks he needed. There were more than enough to effectively deal with the course, Yoarashi’s quirk would easily blow the poison gas away, Todoroki’s fire would protect him in the forest and Sato’s strength would probably see him through the river. 

 

But one look over to his classmates and Izuku knew he couldn’t do it, he watched as Yoarashi tried to dry Kirishima off with his wind while Yoayorozu created a sick bag for Uraraka. Quirks were second nature to these people and he wasn’t quite ready to have them look at him the way they inevitably would when he took their way of life, albeit temporarily. And unlike Aizawa’s lesson he knew there was no smart way out of this.

 

Izuku sighed as he walked up to the starting line, “I guess so.”

 

All Might nodded at him and gave him a sad but knowing smile. Still, even without any quirks Izuku was determined to try his best. As he took his position and waited for All Might to give him the go ahead he became aware of how the small conversations among his classmates had come to a sudden stop and he could feel countless eyes staring at him, all waiting for him to unleash his mysterious quirk.

 

The moment All Might let the starting pistol off Izuku was on his feet charging down the course. As he ran he made sure to equip his mouthguard in place, it had a filter in so he didn’t have to worry about the gas.

 

As he approached the swamp he saw two one pointers at the edge of it. They spotted him instantly and Izuku had to jump to the side to avoid a hail of bullets. He hoped to God All Might at least had the sense to make them rubber. 

 

Using the momentum from his jump Izuku put his parkour skills to good use. Charging straight at one of the robots he jumped and further launched himself into the air by using the shield on the arm of the robot as a launching pad.

 

He twirled in the air and flew over the robots and landed in the swamp. His feet squelched as he rolled into the fall and continued moving. He could feel the gas stinging his eyes but just kept running. Luckily his path straight ahead was clear of any robots and he was quickly leaving the two behind him in the dust… or swamp he supposed. This was good, speed was the key that would allow him to-

 

He felt the explosion before he heard it, pain ripped up his leg and side as he was thrown off his feet and through the air. He landed painfully, rolling in the ground and felt his mouth guard be torn off. Poison gas quickly filled his lungs as he coughed for air, it wasn’t lethal of course but it stung his throat and made him gag.

 

Rolling onto his back he could see the three pointer at the other end of the swamp, its shoulder launcher still smoking from where it had fired the rocket. Izuku tried to stand up but his leg and side screamed at him, he suspected it may even be broken. But he refused to give up as he went to push himself up with his elbows.

 

But the wind was forced out of him when seemingly out of nowhere a two pointer appeared above him and pinned him down with one of its legs. Izuku actually shouted in pain as it pushed him down and he was sure he would have broken ribs. He could only look up and glare at the robot, desperately hoping a quirk came within range for him to take.

 

But no such quirk came and Izuku could only try not to let disappointment wash over him as he finally succumbed to the gas and blacked out.

Notes:

So I know a lot of people will dissapointed Izuku still isn't really using AFO but keep in mind the kid has nearly a decade of trauma he needs to get over, it isn't going to happen on day two of being in a new school, however I can assure you this is last major angst he'll have with it before he starts to use it and actually start gaining some quirks so all I ask is have some patience and we'll finally start to see the Izuku that most of the UA staff are terrified of.

As always though thank you so much for the comments and kudos!

Chapter 16: Izuku Midoriya: Evil Overlord of 1-A

Summary:

As Izuku recovers from his injuries he must attend his first student council meeting with Ashido

“Absolute insanity! When I get my hands on him he won’t live to see the end of term! Five students with damaged throats due to gas, four requiring burn treatments and now you have five cracked ribs and a broken leg to boot!”

 

Izuku just sat in silence while Recovery Girl tended to his injuries, letting her rant to her heart's content. He was partially afraid that if he said anything the woman might beat him to death with her stick. In fact he was certain that if Yagi were to walk into the nurses office right now the world would be mourning the loss of All Might by the morning. 

 

Izuku had woken up about ten minutes ago to the feeling of his leg snapping back in place as Recovery Girls' quirk worked its magic. Apparently he had been carried there by Katsuki and several other classmates who also needed treatment. Katsuki had to be physically dragged out by Yoarashi and Uraraka, he’d only finally left when Jiro pointed out Izuku still needed to stay behind for the school council meeting anyway. Silently Izuku had thanked Recovery Girl for getting everyone else sorted and out the room before him, leaving him alone with her when he woke up. He wasn’t sure he wanted to see anyone after that disappointing display in class. He was half considering skipping out on the council meeting but it was his first one as class president and if he couldn’t face people after a less than stellar class performance he could hardly call himself a hero.

 

He sighed as Recovery Girl wrapped his chest in bandages, his leg was more or less completely healed but he didn’t have the energy for her to completely fix his ribs so he’d need to revisit in the morning. Catching his sigh, Recovery Girl looked up at him.

 

“Rough couple of days huh?” She asked with a sympathetic smile.

 

Too tired to argue or deflect the question, Izuku just nodded, “I knew it wasn’t going to be easy trying to become a hero but… I never realised just how hard getting through even just one lesson was going to be.”

 

“Don’t worry so much about it sonny, that’s how everyone finds it. You think Toshi was any different? I still remember him being carried on his first day with two broken arms and legs. Then there was poor Aizawa, the man’s eyes were all but ready to pop out of his skull by the end of his first week; he'd overworked himself so hard it was painful to watch.” Recovery Girl explained with a chuckle.

 

Despite himself Izuku smiled slightly, “I just… feel like I’m waiting for someone to turn around and realise I can’t be a hero and kick me out.”

 

Recovery Girl paused briefly as she secured his bandages and looked up at him, “Hmmm, do you know I was almost kicked out of UA on a regular basis?”

 

Izuku’s eyes widened and he spluttered, “B-But your Recovery Girl, one of, if not the greatest healing hero in history! I mean, you were the first healing hero!”

 

“Exactly,” Recovery Girl said as she passed him his shirt, “When I tried for UA the teachers all but laughed off my attempt. Afterall I didn’t have a quirk that could be used to attack and even though my healing is powerful I’m unable to use it on myself. Basically as a hero I was essentially quirkless. Luckily during the exam I met this arrogant fool who managed to give me enough tips to scrape by. But it didn’t stop there, every day my teachers threw impossible challenges at me. I had to spend every waking minute training just to keep up with my classmates who could throw lighting, smash through solid walls and move objects with their mind. But even then I was all but ready to drop out before my first year was even over.”

 

“What made you change your mind?” Izuku asked as he finished putting his uniform back on.

 

Recovery Girl smiled, “I ended up at an internship with that same arrogant fool from the entrance exam. Damn idiot charged right at the first villain he saw, had his stomach slashed right open. He would’ve bled out on the street if I hadn’t been there.”

 

Izuku chuckled, “He doesn’t sound like a very good hero.”

 

Recovery Girl turned to him with a smirk, “Oh I don’t know, including your brother he’s helped train three generations of One For All at this point.”

 

Izuku coughed and looked at her with surprise, “You mean the idiot was Gran Torino?”

 

Recovery Girl let out a laugh and reached into her desk and pulled out an old framed photo and passed it to Izuku. Despite the photo clearly being decades old it was well maintained. It framed two people who, if Izuku were to guess, were in their mid twenties, on the left there was a tall and lean man, he had thick black hair and a well groomed beard, he was looking at the camera with a smirk and raised eyebrow, arms crossed and chest puffed out. On his right was a short woman with long blonde hair and bright blue eyes, she was covering her mouth and clearly laughing at the antics of her friend. It was obvious who the pair were from their hero costumes.

 

“You both look so… young.” Izuku said, sounding surprised.

 

“Now now sonny,” Recovery Girl said with a frown, “Be careful what you say next, remember I’m the sole doctor in charge of your medical treatment for the next three years.”

 

Izuku gulped with audible fear and wisely chose to keep his mouth shut as he passed the photo back.

“He was the first life I saved with my quirk, sure I’d healed a few scrapes and bumps before but stopping death in its tracks? He was the first. And after that day he made sure to drag me through the hero course kicking and screaming, never letting me falter. And do you know what I did once we graduated?” Recovery Girl asked and Izuku shook his head.

 

“I saved lives. So many lives I’ve lost count. Hundreds of my teammates would have died if  not for my quirk. And everyday I thank Torino for pushing me and making me realise something I think you need to.” She said, smiling up at him.

 

“What’s that?” Izuku asked with a tilt of his head.

 

“That it doesn’t matter how many people hate or fear your quirk. Because it’s the few who see the value in you and your quirk that you should care about, they’re the ones that make you a hero, not the rankings, opinion polls or even the HPSC.” Recovery Girl gave Izuku a soft pat on the shoulder and a warm smile, “Just something to think about, now I believe you have a school council meeting to attend, you don’t want to be late to your first meeting.”

 

Izuku returned the smile and nodded. With a quick thanks he grabbed his bag and walked out of the nurses office.

 

“Midori!”

 

“AAAAHHHH!”

 

“AAAHHHHHH!”

 

Both Izuku and Ashido scrambled back from each other both with eqal looks of terror, unfortuantly for Izuku, who’s leg was still recovering, he ended up tripping and landing firmly on his ass. Ashido was able to remain steady on her feet and only stumbled back slightly before both students realised who the opposing scream had come from. Izuku sighed as Ashido looked down at him, a smirk slowly growing on her face.

 

“You know Midori, it’s a good thing you’ve got such a nice ass considering you keep falling on it.”

 

Izuku blushed furiously and covered his face, “A-Ashidooooo, why do you have to be like this?”

 

Ashido giggled, “Because Yoarashi and Bakugou are too dumb to pick up on it and I’ve been doing it to Kiri for years, but you’re fresh meat.”

 

Izuku sighed and dropped his arms, at this point he was too tired to be embarrassed by her antics, “What are you doing here anyway?”

 

Ashido rolled her eyes but offered him a hand up, “Waiting for you silly, or did you forget I’m your Vice President?”

 

“Right, of course sorry. I keep forgetting about it being the president with well… everything going on.” Izuku replied and grabbed her hand as she pulled him up, he decided to ignore the slight jolt in his heartbeat when their hands touched.

 

“I get it, honestly I was about ready to head home and crawl into bed until Yaomomo reminded me.” Ashido said with a slight groan as the pair started to make their way down towards the student council office.

 

“Yaomomo?” Izuku asked with an amused raised eyebrow.

 

Ashido chuckled, “I think she was too surprised to argue against it, besides the moment Uraraka jumped on the bandwagon all her resistance against it crumbled.”

 

Izuku couldn’t help but smile down at his vice, well as down as he could considering they were more or less the same height, he was once again assured she was the correct choice for this. He knew Yoayorozu struggled to make friends, she had been homeschooled her entire life after all and between his awkwardness, Katsuki’s swearing, Yoarashi’s intensity and Uraraka’s borderline bipolar emotional switch between bubbly and murderous  he wasn’t sure they had all done the best job at bringing her out of her shell. Yet Ashido had managed it in just two days.

 

They quickly fell into a comfortable silence as they made their way down the many winding corridors of UA. The student council offices were designed to be neutral, separate from all four departments and so lay on the ground floor directly in the centre of the four towers. As they came closer and closer Izuku started to panic, he was about to represent his entire class. What exactly did they expect of him? What if he needed to vote on various motions or make decisions? He barely knew a quarter of his classmates. Most of them were probably already planning a coup after his performance in the afternoon, if he messed up they would kick him out in a heartbeat.

 

“Bakugou is right, I can practically feel your thoughts.” Ashido said from beside him as she lightly bumped his shoulder, “That’s not your quirk is it? Letting everyone else read your mind?”

 

Izuku laughed and scratched the back of his neck, “No it’s not. I guess I’m just nervous, I haven’t really thought about the fact that I’m president and what I’ll need to do. Besides, after today I’m fairly sure most of the class will want me booted from the position.”

 

Ashido however wasn’t having it and she swung an arm around his shoulders, “Come on Midori, cut the teenage angst bullshit. No one’s gonna start a revolution against you cause you got blown up in our first hero lesson. Half the class didn’t make it out of the swamp. Besides you still showed us all up in Aizawa’s schemes and, besides Yaomomo, you were the only person who actually managed to answer any question from Ectoplasm, I swear that guy skipped like three grades worth of material.”

 

Izuku smiled and chuckled slightly, “Thanks Ashido, I uh… have a habit of overthinking things.”

 

“Really?” Ashido deadpanned, “I would have never guessed.”

 

Izuku snorted, Ashido might actually be a challenger for Katsuki in terms of their sarcasm skills.

 

“Well,” Izuku said as they approached a set of doors that had notice boards on either side filled up with various memos and notes despite it only being the second day, “Looks like we’re here.”

 

Ashido nodded and punched the air, “Come Midori, let's show them that the 1-A Presidential Overlords mean business.” 

 

Izuku watched Ashido march forward with an amused smile and quickly shuffled in step next to her. She threw doors open with no small amount of bravado and both green and pinked haired students observed the gathered crowd. A few older looking students glanced at their grand entry but soon grew uninterested when they realised they were first years. 

 

“Ah, good evening Midoriya, Ashido, I trust you are both well?” Came Nedzu’s voice as the principal scurried over to the pair, “Perfectly on time as well, you’re the last to arrive and I almost panicked you’d be late.”

 

“Oh, h-hello Principal Nedzu, it’s good to see you again.” Izuku stammered and took a low bow, he’d been so worked up about facing other students that the thought of teachers being present never crossed his mind.

 

“Ooooh, you’re the principle,” Ashido said as she bent down to observe the creature much to Izuku’s panic and Nedzu’s amusement, “I figured you’d be… I dunno… more impressive.”

 

“Ashido!” Izuku cried, an argument as to why Nedzu shouldn’t expel his friend already forming in his mind.

 

Nedzu however let out a sporadic laugh and threw back his head, “Oh my it’s so refreshing not to have a student tremble at my presence.”

 

Ashido just shrugged, “Eh, I was never that smart plus you’re kinda fluffy, nothing fluffy can be scary.”

 

Izuku resisted the urge to start listing several ‘fluffy’ villains over the years who had put several heroes in the hospital.

 

Nedzu chuckled, “I can see why Midoriya here chose you as his Vice President, you two make quite the pair.”

 

“We do?” Ashido asked while glancing between Izuku and Nedzu.

 

“Absolutely!” Nedzu exclaimed, “Afterall you are the only two students I’ve met this year who haven’t been phased by my presence.”

 

“Huh, Midoriya wasn’t phased either?” Ashido looked at him with a slight smirk, “Doesn’t sound like the stuttering mess from class.”

 

Izuku just pouted and stuck his tongue out at Ashido causing the girl to giggle.

 

“Oh don’t misunderstand me Miss Ashido, I’m well aware of Midoriya’s nervous energy around crowds. But trust me, knowing Midoirya the way I do he’s probably already thought of at least three ways to kill each of your classmates, after all in ten years he’s the first student I genuinely believe could best me in battle. Now then, I was only here to make sure everyone arrived, I’ll leave you all to it! Cheerio!” Nedzu said and Izuku swore the animal smirked at him before heading out of the doors.

 

A strangled noise from behind Izuku drew his attention back to Ashido. Turning around he was met with what looked like a very pink fish. Ashido’s eyes were wide and her mouth was slowly closing and opening but the only sounds she appeared to be able to make were slight whimps and grunts.

 

Izuku sighed, “Please don’t ask.”

 

Ashido came back to reality with a shake of her head and shrugged, “Of course, I mean it’ll be easy to ignore the fact that our principle, one of the most feared beings in Japan, is afraid of you.” She said with enough sarcasm to fill a pool.

 

Izuku chuckled nervously, “I’ll tell you one day, I promise.”

 

Ashido pouted slightly but relented, “You better.”

 

“Excuse me.”

 

Ashido and Izuku turned their attention away from each other and found themselves face to face with what they assumed was another President and Vice pair. The pair consisted of a girl with orange hair pulled up in a ponytail and roughly the same height as Izuku along with a shorter boy with blue eyes and light blue hair. From their uniforms Izuku could tell they were also first years.

 

“You’re the representative for Class 1-A right?” The orange haired girl asked.

 

“That’s right!” Ashido responded with a bright smile, “I’m Mina Ashido, Vice President for 1-A and this is Izuku Midoriya, our glorious leader!”

 

“H-hello, it’s nice to meet you.” Izuku said a little awkwardly.

 

“Nice to meet you guys too, I’m Itsuka Kendo and this is Nirengeki Shoda, we’re the President and Vice President of 1-B, the other hero class.” Kendo explained and Shoda puffed his chest out slightly with pride while Kendo tapped her chin, “Midoriya… I think Tokage has mentioned you, you’re a recommendation student too aren’t you.”

 

Izuku nodded, “That’s right, I was recommended by All- uh, by a hero who had been training me for a few months.”

 

Kendo gave out an impressed whistle, “That’s pretty amazing, I  I thought I was ahead with my dojo training but I feel so behind already.” She said and her shoulders sagged slightly.

 

“Eh, I think everyone does to be fair,” Ashido said, “I’m amazed the entire class survived All Might's first lesson.”

 

All four first year hero students shuddered at the memory, Shoda in particular went slightly green, “I didn’t even make it out of the swamp, I couldn’t eat lunch because I could still taste the poison gas.”

 

Izuku had to hold back a gag as the mention of the gas reminded him of the mustard-like taste that still lingered in his mouth slightly.

 

“I know what you mean, over half our class never made it past the first stage.” Ashido whined and she huffed slightly.

 

“Same here, who knew All Might would be such an intense teacher.” Kendo said and Izuku resisted the urge to laugh, they had no idea how intense it was really going to be one All Might found his stride and confidence.

 

“So uh, where are the rest of the first year representatives?” He asked as he scanned the gathered crowd of students, most ignoring the foursome.

 

Kendo and Shoda glanced at each other before Kendo spoke, “I guess no-one warned you.”

 

Izuku frowned, “Warned us about what?”

 

Kendo sighed, “Pretty much everyone outside of the hero department hates the hero department.”

 

Ashido and Izuku’s eyes widened, “What, why?” Ashdio asked.

 

“UA is a hero centred school,” Shoda explained, “Most of its resources, teachers and equipment goes towards the hero department despite it having the least amount of students. A lot of the other classes resent us for having priority over everyone else. The management and support courses aren’t too bad but most of the management students just want to use you to make money while the support courses only tolerate us because we can test out their inventions without the usual lines of red tape in the real world. But the worst are the general education students, apparently nearly half of them are rejected students who applied for the hero course, they see us as taking up a spot they deserve.”

 

It was then that Izuku noticed the large group of first years over in one corner of the room. There were more than a few who had identified the hero course presidents and were sending the small group dirty looks. Izuku tried to give them a smile but just received eye rolls and scowls in return. 

 

Ashido noticed and blew a breath out through her teeth, “It doesn’t look like you’re making friends.”

 

Izuku smirked at her, “That’s what I brought you for remember.”

 

Ashido giggled and rolled her eyes.

 

“By the way,” Kendo said, “One of the second year hero presidents told us that there can often be a rivalry between the two hero classes. I thought perhaps we could discuss it and make sure it doesn’t get… out of hand. There’s definitely a few people on our side who would aggravate the situation.”

 

Izuku nodded as various names flashed in his mind that could cause trouble in his own class and he’d be lying if Katsuki’s name wasn’t one of them, “You’re right, I can think of a few people in our own class who I should probably make sure steer clear of you guys.”

 

“How likely are we to run into each other?” Ashido asked.

 

“Not that much to start with,” Shoda replied with a shrug, “The teachers tend to keep us separated, at least until the sports festival. But after a few weeks and once we get the freedom to book training grounds and gyms without supervision the chance increases.”

 

Izuku bit his lip in thought, “Maybe if the four of us make sure to steer the worst of classmates away from each other, keep track of what facilities they’re using and make sure there aren’t any clashes, that sort of thing, it will keep the worst of it at bay.”

 

“Good idea,” Kendo agreed, “Let's exchange numbers then.”

 

As they all typed into their phones, and Ashido predictably made a group chat within a few moments, a tall blonde student, obviously a third year, made his way into the middle of the room, “Hi everyone! It’s great you’re all here, if you could take your seats we’re ready to start!”

 

The gathered presidents and vice presidents quickly moved to the seating area of the room. The student offices were designed like a small lecture hall with a small stage at one end of the room and semi circular seating arrangement at the other with just enough seats to hold all 66 presidents and vice presidents. Three of the four walls of the room were made of large glass windows that allowed the sun to shine through and from which the school grounds could be seen. Meanwhile the fourth wall had several doors on which allowed class presidents to hold private meetings, the offices were both soundproof and had solid steel doors which could lock, making sure even those in the hero department couldn’t break in or eavesdrop on what went on inside.

 

Izuku and Ashido found seats in the very back right hand corner with Kendo and Shoda, it was coincidentally the complete opposite to where the rest of the first years had chosen to sit. There were a few quiet whispers among the students but they quickly silenced when the same muscular blonde boy stood on the stage in front of them all and clapped his hands together.

 

“Hey everyone!” He boomed in a way eerily similar to All Might, “Welcome to the first student council meeting of the year! For the benefit of the first years my name is Mirio Togata and I’ll be your student council president for the year as well as being class 3-As President!”

 

There was a semblance of applause, mainly from the third years and some polite clapping from the second year hero representatives. Of course Ashido managed to clap loud enough for the entire first year and even let out a few cheers much to the delight of Togata.

 

“All right!” Togata cried and gave Ashido a thumbs up, “Why don’t we let the first years introduce themselves? Tell us your class, role and how about something interesting about yourself?”

 

Slowly Togata went around the first years, Izuku noted how he made sure to come to the four hero students last. Cleary Togata was aware of the animosity between the departments and was trying to show he wasn’t going to automatically favour the other hero students being one himself. He also made sure to engage and talk with every single first year student showing genuine interest in them and their class. Izuku didn’t know what kind of hero he was but Togata was an excellent leader, it was easy to see why despite the tensions between departments he had been elected as student president.

 

Eventually he made it round to the hero students, Shoda puffed out his chest proudly while he introduced himself and informed everyone he loved strategy games while Kendo gave a small smile when she told everyone about how she volunteered at her dojo on weekends. Ashido of course gave one of the most enthusiastic introductions of all the first years, practically leaping out of her seat to let everyone she danced as a hobby and actually had a break dancing competition that weekend. The new information triggered a string of notes in Izuku’s mind about how she could use that in her heroics classes. But then the attention turned to Izuku and he nervously stood up.

 

“H-Hello everyone,” Izuku said with a shaky voice and nervous wave, Togata just gave him a wide and encouraging smile, “My name is Izuku Midoriya, I’m the President for Class 1-A and well uh…” Izuku wracked his brain for an interesting fact about himself, unfortunately under the pressure the initial ones that popped into his mind weren’t exactly appropriate.

 

‘I have the ability to steal all your quirks and make you quirkless.’

 

‘I could break down your quirk in roughly ten minutes and work out how to kill you’

 

‘I’m keeping one of the biggest secrets in heroics for the number one hero known by less than 12 people’

 

Eventually he settled on something perhaps less interesting but also less likely to cause a riot, “My brother is also in Class 1-A training to be a hero.”

 

Togata’s smile, despite seemingly being impossible wide, grew even larger, “Oh that’s so cool! At least you both always have someone to help out with homework.”

 

Izuku smiled and sat back down as Togata moved on to the actual business of being in the student council. As it turned out Izuku’s role consisted of three main tasks, the first was to attend student council meetings and vote on various motions, the second was to fill out various paperwork and other forms in regards to his class and the final was just to generally look after and keep an eye on his classmates and any issues they had.

 

Despite it being the first council of the year there were still a few votes to go through, though nothing a major. A couple of votes of gym scheduling, which years would get which training grounds and which heroes to invite to the Sport Festival (Izuku had raised a few eyebrows when he had been the sole person to vote against inviting Death Arms). Once that was over Togata opened the floor for anyone to ask questions or propose a vote. With it being the start of the year there weren't really any major points raised and Izuku couldn’t think of anything he personally wanted to bring up though Ashido did ask if the school ran any clubs and to her delight found that there was indeed a dance club she could attend.

 

All in all Izuku had to admit to himself it was all fairly boring by the end, especially as his body still ached from his heroics lesson. He was so tired that towards the end he was battling to stay awake as one of the third year support students droned on about buying extra chalkboards for the labs. Finally Togata came to the last question, from one of the vice presidents of the first year general classes.

 

“Ah yeah,” the vice president said standing up, “I was just wondering what we should do about a classmate with a villainous quirk?”

 

Izuku’s exhaustion was forcibly shoved out of his body and replaced by an intense mix of anger and fear. His head snapped to attention at the vice president who was wringing their hands together nervously. Izuku wasn’t the only one, he felt a few quirks react to the question and could hear Ashido take a sharp breath next to him. Meanwhile on the stage Togata’s ever present smile faltered slightly and the gleam in his eyes dimmed. 

 

“What uh… what do you mean?” Togata asked, clearly not sure how to handle the situation.

 

The vice president didn’t seem to pick up on the increased tension in the room, “We were discussing quirks in class earlier today and well… one of my classmates has an obviously villains quirk, he’s a reject from the hero department for obvious reasons and a few of the others in the class have concerns. Quite frankly he’s a danger to us all, is there any way we can get the school to expel him?”

 

Izuku clenched his fists and ground his teeth together, his hunger flickering in response to his anger. This student had already apparently failed the hero exam and they wanted to kick him out on day two over his quirk? He’d applied to the hero course, of course he wasn’t a villain. Luckily a quick glance showed him that Togata had gone from smiling to frowning and Izuku relaxed a little, at least the council president seemed to agree with him.

 

Unfortunately before Togata could respond one of the other third year students turned around to face the first year, “Unfortunately the school won’t really do anything to help so you need to take it into your own hands. We had a student in our first year who’s quirk allowed them to rip the bones from your body. Obviously too dangerous to keep around a school like UA, best thing to do is to isolate them and make it obvious they’re not welcome. They’ll probably transfer or drop out by the end of first year if you do this.”

 

Izuku didn’t feel anger very often, he tended to keep a lid on his emotions largely driven by the way his hunger reacted to them. And to be fair in regards to the current situation Izuku could confidently say he currently wasn’t feeling angry. No, instead he was feeling pure unbridled rage. He could feel his hunger just beneath his skin, swirling about like it was throwing its own private party, ready to break out and start taking quirks left, right and centre. He was shaking with fury, his breath coming out in borderline growls as he tried to murder the student with a glare so intense even his Auntie would stagger under its gaze. This so called student representative had all but admitted to bullying a fellow student to the point they had to drop out.

 

Ashido clearly noticed Izuku’s mood as he felt her nudge him, he turned to her and she looked at him with concerned eyes.

 

‘Are you ok?’ she mouthed at him.

 

Izuku closed his eyes and took a breath, as angry as he was completely losing control in the middle of a school council meeting wouldn’t help anyone. He nodded to Ashido and tried to calm himself with the knowledge that Togata looked just as angry as he did. However the two students discussing the matter didn’t seem to pick up on any of this.

 

“Oh, that's not a bad idea,” the first year said, “Isolating them should be pretty easy, they don’t look like they want to make friends anyway.”

 

Togata would handle it, Izuku didn’t need to get involved, he should just relax.

 

“Oh good, not sure they could make friends anyway. No one wants to make friends with wannabe villains, at least most of us have sense here at UA.” The older third year responded with a chuckle that scratched at Izuku’s mind.

 

Togata was sure to shut it down and Izuku knew Nedzu could more than handle it before it got out of hand.

 

“That’s true,” the first year said, “I’m surprised UA didn't do a sweep for villain quirks at the start of the year, I’ve heard a rumour there’s even a hero student with some unknown quirk in our year.”

 

Togata looked like he was about to shut it down, Izuku didn’t need to cause a scene.

 

The third year laughed, “Could be worse, at least they haven’t let a filthy quirkless in yet.”

 

SLAM!

 

CRACK!

 

“What the FUCK did you just say!?”

 

Ashido had to stop herself from physically making a noise that she placed somewhere between a moan, whimper and scream. In the two days she’d known him she’d grown used to Izuku’s timed nature and slight stutter whenever he was surprised. But the Izuku who had just shouted at the third year wasn’t that Izuku.. This Izuku gave off an aura that was both terrifying yet comforting at the same time, like she knew he would protect her from anything but could also kill her with the flick of his wrist. Not to mention he was no longer hunched over with his head down, he stood proud, chest heaving and glaring down at the third year. His first had made contact with the desk in front of him and had nearly broken it in half. And though she didn’t know his quirk she did know he didn’t have a strength quirk so that damage had been all him. It suddenly became a lot clearer to Ashido how Izuku had managed to beat both Yoarashi and Todoroki at the recommendation exam and how he’d put up with someone like Katsuki for years.

 

The entire hall had gone deathly silent and every set of eyes had turned to Izuku who himself was seething, his entire body ragged with breaths. Even Togata had frozen, mouth open and ready to shut down the discussion yet he’d been a second behind Izuku and now wasn’t entirely sure how to handle the very short, fluffy haired yet completely terrifying first year hero student.

 

However it appeared the only person in the room not shocked into silence by the outburst was the quirkiest third year hero student himself, “Pfft, calm down man. We’re just being honest, at least villains actually have a quirk they can use, the quirkless can’t do anything.”

 

Izuku’s fury only grew, “Of course they can you fucking asshole. How is strength quirk supposed to help a doctor? What use would a wind quirk be for an engineer? You’re just some quirkless nobody who thinks just because they have a nice fancy quirk the entire world needs to kiss your feet.”

 

By this point Izuku’s quirk was flaring up and acting out in line with his emotions, those around him could feel the effects of his quirk reaching out to them and tugging and playing with their own quirk energy. Kendo had to slap her hands together as they cramped and strained, Ashido realised with some shock that it wasn’t sweat she was rubbing off her forehead but in fact her acid and Shoda shuffled back slightly as he could almost feel his quirk running out of control. The rest of the student council was still in too much shock to intervene in the situation.

 

The third year scowled at Izuku, “We’re not a doctors school though are we, we’re a hero school, we have no place for villains and the quirkless.”

 

Izuku threw his arms up in the air out of both frustration and fury, “What villains!? Just because someone doesn’t have a shiny quirk that came in a well wrapped package doesn’t mean they want to go around hurting people!”

 

The third year just rolled their eyes, “You’ve been here two days, you just don’t understand yet. Trust me, I’ve been out on patrol with Death Arms, we’ve put away plenty of people with villainous quirks before they could act out.” The third year narrowed his eyes slightly at Izuku, “You’re the class 1-A president right? You wouldn’t know anything about that other villain who got in would you? You better not be protecting them.”

 

A few years ago Mitsuki had jokingly suggested Izuku change his name to Izuku Midoriya-Bakugou due to all the Bakugou like habits he had picked up. Inko had laughed however and said that Izuku was still very much a Midoriya, his ability to flood a room with tears, timidness and fluffy green hair were all evidence of this. Mitsuki still disagreed however and claimed every now and then she could see the inner Bakugou come out. And as Izuku was overwhelmed with cold fury at the third year's words it turned out this was one of those times.

 

“If you come after a single person in my class I’ll make sure not even Recovery Girl can fix what I do to you.” Izuku’s voice came out almost as a whisper, yet carried around the room and every single person could feel the cold fury behind the words with many gulping at the scene.

 

“Holy shit…” Ashido whispered as she looked up at Izuku with slightly glassy eyes.

 

The third year laughed, albeit a little nervously, “Please, I’m a third year, I’d take you down in a few minutes.”

 

A very Katsuki like smirk appeared on Izuku’s face as he took in the quirk energy of the third year. Like Aizawa it was focused just on the inside of his skull where his eyes were, though the energy was completely different. In fact it reminded Izuku of the energy of someone in his own class.

 

“Laser Vision,” Izuku said, much to the shock of the third year, “I’m not sure if that’s what it's called or the specifics but you basically shoot some form of energy out of your eyes.”

 

The third year paled slightly, “How…?”

 

“It’s actually pretty easy to counter,” Izuku explained and several students moved forward slightly in curiosity (and a camera in the corner of the room may or may not have been streaming a live video of the argument to a cackling principle), “All I really need to do it keep out your direct line of sight, which is easier than you think. Sight based quirks tend to be less manoeuvrable than you think seeing as you can’t move your eyes as you use it, only your head. Plus I just need to put a bit of a cover and it’ll be easy to get close. Then, once I’m close enough, taking out your eyes would be like child's play, throwing knives, flashbangs, explosives, there’s a lot of options to be honest. Then I can just get behind you and get you in a choke hold.”

 

Izuku could’ve sworn he heard someone in the room whisper something about wetting themselves, meanwhile next to him Ashido seemed to be having a crisis as she bit her lip and looked up at him with wide eyes and slightly coloured cheeks. Both Togata and the third year had paled considerably and had no idea what to do.

 

But Izuku wasn’t finished and the smile he wore was so deranged it would make even the most seasoned pro heroes sweat, “Of course that’s if I was fighting you quirkless. If I were to use my quirk they’d need to scrub you off the sidewalk with a sponge.”

 

“Everyone’s dismissed!” Togata suddenly shouted in obvious panic.

 

He didn’t need to repeat it as practically every single student all but sprinted out of the tense room. Even Kendo and Shoda bid Izuku and Ashido a quick farewell before running for the hills. Izuku made one last glare at the third year before marching out of the room. He was vaguely aware of Ashido following him closely as he just headed straight for the nearest door to the courtyard. Once outside he allowed his shoulders to sagg and took deep calming breaths focusing on getting his hunger under control.

 

“Midori?” Ashido asked quietly, clearly a little shaken up from the whole display as she nervously stepped closer to him.

 

Izuku turned to her with a shaky smile, “Uh… sorry about that Ashido. I can uh… well Auntie always says that if there’s one thing me and Kacchan share it's our temper. Mine just comes out in big bursts.”

 

“It’s ok, it’s just… that was intense.” Ashido responded with her own shy smile, shifting on her feet slightly.

 

Izuku scratched the back of his head awkwardly, slowly returning to his usual timid self, “It’s just… all that talk of villains quirks and the quirkless…”

 

Ashido paused and seemed to think over her next words, “You haven’t really used or spoken about your quirk yet, you’re pretty much the only one in class who’s quirk I have no clue about. It’s not difficult to realise why talking about villainous quirks triggers you so much.”

 

Izuku and Ashido looked at eachother, neither moving before Ashdio offered a warm yet soft smile, “I just want you to know I don’t care what your quirk is, whenever you’re ready to tell me I know that you could never be a villain.”

 

Izuku gained the first genuine smile he’d had all day, “Thanks Ashido.”

 

“Midoriya! Ashido!”

 

The pair turned to find Togata running towards them at a dangerously high speed considering they weren’t enemies for him to charge. The boy had a wide smile once again on his face as approached the pair.

 

“I’m glad I caught you,” He said before bowing low, “Midoriya, I want to apologise for what happened in there. I always knew the vice rep for 3-B had an edge to him but I never thought… I want to thank you for putting him in his place, I’ve already sent him and the first year vice rep to Nedzu.”

 

All three students shivered slightly, as much as the argument between Izuku and third year had been intense, Nedzu was on a level of his own.

 

“Thanks for backing me up, I can’t imagine what I’d do if the 3-B president was head of the school council.” Izuku said and Ashido snorted.

 

“You’d probably rope Bakugou into killing them and make me hide the body.”

 

Would Not Recommend

 

Katsuki Bakugou added Mina Ashido to the chat 

 

Katsuki Bakugou changed Mina Ashido’s nickname to Bubbly Bitch

 

Bubbly Bitch: 1. Rude 2. How do you do, fellow kids?

 

Angry Boi: Oi Pinky, what the fuck happned?

 

Bubbly Bitch: Huh?

 

Floaty McFloat: 1. Sup my fellow bitch 2.What’s going on?

 

Angry Boi: We were all sat eating dinner, Zuzu gets back from the shitty school council meeting and just storms into his room before slamming the door shut, no hello to anyone. Wouldn’t even even let Auntie in to speak to him

 

Einstein's Daughter: Oh my, did something happen at the school council meeting Ashido?

 

Bubbly Bitch: Eh, nothing major a few votes on some pretty basic stuff, who gets the gyms at what time, what to serve for lunch, that sort of thing

 

Air Conditioner: That sounds like important work!

 

Floaty McFloat: Does it though?

 

Bubbly Bitch: Oh, there was one other thing

 

Bubbly Bitch: MIDORI THREATENED TO KILL A THIRD YEAR HERO STUDENT! 

 

Floaty McFloat: He WHAT!?

 

Einstein's Daughter: That doesn’t sound like the wisest move…

 

Angry Boi: AHAHAHA I KNEW HE WAS A SECRET BAKUGOU 

 

Air Conditioner: That doesn’t sound like Midoriya at all

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Yeah well that guy was being a Grade A fucking asshole

 

Air Conditioner: Ah! He lives!

 

Floaty McFloat: Everytime Midoriya swears it’s like my soul is cleansed

 

Angry Boi: Oi fuckface! Get down here before you give Auntie a heart attack!

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Fine

 

Floaty McFloat: Damn, I can feel the rage pouring through my phone

 

Air Conditioner: I haven’t felt this sort of intensity from him since the recommendation exam

 

Einstein's Daughter: I’m sorry, going back to our Class President threatening someone, what happened?

 

Angry Boi: Raccoon Eyes you’ll have to answer, Zuzu is currently getting hugged to death by Auntie while the hag shouts at him about ignoring his family

 

Bubbly Bitch: Ok so it was towards the end of the council meeting, pretty basic stuff like I say we’d just been voting on motions. Fun fact, me and Midori voted exactly the same on everything but the hero stuff (side note, why do the demon brothers hate heroes?). But then it came to questions from the council and asshole number 1 stands up and asks about kicking someone out of UA for having a villain's quirk. Then asshole 2 stands up and tells him to basically bully the kid until he drops out. I mean I was angry enough and then BOOM suddenly it’s like our little green cinnamon roll was replaced with the secret love child of All Might and Endeavor

 

Floaty McFloat: Fuck yeah! I knew Midoirya wouldn’t take no shit from any dickheads

 

Air Conditioner: I think Uraraka is hanging around Bakugou too much but I agree, I would expect a top school like UA to have a zero tolerance policy on quirkism

 

Angry Boi: WHO THE FUCK WAS THIS ASSHOLE!? I’LL FUCKING KILL HIM

 

Bubbly Bitch: Relax blasty, the school council president (who I swear is an All Might clone) already took them to see Nedzu, I doubt they’ll be much left for you to kill

 

Einstein's Daughter: A school council meeting is certainly no place to bring up such topics

 

Bubbly Bitch: Honestly you guys should have seen Midori though, I was both equally terrified of him and turned on by him

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Ashido!

 

Angry Boi: For fuck sake Raccon Eyes! Our parents finally let him go and you go and break him

 

Bubbly Bitch: It’s not my fault your brother can switch between a cute cinnamon roll and a sexy psychopath like he’s turning on a light

 

Air Conditioner: It still surprises me Midoriya got that worked up over it

 

Bubbly Bitch: Oh yeah, like, he was getting super angry but keeping a lid on it and then guy said quirkless people were worthless and Midori just lost it

 

Angry Boi: He called quirkless people worthless?

 

Bubbly Bitch: Yeah, said he was glad none ever made it to UA and that they were the lowest of the low, it really pissed Midori off

 

Angry Boi: Oh

 

Floaty McFloat: That was a very un-Bakugou response

 

Floaty McFloat: Bakugou?

 

Air Conditioner: Bakugou? Midoriya? Are you both ok?

 

Bubbly Bitch: Guys?

 

Einstein's Daughter: Should we try to ring them?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Sorry

 

Angry Boi: We’re back

 

Floaty McFloat: Where did you guys go?

 

Angry Boi: We were punching each other

 

Bubbly Bitch: I… what?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: We figured out a while ago the best method of taking out our anger was on each other

 

Angry Boi: Zuzu can take some of my weaker punches while he can let loose with his quirk on me

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: It’s very therapeutic and doesn’t damage the furniture

 

Bubbly Bitch: Should I be concerned?

 

Einstein's Daughter: When it comes to Bakugou and Midoriya?

 

Floaty McFloat: Yes, yes you should

 

Air Conditioner: Concern is just a side effect of being their friend

 

Angry Boi: Oi assholes! We can read this, you know!

Floaty McFloat: Once again I’d like to point how fucking weird you guys are

 

Bubbly Bitch: Are any of us really normal?

 

Air Conditioner: I like to think I am! Just like the knights of old!

 

Bubbly Bitch: Oh Yoarashi my sweet innocent child, you’re up there with the demon brothers

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Calm down Kacchan

 

Angry Boi: You’re just happy cause Auntie made you katsudon!

 

Floaty McFloat: Man, I wish I had Katsudon, I forgot to go grocery shopping

 

Bubbly Bitch: Your parents don’t do the shopping?

 

Floaty McFloat: Oh! No, my parents live too far out so I rent this little studio flat so I can go to UA but It’s just me

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Uraraka, send us your address

 

Floaty McFloat: Huh? Why?

 

Angry Boi: Just do it Round Cheeks!

 

Floaty McFloat sent her location 

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Kacchan Auntie says you need to take a coat

 

Angry Boi: Tell her I said fuck you

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Mom says she’s getting your red one

 

Angry Boi: …Fine. I’m bringing your rucksack downstairs

 

Bubbly Bitch: What’s going on?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Uraraka do you like spicy food?

 

Floaty McFloat: Uh… not really?

 

Angry Boi: Get hers out of Dad and Aunties pot Zuzu

 

Floaty McFloat: What pot?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Me, Kacchan and Auntie like our food really spicy so Mom always makes a separate pot for her and Uncle. Kacchan I have your shoes

 

Floaty McFloat: I’m sorry, what’s happening?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: We’re bringing you some katsudon!

 

Angry Boi: Obviously

 

Floaty McFloat: Wait! YOU GUYS ARE COMING TO MY APARTMENT!?

 

Angry Boi: Yes

 

Floaty McFloat: Don’t I get a say in this?

 

Air Conditioner: I think we all know the answer to that

 

Floaty McFloat: I’m not even dressed!

 

Angry Boi: Then get dressed bitch, we’re on are way

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: We have katsudon and mochi!

 

Floaty McFloat: Mochi?

 

Floaty McFloat: …you may approach safely

 

Angry Boi: Don't get too excited, the nerd is bringing work with him

 

Floaty McFloat: Dammit Midoriya!

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Hey! It’s just some proposals on quirk discrimination for the school council!

 

Bubbly Bitch: Oooooh, can I see?

 

Floaty McFloat: You may as well come round too Ashido

 

Bubby Bitch: I’m on my way bitchez

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: FYI, don’t worry about my black eye and Kacchans bandaged fingers

 

Einstein's Daughter:  I’m not even coming and I’m worried

 

Floaty McFloat: Has anyone ever told you that you’re both a little insane?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Yes

 

Angry Boi: Yes

 

Einstein's Daughter: Sigh

 

Bubbly Bitch: By the way:

Bubbly Bitch: WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME YOU GUYS ALREADY HAD A GROUP CHAT!?

Chapter 17: Katsuki's Big Mouth

Summary:

It's Izuku and Katsuki's third day at UA, by this point all Izuku wants is a qiuet and simple day. What could go wrong?

Only three days in and Izuku was already tired of the early starts that came with UA, as much as he enjoyed hanging out with Uraraka and Ashido last night it meant he hadn’t really got a chance to fully relax from the exhausting day. Combined with the fact he had to swing by Recovery Girls office to finish the healing on his ribs and Izuku was dreading the day. 

 

But it seemed he was at least settling into routine each morning. He and Katsuki would be the first to arrive, they’d attempt (and fail) to make conversation with Todoroki before Izuku moved to his own seat and convernsed with Ashido, Jiro and Kirishima until Aizawa arrived (In which he learned that Katsuki’s determination to be early had been worth it today as they had apparently avoided a swarm of reporters which appeared as everyone else arrived).

 

“Good Morning everyone,” The tired hero said in a way that indicted the morning was anything but good, “I spoke to Yagi and All Might about your heroics lessons yesterday, I have some concerns about how a few of you dealt with the exercises and quite frankly you all did poorly on the obstacle course but overall an average performance from all of you.”

 

Izuku furrowed his eyebrows as he tried to decipher whether that was a compliment or insult, knowing Aizawa it was probably both.

 

“Oh and Midoriya,” Aizawa said and turned his attention to the boy in question, “While I understand your motives please try to avoid threatening any more students during school council meetings.”

 

Aizawa didn't even bother to attempt to stop the chaos that unfolded, it was only after Ashido had loudly explained the full events that the class calmed down. A few even praised Midoriya for standing up for other students, though there were also a few who still shot him dirty looks, either disagreeing with his stance or the way he handled things.

 

From there however the rest of the morning passed without any major incident. Though Midnight’s class made Izuku incredibly uncomfortable. Not because of her flirtatious or slightly inappropriate nature with everyone but rather the exact opposite. From the moment she walked into the classroom Midnight winked, joked and flirted with every member of the class. Except for Izuku. Izuku had raised his hand multiple times at questions and had ever been picked to answer once, Midnight had made at least one flirtatious comment about everyone in the classroom bar himself and it didn’t take a genius to figure out why. Though if his friends noticed anything they didn’t mention it to him.

 

But Izuku was perfectly happy to ignore Midnight right back and get on with his day which, all things considered, was turning out pretty well. Once again he’d managed to grab himself some katsudon in the cafeteria (Katsuki insisted one day he would need to eat something else) and found himself sitting at a table with his brother and friends. Both he and Katsuki had decided between themselves to try and make more of an effort at joining in the group conversation.

 

“Come on Midoriya!” Uraraka groaned, “You can’t seriously be telling me The Wild Wild Pussy Cats are better than Thirteen!”

 

“Thirteen is a fantastic hero within their own right,” Izuku said as he stood his ground, “But The Wild Wild Pussy Cats just operate better as a whole. Generally Thirteen heads to flood zones and other big disaster areas but doesn’t do as well in small scale situations such as house fires whereas The Wild Wild Pussy Cats can operate in both.”

 

Uraraka frowned at his logic, “Yeah but you’re missing something really important.”

 

Izuku furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, “What?”

 

“Astronauts are way cooler than cats.” Uraraka declared and stuck her tongue out at Izuku who returned the favour causing Katsuki to snort from where he sat between them.

 

“Astronauts are pretty cool…” Yaoyorozu admitted with a slight giggle as Uraraka shot her a smug smile before returning to her pouting match with Izuku.

 

“I’m gonna go with Midoriya on this one,” Jiro said as she played with her jacks, “Thirteen is powerful but they have no recon abilities, they’re essentially just told where to point their quirk and activate it. Meanwhile The Wild Wild Pussycats have members like Ragdoll who can identify people in need.”

 

Izuku crossed his arms and gave Uraraka a look so smug even Katsuki thought he might be overdoing it. Uraraka however just rolled her eyes in response.

 

“I’m sure I don’t need to tell you who my favourite rescue hero is! My Uncle Typhoon is truly my idol!” Yoarashi declared with a clenched fist in the air.

 

“Woah!” Kirishima said, his eyes widening at Yoarashi and ramen long forgotten, “You’re uncle is a pro hero? That’s so manly!”

 

“I swear Kiri is there literally anything is this world you don’t find-”

 

Ashido never got to finish her question before a blaring alarm rang out through the building. Instantly the cafeteria turned into chaos, a few people let out screams and students started to jump out of their seats.

 

“There has been a level 3 security breach, all students please evacuate the grounds immediately!” A robotic voice declared through the speakers throughout the school.

 

“W-whats a level 3 breach mean!?” Jiro asked as her jack clacked together in panic.

 

“It means someone is trespassing on the grounds!” A passing third year shouted to the table before heading off to the main doors.

 

“A trespasser!?” Uraraka gasped, “You don’t think it’s a-a villain do you?”

 

Izuku’s jaw tightened and flashes of the sludge villain came back into his mind. His heart constricted at the thought and he had to keep a hold of his breathing. If he was lucky he could use Katsuki as a battering ram and the pair could make it out easily.

 

But before he could make a decision he looked up and saw the fear in his friends eyes. Jiro and Yaoyorozu had gone deathly pale and Jiro’s jacks were flailing about with obvious panic. Both Ashido and Kirishima were looking around in fear and confusion, trying to reassure their friends though they were clearly out of their depth . Meanwhile Yoarashi and Uraraka were both trying to look confident but clearly didn’t know how to handle the situation while Katsuki looked ready to beat down the villain but had no idea how to help his friends. Izuku grit his teeth, what was it Togata had said? He needed to look after his class.

 

“Everybody!” Izuku's shout and subsequent slamming of his hands on the table as he stood up drew the group's attention, “Lets not panic, we need to stick together.”

 

His friends seemed to take a collective sigh of relief and Izuku briefly made eye contact with Katsuki, the boy nodding at him, “Ok, we’ll move as a group. Kacchan and Yoarashi, you guys take the front, you’re the strongest and largest of us so it’ll be easy for everyone to see and follow you. Kirishima, you’ll be at the back with me, people will likely try to push past us so you’ll be good for stopping that. Everyone else heads into the middle, Jiro, you and Ashido keep an eye out for anyone else in the class who might need help. Remember to stick together.”

 

The group steeled themselves at Izuku’s words and quickly got into the formation Izuku described. Katsuki wore a manic grin as he pushed through the crowds and Izuku half panicked that his brother might start a fight. Luckily Yoarashi was so loud and boisterous that most people let the group shuffle past without Katsuki’s aggression. At the back Kirishima was doing a valiant job of stopping them all being trampled with his quirk. The first few people to push against him quickly realised it was like trying to push a spiky wall and remained several steps back. Jiro and Ashido were making sure to keep an eye out for any Class 1-A stragglers and the group had quickly picked up Kaminari, Hagakure, Iida and Asui meaning over half the class were now moving as a group through the crowds.

 

However once they made it to the main corridor out of the cafeteria they found that even Izuku’s formation was struggling under the sheer mass of students packed like sardines from wall to wall.

 

“Oi! You extra’s better move or I swear I’ll break your fucking legs!” Katsuki growled to the second year, blocking their way forward.

 

“Move where idiot? There’s no room here!” One of the other second years said and turned round to Katsuki with a scowl and the two were quickly drawn into an argument with each other which Yoarashi attempted to placate it with little effect.

 

“I can’t even see where the crowds end.” Yaoyorozu said as she bit her lip and pushed up on her toes, looking over the heads of the gathered students.

 

“If I get lost in the crowd I’m bound to be crushed!” Hagakure said, her voice laced with fear as her clothes shook slightly.

 

“Guys!” Ashido shouted above all the noise, “Let's make sure Hagakure is in the centre!” Everyone nodded and Uraraka and Tsuyu quickly guided the invisible girl to the centre of their group, everyone forming a protective circle around her.

 

“Oh man, if my quirk goes off it’ll be a disaster!” Kaminari said as his hair sparked slightly as he was shoved towards Uraraka.

 

“Don’t you dare moron!” Jiro shouted back and waved her jacks at him threateningly 

 

“Everybody please calm down!” Iida cried at nobody in particular, “We are UA students, we must-Hey!”

 

Iida was cut off as a surge of students pushed to their right, forcing the group to move in even closer to each other. Kirishima grunted as he was pushed against the floor, his body hardened and arms spread to try and stop the wave of students. But even he was starting to struggle and it was obvious he couldn’t maintain his quirk for much longer.

 

Kirishima wasn’t the only one having quirk issues. The moment they had been swarmed by the crowd Izuku’s breaths had become ragged and his body tense. The sheer amount of quirks surrounding him was driving his hunger insane, all his energy was spent on making sure he didn’t start suddenly grabbing every quirk in sight. The energy he was using was so much that he had even started to sweat, something Jiro noticed with concern.

 

“Are you alright Midoriya?” She asked as she shuffled her way towards him.

 

Izuku could barely nod in response, wheezing through his teeth, “Quirk… doesn’t do well… crowds.”

 

Jiro’s eyes widened, she may not understand what was going on fully but she could understand having issues in crowds, she quickly snapped her head to the front of their group, “Hey Bakugou! Your brother looks like he’s struggling with his quirk!?”

 

Katsuki’s head whipped round with his signature scowl but it quickly fell from his face when he caught sight of Izuku’s state. He could tell his brother was very close to losing control and who knows what would happen if Izuku went rogue.

 

“Dammit. Four eyes!” Katsuki shouted and turned his attention to Iida who sputtered, “Take my place!”

 

Iida frowned in protest, “Bakugou you can’t expect me to respond when you talk like-”

 

“Iida please just do it!” Ashido commanded, she too had become aware of Izuku’s state and was sending him concerned glances.

 

Iida’s frown deepened but he nodded and quickly moved to take Katsuki’s place, chopping his arms and making sure to shout as loud as he could though it did little more than cause Yoarashi to wince at the volume.

 

“Zuzu,” Katsuki said with an unnatural level of concern and just a hint of fear, which drew surprised looks from Kirishima and Jiro, the only two within earshot, “You need to keep control of it,” Katsuki continued, “Don’t let it out, not here.”

 

Izuku’s body was starting to shake, his quirk was slamming at the doors, no longer willing to be caged, “Ka-Kachan…”

 

Katsuki gripped his shoulders tightly and looked him in the eyes, “You need to ground yourself, focus on it. I know you can do it, you just need to show it who’s boss.”

 

By this point Jiro and Kirishima were shooting each other confused and worried glances, not fully understanding what was happening.

 

Despite Katsuki’s reassuring words, Izuku's entire body shook as he looked up and into his brother's eyes, “But Kacchan… I’m… so… hungry”

 

Both Kirishima and Jiro’s eyes widened in fear as Izuku’s voice dropped several octaves and came out like nails on a chalkboard. It was as if something had possessed his body and spoken in the timids boy’s place.

 

Katsui’s eyes also widened though he didn’t take his hands of Izuku’s shoulders, “Fuck… if he loses control here I don’t think I’m strong enough to stop him.”

 

“Bakugou,” Jiro said as her face paled as she looked at Izuku who had now frozen in place, eyes wide and unfocused, “What happens if he loses control of his quirk?”

 

“We’d be fucked.” Katsuki responded quickly as his head started scanning the crowd, “I need to get him out of this crowd.”

 

“It’s the press!” Came the sudden and desperate cry from Yaoyorozu who had been pushed towards the windows on one side of the hallway, “I can see Aizawa sensei out there with them, there’s no need to panic!”

 

Sadly it seemed nobody outside of the 1-A group heard her and the crowd continued to push and shove as Izuku’s world slowly started to fade. Katsuki’s mind was connecting thousands of dots at once, ideas streaming through his mind as he tried to work out how to handle the situation. Then something he’d been working on came to mind.

 

“Oi shitty hair!” Katsuki barked at Kirishima who jumped slightly, “Let me stand on your shoulders.” 

 

“Uh… what?” Kirishima asked but it was too late, Katsuki was already clambering up the redhead's body and Kirishima had no choice but to support Karasuki as he stood on his shoulders.

 

A few people around them glanced up with a mixture of amusement and shock as Katsuki wobbled on Kirishima’s shoulders slightly but was able to maintain his balance. Though a majority of the crowd were still focused on the borderline brawl that was happening. 

 

Katsuki narrowed his eyes and took a breath, focusing on One For All and allowing the quirk to flow through his body slightly. He’d been working on this theory based on watching All Might. As Yagi while his voice was deep the hero still spoke relatively softly but as All Might his voice boomed and could be heard for miles around. 

 

And Katsuki had a solid guess at the reason, All For Once enhanced their entire being, not just their muscles. Their senses, reaction time and thought process were all upgraded to be far higher than anyone else. Every aspect about them was enhanced… which included their voice. Katsuki took a deep breath before focusing his quirk in his throat.

 

“HEY!”

 

Apparently All Might didn’t actually use his quirk when he spoke, he was just naturally that loud. Because if he used his quirk in the way Katsuki did he would’ve destroyed every street where he ever made light conversation. Katsuki’s voice came out like a sonic boom that reverberated throughout the hallway. Every single head within his sight turned to him as it felt like a small earthquake had hit the school. Several windows cracked with one even shattering while the walls shook and dust was thrown into the air as lights flickered.

 

Izuku’s hunger latched onto the activation of One For All and his head snapped up to Katsuki, a cold dead look in his eyes that would make most people shiver in fright. Katsuki however just smirked at him before turning back to the crowd with a scowl.

 

“Oi! Asshats!” Katsuki shouted though he made sure to lower the level his quirk amplified his voice, “Stop acting like a bunch of fucking school kids! It’s just the goddamn press! You fucking extra’s are hurting people because you can’t use your fucking brains! Start acting like actual UA students or I swear to god I’m gonna smack each and every one of you into the ground.”

 

“That’s right!” Ashido shouted as she climbed up a very shocked Yoarashi who had clearly not been expecting the pink girl to clamber up to his shoulders, “Plus there are people who don’t do well in crowds or are struggling with their quirks.” She said as a few people turned their attention to Izuku who was still staring up at Katsuki like a piece of meat, “We should let those people pass through first.” Ashido finished and around her people started to nod their heads.

 

From there things calmed down, realising there was no actual threat the students stopped pushing and shoving and actually formed a more orderly group as they made their way to the exits. A few third years managed to create a corridor for those who, like Ashido pointed out, were struggling with the crowds. Uraraka and Asui escorted Hagakure through the corridor, the invisible girl's clothes still shaking slightly. Meanwhile Bakugou jumped down from Kirishima’s shoulders and helped guide Izuku through the crowd, a few other students raising eyebrows at Izuku’s blank expression. Several other people were also taken through the corridor, many with green or pale faces.

 

Once out the doors Katsuki led Izuku to a secluded spot away from where most of the school were gathering. Once they were far enough away Izuku let out a shaky breath.

 

“You just gotta breathe nerd.” Katsuki said with a soft voice he reserved only for Izuku.

 

Izuku nodded and started to take deep breaths, Katsuki matching him as both boys’ chests moved in sync. 

 

Eventually Izuku felt his hunger die down and it returned to the usual humming in the back of his mind, “Thanks Kacchan.”

 

Katsuki just rolled his eyes but mumbled a very soft, "Of course little brother."

 

---

 

Somewhere in an unknown underground location in the midst of Japan there was a room full of blinking equipment that echoed with a variety of beeps, whistles and whirls. Much of the equipment was prototype technology, built with the sole purpose of keeping death as far away from someone as possible. Said someone sat in the middle of the room, the chair they adorned had many tubes, wires and supports coming out of it leading back to the equipment.

 

In said chair sat a simple man with a simple goal. To dominate the filth that dared to call itself humanity as it scurried across the face of its pathetic excuse of a society, filled with ugly concrete cities, disease and pain. A society which believed itself to the pinnacle of civilisation, the ignorance of it was enough to make any man disgusted.

 

That’s assuming you could still call All For One a man. He technically still had a human body, although it lacked several vital organs and a face, and he still spoke and communicated like any human. He even had human feelings, though he definitely didn’t have the full range of emotion that most enjoyed. But apart from that All For One was less of a human and more of a vessel for the hunger and many thousands of quirks that hummed under his skin. To him they were almost like pets, trophies that his original quirk had gathered over hundreds of years. Many of his quirks didn’t even have any real use, one allowed him to see an extra shade of green while another allowed him to turn his skin red, both pointless in his goal of crushing society. But the act of taking them made him shiver with pleasure.

 

He could still remember when he was younger, when he still went by Shigaraki, how the hunger of his then unnamed quirk became his best friend, how he allowed it to flow under his skin like a reassuring family member giving him their love. He remembered when he took his first quirk, how the boy who dared to insult his little brother clawed and tore Shigaraki’s school uniform apart as his quirk was ripped from him. He remembered how the quirk energy had flowed into him, how his hunger had practically growled at him in satisfaction. From that day he allowed his hunger to guide him, taking quirk after quirk and he soon realised something. Quirks allowed people to rise above those without quirks, it made them superior to quirkless. And those with powerful quirks could rise even higher, therefore he came to one logical conclusion.

 

In a world where quirks determined superiority, the being who could steal and stockpile them was all but a God.

 

At some point during his late teens Shigaraki gave into his hunger, he allowed it to consume him, to guide him to his next trophy. Eventually there was no distinction between Shigaraki and the hunger. The result was the creation of All For One, a living God among mortals who could hold the world in the palm of his hand.

 

Skip forward a few hundred years and said god was sitting surrounded by medical equipment eating his favourite lunch, katsudon accompanied by a lovely cup of tea. He sipped the warm tea with a smile on his face as he ‘watched’ the various screens in front of him. He didn’t actually have eyes but he had enough quirks he could use to see just as well if not better than most.

 

He was currently watching the inside of UA’s famous USJ, the footage having been recorded only a few hours before. For all Nedzu’s reputation of being a dangerously intelligent animal it was laughably easy to hack into the security cameras, even without the use of one his 14 hacking quirks.

 

“That welding quirk is quite fascinating.” All For One said to the empty room, “Though initially unsuited for heroics it could be used to effectively restrain villains and secure collapsed buildings.”

 

All For One had always enjoyed studying quirks, perhaps as a side effect of his own. It didn’t even bother him that he wanted to kill every person on the screen right now, watching them use their quirks was still a nice way to relax in the middle of the day. Though he would have preferred to observe the more volatile quirks in 1-A alas it was 1-B who had attended the training that morning in the USJ along with Vlad King, Thirteen and Cementoss. 

 

As All For One watched an orange haired girl move piles of rubble with her large hands he felt the quirk energy of someone entering the room.

 

“Ah, Kurogiri. I trust you have news?” All For One asked, not turning to look at the mist man as he stepped out of his portal, and, despite his seemingly casual position sipping tea and the friendly manner he addressed him, the new addition to the room felt a shiver travel up his spine simply by being in close proximity to the would be God.

 

“I do,” Kurogiri responded and managed to keep his voice level, “As planned Tomura provided a distraction while our spy copied the relevant documents. It turns out All Might will be teaching class 1-A at the USJ this very afternoon. Tomura has already gathered his forces and has set out a plan of attack.”

 

All For One smiled at this new information, he had already planned on observing 1-A as he was doing 1-B but the show had apparently just gotten a lot more interesting.

 

“I see,” The ancient man spoke, “And what about the other matter we discussed? Has he looked into the students that shall be present?”

 

Kurogiri hesitated with his answer, it was only for a moment but it caused All For One's deadly aura to increase in intensity until Kurogiri resumed the conversation, “While our spy sent over the relevant documents I’m afraid Tomua was uninterested, he seemed to only care about All Might. Luckily I was able to save the documents before he destroyed them.” Kurogiri said and held out a folder in his hands 

 

All For One sighed and waved his hand, said documents rose out of Kurogiri’s hands and floated across the room. The folder opened in front of All For One and the pages spread out within his line of sight. With the folder handed over Kurogiri opened a portal back to their main hideout.

 

“I did not say you could leave.”

 

Kurogiri instantly closed the portal and stood to attention frozen on the spot, even the usual wisps of his mist stopped moving as much as they normally did. All For One had spoken so casually yet it caused Kurogiri to fill with a fear so primitive every instinct in his body was telling him to run. But he was well aware he would be dead before he even finished the thought.

 

Meanwhile All For One was reading the folder in front of him, it wasn’t long but it was useful. It was a basic register for UA’s Class 1-A. All For One saw some interesting and powerful quirks but he knew exactly what he was looking for. There was a reason All Might had suddenly become a teacher at UA, he’d finally passed it on. The one quirk All For One had never been able to take, the quirk his hunger so desired above all others. It would be easy to discover who was now holding onto it.

 

Aha. There.

 

Katsuki Bakugou.

 

The entire section on his quirk was blacked out, completely classified. All For One chuckled deeply, causing Kurogiri to flinch behind him. If they really wanted to hide the quirk they shouldn’t make it so obvious, if the Todoroki child’s quirk wasn’t classified then it was obvious why Bakugous’s was and it would be so interesting to watch his actions this afternoon. All For One went to put the folder away when something caught his eye.

 

Wait.

 

Izuku Midoriya.

 

His quirk was also completely classified, that was curious. What kind of quirk, outside of One For All, was so powerful or dangerous it required this level of classification. All For One felt a slight pang of excitement within himself. One of these boys definitely had One For All, the question was what quirk did the other one have? It was a shame he couldn’t see quirk energy through video feeds or he would gain a better idea. Surely the pair had to be true powerhouses for this level of security.

 

Which did raise some further concerns, All For One had to admit that he had been fairly certain the cockroaches Tomaru had gathered to fight could take care of the students but with this new information… He didn’t want to advise Tomaru directly but perhaps he could nudge him slightly.

 

He reached out for a button on his chair and the click of an intercom could be heard, “Are you there doctor?”

 

There was a crashing sound from the speakers in the room before there came a desperate reply, “Y-yes my lord! I’m here, how can I serve!?”

 

“The first creature is ready I trust?” All For One asked, no hint of any emotion in his voice.

 

“Yes my lord,” came the reply, “Tomura had already asked for me to prepare it.”

 

“Good, but tell me, do we have any others ready to go?” 

 

The doctor paused briefly, “Well… I have one. Though it’s not nearly as strong, I'd put it roughly at the level of a standard villain. It won’t stand a chance against All Might.”

 

“Not to worry doctor, that’s what the first one is for. Please also prepare the second creature, Tomura will ask for it shortly.” All For One said with a terrifyingly cheery voice, he didn’t wait for a reply as he cut the communication line off.

 

“Kurogiri,” He said, causing said man to jump to attention, “Perhaps you could… advise Tomaru that it may be worth taking a second of the creatures, just in case. But please do not force him.”

 

“Of course.” Kurogiri responded and was easily able to pick up his cue to leave, opening up a portal and disappearing inside, once again leaving All For One alone.

 

The man leaned back in his chair, smiling as he took another sip of tea and returned to watching 1-Bs rescue training. The afternoon was certainly looking like it would be exciting.

 

Midoriya.

 

Something in the back of his mind sparked when he read the name once again. But he waved it off, if the boy was of any importance he would find out this afternoon.

 

---

 

Izuku and Katsuki were the last to arrive back to class just before the bell rang to signal the end of lunch. A few people glanced their way but one glare from Katsuki made sure nobody dared question where the two had been. Izuku sent a small but grateful smile to the ones who had joined their ‘unit’ during the whole scenario but relaxed as he took his seat. Hopefully the rest of the day wouldn’t be as eventful.

 

The moment the bell rang Aizawa marched into the classroom, looking even more annoyed than usual, “Damn press, apologies for the chaos at lunch. Hagakure, Midoriya, can I see you both outside for a moment?”

 

Both students froze in their seats which Aizawa noticed and his expression softened, “Neither of you are in trouble I assure you.”

 

Izuku and Hagakure both paused briefly before both nervously got out of their seats and followed Aizawa out of the classroom. As Aizawa shut the door Izuku looked down and started to shuffle his feet slightly while Hagakure seemed to find the hem of her skirt incredibly interesting. Aizawa saw this and sighed.

 

“I told you, this isn’t anything bad. I just wanted to check that you’re both alright?” Aizawa said and his eyes for once weren’t full of hardened criticism.

 

“H-huh?” Izuku responded in confusion while Hagakure remained silent.

 

“You forget I have received both of your personal files,” Aizawa explained, “Crowds, albeit for different reasons, are something you both struggle with.”

 

Hagakure’s clothes shifted and somehow Izuku could tell she was looking right at him, “You too huh?” the girl said.

 

Izuku smiled nervously and rubbed the back of his neck, “Yeah… I uh… my quirk is affected by large crowds, it’s not a pleasant thing to deal with.”

 

“Yeah, I think we could all kind of tell,” Hagakure said referring to how pale and distant Izuku had been as Katsuki led him out, “Mine’s more of a standard fear though still related to my quirk I guess. People don’t really notice the small invisible girl in big crowds and I get shoved around a lot. When I was five my parents lost me on a packed day at the beach. People didn’t notice me in my swimsuit and kept kicking and walking all over me. By the time the police found me a few hours later I was nearly unconscious, I spent over a month in the hospital recovering from having all my ribs broken and a ton of internal bleeding. Since then I’ve always had a big fear of crowds, even when it’s just a small group like with our class I like to stay on the outside just in case.”

 

By the time she finished Izuku could tell Hagakure was crying, the slight shake of her shoulders and soft sniffs told him so. Despite his better judgement he reached out and lightly squeezed her shoulder.

 

“Hey,” Izuku said in a soft a voice as he could manage, “I get it, when I was seven my quirk put me in the hospital and I nearly lost my arm,” He flexed his gloved hand to emphasise his point, “I nearly gave Kacchan a heart attack, he had to have therapy for 6 months after that. If you ever need anything as class president I’ll do what I can to help you.”

 

Izuku felt Hagakure shift under his hand and despite not being able to see her, could feel the warmth of her smile, “Thanks Midoriya… I was uh… I was wondering if there was any way I could get out to lunch a little earlier than everyone else, just to avoid the initial rush.”

 

Izuku turned to Aizawa who answered the unspoken question, “It shouldn’t be a problem, I can get you ten minutes but on the flip side you’ll need to be back ten minutes before everyone else. Midoriya will be responsible for taking any notes you miss.”

 

Hagakure perked up and squealed slightly, “Oh thank you both!”

 

Izuku smiled and Aizawa just gave a blank nod as he led the students back into the classroom. Several people watched them with curiosity but seemed to lose interest when Hagakure all but skipped to her desk. Clearly Aizawa hadn’t just spent the last five minutes expelling the pair. Izuku shot Katsuki a reassuring smile and sat back down at his desk as Aizawa cleared his throat.

 

“Now then, moving on. I’ll be joining you for your heroics lesson today,” several smiles dropped at that revelation, “Today we’ll be delving into your first real look at one of the four main branches of being a hero. We’ll be completing rescue training.”

 

The smiles that had vanished at knowing Aizawa was overseeing them came back with a vengeance as excitement washed over the room. Even Izuku was infected by it, rescue training was often seen as the pinnacle of hero work. You had one goal: to save people. No villains to bring down, no collateral damage to worry about and nobody who’s quirk you needed to take. No one was more excited then Uraraka however who was bouncing in her seat with a smile that was all but glowing, behind her Katsuki scowled, it almost looked like he was trying to defend himself against the girls upbeat attitude.

 

“Now, for this exercise you may opt out of wearing your hero outfit. Having worn them yesterday for the first time I suspect many of you will have found flaws in the design, these can be altered free of charge by the support department so there’s no pressure for you not to wear it today.” Aizawa said and promptly walked out the door without even an acknowledgement that he’d been heard, knowing their teacher the rest of the class quickly followed.

 

---

 

Izuku, like most of the class, opted to wear his hero outfit for the day, he hadn’t really used it yesterday and it had taken minimal damage during the obstacle course. Besides, his first aid kit and mouth guard would probably come in handy in rescue situations. The only people who had opted not to wear their costumes were Todoroki (who apparently had taken one look at it the mirror of the gym and decided it was downright hideous) and Uraraka (who had realised during yesterday's obstacle course that heels weren’t the best idea for a hero outfit).

 

Once they were changed the class had met Aizawa outside by a bus, apparently their training ground was on the edge of UA’s vast land ownership. Iida had suggested they form an orderly queue but Izuku and Ashido had waved him off, saying it would take just as long to get the class under control and line up than it would to scramble on the bus. Their point was further emphasised at the time by the shouting match that Katsuki and Uraraka seemed to have been drawn into. 

 

Izuku and Ashido were just boarding the bus, the last of the class to do so before Aizawa, when a shout drew all three people’s attention.

 

“Aizawa!” Yagi called as he ran up to the bus waving his arms about, his oversized suit blowing in the wind.

 

Aizawa watched him approach and let out a sigh so deep Izuku thought the man might be in actual pain, “Yagi… I thought All Might was supposed to be joining us today?”

 

Izuku winced slightly at the way in which Aizawa all but spat All Might’s name out. Yagi also flinched slightly as he caught up with the bus while Ashido smirked a little, always the one to be on the lookout for gossip.

 

“Uh yes,” Yagi responded a little awkwardly, “He sends his apologies but All Might was caught up and couldn't attend today's class so asked me to go to his place. You see he had three very important things to do this morning and these three things took up so much time that he’s now running late.”

 

If it wasn’t for the fact that Ashido was right next to him Izuku would’ve face palmed. For all his skills as hero Yagi had the subtlety of Endeavor at a charity event for the fire department. It was obvious he’d used up his three hours of ‘All Might Time’ that morning stopping villain attacks and it clearly didn’t impress the other teacher with them.

 

Aizawa sighed before a smile grew on his face that Izuku wouldn’t trust with a gun to his head, “Not to worry Yagi,” Aizawa said in a sickeningly sweet voice that made Izuku and Ashido shiver, “I’m glad to have someone on the staff I can trust like you, someone reliable and capable,” Yagi perked up at those words but Aizawa wasn’t finished, “Unlike All Might of course, you know just this morning Mic was complaining about the mess he made of the gyms.nThen of course there's the self righteous attitude he has, always thinking he’s above us, Vlad hates it. Not to mention if you ask Nemuri, she would tell you he’s downright ugly, I mean, between me and you Yagi, who would ever be attracted to muscles that big?”

 

Izuku couldn’t hold it any longer and a loud snort erupted from him which he quickly turned into a cough. A downtrodden Yagi shot him a look of betrayal while Ashido, who was biting her own lip to prevent her own amusement from escaping, patted him on the back. If only she knew what had really just taken place.

 

“But enough of that, we should get going.” Aizawa said with a satisfied smirk as a giggling Ashido and Izuku jumped onto the bus followed by a scowling Yagi.

 

As it was the bus wasn’t designed in the way Iida had envisioned and instead had multiple sideways facing seats. Izuku found himself crammed between Katsuki and Yoarashi, much to his annoyance, as the two muscular teenagers all but squished him. Opposite him Ashido noticed his discomfort and wasn’t helping his mood by the smirk she wore as she sat between Asui and Jiro.

 

The conversation between everyone remained relatively light, at least until Asui turned to Izuku.

 

“Hey Midoriya.”

 

“O-oh yes Asui?” Izuku asked with slight surprise, having never been addressed by the girl before.

 

“Call me Tsu,” She responded casually making Izuku splutter, “Midoriya I’m usually fairly blunt and honest when I speak.”

 

“O-oh ok.” Izuku stammered, already having a sinking feeling about where this was going.

 

“What’s your quirk?” Tsu asked as if she was making sure Izuku had grabbed the milk when out grocery shopping.

 

Instantly the mood around them shifted, Ahsido and Katsuki both winced at the question while the rest of their immediate group turned to him with curiosity, even those a few seats down subtly turned their ears towards the conversation.

 

Izuku however panicked as words started to tumble out of his mouth, “Well… uh… I… I can… uh-”

 

“It’s complicated frog face and he doesn’t need to tell if he doesn’t want to!” Katsuki’s shout interrupted Izuku’s stuttering and caused most of the people around him to jump slightly.

 

Tsu however didn’t seem phased by Katsuki’s aggression, “Ribbet, it’s just that I haven’t seen him use it in class yet, it’s almost like he’s quirkless.”

 

Ashido’s eyes widened in panic as Izuku scowled, “What would be the issue if I was quirkless?”

 

Again Tsu seemed unfazed by the joint scowls she was getting from the brothers, “Sorry if I offended you ribbet. There’s nothing wrong with the quirkless but we all know you have a powerful quirk, I’m just curious as to why you haven’t used it yet?”

 

Ashido quickly jumped into Izuku’s defence, “Hey come on Tsu, if Midori doesn’t want to tell us about his quirk he doesn’t have to.”

 

“Surely we need to know his quirk though to work with him, I’m afraid I must insist he tell us!” Iida shouted from his seat a few rows back, the rest of the class quickly stopping their own conversations.

 

“Come on dude, that’s not manly at all.” Kirishima said with a frown that conveyed sadness more than it did anger, almost like he was disappointed with Iida.

 

“Finally something he doesn’t find manly!” Ashido whispered from where she sat, causing Jiro to chuckle.

 

“I’m sorry but if Midoriya won’t tell us his quirk I’m not sure I’d be able to work with him, too many unknowns that would put our lives at risk.” Ojiro said with narrowed eyes as he glanced towards Izuku who cowered in his seat slightly.

 

Jiro scoffed, “You really gonna talk smack about the guy with an S Grade Omega quirk?”

 

Ojiro rolled his eyes, “Says the girl who’s quirk is literally just freaky ears.”

 

“WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU SAY YOU GOD DAMN 5 LIMBED FREAK!?”

 

“DUDE! THAT’S NOT EVEN REMOTELY MANLY!”

 

“HOW DARE YOU SAY SUCH REMARKS ABOUT ONE OF MY FRIENDS!”

 

Ojiro at least had the decency to let a small amount of fear cross his face as Bakugou, Kirishima and Yoarashi leaped out of their seats, each with equal looks of anger on their faces as they all but surrounded Ojiro. Meanwhile Ashido and Uraraka instantly moved either side of a shocked and teary Jiro, her jacks wrapping around her own body in a defensive state.

 

Aizawa and Yagi both shared an angry glance with each other, having both held one ear to the conversation as they silently agreed now was the time to intervene and both turned their heads. However neither of them got a chance to speak.

 

“Ojiro.”

 

The voice was razor sharp and held a cold fury that caused the entire bus to plunge into silence. Several of the class were sure they felt their quirks play up as every eye turned to the murderous arua towards the front of the bus. Even Katsuki found his voice caught in his throat and Aizawa and Yagi both paused as their eyes snapped to the student who had spoken.

 

Izuku stood behind Kirishima, who quickly moved out of the way, and allowed him to look directly at Ojiro. Izuku’s entire body was unmoving, even his eyes seemed untarually still and cold as Ojiro squirmed under his gaze, his tail flicking of its own accord.

 

“I suggest you apologise to Jiro.” Izuku said a voice that caused even Aizawa to shudder slightly.

 

“I-I…” Ojiro looked like he wanted to fight back but combined with Izuku’s ire and the furious looks he was receiving from Aizawa and Yagi the boy caved, “I’m sorry Jiro, that was uncalled for I… you’re not a freak.”

 

Jiro ignored the boy but she no longer looked to be on the edge of tears as Ashido and Uraraka rubbed her back. Izuku, satisfied with that answer, sat back down though the rest of the bus shot him nervous looks (except for Katsuki who only looked proud) as the tense ride continued.

 

“Ojiro,” Aizawa said, suddenly reminding everyone he was there, “See me after class.”

 

Ojiro’s face paled even further at the prospect of a private meeting with his homeroom teacher. Yagi however smiled and tried to lift the mood.

 

“On the bright side everyone, we’re here.”

 

Luckily this did indeed have the desired effect of lifting everyone's spirits as the bus pulled up outside a colossal dome that looked even larger than an olympic stadium. The entire class practically scrambled to one end of the bus, comically pressing their faces against the window with open jaws as the bus rolled to a stop.

 

Yagi chuckled with amusement, “You should see what it’s like inside.”

 

Aizawa just rolled his eyes as the two teachers led the students off the bus, the class quickly following them as Yagi opened the doors with no small amount of flare. Even Katsuki and Todoroki couldn’t stop the looks of awe that spread over their faces as they entered the dome, it was almost like walking into a miniature biome. From their raised position at the entrance Izuku could see mountains, city zones and even what looked like a wildfire.

 

“Ah! Welcome Class 1-A, to the Unforeseen Simulation Joint! Or USJ for short. UA’s own personally designed disaster area to help train in rescue operations.”

 

The figure of the space hero Thirteen walked up to meet the class who had gathered just behind Yagi and Aizawa.

 

“Oh. My. God. It’s Thirteen!” Uraraka squealed, practically jumping up and down where she stood.

 

Next to her Katsuki scowled, “Calm down Round Cheeks, your giddiness is painful to stand next to.”

 

Uraraka just stuck her tongue at him before looking behind her shoulder where Izuku was stood between Kirishima and Jiro and gave them a wide smirk, “Hey Midoriya, Jiro, why don’t you tell them about how they’re not as good as The Wild Wild Pussycats.”

 

“Shut it gravity girl,” Jiro hissed and waved her jacks menacingly though Uraraka just giggled and turned back to the front.

 

Thirteen turned to Aizawa and Yagi as they approached and their step faltered slightly, “Oh… Hello Yagi, were you not- I mean was All Might not scheduled to join us?”

 

Yagi coughed and looked a little sheepish, “He had three important things to do so I’m filling in.”

 

In front of him Izuku heard Katsuki let out something halfway between a sigh and growl and Izuku had to agree, it was a miracle nobody had discovered All Might's civilian identity as of yet with how badly he and general UA staff seemed to be at keeping it under wraps.

 

“Oh…  I see,” Thirteen replied before turning back to class and clearing their throat, “Now then class, before we begin I just have one thing to say… or is two… maybe three? It might even be four or five.”

 

The entire class and Aizawa sweatdropped, at this rate it would take the entire lesson until they actually started. The only one who had a genuine wide smile on their face was Yagi, clearly undeterred by Thirteen stumbling through the introduction. In all the time he’d known the man Izuku still wondered if he was even capable of feeling anger.

 

“Anyway,” Thirteen continued, “As I’m sure many of you know my quirk is called black hole, it sucks up anything I want and turns it into dust. It’s made me incredibly useful as a rescue hero. But my quirk can also easily be used to kill…”

 

Izuku sucked in a breath at that, of course he knew this, he had an entire page devoted in a notebook about how Thirteen could easily kill villains if they chose. It was also a reminder about the dangers of his own quirk, if were to take black hole and lose control of it he had the potential to kill innocent by standards. Several other people in the class also shifted uncomfortably, the point was even more prominent after All Might's words in their previous lesson and several students who’s quirks ranged on the more volatile and deadly side, such as Tokoyami and Kaminari, tensed up as Thirteen spoke.

 

“Many of you also have dangerous and powerful quirks. Mastering these quirks is the most essential thing you will do here at UA. You have already used Yagi and All Might’s lessons to start this understanding, you will all now have a better idea of how to control your quirks. You’ll be using that knowledge today to learn how to save peoples lives, no villains to defeat or overpower, just challenges to overcome and civilians to get to.”

 

The energy of the class grew as Thirteen spoke, sure All Might's lesson had been fun but this was the first real scenario outside of the entrance exam where they would be able to test their quirks.

 

Thirteen continued to speak but Izuku quickly found their voice drowned out. Something was… wrong. He could feel something… something disgusting. It made bile rise up in his throat and his heart constricted inside his chest. It felt like he couldn’t breath and he gulped desperately for air. The feeling was getting stronger… something… something powerful and unnatural was coming, something that made Izuku’s quirk literally shiver under his skin in anticipation and he immediately knew what was happening.  Izuku barely noticed as he fell to his knees, hands clutching at his chest like he was trying to rip out this feeling of disgust.  

 

“Midoriya bro! You ok?” Kirishima asked as he reached down to help Izuku, this garnered the attention of most of the class and their teachers who turned to the scene with concerned frowns.

 

Before anyone could move or say anything though, Izuku's head shot up. With wide panicked eyes he looked directly at Yagi and Aizawa and managed to force his vocal cords to respond to his commands.

 

“QUIRKS!” He cried much to the confusion of the class, as far as they could tell Izuku was having some kind of heart or even panic attack.

 

But to two trained pro heroes who knew the full extent of Izuku’s quirk their eyes steeled with understanding and both quickly moved in front of the students.

 

“Yagi get the class out of here, Thirteen with me!” Aizawa barked and he and Thirteen took stances at the top of the stairs.

 

Yagi frowed however and Izuku could see him trying to activate One For All but the qurik energy just wouldn't respond to him, "But Aizawa I can-"

 

"All Might isn't here Yagi!" Aizawa shouted in response and Yagi's eyes filled with pain at the amount of venom and hatred in the mans voice, "You're a civillian without a quirk, you need to get the kids out of here!"

 

Izuku’s focus was snapped to the centre of the USJ where purple circles startet to pop up around the water fountain. Izuku could sense the energy of the powerful portal quirk but it felt… wrong. Like it wasn’t supposed to be there and it made him feel slightly sick.

 

“Huh, what's going on?” Kirishima asked as he helped Izuku stand up, supporting him by letting him lean on his shoulder, “Is that part of exercise?”

 

“No,” Yagi said in a deep and foreboding tone as Aizawa grabbed his capture scarf and Thirteen aimed her right hand out, “Those are villains.”

Chapter 18: The Battle of The USJ Begins

Summary:

As villains invade the USJ Katsuki and Izuku are seperated and must battle it out to save each other and their classmates

Notes:

Hi all, first off thanks as always for all the kudos and comments, it's great to see so many people enjoying the story! Just wanted to give you all a heads up, some of the fighting in this chapter from the students (Katsuki in particular) is fairly voilent, but I assure you all it's for a reason! Anyway, I hope you all enjoy our faverioute chaotic duo finally being able to take some rage on out some unspecting villains.

“V-Villains?” Jiro stuttered out as panic reached out and gripped the class.

 

As Kirishima helped him to his feet Izuku gazed out and watched as dozens of villains stepped out of purple portals in the centre of the USJ. It was obvious who the leaders were as a large portal opened up and a small group stepped through.

 

The first appeared to be the villain who had the portal quirk, his body appeared to be made of the same purple mist with two piercing yellow eyes while his hands waved about, opening and closing portals across the USJ.

 

The second was a thin young man with blue hair, in fact he was barely more than a teenager. But Izuku shivered as he caught sight of him, he had several severed hands clasped to his body with one even covering his face but you could still see one crazed eye between the fingers that scanned the USJ wildly. 

 

Strange as they may be these two were nothing compared to the next two that stepped out of the portals, they barely even looked human. The first creature to step out looked like it had no muscle, it was as if someone had stretched a skin suit over a skeleton and it easily stood over seven feet tall. Said skin was sickly green and you could count each rib and bone under it, it was a miracle the creature even had the muscles to walk. But walk it did and on a pair of legs that looked like they belonged to a dog rather than a human, with its knees bent backwards as it stepped on bird-like feet. On the end of its feet and hands Izuku could see long razor sharp claws, each easily a few inches long and appeared to be made of metal as opposed to bone. The claws were a matching set for its razor sharp teeth that didn’t fit into its mouth, sticking out at jagged angles. To top all off instead of human eyes the creature had several insect eyes that twitched in all directions. If it was human Izuku couldn’t even fathom as to what it's quirk was.

 

But it was the second creature, the last one to step through the portal, that really drew Izuku’s eye. Simply put it was a hulking mass of muscle, easily as big if not bigger than All Might. Every step it took caused muscles to ripple underneath its body to the point that there were several tears in its black skin showing the red ligaments underneath. It had two large beady eyes that looked like they were pointing in different directions while its mouth consisted of a massive beak full of razor sharp teeth. But what really made Izuku pale was the energy he could feel from it, even from its distance outside his normal range he still felt a powerful aura that made him want to turn and run. An aura that felt unnatural, like, despite its power, it didn’t belong in the body that wielded it, Izuku had to push back the bile that rose in his throat. 

 

The hand man stepped forward, “What’s this? The class schedule said All Might would be here but all I see is Thirteen and… who the hell are the other two, some hobo and a skeleton?”

 

Yagi tensed from where he stood in front of the class, “So they’re the ones responsible for the break in earlier…”

 

“It is perplexing, perhaps the schedule we received was wrong.” The mist man commented while the two creatures next to him remained motionless.

 

“Maybe if we start killing kids he’ll come out to play.” The hand man said with growing excitement in his scratchy voice.

 

The entire class grew wide eyes and several of them started to shake. Izuku tensed and his jaw set in place, next to him Jiro looked like she was about to throw up. Without thinking Izuku reached out and grabbed her hand, giving it a soft squeeze.

 

“Hey, it’s going to be ok.” He whispered to her and gave her a smile that surprisingly didn’t have one ounce of nervousness to it.

 

Jiro calmed down slightly and gave him a small smile in return, though her face was still deathly pale. Meanwhile Kirishima had leant forward to give both Izuku and Jiro a wobbly smile.

 

“Stick with me guys, we’ll be ok if we stick together.” He said and gave them a thumbs up though even he still looked as terrified as everyone else.

 

“Sh-Shouldn’t there be alarms going off?” A shaky Uraraka asked as Katsuki clenched his fists next to her.

 

“They must be blocking the signal somehow, Yaoyorozu, see if you can create something to get through, Kaminari, see if you can use your quirk as well to break the block they have going on.” Aizawa said as he eyed the villains gathering in the plaza.

 

A sudden and violent cough drew everyone's attention to Yagi who was hunched over with blood sewing from his mouth. Izuku winced as he saw the man trying to activate One For All and failing. The quirk energy inside him tried to expand but quickly collapsed, not having the fuel or energy left to support Yagi’s All Might form. He’d clearly pushed it to its absolute limits that morning.

 

“Enough Yagi!” Aizawa shouted, clearly also seeing what the man was trying to do, “Stop trying to be the hero, you’re not All Might” Aizawa said and Yagi visibly flinched with the double meaning, “Right now you’re a teacher and you need to get your students to safety.”

 

Yagi looked like he wanted to argue but the one glance behind him and he saw the rows of terrified teenagers. He grimaced and gave Aizawa a sharp nod and Izuku could tell he’d stopped trying to activate his quirk.

 

“Thirteen, with me!” Aizawa commanded before he jumped down to the plaza, Thirteen not far behind as they ran down the stairs.

 

If not for the situation Izuku would have gone full fanboy mode at watching Eraserhead and Thirteen work together. Eraser quickly jumped into the fray of villains, taking them off guard as he erased their quirks before throwing them around with his capture weapon. Izuku (and most of the class) couldn’t help but watch in awe at their teacher's skills, his scarf moved around like an extension of his body, it was as natural to him as walking. Villains slammed into each other, Eraserhead tossing them about like a child throwing their toys around during a tantrum, not a single one landing a hit on the teacher.

 

Thirteen meanwhile was supporting him from the stairs, while clearly not as skilled in combat they made up for it with their powerful quirk. They would point out their hand and activate their quirk at a group of enemies drawing them in, but before they got too close and were turned to dust Thirteen would shut black hole off, sending the enemies flying and crashing into the ground. The villains also quickly realised if they tried to get close Thirteen's quirk would kill them, meaning the best they could do was try to dodge and use ranged attack.

 

“Midoriya!” Kirishima suddenly cried and grabbed onto Izuku’s arm, “You can fanboy later, we need to go!”

 

Izuku snapped his head round and quickly realised he and Kirishima were being left behind by the rest of the class who were being led by Yagi to the door. He nodded to Kirishima and the pair quickly sprinted to catch up where Jiro was waiting for them, sending worried glances over her shoulder.

 

Before they reached the door however the area in front of them erupted in purple mist. Yagi immediately stopped, holding out his hands making the class freeze in their tracks. 

 

“Everyone stay back!” He shouted at the class, his voice far louder than it had any right to be coming out of his skeleton frame.

 

“Greetings students,” The mist man said, no sign of his body as the mist enveloped the area, the only sign he was human were two yellow slits for eyes, “We are The League of Villains. I apologise for interrupting your education, but you see we came here to kill All Might. Sadly however there must have been a change in schedule… Toshinori Yagi isn’t it I believe? The quirkless teaching assistant.”

 

Yagi narrowed his eyes and spoke through gritted teeth, “You will not touch my students.”

 

“I’m afraid I fail to see how a frail quirkless teacher will protect his class.” The mist man said with a hint of amusement, meanwhile Yagi’s was actually starting to create a small amount of steam from his body as he once again tried to activate his quirk.

 

Next to him Izuku felt Kirishima’s quirk energy fare up. He turned his head to find the redhead crouching low in preparation for a jump. Before he could, however, Izuku reached out and grabbed his arm, Kirishima turned to him with a confused and alarmed look.

 

Izuku shook his head, “Don’t do it, you’re a bad matchup. This guy can counter pretty much any physical attack unless you know exactly where to hit.”

 

Kirishima’s body tensed and for a minute Izuku thought he was about to shrug him off. But after a moment he took a deep sigh and scowled, reluctantly deactivating his quirk and returning to his normal soft skin. Unfortunately Izuku wasn’t anywhere near Katsuki to advise him of the same.

 

“YOU’LL DIE BEFORE YOU TOUCH THEM!”

 

“Young Bakugou!”

 

“Kacchan no!”

 

But it was too late. Katsuki launched himself off the ground, his body surrounded by red fire and he charged through the air with his quirk, his arm held back and first ready to smash the mist.

 

The mist man however simply sighed, “How disappointing.”

 

With a wave of his hand Izuku felt the purple quirke energy spread throughout the class. He watched in horror as Katsuki's charge led him right into an awaiting portal and his brother disappeared into the abyss. But before Izuku could react any further he felt the ground disappear beneath his feet and he started to drop down, an intense heat appearing underneath him.  

 

---

 

Katsuki stumbled onto the hard floor as he came out of the portal. The world rotated several times until he came to a stop, scraping along what felt like concrete. He was met with silence, no indication that any of his classmates had come through the portal with him. He grit his teeth and got onto his knees taking in his surroundings.

 

He could see the roof of the USJ so he was technically still ‘outside’. But apart from that he’d clearly been moved to a different area, he was currently in a small street, the road had deep cracks in it with pipes sticking up at various angles. Burnt out and crushed cars littered the street while the buildings that rose up either side all had large chunks missing with rubble littering the space between them. Smashed windows and storefronts could be seen in almost every building, the rementes of them strewn all over the cracked sidewalk. 

 

So the mist man had transported him to the ruined city zone, supposedly it was meant to replicate an area post earthquake. And said earthquake wasn’t designed to be small either, every building in the area was unstable and partially made of rubble. Out of all the zones it was the worst one for Katsuki to be in, one wrong punch or a kick too powerful and he could collapse a city block like domino’s. And while tough even Katsuki wouldn’t survive an apartment building landing on him.

 

Clearly this so-called League of Villains had planned this out, block communications off then separate the class before isolating and killing All Might off. Katsuki assumed their plan had to do with those two things back in the plaza, he’d noticed the way Izuku had responded to them. It was a similar reaction he normally had to One For All, which meant those things really might have the power to kill All Might. Not that it fucking mattered, because All Might was currently Yagi and Katsuki was sure if he was able to to use his quirk he already would have. Which means All Might may very well be beaten by some nobody tripping him down some stairs.

 

And All Might's successor? The one chosen to take on his massive power and take his mantle over to protect the weak and innocent? He had thrown himself like a human RPG at an unknown enemy and put his entire class and mentor in danger. He was certain he wasn’t the only one who had been thrown into various locations around the USJ.

 

“FUCK!” Katsuki smashed his hand into the concrete beneath him, cracks spreading out like a spider web from where he made impact.

 

He’d tried to throw the mist man off, create an opening for his classmates to take and escape. If he’d just been a little faster, reacted more quickly or not fucking shouted at the top of his voice he might have managed to pin the mist man before he could react.

 

But he’d failed. Despite now having a quirk. Despite having had training to fight by three separate heroes. Despite how much Izuku and All Might believed in him. It hadn’t made a difference. He was still the same as always, he was still-

 

“Well hello there weakling.” Said a cold hard voice behind him, “You know it’s dangerous for kids to be out in these parts alone.”

 

Katsuki whipped round and got into a defensive stance, fists raised and eyes narrowed. Five people were walking down the street towards him, clearly they were low level thugs. Dressed in a variety of ridiculous looking outfits they all wore matching amused smiles as they chuckled at the joke the one in front had just made. They were eyeing Katsuki like prey and it made him shiver internally, it was like an upgraded version of the many playground encounters he’d had growing up. Except this time he didn’t need Izuku to come save him. 

 

“Get the fuck back,” he growled at the approaching thugs, “Or I’ll fucking kill you worthless losers.”

 

One of the thugs barked with laughter, “Ha! Kids got spunk, it’s a shame we’re gonna have to kill him.”

 

Katsuki gave them a deranged smile, One For All flowing through his veins and lighting up his body, “You can try.”

 

Another laugh from the thug at the front of the group, “Shut the fuck up kid, you’ve been in school what, three days? Trust me, you’re a weak pathetic student, the acts good but we’ll throw you around between us like a fucking basket ball.”

 

Katsuki’s eyes narrowed and fists clenched, “What the fuck did you just call me?”

 

The thug looked amused ad licked their lips, staring straight at Katsuki and matching his energy with their smile, “I called you pathetic and wea-”

 

The thug never got to finish his sentence, in fact Katsuki launched himself so fast to the thugs eyes one minute the hero student was ten feet away, the next he was close enough to count the hairs on his head. And see the pure hatred in his eyes.

 

Katsuki pulled his arm back, the muscles throbbing with One For All at 5%. He launched his fist forward and smirked when it made perfect contact with the thug's jaw. There was a sickening crack as his head was snapped to the right and he was thrown to the ground. Blood splattered the road as it fell from the thugs mouth with several teeth joining it, their jaw hanging loosely from their head, clearly broken and borderline shattered.

 

“I… am not… WEAK!” Katsuki roared, One For All amplifying his voice and shaking the few intact windows in the surrounding buildings.

 

The smug smile’s on the rest of the thugs faces fell as their leader lay knocked out on the ground, blood slowly dripping from his quickly swelling mouth. Their eyes filled with rage as each one took in Katsuki who himself stood there, fists clenched and panting at them, if looks could kill the entire group would already be dead.

 

“Fuck!” One of the thugs finally cried, “Fucking kill him!”

 

Then they moved. 

 

The largest thug, one who appeared to have a tiger mutation, literally roared as they came charging at Katsuki, easily standing a foot taller than the teenager and covered in striped fur. But Katsuki didn’t falter, One For All flowed into his senses and the world slowed down. It was clear the tiger thug had no real training as he sloppily threw a punch at Katsuki who easily sidestepped it.

 

The momenten of his charge carried the thug forward and as he passed by Katsuki launched two quick and powerful jabs into him. The thug gasped as the wind was knocked out of him. Keeping up the attack Katsuki launched his foot into the back of the thug's knee and he lost his balance falling to his knees on the ground. Katsuki quickly finished with a roundhouse kick to the back of the head, the thug slamming into the ground and cracking it. They didn’t get up.

 

But there was no break in the attack. A searing pain appeared in Katsuki’s back and he felt his skin tear open, blood quickly spewing from it and running down into his suit. Turning on his heel Katsuki saw one of the thugs smirking at him, she had a long tongue currently retreating away from him. But unlike the tongue of his froggy classmate this tongue looked to have thick scales on it and the end was forked and appeared to be razor sharp.

 

The thug brought her tongue back slightly before whipping it out again. Katsuki dove to his left, the tongue missing him by inches. Behind him it sliced into a lamppost, cleaving it clean in half. Katsuki winced, he imagined had it not been for One For All that last surprise hit would have likely killed him.

 

Katsuki turned to her and watched her tongue closely, he had studied the body extensively as part of his fight training. Gran Torino had insisted he needed to understand how his body worked to understand how One For All affected it. It also meant he was fairly capable at predicting attacks and movements, combined with his quirk enhancing his thought process along with his reaction time and well… it was easy to see where the tongue would go next.

 

To the thug it looked like Katsuki had barely moved. But as she shot her tounge out for another attack aimed at his throat one moment her weapon was whizzing through the air and the next the end of it was held firmly in the boy's hand. Katsuki paused long enough to smirk at the thug before ripping her towards him with her own tongue.

 

The thug cried out as she flew through the air and into Katsuki’s waiting fist, one punch and she was thrown down to the ground, her tongue still flicking around in Katsuki’s hand.

 

“Fuck you, that hurt.” Katsuki spat before placing one foot on her chest and wrapping most of her tongue around his forearm.

 

The thug's eyes widened in horror before Katsuki tugged upwards on her tongue. It stretched for a moment before snapping like a rubber band. The thug let out an ear piercing scream as Katsuki threw her severed tongue to the side, blood spurting from between her hands as she covered her mouth. She only stopped screaming when Katsuki’s boot made contact with her face, knocking her out.

 

“You bastard!”

 

The shout was the only warning Katsuki got before a fist made contact with his face. He managed to move at the last second however, meaning the fist only scraped his side. Unfortunately it turned out this fist, and most of the thugs arms, were completely covered in bone-like spikes. Spikes that tore down the side of Katsuki’s face causing blood to pour out.

 

Katsuki cried out, taking a few steps back, putting his hand against the wound. Fuck he wished he had Kirishima’s quirk right now. Meanwhile the spiked thug glared at him and smiled.

 

“Hurts doesn’t it? You better be able to dance if you wanna avoid my spikes, kid.” The thug mocked as he ran forward, raising another spiky fist.

 

Katsuki growled as he moved his hand away before smiling maniacally at the thug. The idiot thought a little bit of pain would force Katsuki back? Katsuki had lived with pain for fifteen years, this was nothing.

 

Instead of dodging the man's first Katsuki simply raised his left hand and caught it. Instantly he felt several spikes pierce into his muscle, blood dripping down and staining the concrete below him. But Katsuki barely flinched at the pain while the thug looked at him with no small amount of shock.

 

“What the fuck kid?” The thug whispered in disbelief.

 

Katsuki smirked before launching a jab with his other hand directly into the throat of the thug. The thug instantly clutched at his throat, desperate to reopen his blocked airway. But not giving him a chance, Katsuki kicked him square in the chest, sending him flying. The thug crashed into a building and dust was launched into the air. Katsuki ripped out a few remaining spikes, looking for the final thug.

 

Before he could spot him though a fist made contact with his stomach. Then his face. Then his side. Then his throat. The final thug had four arms and was using them effectively to batter Katsuki over and over who, despite his quirk, couldn’t react to four different punches and was forced back as fist after fist pummelled him. Meanwhile the thug screamed with rage as he attacked the student.

 

“Why,” punch, “won’t” punch, “you,” punch, “die,” punch, “YOU PATHETIC WEAKLING!”

 

Katsuki saw red. Ignoring the other arms, he grabbed the next punch thrown at him, grabbing the wrist of the thug. Before the thug could pull his arm back however Katsuki squeezed as hard as he could. The thug screamed in pain as wrist shattered under Katsuki’s hold, blood spurting over both their faces.

 

The thug reached up with another arm to try and pry Katsuki off but the teenager only took advantage of this. Punching out with his free arm Katsuki made clean contact with the thugs elbow with such force that the entire arm bent and snapped in the opposite direction it was supposed to. The thug’s screams grew more desperate as Katsuki let him go and he tumbled back.

 

But Katsuki wasn’t finished. He jumped forward, wrapping his hand around the thug's throat and lifting him into the air. He slammed him down onto the concrete below them, the wind thrown out of the thugs body as the road cracked and broke under the pressure. Katsuki lifted the man up, launching fist after fist into his face, each time blood was sent flying across the road as Katsuki’s quirk amplified voice roared across the street.

 

“I,” punch, “AM,” punch, “NOT,” punch, “WEAK!” pun-

 

“BAKUGOU!”

 

Katsuki’s arm came to a sudden stop halfway towards the thug's face, the force from the blow still enough to cause a woosh of air pressure though the thug had long been knocked out to notice. He turned his head to his right to find a shaking Uraraka staring at him with wide and wet eyes.

 

“U-Uraraka…” Katsuki said and suddenly became aware of his appearance, he was covered in lacerations, blood dripping down from several areas of his body with half of his fance mangled while the other was morphed into a snarl.

 

Dropping the thug, Katsuki turned to her fully with a wince, “I know I went a little hard on these guys but- oof!”

 

He was shut off when a pair of arms wrapped themselves around his torso and he felt Uraraka bury her head into his chest.

 

“I’m so glad you’re ok!” She sniffed as she squeezed him tighter.

 

“What the!?” Katsuki cried as his arms flailed about in front of him, “Hey! Get off! Get the fuck away with all this sappy shit!”

 

Uraraka let go and stepped away from the hug with a roll of her eyes though she was still smiling, “Seesh, you know you don’t have to do the whole badass act all the time right?”

 

Katsuki grunted and crossed his arms, “Who says it’s an act?”

 

Uraraka snorted, “Either way I’m glad I found you. I saw you go through that misty man's portal before I realised I was falling through my own. I came out a few blocks down right by those villains you just took out, though you uh… had a bigger landing then me so they didn’t notice me.”

 

Katsuki just shrugged as he glanced over the now battered and bruised group, “These extras were barely worth using my quirk on.”

 

Uraraka gained a steeled look before bumping her fist in the air, “Damn straight! I watched the way you fought, you really are strong!”

 

Katsuki turned to her and blinked in surprise, “I am?”

 

Uraraka once again rolled her eyes with an exasperated sigh, “Well durr, you really think someone like me or most of the class could’ve just wiped the floor against 5 villains?”

 

Katsuki just shrugged in response, trying not to let the edge of his lips twitch, “I guess. Where are the rest of the class do you think?”

 

“DIEEEEE!”

 

Katsuki whipped round on his heels, apparently he hadn’t completely taken down the tiger like a thug as he charged straight for him. Quickly letting One For All flow through him, Katsuki planted his feet, ready to counter the attack.

 

However there was no need to when a lamppost came flying through the air, smashing the thug up off the ground and several stories in the sky before they crashed through the building. 

 

Katsuki swivelled on his feet, at the end of the lamppost he found Uraraka holding onto it, having used her quirk to remove its gravity.

 

“Holy shit…” Katsuki whispered.

 

Uraraka giggled and dropped the lamppost, its gravity returning, “What? You’re not the only one that likes to hit shit.”

 

Katsuki snorted before walking over to her, “Come one, we need to find more villains to bring down.”

 

Uraraka frowned, “Shouldn’t we look for- Hey!”

 

Without warning Katsuki grabbed Uraraka and lifted her into his arms and pulled her against his chest. She was swept off her feet and quickly found herself in his arms bridal style.

 

“Bakugou! G-Give me some warning next time!” She stuttered and blushed as she felt just how muscular the boy was first hand.

 

Katsuki just gave his signature grunt in response, “I can run much faster than you can.”

 

And then to prove his point Katsuki took off running, his feet slamming into the ground as he did. He wasn’t quite as fast as Iida but Uraraka’s hair whipped up as they made their way through the ruins. Katsuki’s eyes scanned each building as he went, One For All amplifying it so that he could practically count the cracks in each window as they shot past. Eventually the ruins started to widen out and Katsuki was about to make a turn when a wave of ice appeared right in front of them.

 

Katsuki skidded to a stop, his feet digging into the concrete and leaving a small crater as he did. He (much to her annoyance) dropped an unsteady Uraraka on her feet as he narrowed his eyes and scanned the area. They were in what appeared to be a ruined park of the city, said park was now coated in a thick layer of ice. At first it looked like several shards of ice were sticking up from the ground before Katsuki realised these were in fact people frozen solid by the wave.

 

Katsuki scowled, “Oi! Scarface! Watch where you throw your fucking ice!”

 

From between the frozen villains Todoroki walked towards Uraraka, who was now shivering, and Katsuki with a slightly confused expression.

 

“Bakugou, Uararaka, apologies, I was not aware you had been teleported close by. I thought I was alone.” Todoroki said as he eyed the villains, many of them shiving, though from the ice or fear of Todoroki it wasn’t clear.

 

“Man Todoroki, you don’t hold back.” Uraraka said as she wrapped her arms around herself.

 

Todoroki tilted his head, “They are villains out to kill us. Why would I not hold back?”

 

Katsuki scoffed, “Weren’t you paying attention in All Might’s lesson? Restraint fuckface.”

 

Uraraka gave Katsuki a look that said she’d very much seen him all but amputate several villains already.

 

Todoroki shrugged, “Father does not seem to deem it an issue.”

 

“Yeah, well your father is fucking-”

 

“Guys!” Uraraka shouted gaining both boys attention, “Maybe we should stop arguing and focus on the fucking situation!” She finished glaring at the pair who both winced slightly under her gaze.

 

“Right,” Todoroki nodded, “I interrogated one of the villains here, apparently those… things that came with them are powerful enough to kill All Might.”

 

“They are,” Katsuki added with a frustrated sigh, “I saw Zuzu’s reaction to them, the only other person that’s made him react like that was All Might himself.”

 

“Midoriya can sense quirks?” Todoroki asked with a hint of surprise.

 

Katsuki shook his head, “Now’s not the time Scarface.”

 

“W-well, it’s a good thing All Might isn’t here, all we need to focus on is escaping and they’ll probably leave.” Uraraka said as she gulped, looking over into the USJ where a plume of smoke had just started to rise somewhere in the distance. 

 

“It’s not that simple,” Katsuki said, thinking over his words carefully, “Think about it, if All Might even gets a whiff of what’s going on he’ll be over in a second to save us. That’s when they’ll kill him.”

 

“So what are we supposed to do?” Todoroki asked and Katsuki was surprised the boy was actually willing to listen to him.

 

Katsuki smirked and slammed his fist into his palm, “We find and take down every villain we can before hitting their boss and those freaky fuckers.”

 

This time Todoroki did frown, “Is that really the best course of action? We’re students, I’ve been trained my entire life and even I’m not sure I could take them down.”

 

“Are you calling me fucking weak Scarface!?” Katsuki growled and stepped forward, his quirk appearing over his skin as Todoroki’s eyes narrowed.

 

“Bakugou,” Todoroki said in a tone that matched the ice around them, “While you are a fellow student I won’t hesitate to take you down if you jeopardise our safety

 

Katsuki took a dangerous step forward as the air around them started to fill with an unnatural chill, “I’d like to see you fucking try.”

 

“WOULD YOU BOTH JUST FUCK OFF!?”

 

Both boys turned to Uraraka with a surprised look, the girl was shaking from her outburst and was slightly red in the face. That didn’t stop the obvious look of fear on her face.

 

“Stop arguing like a bunch of little kids! You’re supposed to be hero students!” Uraraka hissed at the pair, “Now we need to find our classmates, end of discussion.”

 

Katsuki turned away from her, “You two go on ahead, I’m gonna find the rest of these so- called villains and take them down. I need to show them I’m not- I mean I need to stop them.”

 

Before he could walk off Katsuki felt a vice-like grip on his elbow that forced him to turn back around. He came face to face with Uraraka who’s face was flipping between pure rage and terror, her fists clenching and unclenching as tears filled her hardened eyes.

 

“Bakugou please,” she all but begged, “I’m scared! ” she practically sobbed out, “Aren’t you worried about our classmates, about Midoriya?”

 

“But…” Katsuki said and his shoulders sagged slightly, “I need to… I need…”

 

“Perhaps,” Todoroki said, taking a cautious step forward as he eyed the other two, “We should head to the central plaza? Where the bulk of the fighting is, we’ll get a good idea about our classmates and as the two strongest students in class myself and Bakugou can lend a hand if required.”

 

Kastuki clenched his eyes shut and took a deep shaky breath. He wanted to show these villains why attacking his friends was a bad idea, why no-one should even look at his brother the wrong way. Every instinct was telling him to find an enemy and punch them. But what had Yagi said? Hero work was about more than beating villains up.

 

“Ok,” Katsuki said much to the relief of Uraraka and Todoroki, “Let’s head to the plaza and assess the situation.”

 

Uraraka gave him a smile before taking off in the direction where the sounds of battle were coming from. Todoroki and Katsuki followed close behind.

 

Todoroki turned to Katsuki as they ran, “Will your brother be ok?”

 

Katsuki snorted, “Trust me Scarface, you and me can fend these fuckers off but Zuzu? Zuzu could wipe the floor with them.”

 

---

 

The first thing Izuku became aware of was the intense heat that surrounded him, even with the resistance of his suit he felt like his blood was boiling within his body. He crashed through what felt like wood as he landed on the ground with a thud, the sound of raging fire in his ears and smoke quickly filling his lungs. He coughed and sputtered as the hot air blocked his throat and he gasped for breaths.

 

Jumping into his legs Izuku fiddled with his mouth guard before getting it in place and instantly felt relief as it filtered the air for him. It was still scorchingly hot and burnt the inside of his throat but it was at least breathable. That didn’t improve the situation he found himself in however.

 

He was in what at best was a replica of a small village home, he had to guess because the entire thing was up in flames. The hole he had caused when he smashed through the roof was already blocked out by a thick layer of smoke. Flames licked up the walls and rose up to the bannisters, piles of ash that once were furniture scattered the room and Izuku’s eyes hurt from the power of the fire. 

 

He had no idea how the buildings were maintained in the constant blaze but the fire was definitely real, his left arm, the only uncovered section of his body bar his eyes, was starting to heat up to dangerous levels already. If he didn’t escape soon he’d be in serious trouble.

 

CRASH!

 

Izuku snapped his head round as an out of control Kirishima came flying through the wall of the house. Izuku dived to the ground as Kirishima flew over him and smashed into the otherside of the room. His quirk deactivated as he fell to the ground in a heap, blood slowly running down from a cut on the side of his head.

 

Izuku all but leaped over to him, ignoring the way the flames started to reach out towards him like they had a mind of their own, “Kirishima!”

 

He knelt down by the redhead as he reached for his first aid kit, “Come on Kirishima, please be ok.”

 

Izuku almost burst into tears when he found a strong pulse on Kirishima’s wrist. He fumbled with his first aid kit, tearing it open and trying to find something to stop the bleeding on his friend's head. The fire and heat was getting worse and he was certain at this point he’d need medical attention from that alone but he refused to leave Kirishima behind. As he started to bandage up his head Izuku felt the familiar spike of hunger coming from behind him. But that would mean-

 

Izuku ducked down to the right moments before the fist made contact with the back of his head. He scrambled back as the villain’s swing carried them around, narrowly missing the unconscious form of Kirishima. The villain swivelled on their feet before facing Izuku, they moved their arms about as if they were boxing while also skipping on their feet, it was quite the odd sight to see from someone with a murderous look in their eye.

 

“Damn kid, nice hero outfit,” The villain said and Izuku couldn’t tell if he was mocking him or being genuinely serious, he didn't know which one he preferred, “I tried to be a hero you know? Got into a hero school and everything? Issue is… I just like killing too much.”

 

Izuku felt the villain's quirk move before his body did, he’d been watching the man's energy ever since he’d entered his range. His quirk was similar to All For One, he had an orb of energy in his chest that flared when he threw a punch or kick, though it was much smaller than the orb All Might or Katsuki had. It was also being fed by external energy the villain gained from seemingly moving around so much.

 

Which was why Izuku knew exactly which way to roll when the man's right leg flared up with quirk energy. The villain brought his foot down with a cry, the wooden floors shattering beneath his feet as Izuku rolled to his left, much to the villains frustration.

 

“What the fuck kid, you got some kind of foresight quirk? Cause this dodging is annoying as hell.” The villain snarled before returning to their weird in-place jump to feed their quirk.

 

Izuku quickly jumped to his feet, eyes scanning the surroundings. He’d been pushed dangerously close to the fire and he could feel the flames reaching out for his back, the heat resistance of his costume working overtime to stop him from getting third degree burns. 

 

The villain noticed this and moved forward, grinning at Izuku, “Go on kid, why don’t you dodge right into the fire.”

 

“Why don’t you dodge asshole!?”

 

Both Izuku and the villain whipped their heads to the side as a hardened Kirishima barrelled into the villain who barely had time to even register a look of surprise on his face. The villain let out a gasp of air, unable even with their quirk to stop themselves being lifted off the ground and thrown out of the building along with Kirishima.

 

Izuku sprinted through the hole the pair had created and breathed a sigh of relief when he made it out to the street, though still in the middle of a blaze the air was far cooler out here than inside the house he’d just escaped. He made a scan of the area, for all intents and purposes he was standing in the middle of an average town street. Various houses and small shops lined the road as well as expensive looking cars and perfectly cut trees. Except for the small matter of literally everything within sight being on fire.

 

Nearly every car was burnt out or billowing with red hot flames, the stores and houses were covered in smashed windows and black walls while the trees looked less like trees and more like bonfires suspended in the air by the charred remains of their trunks. Izuku’s senses were also being overwhelmed, his eyes stung and watered, his throat burned and he wanted to tear his skin off from the heat.

 

In the middle of the road he saw Kirishima rolling around with the villain who was trying to throw him off. But using his hardening Kirishima was making it difficult for the villain to fight back. Izuku could see the villain trying and failing to to push Kirishima off who was trying to keep the villain pinned.

 

“Kirishima!” Izuku called as he ran towards them, “His quirk works off movement, you need to keep him still!”

 

Kirishima didn’t turn to look back at Izuku but acknowledged his words with a nod of his head, redoubling his efforts to keep the villain pinned. Izuku continued to job over to them, if he could get close they could knock the villain out and then- 

 

Quirk to his right!

 

Izuku fell into a roll as the road behind him blew up, shards of concrete flying into the air and slamming into his back. Coming out of the roll, Izuku turned to the direction he’d felt the quirk energy come from. He found himself looking at a woman who had glowing red eyes and was looking back at him with a snarl of frustration, the road between them was now nothing but a small crater.

 

“Damn brats,” she muttered, “I’m not being paid enough for you to actually fight back.”

 

Izuku felt her quirk energy flare up behind her eyes and he bent his knees, ready to jump out of the way. That was until he saw the two headphone jacks creeping up behind the villain that she appeared not to notice. Just as she activated her quirk said headphones wrapped around her forehead and ripped her head back.

 

The villain cried out as she stumbled back, her head pointing upwards. As she moved, red hot beams of energy shot out from her eyes. The beams narrowly missed Izuku as they tore up whatever they hit before they started to shoot directly into the air. They tore up the ceiling of the fire zone and glass and metal started to rain down upon them. 

 

Izuku wasted no time in taking advantage of the opening and charged towards the female villain. A well placed punch to her throat and she was forced to deactivate her quirk as she clutched at her neck. Izuku swept her feet out from under her and she cried out as she collapsed on the ground.

 

“Jiro, get her arms and legs!” Izuku shouted as the purple haired girl came running round the corner she had been crouched behind.

 

Izuku leapt onto the villain's back, forcing her to her knees as he grabbed her either side of her head, getting her to keep it facing straight ahead as he wrapped his legs around her chest. Meanwhile Jiro pinned the  legs of the woman while wrapping her jacks around her arms, under the pair the woman thrashed and screamed.

 

“Get off… I FUCKING HATE KIDS!” She shouted before activating her quirk directly beneath her.

 

Izuku grunted as he felt the force of it ripple up his arms, his left hand burnt as the road beneath them started to melt. But he and Jiro kept the woman pinned, making sure all her quirk could do was create a hole in the concrete. Apparently she wasn’t too bright and eventually the sheer force of using her quirk beneath her caused her to fall unconscious. 

 

Izuku sighed and stepped off her, flexing his hand. A quick glance down the road showed that Kirishima still had the other villain pinned. They were clearly trying to gain more energy for their quirk but under Kirishima’s large frame they were struggling to get the momentum. Izuku turned to Jiro as her jacks returned to their normal length and she too stepped away from the villain they'd pinned.

 

“Thanks for the assist Jiro, I would’ve been toast without you there.” Izuku said and bowed in front of the girl.

 

Jiro blushed and chuckled nervously, “It’s no problem dude I uh… wow I can literally feel the adrenaline running through my body.”

 

Izuku laughed and looked back over to where Kirishima had finally knocked the first villain out, “Yeah, I know the feeling. We should help Kirishima and then-”

 

“MIDORIYA GET DOWN!”

 

Jiro’s shout drew Izuku attention a moment before she slammed into him. On instinct Izuku wrapped his arms around her as they toppled to the ground. Not even a second later the burnt out tree next where Izuku’s head had been exploded into splinters of wood.

 

Izuku hit the floor with a grunt as Jiro fell on top of him. He craned his neck and his eyes widened. While quirks were the dominating method of fighting these days that didn’t mean other weapons had been left behind. So it really shouldn’t be that much of a surprise to find a third villain wielding a pump action shotgun approaching them. Izuku and Jiro froze as the gun was aimed right at them, the villain prepping for another shot.

 

“NO!”

 

Kirishima suddenly appeared in their line of sight, facing them and blocking the bath of the shotgun shells. There was a bang from behind him and Izuku watched his face scrunch up in pain as he collapsed forward, falling over Jiro and Izuku, covering them with his body.

 

“K-Kirishima!” Jiro cried as she reached out for him.

 

“I’m ok!” Kirishima said through gritted teeth, “I never thought I’d be thankful for All Mights lesson but at least now I know I can take these bullets but fuck it hurts.”

 

“You’ve had your quirk active for at least 15 minutes, how much more can you take?” Izuku asked as he shifted underneath Kirishima, Jiro still on top of his chest, all three were close enough to hear each other's breath.

 

“I-I’m not sure, maybe-ARG”

 

Another bang rang out and Kirishima’s whole body shook as he took the hit. Izuku and Jiro winced at the look of pain on his face. Meanwhile Jiro was pointing her jacks towards the armed villain.

 

“I-I can hear the rounds inside the barrel, he only has three left.” She stuttered out while glancing between Izuku and Kirishima.

 

“Three,” Kirishima responded, “Fuck ok, I think I can handle that.”

 

“Ok,” Izuku said formulating a simple plan, “Three more rounds and then Kirishima you get off us and Jiro you and I will charge them.”

 

“R-right.” Jiro said and audibly gupled.

 

“Sounds like a- AHH FUCK!” 

 

Kirishima cried out as another round shook his entire body, even with his hardening it was likely he was doing internal damage to his bones and organs. Izuku flinched and bit his lip, he’d never forgive himself if something happened to his friend under his plan.

 

“T-two more.” Jiro said with a panicked voice.

 

“Just hang in there Kirishima.” Izuku said as Kirishima started to pant heavily.

 

Bang!

 

“ARRRGG”

 

“O-one more Kirishima.” Jiro stuttered out as she and Izuku prepared to run.

 

Kirishima’s entire body was shaking and it was obvious he was using the last of his strength to keep himself from collapsing completely on the pair.

 

Bang!

 

“Jiro now!”

 

Kirishima cried out in pain as he finally let his quirk go, rolling off the pair and all but collapsing on the ground next to them. Meanwhile Izuku and Jiro leapt to their feet, charging straight at the shocked villain who tried to fire their weapon off yet soon realised they had no rounds left. Jiro’s jacks shot out, the metal ends slamming into the fingers of the villain causing them to yelp as they dropped the gun.

 

Izuku let out a roar as he charged, he pulled his fist back and launched a clear and clean punch right into the villain's nose. There was a satisfying crunch as the villain screamed and stumbled back, clutching their nose where blood was now spewing out. Jiro ran past Izuku and shot her foot out, kicking the villain down who crumpled to the ground with a groan.

 

Jiro bent over, panting as she put her hands on her knees, “This… this is fucking crazy right? Like… they are are actual villains… we’re actually fighting villains.”

 

Izuku hesitated as he stepped forward, “Are you ok?”

 

Jiro let out a manic laugh, “No… I’m probably having a breakdown but the adrenaline is too much right now.”

 

Izuku winced and nodded his head, he was calm right now but he was certain this would all hit home at some point, “Right, well we need to look for a way out. Hopefully we won’t run into any more villains.”

 

“Ha, I don’t think we need to worry about that!” Kirishima shouted from behind them as he unsteadily got to his feet, “You two kicked ass, you ask me, the three of us make a pretty good team.”

 

“That’s still to be determined.”

 

Izuku and Jiro’s eyes widened and Izuku cursed himself, he’d been so focused on his friends he’d lost track of the villains' quirks. He and Jiro could only watch in horror as the first villain repperead, the orb of his quick now fully charged up. He landed from a jump next to Kirishima and wore a wide and psychotic smile.

 

Kirishima didn’t even have time to turn his head before the villain kicked out, pumping his quirk into his leg as his foot made contact with the side of Kirishima’s unhardened knee. There was a sickening crack which made Izuku gag as Kirishima’s leg bent to the side at a near perfect right angle. The boy screamed, falling to the floor and clutching his broken leg.

 

“Kirishima!” Izuku cried and went to charge the villain only to be met halfway by the villain themselves who threw a  powerful punch into Izuku’s gut.

 

He was thrown down the road and rolled several times before coming to a complete stop, his stomach and body were screaming at him and he half expected his stomach to have burst from the force of the punch. He groaned and opened his eyes, he was staring directly up the ceiling of the firzone, flames licking at the roof as pain leaked into his body. Izuku tried to sit up but his back screamed at him and he could only turn his head to look down the road and a strangled cry escaped his lips.

 

The first villain was now holding Jiro up by her throat who was scraping at his arm with both her hands and jacks. Meanwhile the other two villains were recovering and were both back on their feet. Kirishima attempted to limp over to help Jiro but the first villain just laughed at the attempt.

 

“Really!? Come on kids, know when you’re beaten.” 

 

And with that he swung Jiro round like a ragdoll, throwing her into Kirishima as the two cried out and ended up crashing into one of the fiery buildings. Disappearing from Izuku’s view.

 

“N-No!” Izuku cried out, forcing himself up onto his knees.

 

Up ahead the villain with the broken nose whined, “Fuck, did anyone see where my gun went? I’m useless without it.”

 

The second villain rolled her eyes, “You’re useless with it, you’re only here to guide us through the flames.”

 

The first villain just chuckled, “Come one, use your laser eyes and kill the two brats that I threw into the house, then we just kill the third and we can move on.”

 

Izuku almost cried out as he forced himself onto his knees, fear striking him throughout his body. He couldn’t let them hurt his friends. He couldn’t let them kill them. He became vaguely aware of the villains laughing as he staggered down the road towards them.

 

“Man what the fuck does this kid even think he’s gonna do?”

 

“Any idea what his quirk is?”

 

“No idea, just finish him off would you.”

 

Izuku paused, he could tell from their energy he was only a few metres away from them. He grit his teeth, these villains were out to hurt his friends. If he didn’t stand up to them they’d kill Jiro and Kirishima. Then they’d move onto the others, they’d take out all his friends, Ashido, Uraraka, everyone. They’d even get Yagi and… and Kacchan. Izuku couldn’t let them. He needed to stop them. He needed to use all his power to fight.

 

He needed quirks.

 

Izuku’s hunger had been humming beneath his skin the entire encounter, increasing in its restlessness the more he fought. But now it was practically screaming at him, latching on to the quirk energy of the three villains within range. And for once Izuku didn’t fight it, he let his hunger wash over him, let it out of its cage and swirl around free and ready to feed. 

 

“Give them to me.”

 

Izuku’s cold voice made the three villains pause as they all turned to him. He was standing unnaturally still, the hood of his costume covering his face as he looked down slightly. 

 

The second villain scoffed, “Kid has some guts I’ll give him that, you want me to-”

 

“Hey what the fuck!” The first villain cried, he’d been dancing on his feet until that moment but stopped suddenly, “What the… my… my quirk stopped working, I stopped taking in strength.”

 

“What are you talking about?” The second villain asked as the first villain stumbled slightly.

 

“My- My quirk is acting weird like… like it’s… fucking kill this kid already!” The villain shouted a hint of desperation in his voice.

 

The second villain frowned but shrugged and turned back to Izuku. With a wide smile her eyes filled with red energy. Then it vanished. Then it returned. Then it vanished again. Soon her eyes were flickering with red energy like a broken bulb as she lost control of her quirk.

 

“H-hey,” She stammered, “What the fuck is going on?”

 

“I told you… I want them.”

 

Izuku spoke softly but with force and then he moved, far faster than what should have been possible for his injuries. He launched himself onto the second villain, knocking her to the ground as his hands wrapped around her throat. The other two villains tried to run but felt such a force on their quicks they both fell to the ground.

 

Within Izuku his quirk was running wild, pulling at the three quirks around him as it tried to rip them from their users, causing chaos within the villains as their quirks went out of control. For the first time Izuku’s quirk was being allowed off its leash and not just to experiment or in training, it was taking quirks because Izuku wanted them and it had never been more hungry.

 

As the second villain tried to fight back her eyes flickered with energy… then so did Izuku’s, the quirk energy around him started to flow into his body and it felt good. His hunger all but cried out with delight as it fed on the energy, Izuku’s own body filling the colours. The three villains could only watch it horror as they felt their quirks go haywire. Izuku smiled as the energy started to flow into him yet he still felt resistance from the villains.

 

Izuku started to laugh, the pure joy of taking quirks flowing through him.

 

“I said give them to me!” He cried, his body filling with power as he roared far louder than the fires that surrounded them.

 

“They're mine!”

 

One quirk was his.

 

“I want them!”

 

Two quirks were his.

  “GIVE THEM TO MEEEE!”

Chapter 19: All Might's Legacy

Summary:

As the battle of the USJ continues All Might must face the consequences of being The Symbol of Peace

Yagi whistled to himself as he walked out of his building, the warm late morning sun beaming down on him with his hair getting caught in a slight breeze. He smiled and nodded at the various people he passed on the street, most gave the tall, skeletal man in an oversized suit strange looks. But said looks did nothing to dampen Yagi’s spirits as he made his way down the street with a smile. Three days in and his career as a teacher was going surprisingly well. Both first year classes had responded better than expected to both his classroom lessons as Yagi and to his practical lessons as All Might. The idea to use both his forms had been Gran Torinos, there was no reason he needed to be All Might during his classroom lesson and it both saved his hours as All Might and meant that nobody would be suspicious if they saw Yagi wandering around campus. Even Aizawa had admitted he couldn’t find any major fault with Yagi’s first heroics lessons.

 

It wasn’t entirely full proof though, take today for example, the USJ training for both classes would easily be three hours long each of pure practical so there was no way All Might could be present for both. But luckily Cementoss had offered to cover for 1-B, truth be told he was a more specialised rescue hero than All Might anyway. As a result Yagi was able to enjoy a relatively lazy morning going over his class notes before leaving with plenty of time to take a leisurely stroll to UA. He didn’t want to waste time in his All Might form and quite frankly he hated taking the subway.

 

So instead he’d taken the rare opportunity to sleep in for a while, make some last minute class notes and take a pleasant stroll to his new job. At least that had been the plan. He’d only made it a few streets away from his apartment complex when a situation in a nearby alley caught his attention.

 

It was the shouting of a group of teenagers that drew him, the group seemed to be surrounding a final teenager who was cowering on the floor. Yagi frowned before slapping on his usual smile and allowing his quirk to flow through him. He marched into the alleyway straight for the group. As he got closer he could see that the group were in fact kicking and punching the teenager on the ground.

 

“Please!” All Might’s voice boomed down the alley, “Can I ask everyone to stop? There’s no need for violence because I am-”

 

“Holy shit guys it’s All Might!” One of the teenagers said and the entire group snapped their attention to the hero.

 

Within a second All Might found himself swarmed by the group. All shouting and demanding autographs. He held up his hand and instantly the group was silenced.

 

“May I ask what on earth is going on here?” He kept his voice steady and with a smile but firm enough to make sure he got an answer.

 

“Oh that’s right!” One of the teenagers said excitedly, “We managed to capture this villain for… well I guess you All Might!”

 

“Villain…?” All Might asked carefully and flicked his attention towards the teenager on the ground.

 

What he saw made his smile falter. The teenager was bloody and beaten, he looked to have several broken fingers and his breathing was ragged. He had an obvious mutation quirk, his arms and legs were covered in thick scales with claws at the end of each while a bone-like tail lay beside him. His jaw was full of large and uneven teeth while his eyes were made of thin black slits. Clearly it was a hyper mutation quirk, extreme even for a society full of quirks.

 

All Might pushed past the teenagers and stepped forward, “My boy are you ok?”

 

All Might had faced down some of the most terrifying villains to have ever walked the earth, he’d looked monsters in the eyes and laughed and he’d faced death enough times to treat it like an old friend. But the look of pure terror in that boys face when he got sight of All Might would haunt him until the day he died. It made the hero stop dead in his tracks.

 

“P-Please don’t hurt me… I’ll be good.” The boy begged as sobs started to wrack his body.

 

“My boy I assure you I have no wish to hurt you-”

 

“You will! The heroes always hurt me… D-Dad said to stay away from them, we can’t trust them.” The boy cried out and tried to scramble away from All Might.

 

“That’s because you and your dad are monsters and villains! I’m glad the heroes are around to protect us!” One of the boys behind All Might shouted causing All Might to turn his attention back to them.

 

“His father was a villain?” All Might asked the group who in turn all nodded.

 

“Yep, he came to pick him up from school one day after Death Arms had given us a talk. He took one look at his monster quirk and we got to watch as he beat the villain up!” The young boy shouted enthusiastically while the rest of his friends smiled and nodded, so much that they didn’t see All Might's look of horror.

 

“Death Arms just… attacked him? As he collected his child from school?” All Might asked and had a hard time keeping his voice level.

 

The boys looked up at him in confusion, “Well yeah. His quirk means he eats raw meat and Death Arms said that meant he couldn’t go near a school. Besides, you were there at the end All Might, it was amazing to see you and Death Arms.”

 

Somewhere in the back of All Might's mind a memory came forward. Three weeks ago he responded to an incident at a school, on arrival he had found Death Arms carrying the unconscious form of a villain into the back of a police car. The villain looked like a half beast and had the same scales as the teenager in the alleyway. All Might had even complimented Death Arms on a job well down.

 

It made him feel sick.

 

All Might turned back to the wounded teenager, “My boy allow me to help you and clear things up with your father so-”

 

But it was too late, the boy had already scrambled away and out of the alley.

 

---

 

Yagi apologised once again as he bumped into yet another passerby, though he was still able to to walk to UA it was now more of a light jog as opposed to a stroll. It had taken him 30 minutes to sort out the situation in the alley, handing the group of teenagers over to the police while giving them each a stern talking to. At least he’d managed to use his muscular form to launch himself a mile down the road before turning back into Yagi. Losing 30 minutes would mean he would struggle to attend the entire class this afternoon but he could just leave while Thirteen and Aizawa did the round up. The main thing now was making sure to arrive on time.

 

“Help!”

 

Sadly it seemed the world had other plans.

 

Once again Yagi ducked into an alley before All Might emerged and jumped straight into the middle of the street. There was a woman with bright blonde hair laying in the road, standing over her was a scruffy looking homeless man with wild eyes.

 

All Might didn’t hesitate and grabbed the man by the scruff of the neck and lifted him in the air. The man’s limbs failed wildly, his eyes snapping back and forth in panic. All Might kept a close eye on him, waiting for any kind of quirk to come forward.

 

“Stand down villain,” All Might commanded and turned to the woman in the street, “Have no fear ma’am for I am-”

 

“Oh I just knew you’d protect me from that quirkless scum All Might!” The woman cried, big wet tears falling down her face as she scrambled forward, clawing at All Might legs.

 

All Might himself frowned slightly at her wording but managed to recover with a smile, “Uh… yes well, if you could inform me of this man's crimes I will-”

 

“This quirkless scum had the gall to stand next to me!” The women cried and shot the scruffy man in All Might's hand a disgusted look.

 

Said man looked down at her in disbelief, “We were crossing the street at the same time!”

 

“Don’t talk to me, creature! My quirk allows me to see other quirks and looking at how empty you are almost made me vomit!” The woman screamed and combined with All Might’s presence and they were starting to draw quite the crowd.

 

“Now, ma’am I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you-”

 

“Hell yeah All Might! Show those quirkless losers who're really in charge!”

 

“Man, this guy should be put away for life, wasting the time of the number one hero like that!”

 

“All Might shouldn’t be wasting his quirk on a nobody like that!”

 

“Everybody please calm down!” All Might cried, but even his booming voice struggled to carry over the gathering crowd that was quickly turning into a full blown mob.

 

All Might was forced to hoist the man above the hands of the crowd which reached out for him. Despite maintaining his signature smile he was starting to panic, he had no idea how to control the mob around him. As far as he could tell the man had done nothing wrong yet they were coming after him with enough venom to make Endeavor wince. Normally All Might had no issue with crowd control but quite frankly he would have an easier time controlling a pack of ravenous dogs. 

 

“Please… just let me go…” Came a soft and defeated voice, All Might would have not even heard it if it wasn’t for his heightened hearing.

 

He turned to look at the quirkless man in his hand, the man’s face was neutral but his eyes were soulless as he looked at All Might, “I just want to go home, please just put me down.”

 

“B-But they’ll kill you! As a hero it’s my duty to help-”

 

“Help?” The man raised his voice slightly and now All Might could see emotion in his eyes, they were full of anger, it made the hero’s stomach swell, “When have people like you ever helped us? You’re the ones who put so much value on quirks…

 

All Might’s smile finally dropped as the feeling of guilt that had been building in his stomach exploded. It took all his effort not to double over and cough blood all over the crowd. It was all he could do to stand rooted to the spot, keeping the man above the crowd as the sirens of police cars could be heard in the distance. For the first time in many years, All Might felt like he was a hero intern out on his first patrols, compeltly and utterly lost as to what being a hero meant.

 

---

 

God he hated the subway. It was hot, crowded and noisy with people shoving each other out of the way and clambering to get on trains. It was also the worst place for him to fight as a hero, it was small and cramped and one wrong move could cause an entire cave in. Hardly the best place for him to be swinging his massively powerful punches. But it had taken 45 minutes for him to finally disperse the crowd with the help of the police and wait for Tsukauchi to arrive and prove the quirkless man’s innocence. The police may have helped with the crowd but Tsukaushi was the only person he trusted to deal with the quirkless man fairly.

 

But now he’d used nearly half his time and there was no way he’d be able to get to UA on time without using the subway. So Yagi grumbled to himself as he weaved in between the crowds, which wasn’t easy when you were 7ft tall. He was also dreading having to tell Aizawa that he wouldn’t be able to attend the full lesson today. The man may have softened to Yagi slightly over the past few months but Yagi knew he still wasn’t fully on board with how All Might operated.

 

Yagi was very nearly running for his train as he made his way through the thick crowd, the old lights flickering above him. If he could just catch the next train he would be able to-

 

“Help, villain!”

 

Moments after the cry filled the entire subway, which caused people to start panicking, All Might erupted from a nearby bathroom, the wall exploded and debris was thrown to the floor as he stepped through. His smile  was wide and he beamed down over the crowd of subway goers who cheered and clapped at his arrival. The only person not pleased to see the number one hero was a man pushing his way through the crowd, a floating bag of money over his head.

 

“Oh fuck!” The man shouted as he threw his hand out, forcing several people to the ground as he scrambled over them.

 

All Might’s eyes narrowed, a telekinesis quirk from the looks of things. Though not a very strong one, certainly not strong enough to push All Might down. His smile grew even more and he launched himself off the ground. The subway floor shattered behind him but people still cheered as he flew down the tunnel landing directly in front of the villain.

 

The villain lashed out with his quirk and All Might felt a force push against him but it did little more than cause his suit to flutter slightly. The villain realised this and their eyes widened with panic, All Might raised his arm back, clenching his first and launched it forward.

 

He stopped moments before he hit the villain (he would kill him with a direct hit) but the shockwave and windforce created by the punch pushed the villain to the ground, his quirk failing to keep the bag of money from flying down the subway.

 

And there was the reason All Might didn’t fight in subways.

 

Along with the villain falling to the floor his move caused several lights to blow out, glass falling to the ground. The tiles of the ground were ripped up and broken apart while several pillars cracked and crumbled slightly. All in all it looked like a desperate battle had taken place as opposed to the quick take down that had just been performed.

 

All Might winced, the media were going to have a field day with this. Combined with funding Midoriya and Bakugou’s costumes and his finances for the month weren’t looking too great. Not to mention a few of the civilians who had been caught up in the blast, none looked seriously injured as they got themselves up but his agency staff would beat him if he was sued. He’s made it a full two years without any lawsuits.

 

But he still needed to keep the act, so he plastered his signature smile on his face and put his hands on his hips. The crowd roared as he stood over the knocked out villain.

 

“Do not fear citizens, apologies for the damage but the villain has now been apprehended because I am-”

 

“Damn it All Might! You pretentious oversized fucking asshole!”

 

All Might spluttered and turned to where the crowd were parting, a mixture of looks of awe and fear on their faces. From the separated crowd marched a furious looking muscular woman with tan skin, a white suit and bunny ears.

 

“Miruko?” All Might said with surprise, “What are you doing here?”

 

Miruko paused as she marched up to All Might and gave him a disbelieving look, “Don’t you check your HPSC Patrol Updates? This is my fucking patrol moron and he,” she said pointing to the villain at All Mights feet, “Was my collar, I don’t appricate you showing up halfway through! I’ve chased this fucker all the way from the bank.”

 

“Oh,” All Might responded with a slack jaw, since taking on the training of Midoirya and Bakugou and starting at UA he had stopped doing standard patrols, only going out when the HPSC requested it or when he just happened to be passing by a villain encounter. As a result he had completely forgotten that all heroes were required to check the HPSC Patrol Updates everyday to make sure their patrols didn’t clash uncesserialy. And of course Miruko was famous for beating anyone who dared clash with her routes and take possible fights away from her, even Endeavor made sure to avoid her.

“M-My apologies, I was simply in the area and decided to help out.” All Might stammered, despite being several spots higher than her on the hero charts and far taller and larger he was still intimidated by the death glare she was giving him.

 

“You call this helping out?” Miruko scoffed and indicated to the damage All Might had caused, “The guy barely even hurt anyone, you should have known full well to leave him to me you fucking idiot.”

 

All Might coughed slightly, he had great respect for Miruko but her language and attitude could use some work, “Yes well… It's been a busy month.”

 

Miruko just rolled her eyes as she hoisted the villain onto her shoulders, “Cry me a river big guy. Get your fucking act togther, I’m taking this guy to the cops. I’ll let you deal with the press.”

 

And with a sinister smirk shot his way All Might watched as Miruko leaped down the tunnel towards the exit. Right over the heads of the gaggle of reporters and cameramen shoving people out of their way to be the first to get an interview with The Number One Hero.

 

All Might sighed, he was starting to wonder if he should have gone for a career in accounting instead.

 

---

   

The wind whipped up All Might’s hair as he guided himself down from his jump. The subway had been a bust, too much damage to continue operating the route All Might needed to use. Combined with a near hour long session with the press and All Might had been left with no choice but to ‘fly’ the rest of the way to UA. Unfortunately combined with the several muggings, fires and other incidents he’d stopped to help out at and his body was screaming at him, the searing pain indicating he had gone well past his limits. Not to mention he was now absolutely going to be late to teach his class.

 

He locked onto UA's incoming roof and bent his knees. The moment he made contact with the roof he ducked into a roll, he hadn’t even completed the roll before he was back in his skeletal form. 

 

Yagi groaned and stood up, dusting his suit off before quickly making his way to the side door on the roof. He yanked it open and went to leap down the stairs.

 

“Good Afternoon Yagi.”

 

“AHHH!”

 

Nedzu chuckled as Yagi recoiled back slightly, “Who would have guessed little old me could give the number one hero such a fright.”

 

Yagi’s heart started to pound as Nedzu stood in the doorway, nursing a steaming cup of tea, “Oh… uh Nedzu sir…”

 

“You’re late.” Nedzu stated and the frown that his face morphed into sent shivers up Yagi’s spine.

 

“Yes well…” Yagi started but trailed off a little awkwardly.

 

“You’re also supposed to be teaching as All Might, that was the whole point of you missing this morning's classes. Yet something tells me you’re unable to do that now.” Nedzu’s voice was cold and Yagi could tell the principal was not impressed with the situation.

 

“I… well I…” Yagi stuttered, he wished he could tell Nedzu he’d been needed as All Might but something about the events this morning just left a bitter taste in his mouth.

 

Nedzu sighed and stepped aside out of the doorway, “Just get to your class, at least you’re still able to teach them as Yagi. But we’ll be having words after hours.”

 

Yagi didn’t need to be told twice and all but sprinted away from his boss, he was already dreading the talking down he was likely to get. But at least there was no way his day could get any worse.

 

---

 

Katsuki, Todoroki and Uraraka made their way past the edge of the ruins zone. The buildings started to thin out and the roads stopped being full of cracks. Eventually the city stopped altogether and the road fed into the main plaza of the USJ. The three students quickly ducked behind a bush on the outer rim of the plaza. 

 

“Holy shit, Aizawa and Thirteen are slaughtering them…” Uraraka whispered and Katsuki had to agree.

 

From the looks of things neither hero had even sustained a punch yet they were surrounded by bodies. Aizawa’s movements were borderline art, his capture scarf moving in the air like its own entity. By this point the smarter villains had realised using their quirks was pointless and had resorted to thug tactics, simply charging and waving their fists at Eraserhead. But the hero simply threw them around like he was performing a puppet show.

 

Meanwhile Thirteen stood atop one the one few sections of the plaza around them still intact. Chucks of concrete had ripped away from the stairs and floor of the plaza, rubble scattering the area. They were using their quirk like a slingshot, throwing chunks of USJ around as well as villains. Combined with Eraserheads moves and the sky was filled with rubble and bodies.

 

“Damn,” Uraraka whispered, “They’re making mincemeat out of them.”

 

“It is a rather impressive display of skill.” Todoroki agreed as his eyes followed a large villain fly through the air before crashing into the central fountain of the plaza.

 

Katsuki grunted, “He’s the number one underground hero for a reason and Thirteen has a borderline S class quirk. These thugs are probably the equivalent of training dummies to them.”

 

Uraraka glanced up and down Katsuki, his costume now more or less soaked in blood, “Are… are you ok Bakugou?”

 

Katsuki rolled his neck, popping his shoulders and nodded, “My quirk enhances my entire body, including how quickly I heal. It’s no regeneration quirk but I can take a lot more hits and damage than most people can.”

 

“Good,” Uraraka said with a determined nod, “Then we can leave them to it and escape and get help.”

 

“I’m not so sure,” Todoroki said as his gaze shifted to where the leaders of the League were standing, “That big creature hasn't made a move yet and neither has the blue haired leader. I suspect the canon fodder is in fact just that and was only used to distract us so the big hitters could take out the teachers.”

 

Uaraka paled while Katsuki nodded in agreement, “He’s right, if they can really kill All Might they’re not going to waste their time on two lower rank heroes like our teachers.”

 

Todoroki frowned as he looked over the leaders of the villains, “Wait, weren’t there two of those-”

 

Before he could finish his sentence both he and Uraraka found themselves yanked back by the scruff of their necks. Their gym uniforms almost tore from the sudden tug as they flew back. Not even a moment later the ground they had been standing on was ripped apart by several long metal claws. The second thin like creature landed down a moment later, taking the place where the three students had been a second ago.

 

Todoroki and Uraraka landed a few feet away from the creature with a huff, both toppling on their feet. But before either could hit the ground however they felt an arm each wrap around their chest, keeping them in place. Uraraka gasped and looked up.

 

Katsuki was staring straight ahead at the creature, his quirk enveloping his body with red crackling fire. He was pouring as much of One For All into his eyes as he dared, as a result the world around him was moving far slower than normal, it was the only way to keep track of how fast the creature was moving. The added effect was causing his red eyes to practically glow with raw power. Uraraka's own eyes widened as she looked at the display of strength.

 

Todoroki was less impressed and scowled as he moved to get out of Katsuki’s grasp, “Bakugou what are you-”

 

Once again Todoroki was interrupted as he and Uraraka found themselves forcibly taken through the air again. Faster than either of his two passengers could register, Katsuki saw the creature move. It pushed off its feet and reached out with its clawed hands for the students. Katsuki pushed off his own feet and dived to the right, the creature's claws missing Todoroki’s jugular by less than an inch.

 

Katsuki skidded along the ground, the jump forcing him, Uraraka and Todoroki further into the centre of the plaza among the main fighting. His two add ons grunted as Katsuki hoisted them up onto their feet, Uraraka wobbled slightly from having been dragged around while Todoroki shot the blond a slight glare.

 

Katsuki just scoffed, “My reaction time is a hell of a lot better than yours, would you prefer I left you to be carved up?”

 

Todoroki scowled but said nothing. The entire plaza came to halt as the attention was drawn to the three students standing in the middle of all the chaos. Well, as much chaos as was left considering Eraserhead and Thirteen had taken down more or less the entire villainous army bar the two creatures and blue haired leader.

 

“Hah, looks like some NPCs were trying to scout us out,” The leader said with a gravelly voice as his eyes filled with excitement looking at the students, “Good find Mutt, perhaps it was worth bringing you after all.”

 

The Mutt was apparently the thin creature that had attacked them as it seemed to grunt in response to the leader though it came out far deeper than any human voice and was closer to a growl. Katsuki tensed as he prepared to avoid its claws once again, though it seemed to have stopped moving completely now it’s leader was talking.

 

“What are you three doing here!?” Aizawa shouted as he flung the final villain off the ground, “You should have evacuated!”

 

“We thought about it but figured we’d go for a fucking stroll instead!” Katsuki barked back while keeping his eyes locked on The Mutt.

 

“The portal villain ambushed and separated the class Sensei,” Todoroki explained with an eye roll at Katsuki, “We just fought our way out the ruins zone, we discovered they plan to kill All Might using… whatever that is.” 

 

Todoroki indicated to the great hulking mass that was still standing next to the blue haired leader like a statue.

 

“Dammit! I knew all this cannon fodder was pointless, not only are they telling people our secrets, they're letting worthless NPCs through to the main battle!” The leader whined as he started to scratch his neck.

 

“Oi handjob! Who the fuck you calling worthless!?” Katsuki demanded with a shout.

 

“Bakugou!” Aizawa hissed, “Shut. Up.”

 

Katsuki growled but relented, narrowing his eyes at The Mutt, daring it to attack him. Meanwhile next to the blue haired leader the purple mist from before appeared once again. Two yellow eyes appeared in the mist as they gazed out onto the battlefield.

 

“Kurogiri!” The hand man shouted, “Did you get it done?”

 

“Indeed Shigaraki,” Kurogiri responded, “The entire class, as well as the quirkless teacher, were scattered around the USJ. None escaped.”

 

The now identified Shigaraki cackled with laughter, “Excellent work Kurogiri, now tell me, how many of our employees have reported killing their students?”

 

Katsuki felt his breath hitch in his throat and he could practically feel the hate flowing off Aizawa at those words. Katsuki could only imagine the hell the villains would have to pay if they had hurt any of Eraserheads students.

 

But Kurogiri hesitated in his answer, “It appears… none have reported success. In fact, I surveyed several areas and… it appears the students are winning.”

 

Katsuki smiled and bared his teeth at the news, maybe all the extras in his class weren’t so bad afterall. And of course he knew by this point Izuku was likely tearing through the villains like butter, he may not love his quirk but the moment he saw one of his classmates being threatened he would become an unstoppable force of nature.

 

“Damn it, damn it, DAMN IT!” Shigaraki cried, he was now furiously scratching his neck and Katsuki could smell the soft scent of blood in the air, “First All Might doesn’t appear and now some bratty kids are winning the big battle!”

 

“Perhaps,” Kurogiri started as his eyes traced Aizawa and Thirteen who were slowly moving into attack positions, “We should consider a tactical retreat. All Might, our main goal, isn’t here and the paid help we brought is falling rather quickly, we should be on our way.”

 

Shigaraki grumbled and further scratched his neck, “Fine, but I want to send a message to All Might. Why don’t we kill some of his kids first?”

 

Shigaraki locked eyes directly with Katsuki who felt a shiver go up his spine, but he met the hand man's gaze and narrowed his own eyes back. The two opposing forces stared at each other with such intensity it made a few of the others around them wince. It only lasted for a few moments but to Katsuki it felt like he was staring at the man for years. Then Shigaraki broke the tension.

 

“Mutt.”

 

Katsuki’s eyes widened in horror. In his effort to stare down Shigaraki he’d taken his eyes off the creature. He snapped his head round just in time to catch the Mutt launch off its feet into the air. He could only watch as it soared towards him, arm and claws outstretched. Even if Katsuki moved now it would be too late.

 

“Get away from my students!”

 

The Mutt was ripped off course and pulled away from Katsuki. Katsuki himself felt the edge of a great pull on him and turned to find Thirteen using their quirk. The Mutt was flying through the air towards them, desperately reaching out to stop itself but the force of black hole was too much. Thirteen deactivated their quirk and the Mutt crashed into a nearby wall, dust and debris being thrown into the air.

 

“Ah, allow me.” Kurogiri said and the purple mist started to expand.

 

Then, as quickly as it had started to expand, the mist completely disappeared. The great swarm of it that had surrounded Kurogiri vanished in an instant to reveal a man (still made of mist) in a rather expensive looking suit with a metal plate around where his neck should be. Kurogiri himself seemed rather shocked by the development as he stared down at his hand in what Katsuki assumed was shock. Shigaraki however seemed less surprised.

 

“Man Eraserhead, you’re so cool.” Shigaraki commented with genuine awe.

 

Katsuki blinked in surprise and glanced to his right. Sure enough, standing next to him was Eraserhead, eyes lit up behind his goggles and hair standing on edge. His capture scarf was suspended in the air with his attention locked onto Kurogiri.

 

Kurogiri looked over at the underground hero in frustration, “Shigaraki, perhaps we could-”

 

Before Kurogiri could finish his sentence a wave of ice suddenly swept over the plaza. Shigaraki was able to avoid it but Kurogiri was not so lucky. The villain quickly found himself encased completely in the ice, his mist frozen solid.

 

Todoroki grunted from his position to Katsuki’s left as Eraserhead nodded his head towards him, “Good work Todoroki… now…”

 

Eraserhead turned to Shigaraki who was now looking incredibly lonely standing next to a Kurogiri icicle and the lone monster, the Mutt still somewhere under a pile of rubble.

 

“Shigaraki wasn’t it?” Eraserhead said with a firm and smooth voice, “You should listen to your colleague, you’re outmatched and outnumbered. Not to mention that All Might isn’t here anyway, I suggest you leave the way you came before things get ugly.”

 

Katsuki side eyed Eraserhead, he knew the man was bluffing. If they really did have the upperhand he’d be moving to capture and arrest the villains, not simply turn them away. The truth was that while things may be going well in the plaza their current company had all the heavy hitters for the class. The only two pro-heroes on the scene were here, not to mention two of the three students in the class with naturally hard hitting quirks. And God knows what trouble Izuku had gotten himself into.

 

Shigaraki however seemed unfazed by his situation and simply sighed, “Nomu.”

 

Even with his enhanced reaction times it all happened incredibly fast for Katsuki.

 

The hulking great mass apparently called a Nomu moved. Yet despite its massive frame it was far faster than The Mutt or anything else Katsuki had ever seen, its speed was comparable to that of All Might himself. The Nomu rushed forward, Aizawa didn’t even have time to blink before he was back handed across the plaza. There was a sickening crunch as their teacher was thrown through the air before he crashed down by the stairs. He didn’t get back up.

 

But The Nomu wasn’t done. It quickly turned from where it had thrown Aizawa and raised its fist towards Todoroki. The boy had barely even registered the Nomu moving, let alone that he was about to be turned into a fine paste.

 

Katsuki moved as quickly as he could, he reached out and grabbed Todoroki’s elbow, yanking back as hard as he dared without ripping the arm out of its socket. Todoroki flew back, missing the punch by millimetres. But it was still enough to throw them both back. 

 

Katsuki and Todoroki crashed to the ground skidding along slightly until they came to a painful stop atop each other. Uraraka screamed, finding herself alone next to the Nomu which snapped its head towards her having just taken out three people in less than a second.

 

“URARAKA ,ZERO GRAVITY NOW!” 

 

Aizawa’s shout carried throughout the plaza despite his broken body. Not questioning the desperation in his voice, Uraraka instinctively tapped her quirk against herself. Instantly she started to float slightly off the ground. The moment she did there was a massive force which enveloped the plaza. Thirteen had unleashed the full force of their quirk against the Nomu, a bloody and broken Aizawa laying next to them.

 

The Nomu was taken in by the force, it didn’t come flying off it’s feet like the other villains did but it cried out as it tensed and tried not to be pulled in by the force. Uraraka remained floating in the air, apparently anti-gravity meant she also wouldn’t be affected by black hole seeing as the quirk itself worked by gravity. The effect was for the quirk to ignore Uraraka completely and allow Thirteen to use it to its full potential.

 

Yet it was still nothing compared to the power of The Nomu.

 

Once again The Nomu moved. It completely ignored the power of Thirteen's quirk and dove straight in. It wrapped one hand around the arm Thirteen had been using their quirk from and the other around their chest. There was a pause before the sound of tearing flesh filled the plaza. Thirteen's scream caused the three students watching to shudder as The Nomu threw them to the side, their arm being thrown in the opposite direction.

 

In less than a few seconds the Nomu had taken down the only two pro heroes in the USJ. Katsuki couldn’t tell if Aizawa was even conscious, his body was twisted at an awkward angle while he was lying still, the only indication he was still alive was his chest rising slowly. Thirteen on the other hand looked to be in a far worse condition. They were out cold, blood quickly pooling around their body. Chances are if Thirteen didn’t get out soon they’d die of blood loss.

 

Uraraka fell back to the ground with a sickly green and pale face, stumbling back at the scene in front of her. Meanwhile Todoroki and Katsuki finally managed to get back on their feet, though both were unsteady. Katsuki could feel his body urging him just to stop and he was sure the moment he stopped letting his quirk flow through him he was bound to collapse.

 

Over by the frozen Kurogiri Shigaraki was letting out a joyous laugh, “It’s cute how you NPCs thought you could handle the main boss. But Nomu here has been designed as the perfect weapon to kill All Might, you low weak level losers are nothing compared to it.”

 

Katsuki clenched his fists, there was that word again. Next to him Todoroki was eyeing the scene with more and more trepidation, the realisation that they were hopelessly outmatched hitting them both.

 

“Now then, Nomu, Mutt, take care of these three, I’ll get Kurogiri out.” Shigaraki said lazily as he wandered over to the frozen man.

 

Katsuki’s eyes widened before everything moved at once.

 

The Mutt smashed straight out of the rubble that had been containing it, it had a few scratches but other than that was unharmed. It sprinted across the plaza like a dog, heading straight for Uraraka with its fangs bared. At the same time The Nomu launched itself off the ground with one mighty kick, the ground behind it shattering at the force. It shot through the air on the same path as The Mutt. Uraraka wouldn’t stand a chance.

 

Katsuki moved without even thinking, he pushed his quirk into his legs almost copying the Nomu and launched himself off the ground. He had no idea what percentage of One For All he was using but it was enough that he was sure he would end up with hairline fractures all along his legs. As he soared through the air he became vaguely aware of a wave of ice travelling next to him.

 

He was proven correct when a second later The Nomu, much like Kurogiri, found itself encased entirely in ice. The beast was stopped in its tracks, even with all its strength the sheer size of the ice that surrounded it stopped it dead.

 

But The Mutt was still on course to slice Uraraka in half. Katsuki grit his teeth and pulled his arms in, twisting his body so that his shoulder would impact first. A second before The Mutt reached Uraraka, Katsuki rammed into it. The Mutt was thrown off course and through the air, skidding to a stop down the plaza.

 

Katsuki spun on his heels and grabbed Uraraka by the shoulders, “Round cheeks, you need to get Aizawa and Thirteen out of here!”

 

If she had heard him, Uraraka made no response. She simply stared at The Nomu encased in (slowly cracking) ice with a look of horror on her face and silent tears streaming down her cheeks.

 

“URARAKA!” Katsuki shouted and it snapped the girl back to reality, looking up at him, “Use your quirk and get Aizawa and Thirteen to the entrance, moving them any other way could cause further injury. Once you get there try to use any first aid you have.”

 

“R-right,” Uraraka said, though her entire body was shaking, “What are you and Todoroki going to do?”

 

Katsuki grunted, “We’re going to distract them.”

 

Todoroki nodded as he jogged up to the pair, “Together we may be able to hold them off long enough until reinforcements arrive.”

 

“B-But…” Uraraka trailed off and glanced at The Mutt which was getting back to its feet.

 

“We’ll be fine Uraraka, just get the teachers out of here.” Katsuki assured her with a smile that didn’t match the pain shooting through his body.

 

Uraraka paused before she enveloped him in a quick hug. Katsuki coughed in surprise but before he could hug her back she had done the same to Todoroki, who looked even more shocked before she took off running to where their teachers lay battered and bruised.

 

Not a moment after she left there was a massive crash and the plaza was full of ice raining down upon them. Katsuki scowled and turned his attention to the now free Nomu, The Mutt walking up next to it.

 

Katsuki clenched and raised his fists, he felt the presence of Todoroki next to him, “You gonna use your fire?”

 

Todoroki shook his head, “No, I won’t need it.”

 

Katsuki sighed, “Zuzu’s gonna be so pissed off when he finds out I died.”

 

---

 

Yagi coughed and sputtered blood onto the ground, collapsing to his knees as he held his stomach. He was surrounded by trees, having landed in the forest zone of the USJ. The villain who had punched him just looked down and scoffed.

 

“For fuck sake, I was hoping for a real fight but we get stuck with the quirkless teacher.” They spat and turned away from Yagi.

 

“Reax, we get paid either way.” The second villain said and launched a punch at Yagi’s face.

 

But even without One For All Yagi was still a trained hero. He ducked under the fist, grabbing the villain's arm and shifting his weight. The villain tumbled from the momentum of their punch and fell down to ground with a thud. 

 

Yagi got back to his feet, fists clenched and scanning the area. The second villain just looked at him and sighed. Yagi went to take a step before her when she whistled. The whistle was piercingly high and loud, almost bursting Yagi’s ear as he clamped his hands over them. 

 

Not being used to actually having things like his ears at risk during fights Yagi’s automatic reaction caused him to be completely defenceless. He found himself taking a kick directly on his injured side. He stumbled back, coughing up more blood as a fist met his nose. There was a painful crack as his face became covered in red as he fell back and collapsed onto the ground.

 

“Pathetic.” The villain said and spat down on him.

 

Yagi groaned and tried to get up but a quick kick to the gut had him in the foetal position and coughing. The villain was right, he was pathetic. The most powerful hero in Japanese history and here he was being beaten down by two thugs barely worthy of being called villains.

 

How did it come to this? Just a few years ago he’d been on top of the world, All For One finally defeated, Japan safer than ever and his image as The Symbol of Peace unbreakable. Skip forward to the present and The Symbol of Peace was hunched over coughing his guts up, not even able to stop a ragtag group of nobody villains who had somehow managed to infiltrate the best hero school in the country. It was like his own legacy was crumberling before his very eyes.

 

Yagi knew the answer of course. On the surface society had thrived, heroes were bigger than ever and organised crime was at an all time low. People with powerful quirks were sought after and trained to become the best heroes they could, standing alongside the hall of fame All Might had created. But beneath it all their country had started to rot from the inside.

 

Organised crime hadn't vanished, it had just become smarter. It stayed just beneath the surface of noticibitly, gaining as much as it could without the public noticing. And why would famous and powerful heroes go after groups that nobody would care about? To make matters worse said groups went after those their society rejected, people with ugly and villainous quirks. But was nothing compared to outright disgust most people had towards the quirkless.

 

Yagi had spent months combing through his memories.

 

He had always praised his fellow heroes for the use of their quirks yet when had he ever spoken up about those born with villainous quirks like Izuku Midoriya?

 

He had always spoken about protecting those with less powerful quirks yet when had he ever said the same about the quirkless like Katsuki Bakugou?

 

Whether he meant it to or not All Might had been instrumental in the creation of a society based around powerful and exciting quirks. He had spent several dark nights laying in bed wondering what would have happened to both Izuku and Katsuki had he not met them. 

 

But that wasn’t even the worst part. He could deal with the corruption and position of their society, he could live with his role in that. What he couldn’t deal with was the fact that right now there were 20 teenagers, barely old enough to to look after themselves, fighting for their very survival across the USJ. All because he had been too ingrained in his so-called heroic nature to think things through when using his quirk. And now he had wasted all his time and was useless as he laid down in the dirt, his body ached with pain as he tried once again to push his quirk through his body.

 

Even when he had been on the brink of death after his fight with All For One following Nana’s death Yagi wasn’t sure he’d even been lower. He had let everything he stood for down, his legacy was finished.

 

“Sensei, may I ask you a question? With One For All fueling your float quirk you have an incredibly unique and powerful quirk, if it isn’t rude to ask, how is it you’ve never broken past rank 50 in the poles?”

 

“Oh come on Toshi, you know me better than that. Sure, being a top ten hero would be nice but that’s not the legacy I see for myself. It’s the smiles that people give me whenever I save them from a disaster, from a fall or even just their cat from a tree. I don’t need my legacy to be some best selling book about how I became the greatest hero in the world. My legacy is the countless smiles I’ve seen over the years.”

 

Yagi had no idea how or why that memory suddenly appeared in front of him. But it was as vivid to him now as the day he had asked Nana that question, it was the day after his first hero rankings and, to his horror and embarrassment, he ranked higher than his own mentor.

 

Despite her potential power Nana had always been a simple person. Insisting that her three goals were to stop All For One, train Yagi and save people. It was a legacy to be proud of, a legacy that didn’t require hero rankings or world shattering battles. 

 

Then it hit him.

 

Izuku Midoriya, the boy terrified of his own quirk who had proudly used it to get into his dream hero school.

 

Katsuki Bakugou, the quirkless boy who felt he could achieve nothing was now learning to become the greatest hero of all time.

 

Yagi didn’t need to maintain his spot as the top hero. He didn’t need The Symbol of Peace to stand above all else. He didn’t need countless books about his legacy.

 

Because his legacy was in the two boys he’d been training for a year. The two who had made such incredible progress despite all the barriers in their way. The two who Yagi knew in his heart would be far better heroes than he could ever hope to be.

 

And not just those two, he had two classes in front of him now. 40 young heroes in training under his wing, the next generation of heroes. And he had a chance to show them what a true hero was, to show them that being a good person should always come before being a good hero.

 

That would be All Might’s legacy, not his hero rankings or merchandise. The students he had taken on. The students he was currently letting down. He didn’t need to be The Symbol of Peace.

 

He needed to beat the shit out of these villains who dared to go after his kids..

 

Yagi clenching his teeth and slowly got to hit knees, grabbing One For All yet again. His body and the quirk rebelled against him, nearly making him pass out but he refused to give in.

 

‘I won’t be defeated by a simple time limit you hear me? I don’t care if it’s not possible, my name is Toshinnori Yagi, I am All Might, the most powerful hero in Japan and I will not let my quirk be the reason I let my students die, so either you work with me or I’ll kill us both through sheer force trying to activate you.’

 

“Come on,” one of the villains said to the other as they both went to walk away, “Leave the quirkless guy to die here, I fancy killing some kids.”

 

“No.”

 

The deep voice drew both villains' attention back to the teacher. Yagi was now crouched 

down, slowly rising to his feet, thick spouts of steam coming off his body as he seemed to shift beneath his very clothes. He looked up at the pair with a face of pure hatred and fury, no smile to be seen and it froze the villains in their tracks.

 

Slowly his body started to grow, he reached out and tore his jacket and tie off as his voice grew louder with each word containing another level of pure rage.

“You will not harm a single hair on any of their heads… because… I! AM! HERE!”

Notes:

Hi all!

First of all sorry for the lack of green boi in this chapter but it would have been twice as long otherwise, don't worry we'll return to our quirk stealling student next chapter

Second of all apologies for how long it took to get this chapter out, I wasn't happy with it so took a while to edit it until I was confident in sending it out

Third of all we've hit 1000 kudos which is completly insane to me considering this story started out as an idea I had when bored, so once again thanks for all the kudos, comments and support!

Chapter 20: Izuku's New Quirks

Summary:

As the battle of the USJ continues Izuku finds himself with three new quirks to use

The air filled his lungs like a sweet nectar, despite the heat of it caused by the fire around him. His new quirks pulsed within him, their power ebbing and flowing just beneath his skin and their quirk energy swirling around his own. His hunger had engulfed him, practically vibrating at the new quirks it had fed on. And it felt good.

 

Izuku smiled. He’d been a fool to resist this for so many years, it was like he’d been empty throughout his entire life and now he was starting to fill himself. Around him the three villains lay unconscious, the sheer force at which Izuku had ripped their quirks from them had caused their brains and bodies to shut down. They weren’t dead, but they weren’t far off. But despite his new three quirks Izuku still felt hungry, he still craved more. He wanted quirks, he wanted fuel for the fire, he wanted power.

 

Izuku wandered around the burning street, his eye’s barely registering anything, his sole focus being on quirks. He snapped his attention to his right, two quirks had just entered his detection range. He smiled and licked his lips, his hunger flared up with joy. Finally he was going to have his own stockpile of quirks.

 

He focused his attention on the two quirk energies, he recognised them as the hardening quirk and earphone jack quirk of the two people he had been brought here with. His hunger lashed out towards them under his skin, the hardening quirk was a strong quirk while the earphone quirk was practically built for recon. They were both deliciously appealing and would add nicely to his small collection. All Izuku needed to do was get in range.

 

‘NO!’

 

Izuku’s body lurched and he stumbled slightly, his hunger lashed out within him, demanding to be brought into range and allowed to take the quirks. 

 

‘NO! I AM NOT A VILLAIN!’

 

Izuku’s mind came crashing back. He staggered forward, gasping for breaths as he forcibly pushed his hunger back into control. The world around him refocused, the roar of the fire filled his ears and the heat filled his lungs. Izuku fell to his knees coughing as all the pain from the fight came back to him. His head throbbed from the effort of taking three quirks and he could tell he was quickly approaching quirk exhaustion. He knew that when it finally came to taking the quirks of villains it wouldn’t be easy but he never expected it to take so much of a toll. He was fairly sure he’d need at least a few days before he could comfortably take any more and he’d need at least two days sleep to recover from the migraine that threatened to tear his head two.

 

“Fuck, Midoriya what the hell happened?”

 

Izuku’s attention was drawn back to the two people standing in front of him. Both of them had singed clothes and were looking at the scene with wide disbelieving eyes. It was Jiro who had spoken and she was staring at him with a conflict of emotions on her face, one side she looked relieved on the other she looked nervous. She was holding Kirishima up over her shoulders as the red head hobbled around on one leg. He himself was switching his attention between the three villains laying in the street.

 

Izuku coughed, “I uh… took them out?”

 

“Jesus dude, we were gone for like five minutes.” Jiro whispered as Izuku rushed over to help her carry Kirishima.

 

“I uh… kind of let loose with my quirk a little, I didn’t mean to go overboard,” Izuku confessed and blushed a little, “I just saw the way you two were hurt and well… I got a little angry.”

 

Jiro snorted as she let Izuku take some of Kirishima's weight, both holding him up under an arm, “If that's what you do with your quirk when you’re a little angry I’m gonna make sure I never really piss you of, I can’t even see any obvious damage, just what did you do?.”

 

Izuku chuckled awkwardly and avoided the question, he wasn’t so sure what Jiro would think if she knew what he’d actually done to take down the villains. Even he himself was a little scared of what had just taken place. He’d never considered how little resistance most of his trainers put up while he took their quirk from them, but what he’d just done was mentally wrestle with three separate bulls.

 

“Uh guys, as badass as I’m sure it was for Midoriya to take down the villains we should probably think about getting out of here.” Kirshima said as he looked around at the raging fire.

 

Izuku nodded, “Uh right, Kirishima, how’s your leg?”

 

“Snapped clean in two,” Kirishima joked though he winced in obvious pain, “I’ve activated my quirk to act as a splint but there’s no way I can walk on it.”

 

“Fuck… do you have any idea how heavy you are?” Jiro huffed as she adjusted herself underneath him, Izuku too was struggling to hold the boy up on his end, though in the back of his mind his weight theory about Kirishima’s quirk gained some traction.

 

“That’s because muscle weighs more than fat and it’s super manly to workout so-”

 

“Kirishima I really don’t give a fuck about your workout routine right now.” Jiro snapped, her jacks clicking at the boy menacingly who himself scowled at the attitude from the purplette.

 

“Please, both of you calm down.” Izuku asked with a sigh, “Let's work together to get out of here and then we can argue.” 

 

“Right,” Jiro said and Kirishima nodded in agreement, “So uh… where exactly are we going?”

 

“We need to head back to the main plaza, not only is it the only exit, it's where our teachers are and where most of the class will head for.” Izuku said as a pit of concern filled his chest, it must have shown on his face as Jiro and Kirishima exchanged a glance.

 

“I’m sure Bakugou is fine, the villains are probably more scared of him than he is of them.” Jiro said with a chuckle.

 

“Yeah man, along with Todoroki your brother is the strongest person in our class!” Kirishima exclaimed with a wide toothy smile and Izuku had to admit it did help slightly.

 

Izuku nodded his head, “Yeah, you’re right. I guess old habits die hard. Now we just need to figure out how to get to-”

 

Izuku paused and blinked. He then did it a few more times to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating. But no, what he was seeing was definitely real. The moment he had thought about heading to the plaza a blue line had appeared in front of him that went down the street before taking a sharp left down another path. At first Izuku was confused before he felt himself touching his eyes, he could feel the quirk energy behind them, humming with activation. The villains had mentioned one of them was a guide and at a guess this was their quirk now guiding Izuku..

 

“I think… I think I know the way.” Izuku said as his eyes followed the blue line.

 

“You think?” Jirso asked a little unsure, “You realise we’re in the middle of a massive fire right? I need a little more than you think.”

 

Izuku bit his lip, “It’s my quirk, it’s showing me the way back.”

 

“Huh? How does that work?” Kirishima asked as he furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

 

“It’s… complicated. Do you both trust me?” Izuku asked as he eyed his two fellow students.

 

“Of course man!” Kirishima replied with his usual enthusiasm and without hesitation.

 

Jiro was a bit more apprehensive but eventually just sighed, “Fine but if we burn to death I’m going to kill you.”

 

Izuku nodded and together he and Jiro helped Kirishima hobble down the street. They fell into silence as Izuku guided them down the blue line. Eventually they had to concede he was right, not only were they getting closer to the edge of the dome that contained the fire zone but the paths they were taking were almost completely free of any obstacles. Quite frankly it was like taking a casual stroll.

 

Well, except for the fact one of them had a broken leg and all three of them were producing enough sweat to fill a small pool.

 

As they walked Izuku used the silence to ponder over his new quirks. One was fairly obvious, some kind of laser or heat vision. It would be pretty simple use, all he had to do was push the energy out of his eyes. But until he did use it he had no idea how powerful it would be, he didn’t want to get into a friendly spar in class and tear someone in half with it. The quirk he was currently using seemed more passive, he wasn’t completely sure how it worked but it clearly showed how to get to a desired location. How he activated it and the specific requirements of the quirk Izuku had no idea, but for now he at least had the basics down: Follow the blue line until you get to where you want to be. The final quirk was the most complex, Izuku at first guessed it was some kind of strength quirk but when he first gained the quirk there was no notable difference to his physical capabilities. It wasn’t until he started moving that he noticed for each step he took he felt the smallest amount of energy flow into the quirk. Based on the weird dance the villain had been doing at the time and Izuku guessed the quirk was fueled by movement which he could store and unleash to increase his strength. It was nowhere near the level that the likes of Katsuki could achieve but with enough momentum Izuku theorised he might be able to hit as hard as those with mutant quirks such as Tsu.

 

His new guiding quirk was proving its use when the three students found the large doors of the exit of the fire zone. They practically fell through, Jiro and Izuku admittedly all but dropping Kirishima on the ground. But the redhead didn’t care as all three of them gasped for breaths, taking in the cool air. As they all coughed a little Izuku suddenly realised how hot and sweaty he had become and he could feel his costume sticking to his skin and beads of sweat dripping down his face. He was half debating suggesting they head to the massive lake by the plaza instead.

 

“So what now?” Jiro asked as she sent her jacks out, keeping a listen out for any nearby villains.

 

“We should keep heading to the plaza, we need to help Aizawa and Thirteen.” Izuku stated as he traced the blue line of his new quirk down the road that led to the main area of the USJ, he missed the look that Kirishima and Jiro exchanged.

 

“Are you insane!?” Jiro hissed, “We almost got our asses handed to us by three low level thugs and you want to go fight the leaders of them!”

 

Even Kirishima looked apprehensive at the idea, “I gotta agree with Jiro man. Normally I’d support you and it’s super manly you want to help our teachers out, but those guys looked way too tough for a bunch of students. Not to mention my leg is broken, Jiro is covered in nasty burns and you look seconds away from collapsing completely.”

 

Izuku winced, so he really did look as exhausted and beaten up as he felt, still he wouldn’t let that deter him, “I’m not saying we should charge in guns blazing but we should at least scout the area and see if there’s any help we can provide, even if it’s just getting people out of there.”

 

Jiro locked eyes with him and looked like she was going to argue but Izuku’s own look of desperation made her pause. The pair of them had a silent conversation with their eyes, staring at each other for a few moments while Kirishima awkwardly looked between the pair of them. Eventually Jiro relented with a frustrated grunt.

 

“Fine, but just scouting! I don’t care what kind of freaky quirk you got, that massive monster looking thing looks like it could take any of us out with the flick of a finger.” She cried and shivered slightly at the thought.

 

Izuku nodded in agreement, “Ok, we shouldn’t have far to go then.”

 

Jiro and Izuku once again hoisted Kirishima up and three limped down the path. The closer they got to the plaza the louder the sounds of battle became. It wasn’t until they reached the plaza that they finally saw the full situation. They quickly ducked behind the small wall separating their path from the area of the battle and observed the scene.

 

“Holy shit…” Jiro whispered and Kirishima nodded in agreement.

 

Izuku’s jaw clenched, it could hardly be called a battle at all. In the distance he could see Uraraka dragging a floating Thirteen and Aizawa up the stairs towards the entrance, the amount of blood trailing them made bile rise in Izuku’s throat. Meanwhile Shigaraki was slowly removing the ice from around Kurogiri, presumably his quirk had something to do with disintegration as the ice was turning to dust where Shigaraki touched it. But what really made Izuku’s stomach churn was watching Katsuki and Todoroki fight the two monsters the villains brought with them.

 

Well, fight was a strong word. The reality was more Katsuki using One For All to drag Todoroki around the plaza while the latter produced waves of ice and launched them out to freeze and slow down the two creatures. It was little more than a game of cat and mouse, the large black creature would charge at them, Katsuki would jump and Todoroki would freeze the creature solid. Seconds later the creature would escape and the scene would repeat.

 

To make matters worse it was obvious the pair were in just as bad a state, if not worse, than the Izuku, Kirishima and Jiro. Todoroki was shivering, chunks of ice forming on the side of his body and his ice waves were becoming smaller and weaker. Meanwhile Katsuki looked like he had been thrown through a meat grinder. He was covered in blood and much of his costume was in tatters. And Izuku knew one hit from the large black creature would probably kill either of them.

 

For the first time in his life Izuku felt his quirk recoil even despite the raw power emanating from the large black creature. And Izuku couldn’t blame it, from this distance he was finally in range to get a good look at the monster’s quirk energy. The first thing that was obvious was the fact the creature had multiple quirks, it had several different energies all flowing through it, almost like its own nervous system made of a variety of colours. Yet each one felt wrong to Izuku, like it wasn’t supposed to be there as if someone had just stapled an extra arm or leg onto a body. It made his stomach, and quirk, churn.

 

Yet despite the situation Izuku rose to his feet.

 

“What are you doing!?” Jiro screamed at him in a whisper and wrapped her jacks around his arm, forcing him back down beside her and Kirishima.

 

“I need to go help them!” Izuku hissed back, “Todoroki and Kacchan aren’t strong enough to fight alone and our teachers are out of commission!”

 

“And you think you’ll turn the tide!? They’re getting their asses handed to them out there, you run in like a madman and you’ll be killed!” Jiro whispered back though her voice was rising and there were tears forming in her eyes while her body shook, the signs of fear were everywhere on her.

 

“He’s my brother!” Izuku responded with a near shout, “I can’t just sit back and watch him!”

 

Both Izuku and Jiro were once again locked together looking at each other’s eyes with Kirishima awkwardly between the two, not sure how to handle the situation.

 

“Fuck… FUCK…” Jiro said through gritted teeth and her jacks stabbed into the ground in frustration, “I get it ok! But I just… fuck I just finally made some fucking friends and now one of you is thinking of running to your death! It’s so fucking stupid and anoying and-”

 

Jiro was cut off when Kirishima suddenly wrapped and arm each around her and Izuku, pulling them both in for a tight hug.

 

“I’m scared too,” the redhead admitted in a much gentler voice than what Izuku and Jiro had been using, “But screaming at each other won’t help anyone. Jiro, imagine if it was your family out there fighting, wouldn’t you charge head first too?”

 

Jiro deflated at the words, silent tears streaming down her face, “I… yeah I would.”

 

“But Midoriya,” Kirishima said, turning his attention to Izuku, “You can’t just run in there headfirst, you need a plan.”

 

“Ok,” Izuku said, calming down, “Ok… I need to keep the big guys distracted so people can escape. Right now I can hit hard but don’t have a lot of protection so I’ll need to stick close to Kacchan.”

 

“It’s a shame you don’t have my quirk,” Kirishima commented as he let the others go, “I’d be perfect for taking those hits but my leg is busted so I’m useless.”

 

Izuku glanced over at Kirishima’s quirk energy as the boy cradled his broken leg. Izuku shook his head, now wasn’t the time.

 

“You guys should stay here or retreat slightly, most of the zones come out here so you can meet most of our class and organise to escape. Based on the level of thuh here it’s safe to assume that everyone else should be ok, I think the only real threat is in the plaza.” Izuku said as he rose to his feet.

 

“Ok but like, how exactly are you going to take on those monsters?” Jiro asked as she looked over the wall and winced as the claws of the thin creature missed Katsuki by a hair.

 

Izuku smiled and looked down at the pair, “I’m not.”

 

Both looked up at him confused.

 

“Huh?” Kirishima asked.

 

“I’m not going to fight it at all… because I’m not the only madman about to charge in.”

 

---

 

Katsuki was fucked.

 

He knew this the moment he and Todoroki started to battle (read run away) from The Mutt and The Nomu. The reality was that whatever it was, The Nomu’s power was on par with a top ten hero. Even with their powerful quirks all Katsuki and Todoroki were really doing was keeping the creatures distracted while Uraraka got their teachers to safety, if they tried to fight one on one they’d be trying to identify them both with dental records. Neither had even really done any damage to two beasts, Katsuki hadn’t even landed one punch. And to make matters worse Shigaraki had nearly freed Kurogiri, meaning they were also about to be outnumbered two to one.

 

Katsuki watched the Nomu break out of another wave of ice before he heard the ice shatter, he grabbed Todoroki and leapt back. A moment later the area they had been standing in was shattered to a million pieces before being covered once again in a giant icicle that encased The Nomu. Next to him Todoroki was both shivering and covered in sweat as he overworked his quirk.

 

“How’re you holding up Scarface?” Katsuki asked as he followed the cracks forming in the Nomu-icicle.

 

“I-I’m ok but my ice is getting weaker, soon it won’t even stop it from attacking us.” Todoroki said breathlessly as he reached over and had to physically pull chunks of ice off his arm.

 

“Fuck,” Katsuki responded and clenched his fists, “If we leave they’ll just chase Roundcheeks and teachers to the entrance and kill them. Not to mention the rest of the class, they’ll all be slaughtered.”

 

“Then what do you suggest?”  Todoroki asked and turned his attention to Katsuki.

 

It was a rookie error, turning your back on the enemy, one that even Katsuki would admit he was surprised Todoroki would make. But make it he did and the second Todorki’s back was turned there was a growl from behind him as The Mutt leaped over the pillars of ice and started to launch straight for duel haird teenagei.

 

Katsuki barely had time to react. He grabbed Todoroki and threw the boy behind him. Then, pushing his quirk into his arm, he met The Mutt face on. The creature tried to take a swing at him mid air but it was easy enough to side step before Katsuki launched his fist into The Mutt’s side. Being off the ground with no support meant the Mutt was sent flying through the plaza. Katsuki grinned at the success.

 

Unfortunately he hadn’t considered the few precious seconds he’d been distracted for. There was the sound of shattering ice from behind him and he could feel movement in the air. He didn’t even have time to turn around before he felt a pair of hands throw him to the floor. 

 

Katsuki landed with a thud and twisted round. He was met with the sight of Todoroki, standing where Katsuki had been moments ago with a pair of outstretched hands. Todoroki himself looked completely confused at his actions and made eye contact with Katsuki for a moment.

 

But it was only a moment before a huge black first appeared next to Todoroki and slammed into his side. Todoroki was sent flying across the plaza, his body twisted at an awkward angle before crashing into a nearby wall which collapsed over him. When the dust cleared there was no sign of Todoroki, just a pile of bricks and concrete.

 

Katsuki’s face turned into a deep scowl, “You bastard!”

 

He leapt off the ground and took a swing at The Nomu. But of course the beast all but ignored it. Before he can even make contact Katsuki is thrown to the ground, pinned down by a foot the size of his entire upper body. He squirms under it, trying to push himself free but it’s like trying to fight gravity. No matter how hard he punched, no matter how much he pushed himself it was like trying to break down a wall with sticks.

 

“FUCK YOU!” Katsuki roars, his voice carrying throughout the plaza and much of the USJ.

 

The pressure on his chest increases and he coughs up blood, The Nomu staring down at him with emotionless eyes as it slowly crushed him under its foot. There’s no choice, if Katsuki doesn’t do something he’ll be dead in less than a minute. He calls on One For All but this time allows it to flow through his body at full strength, no limit to its power. The pain is immediate, it rips through his body as every muscle and bone he has tensed under the strength of the raw power. Red flames crackle and lash out all around his body as his eyes glow red and his hair waves with flickering power.

 

Katsuki pulled his arm back, it was going to hurt like hell and Recovery Girl would beat him half to death but it was the only chance he had of pushing this thing off him. He clenched his fists and felt the power in his arm as he pulled back.

 

“TEXAS SMAAAAAASH!”

 

Katsuki blinked. That wasn’t him.

 

It was almost like watching a powerpoint with how fast everything moved. One minute Katsuki was looking up at The Nomu, the USJ ceiling behind it. Then suddenly All Might blinked into existence behind The Nomu before the next slide of Katsuki’s life showed All Might standing there alone with an outstretched fist.

 

The entire plaza shook with the force of the punch and Katsuki had to cover his eyes from the dust that was picked up. The Nomu itself finally took some actual damage as it skidded along the plaza, chunks of the floor flying up as it dug its feet in to stop itself moving too far.

 

Katsuki scrambled back up to his feet, letting One For All fall back to his usual levels. His chest ached and he could feel the strain on his entire body. But he simply spit out a mouthful of blood and glared slightly at All Might who was standing next to him, his tie and blazer long forgotten with the rest of his suit torn up.

 

“It’s about fucking time.” Katsuki said to his predecessor who shot the boy an amused smile.

 

“Yes, my apologies, Young Bakugou. I was having some… issues. But there’s no need to worry, because I am here!” All Mights voice boomed across the plaza but unlike his usual smiley outgoing demeanour the man turned to villains and gained a frown that even made Katsuki shiver.

 

Shigaraki however simply cackled with glee, “Finally! Now then All Might allow me to introduce you to the final boss, it’s a bio-”

 

Shigaraki never got to finish his sentence before All Might launched himself forward. The air around the hero was whipped up to the point it was even more powerful than what Yoarashi could produce with his own quirk. All Might launched himself straight at Shigaraki, clearly going for the leader as he pulled his fist back, ready to turn the villain into a hospital patient.

 

But The Nomu reacted before All Might could reach Shigaraki. The two colossal beings clashed in the middle of the plaza, their fists connected with equal force. The shockwave from the clash shook the entire USJ, the floor surrounding the pair shattered while windows in the ceiling smashed and glass reigned down below.

 

The Nomu was once again forced back but only by a few feet. Once again the moment All Might stopped it became motionless. All Might’s scowl deeped as he looked over the creature, despite the raw power of the punch it didn’t have a scratch on it.

 

Under the hand covering his face Shigaraki’s smile widened, “Shock absorption, that’s one of The Nomu’s quirks, even if-”

 

Once again All Might didn’t let him finish and again threw himself forward with an immense amount of power. By this point it was obvious All Might was going directly for Shigaraki, take out the leader and the rest of the dominoes would fall. Even Shigaraki was surprised and stumbled back slightly as The Nomu jumped in front of him to meet All Might’s punch. 

 

But this time All Might didn’t stop at one punch, another shockwave rang out before All Might launched his other fist at The Nomu’s head. Quickly the pair became engrossed in the punching match, each meeting each other’s fists in the air. They were a near perfect match, pound for pound meeting each other’s speed.

 

The entire plaza was thrown into chaos as a result of the intense battle, shockwaves rang out and caused the wind to whip up. Trees were uprooted and cracks formed in the floor like a spiderweb from where the two titans fought it out.

 

Katsuki was so engrossed in the battle he almost missed the sound of something from behind him.

 

He jumped to his left, catching the glint of metal claws in the side of his eye. He landed back, crouching on his knees and fists raised. The Mutt landed a few feet away, swivelling on its feet to face Katsuki. Drool dripped from its mouth as it bared its fangs and its claws tapped on the ground like an animal, the clinking scratching in Katsuki’s ears.

 

He clenched his fists and let One For All flow through him. With All Might taking on the Nomu he might actually stand a chance against The Mutt. But Todoroki was down for the count and one slice from those claws would mean Katsuki would be joining him. The Mutt was no joke, if he wanted to survive this fight he’d need to use everything he had.

 

“Hey Kacchan…”

 

Katsuki’s head snapped round so fast he almost got whiplash. There, standing a few feet behind him, was Izuku. His brother's costume was burnt in several places and his hair was sticking to his head. But despite that Izuku had a wide smirk on and Katsuki could tell there was something… different about him.

 

Then, Izuku’s eyes lit up red.

 

“Duck.”

Notes:

Hi all, sorry for the shorter chapter this time, just felt like a natural stopping point! Once again thanks for all the kudos and comments!

Chapter 21: The Wonder Duo vs The Mutt

Summary:

All Might, Katsuki and Izuku battle it out with The Nomu and The Mutt

Without even knowing what was going on Katsuki didn’t hesitate at Izuku’s words and dived to the ground, getting as low as he could. The Mutt briefly snapped its attention from Katsuki to Izuku and tilted its head as if it was curious about the pair. Though The Mutt and Katsuki didn’t have to wait long for answers before Izuku’s eyes suddenly exploded.

 

Two beams of red energy shot out of his eyes and roared across the plaza. The Mutt didn’t even have time to react before it was hit square in the chest by the red beams. It let out a strangled cry as its claw scraped across the ground while it was slowly pushed back by the force.

 

Katsuki didn’t wait around to be impressed, he rolled out from under the beams and jumped to his feet. He quickly sprinted up to The Mutt and his quirk lit up his body. Moments before Katsuki reached his target Izuku turned off his red beams, leaving the Mutt wide open for attack. Not wasting the opportunity Katsuki leapt into the air, aiming both his feet out for a jump kick. His feet slammed directly into The Mutts chest and sent it rolling down the plaza. Katsuki landed down on his feet, fists raised and renewed vigour flowing through him which made him smile wide.

 

“Ow… fuck that hurt.”

 

Izuku’s voice caused Katsuki to gance to his right, Izuku had run up beside him but was clearly having a reaction to his new quirk. His eyes were bloodshot red and were filled with tears, Izuku himself looked to be in pain.

 

“Nice quirk.” Katsuki commented as he turned his attention back to The Mutt.

 

“Thanks,” Izuku said and shot the boy a smirk, “Hurts like a son of a bitch though.”

 

Katsuki snorted, “At least it doesn’t break your bones.”

 

“Point taken.” Izuku responded as another shockwave ripped through the plaza.

 

The boys glanced to their left where All Might and The Nomu continued to exchange blows. The area around the battle was now little more than rubble and even Katsuki had trouble flowing the speed of the fight. Shigaraki had fallen back, unable to get too close to the two titans, while Kurogiri remained partially frozen, unable to provide any real support. Shigaraki appeared to be trying to go on some long monologue to All Might about how The Nomu was bio-engineered to kill him, yet All-Might chose to ignore the man, instead holding a look of pure fury as he clashed with the beast.

 

Katsuki raised an eyebrow at Shigaraki’s words however. Bio-engineered? That would explain why the pair of them were so freaky looking. Speaking of which his and Izuku’s own attention was drawn back to The Mutt which had managed to get back on its feet. The skin on its chest had gone from a pale brown to a charred black with sections of it peeling off and even bubbling, meanwhile it looked like Katsuki had completely shattered several of its ribs as blood dripped from its mouth. Despite its non-human features it appeared to be enraged as it stared down at  the two brothers.

 

“Call it,” Katsuki spoke to Izuku as the pair eyed up The Mutt.

 

“It’s got multiple quirks,” Izuku informed the boy in a near monotone, “Best guess is that they’re not natural quirks, matches with what hand-man is saying.. From what I can tell it has all mutant based quirks, various animal like ones like that of Gang Orca, though no emitter type quirks. It’s fast, tough and smart but it’s predictable.”

 

“Can you take any of its quirks?” Katsuki asked as the boys kept a sharp eye on the creature, both sides frozen and unmoving as they stared each other down.

 

Izuku shook his head, “No, I’ve got borderline quirk exhaustion with my own quirk from taking three others earlier. Not to mention how powerful that thing is, I’d need full concentration and at least a few minutes to even take just one of its quirks when I'm at full strength. Plus… its quirks feel wrong… honestly I’m not sure even my hunger wants to take them.”

 

Katsuki raised an eyebrow at that but didn’t comment, no matter how hard Izuku might try Katsuki would never truly understand the way he felt and saw quirks. He doubted anyone else on the planet saw them the way Izuku did. 

 

“Looks like we’ll have to take it down the old fashioned way,” Katsuki said with a feral grin as he cracked his knuckles, “Ideas?”

 

“It’s faster than both of us and with those claws it only needs one strike to put us down permanently. But it’s got no range and it won’t be as strong as you are and there’s two of us. Oh, I’ve also gained a weak strength quirk, I need to keep moving for it to work but it should mean I can keep up with you both to some extent in close combat.” Izuku informed Katsuki as he mentally ticked off the list of notes that had appeared in his head as he observed The Mutt.

 

Katsuki nodded, “In which case, you use those laser eyes to keep pestering it, I’ll go in for the big hits with my quirk while we both skirt around its attacks. If we make sure to both continue the assault it won’t be able to focus on one of us and we can negate its speed advantage. Just make sure to keep moving, otherwise it’s bound to get those claws into you.”

 

Izuku turned to Katsuki and gave him a smirk and mock salute, “Yes sir captain sir.”

 

Katsuki snorted before his grin grew even wider, “Now then Zuzu… LET’S FUCKING KILL THIS BASTARD!”

 

The brothers moved in perfect sync, launching into a sprint at the exact same moment. The Mutt let out an ear piercing screech that echoed throughout the USJ before it charged forward on all fours, its claws scratching along the concrete floor as it moved.

 

Despite moving at the same time Katsuki quickly drew ahead with his superior speed as he closed the distance to The Mutt. The creature locked onto him and swung its clawed hand out. But before it could make contact red beams flew over Katsuki’s shoulder and hit The Mutt square in the face. It cried out and was thrown off balance, its swing missing Katsuki by a wide margin as Izuku cut off the brief assault from his new quirk.

 

Katsuki continued forward, getting into The Mutts face. He quickly shot out two jabs with his fists, The Mutt cried out as one landed in its eye while the other slammed into its already damaged chest.

 

The beast stumbled back, one of its insect-like eyes bent into its head like a deflated basketball. It snapped its attention directly at Katsuki who was forced to dive back when it crushed its jaw together where Katsuki’s head had been moments ago.

 

Katsuki remained light of his feet and dodged another swing before launching another few japs at the beast. Each one seemed to infuriate The Mutt more and more as Katsuki continued his onslaught of attacks. Eventually though The Mutt did recover and with a growl forced Katsuki to take a leap back, his stomach just inches from getting sliced open.

 

Unfortunately (or fortunately for the brothers) The Mutt hadn’t bothered to keep track of Izuku. The beast reared back on its hind legs ready to attack when suddenly a short green boy slid between said legs from behind it. The Mutt had a moment to look down before red beams shot out from underneath it as Izuku slid through.

 

Izuku swivelled and jumped to his feet, cutting off the beams. He stood next to Katsuki and started to dance on his feet, swinging his arms around as he did.

 

“You look fucking ridiculous.” Katsuki commented as he lined up The Mutt in his sights.

 

“Could be worse, at least I don’t look like a walking fireworks display.” Izuku shot back as he moved away from Katsuki, who was surrounded by the energy of One For All, and started to circle The Mutt.

 

Katsuki snorted before the pair charged at the same time. A quick blast from Izuku threw The Mutt off course before Katsuki launched a punch directly into its jaw. There was a sickening crack as a few razor sharp teeth went flying to the ground.

 

The Mutt’s head snapped back only to be met with a kick from Izuku who had jumped into the air. He kicked The Mutt cleanly in the face before using the beast itself to launch himself further into the air and into a backflip.

 

Landing on bent knees with hand on the ground to support himself, Izuku instantly looked right back at The Mutt and unleashed his beams. They ripped into the side of the creature, the red energy looked significantly thicker and brighter this time around and Katsuki could smell the scent of burning flesh as The Mutt cried out before Izuku shut his beams off. The Mutt limped back slightly, its attention snapping between the two boys.

 

“Show off,” Katsuki said with an eye roll.

 

Izuku chuckled before Katsuki charged forward once again, still in pain The Mutt was unable to respond. Charging up One For All to as high as he dared before bones would break, Katsuki pulled back and punched The Mutt with as much force as he could. There was a great bang as his fist made contact with the beast and even a small shockwave as The Mutt was sent flying through the air and crashing to the floor. It crumpled under its own weight and didn’t get back up again.

 

Izuku let out a gasp of air and collapsed to his knees, his eyes swollen and bloodshot and his whole body shaking slightly, “You know Kacchan, that was pretty showy off yourself.”

 

Katsuki snorted and smirked, “Yeah well-”

 

“Aaarrghhh!”

 

Katsuki and Izuku’s attention was drawn over to the battle between The Nomu and All Might as the latter cried out. The Nomu had finally managed to get a punch through onto the hero, this wouldn’t have been a major issue except the blow hand landed directly on All Mights injury. The man cried out, blood spewing from his mouth as he fell down on one knee.

 

The Nomu pressed the attack, launching blow after blow against a struggling All Might who couldn’t keep up. A fist snapped his head to the side, another smashed into his shoulder and his arm throbbed as it took a blow. More blood coughed up out of the man's mouth before The Nomu changed tactics.

 

It swung one of its tree trunk sized legs directly into All Mights side. There was a loud crash and boom as the shockwave forced Izuku and Katsuki to raise their arms over their heads. All Might let out a shout before he was launched across the plaza and out into the nearby lake. He hit the lake with such force that for a brief moment it looked like it started to rain in the plaza.

 

Everyone in the area stared out at the waters which had suddenly turned into a rough ocean storm. Realising All Might wasn’t about to leap out of the depths to resume the fight, everyone slowly turned their heads back, Shigaraki and The Nomu turning to look directly at Katsuki and Izuku.

 

“Fuck,” Katsuki swore.

 

Then everything moved. Izuku instantly let out his red beams with a cry, hitting The Nomu directly in the chest. But unlike The Mutt the creature barely reacted. The Nomu shot forward like a bullet despite its size. Before Katsuki even had time to react the creature was standing over Izuku and plucked the boy up in its massive hand. Izuku’s laser eyes were cut off and he let out a scream as he felt the sheer force of The Nomu’s grip.

 

“ZUZU!” Katsuki screamed as his eyes widened in horror and he charged forward.

 

The Numo didn’t even look at Katsuki. It merely threw out its other arm and backhanded the boy. Katsuki felt several ribs crack as he was thrown through the air and slammed back into the ground. He quickly got himself up, despite the pain and stopped breathing at the sight that met him.

 

Izuku was firmly in The Nomu’s grip, he fought against it but the beast's raw power was far too high for him to have any real impact. Not to mention his eyes were practically nothing but blood red and swollen, clearly having overused his new quirk and he was unable to activate it. Meanwhile, The Nomu stood frozen, simply looking at Izuku with an expressionless face. On its chest it’s skin bubbled and burned, yet Katsuki watched as it slowly started to grow back until it was completely healed, as if Izuku had never once attacked it.

 

Then The Nomu squeezed.

 

Izuku let out an ear piercing scream which ripped through Katsuki and into his very soul. There was a sickening crunch as Izuku coughed up blood and Nomu's hand started to close. All the while Shigaraki watched on with a look of pure glee.

 

Katsuki let out a roar and started to charge The Nomu. But the moment he went to run he collapsed as a searing pain shot up his right leg. He fell to the ground and clutched at it, realising with a curse that his leg was in fact broken. He desperately turned and funnelled One For All into his body to force himself to move but even he knew he was going to slowly. 

 

Meanwhile Izuku's entire body was being torn apart, he couldn’t breath and his mouth was filled with blood. He could literally feel bones snapping in his body as the pain washed over him, he couldn’t feel his legs and his ears popped before the sounds around him vanished completely. He screamed but heard nothing. He desperately started to reach out with his quirk, anything that would help him. He could feel his ribs collapse like cardboard and slice into his lungs, his sight went blurry as the pressure built behind his eyes and his blood seeped through the fingers of The Nomu. Izuku begged with his quirk, with his hunger, to take anything, anything at all as blackness slowly took over his mind.

 

On the outside Katsuki could only watch in horror as a horrible crunching filled the plaza and Izuku’s body went limp in The Nomu’s hand. The plaza was thrown into silence as The Nomu observed Izuku’s corpse, blood still seeping from its hand. There was a pause before the beast threw Izuku’s body off into the distance.

 

“N-No…” Katsuki whispered, his entire world crashing around him, he didn’t know what to do, how to react, what to-

 

“DIEEEEEE!”

 

The lake next to plaza exploded, great waves rose into the air as All Might came crashing out. Katsuki had never seen such a look of pure rage on the hero's face as he let out a primal cry of raw anger directed at The Nomu. Even Katsuki flinched back in terror. All Might launched himself across the plaza, the ground beneath him shattering from the force and he pulled his fist back and for the first time Katsuki could see the raw power of One For All sparking along the man's body in the form of pure white sparks as All Might poured every ounce of power he had into the punch.

 

All Might punched The Nomu with the power of 8 generations of One For All and his unbridled rage fueling him.

 

---

 

Nedzu sipped his tea with a slight frown, not due to the tea of course. The tea was delicious. But rather it was his staff fouling his appreciation of his favourite drink. Privately he had to admit he had been waiting for something to go wrong with Yagi. It had taken the combined forces of Gran Torino, Sir Nighteye and the head of The HPSC to convince him to go along with All Might's plan to teach at UA. And even then it had only been after Nedzu had confided in Recovery Girl that the principle finally agreed.

 

Afterall top heroes didn’t automatically make top teachers and just because Yagi had scraped his way through a 6 month online teaching course to gain a licence didn’t mean he was suddenly qualified to teach at a school as prestigious as UA. But Recovery Girl had pointed out that with the exception of her and Torino very few heroes made it past the age of 50 and remained in the profession. And to be the number one hero while at that age was unheard of. So even if he didn’t have teaching qualities the man was still an expert in heroics with literal decades of experience. 

 

Yet Nedzu had been surprised by Yagi’s approach to his lessons. He’d clearly knuckled down and thought them out providing a balance of theoretical and practical lessons. He was also a natural at keeping the attention of the class even if the topic might be on the dull side. Not to mention even after his secret was revealed he got on well with the entire staff of UA, even Aizawa was gaining a begrudging respect for the man.

 

But of course eventually it had to go wrong. All Might's time limit was always going to be an issue and he had yet to fully comprehend the true duties of a teacher. It was more than just giving a lecture, it was about guiding the next generation to a better future. And sometimes that required sacrifice. Yet Yagi had yet to appreciate just what that sacrifice meant. Not that Nedzu could completely blame the man.

 

His ponderings were interrupted when the entirety of UA started to shake. Pictures flew off the walls and Nedzu’s tea spilled right out of the cup as his entire office vibrated. Several soft screams and cries of shock could be heard through his open window as the entire school felt like it was in a snowglobe. Then as quickly as it came it was gone and Nedzu’s mind raced.

 

An earthquake? No, it didn’t feel like an earthquake, too fast and powerful.

 

An accident in the support labs? Can’t be, they were designed to take explosions to a near atomic level

 

A quirk? Impossible, the only person Nedzu knew of who’s quirk had that much strength behind it was-

 

“Code red! Code red!” Nedzu shouted as his hand slammed onto a button on his desk and alarms blared throughout the school and his voice echoed through speakers in every location, “All teachers to the USJ immediately! This is not a drill! I repeat this is not a drill!”

 

---

The USJ was nearly torn apart by the power of All Might's punch. The Nomu was thrown across the plaza like it had been spat out of a giant's mouth as if it was an unwanted meal. Katsuki was tossed  back by the shock wave as the entire floor of the plaza was torn up and sent flying. Trees were uprooted and torn apart, giant cracks formed in the wall of the USJ and the entire building flickered as the power nearly gave out. The very building itself creaked and dipped at an angle slightly as its foundations crumbled to dust from the power of the punch. Katsuki felt like he had never left the ruins zone.

 

The Nomu slammed into the ground and bounced slightly before stopping. Yet Shigaraki just let out another raspy laugh.

 

“Hahahaha, impressive All Might! But even if you can get past The Nomu’s shock absorption you’re still no match for its true potential!” Shigaraki cried and pointed dramatically at The Nomu which was pulling itself off the ground.

 

All Might had definitely got past the shock absorption quirk. Half The Nomu’s body was gone including one arm, its organs were spilling out onto the floor and there was practically a waterfall of blood pouring from the gaping wound. Katsuki had to hold back vomit when he saw the literal black beating heart of the creature protruding from its chest. Its face was mangled and beak broken hanging off its jaw by a few threads of flesh, it was a miracle the thing could stand up.

 

Shigaraki frowned, “Huh? Why isn’t it healing? You- YOU CHEATERS! WHAT DID YOU-”

 

All Might’s response was to cry out in rage and launch himself at Shigaraki who fell back in fear. Despite it’s injuries The Nomu threw itself in front of it’s master yet again though it was unable to do anything other than take the direct hit. The Nomu was thrown to the ground with the force of All Mights punch. Yet the hero didn’t let up, he stood over The Nomu and unleashed years of pent up fury into the creature, pelting punch after punch into it. A crater slowly formed around the pair as All might roared at the top of his voice.

 

“YOU KILLED HIM! HE WAS A CHILD AND YOU KILLED HIM!” All Might’s voice carried throughout the USJ and shattered several lights, “HE WAS MY RESPONSIBILITY! MY STUDENT! HE WAS MY FAMILY!” All Might continued to shout, slamming fist after fist into The Nomu which had long since stopped moving. The entire plaza and USJ shook with each impact yet the more All Might unleashed his wrath the more steam started to slowly rise from him.

 

“All Might stop!”

 

Katsuki’s desperate cry with his own quirk carried across the plaza and managed to make All Might pause in his attacks. Tha Nomu was little more than a pile of flesh and bones at this point and All Might’s shirt was covered in blood. Katsuki even flinched slightly when All Might turned to him with a ferocious look and wild eyes. But the moment he saw Katsuki, the boy bloody and broken with silent tears on his face, All Might nearly collapsed, the fight leaving him an instant as he realised the situation.

 

“My apologies Young Bakugou, I got rather carried away. Now then, villains, it’s time for you to leave.” All Might said, his eyes looked tired but he held a determined look for the villains as he turned to face Kurogiri who had finally freed himself from the ice.

 

All Might was bluffing. All Might knew it and Katsuki knew it. He’d gone well over his limit and there was a steady amount of steam rising from his body, he was about to change back into Yagi and barely had enough power to stand let alone fight the combined strength of Kurogiri and Shigaraki. Wait, where was Shigaraki?

 

“Die to you damn hero brat!”

 

Katsuki snapped his head to his side to be met with the wide manic smile of Shigaraki and an outstretched hand. His whole body froze and his eyes widened as the entire world slowed down. He’d seen Shigaraki use his quirk on the ice, his entire face was about to disintegrate. Katsuki tried to move but his body wouldn’t react, he could only watch as the fingers drew closer.

 

“Get away from him!”

 

Katsuki and Shigaraki blinked in confusion before looking to their side. Both had just enough time to allow their jaws to drop and eyes to widen in surprise before Shigaraki was thrown to the ground by a small green haired teenager. Izuku laid two clean fists into Shigaraki as the villain stumbled back in shock, almost unable to stay on his feet.

 

“How the fuck… you damn cheating NPCs!” Shigaraki growled and swung at Izuku.

 

On instinct Izuku held up his arm to block the blow. But instead of punching him Shigiraki opened his palm and grabbed Izuku’s exposed forearm on his left side. Instantly Izuku cried out as his skin melted away to dust, exposing muscle and bone which also quickly started to turn grey and flake away. Izuku scrambled back but by the time he was out of Shigaraki’s grip his entire arm below the elbow had turned to dust.

 

Katsuki felt bile rise in the back of his throat as he caught sight of the stump that had once been Izuku’s arm. Grey flakes were still falling from it, the after effects of Shigaraki’s quirk,  and there was blood dripping down from the exposed flesh and muscle.

 

Izuku himself stumbled back, his face pale and eyes wide. He let out a scream that made Shigaraki smirk and Katsuki choke. But he then snapped his mouth shut and grimaced, breathing heavily. Then, his arm started to grow back.

 

It was small at first and Katsuki only noticed when Izuku’s own attention went to the stump of his arm. First the bone started to regrow, a horrible snapping sound as it rebuilt itself. Then his muscles and blood vessels grew around it, wrapping the bone up like a christmas present on halloween. Then lastly came the skin, spreading over the muscle like he was pulling on the sleeve of a flesh wet suit. Finally, a few seconds after it started Izuku’s entire arm was back, even to the fingers.

 

Izuku blinked.

 

Katsuki blinked.

 

Shigaraki screamed.

 

“THAT’S NOT FAIR! WHY DOES YOURS WORK BUT NO THE NOMUS DOESN’T!? CHEATERS!”

 

Shigaraki lunged forward again with an outstretched hand, this time going for Izuku’s face. But he was interrupted when a great boom filled the plaza. Shigaraki was thrown completely off balance as he was surrounded by soundwaves that blared into Katsuki and Izuku’s ears. At the other end Jiro stood, shaking slightly as the speakers on her legs threw out the powerful attack.

 

Shigaraki was forced back, several of his hands flying off his costume. Izuku quickly moved to Katsuki, hoisting him to his feet. Jiro unplugged her jacks, she looked completely terrified and her body was shaking like a wind chime but she had a determined fire to her eyes.

 

Shigaraki glanced at the three students before slamming his feet on the ground, “Kurogiri!”

 

Izuku and Katsuki raised an eyebrow, it was like watching a toddler throw a temper tantrum because their friends wouldn’t play their game.

 

Kurogiri just sighed and straightened his tie, “Of course Shigaraki.”

 

The villain raised his hands out and the students plus All Might panicked, though Jiro had no idea the real reason was because All Might could do nothing. The mist around Kurogiri started to swirl once again and Izuku and Katsuki could feel the hair on the back of their necks stand up.

 

Then, before he could open a single portal, Kurogiri was hit head on by a massive tornado. It slammed into his chest and the mist man was launched up into the air. He travelled rather gracefully before crashing down next to Shigaraki, the suit he was wearing tearing in several places.

 

All eyes followed the whirlwind that was slowly disappearing back to Yoarashi who was standing on the edge of the flood zone, hovering above the ground while Ashido and Asui stood below him. Yoarashi had an angry expression on his face that Izuku and Katsuki had never seen before and was directing it towards Shigaraki and Kurogiri. And, while not as intimidating, Asui and Ashido both held their own determined looks.

 

There was a crash to everyone's right and their attention was drawn to a wall that had just exploded outwards, rubble flying in all directions. From the dust Iida charged through, his metal suit scratched and bent but otherwise it seemed to have remained intact. From behind Iida Yaoyorozu made her way through the smoke, a bo-staff in her hands. Her ponytail had come undone and her hair was a mess but she appeared to be unharmed.

 

Iida ran into the middle of the plaza, standing next to Jiro and dramatically pointing at Shigaraki pulling a pose that looked straight out of a Saturday morning children's cartoon, “Villain! I order you to stand down in the name of the law!”

 

Izuku could literally feel Katsuki’s eyeroll.

 

Before Shigaraki could respond there was a boom from above and it felt like a wash of cool air rushed into the USJ. Everyone’s attention was drawn to the top of the stairs leading to the entrance where the complete set of UA staff now stood. Even from this distance Izuku and Katsuki could see the fury on Nedzu’s face as he stared down at the situation.

 

Kurogiri seemed to realise how bad the situation was and how outmatched the last two villains had become, “Shigaraki, quickly we must get out of here.”

 

Shigaraki however didn’t seem to care that they were now outnumbered nearly ten to one and instead chose to throw another temper tantrum, “No no no no! It’s not fair! They cheated! Cheaters! I’ll kill you! I’ll kill all of you!”

 

Shigaraki made eye contact with Izuku who felt a chill go up his spine. But before the villain could do anything else Kurogiri seemed to decide enough was enough. Before anyone could react he opened up a portal right next to himself and Shigaraki and dragged the latter through kicking and screaming, literally. 

 

The moment the portal closed Izuku could literally feel the relief wash over everyone, even Katsuki’s shoulders untensed slightly. But it only lasted for a moment before pandemonium started once again.

 

“We must go save the rest of our class!”

 

“Fuck that, what if there are other villains around!?”

 

“Shit shit shit, some of you guys look seriously wounded, what do we do?”

 

“All Might! Are you ok!?”

 

That last one caught Izuku’s attention and he and Katsuki made eye contact with All Might, steam rapidly rising off his body and looking slightly smaller than five minutes ago. He locked eyes with Izuku and Katsuki and they could see the look of panic in his blue orbs. He was about to turn back into Yagi in front of half the class. The teachers were making their way over but not nearly quick enough to stop what was about to happen, not to mention the spreading chaos among the students present. Someone needed to take charge.

 

“Everybody stop it and calm down!” Izuku’s shout wasn’t as loud as most but it reverberated around the plaza and stopped everyone in their tracks as they all turned their attention to him.

 

“We need to remain calm and let our teachers do their job, the best thing we can do right now is evacuate out the front as calmly as we can.” Izuku didn’t shout but his words were firm enough that everyone seemed to relax slightly. 

 

“Yaoyorozu, Todoroki is under that pile of rubble by the collapsed wall, he’s alive but needs serious medical attention. Create a first aid kit and try to help him as best you can until the teachers and Recovery Girl arrive. Yoarashi, help and move the rubble.” Yoarashi nodded and ran over while Yoayoroze had already started to produce bandages and supplies before Izuku had even finished talking. 

 

“Iida, Kirishima is injured and needs to be carried out of here. Jiro can take you to him, his leg is broken so be careful when lifting him.” Izuku ordered and Jiro and Iida gave him both a nod.

 

“Of course Class President! I won’t let you down! Come Jiro!” Iida cried before giving Izuku a genuine salute and racing over to follow a slightly panicked looking Jiro.

 

“Everyone else come with me and Kacchan to evacuate, let's leave All Might and the teachers to do their work. Ashido, you can support them by keeping track of our class, making sure everyone is accounted for.” Izuku said as Asui and Ashido made their way over to him and Kacchan, Ashido giving Izuku a salute that was far more mocking in tone than the one Iida had provided.

 

The teachers soon made it down to the plaza and ran over to the groups of students. Vlad King did a quick look over the four making their way to exit and seemed to decide they didn’t need urgent attention. And in all the rapid chaos and movement, nobody noticed a large puff of steam appear in the plaza nor the fact that All Might had vanished and a tall thin man had slinked away from the main group.

 

---

 

“I said I’m fucking fine damn it!”

 

“You don’t look fine.”

 

“ARE YOU CALLING ME UGLY!”

 

“Kacchan you’ve always been ugly.”

 

Katsuki scowled at Izuku as Izuku held him by the arm to stop him storming out the back of the ambulance they were sitting in. Because they had of course refused to be seen by separate EMT’s. Said paramedic scoffed slightly as she checked the tear in Katsuki's back.

 

“You know I remember you two.” She commented as she thread several stitches into Katsuki’s skin, the boy barely flinched, if there was one thing Katsuki held above Izuku it was his inhuman pain tolerance.

 

“Huh!?” Katsuki asked, twisting his round to look at the woman in confusion.   

 

“The sludge villain incident. You were those two damn crazy kids that got mixed up in it, you probably don’t remember but I was the EMT who patched you up then too. Glad to see some things don’t change but hey, congrats on getting into hero school… although maybe that’s not the best thing to say right now.” The EMT made an awkward smile and Katsuki just rolled his eyes as she finished up his stitches.

 

There were ambulances dotted about the grounds, far away from the USJ due to the remaining villain presence. Nearly every single one had at least one student from Class 1-A in the back being looked over. Several minor healing heroes had been called in to assist and a small tent set up in the centre. Family members of the class had also started to trickle in, many of them cornering Nedzu and demanding answers. The Bakugou and Midoriya household had yet to arrive but Izuku knew when they did it wouldn’t be pretty. 

 

Luckily however most of the class had gotten away with little more than cuts and bruises. Katsuki, Kirishima and Todoroki had the worst of it with Todoroki needing to be airlifted to hospital along with Aizawa and Thirteen, Recovery Girl travelling with them to assist. Izuku could hardly look at Todoroki’s broken and battered body as Vlad King and Snipe had carried him past the class on a stretcher provided by Yaoyorozu. The rumour was Endeavor had nearly burnt down his entire agency when he was informed.

 

As well as ambulances the USJ had a near solid ring of police cars and vans surrounding it, several heroes had been called in to assist the clean up although they weren’t really required. The canon fodder Shigaraki had hired had been just that, canon fodder, the fact that nearly 200 so called villains had been mostly been subdued by a group of teenagers and two teachers spoke volumes of their capabilities. Most were simply school drop out thugs after a cheap paycheck. But that didn’t mean precautions weren’t being taken.

 

So far Izuku had heard nothing about the three quirks he had taken. And quite frankly, he had no intention of giving them back. Those three thugs had attacked him and his friends with the intent on killing them, as far as Izuku was concerned they didn’t deserve quirks.

 

The EMT finally finished Katsuki’s last stitch and stood up, “Well, that’s you all done. Your quirk is speeding up your healing so you should be fine by tomorrow and those stitches are designed to dissolve harmlessly in your body, just have a good shower tomorrow afternoon and you’ll be good.” 

 

Katsuki just grunted in response and put his gym shirt over his head, his costume having been taken to the support labs for repairs. He winced slightly though more out of exhaustion than any real pain.

 

“You on the other hand,” The EMT said and turned to Izuku, “Physically you’re completely fine, in fact you’re better than fine. It’s like you just woke up after a perfect night's rest. I dunno what the hell your quirk is but it’s pretty much keeping you in peak condition. On the flip side however you have quirk exhaustion, in fact it nearly got to the point your quirk would have needed to shut down and knock you out before you did permanent damage to it.”

 

Izuku’s gaze drifted slightly, he had noticed how his hunger had all but vanished since he’d left the USJ, almost like it was asleep. And the EMT was right, honestly he felt better walking out the USJ than he had walking in.

 

“Young Bakugou, Midoriya!”

 

Yagi suddenly appeared from between the lines of ambulances, a fresh shirt and pants on as he ran up to the pair. He looked unharmed but utterly exhausted.

 

“Are you alright my boys?” He asked and looked at them both.

 

“Of course we fucking are, what, you think those amutures could really do anything to me!?” Katsuki claimed and sat up slightly.

 

“They’re fine,” The EMT said with an amused smile, “Blonde kid needs some rest but his quirk is doing most of the work. Green kid has quirk exhaustion but other than that is the living image of a healthy lifestyle. Are you their family?”

 

Yagi paused and spluttered slightly at the question, “Oh… well-”

 

“Yes.” Both Izuku and Katsuki responded in unison, surprising both each other and themselves.

 

Yagi too seemed shocked and for a moment it looked like that man was going to burst into tears, “U-Uh… Y-yes, we’re family.”

 

The EMT nodded and grabbed several cases, “Ok, good. I’m going to help out the other units. You can take them home.”

 

With one last nod she turned and walked into the maze of flashing lights. Katsuki popped his shoulders as Izuku sighed.

 

“How is everyone else?” Izuku asked a little nervously, he didn’t want to hear about his classmates being hunted but he had a responsibility as class president.

 

Yagi gave a sigh, “Better than we had feared, worse than we had hoped.” They were harsh words but he knew the boys in front of him better than most and they needed the truth, “Most of your classmates are relatively unharmed, a few broken bones and mentally  they’re shaken up but largely ok. It was really only you two and Todoroki who suffered serious damage.”

 

Izuku shuddered. He may have been completely healed up but the memory of his ribs being crushed and lungs burst like balloons wouldn’t be going away anytime soon. Katsuki too frowned though Izuku guessed that was more due to having actually been hurt than feeling any real pain. Taking damage was a failure in Katsuki’s eyes.

 

“And… Todoroki?” Izuku asked, his heart skipped a beat as Yagi paused to answer.

 

“He’s likely to recover,” Izuku and Katsuki let out a breath of relief, “But… they’ll be complications. His spine was broken and legs twisted and he spent twenty minutes being crushed under a pile of rubble while bleeding out. It’s unclear how mobile he's going to be but Recovery Girl is the best healing based hero on the planet, he may even be back in school next week.”

 

Izuku felt his shoulders sag, “Well… it could be worse I suppose and… Aizawa and Thirteen?”

 

Yagi’s face fell considerably and for the first time Izuku could see the wrinkles of age on them, “Aziawa will recover, in time. He was only hit once but it caused a massive amount of blunt force trauma, he nearly lost a lung and is going to need surgery even with Recovery Girls quirk. And Thirteen… Thirteen is going to retire from heroics.”

 

Izuku gasped and even Katsuki looked shocked and a little shaken up.

 

Yagi gave them a sad smile, “They’ll survive and mostly have a decent life to retire on. But they’ve lost an arm and their nerves are damaged, they may never walk again. Compared to the amount of blood they lost and how long they were hurt before treatment, there’s also a risk of brain damage.”

 

The mood was instantly brought down. Izuku looked down in his lap and felt hollow. He’d spent his entire life pushing back against quirk discrimination but for the first time he could remember he felt like maybe some people really were just born with evil quirks who could only do harm.

 

“FUCK!” Katsuki shouted and slammed his fist into the side of the ambulance, the result was a large dent and the vehicle shaking slightly.

 

“I’m fucking sorry ok!” Katsuki continued much to Izuku’s confusion.

 

“Huh?” Izuku asked with a tilt of his head, “What for?”

 

Katsuki shut his eyes tightly and clenched his fists, like apologising was causing him physical pain. Which it probably was.

 

“I thought… I thought if I took that mist fucker out I’d end things quickly. Be the hero and save everyone but instead… instead I fucked everything up. And now three people are hurt and Zuzu, you almost died because I fucked up. It’s all my fucking fault. Despite everything I still can’t do anything right! I’m still so fucking USELESS AND WEAK!” By this point Katsuki had tears streaming down his face and Izuku could see the guilt wracking him.

 

“That’s not true,” Izuku said firmly, “You did nothing wrong! Right Sensei?”

 

Yagi paused and gave both Izuku and Katsuki a long look before answering, “You made a mistake Bakugou.”

 

A silent sob racked Katsuki’s body and Izuku turned with a furious expression to Yagi but the man held up his hand before they could repeat the incident on top of the building when they first met.

 

“You miscalculated an attack and took a risk, it was a mistake. One of many you will make in your life. You think I don’t make mistakes? This entire day has been one mistake after another for me. Yes, you made a mistake. But your actions also saved lives, Uraraka, Todoroki and myself are all alive because of you. Not to mention the rest of your class. Learn from your mistakes, they’re the most valuable life lessons you’ll receive. Do that and you’ll be a far better hero than I ever was.” Yagi finished with a smile and laid his hand on Katsuki’s shoulder who angrily rubbed the tears out his eyes and nodded his head. Izuku felt very out of place, like he was interrupting a moment he wasn’t supposed to be a part of.

 

“Izuku Midoriya?”

 

Izuku blinked and turned to look outside of the ambulance, at its entrance stood a tall broad man with piercing blue eyes. He was dressed in what looked like a police uniform but it was completely black and patches of it look like armour.

 

“And you are?” Yagi asked with a frown though there was recognition in his eyes.

 

“Agent Shido, head of The HPSC police unit, security clearance Level 0.” The man informed and looked Yagi up and down, clearly indicating he knew who he was actually talking to.

 

“Uh, yes. I’m Izuku Midoriya.” Izuku responded, noticing how Yagi’s frown deepened and decided to avoid a confrontation.

 

“Good,” Shido said and reached behind his back, three sets of eyes widened when he pulled out a pair of thick looking handcuffs. 

 

“Izuku Midoriya, you’re under arrest for illegal quirk usage and the illegal theft of several quirks.”

Chapter 22: Inko Midoriya: Attorney At Law

Summary:

As the HPSC tried to arrest Izuku they just have one major obstacle to get through first: his mother

Katsuki was the first to react.

 

“Like hell he is!” Katsuki shouted and jumped in front of Izuku, his quirk flaring to life as he narrowed his eyes at the man.

 

The now identified Shido stepped back slightly, his hand resting on the gun he had in his holster, “Calm down kid, I’m not above slapping a pair of these on you too.”

 

Izuku felt hollow as the scene unfolded, it was like a gaping wound had opened up in his chest and he felt nothing. All he could do was sit there as his mind shut down. For a brief moment his life had been going well, for the first time he felt like he was on the path to becoming a hero. But of course the HPSC had kept their eye on him and apparently they weren’t ready to let him go about taking quirks.

 

“That’s enough Bakugou,” Yagi said in a commanding tone as he stopped forward between the boys and Shido, an angry scowl on his face, “What’s the meaning of this Shido? Midoriya used his quirk just like the rest of the class for self defence and I don’t see you arresting anyone else.”

 

Shido frowned at Yagi, the distaste on face evident for all to see, “This is a police matter All Might, it doesn’t concern you,” The man spat, “But if you must know, Midoriya has taken three quirks from civilians and it appears he has no intention of returning them, thus I’m arresting him to ensure this happens.”

 

“Don’t try to fool me into thinking there’s a law that specifically covers the technicalities of Midoriya’s quirk.” Yagi said and refused to budge despite Shido getting more aggravated, “What Midoriya did was in self-defence, you have no right to arrest him.”

 

“Self-defence?” Shido scoffed, “By law self-defence must be proportionate to the attack, I see no circumstance in which permanently stealing someone’s quirk is a proportional response.”

 

“They were trying to fucking kill us!” Katsuki shouted from his position in front of Izuku, apparently he had decided he no longer wanted to leave the situation down to Yagi.

 

“That’s yet to be proven,” Shido said with a roll of his eyes.

 

“Has to be fucking proven? ARE YOU BLIND!? THREE PEOPLE ARE IN THE HOSPITAL!” Katsuki screeched, his knuckles cracking as he clenched his fists, even Yagi seemed to have decided this was complete bullshit and made no move to stop Katsuki as he stepped forward.

 

“Both of you get out of my way or I’ll arrest you too. You think All Might is special? Nobody is above the law. I'll make sure all three of you rot in Tartarus.” Shido growled as he pulled out his gun and pointed it at the feral face of Katsuki.

 

“Oh I can’t wait to see the public reaction as they watch the HPSC take away All Might and two of my students in handcuffs right after they were attacked by villains. I dare say they may even completely ignore UA’s own security incident.”

 

Nedzu had somehow managed to sneak onto the scene completely undetected, even Izuku hadn’t sensed his energy. Although right now Izuku couldn’t really sense anything, his mind was still reeling from the fact that not only was someone trying to arrest him but All Might looked like he was completely willing to throw punches to stop that happening. He felt both hollow and terrified while also relieved and overjoyed all at the same time. Quite frankly if he wasn’t in shock he’d be a complete emotional mess.

 

“Nedzu…” Shido said with enough venom in it to convince Izuku he had a snake based quirk.

 

“A pleasure as always Agent Shido,” Nedzu responded in a cheery voice and a smile though Izuku could see the flicker of fury in his eyes, “Now, why don’t you stop waving that gun around in my students' face. Because I assure you if you continue to do so you’ll end up having to arrest his entire class and most of my staff along with him.”

 

“Is that a threat?” Shido asked with narrowed eyes.

 

“Correct!” Nedzu responded like Shido was a student who had just answered a question right in class, “Now please stop fooling yourself into thinking you have the upperhand here. If we must move forward with this we should discuss this in the privacy of my office.”

 

Shido looked like he wanted to argue but spotted the way Vlad King, Snipe and Ectoplasm were standing not far away with their focus locked onto the scene. He seemed to realise how vastly outmatched he was and slowly holstered his gun.

 

“Fine, but rest assured Nedzu I’m getting what I want.”

 

“That remains to be seen,” Nedzu responded with a vicious grin and turned to Yagi, “Yagi why don’t you call Miss Midoriya, a guardian should be present.”

 

Yagi’s eyes lit up and he nodded frantically, “Of course, right away.”

 

Shido looked at Nedzu suspiciously, “No funny business rat, you better not be calling any lawyers.”

 

Nedzu’s eyes gleamed with something Izuku didn’t recognise, “Oh I can assure you it’s just an innocent call to his mother.”

 

---

 

Izuku was fairly sure he could physically see the tension in the office. It filled every crack in the room and made Izuku choke on it. Katsuki and Yagi had both refused to leave and neither had stopped glaring daggers at Shido. Quite frankly with the power of One For All backing both blonde’s up it was a miracle Shido hadn’t been turned to dust from the pure hatred both were radiating. Said HPSC agent had propped himself up against the wall in the furthest corner from everyone else, ideally gazing out of the window like he was simply filling in another boring report for the office. Not that Izuku noticed, he had pretty much been running on autopilot the entire time since Shido had arrived. How did his day start with him and Katsuki bickering over who got the last protein bar in the fridge to him, possibly ending up in Tartarus along with his brother and All Might? Only Nedzu had a smile on his face as he poured everyone a cup of tea, not that anyone but he actually touched the drinks.

 

“What exactly are we doing here?” Shido said while looking at his watch with a yawn.

 

“What? You got some unimportant reports to be filled out?” Katsuki growled out.

 

Shido frowned and turned his attention to Katsuki, “Bakugou right? All Might’s successor?”

 

If either Katsuki or Yagi were surprised or concerned by this level of inquiry neither showed it as they continued to pour raw hate off themselves in a double attack against Shido.

 

“You know,” Shido continued, “All Might has a decent relationship with the HPSC, not as good as Endeavor but not bad. If you stop associating with thugs like this boy you may be able to build a similar reputation, perhaps even one closer to that of Endeavor’s.”

 

Katsuki stroked his chin in thought, “Didn’t Endeavor do a speech at a HPSC recently?”

 

Shido smiled down at the boy, “Yes exactly, it gave him publicity and he was even paid for it!”

 

Katsuki paused before he scoffed, “Nah, the fucking idiot looked like a right cuck up there.”

 

Yagi suddenly coughed into his hand, though it sounded much more like a laugh while Nedzu took a rather large gulp of his tea. Even Izuku cracked a smile.

 

Meanwhile Shido looked outraged, “Why you little fucking-”

 

There was a crash as the office door slammed open with enough force that for a minute Yagi thought All For One was attacking. However, instead of the greatest supervillain of all time, standing in the doorway was Inko Midoriya looking like she had just clawed her way through the very depths of hell while killing everyone who tried to stop her to get to the office. Behind her looked an equally furious Mitsuki and Masaru as well as a slightly terrified Vlad King who took one look at the scene in the office and quickly ran in the other direction. Both mothers locked onto their sons and ran forward.

 

“Izuku!”

 

“Katsuki!”

 

Predictably both parents looked over their sons with the eyes only a mother could, picking up every scratch, scrape and bruise they had. Which was significantly more for Katsuki than Izuku who didn’t actually have a single one. Not that it meant Inko was any less fussy. Eventually, after much insisting from the boys, both mothers seemed to decide that they were fine as a furious Masaru stepped in front of Nedzu’s desk.

 

“What the hell is going on?” And boy did that make Katsuki and Izuku flinch, Masaru never got angry, even Inko was more likely to start screaming and shouting than Masaru, “First we get a call telling us our son’s have been attacked by villains and now we’re being told one of them is under arrest!? Someone better have a damn good explanation!”

 

At the mention of the attack Nedzu finally lost his smile, “Yes. First of all I apologise on behalf of myself and UA for what took place earlier today. It was a terrible fault on our part that put the students we value so much in danger. And while your boys were largely unharmed I assure you that I will be using all resources available to me to ensure their safety and that this never happens again. As for the second incident…”

 

Nedzu trailed off and looked towards Shido who stood up straight and cleared his throat.

 

“Your son Midoriya is under arrest for illegal quirk usage-”

 

“ARREST!? ILLEGAL QUIRK USAGE!? OH YOU BETTER BACK THE FUCK UP BEFORE I THROW YOUR ASS OUT THAT WINDOW!” Mitsuki yelled as she rolled up her sleeves and cracked her knuckles.

 

“FUCK OFF HAD HE’S MINE!” Katsuki shouted, standing up from his chair so fast and with so much force it launched across the room and slammed into the wall behind him.

 

Luckily before mother and son could murder the man Masaru grabbed both by the scruff of the neck and pulled them back, “Enough, I’m angry too. But this is not our fight.”

 

Both Katsuki and Mitsuku went to argue but were stopped when an aura so powerful, so dangerous filled the room that Yagi nearly activated his quirk on instinct. Even Nedzu cowered back slightly. Shido blinked, he had been about to reprimand the Bakugou’s when he turned his head.

 

He was met with Inko Midoriya, the greatest mother bear to ever exist. She stood in front of Izuku, completely still and staring directly at Shido. Her face was completely emotionless yet her eyes practically glowed with a rage that could only be described as inhuman. And when she spoke it was like icicles slowly penetrated those in the room whose name didn’t rhyme with Izuku.

 

“Izuku,” she practically whispered, “Tell me exactly what happened and don’t leave out a single detail.”

 

And so Izuku did. Luckily his mother was an expert at Izuku’s mumbling language, second only to Katsuki and was able to keep up as Izuku rapidly retold the tale of the USJ. He didn’t leave any detail out though he did downplay the fact he was virtually killed. Throughout the entire story Mitsuki and Masaru became more angry and emotional, Mituski holding Katsuki tighter and tighter. Inko however held no reaction bar a few flicks of her eyes towards her son, quite frankly it unnerved Izuku, he’d never seen her like this. Eventually once he was done Inko nodded at him and gave him a small smile before turning her fury back to Shido.

 

“I’m curious, when exactly did my son display illegal quirk usage?”

 

Shido scoffed, “What are you? His lawyer.”

 

Inko gained a very Bakugou like grin which made everyone in the room shiver, “Actually yes I am. Inko Midoriya, attorney at law.”

 

Shido gained a furious expression and hissed at Nedzu, “You lied to me!?”

 

“Gasp! Miss Midoriya, I had no idea you were a lawyer.” Nedzu gave a very pantomime-like performance as he gained a wicked smile.

 

Shido ground his teeth together and turned back to Inko who had a smug look on her face, “Your son attacked three individuals with excessive force using his quirk which I think you’ll find is illegal for everyone except heroes.”

 

“If he had been on the street perhaps,” Inko scoffed, “But while on school grounds as a heroics student Izuku had full permission to use his quirk as if he was licensed.”

 

“That’s only under the supervision of a teacher; however, by all accounts there were no teachers around at the time of the incident in question!” Shido responded with a smile.

 

Inko just rolled her eyes, “The USJ facility is far too large for a teacher to monitor every single student at once, therefore it’s equipped with cameras for this exact purpose to make sure all students are under supervision.”

 

Shido smirked like he had just caught the canary, “But the camera’s were all burnt out when the initial attack occurred, therefore no students were technically under supervision.”

 

“Irrelevant,” Inko responded and waved him off, “There was no way for the students to reasonably know that was the case.”

 

“That still ignored the fact they never had explicit permission to use their quirks!” Shido shot back, his voice rising as Inko started to legally back him into a corner.

 

“Unnecessary,” Inko said as the room's attention moved back to her, it was like a tennis match with everyone swapping their attention between the Shido and Inko, “The students were attending a foundational heroics class, of course they would assume they had permission to use their quirks.”

 

Izuku’s mouth was hanging open, he had no idea who this person was but it wasn’t his mother. His mother was shy, awkward and generally a quiet person. The woman in front of him was fierce, strong and had a mind to match. He remembered a few years ago asking his mother if he could attend one of her court sessions, he thought it might be a good bonding experience. At the time she merely laughed and told him he would be bored to death.

 

She was a goddamn liar.

 

“Regardless, the crime of quirk theft still applies!” Shido insisted as he tried to gain back some ground.

 

“Quirk theft?” Inko asked with a tilt of her head in mock confusion, “I’m afraid I’ve never heard of this law, could you explain it to me?”

 

Shido was red in the face as he responded, “Fine, there’s no such thing. But under the Quirk Regulation Act Section 145 any self defence done via quirk must be done in proportion to the assault!”

 

Inko narrowed her eyes, “Sections 120 through to 167 of the Quirk Regulation act are overridden when dealing with The Public Hero Act of which section 34 states that even if intent to kill cannot be proven, heroes may use any amount of force they deem required to take down a villain so long as it does not kill nor cripple the villain in anyway. And in this situation as hero students we go by The Public Hero Act.”

 

Shido slammed his hands on Nedzu’s desk, making the rat scowl up at him, “Exactly! Cripple! Your son stole those people’s quirks! That’s on par with losing an arm, leg or your sight. In fact it’s worse, making them quirkless is a punishment worse than death!”

 

In the back of the room Katsuki growled slightly from the back of his throat. Masaru increased the grip he had on his son’s shoulder to stop him jumping out and killing the man.

 

Inko narrowed her eyes at Shido, “Personal feelings about being quirkless don’t matter here. Within the law there is nothing in The Modern Disability Equalities act that defines being quirkless, via birth or otherwise, as being a disability. No matter how strongly you or anyone else feels about it, legally you have no leg to stand on.”

 

The rest of the room continued to watch the legal tennis match with various reactions. Izuku still sat slack jawed at his mothers display, as did Katsuki. Masaru wore a slight smirk, he was one of the few people that had seen this display from Inko before. Meanwhile his wife was watching the woman with slightly red cheeks while biting her lip and muttering something along the lines of ‘should’ve asked her out in high school’. Nedzu was watching the whole scene with a look of pure glee, he had already finished no less than three cups of tea and Izuku half expected him to pull out a box of popcorn. And Yagi… was Yagi drooling?

 

“Goddamnit!” Shido cried, his hair now frazzled and eyes wild, “It doesn’t matter about any of this! The point is three people are in coma because of your son's disgusting quirk and I’m taking him in! Laws be damned, I’m the HPSC member here and I’m the one in charge!”

 

“Is that so?” Said a new voice that Izuku didn’t recognize, “It’s funny agent Shido, I don’t remember asking you to drop all your other duties and come here.”

 

Everyone’s attention was drawn to the door of the office, apparently Inko and Shido’s debate had been so intense they all failed to notice it was open and a newcomer had joined them.

 

Said newcomer was a relatively tall and muscular woman, she easily stood as tall as Masaru and towered over Inko and Mitsuki. She had long purple hair with pink streaks in it tied back in a ponytail. She wore a matching purple dress that had a utility belt around the centre. As she walked into the office and shut the door her heavy duty boots clanged on the floor with each step.

 

There were mixed reactions in the room, Izuku and the Bakugou’s all looked confused while Inko’s eyes widened with recognition. Yagi raised a curious and surprised eyebrow while Nedzu wore a manic grin. Shido on the other hand had gone incredibly pale.

 

“Ah!” Nedzu said in a sickly sweet tone, “I wondered if you might make an appearance. For those of you who are unaware, allow me to introduce you to the Chairman and Head of the HPSC, Lady Nagant. Ex-hero and generally considered to be the second most powerful bureaucrat in Japan behind the prime minister.”

 

Nagent rolled her eyes as she picked up Bakugou’s forgotten chair and took a seat next to Izuku, seemingly ignoring the whole situation.

 

“Let me guess, you were the one who tipped my secretary off that my Head of Police might be about to tank our entire reputation,” she said, though it was with an amused smile, “Do you know how hard it is for me to take an actual break? And you rudely interrupted my first one in about a month.

 

Nedzu leaned back in his chair and tapped his fingers together, “I was just curious as to why one of your employees thought he could waltz into my school and try to arrest one of my students.”

 

“BECAUSE YOUR STUDENT-”

 

“Shut up Shido.” Nagant said and though she didn’t raise her voice it had enough authority to silence the man, “Now then, I’m aware of the situation. So allow me to-”

 

Nagant paused when she made eye contact with Inko, both women wore shocked expressions and their jaws opened respectively.

 

“It’s you!” They both cried pointing a finger at each other.

 

Everyone, including Nedzu, looked confused.

 

“You know each other?” Yagi asked, more than a little surprised.

 

Nagant snorted, “A little, she’s the woman who stopped me from killing the last HPSC Chairman.”

 

---

 

Five years ago

 

Nagant had decided she’d had enough. Years of killing, hunting and doing the dirty work for the HPSC had finally gotten to her. Once upon a time she had agreed with what they had her doing, nothing angered her more than corrupt heroes who used the position as anything but what it was supposed to be. Some weren’t so bad, money laundering, political bribes, quirk discrimination, that sort of thing. But some heroes pushed the boundary until they became full blown villains, human trafficking, kidnapping and even man slaughter were up there on the things that had convinced her that, despite her own objections, her missions were still important in maintaining the integrity of what a hero should be.

 

At least that’s how it started. She didn’t mind getting her hands dirty, she didn’t mind that she’d killed more people than half the occupants of Tartarus. What she did mind was that the HPSC felt the need to sweep every single incident under the rug. Just last week Nagant had killed a lesser known hero for putting his girlfriend in the hospital. Yet the press release the next day claimed a villain had attacked the pair in their home and the hero had died defending his lover. His hometown had a parade. A parade in honour of a woman beater.

 

It was like that every single time. Nagant would kill a hero for some horrendous crime they had committed and the HPSC would leak some false disgustingly sweet story to the press. They had retired to raise a family, they’d gone abroad to support countries who didn't have such rigorous hero programmes or they’d just died a tragic death. All to keep up the illusion that heroes were the pinnacle of their society, the standard that everyone should strive for. Meanwhile the corruption got worse and worse, without any public knowledge of the crimes incoming heroes had no idea that they were being monitored and one wrong move could result in a bullet in the back of the head. Worse, the HPSC made no move to intervene in these situations until they deemed it necessary to call Nagant in.

 

It was a vicious cycle, kids would see the borderline god like status heroes were held to and sign up to hero school. They’d be praised on their quirks and breeze through their education, never really facing actual villains with the likes of All Might and Endeavor watching the streets. They’d graduate into heroes and be pulled into a false world held together with blood, death and secrets. They’d be so untouchable they’d get cocky, they’d be persuaded into shady deals or just snap one day thinking they could get away with it. Then Nagant would kill them and the HPSC would make sure nobody ever knew, it was a never ending cycle of violence.

 

One that Nagant intended not to be a part of any longer. She’d already made up her mind, she was going to leave the HPSC and the heroics industry altogether if she had to. And if the Chairman refused? Well then she hoped Tartarus wasn’t as bad as everyone made it out to be.

 

She twirled the bullet she had just made in her hands. The one she might use to kill her boss if it came to it. It was child's play really, she was searched every time she walked through security yet they never seemed to consider how she could literally make her own bullets. A quick trip into the ladies room and she’d easily locked herself in a stall and already loaded her gun just in case.

 

Nagant sighed and was about to go and enact her plan when a slight sniffing caught her attention. She frowned and slowly opened the door of the stall. Standing within the luxurious ladies room was another woman, she was a rather short and plump woman with bright green hair dressed in business attire. A forgotten briefcase lay on the floor next to her as she dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief.

 

Nagant cursed under her breath, despite everything she was still a hero and couldn’t ignore a situation like this. But on the other hand she was, quite frankly, awful with other people. She didn’t really have any friends and hadn’t dated someone since high school. But plus ultra and all that.

 

“Uh… excuse me,” Nagant said in what she hoped was a soft voice though based on the way the lady jumped suddenly it was probably louder than she intended, “I couldn’t help but notice the crying, are you ok?”

 

The woman calmed down once she realised Nagant wasn’t about to attack her and even produced a small smile, “I’m… I’ll be fine. It’s funny, you’d think I’d be used to it by now.”

 

“Used to what?” Nagant asked with a raised eyebrow and wondered what this small seemingly emotional woman was doing in the centre of the HQ for the HPSC.

 

“My sons, I just received another call from their school. There’s been a fight and the principal wants them expelled.” The woman said with a sigh, her tears had stopped at least and she returned the hankie to her pocket. 

 

“Ah, so they’re trouble makers?” Nagant asked and her face fell slightly, she always hated dealing with kid punks who thought they were hot shit.

 

“Oh no, not at all. My Izuku wouldn’t hurt a fly and while Katsuki can certainly be a handful he’s too afraid of upsetting Izuku to go around punching people who didn’t punch first.” The woman said as she tried to fix her hair up in the mirror.

 

Nagant frowned, “So why would the school want to expel them?”

 

The woman actually snorted, “Because their quirkist bastards that’s why.”

 

“Quirkist?” Nagant asked with curiosity, she wasn’t a stranger to dealing with quirkism, she did grow a literal gun out of her arm after all, but she was hardly familiar with it too.

 

“Yes, one of my sons is quirkless while the other is considered to have a villain's quirk. If it were up to the school and even the local authorities neither of them would set foot anywhere near any other children.” The woman was gripping the sides of the sink so hard her knuckles had gone white and Nagant could tell this was a difficult topic.

 

“So why not just pull them from the school altogether and home-school them?” Nagant suggested, it seemed like an easy solution to her.

 

Yet the woman looked scandalised at the suggestion, “You mean give up? Give our boys a half-assed education by parents who between them struggle to add up our gas bill? No, my boys deserve to be in school with others their age and I’ll make sure they get it. Besides, they have no ground to stand on for expulsion. These people are idiots, technically it's their first offence, by law it has to be their third before expulsion can be raised. And I’m sure the CCTV footage will prove our boys didn’t start that fight.”

 

“If it’s really that much of an issue I could provide assistance, I am a hero after all.” Nagant had no idea why she suggested it, she was a hero but barely scraped by rank 100 on most of the charts, she’d doubt she could really have that much influence but something about the situation made her want to reach out and help.

 

The woman looked up at her with wide eyes, “A hero? Oh Izuku will be so jealous, it might even get his mind off this whole business. Thank you but I’ll be ok, those morons will have probably already tried to wipe the CCTV footage not realising it all goes into a central database which in of itself is a crime.”

 

“You know a lot about this.” Nagant commented, a little impressed.

 

The woman shrugged, “I’m a lawyer.”

 

“Ahhh,” Nagant responded, the dots in her mind starting to click together, “So let me guess, you’re here for a case?”

 

The woman nodded,” Mhmm, I’m on the prosecution team for Thundershock. Honestly it’s my first major case and I was already a little nervous before the school rang me.”

 

Thundershock. Nagant knew exactly what the woman was talking about, Thundershock, hero rank 87. Or at least it had been 87, the hero worked by gaining electrical power from supplies around him. Unfortunately he hadn’t been paying attention during a villain fight and drew power straight from a hospital. Thankfully nobody had died but several surgeries had to be paused and the entire building shut down for an hour causing absolute chaos in the area. And of course it had happened right in front of the media meaning the HPSC couldn’t sweep it under the rug. Not that they hadn’t tried.

 

“You must be an excellent lawyer to land a case like this.”

 

The woman chuckled, “Not really, I was just one of the few people in the company willing to go up against a pro hero and the HPSC. But our boys would have been disappointed in me if I didn’t and I want to make them proud.”

 

“Your boys will be proud if you take down a pro hero?” Nagant said, the confusion obvious on her face, every child in the country worshipped heroes, who the hell wants to see them behind bars?

 

“Oh absolutely. They never really liked Thundershock but the hospital incident was really the nail in the coffin. They always said he was too flashy, only a hero for the camera that wanted to make a scene over saving people. So when the opportunity came up I couldn’t let them down and not be part of the team to bring Thundershock down.” The woman said with a warm smile on her face, her eyes faded slightly at the thought of her children.

 

Well that was surprising, this was the first time Nagant had ever heard of children not idolising everything about being a hero, perhaps they were kindred spirits, “Your kids hate heroes huh?”

 

The woman turned to her and blinked in surprise, “Hate? Oh no not completely, I don’t fully understand but they both seem to agree that the hero system is corrupt but that doesn't mean heroism is bad per say. It’s why they both want to be heroes.”

 

Nagant had to give off an amused grunt at that, “They still want to be heroes despite how they feel?”

 

“Oh you have no idea,” The woman said with a giggle, “It's all they talk about to be frank. I think it's odd too but I kind of understand it. They want to become heroes to prove it’s still possible to have good heroes and to be in a position to make sure the bad ones can’t succeed. It's the same principle as their schooling, we’ve offered to move them but they claim if they left some other poor souls would take their place and the abuse would just shift.”

 

Nagant felt like she had been hit in the face by All Might himself. These two mystery boys, who had been beaten at every turn. Who were one of the few who saw how their hero society stood upon a fragile podium held up by blood. And yet they didn’t back down knowing all this, they knew what a true hero was and were determined to prove it and change the system from within.

 

They weren’t going to run away like Nagant was about to.

 

She wasn’t a fool, she was strong but against the likes of Endeavor and All Might she didn’t stand a chance. If she really did end up killing the chairman she had maybe a week until they threw her in Tartarus. And then what? They’d just find someone else to replace her, she’d already heard rumour about some teenager with wings they were training. No if Nagant went through with her original plan nothing would change but her involvement.

 

But… implementing change from within. The chairman was getting old and Nagant still had plenty of allies in the HPSC. Hmmm.

 

“Oh good, Mitsuki can sort the boys,” The woman said as she put her phone away bringing Nagant back to reality, “It was lovely to meet you and thank you for the pep talk but I must be going!”

 

And with that the woman ran out the bathroom door leaving a very confused and thoughtful Nagant behind. Huh, this woman may have just completely changed the course of Nagants life and she didn’t even know her name.

 

---

 

It had only taken Nagant a year to get rid of the chairman, he was old and many of his deputies were nipping at his heels for the position. Unfortunately for those deputies they hadn’t expected a pro hero to come forward and take the position from them. Nagant had used her influence over other heroes and the press to get public support for her bid for the role, throw in the fact they’d just elected a new PM who wanted public support and she all but walked into the position. Since then she’d been fighting tooth and nail for reform. From harsher and more public sentencing to heroes who broke the law to more rigorous hero licensing exams and mandatory psych evaluations for all hero hopefuls. She had also made sure to distance the HPSC away from heroes themselves. Where once it had been seen as the organisation that heroes worked for there was now a clear gap between the two, heroes managed themselves while the role of the HPSC was to monitor and control the overall industry itself. It meant when heroes were caught out the HPSC could easily push the blame onto the individual and not the industry as a whole. It meant that heroes could be punished without the image of their hero society being impacted too much. Nagant still wasn’t thrilled with the situation but it was a hell of a lot better than killing heroes and sweeping it all under the rug.

 

Nagant chuckled, “Honestly I never thought I’d see you again. I’ve been meaning to thank you, because of you I’m not currently rotting in a cell in Tartarus.”

 

Masaru frowned, “Is that something you should really be admitting to?”

 

Nagant waved him off, “What are they gonna do? Arrest me for wanting to kill a certified asshole? Besides, apparently I know a half decent lawyer.”

 

Nagant smirked and gave a wink at Inko who couldn’t help but giggle slightly. Shido however looked less amused.

 

“Chairman I must insist we-”

 

“Didn’t I tell you to shut up?” Nagant snapped without even looking at Shido who himself grew red with embarrassment and slammed his mouth shut.

 

“Now then,” Nagant said and turned to Izuku, “Izuku Midoriya, correct? And I’m assuming you must be his mother Inko?” Both green haired people nodded in confirmation.

 

Nagant threw Inko a small smile, “At least I have a name now. So, from what I gather your class was attacked by villains and in the ensuing battle you took three quirks yes?” Nagant asked, directing the question to Izuku.

 

“Uh- Y-Yes my Lady- I mean uh- Ma’am.” Izuku stuttered out and Katsuki snorted at the display, Nagant gracefully ignored it however.

 

“I see and you have no intention of giving them back?” Nagant asked, her tone and face were completely emotionless, giving nothing away about how she felt.

 

Izuku sat up a little straighter in his seat and gave the woman a hard look, “No I don't. Those people are villains who attacked my friends, children, and tried to kill us. Had it not been for my friend Jiro the woman would have killed me with her laser eyes.”

 

The statement made Inko and the elder Bakugou’s flinch. Nedzu and Yagi both had looks of guilt on their faces, it was a reminder just how close this meeting had come to being about the deaths of two students. The reality of hero work was starting to hit home and Mitsuki had to furiously brush away a few tears as Masaru held her close. Inko, being in lawyer mode, fought through it. She could collapse with shock and fear when she got home later, right now her son needed her.

 

Nagant tapped her chin in thought, Shido looked like he desperately wanted to start shouting again but thought better of it. 

 

“Hmmm,” Nagant said, the gears in her mind all turning at one, “Officially Mr Midoirya here hasn’t broken any laws. He clearly used his quirk in self-defence and as a heroics student within school grounds he has permission to use his quirk.”

 

Inko smirked and Shido looked about ready to start throttling people, but Nagant then turned to look directly at Inko, “However… what you won’t be aware of is that Midoriya’s quirk within the HPSC has been classified as Grade S”

 

Yagi coughed in shock slightly, desperately grabbing a handkerchief to stop the blood going everywhere. Nedzu’s gleeful smile dropped and his fur bristled at the news while Shido’s face went from one of pure agony to one of pure elevation. Even Inko’s smile dropped and Izuku would swear to the day he died he heard a soft ‘fuck’ whispered by his mother.

 

“Huh? What the fuck is the issue with that?” Katsuki asked, voicing the confusion of the four remaining people in the room.

 

“The Grade S Quirk Emergency Powers Act.” Inko said through gritted teeth.

 

“The what?” Mitsuki barked, not liking the shift of tone the room had gone in.

 

“The S Grade Quirk Emergency Powers Act was created to deal with the unique situations that often arise during S Grade quirk issues.” Nagant explained, “To put it simply when dealing with an incident that involves an S Grade quirk the act gives the HPSC emergency powers to make arrests or decisions based on the threat level said quirk presents. Even if those actions by the HPSC aren’t technically backed up by the law. Take All Might for example, imagine he never decided to become a hero and train his quirk. One day he might end up defending himself in a mugging and throw a punch that topples an entire street. Technically within the law that’s classed as self defence and he’d get a slap on the wrist and be on his way. With this act the HPSC could however force him into mandatory quirk training and keep him monitored until we were confident he had control of his quirk.”

 

Every face bar Shido’s and Nagant (who still remained expressionless) had dropped considerably, from his seat Izuku had started hyperventilating and Katsuki was forced to step forward and keep an eye on him.

 

“So what you’re saying is…” Masaru started.

 

“The law means jackshit right now. Izuku’s quirk grade means they can just override any law under these emergency powers.” Inko spat with more venom then even Mitsuku had heard before making both their sons jump in surprise.

 

“But the emergency powers act can only refer to an emergency,” Inko countered, “Defied in the act as either death or permanent physical or mental damage of which I’m sure I don’t need to remind you quirks fall into neither category.”

 

Nagant’s lips twitched as she leant forward slightly, looking straight at Inko, “No but when your son took their quirks the three villains were knocked unconscious and have yet to wake up. A coma is classed as mental damage under the act.”

 

Inko narrowed her eyes and stood up a little straighter, “It’s only been six hours since the attack there is no way of knowing if they are simply unconscious or in a coma at this time.”

 

“No but until that is proven either way we would be within our rights to take Midoriya into custody until such a time.” Nagant replied, her eyes gleaming at Inko.

 

“Illegal.” Inko instantly shot back, “Even with the S Grade Emergency Powers you can’t keep a minor in for questioning for more than 24 hours, regardless of the situation unless you make an arrest. The Underage Criminal Act of 2146 overrides all other laws, even emergency powers.”

 

“We wouldn’t have to keep him in a cell, house arrest is still legal for underage criminals and said house doesn’t have to be their registered home. So long as he’s provided with a standard living quarters his house arrest could be in the middle of the HPSC HQ.” Nagant said, the whole exchange was making Izuku sweat more and more and Yagi was slightly concerned his successor was about to launch himself at the chairmen of the HPSC.

 

Inko clenched her fists, she was backed into a corner and she knew it. The Emergency Powers act was considered career suicide among Japanese lawyers who take cases surrounding it. The entire point of the act was to basically ignore any laws you could bring forward to fight it. And even if Izuku was a minor his quirk was powerful enough and hated enough that finding support against his treatment within the legal world would be near impossible. The only way to win against it was to sway support within the HPSC.

 

Which meant Inko had to use the ace up her sleeve.

 

“Very well,” Inko sighed, “Izuku honey, please return the quirks you have taken.”

 

The mood in the room shifted instantly as every pair of eyes turned to Inko in shock.

 

“M-Mom!?”

 

“What the fuck Auntie!?”

 

“Katsuki! But yeah, what the fuck Inko!?”

 

Yagi and Masaru both wore equal looks of shock, Masaru’s eyes quickly filling with disappointment and confusion. Shido once again wore a wide smile and stood up straight with his chest puffed out in victory. Even Nagant raised a surprised eyebrow while Nedzu looked over Inko with a critical eye.

 

But Inko ignored it all and looked directly at Nagant with a sickly sweet smile. It made Izuku and Katsuki shudder, it was the sort of smile she wore right before she dished out a punishment for the boys straight from the mind of a supervillain.

 

“Oh and Izuku, don’t forget to return that regeneration quirk you took from The Nomu creature.”

 

The entire room froze. Those who had fought the creature felt a shiver crawl up their spines. All Might had barely taken it down after Izuku had stolen the quirk, let alone if Izuku gave it back. Nedzu looked like he had just watched the grand finale of his favourite TV show and Nagant herself appeared to be fighting back a smirk. Shido once again completely flipped in his emotions.

 

“No! Absolutely not! He can’t return that quirk!” He shouted, once again slamming his hand on Nedzu’s desk making the rat scowl even deeper.

 

Inko smirked, it felt very much like a predator finally getting its prey, “Then he won’t be returning his other quirks. You see, regardless of anything else, The Grade S Emergency Powers state that any decision must be universal and cannot be picked and chosen depending on what suits the HPSC. So either Izuku keeps all his quirks or he returns them all including the regeneration he stole from the villain who nearly took down All Might.”

 

Shido’s face was going a deep shade of purple as he spluttered and tried to come up with a defence. Nagant however just chuckled.

 

“Damn you’re good. You married?” She asked with a smirk.

 

Inko’s entire demeanour crumbled under the question and she quickly returned to the standard Midoriya state of panic, “Oh… I… uh… No?”

 

There was a slight growling in the room and Izuku turned to look at Katsuki only to find it was not in fact Katsuki who had growled. Izuku quickly looked around the room to- 

 

Was Yagi growling at Lady Nagant?

 

Ignoring the situation at hand Nagant finally let herself smirk, “Don’t worry, I had no intention of allowing Mr Midoriya to be arrested-”

 

“WHAT!?”

 

“- As far as I’m concerned those thugs are villains who were stopped in self defence. There’s no law requiring Midoriya to return their quirks.”

 

“This is an OUTRAGE!” Shido suddenly cried, his eyes practically popping out of his skull, “This- this villain stole quirks! He should be locked up! He can’t be allowed to-”

 

“Shido.” Nagant said and the warning in her tone was clear, “At this point you’re all but attempting quirk discrimination. Continue and-”

 

“I don’t fucking care!” Shido screeched.

 

“Shido!” Nagant shouted and the man was instantly silenced, “You’re fired.”

 

All the colour drained from Shido’s face but he still looked determined to fight it until-

 

“Don’t think I’m not aware that your son was one of the thugs who had their quirk taken.” Nagant threatened with narrowed eyes, “Perhaps you’d have gotten away with this if it was a just but misguided cause. But I’m sure Miss Midoriya doesn’t need to tell you that you have a massive conflict of interest here which would put you behind bars for a long time if I wanted it to.”

 

Shido’s face completely fell and he stood there opening and closing his mouth though no sound came out. Most of the room grew smiles and smirks though Nedzu looked like Christmas had come early.

 

“Oh good!” Nedzu chimed, “In which case..” Nedzu tapped a button on his desk and the wall directly behind Shido fell apart revealing a very angry looking Snipe, Ectoplasm and Present Mic, “Please get out of my school.”

 

Shido looked like he wanted to argue but one glare from Nagant and the man retreated, being escorted away by the pro heroes with his tail between his legs. There was a pause in the room before Nagant started to laugh at the top of her voice.

 

“Hahaha oh man, finally. Do you know how long I’ve been wanting to do that? He’s been on my shit list for two years yet it’s almost impossible to make him slip up. Yet not even two hours in a room with you all and the man starts screeching about quirk discrimination. That’s twice I owe you, Miss Midoriya.” Nagant said with glee and stood up smiling down at Izuku and Katsuki.

 

“So, you’re Izuku and Katsuki huh? You’ve been on my radar for a while now.” She said as she looked them up and down with an analytical eye.

 

“Why, you a fucking pervert?” Katsuki growled with narrowed eyes.

 

“Kacchan!” Izuku cried and dropped his face into his hands with a groan.

 

Luckily Nagant just rolled her eyes, “Hardly. Two S Grade quirks attending the same class and living in the same house? That’s either going to go really well or you’re going to turn Japan into a wasteland. I’m just trying to make sure it’s the former.”

 

“So I’m… not arrested?” Izuku asked, honestly his head was spinning and the past 12 hours felt some kind of fever dream, he wouldn’t be surprised if Endeavor walked through the door and professed his love to Nedzu.

 

“Nope,” Nagant said and popped her lips as she said it, “I’ll be frank kid, you're powerful and the idea of someone running around freely who can take quirks like their a couple of coins for a pickpocket makes my skin crawl. But from what Yagi here has told me as well as learning that you're the green lawyers kid and I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. Just make sure the quirks you intend to keep are from actually villains, not your everyday street thug. I can defend allowing a hero kid to hold onto the quirks of murderers and psychopaths but not some two-bit crook who just wanted a bite to eat.”

 

Izuku nodded as relief flushed through him and he suddenly became aware of how tired he was, “Yes ma’am.”

 

“Good,” Nagant said and gave Izuku the first genuine smile she’d worn since walking in the office, “In which case I’ll be going. Nedzu, we’ll discuss the attack at a later date. Hot lawyer lady, call me. Angry blonde kid, don’t kill anyone. Angry blonde kid’s parents, make sure your son doesn’t kill anyone. Yagi… eat a sandwich man, I’m getting hungry just looking at you.”

 

And with that Lady Nagant turned on her heels and marched out of the office leaving an amused and confused group behind.

 

“I think that was the HPSC giving you their unofficial support boys.” Yagi said with a chuckle, he too had hated the old chairman and while he didn’t agree with Nagant on everything she was a breath of fresh air when it came to the HPSC.

 

“Indeed!” Nedzu said with a clap of his hands, “It appears Midoriya will not face any further issues with his quirk, most excellent news.”

 

Izuku gave a bitter chuckle, “Honestly I’d rather not face another situation for a while where I need to use it like that.”

 

The adults in the room winced at those words. Yagi’s gut filled with guilt, of course he’d always wanted Izuku to start using his quirk but not like this.

 

“Yes…” Nedzu said a little awkwardly, not sure how to handle the situation, “Well, it has been a… long day, perhaps you should all head home and rest.”

 

Masaru nodded and went to agree when he was interrupted.

 

“Not just yet,” Inko said and turned her ire towards the principle, “After today it’s clear to me UA has no real legal staff to deal with issues surrounding their students, correct?”

 

Nedzu blinked in surprise, he clearly hadn’t anticipated this turn of events even with his quirk, “Oh… Yes technically you are correct, we generally hand it off to the HPSC.”

 

“The same HPSC that just tried to arrest my innocent son?” Inko asked with a raised eyebrow.

 

Nedzu coughed slightly, clearly a little embarrassed, “Uh yes… I see your point.”

 

“Good,” Inko said and drew out a pen and paper, “In which case I’ll start on Monday.”

 

Nedzu once again blinked in surprise, “You start… what?”

 

“You’re going to employ me as UA’s legal counsel.” Inko informed Nedzu as she tore a section of paper off her notepad.

 

“I am?” Nedzu said and pointed at himself in a way that made Yagi snort.

 

“You are,” Inko said to the affirmative and placed a piece of paper on his desk, “And that’s going to be my salary, I’ll accept no less.”

 

Nedzu reached out and took the piece of paper, his eyes widened when he saw what was written down, ”That’s uh… a lot of zero’s.”

 

“Well you did insist that it was deserved due to my expertise.” Inko said as she snapped her brief case shut and offered Nedzu a smile that made his fur stand on end.

 

“I uh… yes?” Nedzu half stated half asked out of sheer confusion.

 

“Excellent! In which case I’ll see you on Monday, I can’t wait to get started. Now let's go home everyone!” Inko smiled wide and with a slight skip in her step turned and headed out of the office, leaving six very confused people behind, Izuku and the Bakugou’s not really sure what to do.

 

“Come along family!” Inko called from the hallway and Izuku and the Bakugou’s quickly scrambled out the door to follow her, Izuku giving an awkward wave as they left and the door shut behind them.

 

Nedzu continued to stare at the door for another few seconds before he chuckled. He turned to his computer and immediately started drawing up Inko’s actual employment contract. Honestly, considering the current year group having an actual lawyer on his side wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

 

“Those Midoriya’s really are something else.” Nedzu said as he typed away happily, increasing Inko’s asked for salary by 5%, she was right, she’d just beaten down the HPSC, who knows what she could achieve with Nedzu backing her. She was worth the cost.

 

“Yagi?” Nedzu asked when he got no response and looked away from his computer to find the man staring at the door Inko had walked through moments ago and drooling slightly.

 

“I think I’m in love.” Yagi said.

 

Would Not Recommend

 

Name: CLASSIFIED added Kyouka Jiro and Eijiro Kirishima to the chat

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: I just wanted to check in on everyone… I know none of us are really ok right now

 

Bubbly Bitch: Midori! Are you and Bakugou ok? I tried to find you along with everyone else once things calmed down but Midnight Sensei said you had to go for a meeting with Nedzu?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Oh… uh yeah. The HPSC just wanted a run down of the battle at the plaza, seeing as me and Kacchan were the main ones there outside of All Might

 

Floaty McFloat: Oh man, I’m so glad I didn’t get caught up in that, I’m not sure I could have repeated what happened

 

Angry Boi: Oi, round cheeks, you better not be hauled up in that shitty little flat alone

 

Einstein’s Daughter: Not to fear Bakugou, myself and Uraraka are spending the night at Ashido’s to help support each other.

 

Bubbly Bitches: That’s right bitches we’re gonna ignore childhood trauma with ice cream, mochi and gossip

 

Kyouka Jiro: Sweet, I’m using heavy metal

 

Angry Boi: Me and Zuzu are gonna punch each other

 

Kyouka Jiro: …why?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Because Uncle covered the booze cabinet in heavy duty locks and alarms

 

Floaty McFloat: I’m sorry what?

 

Angry Boi: What?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: What?

 

Einstein's Daughter: I have concerns 

 

Bubbly Bitch: It’s Midoriya and Bakugou, just add it to the list

 

Kyouka Jiro: So yeah, in summary I got home, had a breakdown, cried to my parents for like an hour and now I’m just laying in my room listening to someone scream about death

 

Kyouka Jiro: All in all I think I’m handling things pretty well

 

Floaty McFloat: Eh don’t worry, me, Ashido and Yaomomo have all cried like three times at least

 

Eijiro Kirishima: It’s good to get your emotions out guys! A real man knows how to cry!

 

Bubbly Bitch: Finally! Something you claim is manly which actually is manly!

 

Eijiro Kirishima: Everything I claim to be manly is manly! But yeah, I had a long talk with my Moms about everything and honestly just getting it all out felt a lot better. Plus imma spend some time lifting weights, that tends to relax me

 

Angry Boi: You all need to make sure you have good coping mechanisms for this shit, we’re heroes so you can’t wimp out after every villain fight!

 

Floaty McFloat: I think that was Bakugou being nice? Do you and Midoriya have coping mechanisms?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: I’m gonna sleep in his room tonight and we’re gonna have a slumber party and play video games and shit like when we were kids

 

Floaty McFloat: OH

 

Kyouka Jiro: MY

 

Bubbly Bitch: GOD!!!

 

Angy Boi: DAMMIT IT ZUZU I TOLD YOU NOT TO FUCKING TELL THEM!

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: At least I didn’t mention our matching All Might pyjamas

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Oh

 

Einstein's Daughter: That’s adorable

 

Angry Boi: ANYONE CALLS ME ADORABLE AGAIN AND I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU

 

Eijiro Kirishima: Ok but can you do it in the pyjamas?

 

Angry Boi: I hate you all

 

Bubbly Bitch: Awww look everyone, Bakugou said he loves us

 

Air Conditioner: Everyone!

 

Einstein’s Daughter: Yoarashi! I’m glad you’re ok!

 

Air Conditioner: And I you! Everyone, I just got off the phone to my uncle (the hero) and he wanted me to pass a message onto you all! ‘I’m sure today was rough, your first villain fight at any age is scary, let alone when you’re first years and you're being attacked on school grounds. But you did it, you won, you made it out. Think about that for a moment, against all odds you won. Now just imagine what you’ll all be able to do when fully trained, imagine the lives you’ll save. You do that and you will all make great heroes!’

 

Eijiro Kirishima: That’s so manly dude!

 

Bubbly Bitch: Congrats Yoarashi, you got me, Uraraka and Yoamomo crying again

 

Kyouka Jiro: That was double inspirational with my soundtrack behind it

 

Angry Boi: Pfft, look at you all getting sappy

 

Name:  CLASSIFIED: Kacchan gave me a massive hug after I read that aloud to him

 

Angry Boi: DO YOU EVEN CARE ABOUT MY REPUTATION!?

 

Air Conditioner: Truly, I think all of us will be ok

 

Kyouka Jiro: Fuck it, you know what? I think we will be

 

Bubbly Bitch: And now that all the trauma and shit has been dealt with

 

Bubbly Bitch changed Kyouka Jiro’s nickname to (B)Ass

 

Bubbly Bitch changed Eijiro Kirishima’s nickname to Rock Hard

 

(B)Ass: Why?

 

Bubbly Bitch: Because I saw the way you were looking at Midori’s ass in class 

 

(B)Ass: ASHIDO!

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: ASHIDOOOOOOOO

 

Angry Boi: THAT’S FUCKING GROSS, DON’T TALK ABOUT ZUZU’S ASS!

 

Bubbly Bitch: Nobody can see that ass in his hero outfit and NOT stare

 

Float McFloat: Someone get Ashido a drink, she’s hella thirsty

 

Rock Hard: It is a really nice ass to be fair

 

Rock Hard: Oh wait did I actually type that?

 

Angry Boi: Great! You fuckers killed him! He’s passed out in the hallway! I’m gonna have to drag his ass to bed!

 

Einstein's Daughter: Bakugou don’t you have super strength?

 

Angry Boi: That’s not the point ponytail!

 

Bubbly Bitch: Wait! Quirk! Did anyone see Midori’s mystery quirk?

 

Air Conditioner: Not me, I only arrived at the plaza at the end

 

Einstein's daughter: Me too

 

Floaty McFloat: It’s a no from me

 

(B)Ass: Me and Kirishima weren’t watching the plaza when they fought, I only ran out once I heard Bakugou cry out. By the time I arrived Midoriya was squaring off against the villain but I didn’t see his quirk

 

Rock Hard: Yeah, he used it to take three villains out near us but me and Jiro didn’t see it happen.

 

Angry Boi: I saw it and it was fucking amazing

 

Bubbly Bitch: And you’re not gonna tell us are you?

 

Angry Boi: Not a chance Raccoon Eyes, it’s his quirk and his secret to tell

 

Bubbly Bitch: Maybe his perfectly firm and round ass is his quirk

 

Rock Hard: God I hope so

 

(B)Ass: Buddy you really gotta work on your subconscious typing… but… yeah

 

Einstein's Daughter: I’m glad Midoriya’s rear end has taken all our minds off the traumatic events of the day

 

Air Conditioner: It’s incredible just how amazing Midoriya is. Not only is he smart and powerful but apparently he is attractive too! I’m so honoured to have a rival with an ass that has impressed so many!

Floaty McFloat: …I should’ve gone to Shiketsu

Notes:

So yeah, a pretty major change from canon here but I knew I wanted the HPSC involved in this story and figured this was more interesting than some random OC. Anyway, thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 23: The Cost of The USJ

Summary:

As Class 1-A recovers from the USJ battle the mental and physical cost of the battle on the students becomes clear

Hero Analysis For The Future: Stockpiled Quirk Notes

 

This notebook is for me and Kacchan to analyse and make notes about all the quirks I take (and keep) from villains.

 

Quirk 1: Pathfinder

 

More of a passive quirk when activated Pathfinder will show the best route to a location much like a video game waypoint. Not only does it show the fastest route it takes into account hazards, when I used it in the firezone it avoided the worst of the fire and took us down safer streets. However the main drawback is that I need to know the exact location of where I’m going. For example I can activate it to get me from UA to Dagobah beach or get it to help me find Kacchan if I know he’s in the gym. But it wouldn’t show me how to get to All Might's house for example because I don’t know where that is. So it can’t locate things, only help me find my way to things I already know the location of.

 

Quirk 2: Heat-vision

 

This one is actually pretty simple, I can shoot beams of heat from my eyes. It’s important to note these aren’t technically ‘lasers’ not like Aoyama who's quirk is actually a laser beam. Heat vision fires concentrated beams of extreme heat which will mainly work to melt things though it’s important to note they’d also cause fires. I do have some control over the intensity however so it is safe to use on actual people. It does have drawbacks though, the main one being that my eyes aren’t adapted to handling the outburst of extreme heat completely. Overuse will cause them to burn and go bloodshot, even blurring my vision. While regeneration will stop any permanent damage, overusing them will temporarily affect my sight and will still cause pain. It’s worth noting while my eyes aren’t completely adapted they do have some heat resistance otherwise they’d melt.

 

Quirk 3: Kinetic Strength

 

At first I thought this quirk was based on movement and while that’s still the main way to use it it's actually based on kinetic energy produced by my body. Producing kinetic energy will charge up a temporary strength boost with the level of strength depending on the level of energy I’m producing. However the energy is not stored, it simply provides a boost for a temporary time equal to how much energy I created (roughly matched so a 10 minute run would provide 10 minutes of extra strength). Generally the more tired and worked out I am the stronger the boost is. 

 

Quirk 4: Hyper Regeneration 

 

On paper this seems like a powerful regeneration quirk, thus the name, and to an extent it is. From what I can tell this will allow me to heal from any injury, no matter how severe. But it does have drawbacks. First off even if my body healed completely if my brain were to be destroyed so too would my memories and consciousness. I would come back as little more than an empty shell. Therefore head wounds are still just as deadly to me. Secondly the quirk, like all healing quirks, uses energy and though it would take a lot of damage I would still be vulnerable to quirk exhaustion which could cause the quirk to shut down and thus it wouldn’t heal me. Finally the quirk needs a pause in damage to heal me. If I were to be constantly attacked the quirk would not activate until there was a brief pause in the attack. Overall a powerful regeneration quirk but I can’t rely on it too much otherwise a slip up could cost me my life.

 

Extra notes on regeneration added after I discussed the quirk with Nedzu and Recovery Girl:

Regeneration is a prime example of how, despite my own quirk, most quirks aren’t meant to be taken or transferred. Regeneration works by healing all wounds and restoring someone to their healthy state. In a natural regeneration quirk the quirk learns this as they grow older from after they turn four. However I took the quirk when I was 15, as a result the quirk doesn’t realise my crooked and burnt right hand is not supposed to be like that. Therefore while it will heal any fresh wounds to my right hand it will just return it to its ‘base’ state which as far as the quirk is concerned is how it has been since the accident. This is the same reason that when I offered to give the quirk to Thirteen, Recovery Girl advised against it. The quirk would close all their wounds but because Thirteen didn’t have it when they lost their arm the quirk wouldn’t realise that there was supposed to be an arm there, it would simply close the wound without re-growing the limb. Nedzu described it like data, the quirk is able to replace all biological data that is ‘removed’ via injury but it needs access to this data in the first place to replace it, therefore it can’t replace Thirteen's arm because it doesn’t know what to replace it with. Long story short regeneration will only regrow lost limbs and organs if they’re lost while the person has the quirk, otherwise it will just seal the wounds. For this same reason All Might refused when I offered to transfer the quirk, saying I would get more use out of it.

 

---

 

After the attack UA had decided to shut for the rest of the week while they reviewed security and worked with the HPSC to deal with the fallout. All the parents of Class 1-A were also personally contacted by Nedzu to apologise and assure them all measures were being taken to keep their children safe. Nedzu also spoke to Izuku directly, as class president he wanted to let him know that despite everything that had occurred none of the class had decided not to drop out. In fact many of them seemed keen to return, having met the villains they would be fighting, much of his class now realised how hard they needed to train to achieve their goals.

 

Despite this news however their days off were certainly subdued. Having had her new job confirmed Inko stayed home every day to prepare and also watch the boys like a hawk. Not that she needed to, it appeared Izuku and Katsuki had reverted back to their basic defence mechanism, in that they were attached at the hip. For four days straight one could not be found without the other. At one point Inko even walked past the bathroom to hear the shower running and to see Izuku sitting outside leaning against the door scrolling through his phone. 

 

Three days into this Mitsuki, Inko and Masaru were starting to get concerned. Both boys had been invited out by their friends several times to catch up or simply hang out yet they had refused every time. When asked, Katsuki answered that they simply didn't need their help and pity while Izuku would just mumble about not wanting to be crowded by people. The truth was the boys had grown up as social outcasts and even though they had been branching out they still didn’t trust anyone but each other and a crisis like this held the risk of forcing them together inside a mental solid wall.

 

Eventually Inko and Mitsuki became so concerned they decided to enact a grand plan.

 

“Kacchan, why does nobody want to talk to me? It’s like they haven’t even seen the new Beast Jeanist fight!” Izuku complained as he typed out the 5th message to the group chat asking if anyone had seen the hero's new super move, though like his previous four messages it remained unread.

 

“Maybe they finally realised how much of a fucking nerd you are and have given up.” Kacchan responded with a smirk to which Izuku responded by sticking his tongue out at the boy.

 

It was 11AM on Saturday morning and boredom was quickly overcoming the two boys. Katsuki was sitting on the sofa, flicking through various TV channels though none caught his attention. Izuku meanwhile was laying down on the floor in front of Katsuki, frowning at his phone and his friends' apparent lack of interest in hero fights.

 

“Please try not to antagonise each other today boys.” Mitsuki sighed as she shuffled over to the pair and threw two pairs of shoes at them.

 

“Huh?” Katsuki said as he caught his trainers, Izuku was less lucky and yelped as one of his signature red boots slapped him in the face, “The fuck is this hag? We going somewhere?”

 

“Mhmm, yes you are,” Inko said as she walked in behind Mitsuki and beamed at the pair, Izuku being the more rule-aiding brother was already slipping on his red shoes, “Your ride should be here any minute.”

 

“Ride?” Izuku asked, confused, his boots already on and good to go, “You mean you’re not coming?”

 

“Nope, we’re gonna have a threesome!” Mitsuki barked and threw her arm around Inko.

 

“EWWWWWW!”

 

“WHAT THE FUCK HAG THAT’S GROSS!”

 

“Mitsuki please don’t antagonise them,” Inko said with a sigh as she ran a hand down her face, “Myself and Mitsuki are just going shopping while Masaru plays a round of golf with his work friend.”

 

“So who’s giving us a lift? And where are we even going?” Izuku asked, standing up straight while Katsuki still flopped around on the floor, his shoes long forgotten as Mitsuki glared at him.

 

“That’s a surprise my boys!” Came the cheery voice of Yagi as he followed Masaru into the room and gave a light bow to Mitsuki and Inko.

 

“Yagi Sensei?” Izuku asked with a tilt of his head while Katsuki silently narrowed his eyes  at their teacher, “What are you doing here?”

 

“Well Inko said you two were getting bored stuck in this house all day while recovering!” Yagi said with a clap of his hands and a wide smile, “So I thought I’d offer to take you out for the day and give your parents a rest.”

 

“Are you calling us a burden?!” Katsuki barked, standing up with his arms crossed and still refusing to put his shoes on.

 

“Of course not,” Inko said with a gentle tone, “But you two have been cooped up for three days now, some fresh air will do you both good.”

 

“Yeah…maybe…” Izuku said, curling in on himself slightly and stepping closer to Katsuki, a move that did not go unnoticed by the adults.

 

Katsuki scowled at the adults, his attention snapping between all four before growled slightly, “We’re not going to therapy, we’re not fucking broken.”

 

At this point all pretences were gone and Izuku all but clung to Katsuki as he stood behind him. Katsuki himself kept  his arms crossed and eyes narrowed, glaring at each individual adult. Inko, Mitusku and Masaru winced, this is exactly what they had been afraid of. Yagi however continued to hold his smile.

 

“I’m not here to trick you into anything, if I was taking you both to see a therapist I would tell you. I’m simply here to take you out of the house for a couple of hours and grab some lunch.” Yagi said, unfazed by the looks he was getting from the boys as Katsuki glared at him and Izuku looked over him with an analytical eye as if he was taking apart Yagi in his mind, which he probably was.

 

“And what if we don’t want to go?” Katsuki said defensively, his teeth grinding together slightly.

 

“Are the idiot and the moron ready yet!?” A gruff voice shouted from the front door before Gran Torino shuffled into the room, “I got places to be! They better not make me wait!”

 

Yagi turned to Torino to speak to him but was cut off when a red blur shot past the group of adults, blowing their hair up and quickly heading to the front door. Moments later Izuku followed said blur, jumping and leaping off furniture and the walls to soar above the adults.

 

“Bye Mom, bye Auntie, bye Uncle!” Izuku called as fled out towards the front door, “Kacchan you better not hog the comfy seat!”

 

Gran Torino scowled as the two boys shot past him and out the front door, “Oi!” he cried, “What!? No hello to your old Sensei you haven’t seen in weeks!? You think just because you’re hero kids now and you beat up some two-bit thugs, you're some big hotshots!? Whatever happened to respect your elders!?”

 

Gran Torino continued to shout at the boys as he turned on his heels and shuffled back out of the house, waving his walking stick around with a frown on his face. Yagi just chuckled at their antics.

 

“We’ll be off then, Gran will make sure neither of them back out before we arrive, I’ll have them home in a few hours.” Yagi said and went to walk away but was stopped when Inko put a hand on his arm.

 

“Toshi, thank you for doing this.” She said with a soft smile, “This is well above your responsibilities as their teacher and lord knows how difficult those two boys can be.”

 

Mitsuki scoffed, “More than difficult. Besides, let's be honest here, Yagi is far more than their teacher. All we need is for you two to fuck already and he’ll be a part of the family.”

 

“SUKI!” Inko cried, her face turning as red as Katsuki’s quirk.

 

Mitsuki cackled while Masaru just sighed and gave Yagi the same apologetic look he always did in situations like these. Yagi coughed and spluttered slightly, his own face going beet red.

 

“Yes… well… uh… bye!” Yagi all but shouted and ran out the house so fast he almost turned into All Might leaving an exhausted Masaru, screaming Inko and laughing Mitsuki behind.

 

Yagi quickly got into his truck, giving a sigh as he pushed down the feelings Mitsuki’s teasing brought up. Next to him in the passenger seat Gran Torinio appeared to be close to taking a nap while Izuku and Katsuki sat in the back, their eyes wandering around the area. To most it might look like they were simply observing but Yagi knew better and sighed. The reality was the pair were taking in their surroundings, looking for escape routes and threats. It was something he would expect from seasoned heroes such as Torino, not two high school kids.

 

But this wasn’t the time, Yagi plastid a smile on his face and pulled out in his truck, humming a tune as they drove down the road.

 

“So,” Yagi said, looking in the mirror at the two boys, “How have you gotten on with your new quirks, Young Midoriya?”

 

Izuku's eyes lit up like he was a child at Christmas, “Oh well I haven’t really had a chance to practise with them at home obviously.”

 

“Not that you haven’t fucking tried…” Katsuki muttered.

 

Izuku frowned, “I still don’t see what the big deal was.”

 

Katsuki turned to him with an incredulous look, “You tried to cut your fucking fingers off!”

 

In the front of the van Yagi winced though Izuku just rolled his eyes, “How else am I supposed to test my regeneration quirk?”

 

Gran Torino snorted next to Yagi, “You should know as well as I do you can’t train regeneration quirks, despite popular belief. They either work or they don’t work. Find out in real combat and not with a kitchen knife.”

 

Izuku didn’t seem to agree with this assessment and pouted in the back seat making Yagi chuckle, “And what of your other quirks?”

 

“Well, heat-vision is too dangerous to use outside of UA.” Izuku said as he bit the inside of his cheek in thought, “Pathfinder is useful but I’m not sure how much I can use it in combat situations as I need to know where I’m going for it to generate a path. Kinetic Strength is probably the weakest of all four as the strength boost isn’t huge, I’d say it’s roughly comparable to Kirishima when he’s hardened but it will at least help go toe to toe with some of the tougher villains out there.”

 

“Don’t underestimate Pathfinder,” Yagi commented, “While you’re certainly likely to focus on villain fights, a quirk like that could be incredibly useful in a rescue operation. Knowing the best path back to an emergency medical tent could save many lives.”

 

“Don’t let Kinetic Energy make you arrogant,” Gran Torino all but shouted from his seat, “I’ll be frank kid, it’s a weak quirk. Most quirks help to enhance strength and endurance in general. Just because you’re stronger than you were a week ago doesn’t give you an edge among everyone else, if anything it just means you’ve caught up to those with mutant or physical quirks.”

 

Izuku clenched his fists and gave a determined nod, “Right, but this is only the beginning of my quirk stockpile.”

 

Torino snorted, “Fair enough kid just remember it’s your combination of quirks that makes you powerful, most single quirks are pretty weak. We’re not all blessed with some fancy passed down generation quirk.”

 

Katsuki smirked and turned to Izuku, “Ha! You hear that Zuzu? Even with all your fancy quirks I’m still gonna be stronger than you!”

 

Izuku just smirked right back, “Yeah right? Superstrength? I’m gonna have like five of those!”

 

“That’s because you need 5 just to keep up with me!”

 

“Pleeeeeease, you don’t even have a ranged attack Kacchan.”

 

For some reason the pause that came after that sentence made Yagi’s chest squeeze with anticipation and fear. The silence lasted for a few moments before he heard what sounded like Katsuki shooting out a quick breath followed by Izuku.

 

“EWWWWWWWWWWW! Yagiiiiii Kacchan spat on me!” Izuku whined.

 

Yagi sighed, “Ah, Young Bakugou-”

 

“Oi, stop being a cry baby! You were the one who said I didn’t have a ranged attack!” Katsuki shouted as both boys glared at each other in the back.

 

Yagi winced slightly, “Boys perhaps-”

 

“YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO BE SO DISGUSTING AND SPIT ON ME!” Izuku shouted back, raising his voice above Katsuki.

 

Yagi tried to look at them in the mirror, “”Now both of you-”

 

“YOU TRIED TO LASER ME THE OTHER DAY FOR TAKING YOUR MANGA AND NOW YOU’RE COMPLAINING ABOUT A LITTLE SPIT!?” Katsuki roared back, by this point both boys were leaning into the middle of the back seat and were borderline scrapping with each other.

 

“Now boys lets both calm-”

 

“I DIDN’T HAVE CONTROL OF MY QUIRK BACK THEN! I TOLD YOU I WAS SORRY!”

 

“THEN I’M SORRY THAT YOU’RE SO SQUIRMISH YOU CAN’T EVEN TAKE A LITTLE SPIT!”

 

“IT’S SPIT KACHAN! WHO LIKES BEING SPAT ON!?”

 

“I DUNNO! MAYBE YOU DO YOU KINKY WEIRDO!”

 

“FUCK YOU KACHAN!”

 

“FUCK YOU RIGHT BACK ZUZU!”

 

“Are we nearly there yet? You realise I’m 86 and haven’t been to the bathroom in at least 3 hours, the old bladder isn’t what it once was.”

 

“ENOUGH!”

 

All three other occupants on the van froze and stared at the driver who had been replaced from a frail and ill looking Yagi to the massive muscular form of All Might. The truck tilted and whined as the added weight caused it to tilt towards the ground. The view of a now fully built All Might crammed into the driver's seat of the truck would have been comical if not for the furious expression on All Might's face.

 

“You are hero students!” All Might shouted, the truck vibrating as he did, “Stop acting like children and behave or I swear I will turn this truck around!”

 

There was a puff and All Might changed back into Yagi though he still didn’t look pleased. Katsuki and Izuku were looking at him with slack jaws and shocked expressions while Torino was smirking with amusement. The silence in the truck dragged on as Yagi weaved them through traffic, his driving far more aggressive than before. As they calmed down from their shock Izuku and Katsuki made eye contact, it only took a split second before they silently smirked at each other.

 

“Sorry Dad.” They said in unison.

 

Gran Torino could only laugh as Yagi nearly swerved into an oncoming bus, these kids would be the death of him.

 

---

 

“We’re going to Leblanc.” Izuku stated rather than asked, he had been to the restaurant enough to know where it was and using his new Pathfinder quirk all but confirmed it.

 

“Huh?” Katsuki said, waking up slightly from the nap he had been drifting into, “You’re taking us out for some fancy meal?”

 

Katsuki too had gone with Yagi and Izuku to Leblanc several times over the course of their training, though despite the quality of the food the upidiness of the place made the blonde uncomfortable and Yagi had apologised more than once on Katsuki’s behalf. Not that Katsuki cared.

 

“Actually no, we were simply the transport and enforcement to get you out of the house.” Yagi said as he pulled up and flicked his ID to the attendant though by this point the man recognised the group.

 

“You’re not coming in?” Izuku asked, a little surprised, though Katsuki didn’t seem bothered and jumped out of the truck.

 

“Nah, we have some business at a nearby police station so we offered to take you in place of your parents to make sure you got here.” Torino commented as he let out a yawn and fell back into his seat.

 

“So what? You expect me and Zuzu just to sit down and have a pleasant lunch in this posh boy club?” Katsuki said with a scowl as he and Izuku stood by the truck, behind them the attendant frowned at the words.

 

“You could consider it brotherly bonding.” Yagi suggested with a chuckle.

 

Both boys shrugged in response and Izuku spoke, “We usually just punch people or each other, in fact I think most of our bonding happens in villain fights.”

 

The horn of the truck blared in the alley as Yagi face planted the wheel, “Please,” he begged, “Just go inside.”

 

“Whatever.” Katsuki said with an eyeroll and grabbed Izuku’s wrist dragging the boy through the doors as Izuku gave Yagi and Gran Toriono an awkward wave goodbye.

 

“What do you think this is all about?” Izuku asked as he wiggled out of Katsuki’s grip and the pair walked up the lavish stairs to Leblanc together.

 

“Isn’t it obvious?” Katsuki said with a scoff, “They all think there must be something wrong with us because we haven’t broken down in tears yet over the USJ.”

 

“Oh,” Izuku said as his eyes faded away with his attention, “Are we broken?”

 

“Absolutely,” Katsuki responded with a snort, “But who gives a fuck? We took down the villains and didn’t cry about it after. Just because we don’t let it all out to some therapist doesn’t mean we’re fucked up in the head.”

 

Izuku just shrugged, “Maybe it’s like Lady Nagant said. We are both S Class so they likely want to make sure we’re not gonna become villains.”

 

“Only an idiot would think you could be a villain.” Katsuki said in a gruff voice but he did send a reassuring smile so slight only Izuku would be able to pick it up.

 

“Then there’s a lot of idiots in the world.” Izuku mumbled to himself though Katsuki still caught it with his enhanced hearing.

 

“Damn right there is and we’re gonna fucking show them all who’s boss.” Katsuki huffed and pounded his chest.

 

“Still,” Izuku continued, ignoring Katsuki’s very gorilla-like display, “It seems off that they’d just.. Haul the two of us to Leblanc, I mean we’ve been here loads of time together and-”

 

“Ah! Midoriya! Bakugou! You made it!”

 

Both boys blinked in surprise and turned their attention to where Yaoyorozu was standing by the large double doors that led into the seating area of the restaurant.

 

“Yaoyorozu?” Izuku asked with a tilt of his head, “What are you doing here?”

 

Yoayorozu approached them and gained a confused expression at Izuku’s question, “What do you mean? We were all getting worried, you are ten minutes late after all?”

 

“Ten minutes late to what?” Katsuki asked, narrowing his eyes slightly in suspicion.

 

“To lunch of course!” Yaoyorozu said and clapped her hands together, “Didn’t your parents tell you? Yagi contacted everyone's parents from class and suggested trying to organise some social groups over the weekend to help get our minds off… well, you know. I was the one to suggest a meal out with our friends but it was All Might who booked the table for us.”

 

“Who’s us?” Katsuki asked as they followed Yaoyorozu through the doors and into the restaurant, his suspicion lessening slightly but still not gone entirely.

 

Yaoyorozu appeared to ignore him however as they made their way through the many tables in the restaurant. As per the norm whenever they came to Leblanc Izuku winced at the quirk energy around him and had to push down his fanboy tendencies down as he walked within a few feet of some of Japan's greatest (and in his and Katsuki’s opinion some of its worst) heroes.

 

However thoughts of quirk energy and fake heroes were cut short when they approached a far corner of the restaurant. There, sat around a large round table Was Yoarashi, Ashido, Uraraka, Kirishima and Jiro with three more spaces clearly meant for Yaoyorozu, Izuku and Katsuki.

 

“Huh? What are you fuckers doing here?” Katsuki asked, failing to hide the mild shock that overcame him.

 

Ashido rolled her eyes at him, “We’re here to train… Obviously we thought it'd be cool to have lunch out! Plus can you believe this place! A secret restaurant for heroes!”

 

“I know, I never knew something like this existed! It took me like 30 minutes to be verified for entry, they even called Aizawa to confirm it!” Kirishima said and the redhead was practically vibrating in his seat, much to the annoyance of Jiro who was sitting next to him.

 

“Calm down man,” she complained, lightly hitting him with her jacks, “It’s just like being backstage at a concert, you need to play it cool.”

 

“I’m surprised you’re not freaking out more Midori, being our local hero nerd and all.” Ashido said with a giggle as she reached out to stop Jiro stabbing Kirishima in the eyes.

 

Izuku chuckled as he and Katsuki took the two empty seats between Kirishima and Uraraka, “I did the first time I came here, I barely even ate anything. But now I’m kinda used to it.”

 

Katsuki snorted, “That’s only because you realised they serve and I quote ‘Katsudon straight from my dreams’.”

 

“Woah woah woah woah!” Ashido said, silencing all other conversation at the table, “You mean you two have access to the most exclusive place in Japan and I’m only now just learning about it!”

 

Even Jiro and Kirishima had stopped their little fight to look at the two boys with slack jaws and wide eyes.

 

“What?” Izuku asked, shrinking slightly at their stares, “You guys already know me and Kacchan had training from a pro-hero, he took us here at least once every two weeks while training over summer.”

 

“Two weeks?” Yaoyorozu asked, surprised.

 

“Yeah? So what?” Katsuki bit back, “Airhead is from a legacy family, you must come here all the time.”

 

“Actually…” Yoarashi said a little awkwardly, “My Uncle isn’t high enough in the rankings to be allowed more than 5 bookings a year.”

 

“Huh?” Izuku asked, confused, “5 bookings a year? What do you mean?”

 

Yaoyorozu’s jaw joined Jiro and Kirishima’s on the floor, “Midoirya, are you not aware that heroes only have a limited amount of times they can visit Leblanc throughout the year to stop overcrowding? Even heroes in the top 30 normally only have 12 a year.”

 

Ashido slammed her hands on the table, “Just who the hell trained you two!?”

 

“Ashido!” Jiro hissed and grabbed the pink girl, forcibly pulling her back into her seat, “Would you be quiet before we get kicked out!”

 

Ashido huffed and stuck her tongue out at Jiro who simply rolled her eyes in response.

 

“Man, I can’t believe how far ahead you guys are, I mean you fought side by side with All Might at the USJ. It’s like you’re in a completely different league to the rest of us!” Kirishima said as he flexed and hardened his hand, a slightly downtrodden look in his eyes.

 

“That’s not true!” Izuku blurted out, instantly deciding he hated the way Kirishima looked like a kicked puppy, “You were just caught off guard at the USJ! And besides, sure me and Kacchan have some extra training but our quirks are more volatile than yours is. We need to train to make sure we control them, you on the other hand can really push your quirk without the risk of it going haywire. I’m sure once we’re a few weeks into the year you’ll catch up! It’s like Yagi said, currently my quirk mainly has offensive capabilities but compared to you I have almost no defence.”

 

Kirishima paused before giving Izuku a smile so bright it caused something to flutter in his chest. Huh, that was new.

 

“Thanks class pres! Honestly I can’t wait to get back to class, I feel like I haven’t had a chance to really show my stuff yet!” Kirishima exclaimed.

 

Ashido snorted, “Heh… stuff.”

 

Jiro groaned and nearly flopped her head on the table, “Did we really come to some fancy ass restaurant just to discuss school?”

 

Yoarashi beamed down at everyone, “I for one am excited to get to it! I too wish to catch up to Bakugou and Midoriya’s level!”

 

Jiro just glared at him while Katsuki turned to Uraraka who was next to him and frowned. She hadn’t spoken once since they’d arrived and was staring with wide unfocused eyes at the menu she held with a white knuckle grip in her hands.

 

“Oi roundcheeks,” Katsuki barked as he prodded said cheeks with his finger, “You die or something? The fuck is wrong with you?”

 

Slowly Uararka turned to look at Katsuki, her eyes still wide and disbelieving, “It’s so… expensive.”

 

One by one the rest of the table also looked down at their menus, the only three people who didn’t react were Yoayorozu, to whom money was no object, and Katsuki and Izuku who already knew how expensive this place was.

 

“Holy shit…” Jiro whispered as she read down the menu.

 

“Oh man… I uh… I don’t think the money my Moms’ gave me is gonna cover this.” Kirishima said with an awkward chuckle.

 

“Yes… I must admit I wasn’t expecting it to be quite so- WHO CHARGES THAT FOR A SALAD!” Yoarashi suddenly explained as every face paled across the table.

 

Katsuki just rolled his eyes and looked out into the restaurant, finding the nearest server, “Oi asshole!”

 

“Kacchan!”

 

Said server’s head spun round with a scowl on their face but it quickly vanished when they saw the table and was replaced with a sigh, “Bakugou, Midoriya, it’s always good to see you both and I see you have… friends…?”

 

Katsuki narrowed his eyes at the server's surprised tone, “Yeah, we got friends, what of it?”

 

The server snorted in response, too used to Katsuki’s attitude, “I just never thought you’d ever allow anyone else into the weird thing you two got going.”

 

“Pffft, whatever,” Katsuki said as Izuku shrunk back slightly, “Do us a favour and put everyone’s meal on the normal tab.”

 

“Sure, let me know when you’re ready to order.” The server said before walking off to serve another table that Izuku swore had Best Jeanist sat at.

 

“Oh. My. God!” Uraraka cried as the server left before she jumped up and wrapped her arms around Katsuki, “Thank you, thank you, thank you! Half of this stuff looks so good and I was so worried about paying!”

 

Katsuki blushed slightly under the assault and tried to pry her off him, “H-Hey! Get off me! I don’t need a hug cause we’re paying for your meal!”

 

“Nope!” Uraraka declared as she just wrapped her arms around him tighter, “You deserve all the hugs Bakugou!”

 

“W-what about Zuzu!? He’s also part of this!” Katsuki cried out and continued to fight Uraraka with no luck.

 

“Tough!” Uraraka said and didn’t loosen her grip, internally Izuku pondered how someone with super strength couldn’t force a five foot something girl off him, this would definitely make good black mail material later.

 

“Wait,” Jiro said, “Are you guys sure your parents won’t mind paying?”

 

Izuku shrugged, “It’s not our parents tab, it’s the hero who trained us and he did say we could use it any time.”

 

“JUST WHO THE HELL IS THIS HERO!?” Ashido shouted at the top of her voice and all but leapt out of her seat, far too fast for Jiro to react and reel her in.

 

“OI!” A shout came from across the restaurant, “Some of us are trying to enjoy our lunch you know!”

 

The table of teenagers all turned their attention to the other side of the seating where a muscular woman in jeans and a t-shirt had stood on her chair to shout across the room. Izuku nearly toppled out of his seat when he recognized her even out of her hero costume.

 

“Rumi please…” Said the blonde woman who was sitting with the rabbit hero and Izuku nearly started to hyperventilate when he recognized her as Ryukyu.

 

“Who the fuck let these kids in here anyway?” Miruko shouted before scanning the crowd as if the culprit was hiding among them.

 

At the table nearly everyone had paled and started to shrink back from Japan's number one female hero. Nobody in their right mind would dare stand up to a pissed off Miruko, especially not first year hero students.

 

Except of course for one person.

 

“Oi Bunnybitch!” Katsuki shouted as he too clambered onto his chair to the utter horror of the rest of the table, “Why don’t you mind your own fucking buisniess and settle down!”

 

“Kacchan!”

 

“Settle down!?” Miruko cried as a wide smile grew on her face, “Kid are you even old enough to shave yet!? Sit down and I’ll get you your bib to eat at the kiddies cafe down the road.”

 

“Rumi!”

 

Izuku could practically see steam flowing out of Katsuki’s ears and felt his brother's quirk flare up, “WHO YOU CALLING A KID!? I’LL BEAT YOU ASS DOWN ANY DAY OF THE WEEK!”

 

“HAH!” Rumi shouted and slammed her fist into her palm, “YOU WANT A FUCKING CHALLANGE THEN COME TAKE IT KID!”

 

Both parties were desperately trying to fight off the grip Izuku and Ryukyu had one them. At the other end of the table Jiro slammed her head down onto the hardwood, the loud smack making both Ashido and Kirishima jump.

“Can we at least get drinks before we’re kicked out?” Jiro groaned.

 

In the end Izuku and Ryukyu managed to calm down their respective hotheads and while many of the other heroes wanted the teenagers kicked down they all quickly shut up when they were told it was All Might who had booked the table for the students. The rest of the lunch actually passed without any further incident bar a few squabbles. In fact if anything Izuku and Katsuki could honestly say they had enjoyed themselves though still didn’t get the point in it all.

 

However, when Yagi collected the boys to take them home he couldn’t help but notice how much more relaxed the pair were and the small smiles they both had the entire journey back. 

 

---

 

The first Monday back at school after the USJ was creepily… normal. Izuku wasn’t sure what he expected when his alarm went off that morning yet he felt no different to any other day. His stomach grumbled for breakfast and his hunger hummed beneath his skin, excited to go back to the place full of powerful quirks. The one major change was that Izuku could also feel his four new quirks just beneath his skin. Despite the situation in which he gained them the thought made him smile, he’d finally be able to show the rest of his class what he could do. But first he needed to get dressed.

 

The rest of the morning also passed relatively normally. Kastuki shouted about being late while Izuku trudged around with a slice of toast hanging out his mouth as Masaru watched the whole scene with a soft smile and cup of coffee before Inko and Mistuki woke up just in time to kiss the boys goodbye. Even the train to school was painstakingly dull as Izuku tried to get a quick nap in.

 

All in all it was like nothing happened, as per the usual Izuku and Katsuki were the first to arrive and Izuku took his normal place leaning against Todoroki’s desk until the boy arrived chatting away to Katsuki. It wasn’t until Todoroki arrived that the real impact of the USJ hit the brothers.

 

“-I think working on my ranged combat would be best for now, heat-vision is my strongest attack so training it up will be the most useful.” Izuku said as he and Katsuki discussed their incoming lessons for the day.

 

“Don’t get too focused on one aspect, it might be weak but Kinetic Energy could be useful as your base quirk if you buff up a little.” Katsuki responded as he leaned back in his chair.

 

“What do you mean?” Izuku pouted and prodded his bicep slightly, he might not have been the walking mountains that were Yoarashi and Katsuki but he had spent nearly a year now training with All Might.

 

“Pfft, you might not be as lanky as dunce face and tape boy but you’re well behind shitty hair and four eyes,” honestly Izuku had to spend half his time chatting to Katsuki working out who he was referring to, “Maybe aim for the same physique as shitty hair, his quirk actually works in a similar way, it’s tough but doesn’t amplify his physical strength that much so he needs to make sure he can punch hard enough to back his quirk up.”

 

Izuku nodded along with Katsuki’s thinking, it made a lot of sense, but he decided to ponder the conversation and turned to greet the new energy that had just walked up outside to the door.

 

“Good Morning Todoroki, I hope that you… are…”

 

Izuku trailed off as Todoroki walked into the classroom, Katsuki nearly fell back in his chair before he let it fall back on all four legs with a bang. Though the sound did nothing to Izuku who could only stare at Todoroki as he paused as he got into the classroom.

 

Honestly Todoroki looked completely recovered from the battle, he looked as healthy as ever. His dual coloured hair shone slightly in the morning light, his face lacked any fresh cars or bruises and his uniform was as always immaculate and free of any creases or dust. What made Izuku and Katsuki silent however was when you got down to Todoroki’s legs. On his left his uniform remained tailor fitted but on his right… Apparently the damage to Todoroki’s leg had been worse than they expected.

 

Todoroki’s right leg had been amputated.

 

His school pants whet about halfway down his thigh before they had been cleanly cut. After that Todoroki had a robotic leg. It was clearly expensive and high quality as it looked almost made out of solid silver and was polished to a perfect finish. There was a joint at his ‘knee’ and ‘ankle’ and the foot looked like any other human foot except it reflected the sunlight streaming in through the windows.

 

Izuku and Katsuki could only stare as Todoroki gave them a polite nod and walked over to his desk, his new metallic foot clanking every time he took a step. Silently the boy slid into his chair and started to empty his bag of his notebooks and supplies, like it was every other morning before lessons started. Katsuki and Izuku shared a concerned glance.

 

“Todoroki… I uh…” Izuku started but trailed off, having no idea what to say.

 

“Yes?” Todoroki said and looked up at the two brothers with a mild amount of surprise.

 

“Your fucking leg!” Katsuki blurted out, making Izuku wince slightly.

 

“Ah,” Todoroki said, turning away from the pair to look back at his desk, “Yes, I assumed people would notice.”

 

“Are… are you ok?” Izuku asked in a quiet voice, he was tempted just to take Todoroki’s quirk and push regeneration into him but he knew it was too late. He hated the limitations of transferring regeneration but as Yagi had pointed out, quirks weren’t designed to be transferred, it was only Izuku’s adaptable quirk factor that allowed him to wield all types of quirks so easily and even then some worked better than others.

 

Todoroki paused before he answered in a voice that held almost no emotion, “I… I think so?”

 

Katsuki frowned, “What do you mean you fucking think?”

 

Todoroki didn’t look up from his desk as he spoke and he suddenly sounded very vulnerable, “My father did not take my injury well… he hasn’t come home since the incident and has stayed in the office. He now considers his dream impossible.”

 

“His dream?” Izuku asked.

 

“Yes, to have a child that will surpass All Might as a hero. I can no longer be that child. Without my leg my ice will no longer be as effective as it once was, I can only produce it from my upper body and not directly onto the ground like I once did.” Todoroki spoke in monotone yet despite that Izuku could still tell that something was off about the boy.

 

“What about your fire?” Katsuki asked and even his voice lacked its usual bite behind it.

 

Though he didn’t look at them, Izuku could see Todoroki’s face shift into a frown, “I still refuse to use his fire. So I shall just have to rely on my weakened ice.”

 

Izuku and Katsuki glanced at each other, even despite their own issues they were completely out of their depth dealing with Todoroki’s obvious trauma.

 

“My sister asked if I still wanted to attend UA,” Todoroki said when neither Izuku or Katsuki broke the silence.

 

“What did you tell her?” Izuku asked with a soft voice, then tension in the room weighed down on all the three occupants.

 

“That I wasn’t sure.” Todoroki admitted and Izuku could see his shoulders physically sag as the words.

 

But before either of the brothers could respond the classroom door swung open before Sato and Hagakure walked in, chatting amongst themselves. Todoroki instantly stiffened up and his face fell back into its usual state. No emotion could be seen from the boy at all and it was like the past five minutes had never happened as the rest of the class started to trickle in.

 

Izuku shot a glance at Katsuki and the two had a silent conversation with Katsuki shrugging his shoulders and sighing slightly. They weren’t going to get anything out of Todoroki in the middle of homeroom so there was no point pushing it.

 

Izuku nodded in goodbye to Katsuki and quickly shuffled over to his own desk. Jiro, Ashido and Kirishima soon joined him in their corner and they chatted happily until the day started.

 

“So who do you think is gonna teach us with Aizawa being in the hospital?” Kirishima asked as he gazed towards the podium.

 

Before anyone could answer the question the classroom door was kicked open. Izuku instantly snapped his head to the doorway to see who was teaching them only to find himself staring straight into the hallway. Izuku (along with the entire class) slowly lowered their heads until they came face to face with a particularly grumpy looking Aizawa.

 

The class watched in silence as the man reached down and wheeled himself into the classroom. All eyes focused on the wheelchair Aizawa was using to move himself around, both his legs were in casts but other than that he appeared to be ok, albeit looking slightly more exhausted than usual. 

 

“Are you paralysed!?” Kaminari shouted out, causing over half the class to flinch, though Aizawa just rolled his eyes.

 

“Hardly, I suffered some pretty severe damage to my legs and Recovery Girl used most of her energy on her other patients, I’ll be back on my feet in no time.” The fact that one of those said patients was also sitting in the room went unsaid. 

 

Aizawa got to the front of the class and swivelled around to face everyone, “Now, before we get into it today I want to apologise.”

 

Most of the class looked surprised by this with even Katsuki raising a curious eyebrow. Izuku himself furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

 

“I know Nedzu has spoken to all your parents,” Aizawa continued, “But as your homeroom teacher I wanted to apologise to you all directly. What happened at the USJ is on us here at UA, we became complacent in our security and our lack of judgement backfired on you. I can assure we have already updated our security protocols to make sure this doesn’t happen again. Still, you went through something you shouldn’t have because of our mistakes and I, as well as the rest of the staff, deeply apologise for that. I know you’ve had some days off to recover but if any of you ever need to talk I’ll be here and if any of you feel the need Hound Dog can provide free counselling. If you don’t want to talk to your teachers please remember you also have two student representatives.”

 

Izuku and Ashido both gave affirmative nods of agreement despite the intense looks they were getting from the rest of the class. The air felt thick to Izuku’s lung and he swallowed, it was a reminder of how close they’d come to having a smaller class.

 

“Good,” Aizawa said and with one word the entire mood of the class shifted and Izuku felt himself breathing again, “Now, you may have won one battle but your next battle is about to begin.”

 

And the mood was back, Izuku sucked in a breath as did most of the class. He felt his chest constrict and panic rise within him. He also, concerningly, felt his hunger flare up within him, eager at the thought of opportunities to take more quirks.

 

“You have just a few weeks to prepare for your next fight,” Aizawa said and his eyes narrowed as he looked over the class, “The UA Sports Festival.”

Notes:

So just to doubly explain because I know a lot of people were asking: Izuku can give regeneration to someone to keep them alive but it won't regrow limbs as it doesn't understand that there is a limb missing. Basically quirks weren't designed to be taken and transferred so Izuku just flipping them between people isn't always going to work out.

Anyways, thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 24: Whatever It Takes

Summary:

As Class 1A prepares for the sports festival Izuku comes to a realisation

Izuku closed his English textbook with a groan. He loved Present Mic he really did but the man's constant energy could be exhausting in a classroom setting. Even Izuku could only get so excited over verbs and nouns. Despite Mic’s overabundance of energy about grammar the moment he walked out of the classroom a few minutes before the lunch bell the class erupted into excitement.

 

“Oh man, I nearly forgot about the sports festival!” Kirishima exclaimed and pumped  his fist in the air, “I can’t wait to show the pro’s what I’m made of!”  

 

“You better bring it Kiri!” Ashido matched Kirishima’s enthusiasm with her own, “I might not have a hard hitting quirk but you can bet I’m putting on a performance.”

 

“Ugh,” Jiro groaned and slammed her head on the table as Kirishima and Ashido eyed each other with mock looks of fury, “I’ll try my best but the festival is always geared towards combat oriented quirks over those of use with more passive quirks.”

 

“Not always,” Izuku said as he started to pack his stuff away, his stomach already grumbling at the thought of lunch as Jiro’s jacks pointed in his direction, indicating she was in fact paying attention, “Admittedly the last round is always focused on combat but five years ago the first round was a scavenger hunt and two years before that the group event was rescue scenario. They just don’t get as much media attention but the pro’s are always watching… the important ones anyway.”

 

Slowly Jiro lifted her head off her desk, her eyes critically analysing Izuku who squirmed slightly under the look. She paused before a smile grew on her face.

 

“Yeah, maybe you’re right Midoriya… Alright! I might not win but you can bet I’m gonna bring the fight!” Jiro declared mimicking Kirishima’s fist pump though a little more awkwardly.

 

“You must be excited too Midoriya! I mean just think about all the heroes who will be watching!” Kirishima said with a wide toothy smile.

 

“Uh… Y-yeah, I can’t wait.” Izuku stuttered out and forced a smile onto his face.

 

Truthfully he was dreading the sports festival. On the one hand he had watched the festivals ever since he was a child, to be competing in one now felt surreal and like a dream come true. To be able to stand on that podium, show his parents who he was, make everyone proud and prove to the world he was a hero. It was something he’d dreamt of since he could think. But he knew full well getting onto that podium meant he’d need to use his quirk to its fullest, otherwise he didn’t stand a chance against the likes of Katsuki and Yoarashi, even if he did have four stockpiled quirks. But that meant revealing the true nature of his quirk to not just his classmates but to the world. 

 

In the back of his mind Izuku ideally wondered if his biological father watched the sports festival. Izuku had rarely pondered who his father was, his mother had been honest with him about the fact that she only ever found out what she suspected was a fake name. Izuku had come to terms with his mysterious parentage a long time ago, but something about going on national TV and showing off his quirk to the world left a bad taste in his mouth.

 

Before Izuku could spiral into another angst session he was pulled back to reality by a jerk to his seat. He frowned and turned around to face Ashido who was glaring at him having just kicked his chair.

 

“Check your phone!” She hissed.

 

“Huh?” Izuku answered in confusion though he grabbed his phone anyway.

 

1-A and 1-B Dictators

 

Big Sis Energy: Hey guys, we’re really sorry, I tried to stop them but Monama got them all riled up!

 

The Art Of War: Sensei announced the sports festival today and mentioned a bit of friendly competition with 1A

 

Big Sis Energy: Long story short Monama and few others turned it into some big rivalry about how we needed to help knock you down a few pegs having defeated the villains at the USJ

 

The Art of War: About two thirds the class rounded up to come ‘declare war’ on you guys, they also picked up some general education kids along the way. Just be prepared for a crowd outside your door

 

Pink Mistress: Well shit, thanks for the heads up guys!

 

Green Overlord: Yeah! We’ll try to keep the worst of our class at bay!

 

Green Overlord: Wait… what happened to my nickname?

From behind him Ashido giggled to which Izuku just rolled his eyes, at least he was starting to get used to her teasing.

 

“YOU DON’T STAND A FUCKING CHANCE AIRHEAD! BOTH YOU AND ROUND CHEEKS ARE GOING DOWN!” 

 

Katsuki’s shout drew most of the class's attention as the boy smirked at both Yoarashi and Uraraka who were giving him equal looks of determination back. Yaoyorozu sat next to three giggling slightly while Todoroki either ignored or chose not to notice what was going on right next to him. Izuku chuckled, he knew Katsuki was going to give it his all and from the looks on their faces so were Uraraka and Yoarashi. He’d never seen Uraraka look quite so fierce.

 

But then Katsuki threw his rucksack over his shoulder and started making his way to the door of the classroom. Exactly where Izuku could see at least three dozen separate quirks waiting for them.

 

“Shit.”

 

Izuku scrambled out of his seat and all but flew across the classroom, Jiro letting out a yelp of surprise as he used her desk to launch himself. He landed directly in front of the door and swivelled round to smile up at a completely frozen Katsuki.

 

“Uhhh… Hey Kacchan!” izuku said dumbly and gave the boy a little wave.

 

Katsuki blinked in surprise before frowning, “What the fuck are you doing?”

 

“Uh…” Izuku opened his mouth with a response but apparently his brain didn’t get the memo as he failed to form any comprehendible words.

 

“He has an announcement!” Ashido announced suddenly, appearing next to Izuku.

 

“He does?” Katsuki asked?

 

“I do?” Izuku asked, making Katsuki look at him like he’d just confessed his undying love for Present Mic.

 

Ashido shot him a glance that Izuku managed to piece together in his mind.

 

“I do!” Izuku declared with slightly too much enthusiasm.

 

“Everyone!” Came a shout from within the room and all three students near the door turned to watch as Iida tried to slice UA in half with his arms, “Please pay attention! Our class president has an announcement!

 

Izuku flinched as the entire class silenced and turned their attention to the green and pink haired duo blocking their way to lunch. A dangerous position to be in when 18 hungry hero students wanted to leave. Ashido and Izuku shared a nervous glance before Izuku cleared his throat.

 

‘Come on Izuku, you haven’t spent hours pretending to give hero speeches in the shower for nothing.’

 

“Everyone,” Izuku said in what he hoped was a semi confident tone, “I just wanted to say that with the Sports Festival coming up I uh… I hope to see you all try your best! And uh… well… in terms of the other classes… we should… we should… uh…”

 

“We should support a healthy rivalry but remember we’re all students, hero or otherwise and so let's try to remain on friendly terms!” Ashido managed to finish up before Izuku made a complete fool of himself in front of the entire class.

 

Most of the class seemed to nod in agreement at their request though there were also a few who rolled their eyes or scoffed at the idea. Katsuki himself frowned slightly before rolling his eyes.

 

Pfft, whatever. Now will you two move, I’m starving.” Katsuki said and pushed past the pair before either could react.

 

“Kacchan wait!” Izuku desperately cried and tried to grab Katsuki’s elbow, but it was too late, Katsuki reached out and pulled the classroom door open.

 

“What the fuck? Katsuki exclaimed as he took a step back slightly as dozens of eyes stared at him.

 

“Hello!” Ashido cheered as she jumped in front of Katsuki before the boy could explode, “We’re class 1A!”

 

Izuku sighed with relief, if there was anyone that could diffuse the situation it was Ashido. The girl offered a bright and friendly smile in contrast to the scowl that had appeared on Katsuki’s face. Though the crowd didn’t seem to share her enthusiasm.

 

“Huh, pink skin, how interesting.” Came a borderline snarl from the crowd.

 

“W-What?” Ashido stuttered, her smile faltering.

 

From the crowd pushed forward two people. The first was a tall lanky boy with blonde hair and a smug smile. The second student was so short Izuku at first thought that an elementary school kid had sneaked their way into UA. However the uniform showed otherwise, the short boy appeared to have purple balls on his head instead of hair and was giving Ashido a look that made something stir in Izuku’s chest.

 

“Please Mineta,” The smug boy said with a slight scowl at Ashido, “The 1B girls are far superior to what 1A has to offer. None of them have quite so… distinguished features.”

 

At this point Ashido’s face fell completely and she even took a step back from the pair. Izuku scowled and he felt his hunger practically roar within him, begging to be let loose at the two students who had just insulted Ashido. And for once Izuku was inclined to allow it. But before Izuku got the chance two other people pushed their way out of the classroom.

 

“Yo what the fuck dude!?” Jiro said with a scowl as she and Kirishima stood protectively in front  of Ashido.

 

“Yeah man, that’s not manly at all! Ashido is a great looking girl, any guy or girl would be lucky to have her!” Kirishima declared as he took his place next to Jiro with an uncharacteristic scowl on his face.

 

“Pfft, you were right Monama,” Mineta said with an eyeroll, “They really are arrogant.”

 

“Arrogant?” Kirishima asked as Izuku stamped on Katsuki’s foot before the boy could prove that Mineta might actually have a point.

 

“Absolutely, you think just because you faced some villains it means you're better than us?” Monama sneered at them, giving them all a disgusted look.

 

“Because we faced… Dude, do you think we WANTED to fight villains?” Jiro said with a disbelieving look.

 

“Yeah man! It wasn’t like we asked for it, I mean I got my leg broken and everything.” Kirishima said as he subconsciously lifted his leg up, in the back of Izuku’s mind he saw flashes of Todoroki and his new robotic leg.

 

“Pfft, how pathetic,” Monama said and Izuku felt his hunger nearly lash out of control at those words as Kirishima’s face fell, “You’re supposed to be hero students and you faltered in your first fight.”

 

Izuku could see Kirishima’s frown deepen as he clenched his fists, his hands hardening automatically. His knuckles were white and Izuku suspected if he hadn’t hardened his hands Kirishima would have drawn blood. His face had morphed into one of pain and guilt and with a start Izuku realised how Kirishima must have felt about the whole situation, being taken out of the fight halfway through.

 

“Hey man, that’s not even remotely fair. We were fighting real villains, Kirishima held out as best he could and managed to protect me and Midoriya.” Jiro said as her frown deepened and she folded her arms (and jacks) glaring at Monama.

 

“Pfft, protect you? Were you even worth-”

 

Suddenly Monama was silenced as Izuku’s hand was placed on his shoulder. Everyone around them looked on in surprise, not even realising Izuku had moved. The moment Izuku touched Monama his hunger latched onto the 1B members quirk, even though Izuku could take at range touching someone made taking their quirk child's play. Not that Izuku stole Monama’s quirk, instead he latched onto it and pulled slightly, just enough to make sure Monama could feel it but not enough to actually remove the quirk from him. Monama paled considerably as he felt his quirk go haywire within himself.

 

“I would be very careful about finishing that sentence.” Izuku said in a low and quiet voice that only those in the immediate vicinity could hear.

 

“W-What are you…” Monama stuttered out but was unable to finish as Izuku gave a particularly rough tug on his quirk.

 

“Now then!” Izuku said, switching to a cheery voice as he smiled out at the gathered students, his hand still on Monama’s chest, “Hello everyone, I’m Izuku Midoriya, Class President for 1A. Now I can understand the interest in our class after the USJ incident however if you have any intention of mocking my classmates over what was a very traumatic experience then I can assure you I’ll make sure you’re in Nedzu’s office by the end of the day. So if you just came here to mock or stir up trouble I’m going to kindly have to ask you to leave.”

 

Most of the gathered crowd coward slightly at Izuku’s words and a few looked away guilty before turning and walking away from the classroom. A few brave souls however gave him hardened looks and refused to budge, this included Mineta.

 

“As if, Monama why don’t-”

 

But Monama apparently had also decided to leave the situation as he grabbed Mineta by the wrist and yanked the small boy back.

 

“Mineta lets go!” Monama hissed though he never took his fear-filled eyes off Izuku.

 

Mineta only had time to cry out in surprise before Monama all but dragged him away down the hall far from the crowd. With the pair of them exiting it led to a majority of the students moving away, most apparently only there for the show. All that was left was just under a dozen students which Izuku could tell were all from General Education based on their uniforms.

 

“What are you fuckers still doing here?” Katsuki barked and for once it seemed most of class 1A agreed with him as several angry scowls were being sent towards the students blocking their way for lunch.

 

“We came to see the competition,” Said one boy in a bored tone and Izuku almost had to a double take, for a moment he thought Aizawa had disguised himself as a student and dyed his hair purple, “Afterall, you are the class to beat in the sports festival.”

 

“We are?” Uraraka said as she looked down at herself, as if she expected to have found herself switched into another body.

 

“Of course we are,” Katsuki said and narrowed his eyes at the purple boy, “We beat back an army of villains, if they beat us they can technically say they could’ve done the same. Which gives them precedent to join the hero course.”

 

The purple boy raised an eyebrow at Katsuki, “I’m surprised someone on the hero course bothered to know that information. But yes, if someone from the general education course does well enough they can replace someone on the hero course who fails to impress. So consider this a declaration of war.”

 

Apparently this declaration of war was directed mainly at Katsuki as the purple boy looked him dead in the eye as he said it. Izuku, as well as most of the class, tensed as Bakugou’s eyes narrowed and his shoulders visibly tightened.

 

But Katsuki simply smirked at the boy, “Fine. You want a war? You got one, but you better bring your absolute best because anything less and we’ll fucking crush you.”

 

To the purple boy's credit he didn’t flinch back from Katsuki, though that may be because he wasn’t aware Katsuki could crush his skull with his bare hands.

 

“Noted.” The boy said before he turned and departed the way he came with a walk that was far too casual for a boy who had just declared war on 20 hero students.

 

With their apparent leader gone the rest of the general education students slowly disappeared, though a few sent some last minute glares at the now very confused class. Nobody was really quite sure what had just happened or how to handle it as 20 students stood awkwardly flowing from their classroom through the door and into the hallway. The silence was eventually interrupted by the sounds of Uraraka’s stomach.

 

“Pleaseee can we go for lunch now,” she whined,

 

“Whatever, come on Round Cheeks.” Katsuki said and grabbed Uraraka’s hand and pulled her towards the lunch hall causing the girl to squeak in surprise.

 

The rest of the class quickly followed and Izuku was easily drawn into a discussion with Yoayorozu and Yoarashi about what their afternoon heroics lesson might consist of.

 

Meanwhile however Jiro and Kirishima were staring at the spot Izuku had been standing moments before as he spoke to the crowd. Both had unfocused gazes and had mild blushes on their faces, completely unaware the rest of their class had gone on ahead.

 

They were snapped out of it when Ashido appeared between them, throwing an arm around each of their shoulders as she glanced at both of them with a shit eating grin.

 

“Scared and horny right?”

 

---

 

As it turned out their practical heroics lesson for the day was a mock infiltration mission. They were split into four random teams of five for the exercise which consisted of making their way through a bunker filled with enemy robots to rescue a hostage. The robot’s weren’t exceptionally tough but the point was they needed to make sure no harm came to the hostage during their mission. Therefore a simple drawn out fight wouldn’t work, not to mention they need to actually work out ways to get into the base. Even Katsuki couldn’t punch through a steel bomb door.

 

However, that didn’t stop the first team, consisting of Katsuki, Yoarashi, Ashido, Sero and  Iida from choosing force over tactics. To their credit they managed to smash through the bunker, with Ashido melting most of the physical obstacles, within 10 minutes with Iida charging into the centre room and grabbing the hostage before fleeing the scene leaving the rest of his team to fight their way out. Not that Katsuki complained about it.

 

The second team consisted of Yaoyorozu, Kaminari, Uraraka, Shoji and Ayoama and had taken a much more cautious and tactical approach. Utilising Kaminari they had first fried all the security systems in the bunker meaning all they had to worry about were the robots. Though they still chose to largely sneak around them using Shoji as recon. In the end they had grabbed the hostage before fighting their way out much like the first team, Uraraka floating with the hostage away from the main battle.

 

The third team had honestly been rather disappointing, mainly because it contained Hagakure, Todoroki, Ojiro, Tokoyami and Koda. Using rats Koda was able to scope out the bunker and confirm its layout at which point Hagakure went in solo and managed to sneak past all the guards, grab the hostage and get out without raising the alarm. It meant the rest of her team simply hung back and waited but it was a credit to just how good Hagakure was at stealth.

 

Finally it was down to the last team with Izuku, Jiro, Kirishima, Tsuyu and Sato. They had quickly decided that stealth was their preferable option. Luckily Izuku had been watching the other teams and so was able to use his pathfinder quirk to find the best route to the central room, when asked by his team mates he simply stated it was a part of his quirk, which they accepted. Combined with Jiro performing recon and keeping an ear out for the robot patrols, the team had made it halfway into the base without any issue.

 

“Ribbet, well, it seems we’ve hit our first major issue.” Tsuyu said as the five students looked up at the giant steel door blocking their way.

 

“I thought you said your quirk would find us the route without obstacles?” Sato asked Izuku with a frown.

 

“I thought it did…” Izuku mumbled with his own confused frown, all his research had told him pathfinder would guide him to his destination unopposed, well, call him crazy, but Izuku found a locked door made of a foot of solid steel to be quite opposing.

 

“It looks like it needs some sort of code,” Tsuyu commented as she played around with the digital pad next to the door, careful not to touch it and set off any alarms.

 

“Uh, how exactly are we supposed to find that?” Kirishima asked as he scratched his head, looking up at the door.

 

Jiro sighed, “My best guess is one of the robots posing as a general will have a code. Which robot it is and where it is could be anyone’s guess, it could take an hour or more to find it.”

 

“Reckon we could break through it?” Kirishima asked Sato as the pair pushed against the door, trying to feel how thick or strong it was. Long story short, it was strong.

 

“Not a chance, even if we used all our strength and kept pushing or attacking it it would take too long and generate too much noise.” Sato said with a sigh as he stepped back from the door.

 

“Looks like we’re gonna have to retreat,” Tsuyu said, “It’s not like we can melt it.”

 

Melt!

 

Izuku’s eyes widened, he’d been half listening to the conversation, trying to work out why pathfinder wasn’t working. He was sure the quirk wouldn’t take him down an impassable route. Unless of course the quirk didn’t think the door was impassable. To an extent it had to have some form of awareness to know the routes it suggested, so it wasn’t impossible to think that while at first the steel door may seem like an impossible thing to get through maybe pathfinder knew of a way that it wasn’t. 

 

“Everyone stand back.” Izuku commanded which caused his team to turn to him in surprise but they didn’t question him and retreated a few feet behind him.

 

“This might attract some attention, Jiro, keep an ear to the ground.” Izuku said and Jiro nodded, sticking one jack into the floor and pointed the other down the corridor they were in.

 

“Uh dude,” Kirishima said and furrowed his eyebrows, “What are you-”

 

Before he could finish, red hot beams of heat shot out of Izuku’s eyes. They pierced one corner of the door, the steel instantly creaking and bubbling under the extreme heat as it melted down onto the floor. Slowly Izuku started to move his gaze, cutting out a hole in the steel door inch by inch. As the beams ripped out of his eyes he could feel the heat on his face, regeneration was stopping him from losing his eyes completely but that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. Izuku grit his teeth and clenched his fists as he slowly worked around the door. Eventually he made it full circle and cut off his beams, instantly collapsing to his knees and panting.

 

The door whined and hissed from the heat before it slowly fell back and slammed down onto the ground on the other side. The crash echoed throughout the hallway and made Izuku wince at the noise, there was no way that was going unnoticed. But at least they had a way to move forward now.

 

“Well, that’ll work, ribbet.” Tsuyu said as she leapt next to Izuku, giving him a nod before she leapt through the new hold in the door and down the corridor.

 

“You good Midoriya?” Sato asked as he ran up and slapped Izuku on the back, it probably would’ve made the boy collapse if he wasn’t used to Katsuki doing the same.

 

Izuku looked up at Sato and offered him a shaky smile as he got back on his feet, “Yeah, I’ll be ok, that just takes a lot out of me is all.”

 

Sato nodded before making his way through the door and following, “Nice work though, awesome quirk man!” he said and shot Izuku two thumbs up.

 

Izuku sighed and rubbed his eyes, luckily he hadn’t temporarily blinded himself and regeneration had already gotten rid of the worst pain. But they still stung, he really needed to train so he could use heat-vision for longer.

 

“Ok guys, I don’t think we’re too far off now.” Izuku said and looked behind him to face Kirishima and Jiro, but when he did he froze.

 

Both had pale faces and their eyes were locked onto Izuku. Said eyes were filled with recognition but of course they were. Kirishima and Jiro knew exactly what quirk Izuku had just used. They had been on the receiving end of it less than a week ago. It wasn’t an experience you could forget. The corridor was plunged into silence as the three students stared at each other and Izuku felt his heart practically stop, his breath caught in his throat and he felt like someone had grabbed his soul through his chest. Even his hunger had died down, seemingly aware of the tense situation.

 

“Ribbet, are you guys coming? We shouldn’t be far now.” Tsuyu called and instantly all three students let out breaths they hadn’t realised they were holding.

 

“R-right!” Kirshima stammered out and shook his head violently, “Lets go guys!”

 

Grabbing Jiro by the hand Kirishima pulled her through the doorway leaving Izuku behind. Izuku furiously rubbed his eyes as he slowly lowered his breathing. It wasn’t that they still hurt but rather he refused to cry knowing the entire class was watching. Because when Jiro and Kirishima had run past him they shot him a look that Izuku knew all too well.

 

They were afraid of him.

Up in the control room for the exercise there was utter silence as the rest of Class 1A witnessed Izuku melt through the steel door for the exercise. All Might himself stood at the front by the control panels monitoring the team's progress as well as controlling the robots. Though he appeared to be focused on the exercise he was making sure to keep one ear open to the conversation of the class. Especially after that display from Izuku.

 

“THAT’S his quirk!?” Ashido cried out, breaking the silence as she waved her arms out in front of her.

 

“Yeah? What of it!?” Katsuki barked at her as he side stepped to avoid her flailing hands.

 

“It’s fucking awesome!” Ashido shouted and squealed at the screen currently focused on Izuku.

 

“Language!” All Might reprimanded though he didn’t look behind him and most of the class didn’t acknowledge him.

 

“Odd,” Yoayorozu commented with a frown, “I don’t remember his quirk being like that back at the entrance exam.”

 

Yaorashi nodded from where stood next to her, “True, but still! What an impressive quirk, no wonder Midoriya is practically top of the class!”

 

“Oi! I think you’ll find I’m at the fucking top Airhead!?” Katsuki shouted and glared at Yoarashi though Yoarashi just smiled even wider at the accusation.

 

“Pfft please,” Uraraka said with a giggle, “You’re like fourth at most, Yaoyorozu, Midoriya and Todoroki are easily ahead of you right now.”

 

“I will soon drop.” Todoroki said quietly from the back of the class though in the confines of the control room it easily carried to everyone's ears.

 

Most of the class winced, though the topic had not been brought up verbally Todoroki’s new leg was hard to miss. His costume had been seamlessly changed to adapt to it but all it took was a glance to see it. A few of the boys in the changing room had made to ask him about it but one glare from Katsuki and a polite cough from Izuku had silenced them.

 

“Is that really an S Grade quirk?” Ojiro asked with a sceptical look in his eye and Katsuki ground his teeth together when a few other people nodded in agreement.

 

“Oui! If anything it is like a worse version of my own quirk.” Aoyama said with a smug grin and flapped his cape around slightly.

 

“As if man,” Sero said with a chuckle, “You can’t even knock someone out, Midoriya just melted solid steel.”

 

Aoyama’s face fell and it looked like Sero had just insulted his first born child. Katsuki just grunted and rolled his eyes at the whole situation.

 

“Oooh, I get it now!” Uraraka said from beside Katsuki as realisation dawned in her eyes.

 

“Huh? Get what?” Katsuki asked, looking down at her with a raised eyebrow.

 

“That’s why two are like, always training together. You're the opposite of each other!” Uraraka declared like she’d just had a eureka moment.

 

“One’s big and angry and the other is small and shy?” Ashido asked, her confused face matching Katsuki’s.

 

“No not that… be yes that too,” Uraraka said, “Bakugou is completely close range while Midoriya is completely long range. They’re each other's perfect counters! They’re quirks are practically opposites!”

 

Nobody in the class noticed All Might flinch at those words or the guilty expression that flashed across his face. 

 

---

 

Jiro and Kirhsima didn’t bring up Izuku’s quirk in the entire time between their lesson and the Sports Festival. Mainly because everyone was too busy. Yagi (and ‘All Might’) really ranked up their lessons in preparation, pushing them to their limits nearly every single day. But that didn’t mean the class slacked in the evening, everyone was also doing their own training at home, every hour spent free Katsuki and Izuku either worked on their quirks or tactics, coming up with counter plans for each of their classmates and trying to guess what the three events might be. As a result Izuku didn’t really have much time for his friends, not that they still didn’t all sit together at lunch and chat occasionally in their group chat but there was never the opportunity for Kirishima or Jiro to question or treat Izuku any differently. 

 

Still, that didn’t mean the rest of the class didn’t react to Izuku’s ‘quirk’. Ashido and Uraraka were the most excited by the discovery and launched dozens of questions at the boy. Yoayorozu and Yoarashi were less loud in their reactions and were more confused than anything, not really understanding how Izuku’s quirk worked. But again, with the anticipation of the sport festival they quickly lost interest in favour of training. As did the rest of the class as, in true teenage fashion, the excitement over Izuku’s quirk was forgotten by the next morning.

 

And so over the next couple of weeks Izuku, Katsuki and the rest of Class 1A threw themselves into training. Izuku got to grips with his new quirks while Katsuki managed to increase his percentage of One For All from 5% to 8%, it wasn’t much but with the amount of power behind One For All it made a significant difference to his fighting performance. And before anyone knew it the day had arrived. 

 

The 20 students of Class 1A were milling about in their waiting room before the festival and heavy tension filled the air as a few of them received last minute good luck texts from their families and friends. Nobody said a word however as they all mulled over what was to come, the only sound was the muffled cheers of the crowd as Mic welcomed them all to the stadium. Izuku himself sat in the corner away from everyone, flexing and playing with his right hand. Nedzu and Aizawa had agreed to let him keep one of his gloves for the festival provided it was just a standard glove.

 

“Midoriya.”

 

Izuku jumped slightly at the sound of his name and looked up to find Yoarashi standing above him though unlike usual he didn’t have his signature wide smile on his face. In fact if anything he looked far more serious than usual and had an intense look in his eyes and in the silent room had drawn everyone’s attention over to the pair.

 

“Y-Yoarashi, is everything ok?” Izuku managed to get out, not used to his friend's intense aura.

 

“We have faced each other multiple times now, The Recommendation Exam, Aizawa’s assessment and multiple lessons with All Might. In nearly every single one you have come out on top of me,” Yoarashi said in a tone that caused Izuku to sweat a little, “But today I’m going to throw everything I have against you as my rival. I won’t hold anything back in my quest to win here today.”

 

Izuku’s mouth opened and closed several times as he stared up at the boy, his mind trying to catch up with the situation he was in.

 

“Woah, man Yoarashi, that was intense!” Kirishima said with an awkward chuckle.

 

“Yeah, it almost sounds like you’re declaring war on Midoriya dude!” Kaminari said to which Yoarashi’s eyes lit up.

 

“Yes! Exactly!” Yoarashi declared and nearly every face in the class dropped, “Midoriya as my rival I formally declare war on you for this Sports Festival!”

 

Somewhere in the room Ashido snorted while Izuku gulped and managed to stand on shaky legs to face Yoarashi.

 

“O-OK Yoarashi, let's do it!”

 

“Alright! Let's show those pro’s what we can all do!” Kirishima cried with a signature fist bump.

 

“Hmm, declaring war huh?” Katsuki said as a feral grin grew on his face, “You know what, I like it! In which case I declare war on every single one of you fuckers! You wanna beat me, you better bring your a-game! Especially you Scarface!”

 

Katsuki dramatically pointed directly at Todoroki who looked up from where he had been sitting silently, his robotic foot just visible under the end of his gym uniform. Todoroki looked at Katsuki with his usual lack of expression as a long pause stretched out among the class. Eventually Todoroki simply nodded his head.

 

“I will try my best despite the circumstances.”

 

Izuku sighed, he really needed to speak to Aizawa about Todoroki, the boy was clearly bottling up years of trauma and recent events had the risk of letting it all come crashing out at any moment. For now though Katsuki seemed satisfied with that answer and gave the class a smug grin.

 

“Jiro,” Shoji said as he walked up to the girl and put his hand on her shoulder giving it a slight squeeze, “As recon heroes people like us often struggle to show off in these events but I say together we do our best to show that recon heroes can excel just as much as combat based heroes.”

 

“R-Right!” Jiro said laughing nervously.

 

“Myself and Dark Shadow shall too be setting out to prove those with sentient quirks can work together and not be a constant tug of war for power,” Tokoyami said as he closed his fist over his heart.

 

“Yeah!” Dark Shadow exclaimed as he flew out from Tokoyami, “We’re gonna whoop all your asses!”

 

“Hey Koda!” Hagakure called, waving her uniform around to get the boys attention, “Just because we’re Grade E doesn’t mean we can’t win! Let's give it our all!”

 

Koda withered under the sudden attention but produced a small smile and thumbs up in response to Hagakure.

 

“All right! Let's get out there and show those fuckers who’s boss!” Uraraka cried while Iida tried to reprimand her for her language, Katsuki however had never looked more proud of someone.

 

“All classes to your starting positions, I repeat, all classes to your starting positions.” 

 

Izuku took a deep breath and turned to the rest of his class, “All right everyone, let's show them all what 1A is made of.”

 

A few cheers rang out through the class and even the less enthusiastic members of the gave nods in agreement. They left their waiting room and headed for the large hallway that would lead out into the stadium for the sports festival. They would be the very last class introduced and as they all waited Izuku could see over a hundred other students in front of him, excitable chatter filling the hall. Just in front of his own class stood 1B, a few turned to sneer at the class but there were also some who turned and gave more friendly greetings. 

 

One by one each class was introduced by Present Mic. With each class the cheers of the crowd grew larger and larger as they got closer to the hero students, it made Izuku wince internally but he knew the score. Even with their declaration of war it was unlikely most of the general education kids would be able to compete with hero students who had been training for weeks. Eventually 1B was welcomed to the field with defeating applause and 1A shuffled forward just by the entrance. Izuku took a few deep breaths to calm himself as his hunger vibrated under his skin, even at this range it could sense the sheer amount of quirks around him.

 

“And finally please welcome the class that’s already made headlines for their bravery and fighting prowess against The League of Villains! Class 1A!”

 

Present Mic’s voice amplified all over the stadium as Izuku’s legs went into autopilot and guided him out. The moment they got out into the open Izuku could feel his eardrums vibrate with the noise, next to him Katsuki scowled and Jiro had to cover her own ears. Izuku looked up into the crowds and gulped, that was a lot of people, not to mention the literal millions who would be watching live. 

 

“This is… a lot…” He mumbled as the collective group of first year students made their way to the stage where Midnight was standing.

 

“Good,” Katsuki scoffed, “That means more people will watch us decimate these extra’s.”

 

“Now then!” Midnight shouted with a wide smile and swing of her hips which made most of the boys (and a good chunk of the girls) in the crowd shiver with delight, “Welcome to this year's first years Sports Festival! Along with Cementoss I’ll be your referee for today while Present Mic as always will be providing commentary throughout the game!”

 

“That’s right, Midnight!” Present Mics voice came roaring through the many speakers surrounding the stadium, “I’ll be giving all you folks in the stadium and at home a play by play of today's events. But I won’t be doing it alone, with me to provide a full commentary on the games is UA’s very own Eraserhead!”

 

There were a few confused cheers from the gathered crowd, most didn’t know who Eraserhead was or if they did know who he was they had no idea what the hell a man like Aizawa was doing up there with Present Mic.

 

“I’m only here because I’m being paid… and I lost a bet.” Aizawa grumbled much to 1A’s amusement.

 

“Now then, before we begin, let's hear from this year's student representative!” Midnight cheered with a crack of her whip.

 

Izuku frowned in confusion slightly, he wasn’t aware of any student representative, nothing had come up at any of their student council meetings. He somehow managed to find Kendou who shot him a questioning look to which Izuku just shrugged, apparently neither hero president had any idea who this so-called representative was.

 

“Please welcome to the stage Katsuki Bakugou!”

 

Oh God.

 

Oh fuck.

 

Oh Jesus Christ.

 

Katsuki was the student representative!? The boy whose favourite method of communication was to shout insults across the room at everyone!? Of course, he’d gotten the highest on the entrance exam, Izuku supposed it made a kind of sense. With a sudden horror realisation Izuku saw that Katsuki had already left his side and was halfway up the stage to the microphone. 

 

Well, at least they had a good run.

 

There was complete silence as Katsuki walked up to the microphone and literally scowled at the gathered crowd. Next to Izuku Uraraka winced slightly at the expression.

 

“I’m sure it won’t be that bad…” She reassured a borderline hyperventilating Izuku.

 

“I’m gonna crush every single one of you, your fuckers aren’t even worth my time.”

 

“Nevermind.”

 

Izuku could only sigh as a series of boos rang out not just from the students but also the stands, even Midnight looked a little shocked at what Katsuki had said. The only person not to have boo’d was Ashido who had nearly collapsed from laughter.

 

“Oi! I ain’t finished!” Katsuki shouted into the microphone and surprisingly it did shut up the crowd, “I’m going to crush most of you because most of you aren’t really trying to be heroes. You’re just fakes, only in it for the fame, money and reputation. Just like some of the pro’s sat watching this whole event.”

 

Katsuki was interrupted as another round of boo’s erupted from the stadium in all directions, even Ashido had winced at his latest words. Although Izuku on the other hand had stopped cringing so much and raised an eyebrow, they had always talked about this sure, but he’d never expected Katsuki to just come out and say it in front of millions of people.

 

“Oh shut the fuck up!” Katsuki growled, “I don’t care what you all think. Cause I’m only here to be a real hero and to show the world what a true hero is. That’s why I’m gonna win, because I know what a real hero is supposed to be and I know the only people who are really gonna challenge me today are those who know the same. So if you’re just in this for the paycheck, I promise you won’t stand a chance against those of us here for the real reason.”

 

Katsuki let out one final growl for good measure before walking off the stage, leaving a stunned crowd in complete silence as the blond shoved his way back through the crowd to Izuku, glaring at anyone who dared look his way.

 

“That was some speech,” Izuku commented as Midnight returned to the microphone.

 

Katsuki scoffed, “Idiots should’ve told me beforehand.”

 

“And it looks like our first event is an obstacle course!” Midnight announced and Izuku realised she had already spun the wheel on stage to decide the event, “This event is simple! Simply run the obstacle course in a race, those who come in the top 42 places will move on to the second event!”

 

“And just a reminder for ‘those’ students, you actually need to complete the obstacle course to gain a place in this one.” Aizawa’s stern voice announced and both Izuku and Katsuki had to snort.

 

Slowly the gathered students moved over to the doorway that led to the course, immediately Katsuki frowned, “That’s way too small for how many of us there are.”

 

Izuku nodded in agreement, “So what’s the plan?”

 

Katsuki didn’t respond straight away, staring straight ahead as the countdown started from the minute mark. Eventually though he spoke without looking at Izuku and Izuku himself didn’t recognize the expression on Katsuki’s face.

 

“I meant what I said,” Katsuki said in a low and steady tone, “I’m going to win and I’m going to take down every single person here to do it. That includes you Zuzu.”

 

“H-Huh?” Izuku stuttered out in shock.

 

Katsuki finally turned to him, “I know if you give it your all you’ll give me the greatest fight out of everyone here. But only if you give it your all. That speech up there, that’s what I’m fighting for, that’s how I showed them what I’m fighting for. But what about you?”

 

“I…I…” Izuku’s mind went blank as he struggled to form any kind of response, his heart felt hollow and everything around him numbed.

 

Katsuki chuckled and reached out to ruffle Izuku’s hair, something he hadn’t done since they were kids, “Just think about it, I’m gonna get ahead. Good Luck little brother.”

 

“You’re only a few weeks older…” Izuku grumbled as Katsuki started to make his way through the crowd, shoving a few people out of the way and getting more than a few dirty looks.

 

Izuku glanced at the clock, 30 seconds left. Ok, his current stockpile wasn’t the best for manoeuvrability but he had natural talent that would at least see him through to the top 40. Then knowing UA for the team event he’d need to join up with people with strong and versatile quirks and then he… and then he… and…

 

What the fuck was he doing?

 

Katsuki was pushing his way to the front, he was more than willing to go all out to prove his strength. Jiro and Shoji had fierce looks on their faces, ready to break the stigma of recon heroes. Uraraka had never looked so determined and intense as she glared at the competition, she was prepared to injure herself over this event. Even some of the gen ed kids had an aura about them that Izuku knew all too well from his classmates.

 

And Izuku?

 

Izuku was thinking about staying on the side-lines to hide his quirk. To cower back in fear because he was scared of the reaction his classmates and the world would have to it. But wasn’t that the whole reason he wanted to be a hero? To show them all that the quirk didn’t make the man. Izuku thought about the people watching the festival, of the small child clutching their All Might plushie desperately hoping every year to see a quirk like theirs. A quirk that wasn’t pretty to look at, that most people looked at with fear. And the disappointment of never seeing a quirk like that among the hero classes.

 

And Izuku had the gall to call Todoroki out on not using his fire side.

 

His entire class was ready to throw themselves into this event and Izuku had let them down. He’d let his parents and Yagi down. But worst of all he’d let the so called ‘villain kids’ down he’d always swore to stand up for.

 

Izuku clenched his fists, he was done. He was done hiding because of how society might see his quirk. He was here to stand up for what he believed in. He was here to show the world that villain quirks could be used for good. If Katsuki could make a statement so could he and he’d do it by winning the sports festival.

 

And he didn’t care how many or whose quirks he had to take to do it.

Notes:

Hi all, thanks for all the kudos and comments! Just wanted to give you the heads up I'm going away for a couple of weeks so the next chapter will be delayed but I'll get it out to you all as soon as I can!

Chapter 25: All For One Unleashed

Summary:

As people around Japan settle in for the sports festival Izuku decides it's time to unleash his quirk

All For One was… frustrated. In his quest to turn Tomura into his perfect successor he had decided to take a step back from directly being involved in any of his plans such as the USJ attack. He even insisted on only being told minimal details, it would make it so much more entertaining. Not that he had expected Tomura to succeed of course, even with The Nomu All Might was far too strong for the plan to have actually worked. All For One would have been disappointed if All Might had fallen in his first battle with Tomura.

 

No, All For One was frustrated because when the League of Villains attacked the USJ they had wiped out all the security, including the cameras. Which also meant All For One was unable to watch the battle unfold, a rather disappointing turn of events. So he had to rely on Kurogiri’s report which had been less than stellar due to the man being encased in ice for half the battle. And even then what he had reported had hardly been good news.

 

The first issue was The Nomu had apparently malfunctioned, its regeneration factor had failed, much to the doctors chagrin. Their best theory so far was that All Might had simply done so much damage so quickly that not even the regeneration quirk could keep up. Sadly the body was now with the HPSC and even with his spies All For One had no access to it, Lady Nagant was annoyingly good at her job.

 

Then there were All For One’s mystery students, Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugou. Kurogiri was able to give him a brief rundown of their powers yet it if anything it made pinpointing the ninth wielder of One For All even more difficult. Bakugou appeared to have the most similar quirk to All Might in that it appeared to be an immense amount of strength and endurance. But All For One was well aware of how his counter quirk worked and that it may have simply been a coincidence. On the other hand Izuku Midoriya apparently had at least two quirks, one was a simple heat-vision while the other appeared to be similar to the regeneration quirk of The Nomu. It was possible the boy had a copy quirk but that didn’t explain why it was classified. It was entirely possible that One For All had amplified his quirk to appear as two when in reality it was still one quirk, much like the Todoroki boy.

 

It was most curious.

 

For weeks the situation had been nagging All For One, something about it all just didn’t add up. He just knew he was missing a key part of the puzzle.

 

But hopefully he would discover that today through the sports festival. He had a steaming cup of his favourite tea and had made himself comfortable in his life support throne as dozens of screens shone down upon him. Tomura couldn’t cut the feed this time.

 

As the Bakugou child finished his speech All For One raised an eyebrow, that was unexpected. Perhaps this year's festival would be more interesting than expected.

 

---

 

Mitsuki groaned as her head hit the coffee table with a resounding crack as Katsuki finished his speech. Next to her Masaru flinched, calculating the cost of a replacement coffee table in his head already as well as several other pieces of possible furniture. Not to mention the amount of wine that would need to be replaced after the day was up.

 

The UA Sports Festival had always been a chaotic day in their house, for obvious reasons. But this year was the first year their own sons were competing. And if there was one thing that Masaru knew the boys got from their mothers it was their competitiveness.

 

Inko giggled from her place alone on her favourite armchair, a box of mochi opened on one of the arm rests and a glass of red wine in her hand, “That’s a bold statement from Katsuki, it’ll cause a lot of the attention to be on him… which means Izuku can sneak in the win easily.”

 

Mitsuki raised her head, from where she sat next to Masaru on the sofa, off the coffee table. Internally Masaru whined at the spider web of cracks now within the wood. Mitsuki narrowed her eyes at Inko and straightend up, her glass of white wine held tightly in her hand.

 

“Don’t be so naïve Inko, Brat 1 is just making sure he can take out all the big guns first so he can get ahead early on. He’ll be miles ahead of Brat 2 by then!”

 

Inko just casually waved her off and rolled her eyes (which if anyone on the planet other than Inko had done that to Mitsuki they would have died there and then, not even Katsuki or Masaru would dare), “Katsuki’s enhancement quirk might be strong but Izuku has four quirks now, not even Katsuki can match that versatility.”

 

Suddenly Mitsuki was on her feet and Masaru had to reach out to stop the coffee table from being tipped over completely, “Katsuki doesn’t need versatility when he can just smash through his opponents!” Mitsuki shouted.

 

Slowly the argument became more intense as Masaru sighed and reached for his bottle of Sake. It was going to be a long day.

 

---

 

Aizawa frowned deeply as he tried his best to stretch out in the confines of his wheelchair. Next to him Mic glanced in his direction and bit his lip in concern.

 

“You know you really should have taken Midoriya up on his offer to swap your quirk with regeneration to heal your legs for you.” Mic said with a hint of disapproval in his voice.

 

Aizawa grunted, “I already told you and him no. Midoriya needs to get used to the feel of his four new quirks as quickly as possible. He can’t waste time on healing me, not when we have Recovery Girl already.”

 

“It would have taken a few minutes Sho.” Mic said with a sigh.

 

Aizawa didn’t respond as the two watched Katsuki walk to the microphone and an awkward silence overcame them. A rarity for the two friends. The truth was Aizawa was more dedicated to his students than any other teacher, sometimes to the detriment of his own health. His friends didn’t mind how dedicated he was but that didn’t mean they liked seeing him in a wheelchair because he was too stubborn to accept help from one of his students.

 

“Sheeesh!” Mic said as Katsuki finished up his speech, “That was a little on the nose don’t you think?”

 

Aizawa snorted, “This is Bakugou we’re talking about. I kind of liked it actually, best speech a student has given in years.”

 

Mic rolled his eyes and mumbled something about problem children being paired with problem teachers before he leaned back into the microphone to help Midnight announce the next event.

 

Aizawa too leaned forward and observed the screens in front of him as the students got in position for the start of the race. He started snapping his attention to his own class and was presently surprised to see most of them had worked out the initial trap with the tight corridor. He watched as Kirishima, Sato and a few others pushed to the front, that was fair, they all had physical quirks which could just push through the crowd.

 

He saw Asui, Uraraka and Ojiro move to the sides, smart, they could all get overhead of the crowd and use the walls to move forward while avoiding the stampede. He saw the glow of Yoayorozu’s quirk as she created several small gadgets in preparation, meanwhile Ashido was letting small amounts of acid drip off her while Todoroki severely cooled the air around him, both causing most students to step away from them. Aizawa nodded in agreement, there were no rules about using your quirk before the race started.

 

Then he caught sight of Katsuki, the boy was already pushing his way through the crowd. Several people glared and shouted at him but he ignored them all, it wasn’t like any of them could do anything. Katsuki was by far the physically strongest person in the first year of UA, anyone who did try to stand up to him was easily pushed aside. Looking closer Aizawa expected to see him smirking but instead Katsuki’s jaw was clenched and he had an almost neutral expression on his face bar his eyes. His eyes were locked onto the doorway at the start of the race and even from this distance Aizawa could see the fire behind them, the unwavering determination and intensity that All Might never shut up about. Aizawa had only briefly seen it before during the USJ (before he was backhanded into a wall) but hadn’t fully appreciated it. This was a Bakugou he had yet to fully experience.

 

Naturally after looking at Bakugou Aizawa’s attention switched to his other big problem child and he sucked in a sharp breath. Midoriya was well behind the rest of the year and seemed to be having some kind of mental crisis. The boy had wide eyes and was shaking slightly while holding his head in his hands. Aizawa had never seen him like this and knowing Midoriya’s quirk it could all end in disaster. He was about to ask Mic about it when Midoriya paused. His body stopped shaking and he took his hands from his head and seemingly stared down at the open palms. Then his face calmed, his features schooled and he clenched his fists. He knelt down slightly and looked out into the crowd of first years with narrowed eyes and Aizawa could see his mouth moving rapidly. Aizawa recognized the signs that Midoirya was rapidly analysing the quirks he could feel.

 

Aizawa’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Was Midoriya about to do what he thought he was? He and Yagi had discussed putting the pressure on after their internships but in the middle of the sports festival?

 

Aizawa’s surprised face morphed into a wide smirk. This year’s sports festival might actually be interesting for once.

 

---

 

‘You’re still welcome to join us and the boys after the festival to celebrate!’

 

Yagi smiled down at the text from Inko and shot a quick reply back promising that he would and that he’d even bring the boys back with him. He tucked his phone into his pocket and leaned back in his seat. The teachers box was filled with light conversation as the school staff all watched out into the stadium with anticipation. 

 

Yagi observed the stadium through the large windows of the box, from this distance the students were little more than a sea of blue and white gym uniforms. The screens dotted around the room showed them in more detail as Yagi's eyes switched between each one.

 

In the middle of the room sat Nedzu in what Yagi could only describe as a throne. It was significantly higher and larger than everyone else’s chair and had a wide control panel in front of it that Nedzu would use to monitor and control the festival. To his left Powerloader had a similar albeit smaller set up to aid Nedzu in the intricacies of the festival. The rest of the staff were spread out among the room in soft leather chairs. Apparently The Sports Festival was as entertaining to them as it was to the masses as several had snacks and drinks with them to watch it all unfold. 

 

Yagi couldn’t hold the snort that escaped as Katsuki wrapped up his speech, Nedzu too watched on with an amused smile. Most of the other teachers however looked on with open jaws and shocked expressions.

 

“The press are gonna have a field day with that…” Snipe mumbled.

 

Nedzu simply waved him off, “It’s nothing we can’t handle, besides with the excitement of the tournament and All Might here presenting the medals most people will forget about Bakugou’s rather… unorthodox speech.”

 

“Alright,” Vlad King said loud enough to silence the room, “Let’s begin!” he announced and reached into his pocket, pulling out several bank notes.

 

Yagi frowned and tilted his head, begin? But Midnight had yet to announce the first event down in the stadium. 

 

“Put me down for no support students getting past the first event this year.” Ectoplasm said as he fished some notes out of his own pockets, “Sorry, it’s just that the Gen Ed kids this year seem more determined than ever.” He continued when Powerloader shot him a look of betrayal.

 

“I’ll put 2000 on 1-B making up the entirety of the final 16 for the battles.” Vlad King said with a wide smug grin as he slammed his notes down on the table at the back of the room.

 

The entire room groaned bar Yagi, “Really Vlad? The same bet you make every year?” Powerloader said, “1-A has three S class students Vlad… THREE!”

 

Vlad King merely crossed his arm and raised an eyebrow, “So? My class is full of skilled individuals, quirk grade isn’t everything.”

 

“No but that won’t stop Bakugou from punching a hole in your students.” Thirteen said with a slight chuckle from the corner of the room where they sat in their own wheelchair.

 

They had only been back teaching for a few days. While their days as a hero were over Nedzu insisted Thirteen was still able to teach. And so Thirteen continued to be the resident rescue expert at UA, the main difference was they now chose to teach in smart pants and a blouse as opposed to their old hero outfit.

 

“What do you think Yagi?” Hound Dog asked with a grunt, “You’re the heroics teacher for both classes, you must have some opinions?”

 

Yagi, who was still getting over the shock of the teachers having a betting pool for the sports festival, jumped slightly as all attention turned to him, “Oh… well… hmm,” Yagi thought back to all the lessons he’d taught of both classes, “Currently 1-B has the edge on 1-A in terms of skill and training. Generally speaking they know their quirks better and are already theorising about how to use them more effectively in combat and even new moves. Meanwhile 1-A are still getting to grips with using their quirks in combat, some of them are still even struggling to fully utilise their quirks, let alone come up with new moves for them.”

 

“AHA!” Vlad King shouted and his smile was so wide it was almost psychopathic in nature, “Did we get that on recording? Nedzu, send it to Aizawa straight away!”

 

“But,” Yagi said and Vlad King's eyes widened in panic, “1-A does have the more basic power over 1-B. The average quirk grade in 1-A is nearly two ranks higher than 1-B. Plus as much as I hate it they do now have actual battle experience.” Everyone politely ignored the way Thirteen physically flinched, “To be frank, I’d say it comes down to a battle of skill vs natural talent and power.”

 

Vlad King's face dropped considerably but before he could change his mind Snipe swiped the notes from his hand and added them to the growing pile.

 

“Hmmm, you know I think this year may be one of the best yet.” Nedzu commented with a gleaming smile as he watched the students get into position.

 

“Yagi, any bets?” Snipe asked as the pile of money grew with each teacher.

 

Yagi paused before smiling, “Bakugou and Midoriya to face in the final battle.”

 

Everyone groaned.

 

“God, he’s as bad as Vlad with his favourites.”

 

---

 

Endeavor sighed as he leant back in his pristine chair, the fireproof leather hissed slightly against the heat coming from his body but otherwise remained unharmed. By this point he’d visited this box so much that UA more or less reserved it for him. Over twenty years Endeavor had been attending the Sports Festival with his family. Originally all 6 seats had been filled but gradually that had diminished until only three were regularly occupied every festival by himself, Fuyumi and Shoto. Shoto, he had of course made attend every year as part of his training and Fuyumi had always joined because Shoto was going.

 

Now though Endeavor sat alone, despite the fact it would be Shoto’s first time in the festival Fuyumi had opted to watch it from home with Natsuo. She had sent Endeavor a brief text informing him. She was unable to do it in person as Endeavor had not been home or seen any of his children in nearly a week.

 

He’d failed.

 

His dream was dead in the water, his lineage would never surpass All Might now. Touya was dead, Fuyumi and Natsuo lacked the power and his last hope, Shoto, was an amputee at 15. Endeavor had been furious when he’d all but charged into the hospital, he assumed the boy foolishly had decided not to use his fire in some petty attempt at spite and had been ready to let his feelings known on the matter.

 

But when he’d slammed the door open to Shoto’s hospital room all emotion had left him as he saw his youngest child surrounded by doctors and nurses, tubes and wires attached all over his body. Blood had covered the hospital floor as the doctors tried to stem the bleeding while every single one shouted at each other. It had only lasted a minute until Recovery Girl showed up and shuffled Endeavor out of the room.

 

It reminded him of Touya.

 

Endeavor remembered his first internship, by that point All Might was already the Number One hero. Endeavor had interned with an old hero who was basically the HPSC’s lackey. When Endeavor had asked how he could become the number one the hero had told him to be efficient. Don’t make a media storm, just get the villain and move on. It was how he’d operated his entire career. But it had never been good enough, All Might was just too strong and Endeavor was too weak.

 

And now so was Shoto.

 

Perhaps there was a chance, but as Endeavor watched his son walk over to the starting line, his robotic leg reflecting the sun's beams he could only slouch in his seat.

 

---

 

It was starting to smell. Even without his nose Stain could practically taste the stench in the air. It lingered like an unwelcome guest in the small apartment. Though Stain supposed he had nobody to blame but himself. Afterall dead bodies left in bathrooms did tend to rot. Not that Stain felt any sympathy for the man, he’d come across the owner of the apartment as he tried to force himself onto an innocent woman. Stain had stopped it from a distance, followed the man home and slit his throat once he got in the bath. The temporary accommodation while he was in Hosu was just an added bonus.

 

Stain ran his fingers over his final blade, he’d just spent the past few hours sharpening them until even a slight touch would slice flesh open. They’d need to be sharp to get through Ingenium’s famous armour. Stain had spent weeks studying it and working out where he could slip his swords in through the gaps. It would be a tough fight but Stain had done his research.

 

The man was a well respected hero but that didn’t mean he wasn’t a fake. The Iida family may be a legacy family but it was only after Ingenium’s massive agency that the wealth started to flow in. He may be popular but he used that popularity to become one of the best selling merch heroes in the country, on par with those in the top ten.

 

And for that reason Stain was going to put an end to his hero career.

 

Today was the perfect time to do it, Ingenium, being the generous boss he was (Stain thought with a snarl) had given all his sidekicks the day off to watch the UA Sports Festival. Which meant it was one the rare times he would patrolling alone.

 

Speaking of the Sports Festival Stain looked over at the TV in the corner of the room, the noise providing a pleasant background sound as he prepared. He watched the dozens of students walk out onto the field and frowned when the two hero classes came out last. It sickened him, treating heroism like a career choice. Fake heroes training more fakes, it was disgusting.

 

He absentmindedly returned to his preparations as the student representative got on stage to make their speech. It would probably be some over the top dramatic thing about trying their best and showing the world who they are. Pointless.

 

‘You’re just fakes, only in it for the fame, money and reputation.’

 

Stains hand swiped the remote from the table it sat on so fast he almost broke it. He turned up the volume until he could hear the rest of the boy's speech clearly. To his amazement the teachers didn’t try to shuffle him off or cut the feed, they just allowed the speech to play out as normal. Stain watched as the boy finished and was able to follow him through the crowd until he came to a stop next to a green haired boy, the two seemed to say something and chuckle together.

 

UA was allowing students in with views near to Stains own? That was a development he hadn’t seen coming, UA’s own first year student representative attacking the hero industry in Japan.

 

Stain glanced at the open window he normally used to leave the apartment and contemplated for a few moments. Inginuem wasn’t going anywhere, perhaps he could take one day off to watch the festival. It looked like it might be an interesting one afterall.

 

---

 

The electronic beeps from the countdown echoed across the sports stadium despite the roar of the crowd. With each one that got closer to zero Izuku felt the tension rise in his body, the vibrations of his hunger steadily grew in anticipation. He could feel the rest of the crowd flex their quirks and he breathed.

 

Then the clock hit zero.

 

Like a burst dam the crowd surged forward towards the corridor to start the race. Up front Katsuki lit up One For All and barrelled through the crowd like a bowling ball. He moved so fast and strong that few people were able to react in time to try and stop him while those that did attempt to block him found themselves thrown to the ground or even the air. Several had to scramble away for fear of being trampled by the stampede that followed the path Katsuki created in the crowd. It didn’t take long for him to break through the front ranks and tear off ahead of everyone else, with his speed he quickly gained an early lead.

 

Meanwhile Izuku hung back slightly and allowed the crowd to surge ahead. He didn’t need to wait long for a vast majority of the students to end up stuck in the pile up in the doorway. Izuku could feel people trying to use their quirks to break through to no avail. 

 

“Ok,” Izuku said to himself, “I need to get to the other end of this hallway.”

 

The moment he thought it a bright blue line appeared in front of him. Izuku smiled and quickly followed it into the crowd. Pathfinder provided him with a route where he was able to duck and weave between people. It was a little embarrassing when at one point he realised the quick was telling to crawl between people's legs but to hell with it, he had a race to win.

 

Izuku paused however when about halfway through the massive crowd Pathfinder encircled a student. The line continued on in front of Izuku before it wrapped itself around the student like a snake. Izuku paused in confusion, what was Pathfinder trying to tell him to do? 

 

As he watched the student breathed outwards and Izuku saw his quirk energy move, it was like a cloud of air, floating within him but when he breathed out the quirk energy followed, solidifying and forming a solid wall made of air. The student was using his quirk to try and push the crowds back and make some space. As he used it Izuku’s hunger flared up and Pathfinder shimmered slightly.

 

Wait.

 

Did Pathfiner want him to steal the quirk?

 

Izuku didn’t have the time to question it so he just moved to autopilot. He ran forward with an outstretched hand, his quirk already reaching out and pulling against the energy. The moment his hand touched the back of the student it was like the quirk solidified and Izuku easily pulled it into himself.

 

The air walls the student had previously made vanished and he suddenly turned round to face Izuku with a shocked expression, “What the hell did you do!?”

 

Izuku winced, “Sorry!”

 

Before the student could say anything else Izuku felt the quirk energy within himself and pushed out with it as he let out a breath. Rather than copy what the student had been doing, Izuku looked straight up and created a platform of solid air. Using the kinetic energy he’d gained from all his crawling he launched himself up and grabbed onto the air platform and hauled himself up on top.

 

“H-Hey!” The student cried and Izuku had to hold in a flinch from how panicked he sounded.

 

Now that he was standing over the crowd Izuku could see the end of the tunnel. Katsuki was the only one really out of the crowd and was already well ahead by this stage. Refusing to be left behind, Izuku breathed out more air, creating small platforms for him to walk on and ignore the crowd. He drew a fair amount of attention as he ran over the top of them, particularly from members of his own class who didn’t recognize the quirk.

 

Izuku was just about to reach the end of the crowd when great spears of ice started to shoot out from the front. Izuku had to dive to the right, barely creating an air platform to land on in time.

 

Getting back onto his feet Izuku could see several spears of ice throughout the tunnel now. They shot out from the end like a row of jagged teeth, several had smashed into walls and Izuku could see more than a few students on the floor. Up ahead he could see Todoroki hot on Katsuki’s heels, his arm had a slight sheen of ice on it. It appeared that without his foot touching the ground it was hard for Todoroki to use his signature ice wave move so instead he had just thrown out several massive spears to disrupt the crowd behind him.

 

The side effect of this however was that the spears were far more unstable than Todoroki’s usual ice and only seconds after being formed the spears collapsed. Several people screamed as the ice crashed onto the students below, at least half the crowd was caught in the avalanche.

 

Izuku had a perfect view of it all from atop his air platform. It was like a blizzard of biblical proportions had rolled in. Many students were stuck under piles of snow and ice and those that weren’t found it near impossible to clamber over the ice. But despite that Izuku could see several of his own classmates and others making it through and out of the corridor. Izuku too quickly left as he threw air platform after air platform down.

 

“WOW! What an incredible start to the race,” Present Mic shouted, even the field itself had speakers dotted around it seemed, “Katsuki Bakugou has taken an early lead, using his enhancement quirk to more or less barrel through everyone else. Being the strongest in the year the rest of the students will need some clever tricks to pull him back. Meanwhile Todoroki is hot on his heels having delivered a massive attack back at the crowds to give him an edge.”

 

“It was a sound tactic in theory,” Aizawa said and sounded almost disappointed, “But his ice spears also helped to break up the crowd clogging the way thus making it easy for those who avoided the spears to make it through.”

 

Aizawa was proven correct when Izuku and most of the hero students suddenly emerged from the tunnel. Izuku jumped down from his air platform and let go of the quirk, allowing it to naturally return to its original owner. He joined the rest of his class in sprinting along the dirt track. It was difficult to say who was in third as at least 10 of them were more or less neck and neck.

 

“How exactly are we supposed to stop Bakugou?” Kaminari shouted from Izuku’s left as the boy pouted while he ran.

 

“Less talk more run!” Jiro cried from somewhere behind Izuku.

 

Up ahead Katsuki allowed a small smirk to grace his lips. A race? The only person who had a chance of taking Katsuki on in a race was Iida and he lacked the strength and versatility for the obstacles in their way. Katsuki was practically a shoe in for first place.

 

His smirk however was wiped off his face when the ground started to shake. Katsuki skidded to a stop in the dirt when several zero pointers from the entrance exam appeared on the racecourse in front of him. They completely blocked out the sun as they locked onto the sole student on the course.

 

“Looks like Bakugou has encountered our first major obstacle! He may have faced these giant robots in the entrance exam but that was only one!”

 

“And because he’s charged ahead… they all only have one target.”

 

Katsuki cursed under his breath as a giant first slammed into the ground where he had been standing moments ago. Dust was thrown up into the air and the entire dirt track shifted under the force of the punch. 

 

Katsuki scowled, he had of course taken one of these down before but it had broken both his arms, something that wouldn’t work here. He was stronger now but he still doubted anything but 100% of his power would easily take down these giants. As he thought he was also aware that his lead was narrowing with each passing second he didn’t move on. He could try to run between them but even he would struggle to maintain that level of speed while dodging their attacks. He could of course just wait until the rest of the year started to show up, that would take the focus off him and make it easier to get through.

 

But he was Katsuki fucking Bakugou.

 

He jumped back as another giant first slammed into the ground. He looked up at the zero pointers as they towered over him, almost completely blocking out the sky. He could barely make out the birds flying overhead.

 

Wait.

 

Over!

 

Katsuki smirked, he’d probably get at least three lectures from his mother, Yagi and Izuku but to hell with it, sometimes crazy and insane plans really pulled through.

 

As the last zero pointer to attack him started to raise its fist Katsuki let out a maniacal laugh and ran forward. Using One For All he leapt into the air and landed right onto the back of its hand. The metal crumpled slightly under his fingers as he got his grip. He felt the wind whip through his hair as the robot lifted him high above the ground, he glanced back behind him and saw the ground getting further and further away.

 

Ignoring the slight churning of his stomach at the feeling of being over a hundred feet in air, Katsuki turned his attention to the rest of the arm of the zero pointer. Clenching his jaw he started to scramble up the arm as fast as he dared, the metal crunched between his fingers as the wind picked up and tried to throw him off. Slowly he made his way up the forearm as the zero pointer appeared to gaze down at him.

 

“Would you look at that! Bakugou appears to be part spider-monkey as he literally climbs up over the zero pointers!”

 

“I just hope he’s worked out how he’s going to get down once he’s on the other side.”

 

As Katsuki got further up the arm of the robot he suddenly found himself cast in a massive shadow. He looked up just in time to see a giant robotic hand attempt to swipe him away like a bug. Katsuki barely had enough time to jump out of its way before it slammed down onto the arm, trying to quash the student beneath it.

 

---

 

“WHAT THE HELL IS THE BRAT DOING!? IS HE TRYING TO GET HIMSELF KILLED!” Mitsuki screeched as they watched Katsuki nearly splatter under the giant hand.

 

“It is a risky manoeuvre…” Masaru said, he was leant on the edge of the sofa, hands gripped together and knuckles white as his wife sat next to him, shaking slightly as they watched their son.

 

“Oh Katsuki… be careful…” Inko muttered as she clutched her heart, not even 10 minutes in and the event was quickly becoming too much for her.

 

---

 

“DAMMIT NEDZU! Do you want to be doing a press conference tomorrow about a dead student!?” Powerloader shouted as his hand blurred over the control panel in front of him.

 

Nedzu only responded with a maniacal laugh as his own hands moved swiftly across his control panel, “Well we have to do something, the zero pointers don’t have a protocol for dealing with this scenario.”

 

“That’s because I never expected anyone to climb the damn robots!” Powerlouder responded with a panicked cry.

 

Yagi could only sigh as he watched his successor clamber up a giant robot like it was a treehouse.

 

---

 

Katsuki continued to crawl and climb up the arm of the zero pointer until he reached the equivalent of its shoulder. He wobbled slightly as he got onto his feet, up here he could barely hear anything bar the faint roar of the crowd as the wind howled in his ears. Looking back further down the racecourse he could see Todoroki leading the pack out of the tunnel. He saw Izuku jump down from some invisible platform and join the front of the small crowd making their way down the track.

 

Katsuki smirked, it looked like Izuku was finally starting to use his quirk. Maybe he would actually have some competition afterall. Now he just needed to figure out how to get down. As he stood atop the robot in thought, its head turned towards him. Katsuki could see his reflection in its many blinking lights and gave the robot a one-fingered salute.

 

(Back in the teachers box Yagi facepalmed.)

 

It was only when he continued to look at his reflection he saw the massive fist heading straight for him. Katsuki barley ducked in time as the fist flew over his head and slammed into the head of the zero pointer. The massive robot shook and swung back on its feet, Katsuki held on for dear life as the entire machine nearly collapsed back. 

 

The zero pointer managed to remain standing however, albeit with a now misshapen head which sparked along cracks that had formed in its metal. The second zero pointer that had punched it moved back slightly, its attention still locked onto Katsuki who clambered back onto his feet. He looked down and saw chunks of the robot land on the ground, it had almost taken him down with it.

 

Wait.

 

“Hey! Fuckface!” Katsuki shouted and waved his arms around at the second zero pointer.

 

The robot focused on him and started to pull its arm back. Katsuki stood firm and let One For All flow though his body at its highest safe percentage. He watched as the huge metallic fist flew towards him and ducked at the last second.

 

There was an almighty crash as it once again made contact with the other zero pointer's head. This time however the head was torn clean off the shoulders of the robot and sent flying back. Moments later the body, with Katsuki still holding onto the shoulder, followed. The entire robot fell back and Katsuki went with it. The crash created when the collosal machine hit the ground reverberated for miles and could even be heard within the city.

 

Katsuki maintained his grip on the robot the entire way down. The body of the zero pointer crumpled beneath him as they landed and softened the fall slightly before Katsuki let go. He was flung through the air and dust cloud that was created by the crash before landing painfully on the ground and rolling along the track before coming to a stop.

 

Katsuki let out a groan before getting himself up to his feet. A quick pat down indicated he had no broken bones but plenty of cuts, scraps and bruises. Looking back he could see the massive dust cloud the zero pointer had created. As it slowly faded away it revealed the remains of the robot, its body was twisted and broken, metal, wires and parts speared out of it like the quills of a porcupine. Behind it the other zero pointers had turned to look at Katsuki but apparently he had passed some kind of invisible line as they turned around to face the other incoming students. Katsuki smiled and continued on down the race.

 

“HOLY MOTHER OF GOD! DID YOU SEE THAT!? ERASER DID YOU SEE THAT!?”

 

“No, I went temporarily blind for 5 minutes.”

 

“KATSUKI BAKUGOU JUST CLIMBED OVER THE ZERO POINTERS AND MADE THEM FIGHT EACH OTHER LIKE A REAL LIFE MONSTER MOVIE! I’VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING SO COOL IN THE FESTIVAL BEFORE, CAN ANYONE STOP THIS BEAST OF A STUDENT FROM DOMINATING THE FESTIVAL!?”

 

“Don’t count everyone else out yet, Bakugou has a strength and enhancement quirk, perfect for dealing with the tunnel and zero pointers. But the rest of course will be more of a challenge and will give the rest of the year time to catch up.”

 

Back with said the rest of the year Izuku watched as Katsuki purposely let one zero pointer punch the other and smiled to himself. Of course Katsuki was pulling some insane moves to absolutely dominate the festival. Izuku skidded to a halt with most people when faced with the zero pointers, one may have been dealt with but the rest still presented a massive problem.

 

Todoroki however didn’t even slow down, with a wave of his hand a massive ice spear shot out and flew through the air. It pierced the chest of the closest zero pointer sending it back before Todoroki repeated the motion with another two robots. All three came to a slow stop as they started to fall down. Izuku, and pretty much the rest of the group, scrambled back to make sure they were out of range. Yoarashi however didn’t seem phased.

 

“It’s my turn Midoriya!” He cried as he shot past Izuku doing his usual flying move and started weaving in and out of the zero pointers, too fast for any of them to hit.

 

The three from Todoroki’s attack finally hit the ground and Izuku had to shield his eyes from the dust that was thrown up. There was a smash from one of them and Izuku watched as Kirishima and another student broke out from the chest of one of the robots. Apparently they had near identical quirks.

 

“Uhh… anyone got any ideas?” Uraraka asked as about a dozen or so students looked up and the remaining zero pointers.

 

“Kaminari, can’t you like… shock them?” Jiro asked as she glanced behind her nervously, the rest of the year was quickly catching up and the group who had made it out of the tunnel first were losing their lead.

 

“Huh? What? Not a chance,” Kaminari responded with a shake of his head, “I mean potentially I have the power to do it but at that level I’d probably fry my brain and cause permanent damage to my body, it’s not like I could quickly heal from that mid race.”

 

Izuku blinked and turned his head to observe Kaminari’s quirk energy. It was predictably like he was a power bank with electricity sparking within him. There was a massive amount of power within him but Kaminari’s body was unable to handle it. They’d all seen in class what happened if he went overboard. Izuku could only guess the consequences on his body if he went overboard.

 

This was gonna hurt.

 

Izuku bit his lip and walked over to Kaminari, “Sorry about this.” He said and grabbed Kaminari’s wrist.

 

Kaminari turned round to him in confusion but his face paled as Izuku easily drew the quirk into himself, “M-Midoriya?” Kaminari stuttered out, his voice laced with fear.

 

Izuku fought back a wince and watery eyes but he ignored Kaminari and turned to face the zero pointers. Finding the central most one he ran forward. With each step he felt kinetic energy build up but rather than increase his strength Izuku morphed it with his new quirk and soon electricity began to spark around his body. As he ran Izuku poured more and more energy into the quirk, feeling it cackle and blast under his skin.

 

“Izuku Midroiya is charging straight at the zero pointers! Has he got a plan!?”

 

“From what I just watched him do… I suggest everyone takes a step back on the field.”

 

  Izuku grit his teeth as he finally made it to the zero pointer, the robot seemed to look down at him in curiosity as slammed his hands against the first metallic part he could find. With a cry he let loose and poured Kaminari’s quirk into the robot. The power ripped out of him and electricity flew everywhere, it slammed into the ground and scorched the earth and flew high into the air like a fireworks show.

 

Instantly Izuku could feel it rip apart as his body and mind, the pain was near unbearable but he continued to push out. The zero pointer began to jerk and turn as its whole body sparked, its systems were overloaded and its structure started to break apart. Izuku poured every ounce of energy he had into the attack, ignoring how his mind started to go blank, how his skin tore apart from the energy and his legs collapsed beneath him as his bones started to turn to ash. With one final scream he poured everything into the robot.

 

Up ahead Katsuki could see the next obstacle: a large canyon with pillars and ropes in between. Annoyingly he couldn’t yet jump as far as Asui and would have to clamber along the ropes, it would be slow and the opportune time for others to catch up with him. So he needed to-

 

BOOM!

 

The explosion ripped through the course. Snapping his head back the way he came, Katsuki was met with a massive fireball which sparked with electricity. Several flaming chunks of robot went flying in all directions. The shockwave tore through the course and knocked the wind out of Katsuki and uprooted several trees. Several of the camera robots were smashed and destroyed from its force.

 

As the scene calmed Katsuki watched as the fireball and smoke died down and smirked, “Now we’re fucking talking Zuzu.”

 

---

 

There was utter silence in the Bakugou-Midoriya household, even Inko couldn’t bring herself to sob. They watched as the feed from UA flickered and was forced to switch between several camera’s before it found an undamaged one to focus on the explosion Izuku had just caused.

 

“I didn’t… I never suspected he could…” Mitsuki could barely form a sentence as they watched the aftermath of Izuku’s power.

 

“Oh my baby…” Inko whimpered.

 

---

 

Not a word was spoken in the teachers box as the shockwave smashed into the stadium, shaking the glass and silencing the crowd. Both Powerloader and Nedzu had frozen, their hands hovering over their control panels.

 

“How…?” Midnight said, her voice filled with terror, “How much…?”

 

“10 million volts.” Nedzu informed her as he regained his senses and went back to his control panel, “About double Kaminari’s maximum output, most likely he used it in conjunction with Kinetic Energy to power it. It’s a good job he has regeneration or he’d be charred remains right now.”

 

Yagi swallowed hard and used all his effort to push down the pit of fear that had formed in his stomach. Midoriya was a good kid and would be an even better hero. But Yagi was once again reminded of the power he held within him. The power of All For One.

 

---

 

Mic’s throat made a strangled sound from next to Aizawa as they watched the feed of the race. Presumably he had tried to comment on how Midoriya had just caused an explosion that had shaken the whole city but was as overcome with shock as everyone else.

 

Even Aizawa was watching with a slack jaw. He knew of course the potential Midoirya had to be powerful, Yagi reminded him of it on a near daily basis. But to see Midoriya unleash it like that… 

 

They had all vastly underestimated how the day was going to play out.

 

---

 

Izuku was aware of darkness. No that wasn't it, it was nothing. Well, nothing except for the man made of electricity that stood(?) before him. Said man turned to him and gave what Izuku could just make out as a smile.

 

“That was awesome man, shame I can’t get used like that without you.”

 

Izuku wanted to respond but as quickly as he came the man was gone and Izuku became aware of light. He couldn’t see anything but he could tell it was there. Then he could smell, smoke and dirt mainly. Then came an assault of noise, burning fire, the roar of the crowd and shocked whispers around him. Then he could feel. Pain mostly but he didn’t have lungs to scream yet. He could only lay there as he felt his body repair and regrow.

 

He realised his eyelids were back and he opened his eyes. He was met with a bright blue sky filled with smoke. He felt his neck snap into place and he used it to lift his head and look down. His left arm was regrowing while his right straightened out. His gym uniform was charred and nearly falling apart and he could see how his chest was caved in. But a moment later it popped out like a balloon and Izuku gasped for breath through his new mouth. His tongue flopped out as it finished reforming and he ran it along the new teeth that emerged from his gums.

 

Finally Izuku hauled himself onto his feet. He looked around, it was like a warzone. The ground was torn up and bits of smoking robot lay everywhere. Even the zero pointers outside of the blast had been thrown to the ground and lay unmoving. Fires were spread out everywhere and Izuku flinched as several smaller bots came out and started to try and put them out.

 

Izuku could see Katsuki, Todoroki and Yoarashi ahead of him further down the racetrack. If they had been distracted by the explosion it had only been briefly as all three were nearing the next obstacle.

 

Looking behind him Izuku froze. Every other student had stopped moving and was looking at him with a mixture of awe and fear. None more so than Kaminari who jumped slightly when Izuku put his quirk back. Yoayorozu had half a cannon sticking out of her stomach but it had long been forgotten as she looked at Izuku with a pale face.

 

“THAT! WAS! INCREDIBLE!” Present Mic screamed through the speakers and caused every student, including Izuku, to jump in alarm, “Izuku Midoriya completely obliterated the zero pointers we threw at them! We thought they would be challenged but between him, Bakugou and Todoroki it was like throwing cardboard monsters at them! This has to be the most exciting race I’ve ever seen.”

 

“Or at least it would be if everyone bar the top three started competing again.”

 

It was like Aizawa had flicked a switch and instantly Izuku’s impressive feat was long forgotten as the student body started to run down the track again. Izuku included.

 

However they were all forced to stop when they came to the canyon. Izuku cursed under his breath, if he’d kept the air quirk from earlier this would have been childs play. Up ahead he could see Katsuki nearing the end of the canyon already though Todoroki was hot on his trail. But Yoarashi was about to storm ahead, simply flying over the canyon.

 

Izuku frowned as several people passed him, Asui simply leaped from one pillar to the next while Uraraka cancelled her gravity and floated across. Even the more flexible students like Ashido were managing to clamber along the ropes far more quickly  than Izuku could hope to. He could copy them but with all his thinking he had fallen behind several people.

 

He crouched down next to one of the ropes and felt it in his hands. It looked like some kind of reinforced steel rope. There was no way Izuku could win if he simply clambered across. So he needed to be creative.

 

He grabbed the end of the rope a little way down and looked at the end attached to the bolt in the ground. He felt the energy flare up behind his eyes and pushed it out. Red beams shot out of his eyes and made contact with the end of the rope. Slowly the rope melted away and Izuku felt its weight transfer to his hand.

 

He cut off his heat-vision and stood back up straight. He took a deep breath and looked down into the canyon. He couldn’t see the end. But so long as he held on he should be fine.

 

Izuku stepped over the edge of the cliff.

 

He could practically hear his mother scream as he started to plummet down into the canyon. After a few moments thought the slack on the rope finished and he felt it tug against his hands. He held on though and started to swing through the canyon. There was a sickening crack as he made contact with the pillar the other end of the rope was attached to and he felt several bones break.

 

But he kept his grip and hung there for a few seconds as his body clicked back into place and healed. Once done he placed his feet against the end of the pillar and using the rope pulled himself to the top. It wasn’t the quickest method and people were getting ahead of him but it was better than nothing.

 

He repeated this three more times, each time more painful than the last until he eventually made it to the other end of the canyon along with several of his classmates.

 

Up ahead Katsuki had finally reached the final obstacle, a goddamn minefield. He paused to consider his options. He didn’t have the same level of resistance as Kirishima or the rapid healing of Izuku so he couldn’t just run across. He needed a way to figure out where the mines were and avoid them.

 

As he was thinking he felt a woosh of air as Yoarashi flew past him, “Too slow Bakugou!”

 

Katsuki’s eyes widened, “Airhead wait!”

 

But Yoarashi didn’t hear him and went to hover over the minefield. Unfortunately Yoarashi’s wind was so strong it caused the mines he flew over to activate. The explosion rang in Katsuki’s ears as Yoarashi was thrown back and onto the ground covered in glitter.

 

“Ow.” Yoarashi said as he lay dazed and looking up at the sky.

 

Katsuki snorted, “Damn things are sensitive.”

 

He needed a way to easily tell them apart. Katsuki closed his eyes and focused One For All in his senses. When he opened his eyes again everything seemed clearer and more colourful. Like he’d just turned the biological HD settings on himself. He looked over the minefield and smirked. You’d probably never notice it if you had normal eyes but Katsuki could see the slight change in dirt where the mines had been buried. Which meant he could easily dance along the path.

 

By the time Izuku made it to the mines Katsuki was over halfway across, jumping from safe spot to safe spot. Todoroki was close behind him however, using his hand to create a safe pathway of ice to move across before repeating the motion. Yoarashi and a few others were also getting across the minefield ahead of Izuku

 

Izuku bit the inside of his cheek, at this rate he’d never win. Sure, technically he could just run across the minefield, the injuries would heal but the force from the explosions would throw him off and he'd end up being tossed around like a ragdoll. He needed weight for that plan to work.

 

“A minefield!? Are they mad?” Kirishima said, suddenly appearing next to Izuku and panting a little.

 

“No way even my quirk could resist that.” Send a second student with silver hair who ran up to the other side of Izuku who recognised him as the student with a similar quirk to Kirishima’s.

 

Huh.

 

Weight.

 

Izuku slapped his hands on their backs, “Follow the path I create.” He advised and before either could respond they felt their quirks depart their body.

 

The moment he felt both quirks within himself Izuku ran towards the mines while at the same time combining and activating the quirks. It was an odd feeling as the quirk energy washed over him, his movements became more stiff and he could feel his footsteps become heavier with the added weight of the quirks.

 

“It looks like Todoroki is catching- WHAT THE HELL!? IZUKU MIDORIYA LOOKS LIKE HE’S SUDDENLY BECOME MADE OF DIAMOND!”

 

Izuku blinked in surprise as he overheard Present Mic’s announcement. A quick glance down proved that Mic was in fact correct. Izuku’s skin looked to be made of solid sparkling diamond that shifted as he moved. Apparently whatever the mineral composition of the two quirks was it meant they combined to form something akin to diamond.

 

Izuku’s musing however was interrupted when he stepped on a landmine.

 

He felt the explosion travel up his leg and vibrate his bone, easily causing several small fractures and muscle tears. But with the weight of diamond he was barely thrown off course and regeneration started to instantly heal his leg.

 

Izuku continued to charge forward down the minefield, explosions beneath him with every step he took. He felt his legs get torn apart again and again before healing. He grit his teeth and tried not to cry out. But the weight from the diamond quirk meant he was able to keep a steady pace and he quickly passed the rest of the (shocked) students including Bakugou who sent him a furious smirk as he passed.

 

The moment he cleared the field Izuku let go of the two hardening quirks and ran full sprint towards the finish line. Kinetic Energy slowly giving him a speed boost. He could literally see the light at the end of the tunnel, the finish line, and he was in first place.

 

“YOU THINK YOU CAN WIN THAT EASY ZUZU!?”

 

Izuku had to duck as he felt the power of Katsuki’s quirk energy behind him. A red blur shot past him with a maniacal grin but Izuku refused to give up.

 

As Katsuki jumped over him Izuku reached out and managed to grab the boy's ankle. He pulled down as hard as he could and Katsuki slammed into the ground into a tumble. Izuku didn’t stop and ran past the rolling boy.

 

“It’s neck and neck between Bakugou and Midoriya! This race is about to reach its climax people!”

 

Izuku breathed heavily as he ran when suddenly Kastsuki appeared next to him. Before Izuku could react he felt himself backhanded into the wall with a One For All fueled attack. He slammed into the wall and felt several bones break, clearly Katsuki was taking advantage of knowing Izuku could heal.

 

As his bones started to repair, Katsuki stormed ahead of him. But Izuku had something Katsuki didn’t. Range. Heat-vision broke though his eyes and down the tunnel. Katsuki turned with panicked eyes but the rays didn’t hit him. Instead they ripped into the ceiling of the tunnel above Katsuki and massive chunks of rock and concrete rained down upon the boy. Katsuki raised his arms but he was bombarded with the falling pieces.

 

Using the advantage Izuku ran forward with his now healed body. Each step was filled with tension as he waited for Katsuki to break free. Predictably, behind him, Izuku heard Katsuki smash out of the pile of boulders and with a roar came charging at Izuku.

 

The finish line came into view and Izuku leapt forward with everything he had. At the same time Katsuki appeared next to him from his own jump and both reached out their hands as far as they could.

 

Then, before Izuku could even register it, both soared over the finish line and fell down to the grass of the stadium. They both rolled forward before coming to a stop and getting on their knees and looking at each other with wide eyes.

 

“Wait…” Izuku said.

 

“Who…?” Katsuki asked and both boys whipped their heads around to the large screen in the centre of the field.

 

“WHAT A FINISH!” Present Mic screamed and the crowd roared along, the noise so loud Izuku could feel the sound vibrations in his body,  “We’ve never had such a close finish before!”

 

“As you can all imagine we need to view this in slow motion.”

 

The roar of the crowd was stolen by the tension as the screen lit up with a video feed of the finish line and it felt like all of Japan was holding their breath. Everyone watched as Izuku and Katsuki both appeared next to the line, moving so slowly it was almost like a powerpoint. But then, at the end, everyone watched as their hands crossed the finish line. One however was less than an inch in front of the other as it passed across the white line.

 

“IZUKU MIDORIYA WINS!”

 

---

 

All For One hadn’t ended up touching his tea, it lay cold next to his chair. His eyes were laser focused on the screen showing the Midoriya child. He’d watched him throughout the race. He’d thought seeing the boy use some type of air quirk meant he surely had a copy quirk. But then he’d blown up the giant robots, impressive but confusing. Then he’d used the heat-vision quirk that he’d supposedly copied weeks ago. No copy quirk lasted that long.

 

Then it was regeneration.

 

Then finally some type of diamond skin quirk.

 

Four separate quirks. Nobody had four naturally occurring quirks. It wasn’t possible.

 

All For One felt the smallest amount of something he hadn't felt for years. Concern.

 

Something was wrong.

 

Something was very wrong.

Notes:

Hi all, thanks for being patient with me getting this chapter out while I was away! Hopefully it was worth the wait! I've also done some thinking and decided to give Bakugou his own polycule. So the relationships going forward will (eventually) end up as:
Izuku/Kiri/Mina/Jiro
Bakugou/Todoroki/Uraraka

Thanks for all the kudos and comments as allways!

Chapter 26: Ten Million Points of Bullshit

Summary:

With the second event of the festival coming Izuku must deal with the consequences of his quirk and find a team with a suicide wish

Izuku watched as the golden 1st place symbol blinked next to his name, his shocked (and pink glitter covered) face next to it. The crowd was so loud Izuku half expected the stadium to collapse from the soundwaves they were producing. Underneath Izuku’s own name he could Katsuki’s with a blinking silver 2nd place next to it. Slowly the two boys looked away from the screen and came face to face. Izuku’s mouth twitched slightly and Katsuki frowned.

 

“Don’t.”

 

Izuku's mouth started to move slowly.

 

“I’m warning you Zuzu!”

 

Izuku formed a smirk with his lips.

 

“DON’T YOU FUCKING DARE!”

 

Izuku’s eyes gleamed with a sparkle that had caused Inko more than enough grief over the years, “So how’s the weather down in second place Kacchan?”

 

“DIEEE!”

 

Katsuki’s shout and subsequent charge and tackle of Izuku caused some murmurs within the crowd as they watched the pair roll about on the grass. Both shouting at each other as they tried to seemingly rip out each other's hair.

 

“Damn problem children…” Aizawa muttered through the speakers.

 

“Don’t panic everyone! This is just some family love between the hero courses two brothers!” Present Mic reassured the crowd, some of whom chuckled along at the pair's antics.

 

“Bakugou, Midoriya!” Aizawa barked, “Stop rolling around like toddlers! Save it for the rest of the festival!”

 

Begrudgingly the pair stuck their tongues out at the nearest camera but obeyed and stopped ‘fighting’. Standing up they both patted themselves down.

 

“While we have our winners it looks like the race is heating up for the rest, looks like Midoriya cleared a path through the mines meaning this is a complete free for all…”

 

Izuku zoned Present Mic’s voice out as the race continued. For a moment Izuku closed his eyes and smiled, allowing himself a small amount of self pride at having not only used his quirk but used his quirk to win the first event of the sports festival. His moment of pride was interrupted when a fist punched his arm.

 

“Ow! Kacchan!” Izuku whined and rubbed his arm slightly, despite the fact the pain almost vanished immediately with regeneration.

 

Katsuki however was giving him a wide smirk, “Fucking finally! I told you if you just started using your quirk you’d dominate the class!”

 

Izuku chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck, “Yeah, though I’m assuming most people in the crowd still haven’t quite got the hang of what it is.”

 

As he spoke Izuku indicated to said crowd who were still roaring at the top of their lungs. Somehow Izuku just knew that if they all knew the truth about his quirk their reaction wouldn’t be so enthusiastic.

 

“Eh, fuck em,” Katsuki said with a shrug, “The important thing is you’re finally showing what you can do, any real hero is gonna see the value in that.”

 

Izuku wasn’t so sure but he wasn’t about to let another bout of teenage angst ruin the fact he and Katsuki had won the obstacle race by nearly half a minute. Practically a year in terms of racing.

 

“And Inasa Yoarashi literally flies past Todoroki to snatch third place with Todoroki coming in fourth!”

 

True to Present Mic’s words Yoarashi soared past the finish line with a wide smile and slightly ruined costume and headed straight for Izuku and Katsuki. Behind him Todoroki came running past the line. He paused once across and looked around. He made brief eye contact with Izuku before looking away and walking off to the side. Izuku couldn’t be sure but he swore the boy looked just the slightest bit disappointed.

 

“Midoriya! Bakugou!” Yoarashi cried as he flew up and landed next to the pair, “I can’t believe you beat me once again Midoriya, maybe you just have a thing for races!”

 

“He didn’t tell you? Half his training before UA was running around buildings and forests.” Katsuki said.

 

Izuku shrugged, “Still, it was a tough fight you, Katsuki and Todoroki were in the lead for most of it, if it hadn’t been for my regeneration getting me through the minefield one of you would have won for sure.”

 

“AH HA!” Yoarashi cried suddenly making Izuku and Katsuki jump before he pointed a finger in Izuku’s face, “Your quirk! Regeneration!” He cried triumphantly. 

 

“O-Oh.” Izuku stuttered in surprise, realising what he’d said, “I… uhhh”

 

Yoarashi paused for a moment however before frowning, “Wait… then why can you shoot lasers from your eyes?”

 

“It’s uhhh… complicated?” Izuku offered meekly.

 

Before Yoarashi could question further there was a commotion from the end of the race and all three turned to find a massive crowd of people breaking through the tunnel and over the finish line. Apparently Izuku really had cleared a path as it was impossible to tell who was getting what place as people literally clambered over each other, quirks firing off in all directions.

 

On the podium Midnight frowned, “It’s going to take us some time to determine who won here… we’ll be taking a short break between the events! Just enough time for a quickie!” she finished with a sly smirk at the camera.

 

Izuku saw Kirishima and the other boy from before make their way through the crowd and with a start he released their quirks. He watched the energy naturally find its original owner and saw Kirishima jump in surprise slightly when his quirk returned to him. The red head quickly started to scan around and Izuku found himself nervously stepping behind Katsuki.

 

“Oi nerd!” The blond said and Izuku looked up at him, “You should really go change your gym outfit.” Katsuki said with a smirk.

 

Izuku frowned in confusion and then looked down at himself. Now that the glitter had started to fall off the evidence of the explosion and mines was clear to see. His top was practically gone, only a section around his left shoulder remained fluttering in the slight wind and his pants had been turned into shorts with tears all the way through. He was glad he hadn’t worn his red shoes for the event because his gym shoes had disintegrated allowing the soft grass to get between his toes.

 

Izuku let out a very undignified squeak and took off towards the changing rooms leaving a cackling Katsuki and chuckling Yoarashi behind.

 

---

 

“That's how Midoriya’s do it!”

 

“That was blatant cheating! Brat 2 nearly blew up the stadium!”

 

“Oh dear, jealousy doesn’t look good on you Mitsuki. You should be proud, second place suits the Bakugou’s.”

 

“WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU JUST SAY MIDORIYA!? AT LEAST BAKUGOU’S DON’T FLOOD THE HOUSE EVERYTIME WE GET EMOTIONAL!”

 

“WELL AT LEAST US MIDORIYA’S CAN FEEL MORE THAN ANGER!”

 

“I’M ONLY ANGRY BECAUSE YOU THINK MIDORIYAS STAND A CHANCE AGAINST BAKUGOUS!”

 

“OH YEAH BAKUGOU!? I’LL TAKE YOU ON RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW!”

 

Masaru sighed, had he really finished his bottle of sake already?

 

---

 

Endeavor watched Shoto walk away from the rest of his year. Fourth place. He’d lost to another legacy child and two complete unknowns. Now Endeavor recognised them, Midoriya and Bakugou, the two that had beaten Shoto at the recommendation and entrance exam respectively. When the race started he thought maybe Shoto had a chance.

 

But he’d been horrendously wrong.

 

Endeavor watched as Bakugou dominated most of the race, treating each obstacle like nothing more than a speed bump in the road. Meanwhile Midoriya had shown more power than most pro heroes could offer, causing an explosion Endeavor was certain more than half his sidekicks wouldn’t be able to match. Watching it all, Endeavor had come to a crushing realisation.

 

Even if by some miracle Shoto could surpass All Might he would always be outgunned by the two powerhouses in his class.

 

The Todoroki line was always destined to be second (or in this case third) in the line of heroes to those blessed with more powerful quirks. And there was nothing Endeavor could ever do to stop it.

 

He felt empty.

 

---

 

Izuku rubbed his eyes as he stepped out of the 1A changing rooms. Bar the USJ he had never used his quirk so much in such a short span of time and it was catching up to him. He had a budding theory that due to using multiple quirks Izuku was more susceptible to quirk exhaustion than most people. He’d have to watch himself going into the second round or he’d be too exhausted if he made it to the third round to fight.

 

Izuku was too lost in his thoughts as he left the changing room to notice the two quirk energies approaching him. He only became aware of the two people in the corridor with him when a pair of hands grabbed the front of his fresh gym shirt and threw him against the wall.

 

Izuku found himself looking back at the steel quirk boy from earlier as well as the other student who’s quirk he’d borrowed during the start of the race. He could’ve tried to push them off, he could’ve used heat-vision or simply stolen their quirks. But when Izuku looked up into their eyes full of fear and hate he was suddenly 8 years old again being forced to sit in the corner of the classroom. 

 

“What did you do!?” The silver haired boy spat at Izuku who winced under his glare.

 

“W-What d-d-do you m-mean?” Izuku cursed at himself internally it had been months since his stutter played up this badly.

 

“You know exactly what we mean.” Said the brown haired boy from behind the one pining Izuku to the wall.

 

“I just-just used my quirk on you like everyone else was doing.” Izuku insisted though his voice came out weak and shaky.

 

“No,” the silver haired boy said and increased the pressure on Izuku’s chest, “What you did was… was… it was-”

 

“Villainous.” The brown haired student said, “You… you did something to our quirks, something monstrous.”

 

Izuku’s eyes widened as he felt his chest hollow out, “N-No… I only borrowed them t-to win. I’m not a-a v-v-vi-”

 

“Shut! Up!” The silver haired one said and slammed Izuku against the wall, causing the air to be thrown out of his lungs, “Do the teachers know? Does UA have any idea what kind of… thing they’ve let into the hero course?”

 

“There are pro heroes here, we could hand him over to them. Explain that we may have even found a spy.” The other boy suggested and at this point Izuku started to lose control of his breathing as his body trembled.

 

“Good point, we can-”

 

“What the hell are you guys doing!?”

 

Izuku’s head suddenly snapped round to the side and despite his state he could see Kirishima walking down the hall towards them. At first the boy had a look of confusion on his face but the moment he locked eyes with Izuku and saw the situation he was in Kirishima wore an expression Izuku had never seen on his friend's face before.

 

Rage.

 

“Get the fuck off him!” Kirishima shouted and used a hardened arm to yank the silver boy away from Izuku.

 

Apparently it had been all that was holding Izuku up as his legs promptly gave out and he slid down the wall and onto the floor.

 

“Get off me man!” The silver boy said and pulled away from Kirishima who scowled at the pair.

 

“Dude, aren't you hero students, do you know how unmanly it is to bully someone?” Kirshima said with enough venom that Katsuki would have been proud.

 

From behind his friend the brown haired boy scoffed, “Yeah, but he’s a villain,” he said and pointed to Izuku who winced, “It happened to you too didn’t it? We should report him to the teachers and pro’s, they’ll know what to do with him.”

 

Krishima waved his arms up in the air, “Are you serious!? You really believe the teachers don't know what his quirk is? Besides, Midoriya is about as far from a villain as you can get! I saw him nearly cry two days ago because he read a story about a dog getting hit by a car!”

 

“Maybe he’s just faking it all?” The silver haired one said and crossed his arms though even he didn’t sound convinced himself.

 

Kirishima glared at the pair with such hatred that even Izuku felt his stomach squirm, his hands were hardened and he was clenching his fists so hard they actually started to crack, “Leave.”

 

The pair didn’t need to be told twice and with one quick glare at Izuku they turned and hurried back out into the field. The moment they left Izuku felt a weight lift off his shoulders but at the same time it was like everything crashed to the front of his mind, he found himself silently sobbing on the floor as he pulled his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around himself.

 

As he sat there Izuku became aware of another presence sitting next to him. The next thing he knew he had an arm wrapped around his shoulder and was being pulled into Kirishiam’s chest. Izuku wasn’t sure how long he spent sniffling into Kirishima’s chest, probably less than a minute but by the time he recovered he had a hard blush on his face, not that he tried to move away.

 

“S-Sorry.” Izuku mumbled.

 

“Huh?” Kirishma said, blinking in surprise and looking down at Izuku, “What have you got to be sorry for man?”

 

Izuku clenched his fists and sat back up, pulling away slightly from Kirishima (who pouted slightly, though not that Izuku could see), “I’m supposed to be a hero student but I broke down at some stupid words from two teenagers.”

 

“Hey,” Kirishima responded with a smile and a slight nudge, “You’re a teenager too man. Besides I’ve seen you fight real villains, you’re tough when it counts.”

 

Izuku sighed, “Thanks, it’s just… they reminded me of when I was a kid. When everyone… When the only friend I had was Kacchan.”

 

Kirishima nodded and they fell into silence, the muted noise of the stadium travelling through the walls and just about managed to stop it getting awkward as they both sat there, staring at nothing. After a few moments Kirshima sighed and seemed to be thinking carefully.

 

“So,” he said cautiously, “You can take quirks huh.”

 

It wasn’t a question and Izuku wouldn’t have expected it to be, Kirishima had been too exposed to his quirk by this point to not put the dots together. And of course the reality was that now that he’d started using it people were of course going to figure it out.

 

“Yeah,” Izuku responded with a quiet voice, “It’s called Quirk Absorption.”

 

“I guess I kinda already figured,” Kirhsima said, “I mean when I saw you use the heat-vision in training I knew it had come from the villain we fought. I won’t lie, I was curious so I did some research at home, I thought maybe you had some super powerful copy quirk. But everything I could find said copy quirks just couldn’t work that way. Then today when you took my quirk I knew, I felt it just kinda… disappear. It was weird and then when I watched you harden your body it all just clicked together.”

 

“Yeah uh… sorry about taking your quirk.” Izuku said with a wince.

 

“You gotta stop apologising man, it was a competition and you were just using your tools. Besides I took your advice and still came 12th. I have to ask though, what's the maximum amount of quirks you can take?” Kirishima said with a warm smile though it did nothing to stop the dread in Izuku’s gut.

 

Fuck it.

 

“There isn’t one,” he replied, “I can take as many quirks as I like and hold onto them for as long as I like. It essentially leaves the other person quirkless. I can also combine the quirks I have to make new quirks and transfer quirks between people. And while touching makes it much easier I can take quirks at range, my current limit is about 12 metres.”

 

Izuku paused and shut his eyes, looking down slightly. He waited for Kirishima to say something, to shout and get a teacher or just simply walk away.

 

“Man, that’s AWESOME!”

 

Kirishima’s enthusiastic reply made Izuku snap his eyes open and he almost leapt back when he realised how close Kirishima was to him. He was looking at Izuku with a wide smile and sparkling eyes and Izuku felt like he was looking directly at a dog. A dog he would protect with his life.

 

“You could stop so many villain fights before they even really start!” Kirishima continued, “Like the villain is all getting ready for the big battle and you just turn up and yoink! Suddenly they don’t have a quirk to fight with anymore!”

 

Izuku couldn’t help but smile slightly, “I uh.. Can’t just yoink quirks, it takes a little more time and concentration than that but yeah… that’s the idea.”

 

Kirishima chuckled, “Man, no wonder Bakugou is so aggressive, I’d hate to grow up with a quirk like that for competition. Even with a quirk as powerful as his enhancement.”

 

Izuku had to withhold a snort as Kirishima got up off the floor and stood over Izuku, offering him a hand and a smile.

 

“Come on Midoriya, I have a sports festival to win.”

 

This time Izuku did snort as he reached out and grabbed Kirishima’s hand, as the other boy lifted him up Izuku smirked slightly.

 

“If you’re lucky I’ll let you have second place.”

 

Kirishima grew a wide smile and laughed, slapping Izuku on the back, “Ha! Bakugou was right, there is a bit of fire in you.”

 

Izuku laughed and the pair wandered back out onto the field. It was obvious that the first event had whittled down most of the year. Compared to how full the field had been during Katsuki’s speech there were now less than 50 students standing milling around waiting for the next event. A quick glance up at the screen showed 42 names that would be moving on.

 

“Midori!”

 

Izuku and Kirishima looked to the side to find Ashido running over to them with a slightly less enthusiastic Jiro behind her.

 

“That was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen!” Ashido squealed as she jumped up and wrapped her arms around Izuku, making the boy blush and stutter, “The way you blew up that robot was amazing! You literally made the whole year stop and watch!”

 

“It was pretty rad,” Jiro said as she joined the group.

 

“U-Uh thanks,” Izuku said awkwardly as Kirishima pried Ashido off him, “Did you guys get through too?”

 

“Obviously,” Ashido said with a slight smirk and a roll of her eyes as she stepped back from a now freed Izuku.

 

Jiro snorted, “All the hero course kids go through as well as one general kid and someone from the support department.”

 

“All that big talk from the legion of general students outside our door didn’t really amount to anything.” Ashido said with a smirk as she watched the stands fill with said students.

 

“It was always going to be an uphill battle for them, half of the hero course has been training for years to get here while the other half have quirks naturally suited to heroics. Most of the general studies have neither.” Izuku commented, the stats an automatic figure in his head due to his research back when Katsuki was quirkless.

 

“Then there’s the people with both like you.” Jiro said with a friendly smirk.

 

Izuku blushed, “I-I’m not that bad.”

 

“Dude you’re a recommended student who blew up a giant robot.” Jiro said with a deadpan look.

 

Izuku spluttered and blushed furiously much to his friends' amusement. However their teasing was brought to an end when the snap of Midnight's whip silenced the gathered crowd.

 

“Now then!” She shouted, “Congratulations to the 42 who made it through to the second round but we’re barely past the foreplay of this event!” Midnight finished with a sly smirk and a wink.

 

Izuku shuddered slightly, “Sometimes she really makes me uncomfortable.”

 

“Same here man,” Kirishima said from next to him as Midnight licked her lips and gazed at the gathered students, “Like, I know it’s part of her hero gig but it’s so weird how it drives everyone mad.”

 

Izuku nodded in agreement, neither boy saw the looks Ashido and Jiro were giving them as they spoke.

 

“Now it’s time to decide on the next event!” Midnight declared and dramatically pulled the lever next to her to start the wheel.

 

The entire student body present waited with baited breath as the wheel slowly came to a stop.

 

“Looks like it’s time for a Cavalry Battle!” Midnight declared as the crowd roared with anticipation.

 

Izuku tilted his head, “Cavalry Battle?”

 

“Yeah man! Guess it’s a team game this time!” Kirishima said with a fist pump.

 

“Didn’t you ever play it growing up as a kid?” Jiro asked and Izuku winced slightly.

 

“I uh… guess not,” Izuku mumbled, team games were hardly his expertise considering his and Katsuki’s upbringing. Team sports back at their old school normally meant the rest of the class playing while Izuku and Katsuki were given a worn out ball to throw between themselves.

 

“The rules are as you’d expect,” Midnight continued, “Students will need to make teams of anywhere between 2 and 4 people. One person must be the rider and mustn’t touch the ground during the round. Each team will receive a headband worth the collective points of their team members, the goal is to defend your own points while trying to steal the points of other teams, only the top four teams will make it through to the final round! Points are determined by your place in the race, 42nd will receive 5 points, 41st 10 points and so on in 5 point intervals.”

 

“I get it,” Jiro said, “They’re making sure the top scorers don’t dominate the festival completely. Those who won the first round instantly become a massive target in the second round and will have a tougher time than those just trying to sneak in the points.”

 

“Gonna suck to be you Midori, you’re basically being presented as a snack to everyone. But I already knew you were a snack of course.” Ashido said with a wink causing Kirishima to groan and Jiro to roll her eyes.

 

To his credit Izuku only sported a light blush as he worked out his point value in his head, “It won’t be so bad, there’s only 5 points difference so the top 5 or so from the race will all have a lot of attention on them.”

 

“Oh, there is just one twist however!” Midnight said with a wide and dangerous smile that made Izuku shiver slightly, it got even worse when she seemed to find him in the crowd and looked directly at him as she spoke, “The person who came in first place will have a points value of ten million!”

 

That was some Harry Potter snitch level bullshit right there.

 

Instantly Izuku could feel every eye in the stadium turn to him. He suddenly felt like a sheep surrounded by wolves who were drooling over their last meal. Even his hunger shivered back slightly at the attention. Izuku gulped, things had just gotten a lot harder.

 

“You have 15 minutes to form your teams! Good luck!” Midnight said and gave the students a wink and a crack of her whip.

 

The air around Izuku grew instantly awkward and stale as Jiro and Ashido not so subtly glanced at each other.

 

Izuku sighed, “Go on, it’s fine.”

 

“Sorry Midori…” Ashido said with an apologetic smile, “It’s just well…”

 

“Practically the entire field is gonna be going after whatever team you’re on and we don’t have the most offensive quirks to keep up with that level of attention.” Jiro finished for Ashido who winced slightly at the bluntness of Jiro’s words.

 

Izuku just shook his head however, “It’s fine, besides, you deserve your own chance to shine without piggy backing onto my ten million points.”

 

“Thanks, Midori! Guess we’ll see you on the field of battle!” Ashido said with a smirk and ran off time to find a team, Jiro gave him a peace sign and too walked off though with much less energy than Ashido.

 

Around him the rest of the students milled about forming various teams, a hive of activity while Izuku stood rooted to the spot, with no idea what to do. Jiro was right, he essentially had a massive target on his back, any team he joined would be under constant fire. Nobody wanted that. Even now he could see other teams being formed and glancing his way, whispering plans on how to presumably take his headband.

 

Not to mention Izuku was finally getting a feel for his quirk and was looking forward to testing it out further into the festival. But there was no way he could fool anyone he was on a team with about the true nature of his quirk which meant he either needed people who knew about his quirk or who wouldn’t react wildly in the middle of a battle.

 

“Looks like we’ll need to hunt down some other team members.”

 

Izuku blinked in surprise and turned to find Kirishima still standing next to him, beaming at him with a wide smile and further confirming Izuku’s theory that he had been a dog in a previous life.

 

“Huh?” Was all Izuku could respond with.

 

Kirishima chuckled and slapped him on the back, “Come on man, as good as you and I are, I still think we should try and form a full team of four.”

 

“Wait,” Izuku said, looking up at Kirishima with wide eyes, “You want to be on the same team?”

 

Kirishima gave him a toothy smile in response, “Absolutely man! You’re pretty much the top of our class by this point and besides,” Kirishima leaned in close to Izuku and whispered the next part, “Doesn’t matter what team I join, you can just steal their quirks and do it anyway.”

 

It was hard to fight the smile that threatened to break out over Izuku's face. Sure, plenty of people knew about his quirk but few outside of Katsuki were excited by it. His parents tended to ignore it, his teachers tolerated it and despite Yagi’s best efforts Izuku was not oblivious to the fear his quirk struck in the man. But Kirishima had just found out the unedited raw truth of Izuku quirk and was genuinely excited by the possibilities.

 

It felt good.

 

“Ok,” Izuku said with his own smile, his enthusiasm picking up considerably, “Well maybe then for our other teammates we should-”

 

“OUT OF THE FUCKING WAY CYBORG AIN’T NO WAY I’M LETTING YOU JOIN OUR TEAM!”

 

Izuku and Kirishima turned to find Katsuki marching across the field towards them. He had paused to shout in the face of a girl with pink hair, presumably from the support course based on the equipment she had. For a moment the pink girl looked like she wanted to argue but one look at Katsuki and she shrugged before moving on to find another team. Katsuki finished his march and stood over Izuku and prodded him in the chest.

 

“You got a plan nerd?”

 

Izuku frowned, “For what?”

 

“For dinner tonight…” Katsuki said will a roll of his eyes, “Obviously for the fucking Calvary Battle!”

 

“You mean you wanna team up?” Izuku asked, slightly surprised.

 

“Of course I fucking do.” Katsuki said it like he was explaining it to a toddler. 

 

“But Kacchan, I’m worth ten million points?”

 

“Exactly,” Katsuki said with a feral smile, “Which means all these fuckers are gonna come straight for us meaning I can beat the shit out of every single one.”

 

Izuku snorted while Kirishima chuckled, “Man, looks like we just need a fourth then.”

 

Katsuki seemed to suddenly become aware of Kirishima’s presence and turned to him with a slightly surprised expression, “The fuck are you doing here shitty hair?”

 

Kirishima appeared to be the only other person besides Izuku however who was immune to Katsuki’s attitude, “I’m on the team! With Midoriya’s quirk we’re bound to get through.”

 

Katsuki suddenly tensed, his eyes snapping between Izuku and Kirishima. With a start Izuku realised Katsuki had no idea about the conversation he’d had with Kirishima and panicked slightly when Katsuki stopped in front of him defensively.

 

“Kacchan wait-”

 

“You know what his quirk is?” Katsuki asked Kirishima in a harsh tone.

 

Kirishima for once lost some of his naturally happy outlook and his face dropped, “Uh yeah, I figured it out but we literally just spoke about it.”

 

“Kacchan please it’s fine-” Izuku was once again cut off as Katsuki shrugged him off.

 

“And?” Katsuki practically spat at Kirishima.

 

“And what?” Kirishima asked, more than a little nervous.

 

“What do you think about Zuzu’s quirk?” Katsuki said and Izuku could feel how One For All was flaring up and all but ready to attack Kirishima if he said the wrong thing.

 

“Oh… well, like Yagi said, the quirk doesn’t make the man but… Midoriya’s quirk is awesome! There’s no way we’ll lose in a team with him.” Kirishima responded, his wide smile instantly removing any tension between him.

 

Katsuki paused and for a moment Izuku thought the interrogation was going to continue but then he saw Katsuki’s shoulders relax, “Alright fine, you can be on our team.”

 

“All right!” Kirishima declared and Izuku let out a sigh of relief.

 

“So, you got a plan or what nerd?” Katsuki asked as his attention turned back to Izuku.

 

Izuku paused to think, in terms of versatility they currently had the best and worst match up for it. Technically Izuku was the most versatile person in the year, so long as he managed to take the quirks required for it. On the flip side, while both were fairly strong members of the year, Katsuki and Kirishima were more or less exclusively restricted to close combat. They’d make a good defence but their offence was more or less exclusively down to Izuku. Then again, everyone on the field would be coming for them anyway, a strong defence wasn’t such a bad idea. What they really needed was a good counter attack. Which gave Izuku an idea.

 

“Ok, I think I know who we need but it’s gonna be tough to convince them.”  

 

Katsuki grunted, “Just get shitty hair to give them the puppy eyes you, Raccoon Eyes and Punk Ears always melt around.”

 

Izuku blushed furiously.

 

“Hey, I don’t have puppy eyes!” Kirishima said and pouted, proving that he definitely did have puppy eyes.

 

“Let's just go find them.” Izuku grumbled while a still pouting Kirishima and snickering Katsuki followed him.

 

They weaved their way through the crowds, a few already formed teams looking at Izuku with hungry expressions. A few Class A students however saw the current team make up and paled when they realised Izuku and Katsuki would be working together. Some however, namely Todoroki and Yoarashi seemed to spy the team make up and take it as a challenge. Izuku spotted who he was looking for standing alone with a look of focus. That was good, it meant they hadn’t dedicated themselves to a team yet.

 

“Tokage.” He said as they approached the girl.

 

Tokage turned to him with surprise and a confused frown but her face split into a smile when she saw Izuku, “Hey Midoriya! Congrats on the win, the way you blew up that robot? Not too bad.”

 

Izuku chuckled and scratched the back of his head, “Thanks, congrats on getting through too.”

 

Tokage shrugged, “Thanks but 39th place is hardly anything to brag about. Honestly I could’ve done way better.”

 

Katsuki scoffed, “Then why didn’t you?”

 

Tokage rolled her eyes, “Because Monama got this stupid plan into Kendo’s head about making sure the entire class got through by all hanging back and working together.”

 

Kirishima frowned, “Didn’t it work though?”

 

Tokage sighed, “Sure, but 1A also all got through no problem and took the top 4 spots. Which means all the attention is still on 1A.”

 

“Well,” Kirishima said with a smile, “If you want attention you could join our team!”

 

Tokage snorted, “There’s attention and then there’s suicide. I want to be seen but I want to survive the next round too. I’ve already got two decent offers for teams anyway.”

 

Izuku nodded, “Let me guess, you’re debating if you should join the more offensive or defensive team that’s offered you a place.”

 

Tokage raised an eyebrow at him, “Yeah, how did you…?”

 

“It’s pretty much the only two real tactics here,” Izuku explained, “You either form a team with enough points that you just need to keep everyone else off you to get through or you pretty much focus on constantly taking headbands and hope the timer stops when you have enough points. I’m not sure what it’s like in 1B but 1A only has a few versatile quirks which could play at both and even then you could hardly focus the entire team on one quirk.”

 

Tokage paused before giving Izuku a curious look, “That might all be true, but that doesn’t change the fact your team mainly offers a massive target on my back. Besides, are you going offensive or defensive?”

 

Izuku smirked slightly, “Actually, we’re the only team that CAN cover both offensive and defensive.”

 

Tokage spent a few moments looking at each of the three boys, “Ok I’ll bite, how?”

 

“Well for starters, out of everyone in our class Kacchan and Kirishima have the best defence.” Izuku explained and motioned to the pair.

 

“My quirk is called Enhancement,” Katsuki said with a bored tone, “Pretty much an advanced super strength quirk which means I’m stronger, faster and tougher than anyone else on the field.”

 

“And my quirk is called Hardening!” Kirishima exclaimed with triple the amount of enthusiasm and raised a rock solid arm to show off his quirk, “Basically it means I can harden my entire body and take pretty much whatever anyone throws at me.”

 

Tokage nodded and seemed to go over it in her head, “I get it, these two have great defensive quirks and close combat while my quirk is incredibly versatile, especially considering the rules of the game. In fact I’d go as far to say my quirk is perfect for this.”

 

Izuku nodded, “Agreed.”

 

“Buuut,” Tokage drew the word out, “I’m still not incredibly offensive, which means you must be hiding some kind of super freaky quirk to make up for what the three of us lack.”

 

Izuku paused and took a breath, he knew this was going to happen but to hell with it, he had a tournament to win.

 

“My quirk is called Quirk Absorption,” Izuku said and next to him Katsuki and Kirishima both froze up, “it allows me to take and use people’s quirks.”

 

Tokage frowned, “You mean like Monama’s copy quirk?”

 

Izuku shook his head, “No, I don’t copy the quirk, I take it completely, it leaves the person essentially quirkless. Unlike copy quirks I can also take as many as I like and keep them indefinitely while using them to their full potential.”

 

Tokage paused as Izuku could practically feel the tension ebbing off Katsuki and Kirishima. He himself felt his heart constrict slightly in his chest as he awaited her reaction.

 

Tokage let out a low whistle, “Damn Midoriya… I get it, with you on our team it pretty much doesn’t matter if we focus on defensive or offensive because you can just take the quirks needed to do both.”

 

“Exactly,” Izuku said and silently let out a sigh of relief when Tokage didn’t immediately run for the hills, “So, will you join us?”

 

Tokage paused before answering and glanced behind her where several members of her class were giving her suspicious looks for talking with the enemy.

 

“It’ll probably piss of my entire class and I’ll end up labelled a traitor but you know what… fuck it,” Tokage said and turned to the three with a wide smirk, “I ain’t gonna sit here and hang about in the background anymore, I’m gonna fucking shine on the back of those ten million points.”

 

“Hell yeah!” Kirishima said and pumped the air once again.

 

“Just don’t hold us back,” Katsuki said with a grunt, “The pro’s are watching afterall.”

 

“Exactly,” Tokage said with excitement, “All eyes are gonna be on us. I assume you have a plan?”

 

Izuku simply gave her a wicked smile.

 

---

 

Aizawa opened his eyes and watched as the countdown hit the final minute mark to decide on their teams. He let out a frustrated yawn, a 14 minute nap was barely worth it. Next to him Present Mic had a wide smile as he looked out onto the field, the teams having finally all been formed.

 

“Some interesting teams out there this year, I even see some mixed 1A and 1B teams which is always rare.”

 

Aizawa raised his eyebrow in curiosity before he too looked out onto the field and started to scan the teams. He sighed when he saw that the general student, Shinso, had simply brainwashed three people to be on his team. If he simply told them the truth about his quirk, Aizawa had no doubt they’d snap him up for their team. He hoped Shinso might be a candidate to move onto the hero course but he had a list about three pages long of mental issues to get through before he could do that. 

 

As Aizawa scanned the teams he once again found himself pleasantly surprised, most of his students had formed teams based on tactics rather than friendships, a smart move. He noted however that Todoroki’s team, consisting of himself, Yaoyorozu, Kaminari and Iida was perhaps the most well built. Good, that meant even despite all the problems and confusion going on for Todoroki right now he was still giving the tournament his all.

 

The rest of the teams also generally looked to have been smartly created. In fact it looked like-

 

“Oh god fucking dammit!”

 

Next to him Mic nearly spat his coffee out all over the control panel in front of him. He coughed and choked on the coffee for a few moments before turning to Aizawa with a wild expression.

 

“What!? What is it!?”

 

Aizawa simply sighed and pointed out into the field. Mic followed his line of sight until-

 

“Oh,” Mic said, a little dejected, “Yeah, that’s gonna cause hell.”

 

The pair watched as Midoriya, Bakugou and Kirishima helped get Tokage from 1B onto their shoulders with Midoriya taking the front of their formation while Bakugou was on the right and Kirishima on the left.

 

“Bakugou and Midoriya on one team,” Mic said with a frown, “If we’re lucky the attention of the ten million will mean they’ll have a hell of a fight on their hands.”

 

Aizawa just turned to Mic and gave him a deadpan expression.

 

Mic sighed, “Yeah, the rest of the field is toast.”

 

---

 

Yagi chuckled as Cementoss whined about his loss in the betting pool. Vlad King looked exceptionally smug as he happily reminded everyone that his class had all made it through. He seemed to ignore the fact 1A had also all made it through and got the top 4 spots with 1B taking 5th as their highest score.

 

Yagi looked over the screens as the teams on the field got together. He saw that the lone support girl (Hatsume if he remembered) had teamed up with Yoarashi, Uraraka and Jiro. Jiro took the place of the rider and appeared to be fitting some kind of jetpack on. Yagi raised his eyebrows, if it really was a jetpack combined with Uraraka and Yoarashi’s quirks and they had just essentially created a team that could fly.

 

Slowly Yagi looked at each team in detail and like Aizawa was pleased by the tactics being shown. Then of course he found his two mentee’s. An interesting combination though he expected Izuku and Katsuki to work together of course. They might have no problem going head to head during the individual stage but given any opportunity to work together and the pair considered it blasphemy not to. 

 

Though their two teammates were a surprise. Kirishima made sense, Yagi had no doubt Izuku could see the defensive capabilities of his quirk. Throw Kirishima in front of an attack and he could block anything, even Katsuki didn’t have that level of resistance. It was also a great relief to Yagi, he’d watched Izuku borrow the boy's quirk in the first race which meant there was no way he didn’t know the true nature of Izuku’s quirk. The fact he was still chatting with Izuku and smiling as they waited for the event to start meant he had no issue with it. Good, Izuku and Katsuki needed friends like that.

 

The bigger surprise was Tokage from 1B, of course Izuku knew her from the recommendation exams but 1B and 1A rarely worked together in the Sports Festival, especially in their first year. Of course Tokage had an excellent quirk for the event, she could practically fly by this point in her training meaning she could separate from the team without touching the ground and being disqualified. Yagi watched as the team completed their formation before Kirishima and Tokage both gave Izuku a high five with wide smiles.

 

Wait.

 

Wait one fucking minute.

 

Did Izuku just?

 

Was he?

 

He wasn’t? 

 

Was he really that crazy?

 

Fuck of course he was and Bakugou would only encourage it.

 

The rest of the staff jumped suddenly when Yagi let out a violent cough and painted one of his handkerchiefs red. The shock of Izuku’s plan was so much that Yagi couldn’t help it.

 

“You ok Yagi?” Snipe asked with concern.

 

Yagi waved him off, “I-I’m fine *cough* sorry, I just… well I…”

 

“He figured out Midoriya’s plan.” Nedzu said excitedly while a huge smirk covered his face.

 

“Plan?” Snipe asked as the entire staff turned their attention to the screen focused on team Tokage.

 

“TOKAGE!?” Vlad King screamed, “What is she doing joining 3 members of 1A!? Has she no shame?”

 

Powerloader snorted, “Yeah, what a maniac for joining the team with two of the strongest members of the year on. Plus with the ten mil there’s no way the pro’s won’t notice her.”

 

“I’m surprised Midoriya isn’t the rider though, he has the most versatility out of all of them.” Cementoss commented.

 

“True that,” Snipe said, “But he’s gonna struggle to take quirks on the battle this time. Too much movement happening for him to have the time to keep someone within his range long enough to take their quirk and he can’t exactly-”

 

The entire room froze as everyone else’s brain caught up with Yagi’s own realisation.

 

“Oh…” Thirteen said to the silent room.

 

Nedzu let out a mad cackle, “Oh I’m having so much fun this year!”

Notes:

Hi all, thanks for all the kudos and comments as always. Just a note: I know this is pretty OOC for Tetsutetsu but again, I just feel the story would be boring if it was all sunshine and rainbows so sadly a few characters need to take the hit and become assholes unlike their canon counterparts

Chapter 27: Field Testing

Summary:

The Calvary battle begins and Team Tokage must rely on risky plans and untested quirk theory to get defend their ten million points

“Woah, this feels really weird.” Kirishima said as he flexed his hand in front of his face and stared at it like it was an alien part of him he’d never seen before.

 

Bakugou scoffed and rolled his eyes, “Stop making a big deal out of it, you’ll get used to it.”

 

“I gotta say, this plan of yours is insane Midoriya.” Tokage said from her position as the rider, a headband tied around her with far too many numbers on for the team to be fully comfortable.

 

“It’s risky,” Izuku admitted, “It leaves us vulnerable for the first minute…”

 

“But when it works this’ll be like fucking child's play.” Katsuki said with a feral and excited smile.

 

“Let's do it, team!” Kirishima said, like he was their unofficial mascot, which he probably was.

 

Izuku gulped as he watched the countdown slowly begin for the event to start, each team was dotted around the stadium and nearly every single one had their attention on team Tokage. Todoroki was giving them a look so cold it made Izuku shiver. He glanced around and caught Yoarashi’s eye who gave him a wide smile and a wave but even so Izuku could feel the intensity coming from him. He wanted that ten million as much as anyone else.

 

Izuku reached into himself and felt the hum of his stockpiled quirks, it helped calm him slightly as he felt their power flow through his body. Even his hunger seemed to have mellowed slightly, possibly from being fed throughout the race, and vibrated comfortably within him.

 

“You ready boys?” Tokage asked from her position.

 

“Hell yeah!”

 

“Abso-fucking-lutely.”

 

“I hope this works.”

 

Then the countdown finished.

 

Izuku didn’t even hear the loud beep finish before the chaos started. In almost perfect sync every team turned their attention to the ten million and started to charge. Izuku instantly activated one of his quirks, sending their plan into motion as he watched nearly 40 people charge directly at them.

 

“Ok..,” Tokage said with no small amount of alarm, “Maybe surviving for a minute was harder than we anticipated.”

 

“Just fucking run!” Katsuki shouted as the boys turned to flee.

 

Before they could however they felt their feet sinking into the earth. Izuku looked down in panic as his feet disappeared into the ground, he tried to shift and move but it was like quick sand, the more he struggled the further he went in.

 

“Dammit, it’s Honenuki!” Tokage cried and Izuku looked up to see the 4th recommendation student turning the ground into a borderline liquid, “His quirk turns the ground soft and liquid like, you essentially sink in and get trapped by it.

 

“It’s fucking solid though right?” Katsuki asked and Izuku felt One For All flare up behind him.

 

“Yeah, it’s like quick sand. Tokage explained.

 

Katsuki nodded, “Then everyone hold the fuck on and don’t let Dino-girl here touch the ground!”

 

Izuku knew what was about to happen and made sure to hold onto Kirishima and Tokage as tightly as possible. Katsuki bent his legs as his body lit up with red fire and sparks. Then, with One For All fuelling him, he jumped.

 

The soft ground around Katsuki exploded like mud with chunks of it flying in all directions. Katsuki flew through the air and as he did he made sure to pull Kirishima and Tokage with him who subsequently pulled Izuku. The team soared through the air and over the heads of several frustrated teams before crashing down on the other side of the field. They landed awkwardly with Kirishima stumbling and falling to his knees and Izuku was fairly sure he nearly broke an ankle. Luckily, Katsuki was strong enough to keep Tokage off the ground while the other two boys recovered and stopped them getting disqualified.

 

“Good job Kacchan!” Izuku shouted over the roar of the excited crowd.

 

“Don’t get too comfortable we’ve got incoming!” Tokage exclaimed.

 

Indeed the rest of the teams had only been momentarily distracted by the jump before they all changed course and resumed their charge straight for team Tokage.

 

“Hey Midori! Kiri! Who said you guys were allowed to pick up other cute girls!?”

 

Ashido’s call snapped Izuku's attention to his right where he saw at the front of her team charging forward. Sero sat atop her, with Tokoyami and Aoyama on either side behind Ashido as they all grinned at the ten million points.

 

“Oh no you fucking don’t Raccoon Eyes!” Katsuki shouted and pumped as much of his quirk as he dared into his leg.

 

He lifted his leg up and brought it down with enough force to shake the ground around them. Tokage wobbled slightly from atop the three boys but remained steady. The moment Katsuki’s foot hit the ground it started to crack and break, said cracks flew out in front of him in a wave destroying the ground and causing Ashido’s eyes to widen in alarm.

 

“Eep!” She cried out and veered off to the side, avoiding the destroyed ground.

 

As her team turned, Aoyama tried his luck and shot out a beam. But it was off course and Tokage simply ducked as the beam flew over her head before Aoyama was forced out of range by Ashido’s change in direction.

 

“Nice moves Bakugou!” Tokage cried with a smirk.

 

“Ha!” Bakugou responded with a smirk of his own, “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”

 

“TOKAGE ABOVE YOU!” Kirishima shouted desperately.

 

Tokage didn’t even look up, simply ducking on instinct. Jiro’s earphone jacks missed the headband by less than an inch. There was a curse from above them before the air around them shifted and briefly picked up like a storm. Izuku looked up and gaped.

 

Team Jiro had literally flown above them. Jiro herself had a jetpack on while the pink haired girl Bakugou had shouted at seemed to have some type of hover boots. Behind them Uraraka floated, being dragged along as she looked a little green. They were being led by Yoarashi who had a massive whirlwind underneath him keeping the entire team in the air and guiding them.

 

“NICE FUCKING TRY AIRHEAD!” Katsuki shouted with a wicked look and deranged eyes.

 

Yoarashi only matched it with his own enthusiasm, “Don’t count us out yet Bakugou! We’re only a few minutes in!”

 

“TOKAGE!”

 

Once again team Tokage only had a moment to snap their attention to their left to find Kendo running at them with her own team behind. Izuku didn’t recognize the girl that was acting as their rider but he didn’t like the look of her horns.

 

“I see you decided to try your luck with 1A! We’ll see how far that gets you!” Kendo shouted as a smile graced her lips.

 

“The fuck? What is with these extras and announcing their attacks? It’s like they’re trying to add dramatic effect…” Katsuki mumbled. 

 

Tokage eye’s widened when she caught sight of the horn girl, “Fuck it’s Pony! She has ranged attacks!”

 

The three boys panicked and went to move but it was too late. Pony smirked as her two horns fired off her head. They sliced through the air heading straight for the headband around Tokage. Said girl only had time to raise her arms before the horns made contact.

 

There was a sickening noise as the two horns made direct contact with Tokage’s forearms.

 

---

 

“Team Tokage is under constant attack!” Present Mic all but screamed next to Aizawa who sighed and leant back, the action down there was far too chaotic and fast passed for him to interrupt Mic with anything useful, “Everyone wants a slice of that ten million points! Team Jiro narrowly missed a chance and loses the element of surprise. But it looks like team Pony is coming in from their right! It’s Kendo against Midoriya! President against president! Looks like Pony is going for a range attack! But Tokage isn’t using her quirk to stop it! All she can do is raise her hands to try and block and- WAIT WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!?”

 

Aizawa nearly leapt out of his seat as he watched the action unfold. The moment he saw it he knew exactly what had happened and for a minute completely forgot that he had a microphone in front of him.

 

“Fucking Problem Child!”

 

---

 

“COME ON KENDO! SHOW TOKAGE WHY LEAVING 1B WAS A MISTAKE!” 

 

Vlad King's shout made Yagi wince slightly. Don’t get the man wrong, he was equally as excited by the match as everyone else, despite it being made up of students it genuinely was exhilarating to watch, but he enjoyed a more silent viewing. He took a sharp breath however when he saw Pony’s horns head straight for Tokage. He knew from his lessons with 1B Pony’s horns were both hard and sharp, easily able to smash through concrete and even cut steel if she put enough power behind them. Tokage arms would be sliced clean off. He watched with terror as the horns made a perfect hit and then-

 

“What has he- *cough*!” Yagi jumped out of his seat with a start as a bout of violent coughing overcame him.

 

The rest of the staff all looked confused bar Nedzu who cackled madly, “YES! I knew he could do it! I knew it would work!”

 

Yagi turned to the principal with an incredulous look, “He’s never done that before! It’s a theory but he’s never attempted it!”

 

“The best theories are practised in the field Yagi!” Nedzu declared with prideful eyes.

 

“That’s not the field! It’s a tournament where he risked killing a classmate!” Yagi cried.

 

“Don’t be so human, Yagi! Sometimes life needs a bit of risk!”

 

“What the hell is going on!?” Powerloader shouted.

 

---

 

Kendo’s eyes went wide and she dug her heels into the ground, bringing her entire team to stop. Not that they protested because they too had equally wide eyes and looks of shock.

 

“What the fuck?” Kendo whispered and despite the noise of the stadium Izuku heard every word.

 

He watched as Pony’s horns fell down in front of him, both cracked and broken. He looked up where Tokage slowly lowered her arms. Said arms had grown slightly and instead of smooth skin they were now jagged and hardened and had torn the sleeves of her gym uniform. Tokage looked down at her arms with initial shock before her face morphed into a wide grin, showing her jagged and now emphasised sharp teeth.

 

“Hahahah!” She cried and held up her arms, “You were right Kirishima! Your quirk really can take any blows!”

 

Kirishima practically had sparkles in his eyes as he looked up and watched Tokage use his quirk, “My quirk is so cool…” He whispered.

 

Transferring Tokage’s and Kirishima’s quirks had been a big risk, Izuku knew this and he also knew he was likely going to get a lecture from Yagi and Aizawa about it. They knew it worked in theory but he’d never done it so they had no idea what would happen when Tokage used Kirishima’s quirk, it could have very well have torn her skin apart. But despite the risks Tokage had insisted and Izuku figured he could always shove regeneration in her in a worst case scenario. Luckily though it appeared to be a seamless transition.

 

Izuku took advantage of team Pony’s shocked shock and turned to them, activating his heat-vision as he did. Kendo was immediately snapped out of her shock and forced her team to fall back. Izuku’s beams missed them by a few feet as it scorched the ground where they had once stood.

 

“Projectiles to our left!” Kirishima shouted from behind Izuku.

 

“It’s Mineta!” Tokage screamed, “If those balls touch us, we're finished!”

 

Izuku looked to his left and indeed could see a wave of purple balls soaring through the air and heading straight for them.

 

“Kirishima!” Izuku called and reached behind him.

 

Kirishima grabbed Izuku’s hand and Izuku felt the redhead's current lack of quirk. He pushed one of his own quirks out and into Kirishima, now that he knew it was safe, all bets were off.

 

“What do I do!?” Kirishima cried frantically as he waved his hands around, trying to activate his new quirk.

 

“Just look at what you want to hit and imagine activating your own quirk but through your eyes!” Izuku informed him.

 

Kirishma nodded and turned and his face scrunched up in concentration. A few moments passed as Izuku watched the balls head towards them and he started to panic, maybe it wasn’t as easy to use as he thought. But a moment before he went to shout at Kirishima two hot red beams shot out from said boy's eyes. They easily sliced through the incoming balls causing them to pop as Kirishima let out a whoop.

 

“Oh hell yeah! Offensive quirks rule but OW FUCK ME THAT HURTS!” 

 

Kirishima cut off his heat-vision and scrunched his eyes shut causing Izuku to wince, “Sorry, I should have given you the heads up.”

 

Kirishima opened up his eyes and, despite how bloodshot and swollen they had become, gave Izuku a wide smile, “No worries man this is amazing!”

 

“That’s not fair!” Came a sudden whine from the distance and Kirishima and Izuku turned to see Mineta and another 1B boy on the back of a massive student covered in fur, clearly he had some sort of mutation quirk that turned him into a borderline beast. Said beast was charging full throttle at them carrying the other two members of his team from 1B

 

Kirishima smirked as Mineta whined and let out another burst of heat-vision. The beast student cursed and was forced to leap out of the way, missing the beams by inches. Yet their heat still caused his fur to burn off and skin to bubble. He let out a loud curse and limped back into the retreat.

 

“Oi Shitty Hair be careful!” Katsuki roared, “Those beams can be strong enough to cut limbs off if you’re not careful.”

 

Kirishima flinched and gained a horrified expression, “R-Right sorry, I’m not used to offensive quirks like this.”

 

“It’s alright,” Izuku said and shot a smile behind him, “Just think about lowering its temperature and the quirk will do the rest.”

 

“Yeah, please don’t kill any of my classmates!” Tokage said though her smile and excitement felt like it negated any concern she had.

 

“Five minutes in and Team Tokage is under constant and heavy attack! But they’re keeping up a strong defence!”

 

“They’ve backed themselves into a corner however, eventually they either need to break through or another team will make it through a crack in their defences.”

 

Aizawa was right, they had been forced into one corner of the field and were surrounded by teams who kept trying their luck.

 

Hagakure’s team consisting of Sato, Shoji and Koda managed to get in close on their right. It was only because he could sense Hagakure’s energy that Izuku managed to get Tokage to duck just before an invisible hand swept her headband away. Katsuki had let out a powerful kick right in Shoji’s side (it was a good job the hands Katsuki had ripped off could regrow as well) and the larger boy was forced to push his team back out into the field to recover.

 

Meanwhile Tokage was making good use of Kirishima’s quirk as she came under fire from several ranged attacks. Ayoama’s laser burned her gym uniform while acid from Ashido bubbled and hissed against her hardened skin.

 

Kendo’s team was back and attempting another move and was keeping Kirishima busy as he periodically let off heat-vision to slice through the vines being sent their way by a 1B girl Tokage identified as Shiozaki.

 

Then the heat really turned up.

 

“MOVE!” Katsuki practically screamed and pushed their entire team to the side with One For All.

 

Tokage wobbled from her position while Izuku and Kirishima landed awkwardly and nearly fell to the floor. But a moment after they had moved a massive ice wall formed next to them where Katsuki had been standing. Not even a few seconds later and a second wall appeared on Kirishima’s side, essentially trapping Izuku and his team right in the corner of the field.

 

“FUCK!” Toakge cried as she frantically looked around for an escape, despite knowing full well there wasn’t one.

 

Up ahead Izuku saw Todoroki and his team quickly making their way towards them. Iida was of course leading the charge while Kaminari was sparking behind him as Yoayorozu started to pull a creation out of her forearm.

 

“Bakugou! Think you can jump over these walls?” Kirishima asked as he tried to melt them with heat-vision, unfortunately his eyes were nearing their limit, unable to adapt the same way Izuku could and the ice was thick.

 

“I can fucking try!” Katsuki responded and bent his legs.

 

“No!” Izuku shouted in a commanding tone, making the boy pause.

 

His teammates looked at him before all glancing at the incoming Team Todoroki. To make matters worse Izuku glanced up and saw Team Jiro coming in from the sky. They were going to be hit on two fronts.

 

Tokage bit her lip, “You got it ready?”

 

Izuku nodded, “I just need a couple more seconds…”   

 

“You realise we don’t have a fucking couple of seconds right?” Katsuki growled from behind Izuku as they watched the two teams quickly approaching.

 

Izuku grit his teeth, he was so close. He just needed to…

 

“Team Todoroki has Team Tokage cornered and their closing in along with Team Jiro! I don’t see how Team Tokage can- HEY WAIT A MINUTE WHERE THE HELL IS MIDORIYA’S ARM!?”

 

Everyone who could hear Present Mic turned their attention to Izuku. His left arm was perfectly fine, clenched and ready for the incoming attack. But on his right he had no arm, only the sleeve from his gym uniform flapping in the wind. 

 

Izuku smirked.

 

The Cavalry Battle was far too fast paced for him to take any quirks at range and they’d have to get dangerously close to opposing teams for him to be able to reach out and touch them. In these circumstances he would have needed to depend solely on his stockpiled quirks. If they truly wanted to defend the 10 Million Izuku had needed a way to overcome this major issue.

 

And Tokage’s quirk was the perfect answer to it.

 

Around the field several students felt sections of Izuku’s floating arm slam against them, from fingers to his elbow to chunks of his bicep. The movement they did Izuku let his hunger run wild and pulled.

 

It was exhilarating, he’d taken quirks before, he’d taken several that morning. But never had Izuku taken so many at once. It was ecstasy, his hunger swam with delight and his whole body shivered as the power of quirks filled him. Even around him his three teammates could feel the shift in the air, it crackled with power as Izuku gained a wide smirk.

 

“Oh yeah… that feels good,” He said in a tone that made Kirishima and Tokage shiver and caused Bakugou to gain a wicked smile.

 

“You ready nerd?” Izuku simply nodded his head in response, “Good,” Katsuki gained a feral look in his eyes, “Then lets fuck shit up.”

 

Up ahead Team Todoroki was quickly closing the gap with Iida providing a boost of speed. Yoayorozu had opened her gym shirt and was slowly pulling out a thick looking pole. They were close enough that Izuku could overhear them.

 

“Kaminari are you ready?” Todoroki called.

 

Kaminari paused and looked down at his hands, “I… I…”

 

“Kaminari now!” Yoayorozu called and she slammed the newly created pole into the ground as Iida skidded to a stop a few metres from Izuku, an earthing rod to counter Kaminari Izuku realised.

 

Except nothing happened.

 

“Kaiminari what are you doing!?” Todoroki shouted from atop the team.

 

“I… I can’t… my quirk…” Kaminari stuttered, it was amazing he was still standing next to his team considering the state he appeared to be in.

 

“Kaminari, now is not the time! Use your quirk!” Iida ordered as Katsuki sent him a villain grade grin.

 

“I DON’T HAVE MY FUCKING QUIRK!” Kaminari screeched in sheer panic which quickly infected the rest of his teammates who’s faces snapped from confusion to panic to horror as they all turned to find feral smiles on every member of team Tokage.

 

Izuku raised his right foot.

 

Honenuki’s Softening combined with Ashido’s Acid .

 

Izuku slammed his foot down and instantly the combined quirk started to spread out in front of him across the ground. But unlike Softening the combined quirk didn’t turn the ground into a semi-liquid, instead it turned it into pure acid that spread out around Team Tokage. It hit the ice walls either side of them and instantly they started to bubble and melt into the ground.

 

Iida’s eyes went wide as the acid approached his team and he quickly pushed them back, the scramble nearly causing their whole structure to collapse. Yoayorozu was forced to abandon her grounding rod as if fell into the acid and disappeared with a violent hiss.

Izuku smiled.

 

Maintain Softening, cancel out Acid and swap in with Kaminari’s Electrification.

 

The moment Izuku switched out the quirks the acid around them vanished and was replaced with a wave of sparking electricity. The ground crackled and snapped as the quirk spread, it clashed with the ice walls either side of the team and caused them to shatter. As they did they revealed several teams on the other side who had been trying to break through to get at the ten million points.

 

Several grew wide smiles as they saw said ten million revealed. Those smiles only lasted for a moment however before they found themselves caught in a wave of electricity, many teams being shocked to their knees. Up ahead Iida attempted to turn and flee the incoming wave but his metal engine pipes attracted the attention of the quirk and it lashed out and two sparks caught the back of Iida’s leg. The teen cried out as the electricity spread throughout his team, all of them winced and collapsed slightly bar Kaminari (which Izuku filed away for further analysis). 

 

“Move!” Izuku yelled to his team and shut his quirks off, the ground around them returning to normal with nearly every team they could see temporarily stunned.

 

Kirishima and Katsuki all but pushed Izuku and Tokage forward as the team charged passed the rest of the incapacitated field.

 

“Midoriya I need my quirk back!” Tokage shouted from above Izuku.

 

He didn’t even turn to look at her, Izuku simply held up his now reformed right hand and Tokage latched onto it. Izuku pulled Hardening out of her, she let it go easily without a fuss and as one quirk flowed into him Izuku pushed another out. They might have tested the theory of transferring a quirk but Izuku wasn’t ready to see the result of multiple quirks in a body not designed like his was.

 

A moment later izuku felt the wind pick up as Team Jiro dived down from the air above them. The second Tokage had her quirk back she instantly split apart. Not a moment later Jiro’s jacks passed through where Tokage’s head had been before she split it and ducked the top of her head to the side. Jiro let out a curse as her team flew by, Yoarashi guiding them back up into the air.

 

Izuku watched them and noticed how green Uraraka looked. He sifted through his gathered quirks until he found the one he was looking for. It felt weird, latching onto it, it was the first mutation quirk he’d stolen. He had expected it to be far more difficult than it ended up being, the quirk had all but floated over to him the moment his elbow slapped the student in the back of the head. He felt his throat and mouth muscles morph as they adapted to the quirk energy. It wasn’t painful per say but it wasn’t pleasant either as he felt his jaw and tongue change as they adapted to the quirk so that he was able to use it.

 

When he felt his throat and jaw stop moving he assumed his body had finished morphing to what the quirk required and he looked up he just hoped his aim still held up when he wasn’t shooting from his eyes. He wasn’t exactly sure how to work a mutation quirk so he took a wild guess.

 

Izuku stuck out his tongue. 

 

His now enlarged tongue whipped out of his mouth and shot through the air out in front of him. It felt weird, feeling his new tongue stretch and extend constantly out. Uraraka caught sight of it at the last moment and her eyes widened in both surprise and fear. Unfortunately she didn’t have time to move before Izuku’s tongue slapped into her stomach.

 

Asui’s Frog.

 

It was all she needed to suddenly start spewing her guts everywhere in the air and was forced to deactivate her quirk. The added weight appeared to be too much for the support items and Yoarashi to keep the team afloat and they were forced to land awkwardly on the ground, it wasn’t quite a crash but they came dangerously close to Jiro falling from the top and the team being disqualified.

 

“Nice hit Midoriya!” Came Tokage’s vice right next to him and Izuku turned to see her mouth and one eye floating right next to his head.

 

He smiled, “Youth quirk ish amazthing Tokagthe, can you getth the headband out ofth here?” Apparently Asui had spent a long time learning to talk with her tongue flopped out of her mouth.

 

Her eye and mouth shook slightly in a way that Izuku guessed was her shaking her head, “No can do, my range isn’t great currently and the further I move the top of my head away the less control I have, its moves slow and not where I want it to. It’d make too easy of a target so it’s better to keep in close and you guys keep defending.”

 

“Right,” Izuku said as his tongue disappeared back into his mouth and he pushed the quirk back down into his core, his throat and mouth returning to their usual set up, “Kacchan, Kirishma did you get that?”

 

“Of course I did nerd!” Katsuki shouted with a feral smile, “We gotta fight off any extra stupid enough to come near us!”

 

“Team Tokage unleash a devastating attack to carve a path out of their predicament and onto the field! Looks like they’ve also just ramped up their power and are ready to start dishing out the pain!”

 

“It was a brilliant albeit risky tactic, if it failed they’d have had a massive uphill battle to stay in the game. But they’ve not only increased their own power and ability to defend their points they’ve simultaneously crippled half the other teams on the field. I’m almost impressed.”

 

“Looks like the rest of the teams have decided to forget about the ten million though and it’s become a free for all! Team Tetsutetsu narrowly misses an attack from Team Sero.”

 

Izuku frowned slightly as he listened to his teachers’ commentary, it didn’t go unnoticed by him that they were subtly not actually informing everyone exactly what Izuku’s quirk was. And for some reason that made his gut twist. And not in the way he liked when he listened to a certain punk girls favourite band.

 

 Izuku led his team out into the centre of the field, around him he could feel quirks flying in all directions as the rest of the teams started to battle for smaller points values. They were now over a third of the way in and people were starting to realise only one team could end up with the ten million points. Izuku skidded to a halt with his team now on the other side of the field, they finally had some room to breathe. Half the teams were still incapacitated from Izuku’s attack (some overcoming being shocked and others trying to figure out where their quirks had gone) while the other half were at each other’s throats.

 

“Ow fuck,” Kirishima hissed from behind Izuku, “Damn this heat-vision is amazing but it hurts like hell.”

 

Izuku glanced behind him and blanched. Kirishima’s eyes were swollen and almost completely red, steady streams of blood were coming from them and his eyebrows and eyelashes appeared to be burnt off.

 

“Shit. Sorry Kirishima, here let me swap it out.” Izuku said and reached his hand out which Kirishima fumbled for.

 

Izuku pulled heat-vision into himself and pushed regeneration into Kirishima, he tried not to frown at the feeling of his most background quirk leaving him, almost like a constant hum that left his body. But he sighed in relief when the moment it entered Kirishima his eyes started to swell back to normal and his burnt skin regrew.

 

“Ahhh, thanks man.” Kirishima moaned with a wide smile and his bright eyes returned, “Damn man! I feel better now then when we started the battle!”

 

Izuku snorted, “Careful, the quirk exhaustion from it is a bitch.”

 

“Oi Dino Girl,” Katsuki barked at Tokage, whose head was still floating around the team in several parts, “How are we looking?”

 

“Most people seem to have given up on us. I’d say by the looks of things Midoriya has brought about 3 or 4 teams to a complete standstill out of shock while the rest are just trying for one of the other three spots. Hopefully we can- SHIT MONAMA ON OUR RIGHT!”

 

The three boys flipped their attention to their right side where team Monama was rapidly approaching their  flank. Without hesitation Izuku let out heat-vision. But the brown haired boy whose quirk Izuku had stolen was at the front and apparently he’d learnt a thing or two.

 

The boy threw down a massive wall of solid air which he used to make a tight manoeuvre    and change his teams direction to avoid Izuku’s aim. They moved to a point where Izuku could only hit them with heat-vision if he turned and sliced Tokage and Katsuki in half.

 

“TOKAGE!” Monama cried in outrage, “YOU’LL PAY FOR JOINING 1A!”

 

“I can’t stop them!” Izuku warned.

 

“Good!” Katsuki cried, “Let them come and get fucked up!”

 

Not a moment later and Team Monama were upon them. Monama reached up to yank their headband but the top half of Tokage’s head retreated beside Kirishima. Meanwhile Katsuki tried to ram the person with pitch black paint skin that had clashed with him. Only to find said person disappear into the shadows on the ground and for Katsuki to end up smashing the earth beneath his feet.

 

“Dman, that’s a useful quirk Tokage! I think I'll help myself!” Monama mocked and reached out to grab Tokage’s attached arm.

 

Izuku couldn’t help but watch in fascination as Monoma’s quirk energy went into action. As he had charged at them Monama’s quirk energy was… well it was basic, a simple white orb in the middle of his chest. But when he touched Tokage a tentacle shot out from the orb into her body and made contact with her quirk. Tokage's own quirk energy consisted of a green orb in the middle of her chest, when she broke parts of her body off this orb would gain a line which connected said body part back to the quirk energy. The moment Monama’s quirk touched Tokage it began to change, its colour went from white to green and lines shot out of it, perfectly replicating the quirk.

 

Monama smirked and instantly started to use said quirk as his left arm slipped off from his body. It raced round and tried to grab the headband from Tokage but quickly found itself in a wrestling match with Kirishima. Watching the redhead fight with a floating arm would have been amusing if Izuku didn’t have his own problems.

 

The final 1B student of the opposing team attacked Izuku as they clashed. His arm started to spin and Izuku only reacted just in time as he activated Kirishiama’s quirk and raised his hardened arms. The spinning hand made contact with Izuku’s forearm and there was a loud screech as the two quirks clashed.

 

Izuku grit his teeth as he felt hardening crack slowly, the constant force of the drill attack too much for regeneration to activate as breaks started to form on Izuku’s arm, blood trickling out of the cracks. Luckily it appeared the opposing student was no better off as he scrunched up his face in pain as his hand pushed against the forearm, it was quickly becoming a battle of endurance. Either Drill boys hands would break or Izuku’s hardened skin would crumble.

 

Locked in a battle of endurance with the student, Izuku was unable to do anything as what was left of Monama reached out to him with a wide smirk, “You’ve shown off a lot of power, I can’t wait to see what your quirk is.”

 

Izukue’s eyes widened as Monama’s hand grabbed onto his shoulder. He watched as another white orb pulled out of Monama’s chest and sent out a tendril towards Izuku’s, quite frankly, mess of energy. The black hole of his actual quirk still sat in the middle of his chest but as it slowly rotated it seemed to spew out nearly a dozen other quirk energies that spread throughout Izuku’s body as he used them.

 

He watched as the tendril from Monama’s quirk travelled down through his shoulder and towards the centre of his chest. His hunger seemed to vibrate towards it and if Izuku didn’t know any better he’d say it almost felt like it was curious. Izuku had to confess, even in the heat of the moment he was partly curious as to how a copy quirk would react to his own quirk.

 

As it turned out, badly.

 

Monama’s tendril made contact with Izuku’s pile of quirk energy. As Monama’s quirk took effect Izuku could literally feel it pull at his various quirks and start to replicate them all apart from his original quirk, he momentarily felt Monama’s quirk pull on it but his hunger quickly shut that down. Izuku filed that information away for later it appeared his quirk couldn’t be copied. His stockpiled quirks were a different story however, he watched as a massive amount of copied quirk energy flew straight into Monama.

 

Said boy’s eyes widened and he let out a feral scream that made both teams jump slightly in shock. Monama clutched at his stomach and letched forward, there was a pause before blood was suddenly pouring from his mouth and creeping out of his ears and eyes. It covered his own team and splattered onto Izuku, Tokage and Katsuki. Monoma’s skin seemed to light up slightly and became hot to the touch. Inside his quirk energy had been thrown into chaos, a massive spiral of multicoloured energies out of control in his chest. It was like watching an explosion within Monama.

 

“MONAMA!” One of his teammates cried in horror.

 

“What the fuck did you do to him!?” The brown haired boy with the air quirk screamed at Izuku.

 

Izuku however was unable to fully respond as the member of their team with the drill quirk didn’t seem to be concerned about Monama’s state and continued to attack Izuku.

 

Monama’s screaming eventually subsided when he fell unconscious, falling back against his team who managed to keep him upright.

 

“M-Monama?” The front boy asked with panic in his voice.

 

“Monama will kill us if we stop attacking! Keep going!” The drill boy attacking Izuku shouted.

 

Izuku panicked for a few moments but a quick glance at Monama and he saw that the boy's quirk had returned to normal indicating he was ok, just knocked out. With his conscious (mostly) cleared Izuku returned to the threat at hand. His arm was really starting to hurt and they needed to push this team off quickly. He sifted through his gathered quirks, it was a good job he had a knack for quirk analysis and that Tokage had given him a rundown of all of 1Bs quirks otherwise he’d have no idea what some of these did.

 

He reached out with his hand not currently being drilled and pushed another quirk into it. Once again his body morphed to adapt to the new quirk, it was painful and more awkward than with Asui’s quirk but that was probably down to lacking regeneration. The theory was further proven when holes appeared along Izuku's arm that shot out blood and chunks of flesh as they opened up and caused Izuku to cry out.

 

1B Bondo’s Cemedine

 

Drill boy glanced at him in confusion for a second before glue spurted from the new holes on Izuku’s arm and coated the boy's spinning limb. It only took a few moments for the glue to harden and the spinning to come to an abrupt halt as it hardened and coated Drill boy’s skin.

 

“Ah fuck, what the hell!?” Drill boy said, looking down at his trapped arm in confusion.

 

Izuku didn’t waste any time, he let both hardening and cemedine fall back into his core. He hissed through when the holes from cemedine didn’t close and continued to ooze blood mixed with glue. But he didn’t let it slow him down as he reached out for another 1B quirk Tokage had recommended he get. Feeling it rush down into his arms Izuku reached out.

 

1B Awase’s Weld

 

In all the chaos it was easy to plant one hand on the unconscious Monama and hit his other three teammates with his other hand one after the other. Each time he did there was a slight glow and Izuku could feel the quirk energy confirm he’d been successful.

 

“Kacchan!” Izuku called as the blonde boy finally managed to grab hold of the shadow quirk user, “Weld worked, get them the hell out of here!”

 

Katsuki gave him a wicked smile and reached back with a sparking red arm. The brown haired boy tried to stop him by creating a massively thick wall of air but Katsuki smashed through it like cardboard before he landed a direct hit on Monama. 

 

Izuku was certain he heard several ribs crack as the boy was shot into the air by Katsuki’s punch. Unfortunately, the rest of his team had been welded to him and were also thrown into the air. The entire team spiralled through the air and crashed onto the ground in a painful twist of limbs.

 

“Team Monama’s rider hits the ground meaning they’re disqualified! Team Tokage is really out for blood, they’ve kept the ten million and wiped out an entire team! With just ten minutes left on the clock can anyone stop this rampage!?”

 

“Don’t stop moving you fucking extras!” Katsuki yelled at the team as they swerved to avoid Sero’s incoming tape. Izuku threw out a large blob of Ashido’s acid and forced said team to retreat back.

 

“How are you holding up Tokage!?” Izuku asked and glanced behind him.

 

Tokage’s upper body was still split into several pieces but they were moving significantly slower than before, “I haven’t ever been split for this long before and in this many pierces,” her floating mouth said as it hovered between Izuku and Katsuki, “I’m not sure how much longer I can keep this up.”

 

“Get yourself back together Dino Girl, no point trying to separate yourself if it just means you’re too slow to avoid an attack.” Katsuki barked as his eyes scanned the area for enemy teams, luckily it seemed most had decided the ten million was too well defended and were trying for the other high points team. Unfortunately for Team Todoroki with Team Jiro back in the air with Uraraka recovered, that meant they were the primary target. Waves and spikes of ice shot out all over the field as Iida had to swerve to avoid three separate incoming teams.

 

“Right!” Tokage replied and reattached her body with a sigh of relief.

 

“Team Mineta coming up behind us!” Kirishima called, “That big monster guy is really charging, Midoriya you got anything!?”

 

“Try this one.” Izuku said and reached his hand back.

 

Kirishima grabbed it and Izuku once again pulled regeneration back into himself and swapped it with another quirk he’d taken from a fellow classmate. He let out a wince and sigh as regeneration got back in place and immediately closed the holes created by cedemine and healed the damage from the drill attack. Not to self, mutation quirks will permanently damage and change his body without regeneration there to correct it back to its normal state.

 

“How do I-” Kirishima began to ask but was interrupted when a shadow popped out of his chest.

 

Said shadow was a perfect replica of Kirishima’s upper body in its hardened form, its shoulders and hands were jagged and had solid instead of smooth lines. It’s hair was spiky and it had two bright red eyes and even had a bright red mouth full of black teeth to match. Izuku shuddered slightly, and here he thought Tokoyama’s quirk couldn’t get any more Halloween themed.

 

“D-Dark Shadow?” Kirishima asked the shadow in surprise.

 

“Yes!” Dark Shadow replied excitedly, “Well actually no. I’m Dark Shadow but I’m your Dark Shadow not Tokoyami’s Dark Shadow.”

 

“Huh?” Kirishima asked, clearly lost by the complexities of a saitient quirk.

 

Dark Shadow shrugged, “Try not to think about it, anyway, why am I out here?”

 

“Oh yeah!” Kirishima said and his face went from one of confusion to a bright smile that made Izuku’s stomach turn, that or using multiple quirks was starting to get to him, “Think you can help with that?” Kirishima asked and jabbed his thumb behind him to where Team Mineta were fast approaching.

 

“Oh hoho!” Dark Shadow shouted in delight as he watched the beast student smash the ground as he charged at them with a roar, “Now that’s a challenge I can appreciate!”

 

Dark Shadow let out a roar of his own and charged straight at 1Bs beast. The two clashed in the middle of the field and even Izuku could feel the shockwave that was created by their collision. The two colossal fighters started to exchange blows as Dark Shadow let out a mad cackle of glee while Kirishima cheered him on.

 

“Midoriya, pay attention we have incoming!” Tokage cried from above.

 

Izuku snapped his head back to the front and saw that they were running in a direct path to collide with the gen ed student team. Izuku frowned as he watched them approach. The Gen Ed students' quirk energy was a soft purple colour and seemed to rest in his brain, much like Nedzu’s. Except it had three long trendiles which went from the students' quirk energy into the heads of the three others holding him up, each one with a blank look on their faces and diluted eyes.

 

“I dunno what kind of freakshow you’re running!” The boy shouted at Izuku and his team, “But those quirks you’re using are disgusting! You don’t deserve to be heroes!”

 

The words made Izuku’s insides bubble with rage, even his hunger started to become more aggressive. Even if Izuku had taken several quirks, this boy had no right to just go about insulting people’s quirks. It reminded Izuku of what people used to say about him.

 

Behind Izuku Katsuki had also noticed the blank looks on the faces of the students carrying the guy with purple hair. Though he couldn’t see the quirk energy like Izuku could he was able to start putting the pieces of the puzzle together. So when he heard the boy mock Izuku and Izuku’s subsequent look of rage he knew it was too late.

 

“ZUZU WAIT-”

 

“Hey! You can’t-”

 

Izuku felt foreign quirk energy enter his mind almost immediately, it spread over him like a sheet being thrown over his body and he slowly felt his thoughts dull and slow. His perception of the world weakened and before he knew it he felt like nothing more than a passenger in his own body. There was now a fourth tendril from the gen ed student to Izuku.

 

“A brainwashing quirk! Man I bet that tastes exquisite,” Came a voice next to Izuku that was both gruff yet soft.

 

Izuku didn’t turn to look at the voice, he didn’t even really see it. But next to him he sensed a figure, much like how he sensed quirk energy. The shocks continued when Izuku realised the figure looked like him, he was lean with freckles covering his body though his hair was white, longer and more messy than Izuku’s yet stood up like it was spiked. His eyes also didn’t contain pupils and were just filled completely with the same green of Izuku’s own eyes. His mouth was also wider and larger than what was normal for a person and was full of sharp jagged teeth, though not like Kirishima’s, these teeth were messy and looked like they had been clumsily placed in the beings mouth.

 

“Who are you?” Izuku asked, though he didn’t actually use his mouth to speak.

 

The being waved him off, “Doesn’t matter, it would just confuse things.”

 

“Oh,” Izuku said, surprisingly uncaring as he watched the gen ed student, said student had gained a furious expression and appeared to be shouting at Izuku, though no sound reached Izuku’s ears, “He looks mad.” Izuku said to the being.

 

The being chuckled through it sounded more like a paper shredder, “He’s pissed because he’s trying to order us to move but it’s not working.”

 

“Why?” Izuku asked and scrunched up his face though his body didn’t react to the movement, “His quirk worked on us.”

 

“It captured us sure,” The being said, “But it doesn’t look like it works fully. Best guess is that we’re too used to having foreign quirk energy inside us so it’s child play for me to pretty much ignore his manipulation.”

 

“That makes sense,” Izuku said as he thought about it, “That probably means mind reading quirks or any psychic based quirks won’t work on us as well, our body is too adapted to foreign quirk energy for it to have any effect.” As he spoke Izuku realised he had no idea who ‘us’ was.

 

“That’ll be useful, I’d hate to be ordered around. Anyway, I’ll take care of this. Keep up the good work though, this day is literally a feast, the best day of our life!” The being said and gave Izuku a wide smile that nearly stretched in a full circle across his face and showed thousands of teeth.

 

Izuku felt his hunger lash out at the gen ed’s quirk and push it from their mind. The outside world came crashing back like a bomb. Izuku could feel the wind rush against his face, the dirt beneath his feet and hear both the gen ed student and Katsuki screaming at him.

 

“ZUZU DO SOMETHING YOU BIG FUCKING IDIOT!”

 

“I SAID ATTACK YOUR TEAMMATES!”

 

Izuku frowned and looked up at the gen ed student who suddenly stared down at him in shock with his mouth agape, “Wait… H-How did you-”

 

Before the student could finish his team came within Izuku’s range to play with their quirks, taking advantage of the close proximity Izuku reached out and pulled on the brainwashing quirk. He knew there was no way he’d ever be able to take it with his current stockpile and the chaos of the match but a slight pull had the desired effect.

 

The quirk instantly cancelled out and the tendrils that led down to the people carrying the gen ed student (Asui, Shoda and Ojiro) snapped back to reality. Apparently they hadn’t been as aware as Izuku had been while brainwashed as they all quickly became confused and crashed into each other. The entire team quickly fell and the gen ed student toppled from the top, rolling onto the ground.

 

“Team Shinso’s rider hits the ground in a dramatic fall! Another team disqualified after trying to take on Team Tokage!”

 

“The hell was that Midoriya!?” Tokage angrily snapped from above him and Izuku winced.

 

“S-Sorry! He had a brainwashing quirk!” Izuku apologised.

 

“It’s not the nerds fault, he’s already swimming in a dozen quirks and that guy knew how to get him riled up.” Katsuki defended though he gave Izuku a slight huff to indicate privately he was less than impressed with Izuku’s slip up.

 

“A brainwashing quirk huh? That’s a nasty one to fight but looks like you pushed through it!” Tokage shouted and gave Izuku a lopsided smile when he glanced back at her.

 

“Yeah, how the fuck did you do that?” Katsuki demanded.

 

Izuku honestly barely knew himself, “I think my body is used to having foreign quirks in it so it was just kinda… able to ignore it. Then all I had to do was push the quirk energy out of me like I usually do when returning a quirk. I think it also means I’m immune to most physic quirks too.”

 

“Damn Midoriya!” Tokage said with a chuckle, “I dunno who the hell is writing your anime protagonist of a story but they really need to nerf you.”

 

Katsuki scoffed, “Are you kidding Dino Girl? What kinda lame ass story is that? Next you’ll be saying I should be breaking my bones with every attack while Zuzu stockpiles one quirk every other fight. Fuck that shit.”

 

Fuck that shit indeed.

 

“Team Mineta taken care of!” Dark Shadow declared as he flew back to the group, behind him the beaten form of 1Bs beast was knelt down on the floor, their fur matted and blood coving parts of their body.

 

“Good job Dark Shadow!” Kirishima shouted with a whoop and a thumbs up, Dark Shadow crossed his arms in pride before he disappeared back into Kirishima’s chest.

 

“Ok, we’ve got just a few minutes left, I think we can do this.” Tokage said as she eyed the devastated field, most teams by this point were simply hanging by the sidelines, having already accepted defeat.

 

“ARE YOU FUCKING MAD DINO GIRL! WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU SAY THAT!?” Katsuki screamed at her, practically frothing at the mouth.

 

Suddenly Team Todoroki skidded to a stop in front of Izuku who slammed his own feet into the dirt as the two teams faced off against each other.

 

“DAMMIT! YOU HAD TO OPEN YOUR BIG FUCKING MOUTH!” Katsuki bellowed at Tokage with a look of pure hate, the girl simply rolled her eyes in response.

 

Izuku narrowed his eyes at Todoroki’s team. They looked exhausted, Iida was sweating and his engines were steaming. Yoayorozu could barely stay on her feet as she wobbled slightly, she was clearly suffering from quirk exhaustion. Meanwhile Todoroki was covered in a thin layer of ice, he was breathing heavily and Izuku could see his breath, he looked ready to collapse. But Kaminari… physically Kaminari looked fine, albeit worked out like everyone else, but the moment he made eye contact with Izuku his eyes widened in fear and he hid behind Iida. Izuku grit his teeth and pushed his emotions down.

 

“What are you doing Todoroki?” Izuku called out and Todoroki frowned at him.

 

“I want the ten million points,” Todoroki replied and Iida nodded his head in agreement.

 

“Think about this Todoroki,” Izuku said carefully, his eyes on the clock above the stadium that had just hit the two minute mark, “Your team looks exhausted and your down a quirk,” Kaminair flinched at Izuku words while his other teammates looked at Izuku in confusion, “Meanwhile we’re pretty much still dishing out our A-Game here,” Izuku said and Katsuki cracked his knuckles in agreement, “Are you sure you want to come after us?”

 

Izuku’s question made Todoroki pause as he looked over Izuku’s team, internally Izuku knew it was a bluff. Physically his team may have sustained minor damage but everyone bar Katsuki was nearing quirk exhaustion. Tokage’s energy ebbed weakly and she hadn’t split a part of herself off since she’d reattached,, too exhausted to maintain control if she did. She was also sagging slightly as Kirishima struggled to hold her up, using multiple quirks in quick succession was hard enough for Izuku, let alone someone whose body wasn’t designed for it. Izuku himself could feel the quirk energies within him becoming more volatile as pain spread throughout his body. He’d never held this many quirks before and the strain was showing, he had always assumed like any other quirk that if he really did want to hold an unlimited amount he’d need to train for it because right now he wanted to crawl up into a ball and die from the ever growing pain. The only one who wasn’t suffering on their team was Katsuki though Izuku couldn’t tell if that was due to the massive amount of power behind One For All or the massive amount of power behind Katsuki’s stubbornness.

 

If Team Todoroki decided to charge there was a good chance they might be able to grab the headband from Tokage and with how little time was left if that happened Izuku’s team had no hope of getting any points back to win. But Izuku prepared anyway, he grabbed as many quirks as he could, pushing their energy out into his body. His skin hardened and sparked while acid hissed under his feet, his eyes turned red and flushed with power. Around him his teammates could literally feel the energy ebbing out of him as they all prepared to charge.

 

Todoroki paused, “You’re right. There’s no point in attacking you.”

 

To say the rest of Todoroki’s team and Team Tokage were shocked would be an understatement. Katsuki let out an undignified noise that sounded like a surprised grasp but that was more of a grunt. Tokage nearly fell over Izuku as she leant forward for the charge that never happened. Kirishima actually looked behind him, half expecting it to be a trick and see an incoming surprise attack. Izuku himself cut off nearly all his quirks at once and just blinked at Todoroki in confusion.

 

Iida turned to look at Todoroki with shock, “But Todoroki! I have a move that could guarantee us victory! We can beat them!”

 

Todoroki looked at Izuku and then Katsuki. Then his face fell into something Izuku knew all too well. It was a look he and Katsuki had seen on each other's faces constantly growing up. It was a look of utter defeat and hopelessness.

 

“No.” Todoroki responded with a sigh to Iida, “We're not strong enough. We can’t beat them.”

 

BEEEP!

 

“And that’s time!”

Chapter 28: Todoroki Family Drama

Summary:

As Izuku prepares for his first fight he finds himself dragged into family drama and questioning his choices as a ero

Team Tokage and Team Todoroki stared at each other in silence. Around them the crowds in the stadium went wild, quite frankly none of them really understood what had happened down there but they knew powerful quirks had been thrown around and that was enough. The entire stadium and field shook with their roars, even Present Mic’s commentary was being drowned out by the cheers. Out on the rest of the field most of the teams grew disappointed faces as they all looked up to the giant screen that displayed the results.

 

1st Team Tokage

 

2nd Team Jiro

 

3rd Team Todoroki

 

4th Team Pony

 

Iida was the one to eventually break the tension between the two teams who had somehow ended up in a standoff despite the match having finished. He sighed and stepped forward as Todoroki climbed down from his position atop his team.

 

“Congratulations,” Iida mumbled and wandered off.

 

“Hell fucking yeah!” Tokage cried from above Izuku, shattering the tension that had gathered in the air.

 

She jumped down and turned to the rest of the team with a wide smile, “Now THAT is taking the spotlight. No way the pros won’t notice me now.”

 

“Hell yeah!” Kirishima yelled with an excited fist pump.

 

“I guess you extras were tolerable,” Katsuki grunted though Izuku could see the way his mouth twitched at the ends which in the world of Katsuki meant he was practically beaming.

 

“Congratulations to our four victorious teams!” Midnight announced, silencing the crowd, “This leaves us with our final 16 ready to move in the third and final round! A one on one fight tournament!”

 

Behind Midnight the screen switched from the Cavalry Battle results to the first round of battles for said tournament.

 

Round 1

Izuku Midoriya

Ibara Shiozaki

 

Round 2

Eijiro Kirishima

Pony Tsunotori 

 

Round 3

Momo Yaoyorozu

Denki Kaminari

 

Round 4

Shoto Todoroki

Mei Hatsume

 

Round 5

Kyouka Jiro

Ochako Uraraka

 

Round 6

Tenya Iida

Itsuka Kendo

 

Round 7

Inasa Yoarashi

Setsuna Tokage

 

Round 8

Katsuki Bakugou

Reiko Yanagi

 

Shiozaki, the girl with the vine hair. Izuku’s mind already started running through the options to take her down. She was a powerful foe but he’d seen Kirishima slice her vines easily enough with heat-vision which would give Izuku an edge. Running through the tournament his head Izuku frowned as he realised he’d probably have an uphill battle to get on the podium, Kirishima, Yaoyorozu and Todoroki were all strong opponents where the best tactic would be to take their quirks. A tough feat against any of them. Izuku’s frown deepened as he looked further along the lines.

 

“You see it too huh,” Katsuki commented as he walked up and stood next to Izuku, “Only way we can face each other is if we both make it to the final.”

 

Izuku hummed in response, truth be told he’d never thought about the fact he might end up having to go toe to toe with Katsuki during the tournament. He’d been so focused on his quirk and everyone else the thought had slipped his mind. But now that he was aware of it he wasn’t sure what to think. They’d fought before during training but not like this. Izuku supposed he should just not worry about it until he made it through the other battles first.

 

“But before those begin they’ll be a series of interlude activities for those students who didn’t make it this far! Those in the tournament may choose to relax and recover for the next hour between events instead if they wish!” Midnight cracked her whip and instantly people started to run about the field heading towards the various events.

 

Izuku watched them for a few moments until he felt a tapping on his shoulder. He turned in surprise to find Kaminari right behind him. The boy was shaking like a leaf and couldn’t look Izuku in the eye as he stared at the floor, his gym uniform sticking to his body from the vast amount he sweating despite the event having ended and it being a relatively cool day.

 

“H-H-Hey Mi-Midoriya,” Kaminari stuttered out, his voice quivering with each syllable, “C-Could I uh- I-If you don’t mind! Could I… M-My quirk…”

 

Izuku’s eyes widened with horror as he realised he could still feel the near dozen quirks he had just beneath his skin, “Right! Of course… uh Kirishima?”

 

Kirishima gave him a wide smile and thumbs up, holding out his hand. Izuku reached out and grabbed said hand, pulling the borrowed quirk back into himself. Once he had all the quirks back he’d taken for the battle he closed his eyes and focused. Slowly he pushed them out one by one and made sure they found their way back to their original owners. Next to him he heard the relieved sigh of Kaminari.

 

“Sorry Kaminari,” Izuku said once all the quirks had been returned, “I guess I forgot to…”

 

Izuku trailed off as he turned only to find Kaminari practically sprinting away from him. To make matters worse Izuku could literally see other students staring at him while small groups whispered and pointed. Some looked terrified, a few looked envious, but most looked disgusted. Izuku was suddenly feeling overwhelmed, the loud crowd around him, the pointing from his classmates and-

 

“Great job Midoriya!” Tokage said as she slapped him on the back and gave him a wicked smile, “You know even without that broken quirk your tactics are pretty impressive. Anyway, I best go do damage control about me joining a 1A team. Luckily you knocked out Monama so the worst of it is in the infantry. Good luck boys.”

 

With a wink in their direction Tokage sauntered off with a wide smile on her face despite the glares she was receiving from several of her classmates. Izuku shuddered as several of those glares turned to him and he glanced away from the crowds.

 

“I… I think I’m gonna go for a walk,” Izuku mumbled, despite not looking at them he could feel practically every student in the field staring at his back.

 

Katsuki looked at him and paused, seemingly considering arguing with Izuku before he shrugged, “I get it, just don’t miss your first fight nerd. You taking Shitty Hair with you?”

 

Izuku frowned as did Kirishima when they glanced at each other, “No? What makes you think that?”

 

“Because you’re still holding his hand.”

 

Izuku let out a very undignified squeak before he ran off towards the changing rooms leaving a blushing Kirishima and cackling Katsuki behind.

 

---

 

Todoroki walked through the halls aimlessly, he didn’t really know where he was going or what he was doing, he was just… walking. When he’d woken up that morning he wasn’t sure what he’d expected to feel going into the festival. Excitement like most of his class? Anger at his father as per the usual? Dread at the competition? He’d expected all of that, what he hadn’t expected was to wake up and feel… nothing. He’d just felt like it was another day at school. His sister had wished him good luck when he’d left the house but apart from that it felt like any other day.

 

He had expected his father to call him, or meet him outside the house to give him one last chance. Win the sports festival with his fire or give up on being a hero. Todoroki had spent hours last night coming up with his rebuke. But it was never needed, Endeavor hadn’t even sent him a text.

 

Todoroki should have been thrilled, his father was finally stepping back and allowing him to be the hero he always wanted to be. Yet for some reason it made him even angrier, was he suddenly not good enough for his father? Why did the fact that the father he hated ignoring him even make Todoroki so angry? The overall conflicting emotions and confusion only made Todoroki even more annoyed. The entire situation was frustrating and he was half wondering why he’d even bothered putting in the effort today.

 

As he walked down the empty halls the sound of his metal foot clanging against the floor echoed throughout the hallway. It made his normally stoic face frown. Because that was another fucking joyful thing in the life of Shoto Todoroki. What really pissed him off about being a 15 year old amputee however was the fact that it proved his father right. Maybe if he’d used his fire he wouldn’t need to hop into the shower every morning.

 

All in all the result was that Todoroki didn’t give a fuck about the Sports Festival. He had nothing to gain by winning it and he had nothing to lose by losing it. The only reason he was still even trying was that he knew his sister was watching and if nothing else he still wanted to work hard and achieve good grades in school.

 

He had already accepted that he was unlikely to win the festival. 

 

Apparently Endeavor had been wrong in telling him as he grew up that he would easily be the most powerful student in school and eventual hero with his quirk. Todoroki was of course nowhere near the bottom of the class but he had yet to come to the top in anything. Academically he was constantly beaten by Yaoyorozu, Bakugou soared above him in physical heroics lessons and Midoriya was practically a year ahead of the rest of the class in classroom heroics. Even outside the classroom he was never going to be as social as Ashido nor be a focal point of the class to lean on like Kirishima.

 

He was just… there.

 

Todoroki was pulled out of his thoughts when he turned a corner and came face to face with the man at the centre of his thoughts. Endeavor paused when he sighted Todoroki in front of him and his face went through several emotions so quickly Todoroki couldn’t keep track. But he could somehow tell his father was more… subdued. He was wearing his hero outfit but wasn’t bothering with his usual flames, Todoroki had only ever seen him without them around the house before. He also looked tired, he had bags under his eyes and his usually immaculate hero outfit was out of place in some areas and had gathered dirt in others.

 

“Father…” Todoroki greeted cautiously, this wasn’t an Endeavor he recognised.

 

“Shoto…” Endeavor responded and his shoulders sagged slightly, “I see you’re still not using his fire.”

 

Internally Todoroki smirked and clenched his fists, he knew his father would latch onto that, “Yes and I don’t intend to. I’ll get through the festival with my ice alone.”

 

Endeavor paused before speaking and Todoroki stood patiently waiting for the outburst.

 

“I see,” Endeavor said with next to no emotion, “Well your ice has certainly come a long way. Good luck Shoto.”

 

Todoroki blinked in surprise as Endeavor turned to walk away from him. The sight of it filled Todoroki with… with unbridled rage. He clenched his fists and his normally stoic face turned into a scowl with narrowed eyes.

 

“That’s… that’s it!?” He hissed at his fathers back who whirled around with a look of surprise as his son's tone.

 

“Wh-What?” Endeavor asked, the normally calm and collected hero stuttering slightly under the intense gaze and harsh words of his youngest child.

 

“Why don’t you care!?” Todoroki continued, his voice shaking slightly, “Ever since I was four all you’ve told me is how strong I need to become to beat All Might. Everyday you trained me until I got to UA and now… now you suddenly don’t give a shit!?”

 

Endeavor paused and looked at Todoroki before his face slowly shifted from expressionless to a deep frown. Flame flickered around him and he stood up straighter, stepping towards Todoroki. Suddenly the defeated figure from before was gone and the Endeavor Todoroki loved to hate was back.

 

“Is this not what you always wanted, boy?” Endeavor spat at him, yet Todoroki didn’t even flinch, “To be able to do whatever you wanted, to be free of me? Well congratulations you got it. You want to become a hero only using your ice and be second rate? Fine. If losing a leg didn’t convince you then I certainly won’t.”

 

Todoroki’s eyes widened and he took a shocked step back at Endeavor words. His shock only increased when he heard a soft gasp behind him.

 

---

 

Hero Analysis For The Future: Stockpiled Quirk Notes

 

This notebook is for me and Kacchan to analyse and make notes about all the quirks I take (and keep) from villains.

 

General Observations and notes

 

Mutation Quirks

So as it turns out I can take mutation quirks. However while my biology and physiology will change so that I can use the quirk my body can’t fully adapt to the changes. For example if I stole Ojiro’s tail I would grow a tail but doing so would shatter my spine and rip open my lower back. This can however be negated with regeneration which will heal the damage done to my body as the mutation takes effect. I’m also able to not instantly activate the mutation, I can keep the energy within my body until I want it to take effect. Therefore I should never activate a mutation quirk without regeneration otherwise the risks could be severe. I was lucky today that cedemine only essentially created open wounds on my arm that regeneration healed when I got it back, Asui’s quirk might have caused permanent damage if I didn’t use it with regeneration.

 

Izuku sighed happily, making notes on quirks had always relaxed him, even if it was notes on his own quirk. He’d quickly run to the 1A changing rooms to grab his notebook and phone before finding a secluded hallway towards the back of the stadium where he was confident nobody would stumble upon him. 

 

He knew he’d have to face the music (so to speak) soon enough, there was no way his classmates didn’t know what his quirk was by now after his actions in the Cavalry Battle. He knew he was dragging out the inevitable but sue him, if he could delay facing years of childhood trauma and an angry mob of UA students by an hour or so he was going to. As he scribbled further notes on his quirk his phone buzzed next to him.

 

Kacchan: You good?

 

Zuzu: I’d say 50/50? Is it bad I’m looking forward to my fights to distract me from ‘coming out’ to our classmates?

 

Kacchan: Nah, just don’t be fucking late. Half the fun of the festival is gonna be watching you backhand these extras out of the ring with a yawn

 

Zuzu: That’s mean Kacchan, we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves. Or classmates are strong

 

Kacchan: Yeah, you’re right. We best be careful, we’re going up against people who can make their hands big and run fast. How are our S Grade quirks supposed to stand up against that sort of power?

 

Zuzu: I’m gonna suggest to Present Mic he use a picture of you for the English word for arrogance in class

 

Kacchan: Fuck off. Don’t forget your fight is in 20 minutes, I’ll go sit with the extras in our seating area

 

Zuzu: Are… Are they talking about me?

 

Kacchan: I ain’t got a fucking clue, Shitty Hair asked me if I wanted to join the scavenger hunt so I told him to fuck off and went for a piss

 

Izuku snorted and put his phone away. He supposed he should go and ‘hype’ himself up for his first fight. Getting up from the floor he started to wonder towards the direction of the field. He considered putting his notebook away but the opportunity to add notes to it during his classmates' battles was too tempting. There was a risk they might find it creepy but that was hardly at the top of his concerns right now.

 

He made his way through the winding halls, humming softly to himself. He waved to a few cameras he walked past, knowing full well Nedzu would be watching and turned a corner towards the exit.

 

“- losing a leg didn’t convince you then I certainly won’t.”

 

Izuku couldn’t let the gasp escape his lips when he was confronted with the scene in front of him. Todoroki was glaring at his father who was matching said glare with one of own, their faces morphed into a look that would make any Bakugou proud. Both their quirk energies were flaring up and they’d clearly been shouting at each other. But Endeavor’s words to his own son had rocked Izuku to his very core. He might have not had the happiest upbringing and while he didn’t technically have a father he could still never imagine any of his parents speaking to him like that.

 

Todoroki’s head snapped around and he caught sight of Izuku standing there watching them. His face switched from anger to dread almost instantly. Meanwhile Endeavor looked at the new arrival with furrowed eyebrows. His flames still snapped and flickered over his body but his attention had been drawn away from Todoroki.

 

“Midoriya?” Todoroki asked and Izuku could tell he was putting in a lot of effort to keep his voice steady, “What are you doing here?”

 

Izuku gulped, all his confidence from the first two events vanished as he was faced with two angry Todorokis’, “I was uh… clearing my head before my fight…”

 

“I see…” Todoroki said and visibly relaxed once he realised Izuku hadn’t been spying and had just stumbled on to the scene, “Perhaps you should get going then.”

 

Izuku paused before answering as his eyes moved from Todoroki to Endeavor and back again, “Are you ok Todoroki?”

 

Todoroki blinked, seemingly genuinely surprised by the question, “I… Yes… I’m ok, thank you Midoriya.”

 

Izuku still wasn’t convinced however and narrowed his eyes slightly, “Do you want to walk to the stadium together and-”

 

“YOU!” Endeavor suddenly shouted, making both boys jump, “You’re the recommendation student!” The number two hero finished before he marched over to Izuku who flinched and stepped back slightly.

 

Endeavor was almost as large as All Might in his muscle form and the flame hero towered over Izuku, forcing him back against the wall. Izuku could literally feel the heat from the flames on the man's body while every instinct was telling him to run. Even his hunger was lashing out slightly at how powerful Endeavor’s energy was. Izuku may have gotten used to One For All but with that exception Endeavor’s quirk energy was miles more powerful than any other persons he had come across.

 

Izuku gulped, “I uh… Y-Y-Yes, I’m a r-recommended student.”

 

Endeavor frowned, “Yes… You’re the one who has beaten Todoroki at every turn. What is your quirk!?” Endeavor demanded in a way that almost made Izuku collapse.

 

“W-What?” Izuku stammered out and behind him Todoroki scowled at Endeavors back and stepped forward.   

 

“Father I’m not sure-”

 

“Silence!” Endeavor spat and Todoroki froze, in all his years his father had never spoken to him like that with such… desperation and disgust.

 

Endeavor turned back to a rapidly shrinking Izuku with wild eyes, the man looked panicked, “How? How is it fair that people like you and All Might exist? How are people like me supposed to achieve anything when the world gives quirks to people like you that define all reason!?”

 

“I-I-I…” Izuku couldn’t speak, he couldn’t breath, his body shook with terror. Endeavor stood over him like a God of Fire, one movement from his hand and Izuku knew it would turn him to ash, regeneration or not. Something wasn’t right with the man, he sounded desperate, like someone looking for religious answers and not questioning a teenager on their quirk and his belonged to someone receding in an insane asylum and not a top ten hero.

 

This time Izuku did fall back against the wall and slid down. He should’ve known. He never should have used his quirk. People would of course hate him. It was disgusting. It was horrible . It was-

 

“Hey, leave him alone!”

 

Izuku suddenly became aware of another presence in front of him, blocking his view of Endeavor who stepped back in surprise slightly. Izuku regained focus of the scene and was met with another student standing between him and Endeavor, holding out her arms and blocking him from getting to Izuku. Her purple hair was a slight mess and her jacks were pointed menacingly towards the hero but Izuku could see them vibrate slightly with nerves.

 

Endeavor looked at the new arrival with confusion before a frown took over his face and he stepped forward, hand outstretched towards Jiro, “Move aside girl I need to-”

 

“Endeavor!”

 

Four heads snapped to the side to find the figure of All Might walking down the hallway towards them, his massive frame barley fitting within the confined walls. His fists were clenched and he did not look happy, in fact he was glaring directly at the number two hero as he marched towards the group. It was a glare which made the three students present flinch and would have done the same for every other person on the planet bar the number two hero apparently who only scowled deeper as he caught sight of his rival.

 

“All Might,” Endeavor growled, “What are you-”

 

“No,” All Might said and despite not shouting his voice reverberated throughout the hallway, filling it with a fury that coated his words and made Endeavor snap his mouth shut, “Whatever your issues with me are you don’t treat my students like that. If I see you doing it again you’ll finally have a chance to see if you can beat the top spot from me with your own fists.”

 

Despite his general overconfidence and arrogance even Endeavor paled slightly at the thought. He wasn’t a fool, regardless of how hot he could make his flames, All Might could still backhand him hard enough to get a free holiday to Hawaii.

 

“Young Jiro,” All Might said, making said girl flinch slightly though he kept his eyes trained on Endeavor, “Is Midoriya ok?”

 

Jiro turned and crouched down in front of Izuku, her face was pale but her violet eyes quickly found his green ones and they filled with worry, “Hey, Midoriya… hey, it’s Jiro. Just breathe, it’s ok just breathe.”

 

Izuku realised he was still shaking and gulping desperately for air, his hunger was going haywire, desperately latching out for the top two heroes' quirks. He closed his eyes and focused, getting his hunger under control as he tried to steady his breathing. He felt two soft hands take his own and give them a light squeeze as he took deep breaths, thumbs rubbing over his palms. Slowly his body stopped shaking and he opened his eyes to find Jiro giving him a small smile with his hands in her hands.

 

“T-Thanks Jiro,” Izuku said and gave her a soft smile in return, “I’m ok now, thank you Yag- All Might Sensei.”

 

All Might nodded and gave Izuku a thumbs up but again didn’t break his staring contest with Endeavor, “Excellent, thank you Jiro. Now then, I suggest you three move on, your matches will be starting soon.”

 

Jiro didn’t need to be told twice, Izuku felt himself being hauled to his feet and dragged away from the heroes with a surprising amount of strength from the small girl. Todoroki looked somewhere between utter confusion and primal fury but decided to follow the other two students anyway.

 

Jiro led the pair through many winding halls, her jacks scanning out like radar. Which was more or less what Izuku assumed she was doing considering they didn’t come across another person the entire time. Eventually after a lot of walking and being dragged around they found themselves not far from the infirmary within the stadium.

 

Jiro paused before turning on her feet and looking up at Izuku, “Is this ok? Are they out of your range?” she asked.

 

Izuku paused and blinked in surprise, “Huh? Range?”

 

“Your quirk,” Jiro said, “I know you have some kind of range or something to feel other quirks and I’m guessing with how powerful those two are it wasn’t easy to be around.”

 

Oh.

 

“Oh.” Izuku said slowly, “I.. uh… y-yeah, I’m out of range. How uh…?”

 

Jiro scoffed, “How did I know your quirk lets you take other quirks?”

 

Her question caused Todoroki (who was standing a little awkwardly not far from the pair) to freeze and lock onto Izuku with wide eyes. Izuku gulped but chose to ignore Todoroki’s reaction.

 

“I mean, if I hadn’t figured it out from your heat-vision and the USJ you pretty much just announced it all to the class in the cavalry battle. I’m fairly sure Kirishima doesn’t have a Dark Shadow quirk dude.” Jiro continued and gave Izuku a bit of a smirk, “I figured you’d tell me when you were ready, I didn’t wanna push. One thing though… it’s a wicked fucking quirk.”

 

Izuku felt another weight off his shoulders and a burst of warmth in his chest at Jiro’s words and smile, though the more he looked at her the more he felt heat rise to his face.

 

“Oh, uh… Thanks,” Izuku mumbled, trying not to blush, “But how did you know about my range?”

 

This time it was Jiro’s turn to blush as her cheeks reddened and she broke their eye contact, “Oh… well um… Your heartbeat increases whenever you’re around strong quirks. It happens mainly with All Might and Bakugou but I notice it whenever you’re around anyone with an A Grade quirk or higher.”

 

Izuku’s face grew a deep red, he wasn’t aware that his heart raced when he could sense quirks. Let alone that Jiro noticed. The pair stood there awkwardly, neither knowing what to say as they shone red and looked anywhere but each other.

 

“I’m going.”

 

Todoroki’s monotone voice snapped the pair out of their state and they turned to see his retreating back. But before he got any further Izuku stepped forward.

 

“Todoroki wait.”

 

The boy paused and turned his head to look at Izuku but didn’t say anything.

 

Izuku paused before sighing, “I just… I get it.”

 

Todoroki frowned, “Get what?”

 

“Why you don’t use your fire,” Izuku explained and Todoroki stiffened, “I… I used to hate my quirk. I still do to an extent.” As he spoke Izuku realised he was still holding Jiro’s hand who gave him a slight squeeze in silent support, “But since then I’ve realised a quirk is just another tool in my arsenal, another way for me to help people and become a hero. So no matter how much I might hate my quirk I’m still going to put everything I have into using it and becoming the best hero I can be. And so should you.”

 

Todoroki stood frozen staring at Izuku who himself had stood up straighter, determined not to break eye contact with Todoroki or shrivel back from what he believed. After a few moments Todoroki simply turned and walked away.

 

---

 

All Might watched his three students walk away and he waited with his enhanced hearing until their footsteps eventually faded. He then waited a little longer to account for Jiro’s hearing. This wasn’t a conversation that needed to be heard by others. The entire time the two pro heroes glared at each other. The area had become several degrees hotter and All Might's body was so tense that if he sneezed he might well tear half the stadium down.

 

All Might had been 23 when he returned from America. He’d been 25 when he became the number one hero. He was now 55 and had never lost the top spot, the longest hero to remain at a number one anywhere in the world in history. The previous holder had been the number one hero in India for 5 years.

 

All Might had already beaten this record when he was 33 and a flame hero by the name of Endeavor had gone from rank 1678 to rank 48 in the hero rankings in one year. The greatest jump by any hero previously and still a record that had never been beaten. And, though the top 50 ranks were a different ball game altogether, said hero became the number 2 by the time All Might was 35. He remembered that day at the hero rankings.

 

“Congratulations Endeavor!” All Might said with a wide smile and slap on the back at the man next to him on the stage, “The top ten are usually dominated by physical augmentation quirks, it’s good to see an elemental quirk user make it so high!”

 

Endeavor slowly turned his head towards All Might and stared at the man briefly before a deep scowl appeared on his face.

 

“What’s that supposed to mean!?” He spat.

 

All Might’s eyebrows rose in surprise and he sputtered slightly.

 

“I’m warning you All Might that spot is mine! I’ll be the number one hero for longer than you could ever hope to be, even with my elemental quirk!”

 

That day was the start of a long and bitter rivalry between the top two heroes. They very rarely had any direct interaction, operating in different areas of the country throughout the years. And not even S Grade villains usually required the presence of both top two heroes to deal with. All their interactions throughout the years had been awkward and cold, Endeavor never wanted anything to do with All Might and wasn’t afraid to make that fact known. Previously All Might's tactic had been to kill Endeavor with kindness.

 

That was until Nedzu had told him to buff up and head to the most south east corridor where he’d caught Endeavor practically ready to attack two of his students. It had taken all of All Might's willpower not to punch Endeavor onto the moon when he’d seen the sight.

 

“Endeavor…” All Might started through gritted teeth but before he could continue the other man scoffed.

 

“I have nothing to say to you All Might,” Endeavor said and waved the man off as he turned to leave, “Just make sure to stay-”

 

“Do you think you can just walk away Enji Todoroki?”

 

All Might's voice was so cold that it wouldn’t have surprised Endeavor if it had extinguished his flames. As it where Endeavor froze mid step, his flames flickered and nearly died from the rage that was emanating from behind him. Slowly he turned and while his face remained steady internally he flinched at being faced with a furious All Might.

 

“For 30 years I have tolerated your bullshit Todoroki,” This time Endeavor’s face did show visible shock, there wasn’t a recording in existence of All Might swearing, “For 30 years I have stood by and smiled while you made a mockery of being a hero. I tolerated it because despite your abysmal PR and downright atrocious attitude you put away more villains than the next 5 heroes combined. But if you ever go anywhere near my students like that again the press will have a field day as I drag you into Tartarus myself.”

 

Endeavor’s eyes narrowed and he stopped forward, the intensity of his flames increasing (a few floors up Nedzu frowned when his camera feed of the interaction was cut off due to the damage from the heat), “So what? You’ve stood on the sidelines and watched for all these years and done nothing? And now you suddenly choose to speak out? What made you wait so-”

 

“Did you really think a school full of pro heroes wouldn’t notice the signs of abuse on your son?” All Might growled out, interrupting Endeavor mid sentence, there were serial killers and villains who had never received such hate wrapped around the number one’s hero's words.

 

This time Endeavor’s flames did die out, whether from shock or All Might's fury All Might couldn’t tell, but he’d be lying if the look of fear that flashed across his rivals face didn’t bring him some semblance of joy. His hero career might be fading and his time limit down to under two hours but at least he had this.

 

Endeavor’s face paled and he stuttered slightly, “Wh-What are you talking-”

 

 

“He flinches every time a teacher approaches him during training. He has next to no social skills despite growing up with multiple siblings. Every time he receives praise in some form he looks confused and suspicious and if all that wasn’t enough he absolutely refuses to use the side of his quirk he inherited from you.” By this point All Might was nearly shouting, he knew that this went beyond Endeavor’s actions but he didn’t care. The man was right, for 30 years All Might had stood back and ignored too much.

 

There was a long tense pause as Endeavor absorbed All Might's words then, slowly, colour returned to his face, his flames reignited and he scowled.

 

“Then why haven’t you done anything? Why haven’t you put me in handcuffs and hauled me away? Isn’t it what I deserve?”

 

All Might ground his teeth together and leant in close to Endeavor, their faces inches apart. The flames licked at his costume and skin but he didn’t care.

 

“Two reasons. Firstly, because despite it all Todoroki genuinely doesn’t seem to want you arrested, doing so would only risk bringing further pain to your children. And it’s them who I care about, not you. And secondly, because despite how much of an aberrant father and even worse human being you are… You’re a damn good hero, there are literally thousands of people alive today because of you. Streets that once upon time people would be terrified to walk down young men and women can stroll through in the dead of night because nobody would dare commit a crime in Endeavor’s city. I might put hope in the heart of every person in Japan but you put the fear of God in every villain. So as much as it disgusts me, as much as it fills my throat with bile, I can't do anything to you because quite frankly Japan needs Endeavor.”

 

All Might was amazed that by the end of his rant he hadn’t just punched Endeavor. He hated it, he hated how a man who represented everything All Might despised about their society had made it to the top. He hated how this man, who had abused his youngest son, was praised by millions across the county. He hated how no matter how much influence All might had, Endeavor was still all but untouchable. But most of all he hated how much of that was his fault. Because Endeavor was right, for 30 years all he’d done was stand aside and smile as hero society became more and more corrupt and now he’d created a system where he couldn’t even bring a man like Endeavor to justice for fear of the irreversible damage it would cause to their society. Especially at a time when All Might was close to retiring and villains were on the rise.

 

Endeavor’s mouth opened and closed, looking very much like a fish that had been caught in a net. All Might didn’t wait for a response as he towered over the man, despite not being that much larger than him.

 

“But despite that I swear to you Endeavor that if you lay a hand on a single one of my students then I don’t care about the consequences. And if you ever think of going after Izuku Midoriya or Katsuki Bakugou again I’ll make sure the only way to identify you is from your blood splatter.”

 

With a final growl All Might turned and marched away, leaving the number two hero confused, terrified and wondering where this All Might had been for 30 years.

 

---

 

“You really don’t have to come with me Jiro, I’m sure you want to go hang out with the rest of the class in the stands.” Izuku said awkwardly as he walked down the corridor, Jiro matching his step near perfectly as she twirled a jack around her finger.

 

Jiro shrugged and rolled her eyes at him, “Dude, my friend just had an Endeavwhore induced panic attack, I ain’t about to abandon you so I can sit and listen to our class complain about their performance. Besides, you’ve basically been the main character for this entire festival, if anything interesting is gonna happen before the fights start it’s gonna be with you.”

 

Izuku couldn’t help but let out a chuckle as he led Jiro round a corner and paused in front of a large set of double doors. He sighed in relief slightly when he felt only two quirk energies inside. Jiro walked up next to him and raised a curious eyebrow in his direction.

 

“I just have to know,” Izuku said and stepped forward, pushing the door open.

 

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me dude,” Jiro reassured and followed him inside.

 

Beds lined up either side of the room but only one had the curtains drawn, a TV stood in the corner, a livestream of the festival on. A quick glance up showed Izuku that the recreational activities were coming to end. He needed to wrap this up and get ready for his first fight.

 

“Please don’t tell me you're here to inform me you’ve lost regeneration? You having that quirk has cut my work down by at least 16%.”

 

Recovery Girl’s panicked voice could be heard before the woman herself could be seen. She swirled around in her chair and eyed the two new arrivals critically, looking out for any injuries. She visibly relaxed when she didn’t see any signs of obvious battle cars on either student. But then she narrowed her eyes further.

 

“Please tell me you’re not here because Jiro is pregnant.”

 

Both students fluttered in surprise and red erupted across their faces. Izuku nearly collapsed from the shock, he was fairly certain he’d nearly lashed out and stolen every quirk within a 3 mile radius on instinct. Next to him Jiro’s jacks shot out so hard in surprise she smashed into one of the pieces of equipment causing it to spark and die. Recovery Girl just watched the whole scene and sighed.

 

“I guess not…”

 

“Uh… N-No,” Izuku stammered out as he tried to regain control of his voice, “It’s actually… well… I uh…” His eyes glanced to the bed surrounded by curtains and Recovery Girls face dawned in realisation.

 

“Ahhh… I see… So much like Toshi,” She mumbled and next to Izuku Jiro frowned slightly, “Monama will be fine, he needs some rest but physically he’ll have no lasting damage.”

 

Izuku's shoulders sagged and he suddenly felt a lot lighter, he’d been able to avoid it in the heat of the battle but what had happened to Monama had quite frankly terrified him.

 

“Do you uh… know what happened?” He asked.

 

Recovery Girl and her eyes glanced at Jiro who just sighed in response, “You really don’t think I know about his quirk by this point?”

 

Recovery Girl snorted and shrugged, “I’m not an expert on quirk theory but from what I can deduce Monama essentially suffered a catastrophic case of quirk exhaustion.”

 

Jiro frowned, “That didn’t look like any quirk exhaustion I’ve seen before.”

 

“Because it wasn’t like any quirk exhaustion that’s ever happened before.” Recovery Girl said with a grave voice that made the two students shiver slightly, “Copy quirks work by temporarily replicating the quirk factor of the quirk they copy. Now, based on the theories we’ve come up on Midoriya’s quirk here my guess would be that copy quirks essentially replicate the quirk fuel of the quirk. It explains why they are so limited, the extra energy is unstable and so the copy quirk can only hold onto it for so long and so many at a time. But when Monama attempted to copy your quirk…”

 

Izuku  sighed, “He didn’t realise he was copying nearly a dozen quirks and their combined energy.”

 

“Bingo,” Recovery Girl said with a tap of her cane, “The sheer amount of energy overwhelmed him, think of like a balloon popping, his quirk couldn’t take it and imploded before shutting everything down to make sure he survived.”

 

“I still don’t see how that’s the same as quirk exhaustion though?” Jiro said with a tilt of her head. 

 

“Think of it this way,” Izuku said and turned to her, “Let's say you have a limited amount you can use your quirk before suffering quirk exhaustion, say 100% is when you hit your limit. Monama tried to copy nearly a dozen quirks, he jumped from 50% to 150% in a moment and his body couldn’t handle it.”

 

“Actually it was more like 300% but you’ve got the right idea.” Recovery girl finished.

 

Izuku winced and felt the familiar pit of guilt forming in his stomach. Yet again someone had suffered because of his quirk, because of-

 

“Oi!” Came a noise to his left and he felt two sharp objects prod him in the cheek.

 

“O-Ow!” Izuku whined as he flapped his hands around against the assault of two ear jacks, “Jiro. C-Cut it out.”

 

“Nope,” Jiro said and popped her mouth with p, her hands were on her his and she was glaring at him, jacks moving about threateningly.

 

‘I didn't realise how hot she was’ Izuku's mind suddenly announced to him and for once the Gods smiled on him and he didn’t mutter it aloud.

 

“Ahsido was right,” Jiro said, pausing her attack and folding her arms to glare at him, “I can feel your thoughts and it's not your fault. It was a monitored battle situation where you used the tools you had. There was always a risk going in. Hell, Kirishima nearly sliced at least three different people in half with that heat-vision quirk.”

 

Recovery Girl shivered slightly, “Don’t remind me, that really would have been a disaster. But she’s right sonny, what happened wasn’t your fault. Even Nedzu admitted he had no idea a copy quirk would react so violently to Quirk Absorption. It was a freak accident with no blame to go around, the important thing is you’re both alright.”

 

Izuku sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, “I guess…”

 

Jiro once again prodded him with a jack, “There’s no guessing about it. Stop overthinking it, otherwise you’ll stand their mumbling during all your fights.”

 

Izuku blushed and Recovery Girl rolled her eyes, “Good, now please leave my infirmary before you somehow break a bone you can't heal from.”

 

Jiro and Izuku were quickly ushered out of the room and found themselves once again in the hallway. Even here they could hear the crowd cheer loudly and a quick glance at the clock showed Izuku he had less than 10 minutes to his first fight.

 

“You got a plan?” Jiro asked as they started to walk back to the stadium.

 

Izuku nodded, “Shiozaki shouldn’t be too difficult to take down. Her vines can’t resist heat-vision so I have the advantage on range and physically it's a safe bet that I’m stronger than her so I just need to close the gap.”

 

Jiro hummed along with him, “See that’s my issue with Uraraka, she’s better than me at hand to hand. If I let her get close I’m done for but I don’t really have range. I could always try breaking the ground with my heartbeat…”

 

“Don’t do that,” Izuku interrupted with a shake of his head, “You’d create debris that she could use her quirk on. Those vibration attacks you used for the entrance exam? That’s your best tactic.”

 

Jiro glanced up at him with a horrified expression, “Midoriya, those were strong enough to shatter robots, let alone a person.”

 

Izuku shrugged, “Didn’t you just tell me not to worry about hurting someone in a monitored battle? Besides the worst case scenario I can just throw regeneration in her and hey presto, your Uraraka will be reset to factory settings.”

 

Jiro snorted, “Your inner Bakugou is coming through.”

 

Izuku chuckled but before he could respond they turned a corner and came face to face with a tired looking teenager with spiky purple hair. Izuku blinked at the newcomer before realisation overcame him and he scowled. Next to him Jiro’s eyes widened and she glanced awkwardly between the pair. The purple gen ed student too seemed to realise who was talking and gained his scowl.

 

“Oh,” the boy said with disdain, “It’s you.”

 

Izuku frowned, “Hey you know what you said about peoples quirks isn’t-”

 

“Oh shut the fuck up.”

 

Izuku’s mouth snapped shut on instinct, mainly out of surprise and next to him Jiro let out a slight gasp. He suddenly realised how much hate was pouring off the boy in front of him.

 

“I don’t need a lecture about quirks from a powerhouse like you.” The boy spat, “I bet you feel really comfy knowing you can easily dominate half the students here. You have no idea what it’s really like, to be called a villain everyday of your life because of your quirk.”

 

Jiro physically winced.

 

In the stands Katsuki felt the sudden need to scoff and scowl.

 

As he marched back to the staff lounge All Might felt an unwarranted amount of second hand embarrassment.

 

In the announcers box Aizawa had the urge to faceplant the desk for no apparent reason.

 

“Well uh… actually…” Izuku started but was cut off.

 

“Save it, you’re the one that cost me my place in the tournament. You can’t even begin to comprehend what that meant to someone like me. You have a nice flashy quirk, you’ll be a success no matter what you choose to do.” The gen ed student ranted at Izuku who stepped back slightly, surprised by the amount of venom coming his way.

 

“You’re an idiot dude.”

 

Both boys snapped their attention to the Jiro who was glaring at the gen ed student with more hate than Izuku had ever known her to possess.

 

The gen ed student didn’t seem phased and grunted, “Let me guess, another hero prodigy who thinks their quirk-”

 

“My quirk is literally just a weird set of ears.” Jiro snapped back, “You know what I can do? I can hear better than most people and vibrate my ears. Know what my classmates can do? Shoot lasers, throw fire and smash concrete with their bare hands. So don’t give me some fucking sob story about how your quirk didn’t get you into the hero course. You wanna be hero? Then start fucking training, you look like a soft breeze could knock you over.”

 

The gen ed student frowned, “I don’t need to train, my quirk-”

 

“Is one thing about you!” Jiro said, exasperated and waving her arms around, “What if someone like Midoriya here is immune to it? What if they don’t trigger it correctly? You can’t use one tool and expect to get every job done. You wanna whine about how unfair the hero course is? Fine, just don’t expect to get anywhere near it if you’re just gonna sit back lazily and depend on your quirk all the time.”

 

The gen ed student blinked in surprise as Jiro glared at him. For a minute Izuku thought he might retaliate but he simply huffed before turning and walking away from the pair. Leaving both slightly confused.

 

Jiro rolled her eyes as the students retreating form turned a corner, “Don’t listen to him Midoriya, he’s-”

 

“He’s right.” Izuku whispered but he knew Jiro could hear it like a shout, “Not about the stuff you said, you’re right he needs to train more than his quirk. But about the villain stuff, about my quirk.”

 

“You don’t owe anything to that moron,” Jiro said as she folded her arms, still glaring at the space the student had been moments ago as if his ghost still lingered.

 

“No I don’t,” Izuku confirmed, “But I owe it to myself. I became a hero because I wanted to prove to everyone that my quirk could do good. Not just mine but that nobody’s quirk was inherently villainous.”

 

“Midoriya you are proving it,” Jiro reassured with a rare yet warm smile, “If you hadn’t noticed you're using said villainous quirk to pretty much bulldoze your way through the sports festival.”

 

“I know and I know most of the class by now will figure out what Quirk Absorption is but the crowd and everyone watching don’t. As far as they are concerned they just see flashes of light and a powerful hero student.” As Izuku apoke he looked down at his hand and watched the energy of his quirks twist and turn just beneath his skin.

 

Jiro bit her lip. He could tell she wanted to argue but couldn’t figure out how. Because he knew he was right. He could go out there and never reveal the truth to the public. He’d have a mystery quirk just like All Mights, it would be like a game to the press. He’d only ever have to deal with local fallout from people he worked closely with. It was an easy road.

 

But it wasn’t the road Izuku wanted to take.

 

“You should go join the rest of the class, I have something to do before my fight.” He said to Jiro who raised a curious eyebrow.

 

“You’re gonna fuck shit up aren’t you?”

 

Izuku gave her a wide smile, “I’m gonna fuck shit up.”

 

---

 

“Ladies and Gentleman it’s time for our 3rd and final event! That’s right, it’s the event you’ve all been waiting for. Our young heroes are finally going to go head to head in our grand tournament as they try to climb the tower to first place! The rules are simple, the two students must battle it out until either one cannot continue, is unable to move or is knocked out of the ring! Are you as excited as I am Eraserhead!?”

 

“Doubtful.”

 

Izuku really should have worn ear plugs, it was like standing in the middle of Present Mic’s quirk. His whole body vibrated with the crowd's shouts, claps and cheers. Across Japan and the world over a billion people were doing the same as Izuku walked out onto the field. He tried not to think about the millions of people looking at him right now and assessing his worth as a hero as he approached the square arena for their battle.

 

Honestly he had felt pretty stupid when he’d stood in front of a security camera and explained his plan to it. But he knew Nedzu would be watching and he knew he would pass on the request to Present Mic and Aizawa. Izuku just hoped his teachers would listen. Legally he was fine, even with a classified quirk it was still his quirk. Katsuki could stand in the middle of Tokyo and tell passers by all the secrets of One For All and legally speaking the HPSC could do nothing. As Izuku and Shoizaki walked onto the stage, Present Mic’s voice seemed to gain more excitement, which the crowd met with even more chaos.

 

“For our first match we have the heroine with God on her side, it’s Ibara Shiozaki!” The crowd let out a few whoops and cheers, “Her opponent? None other than the UA mystery student who won’t let anyone near his top spot, it’s Izuku Midoriya!”

 

The roar from the crowd for Izuku made what Shioaki had received look like a polite clap. Glass shook and birds flew for the hills from miles away. Around the world young children danced and cheered in hero outfits, teenage girls (and some boys) cooed over the cute boy who had backhanded half the student body while heroes across the country practically drooled at the thought of a new intern with an immense amount of power.

 

“The crowd goes wild for Midoriya and it’s no wonder! Isn’t that right Eraserhead?”

 

There was a substantial pause in Aizawa’s response and Izuku knew the man was debating Izuku’s plan. Izuku looked up to where he knew the pair were sitting and gave the box a firm nod.

 

“I suspect it’s down to the fact that we haven’t really told anyone what his quirk is.”

 

“That’s right! We’ve seen literally thousands of twitter posts all trying to guess what his quirk is! Some say energy manipulation, others say he is a powerful mutant and a couple even claimed he was a god!”

 

“Don’t be so ridiculous. Midoriya is not a god, he was simply using multiple quirks.”

 

“Wait!? Multiple quirks!? How is that possible Eraser!?”

 

Izuku almost facepalmed at the very pantomime like performance.

 

“Because he had borrowed his classmates' quirks. Izuku Midroya’s quirk is called Quirk Absorption, to explain, it allows him to take people’s quirks.”

 

“Gasp! You mean like a copy quirk?”

 

“No. Quirk Absorption leaves the other person quirkless, it takes their quirks completely. Izuku Midoriya is able to take any quirk he likes and keep it… permanently.”

 

The crowd went silent.

Notes:

Am I aware that I'm making everyone wait another chapter for the reactions to Izuku's quirk? Yes. Yes I am

Thanks or all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 29: The Unknown Becomes Known

Summary:

As The Sports Festival plays out to millions the truth of Izuku's quirk is revealed

It was impossible.

 

It wasn’t a case of 1 in a million or even 1 in a billion, there was no way the laws of reality could allow it.

 

All For One was a quirk that defied how quirks worked, the power and genetics required for it were so delicate yet at the same time the wielder had to be so robust that even when it first came into creation all those years ago it was the closest thing the world had ever seen to genuine miracle (not that it could be considered such a blessing).

 

All For One knew how his quirk had first appeared, he’d researched it for the best part of a century. His mother had a powerful copy quirk, she was able to take up to 20 quirks for 24 hours, the most powerful copy quirk in history, not that it was known to the public. Meanwhile his father had officially been quirkless but after nearly 40 years of investigation All For One had concluded he actually had an unknown quirk, much like his youngest son. Though he couldn’t say for sure, All For Once believed his father had some kind of enhancement or stockpile quirk, much like Yochi. This, combined with his mother's powerful copy quirk created All For One. A combination and reaction so rare that the possibility of the quirk ever coming back into the world again naturally may as well be zero.

 

So how was it that All For One was watching a 15 year old UA student use it like he’d taken it off a store shelf?

 

And not just use it, he was crushing with it. His team in The Cavalry Battle had been nearly untouchable and he had smashed through the obstacle race with at least 5 separate quirks from what All For One could count.

 

In a rare state of ever increasing dread All For One desperately used one of his quirks to sift through his memories from 15 years ago, each day lasting less than the blink of an eye but playing through his mind as clear as day, like watching a film. He watched his younger self kill, maim and relax until-

 

There!

 

He watched himself walk into a slightly seedy bar not far from the closest airport to his then base of operations. The lights flickered and while a few clientele looked up at his arrival most ignored him. He’d forgone his usual suit and wore a simple pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Heroes wouldn’t frequent a bar like this and even if they did unless All Might himself walked through the doors none of them would take a second glance at him.

 

Young Tomura had been… difficult the past few days, he was admittedly only 5 but the brat just wanted to sit around playing video games all day. Any attempt by All For One or Kurogiri to get him to train was met with tears, screaming and sometimes decayed furniture. All For One hated children, he’d never had any remote interest in being a father, yet if he wanted to make sure his legacy continued he needed to get a child when they were young and easily manipulated. So he had to bear it.

 

And despite his thousands of quirks, immense power and a God-like presence he was still at his core human (barely). And sometimes he just needed a break from it all. Though admittedly it had been 30 years since he’d ventured into a bar and back then someone had insulted him so he’d stolen all their quirks, killed them and burnt the bar down. Hopefully this time would be more pleasant.

 

He sat at the bar and sipped pleasantly at the expensive whisky they had, not that it was at all of any real quality. It was just a shame it was impossible for him to get drunk. As he sipped a woman came up and sat next to him ordering a specifically strong gin and tonic. The pair sat next to each other, sipping in silence before a heavy sigh came from the woman.

 

All For One turned to her with a curious eyebrow and was able to get a good look at said woman. She was short but slender and wore clothes that hugged her body nicely, she had long green hair that, while not uncommon in a world of quirks, All For One found unusual enough to appreciate the beauty of it. She had soft features and bright green eyes which glanced over to her drinking companion when she caught him staring.

 

All For One offered a rare smile as they made eye contact and the woman returned it with her own shy version.

 

“Hello,” She said softly and blushed slightly.

 

A quick pry with one of his many empathy quirks and All For One felt the woman's emotions come flooding towards him, loneliness, depression, a little guilt and a light smearing of lust directed at himself. He smiled with perfect white teeth, it had been decades since he’d engaged in such ‘luxuries’ but once again he was still human and he still had desires.

 

He replied to the woman with a silky smooth voice, “Good Evening, may I buy you a drink?”

 

He had left the hotel room in the early hours of the morning, not before using a quirk to alter the woman's memories of course. Not enough to raise any suspicion within her mind but just enough that if anyone questioned her on the matter she would only ever be able to give very basic details about the man she spent the night with. She would be able to recall his build and height but not hair or eye colour.

 

It had been a brief escape from his constant war with One For All.

 

Apparently however, it had been far more than that because the wretched affair had produced a child. The greatest supervillain in history had a son. A son who had not just inherited his quick but a presumably evolved version.

 

All For One had watched the boy take and use mutation quirks, something he was unable to do. It also solved the mystery of the USJ, presumably he had stolen the Nomu’s super regeneration which in itself would allow him to use any number of quirks with little consequence. Something that had taken All For One years to slowly build up. And it didn’t even look like he needed to touch his victims to steal their quirks. 

 

To put it simply, he would have been the perfect person to inherit All For One’s legacy.

 

All For One wouldn’t have even needed to retire his quirk, not like he needs to do with Tomura. He could have trained his son and created the perfect weapon, a villain who can simply walk by a hero and take their quirk. No limit on what he could take and how much he could take. It was All For One’s dream personified in a small green haired son.

 

A son he was watching become a hero.

 

A fury built in All For One’s stomach as he watched his son battle the vine girl, easily pushing her out the ring with a heat-vision quirk. His child… doing good! It made him sick, his own flesh and blood spouting the nonsense that All Might, Nana and so many others spoke about with no real meaning. His son should be making chaos and tearing apart society like a God.

 

All For One didn’t blame the boy, he probably had no idea about his true heritage or the truth of his quirk. Nor did his mother, if All For One were to guess she would have just assumed the one night stand she had produced a son with a powerful quirk but didn’t really understand said quirk.

 

No, All For One somehow knew exactly who to blame for his son taking such a disgusting path. He knew exactly who had managed to get their vile hero fingers around his precious boy and get him into UA and in the same class as the 9th wielder of One For All no doubt.

 

All For One knew exactly who had snatched his perfect legacy from him and it filled him with a fury like no other. Here he was thinking he managed to one up the man by getting Nana’s grandson on his side. Here he had thought he’d held all the cards, holding the power of new and up and coming villains while a slowly decaying hero frantically searched around for a successor and new generation of teenage heroes. Yet all this time All For One had been duped, as he sat on his throne with a smile, looking at his increasing army of Nomu’s and villains he’s nemesis had operated behind his back and managed to snag  a secret weapon that was rightfully All For One’s.

 

Thousands of quirks bubbled to the surface beneath his skin, the energy cracked in the air and screens in front of All For One flicked and died. The walls shook and sparks erupted from the machinery around him. People in the streets above for miles around were suddenly overcome with an irrational level of fear and panic and even animals turned and fled away from the ominous energy that filled the area. 

 

All For One let out a primal scream of rage as he let loose with any quirk that came to the surface, the walls cracked, screens shattered and machines exploded into fire. All For One didn’t care if it brought in the attention of the heroes, he would slaughter them, he would kill anyone in his way as his thoughts of rage and anger focused on one person. One person he wanted nothing more to rip apart for taking his son, his legacy, his perfect weapon from him.

 

“AAAALLLLL MIIIIIIGHT!”

 

---

 

Inko’s breath stopped in her throat as she listened to the words from the Eraser man. She knew of course that this would be Izuku’s plan, she had briefly met the teachers of UA since taking the job as their legal council and she knew none of them would breathe a word of Izuku’s quirk to anyone without his or Nedzu’s permission. Which meant this was all part of Izuku’s plan to become the symbol he always spoke of.

 

On the sofa even Mitsuki and Masaru had frozen as the sound from the TV stopped coming through, as if it had suddenly broken but all three adults knew the sound was working perfectly.

 

On the screen the live images on the stadium suddenly switched back to the newsroom where the commentators for the households chosen channel sat, mouths agape as they watched the two students battle.

 

“Did… Did he just say that boy could…” The blonde female commentator stuttered, her eyes wide and unbelieving.

 

“No, it can’t be. Check we haven’t been hacked and given false audio. There’s no way a quirk like that exists.” A male brown haired reporter insisted, snapping at fact checkers presumably off screen.

 

“It’s right,” Said the final newscaster with a thick head of black hair on his head, “The HPSC confirmed it within seconds. Izuku Midoriya, hero student. Quirk: Quirk Absorption, gives him the ability to take and return quirks, there is no time limit on the quirk.”

 

“And they allowed that into the hero course!?” Brown hair screeched.

 

“Clearly, he even came in on recommendation, supposedly by a top ranked hero.” Black hair said as he was fed more information from the team out of shot.

 

“What!? That’s an outrage!?” Brown hair continued to rant, “A hero vouched for that thing to get into the hero course! That boy is obviously a-”

 

“Shut! Up!” Blonde hair hissed at her colleague, a furious expression on her face before she cleared her throat and turned back to the camera with a smile, “Well it looks like Izuku Midoriya will certainly be using that quirk to fight for the top spot as he charges against his opponent. Let’s return to see what Present Mic has to say about the fight.”

 

Inko nearly leapt out of her seat as she felt a hand on her forearm. She snapped her head away from the TV to find a very nervous looking Mitsuki crouched down next to her who squeezed Inko’s arm lightly. It was at that point Inko realised she was shaking and her breathing was ragged. She took desperate gulps to calm herself and she realised she had silent tears running down her face.

 

She looked at Mitsuki and spoke with a broken voice, “H-He… He’s going to be ok right? M-My baby is going to be ok?”

 

Mitsuki winced at the words, tears forming in her own eyes as she leaned out and gave Inko a tight hug, “You know our boys,” She said, “It doesn’t matter if the entire world is against them, they’ll take them all on.”

 

The mothers held each other tightly, silent tears on both their faces as Masaru continued to watch the news coverage with a grim expression.

 

---

 

He knew it was coming, he’d heard Izuku telling his plan to Nedzu but Yagi still took in a sharp breath and gripped the side of his chair tightly. The silence from the crowd outside echoed into the staff box and the teachers sat in silence, watching their two students line up to fight with grim faces. 

 

Nedzu was the first to break the gathered tension, “That was not the best reaction to Midoriya’s plan…”

 

Yagi scowled, maybe it was the leftover anger from dealing with Endeavor but he felt a pit of disgust form in his stomach at the crowd, he could practically feel their judgement seeping in through the open windows.

 

“Young Midoriya shouldn’t have to deal with this sort of reception.” Yagi growled out which caused a few surprised glances from his peers.

 

“Calm down Yagi,” Nedzu said with a stern voice, though his eyes held no malice towards the man, “I know you have an attachment to the pair but this was always Midoriya’s plan, we knew this from the beginning.”

 

Yagi sighed, “Doesn’t mean I have to like it,” He grumbled.

 

“Yagi,” Thirteen asked from their corner with a curious expression, “You’ve been a hero longer than any of us. Cards on the table, no bullshit, what do you think is going to happen?”

 

Yagi gave Thirteen a long and tired expression, suddenly feeling very much his age. He wanted to say everything would be fine, that Midoriya just needed to prove himself as a hero. But he knew it wasn’t the truth.

 

“It’s going to have a ripple effect if nothing else,” Yagi said with a sombre tone.

 

“How so?” Snipe asked.

 

“Whether we like it or not, heroics as an industry has been pretty stagnant in how it operates for at least two decades now. Flashy quirks, big personalities and exciting costumes.” Yagi responded and Vlad King scowled slightly.

 

“Are you saying that’s a problem?”

 

“I’m saying that’s a fact,” Yagi snapped slightly but sue him, today had already been rough enough, “And the fact is Midoriya doesn’t fit into this pre-existing method of heroics. That wouldn’t be so bad if he was going to end up like Eraserhead and operate in the shadows unknown to most of the public…”

 

“...But Midoriya is one of the most powerful people in the year. By the time he’s fully trained up even if he didn’t aim for the top ten he’ll be too powerful to actually stay out of it.” Thirteen said, their face falling slightly and looking out at said boy with sad eyes.

 

Yagi nodded, “A random hero student with a villainous quirk will be easily missed, people can just ignore their existence. But to be frank, Midoriya isn’t most people, he’s a top student who got in on recommendation, even if he doesn’t win the festival I think we all know he’s going to get a top position. And all that is before someone eventually digs up the fact I was the one who recommended him. The Number One Hero recommending the student who goes against everything said hero represents? It’s going to be a case of an immovable object meets an unstoppable force.”

 

---

 

Even as the words left his mouth it made Aizawa feel sick, his stomach churned in disgrace, his own body punishing him for what he had just done. The casts that he bore due to the USJ suddenly felt tight and constricting, like a snake depriving him of  oxygen so that he could not say anymore words. But it was too late, the sentence had already left his mouth and the silence from the crowd was clawing its way into his mind and already making him regret agreeing to this plan.

 

But he knew that wasn’t fair. Midoriya wasn’t like him, he’d never be able to hide in the shadows, operating away from the public eye and avoiding any level of scrutiny or controversy. He was too noble, too willing to jump out and help whoever he could without concern for the consequences. There were many students who could be flexible with their hero careers, Jiro could go underground or rescue, Yoayorozu had the skills to go either limelight or investigation. But Midoriya? Midoriya was destined to be a limelight hero.

 

“You ok?” Present Mic asked Aizawa as he briefly covered the microphone while Midnight started the fight.

 

“I just threw one of my students, a 15 year old boy, into the open jaws of the media and society. No… I’m not ok.”

 

---

 

Endeavor blinked and snapped his attention down into the stadium below, briefly snapping out of his sulking while alone in his box. He watched the two students, one being the Midoroya boy, bow to each other in complete silence as Eraserhead’s words sank in. Endeavor himself mulled over the reveal as he watched the pair begin to fight. It was obvious from the start that Midroya would dominate the Shiozaki girl, she sent endless vines at him but his heat-vision cut them down like paper.

 

The ability to take others' quirks. 

 

Now that really was a power that could rival Endeavor and All Might. It might not be so terrifying in a 15 year old boy but with time and training and… well… There really was no chance of seeing a Todoroki in the top spot was there? If Endeavor couldn’t manage to top All Might there was no way Shoto would be able to out class that kind of power, hell he’d struggle to even come second with that Bakugou child in the mix.

 

Yes despite how loathed he was to admit it Endeavor could see the value in such a hero. He wasn’t blind, once upon time he couldn’t walk past a street without seeing an All Might fight playing. Nowadays, while they might always be a big spectacle, the amount of All Might fights had greatly reduced. Endeavor could hazard a guess as to why, the man was in his 50s, even with all that power he was still human (at least presumably so) and he wasn’t what he once was. All Might was slowly moving towards retirement and Endeavor knew when that happened all hell would break loose. Not even the top 50 heroes combined would be able to fill the void All Might left, villains would come out of the woodwork like cockroaches and they would be after blood.

 

They would need people like Midoriya and Bakugou if the next generation ever had a chance of fighting back.

 

Which was why when Endeavor heard the silence that met Eraserhead’s voice he grunted and rolled his eyes at the reaction of the crowd, “How pathetic of them.”

 

---

 

“Overhaul!”

 

Overhaul sighed as his name rang out down the hallway, bouncing off the walls and attacking his ears. He’d just spent 9 hours straight in the lab with Eri, surely his subordinates could at least wait until he had a glass of water before dragging him off to some other crises? And really, he was so close to perfecting the weapon that all he really wanted to do was grab a quick lunch before returning to Eri.

 

He turned around to glare at the person who had called his name, a lackey that he had no hope of knowing the name of. The man’s eyes widened as he caught sight of Overhaul's unhappy expression and he quickly took a hasty bow, not that Overhaul cared either way.

 

“Out with it then.” Overhaul snapped at the man who nearly died from the sheer shock.

 

“I-It’s Kurono s-sir, h-he urgently requests your presence. Says it’s about the sports festival.” The man managed to force out the sentence eventually, only choking on his words slightly.

 

Overhaul raised an eyebrow, if anyone else had asked for this request he’d probably kill them on the spot, he despised the UA Sports Festival on a cellular level. It was like a sick zoo, watching children throw around their diseases like backyard toys during the summer. He allowed his subordinates to watch only so that they could get a sense of any incoming threats from hero society, but he avoided watching it at all costs. Kurono knew this better than anyone and so if they were asking for Overhaul something beyond interesting must have happened. Perhaps they’d been lucky and Endeavor has been killed by a rogue quirk.

 

Overhaul simply nodded at the grovelling man beneath him and walked through the many winding halls underneath their base until he reached the meeting room he knew his generals and leaders would be waiting in. Swinging open the large door he was greeted with the sight of his eight bullets, Irinaka and Kuruno in front of a large TV where he saw two students battling it out on a concrete area. He watched as the girl threw out long green vines at the boy only for them to be sliced apart with red beams from the boy's eyes. He frowned under his mask at the display.

 

A few of the occupants of the room turned around at the sound of the opening door with curious expressions but they quickly turned their attention back to the TV once they saw who had entered, wisely choosing not to comment on the unusual presence of their leader at the event. Kuruno stood at the very back, only vaguely interested in the battle of literal children, but he was one of the few who didn’t react to Overhaul's arrival even as the man walked over to stand next to him.

 

Overhaul side-eyed his most trusted lieutenant, “This had better be-”

 

“The green haired boy has the ability to steal quirks.”

 

Had it been anyone else who had interrupted him or even with any other piece of random information they would have been nothing more than a bloodstain on the wall. As it was the moment he had been interrupted Overhaul's hands had twitched towards each other but he stopped when he heard the information about the boy. He turned his attention back to the screen as he watched the pair battle it out.

 

“What a disgusting quirk.” Overhaul commented as the boy managed to get in close and lay several punches on the girl.

 

“Is it not useful?” Kuruno suggested and turned his attention to Overhaul at last, “The ability to rip a quirk from someone? A more secure way than our current plans certainly.”

 

“I see the point,” Overhaul agreed, “But the quirks don’t vanish, they need to go somewhere, we couldn’t build that into a bullet and even if we could it would take decades longer than with Eri.”

 

“Still,” Kuruno responded, a hint of disappointment in his voice, “Had we discovered the boy earlier it may well have been a useful route to look into. Currently Eri makes bullets which can be reversed, this boy's power seems far more permanent.”

 

“It’s the pinnacle of quirk sickness,” Overhaul spat, “The ability to manipulate the disease which has spread through our race. It’s everything we should hate.”

 

“Of course Overhaul, we’ll leave the boy be.” Kuruno responded smoothly, not a hint of fear in his voice at Overhaul's brief lapse into anger.

 

Overhaul nodded and turned to leave before he paused and sighed, “You make a point Kuruno. Keep an eye on the boy but don’t get close enough to arouse suspicion, we don’t need that sort of attention on us. But… should Eri ever fail, at least we have a backup plan.”

 

---

 

The entire room of nearly thirty people stopped moving at the announcement from Eraserhead. The only sounds that filled the large room were that of that of the footage of the sports festival and the clinking of a teacup against a fine china plate.

 

“Whoever isn’t back to work in the next 30 seconds won’t be around to see who wins this event.”

 

Re-Destro’s calm but firm voice had the desired effect and around the room people went back to typing and note taking. Computer screens lit up the surrounding area, all of them in a semicircle in front of a massive screen playing the sports festival. Meanwhile above them all on a balcony like some sort of king stood Re-Destro, enjoying a cup of tea with two of his lieutenants as he looked down at the activity. It was practically a tradition by this point, Skeptic would gather his best data hackers and team members to record and discover everything they could about the students taking part in the festival. UA was a top school and the heroes coming out of it could be valuable assets to the army, and it was far easier to persuade a young and innocent student to join their team than it was an already established hero.

 

And so Re-Destro, along with Trumpet, would join Skeptic and his team on the hunt for potential recruits every year. Their success was honestly mixed but every now and then the festival would throw out a real bone for them to gnaw at. It seemed this was one of those years, not only was the Bakugou child interesting, his speech was very unorthodox, they now had this Midoriya child.

 

“A quirk that can take other quirks, my it’s practically the peak of quirk evolution. Assuming the boy can handle the vast amounts of power potential.” Re-Destro commented as he smiled slightly, watching the boy fight.

 

“That’s assuming it’s true.” Trumpet said with narrowed eyes at the screen.

 

“It’s true,” Skeptic said and showed his two companions a data feed on his tablet, “HPSC confirms it. It’s called Quirk Absorption, allows him to take and return quirks, no time limit.”

 

“That’s… powerful,” Trumpet said with obvious awe on his face, “He could redistribute quirks at will, he’d be perfect for the army! What do our sources in the HPSC have to say about him?”

 

“Nothing,” Skeptic said with a frown, “All the information about him is classified at Level 0, even we don’t have spies that high up.”

 

Re-Destro frowned, the taste of his tea quickly souring, Nagant was an ever growing thorn in his side. He was losing more spies in the HPSC than he was gaining.

 

“We should keep our distance from the boy.” Re-Destro informed the pair who turned to him with surprised looks.

 

“What? Why?” Trumpet asked, “He could be invaluable, imagine it! He could take quirks of those underserving and bestow them upon those who have earned the right to a quirk! He would be the perfect weapon and could help pull even more to our cause!”

 

“Tell me Trumpet,” Re-Destro said as he handed his tea to a random subordinate, the taste now completely ruined, “Have you heard of the rumours of The Symbol of Evil?”

 

Trumpet paused, his face paling slightly, “I’ve heard bits and pieces. Some say he was the world's first supervillain who died over a hundred years ago. Others say he's All Might’s secret arch-nemesis who lurks in the shadows even today. Though nobody can seem to agree on anything, not a name, quirk or even time period when he lived.”

 

“Even to the best data miners including myself he’s only a rumour. The HPSC has next to know reference about him yet there is an unknown S class Supervillain in their files many assume to be this so called Symbol. Though not even I can crack through the code, it’s one of the most protected files in the world.” Skeptic contributed as he went through several HPSC files as if to prove his point.

 

Re-Destro hummed and nodded, “Those are just a few of the rumours one can come across when digging for information… Though to get anything concrete is nearly impossible, even the HPSC don’t know much about him.”

 

“So… what was the point of asking then?” Trumpet said with furrowed eyebrows.

 

“Because while the HPSC doesn’t know the facts… I do.” Re-Destro said, much to the shock of his two companions, “The information has been passed down my family since Destro himself. Because it was this Symbol of Evil who took out Destro all those years ago.”

 

Skeptic’s eyes widened, “You mean this Symbol of Evil killed Destro?”

 

“Possibly, though I must admit I don’t know all the facts. I do know his name… All For One. He rose to power shortly before Destro died and the original army collapsed. Maybe All For One attacked directly or maybe Destro just couldn’t find the room to exist against what was in essence, his replacement as the worlds premium supervillain. The Yakuza too were forced to shrink back and go into hiding, unable to operate under All For One’s new empire. I’m afraid outside of that I have no further concrete information on the man. Only that he supposedly ruled the underworld for decades before his grip on it loosened until it faded away completely at the time of All Might. Perhaps he died long ago and his lackeys held onto power for as long as they could. Maybe he really did survive all this time just to be killed by All Might. Maybe heis secretly still around and controlling us all from the shadows. I do not know.” Re-Destro finished up with a grim expression, for all the power he held throughout Japan he was well aware it was nothing compared to the rumoured Symbol of Evil. It was said the man could once bring down entire countries with but a word.

 

Skeptic shivered slightly while Trumpet still looked confused, “Ok, but what has that got to do with this Midoriya boy?”

 

“Because,” Re-Destro said and turned to Trumpet with a grave face, “The one other thing I know about All For One is that it was said he wielded multiple quirks. An impossibility even among the most powerful quirk users today. Unless of course he was able to…”

 

“...To steal quirks!” Skeptic said with a gasp and Trumpet paled.

 

“You’re… You’re not suggesting this boy is somehow related to the greatest supervillain of all time?”

 

Re-Destro shrugged, “Perhaps, perhaps not. But I would rather not go and prod possible family members of the most powerful person of all time.”

 

Trumpet nodded in agreement while Skeptic sighed, “It’s a shame, he could’ve been a real asset if we knew more about him.”

 

“Indeed,” Re-Destro said with a frown, he had virtually no information on the boy and he didn’t like that, “We have no spies within UA, correct?”

 

“Correct,” Skeptic confirmed, “Nedzu is like a God within those grounds. It’s impossible to penetrate that school, it’s locked even tighter than the HPSC.”

 

Re-Destro gained a small smirk as he picked up a freshly made tea brought to him by another unnamed servant, “No fortress is impregnable. We have the possibility of some fine recruits this year. I want you to find the cracks in UA’s defences and abuse them as much as we can. I want to know everything there is about this Midoriya boy, he may be the weapon we finally need to complete our plans.”

 

Trumpet and Skeptic nodded and instantly got to work. Meanwhile Re-Destro took a sip of his freshly brewed tea and smiled, it tasted sweet.

 

---

 

“What the fuck!?” Mount Lady practically shouted, her snack long forgotten, half way into her mouth as Eraserhead had spoken.

 

The rest of the heroes in the break area didn’t seem bothered by her shout as they too were focused on the TV displaying the festival as they watched the match begin. Every single one of them was frozen, watching the battle play out in silence much like the crowd.

 

“That’s… an interesting quirk.” Kamui Woods said cautiously, finally breaking the silence in the crowd.

 

Mount Lady scoffed, “I’ll say, kid could be a damn powerhouse if he wanted,” She said as she returned to her snack, the battle on the TV already forgotten, “Creepy though if you ask me, I can’t imagine-”

 

“THAT’S HIM!” Came a shout which made every hero in the room jump and windows shake form the volume, “THAT’S THE KID FROM THE SLUDGE VILLIAN BATTLE, THE LITTLE FUCKER STOLE MY QUIRK I KNEW IT!”

 

Death Arms stood up so fast his chair flew out behind him and smashed against the wall into a nice pile of firewood. The hero was practically frothing at the mouth, his eyes bulging out as he locked onto the screen. His hands slammed down on the table between Mt Lady and Kamui causing a spider web of cracks to appear in the wood.

 

“What the hell Death Arms!?” Mt Lady cried as she desperately tried to save her snacks from the collapsing table.

 

“I KNEW THAT CHILD WAS A VILLAIN I KNEW IT! I DON’T KNOW WHO THE HELL GOT THAT CHILD OFF WITH THE POLICE BUT I’LL SEE THEM BEHIND BARS TOO!” Death Arms screeched as several of the lower ranked heroes quickly fled back out into the food stalls.

 

“Death Arms calm yourself, he is just a child after all, villainous quirk or not.” Kamui said as he stood up and placed a hand on his friend's shoulder.

 

Death Arms just shrugged it off, “Which is why we need to arrest him now before he causes harm to the public! Kamui! Call the police!”

 

Mount Lady sighed, “Can we at least wait until the festival is over?”

 

---

 

Stain raised an eyebrow at Eraserheads comment. He liked Eraserhead, the hero didn’t care about fame or money. But he was also known to be aloof and had as much of an attitude problem as Endeavor did when it came to other heroes. The fact he also aided in the training of more fakes only cemented in Stain’s eyes the man was still one of the countless fake heroes. The fact he had all but just thrown one of his students to the dogs doubled that sentiment.

 

Stain was well aware of the discrimination against so called villainous quirks, the man himself had a quirk that required him to consume blood after all. It was one of the reasons he dropped out of hero school, his classmates always looked at him with such disdain. It was likely this Midoriya child would suffer the same fate. Despite the obvious power of his quirk.

 

Stain had watched him interact with the Bakugou child, the one who had caught his initial interest. They were close, easily best friends, perhaps even brothers. It would add up, if Midoriya had suffered discrimination against his quirk, especially from pro heroes, then it explained why someone like Bakuogu, with an obviously traditional and flashy quirk, would be so anti-hero despite trying to be one. It was admirable, the pair still wanted to be hero heroes despite the situation.

 

Yes, these two definitely were not fakes.

 

Unlike most of the other students participating. He might not have gotten a good look at all of them but Stain could see the signs, arrogance, immatureness and pridefulness. Not a single true hero among the rest of them, they were simply child soldiers being used to prop up a corrupt society. It almost made Stain turn the TV off. But he stayed, leaning back on the faded blue couch in the apartment, after all, he didn’t want to miss anything from Midoriya and Bakugou.

 

---

 

He would never admit it to a living soul, not even Izuku but Katsuki’s heart skipped a beat and went straight to his throat as he heard Aizawa over the intercom. He instantly knew of course Izuku must have come up with the plan, there was no way Aizawa would do something like this without Izuku’s explicit permission.

 

“That’s some fucking entrance Zuku…” He mumbled to himself.

 

Around him he practically felt the entire class freeze. The casual conversation that had been going on around him stopped like someone had suddenly cut off the sound of the universe. Katsuki made sure not to physically tense or react to it. He remained where he sat up at the front, one chair empty next to him reserved for Izuku to his left and Uraraka on the end next to his right. After Izuku’s empty seat sat Jiro and Kirishima with Yoarashi and Ashido sat behind Katsuki and Izuku’s empty seat. The rest of the class were scattered about the stand which was clearly designed for double the amount of people in 1A.

 

The sounds of the battle below rang through the stadium not because they were loud but because no other noise could be heard. Not one conversation, not one gasp or even a cough came from the crowd. Even Present’s Mics commentary had stopped as everyone simply observed the fight below.

 

Katsuki clenched his fist, it was taking every ounce of willpower he had not to start shouting and punching damn extra’s to remind them that Izuku wasn’t some wanna be child supervillain. But Katsuki knew full well that if he started pummelling his classmates, not only would he risk being expelled, he knew Izuku would be furious. Besides, he could just wait until heroics class to officially beat them. 

 

“Did… Did Sensei just say…” It was Hagakure who eventually broke the tense silence among the class.

 

“Midoriya can steal quirks.” Ojiro said as a foul look appeared on his face, like he had just bitten into a rotten apple.

 

“W-Wait… You m-mean h-he’s gonna steal all our quirks!?” Sero gasped and grabbed each of his mutated elbows as if Izuku would suddenly pop out from behind him with a set of surgeon tools.

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes, Izuku had been in a class with them for weeks. If he really wanted their quirks he could have taken them ages ago.

 

“He’s not gonna take your quirk moron,” Jiro said with a scowl and turned round to face Sero, “This is Midoriya we’re talking about, the guys about as soft as a bunny rabbit.”

 

“Yeah come on man, Midoriya only borrows quirks. He always gives them back.” Kirishima argued with a wide smile, he was perhaps the only member of the class currently who didn’t have either a frown or nervous look on their faces.

 

“It certainly explains why he’s been so versatile all this time.” Yoarashi mumbled and for once Katsuki wished the boy would speak at his usual volume, if anything it would snap the class out of it.

 

“Ooooh I get it,” Ashido said as she leaned forward, balancing herself between Katsuki and Kirishima with a hand on each shoulder much to Katsuki’s annoyance, “Ever since the USJ it’s like he upped his weight training or something, before in hand to hand were were fairly equal but then a few days after the USJ he hit me in the stomach it was closer to Iida or Kirishima than little Midoruya.”

 

Katsuki snorted, “You really can’t take a hit from the pipsqueak?”

 

Ashido rolled her eyes and shoved him slightly, “Not all of us are designed to be punching bags like you and Kiri.”

 

Katsuki frowned, “The fuck did you say-”

 

“I’m sorry,” Ojiro interrupted, “But are we just gonna ignore what we just learned?”

 

Katsuki’s eyes narrowed, he didn’t like where this was going.

 

“You mean about Midroiya’s quirk?” Urarkaka asked as she turned away from the fight and knelt on her seat, “I mean, I thought it was pretty obvious by this point? He did hit me with Tsuyu’s tongue after all.”

 

“Indeed,” Tokayami agreed, “I must confess it was… unpleasant to be without Dark Shadow but we have been reunited once again and I must admire Midoriya’s skill in the last event.”

 

“You-You can’t be ok with that!?” Sero said and flailed his arms about slightly.

 

“I’m not, ribbet,” Asui said quietly, uncharacteristically looking down and she appeared visibly shaken, “He took my mutant quirk, I couldn’t… I couldn’t DO anything, my tongue wouldn’t respond and I could barely walk. It was like he’d stolen my knowledge of how to be me… it was horrible ribbet.” As she finished, sounds of soft sniffles filled the air and Katsuki hoped to God Izuku would never find out about her reaction.

 

Either Side of the girl, Yaoyorozu and Hagakure put their arms around her to reassure her. A few of their other classmates looked at the girl with sympathy and some gained looks of anger.

 

“Do not worry Asui!” Iida yelled suddenly on his feet and arms chopping the air as if he was about to jump down and join in the battle below, “We will take this to teachers straight away. Midoriya will of course be punished for using his quirk in such a villainous way!”

 

There is fucking was.

 

There was that fucking word.

 

Kastuki had just been waiting for it to come up and it made him grit his teeth together and send a glare at Iida so intense that the entire Iida family around Japan suddenly felt an air of hatred around them.

 

“What the fuck Iida!” A shout came from beside Katsuki and he was a little shocked to turn and find Uraraka practically climbing out of her seat, a furious expression on her face, “Aizawa literally just announced his quirk. I'm fairly sure the teachers know about it!”

 

Uraraka tried to scramble over the top of her chair, narrowed eyes directed at Iida with intent to kill. Katsuki’s eyes widened and he leapt forward, wrapping his arms easily around the much smaller girl's torso. She struggled against him but Katsuki’s strength enhancement quirk would be pretty terrible if a small girl could wrestle away from.

 

He had no idea how the fuck it got to the point HE was holding Uararka back though.

 

“I didn’t mean to offend Uraraka!” Iida insisted, apparently the near feral girl trying to claw her way towards him didn’t phase the boy, “But it’s clear that Midoriya presents a real danger to our class, we should take our concerns to the pro’s. As heroes in training it’s our responsible to raise concerns for potential-”

 

“You better hope to god you weren’t about to call Midoriya a villain.” Jiro said as she rose out of her seat along with Kirishima and Ashido, “Because we all know that’s absolute bullshit.”

 

“Maybe we should all just calm down,” Sato tried as he too stood up from his chair, at this point more members of the class were standing than sitting, “I’m sure none of them meant anything by it, but having your quirk taken sounds quite traumatic, we should listen to people concerns.”

 

“What concerns!?” Ashido shouted and crossed her arms, “We use our quirks on each other all the time in training, how is this any different?”

 

“I mean yeah but I’m not all that scared of Shoji punching me, but having your quirk ripped away from you it’s… it's something else man,” Kaminari whispered with a shudder as he refused to look anyone in the eye, he was clearly terrified of Izuku and the thought made Katsuki’s stomach churn.

 

“I think you’re all overacting,” Kirishima insisted, out of everyone he was perhaps the sole class member who wasn’t scowling, “Midoriya is our friend and class president, he’s been nothing but nice to all of us.”

 

“I agree!” Yoarashi announced making Uraraka and Katsuki leap back slightly as he returned to his usual volume, “ Midoriya is my best friend and I trust him completely! He has always shown he has the true heart of a hero!”

 

“Perhaps…” Yoayoruzu said carefully as she eyed Katsuki and Ojiro who were glaring at each other while Iida and Jiro looked seconds away from a fight, “We should seek the advice of a teacher, Uraraka is right, they will have known about Midoriya’s quirk since the start of term. We can tell them of our concerns and see what they recommend, All Might will probably be the best option.”

 

“Why All Might? Wouldn’t Aizawa Sensei be better?” Hagakure asked as if they were discussing the weather and not reporting Izuku to the teachers for simply having a weird quirk.

 

“Well for starters All Might is our heroics teacher, he’s the one who supervises our practical lessons after all.” Yoayorozu explained, “And besides… You’ve seen the way Midoriya… looks at him.”

 

Katsuki froze.

 

Of course Katsuki knew what she was referring to, he’d known Izuku his entire life. But he hadn’t realised anyone else had noticed it, he wasn’t even sure Izuku himself knew he was doing it. He had his hunger under such control these days that he rarely had any issues losing control around powerful quirks. But that didn’t mean he was in complete control. Every morning Katsuki would barge into his brother's room to wake him up. Izuku would practically shoot out of bed and look at him with unfocused and wide eyes for a split second before yawning and complaining as usual. He did the exact same thing whenever All Might walked into class, his eyes would snap over the teacher for the briefest of seconds before snapping back to whatever he had been looking at before.

 

“What look?” Uraraka asked, pausing her desperate scramble to be free of Katsuki.

 

“It’s like… he’s hungry.” Yoayorozu said and shuffled uncomfortably, “I thought perhaps it was a tick but now… I assume he is… drawn to All Might's powerful quirk.”

 

“Pffft, come on,” Sero said waving Yaoyorozu off, “There’s no way Midoriya could steal All Might's quirk, his limits surely couldn’t allow it.”

 

Ojiro rolled his eyes, “If that’s the case it’s even worse, his quirk sounds pretty useless to me, I mean it’s like a villain being quirkless.”

 

Katsuki finally snapped.

 

“He doesn’t have any limits.”

 

He didn’t shout, he didn’t scream, he didn’t stand up. He simply sighed and turned back to watch the fight where Izuku was dominating Shiozaki in hand to hand.

 

“Zuzu can take as many quirks as he likes for as long as he likes. Doesn’t matter what the quirk is or how powerful it is. He doesn’t even need to touch you to take it. If he really wanted he could walk into these stands and take every single quirk in the class.”

 

Katsuki’s voice was calm and steady and his body still, the only visible movement were his eyes as they followed the action below. Even those who had stood to defend Izuku felt a shiver down their spine as it truly registered what the teenage boy was capable of.

 

“HOLY SHIT!” Sero shouted, causing near everyone to jump slightly, “He’s going to steal All Might's quirk.”

 

Katsuki actually choked on air from the sheer lunacy of that statement. Even if Izuku could take All Mights quirk was his class really that stupid to think that The Number One Hero in Japan could be beaten by a 15 year old kid?

 

“That actually makes sense!” Ojiro said, realisation dawning on his face.

 

Apparently they really were that stupid.

 

“He’ll get close to All Might in class and then one day he’ll take his quirk and attack us!

 

Katsuki nearly jumped from the stadium just to make sure this was real.

 

“Seriously, are you deluded?” Jiro asked as she pinched the bridge of her nose, “Midoriya is obviously not going to steal All Might's quirk.”

 

Ojiro narrowed his eyes, “And you do you know?”

 

“Because if Young Midoriya was going to take my quirk he would have been better off doing it when we met before term started when I recommended him to UA.”

 

The entire class grew wide eyes and swivelled around to see All Might standing in the entrance to their seating area. He towered over the students and gazed down upon them with a stern and disappointed expression.

 

“A-All Might Sensei,” Yoayorozu said, clearly embarrassed about having been caught gossiping, “What are you doing here?”

 

All Might raised an eyebrow at the class, “It may be a special event but you are still students and this is still a school. The teachers are making sure to do the rounds to make sure none of you get out of control.”

 

Katsuki didn’t miss the way All Might’s eyes lingered on him.

 

Iida cleared his throat, “Well Sensei, we were just discussing-”

 

“I know what you were discussing Iida, in fact I’m fairly sure the classes sat either side of you know what you were discussing,” The disapprovement was practically leaking from All Mights mouth.

 

At least a few of the class had the decency to look embarrassed when they realised their internal conflict was probably now going to become common knowledge among the school.

 

“Sensei, you recommended Midoriya?” Todoroki asked and with a start Katsuki realised the boy had been silent this entire time, sat alone at the very back corner closest to All Might. He hadn’t asked the question with any form of malice but rather genuine curiosity.

 

“Indeed I did Young Todoroki!” All Might said and his frown turned into a bright smile, “I met Midoriya and Bakugou a year before the entrance exams, I knew instantly they would both make such fine heroes! And so over the next year we trained hard and when the time came I decided to recommend Midoriya for UA, it’s just a shame I was unable to do the same for Young Bakugou.”

 

All eyes turned to Katsuki with varying levels of awe, Todoroki on the other hand frowned before looking away seemingly deep in thought. Katsuki scowled at all the eyes on him and grunted.

 

“The fuck you all looking at?”

 

“Dude…” Kirishima whispered.

 

“You and Midoriya were trained by ALL MIGHT!?” Uraraka screeched as she grabbed Katsuki and shook him by his shoulders.

 

“Fucking, get off me round face!” Katsuki said as he wrestled with the girl, “He just said that didn’t he?”

 

Jiro groaned, “Someone really needs to nerf you two.”

 

“That doesn’t change how I feel,” Ojiro said and crossed his arms, glaring slightly at All Might. Katsuki had to give the guy credit, as stupid as he was at least he was willing to stand up to Japans top hero for what he believed in.

 

“That may be Young Ojiro but your feelings don’t matter,” All Might said a little harshly and even Katsuki raised a surprised eyebrow, Ojiro spluttered but before he could say anything All Might continued, “You are training to be heroes, sometimes that means going against your feelings. You’ll have to do and say things you disagree with for the greater good, you’ll need to work with people you hate and sometimes take down people you love. Your duty is to the citizens of Japan and their safety, you are their first and last line of defence. So it doesn’t matter if you don’t like it, you grin and bear it.”

 

“But Sensei-” Iida tried only to be cut off by All Might’s raised hand.

 

“But nothing Iida, Midoriya has a right to study here as much as the rest of you. You don’t have to like it but you have to respect the fact that he is going to be a hero along with the rest of you. If you still have concerns you may discuss it with myself or Aizawa in private. But if I even get a whiff that any of you are treating Midoriya poorly because of his quirk you’ll be in detention until Hawks retires as a hero. Now, enjoy the matches and good luck to those of you competing!”

 

With a thumbs up and a wide smile All Might turned and marched out of the 1A stands. Slowly the tension between the class ebbed away and everyone retook their seats, awkwardly watching the fight below which appeared to be wrapping up.

 

All Might may have been able to temporarily silence the class but Katsuki knew the issue was far from over.

Notes:

Apologies if people are disappointed this chapter is literally just reactions but it would have been incredibly long otherwise.

Thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 30: The Ruined Reputation of Class 1A

Summary:

With Izuku's quirk out in the open all he can do now is sat back and watch the rest of the fights unfold

Notes:

Hi all, sorry this this chapter took so long to get out, I just struggled to get through it and rewrote it several times. Even now I'll be honest it just feels like an awkward filler chapter. But it is what it is.

Anyway, thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

In the end Izuku’s first fight was… disappointingly easy. He didn’t want to put down another student but it was clear Shiozaki had never really fought someone who had a strong ranged attack like Izuku did. When she sent out her first wave of vines that Izuku cut down easily enough with heat-vision she should have countered and tried something else. But she had responded by trying the same thing over and over while Izuku slowly closed the distance between them. Once he was close enough the win was easy, even without kinetic energy boosting his strength it was obvious he was stronger and better skilled in hand to hand than the 1B girl. It wasn’t too long before Izuku managed to flip her over his shoulder and out of the ring.

 

 “Shiozaki is out of bounds, Midoriya wins!” Midnight shouted with the crack of her whip though her voice held little enthusiasm.

 

There was no roar of the crowd. There was no excitement in the audience. There wasn’t even a cough as Izuku sighed and reached out his hand to Shiozaki who lay crumpled in the grass. She gazed at his hand for a moment before reaching out and accepting the help.

 

She dusted herself off and gave Izuku a bow, “That was a good fight Midoriya, I had not realised how used I had become to the lack of ranged attacks in 1B. Thank you for pointing out such a glaring weakness.”

 

Izuku shrugged at her, “Honestly you shouldn’t feel too bad, it’s only because your vines were cut so easily by heat-vision that it worked as well as it did.”

 

Shoizaki nodded at Izuku before looking him up and down with a critical eye that made Izuku squirm slightly. She then glanced up at the silent cloud before looking back at him and offering a small smile.

 

“You should ignore them, God gifted you these powers for a reason. It’s all part of his great plan.” Shiozaki assured him.

 

Izuku offered a small, if awkward, smile in response, “Thanks Shiozaki… uhh God bless?”

 

Shiozaki giggled, “Yes, you too,” She said and walked off the stage, head held high.

 

Izuku watched her go for a moment before turning and walking towards his exit off the field. He tried not to let the silence of the stadium get to him. But he could hear every step he made, feel each beat of his heart and he knew that every eye was on him. Judging him, deciding if he was a hero or villain. He felt his heart constrict and he clenched his fists, he wouldn’t cry in front of everyone, not here. He wouldn’t break down… he wouldn’t… he would…

 

“Hell fucking yeah Zuzu! That’s what I’m talking about!”

 

“You go Modori! Show them why you’re the best!”

 

“That was so manly dude!”

 

“That was pretty rad Midoriya!”

 

“Midoriya you make ass whooping look so cool and easy!”

 

“Don’t think that you'll beat me after that fight Midoriya! You may be my friend but you’re also my rival!”

 

Izuku (as did everyone else) snapped his attention up to the Class 1A stands. There standing at the railings were his friends. Ashido and Kirishima were practically jumping up and down waving at him and even Jiro, who preferred to be quiet and in the background, was standing next to them smiling down at him and she offered him a peace sign when she saw him looking their way. In the middle of them stood Yoarashi, standing tall like a giant with crossed arms and even from this distance Izuku could see the wide smile on his face and the challenge in his eyes. Next to him Uraraka was practically falling out of the stands as she leaned over the railing to wave at him with Katsuki having to grab a hold of her gym uniform to stop the girl tumbling over the edge. Said boy was scowling at her but nodded to Izuku when he caught sight of him looking their way, it wasn’t much but for Izuku it portrayed more emotion than the rest of his friends combined. 

 

Izuku felt his shoulders relax and his heart start to beat normally again as he allowed a smile to light up his face. He rolled his shoulders back, stood proud and waved to his friends who cheered even louder at their acknowledgement. He made sure to wave to a nearby camera too. His parents wouldn’t let him hear the end of it if he didn’t. 

 

His head held high and a small smile creeping onto his face, Izuku marched off the stage towards the exit and remembered what Recovery Girl had said to him. She was right, Izuku didn't need the world to cheer him on, he had his parents, brother, teachers and now friends to do that and that was all he needed.

 

Though he did still let out a sigh and relaxed once he found himself in the safety and seclusion on the corridors of the stadium. One fight down, another possible three to go and somehow Izuku just knew they would only get harder. 

 

But before that he supposed it was finally time he faced his classmates, at least Katsuki’s fight was last so he would at least have his brother with him. Despite his concerns he picked up the pace slightly, they only had a few minutes between each fight and he didn’t want to miss any of them. He could practically feel his notebook calling to him from where Jiro was holding onto it.

 

He was moving so fast that he very nearly bumped right into someone, only managing to hit the brakes on his legs at the last second. Said person still noticed him however and turned to look down at him, quickly gaining a scowl as Izuku’s eyes widened.

 

“M-Monama!” He squeaked out, “I uh… I’m sorry about what happened!” He shouted out with a low bow that could rival Yoarashi. 

 

Monama rolled his eyes and prodded Izuku’s chest with a finger, “You got the jump on me once but never again you hear me!? Next time I’ll make sure to put you 1A jackasses in your place!”

 

“O-Oh… ok.” Izuku responded, not really sure how to deal with that statement.

 

Monama let a humph and turned on his heels, stalking away from Izuku towards the 1B seating area. He only made it five steps forward before he paused, sighed and turned back round to face Izuku with a deep frown as he crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at the boy.

 

“I don’t like you.” Monama stated.

 

“Understandable,” Izuku said automatically with no thought to what he was saying at all and nearly slapped himself in the face because of it.

 

Monama raised his eyebrow at the unusual response but didn’t comment, “I don’t like you because you're part of, and the president of, 1A. A bunch of self centred over the top drama queens who can’t handle not being in the spotlight.” 

 

Izuku frowned, he absolutely did not agree with that assessment but knew if he countered it would just start an argument with the boy he had nearly killed 2 hours ago. So for once he decided to keep his mouth shut.

 

“Ok?” Izuku asked, not exactly sure what was going on here.

 

“My point is it’s not about your quirk,” Monama continued, “Having a copy quirk is only slightly better than being quirkless. So I get it. Your quirk has nothing to do with why I don’t like you. I despise you for your personality and who you are, not because of your quirk.”

 

With a final huff Monama turned around and marched away from a very confused Izuku. On the one hand, Monama seemed to hate him. On the other hand, it was the first person Izuku had ever encountered who didn’t hate him for his quirk. Izuku didn’t know if he should smile or frown. He decided on a confused shake of his head and continued on his journey towards the 1A stands.

 

Apparently though his confusing interactions with the students of 1A weren’t quite over yet as he approached the 1A stands he saw the same purple haired Gen Ed student pacing just outside of the way in. As Izuku approached the student caught sight of him and his eyes widened as he quickly ran over.

 

“I’m sorry!” He blurted out and stumbled forward slightly as Izuku stopped walking, “I didn’t know!” 

 

Izuku blinked, “Didn’t know what… uh?”

 

“Shinso,” The purple boy supplied, “I didn’t know you also had a villain's quirk, I would have never said those things if I had known!”

 

Izuku frowned slightly as Shinso bowed in front of him, “Shinso I don’t have a villain's quirk and neither do you.”

 

Shinso came up from his bow with a confused face, “But Eraserhead said-”

 

“I have a quirk,” Izuku interrupted, “As do you, we have quirks like a lot of people do. What our quirks do doesn’t matter, it’s our actions with them that determine if we are villains or heroes.”

 

Shinso sighed and his whole body sagged, “If your upbringing was anything like mine you should know that’s not true.”

 

Izuku shrugged, “It’s what I choose to believe, it’s also what my friends believe and that’s all that should matter.”

 

Shinso frowned slightly, the coldness of their previous encounter starting to return, “Clearly you haven’t suffered on the same level as me then.”

 

Izuku’s quirk actually twitched at the words that sliced at him like knives, “Suffered!? Shinso I just announced my fucking quirk to the world, I’m about to walk into my class stands knowing they might all despise me now. Hell, a year ago a hero tried to arrest me just because of my quirk!”

 

Shinso winced at the words and seemed to realise he’d taken things a step too far, “I didn’t… I just mean that there’s no hope of me getting into the hero course now, I’ve made no progress in the weeks since the entrance exam.”

 

Izuku sighed and took a breath to calm himself, “Shinso what’s your workout regime?”

 

Shindo tilted his head and raised an eyebrow, “I uh… don’t have one?”

 

“Right,” Izuku continued, “And how is your hand to hand combat?”

 

“I’ve never… never been in a fight.” Shinso said and Izuku would admit he took a little pleasure in watching the boy squirm slightly, “I think I see your point.”

 

Izuku nodded, “Look, I get it, I know I got lucky but even without a recommendation for the exam I still would’ve trained and tried my best. I get life sucks with quirks like ours but you can’t sit back doing nothing and be surprised when you don’t walk into a spot on the hero course when everyone else is giving it their all. Jiro was right when she said you need to train more than your quirk.”

 

Shinso sighed, “I… You’re right. I guess I just… I figured most hero kids would underestimate a quirk like mine.”

 

Izuku actually snorted slightly, “Shinso we’re talking about a class where half the students could kill if they weren’t careful. Trust me, nobody on the hero course will underestimate your quirk.”

 

Shinso sighed, “That’s fair…. I uh… thanks I guess. I’ll think about what you said, train more than just my quirk.”

 

Izuku nodded and with that his new… friend? Walked away back to the General Education seating area. Izuku sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, Shinso was a stark reminder that if All Might hadn’t intervened Izuku may well not be in the position he was now.

 

Said position being he was about to walk into his class with them all knowing what his quirk was at long last.

 

Izuku’s inner debate about his life being cursed or blessed was becoming more difficult to decide.

 

Shaking his head of his internal strife Izuku steeled himself and walked towards the entrance of the 1A seating area. He didn’t know what was about to happen but he was prepared for anything.

 

As he walked through the entrance he spied an empty seat next to Katsuki (his own presumably) and his friends seated around the brooding blonde. The only two missing was Kirishima, who he assumed had left for the next fight already and-

 

“You lied to me.”

 

Izuku found his sight of the seats and stadium below blocked and sunlight around him darkened as a large shadow was cast over him. He found his new view to be that of the UA Gym Uniform which sat atop tall and broad shoulders. Izuku slowly looked up to find Yoarashi staring down at him with an expressionless face. His eyes were locked onto Izuku and they could have contained anything from delight to hatred to lust for all Izuku knew. Izuku gulped as the conversation within the class cut off immediately and all eyes turned to the pair standing in the entrance.

 

“Yoarashi I-” Izuku started but was cut off.

 

“WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME ALL MIGHT WAS YOUR RECOMMENDATION!?”

 

Yorashai’s mouth turned into a wide smile and his volume seemed to shake up not just their class but the entire stadium as cheers and rowdy groups started up again after the eternally long awkward silence left from Izuku’s fight disappeared.

 

“I… what?” Izuku asked with a frown on his face.

 

“The big oaf came and told everyone he trained us and he was your recommendation, guess he figured it was gonna come out sooner rather than later.” Katsuki explained without turning around to look at anyone.

 

Izuku nodded, he supposed that made sense. Chances are the media were going to be digging up everything they could find on him so it was bound to be common knowledge eventually. Izuku supposed it was better his class find out before it was all over the news.

 

“Oh. Well I didn’t really uh… want to draw attention to myself…” Izuku mumbled.

 

Someone in the class scoffed, “Yet he pulls that stunt?”

 

Izuku winced but Yoarashi’s smile didn’t falter, “No wonder you are so far ahead of me! To think you’re the first student to ever be recommended by All Might! Maybe he’d be open to an internship…”

 

“You can’t internship with teachers moron!” Katsuki barked from the front.

 

“Are you naturally this much of an asshole or did you have to work on it?” Uraraka asked Katsuki with a smirk to which the boy just scoffed.

 

Izuku chuckled and led Yoarashi back to their seats, “Honestly the main thing All Might did was give me a confidence boost. You should have seen me before UA, I was a nervous wreck.”

 

As Izuku took his seat next to Katsuki he suddenly felt himself be enveloped in a hug from behind and became aware of someone's breath hot on his neck. The close contact caused him to blush furiously and splutter in panic.

 

Ashido giggled in his ear, “As opposed to the suave and confident person you are now?”

 

Izuku groaned and managed to shrug Ashido off, “Can’t you go one day without the teasing?”

 

“Nope. Ashido responded with a wide grin and a wink as she popped the P with her lips.

 

“All of you hush,” Jiro complained though her attention was locked out into the field, “Kirishima’s fight is about to start.”

 

Next to Katsuki Uraraka leaned over his lap with a shit eating grin at Jiro, “You look pretty excited for Kirishima’s fight Jiro… any particular reason why?”

 

Jiro blushed suddenly and leant back in her seat slightly, though it was obvious she was still watching this stadium with excitement, “N-No. It’s just that Kirishima is my friend!”

 

“I wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact Katsuki was telling us about how Pony’s horns could easily tear his clothes off?” Uraraka suggested with a wiggle of her eyebrows at Jiro who was doing a wonderful impression of a tomato.

 

“Kirishima might end up shirtless!” Izuku declared with enough excitement to make Katsuki turn to him with a raised eyebrow and a slight smirk while Uraraka turned her shit eating grin on him like a weapon of mass destruction.

 

Izuku let out a squeal as he realised what he’d blurted out and covered his mouth with wide eyes which caused Katsuki and Uraraka to burst out laughing. Izuku ideally wondered when Uraraka had picked up Katsuki’s ability to mock other people.

 

Izuku was nearly thrown out of his seat when Ashido suddenly clambered over the top of him and placed herself in the empty seat between himself and Jiro.

 

“Ashido!” Jiro groaned as the pink girl swung her arms around Jiro and Izuku respectively.

 

“Hey, if Kiri is going topless I want a front row seat!” Ashido said with a wink at Jiro who dropped her face into her hands.

 

“I too would like to see the results of Kirishima’s workout routine! He showed me his exercises and I want to know if it would be effective for my body type!” Yoarashi said with a wide smile.

 

“Oh Yoarashi, you sweet innocent child. They’re not excited because of his work ethic.” Uraraka said and patted Yoarashi’s arm while he gave everyone a confused look.

 

“They just want something for the wa-”

 

“SHUT UP KACCHAN!” Izuku shouted and quickly covered his brothers mouth while Uraraka cackled with glee, Jiro and Ashido blushed furiously and Yoarashi just looked completely lost.

 

Katsuki narrowed his eyes at Izuku and went to move the boy's hands away from his mouth only for it to quickly evolve into a scuffle between the pair. By this point their friends were pretty used to it and they all simply leaned back and kept up the soft chatter between them as Katsuki and Izuku battled to death via slaps and curse words.

 

The battle was declared a draw however when Kirishima and Pony walked out onto the field. The return of the signature cheers and roars from the crowd would have made Izuku bitter after their reaction to his fight had it not been for the fact Izuku was one of the people cheering the loudest along with his friends.

 

In the end Kirishima’s fight was… fairly one sided. Maybe it was because he was now looking at it from the view of someone who had been trained to fight as opposed to a wide eyed child but Izuku suddenly realised how messy the one on one battles were.

 

The issue for Pony was that Kirishima already knew his hardening could withstand her horns. So the moment he activated his quirk he knew he was safe with a full frontal charge. Pony tried her best and Izuku could tell she was giving it her all but her horns just bounced off Kirishima and before long he was in her face. Just like with Izuku and Shiozaki, the 1A class member turned out to be far more skilled in hand to hand than their 1B counterparts. A few quick jabs and one hard shove later saw Pony laying in the grass with Kirishima standing over her offering her a hand up.

 

The crowd loved it with Midnight cooing over the sportsmanship and with it all the tension and awkwardness from Izuku’s fight had leaked out of the stadium and dissipated. Kirishima returned to the class with a wide smile and many congratulations, it was a far warmer welcome than Izuku had received.

 

As it turned out the rest of the first battle rounds were more or less the same, with one person dominating the other. Kaminari predictably went for an all out shock against Yoayorozu who easily created an insulated sheet to block it. At which point she all but guided a dumbfounded Kaminari out of the ring.

 

Todoroki and Hatsumi (the support course student) were… interesting.

 

“That’s a lot of support equipment, even for her…” Izuku mumbled as he subconsciously scribbled down notes in his notebook without him even looking at it.

 

“Oh yeah, she came looking to speak to Todoroki before your match Midoriya but he pretty much gave her the cold shoulder.” Uraraka commented as she tapped her chin.

 

“Guy could brood for all of Japan if he wanted.” Katsuki said with a scoff as Izuku rolled his eyes.

 

“Maybe you two could pair up for the international championships.”

 

“I DON’T FUCKING BROOD!” Katsuki screamed and Kirishima sighed.

 

“Can we get through one match without you two shouting at each other?”   

 

Kirishima received a double glare in response that made him gulp with fear.

 

The crowd was all cheers and claps as Todoroki and Hatsume walked onto the field, one as stoic as ever while the other had a large grin on her face. As per the routine Midnight announced the start of her fight with the crack of her whip.

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen! Allow me to-”

 

Fwoosh!

 

Slam!

 

Presumably Hatsume had thought Todoroki would let her speak, instead the moment Midnight started the match he launched a massive pillar of ice straight at her from his arm. Even with all her support equipment Hatsume lacked the reflexes that came with being a hero student. She took a hit right on her chest, her support equipment smashing to pieces as she was thrown out of the ring so hard she crashed into the stadium wall before falling to the crowd in a heap of tangled limbs and sparks.

 

“H-Hatsume is out of bounds, Todoroki wins!” Midnight declared and the crowd erupted into hushed whispers.

 

Kirishima winced next to Izuku, “Damn… Todoroki didn’t have to go that hard.”

 

“It was pretty overkill of him, especially considering she was just a support student.” Ashido said and bit her lip nervously as she watched Todoroki walk off the field.

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes, “Stop being a bunch of pussy’s, it was a fucking fight, he just finished her quickly and efficiently.”

 

Though in theory Izuku agreed with Katsuki, afterall despite her being only a support student they shouldn’t underestimate Hatsume, he wasn’t sure that was the actual reason Todoroki had won the battle so violently. It was subtle but Izuku could pick up on the tension in his shoulders, the way his jaw was clenched as he left the stands for the fight earlier. Todoroki was holding a lot of emotions inside him and if he wasn’t careful the boy would explode with dire consequences. 

 

“Well, I guess that’s us then…” Jiro said as she and Uraraka stood up and paused to stare at each other.

 

“This suddenly got very anime….” Ashido whispered as she leaned forward between Izuku and Kirishima.

 

Jiro crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at Uraraka, “You better not hold back Floaty.”

 

Uraraka just smirked right back, “Well then you better put up a fight Ears.”

 

Katsuki barked out a laugh, “You fucking call that trash talk?”

 

Both girls gave him a two fingered salute (which only made him laugh harder) before they left for their fight.

 

As it turned out, Uraraka and Jiro’s fight was the longest and most intense fight so far. It was one of the first decent match ups, both their quirks were non-combatant so it came down mainly to hand to hand fighting. In this Uraraka was a surprisingly deadly opponent, she only needed one clean hit on you with all five fingers and the lack of gravity would disable pretty much any opponent. But Jiro had the near perfect counter, her jacks could extend out to meet Uraraka in the middle and were too small for Uraraka to get a five finger touch on them.

 

It quickly became a close fight with the upper hand switching with every punch or kick thrown. The crowd grew wild, having finally got to see a decent fight after the previous ones had all ended within a few minutes. Izuku too got picked up in the excitement, finally able to watch a real fight that would help him update his notes.

 

In the end Uraraka came out on top. Jiro attempted another stab at the girl but rather than block or dodge Uraraka let both ends of the jacks pierce her shoulder. Blood spurted out and Jiro gasped in surprise but Uraraka simply grit her teeth and grabbed Jiro’s jacks, wrapping them around her arm. With a yank she pulled the girl forward and Jiro stumbled in surprise. One slap on the face later found Jiro floating in the air and Uraraka throwing her out of the ring.

 

“Tough fight,” Ashido said from behind Izuku, “I hope Jiro doesn’t take her loss too bad.”

 

“Nah, Jrio is chill.” Kirishima reassured her.

 

“That was an excellent fight!” Yoarashi cried and unnecessarily stood up, not that any of his friends reacted to it at this point, “You can really see how far they have both come with hand to hand combat!”

 

“Finally some good fucking fighting.” Katsuki grumbled though Izuku swore he watched the boy smile softly when Uraraka came back to the stands.

 

Jiro was in fact chill with her loss, claiming that she never expected to get this far in the first place and was just pleased she and Uraraka put on a good show. Uraraka also had a wide beaming smile on her face as she retook her seat, the bandages around her shoulder seemingly not bothering her and the entire class gave them all smiles and congratulations (something Izuku realised with a start hadn’t happened to him).

 

After that the matches returned to their more one-sided nature. Kendo put up a decent fight against Iida, getting a few good hits in, but the boy was just too fast for her and before long she was pushed out of the ring. 

 

Tokage and Yoarashi’s fight was equally over quickly, the moment Tokage split up her body Yoarashi created a powerful whirlwind which drove the pieces apart in random directions. Tokage was forced to reattach herself and attempt to take Yoarashi, a man the size of a small tree, in hand to hand combat. The match ended as expected.

 

Finally it was Katsuki’s turn to fight, which was good because Izuku half expected the boy to start punching their classmates at one point with his agitation. Watching everyone else have their flights before him had caused the boy to fidget to no end. It got so bad that at one point Izuku was about to reprimand him when Uraraka beat him to it.

 

“Bakugou I swear if you don’t stop kicking your legs imma float you into the sun!”

 

Surprisingly unlike the shouting rebuke Izuku expected (and that he most certainly would have received) Katsuki just grumbled but actually calmed down. Maybe Uraraka also had a secret quirk they didn’t know about.

 

Perhaps his agitation explained why Katsuki was so… brutal during his fight. Izuku had had a brief chat with Shoda about Yanagi’s quirk, it was essentially a form of telekinesis. Which already gave the girl a weakness in a one one one arena fight, there wasn’t really anything around for her to use her quirk on. Except Katsuki of course.

 

Maybe her plan would have worked against someone like Jiro or Kaminari, someone small and who didn’t weigh a lot. But against Katsuki, who had One For All flowing through him when Yanagi attempted to push him over with her quirk, all she achieved was a slight rustle of his clothes.

 

There was a brief pause after this before Katsuki launched himself forward. One punch to her gut and Yanagi cried out and hunched over. A second punch to the side of her head and Izuku winced as it snapped to the side, a black eye already forming as she toppled over. Finally a heavy kick into her side launched her out of the ring and onto the grass. She lay there trembling and clutching her stomach as the medic bots ran over to help her up.

 

Katsuki briefly glanced down at his opponent before he turned and marched out of the field. The crowd slowly started an awkward clap much like with Todoroki, none of them really sure how to take the violence of the two overpowered teenagers.

 

From her place leaning forward, between Izuku and Kirishima, Ashido sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, “Between Bakugou, Todoroki and you our Class Reputation is really taking a hit today.”

 

Izuku wilted in his seat at her words, “I uh… sorry… I didn’t… I just…”

 

Ashido seemed to suddenly realise what she’d said and her eyes widened in panic, “I didn’t mean that- I just meant… Well it’s… shit.”

 

Ashido flopped down against Kirishima who gave the pair an awkward smile as Jiro bit her lip behind him and Izuku just sighed, “It’s fine… I kind of figured this would happen. Maybe I should uh.. Step down as president…”

 

Ashido looked up from Kirishima’s shoulder with a scowl and slapped Izuku on the back of the head, “And leave me in all those meetings alone? Not a chance.”

 

Izuku grumbled and rubbed the back of his head while Kirishima shrugged Ashido off his shoulder and stood and the girl leaned back briefly with a pout at losing her human cushion. This only lasted for a moment however before her golden eyes slowly moved over to Jiro. There was a brief pause before Ashido leapt forward and leant on Jiro, who let out a squeal as she was assaulted by the pink girl.

 

“Guess it’s our turn Mirdoriya!” Kirishima said with a wide smile and thumbs up, “You just better not go easy on me!”

 

Izuku gave him a soft smile, “I would never.”

 

Both boys went to leave for their fight.  As Izuku went to leave however, Tokayami (who had been coming back from the bathroom) walked in and the pair accidently bumped shoulders.

 

“Oh!” Izuku said and stepped back, “Sorry Tokayami I didn’t sense you coming.”

 

Tokayami waved him off, “No harm-”

 

Izuku suddenly found a tight grip on his wrist as his arm was all but pulled from his socket and lifted in the air. As this happened he was also pushed back and found himself surrounded by shadows.

 

“Midoriya, I demand you give Tokoyami his quirk back this instant!” Iida commanded as he tightened his already steel-like grip on Izuku’s wrist.

 

“W-What?” Izuku gasped, more in ludicrous shock than anything else, “I didn’t take his quirk!?”

 

“How can we trust you?” Ojiro asked as he stood next to Iida and blocked Izuku in against the wall.

 

“I-What?” Izuku asked, his shocked face turning into a frown, “Why would I take Tokayami’s quirk?”

 

“Because of your hunger.” Ojiro said and Izuku’s veins went cold, he hadn’t told anyone about that, not even his friends.

 

“I… How did you…?” Izuku whispered as he went very still.

 

“Yaoyorozu figured out the affliction,” Iida informed him.

 

Izuku’s eyes widened in shock and he managed to find Yaoyorozu within the class seats, she made brief eye contact with him before she flinched and looked away. Izuku felt like someone had stabbed him right in the chest, he was prepared for them to know all about his quirk but his hunger… that was a secret he was barely comfortable letting even Katsuki know about.

 

Izuku yanked his hand out of Iida’s grip and sighed, “I have my hunger under control, you don’t-”

 

“That’s so not cool Iida!” Kirishiama said and shoved the boy back, standing protectively in front of Izuku, “You know Midoriya man, he wouldn’t do something like that.”

 

“Kirishima please I don’t need-”

 

“How do we know he wouldn’t do something like that? He hid his quirk from us for weeks and we should trust him?” Ojiro said with a scowl at Izuku who steeled his eyes in response.

 

“That is completely uncalled for!” Yoarashi cried and shouldered his way in front of Izuku with Kirishima, cutting Iida and Ojiro off, “Midoriya would not go around using his quirk outside of training.”

 

“And even then I don’t like the idea of-”

 

“And as you can see,” Came the voice of Dark Shadow as it flew overhead from a frustrated looking Tokayami, “Clearly Midiroya didn’t steal our quirk!”

 

Izuku was starting to get frustrated, this isn’t what he wanted. He didn’t want his classmates to fight over him, he could defend himself. He could deal with the fallout of his decision, he didn’t need nor want Kirishima and Yoarashi to start a fight on his behalf. He just wanted to watch the sports festival.

 

“Guys I don’t want-”

 

“How do we know that? We should ask the teachers about a way to monitor him!”

 

“It’s fine I’m in complete control of my-”

 

“Like a dog!? Dude, are you gonna start asking Ashido to wear an acid proof suit too?”

 

“Kirishima I think you’re going too far, let me just-”

 

“Please, I’m sure there is a way around Midoriya’s issues that will-”

 

“ENOUGH!”

 

Izuku’s shout silenced the whole class and caused the boys surrounding him to take a step back, Yoarashi and Kirishima wincing at his furious expression. The entire attention of the class was on Izuku and he narrowed his eyes at them all.

 

“Ojiro, Iida, I can assure you I have my quirk under control. I’ve been dealing with this shit for a decade,” Izuku spat out his sentence like a piece of rotten food and it caused Iida to flinch, “So you don’t need to worry about me taking your quirks, I assure you, you’d know if I tried.”

 

A few people in the class shivered at the veiled threat from Izuku though nobody spoke up, “And Kirishima, Yoarashi, I appreciate you standing up for me but I don’t want you starting fights with our classmate because of it.”

 

Kirishima glanced away guilty, “Sorry Midoriya it’s just-”

 

“I don’t want to hear it Kirishima,” Izuku said and held up his hand causing Kirishima to look like a kicked puppy, “I’ve dealt with the blowback of my quirk for years, I don’t need you or anyone else to defend it.”

 

Before anyone could get another word out Izuku marched out of the seating area and down the hall towards his side of the arena. Slowly the class returned to an albeit awkward sense of normality, if they felt guilty about what happened Ojro and Iida didn’t show it and returned to their seats like nothing happened.

 

Yoarashi and Kirishima on the other hand stood staring at the doorway Izuku had just walked through, neither sure how to handle the situation.

 

“It’s not your fault.” Said a monotone voice behind them and the pair turned to discover Todoroki had walked up to them, though he too was looking at the exit where Izuku had just left.

 

“What do you mean?” Kirishima asked.

 

Todoroki paused for such a long time the pair thought he wasn’t going to respond.

 

“Neither of you can really understand what it’s like growing up and hating your quirk,” Todoroki said quietly, “To then have people suddenly defend the very thing you focused all your hate into for years…”

 

Kirishima didn’t see the way Yoarashi’s eyes widened in surprise and the mild horror that glanced across his face at Todoroki’s words.

 

“What are you saying?” Kirishima asked.

 

Todoroki finally turned to the pair, “I’m saying I think we may all misjudged Midoriya and Bakugou

 

Back with Izuku he marched through the halls with a fury that could be felt by those with empathy quirks for miles. If he paused to think he didn’t really understand why he was so angry. He knew his class would react badly and he could handle that. He didn’t need his friends to fight for him but why did the way they defended his quirk feel so… wrong? Just the thought of Kirishima praising Quirk Absorption made Izuku clench his fists.

 

He was so focused on his anger he nearly missed Katsuki strolling towards him coming back from his own fight. The blonde caught sight of Izuku and his face lit up slightly with a small smirk tugging at his lips.

 

“Hey Zuzu, you better show Shity hai-”

 

“Not now Kacchan!” Izuku barked out at his brother.

 

Katsuki nearly fell over in shock at the venom in the words and his eyes widened and followed Izuku as he walked past him. Anyone else and Katsuki would have unleashed a barrage of insults. But all he could do was stop and watch as Izuku disappeared round a corner, his footsteps violently echoing throughout the halls.

 

Well.

 

That was probably a bad sign.

Chapter 31: Iida vs Floaty McFloat

Summary:

As then tension in 1A continues to build, Izuku, Kirishima, Iida and Uraraka all take to the field to show Japan what they've got

Katsuki stormed into the 1A seating area, immediately he could feel how the tension had risen. Something had definitely happened. He walked past the extra’s who didn’t matter towards the corner where his friends were sitting and fidgeting awkwardly. He didn’t even say anything, he simply stood in front of them and crossed his arms and glared at them until one of them gave in.

 

“He had a fight with Ojiro and Iida,” Jiro admitted and her shoulders noticeably sagged with relief at the confession.

 

Katsuki raised an eyebrow and glanced at the pair sitting on the other side of the seating area, they were chatting amicably, apparently unaware of the small group's tension in the opposite corner. 

 

Katsuki turned his attention back to his friends, “That’s not enough to make Zuzu mad, he can handle shit like that. What else happened?”

 

Yoarashi looked uncharacteristically nervous as he spoke, “Ojiro and Iida were being outrageous so myself and Kirishima stepped in to defend him and… Midoriya didn’t seem to take it well…”

 

Katsuki sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, “Of course he didn’t. Listen, Zuzu can handle the shit everyone throws at him, trust me. The only person who needs to defend him is me. So you fuckers just sit back and let him deal with it and if really gets that bad I’ll step in, you hear me?”

 

The group collectively frowned and glanced at each other but it was Uraraka who voiced their shared thoughts, “Bakugou that's… that’s not what friends are supposed to be.”

 

“Tough shit.” Katsuki said and sat down in his seat with a huff.

 

---

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it's time for the second round of battles! Things are only going to get more intense from here! Up first on one side we have Kirishima, the fiery red head from 1A who can take anything you throw at him!”

 

Kirishima walked out onto the arena with a wide smile and waved up at the crowd who let out a roar and cheer of approval. People slammed their feet on the ground and chanted his name, many of the general studies girls (and a few boys) cooed over the muscular hero student.

 

“And on the other side we have Midoriya! The dark horse of 1A who’s versatility goes unmatched, who knows what this Jack of All Trades has up his sleeve!”

 

There was a brief pause from the crowd before-

 

“Boooo!”

 

“That villain doesn’t deserve to be in UA!”

 

“If he tries to steal my quirk I’ll beat him into Tartarus!”

 

Izuku clenched his jaw and he could feel his teeth grind together as he marched into the arena. The boos and hisses of the crowd made for the perfect pantomime but they still ripped into Izuku, despite the mental shield he was putting up. 

 

He blocked them out and focused on a slightly nervous looking Kirishima who gave him a small albeit slight smile. Izuku gave him a firm nod back, he was probably going to cry about his attitude towards Kirishima and the others later today but right now his emotions were running haywire within his body. He needed something to punch.

 

And Kirishima could take a million punches.

 

The moment Midnight cracked her whip Izuku attacked.

 

Red beams erupted from his eyes and went straight for Kirishima whose eyes widened. He hardened his body immediately and dodged to the side. He was a little slow however and the beams seared his stomach. The heat ripped straight through his gym uniform and hissed against his hardened skin. Izuku watched as the skin charred and turned black, much like when he used heat vision on brick or concrete.  Kirishima winced and held his burnt side as Izuku shut the beams off. As expected Kirishima was better suited to brunt force that extreme temperature or other outside forces. So while heat-vision wouldn’t take him down with one hit it could still take him down.

 

Izuku let out another attack with his heat at Kirishima as the crowd roared with excitement. Izuku couldn’t tell if they were cheering Kirishima or booing him but he was far too focused on the fight to care. 

 

In a surprising display of flexibility and speed Kirishima ducked and rolled under Izuku’s beams and used the move to push himself forward. Izuku looked down but it was a little clumsy and Kirishima easily moved to the right to avoid the change in attack and charged forward. A few more steps and Kirishima was close enough for Midroiya to see where the hair dye started in Kirishima’s hair.

 

Kirishima swung a fist out and Izuku cut the beams off and brought up his arms in defence. There was a sickening crack as Kirishima’s hardened fist made contact with Izuku’s forearm. Izuku was pushed back against the ground as pain shot through his arms, it only lasted a moment before he felt regeneration take effect and he and Kirishima stared each other in the eye.

 

In class the pair were fairly even when it came to hand to hand combat, they’d fought a total of 8 times in All Mights lessons and both had won 4 games each. But those were done quirkless. Today was a different story.

 

Izuku latched onto Kirishima’s quirk energy and pulled the power towards himself. But as the energy started to flow forwards Izuku felt another force pull back, far stronger than any resistance that he’d ever experienced before. Kirishima’s eyes were focused but he still managed to smirk at Izuku.

 

“No this time Midoribro, I know how it feels now which means I can stop you.”

 

Izuku just smirked right back, “Then you might actually make this fight interesting.” 

 

---

 

1A watched the fight below as Izuku and Kirishima stood still in the middle of the field pushing against each other. Present Mic was trying to provide commentary to keep the excitement up but it was difficult to tell exactly what was going on.

 

“Uhhh… are they gonna kiss or something?” Uraraka asked with a frown and to her credit it wasn’t completely implausible, their faces were literally right next to each other.

 

“God I hope so.” Ashido said dreamily.

 

“Midoriya is trying to take Kirishima’s quirk.” Jiro explained with her ears pointed towards the stadium below, she could just about hear what the pair were saying.

 

“This will be over quickly then… damn quirk thief…” Someone behind Katsuki muttered and the boy clenched his fists but didn’t raise the bait.

 

“Actually,” Jiro snapped with a frown though she too didn’t bother to turn around, “It sounds like Kirishima’s resisting it.”

 

Kaminari looked up at Jiro from his place near the back and blinked in surprise, “You can resist it?”

 

Katsuki scoffed and rolled his eyes, “Of course you can, what, you think you don’t have control over your own quirk?”

 

“Wait!” Yoarashi said with a thoughtful expression, “Is that why Midoriya has never taken your quirk? I can understand his hesitancy to take any of ours but I thought you’d at least let him borrow your quirk?”

 

Katsuki shook his head and replied with a well practised lie, “Two reasons. First of all the more used you are to Zuzu using his quirk on you the easier it is to resist it. It is also more difficult for him to take on more raw powerful quirks. Pretty much means no matter how hard he tries Zuzu has near no hope in stealing my quirk.”

 

Kaminari’s eyes seemed to fill with hope and Katsuki realised with mild disgust it was because the thought of being able to fight Izuku’s quirk was something Kaminari desperately needed.

 

“And secondly,” Katsuki continued with a wide and proud smirk, “My quirk is too powerful for Zuzu to handle.”

 

Ashido scoffed, “We’re talking about the guy who can hold multiple quirks at once?”

 

Katsuki turned to her with a feral grin, “Yeah we are. And if he took my quirk chances are out his body would literally tear apart. Nerd’s nearly a foot shorter than I am and can only bench about half of what I normally do. Yet the first time I used my quirk I nearly lost an arm because my bones shattered in 6 separate places.”

 

“Your bones shattered!?” Jiro asked with horror stricken on her face.

 

Katsuki nodded, “Yep, the power behind my quirk was too much, my body couldn’t take it.”

 

“You handle it well now though!” Yoarashi responded.

 

Katsuki shrugged, “That’s only because I’m using about 8% in total.”

 

Uraraka blanched.

 

---

 

The internal tug of war for Kirishima’s quirk only lasted for a few moments but for Izuku it was an eternity. The more Kirishima pulled back the more Izuku’s hunger grew in frustration and pain flared up in his head. Kirishima was also starting to push the smaller boy back.

 

Izuku grit his teeth and jumped back, stopping his assault on Kirishima’s quirk. The pair moved away from each other and circled in the ring. Izuku clicked his neck and in a very Bakugou like way cracked his knuckles and smiled at Kirishima. 

 

“I guess we’re just gonna have to do this the old fashioned way.”

 

Kirishima’s smile grew even wider, “You know I gotta say, I like this side of you Midoribro.”

 

Izuku shrugged, “I grew up with Kacchan as a brother, I can bring it when I need to.”

 

Kirishima chuckled and then charged.

 

Izuku met him in the middle and blows were instantly exchanged, Kirishima was stronger but Izuku was faster. Kirishima threw a fist which Izuku ducked under and launched his own counter attack into Kirishima’s side. But it was like punching a brick wall and Izuku cried out as he felt his fingers crack and break.

 

Kirishima used the distraction to bring up his knee, hitting Izuku square in the nose. Blood spurted out all over Izuku’s face as his nose shifted to the side. He scrambled back as regeneration slowly started to take effect and his nose clicked back into place.

 

But Kirishima didn’t let up, pushing forward and laying more blows into Izuku. He tried to dodge and counter as much as he could but each hit from Kirishima was like being hit with cinder blocks. The sharp edge of Kirishima’s hardened skin slashed skin open and shattered bone. Regeneration could barely keep up as Izuku felt his quirk work overtime.

 

Izuku fell back onto the floor and tried to scramble away from his opponent. They briefly made eye contact and Izuku let loose another beam of heat-vision. Kirishima ducked to the side but the beam still made contact with his right eye. The boy screamed and coveted the wound which quickly swelled shut, the skin around it going black and welting.

 

Izuku winced and a pit of guilt formed in his stomach.

 

“What the fuck kinda move was that!?”

 

“If there was ever evidence that he was a villain that was it!”

 

“Someone stop the fight and get him out of here now!”

 

Izuku glanced up to the crowd with a sour expression, he knew the move might have been dirty but-

 

“Dammit I knew I shouldn’t have underestimated you Midroiya!” Kirishima said with a sharp toothed smile, “Getting me off and knocking out my depth perception, a pretty smart and manly move dude!”

 

“A brilliant tactic by Midoriya,” Aizawa’s voice managed to break through the crowd over the speakers, “Kirishima has had the upper hand for most of this fight but with that move Midoriya has just evened the playing field.”

 

“It sure was violent though, it looked painful even from up here!” Present Mic said and even despite the words you could hear the cheer in his voice.

 

Aizawa scoffed down the microphone, “These kids are training to be heroes, not athletes, if fighting dirty means they win then it’s exactly what they should be doing.”

 

Izuku glanced up to where Present Mic and Aizawa sat and frowned, the crowd was right, it was a dirty move that-

 

“Don’t get distracted Midoriya!”

 

Izuku whipped his head round just in time to see Kirishima’s fist a moment before it made contact with Izuku’s cheek. He felt teeth shatter and fly out of his mouth as he fell to the ground. Not giving him a chance to recover Kirishima picked the smaller boy off his feet from behind and got him in a clean headlock.

 

Izuku gasped for breath as Kirishima tightened his grip and slowly started to drag the boy backwards towards the edge of the arena. Izuku scrambled to fight him but Kirishiams was far too strong and his grip too tight with his body hardened. If Izuku didn’t pass out first Kirishima would throw him out the ring.

 

“It looks like Midoriya can’t break out of Kirishima’s lock! Could this be it for the star of the festival!?” Present Mic shouted as the crowd went wild, cheering Kirishima on at levels they hadn’t for any other fight.

 

Izuku desperately scrambled to get out of the hold, he tried to pull Kirishima’s quirk into himself but the lack of oxygen was causing his brain to go fuzzy and he couldn’t get a firm grip on it. He reached behind him and scratched and clawed at Kirishima, panic setting in as his heels were dragged across the dirt. 

 

Izuku felt deep within his quirks as they moved within his body desperately trying to figure something out. He needed to get behind Kirishima, to hit him with something that-

 

Pathfinder combined with Heat-Vision 

 

The quirk combination popped into Izuku’s head and he automatically went with the idea. Two beams of red heat shot out of his eyes and slashed forward through the air, they got a few feet in front of him… and then they changed direction.

 

The beams made a complete and sudden 90° turn shooting straight upwards. They went straight up towards the sky for a few moments before taking another sharp turn and coming straight back to Izuku. It flew over his head and ripped into Kirishima.

 

Instantly the grip on Izuku was lifted and he shut the beams off as he fell to the ground gasping for air. He scrambled back and spun round to find Kirishima staggering back, his hair singed and his hands covering his eyes. Clearly Izuku had gotten a direct hit on his face.

 

Izuku jumped to his feet, he felt exhausted, at this rate he’d have no energy left to make it to the finals even if he could get that far. He clenched his fists and watched Kirishima carefully as the redhead rubbed his face and staggered back, maybe if Izuku- 

 

“Kirishima is out of bounds! Midroriya wins!”

 

Both students on the field froze and slowly looked down at Kirishima’s feet. In his panic and struggle to overcome Izuku’s attack Kirishima had seemingly walked out of the arena and onto the grass field. Both looked up at each other in surprise for a few moments before Kirishima gave Izuku a wide smile that shone just as bright as usual despite his burnt and swollen face.

 

“Great job Midoriya, that was-”

 

“Cheater! Let the hero win!”

 

“That kid doesn’t deserve to move forward!”

 

“He shouldn’t even be allowed near other hero students in case he takes their quirk!”

 

Izuku just sighed, he was sure his friends were cheering for him but over the crowd they had no chance of breaking through. But he kept his head held high and went to march out of the field. If Aldera hadn’t broken him this crowd wouldn’t.

 

“Hey Midoriya!” Kirishima said from behind him and Izuku felt a hand land on his shoulder, he fought the initial instinct to shrug it off and scowl at Kirishima, instead he turned to look at him with a neutral expression.

 

Kirishima gave him an awkward smile with his swollen face, “I uh… I don’t suppose you’d mind swapping my quirk out with regeneration for a bit. I know I could go to recovery girl but…”

 

Izuku’s eyes widened and all thoughts of shrugging Kirishima off vanished from his mind, “Oh right, of course!”

 

Izuku reached up and grabbed his hand, Kirishima let go of his quirk and it was an easy transition. Izuku knew the moment regeneration hit Kirishima when his face started to slowly go back to normal, his skin returned to it’s usual colour as the swelling went down and Kirishima let out a relieved sigh.

 

“Thanks man, that’s a lot better. I don’t think you realise how painful those beams can be.” Kirishima said as the pair started to walk across the field.

 

Izuku winced, “Ah yeah, so-”

 

“Don’t you dare say sorry!” Kirishima said and swivelled on Izuku with a prod to his chest, “That was the best fight I’ve had since starting at UA, really got my blood pumping! Besides you didn’t break the rules, what you did with your heat-vision? Awesome man!”

 

Kirishima beamed at him and Izuku gave a shy smile back, “I uh.. Thank you, it was a good fight.”

 

Kirishima nodded and the pair started walking again, Izuku wasn’t sure if his friend had suffered traumatic brain damage and couldn't hear the crowd or if he was just that good of an actor at ignoring them all. Either way it was… nice to have someone to ignore it all with.

 

“I didn’t actually know I could do that with my heat-vision.” Izuku admitted.

 

“Really?” Kirishima asked and blinked at him in surprise with newly formed eyelids.

 

Izuku nodded, “I realised I was either about to pass out or you would throw me out of the ring and panicked, my mind automatically combined heat-vision and pathfinder- one of the quirks I took at the USJ that acts like a video game quest marker- and I guess it just guided itself to you.”

 

“Wicked,” Kirishima said, “Damn man, you really are awesome!”

 

Izuku blushed heavily and stuttered in embarrassment, “T-That’s not true I just got-”

 

“I swear man if you put yourself down one more time I’m gonna punch you,” Kirishima said and Izuku didn’t know if he was joking or not, “For once just accept the fact you did a good job.”

 

“S-sure, thanks Kirishima.” Izuku said as they entered the hallways of the stadium, the walls provided a blessed barrier between them and the unhappy crowd outside.

 

“Anytime man, guess you'll be fighting Todoroki next?” Kirishima said as he popped his back with a satisfied moan, regeneration finally finishing up its work.

 

“Not necessarily,” Izuku responded, “Yaoyorozu might get through!”

 

Kirishima just turned to him with a deadpan expression and Izuku sighed.

 

“Yeah, I’ll be fighting Todoroki next.”

 

“Gonna be tough,” Kirishima hummed, “He may well be the strongest person in our class along with Bakugou.”

 

Izuku nodded, “Nobodys really been able to put up a fight against him yet, even in the calvary race we beat him by essentially staying away from his team. And the way he beat Hatsume… Heat-vision will be powerful against his ice but there’s no way I can keep up with how much he can output.”

 

“Yeah and if he uses his fire your regeneration is gonna have to work overtime.” Kirishima said.

 

Izuku hummed in agreement though silently he didn’t think Todoroki would bother with his fire, no matter how the fight turned out, “Maybe, what I really need is a defence quirk though most of mine are offensive.”

 

Kirishima’s eyes suddenly lit up and he turned to Izuku like an excited dog, “Hey!” He said, “I have an idea!”

 

---

 

“Todoroki do you mind if I asked you a question?” Yaoyorozu asked as her and the duel haired boy walked towards the field together.

 

“I’d rather you didn’t. I’m having a bit of a crisis, my entire life my father trained me to be the strongest and best. I had training from the best heroes in the world and the first S Grade Quirk since All Might. Yet somehow I’m being beaten at every turn by a pair of idiot brothers who share a single IQ point between them and all my father can do in response is to give up and ignore me. Something which should thrill me yet for some reason am I angrier at him than ever before.”

 

Is what Todoroki wanted to say but even with his immense lack of social skills he realised that probably wasn’t the polite thing to do.

 

“Go ahead,” He instead responded, perhaps Yaoyorozu’s concerns would take his mind off his inner turmoil.

 

“What do you think of Midoriya and Bakugou?”

 

Or not.

 

Tosoroki paused before answering, he didn’t consider himself to have any friends but Yoayorozu was perhaps the person that came closest. Her family's company provided most of the Endeavor Agency equipment and of course both families always attended the various charity events held throughout the year for people of their social standing. As two of the few people their own age their Todoroki and Yoayorozu had naturally made polite conversation every time. It meant he didn’t mind being a little more honest with her than the rest of their class.

 

“They are… frustratingly odd. Both have two of the most powerful quirks I’ve seen yet Midoriya is only just starting to use it and Bakugou nearly loses control of his near every heroics lesson. Not to mention they both seem to stumble around not really sure how to interact with anyone like they were both test subjects and didn’t have a childhood,” Though Todoroki knew he was exactly the same, “Yet somehow despite all of that they remain the top of the class and no matter what I do I can’t seem to catch up.”

 

Yaoyorozu hummed in response, giving Todoroki no real indication of her views. It was a very political response from a girl raised in a very political world.

 

“They have the potential to be… dangerous.” she finally settled on.

 

Todoroki frowned, “Of course they do, we all do. We all have powerful quirks.”

 

Yoaroyozu hummed again, seemingly deep in thought, “My parents always told me dangerous quirks should be controlled. Half of our products go towards facilities like Tartarus to keep villains under heavy control.”

 

Todoroki’s frown deepened, “Midoriya and Bakugou aren’t villains.”

 

Yaoyorozu paused for an uncomfortably long time, “No, perhaps they aren’t. Anyway, good luck Todoroki.”

 

Todoroki watched as Yoayorozu turned and started to walk towards her entrance in the opposite direction to himself. Her words bounced around in his mind and with each passing second Todoroki grew more frustrated. Midoriya had been kind to him from the day they met, he always said good morning to him when nobody else did. Even Bakugou at least acknowledged him and provided useful feedback when they spared, something most of the class didn’t do instead only sulking when he easily beat them every time.

 

“Yaoyorozu,” Todoroki said with a firm voice and the girl paused and turned to him with a small amount of surprise etched into her face, “People are bigger than their quirks, they are just tools. Midoriya and Bakugou are your friends, judge them on that, not what a piece of paper says.”

 

Yaoyorozu’s jaw clenched slightly, clearly a little shocked at Todoroki's sour expression and harsh words. She gave him a tight nod before turning and walking away. Todoroki watched her go before walking away himself, his mood deepening with every step. He had no idea what made him defend the 1A brothers. But he had felt the need to say something. But as he walked away his mood got even worse when a voice in the back of his head whispered to him.

 

‘If quirks are just tools then why am I still not using my fire?’

 

---

 

Perhaps it was the presence of Katsuki or maybe people had quickly gotten bored of Izuku’s quirk reveal but after coming back from his and Kirishima’s fight the dirty looks had dropped significantly. His class had opted for an old aged tactic, to ignore him. That was fine, Izuku loved to be ignored, spending his entire life being ignored was a dream that came second only to being a hero.

 

Sadly though, it seemed some of the fights remained as dull as ever. Izuku winced as an unconscious Yaoyorozu was taken off the field, Todoroki already deep within the halls of the stadium. He hadn’t even bothered to melt the massive ice pillar he’d created that had launched Yaoyorozu out of the ring. She’d barely had time to create a flimsy shield which had shattered as the ice slammed into it..

 

“Something about that seemed.. Personal.” Yoarashi said with a much more subdued attitude than normal.

 

Jiro hummed, “Maybe, but the most emotional I’ve seen Todoroki was when Midoriya beat him during Aizawa’s assessment and that was a slight frown.”

 

“Man, today is such a weird day.” Ashido said as she leaned over Kirishima and chewed her lip.

 

Katsuki scoffed as few heroes jumped into the field to help melt the colossal ice structure, “As if, I always knew me and Zuzu would-”

 

“Uraraka!”

 

The group collectively turned their heads to find Iida stood stiffly at the end of the seats, his focus solely on Uraraka and nobody else. Izuku felt a tinge of panic within his chest but he refused to wilter away. The two hands from Kirishima and Ashido that landed on his shoulders and the way Jiro’s jack snaked around his wrist helped with this.

 

Yaorashi narrowed his eyes at Iida in a rare display of unfriendliness while Uraraka and Bakugou looked ready to commit joint homicide. In his defence Iida was doing a very good job of ignoring all of this. 

 

“I just wanted to say that I appreciate you have a non-combatant quirk so I’ll make sure to treat you right in this battle!” Iida informed Uraraka with a chop of his arms and a slightly unnerving smile.

 

If Izuku had hearing like Jiro he would have heard the collective sharp intake of breaths by the six people sitting around the girl mentioned. The second hand embarrassment Izuku felt was near enough to ask Katsuki to knock him out so that he could move to a more pleasant nightmare.

 

Uraraka’s face had gone blank as several sets of eyes slowly turned to her. The long silence grew to a point that Izuku thought Uraraka had killed them all with pure rage and he was actually moving towards the afterlife. Then, slowly, her face morphed into a sickly sweet smile which caused Izuku to shiver down to the core of his quirk.

 

“Don’t worry Iida, I’ll make sure to bring everything I can with my simple support quirk. But hey at least you’re not fighting someone with a villain's quirk like Midoriya right?”

 

Izuku withered and flinched slightly at being drawn into the situation but didn’t voice his concerns. Iida bristled at Uraraka’s words and his eyes briefly glanced towards Izuku before he stiffly turned and walked away with a mumbled good luck towards the girl.

 

Uraraka narrowed her eyes at Iida’s back before she marched out of the area without so much as a goodbye, her friends all watching her leave.

 

“Welp,” Katsuki said after a few moments of tense silence, “This’ll be interesting.”

 

---

 

Uraraka didn’t have a particularly difficult upbringing. She was a reasonably smart and attractive girl with a powerful yet non threatening quirk. She was well liked by her teachers and the few friends she enjoyed hanging out with throughout her time growing up. She’d never been bullied, had issues outside of the norm with her quirk or really anything that might cause a teenage girl to have any real trauma.

 

She didn’t lead the perfect life of course, her family was poor. There was no way around it and no polite way of phrasing it. It wasn’t uncommon for her to go to bed with a growling stomach, her meal of the day being half a cheese sandwich and some tap water. Some days at school she would be embarrassed when all her friends got out their neatly packed bento boxes for lunch and Uraraka would pull out some buttered bread and an apple that was about a week past when it should have been eaten. Not that anyone ever mocked her for it, in fact most assumed she just kept to a strict diet and she never corrected them.

 

But life could have been worse. She had friends, parents who loved her and a roof over her head. No matter how difficult money became for her family she thanked the powers of the universe every night that she wasn’t like some of the members of her old class, those who were orphans or whose quirks were frowned upon.

 

No, growing up Uraraka’s life had been simple.

 

So it was a bit of a shock to everyone when she wanted to go to hero school. And not just any hero school, UA, the top school in the country and alumni of All Might. Her homeroom teacher had asked her at least five times a day if she was sure, her friends quizzed her on an hourly basis about how a quirk that made stuff float would work in combat and even her parents, encouraging as they might have tried to be, told her over and over what a great sidekick she would make. 

 

But that was ok, because Uraraka did it, she got into UA (with a scholarship from the HPSC to boot, because there was no way her family could afford it otherwise). Not only that but she had made several new amazing friends. And boy if they didn’t prove to her that she really didn’t lead a difficult life.

 

She didn’t have the obvious bipolar emotions and inferiority complex of Bakugou.

 

She didn’t have an uncomfortable or controversial quirk like Midoriya.

 

She didn’t have to worry about the way she looked or the way she stood out like Ashido.

 

She didn’t have to make sure that her unimpressive quirk could keep up with the rest of her class like Jiro.

 

She didn’t have the ingrained fear of disappointment and rejection like Kirishima did.

 

And she certainly didn’t have the massive weight of a legacy family on her shoulders that so obviously troubled Yoarashi, despite his best efforts to hide it.

 

No, she was plain simple Uraraka. Who always sat comfortably in the middle of the class. Who always looked nice but never beautiful. Who’s quirk was strong but not powerful. Who wasn’t too loud or too quiet. Just plain old reliable Uraraka, the vanilla flavour amongst the assortment of wild and wonderful flavours of her classmates.

 

She fucking hated it.

 

Why couldn’t she swear and be brash like Bakugou?

 

Why couldn’t she act like her quirk doesn’t have the potential to wipe out cities like Midoriya could?

 

Why couldn’t she cover her body in tattoos or piercings and make a bold look like Ashido?

 

Why couldn’t she like violent action movies and have so called edgy interests like Jiro?

 

Why couldn’t she appreciate manly things and lifting weights like Kirishima?

 

Why couldn’t she make the Uraraka name proud and well known among Japan like the Yoarashi name?

 

No, Uraraka was done being the simple plain girl with the ‘support quirk’ as Iida had so delicately put it. And she’d prove it to all of Japan.

 

“On the left we have the latest member of the Iida family heroes! He’s the fastest kid in school and the perfect paperwork loving sidekick for every hero, it's Tenya Iida!”

 

Iida robotically marched onto the arena, giving the surrounding crowd a very stiff handshake and unnatural smile. Yet the crowd still ate it up, Ingenium was one of the few heroes outside of the top ten who had national recognition across Japan. To see what his younger brother could do would be an exciting prospect.

 

“And on the right, the girl who could literally yeet you into space and who has flown through to final rounds it’s Ochako Uraraka!”

 

Uraraka gave a small smile and a wave to play to the crowd. They cooed and cheered as the small girl walked up to the towering giant of Iida. Internally her inner Bakugou told her it was all bullshit, they cheered for her because she was the underdog with a pretty quirk. But fuck them, right now she just needed to win.

 

As she and Iida faced off the male teenager gave her a nod, “Let us have a good clean game worthy of hero students Uraraka.”

 

“Uh-huh.” Uraraka responded and managed to avoid an eye-roll, though Midnight did give her an amused smile.

 

“You all know the rules by now,” Midnight announced and Uraraka crouched low as Iida bent his legs, “And begin!”

 

Iida was fast.

 

Uraraka didn’t really understand this concept completely until she found herself suddenly twisted around and being pushed out of the ring by Iida with two hands on her shoulders before she realised Midnight’s whip had even finished moving.

 

With the edge of the arena rapidly approaching Uraraka panicked and desperately reached behind her. Before she could grab hold of anything however Iida seemingly abandoned his attack as his hands disappeared from her shoulders.

 

The lack of force pushing her along the ground caused Uraraka to stumble and collapse into the dirt. She hissed as she rolled and felt several cuts form across her body. Luckily though she came to a stop before she rolled out onto the grass.

 

Uraraka spit the dirt out of her mouth as she got up onto her knees… Just in time to see Iida’s shin make contact with her face. 

 

She felt her nose all but shatter and blood spurt over herself yet by some miracle she wasn’t kicked out of the field. Iida’s angle must have been off as she landed back within the arena, coughing widely as she clutched her chest. Add a few broken ribs to the nose.

 

She scrambled to her feet and faced Iida who was crouched low. All she needed was one clean hit with her palm and this would be over. What she needed to do was wait for an opening. In the meantime she just needed to make sure she wasn’t thrown out of the ring while taking a beating.

 

Iida charged again, swinging his leg out at her, at least he was predictable. Uraraka tapped her chest at the last minute and floated upwards just enough to avoid the small tree trunk sized shin that came at her. 

 

Iida was thrown off balance and fell back as Uraraka released herself and fell back to the floor. She didn’t hesitate and charged at Iida with open palms. It probably looked a little odd to the crowd as Iida ducked and weaved to avoid her slaps.

 

Despite her flurry of slaps Iida wasn’t a legacy child for nothing. She swung out at him again but rather than dodge Iida grabbed her wrist, stopping her attack midair. Uraraka’s eyes widened before she found herself being flung over Iida’s shoulder.

 

Luckily they were more or less in the middle of the arena so she wasn’t thrown out of bounds. She did however have the air knocked out of her as she landed painfully on her back. She didn’t have a chance to recover before Iida started running towards the end of the arena, dragging her through the dirt (literally) with him.

 

She felt her skin and clothes tear and rip and she reached up for the hand gripping her wrist. Iida caught the movement out of the corner of his eye and with a frustrated grunt let go of her wrist and dove out of reach.

 

Uraraka turned painfully as she rolled and reached out, digging her hands into the ground and coming to a stop. Her body ached all over, her fingers were bleeding from scraping along the ground and she was fairly sure she had a dislocated shoulder.

 

But she was still in the fight.

 

She smirked when Iida saw her stand back up and flash a look of frustration briefly.

 

“Wow! What a fight, it looks like both opponents are struggling to gain a quick and easy victory!”

 

“Both of them have quirks suited to the event yet they don’t have decent counters for each other. Iida is larger and stronger and with a physical quirk he can easily take Uraraka on in a simple test of strength. But Uraraka is more or a less a one hit K.O. opponent in this situation, all she needs is a clean hit on Iida and he’s finished.”

 

Iida stood up straight and nodded at his enemy, “I didn’t think I’d need to use this move on someone like you Uraraka! You should be proud of being able to stand up against me for so long!”

 

Uraraka’s jaw clenched and she narrowed her eyes, barely avoiding shouting out a series of explicit words as to how she felt about Iida’s statement. A small part of her told herself that the boy was just socially awkward and was genuinely trying to pay her a compliment but she didn’t care.

 

Simple, plain, safe Uraraka.

 

Well not anymore.

 

Iida bent his legs and charged with a shout, “RECIPRO BURST!”

 

The engine boy became nothing but a stream of light as he shot across the arena, his engines letting out a roar of blue flame behind him. 

 

Uraraka could have dived to the side, ducked or tried to dodge in any way. But she refused, she bent her legs and tensed her body. She stood there and waited for him.

 

The entire world seemed to slow as she stopped breathing, holding out her palm and fingers. Then at the last possible second Uraraka took a simple step to the left while tilting her body slightly.

 

Iida hit her like a freight train. Her arm snapped back with a sickening pop and she could practically feel her ribs shatter as she twisted violently in the air. But her angle was just right and despite the force of the kick all Iida ended up doing was causing her to crash down to the ground within the arena.

 

The same couldn’t be said for Iida.

 

Because the moment she moved, Uraraka’s open right hand ended up directly in Iida's path and slapped him directly on the chest. The moment all her fingers made contact Iida shot up like a rocket, the lack of gravity and engines in his leg making a deadly combo.

 

He screamed well over the field and sent several heroes jumping out of the way as he crashed into the stands above the stadium with dust and debris filling the area around him. 

 

“Iida is very obviously out of bounds, Uraraka wins!” Midnight declared with a smile as she watched several heroes rush to the dazed Iida’s aid.

 

Uraraka’s chest was screaming at her, her arm and fingers were bent at awkward angles and she was covered in blood. Yet despite all that she gave a wide bloodied smile at Iida’s crippled form surrounded by shattered stadium chairs and panicked heroes.

 

“Fuck you Iida.”

Notes:

I'll admit that I think I've pushed the OOC stuff quite heavily onto Iida but hopefully nobody is too upset but this. Thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 32: Daddy Issues

Summary:

As the Sports Festival reaches it's final few hours Izuku and Katsuki struggle with their new lives, relationships and the reality of their upbringing

Even without using his quirk Izuku thought Katsuki was going to tear the doors off its hinges with the way he had torn them open as they entered the infirmary. They had all been cheering at Uraraka’s victory when the girl had suddenly collapsed into the dirt. Clearly the fight had taken more out of her than they realised.

 

The medic bots hadn’t even started to move before Katsuki was halfway out of his seat and heading towards the infirmary. Izuku was less than a second behind, following on pure instinct and habit. It didn’t take long for the rest of their friends to scramble out of their seats behind them.

 

Izuku followed Katsuki at a slight distance, the blonde boy was giving off something Izuku didn’t recognize. He had known Katsuki to be angry, frustrated, jealous and hell he was probably the only person on the planet to have seen Katsuki cry in the last 10 years. But this was something else, it was almost... Protective?

 

Without so much as a hello to Recovery Girl once they were through the doors Katsuki practically ran to Uraraka’s bedside just as the girl was starting to regain consciousness.

 

“The fuck was that Roundcheeks!?” Katsuki demanded.

 

Uraraka blinked in surprise at her wake up call before giving Katsuki a slight frown, “I believe it was called winning, not something you’re used to Bakugou?”

 

Izuku nearly broke his jaw with how hard he pushed his fist into his mouth to avoid the boisterous laugh that threatened to break out. Behind him Ashido and Jiro all but fell on top of each other, both tight lipped and their bodies shaking slightly. Kirishima was the only one who dared let out a loud laugh only for it to quickly turn into a cough when he caught sight of a furious Katsuki glaring at him with a vein throbbing in his neck. Yoarashi, being the ever ignorant person he was, simply chuckled and slapped Kirishima on the back, nearly causing the boy to topple over.

 

“What I mean,” Katsuki growled out as he turned away from his giggling friends and back to a smirking Uraraka, “Is that you pushed yourself too hard.”

 

Uraraka rolled her eyes at him, “Aren’t we supposed to be going Plus Ultra?”

 

Katsuki grunted, “Yeah, but not to the point where you fall unconscious on live television!”

 

“Says the boy who’s broken bones using his quirk.” Izuku muttered under his breath and received a soft snort from Jiro in response.

 

“Oh relax,” Uraraka said, waving Katsuki off with a bandaged arm, it was quite the sight, watching the girl casually dismiss the raging teenager above her, “Recovery Girl has got me all healed up so I’m ready for my next fight!” Uraraka emphasised this point with a fist bump in the air.

 

Katsuki scoffed, “Just make sure you don’t push yourself too hard again.”

 

Uraraka frowned at Katsuki, “I’ll push myself as hard as I like.”

 

“I think what Bakugou was trying to say was that he doesn’t like seeing his friend hurt, so just be careful yeah?” Ashido said with a soft smile as she walked over to Uraraka’s bedside, patting said boy on the head who growled at her.

 

“No I’m not,” Bakugou insisted, which caused Ashido and Uraraka to frown deeply at him, “You don’t need to be strong, not like me.”

 

Izuku practically felt Kirishima wince next to him as Uaraka leant back back slightly with a shocked expression, “What the fuck Bakugou?”

 

Katsuki scowled, “I’m going to be the strongest so-”

 

“So I may as well not bother!?” Uraraka said, her voice rising, “We’re all training here to be heroes, to work together. So yeah, I’m gonna try to be just as strong as you, Yoarashi and everyone else with my silly support quirk! So back off with the interrogation.”

 

“That’s not what I mean!” Katsuki snarled back and Izuku could see the signature signs that the boy was getting angry, his eyes were narrowed, his teeth grinding together and he was gripping the side of Uraraka’s bed so hard the metal was starting to bed, “You can go fucking Plus Ultra or whatever, I just mean that I’m gonna be the strongest!”

 

“Not necessarily!” Yoarashi shouted from behind Izuku with a wide smile making a surprisingly tactful interruption before Uraraka shouted back at Katsuki, “I’ve been training hard for this festival and beyond, maybe I’ll be able to-”

 

“No you fucking won’t!” Katsuki all but bellowed out which caused Ashido to jump back slightly from Uraraka’s bed, the entire room bar Izuku flinching sightly at the tone while Izuku only raised an eyebrow, “I have to be the strongest, I have to be far more than any of you can get to!”

 

“So you’re saying you’re better than us!?” Uraraka shouted back, all pretences long gone as she glared at Katsuki, “Yeah, you might have a super strong quirk but that doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t work hard to match you!” 

 

“No!” Katsuki bellowed and even Izuku flinched, “You can’t, I need to be the strongest!”

 

“The fuck do you mean you need to be the strongest!?” Uraraka cried and waved her arms in front of Katsuki’s face, “You’re not a one man army Bakugou, we’re all gonna be heroes too you know!”

 

“That’s not the fucking point! I’m going to be the strongest out of all of you!” Katsuki declared with a general glare at the gathered students, “So stop fucking trying to match me!”

 

“Bakugou that’s not fair,” Uraraka said, her voice lower but still with an edge to it, “You can’t just put us down-”

 

“SHUT UP!” Katsuki suddenly shouted, interrupting Uraraka as he accidentally activated his quirk and ripped off the metal bar on the edge of the hospital bed.

 

Uraraka flinched in the bed, her hands held out ready to defend herself while Ashido jumped back from the bed slightly. Kirishima made to move towards them but Izuku snapped out and grabbed the boy's wrist with a soft shake of his head.

 

Katsuki seemed to realise what he’d just done as he froze and dropped the bar he ripped from Uraraka’s bed onto the floor. It clanged to the ground and echoed through the silent room as Katsuki took in the shocked faces of his friends. Only Izuku held a neutral expression at the outburst and made brief eye contact with the boy and raised a questioning eyebrow.

 

Katsuki grimaced slightly at the tension in the room, “Fuck! I didn’t… I just… FUCK!”

 

With a final scowl Katsuki all but ran out of the infirmary, the walls shaking slightly with the force he used to slam open the doors. He left behind a silent room, nobody even dared breath as the tension filled every crack and hole it could find. After a few seconds of borderline psychological torture from the atmosphere everyone’s head slowly turned to Izuku who sighed.

 

“He’ll calm down soon enough,” Izuku reassured them, “He’s just stressed is all.”

 

“Should we go talk to him?” Yoarashi suggested to which Izuku shook his head.

 

“That would just make it worse. He’ll use most of his anger to fight you next, at that point I’ll be able to talk to him.”

 

Jiro frowned, “So the plan is to ignore his outburst and let him hit Yoarashi instead of apologising?”  

 

“That’s not the point,” Izuku said, his own frown forming on his face, “I’ve known Kacchan our entire lives, I know how to deal with this.”

 

“That doesn’t mean it’s healthy!” Uraraka cried with an exasperated look, “Geez, I swear for a guy with super powerful quirk Bakugou has the inferiority complex of a quirkless kid!”

 

Looking back on it that night Izuku had to admit to himself that Uraraka’s comment wasn’t meant to be the attack it felt like. And he knew deep down she was right, to be one of the few unpowered people in a world full of superpowered beings? That would cause anyone to have issues. Sadly though at that moment all Izuku felt was a deep hate for the brunette.

 

“Say that again,” Izuku hissed and the entire room flinched, “I dare you.”

 

Uraraka turned to him with shocked eyes which quickly filled with fear when she saw the glare Izuku was sending, “Midoriya I uh-”

 

“Have you got a problem with quirkless people?” Izuku snapped at her, his tone causing Yoarashi, Jiro and Kirishima to automatically take a step away from him, not that he cared.

 

Uraraka's eyes widened in panic as her brain caught up with what she said and she stumbled over her words to defend herself, “Shit! No I didn’t mean it like that, my cousin is quirkless and he used to get bullied a lot. It just kinda reminds me of Bakugou, normally people with powerful quirks ooze self confidence and look down on everyone else, Bakugou does neither.”

 

“You should know people are more than their quirks!” Izuku all but spat at the girl, at this point he was well aware his emotions were running out of control.

 

Uraraka and Ashido jumped slightly at Izuku’s raised voice and he felt a hand on his shoulder, “Come one Dude, this isn’t manly, just calm down.” Kirishima said.

 

Izuku shrugged him off with a growl, “I need some air.”

 

“Midoriya wait!” Ashido called and stepped forward but Izuku ignored her and marched out the infirmary doors with a slightly less intense but no less dramatic slamming of the doors than Katsuki.

 

There was a brief pause in which the remaining five students watched the doors shake slightly before Uraraka let out a groan and fell back against her pillow, “I swear, sometimes it’s like you need a script to deal with those two if you don’t wanna end up in glare city.”

 

“It is rather… easy to set them both off…” Yoarashi admitted, out of everyone present, he had known the pair the longest and was well aware saying the wrong thing could cause you to be scowled at, lectured or outright punched to the face.

 

“Yeah but it seems to have been dialled up to 11 today, even Midoriya is shouting at people now.” Jiro said with a slight frown at the door they had both stormed through, not entirely convinced the pair's reactions were justified.

 

“Do you think it’s something we did?” Ashido asked as she bit the inside of her lip while her brow furrowed in worry.

 

“Don’t blame yourselves.”

 

Jiro all but leapt into Kirishima’s arms at the calm yet stern voice that appeared behind them. The shock caused Kirishima to hold Jiro close to his chest and activate his quirk on instinct as Jiro wrapped her arms around his neck.

 

Recovery Girl simply raised an eyebrow at the pair, “Interesting,” she mumbled, “And here I thought it was Midoriya who was getting Jiro pregnant.”

 

Jiro and Kirishima blushed furiously as Uraraka and Ashido snorted behind them. Jiro jumped down from Kirishima’s arms and took a good few steps away from the redhead just to be safe.

 

“What are you doing here, Recovery Girl!?” Yoarashi asked, oblivious to blushing teens as per the norm.

 

Recovery Girl gave him a deadpanned look, “It’s my infirmary, I’ve been here the whole time. You just didn’t bother to notice me.”

 

“Ah uh… sorry about that…” Ashido said with a slight blush.

 

Recovery Girl waved her off with her walking stick, “You’re not the first and you won’t be the last. Now, in regards to my top two customers who just stormed out on you, you shouldn’t blame yourselves or them. Their situation is… complicated.”

 

“That’s putting it mildly.” Ashido muttered under her breath.

 

Recovery Girl frowned, “That’s not fair and you know it.” She said and slammed her cane on the ground, causing Ashido to jump slightly, “It’s not my place to go into details but those boys have been through far more than any teenager should. Just look at how this crowd is treating poor Midoriya.”

 

The collective group of students all winced at the thought, even down in the infirmary the boo’s could be heard and nobody had dared to see what people were writing about him online.

 

“It is turning out to be a pretty rough day…” Kirishima said with a sigh, his usual sunshine self deflating considerably.

 

“Look,” Recovery Girl said and peered down her glasses as the students, “I won’t tell you what is their past to share but for years all those two boys had was each other. They never had nor wanted anyone else. Now all of sudden they have you 5, which truly is wonderful…”

 

“Except they don’t know anything about having friends…” Ashido finished, her eyes lighting up as she connected the dots.

 

“Bingo,” Recovery Girl confirmed, “They’re good kids, just give them a little time to adapt to their new situation. Now, Yoarashi, I believe you’re needed out in the stadium.”

 

---

 

“On our left we have UA’s next entry to the World Armwrestling Championships! It’s Katsuki Bakugou!”

 

The crowd lapped up Present Mic’s hype, giving Katsuki a great cheer as he marched into the arena. It was arguably the most anticipated fight so far, two strong and flashy quirks going up against each other in the quarter finals. It was going to be a show and the crowd knew it. Not that Katsuki cared of course.

 

“And on his right, the man who is a natural disaster all on his own, it’s Inasa Yoarashi!”

 

Yoarashi virtually jogged into the arena, waving his hand at the crowds with a ridiculous smile on his face as they screamed and chanted his name. Katsuki rolled his eyes at the display which didn’t go unnoticed by Yoarashi.

 

“Don’t worry Bakugou!” Yoarashi said with a wide smile and a thumbs up, “I’m serious about this fight, you want that top spot? You’ll just have to take it from me!”

 

Katsuki only growled in response as he activated his quirk, crouching down and waiting for the sound of Midnight's whip. He didn’t have to wait long before the snap of the weapon rang in his ears.

 

Katsuki pushed out with legs and projected himself forward, red fire crackled around him as he pulled a fist back and shot across the arena at Yoarashi. The moment before his fist made contact with the wind users face Yoarashi pushed out to his side with a dodge, a gust of wind helping him avoid Katsuki’s punch by a hairbreadth. 

 

Katsuki dug his feet into the ground and turned round with a swing. Again Yaorashi used a gust of wind to dive back and avoid the attack. Katsuki narrowed his eyes and got into a kickboxing stance before letting loose with a flurry of punches and kicks. Not a single one made contact as Yoarashi dodged them all with a well timed blast of his quirk. With each failed punch Katsuki grew more and more angry.

 

“FIGHT BACK YOU FUCKING PUSSY!”

 

Yoarashi smirked as Katsuki went in for a particularly violent punch, “Sure thing Bakugou!”

 

Yoarashi side stepped Katsuki’s punch and threw a fist out towards the blond's side. Katsuki moved to block the punch but he didn’t need to. Yoarashi’s fist stopped a few inches short of hitting Katsuki before letting out a full blown tornado.

 

Katsuki felt his feet leave the ground as he was thrown through the air like a rag doll. For all his strength he still weighed as much as an average teenager. He watched the stadium flip over and over as he tumbled to the ground, slamming into the dirt and rolling.

 

Luckily though he managed to flip himself onto his front and dig his feet into the dirt, coming to stop. But the wind didn’t let up, it only got stronger and Katsuki felt himself skidding along the floor. Firing up his quirk he straightened his hand and slammed it into the ground. The earth cracked and opened as he pushed his arm in, anchoring himself before Yoarashi pushed him out of the ring.

 

Katsuki was barely able to move from the force of the whirlwind, the sound of it tearing into his ears and filling his head. His eyes stung and watered and he could only just make out Yoarashi a little way in front of him, a border line hurricane emanating from the boy.

 

Katsuki’s clothes whipped around him as he clenched his body. Dust and dirt was flying everywhere and he was struggling not to collapse even with One For All running through his body at 10%. He had to give Yoarashi credit, this was an elemental quirk the likes of which only Endeavor could boast.

 

But Katsuki refused to lose.

 

Focusing on a memory of his quirks previous user Katsuki raised the arm not currently holding him in pace in the ground. He pumped more of hus quirk into it, slowly increasing the percentage, each point causing more and more pain to shoot down his body. Eventually he stopped around the 20% mark.

 

This was probably gonna hurt.

 

Katsuki swung his arm down in a karate chop, slicing through the whirlwind from Yoarashi and slamming into the ground. The effect was immediate, the air from Yoarashi collapsed from the force and counter shockwave and said wind user stumbled back from confusion, eyes wide with shock. Unfortunately for him he then encountered the second consequence of Katsuki’s attack.

 

A huge crack in the earth appeared where Katsuki had chopped into it. It ripped through the stadium like it was paper being torn in half and went straight for Yoarashi. Before the boy could react he lost his footing and tumbled back along the now uneven ground. Katsuki took his chance and rushed forward.

 

As he launched off the ground he had to hold his left arm to his chest. It wasn’t broken but it hurt like hell and he’d definitely torn the muscles. And while his arm was fine his fingers were definitely bent the wrong way. 

 

Katsuki blocked out the pain as he charged forward, reaching out for Yoarashi. Once again though the boy saw him coming and with a massive outburst of air jumped into the sky. Katsuki was thrown off by the massive tornado Yoarashi generated beneath him as he rose above the arena.

 

Katsuki’s feet slid across the ground as he turned back to face Yoarashi. The student floated atop a huge tornado which took up most of the arena. This wasn’t the simple levitation Katsuki had seen before, this was practically full blown flight. The huge tornado keeping Yoarashi in the air roared as it tore the ground beneath it apart, chunks of dirt and grass in the stadium were ripped up and thrown into the air. Boxes, food wrappers and even items of clothing were being ripped away from the audience and soared into the sky from the force.

 

But Katsuki could tell this was taking all Yoarashi had, his face was grimaced in strain and he wasn’t moving. Back at the entrance exam when Yoarashi used too much of his quirk it greatly affected his manoeuvrability. Which meant he was an open target, all Katsuki needed to do was reach him.

 

Easier said than done.

 

Pushing his quirk to its limits Katsuki launched himself into the air. Instantly he felt himself veer of course from the gale force winds. He tried to reach out for Yoarashi but he was nearly an entire foot away from his target as he went under him. Katsuki passed by Yoarashi and started to fall back down to the ground. His descent was sped up when Yoarashi raised an arm and created a small but powerful tornado which hit Katsuki in the chest and slammed him back down to the ground.

 

Katsuki bounced harshley on the stone arena, the air being thrown out of his lungs and his vision blurring. He tried to get up but another massive force of wind pinned him down to the concrete. Even with One For All flowing through his body he couldn’t even raise his head, it was like a giant was pushing down on him, the ground cracking beneath his spine. It felt like his chest was ready to cave in and he could hardly breath or hear through the whirlwind around him.

 

Yet somehow Midnight’s voice still made it thorough, “Bakugou are you able to move?”

 

One For All surged through his body and Katsuki was able to lift his head and right arm in defiance, “I’m not out!”

 

There was a pause in which Katsuki fought with all his might just to keep his arm up before Midnight spoke again, “Can you fight back?”

 

Katsuki grit his teeth, he was fucked. He couldn’t move, he had no ranged attacks and even if he could push One For All up to 100% he lacked the momentum to use it. For the first time since gaining the quirk Katsuki cursed its effect. He couldn’t do anything fancy like throw fire or shoot lasers, it just made him punch harder and run faster. A simple enhancement quirk.

 

Enhancement.

 

Enhance.

 

“Looks it enhances everything, not just my physical capabilities, I can tell my sense of smell and my eyesight have gotten massively better.”

 

Katsuki dropped his arm and focused on his quirk, allowing it to spread throughout his body. And not just through his bones and muscles, but through his nerves, his blood and organs, letting every cell absorb the power that came with All Might's gift.

 

“Katsuki Bakugou can no longer fight, Yoarashi-”

 

“NO!”

 

Katsuki shout could be heard throughout the city. Cats walking down paths miles away sprinted for the hills, windows in skyscrapers that couldn’t even be seen in the distance rattled from the shockwave while all the glass within the UA Stadium shattered. The near billion people watching the event live found their streams temporarily interrupted as every camera pointed towards the fight short circuited and smashed into pieces.

 

The shockwave from the volume caused Yoarashi to lose his focus in the air, the two huge gale force tornados he was wielding weakening slightly. But slightly was all Katsuki needed.

 

Ignoring the searing pain in his throat, Katsuki snapped to his feet and launched forward. This time there was no massive tornado to throw him off course and he soared directly at Yoarashi. Said boy's eyes widened and he tried to push himself up even further. But he was an inch short.

 

Katsuki felt his fingers make contact with Yoarashi’s shoe and he instantly tightened his grip. Yarashi cried out and Katsuki winced slightly as he realised his strength had probably broken several toes. 

 

But the guilt could come later. Not wasting a moment, Katsuki hauled himself up and scrambled over Yorashi like a monkey climbing a tree. The larger boy swung his arms out to fight back but Katsuki was too strong and fast and before anyone knew what had happened Katsuki had the boy in a headlock

 

“Yield!” Katsuki shouted in Yoarashi’s ear as he started to lose control of his wind quirk.

 

The pair started to tumble over the arena as whirlwinds went out in all directions. Yoarashi desperately reached behind him, clawing at Katsuki but the boy didn’t budge, tightening his grip around Yoarashis’ neck.

 

The pair fell to the ground, rolling together in the dirt as Yoarashi finally shut off his quirk completely. Katsuki swung his legs round, trapping one of Yorashi’s arms as he struggled, not that it mattered with the super strength grip around his throat. Yoarashi struggled for a few more moments before he raised his one untrapped arm and slammed into the ground multiple times.

 

“I y-yield!” He managed to cough out.

 

“Inasa Yoarashi yields, Katsuki Bakugou wins!”

 

---

 

“Another move like that young man and you may lose your voice permanently.” Recovery Girl scolded as Katsuki rubbed his still sore throat, “You literally tore apart your vocal cords and very nearly shut off your ability to breath, it’s a miracle you didn’t pass out on your way here.”

 

“S’no biggie.” Katsuki croaked and scowled at the sound of his own voice, it sounded rough and coarse and the words scraped the inside of his throat as they moved up and out of his mouth.

 

“Don’t like the way that sounds? Then don’t go trying to copy Mic’s quirk again, his throat is designed to take the force, yours isn’t. Recovery Girl said with a frown as she finished wrapping his finger in bandages, “Not to mention the damage you’ve done to your hand, much more of this and you’ll have permanent disfigurement worse than your brothers.”

 

“And what’s wrong with Zuzu’s hand?” Katsuki growled, in the bed opposite him Yoarashi winced at the tone but Recovery Girl just rolled her eyes.

 

“Down dog, I’m sure if you asked him Midoriya would rather not wear a glove all the time.” She said and stepped back, “Ok you’re all good to go, I’d ask you no to overdo it again but we both know I’d be wasting my breath.”

 

Katsuki snorted and jumped down from the bed, flexing his bandaged hand to check the movements. Luckily it was his offhand he’d injured so he’d still be able to fight with his more coordinated right hand. That would be useful against Uraraka, but against Izuku or Todoroki though… that fight was gonna hurt regardless of who won and made it to the final.

 

But Izuku was gonna win.

 

“Now then,” Recovery Girl said as Katsuki headed for the exit, “Let's see if we can’t get you walking again.”

 

She turned to Yoarashi who had been lying in the bed opposite, his foot elevated and covered in red stained bandages, despite that the boy had a beaming smile, “Bakugou!”

 

Katsuki paused at the shout, it didn’t sound like Yoarashi was about to attack him or belittle him but he didn’t turn and acknowledge the boy behind him regardless.

 

“I just wanted to wish you good luck!” Yoarashi said and though he wasn’t looking at him Katsuki could practically feel the wide smile and thumbs up.

 

He just grunted in response and walked out of the infirmary, heading for the waiting areas designated for the battles. He had no interest in returning to the stands with his class and would be just fine brooding alone until the end of the festival. Katsuki was never very good with emotional shit, always needing either Izuku or his father to help when things got really serious. But he wasn’t about to disturb the green haired boy right before his fight with Todoroki. Shit could wait until they got home later.

 

Then, as if Katsuki had activated a latent summoning quirk, he turned a corner and came face to face with a pair of dual coloured eyes. The two students both froze, staring at each other without saying a word. They stood like this for a few moments before Katsuki gave off a soft ‘tch’ and turned to walk away.

 

“Have you seen Midoriya?”

 

The question took Katsuki off guard and he turned back to Todoroki with narrowed eyes. His defences were up instantly and he straightened out his shoulders, glaring at the other boy.

 

“Why the fuck do you wanna see Zuzu?” Katsuki spat, perhaps with a little more venom than he meant to.

 

But Todoroki seemed unphased by the tone and didn’t even bat an eye, “I wanted to talk to him before our fight.”

 

“Why?” Katsuki growled and stepped forward dangerously so that he was only a few inches away from Todoroki’s face, “So you could psyche him out or some shit?”

 

“No,” Todoroki said, again completely unfazed by Bakugou’s display, “I wanted to ask him about his quirk.”

 

“You got a fucking problem with his quirk?” Katsuki said in a very low and dangerous tone and this time Todoroki did react, eyes widening ever so slightly. This wasn’t the usual brash and over the top anger that came from Katsuki, this was a cold fury where his threats were backed up with very real actions.

 

“Not at all,” Todoroki reassured him, “It’s just well…”

 

Todoroki paused, looking at Katsuki up and down with a critical gaze. Katsuki held his stance, not backing down and simply raising an eyebrow at the other boy. After a few moments Todoroki shrugged and sighed, as if he had just come to a dramatic conclusion.

 

“I wanted to speak to someone else who also hates their quirk.”

 

Oh.

 

Katsuki felt his shoulders drop as the tension left his body and he stepped back from Todoroki slightly. His eyes no longer narrowed instead opening with mild surprise.

 

“...he’s probably already gotten ready for your fight. He likes to strategize right before.”

 

Todoroki blinked at him in surprise, “I see… Thank you. You uh… You don’t seem surprised by my statement?”

 

Katsuki couldn’t help the snort that escaped from him, “All due respect Scarface, everyone knows half your quirk is fire, the fact I’ve never seen you use it makes it fairly obvious.”

 

“I suppose it does…” Todoroki said and trailed off looking to the side, “You have no issues with your quirk though.”

 

“I was a late bloomer.”

 

Katsuki had no idea why the fuck he said that on instinct and without hesitation. He hadn’t told anyone at UA yet about how he’d grown up quirkless. He wasn’t ashamed of it per say but that didn’t mean he didn’t want to flaunt it. But something about the way Todoroki held himself, the way he didn’t like to be touched, the way he refused to let anyone know what he was really thinking. It reminded Katsuki of himself a little too much to be comfortable with.

 

Todoroki turned back to him with no small amount of shock written on his face, “That… makes a lot of sense actually…”

 

“Heh!?” Katsuki yelled, reeling back slightly in confusion and a little bit of anger.

 

Todoroki shrugged, “The rest of class might not notice but I know what it’s like to have a powerful quirk, how difficult it can be to control your output and power. You have decent control of it but I see you nearly lose control near every practical lesson, if you’d had your quirk since you were four you would have fine tuned control of it by now.”

 

“Are you saying your fucking better than me!?” Katsukis screamed, fists clenched and he marched back up into Todoroki’s face.

 

“At controlling my quirk? Yes.” Todoroki stated and Katsuki swore he saw a glint of amusement in the boy's eyes, “When did your quirk come in?”

 

Katsuki huffed, “A few months before the entrance exam.”

 

Todoroki blanched, it was the most emotion Katsuki had ever seen on the boy's face as his jaw dropped and his eye widened.

 

“You’ve had your quirk for less than a year !?”

 

Katsuki smirked, “And my practical heroics scores are still top of the class.”

 

Todoroki snapped his jaw shut and sighed, “Yes and with his new quirks… Midoriya is close to taking my spot of 2nd place from me.”

 

“It would help if you used your fire,” Katsuki said with an obvious look, not trying to hide what he was doing.

 

Todoroki paused and looked off to the side, the silence growing so long Katsuki had to resist the urge to shout at him, “Have you ever heard of quirk marriages?” 

 

Katsuki raised an eyebrow, of course he’d heard of them. They were standard history subjects for most students in Japan and even if they weren’t Katsuki had done all kinds of research on quirks. They were popular a few decades after the first quirks appeared, once the heorics industry became more streamlined but before quirk regulations had really started to crack down. The basic premise was simple, two people would marry with powerful quirks in the hopes their children would-

 

“Oh fuck.”

 

Todoroki nodded as Katsuki connected the dots, “My father had hoped to create a child that could rival All Might. His fire and my mothers ice to be precise. I have three older siblings, all of them either had a fire or ice quirk. It wasn’t until I was born my father finally hit the jackpot. An S Grade quirk that could rival even All Might. From the moment I could use my quirk he trained me every waking second of the day, he pushed me beyond my limits. Every night I went to bed in pain and every day I woke up and dreaded what his training would bring.”

 

“He give you that scar?” Katsuki asked, not one to beat around the bush or use any form of tact.

 

Todoroki shook his head, “No, that was my mother… She… She could not stand to see my father in me, one day I walked into the kitchen when she was making tea and… well..”

 

“Shit…” Katsuki mumbled, even he had his limits when it came to snarky remarks and an image of not caring about others feelings.

 

“Mother went to the hospital after that and I’ve not seen her since.” Todoroki turned back to Bakugou and any emotion he had been showing vanished from his face, “So you can imagine why I refuse to use my fire quirk.” With that Todoroki continued on past Bakugou towards his side of the stadium.

 

“Yeah, it’s cause you’re a fucking idiot.”

 

Todoroki turned around so fast Katsuki thought he might get whiplash, his eyes were narrowed and he looked furious, a new expression on the teenager, “What did you say?”

 

Katsuki narrowed his eyes and folded his arms, “You heard me, you're being an idiot, so is your old man… Your Mom too if I’m being honest.”

 

Katsuki didn’t react on purpose when the wave of ice hit him, only making sure to activate his quirk so that the subsequent collision with the wall didn’t do too much damage. He coughed slightly though as he stood back up to find Todoroki storming over to him, seething and an ice cool breeze emanating from one side of him.

 

“Don’t you dare talk about my mother!” Todoroki shouted, something Katsuki had never seen before.

 

“Why not? All three of you have the same problem.” Katsuki said definitely, not a hint of fear coming off him.

 

“And that would be?” Todoroki asked with a scoff.

 

“None of you see Shoto Todoroki, you just see your quirk.”

 

Todoroki seething paused for a moment, seemingly surprised by the answer before he narrowed his eyes once again, “What are you talking about?”

 

Katsuki just rolled his eyes, ignoring how much the air had chilled, “Endeavor can only see an S Grade quirk capable of toppling All Might, which by the way is stupid in of itself because by the time any of us hit the top 10 All Might will have been retired for years. Your mother only saw the quirk of the man who abused her and while I sympathise with her, she threw boiling water onto the face of a child. Yeah, Endeavour is a fucking asshole for arguably causing it and then subsequently imprisoning her in a mental ward but that doesn’t mean she didn’t need the psychiatric help. And you, all you can see is your mother and father in you, ice and fire. Well news flash moron, nobody can have two quirks, trust me, Zuzu knows this better than anyone. You only have one quirk, one that you’re not using to its fullest because you’re letting your parents decide what kind of hero you wanna be. It’s your quirk Scarface, you really think you can become the hero you want to be without using it?”

 

Katsuki was breathing heavily by the end of his rant and Todoroki had stumbled back in shock, the ice in the air completely gone as he looked at Bakugou with wide unfocused eyes.

 

“I… I don’t have two quirks? But the doctor?”

 

“Well the doctor was fucking wrong,” Katsuki said with a scowl, “Zuzu can sense quirks and he knows you only have one, sure it might be split 50/50 but it’s one quirk.”

 

Todoroki fell back against the wall and slowly slid to the floor staring at nothing yet it appeared like he had seen everything, “But.. I always thought...”

 

“Todoroki,” Katsuki said and the boy snapped his attention back up at the use of his actual name, “Ignoring your shitty upbringing, everything with your parents and quirk… Why the fuck are you even here? Why do you want to be a hero?”

 

“I…I don’t know…” Todoroki admitted from the floor, looking completely lost and vulnerable.

 

“Then you better figure it out,” Katsuki said and turned to leave, “Because otherwise you're just taking up the spot of a real hero.”

 

---

 

“Why is he still allowed a place here!?”

 

“He won’t stand a chance against Endeavor’s kid!”

 

“I hope he freezes this guy's legs off!”

 

Izuku sighed, the crowd could at least wait until he got onto the field before booing and insulting him. Present Mic hadn’t even announced the match yet, at this point they were booing in anticipation of Izuku. He rolled his eyes, you’d think they would be bored of it by now.

 

He hadn’t returned to the class area after the… tension at the infirmary, instead choosing to hunker down in one of the waiting rooms and make some last minute notes about Todoroki. He’d kept one eye on Katsuki and Yoarashi’s battle on the TV however and had winced slightly at the brutality of it. Katsuki really was taking no prisoners today.

 

“It’s time for the semi finals ladies and gentleman! Our final 4 students are fighting for that life changing position in the final! And what a pair of matches it looks like we’re going to have! First, on one side we have the hero with an unlimited amount of surprises, it’s Izuku Midoriya!”

 

Izuku walked out with his head held high and a wide smile on his face, he wasn’t going to let this crowd get the better of him.

 

“And on the other side the stoic teen who’s smashed through his competition with literal chilling effects, it’s Shoto Todoroki!”

 

Stoic was a good term to describe Todoroki, at least it usually was. The Todoroki that stood opposite Izuku now was not one he recognized, his eyes were unfocused, his hair a mess and he had a stricken face like he had just seen a ghost.

 

“Uh Todoroki, are you ok?” Izuku asked as they took their positions in the arena to begin.

 

Todorokis' eyes snapped to Izuku and he paused before speaking, “Your brother has an interesting way with words.”

 

Izuku’s eyes snapped to the stands, what the fuck had Katsuki done?

 

“Sorry Midoriya,” Todoroki said as he raised his arm, a chill already emanating from it, “But I need to end this match quickly, I have things to think on.”

 

---

“Where’s Bakugou?” Yoarashi asked as he took his seat back in the 1A stands, his leg now in a cast but at least he was able to hobble on it.

 

Kirishima turned to him with an awkward look, “We uh.. We haven’t seen either of them since the infirmary.”

 

Yoarashi frowned, “Hmmm perhaps we should think on what Recovery Girl told us.”

 

“Yeah yeah,” Ashido said waving him off before she leaned forward in her seat, excitement written all over her face, “We can worry about that later, right now I wanna see how much shit Todoroki and Midoriya can blow up.”

 

Jiro rolled her eyes, “Real mature Ashido.”

 

Ashido sent Jiro a mock glare, “Oh come on Jiro, these two are the powerhouses of the class, this is gonna be the best fight yet!”

 

“I dunno…” Uraraka said, stroking her chin in thought, “Midoriya doesn’t have a good counter to Todoroki, he might just get one shot like everyone else here.”

 

Kirishima smirked slightly from where he sat between Jiro and Ashido, “Nah, I think he’s gonna be just fine.”

 

Both girls gave him narrowed eyes as Midnight started that match. It went more or less the same as all the others. Todoroki let out a great barrage of ice that Midoriya was unable to react to in time. Unlike his other fights though Todoroki created a massive wave of ice that didn’t push Izuku out of bounds but rather encased him completely.

 

Uraraka winced, “Damn, I guess even Midoriya has his limits.”

 

“Aw man… poor little guy…” Ashido mumbled.

 

Jiro frowned as the crowd roared with delight at Izuku being taken out so easily, “Fucking assholes…”

 

Both girls squealed however when they found an arm around their shoulders and they were pulled in close to Kirishima who leant forward, eyes still on the match, “Lets not give up on our green hunk just yet!”

 

Uraraka turned to ask him exactly when he meant when a crash rang out through the stadium. All eyes turned back to the massive ice structure as the surface started to crack and fall apart. A few seconds later and it smashed out completely to reveal Izuku. He was standing tall free of the ice, though there was one noticeable difference with him.

 

“Is that your quirk Kirishima!?” Yoarashi bellowed, all but jumping out of his seat in excitement.

 

“Yep!” Kirishima said and turned to him with a wide smile, “I might not make it to the podium of the festival but my quirk will!”

 

“You.. You gave him your quirk?” Came a quiet voice from behind them and Kirishima turned to see Kainari giving him wide eyes.

 

He nodded, “Yeah man, he needed something with defence and my quirk is the best there is for that. I figured it’s just helping a friend, like lending him a tool.”

 

Kaminari paused, opening his and closing his mouth before seemingly settling on what he wanted to say, “And you’re… ok with that? It doesn’t… freak you out how you feel?”

 

Kirishima shrugged, “It’s a little funky, sure but Midoriya will give me back my quirk. And besides, it’s only a quirk.”

 

---

 

Izuku skidded down the ice back to the bottom of the arena. His skin was hardened with Kirishima’s quirk and it was tearing his gym outfit in several places but it had done its job. The ice was cold and hurt like a bitch but he’d been able to smash his way out of it, using kinetic energy to increase his strength.

 

Todoroki showed a brief look of surprise at the development before his features hardened once again. Behind Izuku the ice wall started to collapse, leaving behind several pillars and piles of ice on half of the arena. Good, Izuku’s advantage here was close combat.

 

“You're gonna have to do better than that Todoroki!” Izuku called and he saw his opponent's features harden.

 

Todoroki shot his arm out and a huge icicle formed, shooting straight for Izuku. But this time Izuku was ready for it and fired off heat-vision. The two quirks smashed in the middle and the ice shattered, bits flying everywhere as heat-vision tore through it like butter.

 

Todoroki deactivated his quirk and was forced to roll to the side to avoid Izuku’s attack. But just like he had with Kirishima Izuku combined the quirk with pathfinder and the lasers took a sharp turn heading directly for Todoroki. The boy twisted however so that they made impact with his left side. His gym sleeve was turned to ash immediately but all it did against his skin was sizzle slightly. Izuku turned heat-vision off with a grunt, damn fire resistance. 

 

The thought made him frown.

 

Todoroki sent out another ice attack which Izuku again destroyed easily with his heat-vision. This continued another two times, each attack clearly taking its toll on both boys as they rolled, dived and ducked to avoid ice and heat-vision respectively. Each time Izuku grew more annoyed.

 

“You won’t win without your fire Todoroki!”

 

“I won’t use it!” Todoroki shouted and sent out another wave of ice.

 

Izuku destroyed it with another attack before diving into a roll, forcing Todoroki further back into a corner. Though they were still well apart, Izuku smiled slightly, Todoroki had just come within his range.

 

“Why the hell not!? It’s your quirk Todoroki so use it!” Izuku shouted as he ducked to avoid several smaller but faster icicles that came his way.

 

“Why do you care!?” Todoroki screamed, “You have no idea what my father is like, you can’t understand how I feel!”

 

Izuku was so shocked by the audacity of that statement that he stopped moving briefly only to take a sharp icicle directly to the stomach. He cried out and doubled over as it sliced all the way through, sticking out of his back and making him feel like a turkey on Christmas morning. He could practically hear his mothers screams. Todoroki also flinched at the attack, clearly having expected Izuku to dodge it.

 

Izuku tasted blood in his mouth but it only made him grunt and frown as he reached down with a hardened arm and slowly pulled the icicle out. He grit his teeth as blood dripped through, trying not to scream as he pulled it out through his stomach with a shaking hand, the sound of skin and guts tearing along it loud in his ears. But once the icicle was out Izuku raised it in the air like a bloodied sword as he felt regeneration already get to work at closing the wound.

 

“I wouldn’t understand?” Izuku growled out, well aware only Todoroki could hear him, “Me? The kid who’s been boo’d in every fight so far by thousands of fucking people?”

 

Todoroki at least had the decency to flinch as Izuku’s words sank in and he started to connect the dots. But Izuku wasn’t finished.

 

“At least you have a fucking father to hate!” He shouted at the boy, tears prickling in his eyes, “I tell them all I’m ok with it! I tell Mom that her, Uncle and Auntie are all I need, I tell Kacchan I don’t need to know who my real father was!”

 

Izuku jumped forward, taking Todoroki by surprise who had to duck as Izuku swung his new ice sword at him, “But I fucking lied!” Izuku screamed, “I’m not ok with it! I’m not ok knowing some fucking sperm doner out there left me with nothing but the worst fucking quirk in the world without a clue how to deal with it! I wish I knew what he looked like so I could imagine beating him, I wish I knew what he sounded like so I could imagine him apologising, I just wish I KNEW HIS FUCKING NAME!”

 

Izuku grabbed the ice sword with two hands bringing it down on Todoroki who only made a small wall of ice in time to block it, “Instead of a real father all I got was this quirk which I hate! I hate it so much that not a day goes by I wish I didn’t have it, that I was born with something, anything else! Everytime it flares up I want nothing more than to tear it out of me!”

 

Todoroki desperately tried to fight back with another ice attack but Izuku just jumped backwards, avoiding the attack but leaving himself within a comfortable distance of Todoroki, “But you know what Todoroki? I’m still here! I’m still using my quirk as much as I can to get as far as I can! I’m giving it my all no matter how much I hate my quirk! So why aren't you doing the same!?”

 

Todoroki scrambled back, despite Izuku not attacking, he looked up with eyes full of confusion, “I… I can’t use it.”

 

“Fine,” Izuku said and finally relented, he took a deep breath and pulled with his quirk, Todoroki gasped as he felt the energy leave him and move towards Izuku.

 

“Then I will.”

Notes:

Hi all! I just wanted to say I'm going to try for another chapter before the new year but it's unlikely because of how busy I am with work and family and what not. So just in case I want to wish you all a Happy Christmas, New Year or general two weeks if you don't celebrate.

I also want to thank you all for the support you've given to this story this year, ironically it was January this year that I first starting writing this, it was an idea that kept nagging at me so I just wanted to get it out of my system and put pen to paper (so to speak). I never had any intention of publishing it (especially considering my only other writing I've ever let another soul read was a fairly piss poor HP fanfiction) so the fact that we're now over 250,000 words in with 2000+ kudos to me is amazing and I just want to say to you all while I don't respond to comments I do read every single one and appreciate all of you who take the time to write them. I'm genuinely humbled by those of you think my writing is half decent and love this story.

In fact it's driven me to write a second MHA story (and maybe one day my own work so I stop piggy backing on other people's characters and worlds to satisfy my need to write angst) which I'll be publishing soon, so if anyone is interested in a story where Izuku and Katsuki lead a villainous and fairly demented Class 1A as they bitch slap both the heroes and The League of Villains keep an eye out for it!

So once again thanks for all the love, kudos and comments, hope you all have a great holiday and an even better 2023 and I'll see you in the new year for the final two battles of The Sports Festival!

With love,
Arktron66

Chapter 33: Brutality

Summary:

The Sports Festival is nearly over but as it comes to a close Izuku and Katsuki's emotions threaten to boil over

“COME ON MIDORIYA! HIT HIM! HIT HIM! PUMMEL HIM INTO THE GROUND!”

 

Kirishima, Ashido, Jiro and Yoarashi all leant back slightly as Uraraka practically jumped out of her seat as she waved her fists in the air with a manic smile on her face. Down below in the stadium the sounds of ice being shattered soared up and into their ears as Izuku and Todoroki battled it out below.

 

“This may be the most exciting fight yet!” Yoarashi declared as he too stood up with excitement as Izuku started to wield his ice sword against Todoroki.

 

“They’re both so manly!” Kirishima said as if he was holding back tears which caused Ashido to roll her eyes at him before she caught sight of Jiro on his other side, the girl had gone very pale and had tears in her eyes.

 

“H-Hey, Jiro!” Ashido cried and scrambled over Kirishima’s lap to the other girl, “Are you ok? What’s wrong!?”

 

Kirishima then too had noticed Jiro’s distraught look and reached out with a hand and gently squeezed her shoulder which caused the girl to jump, “Hey man, everything good?”

 

Jiro couldn’t help but smile slightly at the pair of puppy dog eyes that were looking at her with an air of innocence that made her heart beat just a little faster. She wiped her eyes and nodded slightly before she reached up and squeezed a hand from each of them, despite the slight blush on her cheeks.

 

“Y-Yeah, I’m ok. It's just…” Jiro bit her lip as her earjacks twitched towards the field, “I can hear what they’re shouting at each other and… I think I understand why Midoriya struggles the way he does.”

 

Ashido and Kirishima winced as they both looked towards the battle taking place before Ashido turned back to Jiro, “Is everything ok with him?”

 

Jiro shook her head, “I’m not about to go telling secrets that aren’t mine, recon quirk code of honour.”

 

Ashido pouted slightly, “But Jirooo, we might be able to help if we know, I mean, it can’t be-

 

“Mina,” Kirishima said and placed his hand over hers and Ashido snapped her mouth shut, blushing slightly at the use of her first name, “Jiro is right, if Midoriya wants to tell us he will, until then all we can do is be there for him and be his friend.”

 

Ashido opened her mouth and looked like she was about to argue before she sighed and nodded, “Yeah, you guys are right.”

 

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING MIDORIYA!? FINISH HIM!” Uraraka screeched, gaining the attention of the threesome, apparently at some point she had gotten so excited she had left her seat and was now leaning over the barrier.

 

On the field the battle had seemingly paused as Izuku stood over a shocked Todoroki, Ashido frowned at the sight, “What is Mido doing down-”

 

Flames.

 

Huge flames erupted from down in the stadium and roared upwards into the sky. Uraraka yelped and jumped back, half being yanked by Yoarashi as Kirishima automatically jumped in front of Ashido and Jiro to harden his body only to realise as he tried that he was currently quirkless. His quirk was still down in the stadium, being wielded by the teenager who had suddenly become a firestorm.

 

The heat slammed into the stands and wrapped around the students as they all watched wide eyed as Izuku used Todoroki’s quirk with such unadulterated power. The flames soared high into the air and looked like they wanted to lick at the clouds as the gathered students, heroes and celebrities in the stadium looked on with fear and awe.

 

“THAT’S Todoroki’s quirk!?” Uraraka said as she ducked for cover behind the seats with Yoarashi.

 

“Holy shit…” Jiro whispered as everyone nodded in agreement.

 

---

 

“A foolish first move Shoto, you’ve cut the battlefield in half for an opponent whose strength against you is close combat.”

 

“He needs to work more on his pain tolerance, if he’d kept his heat-vision up he would have had the advantage against Shoto there.”

 

“Hmmm, their movements are sloppy, they lack precision and accuracy, relying too heavily on raw power. Issue is they’re both roughly at the same power level meaning it’s not giving either of them an edge.”

 

Endeavors whispered commentary of the fight went unlistened to as he sat alone in his viewing area, the battle between his son and Izuku blaring through the large screen and visible just below. Somewhere in the back of his mind Endeavor was slightly impressed by the power shown during the fight, even if their moves were fairly sloppy, though you couldn’t exactly blame two first year students.

 

But Endeavor was too distracted by the thoughts of the day he’d been having so far. Meeting his son’s main competition in class, being insulted by said competition and then being threatened by All Might had made him realise something staggering. He was holding onto his hero position by a thread. He might have a loyal fanbase, a good relationship with the HPSC and a chunk of heroes and sidekicks who looked up to him but the reality was it was only because All Might was allowing it that Endeavor was still operating as a hero. Endeavor would never pass All Might, he’d be lucky if he wasn’t thrown in jail before All Might retried as number one. And the thought terrified him.

 

However, all thoughts of internal crises were stopped when his vision was filled with a vast flame storm. Endeavors' eyes widened and his jaw dropped, even with his own quirk and a window between himself and the field he could still feel the intense heat of the flames. He watched them dance in the air, moving about like they were finally able to stretch their wings. Had Todoroki finally used his fathers fire?

 

No, he hadn’t.

 

Endeavor looked towards the screen where he saw the Midoriya child billowing flames from his side, the top half of his gym uniform long since burned off. Endeavor sighed as he watched the impressive display, it was another glaring failure of his, Shoto would have dominated this festival if he’d tapped into his fire, yet his hatred for his father was far stronger than any desire he had to win.

 

---

 

“Then I will.”

 

Todoroki could physically feel his quirk leave his body, he’d never been aware of it before, never been aware he could feel it but as Izuku pulled it from him it was like his very soul was being torn from his body. In its place all he felt was emptiness, a glaring hole in his very being, it made him shiver, the usual power he felt beneath his skin vanished and as he sat there in the dirt he had never felt more afraid.

 

There was a pause where the entire stadium seemed to stand still, the only thing Todoroki was aware of was himself and Izuku as the latter paused, a wide smile on his face before he took a deep long breath.

 

Then the world became apocalyptic.

 

Todoroki watched as huge flames ripped out of Izuku’s left side, the heat was immense and immediate as the noise of the fire overwhelmed Todoroki’s other senses. His gaze rose up as the inferno towered into the air. It was… incredible, bright white mixed with yellow and orange as it reached up to the sky. It was… It was…

 

It was nothing like his fathers fire.

 

Endeavor’s fire was a deep orange in colour with hints of red at times, it was furious, uncontrollable and could only be tamed by the very person who wielded it. It was destructive and terrifying, capable of burning away city blocks in mere minutes if Endeavor ever allowed.

 

But seeing it now, allowed free for the first time since his childhood, Todoroki could see that his fire was not like that. It roared of course, all fire did, but unlike his fathers Todoroki’s fire was not a wave of destruction he needed to control, he could tell that just from looking at it. His fire was hot and precise, like a blowtorch against a flamethrower, even Izuku, who had never used a fire quirk before, was able to wield and control it with ease.

 

It was beautiful.

 

It all hit Todoroki at once, his father, his mother, his quirk, Bakugou, Midoirya, his class, everything. The past 6 months hit him right in the chest as he looked at his fire and realised he had no idea what he was doing anymore.

 

Then, Izuku laughed.

 

---

 

Izuku had never done drugs in his life, for starters he’d have no idea how to go about getting them in the first place, then there was the God like force and fear of death from his mother if she ever caught him, hell one day he’d been sat reading and thought about the idea of smoking a joint and his mother turned to glare at him as if she had read his mind. Then there would be Katsuki’s reaction, the idea of putting anything in your body that wasn’t in some way nutritious was blasphemy in Katsuki’s book, he’d probably punch the drugs out of Izuku. But not before Mitsuki got her chance. Masaru would be the worst, giving him a long sigh and a talk about disappointment. So no, Izuku had never tried drugs.

 

But he imagined this was how it felt.

 

The moment Todoroki’s quirk became his, it was like Izuku was on a whole different level of existence. The raw power behind the quirk was intoxicating, his entire body buzzed with it, even with his other quirks combined it didn't compare to the electric feeling he got from Todoroki’s quirk filling every cell in his body. It was the most powerful and natural high Izuku had ever known, his brain hummed with delight, his hunger shivered with pleasure and his entire existence felt like a gift.

 

It was so euphoric Izuku was only vaguely aware of the pain he could feel on his left side as the fire burned out of him. He wasn’t fire resistant and it showed, his skin was constantly being burned away only for regeneration to heal him. Yet despite the immense pain it was like the quirks were working in perfect tandem and it only added to how Izuku felt, he couldn’t help but laugh.

 

He looked down at Todoroki with a wide smile as the pair made eye contact, Izuku’s filled with delight and excitement and Todoroki’s filled with fear and awe. Izuku raised his left arm as the fire blazed in the arena.

 

“Sorry Todoroki,” Izuku said and the boy’s eyes widened, “But I promised Kacchan I’d meet him in the final.”

 

---

 

Izuku rubbed the back of his head where a small bump was now forming, for a small old lady Recovery Girl really did pack a punch. At least he’d had the forethought to lower the output of Todoroki’s quirk before blasting him out of the ring. Still, it was enough to knock the other boy out and toss him out of bounds. It was only after Izuku had deactivated his quirk followed by the stunned silence of the crowd he realised that in the high of taking Todoroki’s quirk he might have overdone it. At least he had all but sprinted to Todoroki’s side and hauled him off to the infirmary at the end of the match.

 

Recovery Girl however was still not impressed, “Fire Midoriya! You do understand what fire does right!? It burns people, kills them! He was beaten, you only needed a clean punch, hell he probably would have yielded if you asked. But no! You had to throw him out of the arena with a blast of fire that would cause even Endeavor to raise an eyebrow!”

 

Izuku winced as Recovery Girl scolded him, “Sorry Recovery Girl, I guess… In the heat of the moment I didn’t think about it.”

 

“Was that a pun?”

 

Izuku and Recovery girl snapped their attention to the bed at their side where Todoroki had just opened his eyes and was looking at them with a blank expression though Izuku swore he saw his mouth twitch.

 

Before he could reply Izuku was pushed back as Recovery Girl started looking over Todoroki, a stream of questions coming out of her mouth to which Todoroki responded in his usual monotone voice. Izuku stood off to the side, shifting his weight from foot to foot as his nerves attacked his mind. After a few agonising minutes Recovery Girl sighed.

 

“You’re fine, a little beat up but nothing worse than what I’ve seen in here all day,” Izuku sighed at the declaration only to tense up as Recovery Girl turned to him with an expression that caused his heart to stop beating temporarily, “But that’s only because even without his quirk Todoroki is still resistant to fire, anyone else would have third degree burns. If I remember correctly Torino and All Might have taught you many times about controlling your power output, remember their words Midoriya or one day you could accidently kill someone.”

 

Izuku flinched at the harsh words and bowed his head in shame, “Yes… I-I’m sorry Todoroki.”

 

Todoroki however seemed less bothered and simply shrugged, “It’s fine, I’ve had worse.”

 

Recovery Girl looked between the two teens with disbelief before sighing and walking back to her desk with a mutter of, “At least there’s only two fights left, not even the third years are this bad.”

 

Izuku bit his lip to avoid a snort at her words as he turned back to Todoroki and the air became thick with awkwardness. Todoroki was as stoic as ever (at least that was back to normal) and Izuku had no idea if his little rant in the field had infuriated him, broken him or if Todoroki didn’t even care.

 

“May I ask you a question, Midoriya?”

 

Izuku jumped slightly at Todoroki’s words but nodded nonetheless.

 

“Out there you… you spoke about the hate you feel for a father you’ve never met but… what about your mother?” Todoroki asked cautiously, the look in his eyes indicated even he had enough social knowledge to understand the kind of question he had just asked.

 

Izuku froze, his whole body going motionless, he had never spoken to anyone about this, not even Katsuki. Without thinking his eyes snapped over to Recovery Girl who had also frozen. She seemed to pick up the situation and coughed slightly.

 

“I just need to use the bathroom,” She said and walked over to the door, “Oh, and if you’re curious, this is the one room in the stadium Nedzu doesn’t have any devices in to listen to or watch what happens.”

 

Izuku nodded as Recovery Girl left and turned back to Todoroki, “Why are you asking me this?”

 

Todoroki paused, "I… My mother is the one who gave me this scar. She couldn’t handle my father anymore and only saw me as his son. One day she… lost control. For… For so long I only hated my father for it, for how he treated her. But then Bakugou said something and… and…”

 

“You realised that part of the blame has to be on your mother.” Izuku summarised and when Todoroki looked back up both boys could tell they were on exactly the same page.

 

“I understand,” Izuku continued, “I… Sometimes I…” Izuku felt a flurry of emotions well up in gut as he spoke to Todoroki but he knew if he expected the other boy to deal with his issues and open up Izuku needed to do the same, “Sometimes, when I’m at a low point I… I hate my Mother. I’ll avoid her for hours if not days, I know Kacchan notices it but he never questions it. But it’s just so… She didn’t even get a name, she doesn’t even know who my father is and just… I’m supposed to be ok with that?”

 

Todoroki tilted his head, looking slightly confused, “I don’t think so? At least… I don’t think I’m ok with what my mother did to me. She… I know my father was cruel to her but I was a child, does that justify-”

 

“Stop,” Izuku said, a firmness to his voice, “Todoroki you didn’t deserve what happened to you. Like you say, you were a child, your mother has no excuse, neither does your father.”

 

Todoroki paused, seemingly studying Izuku’s face before he responded, “Then let's agree, my situation is no more my fault than yours is.”

 

Izuku snorted, “Alright, agreed.”

 

Just as they finished the door to the infirmary opened and Recovery Girl cautiously walked in, “Are we both ok?”

 

Izuku and Todoroki glanced at each other before Todoroki nodded, “Yes, I believe so.”

 

“Good,” Recovery Girl said and threw a new gym top at Izuku, “Then you best go get ready for the final…. and put a top on for goodness sake.”

 

Izuku blushed as he put the uniform on, his old one having been turned to ash in the fight, as he did Todoroki got a slightly faraway look in his eyes, “It’s a shame it wasn’t Bakugou who was topless.”

 

Izuku froze, the top halfway on, as he very slowly turned to look at Todoroki with a completely blank expression and wide eyes. Todoroki caught this and tilted his head.

 

“What?”

 

Izuku shook his head, “Nope, there’s too much going on today to deal with this too. I’ll see you later, Todoroki.”

 

Todoroki nodded, “Good luck in the finals.”

 

As he went to leave Recovery Girl called out to Izuku, “Midoriya, aren’t you forgetting something?”

 

Izuku spun round with a blush and embarrassed expression, “Right sorry!” He said before bowing low, “I’m very sorry about the fight Todoroki, not just for how it ended but.. Also what I said to you, it… it was out of line.”

 

Todoroki simply shrugged, “It’s fine, I understand your thoughts. I’m just… I don’t think I’m there yet.”

 

Izuku smiled and nodded before turning on his heels.

 

“Midoriya, that wasn’t what I was talking about.” Recovery Girl said and an edge appeared in her voice which made Izuku uneasy.

 

“I uh… I’m sorry too?”  Izuku offered, “I uh, I really need to go, sorry!” he said and went to practically run out of the infirmary.

 

“Izuku!” Recovery Girl snapped and Izuku stopped dead in his tracks and turned to face her, there was unreadable expression on her face and slight steel in here eyes, “You need to return Todoroki’s quirk.”

 

Izuku froze before slowly looking down at his hands, she was right, he still had the power of Todoroki’s quirk flowing just beneath his skin. The thought of returning it hadn’t even crossed his mind, it was almost like… it was his now.

 

Izuku shook the thought from his mind and stepped forward, “Right… Give it back… Sure… Right… Sorry Todoroki.”

 

Before Izuku could release the quirk, Todoroki spoke up, “I don’t want it.”

 

Izuku sputtered and nearly tripped from the shock as Recovery Girl stiffened, “You’re not suggesting you want to be quirkless?”

 

Todoroki for once seemed to realise the effect of what he’s said and sat up slightly panicked, “No, sorry it’s just… Today both you and your brother asked me why I’m here and why I want to be a hero. The truth is I don’t know and I’d like some time to think about… without my quirk, just me and not the power I have, so I can figure out what I truly want. It’ll just be for a few days, until we get back to school after the short break once the festival is finished.”

 

Izuku paused, trying to ignore the relief at being able to hold onto the powerful quirk for a few more days. He wasn’t exactly sure what to do in this situation and so turned to Recovery Girl for support. The nurse observed the pair of them for a few minutes in silence before she nodded.

 

“Very well, I understand why you’re doing this Todoroki. However, whatever you decide Midoriya you are to return the quirk the first day back at school, no exceptions. Do I make myself clear?”

 

Izuku nodded with a wide smile, “Of course!” he said with a wave turned to leave, a slight skip in his step. 

 

---

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen! It’s our penultimate fight, it’s time for two of 1A’s best close combat  fighters to go toe to toe! On one side we have Ochako Uraraka, the girl who has defied all the odds to show how deadly support classed quirks can really be! One hit here and it’s Game Over! But on the other side we have Katsuki Bakugou, UA’s very own angry smaller version of All Might! His punches have been known to collapse buildings but will he be able to avoid Uraraka’s KO move!?”

 

Katsuki frowned at Present Mic’s words, the man was right of course, on paper you would think that Uraraka stood no chance. But the same could be said about her fight with Iida. For all his power, if Katsuki was hit with her quirk he was done for, he had no way to stop himself from being flung out of the arena. He needed to go at this hard to beat her, never giving her an opening.

 

To be fair to Uraraka it didn’t look like she planned on holding back either if the expression on her face as she stormed up the arena was anything to go by. Her fists were clenched by her sides and her eyes were narrowed in Katsuki’s direction. Katsuki simply raised an eyebrow.

 

“After this,” Uraraka said, her voice low and dangerous, “You and I are gonna have a long talk about being rude to your friends.”

 

Katsuki just growled in response and pushed down the feeling of guilt that bubbled in his gut. Instead he focused on his target, Uraraka was fast and her hand to hand had improved but Katsuki was still the stronger contender. But if he messed up like Iida he’d be out of the arena in an instant.

 

“Begin!” Midnight cried with a crack of her whip.

 

Katsuku surged forward, the ground under his feet turning to dust as he launched himself forward with his quirk. Uraraka raised her arms to block the incoming blow and the battle began. Katsuki’s fist slammed into Uraraka’s arms and she skidded back in the dirt from the force. But she remained standing and went to the counter, swinging out to slap Katsuki who jumped back to avoid the attack.

 

From there it became a game of hand to hand cat and mouse. Katsuki was a boxer and with his quirk was fast on his feet and could give out punches that could shatter brick. But every time he went for a punch Uraraka would try to catch his arm. He could easily shrug it off of course but if she made five finger contact it was over.

 

As a result what followed were a variety of precise moves by Katsuki that he had to abandon because of Uraraka’s random flails. It was obvious he was leagues ahead of her in his ability but the danger of her quirk combined by her somewhat unpredictable fighting style made it almost impossible for Katsuki to get any decent hits in.

 

Internally Katsuki smirked, who would have guessed it would be her of all people who made him up his percentage. Pushing himself to 8%, Katsuki showed no mercy. He took a deep breath in, focusing One For All in his chest, in his lungs. He then shot out a breath that acted as a small air cannon. The gust of wind was nothing compared to Yaorashi but it did its job, taking Uraraka by surprise and causing her to stumble slightly.

 

It was all Katsuki needed. He moved in close, swinging with a charged arm too fast for Uraraka to react to. The punch made contact with the side of her face and her head was snapped to the side as blood shot out from her mouth. But Katsuki wasn’t done and his second fist came up and slammed into Uraraka’s stomach. The girl coughed, another splatter of blood landing in the dirt from her mouth.

 

Uraraka swung an arm out to try and smack Katsuki but now he had the upper hand it was easy enough for him to grab her wrist mid air and yank her forward. As she stumbled Katsuki pulled back his head and brought it forward directly on Uraraka’s nose. There was a crunch as Uraraka’s face was covered in blood and her nose snapped at an awkward angle. 

 

Using the momentum Katsuki brought his foot back and kicked the side of Uraraka’s knee. There was a sickening click as Uraraka collapsed onto her other knee with a scream of pain. But Katsuki didn’t let up and brought another fist down on her face, forcing her completely to the ground as blood accompanied by a tooth splattered everywhere.

 

---

 

Jiro winced as the sound of snapping bone and torn muscle reached her ears, “Fucking hell Bakugou…”

 

“He’s not being very manly…” Kirishima muttered as they watched another fist make contact with Uraraka’s face.

 

“I know she said not to hold anything back but… this is brutal.” Ahsido said and shivered slightly at the display of power and brutality being shown.

 

---

 

Izuku blinked as he watched the battle unfold on the screen in his waiting area. Slowly his confused face turned into a frown as he watched Katsuki simply beat Uraraka into submission. He knew Katsuki wouldn’t hold back and he also knew Uraraka wouldn’t want him to. But this… There were other ways Katsuki could win without turning Uraraka into a bloody and broken mess.

 

“Jesus Kacchan… what’s going on?”

 

---

 

“Stay down.” Katsuki hissed as Uraraka laid down in the dirt, blood covered her uniform and her face was swollen and purple.

 

“Fuck you,” Uraraka spat and tried to swing for Katsuki’s ankle.

 

Katsuki jumped back a few feet as Uraraka got to her legs, albeit shakily, one knee was bent at an awkward angle and she hobbled slightly to stop herself from falling over. But Uraraka grit her teeth and snarled at Katsuki.

 

“I’m not… I‘m not giving in Bakugou!” Uraraka shouted, “You say I don’t need to be strong, well screw you! I’m gonna be the strongest hero I can be, I don’t care if that means I’m a higher rank or not! I’m going to be as strong as possible because I want to be not because somebody told me I needed to be. So you can take this whole superiority complex and fuck off with it because I don’t give a flying fuck what you think Katsuki Bakugou! So if you wanna take me down then you’re going have to knock me the fuck out!”

 

Katsuki paused briefly, his usual scowl when fighting dropped slightly at Uraraka’s words before it quickly returned. His quirk flared up over his body and he clenched his fists.

 

“Fine.”

 

Katsuki surged forward, little more than a red blur to the viewers, he easily dodged Uraraka’s clumsy swing and launched a fist into her side. He could literally feel the ribs break under her skin as she screamed and stumbled back.

 

Uraraka tried another swing but Katsuki easily dodged it and karate chopped her elbow as the arm went by him. There was a sharp crack and Uraraka cried out as her arm bent backwards before falling limp by her side.

 

She tried to spin round for another attack but it was all over. Katsuki launched one powerful blow to the back of her head and she was knocked out cold. Falling to the floor in a heap with her breathing ragged.

 

There was utter silence in the stadium as the med bots rushed over to get Uraraka to the infirmary and Katsuki turned to look at Midnight with a glare who flinched under his gaze.

 

“B-Bakugou wins by knockout!”

 

Katsuki turned back to look at Uraraka as her body was hauled onto a stretcher. He paused before shaking his head and walking away.

 

---

 

“Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugou to the field, the final match is about to begin.”

 

Katsuki stretched his shoulder, standing up from where he’d been waiting for the final to start in his break room. He was just about to leave said room when the door slammed open to reveal a glaring Izuku.

 

“Uhhh what?” Katsuki said a little dumbly, he wasn’t exactly sure why Izuku was here, afterall their fight was literally minutes away and he had his own waiting room if he needed it.

 

“Don’t what me!” Izuku snapped and Katsuki raised a surprised eyebrow.

 

“The fuck is your problem?” Katsuki said back with a little more bite than was necessary he’d admit.

 

Izuku narrowed his eyes, “You’re my problem! The hell kind of fighting have you been doing!?”

 

“I think you’ll find it’s the kind where I win,” Katsuki drawled, unimpressed with Izuku's display.

 

“It’s the kind where you unnecessarily beat your opponents blue and bloody! I just went to visit Uraraka only to be told I’ll have to wait until she’s out of surgery! Surgery Kacchan, she’s your friend not a supervillain!” Izuku had started to shout as he reprimanded Katsuki, this however only had the effect of causing Katsuki to scowl.

 

“What the fuck are you talking about!?” Katsuki barked back, “Everyone knew we were going all out in this festival, besides you really think Round Cheeks would accept anything less?”

 

“So kick her out of the stadium or something! Don’t punch her fucking face until you knock teeth out! Not to mention you just left her in the dirt after the fight” Izuku shouted and waved his arms in the air, “What is with you today!?”

 

“What do you mean what is with me? I’m like this every fucking day!” Katsuki said with a frown as he stepped forward towards Izuku.

 

“No you’re not!” Izuku said, exasperated, “Yeah we fight hard but not to the point of causing our friends to need surgery and what the fuck was that in the infirmary earlier!? What is wrong with other people trying to aim for the top!?”

 

“I repeat, could Midoriya and Bakugou please head to their starting positions!”

 

“It shouldn’t fucking matter that their our friends Zuzu!” Katsuki shouted with a roll of his eyes, “What was it Round Cheeks said? They’re training to be heroes too, so yeah I’m gonna bring everything I got. Besides, you’re one to fucking talk about how I’ve been acting today.”

 

Izuku reeled back in surprise, “Me? What have I done?”   

 

Katsuki frowned and folded his arms, “What do you mean what the fuck have you done!? These friends you just shouted about all went to defend you only for you to snap at them! The fuck is with that!?”

 

“I don’t need anyone to defend me!” Izuku cried, “I can worry about myself just fine!”

 

“No you fucking can’t!” Katsuki shouted, the argument now bouncing off the walls of the hallway outside, “You always jump in head first without any thought for your own safety! Just look at the USJ, what the hell would’ve happened if you hadn’t taken regeneration!?”

 

Izuku pushed down the thoughts and feelings that threatened to raise their ugly head, “But I didn’t so it doesn’t matter does it!?”

 

“OF COURSE IT FUCKING MATTERS! I WATCHED YOU FUCKING DIE ZUZU!” Katsuki roared, the image of Izuku's small body getting crushed in the back of his mind.

 

Izuku took a step back as he paled slightly, “I didn’t… I just… Kacchan we’re going to be hero’s you can’t keep a constant eye on my back at all times.” He said in a calm voice, trying to de-escalate the situation.           

 

“That’s not the fucking point!” Katsuki hissed, “I have to be strong enough to make sure you don’t-”

 

Izuku noticed the way Katsuki cut himself off and frowned, “Don’t what?”

 

“Uh… Midoriya? Bakugou? The whole country is uh… kinda waiting for you guys to fight.”

 

 “It doesn’t matter.” Katsuki grunted and folded his arms defensively. 

 

“Apparently it does!” Izuku yelled, the path of de-escalation now abandoned, “Because apparently whatever it is is the very reason you’re trying to be a hero!”

 

“Fuck you, it’s not the only reason for me wanting to be a damn hero and you know it!” Katsuki growled as the pair got up in each other's faces, “And don’t act like you’re not an open book. What’s the fucking problem if people want to defend you? Especially me, I’ve been doing it our whole lives.”

 

“Well maybe I don’t want your fucking protection Kacchan!” Izuku yelled with a growl of his own, “Why the fuck do I even need it!?”

 

“Why won’t you tell me why you don’t want it!?” Katsuki shouted back.

 

Perhaps it was the combined stress and exhaustion of the day. Maybe it was the final build up of combined childhood trauma. Or possibly it was simply the pair letting their emotions get the better of them. But in that moment Katsuki and Izuku spoke at the same time without thinking and with nothing but rage and hate.

 

“BECAUSE YOU NEVER HAD A QUIRK TO USE TO PROTECT ME!”

 

“BECAUSE YOU’RE QUIRK IS TOO DANGEROUS FOR YOU TO BE LEFT ALONE!”

 

Silence filled the area as both boys reeled back slightly as the words sunk in. Their faces went through the same expressions, horror at what they had just said before it was overcome with despair at what they had just heard before they both resorted to the base emotion for any Bakugou and Midoriya. Rage.

 

Katsuki was the first to react and before Izuku realised what was happening there was a One For All powered fist slamming into his chest. Izuku was thrown out into the hallway, activating hardening on instinct. He slammed into the wall on the other side, cracking it as chunks fell off and lights on the ceiling flickered.

 

Izuku slumped down to the ground, but instead of crying, whining or even just complaining he looked up at Katsuki with a feral expression and let loose a burst of heat-vision. Katsuki dived to the side as the beams tore overhead. They easily ripped through the stone and wiring within the wall, cutting off the power supply to Katsuki’s waiting room and causing the ceiling to dent in slightly from the lack of support.

 

Both boys snapped their heads up to glare at each other before they charged across the hallway. Katsuki threw out the first fist but Izuku caught it with a hardened hand while he threw out his other arm with an ice encased fist which Katsuki caught just the same. The pair stood their glaring and growling at each other as they pushed against the other. Izuku’s eyes flashed red and Katsuki’s body was encased in red fire and-

 

“ENOUGH!” Came a shout from down the hall as they found their quirks suddenly cut off.

 

The boys turned their heads to find Aizawa coming towards them with a furious expression, red eyes and floating hair. Even as he wheeled himself in a wheelchair both boys gulped with fear.

 

“I thought perhaps you might have a valid reason for missing your battle, for a moment I even panicked one of you was injured worse than I thought. What I did not expect was the pair of you to be FIGHTING LIKE TODDLES IN THE HALL!” Eraser shouted and the man was practically shaking with rage.

 

Izuku and Katsuki flinched and let go of each other, it was at that moment Aizawa saw that both were crying. Of course that wasn’t unusual for Izuku but the man had never seen nor heard of a situation where Katsuki shed tears.

 

Aizawa deactivated his quirk with a sigh, “Does one of you want to tell me what’s going on?”

 

Izuku and Katsuki both looked away from Aizawa, subconsciously moving closer to each other despite the earlier tension. An action that did not go unnoticed by their teacher.

 

“W-Well…” Izuku started as he stumbled over his words, “We were just-”

 

“It’s none of your fucking business!” Katsuki snapped at Aizawa with narrowed eyes.

 

“Kacchan!” Izuku cried, still outraged that Katsuki would talk to a teacher like that. 

 

Aizawa raised his eyebrow at the display, “I think you’ll find as your teacher it is my business to know when something is clearly bothering my two students.”

 

“No it’s not!” Katsuki shouted back, “It’s nobody’s business but mine and Zuzu’s so you can all just… FUCK OFF!”

 

Izuku stiffened at Katsuki’s words and his eyes went wide, automatically taking a defensive step in front of his brother. Something Katsuki didn’t seem to notice or if he did he was far too used to it. And suddenly like the night sky lighting up, all the dots in Aizawa’s head connected in one brilliant display.

 

The man let out a long tired sigh and punched the bridge of his nose, “I see what’s happening… What do you two think I’m going to do if you tell me why you were fighting?”

 

“Expel us.” The pair said in perfect sync though Aizawa could pick up the way both their voices quivered slightly. 

 

Aizawa let out a breath of air as his gaze softened, “I’d only ever expel you for two reasons. For not taking this career seriously or if you actually chose to harm or bully another student… besides each other of course, God knows not even every hero in Japan could keep you two from fighting every 5 minutes.”

 

Despite the situation both boys smirked slightly at Aizawa’s words as he continued, “I'm going to take a wild stab in the dark at what this is all about. With the battles here intensifying and Midoriya’s quirk revealed to the whole world, all your friends suddenly came to your defence and support.”

 

“Yeah well we didn’t-”

 

“Let me finish Bakugou,” Aizawa said in a tone that caused Katsuki’s mouth to snap shut, “Issue is, when all this defence and support was coming along you both realised how much you hated it. So you probably snapped at them, tried to push them away. This has led onto the bigger problem that you started questioning why you allow each other to defend yourselves to the point it escalated and you took all your anger and frustration out on each other.”   

 

Both boys had stopped fidgeting and were refusing to look at either Aizawa or each other. Izuku had wrapped his arms around himself and had thick silent tears streaming down his face. Meanwhile Katsuki’s fists were clenched and there was a deep scowl on his face as he glared into the floor.

 

“Now tell me, and I want you both to be honest, what did you say to each other that caused what I just saw?” Aizawa asked and both boys mumbled out a response though Aizawa picked up every word.

 

“I see…” He said and paused, “I agree completely.”

 

The reaction was as chaotic as he expected.

 

“WHAT THE FUCK!? ZUZU HAS AN AMAZING QUIRK AND IS GONNA BE A GREAT HERO YOU STUPID FUCKFACE!”

 

“HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT ABOUT KACCHAN SENSEI, HE’S THE STRONGEST PERSON I KNOW, YOU TAKE THAT BACK!”

 

Aizawa smirked when both boys turned to each other with slightly shocked and bewildered expressions.

 

“But you said…!” They both said together.

 

“I didn’t mean…!” They said in perfect unison.

 

“It’s just that…!” At this point Aizawa tired of the sync talking and cleared his throat.

 

“As I expected neither of you really thought what you said was true, you were just trying to push the other away. To clarify, I don't think so either.” Aizawa said, “The truth is for all your lives you boys have only had each other, nobody, not even your parents supported you.” As both boys frowned and opened their mouths Aizawa held up his hand, “I’m not insulting or criticising them, they just didn’t know how to deal with you both and did the best they could. Meanwhile everyone else actively insulted you and tried to stop you both from ever achieving anything. It’s why the moment you saw I was angry Midoriya stepped in front of Bakugou to protect his quirkless friend yet never once used his quirk for fear of how’d I’d react. It’s why you both hate your friends defending you, because-”

 

“It’s because we don’t fucking deserve it!” Katsuki barked before slapping his hand over his mouth and Aizawa sighed.

 

“Yes. You do. You will both make great heroes one day. I can see it, All Might can see it and so can your friends, that’s why they’re so quick to defend you. I know it’s hard but it’s not a bad thing to have other people to rely on outside yourselves.” Aizawa said with a soft smile.

 

“B-But what if they leave us?” Izuku whimpered, “When we started middle school, before people found out, the first day we… We made some new friends. Then the teacher announced our quirks and… and…”

 

“We spent all of our lunch period being pelted with food.” Katsuki spat with a furious expression.

 

“And your teachers did nothing!?” Aizawa asked, a little taken off guard, he knew things were probably rough for the pair, but this…

 

Katsuki scoffed, “Who do you think kept up the supply of ammo?”

 

Aizawa was going to find this school and he was going to burn it to the ground. Hero career be damned, but that wasn’t important right now.

 

“It’s not going to be easy, maybe some friends really will leave you. But from what I can see Uraraka, Ashido, Kirishima, Jiro and Yoarashi are still up there cheering for you both aren’t they? Something tells me they’re not going anywhere.”

 

“But how… It’s just…” Izuku tried but couldn’t seem to find the words.

 

“How can you learn to actually trust them?” Aizawa asked and both boys nodded.

 

“It’ll be a long and hard road but I think you can both do it… with a little therapy.”

 

That got a reaction, Izuku stiffened up with a sharp breath and Katsuki looked borderline feral, “I fucking knew it! You’re just like everyone else, we’re not fucking broken!”

 

“No you’re not,” Aizawa agreed calmly, he wasn't a teacher for nothing, “Therapy doesn’t mean your broken, it just means you need a little help making sure you're performing at the best of you ability.”

 

“That’s a lie,” Katsuki shouted, “What sort of hero goes to therapy!?”

 

“Well the Number One Hero for a start.”

 

All three turned their heads at the sound of Yagi’s voice as he walked towards the group. Even from this distance Aizawa could see the concern in his eyes and worry in his brow.

 

“Yagi Sensei… You… You go to therapy?” Izuku asked, slightly surprised though knowing Izuku it was probably more due to their being an All Might fact he didn’t know.

 

“Of course I do Young Midoriya,” Yagi said with a smile as he put a hand on both boys shoulders, “At least once a month if I don’t book any additional slots.”

 

“But you’re All Might,” Katsuki said with a frown, “Why would you need therapy?”

 

Yagi sighed and knelt down so he was eye level with the pair, “Because a few weeks ago I watched my students become injured due to my failings. Because I arrived to a disaster too late to save everyone. Because I watched my mentor die in front of me. My boys, this is a rough career path, it takes its toll. There isn’t a top ten hero I don’t know who hasn’t seen a therapist at least once. Therapy isn’t about fixing you because you’re broken, it’s about making sure you understand that you’re not. Humans are just a collection of good and bad times. I go to therapy to remind myself that I’m just like everyone else and it’s ok to have those bad memories too, I just need to make sure I don’t forget the good ones alongside them.”

 

Izuku and Katsuki looked at Yagi with mixed emotions, Aizawa could see both were still unsure about the idea, “Look, neither of us are going to force you to go. But Hound Dog is available whenever you need, if you like he can even see you for a joint session.”

 

Izuku and Katsuki turned to each other, having a silent conversation between themselves that had become well known within the class. Aizawa believed Ashido called it the Badoriya Language. This went of few a few moments before Katsuki sighed.

 

“We’ll do it, only together though.” He confirmed and Izuku nodded.

 

Yagi smiled at them, “I’ll set it up with Hound Dog.”

 

“By law we need to let both the principal and your parents know but apart from that nobody else has to know, even the heroes you intern with.” Aizawa confirmed and he could physically see the relief on their faces.

 

“Ok,” Izuku said, wiping away the last of the tears, “So uh… what now?”

 

“Now?” Yagi said with a slight smirk, “Now you go and provide the spectacular final fight that everyone is waiting for!” He declared turning into his All Might form.

 

Aizawa rolled his eyes but nodded, “You want to prove to all the naysayers that you can do it? Then show them, show them that you’re not weak and that you can use your quirks for good. Hold nothing back. And hurry it up, Mic can only entertain an eager crowd for so long.”

 

Izuku and Katsuki looked at each other and gave each other a determined nod before running off to their starting positions as Yagi and Aizawa watched them go.

 

“I know you heard what they said about their middle school,” Aizawa said as he looked up at All Might who was standing next to him, “I imagined you’d be more angry.”

 

All Might let out a deep laugh, “You don’t get to be where I am without knowing how to keep your temper in check Eraser! Besides, I’ll just wipe that school off the face of the earth with a crater so large that it could have killed the dinosaurs after the festival is over.”

 

Ah, Aizawa thought to himself. So this was the All Might that made villains piss their underwear.

 

Understandable to be honest.

 

---

 

“Sorry for the wait everyone! We were just concerned about the previous injuries sustained by our students and wanted to make sure they were tip top before going into the final!”

 

Izuku took a deep breath as he waited to be called out to the stadium, this was it, the final. It all came down to him and Katsuki, nothing else mattered but him and his brother.

 

“First up, we have the star of UA’s first year! Not even 16 years old and he could give most pro heroes a run for their money! It’s Katsuki Bakugou!”

 

The crowd roared with delight, this was the fight most of them came out to see. The top two students going toe to toe to see who would come out on top.

 

“And his opponent, the student with seemingly no weaknesses, we’ve seen him use everything from fire to super strength to heat-vision it’s Izuku-”

 

“Boo! Just give it to the hero kid already!”

 

“Nobody wants to see this villain win!”

 

“Why is All Might even allowing this!?”

 

“WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE! HE’S A KID! A KID TRYING TO BE A HERO AND YOU ALL JUST WANT TO BOO AND INSULT HIM!? THE ONLY VILLAINS HERE AND YOU ASSHOLES IN THE STANDS!”

 

Katsuki let out a snort at Mic’s shouting as Izuku let a soft smile grace his lips as the pair walked into the arena. The crowd were silent after Mic’s display, not that either student would have heard as they stood across from each other.

 

Midnight snapped her eyes between them, sensing the obvious intensity they were giving off as she raised her whip. Katsuki looked Izuku dead in the eye as One For All flared up around his body and Izuku felt his quirks hum beneath his skin, ready to attack at a moment's notice. They had battled before, but that was in public while they were getting used to their quirks. This was going to be different, this was an all out battle.

 

“No holding back,” Katsuki said as he raised his fists and Izuku nodded in agreement.

 

“No holding back.”

Notes:

I did not expect the Sports Festival to take this long to get through, but here we are in the penultimate chapter! Hope you all enjoy and Happy New Year, thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 34: One For All vs All For One

Summary:

The Sports Festival has reached it's final hour and Izuku and Katsuki unleash everything they have

Midnight’s whip cracked in the air, “Begin!”

 

Izuku was the first to move.

 

Heat-vision erupted from his eyes the moment the sound of the whip reached his ears. But Katsuki’s reaction times were no joke and he dived out the beams path moments before they hit him. But Izuku still had his new trick and the beams made a sharp turn, following Katsuki. The One For All user jumped back with a gust of wind from the force of his quirk. What followed was essentially a small chase as Kastuki ducked, leaped and rolled out of the beam's path only for them to continue following him. Across Japan artists grew flustered as the path of the beams created an artistic spectacle on the field, their red lines shooting in all directions and crossing over each other like Izuku was a Japanese Da Vinci.   

 

However Izuku’s eyes started to throb at him as regeneration tried to keep up with the heat, the skin surrounding his eyes was being constantly burned off and the eyeballs themselves borderline melting from the quirk. Unfortunately this meant Izuku couldn’t see what Katsuki was doing until it was too late. He suddenly became aware of a presence as Katsuki landed right in front of him from a jump and smirked slightly before leaping up again. Only to reveal Izuku’s beams coming straight towards their user. Izuku didn’t have time to shut the quirk off before his own heat-vision slammed into his chest.

 

Izuku was thrown back as the quirk was cut off and he crumpled back into the dirt. He grunted as regeneration repaired his damaged eyes and scraped back, the pain fading almost instantly. He regained his sight just in time to look up into the sky and see Katsuki falling towards him with his arm pulled back.

 

Izuku raised his arms as hardening took effect and Katsuki’s quirk powered punch slammed into his forearms. Izuku felt the power from the impact vibrate all the way through his arms and bones until it rattled his spine. The hardened skin on his arms cracked and chipped blood spurted from the wounds. His body was pushed against the ground and it cracked beneath the force as Izuku’s body refused to give in from the pressure of Katsuki’s punch..

 

Katsuki growled and pulled his arm back before he started to lay punch after punch into Izuku who held his arms up, the skin broke apart like brick like Katsuki chiselling away at an art piece but regeneration stopped Izuku from losing his limbs completely to the blows. As Katsuki came in for another attack Izuku’s arm sparked slightly as he started up his counter move.

 

Katsuki’s eyes widened and he jumped back moments before the flames shot up into the air. Izuku pushed them out and they roared across the field, chunks of the grass outside the arena caught fire and Katsuki was only able to avoid onslaught before he would have been out of bounds. Izuku quickly jumped to his feet, his hand still alight with fire and he grit his teeth as the sensation of burning flesh ripped along his nerves. Todoroki’s quirk burned as regeneration fought back to stop Izuku’s arm turning to ash all while his body was hardened taking double the amount of effort to move the added weight. Not to mention Izuku was using three quirks in tandem and it was exhausting, if this became a battle of endurance Katsuki would win with ease.

 

Izuku grabbed a hold of the energy that had built up with Kinetic Strength and pushed it into Todoroki’s quirk before he pushed out with his right side. The wave of ice that instantly spread out into the arena was colossal. Everyone in the stands instantly found themselves in the shadow of a huge icicle… at least for a moment before a great boom rocked the entire stadium.

 

Izuku could only sigh as the giant ice structure shattered before his eyes to reveal a smirking Katsuki behind it. Chunks of ice rained down from above as Izuku narrowed his eyes at the way Katsuki cracked his knuckles. Clearly dramatic and unnecessarily large attacks weren’t the key to victory.

 

Izuku grunted and leapt into the air, a burst of fire aimed behind him shot him high into the sky while ice formed over his other arm and grew out into a long spear. Katsuki rolled to the side as Izuku landed, slashing the ice spear at him. The spear sliced into the ground and Izuku spun on his feet another burst of fire shooting from his side as he tried to attack without pause.

 

But Katsuki ducked under the fire and propelled himself forward, coming in with an uppercut which landed directly under Izuku’s chin. He was thrown back and clumsily swung out with his ice spear. Katsuki met it with a kick and easily shattered the brittle weapon before doing a backflip which brought his other foot onto the side of Izuku’s face.

 

Izuku saw stars and stumbled back, raising his left arm to push Katsuki back with another wave of fire. However Katsuki had predicted the move and grabbed Izuku’s wrist with a grip so strong Izuku could feel the bones shatter and he screamed out in pain which forced the quirk to deactivate from the overload. Katsuki then yanked forward, easily dislocating the arm before launching a flurry of punches straight to Izuku’s chest. Hardening couldn’t hold up and shattered under the assault, blood leaking out between the cracks in his skin and soaking his uniform.

 

Izuku looked up, eyes already glowing red with heat-vision in a desperate ploy to force Katsuki out of close combat range.. But apparently Katsuki wasn’t about to let him get the upper hand. The moment before Izuku released his attack Katsuki jumped forward and grabbed either side of Izuku’s head, pushing his two thumbs into Izuku’s eyes. Said eyes burst like balloons as the super strength thumbs easily pushed into the sockets.

 

But that did nothing to actually stop the quirk activating. Izuku screamed as heat-vision exploded from his eye sockets, the beams were broken and flew out in all directions like paint splatter. Cameras and equipment were destroyed, people in stands had to use their quirks to escape the rouge beams while clouds were torn in half.

 

Katsuki also couldn’t hold his scream in as the flesh on his thumbs bubbled from the beams surrounding them. He could feel the heat right into his bones and it felt like he had stuck them straight into the depths of hell.

 

---

 

“GET DOWN!” Vlad King shouted as he and several other teachers dived to the side as a rogue beam from Izuku tore into the teachers box, shattering the window separating them from the outside world and creating a black and burnt line in the otherwise pristine white wall.

 

“Jesus Christ!” Powerloader swore as he tapped at the console in front of him, making sure the the stadiums systems were still up and running, “I knew the pair were powerhouses but this is madness!”

 

“Someone get in touch with Midnight,” Snipe said as he helped Ectoplasm up to his feet, “Tell her to call the fight off, we can just say it was a draw.”

 

“No,” Came the stoic and firm response from behind the gathered group, Yagi was standing in the doorway to the box and while he might not have been in his muscle form he was no less intense, staring out at the teachers with his piercing blue eyes, “They both need this, under no circumstances is this fight to stop.”

 

“But Yagi, you and I know better than anyone what powerful quirks are capable of,” Thirteen said, their hand flexing slighting as if they expected Black Hole to get on in the fun down below, “If we let this continue they could end up killing each other.”

 

Yagi shook his head, “No, they might be going all out but they know enough about their quirks and care enough about each other to make sure it doesn’t go that far. If you stop this fight now you’re going to destroy the pair of them emotionally and mentally.”

 

“He’s right,” Vlad King said with a sigh as he looked out into the field with an expression that his colleagues had never seen before, “I remember my first sports festival, I got through to the final stage. I was excited, walked up to my first one on one with a little bit of swagger I’ll admit… Only to discover my opponent had dropped out because he was uncomfortable fighting a blood quirk.”

 

Yagi nodded, “Exactly, the pair of them have grown up thinking they’re weak, dangerous and unable to be heroes. This is the first chance they’ve had to prove to themselves and everyone around them they’re otherwise.”

 

Thirteen pinched the bridge of their nose, “And if we force them to stop all we’ll be doing is reinforcing their original views.”

 

“So we just let them duke it out?” Snipe asked as he looked around the room for support, “Nedzu? You’ve been uncharacteristically quiet.”

 

Nedzu was indeed quiet and while he had been listening to the conversation his eyes were focused on the fight below, his hands clasped together and a slight frown on his face.

 

“Yagi is right, stopping this fight now would send a bad message not only to Midoriya and Bakugou but the rest of the school too.” Nedzu said as he unclasped his hands and looked at his staff with eyes that conveyed no arguments were to be had, “However… Yagi, Vlad and Snipe, get down to the field, if Midnight does need to stop the fight I want you there to back her up. Ectoplasm, go to the infirmary and support Recovery girl, the pair are likely to need urgent treatment after this. And Thirteen…” Nedzu said as he watched Ms Joke in the stands duck under a beam of heat vision, “Contact Ms Midoriya, our legal department is likely to be busy after this...”

 

Yagi winced as he followed Vlad King out of the box, for all his talk of letting them fight he dreaded how Inko was reacting to the whole thing.

 

---

 

“DO SOMETHING IZUKU! HIT HIM! THROW FIRE AT HIM! DO SOMETHING! I DIDN’T CARRY YOU AROUND FOR 9 MONTHS JUST TO LOSE TO MITSUKI’S BRAT!”

 

“FINISH HIM KATSUKI! CRUSH HIS SKULL! SHOW NO MERCY! TEACH THESE MIDORIYA’S WHY BAKUGOU’S ALWAYS COME OUT ON TOP!”

 

“Yes hello? I was wondering if you did same day delivery on your sake? Oh you do? As soon as you can please. How much? As much as you’ve got.”

 

---

 

Izuku wanted to tear his own head off. The pain was unbearable, the combination of Katsuki’s thumbs in his eyes and heat-vision tearing everything else apart stopped regeneration from doing anything to help. He tried to switch his quirks up but there were so many now, all under his skin, colliding and scraping against each other as Izuku attempted to use them all together and switch them out like weapons in a video game. It was so much easier when he was only having to juggle one quirk.

 

One quirk.

 

One.

 

Katsuki felt the energy first before anything else. Izuku’s heat-vision cut off, which was the first sign something was wrong, and then his skin softened as Kirishima’s quirk retracted and the air around them started to crackle with an energy which made Katsuki’s hairs stand on end. On instinct he jumped back, his legs kicking up dust and dirt as he landed on the other side of the field.

 

Then Izuku exploded.

 

A burst of flame and ice erupted from his location and Katsuki had to cover his eyes as the shockwave rang out around the stadium. What little glass remained of the day was shattered as the walls around them shook slightly, it felt like a small bomb had just gone off in the middle of the field.

 

But it ended nearly as soon as it started and Katsuki lowered his arms and once again caught sight of Izuku standing back up.

 

Katsuki blinked, “Well… that’s new.”

 

Izuku smiled back at him and when he spoke his voice was deep and vibrated directly through Katsuki’s body, like the words were propelled by Izuku’s power and forced into Katsuki’s mind, “You’ve got to try this Kacchan… it feels… good.”

 

And it did. Izuku could feel the power beneath him, like a drug that flowed through his veins and he felt like he could mentally count every superpowered cell in his body. His quirk vibrated in the centre of his chest. Not quirks… because Izuku had brought them all together, forced them (with a lot of effort) into one singular quirk which now buzzed in his mind with their combined power. This also came with some physical changes.

 

Izuku’s hair had gone from its well known green to stark white, catching the wind and sparking with power. His eyes glowed the same red from heat-vision with the exception that his now dark green pupils could still be seen in the sea of red. His entire body was hardened and had combined with Todoroki’s quirk to change his form completely. As it turned while Todoroki’s quirk had to remain 50/50 Izuku was able to manipulate where the 50/50 was. As a result his head and torso looked like they were made from the surface of a volcano, the skin was dark and had cracks in it where fire and heat escaped, making his body hiss and steam while magma flowed between the cracks like the life force of Izuku’s quirk. Meanwhile his arms and legs looked like they were encased in a thick layer of diamond like ice like greaves and gauntlets and the air around them could be seen to be chilled and freezing, a stark contrast to the heated air around his chest.

 

Katsuki smirked at the display as he pushed the limits of his own quirk, “Now this a fucking FIGHT!”

 

He reached deep within himself, grabbing as much of One For All as he dared and allowed it to freely roam throughout his body. Red fire and sparks surrounded him and his eyes glowed as the power tore from his body, finally freed of its feeble human prison. The sleeves on his gym uniform were torn up and the ground beneath him cracked and broke from the pressure surrounding Katsuki.

 

The pair smiled at each other before Katsuki charged.

 

It was almost too fast for Izuku to see before Katsuki’s fist came down on his arm. Ice shattered and Izuku was certain bone broke as a small shockwave echoed out from the blow. But Izuku wasn’t going to take the blows without retaliation. He punched out and landed a clean blow on Katsuki’s knee. But even with Kinetic Strength it made the ice of his hands crack and did little more than cause Katsuki to grunt before he let off another blow to Izuku’s side, chunks of hardened skin flying off.

 

Izuku grunted and a layer of ice appeared under his feet which he used to slide back from Katsuki’s hands. Before Katsuki could follow, Izuku's chest lit up with heat and a huge wave of fire flew out towards Katsuki. The ice Izuku had just created instantly turned straight to steam, not even getting a chance to get the water step in and the grass outside the field went black as it was burnt to a crisp, all the while the flames roared towards Katsuki who reacted on instinct.

 

Taking a page out of his predecessor's book, Katsuki brought his hands together in a colossal clap which reverberated around the stadium. The soundwave caused the fire to disperse into the air and pushed Izuku back a few feet as he skidded along the ground. The wall behind him dented as chunks broke off from the force and people in the stands gripped the sides of their seats as they shook slightly.

 

But it wasn’t enough to push Izuku out of the ring and he threw his arms out, two large icicles flying out of them like missiles. Katsuki jumped over the first one before coming down and kicking the other to the side. He watched as it flew out of the arena before wobbling in the air and doing a full turn to come straight back at Katsuki.

 

“Fucking pathfinder,” he grumbled.

 

He kept his eyes trained on the first icicle jumping into the air as it approached. But rather than leap over it he brought his foot down on top, shattering the ice beneath him. Katsuki then swivelled on his feet just in time to catch the second icicle, it slid in his hands and he hissed at the instant frostbite. Unfortunately he was just a second too late catching the icicle and the end of it pierced directly into his stomach, blood spurting from the wound.

 

Katsuki dug his feet in but the icicle pushed against him and caused him to skid backwards towards Izuku. He grit his teeth, Izuku must have combined pathfinder and kinetic strength for the icicle to be pushing this hard, a pretty bullshit move if Katsuki’s stomach had anything to say about it. Katsuki kept a tight grip on the icicle but allowed it to push him across the field then at the last moment he grit his teeth and spun on his feet swinging the large icicle out at the same time. Right into the face of a surprised Izuku.

 

The icicle smashed into pieces with steam rising off Izuku’s red hot face as said boy stumbled back slightly. Katsuki then landed a punch right onto Izuku’s jaw. There was a small shockwave from the impact and Katsuki followed up with a punch directly into Izuku’s stomach who doubled over with a violet cough as a result.

 

Katsuki went for another attack but Izuku moved to counter. He grabbed Katsuki’s arm mid punch and before Katsuki could react a thin layer of frost started to spread along the limb. Instantly the arm felt paralysed and he could feel the chill seep through the muscle and burn his skin. In a moment of panic he wretched his arm away and stepped back.

 

It was the perfect opening for Izuku who charged forward with a clean punch into the side of Katsuki’s head. Katsuki’s vision filled with blots and he twisted slightly as Izuku jumped forward and wrapped his arms around Katsuki’s chest,clasping his hands together and pulling the blonde in for a bear hug. There was a brief pause before flames roared from Izuku’s chest as he clung to Katsuki. Katsuki himself roared at the top of his lungs as he was literally burned alive, chunks of skin turning red and black and his flesh cooking while like a fried chicken leg. Katsuki pulled his head back, his eyes glowing with power before bringing it down on Izuku’s own.

 

Izuku’s head snapped back as he grunted, blood spewed from a deep wound on his forehead and he was momentarily dazed. The grip he had on Katsuki loosened and Katsuki used the advantage to kick Izuku back and leap away from the fire.

 

Izuku fell to his knees before he reached forward and slammed his hands into the ground. Ice spread over and deep within the concrete arena before huge icicles ripped out of the earth, covering every direction and Katsuki was forced to launch himself into the air with a jump that easily caused hairline fractures in his shins. The ground below him crumbled and exploded but it was quickly covered by a layer of ice as spikes rose to meet Katsuki’s jump.

 

He scowled and grabbed his hands together, raising them over his head as they crackled with power. With a cry as he fell Katsuki brought them down on the ice structures. He felt the ice tear at his arms and rip at skin but he held through the attack. And when his fists made contact with the arena floor it was like a small meteor had made impact. All Izuku’s ice structures were shattered and the arena itself crumbled and fell apart like Lego. Huge cracks in the earth spread out into the field and even up the walls of the stadium which itself shook at its very foundations as Izuku was thrown back slightly.

 

Annoyingly for Katsuki however, it still failed to push Izuku out of bounds. The arena was now little more than a pile of rubble with uneven rocks to stand on it but it was still obvious Izuku was in it. There was a pause as the pair stared at each other, both breathing heavily and hunched over. There wasn’t a patch of Katsuki’s skin that wasn’t purple, red or black, his quirk doing as much damage to his own body as Izuku’s attacks were. Blood seeped from the wound on his stomach and he could taste it in his mouth as his bones groaned every time he moved and scraped against his muscles like sandpaper.

 

But Izuku was no better, combining his quirks was quite frankly, the most exhausting thing he had ever done. It was a miracle he was still standing at this point. But the effects were showing with regeneration having slowed down to snail's pace. Evident by the deep wounds all over Izuku caused by Katsuki’s punches, one eye was swollen shut and chunks of his chest and side were missing to reveal bleeding muscle.

 

Despite their injuries both boys let out a warcry as they charged at each other.

 

---

 

The seating area for 1A looked like it had come straight from the frontline of a war. The glass that had once served as a barrier to the stadium below had long since shattered and the metal bar that ran along the top was bent out of shape, some of it melting from the heat. The first row of chairs was in pieces, torn fabric and bent metal frames with a few even containing rouge ice from the stadium. Cracks had appeared all along the walls and floor and a section of the wall separating them from 1B had collapsed, not that anyone was interacting between the two classes.

 

Because the entity of class 1A was currently standing at the very back of their seating area. Too terrified to get close to the battle but too entranced by it to step away. There was complete silence with all thoughts of villainous quirks forgotten as everybody could only watch and witness the raw power of Izuku and Katsuki’s quirks, even Todoroki seemed mesmerised.

 

“Man…” Jiro said, suddenly breaking the silence, “Midoriya and Bakugou are… strong.”

 

Nobody disagreed.

 

---

 

Katsuki and Izuku soared across the field towards each other, both pulling their arms back. Katsuki knew he had to end this quickly and poured everything he had into his punch, ignoring the way he felt his muscles tear and bones shake, pushing his quirk to absolute limit.

 

“FUCKING SMAAAASH!”

 

Izuku was hit by the full unbridled force of One For All. The boom which came from the punch rocked the stadium to its core, clouds above were thrown into chaos and walls around the stadium collapsed while the ground in the field was torn up completely.

 

Katsuki felt his arm practically shatter the moment he made contact with Izuku. His skin and muscles tore open and his bones all but snapped in half. Blood spewed from the limb and Katsuki collapsed on the ground in the dirt, clutching it to his chest with a cry. But he slowly raised his head and the dust cloud from the punch slowly fell back down the ground.

 

“You’ve got to be fucking shitting me.”

 

Izuku was still in the arena.

 

Though if it wasn’t for regeneration he’d probably be dead, his right arm had been torn off completely and his shoulder obliterated.  His jaw was hanging from its side and he was missing an eye. It was a grizzly sight but regeneration seemed to have kicked it up a gear and within moments Izuku’s jaw was reattached and his shoulder was growing back. Though his eyes were unfocused as his attention was hard to pinpoint as his body swayed.

 

A slight spark in the centre of Izuku’s chest was all the warning Katsuki got.

 

Then a pure white beam of energy erupted from Izuku’s chest, it was like all his quirks had rolled into one devastating attack directed right at Katsuki in one huge combined heat-vision beam. 

 

Katsuki dived a moment before the beam slammed into the ground where he had just been. It didn’t stop and buried deep into the earth, the rock around sizzling from the immense heat and turning into molten lava.

 

There was a rumbling from outside the stadium and Katsuki turned to see the beam crash out from the ground, soaring high into the sky. It suddenly changed direction, once again heading straight for Katsuki who rolled out of its path. The noise as the beam tore into the ground was physically painful to the ears and Katsuki found his footing lost as the earth shifted towards the beam like a whirlpool made of rock.

 

But then the beam shut off and the arena was thrown into silence as Katsuki swivelled his head. Izuku was watching him, panting heavily. But at least his arm had grown back. Katsuki got to his feet and around him were chunks of lava caused by Izuku’s attack, it looked much like they were fighting atop a volcano than a school stadium.

 

Izuku took a step forward and Katsuki tensed. But then, slowly, Izuku’s hair started to gain its green colour once again, the ice on his arms and legs evaporated and his molten chest shifted back to its normal skin tone as his eyes rolled into the back of his head and Izuku fell forward.

 

Katsuki blinked.

 

“IZUKU MIDORIYA IS KNOCKED OUT! KATSUKI BAKUGOU WIN’S THE SPORTS FESTIVAL!” 

 

---

 

“Quirk exhaustion!?” Katsuki cried, his one good arm waving in disbelief.

 

Recovery Girl nodded as she stood between Izuku and Katsuki’s bed, tapping away at a tablet that had presumably listed all of their injuries. Around the room several Ectoplasm clones were doing a few odd jobs, though things were winding down now that they didn’t need to prod, bandage and stitch the teenagers up. It had been nearly an hour since the fight ended and both boys were finally able to sit up without screaming out in pain.

 

To say that the match had been brutal on the pair would be an understatement. Katsuki’s arm was in a cast, having been broken in no less than twenty places, 4 of which were in the same finger. His legs weren’t much better and while he could theoretically walk on them he could only do so at a slight hobble and he would need a wheelchair to assist him for a few days. Not to mention the burns, every patch of skin from his wrists to his neck to his hips were covered in bandages and burn cream and he’d need a new haircut to deal with the section that had been sizzled off. Mitsuki was going to have a meltdown.

 

Izuku was only slightly better. Regeneration had all but shut down and so he required several stitches and was dealing with nearly half of his rib cage being broken. He had a patch over one eye that had at least regrown before he was fully unconscious but was swollen and bloody. While he wasn’t covered in bandages he had plenty of patches of them dotted about his body and had needed a skin graft to close one wound. Then there was how tired he looked, even Aizawa would struggle to match just how broken Izuku appeared, his eyes were unfocused, his whole body sagged and when anybody spoke to him he could only respond with a very dull whisper. The reason became obvious as Recovery Girl explained why Izuku had collapsed.

 

“Exactly,” She said with a frown, “That move you pulled towards the end? Combining all your quirks like that? It was like pushing you into overdrive, what little reserves of energy you had left were drained completely dry. Your quirk just couldn’t take anymore. From the looks of things, quirk exhaustion is going to be a constant weakness of yours, you’ll likely hit it in half the time it would take the average person, let alone a hero.”

 

“I see…” Izuku said quietly, silently mumbling away about what glaring weakness that was for him, all the while Ectoplasm checked over the bandages on his left arm.

 

Katsuki grumbled about not being able to fully finish the fight before turning Izuku with a smirk, “Still, you pull a move like that again and nobody stands a chance against you.”

 

“Absolutely not!” Recovery Girl shouted and even Ectoplasm winced with surprise, “Don’t you two understand what happened out there? Midoriya you used your quirk to the point your body had to shut down. Several of your organs stopped operating to deal with the blowback. Not to mention regeneration stopped, imagine if this had all happened when you were missing an arm and half your chest!”

 

Izuku and Katsuki paled considerably but Recovery Girl wasn’t finished and turned to Katsuki, “And you! At least Midoriya had regeneration on his side. Do you realise with those burns and the amount of blood you were losing there’s a chance if the fight had gone on for even 5 more minutes you would have died?” Izuku gasped in horror at the statement, “Your body was well beyond the point of giving in! You need to know when to quit, not to mention how much you overused your quirk. A move like that on your legs again and you won’t be able to walk properly for the rest of your life.”

 

Izuku and Katsuki looked away guilty from Recovery Girl but refused to look at each other, too terrified of the implications of their fight.

 

Ectoplasm sighed, “She’s right boys, while it can be forgiven for your first Sports Festival a fight like that in the real world would be a death sentence. You both fought for exactly 24 minutes, some villain fights go on for hours while rescue missions can go days and sometimes even weeks. Burning yourselves out in the first act won’t do anyone any good. So while you might both be sitting on an immense amount of power you need to make sure you can last out there for more than one or two dramatic moves.”

 

“Yes Sensei,” Both boys said with pale faces as they glanced at each other and grimaced.

 

Recovery Girl pinched the bridge of her nose with something halfway between a growl and a sigh, “Just take it easy for the next week or so. Midoriya your quirk will return within a few days, but even then try not to use it, it’ll be weak and need time to regain it’s full strength. For now, you two are healed up enough to attend the medal ceremony. Which should have started 20 minutes ago if you hadn’t destroyed half the field…”

 

“All right! Gold medal here I come!” Katsuki declared and threw his legs over the bed, jumping out of it only to stumble forward as his knees gave out and to be catched by Ectoplasm.

 

Izuku didn’t do much better as the moment he started to walk forward he clutched his stomach and his face turned a perfect shade of green to match his hair, a side effect of quirk exhaustion apparently. Recovery Girl snorted at the pair and shook her head.

 

“Consider this your punishment. You two are going to be in a lot of pain for the next few days, I suggest small bland meals, your stomachs took quite the beating.”

 

Katsuki grumbled and shoved Ectoplasm away, who simply shook his head, though he watched as Katsuki hobbled towards the door, making sure the boy wasn’t about to collapse again. Despite the pain shooting up his legs and the way his knees wobbled with every step Katsuki made it to the door without use of a wheelchair.

 

Izuku was soon next to him and while Izuku might have been more steady on his feet, he felt like he was in a constant daze and his stomach was twirling. He was also reeling from the fact he couldn’t feel his quirk, not even a little bit. It was just like when Aizawa used his own quirk, he just felt an emptiness where his power once was. He didn’t like it.

 

Grunting thanks for both of them, Katsuki kicked the infirmary door open and marched out, Izuku following closely behind like a lost puppy. That was until he paused and went considerably greener.

 

“I uh… I think I need to use the bathroom…” Izuku said and clutched at his stomach.

 

Katsuki frowned at him, “Want me to come with?”

 

“I’m not a child Kacchan, I’ll be fine, I’ll meet you at the podiums.” Izuku said and scurried off towards the bathrooms with enough urgency to make his brother snort.

 

Katsuki continued on his way and turned down the underground corridor that led to where the podiums would gloriously rise up to the cheering crowd. Or at least that was the plan, who knew what the reaction would be after that tournament.

 

As Katsuki turned the corner down to the podiums he came to a complete halt and cursed under his breath. Standing at the end of the corridor were Todoroki and Uraraka. Which made sense of course, they had both come joint 3rd. Katsuki considered hanging back and waiting for Izuku, he was always better with people than Katsuki, which was saying something. But with all the bottled up emotions now out in the open the guilt of how Katsuki had spoken to his friends came back like a knife to the chest. He clenched his fists and marched forward.

 

“Oi assholes!” Katsuki cried and the pair jumped in surprise slightly before looking his way, Todoroki’s face didn’t even move, looking at Katsuki like he would an interesting wall while Uraraka’s face was instantly overcome with a frown as Katsuki approached.

 

“Bakugou whatever you have to say I don’t-”

 

“I’m fucking sorry ok!” Katsuki shouted out, interrupting Uraraka who blinked with genuine surprise, “Fuck… I’m… I’m not good with… with this shit but… I’m sorry about how I fucking acted today.”

 

There was a pause before Uraraka sighed and her features softened, “I understand Baku- Actually no I don’t understand? What did we do to make you so angry?”

 

Katsuki paused before speaking, “I was a late bloomer,” he admitted and was surprised how easily the words came out, something about Todoroki and Uraraka put him at ease, still he sagged and drew on himself when he said it, “I didn’t get my quirk until a few months before the entrance exam.”

 

Todoroki of course knew this already but Uraraka’s eyes went wide, “L-Late bloomer that’s-that- OH MY GOD! My quirkless comment! No wonder it made Midoriya so angry, oh my god I’m such an idiot!”

 

“Yeah well… growing up quirkless isn’t exactly easy…” Katsuki said, not looking either in the eye, “And with Izuku’s quirk we were… bullied a lot. Our parents tried to counter it as best they could but… well kids are kids.”

 

Katsuki jumped slightly when he found his hand clasped by Uraraka, “I’m sorry,” she whispered, “I’m sorry you had to grow up like that.”

 

Katsuki pushed back the bark that threatened to lash out, refusing to show weakness, and instead continued on, “It could’ve been worse at least… Zuzu… the entire school was terrified of him, if he even got close to other people they ran for the hills. I lost count just how many times I was about to get a beating growing up only for Zuzu to show up.”

 

“He saved you.” Todoroki stated, his features were still stoic but Katsuki could see the slightest bit of concern and understanding in his eyes.

 

Katsuki nodded, “Yet whenever people went after him, throwing shit at him, calling him names… all I could do was shout and get laughed at. I was so.. Fucking weak and pathetic.”

 

“I doubt Midoriya see’s it that way,” Todoroki said while Uraraka nodded in agreement, “Today a stadium full of people booed at him for hours, yet he shrugged it off like nothing. I imagine only someone with a supportive family member could do that, a member like you.” Katsuki could hear just a hint of jealousy in Todoroki’s voice, clearly Todoroki has lacked the familial relationship that had saved Katsuki and Izuku for years.

 

“Yeah well… when I finally got my quirk I fucking thought… I finally thought…”

 

Uraraka sighed with a soft oh as a look of realisation dawned on her face, “You finally thought this was your chance to step up and defend Midoriya. Only for the rest of us to try and defend him instead…”

 

“I know it’s fucking stupid!” Katsuki shouted and slammed his hand into the wall, but without his quirk it just created a painful throb, “But… But seeing you all jump in to defend the pair of us when… when that’s supposed to be my job now, it made… made me feel weak.”

 

“Katsuki Bakugou, you are anything but weak.” Uraraka’s firm voice took Katsuki by surprise and he looked at her with shock, suddenly noticing the intense gazes both she and Todoroki were giving him. It made Katsuki squirm slightly, feeling vulnerable, but surprisingly he didn’t mind.

 

“I just watched you in one of the most overpowered fights I’ve ever seen, hell you could probably take half the year on at once and still win. You’re going to be the strongest out of all of us. But that doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. I can’t imagine there isn’t a hero out there, no matter how strong, who doesn’t need help at least every now and then.” Uraraka said and Katsuki’s mind thought back to his conversation with All Might on the beach that day weeks ago, when he had told Katsuki he regretted not letting more people in.

 

“I think… I agree,” Todoroki confirmed with a nod of his head, “All this time I kept questioning why you and Midoriya were so far ahead of me but I understand now. I was alone, you two had each other, always pushing and supporting each other. Giving you both the edge over any other rivals.”

 

“I guess… it’s just… my whole thing for being a hero is proving that I’m strong and I can protect my family. Letting other people do it and then defend me too just feels… like I’m letting my goals go.” Katsuki admitted, feeling exhausted after the events of the day, at this point he just wanted to go home and crash, he’d had enough of social queues, angst and drama.

 

Uraraka smiled, “Bakugou none of us want to replace what you and Midoriya are to each other. Hell, none of us really understand you two. But that doesn’t mean we don’t want to be your friends too, so let Midoriya lean on you and vice versa but feel free to lean on us too.” 

 

Katsuki sighed, “Yeah alright… and I guess… you guys can lean on me too.” Katsuki grumbled to which Uraraka giggled.

 

“Besides it’s uh… no different to why I want to be a hero… I uh… I’m just in it for the money…”

 

Katsuki and Todoroki snapped their eyes to Uraraka so fast she couldn’t help but wince and blush as Todoroki spoke in surprise, “You want to be rich?”

 

Uraraka ‘s eyes widened in embarrassment and she waved her hands in front of her face, “N-No not like that, it’s just… My family is really poor and I want to make enough money to support my parents and well… Heroes make a lot of money. It’s stupid I know…”

 

“Nah,” Katsuki said with a shrug, “You’re not like fake heroes who are just trying to make as much money as possible. You genuinely care, making a buck or two along the way for your family is a bonus, if it was really about money there’s loads of easy careers you could do instead.”

 

“Like modelling,” Todoroki suggested in a completely innocent way, like he didn’t understand what he had just said or suggested about the girl in front of him.

 

“Exactly,” Katsuki said with a snap of his fingers, his own social inability coming through, “If you wanted a quick buck you could just model. But instead you wanna help people so I don’t think it’s stupid.”

 

Urakaa was blushing furiously, it was like the pair had no idea what they’d just said. Which they probably didn’t by how socially inept the two boys were.

 

“To be fair, I don’t even know why I want to be a hero,” Todoroki said with a shrug, “But I’m working it out.”

 

Katsuki nodded, “Well work fast pretty boy.”

 

Uraraka’s blush was long forgotten and a little part of it had jumped to Todoroki as they both stared, slack jawed, at Katsuki.

 

“What?” Katsuki asked.

 

Uraraka smirked so deep Katsuki felt a shiver up his spine, “So you think Todoroki is pretty?”

 

Katsuki’s brain finally caught up with what he had said and his face went a red so intense it looked like he was going to burst into flames. His heart constricted in his chest and he finally returned to his base function.

 

Shouting.

 

“WHAT!? N-No!- I mean yes- I mean…. SHUT UP!”

 

Todoroki actually let a soft smile onto his lips for the first time all day, “It’s ok, I think you’re pretty too Bakugou.”

 

“Sh-Shut up!” Katsuki shouted but it was difficult to hide his huge blush.

 

Uraraka had to cover her mouth from how much she was giggling, “For it’s worth I think you’re both pretty.”

 

“You do!?” Both boys suddenly asked while looking at Uraraka like surprised kittens who had been shown human kindness for the first time, her heart nearly shattered at the sight and her blush returned with a vengeance.

 

“Uh… uh huh… Yeah…” She said a little embarrassed as all three blushed.

 

“Fucking! We’re all pretty then! There!” Katsuki said with a huff and crossed his arms.

 

“Todoroki I’m pretty too!” Uraraka declared with excitement and Katsuki rolled his eyes.

 

“Of course you are,” Todoroki said like he was confirming the sky was blue to which Uraraka cooed, “I especially enjoyed the fights today where Bakugou ended up shirtless.”

 

“TODOROKI!” Katsuki screeched.

 

“Me too.”

 

“URARAKA!”

 

“What are you three doing?”

 

Todoroki and Katsuki would deny until the day they died the way they had both gone to jump into Uraraka’s arms at the unexpected 4th voice only to realise she probably couldn’t hold their combined weight and instead just latched onto an arm each. All three let out wails of surprise as they turned to find Izuku standing there staring at them with a raised eyebrow and narrowed eyes.

 

“ZUZU!” Katsuki shouted, “What the fuck are you doing here!?”

 

Izuku blinked, “Getting my medal… like the rest of you? What? Were you all kissing or something?”

 

All three blushed furiously as Uraraka and Katsuki spluttered to find an excuse. Izuku saw this and Katsuki watched as his eyes sparkled slightly and a smirk grew on his face that Katsuki recognised as the greatest danger warning that existed within mankind. Luckily before Izuku could mentally traumatise the three of them Nedzu was coming through the speakers and asking them to take their positions.

 

The four of them walked up to their podiums, Uraraka and Todoroki sharing the lowest one, Izuku on the far left and Katsuki on the highest point between them all. They vaguely heard Present Mic’s muffled announcement before the ground above them opened up and with a whirr and they were slowly raised into the stadium.

 

Considering it had been less than two hours since Izuku and Katsuki had demolished the building it was surprisingly undamaged, clearly Powerloader and Cementoss weren’t slacking when it came to their construction responsibilities. The cracks and chips in all the walls had been repaired (though none of the glass yet replaced) and the field was once again full of luscious green grass. The only evidence of the colossal fight was the several lorries picking up rubble just outside of the stadium itself.

 

The crowd roared with delight as the victors rose into the air. Todoroki’s smile vanished and he simply looked around, unimpressed. Uraraka let out a small shy wave, still not quite believing she had even managed to get a medal. Katsuki of course had his arms crossed and was competing for the world's most arrogant smile contest as he basked in his own glory. And finally Izuku was a little more timid, smiling up at the camera for his parents but trying to keep a low profile so as not to attract any more boos, he just needed to get through the next 30 minutes and he’d be on the way home.

 

“Congratulations to our four winners!” Midnight said and the crowd cheered with approval, “Now of course there’s only one person worthy of giving out these medals. It’s the nu-”

 

“I AM HERE!” Came the bellow of All Might from above them and everybody looked upwards to see the man come crashing down to the ground, “To hand out the medals!”

 

“-mber one hero All Might!” Midnight finished off with a scowl at All Might who winced under her gaze.

 

“Oh uh.. Sorry Midnight, I didn’t mean to interrupt!” All Might said and scratched the back of his neck awkwardly as Midnight just huffed and crossed her arms, “Now let's hear a cheer for our runners up! In third place it’s Shoto Todoroki and Ochako Uraraka!”

 

One of the robots used to help Recovery Girl out in the infirmary rolled up and stood next to All Might with a small box. All Might reached down and pulled out two bronze medals before turning to Todoroki and Uraraka with a wide smile. 

 

“Young Uraraka!” All Might said in a soft enough tone that the roaring crowd wouldn’t overhear, “When you arrived at UA you and your quirk were put into a box, to support and hang back. But today you showed everyone how to break out of that box. You stand here next to three S Grade classed students, having defeated several legacy hero students also, because you ignored what everyone told you to be and decided for yourself. You thought outside the box, used clever tactics and never gave up. Qualities that will make you an excellent hero one day. I look forward to seeing how else you prove everyone wrong.”

 

Uraraka’s lips quivered and her eyes filled with tears as All Might placed the medal over her shoulders, she grabbed it tightly and looked down at it as if she expected it to poof out of existence, “Th-Thank you All Might Sensei.”

 

All Might nodded and turned to Todoroki, his wide smile dimmed slightly to a more affectionate one as he knelt down to Todoroki’s level, “Young Todoroki, the sports festival can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people. Some use it to prove their strength, others end up realising their weaknesses and for some it can even be an emotional event. I suspect it may have been the final for you. I know there is nothing I can say that will help you currently, I only hope you work through this all soon. What I can say however is that this medal is for you, you achieved this and nobody else. Not your teachers, your family or your father. This is your medal, Todoroki.”

 

Todoroki’s face had gone from expressionless to a state of mild shock at All Might's words. He barely even moved as All Might put the medal over his shoulders, seemingly lost within a whirlwind of thoughts.

 

All Might stepped back and reached into the box and pulled out a silver medal which caught the sunlight and shimmered as it twirled slightly in his hand. The sight made Izuku’s breath hitch as he realised that was his medal, that he had earned it. Never in all his years growing up did he think he would ever be gifted a medal by All Might himself.

 

All Might turned to him with a wide smile and Izuku had to physically stop himself from flooding the stadium with tears, it didn’t matter that the applause had died to to nothing more than a mere polite clap, nothing could ruin this moment., “Now on to second place! Young Midoriya-”

 

“ARREST THAT BOY!”

 

All Might blanched mid-sentence as Izuku froze up completely, his veins ran cold and his heart started to beat with the speed induced by pure fear. Uraraka and Todoroki were snapped out of their trance and looked up with wide eyes while Katsuki, predictably, growled like a wild animal.

 

Marching up the field with a furious look on his face and a pack of nervous looking police officers behind him was Death Arms. The crowd broke out into surprised murmurs that didn’t sound too displeased with the turn of events. 

 

Izuku couldn’t move, his face paled and his limbs turned to ice. It was like Death Arms was using a secondary quirk that forced Izuku to lose all function of his body. Images of being dragged away to Tartarus snapped into his head yet he found he couldn’t move. Even if he wanted to, his quirk was still deactivated, right now he could put up as much of a fight as Katsuki’s toothbrush could against his violent morning onslaught.

 

“What do you think you’re doing, Death Arms!?” All Might said and those around the stadium winced slightly as it came out as a deep growl.

 

“My job!” Death Arms declared as he reached the stands.

 

“Katsuki no!” All Might hissed and Izuku had enough movement to look over and see that Katsuki’s quirk had flared up and All Might has having to restrain the feral boy from committing murder, Todoroki also appeared to be doing the same for Uraraka though he didn’t look anywhere near as enthusiastic about it as All Might.

 

“This villain is a quirk thief! He’s currently holding onto 4 quirks of other people! Not to mention the quirks he misused during the tournament!” Death Arms was practically bellowing in Izuku’s face at this point, the entire stadium and those watching live could hear every word, “You’re too dangerous to be allowed to roam free! You’re nothing but a villain! A filthy, disgusting, vile vill-”

 

“DIEEEEEE!”

 

“SMAAAASH!”

 

Apparently All Might had decided he no longer wanted to hold Katsuki back, in fact not only did he let the boy go he apparently thought he’d join in on the beating. There was a colossal boom that rang throughout the arena, shaking it to its core far more than any of the battles before had done. The wind was tossed up into a hurricane and everyone on the field had to hold onto someone else or be blown away.

 

The dust cleared to reveal Death Arms in the middle of a large crater, knocked clean out with several teeth missing and his face already swollen. Against two punches from One For All the hero had never stood a chance. 

 

The whole stadium had gone silent, hell the whole of Japan had gone silent. They had just watched the number one hero, along with a student, knock another hero out. Even the police officers were wearing a look of disbelief. The only person who wasn’t was Uraraka who was grinning smugly.

 

“Officers!” All Might barked causing every person within the stadium to jump at the barley contained anger within his voice, “Please arrest Death Arms on for the crimes of misuse of power, misuse of a hero licence, assault and the mis-carrige of justice.”  

 

Perhaps if it had been any other hero the officers would have questioned the arrest, as it were the booming orders from All Might caused the police to dive into action and they quickly hauled Death Arms into the air and started to carry him out of the field. At the entrance stood a very confused and panicked looking Mt Lady who looked like she was about to intervene, but one glare from All Might and she coward back, disappearing back inside with the police officers.

 

The entire stadium was frozen in shock, even Katsuki seemed to be in daze, having only just realised he’d knocked (with maybe a little help from All Might) out a pro hero. But before he could do anything else he was ushered back onto his podium by All Might who had switched from unbridled rage to his signature smile like turning on the lights.

 

“Apologies everyone! Allow me to explain, for the past few weeks it has come to my attention that Death Arms has been arresting people without cause. Discriminating against quirks that he deemed villainous when no act of villainy had occurred, after I opened up an investigation with the police and Nedzu we discovered a strew of evidence against the man. I can only apologise that we didn’t arrest him before that nasty outburst. Though as you can imagine anyone who goes after my students tends to get on my nerves.” Across Japan people shivered as All Might made sure to look directly into a nearby camera, the message was clear, Izuku Midoriya and UA had the protection of the most powerful man in the county.  

 

“But now that incident has been taken care of, let's return to the medal ceremony!” All Might declared and slapped a hand on Izuku’s shoulder who jumped and returned back to reality as his heart started to beat again and the colour returned to his face, “Young Midoriya! Today you overcame great personal challenges and fought with a determination that could strive only from someone destined to be a true hero. I can only imagine the pain this day has caused you, how hard it was for you to step out to fight under this crowd. Yet every time you refused to back down, fighting all the way to the final. You have shown people everywhere that you will not let your quirk determine who you are. But, if I may be so bold, I’d like to help at least somewhat?”

 

Izuku shivered as the medal was placed on his shoulders, allowing a small smile to grace his lips as he looked up at All Might and gave a small nod.

 

“Congratulations Young Midoriya!” All Might said and raised his voice so that it would be picked up by the TV stations and could be heard all among the crowds, “I have to say, it is truly wonderful to see you make it this far. Especially as you got into UA through my recommendation!”

 

Izuku had thought the crowd was silent before, but now it was like he had gone deaf. A mouse could have run across the field and Izuku would have heard every footstep. All Might remained standing, hands on hips with a wide smile as he allowed the implications of that statement to sink in and rattle their society like the man had just thrown the hero industry in a washing machine and was watching it spin. Izuku had to admit, for how ignorant All Might seemed, he knew how to play to the media. Izuku gave him a nod of thanks, wanting to move on before the murmurs began, and All Might turned to grab the final medal. Before he could, however, a sound filled the stadium, it was a slow, forceful clap that echoed in the ears of everyone there.

 

All four students and All Might turned to the origin of the noise, All Might nearly dropped the gold medal in shock, Uraraka, Katsuki and Izuku went slack jawed and Todoroki looked halfway between having an aneurysm and jumping for joy. Up in the stands, stood alone and looking like he wanted to be anywhere else Endeavor was giving Izuku a very slow clap, albeit he looked to be in pain doing so.

 

It was like the soundwaves from Endeavor's claps had a ripple effect and suddenly other people started to clap, up in the 1A stand the cheers of Izuku’s friends could be heard. There was whistling from a group that Izuku instantly recognised as The Wild Wild Pussy Cats and he swore he saw Ms Joke cheering along with them. There was a ruckus from the Gen Ed stands and Izuku could hear Shinso and some other students clapping and whooping for him. The cheers might not have been as loud or enthusiastic as the ones for everyone else but they nonetheless caused Izuku’s chest to well up and a wide smile to crack along his face as he waved out to his apparent fans, receiving more cheers in response. All Might let out a boisterous laugh too in support.

 

“Yes! Well done Young Midoriya! Now, onto our final student and the winner of this year's festival!” All Might walked up to Katsuki with a proud smile, Katsuki however seemed lost in thought and in a deep scowl, “Young Bakugou, you set out today to prove what real strength is and you did exactly that. You showed everyone what a real hero looks like and how they should fight, I’m very proud of you young man. You deserve this medal and-”

 

“I don’t fucking want it!” Katsuki barked loud enough for everyone to hear.

 

All Might paused, his hands frozen in midair as the gold medal picked up the wind slightly, hovering just above Katsuki’s head. The shocked look on the man's face indicated even he didn’t expect this reaction from his successor. Even Izuku looked up at Katsuki with a confused expression.

 

“All I’ve seen today is a bunch of fakes boo and hiss at kids because they didn’t like how they acted, they didn’t fit into their perfect hero boxes.” Katsuki growled and turned to look up at the crowds, “I don’t fucking care what you all think a hero should be! I know what a hero is and it doens’t include half of you fuckers. I’m gonna be the strongest hero to have ever lived along with my best friend Izuku Midoriya and I don’t care what any of you think about that because quite frankly you can’t stop us. So I dont give a shit about your medals, I did what I said I’d do and that’s good enough for me.”

 

As if to prove his point Katsuki swiped the medal from All Might and activated his quirk, crushing it in his hand like it was made of aluminium. He then threw the ruined medal towards Uraraka with a grunt.

 

“You deserve this more than me Rouncheeks,” Katsuki said and walked off the podium as a shocked Uraraka plucked his ruined medal out the air with wide eyes, “You coming Zuzu?”

 

Izuku jumped at the sound of his name before smirking slightly, “I’m with you Kacchan!” He declared and took off running to catch up.

 

Todoroki watched them before shrugging, “I too have no interest in this medal, here you go Uraraka.”

 

Todroki took his medal off and dropped it into a sputtering Uraraka’s hands before walking off towards the exit, Uraraka blanched and quickly followed, “Hey guys wait! What the fuck do I do with three medals!?”

 

All Might was finding it incredibly difficult not to shout to all of Japan about how proud he was of his students.

 

“YOU SEE THAT MIC!? THOSE ARE MY STUDENTS!” 

 

Aizawa however had no issue with it.

Notes:

And thats the sports festival!

Pre warning, we're about to take a sharp right turn away from canon from this point onwards.

Thanks for all the Kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 35: All Mi- Yagi!?

Summary:

In the aftermath of the sports festival Izuku and Katsuki attempt to celebrate, but the drama of the day isn't over as secrets are revealed and conflicts arise

“There were dramatic scenes today on the first day of The UA Sports Festival as All Might arrested Death Arms during the medal ceremony as the latter attempted to arrest the second place winner Izuku Midoriya. At a press conference held after the Festival All Might, along with local police detective Naomasa Tsukauchi, claimed that while not as originally planned in that way the arrest had been due to take place the following day after a month long investigation into Death Arms’ hero activities revealed several accounts of quirk discrimination, false imprisonment and use of excessive force. After the arrest the HPSC announced they would be suspending Death Arms Hero Licence until the investigation is complete. Close allies of Death Arms Kamui Woods and Mt Lady have declined to comment on the arrest as have most other heroes who were approached for comment.

 

“The arrest came at the end of a controversial Sports Festival which saw some of the most blood thirsty fighting for years. Much of the focus was on Izuku Midoriya, who’s quirk, called Quirk Absorption, gives him the ability to permanently take other people's quirks. The announcement of this left many people to question why such a person is being allowed to train as a hero with such a deadly quirk. Mr Midoriya faced many negative cheers during the final tournament. Matters were further complicated when it was revealed Midoirya had passed the UA exams with a recommendation from All Might, the first hero student to do so. With this announcement many have come out in support of Midoriya, including pro-heroes Endeavor, Best Jeanist and Gang Orca. However there still remains a large number of the public who-”

 

*Click* 

 

“Look, UA is a great school, both the top two heroes came out of it but it’s been going downhill for years! A student with a quirk like that? Not to mention how dangerous the kid who won it is, that wasn’t fighting it was gang warfare!”

 

“Don’t be so uptight about it, as far as I’m concerned so long as they’re using their quirks on the bad guys I don’t care how they do it!”

 

*Click*

 

“As a mother, I’m not sure I’d want my daughter in a class with that boy. What if he just took her quirk and left her defenceless to his urges!?”

 

“You know, I get it and understand the fear but that’s why we have heroines like Ochaka Uraraka, did you see the beating that girl gave half her opponents? As far as I’m concerned so long as we got bad bitches like her around ain’t nobody gonna be touching our daughters.”

 

*Click*

 

“I love All Might, I mean who doesn’t? He’s a great guy, a hero's hero. But he’s been in the top spot for a while and he’s gotta be what? Well into his fifties by now, the guy is getting old, his judgement isn’t what it used to be. Death Arms was a good hero, he saved my uncle! Yet All Might attacked him without warning!”

 

*Click*

 

“Lady Nagant! Lady Nagant! What’s your views on today's Sports Festival?”

 

“It was, as always, an exciting display of what the UA students are capable of, if you’ll excuse me I’m late for a meeting.”

 

“And what about Izuku Midoriya, some are saying he has a villain's quirk, is the HPSC really allowing him into UA?”

 

“Izuku Midoriya was subject to all the rigorous background checks done by the HPSC that every other hero student was. The HPSC found no evidence of criminal or problematic behaviour by the student that would indicate him ever becoming a risk and I need not remind you we don’t tolerate any form of quirk discrimination. There is no reason that Izuku Midoriya or any other UA students should not be there. I won’t be saying anything else on the matter.”

 

*Click*

 

“With me today is Akihiko Kana, CEO of the charity Human Rights are Mutant Rights. Mr Kana your charity gave out a statement within minutes of Izuku Midoriya’s quirk being announced in full support, why is that?”

 

“Because we knew exactly what the reaction would be. We see it all too often in those of us with extreme mutant quirks. Kids grow up bullied in school and many of us struggle to get into good universities and find good jobs. Mutant discrimination has been brushed under the rug by a society who only wants to know the types of mutations that can be deemed pretty. So when Mr Midoriya’s unusual quirk was announced we knew the discrimination he would face. Which is why we stand with him in fighting quirk discrimination in all industries and look forward to seeing what sort of hero he becomes.”

 

*Click*

 

“Is this really such a good idea Young Midoriya?”

 

Izuku yelped and the TV remote flailed in his hands before he managed to catch it and switch the TV off completely. He spun on his heels, arms behind his back and gave Yagi a sheepish look.

 

The sun was just starting to set and it had been a few hours since the festival, as promised once the press conferences and obligatory All Might appearances were over Yagi pushed the exhausted first and second place winners into the back of his truck and drove them home. Both boys had completely passed out the moment Yagi had buckled his seat belt and hadn’t so much as moved until they were pulling into the Bakugou-Midoriya driveway. 

 

What had followed had been a rather chaotic scene. Inko and Mitsuki had slammed the front door open and sprinted out into the driver before Izuku and Katsuki were even fully out of the truck and wrapped the respective boys up in tight hugs. Both women had tears running down their faces (albeit Inko’s were a fair amount harder) and were screaming both about how proud they were and how hard it was to watch the boys essentially have the snot beaten out of them every other hour. Yagi had stood awkwardly to the side as his students tried to push off their doting mothers before Masaru had come out and waved him inside, offering the man no less than 8 different types of Sake to drink.

 

Once Mistuki and Inko had calmed down there had of course been a celebration, having both the first and second place winners of the festival in the same household was no small feat. In fact Yagi was fairly sure a joint winning of the festival within the same family had never happened before.

 

Unable to decide on what to cook to celebrate the boy's success Mitsuki and Inko had put together a feast that ranged from katsudon to fried chicken to curry, the family would be eating leftovers for days. Inko had even bought a new state of the art blender so that she could blend the food together for Yagi to enjoy as much as everyone else, something that had made the man splutter and blush and he had profusely thanked the woman who had offered a small smile in return which melted the man's heart.

 

Something had changed for Yagi over the past year he’d spent with this family. He now realised for all his success as a hero he’d never really had a personal life to speak of. He hadn’t been on a date in over twenty years and he had very few real friends, the only two people outside of work he ever met up with to socialise were David Shield, which only happened at least once or twice a year due to the security at I-Island, and Tsukauchi and while Yagi always enjoyed a drink with his friend the conversation almost always ended up back at the various cases they were both working on.

 

But here Yagi enjoyed chatting to Inko about his love of American food (at least before his injury), he and Mitsuki argued about various hero costume designs and he always enjoyed a drink with Masaru as they chuckled and watched the antics of the 4 overactive members of the house. The whole thing had made Yagi realise how much he regretted focusing solely on All Might. It also made him realise how perhaps meeting Katsuki and Izuku had done as much good for him as it had for them.

 

But the celebration was winding down now, everyone, even Izuku and Katsuki, were stuffed and Inko had started on the washing up (everyone had offered to help of course but Inko had stoically refused). Masaru had finally succumbed to the Sake and was dozing away in his seat at the head of the table while Katsuki and Mitsuku had started to argue and shout about whatever random topic they agreed to disagree on. Only Yagi had seen Izuku quietly slip away from the table and towards the living room. He had a good idea of what Izuku was doing and was proven right as he watched the boy flick through various TV channels.

 

Izuku blushed at having been caught out and tried to stammer up an excuse, “W-Well it's just that… well you see… I… um…”

 

Yagi held up his hand to stop the poor boy before he broke down, “You wanted to know about the wider reaction to your quirk, yes?”

 

Izuku’s shoulders sagged and he looked down at the ground, “I just…wanted to know if it would be as bad as the festival.”

 

Yagi sighed and placed a hand on Izuku’s shoulder, “My boy if there is anything I’ve learned in my time it's that the media is never a true reflection of the public's wider views. They tend to hyper focus on whichever way their audience leans, those that oppose you will look for every crack and failing in your career while those that support you will refuse to acknowledge the mistakes even you know you made. It's not as bad in Japan as say the US but it’s still there. You won’t do intense media studies until your second year but most heroes learn early on to ignore what the press says about them. Most rely on their agencies to conduct research into how they’re performing and how the public view them. Or you get the ones like Muriko who don’t care either way.”

 

Izuku hummed, seemingly lost in thought as he nervously played with the TV remote in his hands, “They uh… they still seemed to be talking about it a lot…”

 

“Of course they are,” Yagi said with a reassuring squeeze of Izuku’s shoulder, “You came second in the festival, combined with your unique quirk and the spotlight is bound to be on you. Katsuki too although outside of his speech his quirk is relatively simple, well, to the public it is at least. There’s much more of a story with you than anyone else. Not to mention all the charity and rights groups latching onto this to propel themselves into the media on your back.”

 

Izuku frowned slightly at that, “So they’re using me? That seems kinda shitty.”

 

Yagi shrugged, “Part of the job I’m afraid, you honestly think Hawks really cares about all the mutant groups that use him as an example of what mutant quirks can do? So long as they don’t represent anything you disagree with I find the best thing to do is leave them be or even set up your own foundation. When The Wild Wild Pussycats didn’t agree with the children's groups using their fame they set up The Wild Wild Childrens Support Group to control it better.”

 

“So I should just… leave it all be?” Izuku asked, still a little unsure, there was a lot of news going on and a lot of it contained his name.

 

“My boy I doubt they’ll even still be talking about you by tomorrow, having already moved onto the second years and after that the third years. Then I imagine it will shift to some scandal involving some hero who hit a civilian or lost a villain fight. If you like I could go knock down a building to take the attention off of you?” Yagi suggested with a wink which made Izuku chuckle.

 

“Thank you but I think I’ll be ok. What about Death Arms?” Izuku asked.

 

The smile on Yagi’s face dropped and the scowl that appeared made Izuku shiver slightly. It was easy to forget their sometimes incompetent Sensei could literally tear someone in half with one hand, “That situation will be a bit more complicated. There hasn’t been a public hero vs hero situation for years, heroes do get arrested of course, more than I’d like but it's usually all very hush hush. I suspect I may see a dent in my approval ratings but nothing that will lose me my spot as Number One, the pressure will more likely be on the HPSC to make sure the fallout isn’t too damaging. The internal politics of the hero industry will be a little harder to deal with. I have five missed calls from Best Jeanist and even ones from Miruko and Hawks, I didn’t even know they had my number…”

 

“Internal hero politics?” Izuku asked with a slight frown.

 

Yagi let out a rather deep and booming laugh, “My boy you didn’t think we all just operated alone without talking to each other did you? Each hero's actions, especially in the top ten, have rippling effects, it's not uncommon for me to receive several emails a day making sure my patrol routes, villain fights and now teaching aren’t damaging anyone else’s work.”

 

Before Yagi had even finished Izuku had started to mumble about the implications of this, his thoughts connecting several dots and trying to figure out how he himself might be able to use internal politics to his advantage. Yagi smiled and patted the boy's shoulder, he’d grown used to these mutterings by now and knew the easiest thing was to let the boy continue. 

 

“Ah, I see Izuku must have found a new topic involving heroes.” Inko said with a chuckle as she walked into the room, closely followed by Katsuki (who glanced at Izuku and rolled his eyes) and Mitsuki who snorted at Izuku’s situation.

 

Inko ruffled Izuku’s hair and slowly guided him towards one half of the sofa that had been deemed his and Katsuki’s sofa years ago. Izuku’s body automatically reacted and allowed himself to be pushed into a sitting position as he mumbled away, probably not even aware he had moved. Inko smiled and planted a kiss on his head before shuffling over to the other sofa and collapsing in it with a sigh. Katsuki meanwhile planted himself next to Izuku, poking the boy to see how deep into his current muttering he was. Mitsuki took the middle of the sofa next to Inko while Yagi took his usual spot whenever he visited in the old armchair between the two sofas (The grandpa chair Izuku and Katsuki liked to call it but it was too comfy for Yagi to give it up).

 

“Well Brats,” Mitsuki said as she poured herself and Inko a glass of wine, “I’m just gonna say I’m proud of you both.”

 

“Me too,” Inko said with a smile at the pair as Katsuki blushed at the praise, never really sure how to handle when his mother was being genuine, Izuku probably would have blushed too if he was aware of his surroundings. 

 

Yagi chuckled and took a sip of the Sake he was nursing, “You’ve both made an impression on the hero world that’s for sure. I’m curious to see what your internship offers will look like.”

 

“Half of them will be fakes anyway, ain’t no way I’m spending a week with someone like Mt Lady.” Katsuki said with a huff.

 

“Perhaps you should consider-”

 

Yagi was interrupted by a banging at the front door so loud and frantic it caused Izuku to jump out of his muttering storm, he blinked and looked down at the sofa he was sat on, not entirely sure exactly how he had gone from standing in front of Yagi to sitting on the sofa with Katsuki. The banging only became more loud and frantic as the seconds ticked by, it was a surprise the whole house wasn’t shaking from the force

 

“Oi Masaru!” Mitsuki shouted leaning her head back and looking out into the hall, “Answer the door and tell whoever it is to fuck off! That door was expensive.”

 

Inko frowned, “Didn’t I pay for the door?”

 

Mitsuki’s grumble caused Inko to giggle while Izuku and Katsuki frowned, it was now dark out, who would be calling at this hour?

 

All four occupants of the living room turned their ears towards the hallway as they heard a now wide awake Masaru open the door. Nobody could make out specific words but there was clear confusion in Masaru’s tone before a rather calm voice responded. This back and forth continued for a minute or so until they all heard the front door close and two pairs of footsteps heading their way. The first was the usual sound of Masaru but the second came with a loud clanging sound which caused Izuku, Katsuki and Yagi all to raise their eyebrows as they recognized it.

 

Masaru soon entered the living room looking slightly confused, “Uh, Katsuki, Izuku, you didn’t tell us you’d invited a friend round.”

 

Both boys blinked in surprise as the mystery person walked in behind Masaru causing Izuku to splutter in shock, “Todoroki!? What? How? Why? Hello?”

 

“Hello,” Todoroki responded with a nod of his head in Izuku’s direction, he had yet to change out of his gym uniform and despite the surprised reactions he was getting remained as stoic as ever.

 

“WHAT THE FUCK PRE-ICYHOT!?” Katsuki shouted as he leapt off the sofa and to his feet.

 

“Calm down brat!” Mitsuki barked as she and her son glared at each other.

 

“Um, perhaps someone could explain to me what’s going on?” Inko asked, looking around the room with a raised eyebrow.

 

“Apologies, my name is Shoto Todoroki and I- Yagi Sensei?” Todoroki asked as his eyes finally landed on Yagi, “What are you doing here?”

 

Yagi stammered to come up with an excuse, “O-Oh well you see my boy… I… uh…”

 

“Nevermind why the fuck he’s here what are you doing here Icyhot!?” Katsuki cried, waving his hands in front of him, exasperated.

 

“How did you even find us?” Izuku asked with a frown.

 

“Oh that was easy,” Todoroki responded and pulled his gaze away from Yagi, “I accessed the student hero database using my father's authorization codes to find you. Did you know we only live a few streets apart?”

 

“A few…? You know kid if you wanted to visit a call would’ve been nice,” Mitsuki grumbled, the Bakugou politeness ever present.

 

“I’m allowed to visit?” Todoroki asked and nearly every heart in the room broke at how genuinely surprised he seemed at simple human kindness.

 

“Of course Todoroki!” Izuku said with a smile so wide that everyone who wasn’t a fellow Midoriya winced at it’s brightness, “I mean we’re friends so you can come see us any time you-”

 

“WE STILL HAVEN’T GOTTEN TO WHY HE’S HERE RIGHT NOW!” Katsuki bellowed, feeling like he was going mad at how quickly everyone had accepted the random student walking into their house.

 

“Oh that’s because my father is also coming here, he's right behind me. I came to warn you.” Todoroki said like he hadn’t just dropped a nuclear bomb in the middle of the coffee table.

 

Masrau paled considerably, “Isn’t your father-”

 

There was a sudden crash from the front of the house and the whole building shook causing Inko to yelp out and Katsuki to leap forward, quirk active though it was obvious he could barely keep it up after the day's events. Moments later the large form of Enji Todoroki stormed into the living room, he was in civilian clothing and his fire wasn’t lit but his face was furious and the moment he walked in his eyes laser focused on Izuku, completely ignoring the gathered parties.

 

“You!?” Endeavor roared, a finger pointed at Izuku, “How dare you steal my son’s quirk! I demand you return it this instant!”

 

Izuku stood their wide eyed, shaking like a leaf, once again being reminded how much he despised not having his quirk active, “I-I-I can’t- I”

 

“GET AWAY FROM HIM!” Katsuki shouted and charged forward, his quirk flaring up.

 

But even with all his natural power the punch was sloppy, he was exhausted and his quirk barely able to push anything out. Endeavor didn’t even counter, he simply dodged the punch and Katsuki was sent stumbling to the floor.

 

“Katsuki!” Mirsuki cried out and had to be restrained by Masaru as the woman tried to openly attack the number two hero, Inko and Todoroki too looked furious while Izuku was still shaking with fear.

 

Then the room filled with steam.

 

“ENDEAVOR! I WARNED YOU NOT TO GO ANYWHERE NEAR MY STUDENTS! STAND DOWN OR I’LL MAKE SURE YOU SPEND THE REST OF YOUR DAYS BEING FED THROUGH A TUBE!”

 

The entire room froze. Where Yagi had once been sitting in the armchair All Might now stood, said chair thrown behind him and into the wall. His fists were clenched and he was directing enough hate at Endeavor that the every living and dead Todoroki for generations felt a chill go up their spine. Endeavor himself had frozen completely, the colour slowly draining from his face as the dots started to connect in his mind. Todoroki’s face was seemingly catching up on 15 years of emotions, switching between shock, curiosity, anger and a wide range of expressions all within a few seconds while one his eyes twitched. Mistuki and Masaru had frozen solid, their eyes wide and jaws slack as they stared at the man who they had let in their home dozens of times in the past year. Inko meanwhile had gone from pale to bright red in an instant, her mind running thousands of rather… flirtatious interactions she’d had with Yagi over the months right in front of her only to realise she had been dancing with the most powerful man in the country.

 

Only Izuku and Katsuki (who had scrambled up off the floor) weren’t immediately frozen by shock, they glanced at each other with raised eyebrows before turning back to All Might. Izuku went to open his mouth when All Might suddenly lurched forward steam once again filling the room and revealing Yagi on his knees, violently coughing up blood.

 

“Toshi!” Inko cried and was instantly snapped out of her shock, rushing over to the man she wrapped her arms around him and helped Yagi to his feet as the coughing subsided.

 

“Let me guess, you stopped a few villain fights on the way to the festival and used up the last of your hours? Fucking moron,” Katsuki said and crossed his arms with a glare at Yagi who flinched under his successors gaze because he was exactly right, Yagi had barley 30 minutes left at the start of the festival.

 

Izuku sighed, “Sensei you agreed to slow down the villain fights… It's not good for you and we… we don't want a repeat of the USJ.”

 

If Yagi had thought Katsuki’s anger was bad, the disappointment in Izuku’s words felt like his other lung had been ripped out. Letting down Nedzu and Aizawa due to his quirk time was one thing, but letting down Katsuki and Izuku was something he never wanted to do.

 

“I’m sorry!” Mitsuki suddenly cried, her brain finally having regained control of her body, “But what the fuck is going on!? Why is Yagi All Might and why the fuck do our two brats seem to know this already!?”

 

Yagi sighed, “Perhaps you might get us some tea Inko?”

 

Fifteen minutes later found the gathered group all sat around with steaming cups of tea, not that anyone was actually drinking them. Inko, Mitsuki and Masaru had gathered on one sofa, switching their glares between Endeavor and Yagi while Endeavor sat on another sofa, he was still pale and hadn’t spoken a word since the incident, simply collapsing on the other sofa in the room and silently accepting the tea from a nervous Inko. Todoroki sat next to his father, eyeing him suspiciously though it was clear he was still keeping an eye on Yagi, not completely trusting the situation. Yagi himself was back in the recovered armchair, luckily it had remained largely undamaged from the earlier stunt, and once again found himself to be under interrogation. Izuku and Katsuki stood off to the side, glancing around the room nervously.

 

After a few awkward minutes past Yagi broke the silence with a sigh, “I should by stating the obvious, everything you’re about to learn is highly classified, even for you Endeavor.”

 

If Endeavor had any reaction to Yagi’s words he didn’t show it, only nodding slightly as the pair made eye contact.

 

“So…” Inko started, taking a few breaths to calm herself, “If I understand correctly, Yagi, you’re All Might?”

 

Yagi nodded in confirmation, “Yes, Toshinori Yagi is my civilian persona, though only a handful of people know this, in fact less than a year ago I could count the amount of people who did know on two hands.”

 

“And apparently,” Mitsuki growled out, “That number included our sons, who, need I remind you, are just children.”

 

Yagi winced under the intense gaze of the three parents though Izuku and Katsuki jumped to his defence, both talking over each other as they came up with a variety of excuses as to why them being children didn’t matter.

 

“Boys!” Masaru said suddenly and while he didn’t shout it was the most firm Yagi had ever heard the man speak and it caused both Izuku and Katsuki to snap their mouths shut, “While I respect your views and the fact you are up and coming hero students this is a conversation between the adults in the room. All- Yagi kept secrets from us regarding our children and as your legal guardians we have a right to know the full story. So for now your job is to keep quiet and allow Yagi to explain and for us to make a decision based on his story.”

 

“Yes sir,” Both boys mumbled out and curled in on themselves slightly, if Masaru was the one glaring at them then they knew things were serious.

 

“Please don’t blame the boys,” Yagi said, “Had things gone the way they were supposed to neither of them would have known my secret. As it was the day of The Sludge Villain incident I was running low on hours and they accidentally saw me power down so to speak.”

 

Inko frowned, “Was this after you saved them from the villain?”

 

“The first time, yes,” Yagi replied with a nod.

 

“The WHAT!?” Inko and Mitsuki screeched, instantly turning their fury towards Izuku and Katsuki who had lost all colour in their faces.

 

Yagi blinked, “Yes… Did they not tell you they were attacked before the incident the media caught sight of?”

 

“No…” Mitsuki said through gritted teeth.

 

“...they didn’t.” Inko finished with a scowl.

 

Before both mothers could tear into the petrified boys Masaru held up his hand, “We can deal with that later. So when you claimed you were All Might's secretary and were jointly training the boys… in reality it was just you?”

 

Yagi nodded, “I apologise for the deception but you must understand how sensitive this information is, All Might's status as a symbol keeps away as many villains as I actually physically defeat. If the world were to discover I was only able to be All Might for two hours a day, villains would come out of the woodwork like cockroaches.”

 

“You’ve been the number one hero for thirty years with a quirk that can only last two hours?”

 

Yagi nearly jumped out of the chair, having completely forgotten the two Todoroki’s were there. Endeavor was looking at him with no small amount of shock, his eyes almost holding physical pain at the thought of being beaten by such an ineffective quirk. Todoroki too looked to be more than surprised at the reveal.

 

Yagi shook his head, “No, you misunderstand. My muscular form as it were? That was my natural state up until a few years ago, with no time limit on my quirk. But nearly 6 years ago I received a severe injury during a villain fight which resulted in me losing a lung and most of my stomach.”

 

Inko gasped, of course they all knew about Yagi’s health issues but none of them would have guessed they were the result of something so violent. As he listened, Todoroki subconsciously reached down and slightly adjusted his metal leg.

 

“Six years ago…” Endeavor said as his brows furrowed, “I think I got a report on that fight, isn’t it-”

 

“Classified,” Yagi said in a tone that dictated no arguments, “I released that report to you so that you could pick up the slack while I recovered. But other than that no other hero’s know the details and only Lady Nagant knows the complete story within the HPSC. Izuku and Katsuki also have no details.” Yagi reassured the three parents before they could panic about their children knowing another national secret, “Originally I was able to maintain my form for around 8 hours, but over the years this has slowly diminished to the meagre two hours I can keep it up now. Anytime I push myself and well, you all saw what happens.”

 

The room went deathly silent as Yagi finished his explanation, he could understand why of course, more than anything All Might represented safety and security, there hadn’t been a major supervillain in over a decade under his reign. To now discover that said hero was slowly approaching retirement and was nowhere near as effective as he once was made one think about just how dangerous a superpowered society could be.

 

The silence was broken when Endeavor let out a deep and bitter laugh, his whole body shook as he gasped for breaths to better fuel the noises escaping through his mouth. Todoroki stared at the man in disbelief, shuffling away from him slightly, in all the years he’d known his father he had never heard him make these kinds of sounds before.

 

“You mean to tell me, that the man who has dominated the hero rankings, who no pro hero can even come close to touching, a literal living legend… is a cripple?” Endeavor shouted between gasps of air, his eyes were unfocused and he was grabbing chunks of his hair, the whole scene was enough to make everyone else in the room nervous.   

 

“All this time…I… I thought it was impossible to reach you, this untouchable God.” Endeavor continued, his head in his hands, “But even with this weakness I… I never stood a chance did I?”

 

Yagi shifted uncomfortably in his seat, “You know… it was never my goal to remain the top hero for so long. When I first became a hero the country was overrun with villains, the hero industry at the time was weak and the public had little faith in it. I wanted to be a symbol yes but mainly to pull everyone out of that era and the truth is by the time you reached the top ten I was coming to the end of that journey. Had you taken my position after a few years of you reaching number two… I would not have minded.”

 

Endeavor blinked, staring at Yagi like he had just told him the true origin of life, “What…? He said in barely whisper before he all but clambered out of his seat, “Then why!? Why keep the spot for so long!?”

 

Yagi held up his hands and spluttered, “It wasn’t like I meant to! I just kept being the best hero I could and that was how the rankings always ended up!”

 

“But how!” Endeavor suddenly shouted rising to his feet, desperation all over his face, “Every year I have pushed myself further and harder, yet even with your injury you still took down more villains than me to-”

 

“I’m sorry you fucking what!?” Katsuki suddenly shouted, the only person in the room loud enough to get Endeavor to stop mid sentence, he was looking at the hero with wide unbelieving eyes and a slightly slack jaw, Izuku too looked a little shocked.

 

“Katsuki!” Mitsuku hissed, her eyes snapping between her son and the second most powerful man in the country who had just cursed at.

 

Before Katsuki could antagonise the situation further Izuku stepped in, “Uh… Mr… Uh… Endeavor uh… Sir,” He stuttered out as Endeavor turned to glare at him, “You are um aware that for the past 5 years running you’ve put more villains away than All Might?”

 

Based on his reaction no, he was not aware of that fact.

 

“I…I… What…?” Endeavor whispered out as he fell back onto the sofa, eyes wide with disbelief.

 

Yagi frowned, “Enji… you do realise you put more villains away than any other hero? In fact you put more away than the second half of the top ten combined.”

 

Todoroki blinked, the only visible reaction he had to his fathers state, and looked up at said man, “I thought you knew? You always lose due to the popularity rankings.”

 

“Not just the popularity rankings,” Izuku continued as everyone switched between those speaking in the room like a tennis match, “Ever since the rankings were restructured 15 years ago they now take into account rescue missions, charity funds and additional ways in which heroes contribute to society.”

 

Katsuki grunted, “It’s why heroes like Sir Nighteye, Gran Torino and Snipe plummeted in the rankings. They’re good at what they do, some of the best, but until Snipe started at UA none of them did anything other than catch villains. Honestly it's’ pretty impressive you’ve managed to remain number two considering the fact you did nothing else but put villains behind bars.”

 

“I honestly… I always assumed you were an idiot,” Todoroki said, which caused a few snorts in the room (one of which definitely did not come from Yagi), “You always said how much stronger you and subsequently I needed to be, but you were always losing due to other factors.”

 

Izuku nodded, “I mean nobody can touch All Might's popularity rankings, he has a twenty point lead above Best Jeanist who consistently comes second so you never had any hope there. But ever since his injury All Might reserves most of his time for villains so he doesn’t do many charity events or rescue missions. All you really needed to do was a few big charity drives this year and you might have edged up to number one.”

 

“And probably improved your interviews.” Todoroki said and Izuku and Katsuki both sickered in amusement.

 

Masaru looked at the three, a little surprised, “How do you three know all this?”

 

“Cripple over here gave us a lesson on it last week,” Katsuki said with a jerk of his head towards Yagi who coughed at his apparent new nickname.

 

“I don’t even have the mental capacity to reprimand you for that…” Mitsuki groaned as she leaned forward and rubbed her temples.

 

“Charity events?” Endeavor said in disbelief, “That’s all it would have taken?”

 

Katsuki shrugged, “Eh, nobody really knows exactly how the HPSC works it all out but it would have been an easy win.”

 

“Do you not give to charity My Todoroki?” Inko asked with a tilt of her head.

 

“Of course I do, woman!” Endeavor snapped and All Might nearly committed straight up murder in the middle of the living room, that was assuming Izuku didn’t get across the room first based on the way he had tensed up.

 

Endeavor at least seemed to realise how he’d come across and sagged slightly, “Apologies I didn’t mean to… I’ve always donated to various charities, mainly orphanages and rehabilitation programs,” Yagi raised a surprised eyebrow at that, honestly he’d half been expecting Endeavor to say he donated directly to the HPSC, “But I’ve always found the in person events a waste of time, the charity already has my money and support, I’m more useful out there catching villains than clinking champagne glasses together, I normally just sent a sidekick as a representative.”

 

“Would you have gone yourself if you had known?” Yagi asked curiously.

 

Endeavor paused, seemingly thinking the question over before responding, “...No.”

 

“WHAT!?” Came the reaction of his youngest son as Todoroki leapt to his feet, “Y-You… What!? You mean you finally discover a way to reach your goals that doesn’t involve training me to the brink every day,” Several eyes narrowed at Endeavor, “and you refuse to take it!? Why!?”

 

“Shoto!” Endeavor growled as the pair now stood glaring at each other, “This has nothing to do with you.”

 

Todoroki actually took a step back in shock, “Nothing to do… NOTHING TO DO WITH ME!?” He suddenly roared, years of suppressed emotions pouring out, “Then what was the point of the last ten years!? If it has nothing to do with me then why did I have to go through all that so called training!?”

 

“To make you strong!” Endeavor retorted, “To build you up until you could surpass even the power of All Might!”

 

“I don’t care about beating All Might!” Todoroki shouted back and everyone in the room was suddenly grateful Izuku was holding onto his quirk temporarily, “I never cared about being the top hero! I’m not sure I even want to be a hero anymore!”

 

Endeavor’s eyes widened in surprise, “What!? Why would you want to be anything other than a hero?”

 

“Because I’ve never been able to try! Maybe I want to play soccer or be an artist or an engineer! I don’t know because I’ve never had a choice!” Todoroki roared, his fists were clenched and he was staring at his father with enough hatred to make everyone else in the room flinch.

 

“You… You can’t!” Endeavor shouted back, the desperation in his voice was obvious, “You have to be strong! You have to be better than me!”

 

“Why!? Why do I have to be so strong! There are other heroes, my whole class is full of people who will be great heroes! They don’t need me to be the best!” As he shouted, Todoroki indicated to Izuku and Katsuki as prime examples of two fine hero students, under any other setting it would have made the pair blush (albeit for two different reasons).

 

“That’s not the point, I am your father and-!”

 

“NO YOU’RE NOT!” Todoroki bellowed with such venom Yagi very nearly tried to muscle up again, “A father is supposed to protect their children, raise them and help them not train them so hard they throw up before bed or push their quirk to the point they have to be admitted for quirk exhaustion before they’re even 8 years old.”

 

“Excuse me!?” Inko gasped, a look of pure horror on her face while Yagi was giving Endeavor a look that nearly killed off his fellow hero.

 

“I had to train you, I had to make you stronger!” Endeavor replied desperately and it was impossible to tell who he was trying to convince.

 

“WHY!?” Todoroki demanded.

 

“BECAUSE I’M NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO SAVE ANYBODY!”

 

Whatever retort Todoroki had been about to come out with was lost in his throat as he let out a confused grunt. Endeavor too seemed to realise what he’d said and stumbled back, falling to his knees, his eyes brimmed with tears and his whole body was shaking. Nobody had ever seen the number two hero look so weak.

 

“Enji…” Yagi said slowly and carefully, fearful of setting the flame hero off again, “Why don’t you tell us all what’s really going on?”

 

Endeavor didn’t respond immediately, he merely knelt there taking long deep breaths and when he did finally speak Yagi had never heard a more broken man, “I loved my father, he was a good man, a simple man who worked in a factory, using his heat quirk to help bend metal into shape, he made a decent amount of money and looked after both me and my mother as best he could. He had a kind soul and everyone who met him spoke about how he was always smiling. One day, shortly after my quirk came in, he was walking me home from school and we stumbled upon a villain mugging a young girl. He told me to stay where I was before he charged in. I was so excited, I thought it was the most incredible thing my father had ever done. Of course in reality he never stood a chance, his quirk allowed him to heat things via a 5 point touch with his hand. The villain could fire lasers from his fingers. My father and the young girl he tried to save were killed within seconds. And all I could do was stand there and watch, I did nothing as I watched my father be killed in front of me.”

 

“From that day I vowed to never let that happen, to make sure I was the strongest above all else. I pushed myself harder and harder each day, determined I would be Number One… but even before I’d graduated All Might was dominating the rankings, no matter how hard I pushed myself I never even came close to the Number One spot.” Endeavor admitted and a heavy silence fell over the room as his words sunk in.

 

“With all due respect Endeavor,” Inko said with narrowed eyes, “I sympathise but why exactly did that mean you had to push these goals onto your son?”

 

“I…I realised I would never be the strongest, after 10 years I hadn’t even made a dent in All Mights empire so I…I…”

 

“You thought your children might finally topple me.” Yagi finished with a stern look at Endeavor, “I’m curious Enji, when did your desire to be strong and protect become an obsession with getting me out of the top spot?”

 

“I don’t… I… I’m aware that I am not very good at being a decent person,” Endeavor growled out like it was painful for him to admit, “At first I only trained my children so that they might build a Todoroki legacy but as… my feud with All Might deepened I thought perhaps if I couldn’t at least a Todoroki would be the one to topple him. And then Toya died.”

 

Katsuki frowned, “Who the fuck is Toya?”

 

“My eldest brother,” Todoroki responded to which Katsuki flinched as Izuku elbowed him in the side, “He died in a training accident when I was young.”

 

Endeavor nodded, “I… It was my fault, I wasn’t… I wasn’t strong enough to save him, nobody was. So I decided I couldn’t let that happen to Shoto, I had to push him as hard as I could. To make sure he could withstand whatever the world threw at him.”

 

“Including yourself?” Yagi growled out, he’d heard enough, “I don’t care what your excuses are Endeavor, I’ll admit, you’re an excellent hero, one of the best. But you are a terrible human being and quite frankly should have never been given the right to call yourself a father.”

 

An uneasy silence settled over the household as everyone processed what had just occurred. Endeavor looked broken, knelt on the floor with his eyes unfocused and shaking. Todoroki had sat back on the sofa, fists still clenched but his eyes were wide and he looked to be having his own internal crises. Mitsuki and Masaru equally wore shocked expressions while Yagi continued to glare daggers at Endeavor as Izuku and Katsuki looked around at everyone nervously. And Inko…

 

“FOR FUCK SAKE!”

 

Everyone in the room jumped, Yagi nearly fell back off his chair while Izuku actually had to be caught by Katsuki as he nearly fainted. Mitsuki looked like she was about to cry in joy while Endeavor had snapped out of his self-inflicted misery to stare in shock.

 

“I can’t believe the two top heroes are in my house wallowing in their own self pity!” Inko continued to rant, “You’re supposed to be the two most powerful men in the country and yet you’re acting like children!”

 

Yagi blanched as Endeavor looked towards Inko with shock, but the woman wasn’t done.

 

“You,” She accused pointing a finger at Endeavor, “From everything I’ve learnt here tonight as far as I can see you’re a borderline abuser who’s only redeeming quality is that he knows how to put villains away.” Before Endeavor could defend himself she turned her ire toward Yagi, “And you, you’ve become so self absorbed that you think you’re the only person on the planet who can make big decisions. Izuku and Katsuki are teenagers! They aren’t even old enough to drive or drink yet but you deem it ok to entrust them with national secrets and force them to lie to their own parents!?”

 

Yagi withered under Inko’s intense glare, even though he could admit she had a point. He’d gotten far too used to pretty much operating on his own without any oversight or partners. Even the HPSC pretty much let him do whatever he wanted, who was going to question All Might? So he’d never really stopped to think about the implications of involving two students in something as sensitive as his true story.

 

“You two seem to be so worked up about being symbols and powerful heroes that you’ve both forgotten how to be real people, good people. It doesn’t matter how many villains you put away, how many charity events you go to or how much the media loves you! If you can’t be there for your friends and family then you two don’t deserve to call yourselves heroes!” Inko finished, her narrowed eyes snapping between the two heroes as the rest of the room looked on with mixed emotions.

 

“Mom!” Izuku hissed, “You can’t just… I mean… he’s All Might! You-”

 

“She’s right,” Yagi interrupted with a sigh before Izuku could put his foot in his mouth, “Inko is right… I… We have been poor heroes. The truth is for the past 5 years villains have become rarer and rarer. I became so complacent in my position as The Symbol of Peace that I thought I knew best, that nobody could question my decision making. I was wrong… and because of that I have brought pain to my students and your family,” Yagi stood up and gave Inko a deep bow, “I promise Inko, though I may not have many years left in the industry I will use them to better myself as a hero and as a man, for the good of your children, my students and my friends.”

 

Inko blinked before blushing suddenly, as if realising what she had just done, “Oh… Yagi no… I mean yes but-”

 

“I agree!” Endeavor suddenly and appeared next to All Might in a deep bow, “I… I see now how my actions have damaged those around me and our society. I understand that… I am unworthy to be considered a symbol. When- If I become the Number One, I want to have earned it, for the public to look at me and see a man who will keep them safe. I know I can’t give the same hope All Might can but… I want to try.”

 

Endeavor paused before turning to Shoto, for a moment the room grew tense before Endeavor got down on his knees and gave Shoto a bow, “Shoto… My son… I… I can never make up for the past, I can never take back the harm I caused you and our family, I-”

 

“Stop,” Shoto interrupted, he wasn’t looking at Endeavor but his fists were clenched and he was shaking slightly, “Don’t tell me you’re going to be a better father, don’t tell me you’re going to try it’s… I don’t know if I can ever forgive you or if I can ever see you as a true father again…”

 

If Endeavor had looked downtrodden before he was all but broken beyond repair at this point, it was like all his failures were coming back at one as he lay on the floor, tears openly running down his face, “I…I…”

 

“But,” Shoto continued, “You have always excelled at being a hero, even when you were trying to topple All Might you showed me everyday how to be a real hero in the field. You want to atone? Then don’t try to be the father I never had but be the hero everyone else deserves.”

 

There was a pause before Endeavor slowly rose up off the floor, he looked even more exhausted then the three teenagers who had spent to day beating each other to a pulp, “Ok Shoto, I understand,” He said and turned back to the gathered family and Yagi, “I deeply apologise for my misguided actions today, on what should have been a day of celebration. On that note… Bakugou, Midoriya, regardless of what the media may say, what I saw out there proves to me that you will make fine heroes. Regardless of your quirks.”

 

Izuku and Katsuki nodded, neither really sure how to handle the state Endeavor was currently in as the man stood up and gave everyone a bow, “I shall take my leave, come Shoto, we should leave them in peace.”

 

Shoto nodded stiffly and jumped off the sofa to follow his father, despite how uncomfortable the teenager looked. Izuku and Katsuki saw this and turned to each other, having a silent conversation before they turned back to the retreating father son duo.

 

“Hey Todoroki,” Izuku called out, “You know we were kind of having a celebration here, for where we came in the sports festival. And seeing as you came 3rd…”

 

“You wanna stay and hang out and shit?” Katsuki finished.

 

Inko turned to beam at the pair, “Oh that’s a wonderful idea boys, we still haven’t gotten to the cake yet!”

 

Masaru nodded, “Yes, Todoroki, you're welcome to stay as long as you like.”

 

The hidden implication of Masaru’s words was not lost on the other parents in the room.

 

“Oh…” Shoto said, “But I don’t have an overnight bag or a change of clothes or-”

 

“Eh you’ll be fine,” Mistuki said and waved him off, “You look like you’re about Katsuki’s size before he put on all that hero muscle so you can just borrow some of his stuff.”

 

“DON’T GIVE MY CLOTHES AWAY HAG.”

 

Mitsuki ignored the outburst, “And Izuku is so paranoid he has backups of everything from toothbrushes to sleeping masks in case he ever breaks any of them, I tell you that kid is as accident prone as a blind kangaroo.”

 

“Auntie!”

 

Mitsuki cackled as Katsuki and Izuku tried to silence her. Meanwhile Shoto looked like he was about to cry.

 

“I… I’d like that.” he admitted and turned to his father.

 

Endeavor just nodded at him, “Of course, just call your sister if you need a ride home tomorrow. And All Might,” Endeavor said and turned to look at Yagi, “After the second year festival tomorrow please come by my agency. There are many things we should discuss.”

 

Yagi nodded and with the conversation over Endeavor walked out of the house with as little ceremony as could be expected for a man who had essentially had his entire being torn apart.

 

“Come on Todoroki,” Mitsuki said as she stood up, “I’ll show you around and get you some clothes.”

 

“Thank you Ma’am,” Todoroki said with a bow.

 

“Ma’am? HA! I already like you more than my two brats!” Mitsuki barked as she led Todoroki to the stairs.

 

“FUCK OFF HAG!” Katsuki shouted as he made to follow, “Hey Todoroki if you walk into a room that looks like a hero shrine mixed with a cemetery that’s just Zuzu trying to decide if he’s having a goth phase or is still a hero worshipper.”

 

“Hey! Yeah well if you walk into a room that looks like a library but with more skulls that’s just Kacchan trying to hide the fact he’s even more of a nerd than Iida.” Izuku retorted as he scrambled to follow the group as they disappeared up the stairs.

 

“YOU DID NOT JUST COMPARE ME TO FUCKING FOREEYES!”

 

“YOU JUST SAID I WAS A GOTH!”

 

“YOU WEAR EYELINER EVERY OTHER WEEKEND!”

 

“AND YOU GO TO BED AT 8PM EVERY NIGHT!”

 

“AND I’LL GROUND YOU BOTH IF YOU DON’T STOP ARGUING IN FRONT OF OUR GUEST!”

 

Yagi chuckled as the shouting became an echo as the group disappeared up into the house. However as soon as they left an awkward silence enveloped the three remaining adults in the room as Yagi cleared his throat.

 

“Allow me to apologise again for-”

 

Masaru interpreted him with a raised hand, “It’s fine Yagi. We understand that with their chosen careers we’re not always going to know every detail about Katsuki and Izuku’s personal lives. But this is a secret that has been kept from us long before the boys entered UA. While I understand and appreciate your reasons, please, next time there is some earth shattering secret between you and my sons please let us know.”

 

A pit of guilt formed deep in Yagi’s stomach but he swallowed it down. His injury was one thing but the truth of One For All was something else entirely, the fact that anyone who knew the truth about the quirk also knew that All Might would never allow Inko or the Bakugou’s to know said truth was ensuring their safety, despite their connection to his successor.

 

“Yes, I think that’s quite enough brooding and glaring for one evening,” Inko said and gave Yagi a small smile that caused his heart to beat at a speed it hadn’t since his injury.

 

“Yes well, I should get going anyway,” Yagi said and rose from his seat, “I still have two sports festivals to get through.”

 

“Of course, I’ll see you out,” Inko said.

 

“And I’ll go make sure that Mitsuki hasn’t murdered our sons in front of their new friend.” Masaru said with a chuckle as raised voices trickled down from upstairs.

 

Yagi waved him goodbye and followed Inko out of the front door, it was more or less routine at this point. Inko would walk with him to his truck and they would make light conversation for a few minutes before he would leave. They would laugh and talk about their weeks, how Yagi had given detention to a 1B student or how Inko had accidentally tripped over Aizawa on her first day working at UA. And through all the soft smiles, giggles and soft hands on his arm Yagi had realised something.

 

He had fallen for Inko Midoriya hard.

 

But he’d always told himself it was unfair to act on his feelings when she didn’t know the truth about him. Well now she did and every nerve in his body was telling him to do something about it. But as he walked towards his truck, Inko chatting away about the sports festival, his palms were sweaty and his voice was lodged in his throat.

 

“Uh I-Inko,” Yagi stuttered out as they reached his car and Inko stopped talking, looking up at Yagi with a tilt of her head which nearly made the man drop dead, “I-I was wondering if… I mean now that- Well you see… We’ve been getting on so well… Your hair is pretty tonight and…”

 

Yagi could practically feel Nana laughing at him as he stumbled over his words, to her credit Inko just watched with an amused smile as Yagi cursed to himself. He had always been a man of action over words.

 

Fuck it.

 

Plus Ultra and all that.

 

Yagi snapped his mouth shut and grabbed Inko by the shoulders to which she let out a soft sequel. Before he could change his mind Yagi leaned down and pressed his lips against hers and pulled her in close.

 

It had been years since Yagi had ever kissed a woman like this, equally Inko had never really dated since her divorce. As a result the kiss was awkward and neither moved for a moment. Simply holding their lips against each other. But then the shock wore off Inko and she melted in Yagi’s arms like he’d physically pulled the stress of the day from her. They both started to move their lips against each other before Inko licked against his and Yagi glady allowed her tongue access. 

 

Neither was really sure how much time passed but eventually they broke apart, both gasping for air with bright red faces. Inko paused before once again falling into Yagi’s arms and allowing herself to be pulled into his chest with a giggle.

 

“I was expecting you to take me to dinner first but this will do I suppose,” She teased in a tone Yagi had definitely not heard before, though it did a wonderful job of increasing his blood pressure.

 

“Oh! Well.. I was trying to ask you but… uh… We…”

 

Yagi was silenced by a finger against his lips as Inko looked up at him, “Shush, it’s exactly what I’ve wanted since I first met you.”

 

“You have!?” Yagi said, more than a little surprised, “But I’m so sickly, pale and-”

 

“And kind, caring and apparently the Number One hero,” Inko said as she pulled him down to peck him on the lips, “How could any woman not fall for that?”

 

“O-Oh…” Yagi said, still a little dazed from the whole thing.

 

Inko giggled, “I would still however like to go to dinner, pick me up at 7 o’Clock next Saturday.”

 

Yagi could only nod in response, unable to stop his mouth forming a grin wider than any that he’d ever produced as All Might. 

 

“Good, I’ll see you then.” Inko said and pecked Yagi on the lips again before walking back up the house (and Yagi was definitely not watching the way her hips swayed), “Oh and Toshi,” she said and turned to him, looking a little nervous, “I’ll let Mitsuki know so she can cover but don’t tell the boys, Izuku can be a little… protective.”

 

Yagi nodded and got in his truck to drive home, his smile never leaving.

 

He had a date.

 

He had a date with Inko Midoriya.

 

The mother of Izuku Midoriya.

 

The son of the most powerful villain in history.

 

Who was apparently very protective of his mother.

 

Shit.

 

Would Not Recommend

 

Angry Boi added Shoto Todoroki to the chat

 

Angry Boi: Oi fuckwards! Shoto is our friend now, be nice to him or I’ll fucking kill you

 

Name: CLASSIFIED changed Shoto Todoroki’s name to Candy Cane

 

Candy Cane: Midoriya, I don’t understand?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: It’s because of your hair!

 

(B)Ass: That was pretty weak Midoriya

 

Candy Cane: I like it

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: VINDICATION

 

Floaty McFloat: Side note, Bakugou’s death threats are becoming less and less effective when you get them on a daily basis

 

Angry Boi: NO THEY AREN’T

 

Candy Cane: I’ve been threatened 3 times in the past hour

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Only 3? I wake up to death threats, I eat breakfast to the lyrics of my demise

 

Angry Boi: THAT’S BECAUSE YOU TAKE 30 MINUTES TO WAKE UP EVERYDAY!

 

(B)Ass: Didn’t you guys literally beat the shit out of each other like 8 hours ago? You’d think that would get it out of your system

 

Candy Cane: Bakugou punched Midoriya 30 minutes ago, Midoirya then punched him back 10 minutes later, then Bakugou’s mother slapped them both

 

Angry Boi: They don’t need a play by play of our afternoon Icyhot!

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: You’re just salty I hit you harder before Auntie broke us apart

 

Angry Boi: I LITERALLY HAVE A STRENGTH QUIRK!

 

Rock Hard: Are you with them Todoroki?

 

Candy Cane: Yes… There was an incident between our families that has now been resolved but I was invited to stay the night

 

Bubbly Bitch: OMG! Todoroki you have to give us the deets on what they’re like at home!

 

Candy Cane: Violent

 

Floaty McFloat: Pffft, we all could’ve guessed that

 

Candy Cane: I could tell you about their bedrooms? I’ve been in both

 

Bubbly Bitch: YES! DO IT!

 

Angy Boi: ZUZU WHERE THE FUCK IS HE!?

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: I DON’T KNOW HE WAS IN THE KITCHEN A SECOND AGO

 

Rock Hard: I bet their rooms are so manly

 

Angry Boi: AUNTIE SAYS HE’S WITH MOM! FUCKING FIND HIM!

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: I CAN’T MY FUCKING QUIRK DOESN’T WORK KACCHAN

 

Candy Cane: Did you know Midoriya is a goth?

 

(B)Ass: FUCK YEAH!

 

(B)Ass: I mean

 

(B)Ass: Cool

 

Floaty McFloat: Nice save Jiro…

 

Candy Cane: His room is a weird mix of hero merch and rock band posters, he also had a very expensive leather jacket. I nearly lost my hand when I went to touch it

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: It’s a limited edition Edgeshot themed jacket! I don’t like to risk damaging it!

 

Angry Boi: You haven’t worn it once in the 3 years since you got it

 

Candy Cane: Bakugou is a nerd

 

Angry Boi: YOU TAKE THAT BACK

 

Candy Cane: His room is full of books, calendars and study material… and a lot of skulls

 

Rock Hard: Skulls are cool!

 

Bubbly Bitch: Please don’t try to defend them Kiri

 

Angry Boi: Making friends was the worst decision of my life

 

Floaty McFloat: Worst decision of your life so far

 

Air Conditioner: EVERYONE!

 

(B)Ass: Even over text he makes me jump

 

Air Conditioner: Well done at today's sports festival! I think it’s safe to say we all did very well!

 

Bubbly Bitch: Speak for yourself… I’m the only person here who didn’t make it to the third stage…

 

Rock Hard: Don’t talk like that Ashido!

 

Floaty McFloat: It’s fine Kirishima, we all know she just summoned them

 

Candy Cane: Summoned who?

 

Angry Boi: Oi Raccoon Eyes! You know we don’t do shit like that here! You just got unlucky with your group, doesn’t mean you’re any less good than everyone here!

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Exactly Ashido! Using your acid today was amazing, it made me realise how much of a versatile quirk it is and with all your other skills you could easily be a top ranked hero!

 

Floaty McFloat: Told you

 

Bubbly Bitch: Awww thanks guys, you're right! I am amazing

 

(B)Ass: Humble too

 

Bubbly Bitch: Don’t be rude Jiro or I’ll promise Midoriya a kiss if he yoinks your quirk

 

Rock Hard: ASHIDO! You can’t make fun of Midoriya’s quirk like that, it’s not manly at all

 

(B)Ass: Especially after the day he’s had, not cool man

 

Air Conditioner: It is rather uncalled for Ashido

 

Floaty McFloat: Geez Ashido, you need to learn when to calm down

 

Bubbly Bitch: Fuck

 

Bubbly Bitch: Midoriya I’m really sorry

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Everybody just stop!

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: Please just stop

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: I know what my quirk is, I’ve lived with it for years. I can deal with people insulting me about it. It doesn’t mean you all need to treat me like I’m made of glass, I’m not going to break every time someone treats me like a villain. Just yesterday Jiro and Uraraka were making hard puns for an hour about Kirishima. You shouldn’t treat my quirk any different.

 

Candy Cane: I’d be careful how you all respond, Bakugou is growling at his phone.

 

(B)Ass: You’re right, we’re sorry Midoriya 

 

Rock Hard: Sorry bro, it’s just hard to see a friend be treated like that you know?

 

Floaty McFloat: Yeah, I just really hate bullies like that

 

Name: CLASSIFIED: I get it and it’s nice that you care but punching everyone who thinks my quirk is villainous won’t solve anything. Trust me, Kacchan tried that for years

 

Angry Boi: No regrets 

 

Bubbly Bitch: In which case!

 

Bubbly Bitch changed Name: CLASSIFIED’S name to Quirk Yoinker

 

Quirk Yoinker: I don’t yoink quirks…

 

Angry Boi: You kinda do

 

Candy Cane: It definitely feels like it's being yoinked from you

 

Rock Hard: It’s kinda tingly once you get used to it

 

Bubbly Bitch: Kinky

 

(B)Ass: Dammit Ashido…

 

Quirk Yoinker: Sorry again about not being able to return your quirk Kirishima, but my quirk will be shut down for a few days at least

 

Rock Hard: It’s cool man, stop apologising for it, it’s not like I’m doing any training between now and when we get back to school anyway

 

Bubbly Bitch: Oh idea! We should all go to the mall together before school starts again!

 

Rock Hard: Hell yeah! Count me in!

 

(B)Ass: Eh, sure why not

 

Air Conditioner: I’m afraid I’ll be visiting family for the next few days

 

Floaty McFloat: Yeah same here

 

Candy Cane: I guess I could come too… Also Bakugou and Midoriya are coming, I told their Moms about it and now they’re being told they have to

 

Angry Boi: Letting you in our house was the worst mistake of our lives

 

Candy Cane: Technically I broke in uninvited 

 

Floaty McFloat: Do you think at least one person in this chat could not be dysfunctional?

 

Quirk Yoinker: Not a chance

Chapter 36: Yagi's New Job

Summary:

As Endeavor tries to change the way he lives is life to better himself Izuku meets up with his friends and Inko goes on a date

Would Not Recommend

 

Bubbly Bitch: Goooooood Morning bitchezzzzzzzz, everybody wake up!

 

Quirk Yoinker: Ashido it’s 9AM?

 

Bubbly Bitch: What’s your point?

 

Angry Boi: We’ve already been up for 3 hours!

 

Bubbly Bitch: Ew, what’s wrong with you two?

 

Candy Cane: I’m trying to create an itemised list for them, it's currently two pages long

 

(B)Ass: Please tell me you guys aren’t still training?

 

Quirk Yoinker: No, don’t worry, Uncle and All Might made it very clear we would only end up damaging our bodies if we did

 

Rock Hard: I still can’t get over the fact you guys personally know All Might

 

Candy Cane: He visits their house for dinner

 

Rock Hard: HE WHAT!?

 

Air Conditioner: What have you been doing for 3 hours if you weren’t training?

 

Quirk Yoinker: Studying for that Maths test next week

 

Bubbly Bitch: WE HAVE A TEST!?

 

(B)Ass: Nerds

 

Angry Boi: I TOLD YOU ALL TO STOP CALLING ME THAT!

 

Floaty McFloat: Ugh, what is wrong with you people? It’s 9am on a Saturday, I should be asleep for another two hours but my phone just vibrated off my desk

 

Candy Cane: But what about your morning training?

 

Floaty McFloat: From now on Midoriya, Bakugou and Todoroki aren’t allowed to set any timings for group activities

 

Angry Boi: Huh? Why the fuck not!?

 

(B)Ass: Because not all of us were trained by one of the top two heroes for a year from 6AM everyday 

 

Quirk Yoinker: Actually it was 4AM most days

 

Candy Cane: 5AM for me

 

Rock Hard: You know what I’m ok with not having a pro hero drag me out of bed every morning to train

 

Bubbly Bitch: But I’m still gonna drag you all out of bed for today's mall trip! Is everyone still coming?

 

Rock Hard: Hell yeah!

 

(B)Ass: I’ll be there

 

Floaty McFloat: You already know I’m with my parents, but have fun guys!

 

Air Conditioner: Yes! I’m going hiking with my Uncle and father today but have fun!

 

Quirk Yoinker: I’m coming! But Kacchan needs to drop out

 

Rock Hard: Huh? How come?

 

Angry Boi: Maybe I just don’t want to go, Shitty Hair!

 

Quirk Yoinker: We were playing video games last night and Kacchan got mad when he lost and threw the controller. Except he accidentally activated his quirk and it went through 3 walls before smashing Mom’s vase. So he’s grounded.

 

Floaty McFloat: HAHAHAHAHA

 

Angry Boi: SHUT UP ROUNDCHEEKS! At least I don’t float myself in my sleep

 

Floaty McFloat: Low blow Bakugou

 

Bubbly Bitch: Can’t be as bad as literally melting through the bed

 

Quirk Yoinker: I take your bed melting and up you to stealing your Aunt and Uncle’s quirks in your sleep and accidentally letting off an explosion that destroys the wall between mine and Kacchans rooms

 

(B)Ass: You did what now?

 

Angry Boi: It was fucking hilarious 

 

Quirk Yoinker: Kacchan you had a concussion, I’ve never seen our parents so angry

 

Angry Boi: He wasn’t allowed any new hero merch for a month, nearly went mad when he realised he’d miss the release of a new Best Jeanist model. All Might had to come over and all but beg Auntie and Mom to at least let him out for training

 

Air Conditioner: Midoriya you should be more careful!

 

Quirk Yoinker: Yoarashi I was ASLEEP

 

Candy Cane: I’ll also be unable to attend

 

Rock Hard: Everything ok Todoroki?

 

Candy Cane: I’m fine, father called round to the flat last night to warn me and my sister that he was making a rather stark press announcement this morning and that we might want to stay out of the public eye for a couple of weeks

 

Quirk Yoinker: How is everything going with the new flat?

 

Candy Cane: It’s… odd. My sister wasn’t too keen to move out but once my father explained everything to her she agreed, although she does still go round to his house a lot to visit. The new flat is nice though, it’s just quiet with it only being me and my sister though Natsuo did come for dinner last night

 

Floaty McFloat: That’s good!

 

Candy Cane: He and Fuyumi argued for an hour

 

Angry Boi: Less good

 

Candy Cane: I think they just have very different opinions about how to deal with father, Natsuo wants to cut him out completely but Fuyumi has invited them both for dinner tomorrow night

 

(B)Ass: Where do you stand on it all?

 

Candy Cane: I’m not ready to forgive him, I’m not sure if I ever will but… I figured it's only fair to give him the chance to try

 

Air Conditioner: That is… surprisingly mature of you

 

Candy Cane: Why wouldn’t I be mature about it?

 

Bubbly Bitch: Ok, so then it’s just me, Kiri, Jiro and Midori?

 

(B)Ass: Looks like it

 

Floaty McFloat: Interesting

 

Quirk Yoinker: Huh? What’s interesting about it?

 

Bubbly Bitch: URARAKA I SWEAR

 

Rock Hard: What?

 

Floaty McFloat: Oh nothing…

 

Bubbly Bitch: EVERYBODY SHUT UP GO AND GET READY FOR OUR MALL DATE!

 

Bubbly Bitch: FUCK I MEAN MALL DAY!

 

Quirk Yoinker: I’m confused?

 

Rock Hard: Yeah, me too?

 

Angry Boi: Fuck me you two are idiots

 

---

 

Endeavor frowned as he adjusted his tie for the 5th time, it was always either too short, too long or the knot was twisted and off centre. The fabric of his shirt felt rough against his skin, despite it being made of fine and expensive material. His blazer too felt too restricting too like it was secretly trying to crush him to death and he wanted nothing more than to burn it all off. He hated suits, even during press conferences and events he always wore his hero outfit. Being a hero was about action not words, while he stood around in a suit taking ridiculous questions from the press a villain might be killing an innocent family. So he didn’t like to waste time on such frivolous things. 

 

But today was different, today was going to have an impact for years and not just within the Endeavor agency, the whole heroic industry would feel what he was about to do. So today a suit was required, anything else would simply contradict the point he was trying to make. Still, that didn’t stop him tugging at his collar every five minutes.

 

He checked over the speech sat on his desk one last time. It had been written by himself after no less than 13 drafts and checked by All Might, Lady Nagant, Burnin and even Shoto and his two friends. Endeavor had decided the lowest point in his life was to stand to the side as he watched three teenage hero students criticise his own words. At least Inko had been graceful about the situation when he had turned up unannounced at their door. He had actually been looking for All Might but was unsurprised to find his youngest son there.

 

But he supposed that was their relationship now. He wasn’t even Shoto’s father anymore, not really, Fuyumi would have full guardianship within the week. Something she at first absolutely refused and only agreed on the condition he get Rei’s permission to do so. Rei’s letter in response to his own on the matter had been short and (not so) sweet. Saying in summary she agreed wholeheartedly that herself and Enji could no longer provide any stable parenting for Shoto. As a result they were handing over guardianship to Fuyumi and had bought her and Shoto their own flat to live in while Endeavor would be providing support to Fuyumi to pay for everything Shoto would require. Endeavor had of course said they were both allowed to visit his own home whenever they liked, Fuyumi had already done so but Shoto hadn’t even acknowledged the offer. But equally he hadn’t complained when Fuyumi had given Endeavor a key to her and Shoto’s new flat. It was small but it was a sign Shoto was at least going to let him try.

 

Endeavor was brought out of his thoughts when there was a knock at the door to his office, “Enter.”

 

The door opened to reveal Yagi in rather fetching blue suit, unlike his usual attire this was not made to enlarge with All Might but rather was tailored to fit the thin form of his civilian persona. Endeavor summarised it must have been designed by the Bakuogu’s and he had to admit they had done an excellent job of hiding how unhealthy Yagi often looked, especially when he wore clothes designed to fit All Might.

 

“Good Morning Enji,” Yagi said politely, though the awkward air between them was still present, they hadn’t really fully discussed the fact that the top two heroes had very nearly come to blows in the middle of a suburban street, honestly Endeavor was amazed Yagi had agreed to this plan when he had suggested.

 

“Good Morning Yagi,” Endeavor said and got to his feet, giving the man a bow, “I deeply appreciate you agreeing to do this.”

 

Yagi looked at the bent-over man with a raised eyebrow before clearing his throat, “I suppose we should put all our cards on the table before the press conference if this is to work. Truth be told Enji my first instinct was to refuse this arrangement. But after several persuasive arguments from a variety of people I realised that even with my disdain for you this plan of yours could do a lot of good for the hero industry. What you’re about to do will certainly cause quite a ruckus.” Yagi said with a chuckle.

 

Endeavor straightened himself and gave Yagi an inquisitive look, “I feel there is more?”

 

Yagi nodded and paused, breaking eye contact with Endeavor, “I went to see Recovery Girl a few days ago… At my current rate of deterioration I’ll likely retire before my students graduate.”

 

Endeavor’s eyebrows rose in surprise, “That soon?”

 

Yagi sighed, “By the time of their second year I’ll likely be down to less than an hour at which point will I really be of any use? For all my strength, being unable to continue in a fight that lasts for more than an hour would be too much of a risk, especially if most other heroes don’t know of my confliction. It’s hard enough now it’s down to two hours and even the media have noticed my absence and lack of standard patrols, though UA does go a long way to explaining that.”

 

Endeavor had to agree, even his agency had started to notice the absence of All Might, he could only dread the reaction from the criminal underworld when the man retired. It would be open season and it was in large part why Endeavor was doing this. The past week had forced him to come by a startling realisation, the hero industry was built on an All Might shaped pillar. Without him they would become unstable and at risk of collapse following any major incident.

 

Such as discovering the new number one hero was a child abuser.

 

“So this agreement is…?”

 

“Is a way for me to stay in the hero industry after I retire,” Yagi admitted, “Of course I’ll still have several charities to aid as Yagi but doing this means I get to keep saving people and stopping villains in my own way while making sure moronic heroes like you don’t destroy the industry.”

 

Endeavor let out a soft snort despite himself, he wasn’t exactly sure what his relationship with Yagi was, the man would give Endeavor a death glare anytime Shoto was brought up in conversation, but they had exchanged more words in the past week than they had their entire careers.

 

“I see…” Endeavor said, “Well, are you ready?”

 

Yagi nodded, “Lead the way.”

 

They left Endeavor’s office and made their way through his agency towards the press room. The agency was a buzz of activity, both admin staff and sidekicks were running around reorganising rooms, files and cases. Many gave the pair a polite nod but all were too busy to actually stop and say hello. As they approached the door that would lead to the press room they could hear the babble of reporters from the end of the hallway and the noise levels only increased as they approached. Endeavor’s top sidekick, Burnin, greeted them as they reached the doors.

 

“They’re all ready for you boss,” She said with a salute that caused Endeavor to roll his eyes and Yagi to chuckle, “Good to see you again Yagi!”

 

Yagi reached out to shake her hand, “You too Burnin, I’m amazed you’ve managed to keep the sense of humour going for so long while working here.”

 

Burnin shrugged, “Someone had to stop this agency becoming nothing but a bunch of serious and/or brooding heroes.”

 

Yagi chuckled as Burnin walked away to go and manage the internal chaos of the agency. Endeavor nodded to Yagi before he pushed open the doors and they walked into the press room. Instantly they were assaulted with the flashes of cameras and noise of a few dozen reporters who had no idea what they were being called here for. Only that The Number Two hero had a big announcement to make. The fact Endeavor was wearing a suit caused an instant ripple among the crowd as whispers broke out and every camera in sight focused on him, completely ignoring Yagi.

 

The pair made it to the twin podiums on the stage in front of the gathered press. Endeavor had to suppress a wince when he saw how many reporters and film crews had turned up, they were practically plastered to the wall and he couldn’t even see the doors for the press entrance. As the pair stood at the podiums the noise died down and the reporters leaned forward as a collective as anticipation grew.

 

Endeavor cleared his throat and looked out into the crowd, “Good Morning, thank you all for coming on such short notice.” A few people blinked in surprise at the lack of growling in Endeavor’s voice, he ignored it and looked down at his speech, “Today I wanted to talk about…” Endeavor trailed off as his eyes scanned the well versed speech and as the silence grew longer a few reporters looked around in confusion and Yagi glanced at him, his smile wavering slightly.

 

Endeavor sighed, “I’ve spent three days preparing the perfect speech for this occasion yet… I think it would be far easier to give you all what the public deserves. The truth.” Endeavor took a deep breath and steeled himself for what was to come, “In my entire career as a hero I have always worked with one goal: To be the best. To put as many villains behind bars and save as many people as possible. I did not care for the charity events, hero gatherings or other futile extra’s that many heroes take part in. I arrogantly thought I did not need to, that I was a better hero than my colleagues for being a man of action over one in a suit. Sadly however in my pursuit of this goal I failed to realise one thing that was happening outside of my career. I was failing to uphold the values of a hero in my personal life.”

 

The entire room was silent as Endeavor spoke, latching onto every word as the scribble of pens on paper reached all ears, “I’m sorry to say that outside of being Endeavor, as Enji Todoroki, I have not become a good man. My colleagues, what few friends I have and my family have all suffered as a result, I have been dismissive, arrogant and at times cruel to those I felt could not advance my journey as a hero. I have often worked my sidekicks harder than necessary until they collapsed, I have treated my fans like unimportant pests and refused to cooperate with other hero agencies I deemed a waste of time despite their very serious investigations. I now realise the damage this attitude has caused, not least of all to my family who have all suffered due to having my last name. This is not what a hero should be, in or out of uniform, today I am admitting I have failed as a hero. Truth be told, I am not convinced I deserve The Number Two spot and for that I apologise to the Japanese public.”

 

There were audible gasps among the gathered reporters as Endeavor gave a low bow, even Yagi looked surprised and caught off guard, the revised speech had been far less honest than what Endeavor had just gone with.

 

“Does this mean you’re stepping down!?” One reporter blurted out, unable to keep in the question that was everyone's mind.

 

Endeavor had to bite back the blunt response that leaped into his throat at the reporter's rudeness, instead he rose back up and gave the group a determined look, “No, it does not. While I confess my failings as a man I believe I am still capable of providing a service as a hero. My agency has put away more villains than any other hero consistently for the past 5 years. I still believe in being a hero, I will not give that up. But… I acknowledge I have made mistakes and as the head of my agency these mistakes may have had more of an impact than just myself. So starting today I have handed myself and The Endeavor Agency, including all its sidekicks, over to the HPSC for investigation and review with possible disciplinary action where required.”

To say Endeavor had dropped a bomb in the middle of the press conference would be an understatement.

 

The roar of noise that erupted from his words was enough to make both pro heroes on the stage flinch as dozens of camera flashes filled the room. The reporters were practically scrambling over each other to ask questions and Yagi nearly went into his All Might form to stop them stampeding onto the stage. Endeavor frowned as the many questions being thrown at him were impossible to decipher.

 

“Silence!” He barked and the gathered reporters immediately slammed their mouths shut, suddenly remembering that despite the unexpected announcement they were still dealing with Endeavor.

 

Endeavor couldn’t help but glare out at the audience and Yagi cleared his throat polity, Endeavor sighed and continued, “My hope is that with the advice of the HPSC we’ll be able to restructure the Endeavor Agency to be worthy of a top ten spot. To do this I’d also like to introduce you all to the agency’s latest hire. Toshinori Yagi has joined as Agency Heroic Manager, his main responsibilities will be the communication point for the HPSC and other agencies, overseeing our restructure and general management of all heroes and sidekicks and finally making sure we are abiding by the standards any hero should be.”

 

Yagi nodded in thanks and smiled towards the press, “Yes thank you for the introduction Endeavor, I look forward to working together in turning the Endeavor Agency into a hero organisation worthy of the name. Some of you will already know this but I have had an extensive career being the ‘man in the chair’ so to speak for several heroes over the years, not least of course was the past 30 years I have spent as All Might’s assistant and Agency Manager,” There was a burst of whispers among the reporters at this news, a few already knew who Yagi was but the truth was nobody really cared about All Might's quirkless assistant… at least until he started working for Endeavor.

 

Instantly several hands shot up and Yagi nodded at the one closest, “Mr Yagi, All Might's agency already famously operates on a skeleton crew with no sidekicks to speak of despite how influential the agency is. How do you expect to manage the workload of both the top two agencies?”

 

Yagi gave a curious smile that drew the reporters in like moths to a flame, Endeavor had to push down the spike of jealousy that arose from how easy the man could manipulate the media even in his civilian form, “Oh that won’t be too hard, especially considering the All Might agency will be closing its doors within the next few weeks.”

 

Endeavor was fairly certain people in Europe could hear the eruption of noise from the crowd, it was amazing the volume didn’t bring the walls down around them. Across Japan newspapers felt a chill go up their spine, like they had just missed out on the news story of the decade. Reporters pushed forward, screaming questions at Yagi while film crews were all but brawling for the best camera angle.

 

Once again however Yagi proved his power over the press by silencing them with a simple raise of his hand, “If everyone could please calm down and allow me a moment to explain.”

 

Endeavor had to resist a snort as the press coward back like school children who had disappointed their favourite teacher yet Yagi’s comforting smile never wavered, “First allow me to reassure you all and the wider public of Japan, All Might is NOT retiring. As already pointed out All Might’s agency has always operated at a minimum, mainly there to facilitate paperwork, admin tasks and charity events. However, with his new role at UA taking up a lot of his time All Might has decided to rework the way he operates. He will be closing his agency and will instead operate in a similar way to Muriko and underground heroes. He will report directly to Lagy Nagant and the HPSC and will no longer have regular patrol routes, instead focusing on direct villain investigations and aiding other agencies who may request his assistance. Any questions?”

 

It was a pretty foolish question as one reporter upfront surged forward and didn’t even raise their hand before speaking, “Mr Yagi there are many in the public who don’t fully trust the HPSC, how can we be so sure All Might will still be an effective hero under their supervision.”

 

Unfazed by the question Yagi simply waved the concern off, “All Might will not be under the supervision of the HPSC, he will still choose all his missions and assignments individually and while the HPSC may request his aid on assignments he will still be able to refuse. The agreement with the HPSC is purely to make sure there is someone overseeing the paperwork and making sure All Might continues to maintain the professionalism and expectation of all heroes. To be clear, without this All Might would be considered a vigilante and regardless of his position All Might considers nobody to be above the law or standards set by the HPSC.” Endeavor suppressed a wince as several eyes glanced his way at that.

 

Another hand shot up in the crowd and Yagi gave a nod, “Mr Yagi, you claim All Might will remain untethered from the HPSC but many are starting to question his judgement in his old age. Just a few days ago we discovered he had endorsed Izuku Midoriya at UA a student who-”

 

“Izuku Midoriya has nothing to do with this press conference,” Yagi interrupted as the smile vanished from his face for the first time since they walked through the doors, “You all know All Might’s opinion on the matter, that has not changed and this is not the place to discuss it. Any questions in regards to recent sports festivals will be ignored and if you persist you will be removed from the conference.”

 

The way Endeavor glared and the accompanying rise in temperature in the room meant that everybody believed Yagi’s words as Endeavor spoke once again, “Now, are there any further questions?”

 

Every single person, including all the cameraman, raised at least one if not two hands. Endeavor sighed, it was going to be a long day.

 

---

 

Izuku pulled the beanie he had on further down his head, trying to make the few green tufts of hair trying to stick out from it as small as possible. It had been a few days since the festival and true to Yagi’s word Izuku’s name had all but vanished from the internet. The focus had slowly shifted from Izuku and Katsuki’s dramatic final to the 90 person slaughter in the first second year event to the way Togata had dominated the third years. But the nail in the coffin had been that mornings press conferences with Endeavor and Yagi. Quite frankly the reaction to the first year's festival felt like a page 8 column piece compared to the headlines plastered everywhere Izuku looked.

 

All Might to close agency in shake up of the top hero spots!

 

Endeavor admits wrongdoing, can we trust our heroes!?

 

Hawks, Edgeshot and Yoroi Musha resist calls to open themselves up to investigation! 

 

Could Endeavor snag the Number One Spot from All Might by the end of the year?

 

Every conversation Izuku heard was talking about it, it was the biggest shake up of heroics in decades. Even Izuku, who had a little background knowledge of what was coming, was still shocked by the extent of the changes. Though he was trying to push against the view Izuku knew the reality was All Might was taking a step back from his work as a hero to conserve his time better. Those few in the know were all well aware this was a ticking time bomb. 

 

But at least Endeavor looked like he was actually trying to be a better person, even Todoroki had been surprised by how much his father was changing things around. It would be a long road if Todoroki was ever going to forgive his father, if at all, but at least Izuku could say the man was trying.

 

Still, even with the bombshell of news that had been released that morning Izuku didn’t want to take any chances. It was a surprisingly warm Saturday and the mall was filled to the brim with shoppers, Izuku didn’t fancy being recognised and the word villain shouted around. Today was supposed to be a day to relax and not worry about his future hero career. Luckily with a beanie covering his signature hair, his small frame and his new skills in stealth from class (abysmal as Aizawa might claim them to be) and he was able to easily weave in and out of the crowds without people noticing he was the villain from the sports festival. The fact his quirk had returned (albeit incredibly weak) the night before helped him track the people he couldn’t see. Luckily with his quirk still in its weakened state his hunger was content to simply hum within his chest and ignore the dozens of quirks around making for a rather pleasant experience. 

 

As he made his way towards the agreed meeting point Izuku glanced at himself in a window and was reminded of the greatest battle of his life. It was a battle that had been going for years, sometimes it ended in his defeat and other times he was victorious. It was a bloody and brutal battle that not even Katsuki dared to get involved in for fear of death.

 

The Great Izuku vs Mitsuki Fashion War.

 

Mitsuki was of course the head of a successful and stylish fashion company and as a result insisted her family needed to look their best at all times. Normally this wasn’t an issue, she trusted Masaru enough that she only even made the odd adjustment to his outfits, Inko had known her long enough just to wear whatever was put in front of her and Katsuki had given up the fight years ago, coming to a peace agreement where she obliged by his style choice but her designs. Izuku on the other hand was willing to die on his hill.

 

Everyone could remember the day Masaru and Izuku had returned from a trip to the mall and Izuku had walked in beaming wearing his new T-Shirt with the word ‘Pyjamas’ written across it. Mitsuki had nearly burst into tears, the argument had been so colossal the pair didn’t speak to each other for three days straight. Since that day each family outing was a battle of stubbornness between the pair. Some days Mitsuki managed to force Izuku into a stylish black shirt and jeans while other days Izuku would walk into the restaurant wearing shorts and a T-Shirt as Mitsuki glared at him. It was an exhausting feud that was only still ongoing as it was the two most determined members of the family going at it.

 

Today however had seen a change in the terms of the battle. Something had been tugging at Izuku and he (to the amazement of the rest of the family) had quietly approached Mitsuki that morning and asked if she would help him with his outfit. The woman had nearly cried tears of joy. That was until Izuku refused to wear a collared shirt.

 

In the end the pair had come to a compromise of an outfit. Izuku’s red sneakers had been non-negotiable, even Mitsuki knew she had no chance in that battle, but the black ripped jeans had been her idea, as had the leather belt with a shining silver buckle. But Izuku had gotten the upper hand with his T-Shirt, a dark green one with the words ‘Red’ written on the chest, Mitsuki had begrudgingly accepted it as the dark green did go well with Izuku’s green eyes. There was also the fact she had managed to cover most of it up with one of Izuku’s leather jackets, it had been a gift from his parents when he passed the UA exam and was tailor made to fit his new, more muscular body. The black beanie on his head had been a suggestion from a very grumpy Katsuki, Izuku’s green hair was far too obvious if he didn’t want to be noticed. The entire ensemble was finished off with a light application of eyeliner, something Katsuki hated but Mitsuki loved.

 

Izuku had no idea why he was so nervous, but ever since he’d agreed to the trip his stomach had been doing flips. It was the same reason he’d felt the need to ask Mitsuki about his outfit. Not that anyone from his family helped when he asked about it, Katsuki scoffed, Mitsuki smirked, Masaru smiled and patted his head and Inko looked like she might cry at the question. So Izuku just shook his head and tried to push the feelings down in an attempt to enjoy his day, he’d never been out with friends before, he was excited.

 

Izuku shuffled on his feet as he waited just by the entrance to the mall, their agreed meeting spot. He couldn’t help but look around in awe a little, he’d always had to avoid large malls due to his quirk but now he had it under control it was nice to not have to avoid every crowd he came across. As he waited Izuku became aware of a  quirk energy he recognised nearby, turning his head he found himself choking on his own breaths.

 

Ashido stood slightly to the side, tongue sticking out her mouth in concentration while her thumbs tapped away at her phone. Izuku's face turned into a lovely shade of tomato as he caught her outfit, she was wearing a pair of denim shorts that showed off plenty of thigh and a black crop top that allowed Izuku to discover she had a naval piercing. Her wrists were covered in colourful bracelets and she had a big pair of yellow sunglasses sat atop her horns. It was far more pink skin than Izuku was used to seeing from the girl. The whole effect was to make the boy temporarily lose control of his brain before he regained it and fought to get his blush under control.

 

“H-Hello Ashido,” Good job Izuku, speech check successful.

 

Ashido blinked in surprise and turned a confused eye to Izuku before she paused and her eyes widened in surprise and a little colour appeared on her face, “Oh my God! Midori!?”

 

Ashido leaped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Izuku, “You look amazing! I mean, I kinda figured someone like Aoyama would be different in public but wow!”

 

Izuku spluttered as he felt Ashido’s body against him, normally he despised physical contact, it made his quirk play up to no end, but he found he didn’t really want to push Ashido away, “Ah thanks Ashido, you uh… look nice too.”

 

Ashido unwrapped herself from Izuku and beamed at him, doing a little twirl in the process, “Really? I just kind of threw on whatever was clean if I’m honest.”

 

Izuku gulped as he watched Ashido move, “O-Oh, well it looks good regardless.”

 

Ashido beamed at him, “Thanks Midori but you look amazing, I mean- is that eyeliner!?”

 

Izuku chuckled, “Uh yeah, I put some of Aunties on once by mistake and kind of liked it so much I kept doing it.”

 

Ashido frowned slightly, “How do you put eyeliner on my mistake?”

 

Luckily Izuku was saved from the embarrassing story when the pair heard their names called out and turned to find Kirishima jogging towards them. Izuku would have thought Kirishima would no longer be able to fluster him, with his hero outfit meaning he was half naked and all. However Izuku once again found himself fighting a blush when he saw how… snug Kirishima’s clothes were. His t-shirt clearly showed the outline of a man who spent many hours at the gym and his tight jeans allowed Izuku to discover a little known fact. Kirishima had a very nice ass.

 

“Hey guys!” Kirishima greeted as Ashido ran over and wrapped him in an equally tight hug as she had Izuku.

 

“Kiri! Look at Midori and tell me he doesn’t look amazing,” She squealed as Kirishima chuckled, apparently far more used to Ashido’s bone crushing hugs than Izuku.

 

“It was a bit of a shock, I thought some random person was trying to hit on Ashido.” Kirishima joked as Ashido pulled back with a playful smirk pointed at Izuku.

 

“I wouldn’t mind if this kid hit on me,” She said and wiggled her eyebrows at Izuku who groaned and put his face in his hands.

 

Kirishim laughed and pried himself free of Ashido, causing the girl to pout as he walked over to Izuku. Izuku slowly raised his head from his hands to find himself staring at Kirishima’s chiselled chest and open arms.

 

“You mind?” Kirishima asked with a raised eyebrow.

 

Izuku shook his head and instantly found himself pulled into Kirishima's chest, strong arms wrapped around him. It was nice… safe. Izuku sighed into Kirishima’s as the pair heard a slight whimper next to them. They both turned their heads to find Ashido looking at their hug with longing in her eyes.

 

Kirishima chuckled and held open one arm, “Come on, get in here.”

 

Ashido squealed and dived into Kirishima’s arms, snuggling up against Izuku as Kirshima laughed and wrapped his arms around the pair of them. Ashido’s face was pushed right up against Izuku’s and she gave him an uncharacteristically shy and small smile that made Izuku’s heartbeat a little too fast for Kirishima not to notice against his own chest.

 

“You guys are making a scene.”

 

Ashido forced the three to break up the hug with a wide smile as she wiggled out of Kirishima’s arms to beam at Jiro, “Jiro! It’s so good to s-s-s-s-s…”

 

Ashido stammered as her face was overcome with a blush even Izuku would struggle to match. Behind her Kirishima and Izuku both froze as they turned to look as Jiro, their eyes widening as their faces gained their own blushes. All three of them stood  frozen as they could only stare at Jiro who was looking at them with an amused expression and a raised eyebrow.

 

“What?”

 

It was Ashido who found her voice first, though what she blurted out really didn’t have any thought behind it, “SEXY!”

 

Internally Izuku had to agree. Everyone in class kind of guessed Jiro was a bit of a punk outside of school, anyone who had ever seen her playlist knew this. But stood in front of them now all three of her friends understood what that meant. Jiro’s feet were encased in a pair of heavy boots while she wore a denim skirt that allowed all three to see the full extent training had on her legs, between said boots and skirt was a pair of fishnets that nearly caused Izuku to start stealing quirks left, right and centre. Above her skirt Jiro had a simple black t-shirt on that had various tears in it allowing peaks at her pale skin beneath. She had a choker around her soft neck and the entire thing was complete with a leather trench coat she wore over her shoulders that hung down to her knees. Her face was done up with a little makeup too with a similar set of eyeline as Izuku had that managed to make her purple hair stand out even more than before.

 

Jiro’s eyes widened at Ashido’s words and she finished the collection of blushes, “I-Uh… What?”

 

Ashdio visibly swallowed before giving Jiro a shaky smile, “You uh… you look nice.”

 

“O-oh, thank you,” Jiro responded seemingly genuinely surprised by the compliment, “You guys uh.. All look nice too.”

 

All four of them suddenly stood there awkwardly, shuffling on their feet with furious blushes on their faces as the silence dragged on just long enough to be noticeable.

 

“Hero merch!” Izuku suddenly blurted out in an attempt to get rid of… whatever was going on, “I’d like to check the new hero merch out.”

 

Ashido nodded a little too enthusiastically, “Right! Let's go!”

 

Ashido led the collective of awkward teens through the mall as Izuku sighed, yeah, this was gonna be something to deal with later.

 

As they walked off they failed to notice they were being followed.

 

---

 

“Thank you again for dinner Toshi, but I would have happily paid.” Inko said as she wrapped her arms around his and snuggled in close as they walked down the street.

 

“Absolutely not,” Yagi responded in a firm tone, “I told you I’d treat you, besides I honestly have more money than I know what to do with and I can’t think of a better way to spend it than on my girlfriend.”

 

“Oh so I’m your girlfriend now?” Inko said as she looked up at him with a smirk and wiggled her eyebrows.

 

Yagi spluttered and nearly tripped over his own feet, “I… Uh… I… Well…”

 

Inko giggled and squeezed his arm tighter, “It’s fine Toshi, I suppose you’re not a bad boyfriend to have.”

 

Yagi groaned as he regained his senses, “Thank you… I guess.”

 

Inko chuckled and covered her mouth with one hand, “I would’ve thought you’d be used to all this by now, after all you’ve been training Izuku and Katsuki for a year now.”

 

Yagi laughed, “I’m not sure anyone can quite get used to their… antics.”

 

“Me and Mitsuki have a bet, I say we’ll be used to it in another 10 years, she says 20.” Inko said as she gazed out onto the beach they were walking along, “Still, I can’t believe they cleaned up this whole beach by themselves.”

 

Yagi beamed out at the clear sand and ocean that sparked in the moonlight, “Yes, it makes me incredibly proud.”

 

“Me too,” Inko said as they sat down on a nearby bench to watch the stars, Inko leaning her head on Yagi’s shoulder.

 

Truth be told, Yagi didn’t think the evening could have gone any better. Especially after spending the entire day in the Endeavor Agency. After the four hour long press conference he had sat down with Burnin and gone through all their files. It was a mess, Endeavor had very little regard for the rules and regulations of his agency and while Burnin had tried to pick up the slack there was a reason she was quite happy being a sidekick. The agency had no real structure to it, there was no investigation process, no press officer, nothing. Yagi suspected if it were any other agency the HPSC would have shut it down on the spot. As it were, Lady Nagant had confided in him there was no way she could allow what was now the largest hero agency in the country to shut down on the verge of Yagi’s retirement. She had all but told him he needed to save the agency or the entire industry might fall with it.

 

But all that was forgotten when he had donned his stylish shirt and waistcoat (part of his new wardrobe designed to fit Yagi and not All Might) and driven his truck to pick Inko up from her home. He’d almost fainted when the woman had walked out wearing a very flattering dress that showed she still very much had the body of a young woman, if Izuku ever discovered the thoughts that had plagued Yagi’s mind as Inko had walked in front of him when they got to the restaurant Yagi was certain he wouldn’t survive the encounter. 

 

Dinner had been easy, despite Yagi’s nerves, the conversation had never stopped as they joked, laughed and smiled at the back of forth stories of their lives. From the time Inko had found Katsuki and Izuku trying to sneak extra Halloween candy in the house via their underwear or the time Yagi had accidentally damaged Sir Knighteye’s favourite All Might merch only to make it worse when he argued it was merch of him anyway so didn’t matter.

 

The food and wine had gone down easily (though Yagi was able to have little more than soup) and before long they found themselves leaving the restaurant and wandering down the beach. Truthfully Yagi had suspected he would have taken Inko home by now but he really didn’t want the evening to end anytime soon.

 

“You know,” Yagi said cautiously, “There’s a bar nearby, small place run by an ex-hero where people don’t pry, if you’d like to…?”

 

Inko smiled up at him, “Lead the way.”

 

Yagi smiled and grabbed her hand leading her down the street to what initially looked like a run down bar with boarded windows until he pushed the door open to reveal a rather small and pleasant place. It had a variety of seating scattered around the floor from booths, to barstools to simple tables and chairs. There was a modern looking bar taking up one side of the wall that was stocked with a variety of expensive drinks that only heroes or very successful businessmen could afford. Behind it stood a small elderly lady who glanced suspiciously at the couple as they walked through but quickly smiled at them when she recognized Yagi. Inko assumed this was the ex hero.

 

They grabbed their drinks from the bar and turned to find a seat, it wasn’t exactly hard, the entire bar was abandoned except for one lone woman who was currently leaning over a table with her head slammed down on the wood and in her hands.

 

Inko tilted her head as she recognized the purple and pink hair, “Lady Nagant?”

 

Nagant raised her head, blinking in surprise as she caught sight of Yagi and Inko before groaning and slamming her head back on the table, “You two are on a date aren’t you?”

 

Yagi spluttered at Nagants disgusted tone, “Now Lady Nagant I don’t think- Ow!”

 

Yagi was cut off as Inko’s foot slammed down on his own and the woman shot him a quick glare which made Yagi wither slightly. Inko turned back to Nagant and smiled.

 

“Do you mind if we join you, Miss Nagant?”

 

Nagant didn’t raise her head and simply waved her hand in the air indicating she didn’t care. Inko led a reluctant Yagi to her table as they took a seat. Yagi shot Inko a questioning look as they settled down in front of the other woman.

 

Inko rolled her eyes, “Toshi, she's clearly having a rough night, look at her outfit.”

 

Yagi blinked and turned back to Nagant to take in her appearance, she was wearing tall heels that helped show off her toned legs and a tight black dress that showed even with a desk job she was still a capable hero and had the figure to prove it. The dress she wore also helped to display her… impressive chest (in Yagi’s opinion) and left her muscular arms completely on display. Even her hair looked to have been done with care and Yagi could see the make up under her eyes as she stared and him and-

 

Wait.

 

“See something you like skeleton?” Nagant said with a smirk.

 

Yagi grabbed his handkerchief as he coughed a little blood into his hand, his entire face had turned a shade of pink close to Nagants hair. Inko giggled and shoved Yagi playfully while Nagant continued to smirk at him and wiggled her eyebrows. Yagi was starting to think the teasing might actually be his fault rather than the people who did the teasing.

 

Inko turned away from Yagi and gave Nagant a sympathetic smile, “Rough date Lady Nagant?”

 

The smirk vanished from Nagants face and she returned to slamming her face on the table, “Call me Kaina,” she said with a groan, “I thought I’d found a decent one at last. A teacher, nice enough, good looking, great fuck,” Both Inko and Yagi blushed at that, “Thought we were gonna have a great time tonight, then before we’d even ordered a drink, he tells me I’m too much! ME!? Can you believe that!?” Kaina cried and slammed her hands on the table, leaning forward with rage filled eyes.

 

“Not as all,” Inko said with a sweet smile before slamming her foot down on Yagi’s toes again.

 

“R-Right!” Yagi quickly responded as he winced in pain, “You’re not too much at all! If anything you’re not enough!”

 

Kaina quickly recoiled back from him with a look of genuine hurt as Inko decided it was her turn to slam her face onto the table, “What Toshi means is that you’re perfectly fine the way you are Kaina.” She mumbled into the wood.

 

Yagi nodded his head in agreement, fearful of more toe casualties if he didn’t. Kaina looked at them, eyes narrowed in suspicion.

 

“Really?” She asked and Yagi was surprised how vulnerable that sounded.

 

Inko raised her head back up with a wide smile that caused Yagi and Kaina to blink and nodded vigorously, “Of course. You’re a successful woman and ex-hero, not to mention your body. I mean I work out but I wish I had a body like yours, muscular, slender, pale skin and I do love your hair.”

 

“You do?” Kaina said and reached back to grab a chunk of her hair.

 

Inko nodded before turning and smiled at Yagi, reaching up to run her hands through his hair, “I uh… kind of have a thing for interesting looking people.”

 

Yagi smiled back as Inko played with his signature tufts, he reached out to clasp her other hand before he found the front of his shirt yanked. He yelped out as he turned to find Kaina in his face grabbing his shirt and pulling him towards her with a frantic look in her eyes, the woman had completely left her seat and was all but sat in Yagi’s lap.

 

“How do you do it man!?” She begged, “Do you know how many top ten heroes have stable relationships!? One! And apparently it’s you! How the hell do you, of all people, manage to juggle being a teacher, mentor, hero and now boyfriend to the hot sexy lawyer lady!? Do you have any idea how fucking fustrating it is that you can do it all! I dunno if if makes me want to punch you or fuck you!”

 

Yagi sputtered and blushed as Kaina shook him back and forth, her body far too close to his for him not to notice how firm it felt, “I… Well… I… Uh… Inko, why are you dating me?”

 

Inko however was unable to provide a verbal response as she took in the sight of Kaina, who’s dress had risen up significantly to reveal her thighs, currently straddling Yagi who’s shirt had lost a few buttons to reveal a surprisingly chiselled chest for a man so thin. Inko’s eyes were wide and she had a blush that went all the way from her cheeks and disappeared down her neck and under her dress. Both pro heroes realised the woman wasn’t answering and slowly turned their heads to Inko with questioning glances.

 

“Huh?” Was Inko’s response as she stared at the scene in front of her.

 

Yagi took the awkward pause as an opportunity to push Kaina off him to which she pouted and sat back in her seat with a groan, “I can’t believe it. Here I was debating if I should ask either of you out and you got together before I had my chance.”

 

Yagi blinked at her in surprise, “You wanted to ask ME out? Whatever for?”

 

Kaina looked at him with a genuinely shocked expression, “You mean apart from being … well… you? Come on Yagi, even in your small form you’re sexy as hell, I’ve never seen eyes like yours. Plus do you know how hard it is to find a man who can deal with all my shit? You just push it off like it’s nothing whenever we argue about business at work. Fucking hell man don’t tell me you think you’re not a catch just because you’re thin!?”

 

Yagi withered under Kaina’s intense stare because he did in fact think that. Inko picked up on this and reached over to squeeze his hand.

 

“I agree with Kaina, I mean outside of how much your personality is borderline pure kindness you uh… well… you’re tall… and…”

 

“You’re a tall sexy mysterious hero with eyes that make me, and I assume Inko, feel things in our knickers.” Kaina offered and took a swig of her drink as Inko looked away with a squeak but nodded in confirmation.

 

“Then there’s Inko,” Kaina said and her sexy eyes landed on Inko, wait when had Yagi decided they were sexy?

 

“I mean just look at her, small, slim, cute, tits that I have wanted to grab since first meeting her. What’s not to love?” Kaina said as Inko blushed furiously and Yagi couldn’t help the nod in agreement.

 

Kaina sighed, “Then there’s me…”

 

Inko and Yagi frowned, “You mean a tall, attractive woman with a hero's body at the top of her game?” Inko said.

 

“Who has enough wit, intelligence and wisdom to put even Knighteye and Nedzu to shame?” Yagi finished.

 

Kaina paused and blushed at the intense looks the pair were giving her, “You think so?”

 

Yagi nodded as Inko paused before she reached for the bottle of wine on the table. Yagi and Kaina watched in amazement as the tiny woman pulled it to her lips and flung her head back, downing what remained of the bottle in one go. She slammed the bottle back on the table, making Yagi and Kaina jump as their glasses rattled before giving them both an intense look despite the furious blush she had on her face.

 

“Have either of you heard of polyamory?”

 

The entire table froze because yes, both Kaina and Yagi had heard of polyamory. Yagi’s face very slowly became a deep red as the dots started to connect in his head. Was Inko really suggesting-

 

“A PHONE CALL IS HERE! A PHONE CALL IS HERE!”  

 

Yagi cursed under his breath as the two women shot him a combined death glare that nearly made the man jump into All Might. He fumbled to get his phone out of his pocket, determined to hang up on whoever it was and return to thinking about a naked Inko crawling towards him over a naked Kaina and-

 

Huh?

 

Yagi frowned as the caller ID flashed on his phone screen and brought it up to his ear, “Young Bakugou?”

 

Inko’s death glare was gone in an instant as her eyebrows rose in surprise while Kaina raised just one curious eyebrow in surprise, they could both hear Katsuki’s frantic shouting over the phone.

 

“Bakugou calm down, what’s going on?” Yagi asked and Inko’s brow creased with worry.

 

It only became worse when Yagi suddenly tensed up, “What!?”

 

Inko took a sharp breath as Yagi and Kaina instantly straightened up into hero mode, all three seemingly sobering up at once. Katsuki’s frantic shouting continued to come through the phone.

 

“ What!?” Yagi hissed, launching himself out of his chair and causing it to fly back. 

 

Fear filled Inko’s face and she was out of her chair in an instant, running over to Yagi in a desperate attempt to make out what Katsuki was shouting. Kaina had risen out of her own chair and given the bartender a subtle nod to make sure no unwanted company entered the bar.

 

“When?... Ok… wait there…. KATSUKI… Do not do anything, stay right with him, I’m on my way.” Yagi said and hung up the phone, turning to Inko and Kaina with a morbid expression, “We need to get to your home Inko, there’s been an incident.”

 

Inko stumbled back and it was only Kaina catching her that stopped the woman from collapsing completely. She looked up at Yagi with a face so full of fear Yagi’s heart swelled as Kaina too glanced between them with concern.

 

“Kaina… you better come to, this will need the HPSC.” Yagi said as he started to text someone on his phone, throwing a few notes onto the table to pay for the drinks.

 

Kaina nodded and helped Inko back up to steady herself as Inko’s hand reached out and grasped at Yagi’s sleeve, “Toshi wait… what’s going on? Is Katsuki ok?” 

 

“Everything is fine,” Yagi assured, turning back to her, though he didn’t smile, “There was… an incident at the mall.”

 

“Izuku!” Inko gasped and her legs started to shake and her eyes filled with tears, Kaina once again rushed forward to keep the woman on her feet, “Toshi, please tell me… is my son… is Izuku…”

 

Yagi winced at Inko’s state but refused to look away from her as he reached out and squeezed her hand, the other one of her hands already being held by Kaina. When he spoke he couldn’t stop his own fear slipping out with his words.

 

“Izuku has been attacked.”

Notes:

Did I decide months ago to make this a Yagi/Inko/Lady Nagant fic?
Yes. Yes I did.

Did I refuse to tell anyone and not even hint at it despite many people asking me for it?
Yes. Yes I did.

Do I regret leaving you all on another cliffhanger?
No. No I do not.

Thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 37: Obligatory Fluff

Summary:

As Izuku stumbles back home, he begins to recount his day to his horrified family

Ochako Uraraka created a group chat

 

Ochako Uraraka named the chat BORED!

 

Ochako Uraraka added Katsuki Bakugou and Shoto Todoroki to the chat

 

Ochako Uraraka changed the nickname for Shoto Todoroki to Thermostat

 

Thermostat: Approved

 

Ochako Uraraka changed the nickname for Katsuki Bakugou to Shit Might

 

Shit Might: FUCK YOU

 

Thermostat changed the nickname for Ochako Uraraka to Fighty McFight

 

Fighty McFight: Fuck you too! Also I’m boooooored

 

Shit Might: Tch, aren’t you at your parents?

 

Fighty McFight: They had to go out to meet with a possible client, so I’m stuck here with nothing to do

 

Thermostat: You could mediate

 

Shit Might: Or do some fucking studying for once

 

Fighty McFight: You’re the worst possible kind of friends

 

Shit Might: Why did you even set up a whole other chat to bug us specifically anyway!?

 

Fighty McFight: Dunno, everyone else is either on their weird mall thing that definitely isn’t a fourway date or climbing up a mountain (or flying with Yoarashi I guess?) or… well…

 

Thermostat: You’re referring to the fact Yaoyorozu has not said or even seemingly opened the group chat since the sports festival?

 

Shit Might: Yeah we need to work on your social cues Icyhot

 

Thermostat: Should I not have told the truth?

 

Fighty McFight: Sometimes it’s better just to keep your mouth shut, like when we all ignore Bakugou and Midoriya’s weirdness

 

Thermostat: Noted

 

Fighty McFight: Seeing as it’s been brought up anyway and it’s just the three of us, how is Midoriya doing with… well… everything?

 

Shit Might: Honestly I think he’s mostly ignoring it, though he hasn’t mentioned Yaoyorozu once

 

Thermostat: And that’s bad?

 

Shit Might: He’s talked about how every single member class did in the festival and half the 1B class yet hasn’t even acknowledged her existence

 

Fighty McFight: Ah

 

Shit Might: She and Yoarashi were his first friends he ever really made, if she abandons him because of his quirk…  

 

Fighty McFight: Then we just need to be extra good friends to him!

 

Thermostat: I agree, it’s likely there will be a negative reaction from a few of our classmates so it’s important we support Midoriya. Plus going into our hero careers sticking together will make sure Midoriya’s numbers do not suffer straight off the bat

 

Shit Might: YOU TRYING TO SAY ZUZU WILL BE A SHIT HERO!?

 

Fighty McFight: Down Bakugou, you know he’s right about hero polls and popularity. But I think the bigger concern right now is school, not everything has to be about our hero careers Todoroki.   

 

Thermostat: Right, sorry. I’ve been working on it. Speaking of which I thought dates were with two people, not four?

 

Shit Might: Eh, they are but I think she was talking about the obvious crushes they all have on each other

 

Thermostat: They do?

 

Shit Might: Fuck sake Icyhot, of course they are! Zuzu and Ears becoming blushing messes the moment they have any kind of physical contact with each other or the other two, if Shitty hair had a tail he’d fucking wag it every time one of them even looked at him and Raccoon Eyes practically shouts how much she loves them all from the rooftops!

 

Thermostat: I had not noticed

 

Fighty McFight: I can feel the facepalm from here. Also, multiple people can go on a date, it’s called polyamory

 

Shit Might: The fuck is polyamory!?

 

Thermostat: I too am curious

 

Fighty McFight: It’s where multiple people date each other, so like one relationship with multiple people dating. So like if those 4 idiots were all dating each other

 

Thermostat: So if the three of us were dating it would be polyamory?

 

Thermostat: …Hello?

 

Shit Might: ICYHOT YOU CAN’T JUST GO SAYING SHIT LIKE THAT!

 

Thermostat: Why not? Is it another social cue thing?

 

Fighty McFight: Yes! No! Flirting!

 

Thermostat: What?

 

Fighty McFight: Uh… What I mean is that yes you’re right, but people tend to flirt a bit before just jumping into relationships

 

Thermostat: I see

 

Thermostat: Can you both show me how to flirt?

 

Shit Might: WHAT!?

 

Fight McFight: Bakugou just just the fuck up and set up a video call!

 

Shit Might: Fucking fine but you two get weird on it I’m leaving

 

Thermostat: Should I put my top on for this?

 

Shit Might: YES!

 

Fighty McFight: No

 

Thermostat: This is a confusing lesson

 

---

 

Izuku shuffled up the driveway, his feet dragging across the concrete as he stumbled slightly and leant against Mitsuki’s car to steady himself. His whole body was weak and tired and his quirk once again was barely more than a slight hum beneath his skin, on the brink of shutting down completely. It had taken him hours to more or less crawl home after the mall and it was now pitch black out and long past the time he had originally promised he’d be home. He just hoped his parents would be light with the punishment.

 

He finally made it to the door and fumbled with the key until it swung open. He stumbled inside, squinting as the bright light of the hallway tore into his eyes. The door slammed shut behind him, leaving him standing in the entrance way of his home, shaking slightly and utterly exhausted. Relief flushed through Izuku however as the warm and safe feeling he always got from being home filled his body. He finally allowed the exhaustion to hit him and he collapsed to his knees with a loud thud, his mind unfocused and eyes glazed over.

 

“Brat Two!? Is that you!?” Mitsuki called from within the house in an irritated tone, “You better have a damn good explanation for why you think you can just waltz in at this hour without even so much as a text to let us know you’ll be late!” Mitsuki’s angry face appeared out of a doorway down the hall, scowl already locked and loaded, presumably with a lecture as all planned and ready to go, however when she caught site of Izuku her face paled and she quickly rushed down the hall towards him, “IZUKU!” She screamed and Icuku decided her reaction was understandable.

 

He was covered in blood after all.

 

He had no idea where his beanie and leather jacket were, lost in the mall somewhere or on his way home he imagined. His memory was fairly fuzzy. He’d been told blood loss would do that to you, especially when said blood loss had come from an open wound on his neck that would have killed any other person were it not for a very weak regeneration stopping him from bleeding out completely. Still, he’d had to lay in the alley for an hour, unable to move as blood had seeped down from his neck and soaked his shirt as regeneration slowly worked to keep him alive and gradually close the wound enough to allow him some energy to walk home.

 

Mistuki skidded to a stop and dropped her knees in front of Izuku, her hands delicately feeling around his body for any obvious injuries, despite knowing full well his current stockpile of quirks, “Izuku… Izuku sweetie talk to me…” Mitsuki’s voice became more frantic as Izuku didn’t respond, he wanted to but he couldn’t even find the energy to open his mouth, “MASARU!”

 

Not used to how panicked his wife sounded, Masaru all but charged out of his office at the end of the hall, he took one look at Mitsuki frantically checking over a blood soaked Izuku and virtually sprinted over to the pair, “Izuku… Izuku, are you hurt!?”

 

Izuku managed to muster enough energy to shake his head, though the glance that Mitsuki and Masaru shared indicted they didn’t believe him, “Mitsuku get the first aid kit and some water,” Masaru instructed in a steady tone as he took Mitsuki’s place and she rushed off to the kitchen with watery eyes, “Izuku I need to you tell me what’s going on.” Masaru asked as he knelt down in front of Izuku and stripped his blood stained shirt off, looking for any sign of lingering injuries.

 

There was a commotion from upstairs and suddenly Katsuki appeared on the stairs, an angry look on his face, probably ready to unload on whoever had woken him up from his slumber, only to freeze when he caught sight of the situation just by the front door. His entire face paled as he watched Masaru move Izuku around as he checked for wounds, Izuku looked completely out of it, unfocused as he allowed his body to move as Masaru shifted him in his search.

 

“Katsuki,” Masaru suddenly said without turning to look at the boy in question, “Call Yagi and tell him what happened.” When Katsuki made no move to do so, as he stared in shock at Izuku, Masaru turned around to face him, “Katsuki now!”

 

Katsuki winced into action at his fathers tone and started to fumble in his pockets as Mitsuki ran back to the scene with the first aid kit. She now had full tears streaming down her face as she knelt down next to her husband.

 

“Izuku,” Masaru said softly as he put his hands on Izuku's shoulders and looked the boy in the eyes, “Izuku I need you to tell me what happened.”

 

Izuku paused before his eyes regained some focus and he was able to find his voice again.

 

---

 

“So you already have this one?”

 

“No, I have the previous version, this is the new version that came out this week!”

 

“But it’s the same thing?”

 

“No! They’ve added a little more detail to his face and changed the material of the cape!”

 

“The material you’ll never feel because you won’t take it out the box?”

 

“It’s a collectible! That would risk damaging it!”

 

“I don’t get it…”

 

Kirishima snorted as he watched Ashido frown over Izuku’s shoulder as he clutched the All Might figurine like it was his first born child. They were in a small collectibles shop out of the way of the main mall traffic. It wasn’t very large, Kirishima doubted it would fit much more than the 4 of them already in, and the old man behind the counter looked one sneeze away from the next great adventure. Each wall was filled with rare and collectible hero merch, Kirishima swore she even saw an Eraserhead figure in one corner, the prices however made Izuku’s three friends gag, you could feed a family of 4 for a week for some of the costs the place was charging.

 

But considering Kirishima spent a small fortune turning his bedroom into what was essentially a home gym with a bed in it a few years ago he didn’t think he had a leg to stand on. Jiro too when asked had simply shrugged and said the prices here were nothing compared to her instruments before she had seen some rare Present Mic merch she was currently browsing. Only Ashido didn’t look convinced.

 

“But couldn’t you go to a normal toy store and get a bunch of All Might dolls for this price?” She asked as she closely followed Izuku up to the counter.

 

Izuku rolled his eyes, (which completely caught Kirishima off guard), “Cheap crap maybe but real quality collectible items are worth the price.”

 

As he spoke Izuku delicately placed his item on the shop counter and fished around in his bag for payment. The shop owner didn’t even acknowledge Izuku as he patiently waited for the money, he might have already died. Ashido stood next to Izuku, peering at the All Might figure as if waiting to discover the secret as to the true reason Izuku was using 4 months worth of savings to buy it.

 

“Come on Ashido,” Kirishima said as he chuckled and walked up to the pair, throwing an arm around the pink girl, “Haven’t you ever had a hobby or something that you’ve spent a lot of money on?”

 

Jiro nodded in agreement, “Yeah, like, I ain’t gonna pay this much for a hero doll-”

 

“Collectible.” Izuku grumbled under his breath.

 

“-but I get having a hobby you want to spend money on to get good quality stuff.”

 

Ashido however just shrugged into Kirishima’s arms, “Eh, when you run the risk of melting anything you come into contact with you kinda learn to go cheap all the time.”

 

Kirishima thought that sounded sad, he couldn’t imagine not being able to go near his expensive workout equipment for fear of destroying it. But Ashido being Ashido didn’t seem bothered by it, only pouting slightly as Izuku purposely swiped the figure away from her outstretched fingers for fear of acid damage. Kirishima supposed it was one of those things that came with quirks, nearly everyone's quirk had some kind of disadvantage or uniqueness to it that changed the way they acted, Kirishima had more or less picked up on the ones for the three friends in front of him.

 

Izuku’s was a bit disconcerting at first, the way he would sometimes seemingly disconnect from reality and his eyes would glaze over when they passed a large crowd or local hero. It was also in the way he never seemed to look where he was going, Ashido nearly had a meltdown when Izuku had started to stare down at his phone as they walked through the busy mall. Only to end up watching in amazement as Izuku sidestepped around every person in his path without so much as a glance up from the text he was typing out. It was only Jiro who understood and explained to Ashido and Kirishima, Izuku in essence had an extra sense, the ability to sense quirks, he didn’t need to see someone to walk around them, much like how Jiro could close her eyes and easily hear the footsteps of every person for a near mile around her.

 

Ashido’s Kirishima only knew because the girl had told him, but inside the pink girls handbag Kirishima knew she had a complete replica of her current outfit down to the underwear for fear she would accidentally leak acid and need an emergency change of clothes. Apparently the issue had been so bad when she was young Ashido automatically bought 4 of every clothing item she owned.

 

Then there was Jiro, who didn’t know the meaning of the word silence, because she’d never truly experienced it. It had taken her years to get used to the constant background noise, even at night she heard every flap of wings from the birds outside her window, the muffled snores of her neighbour three houses down and the creak of the mattress springs every time she even breathed heavily. Kirishima could always tell no matter how quietly he whispered or gasped Jiro could hear every word, yet never said anything. It was probably due to the same reason Izuku didn’t like telling people about their quirk energy, people were easily freaked out by quirks that let someone know more about them than they wanted to let on.

 

“Where to next?” Izuku asked, having handed over a large stack of cash (far larger than Kirishima was comfortable with for an action figure) and carefully placed his new figurine in his apparently bubble wrap protected rucksack.

 

Jiro casually raised her arm, “I’d quite like to hit up the record store.”

 

“Then our quest continues!” Ashido declared and grabbed Kirishima’s hand pulling him along before grabbing Jiro’s too and leading them out the store.

 

“A-Ashido!” Kirishima cried as he felt Ashido’s fingers intertwine with his own and was suddenly aware of how soft the girl's hands were as she led him and Jiro along.

 

Jiro too seemed a little flustered, “Why are you leading ME!? I’m the one who knows where the store is.”

 

Ashido turned to her with a cheeky smirk as she squeezed Kirishima and Jiro’s hands, “Want me to let go.”

 

“...I didn’t say that.” Jiro grumbled and looked away with a blush as she squeezed Ashido’s hand back.

 

Ashido beamed at her before glancing behind the threesome, “Keep up Midori!”

 

Kirishima glanced behind himself, a little nervous that Izuku would feel left out considering Ashido didn’t have a third hand to hold. He needn't have worried, Izuku was keeping pace with them with a beaming smile on his face as he practically skipped along at the joy of gaining yet another All Might collectible.

 

God he was so fucking cute.

 

---

 

“THIS IS REALLY COOL!”

 

“Christ Kirishima keep it down!” 

 

“WHAT!?”

 

Jiro quickly slapped her hand over Kirishima’s mouth before he made the whole mall aware of his presence. He had a set of headphones on with a wire connecting them to a record player currently turning with an album Jiro had picked out to show him. Unfortunately it seemed she hadn’t considered that Kirishama was a fairly loud person without having heavy metal blasting into his ears. The redhead's voice had practically rattled the entire store, much to Izuku’s amusement as he watched Jiro desperately try to shush a confused Kirishima.

 

Like Izuku’s hero merch shop the record shop was hidden behind an unknown corner of the mall, a little place that smelled slightly of damp wood, despite the pristine condition of the rows and rows of records. Jiro’s eyes had lit up the moment they walked inside, and instantly started to gush with Izuku about her favourite bands and how rare genuine records were in an age of instant downloads. However, Jiro had been forced to pause her browsing when Kirishima declared he hadn’t heard of a single band on the shelves which caused him to receive a raised eyebrow from Ashido, a shocked look from Izuku and downright outrage from Jiro who had quickly grabbed a few records and stuck a pair of headphones on Kirishima attached to a record player that she instantly took over.

 

Izuku was happy to sit and observe the pair as Ashido browsed a nearby shelf, while not as into the music as Izuku and Jiro were she at least knew her way around the records. Though she claimed she wasn’t really into music she was unable to dance to.

 

“Ok so that was all the pre quirk era stuff I grabbed,” Jiro said as she carefully slid the record back in its case, “Next up is all the post quirk era stuff, this music can be a lot… weirder. People started using their quirks in songs and it opened up a lot of new possibilities.”

 

“Like the lead singer of Deep Dope,” Izuku said as he approached the pair, “The main vocalist has a quirk that allows him to sing in any language perfectly so he can switch mid-song.”

 

Jiro’s eyes lit up at Izuku’s words, he had never seen her so excited and she practically sprinted over to him, leaving a very confused Kirishima behind, “You know Deep Dope too? You know my Dad is their manager!” She asked excitedly as she seemed to forget her aversion to close contact and practically morphed her body with Izuku’s own.

 

Normally Izuku hated people getting into his personal space, it caused his quirk to flare up and most people that weren’t his family that got that close normally ended up hitting him, yet when Jiro suddenly came face to face with him he was only filled with excitement, “Wait really!? Does that mean you know how his quirk works!?”

 

Izuku suddenly pulled a notebook out from… somewhere and started to frantically write down notes as Jiro nodded and the pair started to talk in depth about how the quirks of various bands, including Deep Dope, helped contribute to their music. Izuku smiled as Jiro leaned into him and seemed to read what he was writing, nobody ever got this much into quirk analysis with him yet Jiro was not only keeping up with his discussions about Deep Dope's quirks, she was contributing to it and updating his notes with him.

 

“Oh Jiro, are you buying this record you picked out?” Kirishima asked and went to hand Jiro the latest album for the very band her and Izuku were discussing, unfortunately it seemed she was far too engrossed in the conversation to notice Kirishima stood between the pair waving the record about.

 

“Uh… Jiro?” Kirishima asked again and poked her cheek, in response he felt a pile of cash being pushed into his hand by said girl who continued to mutter with Izuku, Ashido and himself had long since lost the ability to keep up with their conversation.

 

Kirshima gave Ashido a questioning glance to which she just shrugged and walked with him to buy the record. Jiro didn’t even look up as she accepted the plastic bag with the new record in and neither she nor Izuku made any move to leave the shop. In the end Kirishima had to put a hand on a shoulder each and guide them out of the shop back into the mall. As he did he couldn’t help but pat them on the head and chuckle.

 

Something in Izuku’s chest burst as he became aware of the feeling of Kirishima’s hand ruffling his hair.

 

---

 

Jiro had never really liked gyms.

 

As a hero student she tolerated them, she wasn’t a complete moron and was well aware she needed to train her body as well as her quirk for her chosen career. But she rarely did above the bare minimum to keep up with the training regime of UA. She didn’t really know why she disliked the gym so much, she didn’t hate physical activity per say but something about lifting weights and sitting in a variety of complex gym equipment just didn’t suit her. It was also probably due to the fact she was well aware she was, physically speaking, the weakest member of the class. She didn’t have any real muscle to speak of like Kirishima, Tsu or Iida did and even as petite as she was she didn’t have the literal concrete abs that Izuku, Ashido and Todoroki all boasted. I mean seriously, they’d had a lesson a few weeks ago in the school pool and she was fairly certain Ashido and Izuku could light campfires if they rubbed their literal 8 packs together.

 

Not that Jiro thought about Ashido and Izuku rubbing bodies together often…

 

Kirishima however was a bit of a gym nut, unsurprising considering out of everyone in the class he was the opposite to Jiro in terms of who was physically the strongest (ignoring Bakugou and Sato who had literal strength quirks). Compared to Jiro, who felt woefully out of place in the gym store, Kirishima was practically at home.

 

“Oh man! This bench is top of the line,” Kirishima said as he fawned over a weight bench that honestly looked like every other weight bench Jiro had ever seen in her life, even Izuku and Ashido looked sceptical.

 

As Kirishima continued to practically massage the weight bench, Jiro wandered over to the display of dumbbells. She bit her lip before reaching out and grabbing a particularly large one, she should probably invest in a little home gym equipment afterall, it wouldn’t do to fall behind the rest of her class physically. At least for now she could still punch Kaminari in the face easily enough. 

 

Sadly however the barbell she had chosen to grab and feel the weight for turned out to be far more than she was expecting and with a panicked gasp Jiro felt the entire thing start to fall to the floor. Before it could clang down on her foot, or worse on the hard floor and draw attention to the group, a pink hand appeared and wrapped itself around Jiro’s hand holding the weight. 

 

“Woah there!” Ashido said as she appeared next to Jiro and used their combined strength to haul the dumbbell back onto the rack, “Maybe you should start with a lighter one?” Ashido joked as they stepped back.

 

Jiro blushed and turned away from Ashido, “Yeah maybe…” She grumbled out, more than a little embarrassed.

 

She turned back to Ashido when she felt the others hand tab against her own, “Just because you’re not as strong as some of the class doesn’t mean you don’t have other skills.”

 

Jiro shrugged, “Still… it’s kinda embarrassing when you and Izuku have the bodies of greek gods and Kirishima looks like he could crush me with one one hand,” Jiro mumbled out and didn’t catch the way Ashido’s face blushed slightly.

 

  “Well… Yeah ok but that’s cause of our styles,” Ashido said and grabbed Jiros hand and gave her a soft smile, “Kirishima is a physical fighter so yeah he’s always gonna be one of the biggest people in class, Izuku has to be able to withstand the blowback of random quirks so his body needs to be in peak condition and my fighting style relies a lot on flexibility so I can’t have too much body fat. But that doesn’t mean you’re weak, I mean you're second in the class for stealth behind Hagakure, who is literally invisible, you’re better than me, Kiri and Midori at quirkless hand to hand and nobody can even hold a candle to you with recon, even Shoji struggles to keep up.”

 

Jiro couldn’t help but smile and squeezed Ashido’s hand slightly, “Still it’s just… I mean look at you three and then… look at me…” Jiro said and indicated to her body.   

 

“You mean a long legged, slender goth girl? Yeah, I mean who'd ever want that?” Ashido deadpanned at her and caused Jiro to blush furiously.

 

“You know I’m not Kaachan, right Kirishima?”

 

“Come on Midoriya! You’ll be fine, I just wanna test it out, besides don’t you have that weird strength quirk?” 

 

Ashido and Jiro both jumped slightly as they were pulled out of their private moment to find Kirishima had stripped himself of his coat and was laying on the bench with a barbell over the top. Behind him stood a very nervous looking Midoriya who was glancing at the weights Kirishima had added to test out said bench like the man was about to deadlift a car.

 

“I just want to test it out with a couple of lifts man, I just need you to spot me for a few!” Kirishima insisted as he lined himself up and reached up to grip the barbell.

 

Izuku however appeared to be having a small breakdown, “Spot you!? Kirishima, there's a reason I don’t spot Kacchan in the gym!”

 

Kirishima just waved him off, “You’ll be fine man, I don’t lift anywhere near as much as Bakugou and I’ll only be doing a few.”

 

Izuku still didn’t look convinced but before he could protest further Kirishima reached up and pushed the barbell off its place and slowly lowered it down to his chest. Every single UA student present suddenly tensed up as Kirishima pushed the weight back up slowly. Kirishima because of the strain of lifting the weight and the other three well…

 

Kirishima’s shirt was tight.

 

Really tight.

 

Which meant as he lifted the weight all three people watching him could literally see every muscle in his chest and arms flex. Maybe it was because they were in a class full of people in top shape but all three came to the starterling realisation that Ejiro Kirishima was absolutely jacked. 

 

As he let the barbell slowly drop again Jiro couldn’t help but let out a whimper as she saw Kirishima’s biceps move, somewhere in the back of her mind she wondered what it would be like to squeeze them with her jacks. Ashido too seemed to have noticed this as Jiro felt the girl practically crush her hand as the pink girl completely tensed up. Poor Izuku had it the worst though, with a front row seat it appeared the poor boy was shaking as he stared at Kirishima with a slack jaw and a bright red face.

 

After a few lifts Kirishima put the bar back and jumped up to his feet, “Thanks for the spot Midoriya! You were great!”

 

It took 5 minutes until Kirishima’s friends were able to move again.

 

---

 

 “I-I’m really not sure about this guys…”

 

“Come on bro, I bet you look great!”

 

“Kirishima, we shouldn't pressure him.”

 

“Just because you get goth Midoriya all the time doesn’t mean we shouldn’t get what we want too!”

 

Jiro rolled her eyes at Ashido as the pair sat down waiting for the boys to finish changing. It had of course been Ashido’s own idea to get the other three to give her her own private fashion show. Sure, all of them looked amazing already but she was curious what they would look like in other styles.

 

She knew it was a good idea the moment Jiro had stepped out first in the little blue sundress Ashido had picked out which made something very clear to Ashido. Jiro had legs that Ashido would die for. Not to mention how milky and soft her skin was, it had taken every ounce of Ashido’s willpower not to run her hands all over Jiro in the middle of the mall.

 

There was an audible sigh from behind the curtain before Izuku nervously stepped out. Ashido entire body twitched, considering Izuku could always be found with Katsuki, Toarashi and Kirishima, the three bulkiest people in the class, it was easy to forget Izuku too was literally made of muscle, he was just far leaner than the other three. 

 

This was emphasised by the tight collar shirt he was wearing which only had buttons up to about halfway, allowing his chiselled chest to be freely observed. Not to mention it clung to his stomach so much that Ashido could make out the perfect lines of his abs. Then there were the pants, which were also tight enough that Ashido was able to really appreciate just how many squats Izuku did in his workout routines.

“So.. How do I look?” Izuku asked as he turned to face the two girls who were looking at him with wide eyes, there was a pause and then…

 

“EEEEEEEEE! Midori you look amazing!” Ashido squealed and she jumped up to give the boy a hug, making Izuku flinch slightly as Jiro mumbled something about greeks and fire.

 

“Oh my God, you should wear clothing like this more often,” Ashido said as she stepped back from a very red Izuku, “I mean I can literally count the muscles on your stomach.”

 

“You both have exactly 8,” Jiro said automatically before slapping a hand over her mouth and blushing furiously.

 

Izuku spluttered but Ashido giggled and turned to face the remaining changing room, “Kiri you need to get out here so we can appreciate Midori’s tight abs together.”

 

“I’m coming!” Kirishima called as Izuku blushed furiously, the curtain of the changing room opened and Kirishima stepped out with a wide smile.

 

Ashido gaped as Kirishima walked out and Izuku froze next to her, she knew goth wasn’t exactly Kirishima's style but damn. He was essentially in a similar outfit to Izuku before he got changed, complete with the eyeliner and all. And man did Ashido silently wish all three of her friends were hot goths who dressed like this everyday.

 

“Ugh Kiri, why do you look good in everything?” Ashido complained, despite the fact everyone could see her look up and down at him.

 

Kirishima chuckled, “You’re the one who picked out the outfit. But wow, Midoriya and Jiro you guys look amazing too!” Both students blushed at Kirishama’s compliment that he said with a wide smile.

 

“So I guess it’s Ashido’s turn now?” Jiro said with a slight smirk.

 

Ashido suddenly froze, her entire body winced and she was suddenly aware of the three sets of eyes looking at her. It made her skin crawl, she hunched in on herself and silently wished a hole would open up and take her away. She then became aware of how heavy her horns felt on her head, the slight sizzle of acid on her skin and the way everyone was looking at her eyes.

 

Izuku was the first to pick up on how uncomfortable Ashido had become, “O-Or we could go and get something to eat!” He suggested instead.

 

Kirishima’s face fell as he was able to pick up on the situation, “Yeah! I heard there’s a new raman place in the food court we could try!”

 

No, this… this wasn’t what Ashido wanted. She shook her head, not wanting to leave but was unable to find the words to explain as Kirishima and Izuku glanced at each other nervously, unable to know what to say. Jiro on the other hand seemed to know exactly what was going on.

 

“Ashido, your quirk doesn’t make you ugly.”

 

Jiro suddenly appeared in Ashido’s vision and grabbed both of her hands, her eyes filled with understanding as she looked at Ashido, Kirishima and Izuku standing either side of the purple girl.

 

Ashido couldn’t help but shrug at Jiro’s words, “I mean… pink skin, black eyes, horns-”

 

“Ears.” Jiro said and pointed to her jacks.

 

“Razor sharp shark teeth,” Kirishima added and gave Ashido a wide smile to prove he did in fact face a mouth full of shark teeth.

 

Izuku stepped forward and raised his gloved hand, and for the first since they’d met he reached out and pulled the glove off, revealing the scarred and mangled hand beneath, “Horrible fucked up hand from a quirk accident.”

 

Jiro smiled at Kirishima and Izuku, “Right, our quirks have all affected our appearance. Are we all ugly?”

 

Ashido gasped, outraged by Jiro’s mere suggestion that the three absolute heartthrobs in front of her were anything but perfection in human form, “Of course not!”

 

It clicked in Ashido’s mind and she frowned as Jiro smiled at her, “See, so your quirk doesn’t make you ugly either.” Jiro said and squeezed Ashido’s hand.

 

“Yeah!” Izuku said enthusiastically before he blushed slightly, “You uh… I-I think your horns are really cute.”

 

Ashido blushed and she let go of Jiro’s hands to reach up and grab her horns, so out of place on her head, yet Izuku liked them, “You do?” She asked quietly to which Izuku nodded.

 

“Yeah! Plus I mean… Your skin is amazing!” Kirishima insisted, “Not a blemish on it because of your acid and the pink is… well I think it makes you look exotic!”

 

“I’m exotic?” Ashido asked in genuine wonder, she had always hated her skin, even in a world where quirks were so vast coloured skin made her stand out like a sore thumb.

 

“And then there’s your eyes,” Jiro said with confidence despite the obvious blush, “I just… you could get lost in those eyes. As black as the night sky but with a warm gold in the middle, they’re incredible.”

 

Ashido opened her mouth to respond but she couldn’t, these three people, these three absolute gorgeous people… liked the way she looked? Sure, Ashido knew she had some good assets, her chest wasn’t too bad and of course she was in top physical condition. But she always assumed when she started dating she’d need to find someone who could look past all her oddities, she never expected to find someone who actually liked them.

 

Let alone three people.

 

“I like your ears,” Ashido said to Jiro as she started to smile again, “They look really punk and add to your whole style you got going, which is really hot by the way.” Jiro blushed as Ashido picked up volume and speed, “And Kiri, I mean come on, you easily have one of the best bodies of the all guys in class, you’re basically everyone's best friend and your teeth are dangerous, which is also super hot.” Kirishima blushed but chuckled, “And Midori, fair enough at first glance your kinda plain, but then I realise I can count your abs, your eyes are literal emeralds and the thought that you could crush me with just a flex of your quirk is a massive turn on.”

 

Izuku blinked in surprise, “It is?”

 

“It is,” Jiro and Kirishima confirmed, which appeared to completely rewire Izuku’s perception of the world.

 

“Ok!” Ashido said and pumped her first in the air, her usual bubbliness and enthusiasm returning in full force, “You guys get one outfit! And I know just what to wear!” She cried and ran off leaving three very flustered students behind.

 

Needless to say when Ashido exited the changing rooms in high boots, fishnets, a mini skirt and a tank top that showed plenty of skin she had to spend the next 10 minutes waiting for her friends to clean up their nosebleeds in the bathroom.

---

 

“Thanks again guys, that was super fun!” Kirishima declared as they stood near the exit of the mall, the sun was starting to set and there was a steady stream of people heading towards the bus and train stations.

 

“Hell yeah it was!” Ashido declared and grabbed all three of her friends into a tight hug, “Thank you for what you all said.” She whispered in a much more subdued voice with a soft smile and slight blush. 

 

“R-Right… anytime.” Jiro assured as she sighed a little into the group hug, she was simultaneously being squeezed between Ashido and Kirishima while pushed against Izuku;s chest, “I uh…thanks for what you said about my quirk too.”

 

Ashido hummed and nuzzled her nose in Jiro’s purple hair, “Of course.”

 

“Could-Could we do this again?” Izuku asked nervously, a small part of him expected them to say no or worse say they did but without him. But of curse he was worried for nothing

 

“Absolutely!”

 

“I’d like that.”

 

“Hell yeah man!”

 

“I-I’m glad,” Izuku responded ad e felt a strange sensation his his chest that made him feel warm, he gulped as something barrelled into the front of his mind and he spoke before he lost his nerve, “Y-You guys can uh… Call me Izuku if you like…”

 

He felt all three people freeze before the hug was broken and Kirishima was looking at him with a wide smile, “Only if you call me Eijiro! That goes for you guys too!”

 

Ashido pouted slightly, “Ugh, now I need to come up with a new nickname for you! I think Bakugou would kill me if he heard me call you Zuzu. But you better call me Mina too!”

 

“I’d like it if you guys called me Kyouka,” Jiro said with a small smile as she wrapped her jacks around her finger.

 

All four of them stood their beaming and blushing at each other and suddenly something in Izuku’s chest clicked. It was the way Kirishma was always smiling and was always so kind, it was how bubbly and energetic Ashido was yet never judged anyone and supported all her friends and it was the little things Jiro did, the way she kept up with anyone’s wit, was smart when she needed to be and would always give him reassuring smiles.

 

Izuku had a crush

 

Izuku had three crushes.

 

Fuck.

 

That’s ok, he just needed to make sure he wasn't awkward about it.

 

“OK GREAT BYE MINA, EIJIRO AND KYOUKA! SEE YOU IN CLASS!” He screamed and promptly turned and sprinted away from them.

 

Double fuck.

 

---

 

Izuku smiled despite himself as he walked away from the mall towards the subway station, the roads were crowded which normally he hated but nothing could ruin the day he’d had. It had been easy, he didn’t need to hide anything from Kyouka, Mina and Eijiro or pretend to be something he wasn’t. They felt like the first people he could completely relax with outside of Katsuki. It was perfect.

 

He just had to ignore the huge crush he had on each of them.

 

Izuku had of course had mild crushes before, but that was mainly when he saw a pretty girl or boy. Given his social life before UA relationships weren’t something he’d ever considered. So it was pretty fucking typical he’d be hit with not one but 3 major crushes within his first few months at UA. Izuku groaned to himself as he waited on the side of the road for the lights to change green and allow him to cross. He had no idea how he was going to deal with this.

 

“Excuse me,” Came a slightly gravelly voice, “Aren’t you Izuku Midoriya? From the sports festival?”

 

Izuku froze as a hand landed on his shoulder, his quirk vibrated under his skin but it was still incredibly weak and couldn’t even reach out to scan the man's quirk as normal. If he was lucky this was a fan, if he was unlucky it was someone trying to turn him into the police for being a villain. Slowly Izuku turned his head to look at the mystery man… and his face paled as he recognised them instantly; they had, of course, been all over the news for weeks.

 

The man looked down at him with a feral smile, “I was actually on my way to a meeting. But then I spied on you leaving the mall and had to meet you. You see I’m a fan of you and your brother too, it’s a shame he’s not here to join us but I wonder if you could spare a moment of your time for a chat?”

 

Izuku couldn’t even open his mouth to respond, he couldn't do anything, without a quirk he wouldn’t stand a chance in a one on one fight with the man. Not to mention the dozens of people around walking along the street, it was a miracle (or curse) nobody had recognised them yet.

 

The man seemed to realise Izuku’s thinking and chuckled, “I know. It’s odd isn’t it? Here I am in plain sight and not a single soul realises it. Perhaps if they weren’t so reliant on heroes they’d be more vigilant. But I trust you know who I am?”

 

Izuku nodded and his voice managed to break out, “You’re The Hero Killer: Stain.”

Notes:

What is polyamory indeed Katsuki? If only there was a little one shot by your friendly neighbourhood fanfiction writer you could read which would explain it all...

Wink wink hint hint

Thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Side note: I think I have a problem with cliff-hangers

Chapter 38: Killer Recruitment Drive

Summary:

Izuku tells his story about meeting Stain and must face some dark truths about heroes

Would Not Recommend

 

Angry Boi: @Bubbly Bitch @(B)Ass @Rock Hard WHAT THE FUCK HAPPANED!? WHERE THE FUCK WERE YOU!?

 

Floaty McFloat: Woah, Bakugou calm down. What? Did Ashido leave her lipstick on Midoriya’s cheek?

 

Bubbly Bitch: As if my luck would hold out that long

 

Angry Boi: I’M TALKING ABOUT THE FACT ZUZU JUST WALKED IN THE FUCKING DOOR COVERED IN BLOOD!

 

Rock Hard: Wait what!?

 

(B)Ass: If this a prank Bakugou it’s a pretty shitty one

 

Angry Boi: IF IT WAS A PRANK THEN WHY THE FUCK IS ZUZU CURRENTLY SAT AT THE KITCHEN TABLE AS MOM CLEANS HIS THROAT FROM WHEN IT WAS SLIT A FEW HOURS AGO!?

 

Floaty McFloat: Ok, what the fuck is going on?

 

Rock Hard: Bakugou man I swear we just had a day out at the mall and then left just as it closed

 

Bubbly Bitch: He’s ok though right?

 

Angry Boi: I DON’T FUCKING KNOW! HE WON’T FUCKING TALK! HE’S ALL SPACED OUT, WHY DIDN’T YOU CHECK ON HIM!? WHY DIDN’T YOU MAKE SURE HE WAS OK!?

 

Floaty McFloat: Todoroki don’t you live nearby?

 

Candy Cane: Yes, I’m already on my way

 

(B)Ass He was fine when he left. Oh God I don’t know

 

Rock Hard: Bakugou, please tell us Izuku is ok man?

 

Angry Boi: Hello, this is Katsuki’s father. We heard him growling at his phone. Izuku is physically fine, he appears to be in shock and is suffering from both physical and quirk exhaustion. The pro-heroes and the police are on their way but he appears to be fine, I’m afraid I don’t yet know what happened but I will try my best to update you all

 

Air Conditioner: Thank you Mr Bakugou!

 

Candy Cane: Mr Bakugou I’m going to stay the night and watch them both

 

Angry Boi: Of course Todoroki, thank you

 

---

 

It was a miracle Yagi wasn’t pulled over on the drive to the Midoriya-Bakugou residence as he weaved in and out of traffic, ran red lights and hit speeds that even Ingenium would struggle to keep up with. As Yagi violently twisted the wheel of his truck Inko sat in the back, wrapped up in the arms of Kaina as her body violently shook and tears streamed down her face. Kaina and Yagi exchanged worried glances in the front mirror as they skidded into the driveway of the home. 

 

Inko was out of the car before Yagi had even put the handbrake on, he and Kaina quickly followed as Inko all but sprinted up the driveway. A screeching just behind Yagi indicated Tsukauchi had arrived moments after them. The man gave Yagi a quick nod in acknowledgment and a surprised glance at Kaina before he quickly followed them up the drive to where Inko was fumbling with her keys at the door.

 

“Come on Inko… Come ON!” She practically screamed to herself as her house key hit every inch of the door bar the keyhole.

 

Kaina however seemed to decide there was an easier route and lifted her leg up to kick the door open in one quick movement. If Inko was bothered by the way the door bent and cracked as it swung open she didn’t show it as she ran into the house.

 

“IZUKU!? IZUKU!?” She cried and frantically ran into the kitchen, the two heroes and detective right behind her.

 

Izuku was sitting in the centre of the large table that took up half of the kitchen space, his top half was still bare and his hair damp as Mitsuki stood next to him, cleaning him up with a damp rag and washbasin like he was a toddler. Unsurprisingly, Katsuki was right next to him, an angry scowl on his face while glaring at anything that made too much noise. Yagi could tell the boy had flared up his quirk, ready to attack the intruder who had kicked the door down only to relax (as much as Katsuki could in the current situation) when he realised who had arrived. Masaru stood off the side, a careful eye watching over the entire scene.

 

“Izuku!” Inko screamed and ran up to the boy, wrapping her arms around him, not concerned by how his wet hair dripped down onto her clothes, “Are you hurt!? Are you ok!? Oh my baby who hurt you!?”

 

“Inko,you’re rambling,” Mitsuki said as she started to rub soap into Izuku’s hair, “He’s fine… physically at least.”

 

Izuku slowly nodded, “I’m fine Mom.” He said and Yagi winced at how his voice croaked and broke with each syllable.

 

Inko whimpered and pulled her son in for a tight hug as Masaru walked up to the three guests, “Yagi, thank you for coming so quickly and bringing Lady Nagant and…?”

 

“Detective Tsukauchi,” Tsukauchi said and reached out to shake Masaru’s extended hand, “I’m an acquaintance of Yagi and All Might and-” 

 

“Everybody here knows that I’m All Might.” Yagi informed Tsukauchi with a shrug, no point in trying to skip around it.

 

Kaina and Tsukauchi gave him incredulous looks, “You’re aware that’s a Level 0 government secret right?” Kaina said with narrowed eyes, “Are you in the habit of telling everyone?”

 

Yagi blushed, “I uh… may have transformed in their living room during a rather intense argument a few days ago…”

 

Tsukauchi chuckled as Kaina groaned and put her head in her hands, “How the hell you haven’t destroyed the hero industry from within with pure incompetence yet is a miracle.”

 

Yagi ignored Kaina and stepped forward, eyeing up Izuku but it was obvious he had no injuries, regeneration was still working at least, “Izuku my boy, are you able to tell us what happened? I brought Tsukauchi and Lady Nagant with me just in case it needed to go beyond mere family matters.”

 

Katsuki scoffed before Izuku could respond, “I’d say the fucking Hero Killer is probably a little bigger than just family matters.”

 

Yagi felt his blood freeze as Inko gasped, “The Hero Killer?”

 

“I thought we’d tracked him down to the Hosu region?” Tsukainchi asked, apparently there were no longer such things as government secrets within the Bakugou-Midoriya household.

 

“We did, but the last confirmed sighting was a few days before the sports festival,” Kaina said in a whispered voice to Yagi and Tsukauchi, “It’s not unreasonable to think he can move around in that time without us catching onto it. He’s been at large for months and avoided us the entire time.”

 

“But he’s never been this bold, attacking a hero student in the middle of the day? That’s not his style.” Tsukauchi commented and Yagi had to agree.

 

“If Stain really is in the area the local heroes need to be informed, make sure Endeavor is aware too.” Yagi said as Kaina started to tap away at her phone, presumably giving orders via text.

 

“Father is already aware.”

 

Yagi was ashamed to admit he yelped slightly at the monotone voice of his student which seemingly appeared out of the abyss behind him, it was made even worse by the fact Kaina and Tsukauchi barely even reacted bar a glance in the boy's direction.

 

“Young Todoroki!” Yagi gasped, calming his breathing, “What are you doing here?”

 

“I came to check on my friends,” Todoroki responded with narrowed eyes as if Yagi had accused him of some dastardly act.

 

“Yes, thank you for coming, Todoroki,” Masaru said and stepped forward with a smile, “Why don’t you and Katsuki head upstairs and Mitsuki will sort you both out with futons in Izuku’s room?”

 

Though Todoroki gave a nod and Mitsuki got up to prepare the beds, Katsuki had the exact reaction most in the room had been expecting, “I’m not going anywhere!” He shouted and stepped closer to Izuku.

 

“Katsuki please,” Masaru said calmly, “I’m sure Izuku wants nothing more than to join you but he also needs to speak to the police about all this and I doubt he wants us all crowding him.”

 

Katsuki opened his mouth with a growl to respond but Izuku cut him off with a croak, “I’ll be fine Kacchan, go on ahead.”

 

Katsuki looked like he wanted to continue to argue but Kaina cut him off, “All due respect kid, this is a police and hero matter, you might be a hero student but you’re still only a student. I’m sure your partner in crime will tell you everything later anyway, but the quicker we get this over with the sooner we all get to bed.”

 

Katsuki paused before making sure to glare at everyone in the room (bar Izuku) and marched up the stairs behind Mitsuki and Todoroki. Masaru started to make everyone present a cup of tea as Yagi, Kaina and Tsukauchi took a seat opposite Izuku who was still being held tightly by Inko. Yagi had to suppress a flinch at Izuku’s form, he looked so frail and damaged, like he needed to sleep for an eternity.

 

“I’m sorry about this my boy,” Yagi said with a soft smile, “But not only is Stain a dangerous villain, we also need to understand his current mindset and why he attacked a student.”

 

Izuku nodded, “I understand.”

 

Tsukauchi pulled out a notebook and pen, “Obviously you already know the parameters of my quirk, so if it’s ok with everyone present I’d like to understand why Stain attacked you.”

 

Kaina frowned, “It is outside his usual MO to attack a child.”

 

“He didn’t seek me out to attack me,” Izuku said, his eyes regaining a bit of focus as Inko looked at him with surprise.

 

“But Izuku baby, Katsuki said you had a slit throat?” She said and Yagi could see her shudder at the thought.

 

“I did,” Izuku confirmed as Tsukauchi scribbled away, “But Stain didn’t initially seek me out to harm me.”

 

“Then what did he want?” Kaina asked with a confused frown.

 

Izuku sighed before he responded, “He wanted to recruit me.”

 

---

 

Izuku allowed himself to be guided through the streets away from the main crowds, Stain may have only had a hand on his shoulder to guide him but Izuku was certain if he tried to do anything clever the man would easily be able to kill him. Regeneration or not.

 

The crowds thinned as they moved into more run down and tighter alleyways and before Izuku knew it he was being led up the fire escape of a derelict apartment building. He slipped and stumbled as he climbed the rusted metal, cursing under his breath but Stain never said a word. He simply followed behind Izuku with an unreadable expression.

 

They made it to the roof of the building, it was littered with trash and looked like it had been abandoned decades ago. The only bonus was that it looked out onto the city, and in the distance Izuku could make out several towers that belonged to hero agencies. Behind them the sun was slowly setting and had it not been for the serial killer standing next to him Izuku would have found the whole thing picturesque.

 

“It makes for an impressive skyline doesn’t it?” Stain said, his voice wasn’t harsh but it wasn't soft either, it held a firmness and intensity to it even when the man was speaking quietly, “It’s just a shame it’s a skyline built on corruption.”

 

Izuku paused and side eyed Stain, the man was wearing a large cloak (presumably to help move through the crowds) but Izuku could still see the many knives he had on him. Izuku’s mind was throwing forth any and every article he’d read on Stain, including the stuff he only got to read as a hero student, yet not one single person had ever narrowed down the man's quirk. Looking at it now Izuku could see the quirk energy that looked like a red nervous system spreading throughout his body and focused at his mouth. 

 

A mind control quirk? Maybe but from experience Izuku knew their energy tended to be focused in the brain.

 

Perhaps a voice activated quirk like Present Mic? Possible but that didn't explain the red lines throughout his body.

 

The energy was also perfectly still, could it not currently be activated and need a certain set of conditions to work?

 

“A hero should not reveal his plan to an unknown so easily.” Stain said with a look slight amusement down at Izuku.

 

Izuku flinched and realised he’d once again been mumbling, he gulped and looked up at Stain who was observing him with curiosity, “Are you going to kill me?” Izuku asked.

 

Stain snorted at the question, “Have you so little faith in yourself?”

 

Izuku blinked, “Huh?”

 

He hoped they’d have lessons on this in the future because that probably wasn’t the best thing to say to a supervillain.

 

Stain turned to him and looked him up and down, “I watched you in the sports festival. The way you fought and carried yourself showed me that you are not some glory seeking child. No, you have the potential to be a true hero.”

 

“A true hero?” Izuku asked cautiously, he’d read some of Stains manifesto (or at least what his fans had put together based on recordings of the man's ramblings) but he understood the basics of it to be that Stain more or less believed that everyone bar All Might was a fake hero who didn’t deserve the position.

 

Stain nodded at Izuku’s question, “Like All Might, not all the other fakes who use the term hero to advance their own selfish desires.”

 

Izuku paused before he responded, “All heroes…? Not even a single one bar All Might.”

 

Stain turned to Izuku with an angry expression that caused Izuku to shudder, “It is not my fault that the industry is corrupt to its core. I am merely a part of the solution.”

 

“You mean killing people?” Izuku asked with a frown.

 

Stain scoffed at the question, “Violence is the only language this society understands and death is the only permanent solution to the fake hero menace.”

 

It was Izuku’s turn to scoff, “So your plan is to kill the thousands of heroes in Japan bar All Might?”

 

“If that’s what it takes,” Stain said with no hint that he was being anything other than genuine.

 

There was a long pause in which Izuku debated several answers, right now it appeared Stain didn’t want to attack him but Izuku was more than aware he was currently standing on an isolated roof with a man who could and would kill him if he decided so.

 

Before Izuku could decide on a response however Stain spoke, “I enjoyed your fights in the sports festival. I saw how you fought not with the motivation for fame or glory but to be the strongest, to be a true hero. Not only that but if your brother is to be believed you too see the corruption of this world, you see what the hero industry must be despite what it has become.”

 

Izuku supposed there was no point in lying, “You’re right, most heroes focus on fame, wealth or something else that shouldn’t be the reason for being a hero. It doesn’t matter what type of person you are, you can be a bully, arrogant or even a borderline sociopath and still become a hero so long as you pass all the tests. It’s not right.”

 

Stain looked down at Izuku with a wide smile that caused a shiver to run up Izuku’s spine, “I knew you were a true hero,” Stain said, “I have finally found two people who will be able to carry on the message fresh into the hero industry.”

 

Izuku blinked, “Carry on the message? What are you talking about?”

 

Stain reached out and put his hand on Izuku’s shoulder, Izuku had to resist the urge to squirm away from the touch, “All Might will not be around forever, Japan will need new true heroes to lead in into the light and bring forward all the skills at their disposal to show the fake heroes what a true hero should be.”

 

Izuku’s eyes widened as the dots started to connect in his mind, “Wait… you…?”

 

Stain gave him another wide and haunting smile, “I want to train you to be the ultimate hero, one who stands for the just but will show no mercy to the unjust.”

 

Izuku took a step back and shrugged Stain’s hand off him with a scowl, “You want me to kill people.”

 

Stain raised an eyebrow, “Killing is the cleanest method of dealing with the fakes.”

 

Izuku blanched, “Killing them!? Just because someone makes a bad hero doesn’t make them a bad person, sure some heroes should have their licences revoked but most are trying to do good! They just make mistakes or don’t know how to handle the reality of hero work! That doesn’t mean they deserve death.”

 

“How weak,” Stain spat as the smile dropped from his face, “Not all people can be saved, there are some who must be put down.”

 

“No!” Izuku said with defiance, “I won’t use my quirk to hurt people unnecessarily, I want to use it to save people.”

 

The ‘friendly’ act Stain had been putting up was quickly ebbing away as he scowled at Izuku, “Foolish child, are you so naïve as to believe killing is a distant past time of psychopaths and villains? Heroes kill plenty of people every year, even All Might has accepted that the death of some villains is necessary. Do not think you can lead the life of a true hero without taking the life of others.”

 

Izuku took a step back and he was unable to keep the surprise from his face, “All Might doesn’t kill, you’re lying I-”

 

Izuku was cut off when he found a knife against his throat and Stain snarling in his face, “Be careful hero, I may be many things but I am not a liar. Live in denial all you please but All Might has killed, it is what any true hero would do when required.”

 

Izuku froze, he could feel the cold steel against his skin, “Even so,” He said slowly, “I won’t use my quirk to harm people, that’s not the sort of hero I want to be.”

 

Stain didn’t move for a few moments as he glared down at Izuku but Izuku refused to back down as he glared straight back. There was utter silence around them, not even the voices of the people on the streets below reached up to the roof tops.

 

“Perhaps I thought too much of a child,” Stain said and slowly removed his blade from Izuku’s throat, “Regardless you are able to take a path that does not involve killing.”

 

“That was kinda the plan,” Izuku snarked back, causing Stain to raise an eyebrow.

 

“The attitude does not come off well for someone on the path of a hero,” Stain said with no small amount of disdain as Izuku had to resist the urge to roll his eyes, “But I’ll allow it due to the value of your quirk.”

 

“The value of my quirk?” Izuku asked as a pit started to form in his stomach.

 

“Don’t you see!” Stain said as a layer of excitement encased his words and he looked out into the city as the sunset, “I may be able to kill the fake heroes to send a message but you… you could take their quirks! A true punishment for a fake hero, not only that but it allows you to distribute them among those who can be true heroes!”

 

Izuku took a step back as Stain rambled and started to pace, in a logical situation he should have thought carefully over every word, however the moment Stain spoke about Izuku's quirk logic went out the window. Izuku had never been very good at dealing with his quirk after all.

 

“You don’t want a true hero,” Izuku spat, “You want a weapon.”

 

Stain paused his pacing to turn to Izuku with a snarl, “Is that not why you attend your so-called hero school? To turn yourself into a weapon against villains?”

 

Izuku shook his head and spoke with a firm voice, “No, I’m going there so that I can learn how to save people, I only take quirks when villains leave me with no choice.”  

 

Stain narrowed his eyes, “Perhaps I misjudged you. Any true hero worthy of the name would be more than willing-”

 

Izuku couldn’t help but wave his arms out in exasperation, “Your definition of a true hero is unachievable! Yeah, All Might is the best hero in history but it’s All Might! Nobody can even come close to comparing with him. And even then he’s not the only good hero out there. The hero industry might have a corruption problem but there are still genuine heroes bar All Might. Eraserhead, Edgeshot, Ingenium-”

 

“INGENIUM!?” Stain cried, practically frothing at the mouth as he suddenly appeared in Izuku’s face, “Ingenium was my next target had you not distracted me at the sports festival.”

 

Izuku blanched, “But Ingenium is an amazing hero! He has a huge agency that-”

 

“Exactly!” Stain spat, “He has more sidekicks than any other hero, taking in strays who fail at other agencies and creating a breeding ground for fake heroes.”

 

“He gives people a second chance!” Izuku retorted, “Just look at Manuel! He’s one of the most popular heroes locally in Hosu and he came from Ingenium’s agency!”

 

“Fool!” Stain barked, “You would allow fakes and villains a chance to do more harm!”

 

“And you wouldn’t give them any chance at all!” Izuku shouted back, “You’d kill them over simple mistakes and misjudgement, how will people ever learn if they never get a chance to!? How do you expect the hero industry to improve if you kill off everybody before they get a chance to try!”

 

“ENOUGH!” Stain bellowed and Izuku snapped his mouth shut, “Clearly you are not ready to make the hard choices required of a true hero. So for now I shall have to leave you until you can prove to me you are ready.”

 

With that Stain turned and went to leave. Izuku should have let him go, the man was an S Class Villain who could kill him with ease if he wanted to and Izuku was a student whose' quirk was in recovery mode. Yet something in the back of mind wouldn’t let him, Izuku couldn’t just watch Stain walk away.

 

“No! I’m not going to let you-”  Izuku never got to finish his sentence as he felt a blade slice open his neck.

 

Izuku fell back, crashing down onto the roof. He could feel his shirt soak with warm blood as he started to gasp for breath. Internally regeneration was in action in an instant, forcing all remaining energy Izuku had left into keeping him alive.

 

“I watched your tactics in the festival,” Stain said as he sheathed his blade and stood over Izuku with a look of disdain, “Your regeneration abilities will keep you from dying but by the time you recover I’ll be long gone. I respect you Izuku Midoriya, for that I refuse to meet with The League of Villains, a group that tried to kill off the few true heroes in this world. But should we meet again I will not hesitate to show you the path of a true hero regardless of the consequences.”

 

---

“After that because of how weak my quirk was it took a couple of hours for regeneration to get me to a point I was able to walk home. But I was so weak it was mostly a daze until Auntie started to feed me water and food.” Izuku finished up, his eyes were dropping and Yagi could tell he was on the verge of falling asleep as Inko had to lift the boy's arms to allow her to slip a top on, it was like watching a mother with her toddler.

 

“I see,” Tsukauchi said as he finished his notes and shut his notebook, “Though I doubt anyone would have assumed otherwise for the record I can confirm everything Midoriya just told us was the truth.”

 

“Will you be sending heroes to find Stain, Kaina?” Inko asked in a shaky voice, she had managed to stop the tears upon realising Izuku was ok but that didn’t mean she wasn’t still a bundle of nerves and worry.

 

Kaina shrugged, “I’ve already asked a few to search the area though I doubt anything will come up. I’ve known rats that couldn’t hide as well as Stain can, he’s likely already in another city, maybe even another province.”

 

“Is… Is Izuku safe?” Inko asked as she held said boy close to her, “Is he going to come after my baby again?”

 

“I wouldn’t expect so,” Yagi reassured her, “Stain may be dangerous but he has a pattern, he only kills those he deems to be fake heroes. From the sounds of it he has no plans to harm Izuku and based on what Izuku has told it seems Stain is convinced he’ll need to wait a year or two before he can really train Izuku.”

 

Inko frowned, “I’m not sure if that’s better or worse.”

 

“At least it means Stain isn’t a direct threat,” Kaina reassured Inko with a smile.

 

“Right,” Inko said with a smile as she ruffled Izuku’s hair, “I think it’s time we got Izuku to bed before Katsuki tears the whole house down.”

 

“I can get there myshelfff…” Izuku mumbled in a way that indicated he very much could not as he dropped against Inko’s side.

 

Masaru chuckled and walked over to Izuku, “Sure you can bud, but let me just help you.”

 

Izuku mumbled a slight protest as Masaru hoisted him up and slowly led him out the room and up the stairs. Inko waited until for moment Izuku had vanished from sight to collapse into a nearby chair. Yagi quickly hurried over and placed a hand on her shoulder.

 

“He’ll be fine Inko, I hate to say it but Stain isn’t the worst thing the boys have had to face down.” He said with a sigh, images of the Nomu coming back to mind.   

 

Inko wiped a few tears away before clutching Yagi’s hand on her shoulder, “Still… I suppose I just… I wasn’t prepared for all this when the boys went to hero school. Villain attacks every other month and constant injuries. I know Izuku has regeneration now and that Katsuki is strong but… Does it ever get any better?”

 

Yagi and Kaina glanced at each other, they both wished they could say it did, that most heroes were able to lead semi-normal lives. But the truth…

 

“There are government programmes available to help the relatives of heroes cope,” Kaina explained softly, “Free therapy and other services can be claimed for any immediate family member of a licensed hero. Technically your sons are still students but given the circumstances I can pull some strings.”

 

Inko smiled up at Kaina, “Thank you, perhaps it would be best if myself and Mitsuki attend. Masaru seems to have gotten a quicker grasp on the boys being heroes.”

 

“You’re not the first worried parent I’ve met in my time,” Tsukauchi offered, “The fact is everyone always see’s their children as the young kids running around the park in capes. It’s hard to accept that they are probably far stronger than we could ever hope to be.”

 

Inko chuckled, “I think I realised they were probably stronger than me when Katsuki sneezed and destroyed the bathroom sink. But your words help, thank you detective.”

 

Tsukauchi gave a bow, “Of course. Now I think it’s time I took my leave, though a word before I go Yagi, Lady Nagant?”

 

Both heroes nodded but Inko squeezed Yagi’s hand before he could leave, “Would you mind staying in the guest bedroom tonight? I know you have to be at Endeavor’s agency tomorrow but you’re the only one who really understands this side of the boys and I’d rather you be here in case…” 

 

Yagi smiled and nodded, “Of course.”

 

“Thank you,” Inko said as she got up and wiped her eyes, “I’ll set up the room for you.” As she turned to leave she paused before looking back at Yagi and Kaina, “And uh.. Despite what happened, I’d like to continue our conversation from the bar at some point.”

 

Kaina and Yagi both blushed but gave nods of confirmation before Inko turned and all but ran up the stairs. Tsukauchi raised an eyebrow and coughed before the silence became too awkward afterwards.

 

“Ignoring whatever that was… Now that the family is out of earshot, should we be concerned Stain is going after students?” Tsukauchi asked as the three of them walked out of the house to make sure nobody could pick up on their conversation.

 

“Yes and no,” Kaina replied, “Midoriya is a unique case, I doubt he’d go after any other student and ask to train them. However the fact he was able to move through a crowded area without so much as a second glance is concerning.”

 

Tsukauchi sighed, “I keep saying how much heroes have made the public relax, always assuming there’s one right around the corner.”

 

“It is a problem that has become more prevalent in recent years, I must partly take the blame with so few major villains around these days the streets are genuinely safer. The flip side of this however is that people don’t react with as much alarm as they should when villains do make an appearance.” Yagi said as the three approached the detective's car.

 

“It doesn’t help that the government insists on sweeping all major incidents under the rug. Most people are only aware of around 20% of hero battles, just last week Endeavor took down an A Rank villain without a peep to the media.” Kaina responded with a scowl to which Tsukauchi chuckled.

 

“How is it that old saying goes? The public has no idea how close society comes to collapse everyday? If people knew the sheer amount of villains and powerful quirks in our society they’d never feel safe. Sometimes secrecy protects people Nagant.”

 

Kaina grumbled something that contained at least three curse words before sighing in agreement, “At least it looks like Midoriya has unwittingly prevented an alliance between Stain and The League of Villains.”

 

“That’s the part that concerns me,” Yagi admitted, “Why is the League looking for allies in the first place?”

 

Tsukuanchi shrugged, “More power? With the likes of All Might and Endeavor still on the hero call and groups like the Meta Liberation Army gaining more ground in the underworld there isn’t a lot of room to manoeuvre. Gaining an alley like Stain could help them carve a bigger piece of territory.”

 

“I don’t think that’s it,” Kaina said, “The Nomu creatures are powerful enough in themselves if they wanted to carve out any real territory they could not to mention they managed to amass a small army for the USJ attack right under our noses. If you ask me their biggest issue is in their message.”

 

“Their message?” Yagi asked.

 

Kaina nodded, “Think about it, what does The League of Villains stand for?”

 

“They want to kill All Might?” Tsukauchi said with a raised eyebrow.

 

Kaina shrugged, “Who doesn’t? No offence Yagi. It’s every villain's dream to bring down the big guy, doesn’t make them special. What League of Villains lacks is any real sort of message. Stain however, whether he likes it or not, represents a message they can get along with. He has a substantial following and an alliance with the League of Villains would turn them from a fringe group who attacked a school to very real rebellion.”

 

“Then we should feel lucky Midoriya has stopped that from happening.” Tsukauchi said with a sigh.

 

Yagi hummed and frowned, however, something didn’t add up, “The Nomu, the small army and now Stain? This doesn’t feel like some ragtag group of villains with a couple of powerful quirks. This feels organised and not by someone like Shigaraki… There’s someone far larger operating in the shadows here.”

 

Tsukauchi was watching Yagi carefully, “I know that look Yagi… you think it might be him.”

 

Yagi’s eyes hardened, “It’s a worse case scenario but… That Nomu creature did have multiple quirks.”

 

“You’ve always said you were never 100% sure you killed him,” Kaina said and bit her lip before seemingly stealing herself for her next question, “If HE is still around and responsible for recent events then… We need to talk about Izuku’s-”

 

“I know.” Yagi said firmly.

 

Kaina frowned deeper, “Yagi he already has the likes of Stain looking at him. Not to mention his brother is your successor. If Izuku’s father really is-”   

 

“I know!” Yagi snapped, causing Kaina to raise an eyebrow, he sighed and ran a hand through his hair, “I know what it all means but they are both just children. Hell Izuku just had his first outing with friends that didn’t live in the room next to him for the first time in his life only to then be attacked by the most wanted villain in the country. I know they’ll need to know the truth eventually but at least let them have some normal teenage experiences before then.”

 

Kaina sighed and rubbed her temples, “Today has been one hell of a fucking rollercoaster. I get it ok, God knows what I would have given for a normal childhood. But the sports festival put the entire family on the map, Stain won’t be the last villain to take an interest in the pair. At some point they need to understand the target they have on their backs.”

 

“I’ll tell them,” Yagi said looking downtrodden, “Eventually.”

 

“In which case I think it’s time we got out of here,” Tsukauchi said and unlocked his car, “Need a ride Nagant?”

 

“Sure,” Kaina replied, “May as well take me to the office at this point.”

 

Tsukauchi snorted as Kaina paused and turned to Yagi, suddenly looking nervous, “Oh and uh… Call me!” She said and quickly kissed Yagi on the cheek before diving into the back of the car.

 

Yagi blinked in surprise as Tsukauchi chuckled, “Really Yagi? Both of them?”

 

“Shut up.”

 

---

 

Izuku had tried to sleep, he really had. In fact he was fairly certain he had at least succeeded in some capacity if his vague awareness of opening and closing his eyes to find an hour had passed each time was anything to go by. But it seemed he’d had enough of sleeping as he stared at the blinking 3AM on his bedside clock. It was pitch dark both outside and inside his bedroom, he could hear his two roommates laying on their futon below him, the soft snores of Katsuki and the light whistle of Todoroki the only sounds in the room.

 

Izuku reached up and ran his fingers along his throat. There was a slight bump but he knew that would be gone by morning. He would be eating breakfast with a neck that indicated it had never even received a hickey before. It was probably the only thing stopping Katsuki from having a meltdown, Izuku’s brother had practically been rabid when Izuku had been taken upstairs, Todoroki had literally been holding him back. But the moment Izuku walked in the room Katsuki had been like a mother hen, bundling him up in bed and running Todoroki through all the night rules.

 

Izuku sighed and swung his legs over the side of the bed, carefully making sure not to kick Katsuki in the face as he did. Looking at him now, curled up on Izuku’s floor you’d never think he was 60% rage. Meanwhile Todoroki looked like he hadn’t moved a muscle since laying down, the only sign he was alive was the steady rise and fall of his chest.

 

Making sure not to step on either of his two guests, Izuku slowly tip-toed his way out of the bedroom. Normally he was the only restless sleeper in the house so he was surprised when he saw a light coming from the kitchen. He didn’t realise he had tensed up and was holding his breath until he saw Yagi sitting at the table sipping on a steaming mug of tea.

 

“Young Midoriya?” Yagi asked when he caught sight of Izuku lurking in the doorway, “Is everything ok?”

 

Izuku nodded and walked into the light, “Yes, just trouble sleeping.”

 

Yagi gave him an understanding smile as he took a seat at the table, “I can imagine, would you like a cup of chamomile tea? It’s one of the few things my stomach can still handle and I find it helps me sleep through the pain of my injury.”

 

Izuku nodded and Yagi poured him a mug as the room was once again plunged into silence.

 

Yagi studied him carefully before speaking, “You should know we are all confident Stain won’t come after you again.”

 

Izuku blinked before shaking his head, “Oh… That’s not it, it’s just… Does Stain have a point? I mean Endeavor is essentially a child abuser and yet he’s getting off with a slap on the wrist.”

 

Yagi’s voice turned firm, “First of all Endeavor is not getting off with a mere slap on the wrist, his entire agency is being torn down and rebuilt. I already have several of his sidekicks on the chopping block, not to mention his finances are in shambles, he’ll likely have to sell his house to pay for the agency revamp and his entire family have all but abandoned him. Endeavor is alone in the world and being circled by vultures, do not think just because he remains a hero that he is not being punished. Secondly, all of that is a moot point because none of the three Todoroki children want to see their father brought to justice. In fact Fuyumi and Shoto both asked for quite the opposite, that he be allowed to remain a hero. What good would it do to put the man behind bars when he could still be out there fighting villains and saving lives?”

 

Izuku sighed and slouched back against his chair, “So he’s only getting away with it because he’s a hero?”

 

“Yes,” Yagi admitted, “But the world is not so black and white. Putting Endeavor behind bars might placate a few people but those who live on his patrol routes would perhaps not be so enthusiastic about it. How many lives would we condemn to villain attacks?”

 

Izuku sighed and rubbed his temples, “I can’t get my head around all this.”

 

Yagi chuckled, “Well you don’t go into hero ethics until your second year really. It’s important to remember that people are complicated. What one person deserves may not be what another should receive. Some people rob stores to feed their families while others do it for the thrill. To treat them as the same would be naive and cruel. Stain does indeed have some good points, but to condemn the entire hero industry to a death sentence is ludicrous. Not to mention he puts me on a pedestal I don’t deserve.”

 

Izuku opened his mouth to protest but Yagi’s raised hand stopped him, “Do not think I have forgotten the day we first met. Just one of many failures I’ve had in my lifetime. It sickens me that someone like Stain can find the justification for murder in the symbol I have created. But sometimes that is the cost of the hero I chose to be.”

 

Izuku nodded and stared down into the swirling water of his tea, the steam rising up and into his nose. His thoughts thumped against his head as he glanced at Yagi before taking a deep breath.

 

“Yagi… Have you ever killed anyone?”

 

There was a pause long enough that Izuku thought Yagi was angry with him before the man finally spoke while looking away from Izuku, “I have. Very few people, an insignificant number in comparison to how many villains I have defeated. But I have.”

 

“Oh,” Was all Izuku could say as he returned to looking down at his tea, “I don’t want to kill anyone… Will I need to?”

 

Yagi hummed before turning to Izuku, “Killing is the dirty skeleton the hero industry keeps locked away deeper than any other. You will almost never see news of a hero killing a person because the HPSC sweeps it away. But it does happen. I never want to take a life, I do everything in power to avoid it. But on occasion, when a villain is out of control with civilians at risk where I have tried every other method to put them down… I have ended it to keep people safe at the cost of a new prisoner in Tartarus. I am telling you this to make it clear: They were my choices which drove me to kill. Perhaps I could have tried other methods, perhaps I could have fled with what civilians I could and called for backup. But in those moments I saw only one way to save as many lives as possible.”

 

“So you’re saying I’ll need to do it, to kill people?” Izuku asked and clenched his fists, he felt sick and could feel bile rising in his throat.

 

“No,” Yagi said, “There are heroes who absolutely refuse to take a life. Best Jeanist is perhaps the best example, no matter the situation the man refuses to kill. My point is that in your hero career you will face choices, it is up to you what you do in those moments. But whatever you choose, it is also up to you to live with the consequences of those choices. I accept the lives I have taken and what that means as does Best Jeanist with the lives he has spared.”

 

Izuku allowed his head to rest on the cool wood of the table, “You know I wish my biggest problem today had been deciding what to eat from the food court at the mall.”

 

Yagi let out a snort as he stood up and patted Izuku’s shoulder, “It has been a trying day, at least try to get some sleep?”

 

Izuku nodded as he heard Yagi retreat back up the stairs. Izuku tried to calm his mind but it was sparking with thoughts. In one day Izuku’s entire perception of heroes and good and evil had been turned on its head. Maybe he was just being naive, did he really think hero work was simply punching villains and smiling for the camera? He’d been so worked up about his quirk he’d never really considered the reality of hero work. What if he found himself in a fight like Yagi had described? Could he really bring himself to kill someone? Or would he refuse but put innocent lives at risk?

 

As he started to drift off against the table Izuku felt the hum of his quirk and what sounded like a soft voice in his ear.

 

“Kill people? Why would we do that when we can just take their quirks? Stain may be a madman but he has a point about us. We don’t have to kill people. Why kill people when we can just take their quirks? Just imagine all the delicious quirks we could take to punish people. Every villain or criminal we encounter we shut them down by taking their quirks.

 

“Every. Single. One.”

Notes:

Just a note on the whole All Might killing thing, I have no idea in canon if he ever has. But he at least tried (and believed) he had killed AFO so I figured him killing other major villains isn't completely out there.

Thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 39: My Name Is...

Summary:

Class A return to school and their first lesson? Hero names and internships

“Damn it I told him not to knock so loudly!”

 

“That wasn’t loud, you just have sensitive hearing.”

 

“You’re the one who is supposed to be able to sense people walking up the drive!”

 

“You didn’t ask.”

 

Katsuki gave Izuku the finger as he stormed out of the kitchen towards the front door. Izuku sighed and brought his coffee to his lips and the hot drink gave him a satisfied kick as it travelled down his throat. Though that may have been due more to the five sugars and half cup of cream he added to it, he was Izuku afterall. Bitterness wasn’t exactly his core character trait, not like the way Katsuki drank black coffee. 

 

The first day back after their short break post Sports Festival was going to take its toll on Izuku. He was still a little shaken from the Stain incident and despite sleeping for nearly 12 hours everyday still felt exhausted. At least his quirk had finally returned to full force. Izuku smiled as he sat and took in the pleasant hum of the quirks within himself and lazily tracked the various quirk energies around the house and beyond. 

 

“Good Morning Todoroki,” Izuku said before the boy had even entered the kitchen.

 

“Good Morning Midoriya,” Todoroki said smoothly without a hint of grogginess as he followed Katsuki into the kitchen, his uniform as pristine as ever, “Did you sleep well?”

 

“Nope.” Izuku said before dropping his head into the table with a groan.

 

Katsuki scoffed as he grabbed his bag from the table, “Well get over it, we need to go or we’ll be late.”

 

“I doubt that.” Izuku said but reluctantly pushed himself up from his place at the table.

 

Apparently when Todoroki had said he wanted to cut his father off he wasn’t bluffing. Gone was the private car and driver to school everyday, in its place was a railcard and a chilly walk to the station before the sun had even risen. Apparently Todoroki had never once gotten a public train, ever. So seeing as they lived nearby, Katsuki and Izuku had offered to travel to and from school with him.

 

Izuku had hoped Todoroki might push back against the early mornings Katsuki insisted on but alas if anything he was just as enthusiastic about getting to school as early as Katsuki. The threesome left in traditional fashion as Masaru offered them a tired wave as he stumbled down the stairs in a bathrobe.

 

Izuku quietly followed behind Katsuki as he led the way towards the train station, Todoroki keeping pace with Katsuki upfront as the pair made quiet conversation about the upcoming school day. Izuku was content to remain a few paces behind, enjoying his last few hours with Todoroki’s quirk stopping him from feeling the chilly morning air.

 

Of course the pleasant morning wasn’t destined to last. Afterall, the son of Endeavor and the top two winners of the UA Sports Festival all travelling together wasn’t exactly an inconspicuous group. The train station might have been all but abandoned but the people who were present stared at them with wide eyes and slack jaws as they walked past, some scowled, others beamed, all whispered.

 

Todoroki seemed immune to it all as he figured out exactly how to swipe his pass to allow him through the barriers, he was probably used to the attention after a decade and a half of it. Katsuki simply grumbled and glared at anybody who got too close as Izuku huddled in on himself, trying to block out the looks of anger, fear and other pleasant emotions that were shot his way.

 

It was going pretty well until he felt a small impact on his legs. Instinct took over and several quirks flared beneath his skin, up ahead Katsuki leaped over the barrier he had already crossed while Todoroki too was turning on his feet.

 

All three stopped however when Izuku looked down and found a young girl, no older than 5 or 6 hugging his legs tightly. She had deeply pale skin, almost transparent and Izuku couldn’t see a single hair on her body. Her eyes weren’t human and instead contained two blue slits that looked up at Izuku with awe.

 

“Kana! Kana!”

 

A woman came running over to the confused teenagers and young girl and she desperately tried to peel the child off Izuku, “I-I’m so sorry! I don’t know what came over her! She’s normally so shy but she just gasped and ran over here.”

 

Izuku winced, silently cursing himself for nearly unleashing the full power of multiple quirks on a child, he needed better awareness of his quirk sensing abilities. As the woman seemingly pulled her daughter off Izuku said girl started to jump up and down and point at the greenette.

 

“But Mommy it’s him! It’s him!” She squealed.

 

Izuku blinked in confusion, as did the girl's mother, “It’s who dear?”

 

“It’s the one from the sports festival! Mr uh… Izu… Izuk Midoya!” There was a snicker from behind Izuku that presumably belonged to Katsuki, “He was the villain in the sports festival!”

 

Izuku’s heart plummeted and with a sigh as he turned to walk away but before he could he felt a tug at his arm and looked up to see the girl's mother smiling at him and shaking her head, “It’s not what you think, she’s bad with her words. Sweetie, why did you hug Mr Midoriya?”

 

The girl's face dropped slightly and she shuffled on her feet, “Uh… B-Because he’s like me. Everyone at school says I can’t be a hero because I have a villain's quirk… But so do you and you’re a hero! You were amazing in the fights, you were all like pow! Bam! BOOM! It was so cool!”

Izuku wouldn’t cry. He wouldn’t. Not in front of his first fan. He wouldn’t cry even despite the obvious wetness of his eyes.

 

Taking a deep gulp Izuku smiled at the girl, “I’m glad you think I was cool but you know, someone once told me that a quirk is just a tool, they're not good or bad. So if you want to be a hero with your quirk you can be!”

 

The girl beamed up at him as her mother squeezed Izuku’s shoulder, “Thank you, I think she needed to hear that. Come on Kana, we need to get going or you’ll be late for school.”

 

With a final wave to Izuku the pair walked away. Izuku gave them a short wave back, and turned back to his friends as he rubbed his eyes.

 

“Are you done getting all sappy? We’re gonna miss the train,” Katsuki grumbled as he marched back through the barriers. 

 

To anyone else it might have looked outrageous that Katsuki had thrown such a moment off. But Izuku could see the slight shine of pride in his brother's eyes and it made his heart swell.

 

---

“Would you look at that,” Izuku said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “We barely made it on time.” He said referring to the near empty grounds of UA.

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes and punched Izuku in the arm, “Shut up. We do this everyday, stop complaining.”

 

Izuku narrowed his eyes, “I’ll stop when I’m dead.”

 

“I can arrange that if you like,” Katsuki replied and turned to Izuku with a feral smile and cracked his knuckles together.

 

Izuku’s quirks flared beneath his skin, a little energy seeping out and filling the air around them, “You’re welcome to try.”

 

“Ahem.”

 

The pair jumped when they seemingly remembered they had a third person with them. Todoroki stood watching them with the slightest hint of amusement as the pair faced off against each other.

 

“I thought Fuyumi and Natsuo were bad, but I’m amazed your house is still standing.” He said with a chuckle (which was a first).

 

“Yeah, yeah whatever. I’ll just beat him in hero training.” Katsuki said with a smirk to which Izuku rolled his eyes.

 

Todoroki nodded and turned to Izuku, “I think I can probably take it back now, I’ll need it for class afterall.”

 

Izuku tilted his head with a confused frown, “Need what? Did you forget a pencil?”

 

Todoroki blinked, “No… Midoriya you still have my quirk.”

 

Izuku blushed and nodded vigorously, “Oh right! Sorry! I guess I just got used to it. It’s an amazing quirk, I mean it’s obviously powerful but you always forget the things like temperature regulation. I haven’t been cold or hot for days! And then-”

 

“Midoriya,” Todoroki interrupted and Izuku noted he was holding out his hand, “We don’t have a lot of time. May I please have it back?”

 

“Uh r-right,” Izuku said and stared at Todoroki’s outstretched hand, “It’s a shame because the combo’s I can make with it are amazing. Regeneration negates the lack of fire and ice resistance my body has, meaning I can hit levels even Endeavor would struggle to match with little blowback. Not to mention it could theoretically turn heat vision into ice vision which would create some rather-”

 

“Izuku.” Katsuki’s tone sliced through Izuku’s thoughts like a hot knife and he suddenly became aware of how tense the air around all three of them had become, not to mention the slight concern Katsuki had in his eyes, “Give Shoto his quirk back.”

 

Izuku gulped and nodded, silently reaching out and grabbing Todoroki’s hand. As he did he pushed the powerful quirk out of his body and back into Todoroki. He felt the other boy pull his quirk towards him and Izuku allowed it despite the protest from his hunger.

 

Izuku shuddered as he let go of Todoroki’s hand and the chilly air creeped in between his uniform. Todoroki meanwhile let out a pleasant sigh and the air around them heated slightly as he played with his quirk. The tension however, still remained.

 

“W-Well, let's get to class!” Izuku said quickly and turned on his heels, partially running into the school, every step of the way he could feel the pair's eyes in the back of his head.

 

It was a relief when they finally reached the door of their class. Izuku grabbed the handle as Katsuki and Todoroki walked up to him. Before he opened the door however he frowned at the quirk energy he could sense inside. As he swung the door open he wondered if his quirk was running haywire as there was no way-

 

“IZUKU!”

 

For the second time that morning Izuku activated his quirks on instinct as he found himself tackled to the floor. He quickly realised he had been assaulted by three recognizable bodies which had all wrapped their arms tightly around him.

 

“Dude we’re sorry! We should’ve walked you home!”

 

“W-We didn’t know what was going on! We would’ve saved you!”

 

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”

 

Izuku could only wheeze as the combined weight of Eijiro, Mina and Kyouka crushed him down onto the floor. Despite that he found a smile on his face as they continuously apologised over and over. 

 

“Oi! There’s no point in him surviving Stain if you fuckers crush him to death!” Katsuki yelled and started to pull Izuku’s classmates off him, which seemed surprisingly difficult considering his quirk.

 

Eventually however Izuku was back on his feet and in the classroom, dusting himself off as he stood in front of his friends. They didn’t look well. Mina’s eyes were red and puffy, evidence of continuous crying, meanwhile Eijio’’s hair and uniform were a mess and looked like they had been thrown on desperately that morning. Which they probably had. Kyouka looked exhausted, her jacks were red and a little swollen from days of her nervous tick taking over and she couldn't seem to look anyone in the eye.

 

Izuku gave them all a soft smile, “How many times do I have to tell you guys it’s fine.” Izuku had called each of his friends at least twice since the incident to reassure them he was fine and nobody was at fault, “There was no way anybody could have predicted what happened, the important thing is that everybody is ok. It all turned out for the best.”

 

“I know you’re right,” Mina said wiping her eyes, “It was just hard, not being able to see you.”

 

“Yeah,” Eijiro agreed, “I mean we woulda tried but your guard dog wouldn’t let us.”

 

Said guard dog growled as he followed Todoroki into the classroom, “He needed rest, if you three had come he would’ve been hyper for about four fucking days!”

 

“Awww, do we drive you wild Izuku?” Mina teased with a wink, though by this point Izuku only responded with a slight blush and roll of his eyes.

   

“Let's just get ready for class,” Izuku said as he headed to his desk and started to chat with his friends.

 

It wasn’t until the next classmate arrived that Izuku remembered he hadn’t been at school since his quirk was revealed. Seeing movement by the door he looked up and caught Tsu looking straight at him as their eyes made contact. The girl's eyes went wide and filled with terror, not just fear but pure raw terror. Her face paled and before Izuku could do anything she scrambled over to her desk, not daring to even glance in Izuku’s direction. Izuku sighed but before he could wallow in self pity Eijiro drew him into a conversation about Hawk’s latest villain fight.

 

Slowly but surely more of the class trickled into the classroom, Yoarashi and Uraraka both gave Izuku a wave and animated greeting before taking their seats, Shoji and Tokayami both gave him polite nods but everyone else either glared, looked away in fear or completely ignored him. Yoayorozu was the worst, she simply walked in without a word and took her seat, not even acknowledging Izuku’s existence. Izuku was used to being ignored, whispered about and glared at. But just last week he’d considered some of these people his friends, this time it hurt more than he was used to. But Izuku refused to let that stop him enjoying their first day back and so he plastered on a smile and spoke to Kyouka about a new album release.

 

“Good Morning everyone,” Aizawa said as he shuffled into the classroom, scanning the area for any reason to dish out punishment, but by this point the entire class knew to be in their seats and silent at least two minutes before the bell.

 

“Mr Aizawa, you’re out of your wheelchair already?” Yoarashi asked., as the class watched their teacher walk into the room.

 

Aizawa nodded, “Yes, you should never underestimate the value of a healing hero like Recovery Girl. Now then, I hope you all got some rest over the short break and that you’re back up to full strength. Now that you’re confident with your quirks and are used to active combat myself, Yagi and All Might believe that it's time to really up your training.”

 

Aizawa gained a feral smirk at his words as the class let out a collective shiver of fear, “But before that we have other things to take care of.”

 

“That’s right!” Yagi declared as he entered the room with a bright smile, “We need to pick your hero names!”

 

“Codenames…” Aizawa grumbled though he could hardly be heard above the roar of the class.

 

Izuku however had paused as his mind caught up with him. A name. He would need a name. Somehow the entire existence of hero names had been forgotten to him. Lost somewhere in the waves of angst and drama that had occupied his life. But now that he needed to come up with one, he was drawing a blank.

 

“Your normal classes have been cancelled for the morning so that we can dedicate its entirety to not only codenames but your image as heroes. In a few weeks you’ll all be undertaking your first internships, this will be the true start of your hero career.” Yagi explained as he stood next to Aizawa.

 

Aizawa nodded in agreement, “Though these internships may be insignificant they can often indicate what sort of pro you’ll be. The heroes you work with may use them to decide if they want to mentor you until graduation or not. There will be opportunities throughout your time at UA to change your hero name or costume or even style. But pro’s don’t have the luxury of seeing you on a daily basis, so you need to make sure you utilise this opportunity well.”

 

“All right!” Kaminari cheered with a fist bump, “No Maths this morning!”

 

“Don’t get too excited, you’ll be catching up tomorrow.” Aizawa said, which caused several dejected groans.

 

Yagi let out a deep laugh, “I’ll be here all morning to help further explain the internship process and help you choose who you intern with. Speaking of which, we’ve been getting offers from agencies since the festival… Though I’m afraid there’s a bit of a well… difference.”

 

Yagi coughed awkwardly as he clicked a button and the screen behind the teachers lit up showing how many offers each student had received. To say there was a mild difference was an understatement.

 

Katsuki Bakugou: 4756

 

Shoto Todoroki: 3978

 

Ochako Uraraka: 876

 

Inasa Toarashi: 304

 

Tenya Iida: 298

 

Eijiro Kirishima: 178

 

Denki Kaminari: 166

 

Momo Yaoyorozu: 104

 

Izuku Midoriya: 9

 

Kyouka Jiro: 1

Izuku sighed as he read the results, of course he had hardly been expecting the level of offers Katsuki and Todoroki had received but he figured he’d at least get a few. Not to blow his own horn but he had come second in the festival and given Katsuki a run for his money in the final. He figured that at least it would be worth a few dozen offers. But he supposed even despite receiving support from various heroes saying a few lines on TV in his favour and being seen on patrol with UA’s villian student were very different things.

 

“Yeah… same here man,” Kyouka said, having heard his sigh as she slid down on her seat, “One offer? That’s the lowest of everyone who got to the final stage, may as well be zero.”

 

“At least you have offers,” Mina grumbled with her head in her hands, “You’d think a pink skinned acid girl would be hard to miss and at least get some interest.”

 

Izuku nodded in agreement with the girls as Eijiro glanced at them nervously, “Come on guys, just because you didn’t get high offers doesn’t mean you won’t have great internships!”

 

He received three glares in response as Kyouka attacked him with her jacks, “Easy for you to say Mr Nearly Two Hundred Offers!” 

 

“You shouldn’t look too much into these numbers,” Aizawa said, interrupting the conversations around the room, “Plenty of agencies give out what are known as charity offers, accepting students to tick a diversity box or gain a media boost by taking on legacy students. For those of you multiple offers please be on the lookout for these. Myself and Yagi can assist in this.”

 

Nearly all eyes in the room glanced at Todoroki, it wasn’t exactly a secret as to why he’d probably received so many offers despite only coming in 3rd place.

 

“However,” Aizawa continued, “For those of you who didn’t receive offers please don’t be disheartened. First of all UA has plenty of agencies we’re in agreement with who are willing to take you on. Secondly the reality is that the only thing the pro’s have to go on is a few hours of TV footage to offer internships off of. Not to mention just because you did well or have a strong quirk doesn’t automatically mean you’d be a good fit at their agency. I would be pretty useless at taking on a student like Monama from 1B seeing as our quirks are near polar opposites. Just because a pro was impressed by your performance doesn’t mean they feel they can offer you a useful internship.”

 

There was a groan from Sero, “Man, I didn’t realise that picking an internship would be this hard.”

 

Yagi shrugged, “We’re probably over emphasising it a little but please don’t just pick the first one that takes your fancy. You have all morning to think about it and discuss it with both myself and Aizawa. However when it comes to your hero names-”

 

“That requires an expert!” Came the shout of Midnight as she sauntered in through the door.

 

Aizawa sighed, “Yes, I myself I’m ashamed to admit I’m hopeless with this side of the job and Yagi’s only ever chosen one hero name in his lifetime.”

 

“Ooooh which one!?” Mina asked excitedly as all three teachers and a certain three students froze up at Aizawa’s slip of the tongue.

 

“Can we just fucking get on with it!?” Katsuki shouted from the back of the class, allowing Yagi an escape as Izuku sighed with relief.

 

“Yes yes Young Bakugou calm down,” Yagi said, “Now, Midnight will have final say on your hero names. Once again you have all morning to decide on your names but at the end of the class you’ll need to present them and have them authorised. But apart from that feel free to mingle and discuss, this will be a laid back lesson so approach this task however you want.”

 

Predictably Yagi’s statement was followed by a chorus of scrapping leg chairs and desks as people moved about to form groups to discuss the ideas excitedly. Mina of course pushed multiple desks together in their corner of the room to create a large table to which Yoarashi eagerly joined as did Uraraka as she brought over a reluctant Katsuki and Todoroki. Soon everyone was sitting in various groups as Aizawa and Yagi started to hand out the internship offers and Midnight handed out whiteboards for their hero names.

 

The entire class turned their attention to the makeshift table as Aizawa dropped two huge stacks of papers in front of Katsuki and Todoroki. Izuku and the rest of the table winced at the loud bang the stacks made before they too were handed their (much smaller) stacks of offers. Mina pouted as the standard list of offers was placed in front of her while everyone else had other sheets on top of this (Even if Izuku’s and Kyouka’s was only one page).

 

“Ugh,” Uraraka moaned as she flicked through her large stack of papers, “How the hell am I supposed to choose from all of this!?”

 

“You start by taking out the fakes,” Katsuki barked as he sped through the papers like a man possessed crossing out name after name.

 

“Huh?” Uraraka said, a little dumbfounded.

 

“He means heroes who are only in it for the fame and money. Basically ones that are just gonna use you as a slave for a week.” Izuku explained, “I can provide a list of them if you like.”

 

Eijiro chuckled, “I never took you for a jokester Izuku.”

 

Katsuki looked up with a frown, “What joke?”

 

“I uh… I think they actually have a list…” Mina said in disbelief.

 

“Just give the list here Rouncheeks!” Katsuki shouted and grabbed Uraraka’s considerably smaller list before starting to cross names off it.

 

“Man, even without any offers UA’s list is pretty big, there’s gotta be two hundred agencies here at least.” Kyouka said as she flicked through the standard offers.

 

“206 to be exact,” Yagi commented as he wandered over to their table, “Have any of you found any that interest you?”

 

“Are there any you recommend, Sensei?” Mina asked.

 

Yagi paused for a minute before answering, “Well it depends what you want out of the week. Some students go for heroes they eventually want to sidekick with post graduation, others try to use the opportunity to gain skills in their weak areas. If you’re unsure, my advice is to go to an agency who don’t specialise too much so as to gain a wider understanding of how real pro’s operate.”

 

Izuku sighed as he reached for a pen, he may as well start narrowing his offers down, all nine of them.

 

“Oh and congratulations Young Midoriya!” Yagi chirped as Izuku paused and looked up at him with a confused frown.

 

“Huh?”

 

Yagi chuckled, “You broke Best Jeanist’s record, he had 7 offers and you could of course only get a maximum of 9 anyway.”

 

Izuku blinked as the entire table turned to look at him, “Sensei what are you talking about?”

 

Yagi’s smile dropped slightly, “My boy, you have seen who offered you internships haven’t you?”

 

Izuku looked down to read the nine names off his first sheet and-

 

Oh.

 

Uraraka leaned over from where she was sat next to him to spy the names only for her to nearly fall out of her chair, “WHAT THE FUCK!?”

 

“Language!” Aizawa barked from where he was standing over Shoji.

 

“Huh?” Katsuki huffed, “The fuck is going on?”

 

“My nine offers,” Izuku whispered, “They’re all-”

 

“HE GOT AN OFFER FROM EVERY TOP TEN HERO BAR ALL MIGHT!” Uraraka shouted.

 

Izuku once again felt every head in the room swivel in his direction as he slid down his seat slightly.

 

“He WHAT!?” Katsuki shouted, “WHY DIDN’T I GET ALL 9!?”

 

“Yeah, I mean how could they deny your award winning personality.” Mina drawled to which she received a growl in response.

 

“Come on man, you literally have thousands of offers and you have four of the top ten.” Eijiro reassured Katsuki with a smile.

 

“Fuck you shitty hair you didn’t get any!” Katsuki shouted back and crossed his arms, pouting slightly.

 

Izuku stared down at the names that made up nine of the top ten heroes. He had honestly assumed most were charity offers but it appeared they were all legitimate. Each offer was accompanied by a short message from the hero about why they had reached out. Words like ‘potential’ and ‘inspirational’ could be seen all over the page and it made Izuku choke up slightly.

 

He felt a nudge from his side and turned to see Uraraka beaming at him, “Good job Midoriya, though uh, maybe avoid crying? Just this once?” She whispered as Katsuki continued to argue with half the table and Izuku gave her a shaky nod.

 

“I assume you’ll be going with your father?” Yoarashi asked Todoroki and the entire table winced at his cold tone, the issues between them were still evident for all to see.

 

Todoroki however was an expert at not taking the bait, “No, my father has not sent me an offer.”

 

“O-Oh.” Yoarashi replied, caught off guard by the denial, “I just assumed-”

 

“My current aim is to discover what sort of hero I want to be, my father cannot teach me that.” Todoroki interrupted, turning to Yoarashi with narrowed eyes.

 

“Who are you going with Ei?” Mina asked in a professionally done diversion.

 

Eijiro looked up with a wide smile, “I was thinking about going with Fourth Kind, he does a lot of community projects and I want to learn about the side of heroics which isn’t just punching people in the face.”

 

“But that’s the best part.” Katsuki responded automatically as he scribbled down notes without raising his head.

 

“Oh yeah?” Uraraka said with a roll of her eyes, “Who are you going for then?”

 

“Best Jeanist,” Katsuki replied, “He’s the highest ranked hero to send me an offer.”

 

“What!?” Izuku managed to cough out, “Are you joking!?”

 

Katsuki looked up at him with genuine surprise, “Huh? What?”

 

“The hell are you planning to learn from Best Jeanist!?” Izuku snapped back.

 

“Oh boy…” Uraraka sighed.

 

“Here we go,” Kyouka said as she shuffled away from Katsuki slightly.

 

“The fuck is wrong with Best Jeanist, isn’t he one of your top 5 heroes!?” Katsuki responded, slamming his pen down on the desk.

 

“Yeah but that doesn’t mean he’s a good match for you to intern with,” Izuku said as his voice rose slightly.

 

“Match!? This isn’t a fucking romance!” Katsuki scoffed.

 

“No but what do you expect Best Jeanist, someone with a manipulation based quirk, to teach you, someone with an augmentation quirk!?” Izuku said, narrowing his eyes at Katsuki.

 

“If I knew that I’d already be a fucking pro wouldn’t I! I’m pretty positive the number four hero can teach me a thing or two!” Katsuki growled back, slamming both hands on the table.

 

“When have you ever seen him throw a punch! All he could teach you is manners which I’m fairly sure you would hate every second of!” Izuku spat, matching Katsuki’s volume.

 

“Can you both go five minutes without shouting at each other!?”

 

Slowly the entire table turned to face to unusual sight of a rather irritated Yagi, he was scowling at either pair in turn and his voice had the mellow of a disappointed parent, “You two are supposed to work together to build each other up, not put each other down. Midoriya Best Jeanist is a top ten hero, he has a wealth of knowledge to provide Bakugou. But, Bakugou, Midoriya is correct in saying Jeanist’s fight style does not match your own, if you want to learn PR skills he’s the best but for combat his style clashes too much with your own for you to really learn anything in a single week.”

 

There was a pause before both brothers grumbled out a quick “Fine,” and the mood of the table lifted once again.

 

Katsuki sighed, “Alright fine, maybe Jeanist isn’t my best option. But my biggest issue in the festival was range, I need to figure out a way to counter people with ranged quirks.”

 

“That makes sense,” Eijiro said, tapping his chin, “But Best Jeanist is good at range because his quirk is ranged, I’m not sure he’d know how to counter range with pure close combat quirks like ours.”

 

“Then what do you suggest, Shitty Hair!?” Katsuki snapped back, at least he wasn’t punching anyone that criticised him these days.

 

Eijiro shrugged, “Maybe another close combat hero? Obviously a high ranking one as they must have learnt how to counter range to climb the ranks right?”

 

Katsuki paused before tuning away from Eijiro and crossed his arms, “That’s actually a good fucking point…” he grumbled to which Eijiro chuckled.

 

“I was actually thinking of going with a combat oriented hero too,” Uraraka said as she scanned through her now edited list courtesy of Katsuki.

 

“Don’t you want to be a rescue hero though?” Todoroki asked.

 

Uraraka shrugged, “I mean yeah sure but I also wanna be able to pull my weight in a fight and all I really do at this point is slap people.”

 

“Well you must have at least some offers from some combat heroes,” Mina said as she leaned over Izuku to look at Uraraka’s offers, “Hey look, you have an offer from Gunhead and- OH MY GOD!”

 

“W-What!?” Uraraka stuttered out before she looked down to where Mina was staring, “HUH!? They gave me an offer!? B-But why!?”

 

“Because you’re a badass?” Kyouka offered and most of the table nodded in agreement.

 

“Didn’t you also get an offer from the same hero Bakugou?” Todoroki asked.

 

Bakugou blinked and sifted through his pages before pausing, “Oh yeah…”

 

“Oh! Oh! Oh! Bakugou let's go together!” Uraraka shouted, jumping up and down in her seat.

 

Bakugou scowled and folded his arms, “What makes you think I want to go to the same agency as you?”

 

“Because that’s your highest offer for a close combat based hero,” Todoroki stated like it was obvious.

 

Izuku and Kyouka snorted as Katsuki blushed, “Fucking fine! I guess it’s a pretty good gig!” He said and furiously started to fill in the form for the agency.   

 

“Well I think I’ll stick with my Uncle, I want to be able to make my wind stronger while still being able to move around freely.” Yoarashi said as he completely ignored all his other offers and went straight in for Typhoon, “Plus this time he’ll be able to teach me while on active duty!”

 

Mina slumped back in her seat, “I guess I’ll need to choose from the standard list. Ugh, having smart friends sucks.”

 

Izuku and Katsuki opened their mouths to argue but Mina cut them off, “That’s not a dig at myself I’m just saying how cool you guys are.”

 

Katsuki huffed, “I am pretty cool.”

 

“Ok well let’s see what’s on offer,” Mina said as she scanned down the list, “OH! Mt Lady is-”

 

“A fake,” Katsuki interrupted.

 

“Ooook,” Mina said drawing out the word and raising an eyebrow at Katsuki, “Well Native is a pretty decent hero and-”

 

“Also a fake,” Izuku said without looking up.

 

Mina frowned, “Well then I could try Uwabami-”

 

“Fake as hell, you seen her ads?” Katsuki grunted.

 

Mina grit her teeth and glared at the pair, not that either was aware, “You know I’ve always been a fan of Water Man and-”

 

“Only operates in the water to avoid villains, he’s a fake.” Izuku informed her.

 

Mina practically growled at him, “What about Judo Woman-”

 

“Hates charity.”

 

“But General Samurai-”

 

“Is a sexist who insults female heroes at every chance.”

 

“How about King Steel-”

 

“Puts every minor villain he flights with in the hospital.”

 

“Ms Power-”

 

“Is under investigation for sexually assaulting her sidekicks.”

 

“High Fly-”

 

“Nope.”

 

“Fox Man-”

 

“Terrible.”

 

“FINE THEN!” Mina bellowed and the entire table jumped when she slammed her list down in the middle of it, glaring at Izuku and Katsuki, “Why the hell don’t you two pick for me then if none of us can figure out who the good and bad heroes are!?”

 

Mina was snapping her glare between the brothers as the rest of the table flinched, Izuku and Katsuki however made eye contact with each other and shrugged.

 

“Ok,” they both said.

 

“Huh?” Was all Mina could say as the two of them leaned over the table and started to whisper to each other and cross names off the list.

 

Eventually they nodded to each other and turned the page to show Mina a circled name, she glanced down at it and frowned slightly, “Huh? Why them? Our quirks aren’t very similar.”

 

“No but you said you were disappointed with your performance.” Izuku explained.

 

“And seeing as I’m the asshole here I’ll be the one to remind you your quick won’t hold up all that well against stronger opponents.” Katsuki said with a gruff as he got a glare from the pink girl.

 

Izuku sighed, “Sorry Mina but Kacchan has a point, on paper your quirk won’t hold up all that well against the likes of Todoroki or Yoarashi and there are people like me with regeneration and Eijiro who can resist anything but your strongest acid.”

 

Mina fell back in her chair with a pout but nodded, “Yeah yeah alright, my quirk is cool but not the strongest.”

 

“Exactly,” Izuku said agreeing, “But neither is theirs, yet they’re a fairly popular hero and relatively high in the rankings. They even take place on raids and investigations with top ten heroes.”

 

“Ooooooh I get it,” Mina said as realisation appeared on her face, “They’ll be able to help me figure out how to melt your and Ei’s skin better!”

 

Eijrio and Izuku paled as Katsuki snorted, “Fair warning, they supposedly have an attitude problem, I’m surprised they’re even offering internships.”

 

Mina shrugged, “I’m friends with you so it should be easy.”

 

“Moving on!” Eijrio shouted before Katsuki could shout the house down, “I guess it’s just Kyouka, Izuku and Todoroki to decide?”

 

“I’m still sorting through the list,” Todoroki said as yet another page of names joined the discard pile.

 

“I uh… I think I’m gonna go with my one offer,” Kyouka said with wide eyes as she stared at her phone, “I thought I recognised their hero name, it’s a little before our time but I completely forgot about them! Wow and they want me?”

 

Yoarashi tilted his head, “Who is it?”

 

“Sir Nighteye.”

 

CRASH!

 

Izuku was halfway out of his seat, ready to leap across the desk and assault Kyouka in a fit of fanboy mania when a massive pile of paper slammed right into the side of his head. He was thrown out of his seat and crumpled down onto the floor.

 

“Bakugou don’t throw things!” Aizawa snapped, eyes glowing red and scowling at the culprit who had thrown the pile of paper.

 

“Dammit Zuzu, All Might was literally round for lunch yesterday. Why the fuck are you still fanboying about his goddamn sidekick!?” Katsuki said, ignoring Aizawa who sighed and moved on when he realised the threat of a family feud was gone.

 

“All Might was WHAT!?!” Eijiro practically screeched but by this point it was common knowledge the man was Izuku and Katsuki’s mentor so nobody else at the table bothered to respond.

 

“He stopped by to check my recovery,” Izuku said, then groaned as he picked himself up off the floor, “Owwww, that hurt Kacchan. And for the record we’ve never met Nighteye so I’m allowed to fanboy.”

 

“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean you can tackle Ears to the fucking floor.” Katsuki said with an eye roll.

 

“I’m fairly sure Jiro wouldn’t mind a tackle from Midoriya,” Uraraka said with a smirk to which she received two glares.

 

“Nighteye is an excellent hero to intern with,” Aizawa commented as he came over to the group, “He rarely takes on interns but when he does it’s often because the intern has a unique quirk he feels he can help them improve upon.”

 

Kyouka blinked, “So he thinks my quirk is unique?”

 

Aizawa shrugged, “I can’t say for sure, I’ve never met the man. But the current student body president interns with him and Nighteye helped him take his quirk from a hindrance to an asset worthy of a top ten pro.”

 

“You mean Togata?” Izuku asked.

 

Aizawa nodded, “I’m sure you and Ashido have heard of how he went from bottom of the hero course in his first year to top in his second year. That improvement was largely down to Nighteye.”

 

Kyouka nodded and circled Nighteye’s name as Aizawa scanned the group, “What about the rest of you?”

 

“I’m still undecided,” Todoroki admitted, “I can easily get rid of some names, but some I haven’t even heard of. Who is Gran Torino?”

 

“What the fuck!?”

 

“The hell are you two doing!?”

 

“Ow! Watch the feet!”

 

“Midoriya! Bakugou! For the love of God he’s not about to jump out of the shadows!”

 

The entire table of students plus Aizawa looked on in amazement as the name of said hero seemed to drive Katsuki and Izuku, the two powerhouses of the first year hero course, into a terrified frenzy as they both dived under the table and huddled together as if they were trying to avoid freezing to death.

 

“Is he here!?” Katsuki hissed.

 

“I-I don’t know I can’t sense him!” Izuku cried as he frantically snapped his head from side to side, feeling out for every quirk he could find.

 

“You don’t think he found a way to block his signal do you!?” Katsuki replied and it was the first time his voice had ever held an element of fear for most of the gathered group.

 

“I don’t know!?” Izuku cried as Yagi wandered over to the table.

 

“Is everything ok?” Yagi asked Aizawa with a raised eyebrow.

 

Aizawa sighed, “They freaked out when Todoroki announced he had an offer from Gran Torino and-”

 

“Out of the way boys!”

 

“You're nearly 7 feet, Sensei, you can’t fit!”

 

“Get out of here old man! You’ll be the first to go if he turns up!”

 

“WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE!?” Aizawa bellowed as he dragged his fellow teacher and two students out from under the desk with his capture scarf, “Just tell them who he is!” He shouted and indicated to the very confused (and entertained) group watching the event unfold.

 

Yagi gulped as he was placed back on his feet, “H-He’s All Might's old mentor.”

 

“He helped train me and Kacchan before the entrance exams,” Izuku explained as he sat back down, though he was still looking side to side as if expecting Gran to appear out of thin air.

 

“More like he tried to kill us everyday…” Katsuki grumbled though he was still obviously tense.

 

The rest of the table stared at the three in confusion before-

 

“What the fuck?” Kyouka said in disbelief.

 

“Gran Torino sounds like a good option then, especially if he helped Midoriya and Bakugou.” Todoroki made meaningful eye contact with Yagi who gave the boy a quick nod, indicating he didn’t need to watch what he said around Gran.

 

“Well it was nice knowing you,” Katsuki said.

 

“So then it’s just you Izuku bro!” Eijiro said with a wide smile.

 

Izuku scratched the back of his head, “I uh, already decided when I saw my offers,” He said and circled one of the hero names on his list.

 

The entire table froze and took a collective breath as they all read the hero Izuku had chosen. Even Aizawa and Yagi seemed a little surprised by his choice. Katsuki sent him a questioning look and Izuku shrugged.

 

“I need to learn how to handle my power output without exhausting myself. A hero without an equally powerful quirk won’t be able to show me that and well, theirs is the most powerful on offer.”

 

“Are you sure?” Todoroki asked and Izuku locked eyes with him.

 

“I’m sure.”

 

Todoroki nodded, “Then I imagine you’ll learn a lot.”

 

“Good,” Aizawa said, “You eight are all sorted for internships then, which means all you need now is-”

 

“Hero Names!” Midnight declared with a grin as she appeared at the end of the table, “Ooooh and what a group we have to choose, such a mix of potential hero styles!”

 

“I can’t say I have many ideas for hero names…” Todoroki said with a solemn look.

 

“That sucks man, I've had my name for years,” Eijiro said with a chuckle, “What about the rest of you?”

 

Izuku made eye contact with Katsuki and a variety of childhood names such as Captain All Might and Super Duper God Hero flowed through their minds.

 

“Not a clue,” they said together and a silent vow never to utter those names again was created.

 

Izuku looked down at his whiteboard and frowned, what did he want for his hero name? Nothing obvious came to mind and the ideas that popped into his head were either incredibly cheesy or basic rip offs.

 

“Can we be called anything we like?” Uraraka asked.

 

Midnight shook her head, “There are some limitations. Your name can’t be too similar to an already active hero and of course it can’t contain any profanity. Technically a hero name is a brand too so copyright laws apply. Apart from that anything goes though obviously I’ll veto anything too over the top. Outside of that your hero name is the entire centre of who you are as a hero. Want to be child friendly? Make it simple and snappy, easy for kids to throw around. Want to be intimidating? Make it strong and powerful. Take Midnight for example. Midnight can be both terrifying and enchanting, representing both strength and allure. It was the perfect name for me.”

 

“So our hero names are essentially the core of our hero personality?” Yoarashi said.

 

Midnight nodded, “Hero ranks can be gained and lost purely on a name.”

 

Everybody turned down to their whiteboards as Midnight went to help Hagakure and Yoayorozu out. Izuku stared at the blank canvas and found his usually active mind drew a blank. What kind of hero did Izuku want to be? Obviously he wanted to help and save people, that was a given. Maybe once upon a time he wanted to be like All Might, a symbol that saved people with a smile. But if Izuku was honest those days were long gone.

 

Izuku knew now better what he was up against. No matter how hard he pushed he’d never be fully accepted as a hero. There would always be people who would see him as a villain, no matter how hard he tried to morph his image to create the perfect hero. He could come out and call himself All Might 2 wearing Yagi’s costume and dyed hair and it would still be the same. But Izuku wasn’t sure he even wanted that anymore.

 

He didn’t want to conform to what society deemed he should be as a hero, he didn’t want to hide his quirk away and wear a bright flashy costume and fun kid friendly name. He had a villain's quirk. A quirk that terrified people. He couldn’t escape that, it was a part of him as much as the colour of his hair. Just like the girl who thanked him this morning. What good would it do her if Izuku bent by the rules that everybody else wanted. What she needed was a hero like her.

 

No. Izuku was no longer capable of becoming a hero like All Might. But that was ok, he was going to become a hero like no other. He refused to change who he was to make people more at ease. He refused to hold back with his quirk and tip toe around it to make people feel safer He was going to walk into the hero industry and tear it apart if he had to, so that little girls like Kana could look at him and know he was like them. Izuku was going to smash the industry and tear it apart for his sake and everyone like him, the rest of the world be damned.

 

A hero who was misunderstood, seen as a villain and was more than happy to cause a little chaos and mischief…

 

Izuku wrote the name down before he changed his mind

 

“...but it’s a horror franchise?” Uraraka said and Izuku blinked as he once again became aware of the conversation at the table.

 

“Exactly!” Mina said, “It’s like Midnight said, it might be a horror franchise but lots of people love it and you can get cute plushies. It’s not everyone but then look at me, I'd be stupid to ignore how I look.”

 

Izuku smiled softly, Mina’s words reassured his decision as she defended that the ‘Alien’ from the pre quirk horror franchise can in fact, be considered cute.

 

Meanwhile Katsuki was having his own inner thoughts. Unlike Izuku he did want to be a hero like All Might, maybe not to an exact science but he wanted to be someone who represented strength and power. Somebody who people would look at and see an immovable object who could not be stopped no matter the situation. Katsuki wasn’t a fool, he should avoid anything ultra violent. But what did he really want to represent?

 

As he pondered, Katsuki's eyes looked up over his friends, he saw a soft smile hidden away on Izuku’s face and he watched Todoroki bite the end of his pen in thought. He saw the way Uraraka and Mina giggled and joked with each other and how Yoarashi’s bellowing laugh joined in. Meanwhile Kyouka was content to sit back and watch as she played with her jacks as Eijiro watched it all with a beaming smile.

 

He’d never admit it to anyone but it made Katsuki’s heart clench slightly. He’d do anything for his friends and he’d become as strong as possible to protect them all.

 

Protect.

 

Katsuki huffed as he wrote the new name down.

 

“Alright,” Aizawa said and the class silenced instantly, “We’ve not got long left, you’ve all chosen your internships so now it’s time to present your hero names. Midnight will authorise them and we can officially send them off to the HPSC. Aoyama, you’re up first.”

 

Slowly but surely Aizawa went around the room, calling people up to have their name approved. Midnight edited a few but most were more or less good to go.

 

Aoyama became Can’t Stop Twinkling

 

Tsu became Froppy

 

Iida became Velocity 

 

Ojiro become Tailman

 

Kaminari became Chargebolt

 

Koda became Anima

 

Sato became Sugarush

 

Shoji became Tentacole 

 

Sero became Cellophane 

 

Tokyoami became Tsukuyomi

 

Hagakure became Invisible Girl

 

And Yoayorozu became Creati

 

Eventually Aizawa got to Izuku’s table and called Yoarashi up. Yoarashi smiled as he stood behind the podium and puffed out his chest a little and flipped his board over.

 

“As you all know I come from a line of heroes. All of us have had some kind of wind based quirk. But nobody in my family has ever broken into the top 50 heroes. I want to be the first, I want to show that my family is a force of nature and that’s why my hero name will be Gale Force!”

 

Yagi and Midnight gave a little clap at the name (as they had done with everyone) and Midnight cooed a little, “I like it! Strong yet simple, popular with kids and adults! An excellent choice Gale Force.”

 

Midnight winked and Yoarashi walked back to his seat with a slight blush as Aizawa sighed, “Jiro, it's your turn.”

 

Jiro nodded and walked up to the podium, “I don’t have any big speech or anything. But I’ve been told a lot lately that my quirk is pretty unique. So I’d thought I’d lean into that. I’m the Recon Hero: Earphone Jack!”

 

Midnight nodded, “Not many people name themselves after their quirks. But it often helps simplify who they are as a hero and your name is more laid back which suits your style!”

 

“Good job Jiro, Uraraka, what have you got?” Aizawa said as Uraraka and Jiro swapped places.

 

Uraraka looked a little nervous as she stood before everyone, “So when I started out I wanted to be a rescue hero. I still do but since coming here I want to make sure I’m a hero who can handle any situation. So I decided to go pretty simple with my name to show that. Call me Uravity!”

 

Midnight smiled, “Simple, to the point and a slight play on words! Easy to remember too, it’s perfect Uraraka.”

 

Uraaka went back to her seat with a skip in her step as Eijiro was called up.

 

“All right guys!” He said with his normal enthusiasm, “I haven’t got some deep meaning behind my name other than I think it shows who I am and takes inspiration from my favourite hero. I’m the Sturdy Hero: Red Riot!”

 

“Oooh, inspired by Crimson Riot I assume?” Midnight asked to which Eijiro nodded.

 

“He’s been out of action for a number of years now so copyright won’t be a problem,” Yagi commented, “You know I met him a few times, I can see why you’d be inspired by him, Young Kirishima!”

 

“Ok, Ashido, let’s keep it moving.” Aizawa said with a yawn.

 

Mina skipped up to the podium, “So, I think we all know I look like an alien!” She declared which made a few people in the class look uncomfortable but her friends just nodded along, “Therefore I’ve decided my name will be Alien Queen!”

 

Midnight frowned slightly, “Ashido? Are you sure? That’s from that old horror franchise, is that really the image you want?”

 

Mina looked downtrodden, “Well… I just wanted to-”

 

“Nonsense Midnight, I think it’s a wonderful name,” Yagi interrupted and Mina beamed again, “It’s perhaps a little odd but so is our Ashido here.”

 

“Exactly!” Mina cried and pointed at Yagi, “I love the Alien series, I have loads of Alien plushies. I know not everyone thinks that’s normal but I’m not normal! I have pink skin, horns, freaky eyes and a bunch of other stuff. So I wanna be a hero who says it’s ok to be an oddball and I’m also a queen!”

 

Yagi chuckled and Midnight shrugged, “I suppose, alright Ashido, it’s approved.”

 

Mina fist pumped the air as Aizawa called Todoroki up.

 

Todoroki paused when he got to the podium and he looked far less enthusiastic than everyone else, “I wasn’t sure what to call myself. To be honest I’m not sure what sort of hero I want to be. But I do know I want to be a hero, a real hero. And I don’t want to be somebody else when I do that. I want to be me. So it’s simple really. I’m Shoto: The Hero.”

 

Midnight blinked, “Using your first name as your codename? That’s extremely rare. Not unheard of but rare.”

 

Todoroki nodded, “I can always change it later, but it represents how I feel at this moment.”

 

Midnight paused before nodding, “Alright, I can understand that. Approved.”

 

“Alright, let's get the last two over with. Bakugou, it’s your turn.”

 

Katsuki nodded and marched up to the stand, surprisingly however he didn’t scowl out at the class and spoke more softly than usual, “I know what a lot of you think of me. I’m loud, arrogant and brash. I’m only here to be the best and strongest and I don’t care about anything else. Well yeah, you’re right. I am gonna be the best and to be honest, I don’t care about most of you.” 

 

A few people in the class scoffed but Katsuki ignored them, “But that doesn’t mean I ain’t gonna stand up for you when it comes down to it. I’m going to be the strongest because I’m going to be the one everyone knows can protect them, the one that people look to to feel safe. I’ll always be there, at every villain fight, at every disaster you’ll be able to see Katsuki fucking Bakugou at the front of the heroes, saving and protecting as many people as people in the heart of the fight. That’s why I’m The Protector: Hachiman.”

 

Yagi was beaming with obvious pride that did no way to hide the fact Bakugou was actually his successor (at least to Izuku), Midnight too was nodding along, “Among yourself after a God huh? Well I suppose you’re not too worried about seeming arrogant and he is supposed to be the protector of Japan afterall… I like it, approved.”

 

Katsuki gave a nod as he walked past a beaming Izuku and shot him a small smile. Izuku also thought that with Katsuki naming himself after a God his own name became a little more entertaining.

 

“And to finish us off, Midoirya, come on up.”

 

There was a visible rise of tension in the room as Izuku walked up, Midnight lost her smile, several of his classmates frowned and Yagi and Aizawa gave him a nervous glance. Izuku wondered what they were all thinking, maybe they were hoping he picked a heartfelt name like ‘Jack: The all trade hero’ or something sweet and heroic. But that wasn’t what Izuku had done.

 

Izuku looked out at the various faces and sighed, “Many of you don’t think I should be here,” There were a few surprised looks in the class and an angry scowl from his friends but nobody jumped up to deny Izuku’s statement, “You think I’ll become a villain or that my quirk is too dangerous to be allowed a hero licence, if it were up to you I’d be kicked out of UA, put under surveillance or even arrested purely because I threaten the building blocks of our society. I get it, I’ve been treated like that my whole life. I’ve only ever had one person truly believe in me.” More than a few people glanced at Katsuki who wore a blank expression.

 

“But then things changed, All Might found me and told me I could get into UA. And I did it. I got into this amazing class full of incredible people and I’m learning to become a hero.” Izuku smiled, “Ever since that day I met All Might I’ve trained to become a good hero, to change the way people see me and my quirk. I’ve stood up for us as class president, I’ve been friendly to everyone and I’ve strived to become the image of a typical good hero. But most people aren’t convinced yet, many people both in and out of this school don’t want to see me become a hero. I’ll try to prove to you all that I am worthy to stand here with you and I’m going to work day and night to show you all that I can be trusted. But that won’t be enough for some of you, for some of you I’m going to have to be everything you think a hero should be, I’ll need to limit the use of my quirk, I’ll need to operate in a certain way, speak talk and act how those at the top of the industry want me to. I won’t be able to do things you all can because I have to make sure those of you who don’t trust me don’t react harshly to my quirk. To those people I have one thing to say.”

 

Izuku looked out into his class with a wide smile, people were looking at him in curiosity, a few scowled, scoffing under their breath. Katsuki looked like he had rolled his eyes, assuming Izuku was going to give some sickly sweet speech about how he’d prove them wrong and become a perfect goody two shoes hero, even more so than All Might. Maybe there was a version of Izuku like that out there, but this Izuku was 50% Bakugou and had a legion of so-called ‘villain kids’ he was fighting for.

 

“I say fuck you.”

 

If Aizawa had been napping he was now wide awake as his eyes shot open, Yagi started to cough up blood from the shock while Midnight and much of the class gasped. Katsuki nearly fell back on his chair, trying to hold in a fit of laughter while Kyouka smirked and Mina and Uraraka giggled. The entire class was looking on in shock, like Izuku had just sacrificed a baby in front of them.

 

But Izuku was determined and he narrowed his eyes, “This morning a little girl came running up to me and told her how much I inspired her because I was just like her. We were two miniature villains with villain quirks but that didn’t mean we couldn’t be heroes. If I change everything about me to become the hero those who are against me want me to be, I'd be betraying the very reason I became a hero. I’m going to show everybody that people like me and that little girl can be heroes and that we don’t deserve what society gives us. So yeah, maybe I do have a villain's quirk but you know what? I’m proud of it. I don’t care what anybody thinks, my quirk can be used to save people and so I’m going to train as hard as I can and I’m not going to hold back. I’m going to stockpile quirks and I’m going to use my full potential at all times. Because I’m going to show everybody that those of us with quirks like mine can do it too. And we can do it without changing who we are, so I’m done running from what my quirk is. I love my quirk because it saved my friends and I’m going to use it to rock the hero industry. And my name will represent that, if you all think I’m a villain in training then so be it. This villain is going to charge straight into the hero industry and cause chaos from the inside until the little girl doesn’t have to go through what I did. So my name isn’t pretty or inspirational, it’s exactly what I am.”

 

Izuku flipped his board over and every eye in the room widened as they read the name. Katsuki grew a feral grin of pure pride as his eyes scanned it while Aizawa just sighed in exasperation.

 

Izuku smiled, eyes full of mischief, “Just call me Loki!”

Notes:

Hi all, sorry this chapter took so long to get out, I've been bust and spent weeks going back and forth on Katsuki and Izuku's hero names (still not 100% with them but decided I needed to just go with it) I'll try get another chapter out as quickly as possible to make up for it!

Also, for those unaware Hachiman is a Japanese God of warriors and and the divine protector of Japan (at least from what I understand, I'm not an expert so please don't crucify me if that's a butchered simplification)

Loki I assume most know but specifically I chose it because of the idea that Loki has a mixed relationship with the other gods and brings about Ragnarok which more or less caused the collapse of the Norse Pantheon (kinda like how Izuku wants to bring an end to the corruption of heroes) and we've spent over 300,000 words of Izuku being kinda scared of his own quirk and shadow and I wanted him to finally realise if he wants to represent the villain kids he keeps thinking of he needs to go all in and stop worrying about looking like a good hero when a good hero wouldn't really represent them.

Anyway, before we get into an essay on hero names again sorry for the delay but as always thanks for all the kudos and comments!

Chapter 40: The Internships Begin

Summary:

As All For One deals with the knowledge he has been outplayed by All Might Cass 1A starts their internships

“It appears Stain has severed all communication, Giran is no longer able to contact him on our behalf.” Kurogiri said with a sigh as he placed the phone back in his pocket.

 

The reaction from Shigaraki was what All For One had come to expect, “WHAT DO YOU MEAN!? DOES HE THINK HE CAN REALLY JUST WALK AWAY FROM ME!!?” Shigaraki screeched and started to tear the bar apart, various chairs, tables and other furniture disintegrated as Kurogiri sighed and opened a window to allow the dust somewhere to escape.

 

“He didn’t turn up for our meeting and now he’s just ignoring me! Doesn’t he know who we are! We’re The League of Villains!” Shigaraki screamed as he attempted to turn the bar counter to dust, Kurogiri however avoided such extensive damage with a well placed portal.

 

All For One watched the scene unfold with a silent sigh. Stain had been a good idea on Shigaraki's part, recruitment had dried up since the UA attack and while Nomu production was coming along nicely Shigaraki and Kurogiri alone were not enough to forge a dark empire and bring down society. A connection with Stain, no matter how loosely, would have slapped a convenient message onto the League other than ‘we’re villains’. But alas it seemed any potential for a deal had fallen through when Stain simply vanished the day of the original meeting.

 

All For One had enquired with a few of his spies but information was limited, one thing that had connected it all though was that it appeared there had been some sort of incident with Stain on the day he was supposed to meet with Shigaraki. Details were hard to come by about the specifics, only that Lady Nagant had confirmed a sighting near Musutafa Mall. A completely different area to where All For One had tracked him down to. It was also coincidentally the area where both UA was located and the likely area Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugou lived.

 

Except All For One didn’t believe in coincidences.

 

Not for the first time in last week the man felt outplayed, something that had been rare up until recently. He had spent years cultivating the perfect path for his return and One For All’s eventual collapse. The Nomu were now being produced full scale and the HPSC was still reeling from the UA attack.  Shigaraki might have had the attitude of a toddler but he was dangerous and so full of delicious hate that with time All For One knew the boy would be able to overcome One For All and gain it for All For One’s own sake. Not to mention the juicy detail of his heritage. It had all been set on a road for a glorious final confrontation with All Might in which he would have broken the hero both physically and mentally before setting Shigaraki on the man's successor.

 

Except somehow the buffoon known as Toshinori Yagi had managed to out manouver the greatest manipulator is history and get All For One’s own bastard son into the UA fucking hero course.

 

Right alongside All Might’s own successor as a brother no less. And what a pair they made, even with the controversy surrounding them people had already started to nickname them ‘“The Powerhouses of UA.” And All For One was forced to agree, All Might’s successor had seemingly made more progress in using the quirk than All For One had anticipated, he’d hoped to keep Shigaraki’s progress slightly ahead of his hero counterpart but it seemed they were now playing catchup, the fact was Bakugou had already gained reasonable control of One For All and would only get stronger. Then there was All For One’s own son, the boy already had a small stockpile of quirks and was able to wield power comparable to that of a top hero and there was no scenario in which All Might was not fully aware of the connection between All For One and Izuku Midoriya. Meanwhile All For One was still stuck hooked up to a life support machine most of the time and Shigaraki was behaving like a toddler.

 

All For One sighed, “Young Tomura, please do not fret.”

 

Both Shigaraki and Kurogiri paused to face the screen that All For One knew his voice emitted from, “While a good idea it appears Stain has fallen through, not everything pans out the way we want. You must adapt and move forward.”

 

Shigaraki grunted and kicked a barstool over, at least he hadn’t turned it to dust, “But Senseeeeei! We attacked UA and they don’t even care, everyone is talking about Stain this and Stain that! Make them talk about me!”

 

All For One wanted nothing more than to charge into the bar and tear Shigaraki apart limb from limb, but he took a deep sigh and tried to make it a teachable moment, “Think Tomura, what is it Stain has that we don’t?”

 

Shigaraki paused and blinked, “Followers… They’re all over the darkweb but… Nobody is talking about us!”

 

“Perhaps,” Kurogiri said in an attempt to placate Shigaraki before he threw up another tantrum, “It is what Stain represents, a disdain for the hero industry and hate of everything fake about it. Comparatively, we offer nothing but the goal of killing All Might.”

 

“That’s all we should need!” Shigaraki hissed back.

 

“You must understand Young Tomura, very few people are like us. The… rabble… require a more concrete cause if they're going to fight for you.” All For One explained.

 

“Hmmpf,” Shigaraki huffed, “Fine! We just need their attention again, a little bit of chaos and death! Haha! But Stain! I want him to suffer too! I just wish I could get him to-THAT’S IT!”

 

Shiagaraki’s declaration was met with a curious tilt of the head from All For One as he watched the boy's face break out in a smile, “I have an idea! Kurogiri, are more Nomu ready?”

 

Kurogiri gave a slight nod of the head, “Yes, though they're not on the same level as the one we lost at the UA.”

 

Shigaraki waved the concern off, “That’s fine, they’ll be more than experienced enough to take on a few NPCs and low level heroes which is all we need. Sensei, I’m afraid I’ll also need to ask for your help, not only in your spy network to find Stain but also in your quirks. Do you remember when I killed that dog? When I was about eight?”

 

All For One hesitated, his instinct was to deny Shigaraki’s request, afterall the boy had to forge his own path if the grand scheme was to work. But the deck had been reshuffled and All For One’s hand was no longer the best on display. His current plan was falling apart around and he had no idea how to counter it.

 

“Very well, Tomura. What is it you have planned?” All For One asked, at the very least he should continue to train Shigaraki to become his successor and eventual host, the boy still had the potential to challenge Katsuki Bakugou afterall.

 

But All For One would deal with his own son himself.

 

Izuku Midoriya was personal.

 

---

 

“I’m never gonna get used to this…” Mina said as Class A made their way through the train station, everywhere they went people widened their eyes and they spoke in excited hushed tones.

 

“At least you can’t actually hear what they’re saying,” Kyouka grumbled and Katsuki gave a nod of agreement.

 

“You learn to ignore it,” Todoroki said, seemingly immune to the whispers around them.

 

“You lot better not fall behind!” Aizawa barked from up ahead where he and the rest of the class had already reached the platform, Izuku and his seven friends quickly ran forward to catch up.

 

It had been a few weeks since the class had decided on their hero names and internships and Izuku’s days had been mixed to say the least. Everywhere he walked around UA he was accompanied by stares and whispers. They weren’t all bad though, Kendou had apparently given 1B a stern talking to about how to treat others and with the support of Tokage, Shindo and Shoizaki it appeared most of the class was content to leave Izuku be. Apparently Shinso had also put in a good word with the General Studies department and a good chunk of the first years seemed content with simply whispering about Izuku as opposed to glaring at him. Togata has also made it very clear in school council meetings that any discussion on quirks or certain individuals was off limits and considering that nobody had seen the 3rd year vice president from the first meeting of the year since their argument with Izuku nobody was willing to test this rule.

 

There was however one thing which stood out, Izuku mused, as the group of eight ran to join the rest of the class representing the very thing he referred to. Izuku’s friends had been great, in no time at all they were acting like they had done before the festival, albeit with the odd joke about Izuku’s quirk in there. With the exception of Yaoyorozu it had made the entire group closer and more tight knit. The issue was while the group became closer the rest of the class drifted apart from them. Apart from his friends the only people who really supported Izuku were Shoji and Tokayami. But the rest of the class were either terrified of his quirk, like Tsu, Kaminari and Koda, thought Izuku was just waiting to turn villain, like Ojiro and Iida, or were just simply pretending he didn’t exist so as not to face reality, like Yoayorozu or Hagakure. The result was a clear split between the classes which everyone had noticed but nobody seemed to want to acknowledge or talk about.

 

Izuku had started to embrace his quirk more too, happily using it around the house to help with chores and pushing his limits more in training. He’d yet to actually take any quirks in their heroic lessons (although he was more than happy to borrow some from his friends with their permission) but he figured doing so right after the tension of his quirk reveal was a recipe for disaster and so he decided he’d at least wait until the internships allowed everyone to cool off a little.

 

“Alright,” Aizawa said as the entire class gathered on the platform, “Remember, you’re representing both yourself and UA for the next week. Try to make a good impression and do everything your intern asks you to the letter. If anyone so much as steps a toe out of line I’ll have you doing laps of All Mights obstacle course for a week. Understand?”

 

The entire class nodded in dreaded understanding, All Might had decided a few weeks ago the course was now too easy and upped the difficulty. Even Bakugou was struggling to get through the first stage now.

 

“Good,” Aizawa continued, “Well then you all know where to go and you have my contact details for an emergency. Don’t miss your trains.”

 

And with that Aizawa turned and took off the way they had come, there was a brief pause before the class split up and went towards their various lines. Shoji and Tokayami gave Izukus’ group a polite nod but the rest of the class ran off without so much as a glance their way.

 

Izuku sighed and tried to shake his head of the negative thoughts before turning back to his friends, “Well I guess this is it, good luck everyone and try your best!”

 

“I’m sure we’re all going to improve within the week!” Yoarashi declared with enough volume to make people across the platform jump.

 

“It will be interesting to learn from someone who is not my father,” Todoroki commented and received a wince from most of the group.

 

“Well if my internship turns out to be terrible I can just blame Izuku and Bakugou,” Mina said with a wink at the pair as Katsuki rolled his eyes.

 

“Well me and Bakugou are going to learn so many new moves!” Uraraka declared with a fist bump, “You watch, next time we have a heroics lesson imma smash you all into the ground!”

 

Katsuki snorted and turned to Izuku, both boys froze when they made contact, “So uh…” Kartsuki started.

 

“Oh… right… um…” Izuku replied awkwardly.

 

The rest of their friends looked on in confusion as the pair awkwardly spluttered around each other, that was until realisation grew on Mina’s face.

 

“Awwwww!” Mina squealed, “You two are so cute.”

 

“Minaaaa,” Izuku whined.

 

“Sh-Shut up Raccoon Eyes!”

 

Kyouka blinked in confusion, “What’s happening?”

 

“Isn’t it obvious?” Mina said with a giggle, “They’ve never been apart for this long.”

 

Eijiro snorted slightly, “Are you telling me you guys have never spent more than a few hours apart?”

 

“So what if we haven’t Shitty Hair!? We live together!” Katsuki barked though he had a slight blush of embarrassment.

 

“Don’t worry Midoriya, I’ll make sure Bakugou doesn’t get into too much trouble,” Uraraka declared with a giggle to which Katsuki responded with a growl.

 

“I’m sure you guys can survive a week without each other,” Kyouka reassured the pair with an amused smile.

 

“They nearly destroyed the sports stadium,” Todoroki reminded her and her smile dropped.

 

“We’ll be fucking fine!” Katsuki shouted and glanced at Izuku, “Oi! You lot! Turn around!”

 

Mina blinked in confusion, “Huh? Why?”

 

“Just do it fuckers!” Katsuki growled and Todoroki sighed.

 

“Let's just do it before we miss our trains.”

 

The group turned away from Izuku and Katsuki with a few eye rolls as Katsuki turned back to Izuku. Izuku gave him a silent raised eyebrow before he yelped as Katsuki grabbed him in a fierce and bone crushing hug that could put Inko to shame.

 

“Don’t do anything stupid and get yourself killed,” Katsuki grumbled into his ear for only Izuku to hear.

 

“Yeah, yeah, you too. Don’t kill anybody,” Izuku said back with a smirk and Katsuki snorted.

 

“You guys are so fucking cute.” Mina said and the pair leapt apart as they realised their friends had already turned back around.

 

“OI!” Katsuki barked, “I TOLD YOU FUCKERS-”

 

“Ok bye guys!” Uraraka suddenly shouted as she dragged a raging Katsuki away, “We’re going to be late for our train, see you all in a week!”

 

Katsuki continued to rage as Uraraka dragged  him away from the group.

 

Mina giggled, “Well I guess that means it’s time to go! Good luck everyone!”

 

---

 

The Typhoon Professional Hero Agency was in some ways the counter to The Wild Wild Pussycats in the opposite area of Japan. The headquarters consisted of a revamped ski hotel which sat about halfway up the mountains of the area. Though Typhoon himself was only rank 145 and his sidekicks weren’t even in the top 300 the agency was still famous as being the only agency in Japan to contain not a single hero who couldn’t fly in some way. Two helipads sat atop the roof and there was a constant stream of heroes flying to and from as they patrolled the mountains and nearby valleys and forests for people in need.

 

Though Yoarashi had been here many times before, the fact he was now flying in, in his hero outfit, with his Uncle was its own thrill.

 

“You’ve improved!” Typhoon encouraged even though he was flying circles around Yoarashi, who's flight consisted mainly of overpowered levitating.

 

Yorashi landed awkwardly on the helipad as his Uncle caught him, Typhoon might not have been as powerful in his wind as Yoarashi but he had far better control of it, “Well, I’ve had to focus on my quirk, range is my biggest advantage.”

 

Typhoon nodded, “Yes, anyone with a close range quirk was no real match for you in the festival. That Bakugou kid only won simply because his raw power was so much greater than your own.”

 

Yoarashi nodded in agreement, “He’s not the only one, everyday it’s harder to push back my friend Kirishima and others like my friend Jiro and Ashido are coming up with better ways to counter me.”

 

Typhoon sighed, “The biggest downside of quirks like ours is that elemental quirks are so common there are hundreds of known ways to counter them. So then, what do you want to get out of this week?”

 

Yoarashi smiled, “I want to prove that I can stand alongside my friends no matter how strong their quirk is!”

 

Typhoon gave his nephew a wide smile, "Then lets get to it!"

 

---

 

Fourth Kind’s agency was surprisingly old fashioned in design, it was in a quieter more suburban area of the city compared to the likes of UA or The Endeavor Agency. It was an old yet professional looking building with sleek wooden walls and floors that were so polished the reflections of the light could be blinding. Even the sidekicks moved around like business people, folders in their arms with no time to chit chat and all of them wore hero costumes without a single crease in them. It made Eijiro’s sub conscious about his bare chest.

 

Not that anybody paid him any attention as he waited in the reception room. The polite woman behind the desk had smiled and welcomed him and asked him to wait until everyone had arrived. Eijiro had been observing the organised chaos around him as he questioned who ‘everyone’ was.

 

“Oh yeah!” Came an enthusiastic voice that broke into Ejiro’s mind, “I can already tell this is gonna be a great internship!”

 

Eijiro looked up towards the desk and narrowed his eyes as he caught sight of the spiky silver hair of the 1B student he had nearly come to blows with during the festival. Said student was looking around the agency with a wide smile until they caught sight of Eijiro and lost it.

 

“Hey! What are you doing here!?” The boy asked and glared at Eijiro who furrowed his brow in confusion.

 

“What are you talking about? I’m here for my internship.”

 

The silver haired student groaned, “Seriously!? I have to intern with you!?”

 

Eijiro was about to angrily respond when Fourth Kind seemingly appeared out of thin air with a wide smile at the pair, “Ah! Kirishima and Testutetsu! I’m glad you both made it on time, I’m Fourth Kind and… is something wrong?”

 

Fourth Kind’s eyes turned critical as he sensed the obvious tension between the pair, “Young men, if something is going on between you two I need to know for fear it will affect the short week we have together.”

 

Eijiro wanted to punch Tetsutetsu but he clenched his fist and sighed, plastering a wide smile on his face, “It’s nothing, we met off on the wrong terms. I’m Kirishima dude, I’m looking forward to interning with you.”

 

Tetsutetsu seemed to hesitate before he held out his own hand with a smile, “I guess we did. Good to officially meet you man, let's get the best out of this week!”

 

Eijiro beamed back as Fourth Kind let out a chuckle, “Well that was easy, what were you two arguing about anyway?”

 

“We had a fight over his classmate, the one that steals quirks.” Tetsutetsu explained as they followed Fourth Kind towards his office.

 

“Ahh yes,” Fourth Kind said, “UA’s villain kid. Well the good news is that brat is a long way from my agency,”

 

Eijiro’s smile disappeared.

 

---

 

“Well that’s… boring,” Mina muttered to herself as she looked up at her home for the next week.

 

It was an office building, plain and simple, no fancy signage, no big banners up front and nothing to suggest it contained anything other than perhaps a call centre, news office or admin support building. The only indication Mina was even in the right area was the name of the agency next to the number 4 sign to indicate it was on the top floor of the office building.

 

Mina felt incredibly awkward as she squeezed into an elevator full of twenty something office workers who clearly wanted to be anywhere else. A few of them glanced curiously at the high school student holding onto a bulky high tech suitcase but one look at the UA uniform and they seemed to realise why she was here. As it was Mina was the only one who got off on the fourth floor and as the elevators hissed shut behind her she gulped and wandered into the entrance hall of the agency.

 

It was simple, pleasant and modern but nothing to catch the eye. There was a receptionist desk in one corner with a woman who looked no older than twenty currently sitting behind humming along to whatever was blasting through her headphones.

 

Mine walked up to the desk and cleared her throat, “Um, excuse me I’m-”

 

“FUCK!” The receptionist suddenly shouted as she flailed her arms and jumped back.

 

It was then Mina noticed she wasn’t a receptionist but in fact a hero, at least based on the black and green outfit she was wearing and huge goggles on her head. Her blue hair was tied in a messy bun and she was looking at Mina with a shocked expression.

 

“Oh my god. It wasn’t a joke!” The girl exclaimed and Mina took a nervous step back.

 

“Uh… joke?” She asked.

 

The girl shook her head, “Sorry! The boss said we were having an intern this week but I didn’t believe him, he’s uh… he’s not really good with kids.”

 

Mina frowned slightly, “Then why agree to take on interns?”

 

The girl shrugged, “I think Lady Nagant more or less made him, he disagrees with a lot of what the HPSC does and he’s come to blows with them more than once. Last year he even came lose to getting his licence revoked and-”

 

“Are you gonna tell the kid all my secrets?”    

 

Both girls let out squeals as they turned to find a man glaring at them both, he was tall and muscular (though obviously not quite to the level of Endeavor or All Might) and wore a yellow hero outfit. Mine gulped as she was faced with her intern, the pro hero Rock Lock

 

“Jesus christ Cous,” The girl said, “Did you really have to sneak up on us?”

 

Rock Lock rolled his eyes, “I didn’t sneak, you two just have terrible perception skills.”

 

The girl pouted, “Rude.”

 

Ignoring her Rock Lock turned to Mina, “Ashido right? Look I’ll be honest here I’ve never taken an intern before bar Truth Seeker here and that was only because she was my cousin. You ask me, letting kids intern at your age is a death waiting to happen.”

 

Mina grimaced on herself slightly, inwardly cursing Izuku and Katsuki for signing her up here but Truth Seeker just chuckled, “Stop making her feel bad, you're the one who said a lot of the UA kids showed potential.”

 

“Yes,” Rock Lock said through gritted teeth, “Potential. As in, in a few years, after they’ve all graduated.”

 

“Um…” Mina said nervously, interrupting the conversation, “Should I just go back to UA?”

 

Rock Lock sighed, “No… If I’m being forced to babysit you for a week I may as well try to force some training into that thick head of yours. Just don’t expect me to take you on any actual patrols.” Mina attempted not to pout, this sounded like it was just going to be an extended heroics lesson, “I have some paperwork to complete so Truth Seeker can show you to the break room, you’ll be crashing on the sofa there.”

 

Yep, Izuku and Katsuki were dead.

 

Mina followed Truth Seeker through the agency and into a small break room with a locker, sofa and old TV, she turned to Mina with an awkward smile, “Sorry about this, I don’t think he expected anybody to actually intern with him. He’s not the most popular hero after all.”

 

“Yeah,” Mina said as she placed her overnight bag down and plunked down on the sofa with a sigh, “My friends warned me he might be like this.”

 

“I’m surprised they know him at all, he’s nearly as bad as Endeavor when it comes to the media,” Truth Seeker said as she sat down next to Mina, “But he’s a good hero and even better man, he just hates the idea of kids being thrown at villains. But give him a chance, he taught me everything I know and I turned out alright. Wouldn’t have made it through hero school without him.”

 

“How come?” Mina asked, her curiosity peaked.

 

Truth Seeker smiled and pointed to her eyes, “My quirk is called Replay, if I look someone in the eyes I get a playback of the past 24 hours of their life. It’s great for investigatory hero work but I’m essentially quirkless in the field. I managed to scrape by at a pretty piss poor hero school at the bottom of my class and only just made the threshold for a licence. But Cous didn’t care and hired me the day I graduated, I closed my first hero investigation a week later. My advice, just push back against him and try not to act too… kid like.”

 

Mina, a girl known for her bubbliness and being slightly (largely) immature could only sigh.

 

---

 

Todoroki looked up at the building with a slight frown, he knew of course not every hero agency would be as luxurious as his father but he hadn’t been expecting an apartment building that looked like it was on the verge of collapse. Its walls were crumbling and it was surrounded by warning signs from the city, it was probably only still standing because a pro hero used it as a base of operations. 

 

Todoroki shrugged and walked up to the rotting wooden doors at the front of the building and provided it with three firm knocks. He waited exactly five minutes with no answer before he decided to try his luck with the door handle. To his surprise (and slight disappointment in terms of hero security) the door easily swung open.

 

The inside of the apartment was revealed to be an extension of the rundown exterior, old furniture littered the room while paint peeled off the walls. That however didn’t compare to the old man laying face down on the floor in a pool of blood.

 

Todoroki allowed his quirk to eb forward as he stepped inside with a sigh, standing over the body he took his phone out and hit the speed dial.

 

“Todoroki? What is it? I only dropped the class off at the station a few hours ago.”

 

“Gran Torino has been murdered.”

 

“WHAT!?”

 

“WHAT!”

 

“Oh nevermind, he just got up. Goodbye Sensei.”

 

“Todoroki wait what are you-!”

 

The now awake Gran Torino stood looking at Todoroki with a shocked expression, “What the hell was that boy!?”

 

Todoroki tilted his head as he put his phone away, “I thought you’d been killed. The logical next step was to get a hold of my emergency contact.”

 

“It was a prank!” Torino exclaimed, stamping his cane on the floor, “You were supposed to freak out and I’d find it hilarious!”

 

“Oh,” Todoroki said a little awkwardly, “Would you like me to come back in again and scream?”

 

Torino paused as he stared at Todoroki with disbelieving eyes before he turned away with a grumble, “Damn kids, don’t even know why I sent the internship offer.”

 

“If I may,” Todoroki interrupted, “Why did you send me an offer? As far as I’m aware I was the only student you reached out to.”

 

“Wasted potential!” Torino snapped as he hobbled over into the kitchen area, “You’re just like the idiot when he refused to steal quirks! I watched you half-ass that festival from start to finish! You might have a powerful quirk but at this rate you’re gonna end up middle of the pack in your class if you don't put any effort in.”

 

Todoroki sighed as he watched Torino rummage around in the fridge, was this really the man who had trained All Might and the two most powerful students in class? The man seemed borderline senile and was moving around like-

 

Todoroki didn’t even see Torino move, one moment he was questioning his choice in internships and the next he was slamming against the wall and slumping to the ground, his stomach throbbing with pain. 

 

Gran Torino dropped down in front of Todoroki with an amused snort, “Guess that was a little too fast for you, the idiot and the moron both have enhanced senses so I've gotten used to having to use speed to overcome the lack of surprise.”

 

Todoroki groaned as he picked himself up off the ground, “You’ve made your point.”

 

“Ok then,” Torino said and narrowed his eyes at Todoroki, “You got a question so let me ask you this. You must have had thousands of offers so why choose me? And don’t give me some crap about how I trained Yagi and the idiot brothers, we’ve never met but I know enough about you to know you wouldn’t go for something so surface level as that. Not to mention my speciality is physical quirks, not elemental. So why are you here?”

 

Todoroki paused before answering, “Because Midoriya and Bakugou are the most motivated people in our class. Between them they study and train more than anybody else, just being around them makes the rest of us want to work harder. Yet according to All Might and their parents a year ago Bakugou was a quirkless boy with no hope of ever becoming a hero and Midoriya would have rather died than use his quirk. How did you get them from that point to where they are now?”

 

Torino seemed to scan Todoroki as he debated a response, “What’s this really about?”

 

“I… I don't really know why I want to be a hero,” Todoroki admitted, “I've started to come to terms with my father but it's left me with this hole that has me questioning why I'm still doing this.”

 

There was a long pause as Gran Torino observed Todoroki before turning on his heels and heading out the front door, “Alright, get your costume on and follow me!”

 

Todoroki blinked, “To where?”

 

“Lunch!” Torino declared, “I’m starving.”

 

“Lunch?” Todoroki asked even as he opened his costume case, “We’re not training?”

 

Torino laughed, “Boy you don’t even have a motivation to be a hero, until we get that sorted there's no point training you. So right now, our mission is lunch!”

 

Todoroki nodded and started to get his costume out, maybe this internship wouldn't be so bad afterall.

 

---

 

“This is a HPSC office?”

 

“Yeah no shit Roundcheeks.”

 

“If you don’t wanna be punted into the sun this week you better watch that mouth Bakugou.”

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes as he and Uraraka stood outside of HPSC office building, it wasn’t the main HQ but it wasn’t far off. From Katsuki’s limited knowledge he knew this office was the main contact point between the HPSC and hero agencies, it was technically the office Yagi reported to under his guise at the Endeavor Agency. It was a fairly typical government building, one simple tower block covered in windows and concrete. The only major difference was the armed guards out front and the steady stream of heroes and sidekicks coming and going.

 

“Why would they have us meet them here and not their agency?” Uraraka asked with a frown.

 

Katsuki shrugged, “Hell if I know, I mean they've never taken on an intern before so who knows. Let's just get inside and see what the fuck is going on.”

 

Uraraka nodded and followed Katsuki across the street and up to the rotating door of the building. However, they didn't even get halfway up the steps before there was a guard with a gun in their face. 

 

“What do you kids think you're doing here?” The guard demanded as he blocked their path.

 

“The fuck do you think we’re doing, cant you see our uniforms!?” Katsuki grunted back and indicated to their UA outfits.

 

“Bakugou!” Uraraka hissed as she ducked behind him.

 

“This isn’t a playground kid,” The guard growled back, “Just take your little girlfriend and-”

 

“Oi asshole! They’re with me!”

 

The two UA students and guard turned around to face the angry voice. There was a muscular woman standing at the bottom of the stairs glaring at the guard. She was wearing shorts and a tank top with a hoodie tied around her waist meaning you could see every muscle on her arms and legs. She had a huge duffel bag thrown over her shoulder that looked large enough for Katsuki to struggle with and a metal suitcase held in her other hand. Her hair was tied back in a messy bun that sat between two long rabbit ears.

 

“Miruko…” The guard sighed, “What do you mean they’re with you?”

 

The Rabbit Hero smiled, “They’re my interns.”

 

The guard spluttered, “Interns!? You can’t bring interns here!”

 

Miruko frowned, “Well where else am I supposed to take them? I don’t have my own agency idiot!”

 

The guard just groaned, “Whatever, just go inside.”

 

“Come on brats, let's get signed in!” Miruko said as she bounded up the stairs past Katsuki and Uraraka who looked at each other before scrambling to catch up.

 

“Hold on a sec!” Katsuki cried as Miruko walked up to the receptionist who handed the hero a form without even looking up, “What do you mean you don’t have an agency!?”

 

Miruko rolled her eyes as she grabbed a pen and furiously started to fill in the form, “I meant exactly what I said, I don’t have any of that agency shit. Don’t even have a home if I'm honest.”

 

“You’re homeless!?” Uraraka blurted out.

 

“Technically yes,” Miruko said with a shrug, “Oi! I’m running an internship this week, I need forms for the kids too!” She yelled at the receptionist who simply passed the hero another two forms.

 

“Huh!? The fuck kinda hero are you!?” Katsuki demanded.

 

“A Rogue hero obviously. Hey, do either of you have any allergies?” Miruko asked as she scribbled away at the forms.

 

“Pineapple,” Uraraka answered with a confused frown.

 

“The fuck? Who’s allergic to pineapple!?” Katsuki asked, turning away from Miruko and to Uraraka with an incredulous look.

 

“What!?” Uraraka responded with an outraged look, “That's perfectly fucking normal Bakugou!”

 

“Oi brats! Pay attention!” Miruko snapped as people started to flee the entrance room, “Bakugou, you got anything?”

 

“Nope!” Katsuki said with a smirk to Uraraka.

 

“Whatever,” She huffed, “What’s a Rouge hero anyway?”

 

Miruko finally turned back to the pair with a frown, “The fuck they teaching you in that school? A Rouge hero is a hero like myself, Hawks and I guess now All Might who don’t have an official agency and basically act as a hero agent for the HPSC. The HPSC handles all our paperwork, admin and investigations so that we can operate alone, in return we have to complete the odd mission for them. They also provide accommodation at all their offices so that we can constantly move around if we want to.”

 

“So we’re staying here?” Uraraka asked, clearly a little put out by all the people walking around in expensive suits.

 

“Don’t worry about it,” Miruko said and she picked up her bags like they were cardboard cutouts, “It’s got decent rooms and a training facility we can use. Don't get left behind!” She called as she made her way into the building and once again Katsuki and Uraraka ran to catch up.

 

“Um.. Miss Miruko?” Uraraka asked nervously as they kept pace behind the rabbit hero who winced at Uraraka’s words.

 

“Jesus kid, just call me Rumi or Miruko if you have to. I ain't one for formalities.”

 

Uraraka nodded, “Right um… Miruko, why did you offer us internships? I mean it’s not that I don’t appreciate the opportunity it's just you’ve never interned before…”

 

Miruko shrugged, “Dunno really. I’ve always kinda considered it, prepping the next generation and all that. But all I tend to see is a bunch of snot nosed kids throwing random punches at each other. Until you three of course! Well… two I guess…”

 

“Yeah, Zuzu went… elsewhere…” Katsuki admitted to which Miruko snorted.

 

“Yeah, I know exactly where he went. Hawks wont stop complaining about it. But that's fine, just means I can dedicate more time to pummeling you two!” She said with a feral smile.

 

Uraraka gulped as Miruko laughed, “Now, what the fuck do you two want from me? I can teach you anything about close combat but have you got anything specific?”

 

“Range.” Katsuki said bluntly, “I’m getting slaughtered every time I go up against a ranged quirk cause I have no counter it.”

 

Miruko nodded, “Yeah, that’s a ballache for all of us. Off the bat I’d say speed is your best bet but I can teach you some techniques. What about you gravity girl?”

 

“I guess just general close combat stuff?” Uraraka replied timidly, “I don't really know how to fight and want to change that.”

 

“Easy enough,” Miruko grunted as the three walked into an elevator, “But cut the shy and nervous shit kid. You took out an Iida with one hit, start acting like it.”

 

Katsuki snorted as Uraraka smiled slightly. The elevator doors hissed open to reveal a small living area built much like an average apartment with a small kitchen area, a couple of sofa’s and even a decently sized TV.

 

“All right,” Miruko said walking into the apartment, “We’ll be crashing here for the week. Grab a room and get changed into your outfits. Were gonna head to the gym, you guys get in one punch on me and I might consider feeding you brats tonight.”

 

Katsuki and Uraraka exchanged a nervous glance and gulped

 

---

 

The Nighteye Hero Agency was smaller than most, despite its influence within the industry the actual agency consisted of a small corner office building in a fairly quiet area. Despite that Kyouka still felt intimidated as she stared up at the building, upon further research and an unsurprisingly long lecture from Izuku she now realised how much of a legend Sir Nighteye really was. Not only the only sidekick All Might ever had but also currently ranked as the best investigative hero on the planet. Not Japan. The entire fucking earth.

 

Not only that he was notorious for being critical of any and all heroes and was very specific about who he allowed into his agency, represented by the fact he only had two sidekicks and no office staff to speak of. All in all it made Kyouka question why the man had even considered her for an internship.

 

“Hey! Jiro right!?”

 

Kyouka turned her head to see another UA student walking up to her with a huge smile on his face. The blonde hair and blue eyes made sure Kyouka knew immediately who this was.

 

“Togata?”

 

Togata’s smile somehow got even wider as he caught up to her, “That’s me! How did you know?”

 

Kyouka blinked, leaning back slightly from immense amount of energy Togata put out into the world, “You’re the student president yeah? Izuku and Mina told me about you, they mentioned you had your work study here.”

 

“Thats right!” Togata said excitedly, “I’ve been with Sir for over a year now and he’s managed to help me work on my quirk and turn it from more of a hindrance into deadly weapon. If he’s offered an internship to you then you must really show potential, I had to near beg to be given a place here.”

 

Kyouka gulped and nodded, “Yeah, Yagi Sensei said the same thing. I just don’t know what he could’ve seen.”

 

Togata chuckled and slapped Kyouka on the back (she probably would’ve toppled to the floor from it were she not used to Eijiro doing the same), “Well the only way to find out is to go inside right?”

 

Kyouka nodded, “Right, any advice?”

 

“Despite what people think Sir loves comedy,” Togata said as he pushed her towards the door, “Just get him to laugh and you’ll be ok!”

 

“Huh!?” Kyouka responded, a little panicked by the advice as she found herself all but shoved into the reception area of the agency.

 

“Hey Bubble Girl!” Togata called to the blue skinned girl behind the counter, “The new intern is here.”

 

Bubble Girl looked up to the pair with a smile, “Oh hey Togata. You must be Earphone Jack right? I’m Bubble Girl, nice to meet ya. Wanna take her up to his office Togata? Then I need you to help with some paperwork.”

 

Togata’s face fell, “I hate paperwork.”

 

“Part of the job kid,” Bubble Girl said with a chuckle.

 

“Yeah yeah, come on Jiro, this way!” Togata said and started to lead Kyouka, who was feeling a little overwhelmed, through the agency.

 

After a few minutes they presumably reached Nigheye’s office as Togata paused before giving it a knock and opening the door, “Good Morning Sir, I have your new intern.”

 

Sir Nighteye was an intimidating man when sat behind a desk, even if he wasn’t made of muscle his height allowed him to tower over everyone, especially someone as short as Kyouka. As the man turned to look at her Kyouka gulped as his critical eyes scanned her form. His suit was pristine without a single crease and his square glassed perfectly framed a face that looked like it was set in constant disappointment.

 

“Thank you Lemillion,” Nighteye said with a nod of his head at Kyouka’s Senpai, “I’ll be busy with Jiro all week so please report to Bubble Girl during your working hours.”

 

“Yes Sir!” Togata confirmed and with a wave to Kyouka shut the office door behind him as he left.

 

“So,” Nighteye said as he stood up and pushed his glassed up his nose, “You’re Kyouka Jiro.”

 

It was a statement not a question and Jiro could only muster the strength to nod in response.

 

“I watched your Sports Festival performance,” Nighteye continued, “I was bitterly disappointed with how you handled the events.”

 

Kyouka physically sagged in on herself, “Oh… Well… Me too I guess…”

 

Nighteye raised an eyebrow, “And why is that? You made it to the final stage and came within the top half of all hero course students. And you don’t exactly have a combat based quirk to fight with.”

 

Kyouka shrugged, “A lot of my friends did better than me and not all of them have combat quirks. I don’t like using the fact I have a weak recon quirk as an excuse for poor performance. Plus everyone keeps telling me how unique my quirk is so I guess it feels kinda wasted at the moment?”

 

Nighteye nodded, “Then we’re on the same page. Quite frankly when I read the details of your quirk from UA having watched you in the festival I came to the realisation that you don’t understand your quirk.”

 

Kyouka blinked and frowned slightly, more than a little insulted, “I’ve had my quirk for ten years, I think I know how it works.”

 

Nighteye narrowed his eyes at her, “Then explain to me why you don’t utilise it to the fullest? Tell me, what can you hear right now?”

 

Kyouka scrunched her face up but answered the question anyway, “Your heartbeat, the cars outside on the street, Bubble Girl walking up some stairs-”

 

“Stop,” Nighteye said with a frown, “Your file says you gained the amplified hearing element of your quirk at 5 years old. It also mentions how it was a gunshot in another town that woke you from your slumber. So I want the truth this time, what can you hear right now?”

 

Kyouka gulped and shuffled on her feet, allowing her ears to truly open up and for a rush of sounds to roll in, “There’s been a car crash a block away, the couple in the store opposite are arguing about having a baby, a bus with a snoring man just drove past, Togata is taking a shower and singing to himself and-”

 

“Wait,” Nighteye interrupted and pushed his glasses down his nose slightly as he looked Jiro in the eye, “Togata sings in the shower?”

 

“Um… Yes?” Jiro confirmed with a nervous nod.

 

There was a pause before, “HA! I knew it.”

 

Nighteye chuckled to himself as he leant back in his chair, “My apologies, I appreciate that growing up with a quirk like yours it can become habit to push down just how capable you are. But as a hero you can’t limit your abilities just to be polite and for what I have planned for you we’ll need your full potential unlocked.”

 

“For what you have planned?” Kyouka asked with a raised eyebrow.

 

Nighteye nodded, “Yes, I offered you an internship because I believe there is a hole within the hero industry you are uniquely equipped to fill.”

 

“I am?” Kyouka said though there was a slight ebb of excitement building up within her.

 

“You are,” Nighteye said as he clasped his hands and leant forward to look Kyouka in the eye, “Not only do you have an extremely powerful recon quirk it can also be used for offence purposes and with the right support equipment we could amplify it even further. If you choose I’m going to work you to the bone for the next week, we’ll stop only to eat and sleep. I’m going to cram 6 months worth of training into a one week for you, it’ll be hard, but worth it.”

 

Kyouka gulped, “What exactly is all this for?”

 

“I’m sure you’ve touched on this in class but the Hero industry has diversified to a point where most Hero’s can be classed as the advanced version of a civilian counter part. I myself can be seen as an advanced police detective.” Nighteye explained, “There is however, one civilian role heroes have failed to make any real gain in, one I think you could fill.”

 

“Which role?” Kyouka asked.

 

“A spy.”

 

---

 

Huge.

 

Over the top.

 

Extreme.

 

These were some of the thoughts that popped into Izuku’s head as he stared up at the literal skyscraper of a hero agency. It wasn’t even the one tower, two more smaller versions sat either side of the main tower with bridges across them. Armed guards and hero’s patrolled the entrances which several fans, protesters and news crews stood outside the area separated with a line of barriers. The sun glinted off the windows of the buildings as they reached up into the sky like it was their ambition to block out the sun permanently.

 

Izuku gulped, there was no way him interning here was going to fly under the radar. It would likely be slapped across the headlines tomorrow that UA’s villain student was interning at the currently most infamous hero agency. But he didn’t have tome to dwell on that fact, tightening his grip on his luggage Izuku approached the first sidekick he could find.

 

“Um.. Excuse me.” Izuku said a little nervously.

 

“Huh? What?” The sidekick said, clearly having only been paying half attention, however they looked down and caught sight of Izuku’s school uniform, “Oh, you muse be Loki right?”

 

For a minute Izuku was confused then remembered his hero name, “Oh yes, that’s me.”

 

The sidekick nodded, “Boss is expecting you, follow me. And hey, welcome to The Endeavor Agency.”

Notes:

Hi all, apologies, I know last chapter I said I'd try update soon but I'm currently away travelling so getting it finished has been a bit tough, I wouldn't expect the next chapter to be up for a couple of weeks but I'll try my best to get it to you sooner!

But thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 41: Pain and Suffering

Summary:

Izuku and his friends continue to train during their internships, discovering perhaps the teachers of UA aren't all that bad after all

Izuku couldn't help the nervous gulp that automatically came to him as he sat down opposite Endeavor. All Might may have been the number one hero but Endeavor had an air about him that made Izuku feel helpless, like one flick from the other man's finger and Izuku would be nothing more than a pile of ash. The man's intimidating presence was only amplified by his office, a large space with floor to ceiling windows on either side that allowed you to look out into the city with minimal furniture scattered about the area. Behind the man himself were several framed newspaper clippings of some of his most spectacular victories, some of them looked to be even older than Izuku, perhaps before he was even number 2.

 

“Midoriya…” Endeavor said slowly, breaking Izuku out of his thoughts, “I was… surprised to see you accepted my internship offer.”

 

Izuku blinked, “You were?”

 

With a deep sigh Endeavor cut off the flames from his hero costume and pinched the bridge of his nose, “I haven’t exactly presented you with my best self. From insulting you in the sports festival to all but breaking into your home and threatening you. That’s not exactly a hero anyone would be keen to intern with.”

 

“O-Oh,” Izuku stuttered out, “W-Well I mean yeah, you did do all that stuff…But like we said at the time, that doesn’t take away from the fact on paper you're an excellent hero. And right now my biggest drawback is quirk exhaustion due to my massive power output and you’re really the only hero out there who can match that power output.”

 

“I see,” Endeavor commented as he leaned back in his chair, “Quirk Exhaustion is perhaps one of the largest drawbacks of quirks like ours, those with mutant or argumentation quirks can go as long as their body allows. Meanwhile our bodies may be perfectly fine but our quirks can give out before we even receive a scratch.”

 

Izuku nodded, “Right, so I was hoping you’d have some techniques or something to help with that? But um… also… Why did you offer me an internship? I mean, you didn’t offer one to anybody else in class. I kinda get that Kacchan is a bad matchup and the situation with Todoroki but I’m not the only person with an emitter quirk who did well.”

 

Endeavor paused, seemingly unmoving as he stared at Izuku in the eyes. Then with a sigh he turned to the computer on his desk and tapped away at the keyboard. A few moments later she turned the screen around so Izuku could see.

 

“Watch.” Endeavor commanded as he un-paused the video currently being presented on the screen, Izuku instantly recognized the UA Sports Festival Stadium albeit with a few differences indicating the video was at least a few decades old.

 

“And now for this year's student representative Enji Todoroki!”

 

Izuku tried not to baulk as he realised he was watching Endeavor’s own sports festival. The man himself simply sat unmoving behind his desk as they watched his younger version take to the stage.

 

“Hello everyone,” Izuku was shocked at how timid and well… calm Endeavor sounded, “My name is Todoroki and I’m the Vice President for Class 1A. I won’t talk for long, we all know why we’re here, to prove ourselves as potential heroes. So fellow students I want you to join me all in pushing ourselves past our limits, none of us should hold back, we should all really go Plus Ultra!”

 

Izuku blinked. That was Endeavor? The man who had a chip on his block the size of a small asteroid? The teenager who he had just watched was anything but the walking anger issues the hero was today. Sure he was a little blunt but compared to Katsuki he was a fucking saint. What happened between now and then? Did Endeavor lose the festival? Did something happen during his hero debut? Was it purely down to his inferiority complex over All Might?

 

“No, it wasn’t.” Endeavor said through gritted teeth as Izuku blushed furiously, realising he had spoken aloud.

 

“S-Sorry!” Izuku stammered out, half expecting the man to attack him.

 

Endeavor sighed, “It’s fine. Just watch.”

 

Another video popped up, they had seemingly skipped forwards to the end of the festival if the round combat arena was anything to go by. Izuku watched as a young Endeavor walked onto the area with a staunch expression on their face as they were met with another student with bright blonde hair, green eyes and a bright smile.

 

“Well folks it’s finally time for the final showdown! The fiery passion of Enji Todoroki against the skill and grace of Akira Aoki!”

 

Izuku watched as the match started, Endeavor was a little predictable, which made sense for a teenager and threw out burst after burst of fire. The entire area was lit up as flames rose into the sky as bright as the sun, even coming from a computer screen Izuku found himself squinting from the power.

 

But Endeavor’s opponent seemed to have some sort of speed quirk, not quite as powerful as the likes on Ingenium but it allowed them to jump a short distance almost instantly which made dodging the pillars of fire thrown at them child's play.

 

“Aoki’s quirk was called Dash,” Endeavor explained, “It allowed him to move at immense speeds across distances of less than 10 metres. Not the most powerful quirk out there but he trained hard and was nearly impossible to hit with a ranged quirk. He was president of 1B, well liked by both his own and my class and I considered him my early rival.”

 

Izuku nodded along with the comments as he watched then teenage Endeavor became more and more frustrated as Aoki dodged every type of flame he threw at the boy. Eventually Akoi tried his luck to get in close and made a move to get in Endeavor’s face. Even above the roar of the crowd Izuku could hear Endeavor’s cry of frustration.

 

And then there was white.

 

Izuku blinked, at first thinking the screen had broken but then the white slowly faded and he couldn’t stop the gasp that escaped. Fire was everywhere, the entire field was ablaze while several heroes tried to put out smaller fires in the stands. Endeavor stood in the arena panting, most of his gym uniform burned off as the remnants of his fire licked at his skin. But it was the state of Aoki that made Izuku gag, half his skin was burnt black and bubbled like hot soup as he lay motionless in the arena as screams filled the air. Said screams turned into something Izuku knew all too well.

 

“Villain! Someone arrest him!”

 

“He killed him!”

 

“What sort of attack was that for a school festival!?”

 

There was a click and the video closed down and Izuku found himself staring back at his own horrified expression. He steeled himself and turned back to Endeavor who was looking down with a grim expression.

 

“Aoki survived,” He said and Izuku realised he’d been holding his breath as he let out a sigh, “He was taken to a local hospital where a doctor there had a specialised quirk for skin injuries. He came out with minimal scarring. He did however transfer to Shiketsu shortly after the festival. And while he did graduate top of his class he moved to Europe within the year and never became a hero in Japan. I hear he’s done well, currently ranked 17th in their equivalent polls.”

 

“They called you a villain,” Izuku blurted out as if to state the obvious.

 

“Yes,” Endeavor responded with a sigh, “They did. And for the next year I tried to fight the word. I reduced my power output in class so as not to harm anybody, I made a public apology and tried to volunteer at several charities. I even returned to friendly albeit shaky terms with Akoi after a long apology once I met him again 6 months after the accident. But it made no difference, my classmates rejected me and a year later I walked up to my first 1v1 fight of my second year festival to a round of boos. It was then that I decided there was no point in trying to fight the image. So I became cold and worked on becoming as strong as could, regardless of the consequences. Ironically it was this attitude after my debut which saw people change the way they treated me, seeing me as a cold hard working hero who showed no mercy to villains.”

 

Izuku sagged in his seat, “So you’re saying if I want people to change how they see me I need to be like you?”

 

Endeavor shook his head, “No, that’s not what I’m trying to say. My point is that I allowed their views of me to change who I was and affect the way I became a hero. This in turn created an environment which helped fuel how they have treated you. My point is that I am partially to blame for the way this world treats its citizens while understanding to an extent what you’re going through so… I feel obliged to help you where I can.”

 

“So you feel guilty and I’m your redemption,” Izuku said with narrowed eyes as he crossed his arms, he didn’t have to like Endeavor to acknowledge his feats as a hero.

 

Endeavor met Izuku’s glare with his own, “Consider it what you will but I have tried to show you all I am serious about these changes I am implementing. If you despise me so much as not to utilise the week we have together then feel free to leave.”

 

Izuku wanted to, he wanted to push Endeavor off but deep down he knew the man was at least trying and if Todoroki could give his father a chance so could Izuku, “Ok fine, let's start fresh this week then.”

 

Endeavor nodded, “Now returning to your original problem. I’m afraid there are no clever tactics around quirk exhaustion other than to train and expand the level you can take with hard work. The best method for training it that I have found is to consistently have your quirk activated at all times.”

 

Izuku tilted his head as he glanced at Endeavor’s hero outfit, “You mean like your flames you use as decoration?”

 

“Exactly,” Endeavor said with a grunt of approval, “I am always using my quirk at a low level, even now without the flames active I am still maintaining a small level of quirk activity. This not only is a constant way of building up my level of quirk exhaustion but allows me to call on my quirk in a near instant.”

 

Izuku looked down in thought, “So I essentially need to keep my quirks at a level where they’re just about to be activated without actually activating them?”

 

Endeavor nodded in confirmation, “Yes, think you can try it?”

 

Izuku paused and closed his eyes as he focused on his quirk energies within himself. Regeneration and Kinetic Energy were difficult to really utilise for this, they were more reactive quirks compared to his others. Instead Izuku tried to focus on Heat-Vision and Pathfinder. Allowing the quirks to hum just beneath the surface, stretch out over his body without using them and-

 

BRRRZZZT!

 

Izuku’s eyes snapped open as red hot beams flew out from them. Endeavor ducked to the side as the beams shot past him and scorched up the wall behind his desk. Izuku snapped his eyes shut and cut the beams off, leaving a black wound across the wall behind Endeavor.

 

“I’M SORRY!” He yelled as he stood up and took a deep bow.

 

“It’s fine,” Endeavor grumbled as he glanced back at his scorched office wall, “We were planning on redecorating anyway...”

 

“It’s um… more difficult than I thought,” Izuku admitted a little awkwardly, “I have good control over my core quirk, but the ones I’ve taken I’m still training with. My quirk allows me to gain some quick control but it’s still nothing compared to people who have had years of training.”

 

Endeavor clasped his hands together and leaned forward, “So really what you need is to learn under pressure, to be able to adapt at a moment's notice because you can’t step away to learn about a new quirk mid battle.”

 

Izuku nodded, “Right, I guess as the old saying goes I need to learn to work best under pressure.”

 

“So what we need is to get you used to operating with your quirks under extreme pressure so as to improve your control. From there you’ll have a stronger basis to learn the method of keeping your quirk just below the surface of activation.” Endeavor said as his tone shifted to something that made Izuku squirm in his seat.

 

“Uh right,” Izuku gulped, “Any ideas?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Endeavor was right, having his quirk constantly active meant he could use it almost instantly with absolutely no warning from his quirk energy for Izuku to detect. Which meant Izuku barely managed to dive out of the path of the wave of fire that erupted from Endeavor. He cried out as his left arm was scorched and his uniform burnt off.

 

Landing with a thud on the hard floor, Izuku ripped his blazer off as the skin started to regrow on his arm, “What are you doing!?” Izuku cried at Endeavor as the man stood up from his desk, his office now scorched in several areas.

 

“If you wanted an easy pleasant internship you should have known not to come here,” Endeavor said as he kicked his desk aside, “I already told you we’re redecorating anyway, I want you to work on maintaining your quirk at all times over the next 48 hours.”

 

“48 hours of what!?” Izuku said even as he scrambled back looking for an exit.

 

Endeavor smirked slightly as he reached up to his earpiece, “Attention all sidekicks, Loki is currently loose within the building, do not let him leave and whoever brings him to me having knocked him out will receive an extra 10 vacation days for the year. Oh and don’t forget… he has incredible regenerative abilities.”

 

Fuck

 

---

 

Yoarashi let out a cry as he toppled through the treeline, taking several branches with him as he slammed down onto the ground below with a roll. He groaned as he stared up at the trees which still shook from his fall. A chuckling came from above as Typhoon glided down and landed next to his Nephew.

 

“That looked rough.”

 

Yoarashi’s response came out in a groan, “I don’t get it! I’m putting more and more power into my wind but my control is only worsening.”

 

Typhoon sighed and took a seat next to Yoarashi, “Of course it is. It’s pretty much a rule of the universe, the more power you put behind something the less control you have of it.”

 

“But I don’t have enough power to fly yet!?” Yoarashi complained as he sat up.

 

“Fly?” Typhoon said with a raised eyebrow, “Who said anything about flying?”

 

Yoarashi looked up at his Uncle with a confused frown, “What? But your whole agency flies!”

 

Typhoon shook his head, “Nope. Flight quirks are incredibly rare and only three of my sidekicks have anything that can be officially labelled as such.”

 

“But the The Typhoon Agency-”

 

“Yeah yeah,” Typhoon interrupted with a wave of his hand, “The media can hype it up as much as they like but the truth of it is most of us have adapted our quirks to mimic something close to flight.”

 

“So what do you do?” Yoarashi asked as stood back up with an audible click from his back.

 

“Simple, I use one powerful burst of air to get me up as high as I can and then pretty much control my descent with weaker busts. When I get too low again I use another powerful burst to lift me up. It's essentially falling with style!” Typhoon explained as he demonstrated with his hand said tactic.

 

Yoarashi frowned at him, “Uncle… Did you get that from Toy Story?”

 

“N-No.”

 

---

 

Kyouka felt the fist make contact with her face as she fell to the floor with a cry, the mask she had been wearing scattered to the ground as she landed painfully on the gym mat.

 

“Jiro! I’m sorry, was that too hard!?” Togata shouted as he came running over as Jiro picked herself up off the floor and adjusted her gym uniform.

 

“I’m fine,” She grumbled, “You just kinda hit me when I was off balance.”

 

“Your footing is fairly weak,” Nighteye commented from where he sat at the end of the gym, observing the exercise while tapping away at a tablet, “However you have improved, of the ten blows Togata just attempted you were able to dodge four of them.”

 

“That’s not even half,” Kyouka whined and put her head in her hands.

 

“No but it’s four more than this morning.” Nighteye replied.

 

“You know this kinda reminds of that old pre quirk sci-fi series and how they did their training in that!” Togata said excitedly.

 

Kyouka sighed as her body ached all over, Togata said he was going easy on her and wasn’t even using his quirk. So why did it feel like she’d been run over by a whole convoy of cars?

 

“I don’t get it, aren’t you training me to be a spy? What has this got do with like… spy stuff?” Kyouka complained as she tried to rub the creak out of her shoulder.

 

“I told you I’d be training you in all areas, not only will this improve your combat abilities it also improves your recon capabilities substantially.” Nighteye explained, “Now, we still have a few hours before breakfast so let's go for another round.”

 

Kyouka winced and went to grab the mask as Togata sent her an apologetic smile.

 

---

 

“ARRRGGGGH!” Mina roared as Rock Lock blocked yet another one of her attacks.

 

They had come to the training room to work on Ashido’s ranged attacks with Rock Lock however as it turned out Rock Lock’s training room was full of random shit which he was more than happy to use his quirk on to block all of Ashido’s attempts.

 

“The angrier you get the sloppier your attacks become!” Rock Lock shouted as he blocked a blob of acid with a well placed coffee table.

 

Mina growled and furiously threw out two more attacks which Rock Lock dodged without even using his quirk.

 

“What did I just say?” He said with a scoff and eye roll, “If you can’t even listen to basic instructions how are you ever gonna evolve as a hero Horns?”

 

Oh yeah, that was another thing. Apparently Rock Lock had decided the name Horns suited Mina better than Alien Queen, something that was very much starting to get under her skin.

 

“I know what I’m doing!” Mina yelled back and threw another attack out which even she had to admit was clumsy.

 

“Enough!” Rock Lock barked as he blocked the attack, “You’re clearly not putting any thought into this training so there’s no point in continuing. Get yourself a shower and maybe catch up on some school work Horns.”

 

“No!” Mina protested as Rock Lock turned to leave, “I can keep going!”

 

“Then get Truth Seeker to give you some training!” Rock Lock snapped back with a glare, “I’m done wasting my time on you until you calm down.”

 

The door to the training room slammed shut and Mina was left alone with a pair of clenched fists. She let out a furious scream and slammed her fists onto the floor, a slight sizzle coming from the impact as her acid made contact.

 

---

 

“Uravity follow through with your punches!”

 

“Hachiman, keep your footing tight or you’ll never be able to dodge.”

 

“Go for the weak points Uravity, his throat, eyes, crotch, anything that hurts.”

 

“She’s nearly half your size Hachiman, you don’t need such powerful big swings to take her down, focus on small, quick and precise strikes.”

 

Katsuki and Uraraka circled each other both panting and caked in sweat, Uraraka’s hair was stuck to her forehead but she kept her eyes trained on Katsuki as Katsuki cracked his knuckles. He steadied his breathing before throwing a fist out. Uraraka however had gotten faster and managed to avoid the blow before attempting to sweep Katsuki’s feet from under him. Unfortunately Muriko was right about the size difference and Uraraka quickly found trying to move Katsuki was like trying to dislodge a tree from the ground.

 

Katsuki simply smirked as he used Uraraka’s failed attack to catch her off balance. Grabbing her arm he hauled her over his shoulder and slammed her down onto the gym mat. She landed with a thud that echoed throughout the room.

 

“Ow.”

 

Miruko rolled her eyes, “How many times Uravity… Stop trying to copy the methods you see other people use, you’re too small and don’t have a strength quirk so those tactics aren’t going to work against someone like Hachiman.”

 

Uraraka pouted as Katsuki helped her back to her feet, his smirk never leaving his face, she just stuck her tongue out in response, “That’s so not fair.” She grumbled.

 

Miruko just snorted, “Fair? Since when has life ever been fucking fair? You were the one who came here wanting to learn better close combat techniques. The bitch for you is that you’re a small girl who’s quirk isn’t gonna help her directly so you gotta learn to fight like a fucking gremlin if you’re gonna get anywhere.”

 

Uraraka sagged slightly but nodded, “Yeah I get it. Doesn’t matter how hard I train, I'm always gonna be significantly weaker than the likes of you two.”

 

Miruko chuckled, “Don’t feel too bad, you’ve only been at it for two days. Hachiman, your form isn’t too bad but you're pretty much just a boxer at this point.”

 

“The fuck is wrong with that!?” Katsuki demanded.

 

“Oi, watch your tongue, I’m still your Sensei!” Miruko barked back with a glare and Uraraka sighed, for two days now she’d been dealing with the two biggest egos in Japan and it was getting exhausting.

 

“What I mean,” Miruko continued as she stepped into the boxing ring the pair had been fighting in, “Is that one method of fighting isn’t gonna be enough. Fact is you ain’t ever gonna have a solid way to counter range so you need to make sure your style is varied enough to not be readable by an opponent. Your boxing is good but we’ll look at some other styles too. Having said that I’m impressed so far, so let's move onto the next stage of your quirkless hand to hand training.”

 

“Next stage?” Uraraka asked with a tilt of her head.

 

Muriko gave them both a feral smile, “Yep, it’s you two against me!”

 

---

 

“What are we doing?” Todoroki asked as he followed Gran Torino down the street, both wearing their hero outfits.

 

“Seeing if you can find some motivation for the entire career path you’ve chosen,” Torino said with a scoff as they turned another corner.

 

Todoroki nodded as he looked around the street, they’d taken a taxi a few blocks away from where Tornio lived and had seemingly just started walking in a random direction down various streets. However the further they walked and the more uneasy Todoroki started to feel. The buildings that lined the streets became more rundown and trash started to line the sidewalks. Street goers too became less frequent and soon he and Torino were the only ones walking among the burnt out cars and desolate buildings.

 

“What happened here?” Todoroki asked as he sidestepped past the debris of a shop window.

 

“Gangs,” Torino stated, “Moved in a few months back, this area was pretty quiet until that point so the local heroes weren’t much to begin with. When the gangs started to really push back the two heroes responsible for this area packed up and left. The gangs rolled in and started fighting over territory and the HPSC hasn’t got round to finding a replacement set of heroes yet.”

 

“Why?” Todoroki asked with a frown, as far as he was aware there wasn’t a hero shortage for an area like this, if anything he’d spent years listening to his father complain about an over abundance of second rate heroes.

 

“Because nobody wants to move into an area already controlled by gangs,” Torino responded, “Hero Rankings take into account the safety rating of your area. A gang controlled patrol route doesn’t look good on the monthly performance review.”

 

“That’s irresponsible,” Todoroki said as he narrowed his eyes, observing a burnt out apartment building and presumably the result of a gang fight, “A hero's job is to fight quirk crime, rankings shouldn’t matter if people need help.”

 

“There!” Torino cried and suddenly turned on his feet so that he was facing Todoroki and pointing his cane in his face, “That’s your issue, you keep referring to being a hero as a job, a career choice like an engineer or a pilot. And yeah, you get paid for this but that’s where the similarities end. A hero is never off the clock, you don’t get to choose your working hours, you don’t get to strike against poor pay. You save people, that’s what you do, being paid for it should have nothing to do with why you’re doing it. Until you understand that this path is a life choice and not just a paycheck you’ll never find your motivation for it.”

 

Todoroki blinked, not just a job? He supposed it made sense, everyone around him lived to be a hero. For Katsuki and Izuku it was their whole lives, all they’d ever wanted regardless of the paycheck. Did Todoroki want the same life? To be a hero? Something he couldn’t turn off?

 

“How does that make you feel?” Torino asked, bringing Todoroki out of thoughts.

 

“Feel about what?”

 

“All this,” Torino said, indicating to the abandoned street, “Does this stir anything inside of you?”

 

Did it? Todoroki internally thought. He imagined it would drive his friends mad. Katsuki would hunt down every single gang member himself while Izuku would march straight into the HPSC and demand they start assigning heroes to the area. This sort of situation would drive the pair of them wild, hell it would probably piss off all of Todoroki’s friends.. But…

 

“It’s wrong,” Todoroki admitted, “It’s not fair nor right. These people have been abandoned by their local heroes and the HPSC. I don’t like it and I hope that when I graduate I’ll be able to help areas like this but… It doesn’t swell me with anger or shame, it’s an unfortunate situation but I didn’t cause it.”

 

“Hmmm,” Torino said, lost in thought.

 

The old man looked like he wanted to continue to talk but was interrupted by a scream.

 

He gave Todoroki a firm look, “Follow me and use your quirk only in self defence or manoeuvrability understand? You do not attack.”

 

Todoroki nodded as Torino took off towards the sound of the screams. Throwing down some ice Todoroki skidded along behind him though it was difficult to keep up with the sheer speed Torino could achieve.

 

They turned into a nearby alley to find the source of the screams. There was a woman on the ground, dress torn and looking terrified as a man whose skin was covered in porcupine quills stood over her, a feral smile on his face. Todoroki narrowed his eyes at the scene as Torino landed on a fire escape halfway up the building.

 

“OI!” The hero shouted in a tone that made Todoroki wince, “You better step away from her before I break every bone in your body.”

 

“H-Heroes!” The woman gasped as relief flooded her face.

 

The porcupine however just turned and scoffed, “Is this really all you’ve got? An old man and a kid?”

 

“Of course not!” Torino snapped back, “The kid is just here to watch.”

 

With a burst of air Torino launched himself into the air at speeds Todoroki struggled to even keep track of with his eyes. The porcupine growled and tried to throw some barbs towards the hero but at the speed Torino was jumping from wall to wall the villain may as well have targeted the moon.

 

Torino allowed the villain to throw a few more quills out before he went in for the attack. The man was all but a blur as Todoroki watched him slam into an opening on the porcupine's chest. There was the audible cracking of ribs as the villain staggered back and Todoroki winced with a sudden realisation that Gran Torino generally held back when training.

 

As the fight continued Torino pushed the porcupine further back into the alley as the woman he had been attacking tried to scramble away. The sight made Todoroki move without thinking and he suddenly found himself by her side.

 

“Are you ok?” He asked in what he hoped was a soft voice.

 

“M-My ankle,” The woman stuttered out as she leaned against the wall, “I think I sprained it when he knocked me down.”

 

Todoroki nodded and produced a small potion of ice that he wrapped with a chunk of his costume before pressing it against the woman's ankle to which she let out a soft hiss of relief. He briefly glanced over the rest of her frame, however bar a couple of scrapes from the fall it seemed.

 

“This will be over soon,” Todoroki reassured her, “Gran Torino is a good hero.”

 

She gave Todoroki a pained smile, “I know, he’s the only reason the gangs haven’t completely taken over yet.”

 

As Todoroki processed this new information he heard a crash behind him. Glancing back he was met with the sight of the porcupine crumpled on the ground, his spikes were broken in several places, he was covered in bruises and his leg was snapped at an awkward angle.

 

Gran Torino landed next to Todoroki as he held his makeshift ice pack against the victim's ankle still, Torino gave an approving nod, “Everything alright Shoto?”

 

Todoroki nodded, “Yes, she has no serious injuries.”

 

The woman smiled at Torino, “Thank God you and your intern were in the area Gran.”

 

Torino nodded as he snapped open an old flip phone, “Of course Ma’am, Shoto watch her while I get the police and an ambulance over here.”

 

Nearly an hour later, Todoroki sat on the sidewalk watching the ambulance drive off with the woman in the back and the police haul the villain into the back of their van.

 

“Thanks again Torino,” The officer who had questioned the hero and Shoto said with a smile as he slammed the police van door shut on the villain, “This area would be toast if it wasn’t for you. Nagant still hasn't sorted out a replacement yet?”

 

Torino snorted, “Nope, but she better do it soon or I’m going over there myself!”

 

The officer chuckled as he headed to the driver's seat of the van, “With you old man I don’t doubt it. Try not to die before she finds someone though.”

 

The police sped off as Torino threw several curses at it before he turned back to Todoroki with a frown and walked over.

 

“Well!?” Torino snapped to which Todoroki frowned. 

 

“Well what?” 

 

Torino rolled his eyes, “Everything back there, feel anything?”

 

“Oh,” Todoroki said as his eyes widened slightly and he thought back to everything that had just occurred, “I’m glad we could help that woman, especially as it seemed things were about to get worse.”

 

Torino nodded along, “Right, does it fill you with pride?”

 

Todoroki paused, “I mean… I’m pleased? I don’t know if I’d say I’m swelling with pride.”

 

“Then what, did you feel nothing when we saved that woman!” Torino snapped, his voice rising.

 

“Of course I did!” Todoroki snapped back, his anger picking up slightly, “It was a horrible situation that made me angry and I’m glad we stopped it but that’s what a hero is!”

 

“Well clearly that’s not enough for you!” Torino retorted as he jabbed his cane in Todoroki’s chest, “We just stopped a crime and you’re telling me you felt nothing? Then what’s the point kid because that’s what being a hero is about!”

 

“WHY!?” Todoroki suddenly shouted, getting to his feet, “Why do I need to feel something all the time!? Why do I need to feel guilty and terrible about something I’m not responsible for!? Why must every fight or hero activity fuel some major reaction within me!? What’s wrong with not being emotional!? Why can’t I be a hero who doesn’t break down and cry when it’s tough, who isn't filled with unbridled rage at every injustice in the world and who doesn't shout and scream every time things go to shit!?”

 

“Because apparently,” Torino retorted, matching Todoroki’s volume, “It’s preventing you from figuring out why you want to be a hero in the first place! Where’s the emotion behind your big motivation for all this?”

 

“I don’t have one!” Todoroki yelled, finally snapping, “I don’t have some big motivation to be a hero! Yes, I want to help people but I don’t have some deep reason for this, I’m not like my friends. I don’t have any dramatic reason that’s going to push me to be the best! Why the hell do I even need one!?”

 

Torino's face suddenly changed from a look of anger to a wide smirk, “Well it’s about goddamn time!”

 

Todoroki automatically went to shout back before he registered what the hero had said, “What?”

 

“You know the problem with all the kids these days?” Torino said as he took a seat on the sidewalk, “Everyone thinks you need some big pretentious reason to be a hero. Your parents were killed by a villain, you grew up poor in a gang controlled area or the misuse of your quirk hurt a friend once. Everybody thinks the only way you can be a true hero is to have some tragic backstory that motivates you. And yeah, sure that works for some people, just look at the moron and the idiot. They’re taking their childhood trauma and are setting out to change the world with it. That’s great and all but you know why I chose to become a hero?”

 

“To save people?” Todoroki asked as he sat back down next to Torino.

 

“Nope,” The hero replied with a chuckle, “So I could fight legally with my quirk. I mean sure, saving people felt good and it still does. But my favourite part is still putting the beatings down on some two bit thug. You know I trained All Might right? Well he was my second student, my first student wanted to be a hero because she loved to see people smile. Not because she wanted to change the world or anything, she just loved smiles.”

 

“So, I don’t need some big emotional reason?” Todoroki asked as his mind whirred with thoughts, all this time he’d thought he needed to replicate Izuku and Katsuki but maybe he just needed to be himself?

 

“Nah,” Torino said, “I mean, it’ll be pretty good to have something other than saving people, that can be the difference between a good hero and great hero. But it doesn’t have to be dramatic or impressive, so long as it works for you. Way I see it so long as it means you’re helping as many people as you can, who cares why you’re doing it? Wanna do it for the cool outfits? Great, just don’t falter when these outfits are ruined in battle. Want to fight because you want to get all the ladies? Fair enough, just don’t be creepy about it.”

 

Todoroki furrowed his eyebrows deep in thought, Torino was right, he’d never feel the depth of emotions his friends did. His mind just didn’t work like that. But maybe something small would help him.

 

“Can I fight to get all the men too?”

 

Torino let out a boisterous laugh, “Whatever floats your boat kid. Now come on, let's head back.”

 

“For what?” Todoroki asked as the pair stood up from the sidewalk.

 

“Well now that we’ve passed the first hurdle I think we can finally get some actual training in,” Torino commented, “I wanna see how fast you are with that fire.”

 

---

 

Would Not Recommend

 

Floaty McFloat: Ow

 

(B)Ass: Same

 

Bubbly Bitch: Same

 

Candy Cane: Same

 

Air Conditioner: Same

 

Angy Boi: HA! You’re all pathetic!

 

Floaty McFloat: Bakugou you literally fell face down on the sofa when we finished training an hour ago and haven’t moved since

 

Floaty McFloat : Update, he moved to give me the finger

 

(B)Ass: Man, who would’ve guessed Aizawa and All Might actually took it easy on us

 

Floaty McFloat: Tell me about, we haven’t even done quirk training yet, just quickless combat but Muriko has practically beat the lessons into me

 

Air Conditioner: I have fallen through the treeline exactly 17 times now

 

(B)Ass: I’m allowed 4 hours of sleep a night and 30 minutes downtime before dinner each day until Nighteye hands me back

 

Angry Boi: Damn Ears, what’s he got you doing that's so intense?  

 

(B)Ass: Making sure I can bitch slap you when we get back to school

 

Bubbly Bitch:  Damnnnnn! Kyouka is bringing it today

 

Rock Hard: Training hard is so manly!

 

Angy Boi: Shitty Hair I swear to God you need better standards on what is manly, most of us train like every day

 

Candy Cane: I agree with Kirishima, it’s manly to train hard

 

Rock Hard: HELL YEAH TODOROKI

 

Floaty McFloat: He’s fallen to the dark side

 

Bubbly Bitch: Oh yeah, btw

 

Bubbly Bitch: @Quirk Yoinker @Angry Boi YOU GUYS ARE FUCKING DEAD

 

Angry Boi: Bitch what the fuck did we do!?

 

Bubbly Bitch: Make me intern with an asshole

 

Angry Boi: Hey! We warned you about the attitude, besides maybe with you it’s just natural reaction

 

Bubbly Bitch: YOU WANNA GO KATSUKI BAKUGOU!?

 

Quirk Yoinker: TODOROKI!

 

Candy Cane: Hello

 

Quirk Yoinker: WHAT’S THE CODE TO AREA 7 FROM THE EAST SIDE DOOR!?

 

Angy Boi: The fuck!?

 

Candy Cane: Sorry Midoriya, Burnin figured you’d try this so already paid me off not to give you information

 

Quirk Yoinker: WHATEVER SHE’S PAYING YOU I’LL FUCKING DOUBLE IT!

 

(B)Ass: Izuku sounds like he’s having fun

 

Quirk Yoinker: TODOROKI??????

 

Candy Cane: Sorry Midoriya, she just offered me triple to tell her exactly where you are

 

Floaty McFloat: Top ten anime betrayals

 

Quirk Yoinker: I CAN LITERALLY HEAR HER LAUGHING TODOROKI GIVE ME ANYTHING

 

Candy Cane: There should be a vent down to your right above you, you should be able to fit through

 

Air Conditioner: Is that safe?

 

Candy Cane: No but he has regeneration

 

Quick Yoinker: FUCK YOU, YOU DUEL HAIRED LITTLE BITCH!

 

Angy Boi: Damn Icyhot, you even got him using nicknames, the fuck is going on?

 

Candy Cane: Apparently father is offering extra vacation time to anyone who knocks Midoirya out within the next day or so. So he is essentially running around the Endeavor agency being hunted

 

Rock Hard: Damn, Fourth Kind just has me doing community service, that’s intense

 

Candy Cane: I’m sure he’ll be fine… I think

 

Angry Boi: YOU THINK!? THAT’S MY BROTHER!

 

---

 

Kirishima chuckled as he watched Todoroki and Bakugou start to argue in the chat and he slipped his phone back in his pocket. He and Tetsutetsu hadn’t done much physical training other than an afternoon of quirkless combat but they had done plenty of community service from cleaning the local park to serving soup to the homeless. On the one hand Kirishima was kinda disappointed, he felt like all his friends were getting a one up in their combat techniques while he wasn’t getting any. On the other it had really opened his eyes up to how hero work wasn’t just beating down villains and saving people from earthquakes.

 

“What’s going on?” Tetsutetsu asked as he passed Eijiro a clean bowl, they were currently back at the agency washing up in the kitchen after the evening meal for the sidekicks.

 

“Nothing much,” Eijiro said with a shrug, “Just seeing how my friends were doing with their internships.”

 

“Ah right,” Tetsutetsu said a little awkwardly, the pair had come to an uneasy truce after their first meeting and seemed to get on well, so long as the topic of Izuku was kept far off in the distance, “I heard that a few of them went to the top ten? That’s pretty impressive, the only person who got a top ten offer in our class was Tokage from Edgeshot.”

 

“Tokage went to Edgeshot? That’s awesome!” Eijiro claimed with a smile.

 

“I hope you boys aren’t slacking!” Fourth Kind barked as he made his way over to them.

 

“No sir!” The pair chanted as they made sure to double time it on the bowls they were washing.

 

“Hmmpf, good, what were you talking about anyway, I heard the name Edgeshot?” Fourth Kind said as he stood between the pair.

 

“Oh we were just talking about our classmates' internships and who got in with the top ten.” Tetsutestu said as he passed Eijiro another bowl.

 

“Top ten huh? Must be some impressive classmates to get offers from them.” Fourth King commented.

 

“Well I dunno about 1A but Tokage from 1B went with Edgeshot, apparently he was impressed her versatility,” Tetsutetsu said with a slight gleam in his eyes, “Kinda makes sense, she’s easily top of the class despite not having the most overly powerful quirk.”

 

Fourth Kind nodded, “Interesting, I got a lot of respect for Edgeshot, fine hero if you ask me. What about you Kirishima? Your class dominated the finals, they must have had some top ten offers?”

 

Eijiro smiled widely, “Oh yeah, I think Todoroki got an offer from Best Jeanist but he went with Gran Torino instead-”

 

“Who?” Fourth Kind asked with a confused blink.

 

“Oh apparently he’s All Might’s old trainer, I’ve never met him but he helped train Bakugou and Izuku and they’re pretty much top of the class when it comes to physical heroics so he must be good.” Eijrio explained, “Which means of course both of them went to top ten heroes. Both Bakugou and Uraraka went to Muriko which of course is a big deal and trust Izuku to go to Endeavor, he’s gonna have been trained by both the Number One and Number Two hero after this week.”

 

Fourth Kind scoffed, “So it’s true, All Might really did recommend the kid?”

 

Eijiro paused as he scrubbed a plate dry, “Yeah he did. Apparently All Might met him and Bakugou nearly a year before the entrance exams. Botched up a villain fight and put them in danger so offered to help train them both for UA.”

 

Fourth Kind rolled his eyes, “Kids these days are always spreading rumours. You shouldn’t trust anything that villain kid tells you Kirishima, I assure you whatever the reason was for All Might training him it wasn’t some lie about his failings as a hero.”

 

Eijiro frowned and took a breath, “It is true though, All Might himself told us in class about it and used it as an example of how no hero should ever become arrogant.”

 

Fourth Kind shook his head, “I really don’t understand why he even interacted with that kid. Makes sense he’s gone to Endeavor though. Pair of villains the both of them, dangerous quirks like that shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near the hero industry.”

 

Tetsutetsu glanced nervously at Eijiro, clearly remembering the last time this topic was brought up as Eijiro clenched his fists, “Endeavor’s situation has nothing to do with his quirk and Izuku-”

 

“All Endeavor can teach that kid is how to cause collateral damage and do more harm than his quirk will already do in the field,” Fourth Kind interrupted.

 

“That’s not true!” Eijiro shouted, suddenly turning to face Fourth Kind, “Izuku will make a great hero!”

 

Fourth Kind gave a long sigh, “You’ll understand one day Red Riot, people like Mr Midoriya can’t be allowed into our society, they’re too dangerous and unpredictable. Just look at the way he fought that Bakugou kid, he’s pretty much already a vill-”

 

Eijiro didn’t even realise he’d moved at first. But one moment he was angrily clutching onto a wet plate and the next his fist was hardened and Fourth Kind was stumbling back with a broken nose and a look of shock on his face.

 

“Kirishima!” Tetsutetsu cried as he ran over to help Fourth Kind up who was looking at Eijiro like he’d just caught his latest villain.

 

Eijiro looked down at his still hardened fist and gulped, “Shit.”

Notes:

Hi all, just a heads up the next chapter might take a little while to get out to you! Apologies for that!

As always thanks for all the kudos and comments!

Chapter 42: Pain, pain and more pain

Summary:

The internships continue as everyone starts to make progress in their own ways

Well, things couldn’t get much worse for Eijiro.

 

At least Fourth Kind hadn’t turned around and attacked him, Eijiro was fairly sure he would have ended up in hospital if that happened. Instead the man had simply slapped a pair of handcuffs on him and dropped him off at the nearest police station. After that Eijiro had been taken to an interrogation room and left there. He wasn’t sure how many hours had passed since then but he was now tired, hungry and (oh Kyouka would love this) cold.

 

Eijiro sighed and looked down at the cuffs around his wrists, realistically he could easily break out of them but the police probably wouldn’t appreciate that. But he also really needed to pee.

 

Luckily though he was still able to get some training in as the door to the room slammed open and he used every fibre of his being not to piss his pants.

 

In the doorway stood his homeroom teacher, eyes glaring red and hair on end as he gave Eijiro a death glare so powerful Eijiro was amazed he didn’t collapse on the spot. Aizawa slammed the door shut behind him, shaking the room in a way that was normally reserved for the likes of Katsuki or All Might.

 

“I expected something to go wrong this week,” Aizawa hissed as he stalked up to the other side of the table Eijiro was sat at as the student slunk back slightly, “I assumed somebody would probably hurt themselves, disobey their hero or just generally cause trouble.”

 

Aizawa put his hands on the table and towered over Eijiro who gulped as he felt sweat fall down his face, “What I didn’t expect,” Aizawa growled, “Was to receive a phone call from the police informing me one of students was being held on charges of assault.”

 

Aizawa leaned in close and Eijiro could see the fury in the man's eyes, “I’m going to ask you this once and if you even think about lying to me you’ll never even glance at the gates of UA again, understand?”

 

Eijiro nodded his head violently, convinced he was moments away from death.

 

Aizawa grunted, “Did you or did you not punch Fourth Kind… in the face?”

 

“I did,” Eijiro confirmed in a shaky voice.

 

“Then if you don’t want to find yourself starting in the General Studies course come Monday you better have one hell of a good explanation,” Aizawa seethed.

 

“He called Izuku a villain.” Eijiro said, surprised at how firm his voice had become and how steady it came out. 

 

Aizawa had clearly not been expecting such an answer. The man blinked, his quirk shutting off as he pulled back slightly, the fury dropping from his face. After a moment he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

 

“Dammit Kirishima…” Aizawa mumbled to himself.

 

“It’s not fair!” Eijiro suddenly blurted out, “Izuku works harder than any of us! He’s kind, strong and manly! Yet everyone thinks they can treat him like dirt!”

 

“Enough!” Aizawa snapped, his glare returning minus the quirk usage, “This is not about Midoriya.”

 

“Yes it is!” Eijiro shouted back in anger, “I can’t just sit by while everyone treats him like shit! And it doesn’t look like you or the rest of the staff care!”

 

Eijiro knew he’d gone too far the moment the words left his mouth. The glare vanished from Aizawa’s face and was replaced by a look of genuine hurt and outrage as Eijiro looked down guilty.

 

“Don’t you dare,” Aizawa said and Eijiro winced for as he looked back up at the man who was looking at him with eyes that shone with cold fury, “Don’t you think for a second that every time I hear that word uttered towards my student it isn’t like a dagger straight to my chest. That I don’t fight back fury everytime I hear students in the hall call Ashido the freaky alien girl of 1A. That I don’t want to expel every student I find making a comment about Shoji’s mask. You may accuse me of any number of things Kirishima but never accuse me of ignoring injustice.”

 

Kirishima winced and nodded his head, sagging in his seat as he felt broke, “Yes sir… I’m sorry.”

 

Aizawa collapsed into the chair opposite Kirishima and sighed, “Kirishima… people will always call Izuku a villain. Until the day he dies that name will follow him around like a bad smell, it’s unavoidable. But that doesn’t mean you get to punch out every person who uses the word.”

 

“I know,” Eijiro confessed, “It’s just… it’s so unfair and it’s so unmanly!”

 

Aizawa paused before speaking, seemingly gazing at Eijiro, “Manly… you use that word a lot but I’ve never asked what it actually means.”

 

Eijiro shrugged, “I know everyone thinks I overuse it and yeah, maybe I do, but that’s just because the people in our class are amazing. Every single one of them is so kind, strong and passionate.”

 

“And you’re not?” Aizawa asked with a raised eyebrow.

 

Eijiro sighed, “I try to be.”

 

Aizawa nodded and hummed, “And tell me, is what you did today manly? How do you think Midoriya would feel if he found out you’d been kicked from the hero course for defending him?”

 

Eijiro physically winced at the thought, the disappointment in those green eyes would be unbearable.

 

“Am I expelled?” He asked timidly.

 

The pause Aizawa gave before answering was probably intended as pure psychological torture, “No. Despite your actions I haven’t found any reason to expel you. Though consider yourself lucky, if Fourth Kind chose to press charges it wouldn’t be up to me. Luckily Tetsutetsu vouched for you and Fourth Kind is content to simply return you to UA.”

 

“Tetsutetsu defended me?” Eijro asked, more than a little surprised based on the way the two had met.

 

Aizawa nodded, “He did. Apparently he claimed you were a good person but could sometimes be a bit aggressive when it came to defending your friends.” Aizawa said and Eijiro swore he heard a hint of amusement in the man's voice.

 

“Right,” Eijiro said and bit his lip, “So um… do I get detention?”

 

Aizawa gave him a deadpanned look, “For at least a month.”

 

Eijiro sighed and nodded, “And I guess my internship is over?”

 

Aizawa gave him a smile which sent a shiver down his back, “Actually you’re in luck, I decided not to pick up any extra patrols despite the lack of classes. So I think I’ll take you under my wing for the rest of the week. There’s a little competition between me and All Might currently about who can come up with the more intense training course.”

 

Eijiro gulped, he was wrong, things could get much worse apparently.

 

---

 

Izuku took a deep breath and focused on his quirk, allowing it to reach out around him like a radar and pick up any quirk energies he could. His watch had long since been burned to a crisp but by his estimation he was now into his final 48th hour since this torment had begun. He hadn’t slept now for over 50 hours, all he’d eaten was a few protein bars he’d smashed a vending machine for (if he was being hunted by heroes he could damn well steal a few candy bars) and his school uniform was nearly burnt to a crisp, he’d hadn’t had a moment spare to change into his official hero outfit. As a result he had a tie, sleeves and a chunk of his right trouser leg missing.

 

He was currently crawling his way through a large ventilation shaft, something which, as it turned out, was far harder in real life than in the movies. First of all, even though the ventilation shaft was huge by most standards, Izuku still barely fit inside. Then there was the extreme heat, regeneration was an incredibly powerful quirk but even that couldn’t stop Izuku becoming dehydrated and losing enough energy to suffer heat stroke, something which would do as much damage to him as anybody else. And of course in reality vents were filled with fans and grates that required a very low power blast of heat vision. Something a week ago Izuku had never been able to do but now he could turn their intensity up and down like adjusting the volume on his phone.

 

Endeavor’s insane training ideas were annoyingly effective.

 

But all Izuku needed to do was hide out in the vent for another hour and he’d be safe. Sensing the quirk energies around him he could tell Endeavor wasn’t nearby, though not a bad thing Izuku much preferred knowing where the man who could burn him to a crisp was. A few sidekicks were dotted about nearby, presumably searching for Izuku though most had given up with the deadline so close. It was difficult to capture someone who was perfectly fine losing a limb to escape. The only major threat that wasn’t accounted for was Burnin, she wasn’t anywhere near the end of his range.

 

Oh. Wait.

 

That would explain it.

 

There was a sudden tearing noise as the vent was lit up in green light before Izuku felt himself go into freefall. The vent collapsed as it made contact with the floor below and Izuku rolled out of it. He coughed up several layers of dust as he found himself in a long hallway, looking up at a smirking Burnin.

 

“Let me guess?” The sidekick said as she held two blades made from the green fire of her hair, “You were too focused on who was at longer range to notice that I was right under your nose.”

 

“Uh… maybe,” Izuku mumbled as he scrambled up to his feet and gulped, “So uh Burnin… I hear you’re really dedicated to the job. You don’t really need any extra vacation time right?”

 

Bunin scoffed, “You kidding? Between keeping Endeavor on a leash and making sure the rugrat sidekicks don’t run amok I deserve about a month in Hawaii, so you can bet I’m gonna try taking you down until the last second.”

 

“Oh.” Izuku said.

 

And then he ran.

 

Normally Izuku’s tactic against more powerful or stronger opponents was to rely on speed, agility and how small he was. Unfortunately Burnin was both faster and more athletic than him without being dragged down by her weight. It wasn’t long before Izuku felt a red hot slice against his thigh. Warm blood spurted all over his leg as the limb gave out and he collapsed down with a cry.

 

Most of the sidekicks had been uncomfortable at injuring Izuku, even with regeneration it was difficult for them to deal with harming a child. Burnin however had no such issues and was happy to slice Izuku up like a sushi roll if it meant getting those vacation days. 

 

As he fell Izuku turned and let out a blast of heat vision. Burnin swore and leapt back as Izuku tore through the ceiling, smashing several lights in the process. Meanwhile his hands started to glow as his skin started to move and bubble, turning from flesh into moving lava.

 

Burnin frowned as she saw this, “You managed to get your hands on Molten-Mans quirk huh? Damn idiot always was too careless.”

 

Izuku smiled, “He was napping in a broom closet, it was like taking candy from a baby.”

 

Burnin smirked as she crouched down, her green blades of fire twirling in her hands, “You know you’ve got a lot of sass for someone so short.”

 

Izuku snorted, “I grew up with a violent brother, it’s a force of habit.”

 

Burnin chuckled, “Makes sense.” Then she was on him.

 

Izuku raised his hands and met Burning with a hiss, green flame and red lava collided as the area filled with thick smoke. Izuku tried to defend himself as he brought up arm after arm but Burnin was far too skilled for him to keep up a defence. Izuku screamed as one blade slashed down his shoulder and the other pierced straight into his stomach.

 

“Sorry kid, but we don’t have long. Just give up and I’ll stop.” Burnin said as she slowly twisted the fire in Izuku’s gut with a blood thirsty smile.

 

“Is that all you’ve got?” Izuku hissed back, “I had my whole arm ripped off a few weeks ago, this is nothing.”

 

With those words Izuku slammed his hands onto the ground. There was a sizzle in the air as the metal floor started to heat and moan before it became molten and started to spread. 

 

“Dammit kid!” Burning cried as she once again jumped back, “Do you have a deathwish?”

 

“Something like that…” Izuku said as the floor beneath him finally collapsed.

 

Izuke landed in the hall below with a crash, chunks of his skin sizzled off as it made contact with the liquid metal. Not even pausing, Izuku took off running down the hall, focusing kinetic strength towards regeneration to close the wound on his stomach and allow his skin to regrow. 

 

“There he is!” Came a cry from behind him as he felt several quirks throw out projectiles.

 

“Oh come on!” Izuku shouted as he dived into a nearby door, slamming it open with a boost from his kinetic quirk.

 

Activating pathfinder, he set it to head back to the sidekick dorms, an area which would be empty at this time. It led him through the winding halls of the Endeavor Agency until he came out into a large training room with floor to ceiling windows. Izuku paused as he knelt over, panting heavily as he groaned. If Recovery Girl could see how overworked he was she’d probably kill him herself.

 

Before Izuku could move on however he felt a pang of quirk energy enter his range. All he could do was sigh as he slowly turned to the windows. Looking out he could see the skyline of the city accompanied by a floating Endeavor. The man just tilted his head as he held out his arm.

 

The colossal wave of fire threw Izuku to the ground as the windows shattered. He felt skin burn off as he fell back, his mind becoming hazy as regeneration took over his body. He wasn’t sure exactly how long passed until the smoke filled room came into focus again but his ears were picking up a blaring alarm.

 

“I’m impressed,” Endeavor said with an emotionless face as he walked up to Izuku, “You lasted the whole 48 hours. I only had you pegged for 30.”

 

“Thanks,” Izuku groaned as he managed to sit up, “You know, you and Gran Torino should start a club together about abusing your trainees.”

 

Endeavor’s face flickered with a mix of guilt and anger for a moment as Izuku registered what he’d just said, “Oh um… sorry.”

 

Endeavor sighed, “It’s fine, you prevented me handing out free vacation days so consider us even. Now, you have 20 minutes to change into your hero outfit and get some food before I want you to meet me down in the training rooms.”

 

“Yes, sir.” Izuku said even as every cell in his body winced in pain.

 

---

 

Kyouka hated coffee, it was far too bitter for her liking. Instead she’d much rather fight a tired morning off with a sugar filled energy drink. Unfortunately she’d been stupid enough to walk into class one day sipping one of the red cans and predictably Katsuki had a melt down about how unhealthy it was. So these days she was stuck with coffee, technically Katsuki wasn’t watching her 24/7 but something told her the blonde had a sixth sense for these things. 

 

“Good Morning Earphone Jack,” Centipeder said as Kyouka walked into the break room of the agency.

 

“Good morning,” She replied in what she hoped was a semi happy tone.

 

Centipeder chuckled in a way indicating it was not, “Rough few days huh?”

 

Kyouka nodded as she sipped at her coffee, “I’m used to tough training but this is on a completely different level.”

 

“Well then you’ll be pleased to hear today will be less intense.”

 

Kyouka nearly dropped her coffee cup when Nighteye seemingly appeared out of thin air in the break room. For a man who was nearly as tall as Yagi he could move through a room more unnoticed than Hagakure. 

 

The man frowned as he noticed Kyouka’s jump, “I thought we discussed making sure you hearing was always ready to go?”

 

“It’s difficult to break 10 years worth of habit,” Kyouka mumbled to which Centipeder snorted.

 

“Don’t you have an investigation to work on?” Nighteye said as he side eyed his sidekick who gave Kyouka a wave before leaving the room.

 

Nighteye shook his head as he waved for Kyouka to follow him, “Today I thought we’d tackle one of the biggest problems I believe you have.”

 

“Which is?” Kyouka asked, tensing up at the question.

 

“Your costume,” Nighteye stated as they entered his office and Kyouka sagged slightly.

 

“Yeah I know it’s uh… pretty bad.” She admitted as she took a seat in front of the desk, slinking down slightly into the chair.

 

Nighteye nodded in agreement as he sat behind his desk and started to pull out a folder, “It is fairly basic, the only intriguing part I find are the speakers on your legs.”

 

“Ah yeah, Izuku said the same thing.” Kyouka commented.

 

Nighteye stopped typing and Kyouka could see him physically tense slightly, “Izuku Midoriya? Your classmate?”

 

Kyouka paused before she answered, she was aware enough to notice the subtle change in the atmosphere, “Yeah, he’s actually one of my closest friends.”

 

Nighterye turned to her, looking down over his spectacles in a way that made Kyouka squirm slightly, it was like he could read her mind, “I see… so you know him well?”

 

“Um… I mean we’ve only known each other a few months but I like to think so.” Kyouka said with a shrug.

 

“I see,” Nighteye said and pushed his glasses back up before turning away back to his filing cabinet, “And what is he like?” He asked in a nonchalant tone.

 

Kyouka blinked, not really sure how to take the question, “Oh well… He’s strong, obviously, but he’s also kind and can be a little timid but not in a bad way. He’s smart too, maybe not genius level intellect but he always scores in the top 5 in tests and he completely outclasses us all in quirk studies and analysis. And he’s class president, I’d say he’s a natural leader, definitely not someone I see ever becoming a sidekick. Basically, he’s probably the best hero student in the class.”

 

Nighteye hummed, “So he’s dangerous?”

 

Kyouka narrowed her eyes slightly, “Are you saying his quirk makes him a villain?”

 

Nighteye snapped his eyes to her with a glare that made Kyouka shrivel in her seat, “I don’t have the time nor patience for such childish accusations. I deal in facts and the facts show Izuku Midoriya has access to theoretically unimaginable levels of power, has the smarts to use them and has the ability to lead. I’m sure he’s a fine hero student but better men than he have snapped and gone rogue. But unlike them he has the potential to bring this country to its knees. Acknowledging the risk he poses is not the same as branding him a villain.”

 

“Right… um… sorry,” Kyouka apologised, feeling more than a little embarrassed.

 

“It’s fine,” Nighteye said as he turned to her with a folder, “But just because someone is your friend does not negate the fact there are those in this world who wield close to God-like power compared to those of us with weaker quirks.”

 

“However,” Nighteye continued as he opened the folder and placed it in front of Kyouka on the desk, “This will do a fair amount of legwork in helping you keep up.”

 

Kyouka’s eyes widened as she took in the costume design, it was full of tech with notes filling every space around it on the abilities it would help give her. This wasn’t just a new design, it was a complete overhaul of her costume. Hell, based on the notes it would propel her to the level Katsuki, Izuku and Todoroki all competed on.

 

“What is all this?” Kyouka asked in awe.

 

Nighteye smirked slightly, “It’s nanotech.”

 

---

 

Mina felt the wind leave her lungs as the fist made contact with her stomach. She coupled over and groaned as she fell to her knees, clutching her sides. Sweat dripped down her back and she gasped for breath.

 

“Sorry!” Truth Seeker said as she knelt down beside Mina, offering her some water, “That might have been a little too hard.”

 

Mina gratefully grabbed the bottle of water and eagerly chugged it down, “It- It’s ok,” She panted out, “It’s training afterall.”

 

“She’s right,”  Rock Lock said from where he was doing his own training, “If that had been someone with a strength quirk you would have a hole in your stomach right now.”  

 

“I know!” Mina huffed, she’d done nothing but train and study all week yet she felt like she had learned nothing, “But this is just training!”

 

Lock Rock paused by his punching bag to glare at Mina, “So that gives you an excuse to slack off?”

 

“I’m not slacking off!” Mina snapped back as she stood up angrily, next to her Truth Seeker sighed, awaiting another argument between the pair.

 

Rock Lock frowned and took off his boxing gloves, “Once again you’re letting emotions get the better of you.”

 

“Emotions aren’t a bad thing!” Mina cried as she and Rock Lock glared at each other, “Hell the best hero student in my class is just a walking anger management poster!”

 

“I never said emotion was bad,” Rock Lock defended as he climbed into the ring where Truth Seeker and Mina had been fighting, “Channelling anger or pain can be useful, flailing wildly is not. Learn to fight smarter Pinky.”

 

Mina growled at the nickname and lunged forward. Rock Lock easily sidestepped her and sent her tumbling to the ground however. Mina huffed and turned to swing out again, not really aiming or even turning her hand into a fist, just throwing a layer of acid out.

 

Rock Lock dodged it with ease and clicked his tongue, “Try again Pinky.”

 

Gritting her teeth Mina got back on her feet, bouncing on them from side to side not unlike Bakugou did when he was eyeing an opponent up. She allowed acid to seep through the skin of her arms to make her punches ever deadlier. She launched a flurry of attacks but once again Rock Lock parried them with the experience of a pro hero while making sure to avoid any rogue acid.

 

“Stop doing the same thing,” Rock Lock reprimanded as he easily pushed Mina to the side, causing her to stumble, “Those tactics won’t take anyone down Pinky.”

 

“MY NAME,” Mina roared as she swivelled on her feet, “IS NOT PINKY!” 

 

Mina swung one fist out low which Rock Lock easily caught with the lack of acid now on it. But without pausing Mina used the faint to bring her other fist down from up high. Though Rock Lock merely scoffed and effortlessly caught the other arm with ease.

 

“A faint really isn’t going to- Aghhhh!”

 

Truth Seeker let out a sequel as she watched Mina’s knee rise up and make direct contact with Rock Lock's crotch along with an audible thud. The man let go of Mina’s wrist and stumbled back, doubling over and coughing in pain.

 

Mina blinked as her actions caught up to her and she dashed forward with a bow, “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m-”

 

She was interrupted as there came a deep chuckling from Rock Lock and a groan as he steadied himself on his feet, “Now that’s more like it.”

 

Behind Mina Truth Seeker snorted as Mina tilted her head in confusion, “Huh?”

 

Taking a breath, Rock Lock stood up straight and looked down at Mina, “You know how I’ve managed to break the top 50 heroes with a relatively weak and non combat based quirk?”

 

“Um,” Mina said, not really sure how she was supposed to feel, “Hard work?”

 

Rock Lock shook his head, “Don’t get me wrong, you need to train hard. But the reality is if you wanna get to where I am, you need to fight dirty. I watched your sports festival, it doesn’t matter how good you get, you think you’ll ever stand a chance against some of those heavy hitters in a straight up fight?”

 

Images jumped to the front of Mina’s mind, thoughts of being pummelled by Bakugou, torn apart by dark shadow or just down right being made quirkless by Izuku, “Yeah I’m not sure my acid is always gonna hold out…”

 

“Exactly,” Rock Lock said, “So you need to cheat your way to victory. Fight dirty, change the playing field, hell anything short of killing them is all good in my book.”

 

Mina bit her lip, still a little unsure, “I dunno, you make it sound more like scrapping than fighting.”

 

Rock Lock shrugged, “For us it is, if you wanna keep up with the big leagues you gotta do it any way you can.”

 

Mina nodded before clenching her fists, “Can you teach me?”

 

Rock Lock rolled his eyes, “The hell do you think you’re here for?”

 

---

 

“Aahahahahaha!” Katsuki laughed as he doubled over, watching Uraraka float in the air, “Your face is so fucking green.”

 

From her position bobbing slightly below the ceiling of the training room Uraraka narrowed her eyes and gave Katsuki the finger. She had been up there for the better part of an hour now. If she wanted to eat, Miruko had insisted she last at least two.

 

Katsuki grunted as he felt a hand make contact with the back of his head as Muriko tutted, “Don’t be such an asshole, you’re doing great kid!”

 

Uraraka smiled before her eyes widened and she quickly covered her mouth up. Muriko chuckled and turned to Katsuki before shoving a paintball gun in his arms.

 

“Here,” She said, “I trust you have the brains to work out how to use that thing?”

 

Katsuki frowned and looked down at the gun in his hand, “The hell is this for?”

 

Miruko rolled her eyes, “You wanted to know how to deal with range right? Well you be the range and I’ll be the target.”

 

Katsuki’s eyes lit up as he turned the gun over in his hands, “You want me to shoot you? Ha! This’ll be great!”

 

Miruko smirked as she faced Katsuki and crouched down low, “That’s if you can hit me.”

 

Katsuki didn’t grace her with a response and instead pointed and aimed, there was a soft bang as he let the first paintball loose. A red splatter appeared on the floor where Miruko had been moments ago as she jumped to the right. Katsuki narrowed his eyes and brought the gun to follow her firing another three paintballs. Miruko slammed into the wall and pushed off with her legs, once again avoiding the attack as she soared through the air.

 

This continued for another few minutes, Katsuki letting off paintball after paintball while Miruko easily dodged every single attack as Uraraka watched the whole display from above in the air. 

 

Slowly Katsuki started to track Miruko’s movements, he might not have the kind of abilities the likes of Yaoyorozu, Izuku or Yoarashi had at range but he was no slouch either. He watched the way Miruko moved, using her legs to project herself from wall to wall with ease and at greater speed each time. After a few more kicks Katsuki smirked.

 

He adjusted his gun slightly and pulled the trigger, aiming at where he knew Miruko would land against the wall. However, Miruko twisted in the air, angling her body differently to how she had before. Katsuki’s paintballs glanced by her and splattered into the wall as she pushed off with her hands, falling down to the ground. Upon landing Miruko faced Katsuki with her own smirk before launching herself forward with her legs.

 

Katsuki turned to fire his weapon but it was too late. Miruko’s foot made contact with Katsuki’s chest and he was sent flying across the room. The paintball gun clattered to the ground as the wind was knocked out of Katsuki’s chest as he slammed into the wall. He crumpled to the ground with a groan as Miruko landed in front of him with a smirk.

 

“You see what I did there?”

 

“No,” Katsuki spat as he unsteadily got to his feet.

 

Miruko stepped forward and knocked on Katsuki’s head, “Well use that damn noggen of yours, aren’t you UA kids supposed to be the best of the best?”

 

Katsuki frowned and rubbed his head, “Well… I tried to aim where you’d be, predict your movements. But you still managed to avoid them.”

 

“Uh huh…” Miruko continued, “And why do you think that is?”

 

Katsuki paused as he thought it over, “Because… you knew I’d do that?”

 

“Give the boy a carrot!” Miruko exclaimed with more than a mild amount of sarcasm, “Thing is kid, unless you use support equipment to deal with ranged you need to get in close. The trick is that most ranged attacks rely on predicting your movements, figuring out where you’re gonna be to hit you. But I say beat them at their own game, you think two steps ahead and work out what they predict that you’re predicting and you’ll get the better of them.”

 

Katsuki furrowed his eyebrow, “Huh?”

 

Miruko rolled her eyes, “Predict their own moves and counter them.”

 

“Oooooh!”

 

“ARHHHHHHHGGGGG!”

 

Both Miruko and Katsuki turned just as Uraraka slammed down into the ground, clutching her stomach and rolling around slightly.

 

“Ow.”

 

Miruko snorted, “I guess that means it’s time to take you both on a real patrol.”

 

---

 

“Again, I’m really very sorry.”

 

“Yeah yeah.”

 

“My father will pay for everything.”

 

“Fifty years I lived in that house!”

 

“Well… new beginnings?”

 

“New beginnings!? I’m nearly 100!? How much of a beginning do you think I have left!?”

 

Todoroki winced as he stood beside the fire engine with Gran Torino. As it turned out, Todoroki’s fire was strong. Strong enough that when he used it for the first time it erupted into a great wildfire that quickly latched onto the wood of Torino’s home. Even with his ice Todoroki couldn’t put the flames out and the pair had been forced to flee until actual firefighters arrived.

 

“Are you going to return me to UA?” 

 

Torino sighed, “No, it’s my own fault. I should’ve known better than to let you go for it in my basement without any real training first.”

 

“At least you can rebuild.” Todoroki said as Backdraft hosed down the black stained building.

 

Then it collapsed.

 

“Nevermind.”

 

Torino pinched the bridge of his nose, “Well, we may as well go and do some hero work. Come on, we have a train to catch.”

 

---

 

Izuku had expected a great many things training under Endeavor. Some good and some bad. What he hadn’t been expecting however was to be sat opposite the man, cross legged in a Japanese garden learning how to meditate. 

 

The garden itself was set in the middle of the agency, the towers of the agency used to defend the garden from strong winds and the noise of the city below. It was full of tall green plants with a soft stream and places to sit.

 

“Allow yourself to relax,” Endeavor said in a surprisingly soft voice, “Don’t focus on any one thing, the sound of the stream, the wind in the leaves, allow it all to flow through you in the background.”

 

Izuku took a long deep breath and felt his body relax, doing as Endeavor asked. It was difficult not to fall asleep if he was honest but he felt himself sink into the sand they were sitting on without entering his dreams.

 

“But not just your body,” Endeavor continued, “Clear your mind, your thoughts, don’t even focus on your quirk.”

 

Izuku obeyed only for his hunger to spark forward and for his eyes to snap open in panic with a gasp as he clutched back into control of his quirk. As the sunlight seared into his eyes he saw Endeavor look at him with a sigh.

 

“You panicked and latched onto your quirk.”

 

“It’s not that easy to let go of it!” Izuku snapped back with more aggression than he anticipated before he took a breath, “It’s not like my quirk just produces water or makes me float, I’ve had to keep it on a leash for my entire life.”

 

“You do not have to let it go completely,” Endeavor responded without any malice, “But clutching it back every time will only worsen your control. Think of it like a dam, don’t let it all go but rather loosen your control.”

 

Izuku nodded and once again closed his eyes. First he relaxed his body, then his mind, then slowly he started to loosen his grip on his quirk. He imagined he was a kid again, holding onto his new All Might toy. He envisioned Katsuki walking over and trying to take the toy from him. A white knuckled grip would break the toy so he allowed himself to loosen the hold on it slightly but without letting Katsuki tug it from his grip.

 

He felt his quirk lash out slightly and he grit his teeth as he allowed it without snapping it back. It was easier said than done, Izuku didn’t want to be egotistical but his quirk was a little more complex than most. At times it almost felt alive, driving Izuku to take as many quirks as he could, he was fairly sure Eijiro’s quirk didn’t have the same mind of its own. As Izuku mused over his quirk Endeavor’s voice broke through.

 

“Don’t treat your quirk as a separate entity, too many people fall into the trap of considering it a power they wield. It is not, it is you. It is as much a part of you as your dreams and memories are. Don’t think about how to hold back or wield your quirk, think about how to control your whole body.”

 

Izuku took deep breaths in and out as his quirk hummed just beneath his skin. He allowed his mind to run freely, for his hunger to practically sing at the surrounding powerful quirks. He felt his power flare up slightly but it didn’t go to take any quirks, simply swirling around him. Izuku smiled to himself, it was like Endeavor said, letting his quirks sit just below the level of full activation. This was surprisingly relaxing.

 

“ENDEAVOR SIR WE- WOAH! FUCK!”

 

Burnin slammed open the door to the garden with a shout only to stumble when Izuku latched onto her quirk on instinct and pulled.

 

“Sorry!” Izuku cried as he blushed, reigning his quirk back in.

 

Endeavor frowned at his number two, clearly less than pleased about the interruption, “Burnin did I not tell you not to disturb-”

 

“Stain has been sighted in Hosu!” 

 

Endeavor’s eyes widened briefly for only a moment before they narrowed and hardened, “Have Delta Squad assembled and ready to go on the helipad in 10 minutes.”

 

Burnin nodded and sprinted back into the building. Izuku blinked, practically gaining whiplash from the change in atmosphere as Endeavor stood up and ignited his hero outfit.

 

“You’ve met The Hero Killer first hand, correct?” He asked Izuku as he started to walk out of the garden and even though the man didn’t indicate it, Izuku followed him on instinct.

 

“Yes sir, he uh… tried to recruit me.”

 

The only reaction Endeavor had to that information was a brief side eye before he nodded, “Good. Then I need you to tell me everything you know about him on the journey there.”

 

---

 

Yaoyorozu sighed as she watched Kendo pose for the cameras while Uwabami encouraged the slightly uncomfortable looking student. Truth be told she’d had her doubts about her choice of internship but Uwabami had worked closely with her family's company. But now she realised that was mainly through merchandise deals rather than serious support equipment and her poor choice had led her to learning more about hairstyles than fighting styles. 

 

As she sat in her own self pity, Yoayorozu felt her phone vibrate. Looking down she saw several chat notifications, all for the same group. The thought made her wince slightly, she knew she had all but abandoned her friends. But she just didn’t know what to do.

 

Izuku’s quirk scared her.

 

She wasn’t a fool, of course she knew there were all sorts of dangerous quirks. Even seemingly weaker quirks like Mina’s acid had the potential to kill. But someone able to take and give quirks? Izuku held a power over people nobody else could, he had the potential to rip the very core of a person away.

 

Everytime she looked at those eyes all she saw reflected back as her own quirk being ripped away from her. Being used in ways she dreaded her entire life. She knew Izuku wasn’t a villain but…

 

“Yaoyorozu, you’re up.”

 

Yaoyorozu took one last look down at her phone and with a grimace stood up for her photoshoot.

 

---

 

“Is everything ready Young Shigaraki?”

 

Shigaraki turned to the screen at the end of the bar and gave an enthusiastic nod, “The Nomu are all good to go and Kurogiri had finished planning out portal placements. We’ll be hitting populated areas to farm the most XP possible!”

 

“Excellent,” All For One responded in a tone better suited to a cartoon villain, “The chaos caused tonight will guarantee media attention for weeks.”

 

Shigaraki’s dried out lips spread into a demented smile as the thoughts of how many people would be slaughtered in the next few hours filled his mind, “All we have to do is sit back and watch the specialised tracker the doctor made. Everything will be easy!”

 

All For One let out a deep chuckle through the screen, “Now things really begin.”

Notes:

Hi all, apologies this chapter took over a month to get out, life has been a little hectic recently. But in an effort to try keep you up do date with my plans for the series I decided to make a twitter. Also, as a rule I don't like to respond to comments on here (just a personal rule is all) so if you ever wanna ask me anything direct you'd be best doing it over there.

https://twitter.com/Arktron66

Either way enjoy the chapter and as always thanks for all the kudos and comments!

Chapter 43: Todoroki's Shame

Summary:

As Izuku, Katsuki, Todoroki and Uraraka all head to Hosu for patrol the chess pieces start to move as chaos takes over

Dammit.

 

Dammit.

 

Dammit.

 

Of all the heroes to catch him it had to be Endeavor. Jumper could easily outrun any opponent, even heroes with speed quirks struggled to keep up with him. It was why he had become such an excellent thief, he could grab whatever he wanted and be half way across the cities before the heroes even arrived to investigate. Which was why he assumed a quick grab from a local convenience store would be easy money.

 

How the hell was he supposed to know the number two hero and his sidekicks would be walking by the very moment he left the store? Endeavor might not be the fastest hero but he was the most tenacious and his fire could spread for miles.

 

“This is your last warning!” The hero boomed from behind Jumper as he flew between buildings in literal hot pursuit of the thief.

 

Jumper grit his teeth and popped from rooftop to rooftop, desperately trying to escape the flame hero and not be burnt to a crisp. He leapt off one roof and looked down at the fire escape below. A second later he landed on said escape with a thud as Endeavor flew overhead. A quick glance into the alley below and Jumper was running along its streets with the fire escape already in the distance.

 

Before he could get very far Burnin appeared up ahead and he skidded to a halt as she snarled at him, “If you don’t wanna end up in the hospital you better stop running.”

 

Never one to listen to women, Jumper skidded to a halt and turned his head and a second later he was already at the other end of the alley. He turned a sharp corner and nearly lost his footing as he ran. The moment he went to sprint down the next alley however he collided with some random kid.

 

The pair fell to the floor as Jumper scrambled to get up. The kid however seemed to have other plans as he tightly held onto Jumper's leg, stopping him from moving.

 

“Fuck off kid!” Jumper shouted and booted the child in the face, blood spurted from their nose and they fell back, their grip on Jumper's leg coming loose.

 

Getting to his feet Jumper looked down to the other end of the alley and-

 

And-

 

And-

 

He stopped. He focused at the other end of the alley and pushed with all he had, he could feel veins throbbing on the side of his head as he did. But nothing happened. Dropping his bag of stolen money, Jumper looked down at his hands. What the hell happened to his quirk?

 

There was a crackling of flame as Endeavor landed in front of Jumper with a deep frown, “You’re under arrest.”

 

Jumper could only gape as Endeavor turned him around and slapped a pair of heavy duty handcuffs on him. At the other end of the alley the kid was standing back up and dusting himself off as Burnin ran up to him with a wide smile and slapped him on the back.

 

“Good job Loki!”

 

“Th-Thanks Burnin,” The kid said a little nervously, it was then Jumper took in his outfit and realised this was just another hero.

 

“So what did you get?” Burnin asked the kid with a curious eye.

 

“Oh um… well…”

 

Jumper watched as the kid looked up next to where Jumper was. There was a brief pause before the so-called Loki vanished into thin air and appeared next to Jumper. Jumper's eyes widened with realisation.

 

“It’s teleportation!” The kid cried with excitement.

 

“Oh hell yeah!” Burnin exclaimed and quickly ran up to him.

 

“That’s my quirk!” Jumper cried and lunged for the kid only to be held back by Endeavor.

 

Loki looked at him with panicked eyes, “Ah um… Sorry, once you’re in police custody I’ll return it.”

 

“Actually,” Endeavor said as he hauled Jumper away from the kid, “That cashier you hit in the store? She died 10 minutes ago in the back of the ambulance. Congratulations, you’re going to Tartarus and your quirk is now forfeit.”

 

“You can’t do that!” Jumper shouted, “That’s not fair!”

 

“Life isn’t fair,” Endeavor grunted as he dragged Jumper away towards the incoming sounds of police sirens, “You’ll find prison even more so.”

 

---

 

Spitfire laughed as the officer grovelled below her feet, “Did you see the way your partner's head blew up! Man that was awesome!”

 

“P-Please,” The officer begged on their knees, “I have a family.”

 

“The fuck would you want one of those for?” Spitfire said as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a notepad, “Besides this is your own fault. I was just having fun.”

 

She tore a small piece of paper from the notebook and popped it in her mouth and swirled it around with her tongue while chewing on it, allowing the power of her quirk to flow into the paper. Once it had filled with enough power she grabbed her metal straw and brought it up to her mouth.

 

At first she pointed down at the officer who’s eyes widened in terror. Spitfire chuckled into the straw before turning and aiming at a nearby lamppost. With a spit of air the freshly made spitball flew through the air and made contact with the light source.

 

The lamppost exploded into a ball of sparks and fire as glass reigned down onto the street below. The officer gasped while Spitfire let out a cackle of laughter.

 

“Hahaha, I fucking love my quirk!”

 

She turned back to the officer with a smirk and loaded another spitball into her mouth. Once again she swirled it around before bringing up the straw to her lips. The officer's eyes widened with horror before he froze completely, too shocked to say anything. Spitfire chuckled and launched her attack.

 

The spitball landed directly on the officer's forehead and… did nothing. It simply sat there, saliva dribbling down his face as Spitfire frowned, “Huh? What the fuck?”

 

“Excellent work Loki.”

 

Spitfire swivelled round on her feet, reaching for another chunk of notebook when she froze. Standing behind her was the number two hero, his top sidekick and some random kid who was blushing slightly.

 

“Ah fuck.”

 

Before she could even try to run Endeavor turned her round and slammed Spitfire against the police car, “You’re under arrest for murder.” He growled out.

 

Burnin ran up to the now sobbing police officer as Spitfire’s straw fell out of her hand and rolled across the street. Loki looked down at it before picking it up, turning it over in his hands.

 

“Endeavor, can I keep this?”

 

Endeavor shrugged while Burnin frowned, “That can’t be sanitary.”

 

---

 

“Stand down Deathblade!” Endeavor roared from behind the police barricade, blue and red flashing lights filled the area as Deathblade glared at the circle of heroes and police officers around him, luckily he was also surrounded by wounded civilians.

 

“Don’t come any closer!” Deathblade snarled back, “Anyone takes one fucking step and I’ll slice the head off one of these idiots!”

 

Deathblade pointed one of his arms down at a cowering woman to prove his point. His quirk was pretty simple, it turned his forearms and hands into huge sharp blades that could easily slice flesh and bone if he so chose.

 

Endeavor’s face turned into one of fury, it was obvious the man wanted nothing more than to step forward and tear Deathblade apart. But even he wouldn’t risk innocent lives.

 

Deathblade heard a groan next to him and saw a kid trying to stumble out of the carnage to the safety of the police. He smirked and grabbed the kid in a choke hold, placing one of his blades against his neck.

 

“Anyone even so much as looks at me funny and I’ll slit this kids neck wide-”

 

Deathblade’s threat was cut short however when his blades retracted back into his arm and disappeared completely. He looked down in surprise and went to reactivate the quirk when nothing happened.

 

“Huh? What hell is-”

 

He was cut off when, with a surprising show of strength, the kid he had in a headlock grabbed his arm and flipped him over his shoulder. Deathblade landed on the concrete road with a thud. He went to move but before he could do anything else he watched as the kid’s arm broke and snapped and a blade shot out of it, replacing most of his forearm and hand.

 

Deathblade watched as he felt the cold steel against his throat from his own quirk, the next thing he knew he was being hauled to his feet by Endeavor.

 

“Congratulations Loki, I believe we can consider this your first official villain capture.”

 

The kid looked up at Endeavor with tears in his eyes, “Th-Thank you sir!”

 

“You know kid,” Burnin said as she observed the still extended blade, “You’re kinda scary you know that?”

 

---

 

Hero Analysis For The Future: Stockpiled Quirk Notes

 

Quirk 5: Teleportation

 

Pretty much does what it says, this quirk gives me the ability to teleport anywhere that I can see. Though the range is unlimited it does have a sense of recharge thus the more distance I teleport the longer I have to wait to use it again, plus it can be exhausting to teleport over a mile. I’m also able to take inanimate objects with me such as my hero outfit however larger objects are harder to take with me and it’s impossible to transport another person or living creature.

 

Burnin Comment: Can we switch? Do you know how much money I’d save on train tickets with that quirk? A lot

 

Quirk 6: Explosive Spitball

 

This quirk is actually one of the more peculiar ones I’ve ever encountered. In short it allows me to fill a spitball in my mouth with explosive energy which erupts on contact. My assumption would be my saliva fills with an extremely volatile chemical composition which is triggered by the impact. However it only works if the spitball is made of paper, Burnin gave me some gum to try and the quirk doesn’t work on anything but paper. Also, the larger the spitball and the longer I work it in my mouth the more powerful the explosion, though the range and accuracy drops significantly. I’ve taken a metal straw from the villain I took the quirk from and will start putting paper in my belt to support the application of the quirk.

 

Burnin Comment: This is the most awesomely disgusting quirk I’ve ever seen. I recommend using it as much as possible.

 

Quirk 7: Sword Arms

 

Again, another fairly simple quirk, this is a mutation quirk which allows me to extend two large swords from my arms. The swords seem to be made of a basic steel though Endeavor noted they look stronger than steel so it may be something else. However for the swords to extend they rip apart my forearms and hands which is incredibly painful though they do regenerate when the swords are retracted back in (even without regeneration active). The swords are both sharp and strong and will make good close combat weapons.

 

Burnin Comment: Don’t use this around kids, watching your hands split open is pretty fucking grim.

 

Endeavor Comment: Look into applications of Karasword, a martial art created for those who have quirks similar to this. Swinging around a sword attached to your arm without training is a disaster waiting to happen.

 

---

 

Izuku munched on his sandwich as he scribbled down a few more notes about his newly acquired quirks, his hunger was vibrating with pleasure and Izuku himself had a wide smile. He was doing it, he was really doing it. He was stopping villains and saving people with his quirk. Sure Endeavor was making sure each situation was heavily controlled and only allowed him to take quirks without actually attacking people but it was still helping.

 

And his hunger was more than pleased with the new quirks, all three original owners were probably looking at life in prison so Izuku’s deal with the HPSC was more than allowed in each case. Teleportation was an interesting quirk that would amplify Izuku’s already solid parkour ability while Explosive Spitball and Sword Arms would give him a power boost as well as a much needed close combat move.

 

“OK then,” Burnin said as she sat next to Izuku, a piece of sushi in her chopsticks, “Which quirk is your favourite?” 

 

Izuku hummed in thought, they were still technically on patrol, albeit on a short break to eat, and perched up on top of a high skyscraper. He and Burnin were sitting on the edge, legs kicking over the side as the wing ruffled their hair. Endeavor stood off to the side, eyes still on the city for trouble as he ate his food like a man possessed, not one to waste time. The rest of the squad were dotted about, making light conversation.

 

“Well regeneration is the most useful,” Izuku said, “Without it I wouldn’t be able to survive the blowback of half the quirks I take.”

 

“Come on!” Burning said with an eye roll as she shoved Izuku slightly, “I didn’t ask for the most useful, I asked for your favourite.”

 

Izuku blushed and coughed slightly, “I uh… guess Heat Vision is pretty cool.”

 

“Ha!” Burning cried with a fist bump in the air, “I finally found someone with a destructive streak like me!”

 

Behind the pair Endeavor snorted and Izuku looked at him out of the corner of his eye. To say Izuku had mixed emotions about the man was an understatement. He wasn’t a fool, from the sounds of it bar Burnin Endeavor rarely worked with his sidekicks one on one, Izuku suspected the man was giving him such good treatment mainly so that Izuku would report back to Todoroki and All Might. Annoyingly however Endeavor really was an excellent mentor and hero, every situation they came across he’d analyse before making a plan and everytime he did his sidekicks listened to every word. It was clear despite his cold nature Endeavor’s sidekicks had great respect for the hero and it was easy to see why. Each villain encounter was run like a well oiled machine, Endeavor’s analysis ability dwarfed Izuku’s own, within a few seconds of an encounter he’d have completely mapped out their plan of attack. Each fight was like a perfect dance after which Burnin would speak to any press while Endeavor gave the run down to the police and the rest of his sidekicks cleaned up the area so as to move on as quickly as possible. All in all it was very impressive.

 

“Rumi tells me she took on some kids from your class for interns too,” Burnin said and brought Izuku out of his thoughts.

 

“Oh yeah, I actually heard that-”

 

Izuku froze mid sentence as his quirk flared up, it was far and right on the edge of his range but he knew that disgusting combination of quirks and power no matter how far it was. Which meant he also knew what was happening and his whole body started to shake and as quirk started to wither in disgust at their presence.

 

Burning noticed his suddenly pale face and frowned, “You good kid?”

 

Endeavor glanced their way and his eyes widened in alarm, “Loki?”

 

Izuku turned to him and managed to croak out a single word.

 

“Nomu.”

 

---

 

“Keep up you damn kids!”

 

Katsuki scowled as Miruko called back to them, he arrogantly assumed he’d have no problem keeping up with her on patrol, he was the one with the more powerful argumentation quirk afterall. However where he had power Muriko had skill, she jumped, dived and ducked across rooftops like she’d been doing it all her life. It was almost like her real quirk was the ability to shape buildings into perfect structures to allow her to travel at speeds that any pro hero would struggle to catch up with.

 

What made Katsuki even angrier was that he was also behind Uraraka, the girl was using her quirk to make herself weightless and then propel herself along the rooftops with whatever she could grab. And of course because she was weightless there was very little resistance to her plan and with each thrust she was gaining more and more speed.

 

Meanwhile Katsuki was stumbling along, trying to put his sub par parkour skills to use. He’d smashed through doors, tripped over valves and at one point just followed the pair from the street below. He wasn’t made for this kind of work.

 

But at least they’d fought a couple of villains. And man did Miruko do good work, she was fast, not as fast as Hawks but any battle she arrived at was over in five moves or less. With Katsuki and Uraraka helping they’d gotten that down to three moves or less.

 

“Hey Bakugou!” Uraraka called back as she smirked at him, “So I guess with Iida, Midoriya, Ojiro and Sero all already being faster than you I get to be the one to push you out of the top five in the class for speed.”

 

Katsuki frowned and opened his mouth to respond. He was cut off however when a huge creature flew through the sky in front of him and plucked Uraraka right out of the air.

 

“URARAKA!” Katsuki screamed but Miruko was already on the move.

 

She kicked off against the wall of the next building in her path, shattering the brick before she launched herself in the direction of the Nomu. All three disappeared into the alley below and Katsuki swore as he dived off the building. Bracing himself he crashed down into the street below, cracking the concrete beneath him.

 

Uraraka lay off to the side, blood oozing from her costume while Miruko had engaged the Nomu, it wasn’t as big as the ones that had attacked the USJ but it’s mouth was huge and full of razor sharp teeth that tried to clamp down on her as she moved into the attack. What followed was almost like a game of cat and mouse as Miruko tried to avoid the teeth of the Nomu while keeping up the attack.

 

Trusting that Miruko knew what she was doing, Katsuki ran over to the wounded Uraraka. He gulped as he knelt down next to her, her uniform had been torn to shreds and there was a lot of blood for a wound that only happened moments ago. For once being thankful that Aizawa was so insistent on having first aid supplies on them at all times Katsuki fumbled with his utility belt.

 

“You’re gonna be ok Roundcheeks,” He said as he lifted her uniform up.

 

“Ow… shit,” Uraraka hissed as Katsuki wiped the blood away, “Shit could you use a lighter touch?”

 

Katsuki just grunted in response as started to apply bandages, making sure they were tight enough to stem the bleeding, “Just stop whining and let me-”

 

“HACHIMAN!”

 

Miruko’s cry was the only warning Katsuki got as we snapped around just in time to see the Nomu’s mouth full of teeth. Katsuki raised his arm, his quirk flowing through him and managed to avoid getting his head torn off by throwing said arm into the mouth of the Nomu.

 

The thing clamped down and Katsuki’s metallic greaves groaned under the strain and cracked as the teeth dug into them. He let out a cry and swung his clamped arm out, the force of his quirk took the Nomu with it and he slammed it against the building, brick shattering as the Nomu mercifully let go of his arm.

 

Katsuki scrambled back, grabbing the back of Uraraka’s uniform and pulling her away from the creature. A gust of wind next to him indicated Miruko was back on the attack. She slammed into the Nomu and it was thrown through the wall and into the building.

 

“Hachiman get you and Uravity out of here!”

 

“But I can help!” Katsuki cried despite the fact that he was still retreating.

 

“And Uravity could bleed out!” Miruko cried as she dodged a swing from the Nomu, “I gave you an order, now go and find a damn hospital!”

 

Katsuki grit his teeth, his instinct told him to rush in and help but a whimper from Uraraka told him he knew the right choice. Picking her up bridal style Katsuki activated his quirk and started to haul ass through the streets. 

 

It was chaos, he wasn’t exactly sure how long the Nomu had been in the city but they had quickly started to devastate it, several heroes were fighting in the main square while fires roared up into the sky. Civilians screamed and ran for safety as the Nomu tore up everything in their path.

 

“How many do they fucking have!?” Katsuki whispered to himself as he watched one Nomu be brought down by a group of heroes but not before taking two of them out.

 

Uraraka only responded in a whine and Katsuki glanced down at her in panic, “Dammit Roundcheeks stay awake!”

 

“Mfmm…trying,” Was all Uraraka responded with, she had gone incredibly pale and her eyes were unfocused.

 

Finally however Katsuki saw a hospital up ahead and charged through the doors, “Hey! I need…some…help…”

 

His shout died in his throat as he saw the carnage around him, people were laying everywhere, in beds, strewn across chairs and even just left on the floor. Nurses and doctors were running around trying to attend as many people as they could. Blood stained the floor and his ears were filled with screams, shouts and wails as people continued to trickle in from Nomu attack.

 

“Hey!” A shout and sudden hand on his shoulder brought Katsuki out of his shock as he turned to look at the exhausted nurse by his side, “Injured heroes have their own area, take her through the blue doors.”

 

Katsuki could only nod as his eyes scanned for said doors, he ran up to them and pushed through. The moment they closed the chaos of the civilian side was instantly stemmed and gave through to a much more controlled emergency room with heroes dotted about.

 

“Hey!? Who let some damn cosplaying kids in here?” One doctor shouted as he scowled at Katsuki and went to shove him back.

 

“Calm down moron!” Another nurse shouted and blocked the doctor's path, “It’s hero intern week you idiot. Hey kid, bring her over here.”

 

Katsuki did as commanded and laid Uraraka down on one of the spare beds, the nurse who had spoken out for them ran over and smiled down at her, “Hey sweetie, what’s your name?”

 

“Her name is Uravity.” Katsuki said, feeling a little awkward standing off to the side.

 

The nurse shot him a smile and turned back to Uraraka, “Ok Uravity, I need you to stay awake for now. We’ll get you hooked up to an IV and stitch those wounds shut. Which school are you from?” The nurse asked, turning back to Katsuki.

 

“UA, Class 1A”

 

The nurse nodded, “Ok, I can get her blood type from there. I’m sorry, I know she’s your friend but I need you to wait outside.”

 

Katsuki’s instinct was to argue back but he understood the situation and held back, instead he simply glared at Uraraka, “Oi Rouncheeks, don’t die.”

 

Uraraka gave him a shaky thumbs up which was good enough for Katsuki and he left the room. Deciding not to wallow in the horror of the emergency room he left the hospital all together. Finding a dark and secluded alley he leant up against a wall and let out a frustrated breath. If he’d been paying more attention, if he’d been faster… if… if…

 

Katsuki shook his head, trying to prevent his thoughts from spiralling and took some deep breaths. As he did he suddenly felt… wrong. 

 

No that wasn’t it, he was feeling fine but there was something out in the distance, specifically to his right. It was like some personal alarm was being blared directly into his mind, desperately trying to get him to head towards it.

 

And it had something to do with Izuku.

 

---

 

“But I can help you!” Todoroki cried as the Nomu disappeared off the train platform and into the streets below.

 

Gran Torino paused and turned to Todoroki with a deep scowl, “And I told you this is way outta your league! So stay put!”

 

Before Todoroki could respond Torino leaped down to follow the Nomu and Todoroki clenched his fists. Behind him people were trickling out of the ruined train and bar a few suitcases; nobody had been injured in the brief fight. Which also meant Todoroki was completely useless here.

 

Making up his mind he took off running into the city, he didn’t really know where he was going so instead just followed the sounds of chaos. Off the top of his head he didn’t know which heroes operated in the area but he was willing to guess that most didn’t have the power to face down a Nomu.

 

As he turned into one alley Todoroki was faced with an odd situation, from what he could see one man was crouched in front of the other. The man on the floor was clearly a hero based on his outfit and as he got closer Todoroki guessed the one above him must be a villain. Or a homeless man with a knife fetish.

 

“What’s going on?” Todoroki called out as the air chilled around him, his quirk ready to go.

 

The villain slowly turned to look at him and Todoroki stopped moving. The mask. The outfit. The knives.

 

“You’re The Hero Killer,” Todoroki whispered, suddenly feeling a little out of depth.

 

Stain looked up at him and tilted his head, “And you’re Shoto Todoroki, son of the number two.”

 

“K-Kid,” The hero on the ground suddenly stuttered, “Get out of here.”

 

Stain ignored the hero and narrowed his eyes at Todoroki, “I suspect no son of that man can be a true hero.”

 

Todoroki fought back the initial retaliation that came to his mind at being compared to his father and took a breath to calm himself, “I recognize this hero, he’s Native, though I don’t see what makes him a fake.”

 

Stain barked out a laugh, “This hero refuses to take on anything he deems too difficult for him and instead takes on the easy assignments!”

 

Todoroki furrowed his brow, “What’s wrong with that? Not all heroes can be as strong as All Might, only taking on missions you can handle isn’t being a fake, it's knowing your limits.”

 

“Heroes should have no limits!” Stain cried with a snarl, “A true hero would always go against the odds to save people, their entire motivation for being a hero is self sacrifice.”

 

“What if they have no motivation to be a hero?”

 

The question slipped out before Todoroki knew what he was saying. Stain observed him and let out a snarl.

 

“A hero with no motivation is nothing but a burden to those around them. A hero must have the passion and fire to save people, to sacrifice everything in the name of justice. Anything less deserves nothing but death.”

 

“That can’t be true!” Todoroki shouted, his emotions getting the better of him, “A hero can be anyone, it doesn’t matter why they do it as long as they’re saving people! That’s important thing!”

 

“The kind of lies I would expect from the son of Endeavor!” Stain spat as he raged.

 

“I am not my father!” Todoroki spat back with more venom than he anticipated.

 

The statement made Stain pause and he narrowed his eyes at Todoroki, “Tell me boy, why do you want to be a hero?”

 

Todoroki stuttered to answer, “I… my friends are going to be heroes and I…”

 

Stain let out a deep bitter laugh that made Todoroki’s skin crawl, “How entertaining, Endeavor’s own son has no motivation to be a hero.”

 

“Shut. Up.” Todoroki hissed as he clenched his fists, “I don’t care what you think. I will be a hero.”

 

Stain stopped laughing and slowly looked at Todoroki again, his eyes unmoving and focused.

 

“Not if I kill you before you become one.”

 

Stain was on him almost faster than Todoroki could react. Almost. He threw out a wall of ice to block Stains path but the villain was fast and jumped to avoid it before using the attack to launch himself towards Todoroki.

 

Todoroki layered his arm up with ice a second before Stain’s blade made contact with his arm. It pinged off the ice, cracking it as the force of the hit sent Todoroki stumbling backwards.

 

He flung his arm out and threw out several ice spears towards Stain but the man dodged them with ease before throwing a blade towards Todoroki. He raised his arms up to block but there was no need. The knife was aimed at his robotic leg. It made contact right on the knee joint and there was a whirring as the whole thing sparked and gave in. Todoroki found himself falling to the ground as the leg malfunctioned completely.

 

Then Stain was over him. Todoroki raised his arm to lash out with his fire but before he could Stain swiped at his chest, a deep gash opening up, and licked the blood off his sword. Todoroki froze instantly, unable to move and completely paralysed.

 

“W-What…?”

 

Stain scoffed, “A half assed effort by someone undeserving of being a hero, I’ll spare you simply on the notion that I suspect you’ll give up on being a hero without my help.”

 

“No!” Todoroki cried even as he couldn’t move, “My friends need me, Bakugou and MIdoriya are-”

 

“AHAHAHA!” Stain’s booming laugh was like a twisted version of the one All Might proudly claimed, “The sole heroes of a generation and you think you deserve their friendship? You are nothing compared to them, you will soon see how you can only hold them back.

 

With a final disgusted frown Stain turned and walked back over to Native, drawing a sword as he did. Native’s eyes widened in horror as Stain stood over him.

 

“Stop…” Todoroki tried to cry out but even he had to wince at how meek he sounded.

 

Stain turned to him with a feral grin, “I want you to remember this moment Shoto Todoroki, the moment you failed as a hero. This man's death is on your hands because you aren’t cut out for this.”

 

Todoroki was helpless, unable to move as Stain brought the knife down into Native’s throat. The hero made a sickening gurgling sound until his head fell back and he stopped making any sound all together. 

 

As Todoroki watched the whole scene in horror an explosion rang out through the city and Stain turned to it with a tilt of his head as he removed the blade from Native, “Perhaps there may be more to cull tonight.”

 

Without even so much as a glance back at Todoroki’s direction Stain leapt up to the fire escape and disappeared into the skyline.

 

Todoroki could only lay there fixated on Natives body, his robotic leg no longer responding at all. Stain was right, Todoroki was no hero. It didn’t matter what everyone else said, he couldn’t do it, he wasn’t the right person for this.

 

As Stains quirk wore off Todoroki collapsed to the ground, looking aimlessly at the sky and never having felt so empty.

 

---

 

“Flying Nomu coming in from the east heading towards Manuels group.”

 

“Ingenium and his team are evacuating civilians to the nearest hospital, Burnin is covering them from a ranged Nomu.”

 

“Endeavor you have a third Nomu heading towards you down the main street.”

 

“Excellent work Loki, continue to monitor and assess.” 

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

Izuku sighed as he muted his ear piece, it was a miracle he could still hear anything at all with how strong the wind was up here. Technically Izuku was in the middle of the battlefield, he was however around 500 ft above it all, perched atop a radio tower to allow him to feed information back to Endeavor and his team.

 

In his head Izuku knew it made sense, Endeavor didn’t have a recon hero to call on and Izuku’s ability to sense the Nomu meant he was best suited to scout while also keeping him out of harm's way. But that didn’t mean Izuku didn’t want to be down there helping people.

 

“Well now, this is a surprise.”

 

Izuku’s eyes widened, he knew that voice. He snapped round to face the figure that had somehow crept up on him, even with his quirk sensing abilities. There, perched just below Izuku at the other end of the tower was Stain. He was giving Izuku a smile that made bile rise up in Izuku’s throat.

 

“Stain.” Izuku said as his whole body tensed.

 

Stain’s smile slowly ebbed away as he glanced around at the situation, “Why are you up here? The battle is down there!”

 

“I’m assisting my team with recon,” Izuku said back, he figured if he kept Stain talking long enough his chances of survival went up. 

 

“Recon!?” Stain cried in outrage and Izuku instantly regretted his answer, “A true hero would be throwing themselves at the enemy!”

 

Izuku had to fight back a roll of his eyes, “But operating as a team allows us to-”

 

“A team of fakes!” Stain roared, “A team that will only bring you down and corrupt you!”

 

“You’re wrong, Endeavor-”

 

“ENDEAVOR!?” Stain shouted and the voice vibrated in Izuku’s mind, “You dare to work with the most corrupt hero!? The leader of the fakes!?”

 

Stain suddenly reached behind him and unsheathed two swords with a snarl, “I knew I shouldn’t have left you that day we met. Allowing you back into a den of fakes will only tarnish your ability to be a true hero. Instead I must act directly.”

 

Izuku frowned and took a breath, steeling himself against Stain, “I used to think I understood you, Stain. I thought you saw what I saw, that hero society had failed, that it left people like me on the side lines. But now I see the truth, you’re just a psychopath using the failings of others as an excuse to kill. When we last met I was weak, but not today. This time I’m not letting you walk away.” Izuku said as two swords grew out of his arms.

 

A smile crept along Stain’s mouth as he twirled two swords in his hands, “Spoken with someone who believes in hope. Very well ‘Loki’ lets see if you can stop me, lets see if you really have what it takes to be a true hero. Though I promise you one thing.

 

“Only one of us is leaving this city alive.”

Chapter 44: Heroic's 101 With Stain: The Hero Killer

Summary:

As Hosu burns below them Izuku and Stain battle above the rooftops

Izuku leapt down from his perch directly at Stain. Their swords clashed and the sound of steel on steel rang out into the air. Stain was stronger than he looked and Izuku found himself pushed back into the radio tower, jumping from steel bar to steel bar. He landed awkwardly on his feet on one of the beams and wobbled slightly, something Stain took full advantage of.

 

“Lesson one!” He cried as he launched himself at Izuku, “Make sure to adapt to your environment!”

 

As Izuku tried to steady himself, Stain pushed off the various beams around him and charged in from Izuku’s flank. Izuku tried to raise his swords to defend but with his balance already off and the weight of his new quirk something new to deal with he was unable to stop Stain’s attack. 

 

Izuku’s side was slashed open and blood spurted immediately from the wound. He didn’t get a chance to cry out however as his feet were kicked out from under him. He toppled down the radio tower, slamming into one beam and being surged forward as it crushed his stomach. Another flip and Izuku watched the world spin until his back made a painful impact with the roof of the building they were on. 

 

Opening his eyes Izuku could still see Stain above him, jumping from beam to beam as he came down the tower. A moment later, heat vision erupted from Izuku’s eyes at full power. It easily sliced through the steel of the radio tower as Stain’s eyes widened with a vicious smile.

 

“Ha! Clever thinking! If the environment doesn’t suit you, change the environment!”

 

For a man currently swinging around a radio tower like the reincarnation of Tarzan as said tower collapsed around him all while avoiding a searing beam of heat Stain was annoyingly excited. As Izuku tore through the beams the entire tower started to groan and tilt forwards. Izuku cut off his beams and scrambled to his feet.

 

With one glance he was at the other end of the roof as the radio tower collapsed next to him. There was an almighty crash as sparks and red hot metal slammed onto the roof creating a massive dust cloud. 

 

“Loki!? Reports show your radio tower just collapsed, are you under assault from Nomu!?”

 

Izuku lifted his hand to press against his ear pierce, “It’s-”

 

Izuku words were cut off when a shuriken flew out from the dust cloud and scraped along his ear, slicing the ear piece in half and slashing open his face. Stain appeared from the dust cloud, growling at him with a frown.

 

“Oh no, this is between you and me. I’m not having fakes come to your rescue.”

 

Izuku only responded by charging forward, once again Stain met every attack with his own, the swords clashing on the rooftop as Stain continued the commentary.

 

“Your footwork is off!”

 

“Put more power behind your blows!”

 

“Don’t hesitate!”

 

Izuku grit his teeth, refusing to play Stain’s game as they clashed, Izuku was holding his own but it was obvious Stain was leagues ahead of him. This was further proven when Stain used some fancy leg work and used Izuku’s own momentum against him. Izuku stumbled forwards and with a swift sidestep Stain sliced his sword down on the joint of Izuku’s elbow.

 

Izuku let out a blood curdling scream as his severed arm dropped to the ground. Looking past Stain he teleported to the other end of the roof as regeneration started to regrow his hand. He grabbed a piece of paper and shoved it into his mouth as Stain turned to run at him.

 

Izuku all but slammed the metal straw into his mouth and shot out the spitball. Stain raised his swords to block but clearly wasn’t expecting the resulting explosion. The villain stumbled back, coughing up smoke as one of his swords shattered with the impact.

 

Izuku pressed the attack and teleported right back into Stain’s space. He punched the villain square in the face and Stain slammed back against the metal door to the stairwell below the roof. Izuku swung his sword arm down but Stain recovered quickly and ducked under the swing.

 

Moving behind Izuku Stain grabbed the back of his head and slammed it against the metal door. Izuku saw stars as he whiplashed back, staggering away. Before he could recover Izuku felt his legs slashed open and he was forced to his knees.

 

Stain stalked over tutting as he did, “I assume most of those quirks you used are relatively new. A strong arsenal indeed yet you played your hand too early and lost the element of surprise.”

 

Izuku turned to Stain and let out another blast of Heat Vision. But once again Stain proved to be too quick, ducking to the side and throwing out a small knife. The ranged weapon managed to hit Izuku directly in the eye and his head automatically snapped back. As a result he didn’t see Stain charge forward and kick him in the chest until he was toppling over the edge of the building.

 

---

 

Todoroki stared up at the night sky, the sound of battle in the distance as heroes tried to hold back the Nomu. He felt numb, empty, he honestly wouldn’t care if the world opened up and swallowed him at this very moment. Here he was, lying next to a dead hero he’d failed to save, an amputee before he graduated school and a family that rejected him. His life was pointless, grey and unnecessary. The world would probably be better off if he died here right now.

 

As he stared up the night sky was sliced open by a powerful bright red streak that tore through the clouds. Todoroki recognized the beam instantly, he’d been on the receiving end of it enough times. It meant Midoriya was fighting something, probably one of the many Nomu. He’d probably win too, that was what Midoriya was like, a winner.

 

But what if he was fighting Stain?

 

The thought slammed to the front of Todoroki’s mind. He had no doubt Midoriya could hold his own against a lower class Nomu, but against Stain? His friend wouldn’t stand a chance alone, Stain was too fast, too smart, too brutal for Midoriya to fight alone. Midoriya would die without backup. He needed someone. He needed an ally. He needed a friend.

 

Something clicked within Todoroki.

 

It was like a pile of kindling had suddenly been lit and its fire spread through every inch of his body. Midoriya was in trouble. His friend. His first friend. 

 

Heat filled the alley as Todoroki pushed himself up onto his hands as his quirk licked at the surface of his skin. Reaching down he tore away the remains of his robotic leg as a sheet of ice started to grow from the stump.

 

His friend needed him. And there was nothing on this planet that could get in Todoroki’s way.

 

---

 

Izuku’s fall was brief before he landed on the fire escape of the building, the metal clanging as he made impact. He let out a groan as he propped himself up, regeneration already hard at work. Stain was impossibly fast and skilled and Izuku still had no idea what his quirk was. In another world Stain would probably be every quirkless wanna be supervillain's wet dream.

 

Said villain landed next to Izuku on the fire escape and Izuku lashed out, latching onto Stain’s quirk and pulling as hard as he could. He had no idea what the quirk was but Stain would presumably be less dangerous without it.

 

At first the quirk started to move willingly towards Izuku but then a moment later Izuku felt a pull so great that he nearly threw up. Stain ripped his quirk back like it was nothing and left Izuku spluttering in shock.

 

“Your first mistake was not using that move the moment our fight started,” Stain said, his voice laced with disappointment, “Your second mistake was assuming it would work at all! You’re far too used to dealing with children, you’ll find I have far better control of my own quirk.”

 

Stain kicked Izuku in the stomach and he was thrown into the air. He cried out as he smashed through the window and into the building, the glass shredding his uniform and skin. Landing with a thud he rolled along a hard wooden floor as a scream filled his ears.

 

Glancing around Izuku realised he’d been thrown into the penthouse of the building, expensive furniture and hard wooden floors surrounded him. The scream had come from a young looking lady who was cowering behind an older man with a look of fear. 

 

Stain quickly followed Izuku through the window and grunted at the sight of the cowering couple, “Tch, how disgusting. A Mistress I assume?” 

 

The man’s eyes widened, “W-What? No! She's my wi-”

 

“LIES!” Stain cried out and threw a shuriken at the fear filled couple.

 

Izuku moved without thinking, teleporting across the room and in the path of the projectile. It impacted directly into his side as Izuku let out a hiss. 

 

“Get out of here!” He shouted at the civilians as he tore out the weapon.

 

Stain’s eyes widened with excitement as the couple scrambled out of the apartment behind Izuku, “Yes! Putting yourself in harm's way to protect civilians is the true essence of a hero!”

 

“SHUT UP!”

 

Izuku had tired of Stain’s constant commentary, he’d also worked out the man's main tactic, if he kept up a heavy assault Izuku would be forced to use most of his energy to maintain regeneration. What Izuku needed to do was break the constant attack.

 

Izuku closed the distance between them with a teleport as swords grew out of his arms. Stain raised his own swords and the room was filled with the clash of steel. Unlike before however, Izuku dropped regeneration and focused his energy on a blast of Heat Vision.

 

Stain was forced to leap back further into the apartment but Izuku was on him a second later, his swords retracting back into his arms. Stain went to counter the attack until he realised that Izuku had forced them into a small hallway.

 

“HA! I see what you’ve done!”

 

Stain might have been significantly taller than Izuku but in a tight space like this that was a disadvantage. Pouring all he had into kinetic strength Izuku landed blow after blow against Stain who attempted to block, even cutting fingers off with blades but Izuku bit through the pain and continued the assault. 

 

An uppercut to the chin.

 

A side blow to the ribs.

 

A clean hit across the jaw.

 

Each punch fueled by kinetic strength forced Stain to eventually stagger back. Then with a surprising burst of speed he lashed out, slicing Izuku’s stomach open. Even with regeneration the pain ripped through Izuku’s body as he fell back. But he refused to let it stop him and as Stain licked Izuku’s blood off his knife Izuku-

 

Stopped.

 

He stopped moving completely. Laying where he had fallen unable to shift a single muscle. Meanwhile Stain’s quirk energy had started to move, glowing brightly and pulsing like nerves. 

 

As Izuku battled against Stain’s quirk to no avail the man himself panted heavily before regaining his footing and smirking at Izuku, “I hadn't planned on using my quirk. You’re further ahead than I anticipated, it’s no wonder you’re top of your class.”

 

CRASH!

 

“Oi fuckface! I think you’ll find he’s number two at best!”

 

Izuku closed his eyes as rubble and dust filled the hall while Stain blocked his face. Standing there, on the other side of Stain, was Katsuki. His quirk was flaring around him and the wind from the hole in the wall he had just produced was catching his hair.

 

Stain was practically giddy with excitement, “You! I thought having Loki was an opportunity but the pair of you together! Finally a pair of true heroes!”

 

“Don’t let him cut you! His quirk paralyses you!” Izuku called as he tried to do anything, even wiggle his toes.

 

Katsuki nodded and raised his fists, moving into Stain’s space he launched two quick punches in succession. Stain dodged each blow and countered with a swing of his sword. Katsuki ducked and rolled under the attack before attempting to sweep Stain’s feet out from under him. But Stain leaped over the attack and threw a knife out which Katsuki managed to deflect without breaking skin.

 

“Excellent!” Stain cried as he dove back to avoid an uppercut, “Defending another hero in need!”

 

“Who the fuck is this chatty in a fight!?” Katsuki growled as he went to close the distance with Stain.

 

The villain however was learning from Katsuki’s attacks and ducked under the swing before moving in behind. As he did Stain slashed out with a small but clean cut on the back of Katsuki’s leg causing the boy to tumble forward.

 

Just as he did Izuku found himself able to move again and leaped forward. Unfortunately Stain seemed to be expecting it and easily sidestepped Izuku’s fist. As he did he pushed Izuku forward, causing him to stumble on his already uneven feet. Izuku’s path meant he fell down and directly out of the hole Katsuki had created in the wall.

 

Izuku’s eyes widened, he tried to use teleportation but he was spinning too wildly in the air to focus on a spot. They were at least twenty stories up, if Izuku landed badly regeneration would be useless if his brain were destroyed and even if he survived his memories, personality, everything would be wiped clean. He may as well be dead.

 

---

 

Katsuki watched Izuku tumble out of the building and begin his plummet to the streets below. Identical thoughts about the limitations of regeneration ran through his mind and before he knew what he was doing Katsuki was sprinting through the hole.

 

Even Stain paused in shock as Katsuki flung himself into the air and followed Izuku’s descent. In Stain’s mind Katsuki had just agreed to a joint death with Izuku but in Katsuki’s mind he wasn’t even thinking. He reached out his hand, desperate to get to Izuku.                                     as he felt his hand reach out and clasp Izuku’s he still had no idea how to stop their plummet to the ground. He only knew that he needed to save Izuku.

 

He needed to save his brother.

 

“Ah, it looks like you’ll be getting mine first. It’s a little earlier than I had prepared for but I think the situation calls for it. Besides, one of us had to be in your corner.”

 

Katsuki’s head snapped around, half expecting to find the woman who had spoken right next to him. Predictably however there was nobody in the air bar him and Izuku as they floated above the street.

 

Wait a minute.

 

“K-Kacchan!?”

 

Katsuki looked down as Izuku stared back with wide disbelieving eyes.

 

“Kacchan what the fuck?”

 

---

 

One minute Izuku had been falling, the next he felt Katsuki grab his hand and the minute after that he found himself holding onto Katsuki for dear life as the former floated in the air. Katsuki too had an equal look of shock and confusion not to mention his quirk. As per he had the normal sun like energy swirling around in his chest but it had been joined by pink like tendrils that spread like wings across his back.

 

“You can fly!?” Izuku managed to get out as his legs dangled in the air.

 

“Um… I guess?” Was Katsuki’s less than reassuring response, “I mean… I just thought about stopping us from falling and-”

 

“KACCHAN!”

 

Izuku's shout came a second too late as Stain appeared behind Katsuki, wielding two blades as he dived through the air. Both blades sliced into the back of Katsuki’s shoulder as Stain used them to hold himself up, landing on Katsuki’s back and hanging off him like a rock climber.

 

Katsuki let out a feral scream that mixed anger and pain before operating on instinct. Izuku could only hold on as Katsuki flew back through the air, the wind picking up around them. Stain tried to move but he too was victim to the effects of gravity and one wrong move would send him plummeting to his death.

 

Katsuki’s eyes were wide with panic as they moved through the air in a wild pattern. Only coming to a stop when Katsuki slammed them against the roof of a nearby building. Rubble and dust filled the air as Izuku was thrown off and rolled along the roof.

 

“YES YES YES!” Came Stain’s cry through the dust cloud, “This is what it means to be a true hero! Risking it all to save others, you two will be my finest achievement!”

 

Izuku felt a hand under his arm and looked to see Katsuki hauling him up off the ground, “Get on your fucking feet, ain’t no way I’m losing to this madman.”

 

“Yeah yeah,” Izuku mumbled as the dust cleared to show Stain snarling at them with a feral smile, “I’ll stay at range, you get in close.”

 

Katsuki nodded and Izuku shoved some paper into his mouth causing the other boy to stare at him, “The fuck are you-”

 

Katsuki was cut off as Izuku shot the spitball through his straw. Stain recognised the attack and moved to dodge but Izuku hadn’t been aiming at him. Instead the ground below Stain’s feet exploded and the villain was forced to cover his eyes from the debris.

 

“YOU NEED TO TELL ME WHEN YOU GET NEW QUIRKS!” Katsuki shouted as he launched himself at Stain, flying across the rooftop at speeds Izuku had never seen his brother achieve before.

 

Katsuki dropped the flight just above Stain as his body lit up with his quirk and he landed a clean punch right across Stain’s jawline. The villain's head snapped back as Katsuki pressed the advantage with a flurry of attacks. Stain received a kick to the stomach, a punch to the shoulder and a nasty chop to the neck. All while Katsuki floated just above the ground.

 

But Stain quickly worked out how to counter and Katsuki found himself barely dodging the tips of blades sliced at him.

 

“Move!” Izuku shouted and Katsuki barely registered the sound before he was shooting up into the air.

 

Not a moment later Stain was hit head on with a spitball. The explosion tore his mask off and burnt his tunic, one of his blades shattered and he stumbled back. Giving Stain no time to recover, Katsuki shot down from the landing a kick right on the villain's back.

 

Stain was thrown to the ground and once again found himself defending a surge of One For All enhanced attacks. But one again Stain quickly overcame the pattern and countered the attacks.

 

This time Izuku didn’t even need to speak, Katsuki moved a moment before heat vision tore from Izuku’s eyes. Stain swivelled on his feet to meet the attack, raising two large swords to block. Though Izuku’s attack was strong it was still at its core heat, Stain’s swords began to glow red then white as the metal quickly rose in temperature but Stain himself was protected.

 

Izuku felt Katsuki move into attack and cut off the beams. It was only as he saw Stain standing opposite him with two now white hot swords that he realised his mistake.

 

“Kacchan wait!”

 

But it was too late, Katsuki dived down to attack and Stain swung. The sight of the heated swords caused Katsuki to falter and his normally precise attacks became clumsy. Stain easily dodged the swing and brought up a blade that sliced across Katsuki’s leg with a sizzle as it ripped through skin and boiled muscle.

 

Katsuki let out a cry as he slammed into the ground and tumbled along the dirt. Izuku reached down for some paper to hold Stain off but he glanced away and the next thing he knew two white hot swords were embedded in his shoulder and chest.

 

Izuku let out a feral scream as he fell to his knees, the pain spread through him like poison, every inch of his body felt like it was on fire. His vision blurred as he watched Katsuki and Stain continue to battle.

 

“STAY AWAY FROM HIM!” Katsuki bellowed as he shot himself at Stain.

 

“Never attack in anger!” Stain criticised and he rolled under Katsuki’s attack, “It makes you easy to overcome!”

 

To prove his point Stain slashed upwards as Katsuki flew over him. There was a gush of blood as a deep wound opened up on Katsuki’s hip. Stain quickly brought the blade to his mouth and with a lick Katsuki fell to the ground unable to move.

 

Izuku grit his teeth and grabbed the two blades sticking out of his body. With a cry he ripped them from his flesh, pushing regeneration towards the wounds. But before the wounds had even closed he was on his feet and charging at Stain.

 

Swords tore open his arms and he clashed against Stains own weapons. But with two open wounds Izuku was hardly at his peak. Stain swatted his attack to the side and plunged a blade into Izuku’s stomach.

 

Izuku was thrown to the ground as Stain licked the blood off his knife and Izuku was once again unable to move.

 

“Very impressive boys,” Stain said as he circled the pair, “You fight in perfect sync, if I didn’t know better I’d say you had a telepathic link.”

 

“Fuck you!” Katsuki barked as he and Izuku struggled to fight against Stain’s quirk, but it was no use even with Izuku’s impressive hold over most quirks he was unable to break out of Stain’s grasp.

 

Stain frowned at Katsuki, “Your manner could use some work, boy. But other than that I’m impressed, finally there is hope for the future generation.”

 

“You’re insane!” Izuku spat as he and Katsuki shared slightly panicked looks.

 

“Perhaps I am,” Stain said with a shrug before he moved behind Katsuki, “But all my work will be worth it with your final lesson.”

 

“Final lesson?” Izuku asked with a bad feeling in his gut as Stain moved behind Katsuki.

 

Stain showed a row of unwashed teeth, “Indeed, you see my quirk stops you moving but it doesn’t prevent emitter quirks. If my guess is correct I’m currently outside your range. But a heavy blast of that heat vision will still work.”

 

“The fuck? Are you an idiot?” Katsuki said as he managed to turn his head to look at Stain in disbelief.

 

Stain chuckled, “Oh no. I also know that in your current state with my quirk active you can’t control the output of heat vision. It’s likely one blast would tear through me and kill me.”

 

Izuku grit his teeth, he knew Stain was right, he could feel the power of his quirks whirling uncontrolled just beneath his skin. If he attacked Stain now he would kill him with a direct hit.

 

“Unfortunately,” Stain said as he reached down and held a knife against Katsuki’s throat, “If you want to stop me from killing him, you’re going to have to kill me first.”

 

“W-What?” Izuku stuttered as his eyes widened.

 

“HA!” Katsuki shouted with a snarl, “You think you can fucking kill me! As if!” Katsuki might have looked fearless to the untrained eye but Izuku could see the slight tremors of his eyes, the sweat gathering on his brow.

 

Katsuki was helpless and he knew it.

 

“You refuse to accept that heroes must kill. That sentiment will never allow you to be a true hero. Only in my death will you realise your true potential to lead the next generation back to the light!” At this point Stain was borderline ranting as blood started to drip down from Katsuki’s neck.

 

“I don’t care what you think!” Izuku shouted back, “I won’t kill in your name! I want to use my quirk to help people!”

 

“Fool!” Stain spat as he tightened his grip on his swords, “How many people will die if you fail to take a life when necessary!? Your inability to take action will only result in catastrophic failure and death!”

 

“Don’t you get it!” Izuku roared, tears starting to stream down his face, “Don’t you understand what I’m trying to do!? What do you think will happen if I kill? I’ll be doing exactly what they all want! I’ll be labelled as a villain! Me and every other innocent kid with a villain's quirk, I won’t be responsible for the torment and bullying of kids because I can’t uphold the values of a hero!”

 

“So instead you would allow dangerous criminals to live!? To escape over and over, to contribute to a never ending cycle of violence and death!”

 

“I’m ending it by refusing to drop down to their level! I won’t let fear dictate what sort of hero I am!”

 

“Then the lives they take will be on your hands!”

 

“Oh would you shut the fuck up and kill me already!”

 

Izuku and Stain snapped their mouths shut at the same time before the latter sighed, “Very well. If you won’t kill me then you leave me no choice.”

 

“KACCHAN!”

 

As Izuku screamed he felt Heat Vision flare up behind his eyes. Every instinct in his body was pushing back, telling him not to do it but when it came down to it Izuku would sacrifice everything for Katsuki. And if that meant killing Stain then-

 

FWOOSH

 

“STAIN! I have your answer!”

 

The rooftop was suddenly awash with fire as the flames licked the air just above Izuku and Katsuki’s heads. Stain was forced to jump back, putting distance between himself and the inferno. All three sets of eyes snapped to the person who had just produced said flames.

 

Izuku’s eyes widened at the sight. Todoroki had never shown more emotion on his face, his eyes were alight with fury and he was scowling at Stain. From one side of his body great flames roared up to the sky, creating a beacon for miles while on his other side frosted air seeped down to frosted mist. His robotic leg had apparently been scrapped and in its place was a new leg made from solid ice so thick and pristine it caught the reflection of the fire and shone like crystal.

 

“Oi! Icyhot! Watch it with the flames!” Katsuki barked as the tips of his hair singed slightly.

 

“Now this is an unexpected twist!” Stain said as he eyes Todoroki carefully, “And tell me boy, what motivation have you found to save the innocent.”

 

“None at all,” Todoroki said with a shrug, causing Katsuki and Izuku to look at each other in confusion, “The truth is people are cruel and hurtful, I don’t think they deserve to be subject to villains but I’ll never find some true calling in protecting them.”

 

Stain scoffed, “Then you why are you here?”

 

“Because I know why I want to be a hero. It’s because of Midoriya and Bakugou.”

 

“It is!?” The brothers asked together in confusion.

 

Todoroki nodded and turned his attention to them, “Midoriya, Bakugou. You are the first friends I’ve ever really had. You’re also the two strongest people in our class. But you never seem to want to reach out to us, to your friends. And if things keep going the way they are you’ll continue to outpace the rest of us and leave us all behind. Even if it means suffering alone. Well I refuse to let that happen! I don’t care how strong you think you are, I’m strong too! So I’m going to be a top hero, to push myself to be the best, to make sure I keep up with you so that when you two need me you can rely on me! I’m going to be a hero to protect my friends!”

 

Stain paused as he observed Todoroki, seemingly considering his answer over. When he spoke it was emotionless, his voice like that of someone diagnosing a person with the most deadly disease on earth.

 

“Then perhaps your death will spur them to be greater.”

 

Todoroki barely raised a wall of ice in time before Stain’s throwing knives embedded themselves in it. Stain launched himself across the roof, slicing through the ice wall with a huge sharpened blade. Todoroki launched a burst of fire to his side, using it to propel himself across the ground on a layer of ice as Stain’s sword missed him by a hair's breadth.

 

“Don’t let him cut you! It’ll activate his quirk!” Katsuki shouted as Izuku’s mind began to race.

 

Todoroki nodded as Stain dodged another wave of fire, meanwhile Izukus’s mind was putting together a plan.

 

“Hachiman!” Izuku cried and got Katsuki’s attention, “Remember when you made me cry on my 8th birthday?”

 

Katsuki didn’t even need to think about it before nodding, “What if this quirk lasts too long?”

 

As they spoke Stain parried two ice spears thrown at him from Todoroki before leaping across the roof and closing the gap between them. Todoroki encased one side of his body completely in ice, using it to block Stain’s attack. Stepping backwards he twisted his body before a fiery fist slammed into Stain’s face.

 

“It’s based on blood and if I had to guess blood type!” Izuku cried as he and Katsuki watched the fight, “You and I are both type O, which means this will last just as long for me as you.”

 

“And exactly how long is that!?” Katsuki shouted as Todoroki received a knife to the shoulder, forcing him to stumble back and let out a clumsy wave of fire to keep Stain back. Though it has the bonus effect of burning off the blood from the blade.

 

“Well if I’m right you should be able to move in exactly 3…2…1… NOW!”

 

Izuku’s timing was near perfect as Katsuki shot across the rooftop, flying slightly above the ground before slamming into Izuku. Grabbing Izuku’s arm, Katsuki's quirk flared to life as he swung the smaller boy around in the air and launched Izuku towards Stain.

 

With a battle cry Izuku’s movement came back as Stain turned to him with a shocked expression. Before the villain could react he was hit with a blast of heat vision. As Izuku soared through the air his arms became swords and a second later said swords pierced straight in Stain’s shoulders.

 

Putting his feet on Stain’s chest, Izuku pushed himself back, his swords ripping out of Stain’s shoulders. He jumped back as Stain stumbled away, blood running down his body.

 

Izuku landed back on his feet as his swords retracted back into his hands and Katsuki landed next to him one one side as Todoroki ran up to the other side.

 

“Injuries?” Izuku asked as Stain eyed the three of them up.

 

“Most of my injuries were from earlier, no fresh ones but I’m starting to feel the fatigue.” Todoroki responded and Izuku could feel the way his quirk ebbed as he approached his limits.

 

“Couple of stab wounds but they’re starting to heal.” Katsuki said and Izuku nodded, it was nowhere near comparable to regeneration but Katsuki’s healing was a few steps above the norm.

 

“Then we better finish this,” Izuku said as he clenched his fists and steeled his voice, “Shoto, you and I will push him back with multiple attacks, we need to make him vulnerable. Hachiman, you keep clear and look for an opening, and make whatever you do count.”

 

“Don’t fuck it up!” Katsuki called as he took off into the air, disappearing into the night sky.

 

“I’ll follow your lead Loki,” Todoroki said as Stain started to chuckle.

 

“I was wrong… to think I thought you could follow All Might's legacy. But you can’t! You surround yourself with fakes and corruption. So give me everything you have, I’ll cut you down like the pigs you are!” He yelled, despite his bloody and broken form it was like he hadn’t even taken a hit.

 

“You can try.” Izuku said as he raised his straw to his mouth.

 

Izuku let out spitballs as fast as he could make them, explosions ringing out across the roof as Stain leaped around them, throwing them off with his swords. He was, however, unable to dodge the great pillar of ice that appeared amidst the smoke and fire.

 

Stain was thrown back to the edge of the roof as Todoroki pressed the advantage, running forward he crouched and slammed his hand on the ground. A great wave of fire shot across the concrete, forcing Stain to awkwardly jump into the air to avoid getting burned.

 

Izuku ran up behind the still crouched Todoroki jumping onto his back and using it to leapfrog himself into the air. As he did he tugged on Todoroki’s quirk and it willingly flowed into his body. As Izuku teleported right in front of Stain his swords grew out of his arms. Except this time one was coated in sharp ice and the other was lit up with flame.

 

Izuku and Stain immediately started to clash but Stain was off balance and Izuku’s swords hit harder than ever. Stain tried to block one blow only for his blade to shatter against ice. He tried to parry another only for the sword he was wielding to be sliced in half by fire. Izuku used the opening to kick Stain in the chest, forcing him to stumble to the very edge of the roof.

 

A moment before Stain was about to topple over the edge there was a sudden whine in the air. A red blur appeared behind Stain and a moment later he had been thrown into the air as Katsuki flew above him.

 

“DIE YOU GOD DAMN ALL MIGHT CUCK!”

 

With a punch that generated shockwaves in the air Katsuki slammed Stain back down onto the roof. There was a colossal crash as his body made impact with the surface, a could of dust quickly covering the sight.

 

Izuku and Todoroki covered their eyes as Katsuki landed next to them, “Please tell me that finally did it.”

 

Izuku narrowed his eyes as he let go of Todoroki’s quirk. The dust slowly cleared and Katsuki let out a groan. His arm was clearly broken, he was barely on his feet and one side of his face was bloody and swollen but Stain was still standing, looking at them with a single crazed eye and when he spoke it was like his voice had malfunctioned.

 

“Fakees… you’re all… fakes… I’ll kill you! I’ll kill-”

 

Stain was interrupted when a small bat-like creature flew through the air and landed on his shoulder. All four sets(ish) of eyes stared at the strange creature, it looked like a bat except its body was made of purple scales and it had a long tail which flicked in the air. There was also something about it that only Izuku could see.

 

“Um… That thing has a quirk…”

 

Katsuki blinked at him, “The fuck? A mutant bat with a quirk?”

 

Todoroki’s eyes widened as dots connected in his mind, “It’s a Nom-!”

 

Before Todoroki could finish his sentence a purple portal opened up behind Stain and before the villain could even turn his head a sword sliced through his chest. Exactly where his heart was. Izuku, Todoroki and Katsuki could only stand in shock as the blade tore through open his shirt, coated in blood as the red stain started to spread. Stain looked down at the blood covered blade for a moment before his body went limp and his eye rolled into the back of head.

 

As Stain fell back a chapped hand encased around his throat, holding it’s pinky in the air as a hand-covered face appeared over his shoulder, “Oh… it’s the UA brats…”

 

Izuku stared through to the single eye visible through the fingers of the villain's attire, “Shigaraki…”

 

“Well it looks like you three had fun,” Shigaraki said looking over Stains body, “But I’ll be taking it from here.” He finished as he started to withdraw back into the portal.”

 

“NO!” Katsuki cried as he shot across the rooftop towards the portal.

 

“KACCHAN NO!” Izuku shouted as he teleported forwards, slamming into Katsuki’s side and causing them both to tumble to the side of the portal.

 

Shigaraki let out a snort as he watched them, “Idiot heroes,” he said before vanishing into the portal with Stain’s body.

 

The portal closed and three students were left in complete silence.

 

Then Katsuki punched Izuku in the face.

Notes:

Hi all, sorry this chapter took so long to get out. Truth be told life is a little hectic atm and I briefly lost my motivation to write. The good news is it's back in full swing so I'm hoping to keep a rough schedule of a chapter every two weeks for this story. So thanks for sticking around for this chapter and as always thanks for all the comments and kudos!

Chapter 45: The Sins Of The Father

Summary:

After the incident in Hosu Yagi decides it's time to come clean to Katsuki and Izuku about the truth of their quirks

“OW! What the hell Kacchan!?”

 

“Me!? The fuck were you doing!? I had him!”

 

“Yeah, him and the entire League of Villains!”

 

“I was gonna drag him out and onto the roof!”

 

“OH good plan! Grab the guy who can turn you to dust, I’m sure that would’ve worked out great!”

 

“So why didn’t you just pump regeneration into me!”

 

“I’m not a quirk vending machine Kacchan!”

 

“Nah, you’re just some idiot who gets in my way!”

 

“YOUR WAY!? I JUST SAVED YOUR FUCKING LIFE!”

 

“WELL I GUESS WE’RE FUCKING EVEN THEN YOU GOD DAMN PUSSY!”

 

“WOULD YOU TWO JUST SHUT UP FOR FIVE FUCKING MINUTES!”

 

Todoroki’s shout was accompanied by a burst of flame which roared into the sky and silenced the brothers. Izuku wasn’t sure what he would call the emotion of Todoroki’s face but somehow he knew exactly what it portrayed. It was the embodiment of ‘I am so done with your shit’.

 

“We just fought a supervillain. All three of us are exhausted and heavily injured. I have no idea where any of the heroes are and right now I just want to sleep. Do you think you two could for once in your lives just not argue? Just once!”

 

Izuku and Katsuki slowly turned to look at each other, both a little shocked by Todoroki’s uncharacteristic outburst. They paused before sighing in perfect sync.

 

“I guess.” They said together.

 

Todoroki let out a sigh far beyond his years as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

 

“Where the hell have you guys been!?”

 

All three students turned to find Burnin landing on the roof, a look of panic in her eyes as she clicked on her ear piece, “This is Burnin, I found all three of them. Follow my location.”

 

As Izuku and Katsuki got themselves to their feet Burnin walked up and grabbed Todoroki and Izuku by an ear each, “You damn idiots! What the hell were you thinking!? Why didn’t you radio in?”

 

“Ow, Burnin!” Izuku complained as Katsuki watched the sight with a smug grin, “We were fighting Stain!”

 

Burnin let go of Todoroki and Izuku as a look of panic overcame her face, “Stain is here?”

 

“He’s dead.” Todoroki informed her as he rubbed his ear.

 

Burnin’s face paled, “You killed him?”

 

Izuku shook his head, “No, we were fighting him and then a portal opened up. Shigaraki killed him before stealing the body.”

 

Burnin blinked, seemingly overwhelmed with the information, “Well shit.”

 

“Burnin! You found the damn brats!?” 

 

Burnin smiled as Muriko landed on the roof next to her, “Yeah… and boy do I have a fucking story for you.”

 

---

 

In the end Miruko and Burnin had escorted them back to the same hospital Uraraka was recovering in. It was Katsuki who had been hurt the worst, Todoroki hadn’t been in the fight long enough to suffer anything serious and of course regeneration took care of everything for Izuku so all he really needed was a long nap. Uraraka too had fully recovered within a couple of days though she was still a little sour she’d missed out on any fighting.

 

“I still can’t believe you guys fought Stain!” She said from her bed next to Izuku, the four of them had been separated from the rest of the hospital to deal with the fallout.

 

“It honestly wasn’t that exciting…” Izuku admitted as he scratched the back of his head, “It was mostly just me getting stabbed a lot.”

 

“Your dodging skills do need a lot of work,” Uraraka responded with a wince.

 

Izuku shrugged, “Who needs to dodge when you can just heal?”

 

“That’s a terrible outlook,” The doctor who was overseeing them said with slight alarm, “I can’t imagine Recovery Girl would be best pleased to hear it either.”

 

At the thought of the nurse Izuku started to go into blind panic, “No no! I’m sure I can learn to dodge! Please don’t tell her!”

 

The doctor chuckled as they looked over their notes, “Well it looks like all four of you are on the way to recovery. Uraraka you’ll need to watch what you eat for a week or so while the wounds to your stomach heal, Bakugou you’ll be fine so long as you don’t strain yourself for a couple of weeks or so, Midoriya of course you just need plenty of rest. Todoroki you’ll be fine once we sort out getting a new prosthetic leg-”

 

“I don’t need one.” Todoroki interrupted with a shake of his head, “I prefer the ones I create.”

 

To demonstrate he threw off his bed sheets and jumped to the floor below, an ice leg forming as he did. Katsuki watched the whole thing from his bed with a slight smirk.

 

“Cool.”

 

Todoroki blinked, “Was that a pun?”

 

Izuku and Uraraka sighed as the doctor chuckled, “Very well, if you change your mind however, any new prosthetic is covered under your fathers insurance.”

 

Todoroki nodded and got back into his bed as the doctor went to leave the room, “I’ll let you visitors know you’re all good.”

 

“Visitors?” Uraraka asked but before the doctor could answer the door swung open.

 

“Where the hell are those damn idiots!?”

 

Three faces in the room paled as Gran Torino hobbled through, glaring at anyone who dared get in his line of sight, “Stain!? Who the hell do you think you are!? I specifically remember telling you to stay put too!”

 

Todoroki winced as Gran Torino pointed his cane at the teenager, “My apologies, Sensei, I knew Midoriya was in trouble and I couldn’t stand by and watch.”

 

Torino sighed before turning his ire to Izuku, “We wouldn’t be in this mess if you had done what you should’ve done and fled the moment you saw Stain! Endeavor tells me you can teleport now which means you could have easily fled! What was going through that damn head when you decided to fight him?”

 

Before Izuku could respond there was a scoff from behind Torino, “Calm down old man, they won didn’t they?”

 

“Miroku please do not encourage their rebellious actions.”

 

Miruko and Endeavor walked in behind Torino, while Miruko was smirking slightly Endeavor just looked tired.

 

“Are you kidding me?” Miruko said as she helped herself to a seat next to Uraraka’s bed, “One of my interns took on Stain? I must be one hell of a teacher!”

 

“I taught him first, you self entitled brat!” Gran Torino shouted back, seemingly forgetting the lecture he was giving to said students a minute ago.

 

Before an argument could seemingly erupt between the pair Endeavor stepped forward, “The police originally wanted to question you but I managed to intervene, I thought you had all been interviewed enough.”

 

“What did they want?” Todoroki asked.

 

“There is… a legal issue with what occurred,” Endeavor responded cautiously while Miruko scowled, “Technically none of you had permission to use your quirks in combat, thus making you guilty of illegal quirk usage.”

 

The reaction was pretty much what anyone would expect.

 

“That’s bullshit!” Katsuki shouted with a deep scowl, “We take down the most illusive villain in years and they wanna fucking punish us for it!?”

 

“I agree,” Todoroki said with a shake of his head, “Midoriya was under attack, it was self defence.”

 

“Well technically I attacked Stain first.” Izuku admitted and received 6 deadpanned stares from everyone in the room in response.

 

“Will someone tell UA they need to educate their kids on what to say and what not to say to the cops?” Miruko said with a scoff.

 

“They do,” Torino grunted, “The idiot here is just too pure of heart to lie.”

 

Izuku couldn’t help the slight blush that overcame his face as Katsuki rolled his eyes.

 

“Anyway,” Endeavor continued, “You’re not going to face any charges, unofficially the police are just glad you managed to stop Stain, as is the HPSC. Officially however we can’t have three students publicly credited as illegally taking him down.”

 

“Why the hell not!?” Katsuki snapped before a pillow was thrown in face via Miruko.

 

“Use your brain kid. How do you think people will react if three UA students take down a supervillain like that? Not to mention when one of them is the most controversial student in decades.”

 

Izuku flinched as her eyes briefly snapped to him and Katsuki reluctantly grumbled in agreement.

 

“I assume you’ll be taking all the credit?” Todoroki asked his father, not bothering to hide his disdain.

 

To his credit Endeavor didn’t shy away from the accusation bar a brief sigh, “Actually no. Considering what Stain stood for we thought it best that credit should go to Gran Torino and Burnin.”

 

“Stain was all about how corrupt the top heroes are, being taken down by an old hero and a sidekick is practically an insult to what he wanted.” Miruko said with a smug grin.

 

“Lady Nagant also agreed,” Torino said, “Also stopped the police taking away our damn teaching licence.”

 

“The point is that while you can privately take pride in what you did you need to realise that for the greater good this doesn’t leave this room.” Endeavor said with a serious look at all four students.

 

“Yeah yeah, we won’t go blabbing about what happened.” Kastuki said with a huff that indicated he still didn’t like the idea.

 

“It’s not like I actually did anything…” Uraraka grumbled.

 

“Hey!” Miruko said and lightly slapped Uraraka on the back of her head, “Don’t be so down about it. Every hero has taken at least one hit like yours before. It’s all part of the job.”

 

“True,” Endeavor said, “In my first internship I accidentally burnt down the agency I was in. Come, let's leave the four of them in peace, their parents will be here to collect them in a few hours.”

 

“So it’s a family trait!” Torino snapped as he followed Endeavor out and Miruko gave the four a wink before closing the door behind her.

 

Uraraka sighed and fell back on her bed, “Ugh, I just wanted to learn how to fight.”

 

Izuku chuckled as he felt his phone vibrate, grabbing it and smiling at the contact.

 

“Eijiro hi! How’s your internship? How’s Fourth Kind? You’ll never guess what happened in Hosu we-”

 

“Midoriya.”

 

“AIZAWA SENSEI!”

 

Everyone else in the hospital room turned to Izuku with raised eyebrows at his sudden panicked outburst.

 

“You weren’t about to tell Kirishima the details of a classified engagement were you?”

 

“Uh… No?”

 

There was a pause over the phone before Aizawa sighed, “You know what? You’re not in school so it’s not my problem. I just wanted to confirm if all four of you will still be in school Monday or if you’ll need some time?”

 

“I think we’ll all be back Monday.” Izuku said and received nods in the affirmative from his hospital buddys, “But why ring me from Eijiro’s phone?”

 

“My phone was damaged in a patrol recently and you’re the class president.”

 

“But isn’t Eijiro with Fourth Kind?”

 

“Unimportant. I’ll see you on Monday. KIRISHIMA I TOLD YOU NOT TO-”

 

The line was cut off and Izuku was left feeling more than a little confused.

 

“I hope Eijiro is ok.” Izuku mumbled to himself but it was loud enough for Uraraka to hear as Todoroki and Katsuki delved in an argument about… something.

 

“Oh and why is that?” She said with a shit eating grin.

 

Izuku merely raised an eyebrow, “Are you really gonna start that considering who else is in this room?”

 

Uraraka blushed and turned away from him, “I miss when you used to stutter around us.”

 

Izuku snorted to himself as a soft knock at the door echoed into the room. It was enough to halt all conversation and turn everyone’s attention to entrance. As they did it opened slightly and a smiling man popped through. He looked to be in his twenties, his hair was a little dishevelled and face dirty but Izuku’s eyes widened.

 

“Ah, apologies if I’m intruding. I’m-”

 

“INGENIUM!”

 

Katsuki spluttered and turned to Izuku, “How!?”

 

“Isn’t it obvious? His face is so recognisable!”

 

“He wears a HELMET!”

 

Ingenium chuckled as he opened up the door a little more, “Actually you’d be surprised how easy it is for a dedicated fan to recognise me without the helmet. May we come in?”

 

“We?” Todoroki asked as Ingenium opened the door fully to reveal a nervous looking Iida standing behind him.

 

Izuku made a quick glance around the room to make sure there were no objections before nodding his head, “Sure, come on in.”

 

Ingenium smiled and all but dragged Iida into the room, “I heard about what happened last night, I’m glad you’re all ok. Kids your age shouldn’t have to deal with the likes of Stain, even if you are training to be heroes.”

 

“Aren’t you based in Hosu too uh… Sir?” Izuku asked.

 

Ingenium chuckled, “Please just call me Ingenium or Iida if you prefer and yes we were. My agency was focused on evacuating civilians while Endeavor and the other pro’s directly took on the Nomu. Tenya here managed to save 7 civilians alone!”

 

Iida blushed slightly as his brother gave him a hard slap on the back as Izuku coughed awkwardly, “Uh… well done Iida!”

 

Iida blinked in surprise, “Oh um… thank you.”

 

Ingenium let out a soft chuckle, “There’s that awkward energy I was expecting. You see, before all this happened I had a very long and interesting conversation with Iida here about his classmates and I’m afraid I feel the need to apologise on the Iida family's behalf.”

 

Katsuki scoffed, “Damn right you do.”

 

“Kacchan!” Izuku hissed, though Ingenium just shook his head.

 

“No, no. He has every right to be angry. So much so that I think it’s best if Tenya speaks on the family’s behalf.” Ingeniums smile disappeared as he practically shoved Iida forward.

 

To his credit, despite looking completely ashamed and embarrassed, Iida managed to stand up straight as he walked into the middle of the room and gave Izuku a deep bow, “I’m sorry for the things I said and the way I treated you! I… I couldn’t see past your quirk and was unable to see you for what you truly are. A kind and hardworking student. I was ignorant in my beliefs and they… they almost caused me to make a grave mistake.”

 

“Mistake?” Uraraka asked with a tilt of her head.

 

“I can explain this on Tenya.” Ingenium said when Iida gained a look of extreme discomfort, “During the Nomu attack Tenya was helping evacuate civilians. He came across what appeared to be a villain assaulting a woman. He was using his quirk to drain said woman of blood. Tenya made the assumption and went to strike the villain, luckily one of my sidekicks was on hand to stop him. Turns out the woman was voluntarily giving up her blood as the man had been severely injured. Had Tenya attacked him and well, the situation would have been complicated. After that he told me about you his classmates and I decided to give Aizawa a phone and get the rundown.”

 

“You rung our teacher?” Todoroki asked, a little surprised.

 

“We were in the same class at UA so I figured he’d give it to me straight.” 

 

“And what did he say?” Izuku asked.

 

Tenya chuckled, “That you were the biggest problem child he’d ever taught but that your potential was impressive. Which in Aizawa language means you're a half decent student.”

 

“Yes… I… see now that things were not as I thought. I’ve learned a lot in this internship and have realised being a hero isn’t as simple as I first thought,” Iida confessed as he stood up straight, “I hope that when we return to school we can start fresh.”

 

Izuku offered Iida a smile without hesitation, “I’d like Iida.”

 

Ingenium smiled, “Well we’ll leave you be then. Oh and for the record I only wanted to give Tenya an intern offer this time around, don’t take it personally that I didn’t hand out any others.”

 

“Yeah well it’s your loss for not having the future number one hero as your intern!” Katsuki said and buffed out his chest slightly.

 

Ingenium laughed as as he turned to leave, “You’re right Tenya he is a feisty one, reminds me of Burnin at that age.”

 

---

 

“Based on the evidence it seems fairly obvious to me the Nomu attack served as both a way of getting The League back onto the front pages but also as a distraction to lure Stain out.”

 

Yagi sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, “But why kill him?”

 

Tsukauchi hummed on the other end of the phone, “Well we know he wouldn’t work with them willingly, it’s possible they feared he might provide some kind of public rebuttal against them. They’ve been getting some traction in the underground by claiming a loose connection to Stain, if he were to have snapped that connection their recruitment would have dried up.”

 

“So they kill him before he can do that?”

 

“It’s possible but… something doesn’t add up.”

 

“Something hasn’t added up since the USJ. Do you need me to come by the station? I’m at UA but there’s no classes this week so I can be there within the hour.”

 

“Nah, there’s no real need. The clean up in Hosu is well under way and there doesn’t appear to be any immediate threat for you to be around for. At this point it’s just standard investigatory work. If I need anything I can just email it over.”

 

“Sounds good, keep me posted?”

 

“Always. And hey, tell your Step-son he did good.”

 

Yagi spluttered, “He’s not my- Tsukauchi? Tsukauchi!?”

 

But it was no use, the line was dead. Yagi scowled at the phone, hoping the presumably sniggering detective could feel his cold fury. 

 

Yagi’s chair creaked as he leaned back and rubbed his temples, technically he was supposed to be grading papers. He’d already decided his apartment wasn’t the place to get any work done so had walked to the abandoned UA campus to focus. However the stack of untouched papers on his desk indicated the move had done nothing for his work ethic. His mind was still on the recent Hosu attack. 

 

He’d been with Kaina and Inko when word of the attack came through, had Kaina’s house not been over an hour away and were he not down to the last half hour of quirk usage he would have charged straight into the mess. Instead he was forced to stand in a HSPC command point and receive incoming information about the situation. They were just lucky two hard hitters like Endeavor and Miruko had been present to take out most of the Nomu before the city had all but devolved into a warzone.

 

As Yagi sat and wallowed in his pity the door to the staff room swung open.

 

“Ah, hello Young Kirishima, Aizawa. How goes the internship?”

 

Kirishima rubbed the back of his head, “Well I’ve certainly learnt a lot from Aizawa Sensei. I guess though I should-”

 

“Enough chatter,” Aizawa snapped and Yagi shot the redhead a sympathetic look, “You see those two bags over there?” Aizawa said to Kirishima.

 

“Uh, yeah?”

 

“They’re full of cement, I want you to do two laps of campus without dropping them.”

 

Kirishima’s face paled, “The whole campus but um-”

 

“Or would you prefer All Might’s obstacle course instead?”

 

Kirishima’s head shook so violently Yagi was briefly concerned it might come off, “I’ll be done before you know it!”

 

Faster than he had ever seen the student move, Yagi watched Kirishima grab the bags and jog out the door. He turned to Aizawa and raised an eyebrow.

 

“What? Don’t forget this needs to be a punishment for him as well.”

 

Yagi simply shook his head, “He’s in high spirits considering the situation his friends went through.”

 

Aizawa let out a long and tired sigh as he planted himself at his desk next to Yagi, “Honestly? I think they’re getting used to it, which I’m not so sure is a good thing.”

 

“Perhaps it’s for the best, these are dangerous times.”

 

“To you and I maybe, to the rest of the world All Might is still in his prime. The idea that villain groups are starting to ease out of the woodwork because you can’t be around all the time? Ludicrous.”

 

Yagi chuckled before rubbing his eyes and turning his chair fully to Aizawa, “So what’s the real reason you came to see me?”

 

“How do you know I came to see you?” Aizawa asked with a raised eyebrow.

 

“Because Kirishima lugging around cement, while certainly training, really teaches him nothing. In fact it’s so far from your usual teaching methods that the only explanation I can come up with is that you need him gone for an hour or so.”

 

Aizawa frowned slightly, “I miss when I thought you were a bumbling idiot.”

 

Yagi chuckled, “People seem to forget being the top hero means a lot of investigative work too.”

 

Aizawa simply rolled his eyes, “Anyway, I came to talk about Hosu.”

 

“Ah,” Yagi said as his smile dropped, “You and just about every other hero who can get ahold of me.”

 

“I’m sure, I, however, am here to discuss something I doubt any other hero is.”

 

“And that is?” Yagi asked with a curious eye.

 

“All For One.”

 

Yagi’s breath caught in his throat as a chill ran through his veins, “What about him?”

 

Aizawa narrowed his eyes, “Don’t play dumb now. The first Nomu with multiple quirks could be put down as a freak experiment. But multiple Nomu? All with a variety of quirks? We all know Shigaraki isn’t running The League alone and all these coincidences are starting to add up. I won’t pretend to know as much about this enemy as you do but I know enough to assume you’ve come to the same conclusions.”

 

Yagi paused before he leaned forward in his seat, his elbows on his knees, “You’re right. There’s still a chance but… It would be near impossible for anyone without a quirk like his to be creating these Nomu on such a scale.”

 

“There’s no possibility that someone else has the ability to take quirks?”

 

Yagi shook his head, “No, the origins of All For One are pretty much legends at this point. What little I have been able to put together indicates even if you could combine what his parents quirks must have been, and I suspect they are just as rare, to produce a child who’s quirk factor doesn’t collapse under the complexities of itself and had the ability to withstand the raw power of the quirk is all but impossible.”

 

“Impossible like the green haired student in your class?” Aizawa replied with a deadpan stare.

 

Yagi snorted, “True. But chances are nobody other than a child of Inko Midoriya and All For One could have withstood the quirk.”

 

“So you believe his father is…?”

 

Yagi gave Aizawa a grim nod, “Yes. I’ve tried to prove otherwise but I can’t. The science, the maths, none of it adds up otherwise.”

 

“You said that the wielder of the quirk not only needs the actual quirk factor but also the ability to hold such a powerful quirk?” Aizawa asked.

 

Yagi nodded, “Chances are the birth would be unsuccessful in most cases of the quirk being passed down.”

 

“Then how did Midoriya survive? His mothers quirk isn’t exactly strong.”

 

“No it isn’t,” Yagi admitted, “But I did look at Inko’s family tree and discovered something curious. For most families their quirks have gotten more powerful over generations, the opposite is true for the MIdoriya’s however. If you go back in their family tree their quirks get weaker. In fact their original quirks were once some of the most powerful telekinesis quirks at the time. However as you can see their power waned over time to the point I suspect if Izuku’s father were anybody BUT you know who he would have been born quirkless.”

 

“So how exactly is it that he could go from potentially quirkless to wielding what some may consider the most powerful quirk in the world.”

 

“For that one I had to seek smarter minds than my own.” Yagi admitted.

 

“So Nedzu?” Aizawa said with an eyeroll.

 

“Correct. Nedzu believes that despite the Midoriya line losing their power their quirk factors didn’t actually diminish. Think of it like a glass. As the generations went on the glass emptied however the actual form of the glass remained the same.”

 

Aizawa sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, “So in other words when Izuku’s quirk was formed his Midoriya heritage allowed him to sustain its power and complexities?”

 

Yagi nodded, “And of course nearly all quirks evolve when they’re passed down. I can’t begin to fathom how small the chances of it all clicking into place are but through his heritage Izuku Midoriya was able to gain a virtually perfected version of All For One.”

 

“Ya- Toshinori… We have to tell them both. They need to know what’s coming.”

 

Yagi sighed, he knew Aizawa was right. As much as he wanted to let the boys have a few more months of innocence things were moving far too quickly for it to work otherwise.

 

He stood up and nodded, “You’re right. I had decided to wait but… I’ll make the call.”

 

---

 

Izuku pulled at his t-shirt, a plain white top that said ‘colourful’ across the chest. He didn’t know why but for some reason the thing just felt uncomfortable on him today. Maybe it was the fact Yagi had called to ask him and Katsuki to come into UA on a Sunday, the day before they returned to school from internships, without explaining why. But something had been nagging at him all morning and Katsuki was more than aware of it.

 

“If you don’t stop you’re gonna tear that shirt open.” He grunted.

 

“Sorry I just… This is weird right?”

 

Katsuki shrugged, trying to portray a man who couldn't care less, “We’re weird. Private conversations with All Might are hardly new to us.”

 

“I know but… I dunno it feels like this is different.” Izuku said as he bit his lip and tapped his ID on the side gate, the main gate was permanently closed on Sunday’s.

 

“I mean we did just fight Stain.”

 

“Then why isn’t Todoroki with us?”

 

“Would you stop asking questions already? We’ll find out as soon as we get there!”

 

Izuku huffed slightly at Katsuki’s rebuttal but didn’t press the subject. He was reminded once again of the first time he’d ever stepped foot inside UA, the empty halls and winding corridors that brought a slight shiver to his spine.

 

Reaching Yagi’s office Izuku tapped on the door before it swung open to reveal a smiling man, “My boys! Thank you for coming on such short notice, come in!”

 

Walking into the office Izuku blinked at the other person waiting inside, “Aizawa Sensei?”

 

“Good morning Midoriya, Bakugou.” He said with a nod to each of them.

 

Izuku and Katsuki froze halfway through the door, glancing at each other with questioning looks. Aizawa caught them and sighed.

 

“I told you they’d be suspicious if we played overly friendly.”

 

Yagi sighed and waved the pair inside, “I assure you, neither of you have done anything wrong. There is simply a conversation regarding Bakugou’s quirk that we need to have, it is arguably overdue.”

 

“Alright,” Katsuki said as he and Izuku took a seat on the sofa opposite their teachers, “So what’s going on?”

 

Yagi paused before he spoke, giving the pair a long long, “It is time I told you about the origins of One For All.”

 

Katsuki took in a sharp breath and froze as Izuku’s mind came to a halt.

 

He gave Katsuki an awkward side glance at the topic, “Is this not a conversation to have with just you and Kacchan?”

 

Yagi gained a grim look and shook his head, “No, I’m afraid not. You see the origins of this quirk have as much to do with you as they do Bakugou.”

 

Katsuki narrowed his eyes, “You’ve been lying to us haven’t you?”

 

Yagi nodded solemnly, “Yes, I had hoped that we would never need to have this conversation but it seems events are happening which cannot deny the truth.”

 

“And the truth is?” Izuku asked as Yagi slowly raised his head and looked directly at him.

 

“I told you about the man who caused my injury, yes? A powerful villain who I only barely took down.”

 

“Yeah yeah,” Katsuki said with an eye roll, “You killed him and he ripped out your stomach, what does that have to do with us?”

 

“Because It appears I failed to kill him,” Yagi snapped slightly, for once not able to put up with Katsuki’s attitude, “Because that very same villain appears to be the one backing The League of Villains, the very same villain who created One For All and has been at war with it’s holders for eight generations.”

 

Katsuki snapped his mouth shut as he paled while something twisted in Izuku’s gut, “H-How could he do all of this?”

 

Yagi physically winced before turning to Izuku, “Because he has the ability to take quirks.”

 

Katsuki’s eyes snapped to Izuku as Izuku’s blood ran cold, he felt bile rise in the back of his throat but he had to know, “Is he…?”

 

“Yes,” Aizawa said bluntly, causing Yagi to scowl at him, “There’s no point denying it. As far as we can tell only two people in history are recorded as ever having the ability to take quirks. I’m afraid to say Midoriya this man is most likely your real father.”

 

“Who is he?” Katsuki asked on Izuku’s behalf who was only able to sit there and shake slightly, not truly comprehending what he’d just been told.

 

“He calls himself All For One, named after his quirk.” Yagi said, “He was born over a century ago, during the dawn of quirks. He was, in the simplest version of it, pure evil. From a young age he used his quirk to manipulate others, taking their powers and gifting them to those who promised to serve him. He gained legions of followers through the promise of power while holding onto the best quirks himself allowing him to rule the rest through fear. At the height of his power he all but ruled Japan from the shadows while his influence was practically global.”

 

“I think I need a bucket.” Izuku mumbled out and Aizawa kicked one over, looking at his student in concern.

 

“Keep going,” Katsuki said to Yagi with folded arms and an unimpressed face.

 

Yagi glanced guiltily over at Izuku but nodded and continued, “For all his evil however All For One had a brother, his name was Yoichi and unlike his brother he was kind and compassionate with a true sense of justice. Despite being born quirkless and weak, Yoichi begged and fought his brother at every occasion he could, trying to turn him away from his path of evil. One day All For One grew tired and embarrassed of his weakling brother and so he forced him to take a quirk. Though I don’t know the name I know it was a quirk which stockpiled power. However unknown to both of them Yoichi actually did have a quirk, a quirk which allowed him to pass on quirks. These two quirks combined to create One For All a quirk that could be passed down from person to person while stockpiling power along the way.

 

“By time All For One figured this out it was too late, the quirk had already been passed on. And so started a war that has lasted generations and over a century. For all his power, for all his success All For One became obsessed with One For All, the quirk he had created that he was unable to steal. And as the quirk was passed down it became more and more powerful, dwarfing nearly all other quirks in existence. As time passed All For One only became more obsessed with taking back the quirk he sees himself as having created. It all accumulated into the battle which saw my injury, however at the time I believed I had finally killed All For One. I see now I was wrong.”

 

The room was left in utter silence as Izuku and Katsuki processed what they had just been told. Izuku couldn’t move, he couldn’t speak, he could barely see as his vision blurred. In all the nightmares he’d had about who his father might be, a criminal, a cheater, a con man… he’d never. His father… His bloodline… His quirk… Was the worst supervillain to have ever lived, the very peak of evil ran through his veins.

 

Izuku couldn’t stop the bile that rose to his throat as he dropped down from the sofa and emptied his stomach into the bucket.

 

“Young Midoriya!” Yagi cried and ran over, placing his hand on Izuku’s shoulder.

 

The moment he felt the hand Izuku’s skin crawled, it was like everything he had just been told rammed to the front of his mind. He was evil, he was vile, he didn’t deserve their sympathy.

 

“DON’T TOUCH ME!” Izuku screamed and threw Yagi off while scrambling away.

 

Yagi snapped back his hand in shock at the sound of desperation in Izuku’s voice, even Aizawa was taken back by how terrified the student appeared to be. 

 

Izuku scrambled to get away from them until his back hit a wall, he was hyperventilating, unable to breath as he looked down at himself. His quirk energy crept along his body, the energy he had gotten from his father. It reeked of evil, he wanted it out, he wanted it-

 

Izuku jumped when he felt two hands on either side of his face, he looked up to be met with the red eyes of Katsuki which were filled with a quiet fire.

 

“Don’t.”

 

Izuku gasped for breaths as he spoke, “What?”

 

“Don’t throw away the past year.” Katsuki insisted.

 

“What are you talking-”

 

“Your quirk is amazing.” Katsuki continued, “It’s already saved lives. It’s already helped people. You remember what we said to Todoroki? His quirk is not his fathers and neither is yours. Hell, from the sounds of it he made my quirk too so I guess we're both in this right? Don’t throw away all the progress you’ve made because it turns out your father is the asshole of assholes. You’re not him and neither is your quirk.”

 

Izuku closed his eyes and counted in his head, trying to get his breathing under control. As he did he felt Katsuki’s forehead press against his. He focused on Katsuki’s breathing, trying to match it as he slowed down. Eventually he was taking normal breaths and he gave Katsuki a slight nod.

 

Katsuki pulled back, giving him one final look over before holding out his hand. Izuku reached out and was pulled back onto his feet, giving Yagi and Aizawa a small smile.

 

“I’m ok… I’m sorry for well…”

 

“Don’t be,” Aizawa said as everyone retook their seats, “Honestly that was a better reaction than I was hoping for.”

 

Izuku shrugged, “I’d already come to terms with the possibility my father was some kind of villain… I just didn’t expect…”

 

Katsuki scoffed, “He ain’t your father.”

 

Izuku smiled softly, “No, I guess not.”

 

“So this prick wants my quirk?” Katsuki grunted, seemingly unconcerned to discover his virtual uncle wanted to kill him and rip his quirk from his cold dead hands.

 

Yagi nodded, “Yes and it appears he’s using The League to come back into the game so to speak.”

 

“Why hasn’t he tried to come after it sooner if he’s still alive?” Izuku asked as he shivered slightly.

 

“Because though I didn’t kill him I did crush his skull and tear out the majority of his internal organs.”

 

Even Aizawa paled and took a slight nudge back from Yagi at that admission, he could only imagine the raw power on display at that battle. The cover up by the HPSC must have been a work of miracles.

 

“To put it bluntly right now we’re at a stalemate,” Aizawa said with an annoyed huff, “Theoretically The League and by extension All For One are weak enough that with a concentrated effort we could take them out. But we have no idea where they’re hiding, how many people they have or what they intend to do next. One the flip side: The League likely knows of your existence and who you are but can’t make a move against you yet because they’re not strong enough. The snag for them is that the longer they wait the stronger you two become.”

 

“And All For One isn’t foolish enough to think that he could take both of you on once you reach a certain level of power. I hate to say it but right now our best plan is to try and wait it out until such a point where you two don’t need the protection of anyone else to finish him off.” Yagi finished off.

 

“You make it sound like you’re training us to kill him.” Izuku said with a little bitterness.

 

Aizawa levelled at him and frowned slightly, “Don’t act like that Midoriya, you have no obligation to fight him but everyone in this room knows you two wouldn’t be able to just leave this be. Even if he did disappear into the shadows.”

 

Izuku sighed, “Yeah ok.”

 

“The hell does he even want my quirk for? Isn’t he already the most powerful person in the world? Well, until me and Zuzu reach our peak anyway.” Katsuki said with a smirk.

 

“First of all don’t get so arrogant that you both think you’re untouchable,” Aizawa said firmly, “Yes your quirks are impressive but trust me, there are heroes and villains outside of Japan who could give even All Might in his prime a run for his money. Secondly, think about it for a moment, One For All amplifies everything about a person. Imagine giving it to someone who can take multiple quirks. Not only would you amplify All For One itself but it’s possible you would amplify each individual quirk he wielded.”

 

“It would make him unstoppable.” Yagi said, “Though it’s not just the power aspect. For him it’s personal, One For All represents the one thing has never achieved, complete victory. So long as the quirk his brother passed down exists it means there are people who will stand up to him. He sees it as his right to take it back.”

 

“But One For All can’t be stolen,” Izuku said as his mind ran through all the new information, “Every time I’ve tried I’ve nearly passed out and barely tugged at it.”

 

“Which is why he’s spent decades trying to figure a way around it. I’m not sure what his plan is but something tells me The League is more than just a personal army for him.”

 

Katsuki rubbed his temples, “So to clarify. The sperm donor who gave Zuzu his quirk also just so happened to create my quirk and wants nothing more than to take it back. Except right now he’s too weak so we just have to sit back and wait for his next move?”

 

“I’m afraid so, but right now we have the upperhand.” Yagi confirmed.

 

Izuku raised an eyebrow, “How so?”

 

“Because of you, Young Midoriya.” Yagi said, “You see, up until that fateful day on the rooftop I had no idea All For One had a child and I suspect until the Sports Festival he didn’t either.”

 

“To put all our cards on the table you were the spanner we threw into his works. He was planning around All Might giving his quirk to a single student and focusing on that student. Now however he has to deal with the fact there is someone running around with an improved version of his quirk who happens to be brothers with the one wielding his ultimate goal.” Aizawa said, speaking like he was giving a lecture.

 

“Improved version?” Izuku asked.

 

“You are able to take at range whereas he has to touch, most likely the influence of your mothers quirk.” Yagi explained and Izuku smiled, for all the evil his quirk had come from there was still some of his mother in there.

 

“I hate to say it but throwing it in his face he has a son will have completely changed his plans, if we’re lucky it’s delayed his next move and given us more time to build up our defences.” Aizawa finished as he pulled out a juice pouch.

 

“Great… so I guess we just wait around until the evil of all evil comes after me and Zuzu.” Katsuki grunted as he fell back on the sofa.

 

“Technically we don’t know for sure if he’ll come after Midoriya though I’ll admit I don’t know what his reaction will be. It’s best to assume the worst for both of you at this point.” Yagi said.

 

Izuku shivered as Katsuki rolled his eyes, “Great… Well at least I can fly now.”

 

Aizawa took such a sharp intake of breath he accidentally swallowed his straw while Yagi coughed up so much blood it would likely stain the coffee table as Izuku scrambled back onto the sofa to avoid the blowback.

 

“I’m sorry, you can WHAT!?” Yagi said as he managed to regain control of his breathing.

 

Katsuki blinked, “I can fly? Didn’t you read the Hosu report?”

 

“We weren’t on sight so won’t have access to it for another few days,” Aizawa said as he looked at his strawless juice pouch in mild fear.

 

“Do you mean you can kick yourself into the air like I do?” Yagi asked, clearly stumped.

 

“Uhhh no? I can fly. Like this.” Katsuki said and floated just over the sofa to prove his point as Izuku.

 

Aizawa and Yagi looked over their heads as Katsuki moved around the room with ease it was a few moments before Aizawa spoke, “The fuck?”

 

“I was never… Has your quirk evolved?” Yagi asked as Katsuki took his place back on the sofa.

 

“It’s not the same quirk,” Izuku explained, his eyes following the purple wings on Katsuki’s back, “It’s like… a second quirk that grew from his original quirk?”

 

Aizawa paused and turned to Yagi, “Didn’t you say your predecessor could fly?”

 

Yagi’s eyes widened as his face was overcome by realization, “Yes! You don’t think…?”

 

“He’s gaining the quirks of the previous users.” Aizawa concluded and rubbed his temples together as he looked like a man who had just been given the death sentence, “So I’m gonna have two multiple quirked students? Great.”

 

“This doesn’t make sense,” Yagi said as he tapped his chin, “Why would you get their quirks but not me?”

 

Katsuki shrugged as Izuku’s mind started to work overtime, “Well One For All is a stock piling quirk right? Which means once Kacchan unlocks it’s full potential he’ll be the most powerful user yet. Maybe that’s part of it? It’s power has reached such a point that he’s able to access previous quirks.”

 

Yagi hummed in thought, “It’s possible but… Nana’s quirk wasn’t flight per say, it’s true she could push herself to that point but it usually lacked control, Young Bakugou appears to have more control over himself in the air though.”

 

Katsuki shrugged, “Dunno what to tell you, I just started using it and it was easy. Me and Zuzu tested it out and I can go from 0 to 60 in about 2.3 seconds.”

 

Yagi spluttered, “Nana could barely reach 100 MPH and you’re hitting 60 that quickly?”

 

Aizawa gave Katsuki and Izuku a suspicious look, “You haven’t been playing around with each other's quirks? Midorya hasn’t manipulated it in any way?”

 

Izuku was a little taken aback by the accusation, “I’d never do something like that without Yagi’s authorisation!”

 

“Yeah!” Katsuki protested, “We’re not idiots!”

 

“So you have done nothing at all that would interfere with the quirk?” Yagi asked, stressing how important the question was.

 

Izuku shook his head, “No nothing. I mean what would we even do?”

 

“They have a point,” Aizawa said, “And it’s not like Recovery Girl would give them a blood transfusion or anything.”

 

Izuku and Katsuki’s eyes widened as they turned to each other and paled slightly, Aizawa saw it and groaned, “What did you two do?”

 

Izuku shuffled his feet slightly and stared down at the floor, “Well um… after we passed the exams we… we wanted…”

 

“We became blood brothers.” Katsuki stated though it had a surprising amount of embarrassment to it.

 

Yagi could only stare at them, “So to clarify… you two transferred blood… Blood which contains the two of the most volatile and powerful quirks in the world?”

 

“In our defence we were drunk!” Izuku said hurriedly only to realise how that sounded as Katsuki put his face in his hands.

 

“You… were drunk?” Yagi said with next to no emotion as Aizawa let out a deep sigh.

 

“I need a fucking raise.”

Notes:

Hi all, just a heads up I'm a little busy the next few weeks so hoping to get the next chapter up in about three weeks!

Thanks for all the kudos and comments as always

Chapter 46: The Great Game Continues

Summary:

Upon returning to UA Class 1A have a chance to show off what they learned at their internships. Meanwhile after suffering several defeats All For One finally returns fire

“Is this a thing now?” Uraraka asked as she met Izuku, Katsuki and Todoroki at the front gates to UA.

 

“The hell are you talking about?” Katsuki asked with a raised eyebrow.

 

“You three arriving together, is this like the super powerful club or something?”

 

“Wait… I didn’t get an invite to that club? Am I not powerful enough?” Todoroki said, looking a little hurt as his gaze switched between Katsuki and Izuku.

 

Izuku snorted as Katsuki sighed, “For the love of… She’s fucking joking Icyhot!”

 

It was their first day back at UA post Hosu and post Izuku finding out who his father was and as per what had become the norm Todoroki had joined Izuku and Katsuki on their morning journey to the school with Uraraka agreeing ahead of time to meet them (despite her complaints about the early hour).

 

It was mainly so that they could get their stories straight about Hosu before the inevitable questions. The cover story was simple really, yes they had all been in Hosu, yes they had caught sight of Stain and alerted Brunin and Gran Torino but no they never actually fought Stain only watched from the side-lines though they had fought some Nomu, thus their injuries. It had taken some convincing for Katsuki to agree to a mere position as a bystander but considering how eager people were to snap away any chance Izuku had at being a hero he reluctantly agreed.

 

“So what do you reckon we’ll be doing for heroics today?” Uraraka asked as she fell into step with Todoroki.

 

“I’m hoping I’m able to use my fire, I didn’t get all that much practice with Gran Torino and…”

 

Izuku tuned out the conversation as he lagged behind the pair slightly, truth be told he had barely slept. Every time he closed his eyes and tried to sleep he was plagued by nightmares about his father. In some versions his father was a monstrous devil, dozens of horns sprouting from his head accompanied by red eyes and scaly skin. In others he was a simple man who greeted Izuku with a warm smile while sitting atop a pile of corpses. The worst was when Izuku’s father looked exactly like him, smiling while holding aloft the corpses of All Might and Katsuki.

 

That morning for the first time since he’d met All Might Izuku was unable to look at himself in the mirror and see his quirk. His skin itched and he could feel his quirks under it like insects crawling around. He’d nearly lost it over breakfast until his mother came down and gave him a smile as she used her quirk to pull some tea bags towards her. It was a small reminder that Izuku’s quirk was not an exact replica of his father’s, there was some comfort in that.

 

It did however raise the ugly head of the other issue Izuku had to deal with and that was telling his mother all of this. In the end Yagi had insisted that he would take on that responsibility when the time was right, he had pointed out that technically, no matter how personal, All For One’s existence was still a national secret. 

 

All in all Izuku was glad that the burden wasn’t on his shoulders. He had no idea how you went about telling someone the person they’d had a one night stand with that had produced your only son was evil incarnate himself. 

 

Izuku felt a nudge to his shoulder and glanced up at Katsuki, his first reaction was guilt. Katsuki too had been dealing with this revelation, All For One might not be his blood relative but he was still more or less destined to be Katsuki’s archenemy. It was crazy to think that just over a year ago Katsuki had been quirkless and now he had the attention of Japan’s premium supervillain. But when Izuku had voiced said guilt to Katsuki the night before, Katsuki had nearly beat the feelings out of him, claiming that he always figured his quirk would come with a catch.

 

“I’ll be ok,” Izuku assured him and he knew it was the truth, he could hardly collapse under this when he’d been so ferocious in getting Todoroki to work past what was very nearly the same issue.

 

Katsuki nodded, he could trust Izuku by this point and they’d reached the classroom anyway. Clearly the internships had been rough on everybody as even the usual early risers weren’t present as the four of them walked into an empty classroom.

 

“Looks like everyone is trying to get as much sleep as possible,” Uraraka said with a side glare at her three companions.

 

“Tch,” Katsuki said with an eye roll, “Weaklings.”

 

“To be fair I believe some of them didn’t actually finish their internships until last night,” Todoroki said as Izuku walked over to his desk and collapsed in his chair.

 

“True,” Uraraka said, “I heard-”

 

“EIJIRO KIRISHIMA REPORTING FOR DUTY!”

 

Even Katsuki jumped slightly as the door slammed open and Eijiro marched through. Izuku blinked as his friend stood by the teachers desk, chest puffed out and arms straight at his side. Eijiro had never looked untidy but something about him just seemed… neater. His uniform didn’t have a single wrinkle, his eyes looked sharp and clear and his hair, while still spiked, looked more professional than someone who had thrown a hand through it.

 

“Good Morning Kirishima,” Todoroki said, seemingly not caring about the dramatic way Eijiro had walked into the room.

 

Eijiro blinked, suddenly looking around the room, “Oh… Hey guys! What are you guys doing here?”

 

Katsuki frowned, “It’s Monday.”

 

Eijiro’s eyes widened as he pulled out his phone, “Huh… Wait! So internships are over?”

 

Katsuki and Izuku shared a concerned glance as Uraraka spoke, “Yes Kirishima… you didn’t know?”

 

“Ah, I’ve been doing long hours, I kinda lost track of days,” Eijiro admitted as he slouched suddenly with relief.

 

Katsuki smirked and punched him in the arm, “Fourth Kind finally making you use that potential huh?”

 

Eijiro winced and turned to Katsuki with an awkward smile, “Ah yeah actually my internship with Fourth Kind didn’t work out… so I ended up working with Aizawa Sensei instead.”

 

This time it was everyone else's turn to wince.

 

“Oof,” Uraraka said to the nods of everybody present.

 

“I could’ve made it worse.”

 

Izuku was sure Katsuki would never let Eijiro live down the shriek that escaped his lips as Aizawa materialised in the doorway. Apparently a week of interning had only increased Eijiro’s fear of the man

 

“You’re here early Sensei,” Todoroki said as Eijro managed to stop shaking.

 

“Internships tend to be hectic, especially your first year. I’m just here to make sure nobody blows up the classroom.” Aizawa said as he walked over to his desk and collapsed in his chair, “Now take your seats and try not to wake me.”

 

Katsuki mumbled in obligatory protest as everyone shuffled to their desks, as he sat down Eijiro turned to Izuku, “So how was your internship?”

 

As Eijiro and Izuku chatted the rest of the class slowly trickled in to the usual greetings, Yoarashi gave Izuku a loud shout in greeting while the rest of the class ignored him. The only change came from Iida who gave Izuku a polite nod, it wasn’t exactly like they were best friends but it was a lot better than before.

 

“Sup losers,” Kyouka greeted with a peace sign as she took her seat, “I’m glad to see you both survived.”

 

“Barley,” Eijiro mumbled.

 

“How was your internship?” Izuku asked and Kyouka lit up like a Christmas tree.

 

“So much better than I thought. I mean fair enough I didn’t get to do any patrols or anything but I finally feel like I know what I’m doing with my quirk. Plus I redesigned my whole costume!”

 

“Woah really?” Eijiro said with wide eyes, “What sort of stuff did you change about it?”

 

Kyouka smirked, “That’s a surprise for our heroics class.”

 

“Ugh,” Eijiro groaned and rested his head on the table, “Not you too, Izuku apparently has some new quirks but won’t tell me what they are!”

 

“I know,” Kyouka said with a smile which screamed danger in Izuku’s mind, “I heard you as I walked through the entrance.”

 

Izuku blinked, “You heard us… from there?”

 

Kyouka shrugged and looked a little sheepish, “So I’ve uh… kinda been holding back with my hearing case you know… privacy and shit. But Nighteye encouraged me to stop and expand my hearing.”

 

“Oooh you know that’s kinda like what Endeavor had me do,” Izuku explained, resisting the urge to grab his notebook and ask Kyouka a million questions, “He’s had me holding my quirk just below the level of activation and trying to take in the constant quirk energy around.”

 

Kyouka paused as her jacks pointed towards the corridor, “Does that mean?”

 

Izuku smirked and nodded, a moment later the door swung open.

 

“Surprise Bi-”

 

“Hi Mina!” Izuku and Kyouka called together.

 

Mina paused in the doorway before frowning walking over to her seat, grumbling about people with extra senses as Eijiro chuckled to himself.

 

---

 

“So essentially I’ve been trying to focus on hardening only parts of my body instead of the whole. Theoretically this means I can conserve energy and make the parts of my body I am hardening even harder.”

 

Izuku and Katsuki glanced at each other at Eijiro’s… phrasing though neither decided to comment considering the excitement in his voice. He was currently holding out his hand where he had activated his quirk on only the fingers, it had essentially given him long claw like appendages.

 

“You know your quirk energy is more focused in those areas too,” Izuku said as he gazed at Eijiro’s hands, Todoroki meanwhile seemed to want to take a more physical approach as he prodded the fingers.

 

“I suppose it’s like my wind,” Yoarashi said in thought, “The more powerful gusts I generate the less control I have. The more of your body you harden the more solid it actually is.”

 

“Don’t drift away from the rest of the class boys!”

 

Izuku looked up at All Might's call from where the teacher was discussing Ojiro’s and Tsu’s internships. They were currently waiting for the rest of the class outside of one of UA’s city complexes, this one was designed like a warehouse district with pipes and silos running throughout the area. All Might had kept the details of today’s lesson a secret as they waited for the rest of the class to finish changing.

 

“You guys have gotta see this!”

 

Izuku and the four boys glanced up as Uraraka’s shout reached them, her and Mina were running excitedly up to the group with Kyouka shuffling a little behind.

 

Izuku’s jaw dropped when he saw Kyouka, because when she’d said she’d redesigned her suit he hadn’t expected a complete overhaul. Gone was the semi casual leather replaced by what was virtually a set of body armour. She had a set of heavy duty black boots followed by padded legs that looked like plate armour coloured dark purple. She still had a loose black leather jacket and hood but the sleeves were now made of metallic gauntlets and gloves. Her jacket remained open but instead of a loose t-shirt underneath was a large breastplate with what looked like a power source in the middle that glowed dimly. Even her neck and jaw had some kind of body armour on, for what purpose Izuku had no idea.

 

“Woah,” Eijiro said with wide eyes, “You look like some kinda futuristic cyborg fighter!”

 

“It does look like very advanced technology,” Todoroki agreed as Kyouka blushed under the praise.

 

“Honestly Nighteye designed most of it, I only really had some minimal input and chose the colour scheme.”

 

Mina whistled as she looked over the suit, “This looks expensive, did Nighteye pay for it?”

 

Kyouka shook her head, “No, apparently some anonymous hero paid for it.”

 

Izuku glanced towards All Might who had apparently found something very interesting on the horizon. Sometimes Izuku wondered just how rich the man was with how often he simply wrote off millions of yen for his students.

 

“Ahem,” All Might said, clearing his throat and gaining the attention of the class, “Welcome back everyone! I’m sure you all had fruitful internships and are keen to put what you learned to the test! Well the good news is that’s what today’s plan is, I want you to utilise everything you learned in the past week to really go plus ultra! And to that we’ll be having the first free for all with the entire class.”

 

“Oh hell yeah!” Katsuki shouted as he slammed his fist into his palm, “Finally a chance to beat all you extra’s at once!”

 

All Might let out a deep chuckle despite the fact that half the class were looking at Katsuki in fear, “While I appreciate the enthusiasm Young Bakugou, you're not about to be thrown into an all out brawl. In fact I'll be taking a step back from this lesson as we have a guest teacher in!”

 

“May I ask who this teacher is Sensei?” Iida asked while raising his hand.

 

Before All Might could respond Izuku felt an all too familiar energy fast approaching, his eyes widened and he turned to Katsuki, grabbing him by the front of his hero costume, “IT’S THE OLD MAN!”

 

For the first time since they’d met him the rest of 1-A saw something on Katsuki’s face they’d never experienced. Fear.

 

“Every man for himself!” Katsuki cried and shoved Izuku out the way.

 

“I’ll protect who I can!” Todoroki declared as he grabbed an unwilling Uraraka and Eijiro, trying to form an ice wall around all three of them.

 

But none of them were fast enough and the rest of the class watched an orange and white blur slammed into all three, throwing them to the ground.

 

Gran Torino landed in the middle of the class with a huff, “A pathetic display from all three of you.”

 

The entire class looked at the tiny old man with something akin to confused awe, he looked harmless had they not just watched him take out three of the top students in class.

 

“Awww,” Mina coo’d ash she crouched down with a smile, Izuku tried to warn her but he was fairly sure his stomach had collapsed, “You don’t seem that-”

 

The next thing anybody knew Mina had joined Izuku, Katsuki and Todoroki on the ground, withering in pain as Torino glared at the class, “Next person who says aww in my vicinity gets two kicks!”

 

Now convinced of the man's prowess the rest of the class simply nodded as All Might sighed, “Please don’t beat up my students Torino.”

 

Torino huffed as his victims managed to get back on their feet, “Yeah yeah. Alright listen here you oversized babies. Names Gran Torino, I’ve been training heroes since before your parents were born. Also happened to train your damn teacher here and the two idiot brothers.”

 

There was a collective eye wandering among the class as they realised they were currently standing with All Might's very own teacher. Where they had all sceptical previously Gran now had the entire undivided attention of the class.

 

“Here’s the plan,” Torino continued and pointed his cane towards the makeshift warehouse district, “I’m gonna go hide in there. You’re all gonna try to find and tag me. First person to do so wins.”

 

Sero raised an uncertain hand, “Um… what do we get if we win?”

 

Torino shrugged and gestured to All Might, “Don’t look at me, he’s your teacher.”

 

All Might panicked under the sudden gazes of his entire class and rushed to come up with a half decent answer, “Ah well um… Free chocolate pudding from Lunch Rush for a month reserved beforehand everyday?”

 

The competitive spirit washed through the class like a drug, Lunch Rush’s chocolate pudding was a legend within the school. It normally ran out within the first five minutes of lunch period so being guaranteed a free portion everyday was the equivalent of winning the lottery in the social hierarchy of UA.

 

Torino noticed this and smirked, “Excellent! There are some rules to this. First, you have to touch me with your hand, no ranged quirks, that includes any ears, tape and whatever quirks you’ve got stored away in there.” Torino said and glared at Izuku.

 

“You can of course attack each other to prevent other people winning, however you’re not allowed to knock an opponent out permanently. At its core this is a race and not a brawl, am I clear?” Torino said and narrowed his eyes at Katsuki who just shrugged in response.

 

“I’ll be monitoring the entire situation so if you are hurt or need to leave the exercise for any other reason please seek out a camera and I’ll be there in no time.” All Might reassured, “Good luck everyone! You may begin when the buzzer sounds!”

 

In a blast of air All Might took off towards the control room while Torino disappeared into the arena. Izuku focused on keeping track of his quirk but eventually Torino moved out of his range and without knowing where their teacher was hiding pathfinder wouldn’t be of any use. 

 

A soft curse from his right caused Izuku to snap his attention to Kyouka who’s jacks were pointed out as she frowned, “Damn he’s good.”

 

Noticing the attention on her Kyouka turned to face Izuku, the pair looked at each other for a moment before simultaneously narrowing their eyes. They both knew exactly what the other was thinking. Sure, the likes of Katsuki, Iida and Sero could move around the city with ease but the trick was they had to find Gran Torino first. And nobody in the class was better suited to that task than Izuku and Kyouka. Kyouka’s hearing had a far greater range than Izuku’s energy sense but she needed to filter out all other sounds to find Torino whereas Izuku would know his exact location the moment he was within range.

 

“Ooooh!” Mina said as she looked at the pair and swung her arms around them briefly, “I sense some personal competition!”

 

As the class got ready to move Katsuki smirked, “This is gonna be fun.”

“Yeah,” Izuku said.

 

“It is,” Kyouka smiled.

 

BEEP!

 

The moment the buzzer sounded chaos erupted within the area, Iida was the first to move and was already within the city before most of the class had even started running. Todoroki erupted forward in a burst of flame as he skidded along a layer of ice, his leg shining in the sunlight. Of course everybody expected Yoarashi to shoot up into the air in a gust of wind, what nobody (bar Izuku and Todoroki) had expected alongside that was for Katsuki to shoot up in the sky right next to him.

 

“Uh… since when can Bakugou fly?” Eijiro said with a slack jaw as he watched Katsuki streak across the sky.

 

“Didn’t you know?” Uraraka said with a smirk as people started to split off and run down separate alleys, “All the cool heroes can fly.”

 

Uraraka tapped herself on the chest and started to float up into the air and above the skyline as Eijiro scowled.

 

“That’s not even flying!” Eijiro complained before turning to Izuku, “Please tell me you can’t fly too?”

 

Izuku couldn’t help the grin that appeared on his face, “Nope!”

 

One moment Eijiro was staring at a suspicious smile from Izuku and the next there was a soft pop and Izuku disappeared. Ejiro’s jaw fell open and he snapped his head around only to find Izuku running along a pipe above them. Izuku waved down at him before disappearing again and reappearing a moment later further down the pipe.

 

“Please tell me you guys didn’t-” Eijiro turned to speak to his remaining friends to find them gone, in fact the entire class had vanished, leaving him alone as the founds of quirks going off faded into the depths of the city.

 

Eijiro frowned and took off running down a random alley while grumbling under his breath, “Stupid friends and their stupid supercool quirks…”

 

---

 

Katsuki circled the city a few times, getting a quick map built in his head of its rough layout. Realistically he knew there was no way he could track Torino, even with his good eyesight he knew the old man would probably be in some dark shadow somewhere. His best bet was to wait until there was an inevitable commotion when Torino was found and move in for the kill then.

 

“And here I thought I was the only one who learned to fly over the internship.”

 

Katsuki smirked as he turned in the air to face Yoarashi. The latter was a little unsteady but instead of one large tornado below him he had one under his feet and another two smaller ones coming out of either hand, helping stay up.

 

“Yeah well I least I don’t need air to hold me up!”

 

“That makes two of us!”

 

Both boys glanced to see Uraraka floating next to them, looking a little queasy but a hell of a lot better than before the internships.

 

“Tch, I’m guessing we all had the same idea?” Katsuki asked and got a pair of nods in response, “Then I guess I’ll have to do something about that,” he said with a dangerous tone.

 

Uraraka's face went from cocky to nervous though Yoarashi let out a booming laugh.

 

“I’ll admit your flight is impressive!” Yoarashi cried as the winds around them started to pick up, “But the sky is my domain!”

 

Katsuki was too busy laughing at the one liner to dodge the massive whirlwind which hit him in the face.

 

---

 

Todoroki blasted to his left and he made a sharp turn down another alley, there was a metallic blur just ahead of him he assumed to be Iida going in the opposite direction. He knew that he didn’t have the recon capabilities of a good chunk of his classmates so his best bet was speed. Luckily with the fire spewing out of his body Torino wouldn’t have any shadows to hide in as Todoroki moved.

 

As he skidded under a bridge he saw Izuku pop into existence just above it and give him a wave before teleporting elsewhere. Todoroki smiled, because for the first time in his life not only was he using his fire but he was having fun doing it. Sure it was still a lesson but he was with his friends and he was using his full quirk without even a thought of his father.

 

It was the greatest feeling in the world.

 

---

 

Mina hummed to herself as she watched Katsuki and Yoarashi battle it out in the sky while Uraraka tried to avoid them both. She was swinging her legs over the edge of the platform she had climbed up to, one of the highest in the city and right in the middle of all the chaos. There was a beeping sound from her hand and she looked down at the small tablet she was holding. It had two dots on it, one of which kept jumping from place to place.

 

“Huh, must be a new teleportation quirk he got or something,” She muttered to herself.

 

Mina knew she had no chance of winning this event fairly, she had next to no recon abilities and just fell short of the 5 fastest people in the class. So instead she had taken Rock Lock’s advice and manipulated the game.

 

The day before she finished her internship Truth Seeker had taken her though all the support gear she used to keep up with the physical based pro’s. She’d also allowed Mina to take a wealth of unused equipment and gear, Rock Lock didn’t use any and Truth Seeker was overflowing with all sorts of gadgets just sitting gathering dust. As a result Mina had added a chunky utility belt to her costume and backpack when she might need it. 

 

One of the tools she’d nabbed was a simple tracking device, of which she’d managed to slip two trackers each on Izuku and Kyouka when they were having their little glaring contest. She figured they’d find the old man first and then she’d at least know where to look.

 

Mina smiled to herself, maybe she should hit up the support course more often.

 

---

 

Izuku panted as he teleported nearly halfway across the city from one rooftop to another. He was starting to realise just how much effort teleportation took to use consistently. Not to mention every time he did it took a second to get his bearings, especially with his quirk senses.

 

Landing on another pipe Izuku closed his eyes and felt the energy around him, he could feel Katsuki and Yorashi clashing above him, Iida and Todoroki speeding through the complex and the rest of his class moving about. What he couldn’t feel was Gran Torino.

 

It probably meant the man was sitting in one place, not using his quirk purposely to make it harder for Izuku to track. 

 

Izuku cursed and teleported away again, if he didn’t find him soon someone else would.

 

---

 

Kyouka growled as Sero swung in front of her, missing her by a hair. She refocused her hearing and tried to map the area out. The loudest noises were coming from Yoarashi’s wind above her, she caught a soft curse word from Izuku and smiled, at least she wasn’t the only one struggling to locate Torino.

 

But that didn’t mean she wasn’t any closer to finding the man either, she tried to focus on the many sounds around her but it was quickly becoming overwhelming. It didn’t help that half her class had ridiculously loud quirks and other half were panting like a dehydrated dog. 

 

Kyouka gasped for breath and stopped running, propping herself up against a wall. She rubbed her jacks and groaned, she wasn’t used to the sheer volume ripping itself through her mind currently. But she refused to back down.

 

Remembering her training Kyouka bit her lip and grabbed the hood of her outfit as she pulled it over her head. The hood might have looked like it was made of fabric but like the rest of the suit it had nanotech woven into it. As it went over her head the hood tightened and folded down, covering both her head and her eyes until only her mouth and nose could be seen.

 

Kyouka was thrown into darkness, the first time she tried this she’d nearly had a panic attack but after a week of doing it nearly every waking hour she took a slow breath to calm her heartbeat. And then she allowed her ears to truly open.

 

She nearly cried out at the sheer assault of sounds that penetrated into her mind, everything came through at once like an ice bucket had been poured over her head. The soft pop of Izuku’s teleportation became a boom in her ears, the thud of Sato’s strength enhanced feet hitting the ground became earthquakes and every soft curse word from her classmates felt like they were shouting directly in her ear.

 

“Come on Kyouka… focus…”

 

Slowly, as she shifted through the sounds in her mind she felt it happen, it was rough and far from perfect but in her mind she was able to map her surroundings. The sound of the  wind blowing through pipes, the way the ground vibrated slightly with every foot that slammed down onto it and how her classmates breathing echoed throughout the complex.

 

Kyouka smiled.

 

“Grade C quirk my ass.”

 

---

 

Eijiro balanced awkwardly on a high beam above the ground, he figured he’d have a better chance getting as high up as he could. He had however failed to anticipate just how bad his balance was as he wobbled along the pipe. Sadly a strong gust of wind, presumably from Yoarashi, managed to push him over the top.

 

Hardening himself, Eijiro bounced on the concrete floor, groaning as his organs jiggled about inside body. He sighed as he picked himself up and dusted his clothes down. Aizawa's training had been amazing but compared to everyone else? He felt like he hadn’t had anywhere near the experience his friends all had. He looked up to find a way out and-

 

Eijiro blinked, there, perched on a pipe just within the shadows was Gran Torino, looking at him in amusement.

 

“Dumb luck tends to pay off huh?”

 

Eijiro was so shocked by the happy accident that he failed to react in time as Torino lashed out. He felt a boot to the face and was thrown to the ground as Torino took off running.

 

Eijiro managed to react quickly enough to get back on his feet and lash out a pipe with a hardened hand. He grabbed the resulting metal which ripped off and threw it as hard as he could at the fleeing hero.

 

Torino dodged the projectile with ease at zoomed past him up into the sky and past the skyline.

 

“Shit.” Eijiro muttered as the pipe soared up into the blue like a beacon.

 

A moment later the wind around him picked up as Katsuki and Yoarashi flew overhead, screaming towards Torino.

 

As Katsuki flew through the air he focused on Torino in the distance. It would have been an easy win if not for the wind picking up around him and he swore under his breath. As it turned out though float was a powerful quirk it didn’t really have anything to anchor too and wind all too easily threw him off course.

 

The wind in the area picked up and Katsuki’s balance was thrown off as he glanced behind him to see Yoarashi gaining on him, a huge whirlwind causing chaos in his wake. Katsuki’s flight was fast but he lacked precise control yet and knew if Yoarashi caught up to him here within the city he’d be at a disadvantage.

 

Katsuki stopped mid flight, turning to face Yoarashi who's eyes widened. Unlike Katsuki he was unable to stop without simply dropping from the sky. He tried to slow down but it was too late, as Yoarashi approached Katsuki pulled his fist back and punched him square in the face. 

 

There was a crack in the air as Yoarashi’s head snapped back, his quirk shutting off instantly as he fell to the ground. Luckily they were low enough in the air now that Katsuki didn’t need to catch him, instead turning around and zooming back to try to catch Torino.

 

The cat was now out of the bag and Torino was no longer trying to hide, instead moving at full speed to avoid the blood (or pudding) thirsty students. But Katsuki’s flight was fast and soon he was rapidly approaching Torino.

 

Katsuki smirked and reached a hand out, ready to take the victory when there was soft pop next to him. A moment later he felt the body of Izuku slam into him and they started to tumble out of the sky.

 

Katsuki tried to regain some form of control but Izuku wrapped his legs around his chest and turned to face him. Before Katsuki could react he found himself repeatedly punched in the face over and over.

 

“Are you… copying… fucking Stain!?” Katsuki cried out between punches before headbutting Izuku.

 

Izuku cried out as several teeth flew out his mouth as well as a good amount of blood. But that didn’t stop Izuku turning back with red eyes as Katsuki swore. A second later heat vision exploded between them and Katsuki threw Izuku off.

 

The pair landed harshly on the ground and rolled across the concrete. As Izuku stood up he winced as a new set of teeth forced their way through his gums. He narrowed his eyes at Katsuki as they both got up off the ground to face each other.

 

Once again Izuku knew he was about to get into an intense fight. Katsuki’s quirk flared up as the energy in the air crackled and-

 

“Hey assholes!”

 

Izuku and Katsuki glanced down the alley in surprise to find Kyouka with her hood down and eyes covered.

 

“Kyouka?” Izuku asked, wondering just how the hell she could see anything.

 

Instead of responding verbally Kyouka chose to slam her hands together, palms facing out towards the brothers. At the same time the end of her jacks clicked into sockets on her forearms. The robotic parts of her gloves came to life and slotted together so that her palms created one large surface that looked exactly like-

 

“Aw shit.” Katsuki said.

 

A moment later and a colossal soundwave, akin to Present Mics quirk, shot out of Kyouka’s palms and slammed directly into Izuku and Katsuki.

 

As it turned out this was nothing like Present Mic’s quirk. Whereas their teacher's quirk acted as a sort of force that threw people back, Izuku and Katsuki weren’t pushed anywhere. Instead their bodies suffered an intense vibration. Izuku’ legs collapsed underneath him as his bones shook. Even his quirks played up, spiralling out of control in his body as he felt like he was thrown in a blender. Katsuki had it even worse, covering his sensitive ears as his eyes bulged out and he collapsed to the ground completely.

 

Kyouka cut the attack off as the boys withered on the ground, both coughing up blood. Izuku managed to recover first and went to get up from the floor.

 

Only for a metallic black boot to slam into his face, breaking his nose.

 

Kyouka winced as she kicked Izuku in the face, the soundwave attack from her suit was a little more powerful than she expected. Nighteye had warned her the technology was untested. But she knew if anybody could take it those two could.

 

She could hear Torino up ahead, zipping from pipe to pipe as she chased him down, though the distance between them was increasing. Kyouka went to launch another shockwave at him in hopes of bringing the teacher down when the sound of Todoroki’s ice caught her off guard. She skidded to halt just as a huge wall of ice cut her off from her path.

 

“Damnit Todoroki!”

 

---

 

Yagi watched several screens as Todoroki’s massive ice wall was brought down by a combined effort of Katsuki, Izuku and Kyouka before they continued their chase, seemingly ignoring each other for now. Up ahead Todoroki was very nearly up to Torino, the heated air staggering Torino’s use of his quirk. Todoroki was cut off however when several large pipes fell from the sky courtesy of Uraraka.

 

With Torino out in the open the battle was becoming intense and Yagi watched as the rest of class ran towards the chaos, Iida leading the charge.

 

The hiss of the doors behind him caused Yagi to buff up on instinct though he debuffed when he turned his head and saw who had walked in.

 

“Principal Nedzu?” He asked, not bothering to hide his surprise, “I didn’t expect to see you here today.”

 

Nedzu chuckled as he joined Yagi in observing the students, “I had some free time and I’ll admit to being curious. Gran Torino is before even my time at UA.”

 

“You wanted to see Jiro’s nanotech suit didn’t you?”

 

“...Yes. Nighteye refuses to send the schematics.”

 

Yagi chuckled, ever since the payment request had come through from Nighteye’s agency Nedzu had drooled at the mouth of a fully functioning nanotech suit.

 

“I think he’s protective of his interns,” Yagi hummed, the fact Yagi was paying for Nighteye’s intern’s new suit via UA as a middleman spoke volumes for how sour their relationship had become, “Though I’ll admit it’s impressive.”

 

They watched as Kyouka battled Todoroki, her soundwaves causing his ice to collapse and fire to dissipate before it could reach her. Three weeks ago the thought of a battle like this taking place and Kyouka holding her own would have been laughable.

 

“It really is an impressive suit,” Nedzu commented as they watched Kyouka closely, “Though we’ll have to make sure she doesn’t rely too heavily on support equipment.”

 

“Hmmm,” Yagi hummed as he watched various battles unfold, “Ashido also appears to be using more support equipment.”

 

Something in his voice caused Nedzu to raise an eyebrow at him, “You don’t approve?”

 

“Not at all,” Yagi clarified before pausing, “Tell me, what do you see?”

 

Nedzu frowned slightly at the question while he watched the screens, “It’s certainly violent, I doubt Torino would do well against the class in a one on one fight but this is practically what his quirk was made for. The entire class is putting up a good fight.”

 

“No they’re not,” Yagi said much to the shock of Nedzu, not used to an ounce of pessimism from the man, “There are roughly six of them who are hot on his tale, another 5 or so who are keeping chase but nowhere near the lead and the rest are lagging behind.”

 

Nedzu turned back to the screen to watch the class, Yagi was right it was clear to see the usual batch were dominating the game. The only other ones who were keeping up were those whose' quirks were suited to the event such as Sero or Asui.

 

“The disparity in class strength is becoming greater.” Nedzu commented to which Yagi nodded.

 

“Is this common?” He asked, he was after all still a rookie teacher.

 

Nedzu hummed and tapped his chin, “There often tends to be a scale, particularly in Class A where we put the more volatile quirks. Though I’ll confess looking back on the years it does seem to have steadily gotten greater.”

 

“Even ignoring Midoriya and Bakugou, the standard of power difference between the likes of Todoroki and Tokoyami compared to Ojiro and Hagakure is hard to ignore.”

 

Nedzu let out a chuckle, “It’s actually far worse than you realise.”

 

Yagi raised an eyebrow at him, “How so?”

 

“You’re probably too powerful to notice but there is a general unspoken rule among hero teachers across Japan. Due to how generational quirks operate it’s assumed that the students will always one day outclass the teachers. Just look at Togata, our top hero student in the school, bar perhaps yourself and Aizawa I’m confident he could take on most of the teachers here and win.”

 

Yagi hummed in thought as they watched the events unfold for a few minutes. For a moment it looked like Izuku was going to win only for Katsuki to slam into him from below and lift him into the air. What followed was a dramatic battle in the air as Izuku teleported around to keep himself from falling.

 

“Is there a point to all your thoughts Yagi?” Nedzu asked.

 

“Several,” Yagi replied with a sigh and turned to Nedzu, “First of all seeing Jiro has made me realise the lack of emphasis of support equipment in the curriculum. I’d like to perhaps add a few classes on it, perhaps we can even partner up with the support course and work together.”

 

“That’s certainly an interesting idea,” Nedzu said with a little excitement in his voice, “Normally we leave it up to the students to sort individually.”

 

“Normally they don’t need full mech suits just to keep up with their classmates,” Yagi pointed out as Jiro blasted Iida into a wall.

 

“Point,” Nedzu said, “I’ll discuss it with Powerloader… Though I suspect that isn’t all on your mind.”

 

“No…” Yagi said and paused before speaking, “If you were to take Bakugou and Midoroiya and stick them in my first year UA class? They’d wipe the floor with the entire class, much the same as I did back then.”

 

“Yet here they face tough competition?”

 

Yagi nodded, “My point is that the world has remained the way it is because, quite frankly, there were few who could stand up to me. I alone was able to push back any villain that rose up. The opposite was also true, let's be frank, there are plenty of heroes out there who don’t pack much more of a punch than a standard police officer or even professional athlete. In the last 30 years or so I could count on one hand the amount of villains who have actually had me on the ropes. In other words you didn’t need much more than the top ten heroes to keep the peace from true villains. The rest more or less sweep up the minor criminals or assist with natural disasters. Back in my day Midoriya and Bakugou would have been on their own level, much like how myself and Endeavor were in our school years. Now however…”

 

“I understand. Is that not a good thing though? That there are several up and coming heroes who will be able to stand on the same level as your successor and his brother? Will it not make the hero industry stronger as a whole?”

 

“That’s not it,” Yagi said and Nedzu turned to him in surprise, “If our students are becoming more powerful? If the standard of hero is destined to only become greater and so much more powerful… Whos’ to say the villains aren’t doing the same?”

 

---

 

“Screw you tape boy!” Mina cried as Sero took off ahead of her, leaving her wrapped up like a shitty present on valentines day.

 

It wasn’t that much of a problem, her acid burnt through the tape quickly and she was once again free. But even a few seconds cost her greatly and most of the class had already passed her in the chase for Torino.

 

Shrugging the tape off Mina slid across the ground with her acid, trying to catch up with the front runners. Up ahead she watched as Katsuki threw Kyouka into a wall, the brick cracking behind her. Mina winced as Torino looked back slightly with concern. He shot off however when he saw Kyouka recover and attack Katsuki straight back.

 

An idea popped into her head and she skidded to a halt. It was risky and stupid but it was exactly the sort of stunt that someone like Izuku would pull. She ran over to one of the large silo’s in the area and started to melt the base.

 

Torino dodged a blast of heat vision from Izuku before activating his quirk so that he dived to the right outside of Yoarashi’s range. He would never admit it but the class was actually pushing him. Everytime he avoided one attack somebody else used the opportunity to try and sneak in. And the longer the chase went on the less the class was inclined to fight each other.

 

As he narrowly avoided a line of tape from Sero there was a groaning from nearby silo. He looked over to see that the entire thing was starting to collapse, right on top of where half the class were focused. He watched as they all scrambled out of the way as the thing crashed to the ground, a cloud of dust rising into the air around it.

 

Torino scanned the area and there was a brief pause in the fighting as everyone got their barings. He didn’t know what had caused the collapse but it looked like-

 

“Owwwwww!” 

 

Torino’s eyes widened as the dust cleared to reveal the Ashido girl collapsed on the floor, a sharp metal pipe through her shoulder. He quickly changed his trajectory and landed next to the girl. As he did, All Might appeared at the same time landing with a crack in the ground and running over.

 

“Young Ashido!”

 

“Are you-”

 

As Torino got right next to her Mina’s hand shot out and tapped him on the shoulder.

 

“Tag.” 

 

Everybody paused, Torino looking at Mina's hand in shock as All Might's jaw hung open. A few of their classmates also ran up, including Izuku who paused at the sight in front of him.

 

“Ah, hey Izuku do you think I could borrow-”

 

“Ashido!” All Might snapped as his brain caught up on current events, “Please tell me you did not self harm to win the contest!?”

 

Mina grimaced under his tone, “Well I figured Izuku has regeneration so…”

 

As she spoke she felt her quirk vanish and a new one replace it, she shot a grateful, if sheepish, smile at Izuku as she pulled the bar out with a wince. Immediately the wound started to heal and she let out a relieved sigh, All Might however remained unimpressed.

 

“Ashido, while I encourage outside the box thinking this stunt is-”

 

“Brilliant!” Torino barked with a wide smile, “What a way to rig the game girl! I wish you were my student instead of all the other idiots I’ve trained!”

 

Mina smiled while All Might could only sigh.

 

---

 

Stain’s body dropped back to the ground next to Shigaraki who looked at it with mild disgust. As it fell the strings which had attached it to All For One’s hand disappeared into the air. The room was almost a makeshift film studio, it had a set, lighting and even a camera attached to a computer where Kurogiri was typing away.

 

Shigaraki huffed as he stood up from the makeshift throne he had been sitting on, “Are we done now?”

 

All For One sighed internally, Shigaraki had such a lack of interest in anything that could resemble tactics and underhanded thinking. As far as he was concerned the best plan was to go in guns blazing and kill anyone in their way. He failed to grasp the reality that in their current state they could not fight the heroes head on. Even then, even in his prime, All For One never devalued the worth of spies, corrupt officials and passive methods to rule from the shadows.

 

What made Shigaraki’s disdain for the event that had just taken place even worse was that it had been his idea in the first place. Yet the moment he’d realised how much actual work was involved he’d wanted to call the whole thing off. If Kurogiri hadn’t convinced him, All For One had been tempted to beat the boy into submission.

 

As it was, Shigaraki had ended up putting on a half decent performance, even though All For One had done most of the work. He wasn’t supposed to be getting involved in Shigaraki’s work, but circumstances called for other plans and besides, when was the last time he got to use Puppet Master?

 

“Will we be ready for tonight?” All For One asked Kurogiri who was tapping away.

 

Kurogiri nodded, “Yes, we’ve had to call in more than a few favours but we’re all ready for prime time.”

 

All For One smiled. This was going to be fun.

 

---

 

By their usual standards it was relatively calm in the Midoriya-Bakugou household that night. Mitsuki was busy prepping dinner in the kitchen while Masaru sat in the living room reading a newspaper and watching Izuku and Katsuki complete their homework. He had originally been helping Mitsuki in making dinner but one argument, a shattered vase and a quirk seared carpet later had meant another week of being grounded for the boys and the stern eye of Masaru watching them complete their homework.

 

He had at least allowed them to play the news in the background in case any hero fights came up.

 

“Ok I’m heading out,” Inko said as she popped her head into the room.

 

Izuku looked away from the complex equation in his notebook with a frown, “Out? Where are you going?”

 

Inko smiled at him, “Just out with some friends.”

 

“Are Mom and Dad going too?” Katsuki asked as he quickly glanced at Izuku’s notebook for an answer (not that he would admit it).

 

Inko shook her head with a slight blush, “Ah no, these are just some friends from work.”

 

“Work as in UA?” Izuku asked, his voice rising in excitement, “Could you maybe-”

 

“No Izuku dear, I can’t get you any autographs,” Inko insisted with a deadpanned expression, “Besides, these are um… the civilian staff members.”

 

“Oh…” Izuku said, trying to hide the disappointment in his voice.

 

Katsuki frowned as he looked at Inko’s shoulders, “Auntie are you wearing a dress? You never wear a dress.”

 

Inko’s face started to turn red, “Ah well you see.”

 

“Oi!” Mitsuki suddenly shouted as her head appeared next to Inko’s “You brats leave the poor woman alone. What are you? The Spanish Inquisition?”

 

Before anyone could argue the TV cut off, where once the news was playing it was now just static.

 

Masaru sighed as he grabbed the remote, “You two better not have damaged the signal in your little spat earlier.”

 

Katsuki went to argue when The TV flickered to life and Izuku froze.

 

“I don’t think this is just us.”

 

---

 

“So how’s school?”

 

“Challenging, more so than I expected!”

 

“Cool… Hung out with any classmates yet?”

 

“Ah no… but I must focus on my studies!”

 

“Right… have you got a crush?”

 

“Tensei!”

 

Ingenium laughed as Iida gave him a horrified look, “Aw come on Tenya, you’re allowed to act like a teenager once in awhile.”

 

Iida frowned, “Why aren’t you at your own home anyway?”

 

Ingenium smirked, “What? Can’t I come round and make fun of my little brother?”

 

“Tensei please I- What’s going on with the TV?”  

 

---

 

“Is this a new brand of tea Mother?” Yaoyorozu asked the tall elegant woman sitting in the leather armchair next to her.

 

Said woman blinked and smirked, “Good eye Momo, yes, I heard about it from a friend in Thailand.”

 

“I hope it didn’t cost as much as the last one,” Yoayorozu’s father grumbled from where he was sipping his much preferred black coffee on the opposite sofa, a selection of snacks set on the coffee table between them.

 

“Oh relax dear,” His wife said with an eye roll, “Now Momo, how was going back to school today? It’s been awhile since you updated us on those friends of yours. What were the names? Midoriya and Bakugou?”

 

Yaoyorozu’s father blinked, “Wait. The top two from the sports festival? I didn’t realise you were friends with them Momo. You know we jointly own the patent for the technology used in MIdoriya’s hero uniform? Share it with the Bakugou Fashion Company. An incredible piece of tech I tell you, that quirk of his truly is something.

 

Yaoyorozu looked up in surprise, she hadn’t realised her father knew of Midoriya. And he approved of his quirk?

 

“Father I-”

 

“Ah damn, what's happened to the TV? Right as the sport news was about to start.”

 

---

 

“Didn’t I order you to leave about 10 minutes ago?”

 

Hawks looked up from where he was lounging on Kaina’s sofa, magazine in his hand as his legs kicked over the side, “Yeah? But I also stopped taking orders from you when I turned 18 and left the HPSC.”

 

Kaina turned from her mirror to frown at him, she was currently sitting at her makeup station in her living room after Hawks had turned up uninvited, “You’re in my house, ergo, my rules.”

 

Hawks scoffed as he threw the magazine back on the coffee table, “You know most big sisters would be super proud that their brother was being offered the key to the city.”

 

“It’s not a city,” Kaina said with a scoff, “It’s a town of less than 10,000 people you just happened to be flying over and got there quicker than the local hero. Also, I’m not your sister.”

 

“What else am I supposed to call the woman who broke me out of the HPSC training facility, raised me through my teens, got me through UA and let me intern with her until I was 18?” Hawks said, trying his best to replicate puppy dog eyes, though they really didn’t suit the bird.

 

“How about the person you owe a million favours to?” Kaina said as she started to apply a small amount of makeup, why she kept her makeup desk in her living room she would never know, at least Hawks would never dare go in her bedroom.

 

Actually scratch that why the hell had she given him a key in the first place?

 

“Which I continue to repay by doing more HPSC sanctioned missions than any other top ten hero.” Hawks drawled as he finally stood up, looking over Kaina with a raised eyebrow, “Why are you so dressed up?”

 

Kaina shrugged, “Nothing, just a work thing.”

 

Hawks narrowed his eyes at her, “No that’s not it. If it were work you’d just wear your hero outfit. This is something else, a date? Yeah but not just any date, you’re making too much of an effort. And only a light amount of makeup which means they’ve already seen you a lot so… HOLY SHIT YOU HAVE A BOYFRIEND!”

 

“I don’t have a boyfriend!” Kaina hissed as Hawks started to practically dance around the room.

 

“Ok fine a girlfriend then, who are they? Are they your age? Older? Younger? Tall? Short? Hero? Civilian? Do I need to beat them up? Do they-”

 

Hawks was silenced when he found himself on the other end of a gun barrel, he whimpered slightly as memories of his teenage years came flooding back.

 

Kaina growled at him, “Shut up you birdbrained- Hey what the fuck is wrong with my TV?”

 

---

 

“Annnnd done!” Mic sighed as he leaned back in his chair, exhausted, “Sho can you please tell Iida to keep his essays to under 5000 words?”

 

Aizawa cracked an eyebrow from where he was laying on the sofa in the teachers lounge, curled up listening to the TV, “No.”

 

Present Mic turned to him with a pout, “But doesn’t it bother you too?”

 

“Just do what I do and don’t set them essays.”

 

“It’s ENGLISH!”

 

 Aizawa snorted as the door to the teachers lounge swung open. Midnight strolled in carrying a stack of papers, she smiled at Mic before catching sight of Aizawa.

 

“Eraserhead.”

 

“Midnight.”

 

Mic winced at the flat tones, ever since the argument about Midoriya’s entrance to the school Aizawa and Midnight had been frosty with each other. Mic had tried several times to mend the broken friendship but if anything he had only made things worse.

 

Mic was just deciding to try again when he frowned, “Uh, who’s messing with the TV?”

 

---

 

“You’re the Number One Hero Toshinori and the eighth wielder of One For All, you can do this goddammit,” Yagi muttered to himself as one pan started to boil over, the timer on the oven bleeped loudly and the microwave started to smoke.

 

“Ah shit!” Yagi cursed as he opened the microwave, quickly pulling out the soup he was attempting to defrost, his shirt hung open and his hair dripped fresh out the shower as he ran around his unused kitchen, cooking a solid meal for the first time in years.

 

Technically both Inko and Kaina had insisted takeout was fine, knowing that Yagi didn’t really use his kitchen, but even before they’d started dating Inko had prepared him dozens of delicious meals and as it turned out Kaina was quite the chef herself. So god damn he refused to be the only one in the relationship who couldn’t cook.

 

Though the current situation was making him doubt that.

 

It was still strange to think about. He had a girlfriend. He had two girlfriends. He hadn’t felt like this since that support girl winked at him once in second year. Although they had all agreed it was best to keep it on the down low for now, their jobs made it complicated as well as Izuku. Yagi and Kaina never wanted to feel like they were putting Inko in an awkward position with her son.

 

As he tried to mend the mess he had created Yagi noticed the background noise of his kitchen TV had vanished.

 

---

 

Across Japan people watched as their TVs turned to static for a few moments before a new image appeared. Said image was set to a dark background that could not be placed, it almost appeared to be some kind of ruin. In the middle of the video feed was what could only be described as a throne, except it appeared to be made of a collection of bones and ruined material. Most of the general public didn’t recognize the man sitting in it, covered in hands, but for a few heroes, teachers and students their spines ran cold with a chill.

 

However, everybody recognized the man standing next to the throne. His signature mask and scarf made it obvious to the world that they were looking at the man declared dead less than a week ago by the heroes.

 

“Good Evening Japan,” Shigaraki said, a slight gleeful nature to his crackled voice and excitement in his one visible eye, “I apologise for interrupting your evening but I have my own announcement to make. For those of you unaware my name is Shigaraki and I am the leader of The League of Villains. Allow me to answer some of the questions you may have, first of all, this is not a live feed, I’m afraid something terrible must have happened if I am putting this out to the world. Secondly, I’ve seen the propaganda the government and the HPSC has put out there about us, that we’re just a collection of psychopaths hellbent on killing children. I’d like to dispel those rumours right here and now. While it is true we attacked UA we were not there to kill students, we were there to prove a point.

 

“I’m sure many of you see UA as the prestigious school all wannabe heroes go to. Where learning is fun and children are nurtured to become the best of society. But you see we know it for what it truly is, a grooming facility for child soldiers. They are brainwashed into a basic understanding of right and wrong and used by the government to put those of us who do not fit into their society down. Just look at its alumni, Endeavor, Lady Nagant, Death Arms and many others who dare to call themselves heroes. We here in The League know that our society has become too corrupt, too ingrained in these so called heroes. The only way for us to overcome them now is to tear this society down! As my friend here agrees.”

 

Stain turned to the camera with eyes that seemed lifeless and as he spoke his voice sounded deep and broken, “I have made it my life's goal to weed out corrupt heroes and eliminate them. From Wonder Man, who used his fame to ingrain racial stereotypes and fund discrimination, to Deepwave who allowed those who bribed him to continue using his protected port for drug operations. All fakes who deserved the death I say kindly gave them. But as my quest continued and the more heroes I killed the more I came to realise I cannot do it alone. So I looked for fellow comrades who knew the truth and I ended up joining my friends here at The League of Villains as we united in our goals.”

 

“A strange name for a group who claim to fight the corrupt I know. But don’t you see my friends? The word villain is as powerful a weapon to them as their quirks are. To be called a villain is to be shunned from society, we do not question it, we accept that villains must be locked away never to be heard from again. Yet nobody questions who these villains are, just look at Izuku Midoriya, a fine hero student labelled a villain by a society who cannot accept him.”

 

At this Shigaraki looked towards Stain angrily, as if he was going off script. But Stain ignored him and continued.

 

“But nobody would dare call Endeavor a villain, a man who admits to the abuse of his family. And what of Death Arms, the media headlines for weeks have been about the ‘ex-hero’, not once calling him a villain. Do you see? Do you see what they have created? My friends, we must fight back! We must take down the fakes and rip their society to shreds so that we may rebuild it how it should be! Though I’m afraid I may not be around for this.”

 

Shigaraki turned back to the camera with a shake of his head, “We believe the heroes will soon order an assassination on Stain, to stop him before his truth becomes too widespread. He plans on heading to Hosu soon to take care of Ingenium, the hero who has allowed far too many fakes to be let loose into society. Should the heroes try to attack him we will of course intervene. But if we fail I imagine how you’ve heard that he was taken out by sidekicks and good low heroes yes? Believe me, I’ve seen Stain in action, this will be a lie.”

 

“If you are watching this then the rescue will have failed and I will have been killed,” Stain said, “My followers and friends, I’m sorry I could not be with you personally to see though the war that is coming. But please, allow The League to lead you in my stead! They know what must be done, their leaders have the means to save our society! I beg of you, join their ranks and they will lead you straight to the doorstep of the corrupt HPSC! Do not let my death be in vain!”

 

Shigaraki looked directly at the camera and though his face was covered you could practically feel the smirk, “We look forward to your applications to join.”

 

---

 

Chaos.

 

It was exactly what All For One had wanted. He sat back in his office alone, it had barely been an hour since the footage dropped yet every news channel on the planet was playing it back. People across Japan were questioning the HPSC as the likes of All Might and Nagant rushed to do damage control. Small riots had even broken out in those cities not fortunate enough to have a proud hero like All Might defending them.

 

UA was once again in the spotlight with people questioning the ethics of having people as young as 15 out on the streets acting as heroes. And of course Izuku’s name was being mentioned over and over. That had been one All For One hadn’t told Shigaraki about, but he needed to plant his son’s name in there somewhere. If he was over going to convert to boy he needed the rest of society to turn against him.

 

As news reporters shouted at each other, All For One smiled. He could admit that despite making the first move All Might had outplayed him by gaining the trust of his son and forcing Endeavor to admit his failings making any reveal by the villain side have far less of an impact. All Might had never played the game before, always choosing brawn over brains, All For One was excited to see what the man could bring to table as he chuckled.

 

“Your move, All Might.”

Notes:

This was originally going to be two chapters but seeing as updates have been slow recently I thought I'd treat you all to a big one!

As aways thanks for all the kudos and comments!

Chapter 47: Broadcast Aftermath

Summary:

All Might, Lady Nagant and Heroes everywhere must deal with the fallout from The League's broadcast.

All Might figured the press would have swarmed outside the HPSC headquarters by now, but even he’d underestimate the sheer amount of reporters all scrambling at the entrance. He had to land half a mile down the street for fear of crushing a few with his landing otherwise. The moment one sighted him of course the entire army was upon him.

 

“All Might! Any comment on tonight's events!?”

 

“Are you concerned about the alliance between Stain and The League of Villains!?”

 

“Are you comfortable taking a teaching position at UA considering the child soldier accusations!?”

 

All Might clenched his fists but forced a smile as he pushed his way through the crowds. Luckily most of the reporters were smart enough to realise getting in his way was a less than stellar idea. All the while he had questions and accusations thrown at him, some worse than others. It was only when he reached the doors and the police line that he turned to the rabble.

 

Raising his hand the crowd was instantly silent as hundreds of microphones were pushed his way.

 

“Allow me to be clear,” He said and his voice held an undercurrent of anger few had ever heard from him, “ The League of Villains may claim to fight for the outcasts of our society, they may claim that they only want to fight corruption but make no mistake, they fight only for themselves. I saw first hand what they did when they attacked UA. Despite the young age of the students they attacked them with no remorse, not even giving them a chance to surrender. When I arrived they even threatened to kill the students to distract me. Let us not forget several young students came out of that event permenantly maimed and injured. These are not the actions of a group who want to liberate, these are the actions of people who only want to cause pain and suffering. I know there will be people out there who sympathise with The League and who feel we as heroes have let them down. But I assure you The League is not your answer to those issues. I’ll be taking no questions on the matter.”

 

As the crowd erupted into shouts of dismay, All Might turned and marched through the doors. The hissed shut behind him and he let out a sigh of relief as the shouts were cut off.

 

The sun had long set by now but he’d never seen the building so busy, HPSC agents were running around in suits hastily put on while several heroes looked around desperate to help but lost as to how to deal with the crises. Hell nobody even glanced at All Might as he headed for the elevator. He punched in the code to get to the very top floor and pinched the bridge of his nose, things were not going well.

 

The doors opened and All Might stepped directly into Kaina’s office. He blinked however when he discovered she was not alone. Kaina sat behind her desk (looking more stressed than All Might had even seen) with Hawks perched on the end as Endeavor sat awkwardly in one of the armchairs nearby. The fact that he was in civilian clothing and there were grocery bags next to him told All Might he was here more out of coincidence than anything.

 

“Nagant,” He said in greeting as he took a seat next to Endeavor, “I didn’t expect company.”

 

“Yeah well the birdbrain-”

 

“Hey!”

 

“-was already with me when it happened and Endeavor just so happened to be nearby.”

 

“I figured I’d stick around,” Hawks said with a shrug, “Help to damage control and what not.”

 

“That’s a surprise,” All Might commented before he could really think about what he was saying.

 

Hawks snapped his attention to All Might and scowled, “What exactly is that supposed to mean Mr Never Answers Distress Calls From Other Pro’s?”

 

All Might spluttered and blushed at the accusation, mainly because he knew Hawks was right but of course he couldn’t tell him the real reason, “Well with taking on a teaching position at UA recently my time has become tight so you see-”

 

“He suffered a grave injury a few years ago and is limited to about two hours with his quirk now.” Kaina interrupted much to the shock of All Might who deflated on instinct.

 

“Kaina! That’s my secret to-”

 

“What the FUCK!?” Hawks shouted as he leapt up from Kaina’s desk with wide eyes staring at the skeleton form of Yagi.

 

“Calm down Hawks, it’s still All Might,” Endeavor said, trying to placate the blow out as Kaina rolled her eyes.

 

“You knew!?” Hawks cried, pointing an accusing finger at Endeavor.

 

Endeavor sat up a little straighter and puffed his chest out proudly, “As The Number Two Hero myself and All Might felt the need to work closely together to face the incoming threat and-”

 

“It accidentally came up during a dispute between our two families.” Yagi said with a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose, his hero suit now hanging off him like drying laundry.

 

“Between your… Are you two… FRIENDS!?” Hawks said, his jaw on the ground like he’d just heard earth shattering news.

 

Yagi and Endeavor glanced at each other as Endeavor took a cautious approach, “That’s… complicated…”

 

“I’ll say,” Kaina mumbled with a shake of her head.

 

Hawks turned to her with an outraged look, “You’re in on this too!?”

 

“Enough!” Kaina snapped and glared at Hawks, causing the hero to stand as straight as a soldier on inspection day, “We can worry about our personal lives later. Right now we have a crisis if you three didn’t notice.”

 

“How bad is it?” Yagi asked as Hawks took the final seat in front of Kaina’s desk, the top three heroes facing her.

 

“About what you’d expect. The media is having a field day, claiming we’ve lost control of the villain underground.” 

 

“And have we?” Yagi asked with a raised eyebrow.

 

“Officially? No. Though we can’t eradicate organised crime completely, the criminal underground is kept in check throughout Japan by the hero industry.” Kaina said though her tone was that of someone reading an autocue.

 

“And ignoring the party line?” Hawks asked.

 

“Then all of us in this room know the villains have started to push back recently. Not just The League and Stain, other groups are pushing too, becoming more daring. I hate to say it but with All Might being less of a deterrent and the recent stagnation in any hard hitting heroes and our line of defence is diminishing.”

 

Yagi gulped down the wave of guilt that overcame him, perhaps it was arrogant of him to assume that crime was on the rise because he was on the fall. But he knew the Symbol of Peace was faltering and there was nothing he could do about it. Endeavor must have caught the way Yagi looked and sighed.

 

“Don’t blame yourself. This is a result of our combined failings.”

 

“Woah woah,” Hawks protested, “Don’t lump me in with you two, I’m not some kinda symbol.”

 

“Exactly,” Kaina said as she rubbed her temples, “Even an idiot can see All Might’s influence and symbolism are faltering; five years ago his word was practically law. Now people are debating his mental stability on primetime television. Meanwhile Endeavor is still under investigation and about the most controversial person in Japan at the moment and Keigo as much as I’ve always respected your laid back approach to hero work it hardly paints you as a symbol for the public to lean on.”

 

“Yeah well there’s more heroes than just us three you know,” Hawks complained, folding his arms and glaring at Kaina, “What about the rest of the top ten?”

 

“Best Jeanist and Edgeshot are respectable and strong but they mainly got as high as they did based on popularity polls, charity donations and general agency clout. They’re stubborn in their morals but if the hero rankings were based on pure power and villains defeats they’d be bumped a few places lower. In reality Miruko comes 4th in terms of pure manual hero labour, just below you three but while her attitude has done well in her climb through the ranks the top ten is a different ball game. She has a bad habit of pissing off other heroes and with the controversy surrounding Endeavor there’s a few media outlets out there questioning if her attitude is just being used to hide corruption. Meanwhile the rest of the top ten, though all good heroes, don’t have nearly enough power or influence to take over from you three.”

 

“So what you’re saying is don’t fuck anything up?” Hawks clarified as the mood in the room dropped significantly.

 

“I’m saying you three need to start working together more,” Kaina said, pointing at each hero in turn with a glare, “Start showing a united front, don’t let the villains think they can attack through the cracks in our defence.”

 

“And what about Midoriya?” Endeavor asked and Yagi was surprised to find genuine concern in his voice, “He’s been thrust into the media yet again.”

 

“Actually they seem to staying away from that topic,” Kaina said with a shrug, “If they agree with Shigaraki’s comment they’re basically saying that Midoriya isn’t a villain and they’ve all treated him unfairly but of course if they agree they’re backing up Shigaraki’s points.”

 

“So he’s put the media into a corner where the best thing they can do is not discuss the kid.” Hawks said as Yagi let out a breath of relief.

 

“That’s good to hear, I imagine Inko was panicking.”

 

“She’s ok,” Kaina said and offered a soft smile towards Yagi, “I spoke to her right after it happened.”

 

“Who’s Inko?” Hawks asked, his eyes narrowed in suspension between Yagi and Kaina.

 

Both panicked as soft blushes reached their cheeks and scrambled for an explanation, Endeavor just rolled his eyes.

 

“Can we please get back on topic? Where do we go from here, there has to be something we can do to counter this.”

 

Kaina leaned back in her seat and ran her hand down her face, “Hope for the best? The issue is that Shigaraki isn't completely wrong.

 

“Excuse me!?” Yagi gasped, looking more than a little shocked.

 

Kaina just rolled her eyes at him, “How many hero corruption investigations do you think there are on my desk currently?”

 

Yagi paused, “Excluding Endeavor? Six maybe?”

 

Hawks snorted next to him, “You’re way too naïve, try thirty.”

 

“Twenty,” Endeavor said, coming in comfortably between the two.

 

Kaina chuckled, “Right now? Two hundred and seventeen.”

 

Yagi ended up coughing up so much blood from the statement Endeavor had to stop Hawks from calling an ambulance.

 

“That many!? There are that many corrupt heroes?” Yagi said, his gut wrenching and chest falling, he knew there was a problem but not to that severity.

 

“Relax,” Kaina said raising her hands, “It’s not as bad as it sounds on paper, a majority are for small incidents. Inappropriate relations with interns, racial or sexist slurs used around the office, tax evasion, that sort of thing. A majority of them are minor offences that’ll receive nothing but a fine and a small warning from me personally. But if the media ever got hold of those numbers…”

 

“There’d be outrage, even given the context.” Hawks said with a sigh as his wings sagged behind him.

 

Kaina nodded and rubbed her tired eyes, “Endeavor I can sell. A lone powerful hero who climbed the ranks but lost his way to the top but is doing everything he can to make amends? That’s a story people can get behind, hell the rivalry between the top two heroes is enough for Endeavor to be seen as an underdog to All Might.”

 

There was a low growl in the room and everyone turned to look at Endeavor who coughed awkwardly into his hand, “Sorry uh… force of habit.”

 

“Would people really be so quick to attack us all if it came out?” Hawks asked, shrugging his shoulders, “Hero scandal isn’t all that rare if we’re being honest. Fair enough it always makes headlines but it doesn’t bring the industry down each time.”

 

Kaina shook her head, “Keigo the hero scandals that make the headlines are the ones I allow to make the headlines. Nobody cares if some outback hero who never broke past rank 2000 is arrested for drunk driving. There would be outcry however if people knew Miruko has settled at least three excessive force accusations outside of court, I doubt they’d be as forgiving with such a high ranking hero.”

 

“Why hide some scandals and not others?” Endeavor asked.

 

“Originally? When I took the job my hope was to build it up so that cases like Miruko’s wouldn’t cause the industry to collapse. Now? I didn’t realise that was impossible all thanks to him.” Kaina said and her finger extended to point at Yagi.

 

Yagi spluttered as the attention in the room turned to him, “Me!? What did I do?”

   

“You’re too damn perfect!” Kaina exclaimed as she fell back in her seat, “You never lose a villain fight, you’re incorruptible, hell you don’t even curse. Not to mention now you appear to be a great teacher and mentor on top of that, hell you are basically a second Dad to Bakugou and all but the only Dad Izuku has.”

 

Yagi tried to fight the blush that overtook his face at her words as Endeavor rolled his eyes, “So what you’re saying is All Might is too perfect that the public expects every other hero to be on the same unattainable level.”

 

“And if the public ever finds out All Might is the exception not the rule then everything Shigaraki is claiming suddenly has a lot more weight to it.” Hawks concluded as the entire room seemed to drop significantly.

 

“So what do you need from us?” Endeavor asked Kaina.

 

“To show a united front. To make sure the public realise it’s all or nothing, not that each of you works independent of each other. Make an appearance at each other's agencies, do charity events together and if you really want I’ll set up joint patrols. If The League of Villains is trying to break down the walls I’ve put up around the skeletons in our closets then I need you three to make sure when that happens it’s clear the hero industry stands united.”

 

Hawks shrugged as he got out of his chair, “I can do that, in the meantime I’ll go out and do some night-time patrols. Make sure I’m seen by the media so it doesn't look like we’re sat around doing nothing. Have your people contact my people.”

 

“I uh… don’t have people.” Yagi said a little awkwardly, his agency had officially shut down a few weeks ago now.

 

“Just tell me and I’ll get it to Toshi.” Kaina said as she closed her eyes and rested her head on her desk.

 

“Uh… who’s Toshi?” Hawks asked with confusion as he paused by the window he was about to fly out of.

 

“He is,” Endeavor said, pointing to Yagi.

 

Hawks blinked, “Why is my sister calling you by your first name All Might?”

 

Both Yagi and Kaina looked up with wide eyes as they glanced at each other nervously.

 

“Weren’t you going on patrol?” Endeavor drawled as he stood up, also apparently done with the meeting.

 

Hawks narrowed his gaze at Yagi, “Uh huh,” he said before flying out into the night.

 

Yagi let out a sigh of relief as Endeavor grabbed his shopping bags.

 

“If you two don’t want it coming out may I suggest you be less obvious? Unlike Miss Midoriya, you don’t have the luxury of private lives.”

 

Yagi coughed as Kaina narrowed her eyes at Endeavor, “How the hell do YOU even know?”

 

Endeavor shrugged, “Masaru told me while we were at golf.” He said and walked out the door.

 

Yagi allowed himself a few seconds to let that sink in before he stood up and chased after the man.

 

“Since when the hell do you play golf with Masaru!?”

 

---

 

The downtrodden mood in the class the day after Shigaraki’s message to Japan was obvious. Aizawa had warned Yagi earlier that morning, claiming he hadn’t even been required to quiet the class that morning. They had all been sitting in brooding silence before he’d even walked in the door. Faced with them now Yagi could see how bad it truly was. There were the obvious brooders like the way Tokoyami looked constantly distant or the ever present angry scowl on Katsuki’s face. But it was the way Eijiro looked like a kicked puppy and how Tsu sagged in her seat that really made Yagi aware of how bad it was.

 

It probably didn’t help after the excitement of yesterday's practical heroics lesson today was purely classroom based.

 

“So based on the three patrol methods we’ve discussed let's take a well known hero, say Edgeshot. Can you tell which method do you think would best suit his heroic style?”

 

Unsurprisingly not a single hand was raised to answer the question, not even from Iida or Yaoyorozu. Yagi sighed, he wasn’t sure he even really had their attention from the get go. The only people who didn’t look phased were Todoroki, presumably because being the son of Endeavor villain threats were a constant in his life, and Izuku for which Yagi assumed he was largely still reeling from the news of his father to be phased by much more in this life.

 

Yagi’s gut instinct was to reach out and reassure them, to tell them it was going to be ok and not to worry about it. But his mind told him that was not a good idea. For as controversial as Aizawa’s teaching was, he was right not to coddle the kids. Death threats, public insults even hostage situations would all be carried out in their name if they reached the top ranks. Pretending otherwise would be counterproductive and Yagi knew they were all smart enough to know The League presented a very real threat.

 

Yagi decided to take a page out of his colleague's book as he reached out for a piece of chalk. He twirled it around in his fingers before pulling back and launching it across the room. With how much Inko was practically force feeding the man and now that he was actually exercising outside of All Might time Yagi had regained a good amount of muscle and with the skills gained from decades as a hero the chalk streamlined across the room and slammed into the far wall with a satisfying crack.

 

Immediately 20 heads snapped up to stare at him with wide eyes, it was the sort of stunt they’d expect from Aizawa, maybe Present Mic or Midnight if they were in bad moods but certainly not the ever smiling Yagi.

 

“I trust I now have your full attention?” Yagi asked the class with a cheeky smile which caused a wave of embarrassed looks.

 

“Sorry Sensei,” Mina mumbled out, “I think everyone is just feeling a little down…”

 

Yagi hummed and nodded, “I assume because of yesterday's broadcast?”

 

There was a collective nod from the class before Hagakure broke the silence, “It felt like they were threatening us personally. What with the USJ and everything…”

 

“What reason would they have to target our class personally though?” Jiro countered though her voice was full of doubt, “Afterall the USJ was about All Might not us.”

 

Yagi observed two very large reasons as to why The League may target this class specifically wince at Jiro’s comment. It was bad enough having Yagi’s successor in the class, let alone the son of All For One. Truth be told 1A was probably the second largest target for The League just behind All Might.

 

“I’m afraid we can’t rule out a vendetta against you specifically,” Yagi said gravelly as his smile dropped, “Given what happened at the USJ your class has become somewhat of a symbol of defiance against The League.”

 

Several faces paled at the admission as Tsu croaked out with a shaky voice, “So you’re saying they might target us again?”

 

“They’re not about to attack you on the street, to be blunt, hitting you individually serves no purpose and the security at UA has been tightened dramatically. It’s possible if they are daring they may try and attack you here but it would be suicide.”

 

“Can’t we get extra protection or something?” Kaminari asked, fear ridden within his eyes, “Like heroes keeping tabs on us?”

 

“Maybe…” Yagi mumbled in response, already guessing where this was going.

 

“What about if we went into witness protection or something?” Sato suggested to a few nods around the room.

 

“Hmmmm,” Yagi hummed, waiting for the right moment to strike.

 

“The heroes have to protect us from The League right?” Sero commented, “Isn't that right Yagi Sensei?”

 

Yagi nodded, “It is,” he then allowed a relieved sigh to spread across the classroom before he continued.

 

“And at what point will you all be moving to the General Studies course?”

 

God Aizawa was a bad influence on him.

 

Yagi could literally track the shockwave of outraged faces across the classroom as the impact of his words spread among the room. Kirishima looked like a kicked puppy, Yaoyorozu dropped her pencil on the floor in shock and Katsuki nearly fell back on his chair in a mix of outrage and pure fury.

 

Iida raised his hand straight up in the air like a man possessed as he tried (and failed) to hide the confused pain on his face, “Um… Sensei? What do you mean?”

 

Yagi leaned forward on the podium and gave the class a cold gaze, “I apologise for being blunt but like I said at the start of the year, I will not sugar coat these things. You are all training to be heroes. I’ll confess that yesterday’s event may have been on the rarer side of things but death threats, bounties against your name and a general risk all come with the job. Just this morning I found three death threats in All Might's mail and that was after filtering by the HPSC and a private security team.”

 

Yagi could see the way their faces dropped, the way some of his class looked down at their desks, he knew his words were harsh but they needed to understand.

 

“I know we like to have fun and joke around sometimes but these are villains. Give them a chance and they will kill you. Every hero lives their life with their head over shoulders, always concerned a villain might find their family and use it against them. Especially those who reach the top ranks. You may still be children so I can accept getting unnerved at last night's events but if you wish to remain heroes in training you cannot let it phase you.”

 

“So what?” Sero replied, looking more than a little sick, “We’re just supposed to take it on the chin?”

 

“Not completely.” Yagi said with a shake of his head, “Obviously security at UA has been heightened and it would take an incredible amount of luck and skill for The League to successfully gain any of your personal information outside of a name. However I’m afraid this is only a taste of what life could be like in your futures. I hate to be blunt but should you wish to continue being heroes these are the things you’ll need to accept.” 

 

There was a sense of unease among the class, it was the same unease that had been present in the days after the USJ. Once again his students had been forced to face the reality of hero life head on. And though Yagi’s words were harsh he needed to make them aware of the truth, give them an opportunity to back out now before they got in too deep.

 

Yagi wondered if anybody would break but once again he watched as 20 faces steeled, as everyone sat up a little straighter and their eyes filled with fire. Slowly Izuku raised his arm as his eyes scanned the board. Yagi nodded at him.

 

“Edgeshot would best suit patrol route number 3, he doesn’t have a mobility quirk for the long route of number 1 and he works best in tight spaces unlike the open country of number 2.”

 

Yagi smiled and nodded, “Correct and can anyone tell me the worst route for Edgeshot?”

 

This time several hands rose into the air and Yagi smiled. Damn these kids were good.

 

---

 

“Now using the local area around UA for your homework I want you to design your own patrol route and explain your reasoning behind it. Have a good evening everyone!” Yagi cried at the end of the day above the shuffling of chairs and bags before gathering his papers and leaving the room with his signature smile.

 

Next to Izuku, Eijiro let out a long yawn as he stretched his arms, “Man I’m tired. My Mom’s really freaked out after that broadcast, it took me hours to calm them down.”

 

Kyouka nodded as she packed her things into her bag, “I feel that, my Dad was ready to pull me from the hero course. Luckily Mom managed to calm him down… more or less.”

 

Izuku hummed and nodded in agreement, “Yeah my Mum was uh… a little concerned.”

 

A little meaning she had nearly broken down in tears until a combination of Mitsuki and Yagi via the phone calmed her down. Izuku was starting to get concerned that one day something might happen that was too much for his mother to handle.

 

“Oh yeah…” Eijiro said and trailed off, looking at Izuku nervously, “Are you ok man? I mean none of us got called out like that personally.”

 

Izuku shrugged as he stood up from his seat and gave his friends a small smile, “Honestly I’m fine, it’s not the first time my name has been called out in the media and it won’t be the last.”

 

Eijiro and Kyouka glanced at each other, a little concerned about Izuku’s non-chalantness in being called out by an up and coming villain group.

 

Izuku felt a pink hand slowly wrap around his arm, an action that barely made him pause these days, “Don’t worry guys! I’ll make sure he doesn’t burst into tears at the school council meeting!”

 

Izuku let out a slight huff as Mina winked up at him, “I haven’t burst into tears for weeks!” He protested.

 

“Yeah yeah,” Mina said with a giggle and started to drag Izuku out the classroom as he waved to Katsuki and his other friends, “Ugh I can’t believe they set up a last minute meeting today! I was supposed to be going shopping with Uraraka!”

 

Izuku managed to squirm out of Mina’s grasp as they walked through the school halls, “Don’t you mean studying?”

 

“Pfft,” Mina replied with a wave of her hand, “Finals are ages away.”

 

“They’re in three weeks…” Izuku mumbled to which he received a glare in response.

 

“I said, they’re ages away!” Mina snapped and prodded his chest with each word to prove her point.

 

Izuku chuckled and held his hands up in surrender, “Alright alright.”

 

They fell into a comfortable silence as they made their way through the school, students from all courses hurried to the exits eager to get home. They passed Present Mic giving two scruffy looking students a stern talking to outside a storage closet. No guesses as to what had occurred. Ectoplasm (or possibly one of his clones) gave them a polite nod as they walked past the General Ed classrooms. Shinso appeared in the doorway of one and gave Izuku a reluctant smile before dropping his face again and walking away.

 

It was all perfectly normal, something Izuku felt had been lacking in his life since… well ever really.

 

The crowds thinned until they reached the hall used for school council meetings. Izuku pushed open the door to find most of the presidents and vice presidents already milling about and in their seats. That wasn’t unusual, what did surprise him though was to find Togata and Nedzu on the stage talking to-

 

“Lady Nagant?” Izuku asked, blinking in surprise.

 

Nagant caught his eye as he walked up and gave him a polite nod, “Nice to see you again Midoriya.”

 

“Ah!” Nedzu said and happily clapped as Izuku and Mina joined them on the stage, “I see you two have already met?”

 

“She was there after my first uh… run in with Stain,” Izuku explained and shrugged, “Plus apparently you live nearby?” He asked the hero, “Me and Kacchan always see you walking around our house.”

 

Nagan’t eyes widened as Nedzu looked up at her with a raised eyebrow, “Really? How curious…”

 

“I’m sorry,” Mina asked, butting into the conversation in a way that made Nagant thank the gods, “But who are you? Are you a hero?”

 

Nagant blinked at Mina and turned to an embarrassed Nedzu, “Please tell me the education standards here aren’t that low?”

 

“Hey!” Mina protested with a slight pout, “I’m not Mr Hero Nerd here, I don’t know every hero out there!”

 

“Ah um Ashido,” Togata said, flinching a little at Mina’s words, “This is Lady Nagant… The head of The HPSC…”

 

Mina froze completely, the only movement detectable on her whole body was the slight widening of her eyes as her cheeks turned to deep purple with embarrassment.

 

“Oh.” Was all Mina could muster after about a minute in her catatonic state.

 

Nagant snorted and shook her head, “I suppose it's to be expected, I don’t really jump into the media storm the same way All Might does.”

 

“We’ll uh… We’ll go take our seats,” Izuku said with a wince as he guided a still shocked Mina down the stage and towards their usual seats.

 

As they walked down the row they received the usual glances and whispers, it had been that way ever since their first meeting. Izuku’s display had more or less made them the centre of attention. Originally a few of the older students had mocked him for it, the audacity of a 1st year student threatening a 3rd year. That was until the sports festival in which most people realised that bar the top 3rd year hero students Izuku had the quirk power to outclass most of them despite his age. Now most of them were wary of him or looked at him with outright fear, it didn’t help that Mina was all too happy to fall into the evil mistress role and only refer to Izuku as Supreme Overlord during meetings.

 

“Hey guys,” Kendo offered with a smile as the hero students sat down.

 

“Hey!” Mina said with a wide smile, “How did your internships go?”

 

Kendo winced and shivered in her seat, “Don’t ask, I should’ve taken your advice Midoriya and not gone with Uwabami. I think Yaoyorozu had an even worse time than me.”

 

Izuku frowned as he took his seat between Mina and Kendo, “She went with Uwabami? That was a poor choice even ignoring how media obsessed Uwabami is. She should've gone with a hero who shares the basic principles of her quirk in terms of energy consumption and usage.”

 

Kendo hummed in disappointment as Shoda shrugged, “Mine wasn’t so bad, turns out Hacker Man can be a real hardass but he managed to beat me at chess so he has my respect. How were yours?”

 

“Eh, I didn’t get to go on any patrols or anything but I got a ton of training and a bunch of new support equipment for free!” Mina said with a smug grin at Izuku who grumbled under his breath about not noticing trackers placed on him.

 

“Mine was um… interesting,” Izuku said and scratched the back of his head, “I was in Hosu.”

 

Kendo and Shoda’s eyes widened in shock, “Woah,” Kendo said, “Did you… see any Nomu or… Stain?”

 

As if wielding a sixth sense Izuku could feel Nagant’s eye boring into him, a quick glance at the woman showed that she was paying full attention to the conversation.

 

“Ah um… No, I just helped evacuate civilians.” Izuku said with a gulp.

 

“Ahem, if everyone could please take their seats,” Nedzu said, his voice ringing out around the room despite his small stature.

 

The collective group of students shuffled around until everyone was in their seats leaving Togata, Nedzu and Nagant on the stage.

 

“Thanks for coming on such short notice everyone!” Togata said with a round smile out at the crowd, “I know Lady Nagant here will appreciate it!”

 

Nagant nodded her head and stepped forward, “I’ll be blunt, we all know why I’m here. With last night's broadcast it's obvious The League of Villains has singled out UA as an example of their views on society. Given the increased threat I thought it prudent I give advice to your teachers on the matter and allow you as the representatives of the student body to ask me any questions.”

 

“To be clear,” Nedzu said with a slight sternness to his voice, “This an opportunity to raise concerns about UA, anything outside of that will not be tolerated.”

 

“Are we gonna be attacked?” One of the students called out the moment Nedzu finished.

 

“At this stage it's unlikely,” Nagant replied smoothly like the question had been pre prepared for her, “While certainly a symbol of our industry UA holds no tactical advantage, combined with the new security measures and the failure of their first attack I doubt they’d risk it again.”

 

“You say there’s no tactical advantage,” Another student said, the vice-rep for one of the second year management classes if Izuku was right, “But what about him?”

 

Izuku tensed up as every eye in the room followed the students pointed finger straight to him. He refused to show any reaction though, keeping his face blank as he focused solely on the stage. His frozen state would make even Aizawa proud as everyone looked him up and down.

 

Mina seemed to be trying to do the same but was much less effective as she glanced at Izuku and bit her lip in worry.

 

“I’m not sure that's relevant,” Nedzu said with a frown that caused many to snap their attention away from Izuku though a few of the braver 3rd years didn’t look phased.

 

“I’m sorry principle,” One of them said with a shake of their head, “This is nothing against the 1A president personally but 1A was the class to be attacked by the villains, not to mention the rumours about them and Hosu and then he gets called out specifically in last night's broadcast? I’m sorry but that’s all one big coincidence.”

 

“Hey!” Mina suddenly cried, standing up in her seat with a scowl, causing Izuku to break his facade slightly, “That’s not fair! They’re probably only calling Izuku out because he gave them the biggest fight at the USJ and because assholes like you keep bullying him and proving The League has a point!”

 

“Mina!” Izuku hissed as he tried to pull her back down to her seat but she just shrugged him off.

 

The older student raised their hands, “Woah, I’m not saying it’s his fault or anything, I’m just saying he’s clearly been singled out.”

 

“I think what Hinata is trying to say,” Togata said, trying to placate the argument growing within the crowd, “Is that Midoriya, through no fault of his own, seems to be a specific target of The League. Is it possible they may try to get him here at UA?”

 

“If The League wanted Midoriya that badly it’d be far easier to grab him off the street than try and launch a siege of UA.” Nagant responded.

 

Izuku felt a shiver up his spine, he wished he could say the student was exaggerating The League's interest in him but Yagi had warned him there was no way All For One wasn’t aware of him by now. Next to Izuku Mina deflated at Nagant’s words and fell back in her seat, giving Izuku worried glances.

 

“And what if they try to recruit him?”

 

Even Kendo spluttered next to Izuku at the suggestion while Mina looked ready to leap over several rows of chairs and tackle the accuser. Izuku however just leant back with a sigh and closed his eyes, another day, another villain accusation.

 

“I can assure you,” Nedzu spoke in a dangerous tone as his voice whispered in every student's ear like ice, “Izuku Midoriya is far from being a potential villain. I dare say as All Might's recommended student he’s probably the least likely to convert out of everyone in this room.”

 

As Nedzu spoke Izuku only half listened to the debate, it was all the same really. His mind wandered to what homework he needed to do tonight. Had Katsuki already done the maths? If he had Izuku would trade him Izuku’s English essay for Katsuki’s maths problems.

 

“How can you be sure?” Another voice called out as Izuku sensed Mina’s quirk flare up next to him, he reached out with his own quirk, tugging on it slightly and she soon calmed down.

 

“Midoriya gave us a two hour lecture three weeks ago about better relations between departments, I’m fairly sure he isn’t a villain.” Another voice called out with a slight chuckle and hey that was nice, Izuku did have some support here.

 

Plus they remembered his presentation! Maybe he should do another? Although he wasn’t allowed to put forward another one for at least a month. Maybe Mina would like to do one with him?

 

“Ok but what if he was tortured? Forced to follow them?”

 

Izuku started to think about what they were having for dinner that night. His Mom was busy tonight so that meant Auntie would probably cook up some foreign food.

 

“That’s a good point, he’s only a first year. I can’t imagine he would hold out very long if they captured him.”

 

Wasn’t there some hero documentary on that evening he wanted to watch? He hoped he didn’t miss the start because of this meeting.

 

“Look he’s just a kid I don’t think-”

 

“ENOUGH!”

 

Izuku’s brilliant façade was completely broken the moment he heard Mina roar next to him. She was on her feet, seething and glaring with such intensity even Nagant took a step back. One of her fists had gone straight through the desk in front of her though whether from sheer strength or her acid Izuku had no idea.

 

“I am getting sick of everybody in this fucking school constantly debating over Izuku!” Mina snapped, “Every other day I hear a comment about him, I am so done with it! You wanna know who Izuku is? He’s the student who managed to hold off The League of Villains until All Might arrived, he’s the one who encountered Stain and lived and he was in Hosu fighting Nomu while the rest of us were probably trying to get our nightly sugar fix!”

 

“You have no idea how much torture it is to be in the same class as him. Every time I think I’ve made progress I simply discover that Izuku is leaps and bounds ahead of me! He’s the strongest, kindest and most dedicated person I know. I don’t know if The League will come after him or not. But I do know if they do they’re gonna have the greatest fight of their life on their hands right up until the moment Izuku either breaks out by himself or the heroes come for him. So unless you think you can do a better job of taking down The League I suggest you all shut the fuck up.”

 

Nobody spoke about Izuku for the rest of the meeting.

 

---

 

Even with Izuku’s limited social skills he guessed he probably shouldn’t just say goodbye to Mina and walk home after her outburst. The rest of the meeting she’d had a constant scowl on her face and had stormed off the moment Togata dismissed them without even so much as a wave goodbye at the 1B representatives. Izuku had then followed her as she marched through the halls of UA with clenched fists until the sounds of chatter died away completely.

 

Mina paused in the hallway and propped herself up with one hand, pausing before a shaky breath shook her whole body and she bent over, gasping for air slightly.

 

Izuku's eyes widened and he ran forward, standing over her but touching her, “Mina! Are you ok?”

 

Mina looked up at him with a flushed face, “Me!? Izuku they just spent another council meeting attacking you while you sat right there, are you ok!?”

 

Izuku shrugged, “Nothing new there. I’ve learned to ignore it.

 

“Well I haven’t,” Mina huffed and folded her arms while standing back up straight, “It’s just… Ugh! They talk about our class without having any idea what we went through!”

 

“I think most of them are just afraid. None of them have faced The League like we have, to them they’re this mystery group which somehow gave the top heroes a run for their money. That hasn’t been achieved in years.”

 

“I know and I get it logically but… it’s not fair,” Mina said with a pout causing Izuku to give her a lopsided smile.

 

“Take it from me. Life is never fair.”

 

Mina nodded before looking up at him, “Can I hug you?”

 

Izuku gave a brief nod and the next thing he knew he was wrapped up in a hug so tight it rivalled even his mothers. Mina’s face snuggled into his chest as she held him close, moving on instinct Izuku’s own arms wrapped around her and he held her close. Her quirk pulsed within her and Izuku allowed his own to mingle with it slightly, the content sigh from Mina indicated doing so was not a bad thing.

 

“I hate it when they say those things about you.” She mumbled into his chest.

 

“I know but… you have no idea how much it means to me there are people besides Kacchan who will defend me.”

 

Mina’s head moved from its place on Izuku’s chest to looking up at him, a soft smile on her lips, “I’d always defend you.”

 

Something about the situation made Izuku’s breath hitch in his throat. He suddenly became aware of how close their faces were, how Mina’s body felt against his and how much he liked looking into her eyes. Mina too found herself staring back into Izuku’s emerald eyes, her lips parting slightly as the pair of them moved their faces closer together until-

 

“Izuku?”

 

“MOM!?”

 

Izuku all but threw Mina to the other end of the hallway as he tried to physically separate them as fast as he could. Mina yelped as she all but soared through the air before landing on her feet. Both students turned to face Inko who was watching them with a raised eyebrow, Lady Nagant standing just behind her.

 

Izuku gulped as he felt his face flush, “M-Mom, haven't you gone home yet?”

 

Inko paused as she glanced between the two students, “I stayed back to do some extra work… who’s this?”

 

“Ah um,” Izuku stuttered as Mina stepped forward, a light blush on her cheeks.

 

“I’m Mina Ashido, Izuku’s friend! You must be his mother?” 

 

Inko paused for a moment, the suspicion in her eyes present until-

 

“Oh my! It’s so nice to finally meet one of Izuku’s friends!” She cried and made to hug Mina.

 

Mina however reacted automatically and took a slight step back, something Inko noticed immediately, it was a reaction she’d seen in her son many times. However she simply provided a warm smile and held out her hand.

 

“I’ve heard so much about you.”

 

“Me too!” Mina chirped as she reached out and shook Inko’s hand, “Izuku and Bakugou talk about you all the time.”

 

“Oh? What sort of things do they say?”

 

“Mainly that they’re both terrified of you.”

 

Izuku froze up and glared at Mina as Inko turned to him with a smug expression, “Oh really?”

 

Nagant cleared her throat behind Inko and smirked at the students, “As much fun as it would be to watch you mess with your son and his highly attractive female friend he was hugging that looked completely platonic, we’re going to be late.”

 

Izuku blushed at Nagant’s words while Mina tilted her head, “Do you two know each other.”

 

Both women smiled slightly, “We’re what you might call friends.” Inko said.

 

Izuku was about to question when this had occurred when another voice rang out from just around the corner.

 

“Sorry I’m late ladies, myself and Aizawa were just finishing off the prep for the 1A’s final exams. But I’m all yours for a night full of roma- IZUKU!? YOUNG AHSIDO!?”

 

Yagi turned the corner and nearly fell to the floor as blood spurted from his mouth with a violent cough.

 

Mina narrowed her eyes, “Are you friends with Yagi Sensei too?”

 

Inko suddenly looked a lot less smug as she gave a shaky smile, “Ah yes?”

 

“Well um you see… How are finals coming?” Yagi asked with an awkward smile.

 

“Finals?” Mina asked as her eyes widened.

 

“Let the kids be, I’m sure they have teenage things to be doing.” Nagant said as she pushed Inko and Yagi down the hall, “Good luck on those exams kids!” She called as the adults turned a corner and out of sight.

 

Izuku frowned, looking at the empty space they had all been, “Did that seem weird to-”

 

Before he could finish he suddenly found himself slammed against the wall with Mina’s hands grabbing at his shirt.

 

“You gotta help me Izuku!”

 

“W-What!?”

 

“Finals are just around the corner!”

 

Izuku blinked, “I know… I told you that?”

 

“You gotta help me study! I’m near the bottom of the class! Please, I'm begging you!”

 

“Ah ok!” Izuku cried and held up his hands, “Maybe we could make it a group thing?”

 

“Oooh good idea!” Mina said and jumped back from Izuku, switching to her usual bubbly self, “I’ll give Uraraka a call, I’m sure she’d be down!”

 

Izuku sighed as he followed Mina while she spoke on the phone. His mind snapped back to a few minutes ago when he and Mina had been about to… Well there was no denying what had been about to happen.

 

So why had two other faces popped into his head at the same time?

Notes:

Just so you know we're in for a couple of slower, fluffier chapters before getting to the final exams arc (which I may or may not have done a complete overhaul of canon for) before things pick back up again!

Thanks for all the comments and kudos as always!

Chapter 48: Four Scoops of Fluff

Summary:

With final exams looming Izuku, Katsuki and their friends take a day to study where things turn a little intimate

“Damn, so this is what I can expect when I’m a top ten hero huh?” Katsuki whistled as they made their way through the entrance hall of the building towards the elevator.

 

Honestly Izuku had to agree, he didn’t even know apartment buildings this nice existed anywhere near the area they lived in. The outside was a tall pristine glass building with balconies full of exotic plants while equally impressive gardens lined either side of the road into the front entrance. The boys had been let in by a smiling doorman though both had noticed the way he analysed them looking for threats. The building likely had a while security team hidden somewhere

 

As they walked into the modern elevator Izuku had to remind himself this was technically Endeavor’s second home. Between this and the fact Yagi threw around money like it was scrap paper and he was starting to understand why so many people went into heroics for the money. 

 

“Todoroki said it was floor 30,” Izuku mumbled as Katsuki scanned the buttons, turning to Izuku with a raised eyebrow.

 

“So the penthouse?”

 

“I guess so?”

 

Katsuki nodded and pushed the top button as they started to rise up the floors. Izuku let out a long breath, it had been two weeks since he’d found out the truth and he’d be lying if he said he was ok. He hadn’t had a good night's sleep since his conversation with Yagi and Aizawa, his quirk was flaring up worse than ever and he had become so paranoid he felt like his father was waiting around every corner to take him away from his family. And of course Katsuki was bound to notice.

 

“You’ve been acting weird recently.”

 

Izuku shrugged and gripped his backpack tightly, it was full of books and school equipment in preparation for a full day of studying, “I’m just tired with finals coming up.”

 

“An excuse that you know full well I’m gonna call bullshit on.”

 

“I said I’m fine Kacchan… just drop it? Please?”

 

Katsuki looked like he wanted to argue further but the ding of the elevator doors opening saved Izuku from any further interrogation. Katsuki marched forward and pound his fist against the only door in front of them. There was a pause before it swung open to reveal a young woman with white hair containing red streaks. She had glasses framed on a pretty face that was looking at the pair with a slack jaw.

 

“Oh my god you’re real.”

 

“Hah!?” 

 

Katsuki reeled back with a scowl on his face while Izuku just looked up at the girl in confusion who winced as she realised what she’d just said.

 

“Sorry! Sorry! It’s just… When Shoto said he was having friends over for a study session I wasn’t sure if he was joking.”

 

“Has he not mentioned us?” Izuku asked, slightly insulted Todoroki hadn’t even spoken about them.

 

“Oh no!” The girl said and waved her hands out in panic, “He talks about you all the time but well… he used to have loads of imaginary friends when he was younger and I thought he’d fallen back into old habits.”

 

Izuku and Katsuki glanced at each other as identical smirks slowly spread over their faces.

 

“Oh really?” Katsuki started.

 

“How interesting.” Izuku finished.

 

The girl seemed to realise she’d made a mistake and coughed slightly, “Ah well… Anyway, I'm Fuyumi, Shoto’s older sister. I’m guessing based on the hair colours, angry scowl and slightly unnerving atmosphere that you two are Midoriya and Bakugou?”

 

“That’s us!” Izuku said and showed off a wide smile while Katsuki just grunted in agreement.

 

“It’s so nice to meet you both, come in!”

 

Fuyumi led the pair into the rather lavish apartment. Traditional yet sleek wooden flooring met their feet as the front door opened up into a large combined living space. One half of the room was taken up by a modern kitchen fitted with the most advanced cooking equipment on the market with a traditional Japanese dining table in the middle of it that was made of a wood Izuku expected didn’t come cheap. The other half was a comfortable lounge with a large L shaped sofa and TV that quite frankly was closer to being a small cinema than a home entertainment system.

 

Todoroki sat at the table, predictably slurping on some soba while another older boy was leaning against the counter. He looked up in curiosity at the new arrivals, his hair the same white tone as his siblings but without any red in it. He too raised a surprised eyebrow at the pair.

 

“Wait? They’re real?”

 

“That’s what I said!” Fuyumi chimed as Shoto looked at them in suspicion.

 

“Don’t get excited,” Izuku said with a slight smirk.

 

“Yeah, the imaginary friends are right behind us.” Katsuki said with a snigger.

 

There was a clatter of dropped chopsticks on wood and a slight gasp as Todoroki gave his sister an outraged look, “You didn’t!?”

 

Fuyumi coughed awkwardly into her hand, “It uh… slipped out.”

 

“Hey I like these kids!” The older boy said with a chuckle, “I’m Natsuo, Fuyumi’s younger and Shoto’s older brother.”

 

“Katsuki Bakugou,” Katsuki grunted and pointed to Izuku, “He’s my younger brother, Izuku Midoriya.”

 

Natsuo nodded as Izuku tilted his head, “I thought only Todoroki and his sister lived here?”

 

“They do… I’m being forced to go to lunch with Endeavor.”

 

“ Dad,” Fuyumi said, hissing the word and glaring at Natsuo, “Is extending an olive branch and taking us for lunch to… discuss transferring responsibility of Mom’s care over to us.”

 

“Jesus Fuyumi,” Natsuo said and threw his arms in the air, “Tell the random kids everything about us why don’t you.”

 

“They’re not random kids,” Fuyumi protested and folded her arms at her brother, “They’re Shoto’s best friends and they’re family friends! Dad was even going on about a joint family meal, he’s friends with their Dad!”

 

Izuku chose not to point out that Masaru was technically not his father.

 

“Endeavor has friends!?” Natsuo cried, looking more shocked at that reveal than anything else. 

 

Luckily before the family drama could become anymore awkward there was a soft tap at the door.

 

“That’ll be Ren, I hope he remembered his imaginary backpack.” Katsuki said and dramatically tapped his chin.

 

“Nah, he’s too studious to forget it.” Izuku continued without missing a beat.

 

“You did this,” Todoroki growled, pointing his chopsticks accusingly at Fuyumi who ran to get the door as Natsuo chuckled to himself.

 

“Hey guys!” Eijiro said with a wave as he, Kyouka and Uraraka followed Fuyumi into the kitchen, “I ran into Kyouka and Uraraka downstairs.”

 

Kyouka gave the gathered group a peace sign as Uraraka looked around the apartment in awe, “This is so… expensive…”

 

Todoroki frowned as he tilted his head at Uraraka, “It’s smaller than Midoriya and Bakugou’s house.”

 

“What do you mean SMALLER!?” Uraraka shouted and turned to Izuku and Katsuki with a furious expression, “Are all my friends rich!?”

 

Kyouka decided to observe something very interesting on the ceiling and not bring up her rather successful musical producer parents as Eijiro shrugged, “I mean Mom is a nurse and Ma is a school teacher so we’re not exactly loaded.”

 

Uraraka grabbed Eijiro and dragged him away from the group, “Come join the side of the peasants, we can’t trust these rich folk.”

 

Kyouka spluttered as Natsuo watched their antics with an amused smile. A Moment later the front door slammed open and shut as Mina appeared inside, looking around frantically.

 

“Mina!” Kyouka cried, “You can’t just barge into peoples homes.”

 

“No no no! You don’t understand!” Mina cried as she ran forward, her eyes full of fear, “I kept insisting he didn't need to come with me but I couldn’t stop him!”

 

“Stop who?” Katsuki asked as the tension in the room rose slightly.

 

Before Mina could answer the door to the apartment creaked open with a soft knock, “Um… excuse me? I think my sister just ran in here?”

 

As a head popped around the door it was obvious this was Mina’s older brother, the pink dreadlocks and skin was a dead giveaway. Unlike Mina though he didn’t have horns and one of his eyes was a standard shade of brown. The other eye was stained white and the skin around it rough and scarred. Upon seeing Mina he smiled and invited himself in, closing the door behind. He was tall and lean, slightly larger than Natsuo which caused the other teenager to frown.

 

“Apologies about my little sister, I assure you not all Ashido’s are so impolite.”

 

Mina huffed as Fuyumi smiled and held her hand, “I’m Fuyumi Todoroki, it's a pleasure to meet you. Please call me Fuyumi, there’s too many Todorokis to keep track of already.”

 

“Then call me Akira,” Akira said with a chuckle, “I didn’t expect Mina’s friend to have such an attractive sibling.” He said and smirked which caused Fuyumi to giggle, something that resulted in Natsuo nearly dropping his phone and Todoroki choking mid soba slurp.

 

Mina’s eyes widened and she ran up to her brother, trying to push him towards the door, “Get out! Get out! Get out!”

 

“Aw come on,” Akira complained as he swivelled away from Mina and approached the group of students, “I wanna meet the friends you keep talking about.”

 

Akira scanned the group of teens and stuck his tongue out in thought, “I’m guessing the blonde guy with a scowl is Bakugou, the slightly confused one is Uraraka and the kinda scary kid is Todoroki.”

 

All three students gave a nod of confirmation as Akira turned to Izuku, Kyouka and Eijiro with a shit eating grin so menacing Izuku nearly activated his quirk on instinct.

 

“Which means you three must be… what was it you called them Mina? Izuku the hunk? Eijiro the Daddy? Kyouka the dream woman?”

 

All three students blushed furiously but it was nothing compared to the deep shade of purple Mina had turned as she let out a shriek so demonic it was like the depths of hell had opened up from within her lungs.

 

“LEAVEEEEEEE!” She demanded of Akira as she ran up to him and started to lay punches onto his body.

 

“Hey now, calm down!” Akira chuckled, used to the treatment from his sister.

 

However he seemed to have forgotten Mina was no longer a whining kid and in fact a hero in training.

 

“Mina I think you’re starting too- Oof!” Akira doubled over as he took a punch straight to the stomach, but rather than a light tap she used to give him growing up Mina’s punch was like a small sledgehammer and he doubled over falling to the ground.

 

“Hmpf!” Mina huffed with a slight smirk as he older brother withered below in pain.

 

“Man down!” He cried, “Man down! Oh what did I do to deserve such a cruel little sister?”

 

Fuyumi chuckled, “Being the eldest can be a chore.”

 

“What’s that supposed to mean!?” Natsuo and Todoroki said with insulted looks.

 

Next to Izuku, Katsuki shook his head, “Being the oldest is a tough responsibility.”

 

Izuku spluttered and turned to him, “You’re 4 months older than me!?”

 

“Feels like 4 years…”

 

Akira jumped back onto his feet, “Older siblings to me! We must unite against our younger versions!”

 

“AKIRA!”

 

“Eh, Natsuo and Shoto are easy, you just gotta talk about girls to fluster them.”

 

“FUYUMI!”

 

“Zuzu you just gotta treat like a toddler.”

 

“KACCHAN!”

 

Slowly the group of siblings descended into a shouting match as Uraraka, Kyouka and Eijiro watched on from the side-lines.

 

“Maybe being an only child isn’t so bad…” Uraraka mumbled to nods of agreement from the other two.

 

The shouting match continued, escalating until-

 

“Ahem.”

 

Everyone froze and slowly turned to face The Number Two Hero who stood just inside of the apartment looking at the gathering with a raised eyebrow. Reactions around the room varied, Todoroki, Natsuo and Katsuki all gained scowls of varying degrees, Mina, Akira, Eijiro and Uraraka gulped in both awe and fear while Kyouka gained a completely blank look. Only Fuyumi smiled while Izuku-

 

“Hello Sir,” Izuku said, standing up a little straighter.

 

Endeavor nodded at Izuku, “Loki.”

 

Natsuo looked at Todoroki to explain the interaction between the pair but the youngest son just shrugged.

 

“Dad!” Fuyumi chirped happily, managing to break some of the awkward tension in the air.

 

“Fuyumi… Everyone,” He said nodding at the group before zeroing in on Akira, “You I do not know, who are you?”

 

“Oh um, I’m Akira Ashido, Mina’s older brother.” Akira responded with a slight wobble in his voice.

 

As Endeavor stared at him something in Mina’s mind clicked and she gained a very dangerous smile.

 

“You know Endeavor sir,” She said, forgetting all her previous fear, “Akira here was just flirting with your daughter.”

 

Fuyumi’s smile dropped from her face as Akira turned to Mina with a horrified expression. Endeavor narrowed his eyes and glared slightly as he leaned in close.

 

“Just so you know, I would go to prison for my daughter.”

 

Akira whimpered slightly as Fuyumi tried to pull Endeavor away from the poor guy, “Dad please! This is why I have no dating life!”

 

“Good,” Endeavor, Natsuo and Shoto all said together before looking at each other in horror, having all just agreed.

 

“Alright!” Fuyumi snapped, glaring at her family one by one, “I think it’s time we left for lunch!”

 

Endeavor nodded, “Yes we have… much to discuss. Shoto, I hope your studies go well.”

 

For a moment it looked like Todoroki was going to rebuke his father but in the end he simply nodded, “Thank you father.”

 

Endeavor nodded and turned to leave as a grumpy Natsuo followed. Fuyumi paused as she grabbed her bag and faced Shoto.

 

“There’s money for takeout if your friends stay that late. Please don’t destroy the apartment.”

 

Shoto nodded as he family fled the apartment while Akira let out a sigh of relief.

 

“I guess I’m off too.”

 

“Finally!” Mina declared with an eye roll which caused Akira to glare at her before smirking.

 

“Just to let you guys know Mina never bothers to delete her search history. Some of her latest history includes foursomes, how to kiss multiple people at once and how to date people with volatile quirks!”

 

Akira wisely chose to sprint out of the front door before Mina recovered from her catatonic state.

 

---

 

“And you’re sure there’ll be no blowback on Tamaki personally?”

 

“Not at all,” Inko said into the phone as she checked herself in the bedroom mirror, “He’s still technically underage and was patrolling with Fat Gum at the time. Even IF there were legal issues, which there aren’t, it would fall primarily to Fat Gum and his agency as opposed to UA.”

 

“Is there any chance we can keep the fact he’s in UA out of the media?”

 

“I’m afraid not, he might be underage but the Student Hero Act means that his anonymity for being underage is waived. But on the flip side it’s also the act meaning it's not a crime for him to eat endangered species. Though I’d advise him against munching down on a shark fin in public again.”

 

“Yes, that was rather… tactless,” Nedzu said through the phone and Inko could practically feel the sigh, “I suppose a few protests aren’t the worst outcome. Thank you again Inko, your legal expertise never fails to be worth the price I pay for it. And apologies for calling you on a Saturday morning.”

 

“Oh it's no problem at all, considering most days you don’t even require me to be on campus. I'm more than willing to take the odd weekend call.”

 

“Well it’s appreciated, have a good weekend!”

 

“You too Principal.”

 

Inko hung up the phone and slid the device into her handbag before giving herself another check in the mirror. Today was nothing fancy so she had gone with a simple pair of skinny jeans and a rather fetching top. She smirked as she posed slightly.

 

“A successful hero lawyer, half decent mother and still looking good at 40. You, Inko Midoriya, are quite the catch.”

 

She giggled to herself like a teenager as she grabbed her handbag and headed downstairs. The boys had already left for their study session and Masaru had been required to head into the office for the morning meaning Inko should be able to slip out quietly so long as-

 

“Well well well.”

 

Inko froze as she slowly turned her head to find Mitsuki leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed and a very smug grin on her face.

 

“Ah… Good Morning Suki.” Inko said with what she hoped was an innocent smile on her face.

 

“That little act might work with the rest of the family but I see right through it,” Mitsuki said and stalked forward as Inko huffed.

 

“What’s your point Suki!?”

 

“You,” Mitsuki said and jabbed a finger into Inko’s chest, “Are getting laid.”

 

“Suki!”

 

Mitsuki cackled with laughter as Inko blushed, “I’ve been waiting for you to get back in the game for years, hell much longer as I was thinking about lending Masaru to you.”

 

“Please stop!” Inko whined, Mitsuki had been like this ever since she and Inko had met as kids yet Inko never seemed to get used to the teasing.

 

“I guess I didn’t have to worry though,” Mitsuki continued, ignoring the pouting Inko, “I mean sure, bagging Yagi I saw coming a mile away but that Nagant chick too? What? Are you making up for lost time?”

 

Inko scowled up at Mitsuki before smirking slightly, “Why? Are you jealous?”

 

Mitsuki rolled her eyes, “Please, the skeleton man and the overworked girl? I much prefer Masaru and his huge-”

 

“I get it!”

 

Mitsuki chuckled before her face took on a more serious look, “You know you need to tell the boys at some point right?”

 

Inko sighed and nodded her head, “I know… Kaina keeps pushing to meet you all properly and Toshi is already round here so much it would be nice not to have to hide it all the time.” Inko also hated the slight sting she got everytime she hurried home and left Kaina and Yagi snuggled in bed because they didn’t have a family to hide things from, “Katsuki I suspect would be disgusted at anything sexual regarding his parents but otherwise be fine with it. Izuku on the other hand…”

 

“Might destroy the house?”

 

Inko hummed in agreement, Izuku had always had a… thing when it came to her dating. It was possibly due to the fact she hadn’t had a serious relationship since her divorce with Hasashi. Between that, moving house and the boy's quirk diagnosis Inko had not taken it all very well and had started to eat her stress, she’d gained a fair amount of weight and probably would have never worked it off had Mitsuki not dragged her to the gym. Combined with her finally quitting the admin job she loathed and returning to law school she’d spent the first few years after her divorce hauling herself out of the pit she’d created. The boys were nearly teenagers by the time she even felt ready to date again. At which point her sole focus had been raising Izuku and trying to pay back the kindness the Bakugous had shown her for years.

 

The one time Inko had brought someone home, a young woman she’d met through work, Izuku had locked himself in his room for two days and had refused to come out until Masaru threatened to ground him. Even then he’d been grumpy for a good few days after and when asked why he acted like that Izuku simply mumbled that the woman made him uncomfortable.

 

“Maybe he’ll be ok? Afterall he does know both of them…”

 

“I ain’t risking our entire house on a maybe Inko. If he explodes it won’t be like the temper tantrums when they were kids, he’ll burn down half the neighbourhood and the longer you leave it the worse it’s going to become.”

 

“I know, I know!” Inko insisted even as she sagged her shoulders, “It's just… it’s been the five of us for so long I feel like I’m breaking up the family.”

 

Mitsuki sighed and grabbed Inko by the shoulders, “Inko we will always be a family, no force on earth will ever change that. Hell you and Izuku could move in with Yagi tomorrow and you know I’d be dragging Masaru round for dinner every other night. And do you really think there exists a single person on this planet who could force the boys apart?”

 

“I suppose not…”

 

“Inko… I see the way you look at me and Masaru when we go out on date night. And don’t think I don’t know how you curl up in bed on a Saturday night and watch shitty romance movies. It’s been ten years since Hisashi, this is the first time I’ve seen you this excited for a date since college. This is good for you. They’re good for you.”

 

Inko smiled to herself as she thought about her partners. How Yagi stumbled over anything slightly romantic or intimate but always landed on his feet. Like the time he tried to smuggle roses to Inko at her office in UA only to accidently crush them in his coat pocket but they still sat on her desk for a week anyway. Or how Kaina was the most powerful woman in the country, a top hero and could make or ruin careers with the snap of her fingers yet was more than happy to snuggle up to Inko’s side and practically purr as Inko ran her hands through her hair.

 

But Inko also knew she wanted more, sure sneaking around had an element of fun to it but none of them were teenagers anymore, she wanted to be able to have her partners over together. She wanted them to laugh and joke with Mitsuki and Masaru. She wanted to really introduce Izuku to them, as family and not as heroes.

 

Inko sighed, “I’ll speak to them both about telling the boys, it would be nice to invite them over for dinner as a family.”

 

Mitsuki nodded and smirked, “And hey, if it doesn’t work out you’re always welcome in mine and Masaru’s bedroom.”

 

In a lot of ways Inko and Mitsuki were a lot like their sons, though they hadn’t met until they were both 5 they had been inseparable since. Inko had been the shy sweet girl and Mitsuki had been a chaotic loudmouth who teased Inko at every chance she got. Unlike Izuku though, Inko had decades of experience dealing with Mitsuki and was not so easily flustered.

 

“Well… I suppose it’s likely to be our last chance.” Inko responded as she pulled out her phone.

 

Mitsuki froze, “W-What?”

 

“Well, you’ve been going on about it for years and if things continue to go well with Toshi and Kaina I doubt we’ll get another chance.”

 

“W-Well yes but-”

 

“Let me just tell them I’m feeling under the weather,” Inko said as she tapped away at her phone, in reality she was telling Izuku to study hard, “When does Masaru get back anyway? Shall we get started and surprise him when he gets in?”

 

“S-S-Start without…?” Mitsuki’s skin was turning to a deep red as Inko looked up at her and smiled.

 

“How do you both like it? Toshi it's a little nervous and Kaina is well… slightly inexperienced so I’ve gotten used to taking the lead. I can do that if you like or is Masaru one of those men whose quiet on the outside but in the bedroom likes to-”

 

Inko was unable to continue when she found a hand slammed over her mouth and bright red Mitsuki staring at her. Under the hand Inko smirked slightly as something in Mitsuki’s mind clicked.

 

“INKO MIDORIYA YOU LITTLE SHIT!”

 

Inko giggled and ducked under a punch thrown out by Mitsuki, “What's the matter Suki? It’ll be just like that time in college when we couldn’t decide who got to go home with that European girl and-”

 

“DIEEEEEE!” Mitsuki cried in a perfect rendition of her son and charged at Inko who quickly used her smaller size to avoid Mitsuki and run out the front door with a giggle.

 

---

 

“Basically the Deardam Mutation Theory suggests that on some level all quirks have physical mutations to our bodies, this in further suggests that quirk factors are linked into our very DNA, changing our genetic makeup in a way we can only imagine. It can change everything about us on a cellular level, to such an extent it could be argued we’re no longer homo-sapiens but an entirely new species of human!”

 

Uraraka looked up at Izuku from the Quirk Biology textbook open in front of them with wide, confused eyes, “And what does that all mean in Japanese?”

 

“Oh uh… It’s kinda like how you, Mina and Kyouka all have obvious mutations because of your quirks right? Kyouka’s ears, Mina’s skin and your finger pads for example. But nearly everyone had some sort of physical mutation if hidden, Todoroki is fire resistant and Eijiro likely has stronger bones to deal with his quirk. Those kinds of changes must in some way change their DNA which is basically what a quirk factor is.”

 

“I think I get it,” Uraraka mumbled as she scribbled down notes, they were all spread out around the table with Mina, Todoroki and Kyouka working on maths, Katsuki and Eijiro working on english and Izuku and Uraraka working on quirk biology, “It’s essentially saying our quirks change us on all levels right down to the cells, it's just some changes are more visible than others.”

“Exactly,” Izuku said with a big smile, he wasn’t half bad at this whole tutoring thing.

 

“That’s the wrong kind of ‘there’ you idiot!”

 

“What? But that doesn’t make sense!”

 

“Of course it does Shitty Hair! Do I have to beat it into you!?”

 

Well, at the very least he thought he was slightly better than Katsuki.

 

“Ugh,” Mina groaned from across the table as she slammed her head on the table, Todoroki flinching slightly as her horns cracked against the wood, “Do you think if I broke my leg I’d get out of exams?”

 

“Probably if it wasn’t for Recovery Girl,” Kyouka responded with a snort, “Besides stop being overdramatic you’ll be fine.”

 

“Easy for you to say 7th place!” Mina grumbled, referring to Kyouka’s midterms score, “I haven’t even got round to thinking about the hero specific exams.”

 

“Well there’s only the written and practical exams and the written should be fairly simple,” Todoroki said as he closed his notebook.

 

“What will the practical even be?” Eijiro asked to which he mostly received shrugs in return.

 

“It’s hard to tell,” Izuku admitted, “We haven’t really done any specific training so I imagine it will be more of a general exam to test all our skills.”

 

Before anyone else could respond a loud rumbling filled the room and all eyes turned to Uraraka who blushed slightly under the attention.

 

“I haven’t eaten anything since breakfast.”

 

Everyone frowned slightly, it was an unspoken fact that everyone knew of Uraraka’s poor financial situation, which probably meant the girl had spent the entire day on the energy of a breakfast bar alone.

 

“Well my sister did leave us takeout money, shall we get some food?” Todoroki asked the group and received a collection of excited faces in response.

 

“Oh oh oh can we get pizza!?” Mina asked, leaping up from her seat.

 

“Or sushi!” Eijiro suggested.

 

“I’m kinda feeling mochi,” Uraraka said as if she didn’t feel like eating mochi all the time.

 

Izuku just sighed, waiting for-

 

“Absolutely not!” Katsuki shouted and slammed his hand on the table, causing Uraraka to jump slightly next to Izuku.

 

“Aren’t you all hero students!?” Katsuki continued to rant, “Our bodies have to be in peak condition, that means no junk food!”

 

“Aw come on Bakugou, one takeout won’t-”

 

Izuku slapped his hand over Uraraka’s mouth before she could finish her sentence, “Don’t. You’ll just make it worse.”

 

Katsuki had always been health conscious, eating a balanced diet and keeping active, but it had been driven into overdrive ever since he met All Might. Mainly because he needed to be in peak condition to use his quirk to its fullest. Izuku had never really had much of a sweet tooth but it had been months since he had tasted the sweet allure of chocolate and any time he brought it up with Katsuki he got an hour-long rant about a healthy diet.

 

“You are,” Mina said, glaring and pointing at Katsuki, “The worst friend I’ve ever had.”

 

“Tch, who said we're friends Raccoon Eyes?”

 

Mina rolled said eyes as Todoroki stood up from the table, “Perhaps we can go to the grocery store and get a selection of snacks? All approved by Bakugou of course.” He said with a hint of amusement.

 

“I’ll grab my shoes,” Katsuki grunted and made his way towards the door.

 

“I’m coming too,” Uraraka chimed in, “There is no way you two rich boys know how to shop properly.”

 

“I can shop,” Todoroki pouted slightly, “Just yesterday I went to the store to stock up on lobster.”

 

“Yeah,” Mina said, eyeing Todoroki with a look of awe, “Uraraka should go with you.”

 

The three shoppers gathered at the door, putting their shoes on before heading out, “Text us if you want anything!” Uraraka called before the door shut behind her and left the other four in silence.

 

“Maaaaan, my brain is exhausted,” Mina said as she reached up and stretched her arms over her head (which definitely didn’t make Izuku, Kyouka and Eijio glance at how her tank top lifted up slightly), “I think I need to take a break while they head out.”

 

Izuku hummed in agreement as he closed his notebook, “Agreed, I’m not sure there’s much more I can do to prepare for our quirk biology exam.”

 

Eijiro chuckled, “Come on man, your leaps ahead of the rest of the class in that subject. Even Yaoyorozu struggles to keep up with you.”

 

“Well to be fair I think my quirk helps out, it kinda gives me a better understanding of how every quirk works. I can just kinda feel how they operate.”

 

“Oh yeah,” Mina said, turning to look at Izuku with a tilt of her head, “I don’t think I’ve ever asked you what my quirk energy looks like.”

 

Izuku’s hand froze over his notebook as Kyouka took in a sharp breath. Mina seemed to realise the tension in the room had risen significantly and winced slightly.

 

“I’m sorry!” She said quickly with a panicked expression, “Was that not ok?”

 

Eijiro bit his lip, “Mina it’s… it’s pretty rude to ask someone with a sensory quirk about well… whatever they can sense.”

 

Kyouka and Izuku nodded in agreement as Mina sank down slightly, “”Sorry… I’m an idiot.”

 

“It’s fine,” Izuku said as he smiled at her, “I get it, it's just… most people don’t really understand what it's like.”

 

“Yeah,” Kyouka said in agreement, “It’s the same with my hearing, I’ve been listening to the couple downstairs have an argument for an hour. Most people freak out when they realise I can hear shit like that but for me it’s always been like that so I don’t even think about it.”

 

Izuku hummed, “It’s the same with me, I’ve tried to explain to Kacchan a few times what quirk energy is like but he always just ends up confused. It's like trying to explain to a blind person what seeing is like.”

 

“Don’t you just… like see the energy?” Mina asked and Izuku could tell it was genuine curiosity, not the mocking questions he used to get from his classmates.

 

“Not exactly. It's not like it's an extra thing I hear or see, it's an extra sense altogether. I can tell what colour the energy is, what it looks like and sounds like but I can also kinda tell what texture it is, how it makes me feel. Some of them can be simultaneously incredibly bright or solid but they don’t block my vision or anything. Kacchans quirk energy is almost like the sun but I can see right through it and I’d still have to squint to physically see him in a dark room.”

 

“You make it sound beautiful.” Mina said quietly, her eyes sparkling with wonder.

 

Izuku shrugged, “I guess? For me it's normal, you know? Like hair colour or something. That's partly why I don’t like telling people about their energy… not all of them are pretty. In fact some of them can be really ugly.”

 

“Oh so like how heartbeats can be ugly?” Kyouka said in response automatically before she realised what she’d said and blushed, “Not that uh… I’m attracted to heartbeats.”

 

Mina just waved her off, “Oh relax, I worked that out weeks ago.”

 

“You WHAT!?” Kyouka hissed and Mina just shrugged.

 

“You’re attracted to sounds, Izuku gets all fuzzy whenever a hot guy or girl uses a quirk around him and Ei practically drools everytime we all go to the gym.”

 

“I don’t drool…” Eijiro grumbled though his cheeks were dusted red.

 

“What can I say,” Mina said smugly to the group, “I’m good with people.”

 

Kyouka rolled her eyes before looking at Izuku, “Just so you know, I get it with the whole extra sense thing. I’ve had a lot of… negative reactions when I’ve heard things I shouldn’t. I also get that it can be… frustrating if you know what I mean.”

 

Izuku snorted a bit at Kyouka’s words and smirked slightly, “Kacchan bumped into three people on the way here in the street.”

 

“I watched Uraraka nearly get run over. These normals are so primitive.”

 

“What are you guys talking about?” Eijiro said as he blinked in confusion.

 

Mina huffed and folded her arms, “They’re making fun of us for having less senses than they do.”

 

“Do you know how frustrating it is when people tell me to listen?” Kyouka drawled, “Of course I was listening, I’m never not listening.”

 

“It still freaks my parents out a little that I know where they are at all times in the house.”

 

“Man,” Eijiro complained with a whine, “I want a cool quirk like you guys!”

 

Izuku felt a spike of annoyance in his chest and spoke a little more harshly than maybe Eijiro deserved, “You mean overly complicated and a prime target for bullies?”

 

Eijiro winced, guilt ridden all over his face, “Sorry… that was a little tactless.”

 

“Alright,” Mina said as she stood up, giving everyone a slight glare, “Enough of this quirk brooding shit. We’ve been studying for eight hours and I say we deserve a break.”

 

“Hell yeah!” Eijrio cried and jumped up from his seat with a fist bump, “I’ve been eyeing up that sofa for an hour.” He declared and ran over to the large sofa in front of the TV and all but lept onto it.

 

Kyouka and Izuku followed at a more subdued pace and sat down either side of Eijiro who beamed at them. Mina followed and looked at the sofa in wariness.

 

“That looks expensive,” She mumbled and reached up to rub her exposed arms.

 

“Mina, Todoroki offered to buy Uraraka an apartment the other week. I’m sure in a worst case scenario they can afford a little acid damage.” Kyouka said with a smile and patted the seat next to her.

 

“You have really good control of your quirk Mina,” Izuku reassured the girl, “I’m sure you won’t damage the sofa and besides, I’ll know if your quirk starts to activate so I can keep an eye on it.”

 

Mina smiled before her eyes filled with a glint that put the other three on edge. There was a brief pause before she jumped forward, landing across all three of their laps.

 

“You’re such a child,” Kyouka deadpanned though that didn’t stop her running her fingers through Mina’s hair.

 

Izuku sighed and smiled as he leant back, he felt Kyouka and Eijiro lean against each of his shoulders as somehow Mina’s hand found his own and their fingers interlocked. As Kyouka stroked Mina’s hair an ear jack started to run along Izuku’s arm, the sensation tickling him slightly. Mina’s other hand reached down and clasped Eijiro’s over her stomach while Ejiro’s free hand wrapped around Izuku and started to play with Kyouka’s hair. It all happened so naturally without any of them even thinking about it as they all smiled softly and relaxed with one another.

 

Now, Izuku might not be an expert, but he was fairly certain this wasn’t something normal friends did. Certainly he had never had the inclination to snuggle his face into Yoarashi’s neck like Eijiro was doing to him right now. Nor did he think he’d enjoy the soft whimpers coming from Kyouka if they were in fact coming from Uraraka’s mouth. No, whatever this was, it went well beyond the boundaries of friendship and they all knew it. Though like the rest of them Izuku had no desire to question it and break the moment.

 

He was drawn from his thoughts when he felt Mina squeeze his hand and look at him and Kyouka, “Will you both tell me what you can sense from me? My quirk energy and my sounds.”

 

Izuku and Kyouka felt themselves tense up against each other as Eijiro frowned slightly, “Mina…”

 

“Wait,” Mina insisted and let go of Izuku and Eijiro’s hands so she could cup the cheeks of Kyouka and Izuku, “It’s obvious to me that you both like your extra sense stuff and that you want to talk about it more. The only reason you don’t is that you expect bad reactions from people who don’t understand. Well I can’t say I’ll ever understand how you two experience the world but it doesn’t matter if you tell me quirk energy is disgusting or that I sound vile I’ll still just smile and nod along.”

 

Izuku and Kyouka both paused and glanced at each other, they had a silent conversation before Izuku nodded.

 

“Your energy is… kind of like a coating? It covers your whole body in this layer of grey pinkish acid which drips down.” Though she did well to hide it, Izuku could tell Mina was a little disappointed at what she was being told, “Don’t get me wrong though its uh… one of my favourite quirks to sense. It just feels… sweet, like a constant happy feeling.”

 

“Sweet?” Eijiro asked from Izuku’s side, “You can taste them?”

 

“Not exactly… It’s like… I can tell it's sweet? It just… feels that way.”

 

“Like when you see an apple pie and kinda know how it tastes?” Kyouka suggested to which Izuku nodded.

 

“Honestly Mina I really like your energy, it’s not volatile enough to cause my quirk havoc but it's a strong constant that just cheers me up.”

 

Mina beamed up at him, she didn’t love the image of being lathered in goop but the fact it made Izuku happy was more than enough to make up for it.

 

“You sound kinda funky,” Kyouka said quietly, taking over from Izuku, “Like your heart beats a lot more erratically than other peoples.” At Mina’s slightly terrified look Kyouka waved her jacks out in panic, “That’s fine! My hearing is so sensitive I can hear tiny changes in peoples heartbeats, it wouldn’t even be noticeable any other way, everyone's heartbeat sounds a little different to me. But you also have an orchestra of different sounds, the way your acid sizzles when you use it, how your hair brushes against your horns. You make so many different unique sounds yet they work together perfectly, if I really focus on you it's like my own personal orchestra.”

 

Mina paused before she reached up and threw an arm around Izuku and Kyouka each and pulled them in for a hug, “It sounds amazing… thank you.”

 

Kyouka and Izuku smiled, hugging her back as Izuku took a sigh of relief. He had to admit it was nice to talk about quirk energy, it played a big part in his analysis hobby yet most people didn’t want to hear it. Even Katsuki was still a bit funny about quirks even though he now had his own though Izuku could understand him being a little uncomfortable at quirk discussions having been quirkless most of his life.

 

“Can uh… Can you guys do me next?” Eijiro asked from Izuku’s side with a nervous smile.

 

Izuku pulled back from Mina with a nod, “Your energy is actually kinda unique. It's like this pale gas that fills your body but when you use your quirk the gas thickens. If you really push yourself it actually becomes so thick it's the only quirk that actually blocks my vision of you. You sort of become this stone golem. Plus it just feels sturdy, kinda like I know you’ll always have my back.”

 

“A stone golem?” Eijiro asked before gaining a toothy smile, “That’s awesome man!”

 

“It's kinda similar to how you sound,” Kyouka said with a soft smile, “Everything about you is heavy and strong. Your footsteps are the loudest in class and your voice echoes through everything. You just sound strong and reliable, everyone else can be erratic but you’re a constant. You’re the first person I hear coming to class and it always makes me smile. It’s uh… manly.”

 

Eijiro looked like he wanted to tackle both Izuku and Kyouka into a hug. Which he did a moment later after Izuku smiled at him. Kyouka let out a yelp as Eijiro somehow managed to tackle all three of them off the sofa and onto the floor. They ended up a mess of tangled limbs as Izuku found himself sandwiched between Mina and Eijio and facing Kyouka who smiled at him.

 

“Izuku you… sound powerful. You vibrate constantly, emitting a never ending sound that kinda rattles in my ears but in a pleasant way. Every beat of your heart sends a wave out that I’m convinced even Bakugou and Shoji must hear because you have no idea how impressive it is. Just being around you is awe inspiring.”

 

Izuku gulped, his heart racing (which he assumed Kyouka knew) as the pair lent forward slightly and found their foreheads touching.

 

“Your quirk energy is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.” Izuku whispered and Kyouka blushed.

 

“It is?”

 

“Yeah. It starts in your ear jacks, bright purple lines that track from your ears down your neck and spiderwebs over your heart. It means I know exactly what shape your heart is and how fast it's beating,” Izuku didn’t mention how fast it had sped up since they’d started talking, “And when you use your quirk the whole thing lights up. I can tell it's soft but not delicate, like you.”

 

Kyouka leant forward and wrapped her arms around Izuku’s neck as Mina giggled below them while she stroked their hair, “You guys are so cute.”

 

“Leave them alone Mina,” Eijiro mumbled from above them as he continued to hold all three in an iron grip hug, “That can’t have been easy for you two but thank you for telling us.”

 

“It was… nice,” Kyouka said and Izuku nodded in agreement as the four of them stayed on the floor, nobody willing to move.

 

Izuku smiled, he was content, feeling their bodies against his, their quirks shimmering right next to him.

 

‘Take them!’

 

Izuku stiffened slightly as his quirk flared up before he wrestled control back. He felt Kyouka’s heartbeat as her quirk energy flowed steadily and-

 

‘TAKE THEM!’

 

Izuku’s breath caught in his throat slightly as he felt his quirk start to twist out of his control. He took a deep slow breath, maybe it was the uh… intimate setting causing it but he tried to snuggle up to his friends and regain control.

 

“So I think we should bring up the elephant in the room and-”

 

‘TAKE THEM!’

 

“I need to use the bathroom!” Izuku suddenly said, cutting off Mina and wiggling out of the hold of his friends much to their dismay.

 

Izuku got on his feet and paused, “Um… it's not you it's um… quirk stuff,” He mumbled and all three of them smiled.

 

“Dude,” Eijiro said, “We’re not gonna freak out. Go do whatever it is you need.”

 

Izuku nodded and turned to fast walk down the hall until he came to the door Todoroki had indicated was the bathroom. Scrambling inside Izuku slammed the door shut and stumbled over to the sink, taking deep gasping breaths. 

 

It had been weeks since he’d come that close to losing control of his quirk. It rarely even flared up around Katsuki and All Might these days. So why the hell was it playing up now?

 

Izuku gasped as he fought to get it back under control and he watched his reflection in the mirror as his face frowned. Then his reflection smiled.

 

Except… Izuku was still frowning.

 

His reflection moved, pushing off the sink and smirking at him as Izuku stayed perfectly still.

“You know,” His reflection said, the smirk dropping as he scowled at Izuku, “I’m getting real tired of your bullshit.”

Notes:

What? Did you think you were getting a few chapters of pure fluff with no bullshit cliff-hangers? Where's the fun in that?

Thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 49: Meet Deku

Summary:

The study session continues as Izuku meets... himself?

“What about crackers?”

 

“You mean a plain snack full of carbs?

 

“I like crackers and didn’t you say Kirishima and Midoriya eat a lot of carbs in their diet?”

 

“Fine, just grab a packet.”

 

“You do not just grab any packet! Todoroki, get the store brand ones, they’re half the price.”

 

“But I like these ones…”

 

“It’s the same thing!”

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes as he, Todoroki and Uraraka huddled around the shelves in the grocery store, browsing Katsuki approved snacks (though Uraraka had expertly hidden some mochi between the apples and carrot sticks). Apparently it turned out Katsuki and Todoroki had no idea how to shop as Uraraka dragged them round the store, instructing them on how to get the best deals and cheapest prices.

 

“Fine,” Todoroki relented and pouted slightly as he dropped the plain packet of crackers into the basket.

 

“Great!” Uraraka said and beamed up at them both, “Anything else?”

 

“That should be it food wise though Zuzu needs a resupply of sleeping pills.”

 

Todoroki looked up in slight alarm at this new information, “Is Midoriya ok?”

 

Katsuki nodded and waved Todoroki off, “He’s fine, but you try sleeping with nearly a dozen quirks all buzzing inside of you.”

 

“Oof,” Uraraka said as Todoroki nodded in agreement, “I’d quite like some juice too.”

 

“Cool, I’ll go grab the pills then, come find me when you’re done.”

 

Uraraka nodded and Todoroki elected to follow her to the juices as Katsuki made his way towards the medical aisle, shoving his hands in his jacket and trying to avoid eye contact with any extras. He squinted at the various pill bottles on the shelf as he tried to find the kind that worked best for Izuku.

 

He’d been on the pills for a few weeks now, recommended by Hound Dog in one of their sessions. Officially he was having trouble sleeping because his new quirks kept him awake but Katsuki saw through the lie with ease. Something was wrong with Izuku, it was subtle, probably only noticeable to Katsuki and maybe Inko but Izuku was becoming more irritable, his control was slipping and in general he was distracted. 

 

And as painful as it was for Katsuki to think, as horrible as he knew the thought was. Izuku was too powerful these days to lose control. The last thing Katsuki wanted was to wake up to find the roof had been blown off during the night but an All For One 2.0 (Izuku insisted on the new quirk name) related ncident.

 

“Well would you look at that,” A voice said from his side and Katsuki went cold, “If it isn’t Katsuki fucking Bakugou.”

 

Katsuki scowled and turned to face the new arrival, he was met with what he could only describe as a league of childhood bullies. The group contained the worst of his tormentors from Aldera, all of them looking at him with smug grins.

 

Katsuki folded his arms and narrowed his eyes at them, “The fuck do you extras want?”

 

“Awww,” Said one of the girls, “Is that anyway to treat your old friends?”

 

Katsuki sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, “Look fuckers, I ain’t got the time or patience to stand here and reminisce about the good old days,” he spat with a slight growl, “So just fuck off or I’ll make you fuck off.”

 

The entire group burst out laughing, “You’re kidding right? Quirkless Bakugou giving out threats?”

 

Katsuki allowed himself a slight smirk as he clenched his fists, “Clearly you didn’t watch the sports festival.”

 

“Pfft,” One of them said waving Katsuki off with a chuckle, “Some rigged performance put on to impress the public?”

 

Katsuki raised an eyebrow at that, hadn’t the very same person always spoken about how they would one day dominate the very same festival?

 

“Tch, whatever. You extra’s are beneath me these days anyway.”

 

One of the extras frowned, “What? You think just because your villain friend gave you a quirk you're all tough now? Who did he steal the quirk from anyway?”

 

Katsuki felt a spike of rage within him at the word thrown around so casually, “Don’t talk about Zuzu like that.”

 

The group laughed and Katsuki felt heat rising to his face.

 

“You know most of us still got into hero schools? Not quite UA but then I guess we didn’t get in on the minority box.”

 

Katsuki wanted to punch them, he wanted to light up his quirk and throw them around the store like rag dolls and watch the smiles disappear off their faces. Hell he could just light up his quirk and they’d scramble like rats he was almost certain of it. But he didn’t, he didn’t move or do anything, he simply growled.

 

“I got into UA cause I know how to be an actual hero, not some junked up celebrity with a sadist kink.”

 

“Ahahahah, really? WE’RE the sadist ones? Aren’t you like, made of violence?”

 

Katsuki felt his teeth grind together and his nails dig into his palms. He knew he could take these idiots but something was stopping him, for all his power, all his success he suddenly felt like the quirkless kid again who always needed his younger brother with the powerful quirk to come save him.

 

“Shut. Up.” Katsuki growled out with narrowed eyes.

 

“Aw come off it Bakugou, we all know you-”

 

“Bakugou?”

 

Katsuki felt a chill go up his spine as he turned to look behind him and found Uraraka and Todoroki observing the situation. Uraraka was looking at him in concern while Todoroki was glaring at the group (and for the first time Katsuki saw a great resemblance to Endeavor). Katsuki felt his breath catch in his throat when he realised what this must look like.

 

“I… um…” God Katsuki you pathetic weasel, he thought to himself as words failed him.

 

“Who the hell are you guys?” One of the group said looking at Uraraka and Todoroki.

 

“We’re Bakugou’s friends,” Uraraka said and narrowed her eyes as she put her hands on her hips, something which definitely didn’t make Katsuki feel things, “Who the hell are you?”

 

One of his old bullies smiled sickly at her, “Are you sure? Quirkless people don’t tend to have friends.”

 

The temperature around everyone plummeted though from Todoroki or Uraraka, Katsuki wasn’t exactly sure. Both parties took on deep scowls as they stared at the group.

 

“Bakugou isn’t quirkless, he was a late bloomer.”

 

The group looked at Todoroki and burst out laughing, “Trust me man, this freak couldn’t manifest a quirk no matter how hard he tried.”

 

“Yeah, it's obvious he and his villainous best friend are working some scam to beat the system.”

 

Suddenly one of the group turned serious and gave Todoroki and Uraraka a solemn look, “You know we’re hero students too. If you’re scared of the two of them we could team up? Take them both out.”

 

Katsuki’s teeth ground together, he was about to let rip when a soft giggling filled the area. All eyes turned to Uraraka who’s giggling morphed into full blown bouts of laughter as she doubled over and grabbed her stomach.

 

“Ahaha! Sorry aha! I’m sorry it’s just… you really think you guys could take Midoriya and Bakugou on?” She said, raising an amused eyebrow, “The two most powerful students in our year? Hell I don’t think anyone short of a top 50 hero could take them both on if they weren’t pulling their punches.”

 

The group stuttered slightly as one of them rolled their eyes, “Please sweetcheeks, if you just want a side piece we have plenty to spare. Though maybe lose some weight first and-”

 

The boy who had spoken suddenly found his airways cut off as a hand wrapped around his throat and Katsuki growled in his face. The air filled with energy as Katsuki’s quirk crackled to life while he slowly raised his fist.

 

Behind him Uraraka and Todoroki panicked, the kid might have been an asshole but a pissed off Katsuki was more than capable of shattering his skull with one punch. And not even All Might could keep him out of prison then.

 

“Bakugou wait!”

 

However, before anyone could react Katsuki reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, causing everyone to stop and stare in confusion. Slowly he unlocked said phone and scrolled down his contacts before clicking on an unseen name, putting the phone on speaker as everyone listened to it ring.

 

“Young Bakugou?”

 

All eyes widened, everyone knew that voice as well as they knew the voices of their parents, it was a voice known all across the globe.

 

“Hey All Might,” Katsuki said casually with a slight smirk, “Just wanted to see how your day was going?”

 

“Quite well!” All Might responded excitedly, like he was thrilled to have been asked such a mundane question, “I just got back to the HPSC office to sign off on today's patrol! Nothing too dastardly today and I even got to meet some young new heroes!”

 

Katsuki had to forcibly prevent an eye roll from how predictable All Might was.

 

“I’m just about to sign off and… meet some friends for the afternoon!”

 

“Great, are you still coming to lunch tomorrow?”

 

“Of course! Masaru tells me Mitsuki is cooking her famous curry again!”

 

“Just remember not to go for the spicy bowl again.”

 

“You could have warned me last time!”

 

“Yeah yeah, anyway, I gotta go. See you tomorrow.”

 

“Have a pleasant evening Katsuki!”

 

With the world's largest smirk Katsuki ended the phone call as he held out the device in front of the very pale looking group of his old classmates, “In addition to having All Might in my phone I also have Endeavor, Muriko and Eraserhead.”

 

Katsuki put his phone away while maintaining his grip on the boy's throat as he glared at the collected students, “For the record, I could beat each of you with ease, probably all of you together too. But I don’t need to do that, I don’t need to prove anything to you because I’m on a level so much higher than any of you will ever be. And no, it’s not because I suddenly have a quirk, it’s because I’m smarter, more determined and better prepared. So you can stand there and mock me all you like but it doesn’t matter because I’ll always be miles ahead of you.”

 

Katsuki let go of the boys throat and took a step back at the now nervous looking crowd, “Now scram, because while I won’t beat you up I can’t say the same for these two”

 

Katsuki jerked his thumb over his shoulder to a very angry looking Uraraka and Todoroki with the latter producing a small amount of flame on his fingertips. Realising that they were vastly outmatched the group turned and scrambled away, running out of the door like scattered rats.

 

“That,” Uraraka said from behind Katsuki, “Was so fucking hot.”

 

Katsuki blushed slightly despite the swirl in his gut. With a grunt he grabbed the shopping basket from Todoroki’s hand and marched to the tills. The woman behind the counter bristled slightly as Katsuki violently thrust the money into her hand and ripped the shopping bags from her. Forcing the bag into Todoroki’s hands Katsuki stormed out of the store and along the street, Uraraka and Todoroki exchanging concerned glances behind him.

 

Katsuki continued to walk down the street with clenched fists, something inside of him was tugging at him, making him angry. He needed to release it, he needed to-

 

Seeing an abandoned alley Katsuki ducked inside and let out a cry as he slammed his fist against the wall. Without activating his quirk all he achieved was a nasty scrape along his knuckles as the skin peeled off.

 

“Bakugou?” Uraraka asked softly as she and Todoroki approached.

 

“I shouldn’t have done that,” Katsuki said, his voice laced with a rare tone of guilt, “All Might would hate for me to use my connection to him like that.”

 

“I doubt it,” Todoroki said and shrugged when Katsuki looked up at him, “All Might is a great teacher but it's obvious he plays favourites. Just the other day someone sneered at Midoriya in All Might's view and I thought he was going to kick him into China.”

 

“Yeah,” Uraraka agreed, “Hell, if you’d told All Might what was happening he probably would have smashed through the store window.”

 

“That’s not the point,” Katsuki said with a sigh as he turned and leaned against the wall, “It was an abuse of power. It’s exactly the sort of thing I fucking hate.”

 

“Using your connections to scare some old school bullies is hardly the worst case of abuse of power,” Todoroki said as he walked forward and squeezed Katsuki’s shoulder, “You stood up for yourself and talked them down instead of throwing punches. If anything you showed restraint, something I imagine All Might would only approve of.” 

 

“Yeah,” Uraraka agreed as she stood between them both and smiled, “Personally I’m proud of you for how you handled that.”

 

Katsuki felt heat rise up through his chest and into his face at Uraraka’s words and he reverted to his usual defence mechanism, “Sh-Shut up.”

 

Sadly, Uraraka had long since overcome this method of defence, she scowled and grabbed Katsuki’s face, “On no, you’re not deflecting this yet again!”

 

She grabbed Katsuki’s ear before reaching out and doing the same to Todoroki and pulling both boys close to her with a yelp.

 

“Listen here you socially inept yet beautiful men,” Uraraka said as she glared at the pair, “I am sick of ignoring the fact that there is something going on between the three of us.”

 

“You mean the immense amount of sexual tension?” Todoroki asked like he was discussing the weather.

 

“TODOROKI!” Katsuki cried as he felt his face flush and his heart violently beat in his chest.

 

To her credit Uraraka managed to fight off everything but a slight colouring on her cheeks at Todoroki’s blunt words, “Well… Yes! Can we stop tip-toeing around the issue and actually talk about it for once?”

 

Katsuki felt like his heart was going to beat out of his chest as he managed to stutter out a few words, “After exams! Can we just… wait until after exams.”

 

Uraraka looked like she wanted to argue but relented with a sigh, “That’s… fair enough. Exams really should be our focus right now.”

 

“Speaking of which we should get back,” Todoroki said as he frowned slightly, “I’m not sure I trust those four not to burn down my apartment.”

 

Katsuki snorted, “No doubt Zuzu has found himself in some shit.”

 

---

 

“That’s it, I’m going to fail!” Kaminari declared as he fell back against his seat with a groan.

 

Next to him Sero chuckled, “Well that’s what happens when you leave all your studying to the last minute. Have you even opened your quirk biology book?”

 

Kaminari looked over at Sero with outrage, “Betrayed by my closest friend! I thought we were brothers in arms when it came to studying!”

 

“Come on dude,” Sero said with an eyeroll, “I might not be up there with the likes of Iida but even I bother to open a text book every now and then.”

 

“I give up! There’s no hope for me in finals!” Kaminari shouted with an over dramatic sigh.

 

“You’ve been doing alright in all our other subjects!” Hagakure said, slightly downplaying the abysmal job Kaminari had done throughout the study session, “It’s just quirk biology you haven’t got down yet and Yaoyorozu is top of our class so you’ll be fine!”

 

At the mention of her name Yaoyorozu was drawn from her thoughts as she stared down at the unanswered questions in her study book. She looked up to find all her guests looking over at her, Sero, Kaminari, Hagakure, Ojiro and Yoarashi, when Hagakure had all but begged her for a cram session before exams Yaoyorozu had been excited to invite her first friend over to her house. She had even been delighted when several others had jumped on the bandwagon. Though something had been nagging at her all day, Hagakure’s words were a reminder of what the issue was.

 

“Ah actually,” Yaoyorozu said in a rare display of mumbling from the usually well spoken girl, “Quirk biology I’m second in… Midoriya is quite far ahead of me in that subject.”

 

“Well it is basically a hobby for him,” Yoarashi commented with a chuckle.

 

“Yeah well he’s not here,” Ojiro said with more venom than anyone else thought necessary, “Plus you’re still leagues ahead of Kaminari.”

 

“Hey!”

 

At the mention of Izuku’s name the usual tension that swept over half the class whenever he was brought up returned. The smiles and laughter that had been there a minute ago were suffocated by the mixture of fear and contempt that many of Yaoyorozu’s classmates had for her… well, former friend. With a sigh Yaoyorozu tried to salvage the atmosphere of the study session the only way she knew how.

 

“Would anybody like a fresh cup of tea?”

 

“Sure.”

 

“Oh can I have the same one Kaminari had last time!? It looked really good!”

 

“Yeah, sign me up for a repeat please.”

 

“Just green tea for me, no fancy shit.”

 

“I’ll come with you,” Yoarashi said and stood up with a smile, following Yaoyorozu through the long corridors of her manor and into the large kitchen.

 

Years ago Yaoyorozu’s father had relented and finally set up a small tea making station in one corner of the kitchen, only Yaoyorozu and her mother were allowed to use it, not even the chef or maids could. It was stacked high with teacups and boxes of exotic tea with several kettles each designed to boil water to a different temperature depending on the tea that was being made.

 

Yoarashi wisely chose to step to the side and set up the tray for everyone's cups as opposed to try and help Yaoyorozu as she prepared several different teas. As she waited for the kettles to boil, Yaoyorozu sighed and turned to Yoarashi.

 

“Yoarashi… why are you here?”

 

Yoarashi looked up from the tea tray in surprise, “To study?” He said, almost unsure of himself.

 

“No I mean…” Yaoyorozu shook her head and levelled at Yoarashi with a stare, “I’m aware Todoroki is hosting a study session himself today with Midoriya, Bakugou and most of your other friends. I just… why did you come to mine instead?”

 

Seeing Yoarashi's eyes widen in panic, Yaoyorozu quickly waved her hands in front of her, “Not that you’re not welcome! It’s very nice to have you here, it's just… I don’t really talk to any of you anymore.”

 

Yoarashi sighed and stood up a little straighter, giving Yaoyorozu a small smile, “I’m not an idiot you know. I know why you don’t talk to us anymore, why you haven’t posted in the group chat for weeks since the sports festival.”

 

Yaoyorozu at least had the decency to look ashamed as the guilt built up inside of her, “Yoarashi I don’t… It’s not that I hate Midoriya. Far from it. But his quirk… it’s… it’s complicated.”

 

“No it isn’t,” Yorashi said, his smile dropping from his face, “You know Midoriya as well as I do, it doesn’t matter if his quirk was an insta kill. He’d probably refuse to use it. Being afraid of his quirk isn’t an excuse to dislike him.”

 

“I’m not afraid I’m terrified!” Yaoyorozu snapped, her emotions getting the better of her, “Do you know what he could do with that quirk? My entire life I grew up being taught about restricting my quirk, about the damage I could cause if I let myself replicate and replicate with no thought for the consequences. An endless supply of gold, nuclear material and technology, I have to make sure I constantly limit myself otherwise the consequences could be disastrous! Yet compared to Midoriya my quirk is nothing and everyone is just… ok with that!?”

 

There was a long pause as Yoarashi observed Yaoyorozu, she’d clearly just let out a lot of pent up feelings as she panted from her words.

 

“You’re right,” Yoarashi finally said, much to the surprise of Yaoyorozu, “Midoriya’s quirk is terrifying and if he were to let loose without constraint he would certainly be hard to take down. And while yes, Todoroki, Kaminari and Bakugou all have their own powerful quirks that could kill, none of them are on quite the same level as Midoriya.”

 

“Then why aren’t you more afraid of him?”

 

“Because Midoriya is the person who stopped me making a stupid choice and leaving UA. Because he’s the person who has nothing but encouragement for his friends.” Yoarashi explained as his smile returned, “At every step possible Midoriya has proven that he is capable of wielding his quirk safely, as are you with yours.”

 

Yaoyorozu wiped tears forming from her eyes, “I’m just… so scared.”

 

“Me too,” Yoarashi said with a shrug, “You know my family right? Everyone of them has a wind quirk, we go on family flights, talk about it at dinner. If I were to lose my quirk I’d lose one of the biggest connections to my family. And Midoriya could do that with a snap of his fingers.”

 

“So… why…?”

 

“Why don’t I treat Midoriya any differently? Because his quirk is only a single aspect about him, it would be like hating someone because of their hair colour.” Yoarashi said and sighed, before giving Yaoyorozu a wide smile, “Look, it’s not my place to try and deal with what’s going on between you two. But I think if you really sat down and thought about it you’d realise there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

 

Yaoyorozu wiped her tears away, standing back up as the kettles boiled, “Thank you Yoarashi and well… Thank you for not hating me over this.”

 

Yoarashi shrugged, “Like I say, Midoriya is a lot more than his quirk and you’re a lot more than this argument between you two.”

 

---

 

Izuku stared at his reflection, unmoving as the reflection smirked back at him.

 

“That’s it,” Izuku said, “I’ve gone insane. My mind has finally broken.”

 

His reflection chuckled at him, “Technically I think our mind broke long ago, I however am not the defining factor nor the cause.”

 

“Schizophrenia,” Izuku mumbled to himself as he rubbed his eyes, “I guess something like this was bound to happen.”

 

He opened his eyes to find his reflection had returned to normal, he breathed a sigh of relief before-

 

“If only it were a simple case of schizophrenia.”

 

Izuku whipped his head to the side, his reflection was now apparently out of the mirror and leaning against the bathroom wall smirking at him. Upon closer inspection Izuku realised the other him wasn’t quite an exact replica, his hair was more wild and spiked to much sharper points, his eyes were a more unnatural shade of bright green, his skin was pale and Izuku swore he could see sharp fangs within the other Izuku's mouth.

 

“Who are you?”

 

“I’m Izuku.”

 

“No, I'm Izuku.”

 

The other Izuku signed and reached up to rub his temples, “Fine, fine. I guess it might get confusing… Hmmm… What did those old bullies call us before Kacchan shut them down? Deku! You can call me Deku.”

 

Izuku scowled slightly, “Useless? Are you trying to insult me?”

 

“Oh for the love of… You’re not listening!” Deku said as he pushed himself off the wall and walked up to Izuku, tapping him on the head, something he was surprised to discover he could feel, “I can’t insult you without insulting myself, I’m you! Well… a part of you anyway.”

 

“You don’t look like me.”

 

“Because I’m the improved version of us.” Deku said and smiled, flashing a set of perfectly white teeth.

 

“What do you mean improved? Just what exactly are you?” Izuku demanded, his temper rising slightly in parallel with his quirk which vibrated just below his skin.

 

“AHA! There it is!” Deku cried excitedly as his eyes gleamed and he danced around Izuku, “Surely you can feel it, all that power just brimming beneath the surface. You could walk out of that door right now and take half the quirks in this building before anyone could stop you.”

 

“What’s your point?” Izuku growled out, getting more and more angry at this so-called Deku.

 

“That you keep holding us back!” Deku shouted, seemingly equally annoyed with Izuku, “All this bullshit talk of quirk equality and working together as a team. We don’t need a team, we are the fucking team.”

 

“Our quirk isn’t any better or worse than-”

 

“Oh please don’t give me the whole spiel about how great everyone’s quirk is,” Deku spat a deep scowl on his face, “We both know you don’t fully believe it anyway.”

 

Izuku’s hands turned into fists as energy seemed to fill the room, “That’s not-”

 

“Oh fuck off! Of course it’s true!” Deku shouted, reaching up to pull his hair out, “You really think that, at our full potential and not the half assed shit you’ve been doing, the likes of Kendo, Ojiro or Mina could stop us?”

 

“So what? You want me to just run amok, taking quirks and killing everyone I could across?”

 

“Who said anything about killing people?” Deku said, reeling back slightly in disgust, “I’m just saying we should be out there taking more quirks, just think of how powerful a hero we’d be!”

 

“That isn’t what I want!” Izuku protested with a shake of his head, “I want to build my stockpile sure but not that much, maybe another quirk here or there or-”

 

“Stop lying to me!” Deku growled out as he got into Izuku’s face, “Can’t you get it through our thick skull? I’m you! I know exactly what you think and I know how desperate you are for quirks.”

 

“It’s my hunger it-”

 

“OUR hunger!” Deku snapped with an eye roll, “And don’t try to throw up a smokescreen using it, I’m not talking about the pull of our hunger. I’m talking about how desperate you were to take quirks in the USJ, how much it scared you that you’d be asked to give them back. How in every fight we have you wish you had more, that you know deep down none of this should be a challenge for us.”

 

“Shut up,” Izuku said through gritted teeth, though his protest sounded rather weak.

 

Deku smirked at the slight quiver in Izuku’s voice, “There you go. The truth finally comes out.”

 

“It’s not the truth!”

 

“Good lord you’re insufferable! How many times do I have to say-”

 

“You’re not me!” Izuku snapped, his voice rising to dangerous levels, “You’re a sentient quirk!”

 

Deku blinked before snorting and letting out an amused chuckle, “Wrong! If I was our quirk you know full well I wouldn’t claim to be you.”

 

“Then what are you!?”

 

“For the last time I’m-”

 

Izuku charged forward automatically, grabbing Deku by his shirt and slamming him against the wall, “Give me a straight answer!”

 

Deku narrowed his eyes at Izuku, licking his lips and baring his fangs, though after a pause he rolled his eyes, “Fine. You know about quirk implants? Of course you do because I know about them.”

 

Izuku nodded his head, “The theory that we implant on our quirks, our personalities. It’s been compared to how people who have organ transplants sometimes gain the traits of their donors.”

 

“Bingo. Well, that’s what I am. I was the implant you made on your quirk.”

 

“You seem a little lively for a simple sliver of my personality.”

 

Deku smirked and pulled up his hand, wiggling the fingers in Izuku’s face, “That’s because of this,”  He said and indicated to the pale scar on Izuku’s hand, the scar he got that night when he and Katsuki-

 

“One For All…” Izuku mumbled as he felt a chill go up his spine.

 

“Finally we’re getting somewhere. Yes, when you and Kacchan decided to become blood brothers your quirks affected each other. Throw in a quirk which relies on generations of people all connected and boom! I was born.”

 

“If you’re me why are you…”

 

“Different?” Deku chuckled, “Well I’m not an exact replica of who you are, you see I’m you if you gave into your hunger completely.”

 

Izuku pushed away from Deku with a disgusted frown, “You’re nothing like me.”

 

Deku just snorted and rolled his eyes, “We’re afraid of the dark because when we were kids all we could sense was quirk energy and it freaked us out. We’re secretly jealous that our workout routine doesn’t produce the same kind of muscle that Kacchan and Eijiro have. And we’ve been thinking about dying out hair for years but we’re too afraid how Mom would react.”

 

Izuku staggered back as he fell down to his knees, “Y-You can’t!”

 

“Come on Izuku. You’re smarter than this. WE’RE smarter than this. Mind quirks don’t work on us so I’m clearly not coming from anybody else. I’m you! Or at least what you should be, the perfect harmony between you and your quirk.” 

 

Deku stepped back, sliding down the wall until he was sat on the same level as Izuku. The pair observed each other, somehow exactly the same yet completely different. As he watched him Izuku realised that Deku was right, he could feel exactly what Deku was thinking.

 

“So you’re… me.”

 

“Finally!”

 

“That doesn’t mean I agree with you!”

 

Deku pinched the bridge of his nose with a deep sigh, “You know I’m starting to see why we were bullied so much. Just admit you want to take quirks already!”

 

“FINE!” Izuku shouted his control slipping slightly, “I want to take quirks! I want to help people, to save them and the more quirks I have the more effective a hero I’ll be! Not to mention how infuriating it is to see some people waste their quirks! Do you know what I could do with Mt Ladys quirk? Or Stains? Or even that neighbour down the street who can manipulate copper? Yet here I am having to think about every quirk I take beforehand in case I piss anybody off.”

 

“Fucking finally!” Deku cried jumping up with a wide smile, “Don’t you see! We don’t need anybody else! This why the hero school thing is bullshit, just get out there, start taking quirks and we’ll be the best hero anyone could hope for.”

 

“You have some warped view of being a hero,” Izuku spat.

 

“Well maybe it’s the hunger talking. But the point still stands, you realise at one point you had the chance to take all of the Endeavor Agency quirks? That would have easily put us on the scale of a top ten hero.”

 

“Shut up!” Izuku growled out, once again getting to his feet, “That isn’t who I am, I’m not going to become some outcast who gives into his hunger and takes quirks left and right because of some broken view that I deserve them! That sounds exactly like-”

 

“Dad?” Deku asked, the smile dropping from his face, “First of all we’ve never officially met him so who knows what the fuck he’s like apart from the greatest personification of evil to ever live. Secondly, what we do know about him is that he was crippled by All Might and is forced to hide deep in some damp hole because he lacks the power to face heroes directly. Quite frankly he sounds pathetic, he wishes he was us.”

 

“That’s it, this little game is over now.” Izuku said standing up and heading for the door.

 

“You can’t run from me Izuku,” Deku said and appeared between him and the door, “Literally, I mean I’m inside your head. Argue all you want but eventually you’re going to have to accept what I’m saying is the truth.”

 

“And what are you saying?”

 

“That we’re a fucking God Izuku. These people are nothing compared to us, we’re on a level so much higher than they could ever hope to achieve!”

 

“No,” Izuku said firmly, “Maybe you’re right, maybe our potential for power is greater than everyone else’s. But I’m not letting my hunger consume me like it has you.”

 

As Izuku and Deku stared at each other there was a soft knock at the bathroom door.

 

“Izuku? You ok in there man?” Eijiro asked, concern laced in his voice.

 

Izuku glared at Deku as he shouted over his shoulder, “I’m fine Eijio, I’ll be out in a minute.”

 

Deku sighed before regaining his smirk, “I’ll leave you alone for now Izuku. But I know what you really think. You can fight it all you want, but what happens when you’re too weak to save someone you love? Then, you’ll come begging me to take over.”

 

---

 

“Thanks again Todoroki!” Mina called as she disappeared out the door of the apartment, “See you all tomorrow to smash the exams!”

 

“At least some people are confident,” Kirishima grumbled as he waved at everyone and followed Mina out.

 

Katsuki scoffed as he finished putting his things back inside his rucksack, the sun was just setting on the horizon and they had decided to call it a day. By this point no amount of extra cramming or studying was going to help them so they may as well all head home and try to sleep.

 

“Thank you all for coming,” Todoroki said as he stood by the door like some kind of party greeter ready to hand out goody bags at the end of a kids party, “I had… a good time.” He said to Uraraka with a small smile.

 

“Me too!” Uraraka said as she skipped towards the door with a wide smile, “Though next can we do something not school related? See ya!”

 

“I wouldn’t mind going to a hero museum together…” Izuku said hopefully to which Katsuki rolled his eyes.

 

“I said I’d go with you after exams didn’t I?”

 

Izuku just pouted and headed for the door, “Bye Todoroki. Come on Kacchan!”

 

“Yeah yeah, I’m right behind you.” Katsuki said as he hauled his bag onto his shoulder while Izuku chatted with Todoroki.

 

“Hey Bakugou, I think I dropped my phone under the sofa. Come help me?” Kyouka called from across the room and Katsuki huffed.

 

“Fuck sake Ears,” He said as he got down on his knees beside her, ready to lift the sofa, “You really gotta-”

 

“Shut up,” Kyouka whispered and Katsuki nearly spluttered in shock, “Just pretend like we’re looking.”

 

Katsuki raised an eyebrow at her but had long learned not to question Kyouka, the woman could become the devil incarnate if she so desired.

 

“Fuck,” She whispered, looking very unsure of herself, “Shit I shouldn’t be doing this… I mean… this goes against everything I believe but… Something is wrong with Izuku.”

 

Katsuki managed to make his surprise seem minimal, mainly because he’d noticed how odd Izuku had been acting ever since they got back from the store. He’d seemingly been more distant than ever, practically ignoring everyone else as every now and then he frowned like someone had insulted him.

 

“Yeah.. I guessed…”

 

“No,” Kyouka said firmly, “You don’t. I… He was talking to himself in the bathroom.”

 

“So? He mumbles a lot and-”

 

“This wasn’t his mumbling. It was like he was having a conversation with a person who wasn’t there. And not a pleasant conversation from what I could tell. He kept shouting at someone about keeping control of his quirk and not being like his.. Father.”

 

Katsuki felt something twist in his chest before a burst of rage erupted through him. Except that rage hadn’t come from him…

 

Shaking it off Katsuki turned to Kyouka, “Thanks for telling me Ears, leave this to me and don’t tell anyone else.”

 

Kyouka shook her head, “Never.”

 

Katsuki nodded and stood up, glancing over at Izuku as he did. To the untrained eye Izuku looked fine but Katsuki noticed the way his eyes would dart out every now and then, looking for threats. How he scratched at his gloved hand, something he did when his quirk played up, and how he seemed genuinely uncomfortable despite only speaking to Todoroki.

 

“Alright Zuzu, time to go.”

 

Something was very wrong with Katsuki’s brother.

Chapter 50: Stressful Exams

Summary:

As Class 1A sit their final exams Izuku and Katsuki have some other issues to deal with

Shigaraki scowled at the half filled glass in front of him, he had asked for a rum and coke however Kurogiri had apparently decided alcohol was off limits for the time being so instead Shigaraki just had a coke that had long since gone flat. Around him the bar was full of recruits, chatting away unnecessarily about things which really didn’t matter in his mind. He much preferred it when the bar had been silent, only himself and Kurogiri to maintain any conversation with.

 

“Look sharp Shiggy, I got a few more for you!”

 

Shigaraki raised his head with a frown as a smirking Giran stood flanked by a teenage girl with blonde hair who looked around the bar with wide, unfocused eyes and a young man with burnt and peeling skin who looked like he wanted to be anywhere else.

 

“Who the hell are these guys?”

 

Giran chuckled like there wasn’t enough tension in the room to suffocate everyone. “These are two of my finest recruits for you, perhaps the best yet. Introduce yourself guys!”

 

“I’m Himiko Toga!” The blonde chirped, far too cheery for Shigaraki to appreciate.

 

“Dabi,” The one with burn marks grunted, causing Shigaraki to raise an eyebrow.

 

“Just Dabi?”

 

“That’s all you need to know.”

 

Shigaraki shrugged, not really caring, they were just another two recruits to his army which had swelled in numbers since the broadcast with ‘Stain’. Admittedly most of them were cannon fodder who could barely throw a punch but an army was an army. Plus there were at least a few half decent fighters in the mix with some hard hitting quirks. 

 

“Do you have Stain’s body!?” Toga suddenly asked in excitement, causing Shigaraki to choke on his drink.

 

“The fuck!? No! We burned it.”

 

Actually Shigaraki had no idea what the hell they did with the body, as soon as he was done with it Kurogiri had opened a portal and left it with Sensei. Knowing how things worked it was probably with the doctor by now.

 

“Awww!” Toga said with a pout as her crazed eyes focused on Shigaraki, “I reaallllly wanted to try his blood.”

 

Shigaraki frowned, “Giran! You brought us a broken villain.”

 

“I think that’s the very definition…” Giran grumbled as he lit a cigarette with an eyeroll.

 

“Ugh I just love Stainy so much!” Toga cried with a dreamy look on her face, “I wanna be just like him! I wanna be him! I wanna taste his blood!”

 

“Toga you’re doing it again.” Dabi said with a scoff, “I admire Stain as much as you but you make it kinda weird you know?”

 

Toga pouted slightly as she bobbed up and down, “Well excuse me for trying to follow in Stainy’s footsteps! Besides I’m just hungry, I get cranky when I don’t get blood.”

 

“Is that all you talk about? Stain?”

 

Toga and Dabi paused to look at Shigaraki who was glaring at the pair.

 

“Isn’t Stain your leader?” 

 

“I’m the leader!” Shigaraki shouted and slammed his hand on the table, turning it into a fist at the last minute to avoid destroying the bar.

 

Rather than cower back in fear as Shigaraki had hoped, Dabi just snorted, “You look more like a spoiled brat than a leader. Stain really worked with you?”

 

Shigaraki growled as he made to lunge at Dabi, “I’ll show you, you damn-”

 

“Perhaps a drink!” Kurogiri suggested as a large portal formed next to Shigaraki and a milkshake and straight whisky appeared on the bar, “Please enjoy these drinks, on the house while we sort your accommodation, I’m afraid space is short.”

 

Toga eagerly jumped towards the prepared milkshake while Dabi held Shigaraki’s gaze for a moment longer before moving towards the bar with a scoff. Both new recruits eagerly started sipping their drinks with glee. Sometimes Shigaraki wondered if Kurogiri had some sort of bartending quirk that allowed him to know everyone's perfect order.

 

“And what about me?” Shigaraki said with a slight growl.

 

“You have a meeting,” Kurogiri said and indicated to the still open portal.

 

Shigaraki felt a chill go up his spine and nodded to Kurogiri as he turned to step through the purple mist. If this was a meeting in person that meant he had been summoned by only one of two people. If he was lucky it was the Doctor wanting to run another assortment of random experiments on him. If he was unlucky-

 

“Ahhh Young Tomura, how good to see you.”

 

The air grew thick as Shigaraki stepped out of the portal into a dark room lit only by the blinking lights of medical equipment. In the shadows atop his life support throne was All For One, staring at him with a smile that made Shigaraki audibly gulp. Even with all the tubes coming out of him and visible injuries caused by All Might his Sensei just knew how to intimidate, it didn’t help that he could easily crush Shigaraki if he chose, even in his current condition.

 

“Hello Sensei,” Shigaraki greeted in the best neutral tone he could muster, “What can I do for you?”

 

All For One chuckled, a sound which caused Shigaraki’s bones to rattle in his body, “My boy just because I wish to see you in person for a change doesn’t mean there is an issue. In fact quite the opposite, your plan with Stain has worked wonders! I hoped we’d see a boost in recruitment but the stream of pawns is endless, soon you’ll have your own private army.”

 

Shigaraki couldn’t fight the smile that overcame his face, he liked the sound of that, his own army to burn the world with, “I can’t wait to use it against the heroes!”

 

“Ahhh yes, in fact that’s what I was hoping to discuss,” All For One said and leaned forward with a vicious smile, “Tell me Tomura, what is your next move?”

 

“I’m not entirely sure,” Shigaraki said with a shrug, “Keep building our army I guess until we’re ready to take on a significant target. Maybe the HPSC HQ or the Endeavor Agency, that would show society how weak the heroes really are.”

 

All For One mulled over the idea, the long pause causing Shigaraki to bite his tongue, “Not a bad idea, though these aren’t easy targets. Even with an army of hundred of villains we can’t guarantee victory without months of training by which point I imagine Stain’s influence will have diminished.”

 

“Why is it all about Stain!?” Shigaraki snapped and briefly panicked at his outburst but All For One simply smiled.

 

“My boy, Stain is your mascot, he represents the ideology that draws our recruits in! Your ingenious plan to masquerade an alliance between has lifted our message and given us the manpower to strike again. Now we must come up with a plan while the iron is hot, while we have an army eager for blood and the attention of the media. As leader it is up to use the momentum and bring forward even more chaos!”

 

“Fine… What do you suggest?”

 

“While I appreciate your ambition, a top hero agency or a major HPSC is currently out of our reach. Perhaps aim for something smaller but no less impactful.”

 

Shigaraki bit back the point they were only as weak as they were thanks to All For One himself, it was his arrogance against All Might that had set back their mission so far. Ten years ago they’d had vast resources and influence, then All Might had beaten All For One to a bloody pulp and they had been forced to crawl into caves to hide from an ever more powerful hero industry. Had All For One played his hand better he could have beaten All Might and been all but unopposed.

 

“Well why don’t we use the Nomu again?”

 

“Ah,” All for One said, sitting back as his smile dropped slightly, “I’m afraid we don’t currently have any ready for field use. Endeavor, Miruko and many of the other heroes in Hosu were rather… violent in their takedowns against the Nomu and those that we recovered will need time to repair and we don’t have a fresh batch good to go. Not to mention the Doctor has other projects to work on, for the time being I’m afraid the Nomu won’t be a move we can play.”

 

“In which case we’ll need a single easy target to give to the army, they’re hardly a trained squadron of mercenaries.”

 

All For One hummed for a moment before smiling, “Didn’t our spy recently report that UA would be hosting an offsite camp for its first year hero students?”

 

Shigaraki paused and slowly nodded his head, “Yes, he did.”

 

“Well a better target could not present itself! I’m sure it won’t be too much trouble for our spy to provide us the location. Imagine the damage you could do to UA’s reputation, it’s already cracked due to the USJ but we could do even more harm this time around. More students and less teachers, we could shatter the very image of UA.”

 

“That’s true,” Shigaraki said as he eyed All For One carefully.

 

Technically it was a sound move, it would be a relatively easy win in theory, with their numbers swelled the few teachers and rookie students wouldn’t be able to put up any reasonable defence. An assortment of dead teachers and students would be a crushing blow to the heroes, the tactical victory would be small, almost non-existent but the ideological and moral victory would be immense.

 

But Shigaraki wasn’t an idiot, he knew what All For One was after.

 

“Perhaps we could even look at taking a few hostages?” All For One said with a sliver of excitement in his words, “What about that Izuku Midoriya child? The one they call a villain, perhaps-”

 

“Stop.”

 

With a single word Shigaraki flipped the entire atmosphere in the room, gone was the pretence of a back and forth discussion. In its place was a harsh and twisted idea of a mentor and mentee relationship, two people who deep down knew they hated each other but refused to admit it to the other or themselves.

 

“Something wrong my boy?” All For One asked though his voice held a sharpness to it that it lacked before.

 

“I’m not stupid,” Shigaraki said and held All For One’s gaze, “A random kid who can take and keep quirks? There is only one way that can happen. He's your son.”

 

In the long pause that followed Shigaraki briefly wondered if he was about to die, he’d never directly questioned his sensei before but things weren’t adding up and he deserved answers.

 

“You’re correct,” All For One finally confessed, leaning back in his chair and his smile all but gone, “I was also not aware of him until recent events.”

 

“So what? You want us to capture him so you can have a son?”

 

“I want you to capture him because his quirk is perfected.”

 

“Liar!” Shigaraki snapped, “You want him because he’s a back up plan, a second successor instead of me! One you don’t have to give your quirk to!”

 

“Tomura please, you are still my primary successor but you must understand we’re on the backfoot. All Might's successor is exceeding my predictions for his power level and with my own son being used as an asset for the heroes we are, for the time being, outmatched.”

 

“You keep saying we like this is my fault too. Yet you’re the one who got us into this mess oh so great and powerful sensei! It was you who lost to All Might! It was you who underestimated them at the USJ! And it was you who, despite your boastful spy network, failed to realise you had a son! I say we kill the kid and-”

 

Shigaraki was cut off when the wall behind him erupted into a dust cloud of rubble and wiring shot out, wrapping tight around his neck and cutting off his air. He went to clasp them and turn the wires to dust but several more broke out, grabbing his hands and spreading his fingers, making sure to keep away from the tips. As the wires tightened Shigaraki was forced to his knees as he felt waves of anger flow off All For One.

 

“You are out of line Tomura,” His mentor hissed out and every word moved though Shigaraki like red hot needles, “Do not forget the USJ was as much your failure as it was mine. You act like a child and I have no doubt were it not for Kurogiri your little revolution would have died weeks ago. Make no mistake, you are still my primary successor but my son is an entity that must be dealt with. Your focus should still be All Might's own successor, he is destined to be your enemy as always, but my son is my business. So attack their camp anyway you see fit and burn it all to the ground for all I care.”

 

Shigaraki let out a gasping breath as he fell to the ground, released from the wire's grasp.

 

“But you bring me my son alive.”

 

---

 

Izuku’s eyes opened a few seconds before his alarm went off as per, he was more than used to the early starts by now. His eyes adjusted to the rising sunlight while his quirks vibrated as he calmed them before his morning routine. He turned to look at the bottle of sleeping pills on his bedside and frowned, once again they had failed to do their job and he had spent several hours staring at his dark ceiling before the sweet embrace of sleep took over. 

 

With a yawn Izuku clambered out of bed, a moment later regeneration jumped into effect and his tiredness was washed away. It was arguably the best side effect of the quirk, though the energy he got was artificial and he had to be careful not to exhaust himself on it. He stretched his tired bones and mentally prepared himself for a week of final exams. He shuffled out of his door and into the hallway.

 

“Excuse me,” He mumbled to the person he nearly walked into as he left.

 

Then he paused and snapped his head round to figure leaning against the wall by his bedroom door.

 

“So,” Deku said with a smirk, “I personally can’t wait to take Nedzu’s intelligence quirk and ace our exams.”

 

Izuku growled in response.

 

---

 

Katsuki violently dried his hair with his towel as he stepped out of the bathroom, as he did he crossed a tired looking Izuku in the hall.

 

“Morning nerd.”

 

Izuku simply grunted in response and barged past into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.

 

Katsuki paused, hand still in his towel as he stared at the closed wooden door, hushed whispers coming from inside. Clearly Kyouka had been genuine in her concerns. Katsuki sighed and rubbed his temples as his head throbbed slightly, he seemed to be getting frequent migraines recently and wasn’t exactly sure why. 

 

He pondered what to do about Izuku; he should probably talk to him at some point. In fact he could break the door right now, while Izuku was vulnerable. A quick One For All powered punch the back of the head would probably stun him enough for Katsuki to grab said head and snap his neck with an easy-

 

Katsuki staggered back, collapsing into his room, he fell to his knees as he shook his head. What the hell was that? Those weren’t his thoughts, it was like… someone else had forced their way into his mind.

 

Katsuki took a sigh and slapped himself slightly, he could worry about that later. Right now he had final exams to complete.

 

---

 

“An intelligence quirk would make this so much easier.” Deku groaned as he stood over Izuku’s shoulder, breaking the silence of the classroom.

 

Izuku gripped his pen slightly harder as he scratched out numbers on his maths exam. Deku had been providing a very unhelpful commentary throughout Izuku’s exams which mainly consisted of explaining how taking various quirks would improve his grades.

 

“Oh I know!” Deku chirped happily as he sat on the edge of Izuku’s desk, “We could take Koda’s quirk! Get a couple of mice or something to steal the answers for us.”

 

Izuku paused trying to figure out an equation to look up and glare at Deku, biting his tongue. Deku just rolled his eyes.

 

“I’m in your head, if you wanna talk to me just think it you fucking idiot.”

 

‘Great. Shut up.’

 

“Well excuse me for actually trying to help.”

 

‘You can help by going away!’

 

“Anyone ever told you you’re a broken record?”

 

Izuku glared down at his exam, trying very hard not to use laser eyes in the middle of the classroom in hopes it would get rid of his other self.

 

---

 

“Ok listen up!” PowerLoader barked from the front of the classroom as everyone stared at the front page of their physics exam, “You got one hour to complete this exam, no quirks allowed of any kind, make sure you show your methods for every question. Absolutely no talking… You may begin.”

 

Katsuki flipped open the pages and began to read through the first questions. Physics was one of his better subjects so unlike half the class who had a near breakdown reading the first page Katsuki wasted no time in getting to work. The silence of the room was broken only by the soft sound of pen on paper (and the slight sniffling of Kaminari). That was until the clatter of a pen and soft but harsh curse word rang throughout the room.

 

Katsuki quickly glanced up to see Izuku swiping his pen up from the floor and glaring at the air next to his desk. For some reason Katsuki felt the need to watch him.

 

And as he did he felt anger bubble inside of him as he watched Izuku get back to his test. The arrogance of Izuku to sit and do exams like he was a normal child. Anger turned to rage as Katsuki saw red, he should stop Izuku, fight him. He was the 9th wielder of One For All, it was his duty to put Izuku down like a dog and- 

 

CRUNCH!

 

Katsuki’s shattered pen broke through his thoughts as he stared down at his hands. Those… weren’t his feelings. Those weren’t his thoughts…

 

What the hell was going on?

 

---

 

“Look at these insects, walking around with their heads held high like their quirks are anything special.”

 

Izuku ground his teeth together as he walked through the halls towards the lunch hall, ahead of him his friends chatted away happily while Katsuki took nervous glances back at him as he lagged behind everyone else.

 

“I mean look at this one,” Deku said as he walked next to Izuku and pointed at a 1B student, “All she can do is shoot horns from her head, that’s it! We have fucking LASER beams in our eyes.”

 

“But hers are physical attacks, ours has a reliance on heat. Just look at Todoroki, it’s practically useless against him. Hers would do more damage with a direct hit.” Izuku countered as his footsteps slammed against the ground.

 

“You’re right…. OH! I have an idea! YOU CAN HAVE THEM BOTH!” Deku shouted in Izuku’s ear causing said boy to wince.

 

“Would you just shut up?”

 

Deku rolled his eyes as a pair of third years walked past, they glanced at Izuku and sneered in perfect sync. It would have been impressive if it didn’t just annoy Izuku.

 

“You could at least take the quirks of those assholes. Come on, we both know you want to. Show them what real power is, show them-”

 

“SHUT UP!”

 

Everyone in the hall turned to stare at Izuku post outburst and he quickly withered under the attention which caused Deku to roll his eyes.

 

“Ah um… sorry.” He said awkwardly to the crowd though it did little to draw the attention away from him.

 

“Oi! Extras!” Katsuki barked with a scowl at the collective students, “Haven’t you all got better things to do!?”

 

Nobody wanted to question the first year with anger management issues that could punch straight through someone's chest with little effort and so the crowd quickly scattered bar a few glances at Izuku as everybody moved.

 

“You good Izuku?” Eijiro asked, concern written all over the faces of his friends.

 

“Yeah,” Izuku said with a sigh and a frown at a smirking Deku, “I’m ok, just exams you know?”

 

---

 

Katsuki cracked his neck as he waited in line for his lunch, unfortunately today it seemed half the school was in line for the salmon and sadly Katsuki’s strict diet meant he couldn’t just jump to another line like most of his friends had. Speaking of which Katsuki glanced over to their usual table, like most of the first years it reeked of exhaustion and exam fatigue. Even Mina and Eijiro were physically struggling to keep any sort of upbeat conversation going.

 

Yet nobody had anything on how Izuku looked, his eyes were dull, his face in a constant frown and everybody was giving him more space than usual, terrified that he was going to blow up even worse than Katsuki. Most just put it down to exam pressure and they had a point. Yaoyorozu and Iida were also showing signs of exam fatigue and even Todoroki and Katsuki were more grumpy than usual and they all represented the top of the class, they arguably had the easiest week. But Katsuki knew this wasn’t solely down to exams, he just couldn’t figure out what was going on with Izuku.

 

Katsuki turned back away from the table and caught his reflection in the window. He froze. Currently Katsuki was standing just back from some random second year in front of him with two chattering third years behind him. But according to the reflection in the window there was someone else standing behind him. Said figure was made of what appeared to be shadow with two bright yellow eyes staring back at him, he could barely make out spiky hair atop a lean body as the figure placed it’s hand on Katsuki’s shoulder.

 

“This is your chance Nine,” It whispered into his ear, “He’s clearly occupied by something else, it’s your duty as the latest successor to remove this quirk from the world… permanently.”

 

Katsuki’s breath caught in his throat, mainly because he knew exactly what quirk the shadow was talking about.

 

Before he could do anything else though a second shadow appeared, one of a woman and grabbed the first shadow around the throat.

 

“OH YOU AND I ARE GONNA HAVE FUCKING WORDS!” It shouted and pulled the first shadow back, “Don’t listen to him Nine, he’s just messed up in the head. You focus on your exams kid.”

 

With that she pulled the first shadow back into the abyss as both vanished from Katsuki’s vision.

 

What…

 

The fuck?

 

---

 

Yagi had known Katsuki and Izuku for over a year now and while much of the things they did still confused and surprised him he liked to think he had a good handle on the boys. He had a reasonably good idea of what made them tick and how to read them both. Which was why he knew something was wrong with the pair.

 

Classroom Heroics was one of their best subjects, they often competed for second place in the class only a mark or two behind Yaoyorozu. This exam should have been a breeze for them, not to mention it was their final written exam of the week, they should have been thrilled. Yet out of the entire class they looked the most stressed.

 

Izuku kept glaring at random spaces of air, his pen violently scratching against the exam paper. His hair looked messier than usual and even with regeneration Yagi could see the tiredness in his eyes. 

 

Katsuki wasn’t much better, every now and then he would look up with a confused scowl before shaking his head and returning to his exam. The strangest thing occurred whenever he glanced at Izuku however. His face would take on a deep disgusted frown for a moment before he seemed to realise what he was doing and was overcome with shock before quickly turning away from Izuku.

 

As Yagi watched this display from behind the teachers desk he tried not to verbally sigh. There were of course several possible causes Yagi could think of, for starters the pair had been under a lot of stress recently due to the surge of power they were receiving from their quirks and-

 

Oh God.

 

Their quirks. Yagi suddenly remembered what he’d set for the last question on the exam. It was a way to test how far they’d come in analysing their own quirks in what he thought was a more interesting way than normal.

 

However, he wasn’t sure Izuku would feel that way.

 

---

 

Izuku rubbed his eyes, finally he was coming to the last question of the last exam of the week. Sure they had physical heroics that afternoon but as far as he was concerned that would be better than having Deku constantly in his ear while trying to get through a paper.

 

“Your answer to question six was off you know?” Deku whispered in Izuku’s ear, though considering nobody else could hear him it was a pointless exercise, “Someone with a flight quirk shouldn’t patrol at all. They’re better suited to respond to incoming crises directly.”

 

‘But patrolling is an important part of villain deterrent therefore it’s not a useless endeavour, something I explained in my answer.’

 

“Fine, fine,” Deku said and held up his hands, looking around the class, “Damn, Yaoyorozu looks like she’s having a midlife crisis.” 

 

Izuku watched as Yagi walked over to hand a very stressed looking Yaoyorozu another stack of blank paper for her exam.

 

“Bitch,” Deku spat and Izuku’s grip on his pen increased tenfold, “A quirk like hers she should be dominating this course. Instead she’d too much of a coward to use it correctly. And then there’s the obvious quirkism.”

 

Izuku angrily flipped over his exam paper to the final question and read through it. As he did though he felt his jaw clench as Deku looked over his shoulder.

 

“Well that’s bullshit.”

 

Question 20: (15 Marks)

 

If you were to encounter a villain wielding an exact replica of your own quirk describe how you would stop them including counter moves, useful quirks to take to the battle and how you would limit collateral damage.

 

Izuku frowned at the question, he knew exactly how to answer it because said answer had been flowing through his mind for weeks after he found out about his father.

 

“Damn, that’s cold even for All Might.”

 

‘There are 40 people taking this exam, I doubt he singled out a question for me.’

 

“Are you sure? After all, dear old Dad was his greatest enemy and you know how he looks at us sometimes. The fear. The same fear they all have with us. How can you be sure they aren’t always going after us?”

 

Izuku looked up to counter when he caught Yagi’s eye, the man was staring at him in a slight alarm with a mix of guilt and pity. He knew. He knew exactly what that question meant to Izuku.

 

“And yet he kept it in there anyway.”

 

Izuku chose to ignore everyone around him, including Deku, and tried to give Yagi exactly what he wanted. A perfect answer on how to take down All For One.

 

Afterall, it was All Might who had failed to do it all those years ago

 

---

 

“Are you guys ready for this!?” Eijiro cheered as the class lined up ready for their practical exam.

 

Despite the past week of written tests everyone's spirits had been lifted for the afternoon, not only were they mere hours away from the weekend, it was time to let loose and show off what they’d spent the past few months working on with their quirks. Sure, practical heroics lessons were fun and all but they usually focused on a specific aspect that they were working on and not just a let loose free for all.

 

“Ahhh it’s nice to finally get some fresh air,” Hagakure said as she took a deep breath.

 

They were currently standing outside one of mock cityscapes that UA had, though Izuku didn't recognise the location so couldn’t tell exactly what kind of city they were going to be working in.

 

“Anyone got any idea what the exam is gonna be?” Sero asked as he stretched out his arms in preparation.

 

“Not a clue,” Mina said from where she stood next to Izuku, looking down Izuku realised she had added even more support equipment to her costume, “I heard a rumour it might be robots but 1B had their exam yesterday and while Kendo didn’t reveal what the exam would be she said we should be surprised.”

 

“Maybe we’ll just have to beat the shit out of the rest of the class.” Deku said unhelpfully and received a particularly angry glare from Izuku, “Alright fine! I’m probably best taking a backseat for this anyway. Have fun!”

 

Deku mercifully popped out of existence and Izuku let out a sigh of relief as he reached up and ran a hand through his hair.

 

“Are you ok?” Todoroki asked, “You’ve been… out of it this week.”

 

“Just stress,” Izuku replied and took a breath, finally feeling like he could hear without Deku, “Lets just get through this exam and then I can collapse for the weekend.”

 

“You and I both,” Kyouka agreed.

 

“Good, you’re all here.” Aizawa said as he emerged from within the city, glaring at the principal sitting on his shoulder.

 

“Welcome, 1A, to your final practical heroics exam!” Nedzu exclaimed with excitement as the rest of the UA staff appeared behind him.

 

“Oh… Hello Principal,” Mina said as she and Izuku shared a slightly concerned glance, they knew from school council meetings anything involving Nedzu was normally both complex and painful.

 

“Greetings Ashido!”

 

“Alright, we don’t have a lot of time to waste,” Aizawa said, causing all his students to stand up to attention, “This afternoon you’ll be facing your practical hero exam. The exam has been set through a combination of myself and-”

 

“Me!” A booming voice came from above as All Might jumped down from the walls surrounding the city, landing next to Aizawa with a gust of air.

 

“Do you have to do that every time?” Aizawa drawled, clearly unimpressed. 

 

“Only around you, my friend!”

 

“Oi!” Katsuki barked, “Is someone gonna tell us what our exam is?”

 

“Of course!” Nedzu chirped and clapped his hands together, “First of all we should confess your exam is slightly different to the exam 1B took.”

 

“Huh!?” Kaminari explained with a slack jaw, “Is that fair!?”

 

“Please understand Young Kaminari. I designed both exams to test the specific challenges facing your developments as classes and future heroes. The marking for both shall however be no less harsh or favourable.”

 

“They're also not a million miles apart,” Aizawa explained, “So don’t feel we’ve given anyone an easier or harder time.”

 

“So… What’s our exam?” Yoarashi asked.

 

“That’s simple!” All Might said with a smirk that sent shivers throughout the class, “Behind us is a makeshift town, complete with a hospital, market street, police station and city hall! But alas! A few hours ago a devious villain group strode into the town, killed the local hero and took complete control of it. Right now the town and its civilians are all being ruled by this villain group! Your job will be to operate as a class to break this siege, take back the town and save the VIP they have taken hostage.”

 

“Wait,” Asui said, blinking in surprise, “You mean we're taking our exam together as a class?”

 

“That’s right,” Aizawa confirmed, “For this exercise you are to operate as one team. Though that doesn’t mean we won’t pass and fail you all on an individual basis. Even if you succeed in your mission those of you who didn’t pull your weight will fail and even if you fail in your mission those of you who did everything we would expect will pass.”

 

“Ok,” Izuku said thinking to himself, “So we have to break the town from a villain siege. Who’s playing the… oh…”

 

All Might smiled as he watched the collective faces of his class pale.

 

“That’s right! Today it’s Class 1A vs The UA Teachers Villain Alliance!”

Notes:

Yeah, I kinda wanted to do something different for the final exam arc. 1B still had the canon final exam though if ya'll were wondering.

Thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 51: The Practical Exam Begins

Summary:

Izuku and his class begin their practical exam, with a few surprises in store for them

Several Weeks Ago

 

“And finally Midnight if you could handle Kodai and Shishida. Shishida is too focused on getting physical and doesn’t attempt to think of ways to counteract more ranged based quirks. Meanwhile Kodai, while making progress with her quirk, struggles with team activities and is generally content to let others do the work and follow in their steps, something she won’t be able to do with Shinshida.” Yagi explained as everyone around the meeting room scanned over the documents he had prepared.

 

“I can work with that,” Midnight hummed as she read through the profiles of her rivals for the exam, “I’ll focus on making my gas as widespread as possible, stay firmly within it so they’ll be forced to work together to come up with a better plan.”

 

“Uh, are we sure Midnight’s gas is gonna be effective against Kodai?” Present Mic asked with a slight frown.

 

Midnight chuckled, “Oh believe me, it’ll work.”

 

“Right,” Vlad said before Midnight could devolve into another love speech about students, “That’s my class all taken care of, I doubt any of them will fail but you never know I suppose.”

 

“Everyone please remember that it’s important to take this exam seriously but even with the restraints provided there is no need to go all out and claim victory if the students are showing everything we expect of them. This is supposed to test their progression, not crush their spirit because they can’t win against a pro hero with years of experience.” Nedzu reminded the collective staff, with how well the students were doing it was easy to forget most wouldn’t last five minutes against a top pro.

 

“I think I can handle Kendo and Monoma,” Ectoplasm commented before closing his file, “So that’s 1B, what are the pairings for 1A?”

 

Yagi and Aizawa glanced at each other before Yagi cleared his throat, “Actually… Myself and Aizawa have done some thinking….”

 

“This idea won’t work for 1A.” Aizawa stated bluntly causing Nedzu to raise an eyebrow.

 

“The pairing system has worked for years, yes the essence of the exam changes but why are you suddenly so against the idea now?”

 

“Because the issues in 1A are more complex than a few interpersonal relationships,” Aizawa explained as he clicked on his pad and the screen by the table lit up with the members of his class, all split into two even groups of ten, “I hate to say it but the class is split into two opposing sides and it all revolves around what they think of Midoriya. Obviously Bakugou leads those who support him which includes Yoarashi, Ashido, Todoroki, Kirishima, Uraraka and Jiro. As we’re all aware they’ve essentially formed their own friendship unit. The only other ones outside of that group who don’t appear to have any issues with Midoriya are Shoji and Tokayami, though it’d be a stretch to call them close friends.”

 

“Then we have the other half of class, now this isn’t to say they all have outright problems with Midoriya. Iida, Hagakure and Sato seem to be uncomfortable with his quirk so prefer to ignore him, others are simply afraid of what he can do such as Yaoyorozu, Kaminari and Asui. Though I’d be lying if I said there aren’t those in the class who are directly opposed to him being here, Ojiro being the worst.”

 

“Look we’ve all seen how some of the kids treat Midoriya,” Snipe said and crossed his arms as he leaned back in his chair, “Yet it never seems to amount to much. Surely by this point some should have been suspended at the very least or even expelled?”

 

“First of all most of them left him alone once they realised Midoriya could probably beat them all with one hand tied behind his back. It’s mainly been limited to snide comments and gossip. And while that may be bad it's not an expellable offence, not to mention this is a school, trying to track down gossip is like trying to find a needle in a haystack that someone set on fire. Secondly Midoriya has made it explicitly clear he doesn’t want anyone booted off the hero course on his behalf.” Aizawa explained though he said it with enough disdain to make his views on the subject clear for everyone.

 

“We can’t solely place the blame on the class division on that side of the camp though,” Yagi interjected, “While yes it’s not Izuku’s fault his quirk is what it is, he and his friends have been rather cold to those who don’t understand. Can one really blame Asui for being afraid of a quirk that essentially rendered her incapable of moving? I’m not defending their actions towards Izuku but equally Izuku has made no move to show his classmates otherwise. Combined with the venomous defence of Katsuki and they’ve only helped to deepen the division.”

 

“All valid points,” Nedzu said, “So what’s your counter proposal?”

 

“We test them as a singular unit, as a whole class.” 

 

Midnight raised her eyebrows at Aizawa, “All 20 of them together? How on earth do you plan to keep track of the exam?”

 

“Not to mention won’t that just devolve into a brawl between us and them? Hardley the best way of getting them to work on their weaknesses.” Powerloader pointed out.

 

“We wouldn’t be presenting this idea if we didn’t have a better plan than a simple stand in fight.” Yagi said as a map appeared on the projection behind him.

 

---

 

“Here’s the situation,” Yagi said to the class as he placed a map before them in a briefing room just outside of the mock town, “Several hours ago the villain group launched their attack to seize the town. The initial blow came first from All Might who attacked and killed the local hero before wrecking havoc around the city. He appears to remain separated from any of the other groups, focused on causing as much destruction as possible. The villains waited for the police to scatter in an attempt to restrain All Might before taking control of the police station and cutting off their command post and thus weakening their response. After this it was relatively easy for the rest of the villain group to move in and set up the town hall as their HQ and kidnap the mayor. They then set about causing mayhem, breaking into stores, setting buildings on fire and generally creating chaos. Luckily the police did manage to retain control of the hospital and set up a crisis centre but are still on the backfoot against the villains. You should note as well as the teachers there will be robots acting as villains and… a couple of surprises. Your exam will last two hours, in this time you’ll need to prove you have effectively broken the siege in whatever way you deem it necessary. You also have 30 minutes in this room to formulate a plan. Good luck.”

 

With a final smile Yagi left the class in the conference room. The air was thick with tension and Izuku was fairly certain if he sneezed there would be an all out brawl.

 

Then Kaminari sneezed.

 

“I’ll take All Might,” Todoroki said coldly and stood up to head towards the door, apparently that was his sole plan.

 

“Arrogant ass,” Yoarashi grumbled from next to Izuku as he too stood up, “I’m going after those burning buildings, I’ll protect the people.”

 

Izuku frowned at them, “Hey guys wait-”

 

“I say we hit the HQ head on guys!” Kaminari cheered to Ojiro and Sero who both grinend and stood up.

 

“That’s not the best move tactically.” Izuku tried to call out to them but his voice was lost as the rest of class started to move, clearly intent on fighting their own way, only Katsuki and Yaoyorozu remained at the table.

 

---

 

“Ok so you give them a grand scenario but what’s to stop it just erupting into chaos?” Snipe asked and even though he was wearing a mask his scepticism was obvious, “I mean they’re just kids, most of them will just go to the area they think they’ll perform best at.”

 

“I gotta agree,” Mic said as he weighed in, “They might be hero kids but they’re still just kids.”

 

“You’re forgetting one thing,” Aizawa said with a slight frown at the disrespect being thrown around about his class.

 

“What’s that?”

 

“They have a leader.”

 

---

 

“That’s ENOUGH!” Izuku shouted as he shot up from his seat with a roar, his quirk reaching out and tugging slightly at everyone in the room.

 

Every eye in the room turned to him in shock (and some with fear), even Katsuki looked a little surprised that Izuku was being so forceful. His green eyes glared out at the assembled class who were all frozen in place.

 

“Don’t you get it?” He said to them all, his voice firm, “They’re testing us on our ability to work as a team. As a class. If we all go gung ho without a plan then we’re likely to all fail.”

 

Some of Izuku’s friends seemed to realise their mistake and took on embarrassed blushes, others however weren’t so quick to his side.

 

“Why should we stick together? Let’s face it half of us don’t even like each other and we can just focus on the areas we’re good at.” Ojiro countered with a frown at Izuku.

 

“Don’t you see? We’re outnumbered and outclassed, the whole situation is designed to work against us. If we don’t work as a team we’ll all fail, All Might could take most of us out with ease alone.”

 

“And why should we even listen to you?”

 

“Because I’ve fought more villains than anyone else in this room, know quirks better than any of you and I’m your damn class president so you will sit down and we’ll work as a fucking team!”

 

Nobody dared move after Izuku’s outburst, those around him could feel their quirks playing up from the power he was displaying. For a minute it looked like all hell was about to break loose until Yoayorozu sighed.

 

“Midoriya is right, it’s clear this was built as a team exercise and should be completed as such.”

 

Midoriya glanced at Yaoyorozu however the girl wasn’t meeting his eyes. Her words did seem to finally spur the class however and slowly they all retook their seats.

 

“I know I said I’d leave you alone, but that was perfect.”

 

---

 

“OK, so let's assume Midoriya gets them to work together. Are you sure they’ll follow him into battle?”

 

“Not at this stage,” Yagi admitted, “But Midoriya won’t be their commander.”

 

---

 

“What do you mean you aren’t going to lead us during the exam!?” Mina cried, looking over the table at Izuku with a slight pout.

 

“I’m not sure that’s the best position for me.”

 

“He’s right,” Katsuki grunted, “He’s one of the hardest hitting frontliners in class. He shouldn’t be sitting on a rooftop coordinating.” 

 

“Wait so I have to do it!?” The class vice president cried as her eyes widened.

 

“Ah… no,” Izuku said, trying his best not to insult Mina although if anything she looked relieved, “I was going to suggest Yaoyorozu be a commander.”

 

“What!?” Yaoyorozu gasped as she looked up at Izuku, “Me? But why?”

 

Izuku shrugged, “You’re the smartest person in class, you’re a natural tactician and your quirk means you can set up a command post at any location quickly.”

 

“Are you sure?” Yaoyorozu asked, clearly hesitant about the idea.

 

“Yaoyorozu there’s nobody I would trust more to lead the class in my stead.”

 

Yaoyorozu looked genuinely surprised by Izuku’s statement, he managed to catch several emotions that flickered onto her face, not least of all a mix of guilt and self doubt. After a few moments however she turned to Izuku and nodded.

 

“You can count on me.”

 

---

 

“This is a lot of assumptions,” Nedzu said to both Aizawa and Yagi sceptically, “How do you know this will all pan out as you predict?”

 

“Because I know my class,” Aizawa insisted.

 

“And we’ve set up scenarios to force them into a relatively fixed strategy. I have no doubt between Midoriya and Yaoyorozu they’ll figure out the best tactics, doing so should force the class to split into groups and face their weaknesses.” Yagi explained.

 

“Such as?” Nedzu asked.

 

---

 

“The first target we need to take out is All Might,” Izuku said as he and Yaoyorozu stood at the end of the briefing room, looking over a map.

 

“Agreed,” Yaoyorozu said, “He’s too powerful to keep on the battlefield, if we don’t take him out every other plan we think of will be countered by his sheer power.”

 

“You guys make it sound easy, this is freaking ALL MIGHT!” Kaminari cried, waving his hands in the air, “How are we supposed to just ‘take him out’! I don’t think my electricity will even make him wince!”

 

“You won’t be going after him.” Yoayorozu assured Kaminari.

 

Izuku nodded, “While All Might certainly is a threat he doesn’t occupy any strategical points. Simply beating him back won’t do anything to break the siege. We need to hit him as hard as we can while using the least amount of people.

 

Izuku and Yaoyorozu glanced at each other, sharing a nod upon the silent agreement of their plan.

 

“This means Hachiman, Shoto and Gale Force will go after All Might, remember the important thing here is to keep him occupied until the exam is over, not to defeat him outright.” Izuku said giving Katsuki a long look that signified he wasn’t ready to put up with any glory hog bullshit today.

 

Katsuki scoffed as Todoroki frowned slightly, “If we need our strongest members hitting All Might why aren’t you coming too?”

 

“My quirk isn’t as effective against All Might as everybody else, it’s too powerful for me to keep control while trying to take it and All Might handled all my training before UA. He knows most of my tricks, it’s already a risk sending Hachiman but he’s the hardest hitter in class.”

 

Katsuki wore a smug grin as Yaoyorozu continued the explanation, “This is arguably the most important fight, we need you to keep All Might away from the rest of the class to allow us all to operate uninterrupted. We can’t send any reinforcements your way so you’re on your own. It doesn’t matter how you do it, just keep the fighting away from the busy parts of the town.”

 

“Yeah yeah, we got it,” Katsuki grunted as Todoroki and Yoarashi shared a quick glare at each other.

“Bakugou, Todoroki and Yoarashi are the only ones who are strong enough to take me on directly,” Yagi explained to the teachers, “It’s a strong group but they have a lot of interpersonal issues which will make this fight even more difficult than it already is.”

 

“Yoarashi and Todoroki still have a level of animosity they’ve never really gotten over, if they stand any chance against All Might they’ll need to see past that and work as a team. Moreover Bakguou has a habit of taking a back seat most of the time and letting someone  else deal with the tactical side of things. Here he’ll be the one leading the group, forcing him to deal with the issues between Yoarashi and Todoroki head on.”  Aizawa said.

 

“Quite ingenious,” Nedzu commented with a smile, “Forcing Bakugou to take the leadership role he is so often quick to disregard.”

 

“And what about the rest?” Houndog asked.

“Once All Might is out of the equation I’ll set up a command post here,” Yaoyorozu said as she pointed to a tall building on the map.

 

“The radio tower?” Asui asked, “Wasn’t that destroyed by All Might?”

 

“Yes but with the right equipment and some time I might be able to repair it,” Yaoyorozu said, “Getting reinforcements to the town would almost certainly break the siege. Outside of that it’s a tall and central point we’ll be able to keep recon from, for that I’ll need Anima, Tentacole and Earphone Jack with me.”

 

Shoji and Koda nodded in agreement, Kyouka, however, looked a little put out, “Wait? Recon? But with my new suit I can hit as hard as Todoroki or Yoarashi, why can’t I be on the frontlines?”

 

“It’s because you’re such a hard hitter you need to stick with command team,” Izuku explained with a reassuring smile, he knew how desperately Kyouka wanted to prove she could hold her own now, “If we lose our command post we won’t be able to coordinate as a team, which means we need someone like you to help hold if you’re attacked. Plus your recon abilities far exceed everyone else here.”

 

Even Shoji and Koda nodded in agreement and Kyouka sighed, “Yeah ok, you don’t have to butter me up.”

 

Izuku chuckled as he turned back to the map with Yaoyorozu, “Outside of the command centre our next priority should be supporting the crisis centre at the hospital and rescuing civilians. Breaking the siege is useless if the town is destroyed anyway. Velocity I think you’d be best to lead this team.”

 

Iida stood up a little straighter and nodded his head, “You can both count on me!”

 

“Excellent!” Yaoyorozu said with a smile, “In which case I suggest you’re joined by Uravity, Froppy, Alien Queen, Sugerman and Cellophane.”

 

Izuku nodded in agreement and nobody rose up to argue, “Focus solely on securing the hospital and rescuing civilians, if an empty building is about to collapse let it, we don’t have the time or resources.”

 

Izuku knew it was a cold tactic but the odds were stacked against them. A few of Iida’s team looked a little uncertain but none argued against the instructions.

 

“Finally that leaves me to lead a team towards the police station,” Izuku said, “We’re too few in number to hold a town so we’ll need them to actually retake it street by street. I’ll lead everyone who hasn’t already been assigned a team there. With one exception, Invisible Girl.”

 

“Me?” Hagakure squeaked as the attention of the class turned to her.

 

“Once we’ve secured all these locations and the police start to retake the streets we’ll be able to regroup and take the fight to their HQ to rescue the VIP. While we secure the other targets I need you to scout the HQ, figure out their set up and what heroes are defending it.”

 

“Right… got it,” Hagakure said, sounding a little nervous, she was the only one without a team after all.

 

“Ok,” Izuku said and stood up with his chest out, “Remember we only win this as we work as a team, we might not all like each other but at the very least we should all respect each other as heroes. Do that and I have no doubt we can win.”

 

---

 

“And you’re sure all this is just going to fall into place perfectly?” Vlad King asked his counterpart with more than a hint of disbelief.

 

“We can’t be sure the exact details,” Aizawa confessed, “The team make ups, targets and leaders could all be variable but the point is they’ll be forced to work together as a class and overcome this split that’s been plaguing them since the sports festival.”

 

“It’s certainly an interesting strategy,” Nedzu commented as he re-read everything they had just gone over, “It will be exciting to see how everything plays out.”

 

---

 

All Might looked over the town from the tallest building he had found, smoke billowed up from various buildings and several of the streets were filled with rubble. It had been rather fun, being allowed to let loose in an empty town and cause havoc before the set up was complete. As he heard the buzz to begin the exam he pondered if the class would follow his prediction, it was possible they might throw Iida or Kirishima in the mix but-

 

The building he was standing on rumbled slightly. It was the only warning he got before the roof collapsed and a giant shard of ice broke through. He kicked off into the air, the force shattering the top of the iceberg as he smirked.

 

“Ah welcome heroes!” He cried as he spied Todoroki running down a nearby alley, “A fine surprise attack but do you really think you can take on All Might The Terrible!?”

 

As All Might soared through the air he felt the wind pick up and was thrown to the side. He appreciated the tactic, All Might had nowhere near the control in their air Yoarashi and Katsuki so enjoyed. But he had power and with another kick of his leg the whirlwind was disturbed and he started to fall back to the ground.

 

A High pitched zooming filled his ears and he raised his arms a moment before Katsuki slammed into him. Once again being thrown off course All Might sailed through the air and crashed through a nearby skyscraper. Glass and rubble tore at his suit before he crashed through to the other side and landed roughly on the roof of another building.

 

“Ha!” Katsuki cried as he hovered above All Might, smirking down at him, “Take that old man!”

 

All Might frowned, old man?

 

He smiled as he cracked his knuckles.

 

“Allow me to show you what this old man can do.”

 

---

 

“Alpha Unit have engaged All Might, all teams are a go.”

 

“Understood, Delta Team moving to engage at the police station.”

 

“Received. Omega unit moving to the hospital.”

 

Iida moved his hand away from the earpiece in his ear, even from the other side of the town he could hear the sounds of battle with All Might.

 

“Ok team,” He said and turned to his classmates as they crouched down in a burned out grocery shop, “First we take the hospital, don’t stop for anything other than civilians.”

 

With a firm nod from the gathered students Iida leapt out of the store and started to run down the road, keeping a slower pace with his quirk so as not to charge ahead of his group. Next to him Mina slid across the ground as Sato swallowed a few sugar cubes to keep pace. Above them Sero swung from his tape as Asui leapt from building to building and Uraraka all but flew through the air.

 

As they passed the chaos of the streets Iida was reminded of the stern talking to his brother had given him a few weeks ago. He’d always looked up to Tensei, always doing everything he could to impress his brother. To subsequently see such a look of disappointment on his face when Iida had ranted about his class president had shaken him to his core.

 

He’d promised his brother he’d do better and he knew this was his chance, his chance to finally prove to Izuku and the rest of the class that he wasn’t who they thought he was.

 

As the hospital came into view Iida spotted a few Ectoplasm clones giving the guards some trouble.

 

“Alien Queen! Cellophane! Get rid of the clones!”

 

The pair nodded and moved forward. Sero shot out two quick lines of tape, taking the clones by surprise. Globs of acid quickly followed and fell directly on the head of the clones. Sizzling filled the air and the clones quickly disappeared.

 

A white coloured robot quickly zoomed out of the hospital gates towards the approaching heroes.

 

“Thank you!” It cried in a squeaky robotic voice, “I’m the hospital director.”

 

“You may call me Velocity,” Iida responded and stood up straighter, “Can you tell me the situation?”

 

“Chaos. Our hospital is overrun, there’s still civilians out there but we keep getting attacked so can’t afford to send out help.”

 

Iida nodded and turned to his team, “Alien Queen and Cellophane, the three of us will remain here and secure the area while providing medical assistance to the staff. The rest of you head out and try to find any civilians in danger and clear the local area but don’t engage the enemy unless you have to.”

 

“Yes sir!” Mina said with a sliver of amusement but everyone quickly got to work.

 

Iida clenched his fists, he would not let his brother down.

 

---

 

Izuku’s eyes snapped from building to building, making sure that his group weren’t taken by any surprise threat. Sure he could sense the quirk energy around but he didn’t put it past the school to use robots in the exam to counter that very thing.

 

“Ok,” He shouted back to his team who were keeping pace with him, “The station should be right around this-”

 

He was right, the teachers had employed robots against them, an entire line of them in front of the station that opened fire the moment Izuku turned the corner.

 

“Shit!” Kirishima cried as bullets smashed against his hardened skin.

 

Tokoyami tackled Kaminari to the ground as Dark Shadow erupted from his body and slammed into the ground, covering them both. Ayoama took cover behind Kirishima as Ojiro kicked his tail onto the ground and leapt into the air.

 

Izuku felt a bullet rip through his shoulder but he grit his teeth and steadied himself as he let out heat-vision through his eyes. Pushing as much power into the quirk as he could, the area was filled with the moaning of melting metal and sparking wires as the line of robots fell to the heat.

 

The brief drop in attacks allowed Izuku to take command of the situation, “Red Riot! Tsukuyomi! Help me push through their front line and make an opening. Tailman, Chargebolt and Can’t Stop Twinkling you guys take cover and try to go around. Move in when you see an opening.”

 

Kaminari and Ojiro hesitated to follow Izuku’s orders but they were forced to react when the rest of the team started to move. With a warcry Kirishima charged forward, a missile slamming directly into his chest. He skidded across the ground with a frown but continued to make for the station.

 

Tokoyamai moved at a more cautious pace, Dark Shadow acting as a shield and intercepting incoming rockets as they moved up the street. Izuku moved nearly as quickly as Kirishima while letting out bursts of heat vision and firing explosive spitballs.

 

The sounds of battle rattled down the streets as the three made contact with the line of robots. Dark Shadow tossed them in air and ripped them apart as Kirishima smashed through robot after robot. 

 

But that was nothing compared to the damage Izuku was doing. With his left hand turned into a sword he sliced through metal, wires and pipes as he cut through robots like sushi. His other hand held his metal straw as explosions ripped apart chunks of the road while heat vision took care of any that managed to escape the onslaught.

Nedzu and Aizawa watched the class from the screens in front of them, as expected they were leaving City Hall until last meaning they had some time to watch the events unfold. Aizawa watched as Yaoyorozu’s skin glowed and various devices dropped onto the roof of the building they had claimed while Koda, Shoji and Kyouka kept watched.

 

---

 

“The rescue team have made quick work of securing the hospital,” Nedzu commented and Aizawa glanced at a screen as Mina helped move wounded people (robots) to free beds.

 

“Iida has the potential to be as good if not a better leader than Midoriya if he can break free of those pre determined morals holding him back.”

 

Nedzu hummed in agreement as they continued to watch the screens. The All Might fight was almost impossible to keep track of. Fire, dust and rubble filled the screens and if Aizawa was lucky he would get a quick flash of blonde hair or flying students.

 

The other fight was easy enough to keep track of though, he watched as Eijiro, Izuku and Tokoyami tore through the robots with ease. To be expected considering that these were what they normally threw at potential students in the entrance exam. Yet as he watched, Aizawa frowned.

 

“Midoirya is causing too much damage,” he said as a nearby house had its front wall blown to rubble.

 

“Well this is the first time he’s been able to let loose, it’s to be expected.”

 

Aizawa murmured to himself, somehow he didn’t think it was that simple.

 

---

 

Izuku let out a growl as a robot managed to grab him in one of its claw-like appendages. A swift swing of his sword arm and he was freed though. The robot attempted to grab him with its other arm but he quickly teleported behind it before tearing it in half with heat vision. The robot whined before collapsing onto the ground.

 

Izuku looked around as the sounds of battle slowly died down, broken and battered robots littered the area. Many had melted parts from Izuku’s heat vision while others were broken and torn apart by Dark Shadow and Eijiro, the rest of the team had also joined and between them all the robots hadn’t lasted long.

 

“Hell yeah!” Ejiro cried as he punched the air, “That was some great teamwork guys!”

 

A few of them nodded in agreement but Ojiro just rolled his eyes.

 

“Asshole.”

 

Pushing Deku back down into his mind Izuku approached his team, “Alright, good work everyone. Next step is to infiltrate the station and-”

 

“Let me guess, you want our quirks to do it?”

 

Eijiro frowned at Ojiro, “Hey come one man, that’s not cool.”

 

Izuku sighed and stepped forward, “Ojiro listen, we need to work together or-”

 

Izuku never got to finish his sentence as a bullet ripped through his throat and cut off his words.

 

---

 

“Sounds like the battle for the police station is starting.”

 

“I’ve got rats reporting that All Might is being pushed east.”

 

“I can’t see anything over by the hospital, looks secure for now.”

 

“Excellent,” Yaoyorozu said as she tapped away at a screen she had not long created, “By the looks of things I think I can get the radio tower back up and running with a few repairs.”

 

“That’s great!” Kyouka called.

 

Yaoyorozu quickly got to work, producing the tools and parts she would need. Her knowledge on engineering wasn’t as good as perhaps those of the support course but it would more than suffice for what was required here. As she got to her repairs, Koda, Kyouka and Shoji would call out various updates with Yoayorozu making sure to keep in contact with the team leaders out in the field.

 

“This is all going surprisingly well,” Shoji commented as Yoayorozu welded in a support beam on the radio tower.

 

“Are you insane!?” Kyouka suddenly snapped, “Why would you say something like that!?”

 

Shoji shrugged, “I mean it is? And we knew the scenario, I’m not exactly sure what surprises they could throw at us.”

 

As if on cue Yoayorozu was suddenly assaulted with several projectiles that ripped through her creations. She dived back as her skin was cut open in several areas. In front of her a figure flew across the sky as the rest of her team scrambled to mount a defence.

 

As she got back on her feet Yaoyorozu watched a red feather zoom past her and she looked up into the sky to see red flapping wings.

 

“Hawks!?”

Chapter 52: Screw Your Limits

Summary:

As Class 1A battle it out against their teachers Yaoyorozu is forced to come to terms with her recent actions and Izuku and Ojiro must face their differences

“You want me to… attack students?” Hawks asked, his face holding more than a little disbelief.

 

He sat opposite Kaina as she stared at him with crossed arms and slight scowl, behind her stood Yagi on her left and Inko Midoriya on her right. All three of them were looking at him expectedly.

 

“That’s correct,” Yagi nodded, “We need more firepower for their exams and with Thirteen now off active duty we need to bolster the numbers with some hard hitting heroes, especially against 1A.”

 

“Look, I don’t mean any offence,” Hawks said in a way that felt like he absolutely did, “But how exactly are a bunch of kids supposed to go up against me.”

 

Kaina rolled her eyes, “Obviously we’re not expecting you to hit them with everything you’ve got, you’ll be wearing weights to slow you down also.”

 

“Is this even allowed legally?”

 

“Oh yes of course!” Inko supplied with a wide smile, “You’ll be under the usual internship training rules as opposed to a guest teacher. But it means you’ll be able to fully take part in the exercise with no repercussions.”

 

“Why are you even asking me?” Hawks said, arms flailing in the air.

 

“Because if you don’t I’ll tell Miruko you keep asking about her patrol routes,” Kaina warned with a smirk.

 

“Th-That’s just one pro looking out for another,” Hawks tried to defend although his face paled considerably.

 

“Is it dear brother?” Kaina asked as her smirk grew to dangerous levels, “Well I have a meeting with her this afternoon, perhaps we’ll see-”

 

“I’ll do it!” Hawks blurted out, anything to make sure he didn’t end up on Rumi’s bad side.

 

All three people opposite him gave him wide smiles, something that made him shiver internally. When did Yagi, Inko and Kaina become such a good team?

 

---

 

“Sorry kids!” Hawks called from the air, “But I need to take you down! Boss’s orders!”

 

Yaoyorozu hissed at the micro cuts along her body and dived to the side when another wave of red feathers screamed down from the sky. They sliced through her equipment causing sparks to fly into the air as it crashed down to the ground.

 

Hawks flew around in circles above them, moving in for another attack. But Kyouka ran forward, covering Yaoyorozu and her equipment as her jacks slammed into slots on her arms. Raising her hands Kyouka let out a soundwave that rattled Yaoyorozu’s ears. It had the desired effect and Hawks lost his bearings in the air, being forced to retreat out of her range.

 

Koda scrambled for cover, shouting at animals Yoayorozu couldn’t see as Shoji dived behind the ruined equipment. He picked pieces of it up in his arms and started to hurl them into the air at Hawks who rolled, dived and twisted to dodge them.

 

“Creati! What’s happening?” Izuku’s voice rang out through her earpiece.

 

“We’ve been ambushed by Hawks!” Yaoyorozu shouted as Shoji and Kyouka worked to counter the attack.

 

“Shit!” Izuku cursed and she heard the noise of an explosion in the background, “Do you need backup!?”

 

“Alien Queen can be there in a few minutes!” Iida advised, joining the conversation.

 

Yaoyorozu was about to confirm the need for backup, this was Hawks afterall, the number two hero. There was no way Yaoyorozu could lead her team to victory, she lacked the skill, the talent, the raw power. No, she couldn’t do this.

 

“That’s a negative!” Kyouka said through the comms suddenly, “We’ll take care of it!”

 

“Confirmed!”

 

“Understood!”

 

Yaoyorozu gave Kyouka an incredulous look, she’d just signed their death warrant! A battle against Hawks!?

 

But Kyouka wasn’t looking at Yaoyorozu; she was still trying to knock Hawks out of the air. The entire area rattled with her soundwaves, the radio tower shook dangerously, the building rumbled and groaned and the windows shattered. But Hawks was starting to realise the key weakness of the attack, Kyouka had very little range, her soundwaves spread far but they didn’t go out too much from her. And at their weakest towards the end Hawks found an area he could comfortably fly in. His feathers started to swirl around the rooftop as the students tried to defend themselves.

 

“Ceati!” Kyouka called over the colossal sounds of her attacks, “Creati get off your ass!”

 

But Yaoyorozu couldn’t, what could she do? She wasn’t a strong enough fighter, she was slow and careless, and had been beaten far too easily. She couldn't lead the group, she couldn’t even fend for herself. She was a bad hero and an even worse friend, she abandoned Izuku, she didn’t deserve this chance. She didn’t even deserve to be here.

 

“Creati!” Kyouka called desperately as she turned to Yaoyorozu, “Crea- ARGHHHH!”

A huge red feather pierced directly into Kyouka’s shoulder, slicing into the front and coming out the other end in a spurt of blood. The nano tech of her suit sparked and failed, her arm falling limp by her side. The shock also threw her off balance and her own shockwave sent her flying across the rooftop before bouncing to a stop.

 

“Earphone!” Shoji called out and doubled his assault against Hawks.

 

The hero sliced everything sent his way and it looked like he had an opening until a scream from Koda summoned a swarm of birds which pecked and hassled Hawks in the air, keeping him distracted from Shoji’s assault.

 

Kyouka groaned and picked herself up off the floor as Yaoyorozu ran over, “Earphone Jack I-”

 

“What the FUCK are you doing!?” Kyouka growled as she managed to sit up, “We need you out there!”

 

Yaoyorozu felt her throat swell and she was barley to push the words out, “I-I can’t, I’m not like the rest of you. I’m weak and-”

 

“Weak!? WEAK!?” Kyouka practically screeched as Koda and Shoji continued to battle Hawks, “Yaoyorozu look at me! I’m covered from head to toe in the most advanced battlesuit on the planet because it’s the only way I can keep up with everyone! But you? You have one of the most powerful quirks in the class, you could produce my entire suit yourself if you wanted to!”

 

“But I’m not quick enough! During the sports festival I failed because-”

 

“You failed because you’re a kid!” Kyouka interrupted, “We all are, nobody should expect you to go into your first sports festival with perfect control.”

 

“But you all are doing it!” Yaoyorozu snapped back, tears forming in her eyes, “You all came back from your internships so much better than when you left. Not just Midoriya and Bakugou, but all of you are leaving me in the dust.”

 

“Then catch up,” Kyouka insisted, “Damn it Yaoyorozu do you know how frustrating it is to watch people with quirks so much better than your own not realise their potential? You have to trust your instincts.”

 

“You don’t understand!” Yaoyorozu all but shouted, “My quirk is powerful and dangerous, if I let it get out of control people won’t trust me and-”

 

“Screw what they think!”

 

“But I can’t! They’ll be terrified of me! Just like-”

 

Yaoyorozu cut herself off, she knew what she was going to say and so did Kyouka. However, unlike what Yaoyorozu thought would happen, Kyouka just laughed.

 

“Like Izuku? Of course they will!” Kyouka said and just laughed harder at Yaoyorozu’s shocked expression, “What? You don’t think Izuku scares me too? Of course he does! Hell, so do Bakugou, Kaminari and Present Mic! I mean for fucks sake Yaoyorozu you’re kinda scary too! But so what!? You’re here to help people, who cares how you do that? I used to put limits on my quirk too, always afraid of what people would say about me hearing secret conversations. But you know what I say now? Fuck them! They can scream and shout all they want but if I’ve saved them? Who the hell cares? I know you can do this Yaoyorozu and so does Izuku. So fuck your limits and fight!”

 

Yaoyorozu stared at Kyouka in awe, here was someone who had to fight tooth and nail to get where she was, pushing herself everyday and Yaoyorozu had the gall to wallow in her self pity because she gave a half assed effort and lost. She’d always been told to keep her quirk in check, to make sure she didn’t cause too much damage. But Izuku and Katsuki didn’t limit their quirks and hadn’t they who’d won the sports festival? Hadn’t they fought the Nomu directly at both the USJ and Hosu and weren’t they the ones who everybody turned to during a fight? Yaoyorozu knew she could do that too.

 

If she just let go.

 

“Arghhhh! Damn birds!” Hawks suddenly cried as he continued to face the assault in the air, “Sorry kid! But right now, you need to understand how villains work!”

 

A moment later the air was filled with dozens of red feathers which sliced through Koda’s swarm like knives. Birds fell to the ground in heaps of feathers and blood as Koda let out a desperate cry.

 

“NOOOOO!”

 

Hawks hovered above the rooftop, unimpeded by birds, and swung his wings out. They slashed through Shoji and cut his duplicated arms off, causing him to cry out in pain and stagger back.

 

Yaoyorozu watched as Hawks eyes focused on Kyouka and he launched another set of feathers out at her. Yaoyorozu’s eyes widened and she moved without thinking. Her arm swung out, glowing before it had even started to move. By the time her arm was over Kyouka a large steel shield was covering the girl. Several feathers slammed into it, piercing through but stopping before they could slice through Kyouka. Yaoyorozu gritted her teeth as her arm shook from the impact.

 

“Shit,” Kyouka breathed as she eyed the feathers sticking out.

 

Formulas and designs ran though Yoayorozu’s head at a pace only she was capable of, her palm glowing as she stood up. She slammed a freshly produced item onto the inside of the shield and it stuck with ease.

 

Swinging her arm back she launched the shield like a frisbee, it soared through the air directly towards Hawks. But she didn’t have Shoji’s strength and Hawks dodged the shield like it was a paper bag in the wind.

 

Then it blew up.

 

Hawks cursed as the explosion threw him off course and it gave Yaoyorozu a key opening.

 

“Tentacole!” She cried as she goot to her feet, “Stop throwing things at him, you’ll never hit! I don’t care how you do it but think of a way to get in close! Anima! I know you hate it when animals die but we need them to distract him, we can’t let him keep control in the air.”

 

Both boys glanced at Yaoyorozu before giving her a firm nod, Shoji ran off to try and find a way to close in as Koda’s shouts filled the area.

 

Yaoyorozu turned to Kyouka, “I know you're injured but I have a plan, can you keep him distracted.”

 

Kyouka smirked, “Please, this old thing?” She said and indicated to her limp arm and bleeding shoulder, “Nighteye gave me worse every other hour. I still have a few tricks up my sleeve.”

 

She jumped to her feet and ran forward as Hawks battled more birds in the air. Kyouka’s jacks slammed into ports in her chest and with a cry a soundwave emanated directly from her front. It wasn’t as large as the one from her hands but it was far more focused and Hawks had to do some clever flying to avoid it while being targeted by birds at the same time.

 

As the pair distracted the hero, Yaoyorozu turned and lifted her top. Normally her go to ranged weapon was a cannon. It hit hard and the technology was old enough that she could leave it around without worrying about anyone finding it. But it was like Kyouka said, she needed to stop limiting herself.

 

Yaoyorozu’s stomach glowed as her device started to emerge, she wobbled slightly at the effort as she tried to remember each little detail required to build it. She’d only ever done it once before and her father had told it was too dangerous. Well her father had never been attacked by Hawks.

 

Once the device was complete Yaoyorozu lifted in her arms with a huff and turned to face Hawks.

 

“Everyone make room!”

 

Kyouka cut off her attack as Koda ordered his birds clear. Hawks turned to face Yaoyorozu and froze in the air. He was just close enough for Yaoyorozu to pick up what he was saying.

 

“Is that a minigun?”

 

Yaoyorozu pulled the trigger and the glorious sound of lead screaming through the air filled everyone's ears.

 

If Hawks had been doing the odd trick before he had become a one man circus in the air by this point. He had a desperate look on his face as tried to avoid Yaoyorozu’s gunfire but Kyouka had joined back in with her soundwaves and the double assault was almost too much for the hero. He eventually did the only thing he could and dived below the rooftop of the building.

 

Yoayorozu immediately dropped her minigun and ran towards the edge of the rooftop, “Earphone where is he!?”

 

“Two steps to your left- wait- take a right- left again- he’s nearly- now!”

 

Yaoyorozu followed Kyouka’s instructions, all the while she pulled a lasso from her palm. The moment Hawks started to rise back above the rooftop level she jumped.

 

Hawks eyes widened as he watched her soar through the air towards him, throwing out the lasso as she did. It was perfectly timed and the rope went over his head and tightened around his neck. Yaoyorozu fell through the air until she felt the lasso tighten and she held onto the rope as she swung beneath Hawks who gasped and tried to get her off.

 

As they shambled through the air Hawks launched a feather at the rope, intent on cutting it when a bird zoomed into sight and blocked the feather. Hawks tried again and another bird zoomed forward, blocking the feather with its own life.

 

Hawks was so distracted by it he didn’t notice the shadow above him until Shoji suddenly landed on his back. Swinging round, Shoji wrapped his legs around Hawks’s waist and started to pound punch after punch into the hero's face.

 

Hawks’s wings flapped wildly as he tried to throw the pair off and Yaoyorozu slammed into the building, glass shattering against her skin as she was dragged up. She cried out as she felt her skin cut open while she tore through the glass along the building until they flew far above it.

 

She grit her teeth and started to climb up the rope towards Hawks where he continued to try and push Shoji off who kept multiplying arms to beat the hero with. Yaoyorozu managed to pull herself onto Hawks's back before her arms all glowed.

 

She pulled blinking sticky bombs from her skin and attached as many to Hawks back as she could until there was next to no room left.

 

“Tentacole, jump!”

 

Shoji did as commanded and launched himself off Hawks as Yaoyorozu did the same. Shoji reached out and grabbed her, covering them both in the arms. There was a sickening crack and tearing as they landed on the roof, several of the arms being ripped off from the impact as they rolled to a stop.

 

Yaoyorozu quickly got to her feet and found Hawks in the sky. He was zooming towards them, lasso removed and furious look on his face.

 

Then he was consumed in a colossal fireball that sent a shockwave across the rooftop. Yaoyorozu and her team raised their arms to cover their faces as it hit.

 

As she moved her arms back Yaoyorozu spied Hawks falling to the rooftop, his costume was singed and his wings were on fire. He slammed down onto the roof hard and tumbled until he came to a stop looking up at the sky. His eyes were wide and his face pale as smoke rose from his burnt uniform and wings.

 

“Ow.”

 

---

 

Izuku fell back as he clutched at his throat, blood spurting from between his fingers. He felt a rough hardened hand grab the scruff of his neck and pull him back behind the ruined corpse of a robot. He coughed and sputtered even as regeneration got to work in closing the wound.

 

“It’s Snipe!” Eijiro called out as the team scattered and another few bullets slammed into Eijiro, bouncing off his skin as he covered Izuku, “You ok?”

 

Izuku spat blood from his mouth as he felt the skin on his neck stitch back together and he spoke with a croaky voice, “Yeah. Does anybody have eyes on him!?”

 

“Dark Shadow!” Tokoyami shouted from his position in cover, “Scout ahead!”

 

Dark Shadow popped out of Tokoyami’s chest with a salute and rose above the cover. The moment it did an ear piercing screech filled the air and a shockwave encompassed Dark Shadow. It let out its own scream, though it was silent within Present Mic’s attack, and its whole body shook like jelly close to collapsing. It was forced to retreat back into Tokoyami’s chest for cover.

 

“God damnit!” Kaminari cried, his own ears covered, “How well defended is this police station!?”

 

“We always knew this was going to be the toughest battle.” Izuku said as he crouched down low and closed his eyes, he let his quirk senses reach out as far as they could, “Ok… I think Mic is on the second floor, jumping from window to window to let out an attack. There’s a few Ectoplasm clones in the station as well though I can’t tell if the main body is a part of the group. Snipe must have taken a position somewhere outside the station, I can’t sense him anywhere. Other than that there’s just- SHIT!”

 

Izuku pushed Eijiro to the side as he rolled away, a moment later a sword made of green fire pierced straight into the ground as yet another pro hero landed behind the cover and looked at Izuku with a wide smirk.

 

“Hey Loki!” Burnin said with a chuckle, “Fancy meeting you here kid.”

 

“Burnin,” Izuku said standing up, “Any chance you want to give yourself in?”

 

“Are you kidding? After the week I’ve had of dealing with Endeavor and Yagi’s bullshit politics? This is my time off!”

 

Izuku sighed, “Yeah, I thought not.”

 

Izuku’s swords grew out of his arms with seconds to spare and they clashed against Burnin’s own fire swords as the hiss of steel against fire filled the air. Burnin swung down so Izuku swung up. Izuku sliced right so Burnin sliced left. Burnin twirled and brought a fire sword up so Izuku twisted and brought a sword arm down. They matched each other swing for swing, lunge for lunge and slice for slice. However, in the end it had been Burnin herself who taught Izuku how to use swords so he was never going to win.

 

Burnin went in for a stab directly to Izuku’s chest so he countered and battered her attack to the side. He hadn’t realised this left him completely open for a second attack to his left and he felt it split open with heat as his blood boiled (literally) and his skin sizzled. Izuku let out a cry and staggered back but this only left him further open and a similar slice appeared on his chest.

 

“Loki!” Eijiro cried and charged forward.

 

Burnin turned to face Eijiro and the pair clashed much like Izuku and Burnin had. Except Eijiro couldn’t withstand the heat like Izuku could and his hardened skin burned and blackened against the attack. He cried out as it forced his quirk to deactivate and Burnin kicked him to the ground.

 

“Get off them!” Dark Shadow cried and a moment later slammed into Burnin.

 

She was pushed up against a robot corpse but a second later her hair flared up brightly and Dark Shadow was forced to retreat. As soon as she was free to move, Burnin leaped over the robot and away from the combat, something which confused Izuku until he noticed the scene they were in.

 

“SHE DRAGGED US OUT OF COVER!”

 

Izuku scrambled to his feet as a bullet ripped through his chest. From behind him he heard Present Mic let out another attack. He guessed it must have hit Eijiro head on and sent him flying. His guess came from the fact that Eijiro slammed into his back and they rolled into the ground together.

 

“I’ve got you guys!” Kaminari cried and grabbed both, dragging them along the ground to cover with a huff.

 

Izuku lay on the ground, covered in his own blood and feeling light headed as regeneration closed his wounds. Meanwhile Eijiro was covered in scorch marks and burns as Kaminari collapsed panting with wide eyes. He grabbed the sides of his head and started to rock like a child.

 

“Shit! Shit! Shit! This is insane! This is fucking insane! I’m absolutely-”

 

---

 

“Terrified?” Snipe asked, clear scepticism in his voice, “You want us to make your students terrified?”

 

“I want you to scare the absolute shit out of them,” Aizawa confirmed, “I want you to pin them into such a terrible corner they feel hopeless.”

 

“Isn’t that a little extreme?” Thirteen asked, a frown on their face.

 

“You misunderstand the point of it,” Yagi said with a shake of his head, “Most of the class have ostracised Midoriya because they are scared of his quirk. Well they need to understand any quirk can be terrifying when trained up and used correctly.”

 

“Exactly,” Aizawa said and looked at Snipe and Present Mic, “Give them a chance to win but initially we need you to completely dominate them, show them that even though your quirks might not be considered the strongest that they can be just as terrifying as the thought of Izuku taking your quirk.”

 

---

 

“The hell are they being so brutal for!?” Eijiro said as he helped Izuku get up into a sitting position.

 

“Because they know we deserve their quirks!”

 

“They know I have regeneration,” Izuku coughed out as he got to his feet while bullets ricochet off the cover they were using, “So long as they don’t hit my head they know I can pretty much take anything they throw at me. Plus if need be I can swap the quirk in with you guys to heal any serious injuries.

 

“Meaning they don’t need to hold back,” Eijiro mumbled as Ayoama and Tokoyami kept up the defence.

 

“What!?” Kaminari hissed, “They can’t do that! We’re just- We’re just-”

 

“Get a grip Chargebolt!” Eijiro shouted as he grabbed Kaminari by the shoulders and shook him, “We’re heroes! This is what it is, it’s trying not to piss our pants in the middle of a battle. You think I’m not scared, that Loki isn’t scared?”

 

“Not even remotely!”

 

“I mean… this is fucking nuts!” Eijiro called over the sound of battle, “We’re in the middle of a fake street being shot at by our teachers so that we can be better trained to go out and battle psychopaths and madmen! And the way I do that is by literally letting them punch me because my skin can harden! I mean come on man! You are literally a lighting bolt with legs, Alien Queen can melt through anything and I’m basically a walking tank. Do you not see how fucked up and crazy our lives are!? We’re all fucking scary, so stop letting it freak you out and pull it together!”

 

Whether it was Ejiro’s words or his violent shaking of Kaminari Izuku wasn’t sure but something seemed to snap in the electric boy and he grabbed Eijiro’s wrists.

 

“Ok… Ok… OK YOU CAN STOP SHAKING ME!”

 

Eijiro winced and pulled back, giving Kaminari a lopsided grin, “Better?”

 

“Nah, I’m still scared shitless,” Kaminari said with a nervous chuckle, “But I guess we’re all this together right? You got a plan class pres?” He said as he and Eijiro looked towards Izuku.

 

Izuku nodded, “Yeah, Burnin is their only close combat attacker so you two need to get rid of her.”

 

“Huh, why us?” Eijiro asked, “I’m not very good against heat.”

 

“Because you two don’t have the range to fight Snipe or Mic, so your only option is to tackle Burnin. And I know, that's why… I have an idea.” Izuku said and turned to face Eijiro, “I’ve um… I’ve never tried this before and I don’t know if it'll work. You need to tell me if it’s causing you pain and I can stop it immediately, it mighttoomuchbecausewhenItesteditwith-”

 

“Loki… LOKI… IZUKU!” Eijiro shouted and grabbed Izuku’s face, cutting off his mumbling, “Whatever it is man, I trust you.”

 

Izuku grabbed Eijiro’s wrists and looked into his eyes, seeing complete and utter trust. A look he had only seen from Katsuki before. It made his insides-

 

“OI!” Kaminari cried as an explosion of green fire soared overhead, “LESS FLIRTING MORE PLAN MAKING!”

 

Both boys blushed and Izuku closed his eyes and focused on the quirks inside of him. He gently guided one towards Eijiro but unlike he normally did he held Eijiro’s quirk where it was. The second quirk energy left Izuku and moved into Eijiro who grunted as the two energies collided together.

 

“Ah… ow… fuck… Ah… Loki that- fuck that hurts!” Eijiro growled and Izuku panicked, moving to take the quirk back, “NO!” Eijiro shouted, causing Izuku to jump, “I know you can do this and so can I, just… keep it slow.”

 

Izuku grit his teeth and continued to push the quirk towards Eijiro, he felt the quirk energies collide and almost battle it out as Eijiro grunted in pain. Then he had an idea. He latched onto Eijiro’s own quirk and started to manipulate both at the same time. Like had done at the sports festival he pushed them together, morphing the quirks until they were a singular. Once done he opened his eyes to find Eijiro looking down at himself in awe.

 

“Oh man that… I feel… powerful.”

 

“Be careful with it,” Izuku advised, “Double the quirks means double the energy used to wield them. You won’t be able to hold out for as long as you normally do.”

 

“Got it,” Eijiro nodded and stood up, “Ok Chargebolt, I’ll try and keep her distracted until you find an opening.”

 

“Wait! Chargebolt, I have something for you too,” Izuku said and Kamianri paused before nodding.

 

LIke before he latched onto Kaminaris quirk and one of his own and forced them together, letting them swirl in the centre of Kaminari’s chest until they formed one unit.

 

“Ok, I’ve given you Pathfinder. Just think about hitting Burnin and whenever you use your quirk it should automatically aim towards her. It doesn’t add range but it means you won’t miss.”

 

Kaminari looked down at his hands with shining eyes, “I don’t suppose you’d let me keep this forever?”

 

“Ah sorry Chargebolt,” Izuku said, scratching the back of his neck, “I’m not sure what the long term impact of your bodies having multiple quirks will be. Mine is kinda designed to take them and even I struggle to hold onto as many as I do.”

 

Kaminari pouted but nodded as Ejiro stood up and activated hardening, “All right! Let's go!” He cried and swords ripped out of arms. 

 

Unlike when Izuku used the quirk it was clear Eijiro’s own was having an effect, the swords were clunkier and almost made of steel chunks, looking far more like clubs than swords.

 

Izuku nodded, “Wait for my signal and attack.”

 

A moment later he turned and teleported down the street to where Ojiro was ducked behind a burnt out car.

 

“Tailman!”

 

“What do you want?” Ojiro snapped.

 

Ignoring the tone Izuku powered through, “I have a plan, I need you to take out Snipe. I’m going to mess with our quirks a bit and-”

 

“Nope.”

 

Izuku blinked, Ojiro wasn’t even looking at him, “But Tailman we need to-”

 

“I don’t need any help from you.”

 

“What a dick, just grab his quirk and do it ourselves.”

 

“Tailman listen to me, I’ve already done it with Red Riot and Chargebolt, if you would just-”

 

“I don’t care what anyone else says!” Ojiro growled, finally turning to Izuku, “I am not letting you do any freaky shit anywhere near me.”

 

“Would you just take his fucking quirk already!?”

 

“What is your problem with me!?” Izuku finally shouted with a glare, “You don’t like my quirk, so what!?”

 

“PUNCH HIM IZUKU! PUNCH HIM!”

 

Ojiro turned to Izuku with a furious expression and prodded him in the chest, “Ok fine, you wanna know why I don’t like you? You keep putting on this self pity act, poor Midoriya, everyone should stand around and cry because his quirk is frowned upon. Well fuck you. I have a fucking tail! Do you know how hard I had to work to get here compared to people like Bakugou, Todoroki and Kirishima!? You act like we should all weep for you when you’re the one sitting on an overpowered quirk!”

 

“Well at least we agree on the overpowered part.”

 

“That’s it?” Izuku said, astounded and more than a little pissed off, “You hate because you think I have an easy life!? Do you have any idea how many hoops I had to jump through to get here? How many people wanted to put me down because of my quirk!?”

 

“Of course they do!” Ojiro shouted, “You’re a walking nuclear bomb that nobody wants to acknowledge, what if you wake up one day and decide you don’t like a certain politician? What if you get into a fight and lose control? What if you simply decide being a hero isn’t for you?”

 

“Then the world would be doomed.”

 

“What if I…? OJiro I’ve only ever wanted to be a hero!” Izuku cried, “And even if I couldn’t, so what? I should just be thrown in Tartarus because I’m too dangerous?”

 

“You’re not just dangerous! You’re unstoppable! You could be the most powerful person on the planet yet you mope around like some quirkless-”

 

Izuku finally snapped. He grabbed Ojiro by the cuff of his outfit and slammed him against the car, the entire thing rattling with the force.

 

“Oh fuck yeah! Here we go!”

 

“You know what Ojiro? Fuck. You. Do you have any idea how much bullshit I have had to put up with in my life!? You wanna know what it’s like to have my quirk? Has your own mother ever looked at you in fear before!? Has your school ever kicked you outside in the rain because you weren’t allowed in class during break!? Have you ever been told at every turn that you don’t deserve to live a normal life simply because of your fucking quirk!?”

 

Izuku was seething, he knew he was tugging and pulling on Ojiro’s quirk as he ranted but he didn’t care, “You complain about having a tail? Ojiro I would have given everything to have your quirk while growing up!”

 

“You wouldn’t,” Ojiro spat, “I had to work twice as hard to get to UA and-”

 

“Oh boo hoo!” Izuku cried, a part of Deku slipping through, “We all made sacrifices to be here Ojiro! But you’re here aren’t you? You’re in the top class training to be a hero aren’t you? So stop making it all so fucking complicated! Who cares how we got here, the point is we're here, I’m your class president and I’m giving you a goddamn order so help me god I don’t care if you hate and despise Izuku Midoriya you will listen to De- Loki!”

 

Ojiro’s mouth opened and closed but no words came out as he stared at Izuku wide eyed and in shock. Izuku breathed heavily, his emotions heavy as he heard Deku chuckling somewhere in his mind. Eventually Ojiro’s face fell to a blank expression and he nodded.

 

“OK class president, what’s the plan?”

 

Izuku nodded and let go of Ojiro before once again reaching out to combine two quirks together.

 

“Ok,” He said, stepping back, “I’ve given you teleportation. Do you think with that and your parkour you can get to Snipe if we distract the rest.”

 

Ojiro nodded, “I got it… how do I…?”

 

“Just look and think about getting over there.”

 

A moment later Ojiro let out a yelp as he appeared nearly halfway down the street, he looked back and gave Izuku a nod as bullets started to chase him. But between Ojiro’s pre-existing skill and teleportation he dodged the bullets with ease and disappeared into the skyline, hunting down Snipe.

 

Izuku turned to the rest of his team as his remaining quirks flared up, “Red Riot! Chargebolt! Now!”

 

Kirishima and Kaminari nodded and leaped over their cover, charging straight at Burnin who smiled and met them with equal ferocity.

 

“Can’t Stop Twinkling! You and I cover them! Tsukuyomi use Dark Shadow to get in close and get a hold of Mic!”

 

Everyone moved as per Izuku’s request, twin red and blue beams shot out at the police station. The second floor windows shattered as Izuku and Ayoama forced Mic to take cover while Tokoyami ran forward.

 

Meanwhile Eijiro and Burnin battled, Eijiro’s clubs smashing against her fire. While he wasn’t as skilled or as fast as Izuku was when hardened Eijiro was far stronger and Burnin found herself being pushed back against the blows. Once she was safely away from anyone else Eijiro suddenly cut off his quirk and dodged her attack, throwing her off balance as he dove back.

 

“Chargebolt now!”

 

Kaminari moved forward with a determined look, “One Million volts!”

 

The entire area lit up with blue electricity that shot out in all directions. A moment later it arced forward and slammed into Burnin who’s whole body shook as her eyes went wide. A few seconds passed before Kaminari cut off the attack and Burnin fell to her knees.

 

A moment later Present Mic joined her on the ground as he was slammed down by Dark Shadow.

 

“Snipe has been secured,” Ojiro’s voice came through and Izuku sighed, they still had a few robots and Ectoplasm clones inside the building but they should be easy work.

“This is Loki, the police station is secured.”

 

“Creati reporting in, Hawks is down and radio repairs have resumed.”

 

“No issues at the Hospital,” Iida said into his ear piece as he placed the robot down on the hospital bed.

 

“Excellent work by all teams, we’ll organise the police response and bring our prisoners to the command centre.”

 

“Man, things are going very well!” Mina said from next to Iida as she bandaged up a robot ‘leg’.

 

Iida nodded as he turned and looked at the hallway they were in. It had been chaotic when they arrived but he’d quickly come up with a system and now the corridor was full of beds with patients and doctors running around treating as many as they could.

 

“Heroes!” One of the robotic doctors called out.

 

Iida turned in alarm as he saw thick pink gas creeping into the hallway from the cracks in the door. A moment later said doors were kicked open and Midnight strolled though with a vicious look on her face.

 

“Everyone always thinks the big battles are the place to be,” She said with a smirk, “But I think this is where the real fun can be had!”

 

“Shit!” Mina cursed next to him as civilians started to run past them.

 

“Alien Queen! You take her out while I evacuate!” Iida commanded and Mina looked up at him in panic.

 

“Why me!?”

 

“Because her gas works best against people attracted to women!”

 

Mina just gave him a look.

 

“Oh.”

Chapter 53: All Might The Terrible

Summary:

The exam continues in full swing, Iida must finally face the hospital threat head on while Katsuki deals with quirk complications during his fight with All Might

“Come on, come on, come on,” Mina hissed next to Iida as her hands ran down the side of the doorway he was holding shut. Her acid hissed as she melted the sides in an attempt to secure the door like a blowtorch, “How far is she?”

 

Iida glanced through the windows of the doors down the corridor, he couldn’t even see Midnight, only an approaching cloud of pink gas, “You only have a few seconds!”

 

“Shit!” Mina cursed and doubled her efforts to secure the door.

 

A few tense seconds ticked by until Mina staggered back, the door half melted but secured. Iida stepped back and the pair watched in thick tension as pink gas slammed against the windows. They both let out a breath as none of it seeped through.

 

“Ok but that won’t hold out Midnight forever,” Mina said.

 

Iida frowned and nodded as he glanced behind him, the hospital was in pandemonium once again. They’d barely managed to evacuate the civilians and staff further into the building before Midnight's gas had spread over everyone. They’d managed to secure her in a small hallway complex but had no idea where to go from here.

 

“We’ve managed to secure the emergency wing, I’ve stationed people who won’t be as affected by her gas at each entrance with what weapons we had,” Sero said through Iida’s earpiece.

 

“Keep the area secure, we’re trying to send as many patients your way as we can.”

 

It was perhaps the worst luck in the world, the three people Iida had sent away contained the only two members of his team who would be able to resist Midnight’s gas. But Tsu and Uraraka were currently stopping a building collapsing on a group of civilians and Sato was just as susceptible to the gas as Iida, Mina and Sero were. 

 

Not to mention a crowded hospital with winding corridors was the worst place for Iida and Sero to fight, Mina was a little more comfortable in the environment but if she let loose too much she could damage the entire structure of the building.

 

“We can’t just avoid her forever,” Mina said as she helped a wounded robot into a wheelchair.

 

“I know,” Iida said with a shake of his head while he checked a nearby room had been evacuated, “But this is her perfect arena and our worst!”

 

“Then use that big brain of yours to come up with a plan!”

 

There was a crash behind them and Iida turned to see the door windows had been smashed (probably by Midnight's whip) and gas was starting to leak through. Around them several robots threw their heads back and screamed in analogue, a noise that scratched against Iida’s ears.

 

“Velocity what do we do!?” Mina yelled as she started to shepherd people away from the gas.

 

Iida grit his teeth in thought, it was a miracle they’d evacuated the original area as quickly as they had. But Midnight was bound to catch up and start taking out civilians, they needed to face her head on and at least buy the patients and staff time to retreat to the reinforced part of the hospital.

 

“Alien Queen, cover the retreat and take over leadership of the team. I’ll try to buy you some time against Midnight.”

 

“What!?” Mina cried, as her eyes widened in panic, “I can’t lead them!”

 

“You’ve made a fine vice-president so far this year,” Iida reassured her, “I have no doubt you can lead the team, have faith in yourself.”

 

“Ok but why are you going to fight Midnight!?”

 

“My mask filters a certain amount of air and running means I have strong control of my breathing, I can hold my breath far longer than most people. I’m the best suited to fight her given the circumstances.”

 

Mina appeared to want to argue back but was unable to think of any reasonable excuse as to why Iida’s plan wouldn’t work.

 

“Ok fine.”

 

Iida nodded and reached up to his earpiece, “This is Velocity, I’m transferring command of Omega team to Alien Queen.”

 

“Good luck,” Mina said as she turned to help move the civilians to the evac zone.

 

Iida nodded and bent his legs, he took a long deep breath before pushing off the ground, his quirk pushing him forward. He slammed into the doors and grunted as they broke under the impact.

 

He was quickly swept up in pink gas that blocked his vision to the point he couldn’t even see the walls of the corridor he was in. All sound too seemed to be blocked as he moved further in, the only noise was his feet against the tiles. He skidded to a stop and looked around as a sickly sweet voice floated into his ears.

 

“My my, if it isn’t little Tenya.”

 

---

 

Midnight hummed to herself as she graded papers and rolled her eyes at Monama’s half-assed answers. She knew Art History might not seem like the most important subject in the world but heroes were inevitably a brand and costume design was a type of art. Her musings were interrupted by a soft knock at her office door.

 

“Come in.”

 

“Hey Nem!”

 

“Tensei!” Midnight squealed and jumped from her seat, running around her desk to wrap her friend in a tight hug, “I didn’t know you were dropping by?”

 

Tensei chuckled as he hugged Midnight back, “This was a last minute thing.”

 

Midnight finally released him and sat down on her desk, Tensei taking the seat normally reserved for students. He was wearing jeans and an old jumper so he wasn’t here on hero business. It was personal then, which meant it was either-

 

“So are you having girl or little brother problems?”

 

“Nem please,” Tensei complained and shuddered in his seat slightly, “I already told you I’m not looking to date right now.”

 

“Are you sure? Because I heard that Ryukyu is recently single and I think-”

 

“It’s about Tenya!” Tensei blurted out.

 

Midnight pouted slightly, between Tensei, Aizawa and Present Mic her friends had such dull dating lives, “Fine… But why come to me and not Aizawa?”

 

“Ah, well actually it was Aizawa who let slip that you’ll probably end up facing Tenya in his upcoming exam?”

 

“Assuming everything goes the way he and All Might predict.”

 

“Right,” Tensei said with a nod and sigh, “If that’s the case I need you to do me a favour. Tenya is doing well in his studies but… to put it bluntly he has a stick up his ass.”

 

“I hadn’t noticed,” Midnight said delicately until Tensei levelled her with a look, “Ok yes, we’ve all noticed.”

 

“He’s not a bad kid, just stuck in his ways. I think the internships started to thaw him though. I just need someone to give him a final push.”

 

Midnight nodded and grabbed her notebook she was using to prepare for the exam, “Ok so what do you need me to do?”

 

---

 

“Have you come to play hero little boy?”

 

Midnight's voice rang out through Iida’s helmet and he glanced in every direction he could think of while keeping his mouth shut tightly.

 

“Was it bravery or stupidity that brought you here? Running away from your team and into danger?”

 

Iida grit his teeth in an attempt not to rise to the bait. He spied a shadow moving down and kicked off the ground. He charged head first at Midnight only for the shadow to disappear at the last moment.

 

Before he could stop and get his bearings Iida felt a whip wrap around his ankle. It yanked back hard and he crashed down to the ground. He rolled several feet before slamming into a well at the end of the corridor.

 

As Iida got his bearings he looked up to see sunlight streaming through the gas. He scrambled to his feet and found a window right above him. He ripped it open and stuck his head out to the clean fresh air and gulped down breaths like it was water in a dry desert.

 

As he gulped Iida felt the whip suddenly wrap around his neck and he was pulled back into the gas. 

 

“How does it feel to always be in Tensei’s shadow all the time, Tenya?” Midnight mocked, her voice seemed to be coming from right in front of Iida despite her whip pulling him back, “Is that why you’re always trying so hard in class? To live up to the Iida name?”

 

Iida was dragged along the ground, his suit scraping against the hospital tiles as the whip tightened around his throat. He reached behind him and managed to grab onto it and pull as hard as he could. It worked and a second later the whip was pulled back into the cloud.

 

“It must be frustrating,” Midnight said with an amused chuckle that sneaked into the cracks of Iida’s armour, “To work so hard yet never come out on top. Not as smart as Yaoyorozu. Not as talented as Todoroki. Not as powerful as Bakugou.”

 

Iida tried to shut Midnight out and swung his fist out in the direction of the sound. It was a sloppy attack and he knew it. He paid the price. The whip returned and wrapped around his outstretched arm. Tensei had always told him Midnight was stronger than she looked. Something that was proven to Iida a moment later when his arm was nearly pulled out of its socket and he was thrown through the air.

 

He crashed through a nearby doorway and stumbled into a large room full of hospital beds and equipment. It was mercifully void of any gas though and he quickly took deep breaths to fill his lungs.

 

The lack of gas didn’t last long before the room was engulfed in pink and Iida was forced to hold his breath again.

 

“Then there’s Midoriya, your class president. I hear you didn’t approve of him at first. How rough it must have been to watch him be elected in.”

 

“ENOUGH!” Iida shouted, his emotions slipping slightly as he wheel around to find Midnight.

 

His shout caused him to take a breath and he immediately felt dizzy. His mask had a filter on but all that really did was water down Midnight's gas, not stop it completely.

 

As Iida tried to shake the dizziness from his head, Midnight's disapproving voice rang out into the room.

 

“Tut tut tut Tenya. Don’t you know it’s rude to shout at a woman?”

 

Iida didn’t even see the whip. But he felt it make impact on his face. His head snapped to the side and he tumbled back. His mask was shattered by the impact and the debris clattered to the floor.

 

The force of the attack caused him to take another breath and his vision started to blur. He fell to his knees, teeth grit as he wobbled and tried not to pass out. But Midnight’s whip once again wrapped around his neck and he felt her foot push down onto his back.

 

“Poor little Tenya. Do you even know what being a hero means?”

 

Iida had finally had enough, enough of trying to be what he thought a hero should be. Tired of trying to fit into a mould he’d created before he started to realize what real life was life.

 

Midnight might have been stronger than him, more skilled and more experienced than him but Iida had one thing she never would. Speed.

 

Quicker than Midnight could fully register, Iida whipped around and yanked the whip forward. Midnight's surprised face appeared through the pink gas and Iida shot out. Wrapping her in a bear hug.

 

“Hey! What are you doing kid!” She cried as she tried to squirm out of Iida’s grip.

 

Despite his slowly blackening vision Iida’s engine lit up with blue flames behind him, “You asked me what being a hero means!? I’m not sure I completely know the answer. I thought I knew what a hero was. But then I met Bakugou, who’s rude and loud but will fight any enemy! I met Ashido who loves to gossip but cares about each and everyone of her friends! And I met Midoriya who has pushed back time and time again to show everyone what a great hero he is despite his quirk! So I don’t know what a hero is supposed to be anymore, but I do know that whatever happens I’ll always do everything I can to protect the innocent and my friends!”

 

Great blue fire shot out from his legs and Iida took off at such a speed Midnight would probably need to be looked at for whiplash. He screamed across the room to where he'd seen windows earlier. A moment later he and Midnight smashed through said windows and the sun beamed down onto them.

 

They were several floors up and as Iida finally let the gas overcome him he hoped he wouldn’t fail the exam for literally dropping himself and Midnight off a building.

 

---

 

“Midnight has been neutralized but Velocity is out of the game.”

 

Katsuki was only vaguely aware of Mina’s voice in his ear before he crashed down into the street. The concrete cracked under him and he was fairly sure he felt a rib or two break. With a groan he pushed himself up and looked out into the street.

 

It had been damaged before, now it was all but rubble.

 

They were losing badly. Of course taking on All Might was always going to be a challenge but they’d never expected to be beaten so horrifically. Katsuki thought he was gaining ground towards his mentor. He now realized he wasn’t even close.

 

Not far down the street a great tornado was heading towards All Might courtesy of Yoarashi. But All Might simply leapt into it and plucked Yoarashi out of the sky like he was picking fruit. A moment later he slammed the poor teenager into the ground, pinned under All Might's hand.

 

Katsuki grit his teeth and launched himself into the air, he kept low and flew down the street before slamming into All Might. It was like running head first into a brick wall (at least back when he was quirkless), even with all Katsuki’s momentum the man didn’t even flinch. He grabbed Katsuki by the wrist and hung him over Yoarashi.

 

“Might I suggest a more unified attack boys?”

 

All Might’s suggestion was accompanied by Yoarashi being thrown through a wall into a nearby building. Katsuki kicked up and managed to hit All Might in the face but it did little more than cause his head to shake slightly.

 

With his now free hand All Might punched Katsuki right in the chest. He sped through the air, cleanly smashing through a bus and coming to a stop as he collided with a garbage truck, denting the side.

 

Katsuki fell to the floor in a heap and coughed as he got his breathing under control. Down the street a great firestorm had started up, Todoroki returning to the fight after being thrown halfway to Australia.

 

“Hachiman come in, how are you faring against All Might?”

 

Katsuki felt a spark of anger ignite in his head as Izuku’s voice filled his ears. Before he could stop himself he growled out a response.

 

“We’re doing fucking fine, I don’t need you to babysit me.”

 

Katsuki blinked in genuine surprise, the irrational anger had come from nowhere. It had been happening consistently all week, whenever Izuku spoke or tried to do anything with him Katsuki felt a burst of deep seeded anger. It was accompanied by a brief flare up of his quirk and it was getting harder and harder to stop the intrusive thoughts from briefly gaining control of his reactions.

 

There was a soft bleep from the earpiece indicating they had switched to a private channel and Katsuki sighed.

 

“The hell was that!?” Izuku demanded.

 

Katsuki wanted to apologize, to say he was just stressed but once again he was overwhelmed with anger, “I don’t need you checking up on me every five minutes when I’m fighting fucking All Might!”

 

---

 

Katsuki’s words crackled into Izuku’s ear and he scowled.

 

“Woah, that was a little uncalled for,” Deku said and although Izuku couldn’t see him he could feel the scowl, “Arrogant ass probably thinks he can beat All Might all on his own.”

 

Izuku tried to ignore Deku but the more his other self interacted with him the more Izuku found himself unable to disagree with what the other said. He turned away from his group and moved to a secluded area in the police station.

 

“I’m just trying to gauge your situation! Everyone else is wrapping up and we need to plan our assault on the town hall!”

 

“God fucking dammit! Who cares about the town hall!? Just do your thing and steal quirks, leave All Might to me!”

 

“That isn’t a fucking game Kacchan! You can’t just expect to beat a slightly shitter version of your quirk!” Said… Izuku?

 

---

 

Katsuki’s fists were clenched at Izuku words, deep down he knew Izuku was technically right but something in the back of his mind was telling not to let it go. Not to let All For One go.

 

“A shitty version of my quirk? I’d like to see you take him on!” Katsuki hissed and was at this point almost unaware of what he was saying, “Your quirk already lost to him!”

 

“That wasn’t us!”

 

Something in Katsuki’s mind was overcome and he suddenly felt like there were several hands pulling his mouth to form words they wanted.

 

“Your quirk is too dangerous to be left alone!”

 

“You think I’m dangerous! Says the one who has an overpowered quirk he didn’t earn!”

 

“I didn’t earn!? You’re the one who wields the greatest evil of all time and we will stop you!”

 

“OI!” Mina suddenly cried down the earpiece, “I see you two in a private channel, would you stop doing whatever you’re doing and stick to the plan!?”

 

Katsuki doubled over, coughing violently, it felt like someone had suddenly ripped a plastic cover off his mind. Through the earpiece he could hear Izuku taking deep breaths, the tension between them more visible than ever. 

 

“...Kacchan?”

 

“Yeah I uh… I dunno what happened there… um.”

 

“I think… Did we argue?”

 

Katsuki could feel Izuku’s frown, truth be told he had no idea what had happened. He’d felt like his anger had completely taken control and someone had spoken for him.

 

“I… It doesn’t matter. Let's just get back to it. To put it bluntly, we’re losing. All Might is throwing us around like rag dolls.”

 

“Hmmm, fair enough. Though we might need your fire power to assault the HQ, you think you can subdue him?”

 

Kastuki bit his lip, “Maybe… if we use dirty tactics.”

 

“Then do it.”

 

“You got it boss.”

 

Katsuki cracked his neck and was soon in the air. During… whatever that had been, Todoroki had managed to corner All Might into a street by blocking off both sides with huge ice walls. However that hadn’t stopped him taking a blow from All Might and being launched into the street.

 

Katsuki soared down to All Might from above, he’d quickly learnt the man wasn’t used to fighting people who outmanoeuvre him in the air. But that didn’t mean it was easy to take him by surprise.

 

Katsuki tried to land a punch on the back of All Might's head but the man easily dodged him with a sidestep. Katsuki felt a fist slam into his back and he collapsed onto the ground. All Might raised his foot to crush Katsuki but a strong whirlwind threw him off balance.

 

Katsuki used distraction from Yoarashi to roll away from All Might and get back to his feet. His arm was encased in red fire and he sent a clean jab right into All Might’s side. Exactly where his injury was. 

 

All Might coughed both in pain and surprise and staggered back. But Katsuki didn’t let up and swung his foot out and hit All Might with a painful kick.

 

Blood splattered onto All Might’s uniform. But as Katsuki went in for another kick All Might saw it coming and grabbed his leg.

 

“Hachiman isn’t it?” All Might said with a pantomime like smirk, “You have impressive skills but you’re still just a pup compared to me!”

 

All Might squeezed Katsuki’s leg and Katsuki couldn’t stop the cry that escaped his lips as he felt his bones twist to near breaking point.

 

“Hachiman!” Both Yoarashi and Todoroki called as they approached the scene.

 

Unfortunately for Katsuki they filled the area with both fire and wind, a poor combination if not controlled. To All Might it was nothing but a warm breeze but to Katsuki he was swept up in a fire tornado that burned his skin and caused the metal around the street to whine and break.

 

“You call that a combined attack!? Ha! You are nothing for All Might The Terrible!”

 

All Might swung Katsuki out like a goddamn bat and swatted away Yoarashi and Todoroki before throwing Katsuki away like a used rag. He was in too much pain to activate flight as he smashed into a nearby building.

 

All Might was having far too much fun in his opinion.

 

Katsuki shook his head and pushed himself to his feet. He’d travelled further into the building than he’d realized and much of the sound and light from outside failed to penetrate this far in. He was surrounded by glass offices, the kind managers brought in an attempt to try and make everyone think they were transparent.

 

Dusting himself off Katsuki made to return to the-

 

“Nine!”

 

Katsuki nearly toppled over as a figure appeared in one of the window’s next to him, they were blurred and he could only vaguely make out spiked hair and a pair of eyes that glared at him.

 

“This is the perfect opportunity to take out All For One!” 

 

Katsuki paused, his annoyance overcoming the confusion he had felt at first, “If you didn’t notice I’m in the middle of an exam! I ain’t exactly about to go out and start hunting down some big bad supervillain.”

 

“Not him!” The figure hissed, “The boy! The one who also has the power!”

 

Katsuki’s blood ran cold though he steeled his face, “No.”

 

“Foolish child!” The figure shouted, his frustration combining with Katsuki’s own emotions, “Do you have any idea how much of a threat he will become!?”

 

Katsuki couldn’t help himself and smirked, “Not as much as I will be.”

 

“IDIOT!” The figure barked and even though his voice was in Katsuki’s head it still felt like it rattled the whole floor, “For centuries we’ve fought this war and you’re about to throw it all away!”

 

Katsuki just rolled his eyes and scoffed, “If I’m guessing right you’re one of the old wielders right? Well tough shit, this is my quirk now and I’ll do what I like with it.”

 

By now Katsuki could feel his chest fill with rage that wasn’t his own.

 

“You arrogant fool! That villain would-”

 

Katsuki had heard enough and grabbed a nearby chair, throwing it into the window and smashing the figure to pieces.

 

Katsuki huffed and started to float towards the sounds of battle from out of the building's windows. But a moment later he was jerked to the left, like someone had taken control of his body.

 

“Do you have any idea of the chaos you are ensuring!?” A voice roared in his head.

 

“Fuck. Off.” Katsuki managed to force out as he struggled to regain control of his flight path.

 

“Do you know how much responsibility you’re throwing to the side?”

 

As the voice raged Katsuki was slammed into the ground and the carpet below him was torn to shreds as he skidded along. He came to a stop just in front of another panel of glass and once again the figure was glaring at him.

 

“I told you to fuck off.” Katsuki growled as he stood up on a pair of unsteady legs.

 

His head felt like it was splitting in half while his whole body didn’t feel under his control, it was like he was wrestling with someone for control. And he suspected that someone was the figure looking down at him.

 

“You are the ninth wielder! It is your duty to eradicate-”

 

“I don’t give two shits what you think my duty is! Right now all I care about is beating All Might and winning this exam!”

 

“Enough two,” Another voice said in Katsuki’s mind and a second smaller figure appeared in the glass reflections, “He clearly can’t be convinced to face the child.”

 

“Oi!” Katsuki barked, trying to break the glass with a scowl, “Let's get one thing straight, there is no way I’m ever going to take out Zuzu, so you can all say goodbye to that pipe dream. And besides, last time I checked you’re all dead, you had your chance and failed.”

 

The second figure who had appeared looked at Katsuki and shook his head, “Eight generations who upheld the fight against All For One and All Might chooses you to be the ninth? It is perhaps his greatest failure as a hero.”

 

This time Katsuki knew the rage that boiled up inside of him was his own. Who were these people to claim he wasn’t worthy? To claim he wasn’t strong enough? This was Katsuki’s quirk.

 

“Fuck all of you!” Katsuki shouted before launching into the air and smashing through the glass until he exited the building.

 

Rage burned through him, a mix of his own and from the previous users. But he didn’t care, all he cared about was beating All Might. This was his quirk, he was the strongest and he would prove it.

 

“ALL MIGHT!” Katsuki cried as he flew above the man who looked up with mild surprise at Kastsuki’s return.

 

Katsuki shot down like a hawk, All Might barely avoiding the punch from above.

 

“The little bird is back, but you really-”

 

“SHUT THE FUCK UP!”

 

All Might was so shocked by Katsuki’s outburst he forgot to avoid the attack and took a fist straight to the jaw. All Might's head snapped back and Katsuki took the advantage. He swung in the air with a kick directly onto All Might's side.

 

Using his ability to float Katsuki didn’t need a pivot so when All Might swung an arm out he dodged it in the air and kicked in the back of the hero's head. But All Might had regained his senses and turned into a blur before Katsuki felt a blow to his side.

 

He was thrown to the ground and was barely able to open his eyes when the shadow of All Might's foot appeared above him. He rolled out of the way before All Might crashed it down into the ground. The ground below them cracked and shattered and Katsuki found himself falling.

 

He was able to stop himself hitting the ground as the entire street seemingly collapsed into the subway below them. A huge hole had appeared in the road with the rubble piled high onto the traintracks.

 

There was a brief moment of peace while the dust settled before the rubble exploded outwards. Katsuki covered his face as he was pelted with rocks, his metal gauntlet banging and bending against the force.

 

“HAHAHA!” All Might cried from within the subway and cleared area of rubble, “Did you really think-”

 

“I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU TO SHUT THE FUCK UP!”

 

This time All Might expected the outburst and was ready for Katsuki’s attack. Katsuki flew down but was met with a colossal blow which smashed him into the side of the tunnel. He fell down to the ground coughing only to be kicked further into the tunnel where it hadn’t collapsed, cutting off a clear escape into the skies.

 

His head was throbbing and rage boiled in his blood. As Katsuki stood up the light from  outside of the tunnel was blocked off by the huge form of All Might stalking towards him. 

 

“I’m not sure where your rage is coming from young hero,” All Might said, clearly trying to mentor Katsuki mid exam while also remaining in character, “But it’s clouding your ability to fight, do you even know where your team is? Your moves are sloppy and predictable, driven by emotion and uncontrolled.”

 

Katsuki felt his head throb, he wanted to grab it and tear it open, the pain was so immense that he staggered back, his vision blurred as he spat his words out.

 

“Not… Weak…” He growled as All Might paused, “My quirk… Stronger than you… Than all of them…”

 

“Young Bakugou?” All Might asked, dropping the act completely as Katsuki’s head exploded, filling with thoughts and feelings that weren’t his own as voices screamed at him.

 

“Take the boy!”

 

“Leave the kid alone!”

 

“All For One in any form cannot be allowed to exist!”

 

“Need I remind you that child is my nephew!”

 

Katsuki’s mind screamed at him as he was overcome with pain and rage, he let out one last feral scream before he blacked out completely.

 

---

 

“Katsuki!” All Might cried and ran forward as Katsuki fell to the ground.

 

He managed to catch the boy before his head hit any rubble. He wasn’t sure exactly what had happened, but Katsuki had had a feral look in his eye as he’d fought him. But it wasn’t the well trained precise strikes Katsuki usually favoured, his attacks had been wild and uncoordinated. Then his eyes glowed with pure power as he let out a pained scream and collapsed. At the same time All Might had felt his own quirk briefly go haywire, though what had happened was a complete mystery to him.

 

Even now Katsuki’s breathing was ragged and his face looked pained. All Might wanted nothing more than to take the boy to Recovery Girl himself, but he still had a job to do. 

 

Two medic robots quickly appeared from the shadows and All Might passed Katsuki to them, “Take him straight to Recovery Girl.”

 

The robots quickly trolleyed Katsuki off and All Might sighed, that was probably going to end up being complicated later.

 

However he couldn’t relax, after all this was still an exam.

 

---

 

Todoroki leant up against the wall and caught his breath, focusing on getting his core temperature steady again. Everything hurt, he was certain he had several broken ribs and was bleeding from a cut in his head, half his face covered in blood. 

 

The issue was All Might wasn’t just strong, he was durable. Not only was he capable of swatting away most of Todoroki’s attacks he could easily tank most of them if he chose. It was like fighting a brick wall with rubber balls, how was he even supposed to make a dent?

 

The wind in the alley he was taking cover in picked up and a moment later Yoarashi landed down next to him. He looked just as bad if not worse than Todoroki, his cape had been torn off at some point and his hat lost. He was barely able to stand as he propped himself up against the wall.

 

They made eye contact and the alley filled with the same awkward tension it did whenever they had the unfortunate pleasure of being alone.

 

“Where’s Hachiman?” Yoarashi asked.

 

“Isn’t he fighting All Might?” Todoroki said with a frown.

 

“No. If he were we’d hear it, I caught All Might searching for us two streets down.”

 

“Shit…” Todoroki mumbled before raising his hand to his earpiece, “This is Shoto, has anyone heard from or sighted Hachiman recently?”

 

He was met with a resounding no from all squads.

 

“Shoto, what’s the situation?” Izuku asked.

 

Todoroki closed his eyes and bashed his head against the wall in frustration, “I think… Hachiman has been taken out.”

 

“WHAT!?”

 

“Calm down Alien Queen,” Izuku snapped, he sounded frustrated, “Shoto you and Gale Force need to keep All Might back from the HQ, we’ll be starting our assault there shortly and can’t have him intervening.”

 

“Right.” Todoroki said and Yoarashi let out a bitter laugh.

 

“We don’t stand a chance. Hachiman was the only one doing anything to him, he can bat our ranged attacks off like it’s nothing. Ice, fire, wind, none of it can harm him.”

 

“Well we just have to up our game, he doesn’t have resistance to heat so I’ll increase my fire as much as I can.” Todoroki said as he pushed himself off the wall and went to march out of the alley.

 

“Arrogant, just like your father.”

 

Todoroki swivelled on his feet, a glare already locked and loaded and he walked up to Yoarashi. This wasn’t the best time to finally have this conversation but he was too impatient to wait any longer.

 

“Do. Not. Compare me to my father.”

 

Yoarashi scoffed, “Why not? You act like him, you have his quirk and you have the same cold eyes.”

 

“It is not his quirk, it’s mine!” Todoroki snapped, “And what do you care anyway!?”

 

“Because Endeavor is not a hero, he is a bully who just happens to use his powers to catch even worse bullies! Yet people still worship the ground he stands on, just like you! You act cold and rude to everybody yet nobody ever calls you out!” Yoarashi growled out, months of pent up anger pouring out with his words.

 

“I am not a bully,” Todoroki responded with equal anger, the accusation cutting deep, “I am trying to be better than my father!”

 

“Well you can’t be!”

 

“I’m not my father Yoarashi! I know I was rude and cold to you when we first met and maybe I’m still not the perfect social bunny you are but I’m trying ok!? I’m trying to be better than my father!”

 

Todoroki’s passionate outburst didn’t seem enough for Yoarashi however who only doubled down on what he was saying, “You don’t deserve that chance! The whole Todoroki family doesn’t deserve it!”

 

“So we should all be punished because of my fathers actions? We don’t even live with him anymore! And besides don’t we as a family at least deserve a second chance!?”

 

“NO!” Yoarasho roared, his voice echoing throughout the alley.

 

“Why the hell not!?”

 

“Because nobody gave my father a second chance!”

 

Todoroki’s retort was lost in his throat, his anger quickly morphing to confusion as he took a step back. Yoarashi was furious, more so than a simple school yard squabble would cause and something in Todoroki’s mind clicked.

 

“This isn’t just about how my father treats people… Something happened between our families.”

 

For a moment he thought Yoarashi was actually going to hit him, but then he looked away and Todoroki could see tears in his eyes.

 

“You know of course my Uncle is a hero but you probably aren’t aware he started on a team with my father. They might not have been the most powerful heroes but they worked together for years, steadily moving up the ranks and became popular in their local area. My Uncle was happy but father pushed for more so they started operating in the city, the same city where Endeavor worked. One day they all ended up fighting the same villain. My fathers quirk is powerful, he can’t create wind like I or my Uncle can but he’s able to control what little wind there is. He can turn a soft breeze into hurricane conditions with ease. During the battle Endeavor and his sidekicks protected the civilians while my Uncle and father held the villain back. But they were strong and my father kept having to increase the power of the wind around them. He failed to notice one of Endeavor’s sidekicks on top of a nearby building. I don’t know if the sidekick tripped or lost his balance or just couldn’t withstand the wind, but over the sheer power and noise of the battle nobody noticed him topple over the edge. It was only after the villain was defeated that he was found with a broken back.”

 

“Redhot!” Todoroki suddenly gasped as a distant memory started to flow before his eyes, “It happened when we were young right? I remember Burnin telling me about it when she babysat one day. It… was bad from what I remember.”

 

Yoarashi nodded and turned back to Todoroki, “I heard he was eventually able to walk again after years of physical therapy but… he would never operate as a hero, it ruined his career.”

 

“He works on the admin staff at The Endeavor Agency, ever since the accident. He’s quiet though, never really talks to people, Burnin once told me he’d never gotten over the accident.”

 

Yoarashi clenched his fists, “Neither did my father, it ruined his career.”

 

“But Redhot never pressed charges?” Todoroki asked, trying to remember every detail he could about the case, “”In fact he told Endeavor he didn’t blame your father, it was a tragic accident.”

 

“Redhot may not have blamed my father but Endeavor did,” Yoarashi said and his voice broke slightly, “He took no legal action but for weeks he slated my father at every press interview, saying he was dangerous and unprofessional. This was just as Endeavor started to make gains against All Might in the hero rankings so everybody latched onto his word like he was about to take the top spot. People protested outside my fathers agency, his hero poll ranking plummeted and other heroes didn’t want to go near him. Eventually it was too much and he had to quit, claiming he was bringing my Uncle down. He never really got over it. He’s not a bad father, he always has been supportive of me and still romances my mother but… he drinks too much, hasn’t worked in years and he’s never fully been able to push out the jealousy towards my Uncle and by extension myself for being heroes. Your father ruined my father yet nobody ever bats an eye about Endeavor’s shortcomings.”

 

Todoroki paused and closed his eyes as he let out a shaky breath, there was a moment of tension before he let out a primal roar and slammed his fist against the nearby wall. The skin split open and blood trickled down his fingers but he didn’t care.

 

“Is this what my life will always be!?” He shouted as Yoarashi jumped slightly at the outburst, “Having to constantly make up for my fathers mistakes? You want to know what it's like to be Endeavor’s son!? It’s a curse! Half of the people I meet hate me because of who my father is and the others think I get everything for free! You know what I got for being his child Yoarashi!? Years of abuse from the man who was supposed to love me unconditionally! So why then do I still feel the need to turn the Todoroki name into something to be proud of, why do I try so hard when I shouldn’t even care about him!?”

Todoroki fell to his knees, physical and emotional exhaustion hitting him like a freight train. Yoarashi watched the whole display with wide eyes as his mouth opened and closed, unable to form words. Eventually he cleared his throat and softened his expression.

 

“I didn’t know…”

 

Todoroki shrugged, “Why would you? Only Midoriya and Bakugou really know the truth.”

 

“So all those times I compared you to your father…” Yoarashi said and trailed off with a wince.

 

Todoroki sighed and shook his head, “You weren’t… wrong. I was cold and aloof when we first met and really I owe you an apology.”

 

“I suppose I owe you one too,” Yoarashi said and scratched the back of his head, “I should have given you another chance rather than disregard you completely. It’s only fair.”

 

“Perhaps we should start over?”

 

Yoarashi nodded and smiled, “I’d like that. And for what you were saying… My father isn’t perfect, he cares but he’s essentially a drunk. But I think on some level we always care for our family, I don’t think you’re a fool for wanting to change your family legacy. Nobody can take away from the fact Endeavor puts away more villains than any other hero, it’s only natural on some level you want to emulate that part of him. Even if he is the world's biggest asshole.”

 

Todoroki chuckled before the ground around them rumbled, “I think All Might is close, we should get back out there.”

 

“How much longer is there on the exam?”

 

Todoroki frowned, trying to guess the time, “Thirty minutes maybe?”

 

Yoarashi’s eyes bugged out of his head, “I’m not sure I can keep up with All Might that long, especially with Hachiman out of the picture, we’ve lost our close combat element.”

 

“Let's be honest, it doesn’t matter, even with Hachiman, All Might is too powerful for us to overcome him with brute force.”

 

“So what do you suggest?”

 

Todoroki’s mind went through the possibilities, All Might didn’t have any weaknesses to exploit, even against things that he wasn’t built for. The only weakness he’d ever really had was in harsh weather conditions, even with all his strength he didn’t have the adaptability people like Todoroki did, but he just normally wore an adaptive costume. Though… he wasn’t wearing one right now.

 

“I have an idea.” Todoroki said with a smile.

All Might landed in the street with a crash, cars were thrown up by the force and windows shattered as he looked around. From what he was hearing the police station and hospital had been secured and the radio tower was once again operational. But that was no problem, All Might could easily destroy the tower completely and he had no idea where Todoroki and Yoarashi had gone so he was currently unopposed.

 

“All Might!”

 

All Might smiled and turned around to find Todoroki standing a little way down the street, “Ah! Shoto! The son of Endeavor at the mercy of All Might The Terrible!”

 

All Might pushed off the ground, the street behind him shattering and he soared towards Todoroki with an outstretched arm. At the last minute however a great whirlwind appeared from their side and blew Todoroki out of All Might's path. At the same time it picked up all the dust in the area and All Might was temporarily blinded.

 

“You think a little dust will stop me!?” He cried and clapped his hands, the shockwave sending the dust in all directions away from him.

 

Before All Might could scan the area for his students several large icicles shot his way, propelled by wind. He swatted each away with ease, smashing them against his fists.

 

But a moment later there was a colossal fwoosh and All Might found himself inside a huge tornado. Dust, rubble and even cars around him were picked up but All Might himself remained firm.

 

But then things changed, a great chill filled the air and the tornado became pale and blue, slick with frost and ice as the temperature around All Might dropped.

 

“Clever,” He mumbled to himself.

 

As the temperature continued to plummet, icicles made their way through the air. All Might clashed with them as fast as he could but Todoroki must have gone into overdrive because some made it through and sliced through his skin. And with each punch he felt his hands become more numb, the road around him was thick with ice and he could see his breath. His core temperature was dropping fast.

 

“Alright boys,” All Might said and raised his arms to make a loud clap, “I believe that is en-”

 

One moment All Might had been surrounded by an ice tornado, the next the area around him lit up with white hot flames as ice turned to fire. The air inside the tornado expanded at such a rate that All Might was all but thrown into the centre of an explosion.

 

He fell to his knees as he gasped for breath, the heat making it difficult to breathe. But even as he tried to recover he cried out as boiling hot water hit his back, coming from several directions. Todoroki must have been throwing ice into the tornado that boiled into water by the time it hit All Might.

 

He couldn’t help but smile, it was a grand display of teamwork and strategic thinking. Even he struggled in extreme weather without the right costume and this was about as extreme as it got. Of course he could still technically break out of it, it would take some effort but he could do it and get in close to them. But this wasn’t a fight to the death, it was an exam to try and get his students to overcome their shortcomings.

 

And they had done exactly that.

 

“I surrender!”

Notes:

Obviously I completely made up Yoarashi's backstory but I wanted him to have a little more flavour than in cannon, especially with him being in 1A

Thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 54: The Quirk Randomizer

Summary:

The final exam for Class A reaches it's conclusion, but as it does Izuku's control continues to slip

“I think this is a personal victory, outlasting One For All in the exam.”

 

“We didn’t outlast him! Kacchan was taken out by All Might!”

 

“Still, it’s further evidence All For One is the greatest quirk out there.”

 

“I thought you said you were going to leave so I could finish the exam!?”

 

“And I would if you were doing something important and not just jumping from building to building!”

 

Izuku growled as his feet landed on an apartment building and he took off running, a moment later teleporting to the next building. Mina was gathering the groups together to prepare for their final assault while Izuku met the command team who were creating a makeshift prison.

 

He landed down to street level where Yaoyorozu and Yoarashi were hauling the defeated teachers and heroes into a makeshift cell the creation user had presumably made. All Might was looking particularly proud of himself and Yoarashi squeezed him between Burnin and Present Mic.

 

“Is that everyone?” Izuku asked as Yaoyorozu secured the cell.

 

“Yes, it’s wired to blow up if they try to escape.” She explained and Hawk’s face paled.

 

“These kids are insane…”

 

“We’ve got it from here boss!” A robot painted like a police officer said to Izuku with a salute.

 

“Right,” Izuku said and turned to Yoarashi and Yaoyorozu, “We’ve got about 30 minutes left. I know reinforcements are on their way but we should still assault their HQ in case they have back up plans.”

 

“You won’t get a word out of us heroes!”

 

“All Might… Indoor voice… Please…” Midnight said as she rubbed a large bruise on her head.

 

“Mina will start the attack to keep them occupied, I’m just hoping that…”

 

“Loki!” Came a voice that originated from thin air.

 

“Invisible Girl,” Izuku responded as a camera floated into his face.

 

“I managed to get a good layout of the HQ,” She said and started to flick through the pictures she had managed to take, “They’ve blocked off or destroyed most of the hallways and have barricaded themselves in the central chamber.”

 

“They’re forcing us into a fight,” Izuku said with a frown, “The only way to hit them is a direct attack.”

 

“What about the VIP?” Yaoyorozu asked.

 

“Oh yeah,” Hagakure said and flicked through some more pictures, “I think they’re using one of the civilian staff members, I’ve seen her around. She looks pretty badly beaten up although most of it is clearly fake makeup.” She said and showed Izuku the picture.

 

“Mom!?”

 

Sure enough the picture showed his mother, loosely tied to a wooden chair while chatting and smiling with Nedzu who guarded her.

 

“That’s crossing a damn line and you know it!”

 

“That’s your mother!?” Yoarashi gasped.

 

Yaoyorozu frowned as she looked over Izuku’s shoulder at the image, “She hasn’t been tied up very well… And she doesn’t look too afraid considering…”

 

“They’re targeting you,” Deku said, appearing in front of Izuku for the first time since the exam started, “They’re trying to break you. They’re afraid of you.”

 

Izuku stared at the picture of his mother, something deep in the back of his mind told him it was all fake, that his mother was just playing the part. But that logic was driven out by the primal rage he was feeling at the image that made his mother look beaten.

 

“They’re mocking you. They’re taking advantage of you. They know you can’t lash out. They know they can push you around. They think you’re pathetic. Show them. Show them how strong we really are. Show them why they should fear us.”

 

Izuku was blinded by thoughts of his mother as he turned from Hagakure to the captured heroes. He stalked up to the bars and grabbed Present Mic by the front of his shirt.

 

Mic smirked as he was hauled up to the bars, “Hey hero, I guess-”

 

“Shut the fuck up!”

 

“Loki!” Yaoyorozu gasped, outraged at Izuku’s language.

 

Mic lost his smirk at Izuku’s feral look and All Might raised an eyebrow in the background.

 

“What did you do to my mother!?” Izuku demanded.

 

“I think you mean the Mayor,” Mic said with a chuckle, “And I’m not-”

 

Izuku slammed Mics head against the bars, “I’m talking about my mother.”

 

“Midoriya!” Yoarashi cried and grabbed Izuku’s shoulder but he was shrugged off.

 

“Listen kid,” Mic said though his act seemed to be slipping slightly, “I ain’t gonna tell you anything!”

 

“Oh yes he will!”

 

Izuku wasn’t entirely sure what happened next, it was like he briefly lost control of his quirk except at the same time he was sucked away from his body and into darkness. He landed with a thud, staring up at a dark sky pierced by stars and strands of multi-coloured lights. Pushing himself up on his elbows it looked like he was floating through the place on a large chunk of rock.

 

As he got to his feet Izuku realized he wasn’t alone, on the other side of the rock he witnessed one of the most brutal fights he’d ever seen. Although calling it a fight was a stretch. It was more watching Deku beat Present Mic up with no remorse as the latter didn’t even fight back. 

 

“What the hell are you doing!?” Izuku hissed as he came to his senses and ran over to Deku.

 

Deku looked at him with a bored expression as he threw Present Mic to the ground, “It’s called an interrogation.”

 

“You’re beating Present Mic senseless!” Izuku cried and looked down, the hero was bloody and beaten with swollen injuries and ruined clothes.

 

“Relax,” Deku said with a wave of his hand, “This isn’t him, it’s his quirk.”

 

“You still can’t just attack him like that!”

 

“And why the hell not!” Deku shouted, turning to Izuku with a scowl, “They have our mother!”

 

“It… It’s not real…” Izuku said, though it sounded weak.

 

“And if it was Izuku!? Would you sit there feeling all woozy at the idea of beating information out of someone!? Or would you do everything in power to save her!?”

 

“What the hell do you want from me!?” Izuku cried, his mind starting to break.

 

“I want you to stop wasting our potential!” Deku said, “I want to bask in our power, to embrace a feeling of superiority!”

 

As Deku spoke he raised his arm and pain shot through Izuku before his own arm was raised in sync with Deku.

 

“I want you to let go! To finally realize who we are!”

 

Deku forced Izuku to reach down and strangle Present Mic’s quirk, to choke the life out of him as his grip tightened.

 

“I know you want this! I know you want to prove yourself! So stop holding us back!”

 

Izuku panicked as he felt his hand get tighter, the quirk’s eyes were so lifelike as they looked up at him, begging him to stop, “No… I don’t… This isn’t…”

 

“Do it Izuku!”

 

“Izuku!”

 

“IZUKU STOP!”

 

Izuku suddenly felt like he was being ripped out of an ice cold bath. He gasped for breath as the sun beat down on him and the blue sky returned. He slowly became aware of his surroundings again. He was laying face down in the road, All Might standing over him and pinning him down with a fearful expression.

 

Slowly turning his head he could see Present Mic, unconscious and pale, laying not far from him as Midnight and Burnin checked the teacher for injuries. Yoarashi and Yaoyorozu stood back, fearful looks on their faces, he assumed Hagakure matched as the camera lay dropped on the ground, smashed.

 

“Izuku,” All Might said, getting his attention again, “Can you hear me?”

 

“What happened?”

 

“We were hoping you could tell us,” Yaoyorozu said as she took a calming breath and stepped forward, “It looked like you were interrogating Present Mic and then… you both went still. Then Mic started screaming in pain though we couldn’t see you doing anything. We tried to pry you off him but it was only when All Might pinned you down it stopped.”

 

Izuku winced as All Might helped him to his feet, “Is he ok?”

 

“He’s fine kid,” Burnin said with a sigh of relief, “Looks like you took his quirk, he just had a tougher time than most with it. We’ll get him to Recovery Girl.” 

 

All Might nodded as Midnight and Burnin hauled Present Mic onto a trolley, “Perhaps you should sit out for the rest of the exam Young Midoriya.”

 

“No, I’m fine, we’re nearly finished anyway.”

 

“Are you sure? There’ll be no-”

 

“I said I’m fine,” Izuku snapped before turning back to the other teachers, “Now before we leave I need something from all of you.”

 

---

 

“You sure this is all going to work?”

 

Aizawa looked up from his papers with a raised eyebrow. The meeting had finished not long ago with everyone agreeing on his and Yagi’s plan for 1A. Only himself and Present Mic remained in the room.

 

“What do you mean?” Aizawa asked as his friend stared down at the notes he had made.

 

“Look, you know I’m not one for all this quirkist bullshit. But even you can’t deny Midoriya’s quirk is a scary concept for everyone, not least a bunch of teenagers. Even with all this well thought out decision making and planning, what makes you think anything will change?” Mic asked, looking up at Aizawa with scepticism.

 

Aizawa paused before answering, “I’ll admit I thought the same at the start of the year. I figured that I’d never get the whole class on board so I’d focus on keeping the peace between everyone.”

 

“So what changed?”

 

“I saw it.” Aizawa said with a small smile.

 

Mic frowned, “Saw what?”

 

“I saw the same thing that everybody else who supports Midoriya saw. The thing that links all his closest friends and allies together. From All Might to Endeavor to his classmates. I saw him fight.”

 

Mic’s frown deepened, “We’ve all seen him fight. Hell, all of Japan saw the sports festival.”

 

Aizawa shook his head, “No. You’ve seen him fight in class. You’ve seen him fight for himself. What only a handful of people have seen is when he fights for others.”

 

---

 

Bullets, bombs and missiles crashed down into the earth. The sky was filled with projectiles being launched from either end. The villains had turned the town centre into a well fortified base of operations, it was surrounded by a wall of robots and Ectoplasm clones, all equipped with weapons ranging from pistols to missile launchers.

 

Class A was currently spread between cover, burnt out cars, crumpled walls and even craters were being used by the students as they fought to gain ground towards the wall of enemies.

 

“Can’t Stop Twinkling cover Red Riot and Tailman! We need to get our close combat fighters up the road!” Mina cried over the sound of gunfire, it turned out she wasn’t half bad at this whole leadership thing.

 

Ayoama nodded from the car he was crouched behind and let out a beam of blue energy that ripped through several robots pinning the other two students down. With a brief reprise from the onslaught Ojiro and Eijiro ran forward, moving towards their enemy.

 

Mina watched them through the bullet holes in the car she was behind with Kyouka. She reached down onto her utility belt and grabbed what looked like a grenade. Holding it tightly in her hand she activated her quirk as acid all but poured out of her finger tips.

 

A few moments later she pulled the pin on the grenade and threw it into the group of robots. There was a loud bang as her acid spewed everywhere from the centre, chunks of it landed on the robots and their metal sizzled as it melted through.

 

Kyouka blinked as she watched the destruction before turning to Mina, “Acid grenades?”

 

Mina looked up at her and winked as she filled another one, “You’re not the only one with fancy tech.”

 

She threw another grenade into the mix and made another dent in the villain's defensive line.

 

As they battled an Ectoplasm clone suddenly appeared around the car she and Kyouka were behind, “Shit! Earphone Jack, look out!”

 

Kyouka turned to face the clone but she was going too slow and knew it as the clone raised its gun. A moment later however it’s head exploded and it turned to mist.

 

Yaoyorozu appeared in the street, skidding behind the same car as Mina and Kyouka. Mina looked at her and her jaw dropped.

 

“Creati… Is that a shotgun?”

 

“Yes it is,” Yaoyorozu confirmed as she ducked out from the car and let off two rounds, easily hitting two robots directly in the head.

 

“But what if you hit a teacher!?”

 

“Then they can dodge.” 

 

Kyouka and Mina looked at each other, wondering what exactly had happened to Yaoyorozu.

 

“Wait. If you’re here then where’s-”

 

The sounds of battle were deafened out by the sheer noise that came from above them. Everyone was blinded as a huge beam of red energy slammed down into the ground. It was so bright and hot Mina had to duck down and cover her eyes. The beam tore through the front line of the villains, melting entire robots as Ectoplasm clones fell one after the other. The ground beneath them bubbled from the heat and cracked outwards like a spiderweb.

 

All it took was a few moments for the entire outer defences of the HQ to be demolished, all that was left was a hot crater of molten metal and rock.

 

Then Izuku landed down in the middle of the class.

 

“Holy shit…” Mina whispered.

 

He’d clearly taken some quirks to use in the battle, huge red wings sprung from his back. Except unlike Hawks his wings were burning with green flame and shone brightly while his eyes glowed red. His hair had streaks of white in and Mina could feel the waves of power flowing off him.

 

“Report!” Izuku said and his voice reverberated down the street.

 

The class scrambled forward towards their leader like a switch had been flicked. Nobody was questioning Izuku’s authority after that display.

 

“Everybody is ready for the assault,” Mina said as Yoayorozu stood next to her, “We’re down Hachiman and Velocity but nobody else has taken any serious injuries. We should be at full strength if you want to make our way into the HQ.”

 

Izuku frowned as Yaoyorozu sighed, “It’s not that simple, Hagakure was able to scout it out, they’ve barricaded themselves inside the central chamber. The only way we’re taking them out is a full blown frontal assault.”

 

“What about the VIP?” Todoroki asked.

 

“It’s my mother,” Izuku let out with a growl and a few people took a step back.

 

“Something about all that still doesn’t add up,” Yaoyorozu muttered to herself.

 

“Well we can’t just charge in and expect a victory,” Shoji said, “The teachers all know our quirks, no doubt they’ve got counters to all of them.”

 

Something in Izuku’s eye lit up as he turned to look at the floating gloves of Hagakure, “They do know our quirks… I have an idea.”

 

---

 

“I must say Aizawa I’m rather impressed by how closely events have followed your predictions.” Nedzu said as he gazed at several monitors showing the students progress.

 

Aizawa grunted in response, “It hasn’t gone perfectly, Bakugou and Iida are out, Midoriya’s control continues to slip and if you ask me All Might gave up far too soon.”

 

“But wasn’t he just supposed to fight until Yoarashi and Todoroki got past their differences? It appears to me they did that.”

 

“An excellent point Ms Midoriya!” Nedzu chirped and glanced back at their VIP.

 

Inko was currently sitting between the two teachers, loosely tied up with some half assed makeup on. The three of them were placed at the top of a grand staircase, monitoring everything while the rest of the teaching staff along with Gran Torino and Rock Lock stood on the floor, awaiting for the inevitable assault from the students.

 

“Are we certain they’ll try to attack?” Nedzu asked.

 

“It’s their best option,” Aizawa explained, “The rest of the town is secured and reinforcements are on the way. If they can take us down here then it’s a complete victory. If they fail the reinforcements will arrive anyway, it's a no lose situation.”

 

“Still, I’m curious to see their attack plan. They should know they can’t win in a basic stand up confrontation.”

 

“And they don’t appear to have worked out our trick with the VIP yet.” Aizawa said and looked back at Inko who chuckled slightly.

 

As they pondered their plan there was a commotion from one of the doors and a young girl tumbled through. Aizawa didn’t recognise her from any of the UA students, she had shoulder length blonde hair with a slight green shade coming through and tears in her eyes. She was dressed in the uniform of a nearby high school that sat on the edge of UA’s grounds.

 

“E-Excuse me,” She sniffled as she staggered forward, “I-I was trying to take a shortcut home and got lost.”

 

“You ok Miss?” Torino said as he hobbled forward to her.

 

“Oh dear,” Nedzu said with a frown, “It appears another local student has wandered onto the grounds, I’ll have to review security again.”

 

It wasn’t unheard of, at least once a year or so a local student from another school would accidently make into UA’s land, it was normally caused by a small breach in security. It was a simple enough solution though, a teacher would escort the student off campus and the breach would be secured. It had never happened during an exam however.

 

As Torino walked over to the girl Aizawa frowned, he knew that voice. It almost sounded like-

 

“TORINO IT’S A TRAP!”

 

But it was too late, the girl grabbed Torino’s elbow and smirked. A moment later her body lit up with electricity and thousands of volts ran through Gran Torino’s body. He staggered back as his cane clattered to the ground and his eyes rolled into the back of his head.

 

Before anyone could react the walls on either side of the room exploded and students poured through.

 

“Form a line around the VIP!” Cementoss yelled as Yoarashi charged at him, “You won’t get past me Galeforce!”

 

He slammed his hands into the ground and a solid wall rose between him and the student. Aizawa had watched this before, Yoarashi always struggled to make his winds powerful enough to counter Cementoss.

 

Except Yoarashi didn’t use wind, instead his body hardened and solidified as he smashed through the wall using Kirishima’s quirk. Cementoss stepped back in surprise and was only able to raise his hands to block Yoarashi’s punch with moments to spare. He skidded back against the floor and Yorashi pursued the attack.

 

Elsewhere Ectoplasm was trying to counter a combined assault from a teleporting Ojiro and a Kirishima who’s side lit up with flames.

 

Aizawa immediately jumped down into the fight below, “They’ve swapped quirks!”

 

He needn’t have cried out though, by this point everyone had figured out what had happened. Izuku has clearly randomized everyone’s quirks, meaning it was impossible to predict what you were fighting. On the one hand Aizawa appreciated the tactic, on the other it was a bitch to fight against.

 

He landed into the middle of the chaos as his scarf unwrapped. His target was easy, Todoroki was off to the side, letting out blasts of heat vision to aid his classmates. Aizawa focused his quirk and the beams were cut off as Todoroki found himself wrapped in the scarf. Aizawa flung him through the air and into Kirishima, the pair slamming back into a wall.

 

It was his sixth sense that felt something coming towards him and he naturally rolled to the side. A pink feather missed him by millimeters as he got back to his feet. Uraraka flew past him, two pink wings stretched out of her back. Another feather shot past him and hit an Ectoplasm clone, causing it to start floating in the air.

 

With a curse Aizawa gave chase, using his scarf to swing and launch himself through the air. But Uraraka was being smart, she kept up a constant barrage of feathers, causing Aizawa to dodge in a way that broke his line of sight every time he tried to activate his quirk. The pair left a pile of floating rubble behind them as the battle continued below.

 

As Aizawa and Uraraka flew above the crowds Mina ran up to Rock Lock with a frown, “Oi! What are you doing here!?”

 

Rock Lock saw her and smirked, “Thought it sounded fun Pinky!”

 

He tapped chunks of rubble at his feet, locking them in place as Mina moved into attack. The hero braced himself but his eyes widened in surprise when two swords tore out of her arms. Mina started to swing and lunge at Rock Lock who used chunks of metal and pipes to block her.

 

She swung an arm out and Rock Lock held a pipe in place in the air, causing Mina to clash with it. Her arm jolted and she had to duck under the pipe to get to him. Rock Lock used the advantage to hit her with a punch from above right in the back of her head.

 

Mina staggered forward, dazed as she clumsily swung her arm out. Rock Lock huffed at the attack.

 

“That was a poor attack, you really think you could beat me with it!?”

 

“Nah,” Mina said as she wiped blood from her mouth, “I’m just a distraction.”

 

Above Rock Lock, Tsu appeared in the air, leaping down to his side and opening her mouth.

 

“RibbeeeEEE EEEEEEEEEEEEET!”

 

Present Mics quirk erupted from her mouth and Rock Lock was thrown back by the soundwaves. He stumbled back, trying to remain upright. But the moment Tsu cut off the quirk Kyouka leaped onto his back, her jacks wrapping around his throat.

 

She reached into her belt and pulled out a few sugar cubes, popping them in her mouth. Her muscles instantly expanded and grew in size as she wrapped her arms and legs around Rock Lock, holding him in place as she choked him out.

 

Up above Uraraka finally crashed down, having been caught by Aizawa’s quirk. She rolled around on the floor, her wings flapping wildly as she tried to use them. But Aizawa was too fast and as he landed he wrapped his scarf around her wings and yanked her towards him. He swung his knee out and Uraraka was hit directly in the stomach, causing her to cough and splutter.

 

As Uraraka fell to the ground fell to ground Sero charged forward, propelled by winds shooting out behind him. But Aizawa easily cut them off, he didn’t even need to use his scarf to leap through the air and land on Sero’s back, forcing him down.

 

Just because they’d swapped quirks didn’t mean Aizawa didn’t know his class. This was further proven when he redirected Tsu’s kick to his face to hit Mina in the back.

 

He was just about to turn and aid his fellow teachers when he was surrounded by pink mist. He didn’t hesitate to wrap a section of his scarf around his mouth as he kept an ear out.

 

He ducked to the side as a spear pierced through the mist, Yaoyorozu appearing a second later wielding said spear as pink mist poured from her skin.

 

“I’ve trained with Midnight for decades Creati, her gas has next to no effect on me.” Aizawa said as he used his scarf to rip the spear from his students hands.

 

“You misunderstand sensei, this isn’t to knock you out.” She said and stepped back, disappearing from his view.

 

Aizawa swore under his breath, hidden in the mist he couldn’t break Yaoyorozu’s quirk with his own. Which meant for the next few minutes Aizawa was fighting all kinds of weapons that appeared through the mist. For each spear he threw away from her he had to dodge a sword and for each sword he dodged a knife was thrown at him.

 

Aizawa ducked underneath a sword swung at him. Yaoyorozu’s momentum carried her arm forward and he grabbed her wrist, twisting it until the sword fell from her grasp. Using his own weight he turned her around and kicked her feet out from under her, causing her to fall painfully to the ground.

 

He rose back up off the ground just in time to see Ojiro’s tale appear through the mist and slam right into his face. His nose exploded as blood spewed down his outfit and he was thrown through the air. Even as he lay there he couldn’t help but smirk slightly. Damn these kids were good.

 

On top of the staircase Nedzu was seated behind a makeshift sniper rifle. It was loaded with rubber bullets but even they still packed a punch. Something poor Kaminari found out as he was hit right between the eyes.

 

“An ingenious plan,” Nedzu muttered to himself as he let off another few shots, forcing Hagakure to take cover, “I’d say we’ve all but lost this battle.”

 

As he hummed to himself he felt his fur stand on end, indicating a threat. But as he glanced around he and Inko remained alone up here. Unless-

 

Nedzu moved with only a moment to spare as an explosion ripped through his perch. Fire scorched his fur and he slammed back against the wall. Before he could do anything else he found himself pinned with a green fire blade against his neck as Izuku materialized in front of him.

 

“Don’t try it,” Izuku growled out and despite himself Nedzu felt his fur bristle the way it did when faced with a predator, “I’m taking your hostage back.”

 

Nedzu smirked, “Hostage? What hostage?”

 

There was a bang from behind him and Izuku felt something impact his head. He dropped the principal and turned with wide eyes to face his mother. She was smiling sheepishly and holding a literal smoking gun.

 

“Sorry dear,” She said and shot him again in the chest, causing him to stagger back and fall back against the wall in shock, “But you should have realized this whole plan was my idea.”

“Damn,” Deku said as the buzzer for the end of the exam rang out, “That’s cold.”

Notes:

Hi all, sorry this took so long to get out. I was just busy with the holidays and moving house.

Anyway, thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 55: Losing Control

Summary:

In the results of their final exams Izuku and Katsuki find their control over their quirks slipping

Izuku’s own mother had shot him.

 

Fair enough it was with rubber bullets but the shock still hadn’t worn off even hours after the exam. Apparently Izuku had failed to pick up on the scattered signs throughout the exam that Inko had actually been the one behind the whole plot. She’d had a run in with the fictional local hero not long ago and had brought in the villain group to kill him off and take control of the town.

 

But Izuku had charged in thinking he was saving his mother only to be shot and ‘killed’. Even with regeneration he couldn’t take any direct brain damage (it would completely wipe his memory and turn him into a living corpse), the initial blow to the back of his head would have been the end of him, something Nedzu reminded him of in the immediate minutes after the exam.

 

All he wanted to do was go home and collapse in bed and deal with the shame of it all. Sadly however he’d played lucky dip with everyone's quirks and needed to make sure everyone was going home with their own.

 

He was forced to walk around the boys changing rooms, swapping out quirks as everyone chatted about their performance and congratulated each other on how well the exam had gone. Only Todoroki seemed to catch Izuku’s sour mood and gave him a look of sympathy before quietly slipping out of the door to await their results.

 

Izuku had no idea where Katsuki was, his locker had been cleaned out long before the rest of the boys arrived.

 

Izuku sighed as he rested his head against the cold metal of his own locker, even Deku hadn’t said a word since the end of the exam, clearly aware Izuku needed space right now.

 

“Hey.”

 

Izuku tilted his head and looked up to find Ojiro giving him a blank expression. They were the last two in the changing rooms, everyone else having left already.

 

“Ojiro… What can I do for you?”

 

There were a few beats of silence before Ojiro sighed, “Look, I’m never going to like you. So don’t think this makes us friends or anything. But… I can’t deny how good of a hero you are, you’re a strong leader and even stronger fighter. I guess what I’m trying to say is we will never get along as people, but I want you to know I respect you as a hero and you don’t ever have to worry about me not working with you in the field.”

 

Honestly, it was a lot better than where the two of them had been that very morning. 

 

“Thanks Ojiro.” Izuku replied.

 

Ojiro nodded and left Izuku alone in the changing rooms. For a minute he considered just staying there but he knew he couldn’t. He grabbed his rucksack and headed outside, he hadn’t bothered putting his tie back on or even tucking in his shirt, it was already long past their usual finish time so he figured the teachers wouldn’t care.

 

He squinted as the last few rays of sunlight for the day hit his eyes and the breeze picked up his hair. He could see Aizawa and the rest of the boys standing not too far away, chatting amongst themselves. Katsuki was there too, standing off to the side alone with a deep scowl on his face.

 

“Midoriya?”

 

“Yaoyorozu,” Izuku said as he turned away from the boys and to his classmate who was standing at the entrance to the girls changing rooms, “Are the girls ready for me to give their quirks back?”

 

“Ah yes but… Would we be able to talk first?”

 

Izuku nodded and Yaoyorozu led him over to a more secluded spot away from prying eyes. She turned back to him with tired eyes and a guilty expression, odd considering how well her performance in the exam had been. Izuku was just about to ask what was wrong when Yaoyorozu bowed so low it would make Yoarashi proud.

 

“I want to give you my deepest and most sincere apologies for the disgraceful way I have treated you!” She was even matching Yoarashi’s volume, “I have been arrogant, selfish and ignorant, you were my friend and I have no excuse for how I tossed you to the side!”

 

“Yaoyorozu, please I-”

 

“I will endeavour to make up to you! To support you as class president and as a future colleague!”

 

“Yaoyorozu there’s no need to-”

 

“I implore you not to look down on the Yaoyorozu name and-”

 

“Momo!” Izuku shouted, grabbing Yaoyorozu’s shoulders and hoisting her back up and her mouth snapped shut at the mention of her name, “Stop apologizing. I mean, yeah, the first one was nice but… You don’t need to keep saying it. I won’t lie, it hurt when you stopped talking to me but at least you weren’t one of the classmates who kept trying to put me down. I… understand needing time to deal with my quirk.”

 

Yaoyorozu shook her head, an angry frown on it, “I shouldn’t have needed time! You were my friend, I should have known that you wouldn’t use your quirk dangerously. I just… I just thought you were being so irresponsible and it made me so angry!”

 

Izuku stepped back in surprise, that was a new one, “What made you think I was being irresponsible?”

 

Yaoyorozu bit her lip before taking a deep breath, “My quirk came in when I was four, by the time I was seven I was able to make basic things. The thing is, the easiest things for me to make are raw materials, minerals and metals for instance. Some of the best examples of this, and two of the easiest things for me to make, our gold and diamonds. A couple of the other girls at school soon learned I could do this and we quickly started to chat about jewellery. I was seven and didn’t know any better, so I started popping out gold rings and diamonds like they were going out of fashion. Obviously I must have been seen by someone because a few days later I was picked up off the street and stuffed into the back of a van.”

 

Izuku’s eyes widened, “You were kidnapped!?”

 

“I was,” Yaoyorozu confirmed with a nod, “It took four days for the heroes to find me, by which point I was exhausted, starving and suffering quirk exhaustion. When I eventually got taken to the police station do you know what happened? I was severely reprimanded by the police captain and hero who saved me. They said I was foolish and ignorant to be using such a powerful quirk like that in such a public setting. That if I went around showing criminal gangs what I could do I was asking for trouble.”

 

“They WHAT!?” Izuku shouted, his depression at his exam results washed away with a cold fury, “That's insane!”

 

“Oh yes my parents quite agreed,” Yaoyorozu said with a soft chuckle, “The captain was demoted and the hero given a position far up north in the cold. But what they said has stuck with me ever since, I truly believed that it was my responsibility to limit myself and my quirk, not to do so would be immature and dangerous. So when I finally learnt of your quirk and saw that you put no such limits on yourself…”

 

“You thought I was out of control and a menace,” Izuku said with a sigh, at least Yaoyorozu hadn’t been coming from a place of prejudice.

 

“Yes, though I see now how wrong I was. If anything I was the one putting people at risk by imposing my own limits on myself. Had I taken after you more and well… I guess the past is the past. I know I’ve been cruel to you, I hope at the very least we can be friendly classmates but… If you ever want to be friends again…”

 

Izuku chuckled and gave Yaoyorozu a wide smile, “Yaoyorozu we never stopped being friends, I’m just glad you’ve come around.”

 

Yaoyorozu met Izuku’s wide smile, “As am I.”

 

“Hey Midoriya!”

 

The pair turned to find Uraraka skipping up to them.

 

“The girls are all ready for you! Jiro is having a nightmare not being able to hear anything, it’s actually kinda funny.”

 

“Oh right!” Izuku said and waved his hand, Uraraka and Yaoyorozu’s quirks leaving his body as he ran towards the door, “I’ll get right to it.”

 

Uraraka watched him go before speaking into the silence he left behind, “So he forgave you huh?”

 

Yaoyorozu blinked in surprise and nodded, “Ah yes… I believe we’ve buried the hatchet as they say.”

 

“That’s good,” Uraraka said, “I think everyone has missed you,” She continued before turning to Yaoyorozu with a dark expression, “But you ever pull shit like that again on Midoriya and you’ll have me to answer to. Got it?”

 

Yaoyorzu gulped, “Understood.”

 

Izuku pushed the door to the girls' changing room open, forcing down the nervous thoughts that this was forbidden territory.

 

“IZUKU!”

 

“AHH!”

 

Kyouka charged forward, grabbing Izuku's shirt and looking up at him with wild eyes, “HAVE YOU GOT MY QUIRK!? PLEASE I NEED IT BACK! I CAN’T HEAR ANYTHING!”

 

“Get off him, woman!” Mina yelled as she ran up and dragged Kyouka away from Izuku, “Calm down! Clearly he’s here to give our quirks back.”

 

“Uhhh… What happened?” Izuku asked as he was freed.

 

“Ribbet, I don’t think she’s used to hearing at a normal range,” Tsu said next to him, looking plenty amused.

 

“WHAT!?”

 

Izuku sighed and pushed Jiro’s quirk back to her.

 

“Oh thank God! Silence is terrible!? Is this how you people hear all the time? How do you even tell if someone is trying to get your attention?”

 

Tsu chuckled as she grabbed Jiro’s arm, “Come one, let's go, I gotta babysit. Bye Midoriya.” She said as she dragged Jiro out of the changing room.

 

“Well someone’s warmed up to you,” Mina said as she dusted herself off, “It probably doesn’t help that you gave her a major power boost with Mic’s quirk.”

 

Izuku scratched the back of his head and chuckled, “I guess so.” He said and gave Mina her quirk back before frowning, “Hey… Where’s…?”

 

MIna smiled at him, “She’s in the back where the big mirrors are. You should talk to her,” She said and disappeared out of the room.

 

Izuku gulped and stepped forward. True to Mina’s word, Hagakure was standing in front of a full-length mirror, turning around and gazing at herself in her school uniform, her eyes were full of wonder as she looked herself up and down. Izuku watched her for a moment before clearing his throat.

 

“Ah, Class Pres!” Hagakure said and gave him a small smile and a blush, “Sorry, I didn’t hear you come in. I was just… Well I was just trying to remember as much as I could before…”

 

Izuku winced, “I’m sorry Hagakure, I shouldn’t have made you do this. I understand it can’t be easy.”

 

Hagakure looked up at him with a shocked expression, “Sorry? Midoriya, this is the greatest thing anyone has ever done for me! Look, I accepted my quirk a long time ago, I can’t do my makeup and never really know how good my hair looks, that’s just the way it is. I’m fine being who I am, really. But ever since I was a kid I've always wondered what I looked like, what colour eyes I had, how pale was my skin and so on. Midoriya because of you I know that now, sure it’s not permanent but it doesn’t need to be because from now on I’ll always know what I actually look like. Your quirk really is amazing Midoriya.”

 

Izuku wouldn’t cry. He wouldn’t break down at the first person outside of his friends and family to compliment him like that. Instead he merely smiled and watched as Hagakure got her quirk back and slowly faded from view.

 

“Ahhh, that feels better,” She said and ran forward, “Come on! Let's get the results!”

 

Izuku’s sour mood returned like a crashing wave against the shore and his smile dropped as he remembered the exam.

 

“Ahhh finally people are starting to see our worth. Feels good to be respected.”

 

Izuku sighed as he kicked the changing room door open and followed Hagakure back to the rest of the class.

 

“I guess you’re back huh?” He muttered.

 

“I was never gone,” Deku said as he appeared next to Izuku, walking up the path with a smirk.

 

Izuku ignored him and moved past most of the class to Katsuki’s secluded spot. He had no idea where the other teachers and his mother were, they must have left not long after Izuku returned their quirks. He gave Katsuki a raised eyebrow as he stood next to him to which Katsuki just grunted.

 

“Let’s just get this over with.”

 

“Alright settle down,” Aizawa sighed as he stood in front of a large screen, “We’re the last ones on campus and I really want to go home and sleep. As a class I just want to say well done, regardless of individual scores you all operated as a team and were able to overcome the villains, your quirk usage has also come a long way, though we still have a lot of work to do. Now you’ll get your individual scores on Monday for how you did but for now I can at least provide the list of those who passed and failed.”

 

Aizawa clicked his remote and the screen behind him lit up. Everyone’s eyes immediately snapped to the pass names, everyone trying to find their own. There were several sighs of relief and a few cheers as a majority of the class found their names on the list. Nobody noticed the deep frowns on Izuku and Katsuki.

 

Yaoyorozu was the first to notice, letting out a soft gasp. Then there was Kaminari’s soft ‘Oh shit…’ and before long everyone had seen.

 

Failed:

 

Katsuki Bakugou

Izuku Midoriya

 

---

 

By the time anybody had realized Izuku and Katsuki, practically the top two students of the year, had failed their final exam, the pair had already slipped away. It hadn’t come as a surprise to either of them, Katsuki had passed out halfway through the exam and Izuku had been ‘killed’ at the very end. Obviously in any real case scenario they both wouldn’t have survived.

 

They hadn’t said a word to each other as they made the journey home, an uneasy tension between the two. Deku on the other hand was his usual chatterbox.

 

“If we had just taken the quirks for ourselves we would have been victorious!”

 

“We should have gone for the head with Hawks’ wings.”

 

“Maybe if you had stopped trying to be best friends with everyone we would have gotten somewhere!”

 

As they walked down the street to their house Izuku found his teeth grinding together at Deku’s words. He kept going over Izuku’s every mistake, how he could have used their quirks to better effect.

 

“Hey stop and listen moron!”

 

‘Just shut up already!’ Izuku snapped back in his head.

 

“For love of- They’re talking about us, idiot!”

 

Izuku paused mid step as he focused his ears. Deku was right, they were just coming up to the end of their drive but the kitchen window was open and their parents' voices trickled down to the sidewalk. Katsuki turned to give him a confused look at Izuku’s pause until he too heard the voices.

 

“I just feel so bad… I mean Aizawa said he would have passed if not for what I did.”

 

“I understand Inko, but it was an important lesson. While Izuku did perform well for the majority of the exam he let his power get to his head, he assumed it was an easy task to take out the villain HQ and as a result didn’t bother to pick up on the clues we left behind. He didn’t even think to interrogate the prisoners they took.”

 

“At least Brat Two put up a fight, Brat One just went mad and passed out!”

 

“I’m not entirely sure what happened there I’m afraid but it shows a dangerous lack of control over his quirk.”

 

As Izuku listened he felt Katsuki’s hand wrap tightly around his arm and tug him forward, but Izuku held firm, glaring into Katsuki’s eyes as he refused to move.

 

“From everything you’ve said isn’t that the problem for both of them?”

 

“Indeed. I knew hitting Katsuki in his insecurities would cause him to scramble but I never expected such a terrible reaction. Izuku I’m afraid is growing accustomed to his power, in just a few short months he’s gone from struggling in class to being one of the top students in practical heroics and I suspect he will continue to grow. We need to hit him with reality before that happens.”

 

“I just feel so bad for him, I know Aizawa explained it to me but for me to specifically target him out of everyone in the class feels like such a betrayal.”

 

Apparently Katsuki had had enough of eavesdropping on their parents and used a small amount of his quirk to force Izuku up the drive. As he did, a furious Deku reappeared in Izuku’s life.

 

“You hear that!? I told you they were singling us out! They're just like the rest, terrified of what we can do!”

 

Izuku ignored him as Katsuki all but kicked the front door open. The tension from within the house washed over the pair as they put their shoes away. Izuku ideally wondered if he’d be allowed to simply close himself off in his room. Of course he had no such luck.

 

“Boys,” Masaru called out, “Could you please join us in the kitchen?”

 

Izuku winced at how cold the man sounded as Katsuki scowled slightly, they glanced at each other before solemnly walking into the kitchen together.

 

“Damn, I didn’t expect a fucking tribunal.”

 

Deku wasn’t entirely wrong, Yagi, Inko, Mitsuki and Masaru were all sitting on the other side of the kitchen table, none of them looked happy as they indicated to the final two seats opposite them.

 

Katsuki huffed and took his seat with an extra slice of annoyance, purposely scraping it across the floor and collapsing into it. Izuku took his much more meekly despite the anger that was bubbling just below the surface.

 

“Obviously Yagi has made us aware you both failed your exam today.” Masaru said, “We invited him over to discuss what happened.”

 

“And to keep an eye on the dangerous quirk user.”

 

“I’ll tell you what the fuck happened!” Katsuki barked, “Nothing! It was a fucking fluke!”

 

“A fluke that in the real world would have cost you your life.” Yagi reminded Katsuki with a stern gaze.

 

“Yeah well it wasn’t the real world!” Katsuki snapped back, his anger rising, “It was a fucking exam we failed, we’ll pass the next one. Who cares?”

 

“We do brat,” Mitsuki said with a scowl, “You two wanted to be heroes so badly yet you both failed on your first major exam? That’s something to talk about.”

 

Katsuki growled at his mother but said nothing as Yagi sighed.

 

“Boys, your performance for the majority of the exam was more than adequate-”

 

“Then why fail us?” Izuku asked, though part of him wondered if it was Deku.

 

“Izuku sweetie you know why,” Inko tried to say gently.

 

“Yeah, because they couldn’t let our quirk pass its first exam without some kind of control over it!”

 

“Both of you would have died if that exam had been real,” Yagi explained, “Furthermore both of you wielded your quirks with minimal control.”

 

“Piss off old man.”

 

“So did Yaoyorozu.” Izuku said suddenly, surprising even himself.

 

Yagi blinked several times, “What?”

 

Izuku looked up at him and couldn’t stop the way his eyes narrowed, “Yaoyorozu let go of her control, she used several lethal rounds against teachers. But she passed the exam.”

 

“So you CAN make a good point when you want to.”

 

“That’s different,” Yagi said, “Yaoyorozu had issues with limiting her quirk, she needed to break those limits.”

 

“You see Izuku, it’s one rule for us and another rule for everybody else.”

 

“I didn’t let go of my control!” Katsuki shouted, getting more and more angry, “My quirk went haywire! How was I supposed to know that would happen!?”

 

“Because your quirk is freaky as shit.”

 

“Katsuki,” Masaru reprimanded, “Calm down, we’re simply here to talk.”

 

“Liar.”

 

“Yeah right, talk,” Katsuki spat as his scowl deepened, “You just want to point out every little mistake me and Zuzu made.”

 

“Everybody will have their mistakes highlighted,” Yagi reassured, “Even those who passed. You two are simply a unique case.”

 

“See! I fucking told you!”

 

The more Yagi spoke the more Izuku felt an anger bubble inside of him. Every word Deku spoke made more and more sense. They had selected Inko because of her connection to Izuku, they wanted to catch him off guard, to put him down because he was becoming too powerful.

 

“It’s because of our quirks isn’t it?” Izuku asked coldly, his parents being taken a little off guard.

 

“That’s not what I said,” Yagi responded with a frown as the tension started to rise in the air, “It’s simply that you two have been steadily increasing your output, it’s not your fault that your control hasn’t kept up.”

 

“I didn’t lose control damn it!” Katsuki roared, slamming his fist on the table, “My fucking quirk broke! That’s not my fault!”

 

“Katsuki!” Mitsuki shouted back, “That is enough!”

 

“Look at them Izuku, look how they argue. How desperate they are to hold us back. Do you think they’d admit to it? Confess that using Mom was a whole set up just to target us?”

 

Izuku couldn’t help it as Deku’s words dripped into his ears like honey, “Was Mom chosen as the VIP specifically to get at me?”

 

Yagi and Inko glanced at each other and there was a pause before Yagi shook his head, “Of course not, we asked for volunteers and Inko stepped forward.”

 

“Would you look at that, even All Might himself is capable of sprouting bullshit.”

 

Izuku’s anger turned from a bubbling into a wave, it washed over him, sapping what little emotional control he had and he looked at Yagi with hate filled eyes.

 

“Liar.”

 

“Izuku!” Inko gasped though Izuku’s ire simply turned to her.

 

“I heard you talking,” He snarled, “Aizawa asked so that you could target me, so that I could be singled out of the class!”

 

Inko and Yagi paled, only further confirming that Izuku was correct in what he was saying. He saw red, his hunger and quirk taking over his mind and body, somewhere in the back of his head he was vaguely aware Deku had vanished, no longer a distant force in the back of his subconscious.

 

“Oi!” Mitsuki shouted as she glared at Izuku, “Don’t talk to your mother like that!”

 

“Why the hell not!?” Izuku roared, standing up as his chair fell back, “Everyone else is so insistent on treating me like I’m some big danger to society! Maybe I should be one for a change!”

 

It was probably innocent. It probably meant nothing. A natural sound that popped up from time to time. But whatever the reason was as Izuku ranted Katsuki made a soft grunt.

 

Izuku rounded on him like a villain had walked into their kitchen, his anger overwhelming him as his grip on reality loosened, “Oh is this funny to you Kacchan!? Or did you forget you also failed oh so great and wonderful wielder of One For All!”

 

Katsuki was on his feet in an instant, an unfamiliar anger once again pouring into him as he faced Izuku, “I told you! I didn’t fail the exam because I was a fucking moron like you, I failed because of my quirk refusing to tolerate your shit!”

 

“Boys!” Yagi shouted, putting his hands on the table and very nearly turning into All Might, “Calm down, both of you! There is no need for you to fight like this, what is going on?”

 

“Nothing!” Katsuki shouted.

 

Izuku turned to glare at Yagi, the man that seemed to want to control his life and his mouth seemed to move on its own, “What are you even doing here old man!?”

 

Yagi looked taken aback for a moment, Inko however was now just as enraged as her son, “Izuku Midoirya! I’m not sure what’s gotten into you but this is a family meeting!”

 

“Well he isn’t family!” Izuku snapped and Yagi’s eyes filled with pain and hurt as Inko gasped and Mitsuki became so shocked she nearly fell off her chair.

 

“That is it!” Masaru roared, his voice reaching levels Katsuki and Izuku hadn’t seen since they were young, “I won’t allow you to-”

 

“Allow us to do what!?” Izuku shouted, “We could do anything we wanted but you’re all afraid of us!”

 

“I’m not afraid of you Izuku,” Masaru said, his tone softening, “You’re like a son to me, you know this.”

 

“Well I’m not your son am I!” Izuku shouted as everyone looked at him in shock, “You’re not my Dad and neither is Yagi! None of you are my family! I’m only here because my mother couldn’t raise me alone because I’m too difficult! It’s her fault I’m like this yet it’s my problem to deal with!”

 

By this point Izuku had staggered back away from the table and towards the door, his head was pounding, his vision was blurred and he had no idea who was talking between him and Deku. Inko had tears streaming down her eyes as she came forward.

 

“Izuku baby, what's going on? This isn’t you, tell me, please just tell me what I did.”

 

Izuku finally snapped.

 

“You couldn’t keep it in your pants and decided to have sex with a supervillain behind your husband's back and boom! I’m the one who has to suffer for it because I’m the bastard son of a selfish woman and the greatest evil in the world!”

 

Silence.

 

Inko’s tears had stopped out of pure horror and confusion, Mistuki and Masaru were staring at Izuku with pale faces while Yagi’s eyes were swirling with emotions from anger to fear to sadness. The only one missing was Katsuki.

 

Who appeared when he punched Izuku in the face.

 

Izuku went flying into the hall, collapsing down onto the floor. Mistuki let out a scream at the action. Katsuki stared at Izuku’s crumpled form, his fist outstretched, he hadn’t moved to punch Izuku, he’d only wanted to grab him by the shoulder but something else had taken control.

 

Izuku too was briefly knocked back to his senses, his gut feeling with shame at everything he had said, Deku pushed far down for a moment. But it only lasted a moment before both boys made eye contact and they filled with unnatural rage that burned from an amber to wildfire in just a moment.

 

Izuku let out a cry of fury as he charged at Katsuki. Katsuki easily countered though and jabbed Izuku in the side. Except his quirk activated at the last minute and Izuku was sent flying. He smashed through the kitchen and into the front garden.

 

Katsuki quickly followed and Izuku was forced to roll to the side as Katsuki’s fist embedded itself in the ground. Izuku’s eyes lit up and Katsuki was hit with a full beam of heat vision, throwing him into the road.

 

Katsuki slammed into a parked car, toppling it over as the alarm blared out into the street.

 

“What’s the matter One For All? Are you going to break down again?” Izuku mocked as he teleported into the road by the wreckage of the car.

 

Katsuki got to his feet with a snarl, glass cracking underneath him, “No, I’m going to break you, All For One.”

 

Katsuki grabbed a chunk of the car and launched it at Izuku who couldn’t dodge it in time. It smashed into his shoulder, shattering it and causing blood to spurt into the road. A second later Katsuki was at him with a punch to the gut and Izuku coughed up blood.

 

Regeneration had already taken care of Izuku’s shoulder and a sword ripped out of his arm, swinging at Katsuki. Katsuki dodged back but the attack left him open. Another blast of heat vision pushed him into the road, the concrete smashing and cracking beneath him.

 

Izuku teleported next to Katsuki with another swing. Katsuki sidestepped the attack and grabbed Izuku’s sword arm, tearing it off completely. Izuku growled and his free hand managed to wrap around Katsuki’s throat, squeezing as hard as he could.

 

“THAT IS ENOUGH!”

 

Both boys suddenly found themselves pinned to the ground by All Might. And he wasn’t holding back this time,  he had the full power of decades as a hero pinning both growling and rage filled boys to the road with a furious expression.

 

But it only lasted a moment before Izuku teleported away. The resulting off balance All Might suffered was enough for Katsuki to wiggle free and fly off into the sky.

 

All Might fell to his knees, exhausted and barely able to hold onto his form, there was no way he could chase after them both even if they hadn’t gone in opposite directions. Around him people poured out of their homes, phones in their hands as they snapped pictures of the destruction around them. The fight had only lasted a few moments but a car had been wrecked and the street was ruined.

 

All Might closed his eyes and took a long deep breath.

 

“Shit.”

Notes:

HI all, sorry if this chapter isn't up to scratch but this is the last chance I'll have to upload for about two weeks and wanted to get it out so kinda rushed to get it ready. Hopefully next chapter I can take a more steady pace!

Thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 56: Reality Sucks

Summary:

With Izuku and Katsuki missing Yagi calls in a few favours

The ding of the microwave filled the small apartment as the smell of instant ramen and cat food. Aizawa grabbed the hot plastic pot and leaned down, pouring the contents into the small bowl in the corner of his kitchen. There was a soft meow from the black three legged cat that stood next to it and it eagerly leaned down to munch on its food.

 

Aizawa stroked it behind the ears briefly before grabbing his own meal and wandered from his kitchen into his living room. As expected his apartment was tiny if a little luxurious, he wasn’t exactly starved for money having two jobs.

 

He was just about to settle down to enjoy his instant delicacy when his phone buzzed, he looked down at the name that flashed up and sighed before picking it up.

 

“What?”

 

“We fucked up.”

 

It wasn’t so much what Yagi said that concerned Aizawa but more in the way he sounded so utterly broken as he said it.

 

“What happened?” Aizawa asked, his ramen long forgotten.

 

“Izuku and Katsuki. They got home and myself and their parents went to talk to them about the exam and well… they may have been under more stress than I realised.”

 

“Explain.”

 

“Just turn on the news.”

 

Aizawa had a sinking feeling as he grabbed his remote and flicked onto the local news. Indeed said feeling only got worse when he saw images of a ruined street surrounded by police vehicles.

 

“Local residents report sightings of two young men battling it out in the street, though facts are slim it appears the pair possessed highly volatile and powerful quirks. Luckily the fight came to end before the damage could spread through the intervention of All Might, though sadly the suspects escaped. The HPSC has assured residents they don’t believe these are true villains and more likely a dispute between two civilian quirk users. All Might left the scene shortly after other local heroes arrived and has been unavailable for questioning since. The HPSC-”

 

Aizawa flicked the TV off with a frustrated sigh, “How bad is it?”

 

“Bad. Though it could’ve been worse. Kaina was able to stop any footage leaking to the press though she can’t do anything about the eyewitness accounts, not to mention both the Government and the rest of the HPSC board are breathing down her neck about the two out of control S Class students.”

 

“Where are they now?” Aizawa asked as he stood up, putting Yagi on speaker so as to change into a fresh hero costume.

 

“I have no idea,” Yagi said with a sigh that almost made Aizawa give up hope, “I’ve managed to call in a few spare heroes I trust to look for them but between their abilities to fly and teleport they could have made it to Kyoto by now.”

 

“I’ll join,” Aizawa confirmed as threw his capture scarf around his neck, “However what are we supposed to do with them if we find them?”

 

“That… I also have no idea about,” Yagi confessed, “Their own home may… not be best for them now given the circumstances. And from what Kaina’s telling me Tartarus isn’t off the table.”

 

“WHAT!?” Aizawa hissed, nearly tripping up as he headed for his door.

 

“As far as the Government is concerned Katsuki and Izuku can’t be controlled or contained, the footage of their fight might have been contained from the public but the HPSC saw it. Considering the pair were exhausted and the fight only lasted less than five minutes they caused more damage and destruction than most villains do. The list of heroes who could stop them if they went rogue is getting smaller and smaller.”

 

Aizawa paused midstep, “You’re not telling me you think that could happen?”

 

“Me? Of course not,” Yagi said, a hint of anger in his voice, “But the bureaucrats at the HPSC? Absolutely. Oh they’re happy for the pair to continue their hero training but only under their thumb.”

 

“It occurs to me that trying to reign in two emotionally overpowered teenagers and take them back to a HPSC facility instead of their home isn’t going to end well. Ojiro’s tail to the face was bad enough, I hardly want to take a full blow from Bakugou.”

 

“You have a point,” Yagi confessed, “However…. Their home isn’t the best place for them right now. Izuku said some… rather harsh words to the family, not entirely undeserving but certainly said out of anger more than anything.” 

 

Aizawa rubbed his temples as he shut his front door, “Damn it, I knew what we did was harsh but…”

 

“It appears the boys have been under a lot more stress than anyone realised, failing the exam and discovering we tilted it that way has been their breaking point. I don’t blame anyone but myself. Over a year of training with them and I failed to pick up on the signs.”

 

“We all did,” Aizawa said with a sigh as he walked up to the roof of his building, “Call Nedzu, the HPSC should be agreeable to taking them to UA for now and at least it’ll be a place they feel relatively safe. And let's just hope there aren’t any villains roaming the streets tonight.”

 

“Yes, I don’t want to see Katsuki and Izuku hurt.”

 

“It wasn’t them I was worried about.”

 

---

 

“Foolish child!”

 

“Arrogant! Selfish! Ignorant!”

 

“No idea what he’s doing!”

 

Katsuki’s head pounded with thoughts that weren’t his own as he flew through the sky. He grit his teeth and grabbed onto his head and squeezed.

 

“Shut up! Shut up! SHUT UP!”

 

Katsuki closed his eyes and focused on pushing the voices out of his pounding head. He felt himself dip and weave in the sky, his control over his quirk dipping as he did. 

 

When Katsuki opened his eyes he found himself face to face with a smiling All Might.

 

“Shit!” Katsuki cried a moment before he smashed through the billboard.

 

He tumbled through the air, crashing into the side of a nearby building before falling down to the ground below. A dumpster collapsed under his impact and he rolled onto the street, coughing up in the dust.

 

With a groan he pushed himself to his feet, looking around he had no idea where he’d landed though it didn’t look like the sort of area one should find themselves in after dark. The street he was one was abandoned and covered in rubbish, only a few out of business shops lined the road with very few street lights.

 

“Damn kid,” A voice said from behind him, “You gotta be more careful with your quirk.”

 

Katsuki turned to find a group of men leering at him, they were surrounded by bottles of empty booze and all wobbling on their feet slightly. Katsuki grunted and shoved his hands in his pockets, intent on finding a train station.

 

“Aw come on kid, can’t you just fly away?”

 

“Get lost.” Katsuki snapped back.

 

“Hey the kids got some to bite him!” One of the men said and put a hand on Katsuki’s shoulder.

 

Katsuki snapped, twisting on his feet as he reached up to grab the man's hand. He squeezed and felt fingers and bones snap with ease as the man screamed.

 

“What the fuck!?” Another of the men shouted and swung at Katsuki.

 

Katsuki dodged the drunken punch with ease before kicking the man in the leg. His knee bent to the side and he cried out as he collapsed to the ground. The final man charged at Katsuki but a simple headbutt caused his nose to explode as he tumbled back.

 

“Shit! The fuck is wrong with you kid!?”

 

The three men managed to hobble themselves down the street as Katsuki growled. He activated his quirk to follow but nearly collapsed under the strain, he’d gone far too overboard for the day.

 

“Fuck you! You cowards! Come back here!”

 

But the men didn’t reappear to fight him, instead disappearing round a corner. As Katsuki struggled on weak feet he heard a slow clapping and scratchy voice behind him.

 

“My my, that was impressive.”

 

Katsuki swivelled on his feet, fists raised in a defensive posture, “Shigaraki...”

 

“Oh good,” Shigaraki said with a soft smile on his face, “You do remember me.”

 

Shigaraki was standing just down the street from Katsuki, he didn’t have any hands covering him but was still wearing a thick trench coat with his hands stuffed in his pockets.

 

Katsuki clenched his fists and growled, “You’re coming with me.”

 

Shigaraki let out a laugh and spread his arms wide, “Then come and arrest me hero kid.”

 

Katsuki activated his quirk and charged forward. But he was overcome with immense pain and exhaustion and only ended up falling to the ground.

 

Shigaraki let out a bitter laugh, “You've been pushing yourself too hard, don’t they teach you anything at that school of yours?”

 

Shigaraki walked past Katsuki and kicked him in the stomach as he passed.

 

“I’ll fucking… kill you,” Katsuki coughed out as he glared at Shigaraki with rage filled eyes.

 

Shigaraki snorted, “Right now you can't kill a boiled egg. Anyway, what brings a little hero student to this part of town?”

 

“None of your business,” Katsuki spat as he forced himself to his feet.

 

“Hmmm,” Shigaraki hummed, “Is it to do with your… What is he? Friend? Boyfriend? Brother? The green haired one who can steal quirks.”

 

“What’s it to you!?”

 

“Oh is that a little bit of resentment I sense?” Shigaraki said with a wide smile, “Maybe we do have more in common than I thought.”

 

“I have nothing in common with you,” Katsuki growled out, he wanted nothing more than to sink his fist into Shigaraki’s face but he could barely stand without propping himself up against the wall.

 

“Don’t you?” Shigaraki said as his smile dropped, “Both of us chosen to be the successors in a war neither of us have any stake in. Only to be swept aside because some other kid has a more impressive quirk.”

 

Katsuki snorted despite himself, “You’re an idiot if you think that’s what's happened. Me and Zuzu are a team.”

 

“A team huh? Then where is he?” Shigaraki said with a smirk, “Here you are, clearly exhausted and in need of aid yet you’ve been left completely alone by the heroes.”

 

“You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

 

“Really?” Shigaraki said with an eyeroll, “I probably know better than anyone what I’m talking about. I mean I’m not even supposed to leave our hideout yet here I am. Good old Sensei probably hasn’t even noticed, too busy trying to figure out how to get his son back. I’m old news, the original successor he doesn’t need anymore. Just like you.”

 

“What?” Katsuki said with a frown.

 

“You think they need you anymore?” Shigaraki said with a chuckle, “The whole point of that quirk getting passed on from hero to hero was to create a weapon to kill Sensei but now? Now they have Sensei’s own quirk to use against him, they don’t need you anymore. You’re just spare parts.”

 

“You have a very narrow minded view of things,” Katsuki responded but somewhere deep inside him his gut twisted. The voices he’d been hearing kept insisting it was his duty to end All For One, in all forms, like he was a weapon more than a hero.

 

“No, I think I’m the one who's open to it all,” Shigaraki said as he threw an arm around Katsuki, “I’ve seen what they say about you. The violent psychopath with too much power. They’ll do what they always do with people like you, people like me, they’ll try to control us. Not just the heroes but the villains too. I’m not a fool, I know Sensei only wants me for his own gain in the same way All Might only wants you for a legacy.”

 

“That’s not true,” Katsuki said though his entire body was frozen, well aware Shigaraki only had to grab his shoulder to kill him. 

 

“Oh to be so naïve. You and I are at the bottom of the food chain even with our power. I saw your little speech, you hate heroes just as much as I do.”

 

“I don’t hate heroes,” Katsuki retorted, “Just fakes.”

 

Shigaraki growled in his ear and Katsuki tensed, “You sound just like that damn Hero Killer. Stain this! Stain that! Why is everyone so obsessed with Stain!?”

 

Katsuki hissed as he felt two fingers curl around his shoulder, “He has a message. You just wanna fuck shit up, people might like it but don’t believe in it. Stain was a fucking psychopath but he had a message people could sympathise with.”

 

“A massage huh?” Shigaraki said in thought, “I guess that makes sense.”

 

The villain mercifully let go of Katsuki who breathed a sigh of relief before turning to glare at him.

 

“Aren’t you going to kill me?”

 

Shigaraki shrugged, “Nah. I kinda like you, maybe if you weren’t such an idiot we could be allies.”

 

Katsuki didn’t want to tempt fate by actually spitting in Shigaraki’s face, “Fuck you.”

 

Shigaraki shrugged, “Sure. But just remember my offer when the heroes turn on you.”

 

Shigaraki smirked as he slinked back into the shadows. Katsuki made to follow but once again his feet became unsteady beneath him and he was forced to watch the villain disappear.

 

Katsuki leaned against the wall and took a few deep breaths as he tried to steady himself. His muscles ached and his bones creaked as he pushed himself off the wall. He took one unsteady step before he started to fall forward.

 

“Shit!” He cried out but before he face planted the ground he felt a pair of arms wrap around him.

 

“I got you kid,” Aizawa grunted out as he propped Katsuki up over his shoulder.

 

Katsuki huffed as Aizawa held him up, “My hero…” He grumbled.

 

“Less of the sass kid,” Aizawa said as he allowed Katsuki to rest against a wall, “Are you hurt?”

 

“I’m fine.”

 

Aizawa raised an eyebrow at him, “Really?”

 

“The fuck do you care!?” Katsuki spat despite himself, “What are you even doing here? You’re only our teacher.”

 

There was a brief look of hurt across Aizawa’s face before he steeled himself, “That doesn’t mean I wasn’t concerned about you.”

 

“Nobody seemed to care during the exam!”

 

To his credit Aizawa’s only reaction was to raise an eyebrow, “Care to elaborate on that? You collapsed during the fight with All Might, you must see the logic in failing.”

 

“I didn’t collapse!” Katsuki shouted in rage, “My fucking quirk went haywire, it wasn’t my fucking fault!”

 

“What do you mean your quirk went haywire?” Aizawa asked with a frown.

 

“Doesn’t matter,” Katsuki huffed.

 

“Bakugou,” Aizawa said sternly, “There is clearly something going on, this is bigger than any single exam. You failed on a technicality and honestly I don’t care about your final exam results, they’re largely there to appease the education board. I do care however if you’re having quirk issues.”

 

Katsuki clenched his jaw, stubbornly refusing to speak as he glared down at the ground.

 

“I can hang here all night kid, I’m used to it. You on the other hand look like a soft breeze might tip you over.”

 

Katsuki glared at Aizawa who simply gazed at him with a blank stare. A few moments ticked by until Katsuki finally gave in.

 

“My quirk wants me to take out Zuzu.” He finally muttered under his breath.

 

Aizawa heard perfectly however and raised an eyebrow, “And what exactly do you mean by that?”

 

Katsuki sighed, “I dunno if it’s to do with the origins of our quirks but I keep hearing these voices, they keep demanding I… get rid of him. When I resist them my quirk goes haywire, like I lose control.”

 

Aizawa sighed and punched the bridge of his nose, “How long has this been going on?”

 

“A few weeks.” Katsuki confessed.

 

“A few…? Dammit Bakugou, you should have told someone. We set up the entire exam to test your control.”

 

“I don’t need to be singled out because I’m weak!” Katsuki snapped back.

 

“Is that what you think?” Aizawa said, seemingly a little shocked, “Bakugou we don’t single you or Midoriya out because you’re weak. We single you out because you’re probably the strongest in the class. For everyone else I set up the exam to test specific abilities and drawbacks. But for you and Midoriya I wanted to see how you operated as a whole.”

 

“Why?” Katsuki asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

 

“Because out of everyone in the class you two have the most potential and you’re the most powerful pair. I wanted to see you two excel as potential heroes because of how strong you are, not target your vulnerabilities because of how weak you are.” Aizawa explained before taking a deep sigh, “However it seems apparent that I was too arrogant to take into consideration how that course of action might emotionally impact you both and for that I apologise.”

 

Katsuki regarded his teacher for a few moments before huffing, “Don’t… Don’t tell Yagi I’m having quirk issues.”

 

“May I ask why?” Aizawa said with narrowed eyes.

 

“Because I can’t let him down!” Katsuki said, looking at the ground yet again.

 

“You really think this would disappoint him?”

 

“No! Yes? I don’t know! I just… Let me just deal with this without him… Please.”

 

Aizawa looked at Katsuki for a long time before sighing, “Alright kid, I’ll give you until the final day of our training trip to get this under control. If you haven’t sorted it by then we’re informing Yagi. Deal?”

 

Katsuki nodded, “Deal. Um… Is Zuzu ok?”

 

Aizawa nodded, “He’s on his way to UA, as we should be.”

 

Katsuki frowned and looked up, “UA? Why hasn’t he gone home?”

 

Aizawa winced slightly, “That’s the other thing…”

 

---

 

Izuku had no idea where he was, his vision blurred as he landed on yet another rooftop. He tumbled into a roll and collapsed on the ground. Sobs wracked his body as he lay there, the words he’d said to his mother repeating over and over in his head. The look of pain on her face, not just hers but Masaru, Mitsuki and Yagi too. He had been so angry, he’d just wanted to hurt them. To make them feel the pain he felt. But the moment he’d said everything he’d regretted it.

 

“Man, are you serious? We finally stand up for ourselves and THIS is your reaction?”

 

Izuku’s head snapped up, Deku was leaning up against a nearby door down to the stairs of the building. He looked at Izuku and rolled his eyes.

 

“Jesus Christ man, all this power and you start crying over a little family argument?”

 

Izuku didn’t think, instead he let out a primal roar of pure rage and lunged at Deku. He grabbed him by his shirt and slammed him against the metal door, denting it in the process.

 

“WHY!?” Izuku shouted at him, “Why did you make me say those things!? Why did you make me hurt them!?”

 

Deku scoffed in a way reminiscent of Katsuki, “Because they deserved it! They hold us back, make us weak. We don’t need them, we don’t need anybody.”

 

“That’s not true!” Izuku shouted again, the door creaking under the force of Deku being pushed against it, “None of what you said is true!”

 

Deku raised an eyebrow, “So Mom didn’t have sex with the greatest supervillain of all time?”

 

Izuku's response was to let out a roar as heat vision burst from his eyes, it melted the metal door and cut through the brickwork of the building. But Deku simply disappeared and reappeared next to Izuku.

 

“You realise I’m in your subconscious right? I’m not actually really here? You just destroyed a door for no reason.”

 

Izuku fell to his knees, exhausted, in pain and wanting nothing more than a hole to swallow him up. He looked up at Deku with tear filled eyes.

 

“Why? Why are you doing all this? What’s your end goal?”

 

Deku crouched down so that he was eye level with Izuku, “I want you to give up. I want to break you down until you have no choice but to face the reality of who we are. Until you realise what we’re supposed to be.”

 

Before Izuku could respond Deku vanished from existence, leaving Izuku alone on the roof. He wasn’t sure how long he knelt there for. HIi mind a clash of emotions, shame at what he’d said, anger at the exam and exhaustion from the entire day.

 

He was eventually pulled from his crises by a gruff voice behind him, “Loki.”

 

Izuku turned, getting to his feet and furiously rubbing the tears out of his eyes, “Endeavor sir.”

 

The Number Two hero stood atop the rooftop, hero costume on but with no flames, he was looking at Izuku with a cautious expression, “Perhaps now isn’t the time for formalities.”

 

Izuku’s face dropped, “You heard?”

 

“Half the top ten heard,” Endeavor said with a grunt, “All Might loses control of his two students who just so happen to have S Class quirks? You’re lucky the HPSC didn’t call down the entire top 100 on you.”

 

Izuku couldn’t help himself and snorted, “Right, that makes sense, they can’t handle the two of us living our own lives.”

 

“Oh I see,” Endeavor said, “So you’re taking the brooding route are you now? As an expert, you need some work.”

 

Izuku glared up at the hero, “What are you doing here?”

 

“Checking up on you. Yagi contacted me, he was concerned.”

 

Izuku rolled his eyes, “Because you’re such a pinnacle of child protection?”

 

Endeavor just stared, not reacting to the jibe.

 

“Sorry,” Izuku mumbled as his words caught up to him, he took a few deep breaths in an attempt to calm himself down.

 

“So,” Endeavor said as he walked over to the pile of rubble Izuku had created and took a seat, “Want to tell me what this is all about?”

 

“I thought you said you knew?” Izuku said with a frown.

 

“I said Yagi had informed me there had been an incident and that you and your brother were missing, he didn’t provide details.”

 

Izuku looked at the ground and sighed, “I failed my final exam.”

 

There was a pause before Endeavor spoke, “I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

 

Izuku glanced up at him and Endeavor raised an eyebrow.

 

“Failing an exam can be rough but not enough to cause this sort of reaction. So what's the rest of the story?”

 

Izuku clenched his fists in frustration, “It wasn’t a fair exam! They used my mother against me specifically! They were supposed to be different, they were supposed to treat me equally! But they’re afraid of my quirk just like everyone else is! My teachers, my mentor, my own fucking family!”

 

Izuku breathed in frustration, Endeavor watching him carefully as the tense seconds ticked by until-

 

“So?”

 

Izuku whipped his head round with a scowl at Endeavor.

 

“What!?” He hissed.

 

“So?” Endeavor said again, challenging Izuku with a shrug, “I don’t see the issue.”

 

“Everyone keeps singling me out for my quirk!” Izuku bellowed, not bothering to hold his emotions back.

 

Endeavor shrugged again, “And?”

 

“And it’s not fair!”

 

“Fair?” Endeavor said with a snort of laughter, “Where on earth did you get the notion that anything in life was fair?”

 

Izuku was caught off guard by Endeavor’s response as his anger simmered down slightly, “What are you talking about?”

 

“You’re angry that you keep being singled out because of your quirk,” Endeavor said giving Izuku a hard stare, “You want to be treated like everyone else and while I sympathise you’re missing the most important point.”

 

“Which is?”

 

“You’re not like everyone else,” Endeavor said as he pulled up his sleeve, Izuku noticed for the first time he was wearing a bracelet, nothing fancy, just a strap with a plain black box in the middle, “Do you know what this is?”

 

Izuku shook his head.

 

“This is a tracking device that links to every firehouse in the city and several water based heroes,” Endeavor explained as he pulled his sleeve back down.

 

“Huh!?” Izuku gasped, “But… Does Todoroki have one?”

 

Endeavor shook his head, “No, I’ve managed to fight the HPSC back on that front, they're unlikely to ever bother with it.”

 

“But that’s insane! You and Todoroki would never be so reckless like that!” Izuku protested.

 

Endeavor nodded, “I argued the same thing of course, back when I was your age. But you and I are looking at it from the perspective of two people who wield and are surrounded by powerful quirks. Think what my quirk looks like for the average citizen, most fire quirks can only light a campfire at best. I could alight this whole city if I wanted, that level of power scares people.”

 

“So that’s it then?” Izuku said, collapsing onto the ground in exhaustion, “I’m just supposed to bend over backwards because my quirk is more powerful than average?”

 

Endeavor frowned, “First of all I never said you should bend over backwards completely. Secondly, your quirk isn’t just more powerful than average, it’s on a level of its own, comparable only to All Might.”

 

“But people aren’t afraid of All Might's quirk.” Izuku countered.

 

Endeavor let out a bitter chuckle, “Take it from the expert, comparing yourself to All Might is a fruitless exercise. The man has perfected a persona and has a relatively safe quirk, despite his power, enhancement quirks, regardless of their power, don’t tend to stir the same unease in the public as emitter quirks do.”

Izuku sighed, “So this sort of stuff will never stop?”

 

“It might get better,” Endeavor admitted, “But it will never vanish completely. You will always be the outlier because of your quirk. There will be people who fear and distrust you as well as those who want you to do great things with that power. It would be the same if you were hideously ugly or extremely beautiful. If you were a genius or an idiot. If you were incredibly tall or short. Society will always single out the outliers who break convention. It isn’t fair and perhaps it isn't right either. But it is reality.”

 

“Yeah well, reality sucks.” Izuku said.

 

“But you can’t change it.” Endeavor said and finally stood, “I can’t tell you if what your teachers did on your exam was warranted and I’m not here to debate if I agree or disagree with whatever they did. If I were another hero you might get a roaring speech about the injustice of society. But I’m not. I’m here to hit you with a reality check.”

 

“That it’s always going to suck having a quirk like mine?”

 

“Not always but yes, I’m afraid you’ll just have to accept the reality of the situation. If you want to climb the hero ranks you’ll have to let the HPSC pull on your lead every now and then.”

 

And if I don’t?” Izuku said with a slight growl.

 

Endeavor grunted, “Then you’ll never break the top 50, even with all your power. But comply and once you get into the big leagues you’ll be too influential for the HPSC to control.”

 

“So the moral of the story is to lay back and make sure I don’t scare the HPSC too much?” Izuku said with a frown.

 

“No. The morale of the story is that reality isn’t a fairy tale and society won’t change overnight. You can fight against all this tooth and nail if you see fit, some heroes do. Or you can take the blows now so that you can gain a position to make sure the next generation don’t go through the same things you did. I've worn this tag since I was 15 so that Shoto doesn't have to. You can fight the HPSC on every front over this, but as the old saying goes, if you can't beat them, join them. Just think how much you'd be able to do for future generations of kids will villainous quirks if you play by their rules until you get to such a point that you could rip off your tracking bracelet if you wanted and there isn't a damn thing anyone could do about it.” Endeavor said and ripped his tracking bracelet off before crushing it under his foot.

 

Izuku finally got to his feet, “Fine, I get it. I might not like it but I get it. I’m still mad about the exam though… maybe I could’ve handled myself better.”

 

Endeavor nodded, “Don’t be too hard on yourself. My first failed exam I burnt my mothers garden to ash.”

 

Izuku snorted before looking up at Endeavor, “You know you’re a lot better at this whole mentor thing than I would expect.”

 

“Being Endeavor has… always been easier than being Enji Todoroki.” Endeavor admitted before turning to Izuku, “Now I need to get you to UA.”

 

“Why?” Izuku said with a frown.

 

“Because the HPSC is waiting for you.”

Notes:

I know a few people mentioned it so I just wanted to say this is what I consider to be the last major drama in regards to Izuku's quirk, the HPSC and how everyone views it.

Thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 57: Heroes Vs Suits

Summary:

Izuku and Katsuki must face the consequences of their actions

Kaina gulped as she stared at the front door of the house, she had only been here once before and both times it seemed her reasons were less than joyful. In fact she’d been staring at the door for about ten minutes, trying to work out what to say in her head. Sadly the door swung open before she could decide to reveal a tired looking Masaru.

 

“I’ve been watching you from the window,” He explained with a soft smile, “I figured if I didn’t open the door you’d be out here all night.”

 

“Right,” Kaina said and walked through the door, “Thank you. How is everyone?”

 

Masaru sighed, “As you’d expect. Any update on the boys yet?”

 

Kaina shook her head, “No but the media are under control, they won’t make any connection to the family.”

 

“That’s good… I should get back to Mitsuki, Yagi and Inko are upstairs.”

 

Kaina nodded as Masaru disappeared back into the living room. Kaina took a deep breath and made her way up the stairs. It was only as she reached the top she realised she had no idea which room was Inko’s. Luckily she was saved from checking each door when Yagi’s appeared exiting through one. He caught sight of Kaina and gave her a sad smile.

 

“How’s the situation outside?” He asked.

 

“Controlled,” Kaina responded as she walked up and gave him a brief hug, “How is she?”

 

Yagi’s face dropped significantly, “She just found out a supervillain is her son's father after he shouted at her and ran away. She’s tough but… there’s only so much one person can take. I need to speak to Aizawa, you should talk to her.”

 

Kaina nodded, “Let me know if I can do anything to help.”

 

Yagi smiled at her, “You already are sweetie.”

 

Kaina smiled before she pushed the bedroom door open. Inko looked terrible, her hair was a mess, her eyes red and stained with tears and she was curled up on the end of her bed. Tissues were piled up next to her and she looked up at the sound of Kaina shutting the door behind her.

 

“Hi…” Kaina said awkwardly.

 

“Hello Kaina,” Inko sniffed.

 

Kaina walked over and sat on the bed, “I’m sorry I couldn’t come sooner, I was trying to handle the situation with the press.”

 

“No I understand, besides you were helping the boys out by pulling those strings.” Inko said although she wasn’t looking at Kaina.

 

“Right,” Kaina said and bit her lip. God she hated how bad at this she was, “Can I do anything for you? Maybe some soup or-”

 

“Did you know?” Inko asked, cutting her off with a cold voice.

 

Kaina winced at her tone and gulped, “Know what?”

 

“Who Izuku’s father is.” Inko asked, finally looking up at Kaina.

 

“...Yes.”

 

For a civilian woman Inko could slap hard and Kaina found her head snapped to the side as a stinging sensation grew on her cheek, no doubt a red handprint would soon appear on it.

 

“I’m sorry,” Kaina whispered.

 

“Do you have any idea how painful it is,” Inko choked out as sobs wracked her body, “To learn that my son was dealing with this alone? To realise how much it must have been eating him up inside while I went about ignorant of it? But to then find out my own partners kept it from me. Do you have any idea how embarrassed and ashamed I was to find out everyone seemingly knew about this secret but me.”

 

“We wanted to tell you,” Kaina confessed, “We just… didn’t know how. It’s not exactly a minor thing.”

 

“For fucks sake!” Inko cried, throwing her arms up in the air, “Do you think I’m the first woman to have a child outside of wedlock!? Or the first person to discover their child's other parent is less than admirable?”

 

“He’s not just less than admirable Inko…” Kaina muttered.

 

“Yes yes,” Inko said with an eyeroll, “He’s the greatest evil of all time or some bullshit right? Toshi already gave me the rundown.”

 

Kaina frowned, “You don’t seem to be too concerned by that.”

 

Inko snorted and for the first time smiled at Kaina, “Honey please, I’m dating the head of the HPSC and The Number One Hero, I’m the legal council for the most elite hero school in the country and my two sons are at the centre of a cultural war with heroics. Having a one night stand with a supervillain is hardly going to be the thing that phases me.”

 

Kaina couldn’t help but shudder, “It still makes me shiver that you slept with… that.”

 

“Eh, Toshi is better.”

 

“Inko!” Kaina gasped before both women burst into a fit of giggles.

 

“Just promise me you and Toshi will stop treating me like I’m made of glass?” Inko asked when they both calmed down, “I know some stuff will always be top secret but I’m not going to break everytime something bad happens in this family.”

 

Kaina sighed and nodded, “Right, no more secrets. Um… Are we forgiven?”

 

Inko’s smile dropped, “Absolutely not. You and Toshi better have the next 6 months of dates planned out because you’re going to have to crawl your way out of the doghouse.”

 

“Yeah, I guessed that…”

 

“They’ve been found!” Yagi’s cry came as he slammed the bedroom door open, “Aizawa has Katsuki and Endeavor has located Izuku.”

 

Kaina stood up immediately, her mind going straight back to business, “Then I need to get to UA. The government has run out of patience and if I’m not careful they’ll try to bypass the HPSC about this.”

 

“I’m coming with you,” Yagi said immediately.

 

“Me too,” Inko said as she practically leapt out of bed, heading to her wardrobe for a change of clothes.

 

Kaina paused, “Are you sure? This could get intense and-”

 

“More intense than heroics court?” Inko said, “You both might have your own skills but you don’t have any legal expertise. My boys are in trouble and I’ll be damned if I’m just going to sit here and cry about it.”

 

---

 

By the time they reached the UA gates Izuku wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed, the sun had long set and his quirk throbbed beneath his skin. Of course Endeavor showed little sympathy, in his mind this was just more training. Izuku was barely able to keep up with him even with teleportation until at long last they landed in front of the gates of UA.

 

They arrived right in front of Katsuki and Aizawa who were walking up the street. Aizawa made an acknowledged glance at Endeavor as Izuku and Katsuki made eye contact. Both boys froze as the tension in the air thickened. Aizawa’s gaze snapped between them, the slight crease of concern visible on his face.

 

After a few moments Katsuki huffed, “Your left blow was sloppy.”

 

Izuku rolled his eyes, “Well throwing stuff at me isn’t going to work when I can teleport and heal.”

 

Katsuki shoved his hands in his pockets and turned to march through the UA gate, “Come on, let's go see what the suits want.”

 

Izuku hummed and quickly followed while the two pro’s trailed behind. Endeavor raised an eyebrow to Aizawa in an unspoken question. The teacher just shrugged in a way that said ‘teenagers’. 

 

The group made their way towards the UA boardroom, nobody had to ask which room they needed to be in, it was obvious from the situation. They paused when they reached the large double doors, Endeavor and Aizawa watching the boys carefully.

 

Katsuki and Izuku glanced at each other before nodding, pushing the door open.

 

The boardroom table was completely full, with every seat having someone in and there was a very clear divide. On one side sat Nedzu, flanked by Yagi and Gran Torino, accompanying them was Present Mic, Inko, Masaru, Mitsuki and surprisingly Miruko. The opposite side was mostly made up of people in suits Izuku didn’t recognise but also had Mt Lady, Fourth Kind and, perhaps most surprising of all, Death Arms. At the head of the table between the two groups sat Lady Nagant, she did look pleased.

 

The moment the door swung open every eye in the room focused on Izuku and Katsuki. Izuku couldn’t help but gulp at the intensity of the glares. But he ignored them and glanced at his mother. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying but when she looked at him she offered him a small smile and Izuku visibly relaxed.

 

“Ah,” Nagant said calmly, “Hello boys. Please take a seat.”

 

Izuku and Katsuki shuffled into a pair of seats opposite Nagant as Endeavor and Aizawa joined the side of Nedzu. One of the men stood opposite, wearing a military uniform, narrowed his eyes at them.

 

“What’s this!? More hero muscle to intimidate us with!?”

 

Nedzu narrowed his eyes at the man, “Eraserhead is their homeroom teacher and Endeavor has done more work with Mr Midoriya as a hero than anyone else. Both have a right to be here.”

 

“This is outrageous!” The man continued, “You’re trying to use powerful heroes to push us down!”

 

“Isn’t that what you were doing when you brought your own heroes, General?” Nagant asked with a scowl, “I also don’t remember being informed that Death Arms had been allowed out of Tartarus.”

 

“That’s not your decision Nagant,” Another woman said in a slim black dress, “Once captured the Ministry of Justice handles all villains who go through the legal system.”

 

“Is that why Tartarus comes out of my budget?”

 

“We appear to be getting off track,” Nedzu said as he passed Izuku and Katsuki a cup of tea each, Izuku noticed none of suits had a cup, “I believe we were discussing why exactly half the government feels the need to get involved in the lives of my students?”

 

“Don’t act pedantic Nedzu,” One of the suits said, “We all know this isn’t any old normal case. From what I can see you have two out of control students causing havoc in the city.”

 

“One minor fight hardly counts as causing havoc.” Nedzu countered.

 

“A minor fight that resulted in the destruction of a street.”

 

“Why don’t you just admit the real reason we’re all here!” Torino grunted as he slammed his cane on the table, “You just can’t deal with the idea of two powerful pro’s who aren’t under the thumb of the government!”

 

“Heroes are public servants, you’re all under the thumb of the government,” Another suit snapped.

 

Which went well.

 

“Oi!” Miruko shouted and glared at the suit, “I’m under nobody's thumb but my own!”

 

“I dare you to give me an order,” Endeavor growled as the temperature in the room started to rise slightly.

 

The heroes on the other end seemed to be regretting agreeing to the whole thing as they stared down two of the top 5 heroes.

 

“Enough!” Nagant said and Endeavor and Miruko immediately quieted down, “Regardless of what everyone's aims are we cannot ignore the fact both of them are guilty of public quirk use.”

 

Katsuki and Izuku winced slightly as Inko cleared her throat.

 

“Does the Justice Department plan to pursue charges against my clients?”

 

One of suits smirked, “If we have our way-”

 

“But you won’t have your way,” Nagant interrupted with a scowl, “As hero students Midoriya and Bakugou fall under my jurisdiction. The rest of you are here as a courtesy and nothing more.”

 

“Courtesy?” Death Arms spat, speaking for the first time, “These two should be locked up and-”

 

“Perhaps they can have the cell next to yours?” Nagant suggested, “After all that is where you should be.”

 

Death Arms spluttered while one of the suits narrowed her eyes, “Death Arms is going through a rehabilitation course and-”

 

“Bullshit!” Torino snapped, “You just want a pawn you can use because any respectable hero wouldn’t be standing on that side of the table.”

 

Fourth Kind scowled down at Torino but Mt Lady just looked more and more uncomfortable.

 

“Gran please calm down…” Yagi mumbled.

 

“Calm down!?” Torino said, turning his ire away from the suits and back to Yagi, “This is your damn fault! All of you! Everyone in this room is using these kids for their own damn purpose! The government wants as many powerful heroes under its thumb as it can get, Nagant want’s powerful heroes who aren’t connected to the government increasing her own power while Nedzu wants powerful UA alumni to allow him to run this school more independently!”

 

“Ahem,” Endeavor said, clearing his throat, “Perhaps we should-”

 

“Oh no!” Torino said, standing up and pointing his cane up at Endeavor, “Don’t think you’re innocent in this yet! Any of you so-called heroes!” He said turning to the pro’s in the room, “Endeavor thinks getting on good terms with the kids will lesson the effect of his family issues, Miruko just wants other heroes like her in the industry who enjoy beating people to a pulp, Eraserhead views these kids as the pinnacle of his pessimistic views and the rest of you want to mould them into your perfect successors! So all of you keep pushing and pushing them like they’re already pro heroes! They’re teenagers! Of course they were going to break eventually, they’re supposed to be thinking about sex and alcohol and driving! Not the moral implications of their quirks!”

 

Toriono huffed and turned back into his seat, “So why don’t we get this damn pantomime over with so we can all get some sleep! The kids had a bit of a fight, who cares? All Might will pay for the damages and the kids promise they won’t do it again.”

 

Katsuki scowled and appeared to open his mouth in protest but a particularly intense glare from Inko caused him to wither away.

 

“Foolish old man!” One of the suits snapped, “You suggest they go through this without any repercussions!?”

 

“Nobody is saying that.” Nedzu said quickly before Torino could go on another rant, “However Torino brings up a good point, the situation can’t all be blamed on our students here. We must all take some of the blame for putting immense pressure on them, especially considering their age.”

 

“Hey!” Katsuki barked, “Just because we’re teenagers doesn’t mean-”

 

He was cut off when Izuku stamped on his foot and Inko cleared her throat, “This is true, and regardless of the circumstances legally as their first offence and as minors they would be subject to a simple curfew and perhaps some anger management.”

 

“A curfew is out of the question,” Aizawa said from the back, “As heroes in training they can’t be restricted by something like that.”

 

“Hmpft, then perhaps they shouldn’t be heroes in training,” One of the suits grunted.

 

“Oh excellent idea,” Nagant drawled, “Villain attacks on a 15% increase and you want to start kicking out our most promising hero students?”

 

“Perhaps you should stop putting down the real heroes then!” Death Arms snapped.

 

“Real heroes!?” Miruko shouted, “Hah! All I see are three cowards!”

 

“See!” Death Arms said, “This is what the hero world had been reduced to, thugs and bullies who-”

 

“Thugs!?” Yagi shouted, his voice booming across the room, “You dare insult others when you have abused your power!? If it were up to me you wouldn’t even be here!”

 

Death Arms narrowed his eyes, “Who the hell are you?”

 

For a moment Izuku genuinely thought Yagi was going to buff up in the middle of the room, but a soft hand from Inko prevented him.

 

“Let’s be honest about what this is really all about,” Endeavor said, “The government just wants to control as many heroes as it can.”

 

“This isn’t about heroes,” One of the calmer suits said, “This is about two powerful quirks not being monitored currently. You wouldn’t allow a nuclear bomb to be thrown in a trailer and driven around our streets.”

 

“That’s hardly a fair comparison.” Present Mic said with a frown.

 

“But the point still stands.”

 

“We’re talking about children here!” Yagi snapped, “You can’t herd them around like cattle!”

 

“Nobody said anything about herding them around like cattle,” A suit countered, “We simply feel it’s the government’s responsibility to ensure threats such as these are-”

 

“You did not just call two 15 year old kids threats.” Aizawa growled out.

 

“A poor choice of words, we simply think some security measures should be put in place.”

 

“Security like sending two kids to Tartarus?”

 

“One can not ignore the danger they present to the public.”

 

“Them and just about any other hero!”

 

“Which is why we advocate for more control-”

 

“You mean more corruption?”

 

“Says the side with the child abuser.”

 

“Ahem.”

 

Nagant, who had remained quiet and unmoving as the two sides argued, silenced the entire room as she cleared her throat before she focused on Izuku and Katsuki.

 

“If I may, let me play devil's advocate,” She said leaning back in her seat, “The way I see it, the government wants to put a leash on these two because they’re afraid of their power and influence while the other side thinks they should be allowed to let loose with little repercussions despite their irresponsibility, whatever the cause. The issue is there are two glaring issues with both these points. The first is that since they walked through the door nobody has let the kids say anything. And secondly, what makes any of you think you could stop them if they decided not to listen to anything we said?”

 

Everybody in the room looked at her in confusion.

 

“I’m sorry, what?” One of the suits said.

 

“We’re only here because despite only being a few months into hero training the pair of students in front of us could easily take out most hero pro’s alone. Put them together and I doubt anyone outside of the top 10 could stop them. So what if they decide to say fuck you to us all? Would we actually be in a position to stop them?”

 

There was a pause as everyone took in what Nagant was saying, the suits naturally feared everything and those who had seen the duo in action knew there was some truth to what she was saying. Only one person chose not to take it seriously.

 

“AHAHAHAHAHA!” Death Arms bellowed, “You can’t be serious Nagant, these kids might be talented but I highly doubt they could outclass a pro like myself!”

 

Nagant sighed.

 

BANG, BANG, BANG!

 

Several screams filled the room as the heroes all tensed up slightly. As quickly as it had appeared Nagant’s arm shifted back from a rifle to the usual appendage. 

 

“Arrrgghhhh!” Death Arms cried as he fell back, clutching his shoulder, “What have you done to me!?” He shouted as he uniform started to stain red.

 

“I shot you,” Nagant said nonchalantly, “Though I made sure it was a simple flesh wound, nothing too dramatic.”

 

“T-This is outrageous!” One of the suits shouted while clutching their heart.

 

“So file a complaint,” Nagant said with an eye roll, “Besides, I technically fired three shots.”

 

Slowly everyone followed Nagant’s gaze to where she was watching Katsuki and Izuku.

 

Katsuki’s chair had been pushed back along the ground and he was shaking his hand, in his lap lay a crumpled bullet, bent as it was caught in the air. Next to him Izuku’s eyes were glowing red and there were scorch marks on the table. The ashen remains of a bullet between him and Nagant.

 

“So,” Nagant said leaning back in her chair, “Here’s what we’re going to do.”

 

“Who said this decision was up to you!?” One of the suits cried.

 

Nagant seemed to have finally had enough, she shot to her feet, slamming her hands on the table, “I do! I am the head of the HPSC and this is my department, I don’t answer to a single one of you. If the Prime Minister has a problem with that he can come by my office whenever he likes. As for the rest of you,” She said and turned her ire to the heroes, “Stop acting like a bunch of out of control brats! You may be heroes but you’re still civil servants like the rest of us which means I’m your boss and I control your ability to operate and your damn pay checks! So everybody is going to shut the fuck up while I deal with this! Understood!?”

 

There was a series of nervous nods from both sides of the table.

 

“Good, now as for you two,” She said and looked at the boys, “You both realise how stupid that shit you pulled was!?”

 

“Yes Ma’am!” Izuku squeaked.

 

“Yeah, yeah, we get it, we shouldn’t fight in the street,” Katsuki said before Nagant gave him a particularly nasty glare, “Uh… I mean yes Ma'am.”

 

“Good. Because I don’t want my future pro’s to be complete idiots. You’re damn lucky we managed to stop the footage leaking or there’s nothing I or anyone could have done to stop criminal charges coming your way. Now given the circumstances I want your opinion on the matter.”

 

Izuku and Katsuki looked at each other, a silent conversation happening between the two as their facial expressions flickered between emotions.

 

“You know that’s kinda creepy…” Miruko whispered to Mic who nodded.

 

“You have no idea.”

 

Eventually the pair nodded to each other and turned back to Nagant.

 

“We understand there have to be repercussions,” Izuku said, “And we realise our quirks can’t be viewed through the same lens as everyone else.”

 

“However that doesn’t mean we’re gonna let you, any of you, control our fucking lives,” Katsuki growled out, “We’ll take our punishment but if you try to lock us away, force us do to anything we don’t want to do then you better be ready to lock us in an unbreakable cell.”

 

Despite the concerned looks of some people in the room Nagant smirked, “I have no intention of holding you both back. Instead I have a solution.”

 

As she spoke she reached into her belt and threw out two black bracelets that Izuku and Endeavor recognised immediately.

 

“These are tracking devices, both designed to withstand your quirks. Once they’re on your wrists you don’t ever take them off for anything, you understand? The only people who will have access to your locations at any time will be myself, the top 5 heroes and a select number of government officials. I don’t care where you go so long as I know your location in case you feel like tearing down a few skyscrapers.”

 

Izuku slipped on the bracelet and it automatically fitted to the perfect size, the fabric felt similar to his hero uniform and he wondered if a similar method had been used to create these.

 

“Secondly you’re both going to attend mandatory counselling, you can do it through UA or privately. I don’t care.”

 

“UA will front the bill regardless,” Nedzu said, seemingly trying to make amends.

 

“Speaking of your education,” Nagant said and she turned to Nedzu and the rest of the UA staff, “I want updates every week on their progress, both heroics and non-heroics, if Midoriya drops a pencil off his desk I want to know if he picks it up with his left or right hand. And don’t give me  some wish wash teacher's report, I want to know the hard facts, if we’re getting two fine heroes or two weapons of mass destruction walking down our streets. Finally anything, and I mean anything, they do in the wider hero industry, who they intern with, who they train with, hell who they talk on the phone with, will go through me for approval first. I’m not having any heroes with their own private agenda trying to sink their claws into these kids. If I don’t like their work study choices or the like then they don’t go. You want to take them on a field trip to see Gang orca? Only with my say so.”

 

Aizawa frowned, “Are you saying you don’t-”

 

“Yes Eraserhead,” Nagant snapped, “I’m saying I don’t trust UA not to bring their own bias into their education. Hell I don’t trust any of us not to. So, Bakugou, Midoriya, any issues with these policies?”

 

Izuku bit the inside of his cheek, on the one hand he didn’t like the idea of the HPSC having so much oversight in his education. However he supposed if they had maybe the whole debacle at the exams could have been avoided. And from the little interaction he’d had with Nagant he didn’t think she would disapprove of any hero interaction he had outside of school, though it might slow the process down of getting her to review his internships. The bracelet he could live with, it wasn’t like Katsuki or his parents didn’t pretty much know where he was at all times anyway. And considering what the consequences could have been simply having the HPSC watch him carefully wouldn’t be so bad.

 

“I think I’m ok with it.” Izuku said.

 

“Yeah, I guess so am I.” Katsuki huffed as he slipped his bracelet on and flexed his hand.

 

“Excellent,” Nagant said and narrowed her eyes at the rest of the room, “Everyone happy with that?”

 

Nobody said yes.

 

“Good, then everybody is unhappy which means this is a perfect result. Now lets all fuck off back to our day jobs shall we?”

 

There was a pause before chairs started to scrap across the ground and the suits grumbled and mumbled their way out of the door. Death Arms followed, clutching his wounded arm and staring daggers at Nagant but not daring to say anything. Mt Lady was the last to leave, she briefly looked up at the other group as she reached the door like she wanted to say something but turned her head and walked through.

 

“Well,” Endeavor said as he too approached the door, “That was interesting, but I’m afraid I have to patrol so I shall see you all later. Loki, keep up your training.”

 

“Yes, sir.” Izuku said.

 

“Hah! That was a great show boss!” Miruko said.

 

“What are you even doing here?” Katsuki grunted at her.

 

“Making sure my first intern isn’t a screw up,” Miruko said as she walked by and flicked Katsuki in the head, “Don’t go fucking anything else up!”

 

Katsuki huffed as Miruko left the room. The moment she did the tension rose considerably, something Present Mic became well aware of.

 

“Well we should go and… uh… grade papers.” He said and grabbed Aizawa by the elbow, dragging him out before he could protest.

 

This left Katsuki and Izuku staring back at their family, Torino, Yagi and Nedzu.

 

Nedzu quickly cleared his throat, “As per the HPSC request you boys will be staying the night here. I’ve had Midnight set you up in a room in an unused office, tomorrow morning you’ll be free to return home. The room is just down the hall, opposite the changing rooms if you would like a shower. Other than that I’ll leave you in peace.”

 

Nedzu hopped down from his seat, quickly exiting the room. The silence left in his wake was haunting as everyone stared at each other. Nobody was quite sure what to do or say.

 

Eventually Izuku cleared his throat, “Um… I-”

 

It instantly broke the spell.

 

Inko ran forward, tears in her eyes and wrapped Izuku up in a tight hug, “Oh my boy I’m so sorry. I’m so so sorry. I had no idea, all this time… Oh my poor boy.”

 

Izuku couldn’t help the tears that started to stream down his face, “I- I didn’t mean what I said.”

 

“I know baby,” Inko said as she pulled back and wiped her eyes, “I’m just sorry that I didn’t see how hard things were for you.”

 

“I just… I don’t want you to be scared of me,” Izuku confessed.

 

Inko looked broken at his words, “Oh my boy. You make me feel a lot of things, but scared has never been one of them. I love you.”

 

“WE love you,” Misuki said as her and Masaru appeared next to Inko, pulling Katsuki in.

 

“We’ll always be a family,” Masaru said to the boys, “And we’re sorry if we’ve ever made you feel otherwise. From now on we’ve agreed that we’ll trust you to handle your own paths as heroes. Just promise us you’ll keep us updated if either of you are ever struggling.”

 

Izuku and Katsuki glanced at each other before nodding.

 

“We can do that,” Katsuki said.

Yagi sighed as the whisky burnt the back of his throat. Things had finally settled down for the evening but he knew he’d never sleep tonight. He’d been invited back to the Bakugou-Midoriya household but had declined, Inko still needed time to process everything on her own and he didn’t want to intrude. Instead he’d trudged back to his empty flat alone to once again wallow in his self pity and look back on his failings.

 

He knew he’d messed up, Aizawa had assured him every teacher did, those who had been in the career for years all had at least one major fuck up they regretted. But this was more than teaching for Yagi, Izuku and Katsuki were like family to him. Hell there was no ‘like’ about it, they were family. He hadn’t just let them down as a teacher, he’d let them down as a mentor and a friend.

 

Yagi thought he was finally getting to grips with it all, making small changes in the industry, forcing Endeavor to become a better man. But the more involved he got in these kids' lives the more he realised how blind he’d been to what the industry was really like. He hadn’t even known the HPSC tracked certain heroes until today.

 

It was like Kaina said, All Might was too good. He was like a God to the people of Japan, able to do whatever he wanted with very little blowback. The HPSC had given up on controlling him years ago. So Yagi had gone about thinking the hero industry was a beacon he stood atop. Instead it was more a crumbling pyramid that Yagi failed to see from the peak.

 

But it was more than that, for as good as a hero All Might was it appeared Yagi was terrible at being a mentor. Something he was starting to realise. Sadly he had very few people to seek advice from. Aizawa excelled at training heroes, but anything that came up even remotely related to the life of an average teenager and he was just as lost as Yagi. Present Mic had come into the teachers lounge in tears the other week when a third year student had asked Aizawa about sex and the man had panicked and subsequently ran to get Midnight.

 

He could ask Mitsuki, Masaru and Inko, they certainly had experience in raising children. But he felt whatever advice they could give he would know already and while he knew they were excellent parents today had proven how obvious it was that the three of them just didn’t know how to handle heroes in training.

 

There was Torino but somehow Yagi suspected his advice would be to beat the lessons into Katsuki and Izuku. And of course Endeavor was probably the worst person to ask for parenting advice.

 

What Yagi really needed was someone who understood the hero industry while also being a devoted parent. Someone who knew how to deal with children who stood out and didn’t fit into the normal mould of society. Someone who had raised a unique and brilliant child all while being neck deep in the hero industry.

 

Yagi’s eyes lit up and he fumbled around for his phone. Checking his watch he figured the time difference wouldn’t be so bad.

 

The phone rang for a few moments before a groggy voice answered.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Ah, hello Melissa. Is your father around?”

Notes:

Yeah, so I decided early on I didn't want to include any of the movie arcs but that doesn't mean I want to ignore some of characters in them.

Thanks for the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 58: The Shields

Summary:

As things finally calm down for Izuku and Katsuki Yagi introduces them to some old friends

To say things settled down after Izuku and Katsuki got home would be to lie. There was a clear tension within the house underlying everything that occurred. Nobody wanted to mention it but there had been a clear breach of trust between Inko, Mitsuki and Masaru and their sons and it wasn’t going to be repaired in a single afternoon. But that didn’t mean people weren’t trying.

 

Aizawa had actually come by the house the Sunday before they went back to school. He wanted to apologise in person about the exam and assure them both they would still get to go on the school camping trip, the only difference would be they would both have additional classes to target their weaknesses. He also let them know not to despair too much, they had managed to achieve joint 3rd in their overall performance of the written exam (something he then regretted later telling the boys as they argued about for about an hour).

 

The bracelets took a couple of days to get used to. True to Nagant’s words they were a technological marvel. Izuku could take a nice long soak in the bath with it and five minutes after getting out it would be bone dry. Katsuki had tested it by pulling on the strap and though it would stretch he did (much to Izuku’s panic) accidentally break it. Only for it to reform and snap itself back to his wrist like some kind of living material. They were so impressive Izuku wondered why this sort of technology wasn’t everywhere. That was until Yagi explained to them that a single bracelet cost roughly the same to create as the entire UA budget for a year.

 

Their first day back after their exam Izuku found himself fiddling with the bracelet, nervous about what he would face within class. He needn’t have worried though, as Izuku walked over to his desk passed by Tsu who was already at hers.

 

“Good morning Midoriya.”

 

“Oh uh, good morning Asui!”

 

Tsu paused before smiling at him, “I told you to call me Tsu.”

 

Izuku smiled before taking his seat. Before long the usual gaggle of his friends turned up. Yoarashi, Uraraka and Yaoyorozu also made an appearance in their small corner as they chatted about the weekend.

 

“Honestly I told them I didn’t need anything for passing my exam but I wasn’t about to reject concert tickets.” Jiro said as they exchanged what their parents had gotten them for passing their exams, Izuku just sat quietly.

 

“Did your parents get you that bracelet for passing the written exams Midoriya?” Uraraka asked as her gaze located Izuku’s tracking device poking out of his sleeve.

 

Izuku jumped slightly at the question, “Oh… um… I…”

 

“Oh!” Yaoyorozu said before looking at him with a knowing smile, “I have that same brand. My parents got it for me a few years ago.”

 

She and Izuku made eye contact and Izuku felt himself sigh in relief. Given her earlier kidnapping story (and the immense wealth of her family) it made sense that Yaoyorozu also wore a tracker.

 

“You do?” Mina asked with a frown, “I’ve never seen you wear it?”

 

“Oh I keep it around my ankle.” 

 

“You wear a bracelet… on your ankle?” Mina asked Yaoyorozu who just shrugged in response.

 

Before long their lessons were well underway again and Izuku and Katsuki doubled down their efforts. Sure, they might have passed their written tests with flying colours but knowing that the HPSC was breathing down their necks gave them a renewed sense of determination. 

 

It appeared their friends must have made some sort of agreement about not bringing up the exam around them. Even when Aizawa announced the details of the camping trip nobody mentioned the two exam failures in the room.

 

In fact the only major change to their day to day was that Yaoyorozu once again joined their group for lunch and the rest of the class seemed to have thawed a little towards them both.

 

Within a few days Izuku was feeling a lot better about his situation.

 

“Please make sure you have everything required from the list provided for the camping trip,” Aizawa tried to say above the scrapes of chairs and desks at the end of the day, “We’ll be in the middle of nowhere so if you forget anything it’s tough luck.”

 

“You guys got everything you need?” Eijiro asked as he slung his rucksack over his shoulder.

 

“I think so,” Mina said as she bit her lip in thought, “Maybe some new hiking boots wouldn’t go amiss.”

 

“You guys chatting about the trip?” Katsuki said as he wandered over with the rest of their friends.

 

“Mina was just saying she needs some new shoes.” Eijiro said.

 

“So does Zuzu.”

 

Izuku frowned, “What? No I don’t?”

 

“Of course you do!” Katsuki said, “You only own those red shoes.”

 

“Yeah… My hiking shoes.”

 

Uraraka frowned, “Those are hiking boots?”

 

“Oh for the love of…” Katsuki mumbled and pinched the bridge of his nose, “They’re not hiking boots!”

 

“Of course they are!” Izuku chirped, “They were advertised as all terrain!”

 

“That’s not what that means!” Katsuki cried in exasperation.

 

“Oh idea!” Mina said, jumping up and down slightly, “Group mall trip this weekend!”

 

“Pass.” Katsuki huffed.

 

“We’ll be there!” Izuku overruled much to Katsuki’s dissatisfaction.

 

There was a set of affirmative nods from the group before Mina paused and looked back over her shoulder, “Anyone else want to join us?”

 

There was a sudden collective pause within the class, while they had all gotten along a lot better over the past few days something so direct hadn’t been mentioned before. A few moments ticked by until-

 

“Ribbet, sure.”

 

“Yeah man I’m down! Sero you coming too?”

 

“Oooh can some of the girls help me get some new PJs?”

 

Eventually there was a chorus of agreements, the only people who refused were Ojiro, Koda and Sato.

 

“Oh look, we’re all friends now… yay.” Came Deku’s sarcastic quib in Izuku’s ear.

 

Izuku did his best to ignore him as he and Katsuki made their way home. After the usual journey they walked up their drive (noticing Yagi’s truck was there) and pushed open the door.

 

Izuku froze as Katsuki walked into his back.

 

“What the fuck Zuzu!? You just gonna- Who the fuck are you!?”

 

Standing in their hall was a tall blonde girl, easily a year or two older than them both. She had pale skin, bright blue eyes framed in delicate glasses and was looking at them both with a little shock.

 

The three stared at each other until Katsuki shook himself out of it.

 

“WE’RE BEING FUCKING ROBBED!”

 

The girl let out a shriek as the power of Katsuki’s quirk engulfed him.

 

“Kacchan wait!”

 

“Finally an excuse to put the beat down on a villain!” Katsuki shouted and leaped forward only to be tackled to the floor by Izuku.

 

“I’m not a villain!” The girl screamed as Katsuki snarled against Izuku.

 

“Kacchan wait!”

 

“Get off!”

 

“Kacchan she’s quirkless!”

 

Katsuki immediately stopped moving, his quirk shutting off as he flickered over to the girl who had backed away in fright.

 

“What on earth is going on!?” Inko's cry came as she, Mitsuki and Yagi appeared from around the corner.

 

“Oi,” Mitsuki barked at Izuku and Katsuki, “The hell are you two doing on the floor!?”

 

“I uh… I think I scared them.” The girl said.

 

Mitsuki let out a loud laugh, “Ahahaha! Is that right boys? The two heroes in training got scared by a little girl?”

 

“I’m hardly little,” The girl grumbled and Izuku and Katsuki scrambled to their feet.

 

“We thought she was a thief!” Katsuki defended.

 

“Uh… I didn’t.” Izuku pointed out only to receive a look of betrayal from Katsuki.

 

“Is someone going to tell us what's going on!?” Katsuki snapped

 

“Ah right,” Yagi said, stepping forward, “Boys, this is Melissa Shield, her father is a friend of mine.”

 

“Her father?” Izuku asked.

 

“Ah, that would be me!” Said a voice as a man appeared next to Yagi, he was slender with brown hair and the same glasses as his daughter, “David Shield, it’s nice to meet you both.”

 

“Shield?” Izuku mumbled as something pinged in the back of his mind, “You mean like Shield Industries?”

 

“One of the same,” David confessed.

 

Katsuki’s eyes widened, “Holy shit!”

 

“Language!”

 

“You’re like the Yaoyorozu’s of America!”

 

“Oh I can assure you we don’t even have half the king of wealth they do,” David said with a chuckle.

 

“So what are you doing in our house?” Katsuki asked as he crossed his arms.

 

“Oh! Yagi, well I suppose All Might, and I are old friends. In fact we used to be hero partners while he was in America.”

 

“ALL MIGHT HAD A PARTNER IN AMERICA!?” Izuku bellowed, the sheer shock of learning an All Might fact he didn’t know overcoming any sense of rationality.

 

“Izuku please…” Inko mumbled as Yagi chuckled.

 

“Shall we move out of the hallway? I fear Masaru is getting rather lonely.”

 

The group shuffled back into the kitchen, all taking seats around the table as Inko poured some tea.

 

“So what brings you Japan Mr Shield?” 

 

“Please, everyone call me David, I’m afraid us Americans aren’t used to using our last names unless your mother is telling you off.” He joked, “And work. Originally we had just planned on coming to visit Yagi and catching up but the trip got me thinking. Yagi spent years in my homeland before helping me build I-Island. I thought it was about time I spent time here in Japan. And Melissa readily agreed.”

 

“I love I-Island,” Melissa said, “But I grew up there and have never left before, I mean I haven’t even seen a mountain before today. So I’m all for spending some time here.”

 

“So how long will you be here for?” Inko asked as she took a seat next to Yagi.

 

“Honestly we’re not quite sure,” David said awkwardly, “We uh… Haven’t planned that far ahead.”

 

“Huh!?” Mitsuki said, “You mean you just jumped on a plane!? What about a job? A house? Doesn’t your daughter need to attend school!?”

“Well yes but-”

 

“Oh Mr Shield, that's very irresponsible of you!” Inko snapped.

 

“I told you to call me-”

 

“I mean quitting your job is one thing but taking your daughter out of school!?” Mitsuki continued.

 

“W-Well she’s very advanced and-”

 

“How do you even know she’ll be able to answer Japanese exams?”

 

“Uh-”

 

“Alright,” Masaru said as he leant forward slightly, “I think the mans had enough.”

 

“Just nice it wasn’t me for once,” Yagi muttered to which he ended up with a swat on the back of his head from Inko.

 

“Actually, I kinda had an idea for school,” Melissa said carefully, “I mean I don’t have long left before I finish now so… I thought maybe it might be nice to transfer to UA?”

 

Izuku’s ears perked up, “UA? Which course?”

 

“The support course,” Melissa explained, “It’s not a direct transfer from my old school. I-Island merged the support and business classes together with fewer students to fill the classrooms. But I never really cared about the business side anyway.”

 

David sighed, “Melissa you’ll need to understand that side of things if you ever hope to open your own business someday.”

 

“Ugh, can’t I just use your business manager?” Melissa pouted.

 

“You know we go to UA?” Izuku said, “If you’d like we could show you around sometime?”

 

“Oh that would be great!” Melissa cried, “Which course do you two take?”

 

“The hero course obviously.” Katsuki grunted.

 

David’s eyes suddenly widened, “Wait a minute… Bakugou… Midoriya… IT’S YOU!” He shouted and pointed a finger at Izuku.

 

“Dad!”

 

“You’re the kid with the impossible costume!”

 

“Is that really what they call it?” Yagi said with a frown.

 

“H-Huh!?” Izuku squeaked.

 

“Your hero costume, the one that adapts to any quirk imaginable. It made waves within the support industry,” David said, “A design which can adapt to any quirk? It would put nearly every other support company out of business.”

 

“Damn right!” Mitsuki said with a smirk, “Owning half the patent on that thing is our retirement plan!”

 

“Wait…” Melissa said as she connected the dots, “Does that mean you’re the one who can take and give quirks?”

 

The entire table froze as Melissa looked at Izuku, Izuku just nodded, “Yeah… That’s right…”

 

“Huh,” Melissa said, “You know I’m quirkless.”

 

“Poor girl, here it comes!”

 

Izuku took in a breath, he remembered how often Katsuki gave him that look. Always wondering if-

 

“Oh boo hoo,” Katsuki grunted, “Aren’t you also rich and like a super genius?”

 

“Katsuki!” Mitsuki hissed but was cut off however when a laugh snort and laugh filled the room.

 

“That’s a good point, honestly it’s easy to forget I don’t have a quirk sometimes,” Melissa chuckled.

 

Inko let out a sigh of relief before smiling at Yagi, “Toshi you work at UA, surely you could get Melissa a place on the support course?”

 

Yagi hummed, “I could have a word with Nedzu, although it might be difficult, UA doesn’t normally do transfers halfway through the year.”

 

Inko sighed, “That’s a shame, you could have taken David and dropped me and MItsuki off to go shopping. I was thinking about buying this outfit.”

 

Izuku couldn’t see what his mother showed Yagi on her phone but it caused Yagi’s eyes to go wide as he rocketed to his feet, turning into All Might at the same time.

 

“Come David! We must get to UA at once!”

 

Inko smirked before turning to Izuku and Katsuki, “Why don’t you boys head in early tomorrow with Melissa and give her the grand tour? I’ll let Powerloader know.”

 

---

 

Early the next morning Izuku and Katsuki lead Melissa through the halls of UA. Unlike most people Melissa didn’t seem as awed as one would expect.

 

“Kinda reminds of my school back home, although I-Island Academy is more focused on support than heroics so our labs are the focus of the school.”

 

“I didn’t realise I-Island had a heroics school if I’m honest,” Izuku replied, “I wouldn’t think there would be that much need for heroes.”

 

“There isn’t, the school is under American jurisdiction,” Melissa explained, “So most graduates move there or Japan if they can pass the required exams. Have either of you thought about doing some hero work abroad once you graduate?”

 

Izuku suppressed a wince, travelling abroad with a quirk like his was… difficult. He couldn’t imagine too many countries in the world were eager to snap him up.

 

“Nah,” Katsuki said, “Would slow my progression down to the number one spot.”

 

“I think he means second to us.”

 

“Yagi said Powerloader should be expecting us in lab two,” Izuku said as he read the numbers off of the heavy metal doors to each lab, “Here we are.” He said as he reached to open the lab.

 

Just before he could there was a huge rumble from within the lab followed by an explosion. Izuku reacted on instinct and pushed himself away from the door, grabbing Melissa as he did. Katsuki wasn’t so lucky and the metal door came flying right at him. He was only able to brace himself with his quirk in time to grab it, skidding along the floor slightly.

 

With a huff Katsuki tossed the metal door to the side (Melissa momentarily in awe at the display of strength), “What the hell was that!?”

 

“Hatsume!” A shout came from within the smoke, “I told you no experimentation before school officially starts!”

 

“That wasn’t an experiment! That was just baby number 456 falling over!”

 

The smoke slowly cleared to reveal a chaotic lab, random pieces of equipment and projects were scattered about various workstations, the windows were stained with grease and the walls and floor were covered in various scrapes and burns. Powerloader stood at one end, behind a teacher's desk piled high with blueprints and spare parts. Meanwhile a pink haired girl wearing overalls sat behind a student desk, piled even higher with random projects.

 

“Um… Excuse me?” Melissa said, stepping forward tentatively.

 

Powerloader looked up from his scowl at Hatsume, “Huh? OH! You must be the Shield girl right?”

 

“Yes, that’s me.”

 

“Excellent!” Powerloader said and stepped around from behind his desk, “Sorry this isn’t a more formal meeting, but it was short notice. So as I understand it you’re looking to transfer from I-Island Academy correct?”

 

“Yes,” Melissa said, calming down from the explosion, “My family recently moved to Japan for personal reasons so I’m looking for a school and well… UA is one of the best.”

 

Powerloader hummed in thought, “For heroics perhaps. But we only rank 4th for our support course, so why not aim for higher? I was able to take a look at your test scores, they’re the highest I’ve seen, even higher than Hatsume here.”

 

“What!?” Hatsume cried as she popped around her workbench with a scowl, “I’m not giving up my top spot in class!”

 

“Relax Hatsume, Melissa here would be a third year. Still, why UA?”

 

Melissa paused before answering, “A couple of reasons I suppose. My Uncle works here so it’s a little familiar. There's also the option to do all my exams in English, my Japanese is good but I’d still prefer English for those. But I think the main thing is your hero department is a lot more complex than most.”

 

“Oh?” Powerloader asked, intrigued, “Is that why you’re here with the two lunatics?”

 

“Hey! We’re not lunatics!”

 

“Kacchan, do you think I’d survive being decapitated by that door?”

 

“No decapitation experiments!” Powerloader snapped at Izuku and Katsuki as they stood over the ruined door.

 

“Ah… No,” Melissa said with a chuckle, “Although they’re good examples. UA’s hero course is known for taking a lot more complex and unusual quirks. Building three different types of gauntlets for three different strength quirks gets boring after a while.”

 

“I can understand that. However UA operates on requiring you to complete one singular project for your final year, you’re already behind and that's before we even discuss what your project will be.”

 

“I can’t just select my own project?” Melissa said with a frown.

 

“Afraid not,” Powerloader said as he shook his head, “You normally work hand in hand with a final year hero student, producing an entire costume or specific piece of equipment. And I’m afraid there's no final year students left.”

 

“Well what about another year?”

 

“It’s possible,” Powerloader hummed, “But you’d need something suitably complicated. It’s not like the answer is just going to walk through the door.”

 

At that moment Kyouka walked through the door. Closely followed by Mina.

 

“Hey Hatsume, I had another idea for- Huh, what are you guys doing here?” Mina asked as she spotted Katsuki and Izuku.

 

“Giving her the ground tour,” Katsuki said and tilted his head to Melissa, “She’s a family friend I guess.”

 

Melissa suddenly felt like she’d been thrown into a pit of lions. The way the two new arrivals looked her up and down. Despite their blank faces, something about the way their eyes looked at her reeked of malice.

 

“So… You know Izuku and Bakugou?” Kyouka asked quietly.

 

“Oh yeah they’re great!” Melissa chirped happily, “I actually spent the night with them both last night.”

 

“You WHAT!?” Mina screeched as Kyouka winced and slammed her hands over her ears.

 

“Mina… Volume…”

 

“What are you two doing here?” Izuku asked.

 

“Oh I needed to see Hatsume,” Mina said as she walked over to the pink girl, “She’s been handling my support equipment.”

 

“Damn right!” Hatsume said as she practically pounced over to Mina, “So what have you got for me?”

 

Mina reached into her bag and pulled out a few sheets of paper, “Do you think this could work?”

 

Hatsume snatched the paper out of her hand and inspected it, “Oooh! I can do that! Might take some time to get the material though.”

 

“I also wanted to speak to Powerloader,” Kyouka said as she pulled out one of her gauntlets, “This got damaged during the exam, Nighteye won’t be available to sort it out for another few weeks.”

 

Powerloader sighed, “Sorry Jiro, like I’ve told you your suit is beyond even me. Nanotech is still a new technology and I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

 

“Nanotech?” Melissa said as her eyes perked up, “I know nanotech.”

 

“You do?” Powerloader asked, a little surprised.

 

“Yeah, I did my final year paper on it last year. Mind if I take a look?”

 

Kyouka shrugged but handed the gauntlet over, “You should know though Nighteye won’t share the original designs with anyone, even me.

 

Melissa just shrugged as she ran her hands over the device, “That’s fine, I can run diagnostics on it. But from the looks of things it’s a cellular design incorporating individual fusion reactions for the nanites to work together.”

 

The four hero students in the room looked at Melissa like she’d grown a second head. She chuckled slightly.

 

“Each nanite that makes up the suit is built to be its own unit with its own power source with them all working together to fulfil a larger purpose. Basically means the suit can be damaged without affecting larger functions and there’s no central power source to take advantage of because each nanite powers itself. Makes repairs complicated though because you have ro replace the nanites on a microscopic level.”

 

Kyouka bit her lip in worry, “So you can’t fix it?”

 

“I can try,” Melissa said, “I just need to figure out the nanite design and I should be able to replicate it.”

 

“That’s perfect!” Powerloader said and snapped his fingers, “Ms Shield I have a proposition for you. You’re welcome to join my third year class so long as you agree that your final project should be the maintenance of Jiro’s suit. It’s an unusual project but it means you don’t have to play catch up.”

 

“Oh,” Melissa said in surprise, “That… I’d be ok with that if um, Jiro was it? So long as she’s ok with it too?”

 

Jiro shrugged, “It’s better than waiting weeks on end for Nighteye to repair it.”

 

“Excellent!” Powerloader said, “In which case, welcome to UA Melissa Shield!”

 

---

 

“And this is the Supreme Food Mixer 2000. Inko recommended it and it truly is incredible, it has eight different blending styles depending on what you put in it and-”

 

“Yagi,” David said politely interrupting his friend's excitable blender talk, “Not that I don’t appreciate a nice piece of tech but did you really invite me over to show off your blender collection?”

 

Yagi’s shoulders dropped, “Nobody ever appreciates a good blender…” He mumbled.

 

“The rest of us can eat solid food.”

 

Yagi frowned at him, “Yeah yeah. Fine, I guess you’re right. Let’s talk in the living room.”

 

Yagi and David made their way through Yagi’s apartment to the living room. Along the way David noticed the hallway that when he’d last visited had been made of blank walls now containing various pictures. There were snapshots of Yagi out drinking with his UA colleagues, a poorly taken selfie with his detective friend, him and Masaru sleeping on the couch together with Izuku and Katsuki making faces behind them. A family meal at the Bakugou-Midoriya household, him surrounded by both 1A and 1B and plenty of he and Katsuki and Izuku.

 

Sinking into the sofas David sighed, “So… What’s going on Yagi? You were a little vague.”

 

Yagi’s smile dropped from his face, “It’s about Izuku and Katsuki. As I told you I’ve been mentoring them for over a year now. Yet despite that I still feel I have no idea what I’m doing. I completely messed up their exam and I just… I can’t afford to mess up like that again.”

 

“Their exam?” David asked with a raised eyebrow.

 

Yagi nodded and explained the full story of what had happened, including the chaos at UA and the HPSC. When he was done David leaned back lost in thought.

 

“You’re an idiot.” He said.

 

“Yes… I know,” Yagi said with a wince of shame.

 

“But not because of what you did at the exam, although yes, you could’ve handled that better.”

 

“The what!?” Yagi said, exasperated and tired.

 

“You keep telling me that you're these kids' mentors. But Yagi, that's where you’re wrong, you’re not their mentor, you’re basically their father.”

 

Yagi spluttered, coughing up a little blood in the process, “What!? But Katsuki already has a father and Izuku… that topic is best left alone.”

 

“Fine,” David said with an eyeroll, “Call it a father-figure, or an Uncle or whatever. The point is the rest of your students are just that, students. But Izuku and Katsuki clearly mean more to you. Until you stop treating them like the rest of your students you’ll never get through to them.”

 

“But what if I mess it up again?”

 

David looked at Yagi and leaned forward, “Did I ever tell you about the first time Melissa was stumped by some homework? It took until she was 13, it was a silly little assignment about designing an engine for a hero car. She had her ideas and just couldn’t work out how to make it work practically. I took a look for her and within ten minutes we’d solved it.”

 

“That must have been nice to work together,” Yagi said with a smile.

 

David chuckled, “She was furious with me. Tore the homework up and started again, she ended up failing the assignment.”

 

“Didn’t that make you angry?” 

 

“Oh yes,” David agreed, “I wasn’t impressed, I gave her an earful. Then it happened again, and then a third time. By the fourth it finally clicked.”

 

“What clicked?” Yagi asked with a frown.

 

“She’s quirkless Yagi,” David said and his face suddenly looked a lot older than the man was, “Things aren’t too bad on I-Island compared to Japan and other places but still… Melissa grew up being told she was second to those with quirks, that no matter how hard she works she’d never beat those with quirks.”

 

Yagi’s mind finally connected the dots, “So any time someone with a quirk helps her she views it as pity.”

 

“Exactly. Everything Melissa has to do has to be done by herself, for her it’s the only way to prove her worth.”

 

“But that’s ridiculous!” Yagi protested, “We would never look down on Melissa!”

 

“We wouldn’t,” David said with a nod, “And yes, at first I thought it ludicrous. Melissa is smart, very smart, the idea that by getting a little help would diminish her achievements seemed ridiculous to me. I just couldn’t understand her viewpoint. But then I suppose it hit me, I never would and that’s ok.”

 

“I don’t follow?”

 

David shook his head, “Yagi people like us will never truly understand what it’s like to be Melissa, Izuku or Katsuki. As much as we can try to appreciate their point of view we’ll always be a little confused by their approach. Eventually I realised the best thing I could do was allow Melissa to make her own mistakes, even if I knew I could help avoid them. All she needed from me was to step back and support her when she fell down.”

“You make it sound so easy,” Yagi said with a sigh.

 

“Being a parent is never easy,” David said with a chuckle, “You’re constantly making mistakes and stumbling along hoping you don’t completely ruin your child. But I assure you, as long as they see you trying that’s all they need.”

 

“So I’m supposed to just let Katsuki and Izuku fail all the time?”

 

“Not necessarily,” David said, “The point is that sometimes they’re going to do things and feel ways in which you’ll never understand. When those times happen all you need to do is simply wait for them to tell you what they need, don’t force your hand.”

 

“I see,” Yagi said as he contemplated David's words, “So during the exam… forcing them into the boxes we designed for them only made us seem like everyone else who’s tried to force them their whole lives.”

 

“Pretty much.”

 

“Thank you David.” Yagi said as he leaned back in his chair.

 

“I also imagine things will get easier when you become Izuku’s step-father.”

 

Yagi nearly fell back off his chair, “Wha-!? How did you know!?”

 

David rolled his eyes with a snort, “Please Yagi, you couldn’t have made it more obvious. It’s like Samantha all over again.”

 

“N-Nothing happened between me and Samantha!” Yagi protested as flashbacks to the cute brunette admin staff member at David's agency during his time in America flashed across his mind.

 

“Is that what you told Inko?”

 

“David!”

 

---

 

The class mall trip had surprisingly gone off without a hitch, there hadn’t been a single villain interruption and bar Uraraka having a melt down at how much Yoayorozu casually spent and Kaminari short circuiting the food hall when Sero threw a pie in his face everybody had a good time. It wasn’t without its tense moments and it wasn’t like Izuku didn’t receive a few nervous glances but it finally felt like the class were a single unit without any massive cracks between them.

 

This was especially good because the time for their camping trip had finally arrived and spending a solid week together was definitely going to test their ability to tolerate each other.

 

“Damn Mina! What have you got in here? Cinderblocks?” Ejiro grunted as he loaded Mina’s huge pink and fluffy suitcase onto the bus.

 

“Just the necessities,” Mina insisted, “A few changes of clothes, hair products, sleeping kit, support equipment from home, that sort of stuff.” 

 

“Midoriya!” Iida shouted from where he was surveying the scene, “Is there a seating plan for the bus?”

 

“I don’t think that’s necessary Iida,” Izuku said with a chuckle, “Just sit next to your friends or something.”

 

“Damn, looks like Kaminari is gonna have to sit alone,” Sero said with a sad shake of his head.

 

“Hey!”

 

There was a round of laughter from the class as Aizawa appeared around the bus, “Alright, are we ready?” He asked Izuku and Mina.

 

“Ready sir,” Izuku said as he looked down his checklist Aizawa had provided him, “Everyone’s luggage is on board and we’re good to go.”

 

“Excellent. Everyone on the bus. Yaoyorozu, Bakugou and Midoriya. I need to speak to three alone for a moment.”

 

Izuku glanced at Katsuki who shrugged. As the rest of the class piled onto the bus Aizawa led the three of them around to a secluded corner. 

 

“I need your trackers,” He said to three of them causing all three to freeze, “Don’t worry, the HPSC is aware of this. I just need to insert a chip to each of them, it’ll temporarily restrict the trackers so that only Lady Nagant’s personal profile will get their locations. Security for this trip is the tightest it’s ever been and we can’t risk anyone hacking into the signal your trackers are putting off.”

 

As the three of them handed their trackers over to Aizawa, Katsuki grunted.

 

“We’re only going to the woods. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Notes:

Yes indeed Katsuki, what's the worst that could happen?

Thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 59: The Fantastic Four

Summary:

As the training camp begins Izuku, Mina, Kyouka and Eijiro must finally face their feelings for eachother

Izuku watched the scenery fly by as the bus twisted through the countryside. Every now and then they would pass by a car and Izuku allowed himself to indulge in sensing their quirks, it was both relaxing and made for relatively good training. Next to him Todoroki was snoring softly, having passed out early into the journey. The rest of the class however wasn’t as calm as them.

 

“Oi!” Katsuki barked at Eijiro from where they sat across the aisle, “Did you eat my protein bar Shitty Hair!?”

 

“Uhh… No?” Eijiro said as he brushed crumbs off his lap.

 

“I’ll fucking kill you!” Katsuki raged as his quirk lit up, causing Todoroki to jump awake.

 

“Kacchan,” Izuku said with a sigh, turning away from his scenery, “Don’t break the bus.”

 

Katsuki huffed and shut his quirk off even as he glared at Eijiro.

 

“Hey Midoriya,” Uraraka said as her face popped out between the seats in front of Todoroki and Izuku, “Do you know anything about this trip we don’t?”

 

“Yeah!” Mina said as he head popped over the top of the seats, “Spill your secrets!”

 

Izuku blinked at them both, “Secrets? Why would I know anything you two don’t? You were in the student council meeting when it was discussed Mina.”

 

“Yeah,” Mina said, “But you’re like best friends with the top 5 heroes!”

 

Izuku frowned, “I’ve only met three.”

 

“See!?” Mina cried.

 

Izuku just shook his head, “I don’t know anything… Other than me and Katsuki having extra classes.” He grumbled, causing his friends to wince slightly.

 

“I’m sure you’ll be fine,” Uraraka said.

 

“Knowing you two the campsite has more to worry about if you’re training.” Todoroki said with a slight smirk.

 

Izuku huffed as the bus slowly started to break and pull into a nearby layby. Uraraka popped her head out from the seats and smashed it against the window with a confused look.

 

“This doesn’t look like a training facility.” She said as Aizawa got up from the front of the bus.

 

“Everyone,” He commanded, “Bathroom break.”

 

The class scrambled out into the layby, everyone stretching their legs and looking out at the view. They were about halfway up a mountain with a deep valley below them full of trees.

 

“Whew,” Deku said as he popped up next to Izuku, “Get a load of that view.”

 

“Ahhh,” Kyouka groaned as she got off the bus and stretched her back, “You guys have no idea how loud buses are.”

 

“I’m just glad to be able to walk a little.” Eijiro said as he and Mina all but leaned over the barrier down to the woods below.

 

“How much longer do you reckon we’ve got?” Kyouka asked.

 

Izuku hummed, “Maybe a few h-h-hours…”

 

Izuku had to gulp as he turned to look at Kyouka, in her stretching her school shirt had ridden up to reveal her stomach. Izuku was able to see just how much work it was hauling a nanotech suit around. Mina and Eijro had also turned around before becoming quickly mesmerised by the sight.

 

“Ahem,” Came Yaoyorozo’s cough as she smirked at the group, “I hope you’ve brought comfortable clothes for the trip Jiro?”

“Huh?” Kyouka asked, looking at Yaoyorozu, “Uh yeah… I guess?”

 

“Tch,” Katsuki scoffed as he hit Izuku on the back of the head, “Get your head out of the gutter.”

 

Izuku grumbled as Yoarashi looked around the mountain they were on with a raised eyebrow, “If this is a bathroom stop… Where are the bathrooms?”

 

“Yes,” Aizawa said and cleared his throat, “About that…”

 

Izuku’s eyes suddenly snapped up as he looked around.

 

“What is it boy!?” Deku mocked as he appeared in front of Izuku, “Do you smell a quirk boy!? Do you!? Do you!?”

 

Izuku growled and pushed Deku out of the way as he caught sight of the new quirks.

 

“Your feline fantasies are here! Say meow!”

 

“Perfectly cute and catlike girls!”

 

“You can call us The Wild Wild Pussycats!”

 

In front of the class were two women, both in cat themed costumes, one with a blue costume and blonde hair and one with a red costume and brown hair. They were beaming at the class and standing in pose. Next to them stood a grumpy child who looked like he’d rather be anywhere else.

 

“These are the pro heroes you’ll be working with.” Aizawa said.

 

“Who are they?” Kyouka asked.

 

“They’re the Wild Wild Pussycats!”

 

“Gah! Izuku!”

 

“They’re a four person hero team who specialise in mountain rescue! They were founded forever ago when we were kids and-” 

 

Izuku was cut off when the blonde hero charged forward and slammed her hand over his mouth.

 

“We’re under attack Izuku! Kill her!”

 

“I have no idea what you mean,” The hero said, “I’m 18 at heart.”

 

“U-Understood.” Izuku stuttered out much to Katsuki’s amusement.

 

“Please get off my students Pixie-Bob,” Aizawa said with a deep sigh.

 

Pixie-Bob made one final scowl at Izuku before jumping back.

 

“My name is Mandalay and uh… that’s Pixie-Bob.” Mandalay said, “We own this entire valley. Your training facility is down in the valley at the bottom of that mountain.” She explained as she pointed out the distant spec of a large building.

 

Everybody gazed over, trying to make out the building as Uraraka frowned slightly, “Wait… So why did the bus stop here?”

 

Izuku and Katsuki glanced at each other as a sinking feeling spread among the class.

 

“Fuck!” Katsuki shouted.

 

“Oh damn,” Deku said with a chuckle, “This is gonna be-”

 

Izuku blinked as Deku suddenly vanished, a moment later he realised he couldn’t feel any of his quirks. He snapped his head to the side to find Aizawa staring at him with red eyes.

 

“Sorry kid,” The teacher said, “But I can’t let you mess this up.”

 

“Run!” Izuku cried to the class but it was too late.

 

Pixie-Bob landed behind them with a smirk as she slammed her hand onto the ground, a moment later the earth beneath their feet shifted and moved. Even Katsuki and Yoarashi couldn’t escape the landslide as everybody was thrown off the edge of the cliff and down into the forest below.

 

Izuku groaned as he got up and dusted himself off, his quirks rushing back to him.

 

“-fun… Huh? WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!?” Deku cried as reappeared in Izuku's vision looking around in fear.

 

That was interesting.

 

“Hey!” Katsuki cried as he started to fly back up to the cliff, “You could’ve-”

 

He was cut off when Aizawa’s face appeared over the cliff edge with red eyes as Katsuki tumbled back down to the ground.

 

“Tough stuff Bakugou.”

 

Mandalay’s head appeared next to Aizawa, “I'd say you should be able to get to camp by 12:30, any later and I’m afraid you won’t get lunch.”

 

“Pfft,” Katsuki grunted as he got back up off the floor (again), “A hike through the woods in two hours? Easy.”

 

There was a sudden crash and growl from the forest before creatures made of earth smashed through the treeline. Izuku turned to Katsuki with a glare.

 

“You just had to say something.”

 

“Uhhh have we got a plan!?” Kaminari cried as the monsters started to surround them.

 

Izuku suddenly noticed the entire attention of the class was on him and he gave them a firm nod.

 

“We stick together! I’ll lead those with combat focused quirks upfront, Yaoyorozu you lead those with ranged quirks from the back. Iida you take everyone who has manoeuvrability and cover our flanks.”

 

“Oh hell yeah!” Katsuki barked as he rose into the air, “Lets show these fucking monsters who's boss!”

 

---

 

As it turned out, the monsters were the bosses.

 

On their own each one wasn’t too much of a challenge, Yaoyorozu, Izuku, Katsuki, Yoarashi, Tokoyami and Todoroki could make short work of them alone. But the sheer amount that kept charging meant the hard hitters of the class quickly became fatigued and the battle had barely begun. By the time the class finally stumbled out of the forest to the training camp the sun was starting to set and each and everyone of them was exhausted.

 

Yaoyorozu was only able to walk by leaning on Yoarashi, Tsu was practically dragging herself across the ground while even Katsuki struggled to take steps. Mina’s clothes had been ruined, her shoes long gone and her school shirt turned into a crop top from the use of her acid. Iida’s legs were burned and stiff and Eijiro was covered in dozens of cracks that turned to cuts without his hardening.

 

Even Deku seemed to have vanished, unable to muster the power within Izuku to appear as Izuku rubbed sweat off his brow.

 

“Make… Make it for lunch my ass,” Kyouka said on unsteady feet as Pixie-Bob smirked at them.

 

“Oh sorry,” She said and giggled, “I guess we meant how long it would take us to make it through.”

 

Uraraka groaned and finally collapsed onto the ground, “Just leave me here to die.”

 

“Get up Uraraka,” Aizawa said with an eyeroll, “You have a whole week of this yet.”

 

As the class let out a collective groan Izuku took a look around the camp. They were in the shadow of a large building at the bottom of a mountain deep in a valley. They were pretty much surrounded on all sides by a thick forest with the odd clearing here and there. The building itself looked like a small school complex and if Izuku’s nose was worth a damn there was a hot spring behind it.

 

“Chin up everyone,” Mandalay said with a chuckle, “You were faster than last year's students.”

 

“Fuck yeah…” Katsuki said though without much bravado.

 

“Yessss,” Pixie-Bob said as he eyes seemed to haze over slightly, “Especially you two!”

 

Before either of them could react, Pixie-Bob's hands were all over Izuku and Katsuki, touching every inch of their bodies. 

 

“Such strength! Such power! Such-”

 

Pixie-Bob was cut off when she suddenly felt an aura of murderous intent from her side. Turning her head she found five students glaring at her as she fawned over the brothers.

 

“Oh,” Pixie-Bob said with a smirk, “It looks like I have some competition. Well not to worry I- Ahgk!”

 

“Please let go of my students,” Aizawa said as he dragged Pixie-Bob away from the now red faced pair with his scarf.

 

“Aizawa! Hey! Get Off!” Pixie-Bob shouted as she was hauled away, much to the amusement of the class.

 

Izuku took a few calming breaths before he noticed the same grumpy child as before standing next to the building.

 

“Um, excuse me, Mandalay?” He asked as he approached the hero, “I was just wondering who that kid is?”

 

“Oh that’s Kota,” Mandalay said with a small smile, “He’s my Nephew.”

 

Kota seemed to realise he was being spoken about and huffed as he glared at the pair. Izuku took a breath and walked over to him with a smile.

 

“It’s nice to meet you Kota, I’m Izuku Midoriya.” He said and held out his hand.

 

Izuku might have been training to be a hero but even he never expected an assault from a child. As a result he was completely defenceless as Kota let out a swift punch right into Izuku’s crotch.

 

“Stupid heroes.” Kota said and walked off as Izuku doubled over in pain.

 

Luckily Izuku could always count on his brother for support.

 

“AHAHAHAHA,” Katsuki bellowed, “You got your ass kicked by a little kid Zuzu!”

 

Izuku just glared as Aizawa rolled his eyes.

 

“Alright, stop messing around. You all stink, so go to take a bath and then we’ll eat.”

 

---

 

“I bet if we superheated the water with heat-vision we could stun most of them and take their quirks!”

 

Izuku grumbled in response to Deku as he sank further into the warm water of the hot springs. The rest of the boys of the class were dotted around, everyone relaxing their sore bodies after the tiring day.

 

“Why do I get the feeling this week is going to kill us?” Eijiro said from Izuku’s side.

 

“Because it probably is.” Izuku responded, “What do you think we’ll be doing Kacchan… Kacchan?”

 

Izuku turned to find Katsuki staring at the otherside of the pool.

 

“Kacchaaaaaan?” Izuku said and poked Katsuki in the ribs with surprisingly little reaction.

 

Izuku frowned and followed Katsuki’s eyesight to where Todoroki was relaxing in the water and lightly chatting with Yoarashi. It seemed neither were keen on the water and so most of Todoroki’s naked body could be seen.

 

Izuku smirked and leaned forward, “Want me to take a picture for you?”

 

“Agh! Zuzu!” Katsuki growled as Izuku laughed.

 

“Fuck you!” Katsuki barked before splashing Izuku with a face full of water, “I’m gonna go hang with the less childish members of our class!” 

 

Izuku and Eijiro could only laugh as Katsuki swam over to join Yoarashi and Todoroki.

 

Izuku’s wet hair flopped over his eyes and he groaned, “I hate it when my hair is wet.” He said as he tried to move it out of his eyes.

 

Eijiro chuckled and reached out to move Izuku’s hair, “I think it looks cute.”

 

Izuku felt Eijiro’s fingers lightly run down the side of his face and he flinched on instinct as his quirk vibrated.

 

Eijiro noticed and pulled his hand back, “Shit. Sorry I forgot-”

 

“No!” Izuku said and snapped out, grabbing Eijiro’s hand in his own, “I mean… I uh… Don’t mind if it’s you…”

 

Eijiro gave him a goofy grin before reaching out to caress the side of Izuku’s face, Izuku’s quirk vibrated but not in an unpleasant way.

 

“You know… I uh… I really like you…” Eijiro said as his face turned a similar shade to his face.

 

“O-Oh?” Izuku said as his eyes flickered to Eijiro’s mouth.

 

His rugged lips. Sharp teeth. The way his tongue flickered out and-

 

“Oi!”

 

Katsuki’s shout caused the two boys to practically leap apart. It clearly had been longer than a few moments as they were the only ones left in the hot springs. Katsuki was giving them a strange look as he stood at the edge of the bath.

 

“You guys gonna come eat or what?”

 

“R-Right.” Izuku stuttered as he clambered out of the bath.

 

“We’re right behind you!” Eijiro said with a bright red face as he followed Izuku.

 

---

 

Izuku practically wolfed down the curry, working his way through three bowls before half the class had even finished their first. Only Katsuki was able to match him, much to the amazement of their friends.

 

“Do you guys have like black holes in your stomach or something?” Mina asked with wide eyes.

 

“As if,” Katsuki said with an eye roll, “Do you have any idea how much energy it takes to keep our quirks running?”

 

“I think I have some idea,” Yaoyorozu said as she sat down with her own third bowl.

 

Uraraka pouted slightly, “I wish I had a quirk which let me eat like that and still have your figure Yaoyorozu.”

 

“You and I both,” Mina said.

 

“Man!” Eijiro cried with a wide smile, “This curry is great!”

 

“Eh, it could use a little more spice for my tastes,” Katsuki grunted.

 

“Enjoy it while you can,” Pixie-Bob sang as she walked past their table, “From tomorrow you’ll be cooking all your own food.”

Yoarashi paled slightly, “Um… does anyone know how to cook?”

 

As everyone laughed Izuku felt Kyouka’s quirk flare next to him, they were both sitting right on the end of the table and turning he found her looking down at her half eaten curry with a pained expression.

 

“Kyouka?” Izuku asked cautiously, “Are you ok?”

 

Kyouka winced and looked up at him with a wobbly smile, “I’m ok. It’s just, using my quirk that much kinda makes my ears sensitive and now that I’m not holding back… every scrape of a spoon on a bowl is mild torture.”

 

Izuku gave her a sympathetic smile, he was reminded of the days when he barely had any control of his quirk, “Well, I’ve finished eating if you’d like to go somewhere quieter?”

 

“I’d like that,” Kyouka said with a smile.

 

Izuku turned round and poked Katsuki, “We’re getting some air.”

 

Katsuki eyed the pair but shrugged before returning to his curry.

 

Izuku and Kyouka made their way to the door where Aizawa looked them up and down, “Where are you two going?”

 

“Kyouka is suffering with her quirk, we just wanted to go somewhere more peaceful.” Izuku said.

 

Aizawa paused for a moment before sighing, “Fine. Don’t go too far and don’t forget Midoriya, you've got extra lessons in an hour.”

 

“Right,” Izuku grumbled as the pair walked through the door away from the building.

 

They only had to go a little into the forest before any noise from the class was drowned out.

 

“Ahhhh,” Kyouka said as she collapsed, sitting down against a tree, “That’s much better.”

 

Izuku joined her next to the tree letting out a content sigh, “It’s nice… to get away from all those quirks for a change.”

 

Kyouka turned to him with a tilt of her head, “I thought you could control it all now.”

 

“I can,” Izuku said with a shrug, “But being surrounded by that many quirks all the time, it’s like having a bright light shined in your face constantly. You can get used to it but it's still not pleasant.”

 

Kyouka hummed, “I guess it’s like constantly hearing everything around you?”

 

“Touché.”

 

Kyouka chuckled and leaned her head against him, “I know our quirks aren’t exactly the same but it’s nice to be able to talk to someone who understands.”

 

“Bitch please, we’re nothing alike.”

 

Izuku glared internally but shook Deku from his head, “Yeah, I can’t imagine what it’s like to be able to hear… well… everything.”

 

“Oh come on!” Kyouka said, turning to look at Izuku, “I might have super hearing but you basically have a sixth sense. I can’t even begin to comprehend what that’s like.”

 

“I mean I guess it’s the same as you’re hearing,” Izuku said, “I barely remember a time when I didn’t have it. You guys are the real weirdos, I mean, how do you tell who’s walking up behind you?”

 

Kyouka let out a snort of laughter, “Well I dunno about everyone else but people all have different footsteps I can hear. Speaking of which…”

 

Kyouka slowly turned her head as Kota appeared walking between the trees. He spotted them looking at him and froze before a deep scowl appeared on his face.

 

“Are you two kissing!?” He accused, pointing a finger at them both.

 

Kyouka let out a soft laugh, “Calm down kid, our teacher knows we’re here.”

 

Kota huffed and crossed his arms, “Well you shouldn’t be! This is our home, we shouldn’t be using it let some stupid hero wannabes train here just so you can go and die!”

 

“Kota!”

 

Mandalay suddenly appeared next to the students, seemingly undetected despite their bragging moments earlier. She was giving Kota a stern look.

 

“That is enough Kota,” She said, “Leave them be and go to your room, it’s nearly your bedtime anyway.”

 

Kota winced but managed to glare at Izuku and Kyouka for a moment before running off back to the camp.

 

Mandalay let out a sigh and turned to the students, “Sorry about that. Kota can be a little… disrespectful towards heroes.”

 

“A little?” Kyouka grumbled.

 

“I wanted to ask you about that if you don’t mind?” Izuku said to Mandalay, “I mean, I know heroes aren’t popular with everyone but Koyta really seems to hate them.”

 

Mandalay was overcome with a sad and distant look, “Kota’s parents were the pro heroes Water Hose.”

 

Izuku furrowed his eyebrow, “Weren’t they the hero team that… Oh…”

 

“Oh what?” Kyouka asked as she looked between the other two.

 

“Kota’s parents were killed by a powerful A rank villain. They weren’t exactly a strong hero team and truth be told they didn’t stand a chance. But they went in anyway, determined to save people by buying them time.” Mandalay said and wiped a tear from her eye, “In Kota’s eyes they died for nothing, going into a fight they couldn’t win and abandoned him. He’s resented heroes and anything quirk related ever since. He’s never once used his own quirk.”

 

Kyouka winced, “That’s rough… I can’t pretend to know what that’s like.”

 

“Me neither,” Izuku said, despite his own parental issues at least his mother was alive, “I hope he doesn’t hate us being here.”

 

“He’s normally grumpy for the first day or so but he tends to get over it,” Mandalay assured the pair before smirking at them, “I best get going, I hope Aizawa knows you’re here.”

 

“O-Of course,” Izuku stuttered.

 

“Well, luckily for you I’m not as strict as he is.” Mandalay said and winked at the pair before walking off, leaving them both blushing.

 

Izuku suddenly realised how close their faces had gotten together as he found himself staring at Kyouka.

 

She blushed heavily and bit her lip, “I can uh… hear your heartbeat.”

 

“Ah! S-Sorry, It’s just you’re r-r-really pretty and- I mean… um…” Izuku stuttered out as steam came out of his ears.

 

“Y-You think I’m pretty?” Kyouka asked with wide, disbelieving eyes.

 

Not trusting his voice Izuku simply nodded his head. Kyouka’s face went an even deeper shade of reds than Izuku as her jacks flailed about slightly. Izuku took in her eyes, her cheeks, her lips. He felt himself moving closer, feeling Kyouka’s breath against his own until-

 

“I wonder what your pink and red friend would think of this?”

 

Izuku ripped his head away from Kyouka as Mina and Eijiro’s smiling faces popped into his head. His thoughts snapped back to the hallway with Mina a few weeks ago and the hot springs with Eijiro only earlier that night. His chest swelled with guilt and he found himself stepping away from Kyouka.

 

“Izuku?” Kyouka said, her eyes full of hurt and panic, “Did I do something wrong?”

 

“No!” Izuku cried suddenly as he stepped away, “It’s just-”

 

“Oh will you stop being so pathetic already?”

 

“I’m sorry, I just… I can’t.” Izuku said and turned away from Kyouka, running into the forest.

 

With each step he felt a little bit more pain. What was he supposed to do? How was he supposed to pick between them?

 

Eventually Izuku was too exhausted to run and he stopped against a tree. Panting.

 

“Look at you,” Deku said as he stepped around the tree, "Is this really what it takes to bring down the great Loki?”

 

“Fuck! Off!” Izuku said and swiped for Deku who just disappeared.

 

“Why are you wasting your time with this!? What purpose does any of this serve!?” Deku spat, appearing at Izuku’s otherside.

 

“They make me happy!” Izuku shouted, staring at Deku in the face who just scoffed.

 

“Quirks make us happy. This is a distraction.”

 

“Why can’t you just leave me alone!?” Izuku roared at Deku.

 

Deku paused, staring at Izuku a long time before glaring at him, “One day Izuku, I’m going to show you what we should be. Then you’ll forget all about your little crushes.”

 

Before Izuku could respond Deku vanished once again. Izuku was left alone in the forest and he fell to his knees, feeling once again like an idiot.

 

“Izuku!?”

 

His head snapped up to find Kyouka, Mina and Eijiro running up to him.

 

“There you are, man!” Eijiro cried as all three knelt down next to him, “We were worried.”

 

“Yeah!” Mina said, “Kyouka came running back saying you’d freaked out and ran into the woods.”

 

“I-I’m sorry.” Izuku said weakly as they helped him to his feet, “I didn’t mean to worry you guys.”

 

“Hey!” Eijiro said and flicked Izuku on the head, “What did we say about apologising?”

 

“Ei!” Mina pouted, “Leave him alone.”

 

“It’s ok Mina,” Izuku said with a sigh, “I didn’t mean to run off Kyouka I just…”

 

“It-It’s ok,” Kyouka said as she blushed, “I understand…”

 

Mina looked between the pair and frowned, “Wait… What happened?”

 

“Nothing!” The pair quickly said as they both blushed heavily.

 

Mina however smirked, “Did you two kiss or something?”

 

“No!” Izuku said quickly.

 

“Not that we tried…” Kyouka mumbled, Eijiro however overheard.

 

“You two… wanted to kiss?” He said, sounding like someone had just kicked his puppy.

 

Izuku wished he could be anywhere else right now, “I didn’t- I mean we didn’t- I’m just going to-”

 

“Enough!” Mina shouted, making the other three jump before turning to Izuku, “What’s wrong with kissing Kyouka? Why are you acting so…?”

 

“Because I can’t decide!” Izuku suddenly snapped before he could stop himself, panicking as he did and slapping his hand over his mouth.

 

“Can’t decide between what?” Eijiro asked with a confused frown.

 

Izuku sighed, the cat was already out of the bag so he may as well call on all that confidence he could muster during a hero battle, “I… I can’t decide between you three ok! So please… Please don’t make me choose.”

 

Izuku looked down at the ground as his words sank in. A few moments went by until-

 

“Ow!” Izuku said as Kyouka’s fist made contact with his arm.

 

“Idiot!” She said, although she had a happy smile, “You think you were the only one who thought that?”

 

“W-Wait…?” Ejiro stuttered as his eyes went comically wide, “You mean you three all…”

 

“Of course dummy,” Mina said with an eyeroll, “Are you boys telling me you haven’t noticed the literal months of flirting and awkward tension.”

 

“I mean… yeah…” Eijiro admitted before looking downtrodden, “But it’s like Izuku said… I can’t exactly choose…”

 

Izuku and Kyouka too had sad faces as Mina bit her lip before shuffling her feet.

 

“What if there was a way?”

 

“Huh?” Izuku said dumbly.

 

Mina cleared her throat and puffed out her chest, “I’ve been doing some research.”

 

“You? Research?” Kyouka snorted before Mina gave her a glare and she withered slightly, “Sorry… I get sarcastic when I feel awkward.”

 

“I hadn’t noticed,” Mina teased with a smirk before clearing her throat again, “So… I was trying to figure out how to choose between you three when I came across something called polyamory.”

 

“What’s that?” Eijiro asked as Izuku hummed.

 

“Isn’t that like… a haram?”

 

“Izuku ew!” Mina said and scrunched her nose up at him, “No. Polyamory is when multiple people are in one relationship. So like… I’d date all of you but you’d date all of each other too.”

 

There was a pause between the other three as they all took in Mina’s words.

 

“We can do that?” Eijiro said before a wide smile took over his face, “Oh hell yeah we can do that!” He cheered.

 

“That sounds… complicated,” Kyouka said, “I mean… I’ve never dated anyone before and now I have to date three people all at once?”

 

“Believe me,” Mina said as she threw an arm around Kyouka, “I think we’re all in the same boat.”

 

“Look,” Kyouka said scratching the back of her head, “I’m all for this but won’t people think we’re… you know?”

 

“Weird? Crazy? Immature teenagers?” Mina provided.

 

“Yeah…” Kyouka said.

 

There was a moment before a lough bellow echoed through the woods. The other three watched in shock as Izuku doubled over, clutching his stomach letting out a deep laugh.

 

“You good bro?” Eijiro asked with a little concern.

 

“Yeah,'' Izuku said as he straightened back up with a wide smile, “It’s just… Everybody already thinks I’m either a villain, crazy or a walking timebomb. I don’t think anyone will bat an eye if I have two girlfriends and a boyfriend.”

 

The other three paused before all letting out chuckles which turned into raucous laughter. Izuku felt a tension which had been in his shoulder for weeks, finally leaving as he looked and what he guessed were now his partners.

 

“So uh… what now?” Izuku asked.

 

Mina rolled her eyes, “Idiot.” She said before grabbing his shirt and slamming her lips against his.

Notes:

Sorry this chapter took a little longer than normal, I've just been really busy!

As the for the chapter title... I couldn't resist.

Thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 60: The Training Camp

Summary:

Training Camp begins, classes 1A and 1B begin to work all their quirk all with The League prepares their next attack

Izuku was nearly late to his extra classes, practically running back to the classroom from the forest. As he reached the room Aizawa had told them to be at he saw Katsuki leaning against the door who gave him an odd look as he approached.

 

“The hell took you so long?”

 

“Sorry,” Izuku said a little breathlessly, “I lost track of time.”

 

Katsuki eyed him suspiciously, “Why are your clothes a mess? And are your lips swollen?”

 

“No!” Izuku said quickly, “I just uh… I mean I just had to run here.”

 

He was saved from further interrogation when the door opened.

 

“Enter.” Aizawa commanded and stepped aside.

 

The brothers scurried into the room. They’d expected to find a classroom but instead were presented with what looked like a small break room. Two worn out sofas sat either side of a wooden coffee table. Izuku and Katsuki took one sofa as Aizawa sat across from them.

 

“Sir?” Izuku asked, “I thought we’d be having extra lessons with those who failed from Class B too?”

 

“That was the original plan,” Aizawa said with a nod of his head, “However to be frank, you two don’t need generic extra classes. You failed partly because of the way we set the exam up but also partly because of issues with your quirks.”

 

Katsuki opened his mouth but Aizawa raised his hand to stop him, “Before you start to rant these extra classes won’t be about trying to improve your grade. I simply want to take the opportunity to take a more in depth look at both your quirks, something I think we can all agree you two need more than most.”

 

Izuku nodded reluctantly, there was no getting around the fact he and Katsuki had more complex quirks than most that would need special attention.

 

“Yeah yeah,” Katsuki huffed, “Our quirks are big and scary, we get it.”

 

“I don’t think you do,” Aizawa said as he reached for a drawer and put two files on the desk, “For as terrible as the exam turned out I want to give you both an idea as to why myself and Yagi chose to test you in that way. I also apologise in advance, these files are rather graphic.”

 

Izuku reached for his file and flipped it open. He immediately felt his stomach churn and from Katsuki’s pale face assumed he was doing the same. Plastered om images all over the file was the mangled body of a man. His legs were broken in several places, his right arm ripped off with the bone poking out his shoulder while his chest had been torn open. His face was mangled but Izuku could see the state of fear he’d been in when he died.

 

“Do you know what you’re looking at?” Aizawa asked them both.

 

“It’s a hero right?” Katsuki said with a shaky voice, “Someone who got arrogant and took on a villain they couldn’t handle?”

 

Izuku agreed, “I see what you’re trying to say. That if we get reckless, don’t control our quirks, we’ll end up fighting somebody we can’t win on power alone.”

 

Aizawa hummed and nodded, “That IS an important point however that wasn’t the point I was trying to make. That person in these pictures, they weren’t a hero, they were a villain. They were beaten and killed for stealing a few hundred yen by a vigilante. Someone who dropped out of hero school because their teachers kept telling them to hold back their powerful quirk. That vigilante is now rotting in a cell in Tartarus because they didn’t do exactly that.”

 

Izuku swallowed thickly, “So your point is that if we lost control of our quirks…”

 

“You could end up killing someone.” Aizawa said bluntly, “I know that neither of you would do this intentionally, but sometimes I feel like you forget the amount of power you have at your fingertips.”

 

Katsuki grunted and leaned back on the sofa with hard eyes, “I Thought you said all quirks were dangerous?”

 

“Oh they are,” Aizawa agreed, “However, while Ashido has to focus her acid to kill and Iida has to pick up speeds, you two could kill quite easily with little effort.”

 

Izuku shifted uncomfortably in his chair, on paper of course he knew the amount of power he held but being hit with the reality of what he could do was a different.

 

“You look uncomfortable,” Aizawa said, “Good. This should be a difficult topic to talk about. Death is a part of being a hero and while it’s important to avoid it at all costs it’s also important not to cause it.”

 

“Pffft why would we kill anyone?” Deku said as he appeared relaxing on the sofa next to Aizawa, “That would be a waste of quirks!”

 

“And I don’t think either of you, despite the exam situation, will argue that you don’t have quirk control issues.” Aizawa said and gave both students an intense glare.

 

Both squirmed slightly under the gaze as Izuku’s eyes snapped to Deku who smirked at him.

 

Izuku sighed, “Yeah… ok.”

 

Aizawa nodded, “Good. Then we’ll be using this extra time to work on your quirk control, trying out different methods to see what works best for you both. Today I want to try meditation.”

 

“WHAT!?” Katsuki barked in outrage.

 

Izuku rubbed his temples, this was going to be a long night.

 

---

 

“Can I just say once again how unfair your quirks are?” A sleepy Uraraka said the next morning as the class started to gather outside for their training.

 

It had been 2AM by the time Katsuki and Izuku were allowed to sleep, by which point Izuku was fairly certain Aizawa had wanted to murder Katsuki. His brother was not a natural when it came to meditation and if anything was more worked up by the end of the evening. Izuku had done marginally better but hadn’t achieved much mainly because everytime he got into the swing of it Deku would whisper something in his ear and throw him off. In the end Aizawa simply gave up, saying they would move onto something else the next night.

 

By the time the pair had returned to the large room the boys were sharing they had rolled out their futons without a word and fallen asleep within minutes. Not even four hours later they were both shaken awake by Todoroki.

 

Despite their lack of sleep Katsuki was always full of energy and Izuku relied heavily on regeneration meaning despite the red sky and low hanging sun that was only just rising over the horizon they were both far more awake then the rest of their class who slowly trickled outside.

 

“Just good luck I guess,” Izuku replied with a shrug to which Uraraka grumbled in protest.

 

“Good morning,” Kyouka said as she walked up to the three.

 

She and Izuku made brief eye contact before blushing and glancing away. 

 

“Good morning Kyouka.”

 

Katsuki just grunted in greeting as Uraraka eyed them both. Slowly the rest of the class joined everyone, Eijiro and Mina having similar blushes when greeting Izuku and Kyouka.

 

Just as the breeze was picking up and filling everyone’s noses with the scent of pine, Aizawa made his appearance, somehow looking both more awake and more exhausted than anyone else present.

 

“Morning,” he grunted, channelling his inner Bakugou, “Now, you’ve been putting in a lot of hard work over these past few months and I’m pleased to report many of you have come a long way.”

 

A ripple of pleased whispers could be heard from the class.

 

“But,” Aizawa said and the whispers stopped, “We’re here to train in one specific area.” Aizawa glanced at Katsuki before thinking better of it, “Kirishima,” he said and pulled a baseball out from his pocket, “Why don’t you try the ball throw from the start of the year again?”

 

“All right!” Eijiro said and pumped his fist in the air, “I can’t wait to see how much I’ve improved!”

 

Aizawa tossed the ball to Ejiro who focused his hardening in his arm. With a smirk he pulled back and threw the ball as hard as he could. Izuku watched it soar through the air and into the trees. The pad in Aizawa’s hand beeped and he turned it round.

 

“Huh!?” Eijiro gasped as he read the result, only a few metres farther than the start of the year.

 

“Don’t worry,” Aizawa said as he pocketed the device and Yoarashi gave Eijiro a sympathetic pat on the arm, “I suspect everyone would more or less be in the same boat. We’ve spent the past few months largely working on skills and techniques as opposed to raw power. But now we need to cross that hurdle. Quirks work like every other muscle in the body, so the best way to train them is to work and break them… over and over.”

 

Aizawa smiled like a man possessed and the entire class let out a shiver as he beckoned them to follow him. The class made their way through the trees until they came to a large clearing, it was mostly empty save for a few facilities dotted around. The Wild Wild Pussycats could also be seen milling about.

 

“Here we’ll be working on training your quirks directly,” Aizawa said, “Each of you have a unique exercise to work on. They won’t be easy but they’d been approved by Recovery Girl so they won’t do you any permanent harm. Myself and the Pussycats will be assisting you also. Now, as for your tasks…”

 

Aizawa went down the class one by one, explaining each exercise to them and what they were trying to achieve. Most of them were pretty simple, many of the class quirks paired nicely with physical exercise such as Iida sprinting at full blast constantly or Koda constantly shouting. Others like Uraraka and Yaoyorozu were simply trying to constantly use their quirks.

 

Yoarashi was having to keep himself in the air with one tornado below him while using arms to generate one above him to hold up a small car. Izuku didn’t want to think about what would happen if he failed. Next to him Katsuki was lit up with his quirk, floating a few feet off the ground holding a barbell he had no hope of lifting without One For All. Even Eijiro and Sato couldn’t lift it. Katsuki was having to do weight training with his quirk all while keeping off the ground with float. Within five minutes he had a sweat pouring down his face.

 

Finally everyone was training bar Izuku as Aizawa turned to him.

 

“And finally we come to the child with multiple quirks.”

 

Izuku chuckled awkwardly, he’d already figured his training would be difficult to come up with. Afterall how did you train multiple quirks at once?

 

“I won’t lie, coming up for something to train you was a little difficult,” Aizawa confessed as he pulled out a small remote, “Luckily that new American girl in the support department had an idea.”

 

Aizawa clicked the remote in his hand and a whirring filled the area causing a few heads to turn their way. A second later the nearby treeline was opened as dozens of drones broke through, zipping around Aizawa and Izuku in a circle. They were all different shapes and sizes, some small and fast others bulky and slower. But each one had a large gun hanging underneath it which made Izuku gulp.

 

“These drones all fall into different types, with each type being resistant to all but one of your stockpiled quirks and weak against another. Quite frankly it would be pointless to try and train any of your stockpiled quirks, you have too many to allocate enough time to significantly improve them. Instead we’re going to focus on your original quirk. I’m afraid you’ll be doing the most training out of everyone in both classes this week as not only will this be your standard daytime training I also need you to complete some training in the evening when everyone else is preparing your meal and then you’ll have your extra classes.”

 

Izuku could physically feel his face pale. He wasn’t convinced he’d survive a day let alone a week of this treatment.

 

“The purpose of this, despite its appearance isn’t to train your individual quirks,” Aizawa said, ignorant of Izuku’s ever growing dread, “Instead the goal is for you to be able to switch between quirks at a much quicker pace and even use multiple quirks at the same time. Right now you generally switch between them while strategizing, by the end of this week I want it to be second nature. Now, those are real guns-”

 

“G-Guns?” Izuku stuttered.

 

“You’ll be fine, they’re there to help train regeneration though they’ll only aim below the neck. However it’s better to air on the side of caution so you’ll be training away from everyone else. Just follow Pixie-Bob.”

 

Pixie-Bob seemed to magically appear next to Izuku wearing a dangerous smile, “Let’s go kiddo!”

 

Aizawa tossed the remote to Pixie-Bob as she led Izuku and the drones away from the rest of the class.

 

“So,” Pixie-Bob said as she looked at Izuku with a smirk, “Your lips don’t seem too swollen today.”

 

Izuku spluttered and nearly tripped up over himself, “I uh… Don’t know what you’re talking about.”

 

Pixie-Bob however didn’t buy it, her smile only grew wider, “Sureeee so it was another green kid I saw pinning that purple haired girl to a tree last night while the redhead and the pink girl-”

 

“Ok!” Izuku said quickly waving his hands in front of him as Pixie-Bob cackled with laughter, “Are… Are we in trouble.”

 

“Nah,” Pixie-Bob said and waved him off, “At least with me, the others… Just make sure you and that hearing girl keep an ear out if you plan on shoving your tongues down each other's throats again. I’ll keep it a secret but trust me, you don’t want Mandalay finding you.”

 

Pixie-Bob continued to laugh as she left a red faced Izuku in a nearby clearing. A moment later Izuku was shaken from his embarrassment as his exercise began.

 

Being faced with an army of drones Izuku had guessed how painful his day was going to be. But nothing could have prepared him for what was essentially a never ending battle. Aizawa was right, the different drone types all required him to use a different quirk. Some had armour that could only be melted off with heat vision or blown off with explosive spitballs. Others could only be torn apart with kinetic strength or sliced in half with sword arms. Some were completely invulnerable bar a gap in their armour Izuku could only reach by teleporting. There were even some which turned invisible once Izuku saw them and only pathfinder would reveal their location.

 

But the worst thing was that when Izuku failed to doge or take a drone down they ripped into him with real bullets. Regeneration might have kept him going but it still hurt when a bullet broke through his ribs and tore into his lung.

 

For the entire day Izuku didn’t stop moving, for each drone he took down it was instantly replaced, he had no idea where they were coming from but it felt like Aizawa had an infinite supply. He also didn’t see a single other person for the entire day apart from Pixie-Bob who would wander over every now and then to check on him. He hoped he might get a break for lunch but Pixie-Bob simply threw a sandwich over to him all while the drones continued to attack meaning he’d eaten lunch while being hailed with bullets.

 

By the time Pixie-Bob arrived to shut the drones off as the sun was setting, Izuku was covered in blood and the clearing he was in was full of metallic debris.

 

Pixie-Bob gulped seeing Izuku’s ripped uniform and blood-covered face, “Wow… Aizawa really doesn't take it easy on you does he?”

 

Izuku chuckled slightly, “He does push us hard.”

 

Truth be told, even after a day Izuku could see the results, using multiple quirks was becoming much easier for him and he was switching between them far more naturally now.

 

Pixie-Bob and Izuku were the last to arrive back at the campsite, the rest of the two classes were already starting to prepare to make dinner while a few were coming out of the showers.

 

Katsuki was the first to spot him, still with damp hair, “Jesus, what happened to you?” He asked as Izuku approached.

 

“Regeneration means they really don’t have to hold back,” Izuku groaned as the rest of the class winced at him, “What’s going on?”

 

“We’re making curry together with Class 1B,” Yaoyorozu said as her and Kendou started to prepare some ingredients.

 

“Hey Todoroki!” Sero cried as he and Kaminari put firewood under the grills, “Come light this would you?”

 

Todoroki nodded and walked over as his fire side ignited.

 

“So what can I do to help?” Izuku asked.

 

“Nothing.” Aizawa said he walked over, “You still have training, remember?”

 

“Right,” Izuku grumbled.

 

“Um… A-Aizawa Sir?” Mina asked as she, Kyouka and Eijiro walked up, all looking a little nervous, “Will Izuku have any free time tonight?” She asked as she blushed slightly. In the background Izuku caught Pixie-Bob giggling.

 

Aizawa raised his eyebrow at the question but didn’t comment, “Technically yes, his extra training doesn’t require him to do anything specific other than gold onto a few quirks.”

 

Izuku frowned up at Aizawa as Vlad King also joined them.

 

“I still don’t like this Eraser,” He mumbled with a sour face.

 

“Tough luck, you already agreed,” Aizawa said as he raised his fingers to his mouth and let out a whistle, immediately the combined classes turned to him, “Just to make you all aware, as you cook and eat your curry Midoriya is going to take your quirks.”

 

There was a pause.

 

“I AM!?”

 

“He’s WHAT!?”

 

“Vlad King, are you ok with this!?”

 

“OH HELL YEAH! THIS IS THE SORT OF TRAINING I CAN GET BEHIND!”

 

“Enough!”

 

Aizawa’s sharp tone was enough to silence even the 1B students as everyone turned to look at Izuku who very much wished he could be anywhere else.

 

“Midoriya will only have them for a few hours, there's no need to panic and this will be important training not only for him but for you all as well. Especially those of you with mutant quirks.”

 

A few members of Izuku’s own class still mumbled their displeasure at the idea but they all agreed. 1B however didn’t take the news so well.

 

“Absolutely not!” One boy Izuku didn’t recognise shouted, “You can’t just let him take our quirks! That’s like… gotta be against our human rights or something!”

 

Next to Izuku, Katsuki scoffed and rolled his eyes.

 

“What’s the point of him taking our quirks anyway!? How is that training!?” Another student called.

 

“Seven.” Aizawa said coldly, much to the confusion of everyone present.

 

“What?” One of the 1B students said with a frown.

 

“Seven,” Aizawa said glaring out at the students, “It’s the predicted number of people worldwide who are likely to have a near if not identical quirks. Which means Kamakiri there are likely six other people who have the same, or at least a very similar version, of your Razor Sharp quirk.”

 

“So your point is that Midoriya likely isn’t the only person with a quirk like his?” Shoda asked, his eyes widening.

 

“Exactly.” Aizawa said.

 

Izuku could tell what Aizawa was doing. The truth was that in reality it was nearly impossible for Izuku’s quirk to prop up again without a very specific set of genetics. However what Aizawa did know was that there was someone with the exact quirk already hiding in the shadows of Japan. This wasn’t just generic training, he was preparing the rest of Izuku’s classmates to face his father.

 

“And besides,” Aizawa continued with a sly smile, “I never said you have to give him your quirks. You’re free to resist him, though not physically.”

 

That seemed to calm the students down and they all nodded in agreement. Aizawa nodded at Izuku as the rest of the students returned to making their dinner. 

 

“You have until you begin to eat to collect quirks, at that point I want you to hold onto them until your extra lessons.” Aizawa said and walked away.

 

Katsuki slapped Izuku on the back with a smirk.

 

“Don’t hold back, you hear me?” He said before turning and barking orders at Kaminari and Sero who were attempting to control the fires.

 

Izuku turned to his girlfriends and boyfriend who were still standing next to him, “I guess we can still head into the forest after dinner right?” he said.

 

Mina giggled, “Can’t wait.”

 

Izuku smiled before pausing, “So um… Can I have your quirks?”

 

“Pfft not a chance!” Eijiro barked, “If you want them you’re gonna have to work for them!”

 

Izuku grumbled as his partners went off to help with the cooking.

 

“Aw don’t look so down!” Deku chirped as he appeared next to Izuku, “This is gonna be great!”

 

Izuku sighed and looked round at everyone, they were all keeping their eyes on him so he wasn’t going to be able to simply walk up and start taking quirks. Instead he walked into the middle of the camp and sat on a large tree stump. Closing his eyes Izuku focused on his quirk.

 

He could feel everyone around him, the different shapes, colours and swirls of their quirk energy. Taking slow deep breaths he focused on his own quirk, the swirling black hole in the middle of his chest, hungry for more.

 

“Just get on with it already!” Deku snapped, he’d never sounded more excited.

 

Izuku sighed. And then he pulled.

 

Several Class B members let out gasps and cries as their quirks easily moved over to Izuku. His own class put up more of a fight, having all experienced his quirk before but even they started to break off after a while.

 

For the next thirty minutes Izuku was in a multi tug-of-war with his classmates. Those who had weaker quirks or hadn’t experienced his quirk before were relatively easy. The stronger quirks or those who were getting used to Izuku’s own abilities were more difficult. He eventually gave up trying to take Todoroki’s and Eijiro’s quirks, they were just too good at pulling back. But by the time Katsuki was shoving a bowl of curry in his arms Izuku had just over half the quirks available to him.

 

He felt sick, his head was throbbing and it felt like he’d eaten far too much. Over thirty quirks swirled inside him, all vying for space he didn’t have. Yet he’d also never felt so powerful, every step he took towards the seating area felt like he was causing a small earthquake.

 

Deku was practically giddy, dancing around the area in glee. He was more solid than Izuku had ever seen him. The usual wisps of smoke that came off him were gone, he was as clear as Katsuki was.

 

The curry they had was nowhere near as good as the one the Pussycats had made for them last night but everyone was too hungry to care. Izuku wolfed it down like it was his last meal, it was only as he finished he realised everyone was staring at him.

 

“W-What?” 

 

Mina was the one to answer, “Well it’s… um…”

 

“Here,” Yaoyorozu said as a small mirror appeared from her arm and she passed it to Izuku.

 

Izuku frowned and held it up to his face.

 

“Oh.”

 

Izuku’s eyes had always been a brilliant green but now they shone so bright even the moon was dimmed in the background. But that was positively normal compared to his hair. Though the normal green colour remained at the roots his spiky tips were stark white and he swore he saw sparks of green energy flicker within them.

 

“I always knew you’d go grey before me.” Katsuki snarked with a smirk.

 

Izuku threw the mirror at him.

 

Uraraka let out a cry as Katsuki smashed it over their heads, “Will you two behave!” She snapped.

 

“I think it looks good on you,” Mina said with a giggle and a wink, “Well I’m finished, does anyone fancy a walk in the forest?”

 

“I do!” Izuku, Kyouka and Eijiro practically shouted as they stood up out of their seats.

 

“Wow,” Uraraka said with a wide smirk, “I didn’t take you four for avid hikers,” She said leaning forward on her hands.

 

Mina stuck her tongue out at smug Uraraka before the four of them walked into the forest. 

 

Katsuki watched them go with a frown.

 

“What’s up with them?”

 

Uraraka rolled her eyes, “Idiot.”

 

The foursome made their way into the forest, finding a secluded spot. Eijiro immediately collapsed down against a large tree with a groan.

 

“I’m exhausted.”

 

“We all are babe.” Mina said as she snuggled into Eijiro’s side.

 

“My jacks won’t feel the same ever again,” Kyouka moaned as she massaged her ears, falling in next to Mina.

 

Izuku however chose not to join them as he stood in front of them all, running through the quirks he’d gathered.

 

“I can’t believe you two didn’t have your quirks taken,” Mina huffed.

 

Izuku chuckled as a bit of acid dripped from his hand, “Don’t feel too bad, you did a better job of resisting me than most people did.”

 

“Who said I want to resist you?” Mina smirked, licking her lips and causing Izuku to splutter and blush furiously.

 

Mina giggled at the sight, “How can you blush now when last night you-”

 

“Kota?” Kyouka said as she looked off to the side.

 

Everyone followed her gaze to find Kota nearby, climbing up the side of a hill. As they watched him he had an angry look on his face before he started to clamber higher up.

 

“I want to go and talk to him,” Izuku said before taking off to follow.

 

“Hey wait up!” Mina said as she jumped up and ran up next to Izuku, quickly followed by Kyouka and Eijiro.

 

The four of them quickly made their way up the mountain, following in Kota’s footsteps. Eventually they reached an outcrop that overlooked the forest, the breeze picking up over the trees. Kota sat on the edge of the cliff swinging his feet and muttering to himself.

 

“Kota?” Izuku asked softly as he approached.

 

Kota jumped and turned to face the four of them with an angry scowl, “W-What are you doing here!? This is my secret hideout!”

 

“Oh,” Izuku said, “Sorry. We were just worried about you.”

 

“Yeah man,” Eijiro said with a wide smile, “Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone about your hideout.”

 

Kota still didn’t look pleased however and turned away from them with a huff, “I still don’t want you here, stupid heroes. Why don’t you just go and die already!? It’s all you do anyway!”

 

“Hey!” Mina gasped angrily, “You can’t say stuff like-”

 

Izuku stopped her when he held up his hand. Without talking he went and sat next to Kota, watching over the forest for a few moments.

 

“Some heroes are stupid,” Izuku agreed much to Kota’s shock, who looked up at him, “They don’t really know what a hero is supposed to be and they take advantage of that.”

 

“So what is a hero supposed to be?” Kota asked as his eyes narrowed in suspicion.

 

“Well…” Izuku said and hummed in thought, “I think a hero is just someone who wants to help. Sure, they mainly help through saving lives and stopping villains but that’s what a hero is, someone who wants to help others.”

 

Kota just scoffed in response, “Heroes are selfish.”

 

“Yeah we are,” Izuku said again, this time shocking his partners, “We throw everything we have at saving random people at the cost of our own safety. I think we always forget about our friends and family though. I can’t imagine how it makes my mother feel, knowing that I’ll be putting myself in danger nearly everyday.” Izuku said as a pit of guilt swirled in his stomach.

 

“Then why do it!?” Kota snapped.

 

Izuku however wasn’t phased, “I guess because while I know it worries my mother, I’m a lot stronger than most people. So I can fight, I can win, other people… they can’t. So it wouldn’t be right for me not to help. Mandalay told me about your parents. I know it’s not fair that you lost them but… There are loads of kids like you that do have parents because of what they did.”

 

“I don’t care about them!” Kota shouted, turning suddenly to Izuku with tears in his eyes, “I want my parents back!”

 

Izuku winced under the gaze, truth be told he had no idea how to handle Kota. Though he knew he wanted to help, afterall he could understand better than most having a disdain for heroes, but he and Kota were approaching it from two completely different angles that made it hard for Izuku to fully appreciate Kota’s view.

 

“You know Kota,” Eijiro said, appearing on Kota’s otherside, unfazed by the thick tension in the air, “I never knew my parents. My real parents anyway, I have two great Mom’s but they adopted me when I was two. Sometimes I pretend my real parents were heroes who died fighting some big villain but the truth is they probably just didn’t want me so they left me at the door to a police station.”

 

Izuku heard Mina sniff behind him, he too was struggling not to jump forward and wrap Eijiro up in a tight.

 

“I guess what I’m trying to say is there are a lot of shi-uh bad parents out there. It really sucks that yours seemed like the good kind but aren’t around anymore. But at the same time, I bet there’s a lot of people whose parents are still around because of them. And as much as I sometimes wish I knew my real parents, I know how happy it makes my Moms that they could adopt me.” Eijiro said and wiped his eyes slightly, “I’m sorry your parents aren’t here anymore Kota.”

 

Kota furiously rubbed his eyes, trying not to act like he was upset, “You… You guys are allowed in my hideout.”

 

Eijiro smiled at him as Mina and Kyouka walked over, wrapping Eijiro in a hug.

 

“Ewww, don’t get cooties on me!” Kota complained and shuffled closer to Izuku.

 

Kyouka looked at him with an evil smile, “You know Izuku is also our boyfriend?”

 

Kota turned to Izuku with a look of horror and jumped up, running to the otherside of his hideout, “If any of you give me cooties I’m telling Auntie!” He cried and pointed an accusatory finger at them all.

 

The polycule let out a laugh before Izuku glanced at his watch and sighed, “Well I have to go, my extra classes start soon.”

 

“Awwww,” Mina said and pouted, “But we didn’t get to make- Ow!” Kyouka pinched her and pointed to Kota, “Oh uh… I mean we didn’t even get to talk.”

 

“Sorry Mina! Bye Kyouka, bye Eijiro, bye Kota!” Izuku called, “Oh and Mina, here’s your quirk back!”

 

Izuku left the four of them to joke and laugh, the three of his partners were probably better with kids than he was anyway.

 

He made his way back towards the main camp, along the way he passed several small groups of students who were hanging out for the evening. As he did he slowly returned all the quirks he’d taken during dinner. They all flowed naturally back to their original owners apart from one but it was only stubborn for a few moments before Izuku guided it back. Before long he was back to his original stockpile. Deku was less than pleased.

 

“We finally had them!” He cried in Izuku’s ear, “We finally had all those delicious quirks! What is wrong with you!?”

 

Izuku sighed and ignored him as he walked up to meet Katsuki. What would he even need all those quirks for?

 

---

 

“Remember though we are there to frighten the heroes the primary goal is to kidnap the target.” Kurogiri said to the gathered crowd, a small army of villains bigger than even the USJ attack.

 

Each one was holding the same photo of a green haired boy looking nervously into a camera.

 

“Ha!” One of the villains in the crowd shouted, “This little thing? We might accidently kill him before we get to him.”

 

Shigaraki rolled his eyes from where he sat in the shadows of the stage. Technically he was supposed to be giving the briefing but he’d adamantly refused. Afterall his plan had been completely thrown out the window. He had wanted to take a small force made up of the most powerful new recruits and take the child from under the hero's noses. Instead All For One had demanded the entire army go, decimate and slaughter the heroes and students before bringing his son back. It would signal his return with a nuclear sized bomb.

 

“Now if everyone is ready,” Kurogiri said as he waved his arm and several portals appeared around the large warehouse, “Remember, you must not kill the target, only capture.”

 

“What about the rest of the students and heroes!?” Someone called out and this time Shigaraki finally spoke up.

 

“Kill them all.”

Notes:

Sorry if the more down time stiff in the training camp feel rushed, but we have... ahem... a LOT to get through over the next few chapters ;)

Side note, if you're not up to date with the manga the next few chapters are going to have some major spoilers!

Thanks for the all kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 61: The Polycule vs Muscular

Summary:

With the training camp under attack Izuku, Katsuki and their friends must fight off the incoming villains

"Hold it… Hold it…”

 

“We’ve been holding it for a fucking hour you hobo!”

 

Izuku growled as Deku hissed in Aizawa’s ear (not that the man knew it). He was currently focusing his heat vision in the middle of a rock, trying to create a perfect hole through it without shattering the thing.

 

Aizawa had him and Katsuki trying to control the output of their quirks. Katsuki was attempting to use his strength to shape a boulder without destroying it completely. The pile of rubble around them indicated it had not been going well.

 

Izuku grit his teeth as he tried to hold back the power of heat vision but it was too much and a moment later he staggered as a strong burst tore the boulder in half. A moment later there was a crunch as Katsuki’s steady hand crushed yet another rock.

 

Aizawa sighed, “This isn’t going as planned.”

 

“We’re fucking trying ok!” Katsuki snapped, he looked as equally frustrated as Aizawa about their lack of progress.

 

“I know,” Aizawa said and his expression softened, “I know it’s not easy, asking you to push your quirks to their limits all day before trying to control them at night. But we need to get this right.”

 

“We know,” Izuku said as he rubbed his temples, “Let’s go again.”

 

Aizawa nodded as Katsuki went to haul two more boulders into the clearing. They were a fair way down the valley from the campsite using an area of the forest near a mountain that provided many rouge boulders for them to practise with.

 

Izuku’s head snapped to the side so fast it made Aizawa tense.

 

“Midoriya?”

 

“Something… in the forest… Back towards camp,” Izuku whispered as he focused, he wasn’t sure what it was but something had caught his attention, “I can feel… quirks? I think. They're just outside of my range.”

 

Aizawa narrowed his eyes, “The Pussycats were considering some training with the classes tonight, are you sure it’s just not that you can feel?”

 

Izuku frowned, focusing on the quirks, there were so many, far too many for just the two classes, “No. These are new, Sensei, something is wrong.”

 

Aizawa cursed under his breath, “Alright, you two stay here, I’m going to investigate.”

 

“Stay here!?” Katsuki shouted in outrage, “If we’re under attack there’s no way I’m just gonna sit it out.”

 

“Dammit Bakugou this isn’t a debate!” Aziawa snapped.

 

“It’s not,” Izuku said as he looked over at the mountain that held Kota’s hidden base, “You should know by now Sensei there’s no way me and Kacchan can just sit around.”

 

“You’re students!” Aizawa growled, “My students and I won’t send you up against dangerous villains!”

 

“You say that like we’re not the two strongest people here,” Katsuki grunted, “We’ve spent two nights trying to learn to hold back because we’re TOO powerful and you wanna put us on the bench just as villains pour in?”

 

“You don’t know it’s villains.” Aizawa countered.

 

“Sensei,” Izuku said and gave Aizawa a hard look, “We’re going.”

 

Aizawa paused before caving in, “Fine, but you will stay next to me.”

 

“Kacchan will.” Izuku said, “I need to go and find Kota and the others.”

 

Aizawa grit his teeth but didn’t argue, “Fine. You get them and come straight back to the main camp.”

 

Izuku nodded.

 

“Zuzu,” Katsuki said and bumped his shoulder, “Don’t get yourself killed.”

 

“You too Kacchan.”

 

---

 

“Go fish!”

 

Everyone looked up at Yoarashi.

 

“Yoarashi,” Yaoyorozu said slowly, “We’re playing poker…”

 

“Oh,” Yoarashi said as his smile turned to a frown, “Which one is that again?”

 

Uraraka let out a giggle next to Todoroki, “Have you really never played cards before Yoarashi?”

 

Yoarashi blushed, “I uh… Guess I didn’t play many games growing up.”

 

Neither had Todoroki, he was just lucky enough to have Uraraka whispering in his ear telling him what to do.

 

The two classes currently had some free time between dinner and their nightly activity. A few were spending it napping back at camp or going on walks but most had set up chatting in the large clearing near camp. Yaoyorozu had created a pack of cards and a poker game had quickly started between her, Todoroki, Yoarashi, Uraraka and Iida.

 

“Perhaps we should have explained the rules to everyone before playing…” Iida mumbled.

 

“Hey guys!” Ragdoll said as she and Mandalay walked over, “We’re just letting everyone know that we’re going to be starting the night's planned activity in an hour.”

 

“Ohhh,” Uraraka said, “What are we-”

 

At times Todoroki hated his father with every fibre of his being. Other times despite the cruel training he was thankful that he had the skills required to be a pro hero at his age. This was one of those times.

 

Todoroki sensed the incoming attack on instinct, grabbing the back of Uraraka’s shirt and pulling her back. A moment later what looked like spears made of bark slammed into the ground where she had been.

 

Everyone was up in an instant, swivelling on their feet as people came crashing through the trees. There were dozens of them, all waving their quirks around like sparklers on halloween.

 

“Is this our training!?” Iida shouted as he braced himself.

 

“No!” Mandalay shouted, “Everyone get back! This is real!”

 

Pixie-Bob charged forward, slamming her hand into the ground. A wave of earth shifted forward, throwing the incoming thugs off their feet.

 

Todoroki glanced to his right and saw another incoming attack. He turned to them and raised his foot.

 

“Todoroki wait!” Ragdoll shouted, “You don’t have permission to use your quirk!”

 

“Uh huh.” Todoroki responded before slamming his foot into the ground.

 

A sheet of ice shot forward, encasing most of the charging villains. A wave of Todoroki’s hand and the ice was quickly shattered with fire, sending the villains flying back.

 

Despite Ragdoll's original objections it didn’t take long for the rest of the students to start fighting back. Much like the USJ it was obvious these thugs were mostly low level crooks and didn’t put up much resistance.

 

There were a few outliers however. Something Todoroki became very aware of when blue fire flew from the tree line and slammed into him.

 

He was sent skidding along the dirt as his own fire lit up. He met the next attack with his own and the space between him and his attacker exploded with a mix of colours.

 

From the trees a tall scarred man walked forward. He was covered in burns and had staples holding his skin together. His eyes were manic and he had a wide smile on his face.

 

“Ice and fire huh? You must be Endeavor’s brat.”

 

Todoroki narrowed his eyes at him, “Who are you?”

 

“Names Dabi.” Dabi said before throwing out another attack.

 

Todoroki met it with his own fire but it was quickly becoming more obvious how much more powerful the blue fire was than his own. The ground became scorched between them and only a last minute blast of ice stopped Todoroki being thrown back again.

 

“You know I’m a little disappointed, I would’ve expected more from all that training you received.” Dabi said with a smirk.

 

“You don’t know anything about me,” Todoroki growled.

 

Dabi let out a laugh as his body was caked in flames, “Don’t I? You’re just another brat who wants to be a hero. You and your father disgust me.”

 

“I’m not my father!” Todoroki shouted and threw out a large chunk of ice.

 

Dabi rolled to the side to avoid it as it crashed into the forest behind him, “Oh yeah! And what makes you different!?”

 

“He has friends!”

 

Todoroki glanced up as a great whirlwind appeared above Dabi. Yoarashi was pushing everything he had and not just with the wind, it was full of several large trees, presumably made weightless by Uraraka that slammed into Dabi.

 

Dabi rolled along the ground as the trees smashed into him. But a powerful burst of blue flame quickly turned them to ash as he looked back up and laughed.

 

“Come on then heroes! Fight me!”

 

---

 

“And then the waitress blushed because she thought Izuku was flirting with her when he actually mistook her for a pro hero!”

 

Kota laughed at Eijiro’s story, his small body wobbling with each breath he took. The three students had spent the past hour telling Kota all about their favourite green haired idiot. They made sure to stay away from hero topics, focusing on the stories that could be applied to any teenager.

 

As they all laughed, Mina let out a loud yawn from where she was leaning in Kyouka’s arms, “Is it bedtime yet?”

 

“We can head back soon,” Eijiro said as he sat swinging his legs with Kota, “You must be tired too Kota?”

 

“Pfft!” Kota said and crossed his arms while puffing out his chest, “I could stay up for hours.”

 

“I'm sure you could, but we need our rest if we're gonna survive the week.” Eijiro chuckled and shook Kota’s hair.

 

Kyouka stood up and stretched her muscles, “I hope Uraraka doesn’t snore tonight, I swear last night-”

 

“What’s that!?” Mina said suddenly, jumping to her feet and pointing out to the forest.

 

Not far away the group could see smoke rising from the trees.

 

Kyouka stepped forward, her jacks pointing out towards the fire.

 

“...We need to go.”

 

“Come on Kota,” Ejiro said as he stood up, trying to voice an air of confidence despite the alarm in his eyes, “Let’s go find your aunt.”

 

Eijiro reached out to pick Kota up when Kyouka grabbed his hand, “Kota. Get behind Eijiro.”

 

Eijiro looked at her in confusion until she turned her head and everyone followed her gaze. Walking up to them along the outcrop was a huge man, even by the standards of quirks he was as wide as a truck and as tall as All Might. He had a crazed look in his eyes and wide smile as he approached them.

 

“Well if it ain’t my lucky day,” The huge man said as he stalked towards the group, “I figured there might be a couple of lovebirds up here to pummelled but not four of you! Hah!”

 

“What do you want!?” Eijiro growled out as the three students created a barrier between the villain and Kota.

 

“Isn’t it obvious?” The villain said and threw off his cloak, “Name’s Muscular, not that it matters, seeing as I’m about to beat all four of you to death.”

 

“Oh yeah!?” Eijiro cried and slammed his fists together, hardening his body as he did, “I guess you don’t know who you’re messing with!”

 

Before anyone could stop him Eijiro charged forward with a battlecry.

 

“Ejiro wait!” Kyouka cried but it was too late.

 

Eijiro threw a punch but Muscular caught it with ease. Then Kyouka’s ears were filled with a sickening sound like wet sand paper being dragged along rubber. She watched as the other arm of Muscular became surrounded in red muscle fibres, bulking it up until it was twice its size.

 

The enlarged arm punched Eijiro in his ribs and he was sent flying into the side of the mountain with a crash.

 

“Kota keep back!” Mina shouted as she and Kyouka ran forward.

 

“Lets fucking GO!” Muscular shouted with excitement as more muscle tendons grew over his arms.

 

But Mina launched two balls of acid at him, they landed on his arms and, based on the loud sizzling that filled the air, Mina wasn’t holding back. Muscular let out a cry and staggered back slightly as he tried to rip the burning muscle from his arms.

 

Kyouka took the opening and swung her leg out, launching a kick into his side. When she would go on to tell Nighteye about the fight he would scorn her for not realising the obvious sooner.

 

Muscular had what was likely an A Grade Strength augmentation quirk. Kyouka did not.

 

Her foot landed harmlessly against Muscular’s side, she may as well have attempted to kick down a wall. He looked at her and smirked.

 

“That was stupid.”

 

He grabbed her ankle and twisted it painfully until Kyouka collapsed. She was then swung through the air like a rag doll and tossed into Mina causing them both to crumple onto the floor.

 

“Some heroes you are!” Muscular taunted as he ran forward, “Can’t even hold me off for a few minutes!”

 

Muscular raised both arms above his head. But before he could cave in Kyouka and Mina;s skull, Eijiro appeared from the side. He punched Muscular in the side of the face with a hardened hand and, unlike Kyouka’s attack, it caused Muscular’s head to snap to the side.

 

But Muscular was still immensely strong and he recovered quickly. His arm snapped out and wrapped around Eijiro’s throat with a squeeze.

 

Kyouka shot her ear jacks out, the sharp ends dug into the muscle around the villain's arm and easily started to slice through it. Blood spurted around the area as tendons flailed helplessly as they were torn apart.

 

With the arm around his throat weakened, Eijiro grabbed it with both hands and twisted it away from him. A hardened knee came up and hit Muscular right in the stomach before he had a chance to cover it in extra muscle. 

 

Muscular growled and tried to grab Eijiro with his other arm. But Mina jumped on him, wrapping her arms around his bicep and practically pouring acid onto it. The growing muscles sizzled and hissed as they turned black and green before flailing away.

 

“You pink bitch!” Muscular shouted out as muscles surrounded his neck and head.

 

He pulled back his head and slammed it against Mina. There was a sickening crack as Mina let out a cry of pain and fell back, her head covered in blood.

 

“Mina!” Eijiro cried.

 

“Eijiro pay attention!” Kyouka shouted.

 

But Eijiro had already looked away from Muscular as Mina fell back. Muscular’s arm produced even more muscle than before, growing three if not four times its normal size. The huge arm punched Eijiro right in the stomach. There was a loud snapping like breaking bone as Eijiro’s hardened skin crumbled against the sheer force of the blow.

 

Eijiro coughed up blood as he staggered back, clutching his stomach. Muscular laughed and raised another fist. Eijiro raised his arms to block it but it was useless. Ejiro’s skin shattered like glass as blood and chunks of hardened skin splayed out and Eijiro slammed into the ground.

 

Muscular let out a deep laugh that seemed to shake the area, “You guys actually aren’t half bad! Considering you’re just a bunch of kids!”

 

He raised a foot to slam down on the struggling Eijiro. Kyouka shot her jacks out and wrapped them around Eijiro’s ankle. She yanked him across the ground moments before Muscular’s foot could have caved in his chest.

 

Eijiro was in a bad way, he was covered in blood and wounds and seemed to be on the verge of falling unconscious.

 

“Eijiro… Eijiro! You need to stay awake!”

 

Eijiro coughed up more blood before his unfocused eyes briefly looked over at Kyouka, “Y-You got it boss.”

 

“Awww,” Muscular mocked with a feral smile, “Why don’t you just give up? It’s not like you puny kids can win!”

 

Before Muscular could move forward however Mina appeared behind him. She had leapt onto his shoulders and wrapped her legs around his throat. One side of her face was swollen and bloody and one of her horns had snapped. The part that had snapped off was held in her hand and as she jumped on Muscular’s back she plunged her broken horn into his eye. Blood poured down his face quickly followed by acid as it dripped off every part of Mina’s body. Smoke rose up from Muscular as his skin and flesh was burned.

 

“Arghhhhhh!” Muscular cried as his skin bubbled.

 

He reached up to rip Mina off him but Kyouka dashed forward. Her jacks once again tore through the muscle on his arm as fast as they could, trying to delay him.

 

But without her new suit Kyouka just wasn’t a match for Muscular in a head to head battle. He quickly grabbed her jacks with his other hand and pulled her forward. Kyouka flew through the air until she met a foot right in her chest. She could feel several ribs crack as she was kicked to the ground.

 

With Kyouka down, Muscular reached up and ripped Mina off him. His face was left red and blistering, Mina’s horn still sticking out of his eye. But he held her up by the throat with a wide smile on face.

 

“I haven’t had a fight like this in years!” He cried with joy, “Too bad I gotta end it quickly!”

 

Kyouka watched in horror as he started to squeeze Mina’s throat, causing her to gasp and tug at his arm but he didn’t relent. Kyouka tried to stand up but her chest felt like it had collapsed and her legs were too weak.

 

“M-Mina…” Eijiro coughed from somewhere behind her, his voice weak.

 

“NO!”

 

Everyone paused as a weak stream of water appeared over Kyouka’s head and hit Muscular. The villain blinked in confusion as everyone turned to find Kota. He was shaking like a leaf and water was dripping down his hands from where he’d used his quirk.

 

Muscular paused before letting out a loud mocking laugh, “AHAHAHA! What was that pipsqueak!? You call that a counter attack!?”

 

Kota had gone pale and though his mouth was opening and closing he was unable to speak.

 

“AHAHAHAHA! You pathetic little kid!”

 

“You… leave him… alone.” Eijiro had managed to force himself to his feet, his body was shaking and he stood in front of Kota with raised fists.

 

Muscular grew a wide smile at the display, “I guess you’ve got some fight in you after all!”

 

Kyouka growled at the look Muscular was giving Kota, “Don’t you dare touch him!” She snarled as she too managed to get to her feet.

 

These actions only seemed to excite Muscular even more, “Oho! When I’ve killed your little pink friend here I can’t wait to get to you three!”

 

Instead of the expected shock or fear at his words, Mina started to laugh.

 

Muscular turned to her with a frown, “The hell is so funny!?”

 

“You think you’re going to win.”

 

Muscular let out a chuckle as he squeezed Mina’s neck, “I’ve already won. Who the hell do you think is gonna stop me?”

 

“My boyfriend.” Mina managed to cough out.

 

Muscular turned to Eijiro and smirked, “I think you’re a little overconfident in him.”

 

“Not that one,” Mina said as she glanced behind Muscular, “My other boyfriend.”

 

Muscular only had time to give her a confused look before there was an explosion at his back. The outcrop rippled and Musuclar’s grip on Mina loosened enough for her to free herself.

 

From the smoke behind Muscular Izuku appeared soaring over his shoulders. He had his metal straw in his mouth and his body was ebbing with power. He landed on the other side of Muscular next to Kyouka.

 

“Oh good,” Eijiro said as he fell back down to his knees, “We can all relax now.”

 

Muscular turned to Izuku, “Ha! Another one! This is just getting better and better.”

 

Izuku looked around the area before turning back to Muscular with a cold look, “Touch any of them again and I’ll make you regret it.”

 

“Oh yeah little man!?” Muscular cried and slammed his fists on the ground, causing the entire area to shake, “Why don’t you try it!”

 

Izuku moved forward at a laughing Muscular. Muscular swung a huge arm out but Izuku vanished just before impact. Muscular grunted in annoyance and turned as Izuku popped in beside him. Heat vision burst from Izuku’s eyes and seared against Muscular’s arms. The villain staggered back with a shocked look.

 

“The hell kinda quirk is this!?”

 

Izuku didn’t answer him, instead teleporting again behind Muscular. Swords tore from his arms and Izuku sliced through Muscular’s muscle. The villain toppled forward before swinging around.

 

He backhanded Izuku right across the face so hard Izuku’s jaw snapped and teeth went flying. 

 

But Izuku just turned back to Muscular, his jaw snapping back into place. He swung his sword out as Muscular went for a punch. The two clashed and Izuku’s sword sliced right through Musuclar’s hand.

 

“Agh! You son of a bitch!” Muscular roared.

 

He used Izuku’s trapped sword to drag Izuku forward and grab him by the throat. Even as his airways were cut off Izuku let out heat vision, searing Muscular’s shoulder.

 

“The hell kinda freak are you!?” Muscular shouted as he reached out and grabbed Izuku’s shoulder.

 

There was a horrible sounding tear in the area as Muscular twisted Izuku’s shoulder and his arm was torn off. Izuku let out a scream and was thrown to the side before Muscular reached up and ripped the sword out of his hand.

 

Izuku landed in a heap next to Kyouka, breathing heavily and covered in blood. She rushed over and helped him to his feet, even now she could see his shoulder starting to heal.

 

“How long until you get your arm back?”

 

“Half a minute maybe?” Izuku guessed as he grit his teeth, “He’s strong.”

 

“Yeah well there’s one of him and four of us,” Eijiro said as he limped forward, a determined look on his face.

 

Izuku and Kyouka looked over at him as Mina joined them.

 

“What?” She said, “Just cause we can’t heal doesn’t mean a few hits are gonna take us out.”

 

“Wait!” Kota said from behind them, “I… I don’t want anyone else to die!”

 

Izuku turned back and smiled at him, “Don’t worry Kota, with you behind us, this guy is never going to win.”

 

“AHAHAHAHA!” Muscular bellowed as he bulked up even more, “I like you kid!” He said before he eyed Izuku and frowned, “Wait a sec… You’re the kid we’re supposed to capture.”

 

Izuku narrowed his eyes at Muscular, “Who wants me alive?”

 

Muscular just shrugged, “Hell if I know. Ah well, I always was bad at following rules!”

 

He buffed up his arms and slammed them into the ground like a gorilla, the outcrop shook as Eijiro cracked his knuckles.

 

“Let’s kick his ass.”

 

The four of them charged forward together as Muscular leapt into the air towards them. Izuku booted him out of the air with heat vision causing the villain to roll on the ground. He raised a fist to crush Izuku but Izuku teleported away.

 

Mina skidded around to Muscular’ side, throwing the most potent acid she could produce at him. His arm shrivelled as the muscles sizzled away and he swung wildly at her only for Mina to dodge under the blow like a professional gymnast.

 

With Muscular’s side open, Eijiro moved forward and launched an uppercut directly at his unprotected face. Muscular’s head snapped back and Eijiro launched another punch. His nose exploded with blood and a few teeth came flying out.

 

“Get off!” Muscular growled and went to reach for Eijiro.

 

But Kyouka was there first and her jacks tore into the muscle on his arm, ripping it to shreds like a salad. It weakened it enough for Eijiro to block it without going flying and allow him to continue to assault on Muscular face.

 

“Stupid KIDS!” Muscular roared and pulled his head back, covering his neck in muscle before bringing it forward.

 

He smashed straight through Eijiro’s hand and directly onto his face. Eijiro was smashed into the ground with a small shockwave.

 

“That’ll teach you, you damn weakling!” 

 

Muscular raised his arm to smash Eijiro but Izuku was upon him. With a metal straw in his mouth Izuku launched two explosions that pushed Muscular back and disoriented him. He randomly threw out an arm to defend himself as Izuku approached.

 

But it presented the perfect opportunity for Izuku to attack and he leaped into the air. With his arm now regrown Izuku swung out with two swords. They pierced straight into Musuclar’s arm and with a tug using all the force Kinetic Strength had built up for him Izuku pulled.

 

Muscular let out a cry as his arm flopped to the ground, blood pouring from the wound. His quirk quickly covered the bloody stump but there was no regrowing the arm.

 

“YOU FUCKING WEAKLINGS! I’LL CRUSH YOU!”

 

Muscular managed to pluck Izuku out of the air before he could teleport and he slammed him into the wall. He was just about to crush him when Kyouka’s jacks appeared from behind Muscular’s shoulders, wrapping around his throat before the ends stuck into his muscle.

 

With all her power Kyouka pushed vibrations directly into Muscular. He staggered back as his whole body shook, his quirk went wild as it tried to fight against the intense vibrations.

 

Muscular hissed and reached back, grabbing Kyouka’s jacks and swinging her through the air. But even as she was slammed into the ground Kyouka didn’t give in, she held her quirk and continued to power vibrations into Muscular.

 

He tried to reach for her jacks again but Mina leaped out of nowhere, wrapping her body around his arm and shoulder like a spider-monkey. Intense acid poured from her body all over the muscle. But she wasn’t done, she leaned forward and bit down on the half of her horn sticking out of Muscular’s face. She ripped it out with a jerk of her head before swinging her head back and stabbing Muscular with it again.

 

“ARGHHH YOU BASTARD WHAT KINDA MOVE IS THAT!?”

 

Muscular tried to swing Mina off but Eijiro appeared behind him. He’d focused his entire quirk into his fingers, creating long razor sharp talons. He used them to slice into the back of Muscular’s knees, ripping through the muscles until he reached the tendons.

 

Muscular’s weakened knees couldn’t hold him up and he fell with a crazed look in his remaining good eye.

 

“WHAT. THE HELL. IS WRONG WITH YOU KIDS!?”

 

“IZUKU!” Kyouka called from where she struggled to her feet, “NOW!”

 

Izuku smashed out of the crater in the wall. He stared directly at Muscular as his eyes glowed with power and white streaks appeared in his hair. Kyouka could feel the power crackle in the air as Izuku let a primal roar.

 

Then Muscular’s quirk vanished.

 

His extra muscles disappeared in an instant, wrapping back into his body. Mina jumped back as Kyouka cut her quirk off.

 

A now much smaller muscular staggered back, staring down at his body in shock. 

 

“Wha- WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME!? WHERE’S MY QUIRK!?”

 

But he didn’t get an answer. Instead Eijrio stood up and gave him an uppercut with a hardened fist. Muscular’s eyes rolled into the back of his head and he collapsed back in the dirt.

 

“That’s what you get for touching my partners.” Eijiro snarled.

 

“You- You did it!” Kota called as he ran forward, tears were streaming down his face, “You actually did it!”

 

Mina fell to her knees with a smile, her outfit was ruined. Her pants were now a torn pair of shorts and her top had gone completely, leaving her in her sports bra.

 

“We told you, didn't we?”

 

“Are you guys ok?” Izuku said, turning to everyone.

 

Immediately Kyouka could feel an extra quirk pushed into her as Izuku started to pass around regeneration.

 

“We’re fine Izuku.” Kyouka said.

 

Eijiro bent over on his knees as his wounds started to close up, “I’m assuming that guy wasn’t alone?”

 

An explosion from the forest gave an answer.

 

“We need to go and help the others,” Izuku said.

 

“You three go,” Mina said as she was the last to be healed, “I’ll take Kota back to the main campsite, we’ll barricade the building and set up a first aid centre.”

 

“Are you sure?” Kyouka asked.

 

Mina nodded, “I’m the fastest out of all of us bar Izuku and he needs to be on the front lines.”

 

Kyouka could tell none of them liked it but it was a sound argument, “Ok… be safe.”

 

Mina smiled and leaned forward, giving each of them a quick kiss, “Come on Kota, let's go.” She said as Kota climbed onto her back.

 

“Wait!” He said and turned back to everyone, “Th-Thank you.”

 

Eijiro smiled at him, “We’re heroes, it’s what we do.”

 

---

 

Katsuki flew just above the tree line with Aizawa swinging under him. Up ahead they could see fire and smoke and the sounds of battle rang through the forest. Below him Katsuki heard Aizawa curse.

 

“Bakugou!” He called up, “You’re faster on your own, head to the clearing and I’ll meet you there!”

 

Katsuki didn’t need to be told twice. He shot forwards, air rippling through his clothes as the trees swayed with him. Before long he came across a large clearing that looked like a battlezone. Several students from both 1A and 1B as well as the Pussycats were fighting off a small army of villains.

 

Most seemed to be fodder, weak quirks with little to no training. Though Katsuki could see the ones among them who were clearly more dangerous. This included one woman holding some kind of huge metal weapon. She had Pixie-Bob pinned down and was holding the weapon over her head to the fear of several students.

 

Unfortunately for the villain she had her back to Katsuki. He shot forward through the air. The villain turned at the last minute but Katsuki punched her right in the face. She was sent flying through the air, dropping her weapon as she tumbled through the dirt.

 

“Magne!” 

 

Another villain with a lizard quirk and huge sword made of knives had seen the attack and was running towards Katsuki and Pixie-Bob. Katsuki glanced down at her and saw she was unconscious.

 

“Yaoyorozu!” He barked at the girl who had just knocked out two villains with a grenade launcher, “Pixie-Bob needs help!”

 

Yaoyorozu nodded and threw her weapon aside, running towards Pixie-Bob as first aid equipment started to glow out of her skin, “Cover me!”

 

Katsuki nodded and moved to intercept the lizard villain.

 

“You think just because you’ve got a powerful quirk you can hit a woman!” The villain cried as he raised his huge sword above his head.

 

He brought it down towards Katsuki who activated his quirk and swung his arm out. The sword made contact with Katsuki’s arm and shattered.

 

The lizard gave him a shocked look and Katsuki smirked.

 

“Yeah. I do.”

 

He kicked the villain in the chest and they were sent flying into a nearby tree.

 

“Thanks kid!” Mandalay said as she landed next to him in the middle of the chaos.

 

“Where is everyone!?” Katsuki shouted back.

 

“Most are here, we’ve got a few scattered kids that Vlad King is trying to get to but this is the brunt of the battle! Luckily most of these are just two bit thugs and you kids pack a hell of a punch. Especially now that you’re here!”

 

Katsuki nodded as two villains ran up to him. They went down with ease, his powered punches and kicks knocking them out. Katsuki wasn’t entirely sure what percentage of One For All he was operating at but if he had to guess it was easily 20%-25%.

 

He turned to face another villain when he felt himself be plucked out of the air. Turning his head he saw he was heading straight for Magne. She was back up and pointing her weapon right at Katsuki. The cover was off and it looked like a large magnet.

 

Katsuki tried to twist in the air and fly off but the pull was too strong. He clashed into Magne who swung the huge magnet at him and hit him straight in the side. Katsuki felt the air leave his lungs as he crashed to the ground.

 

He turned back to Magne with a snarl.

 

“You’re one tough kid!” Magne said with a smile.

 

“I’ll show you tough!” Katsuki growled and shot forward.

 

But Magne twisted her magnet to the other end and Katsuki felt himself being forced back. He pushed against the force with all his might but he couldn’t move forward. At best he was only able to stop himself being pushed back.

 

Magne grunted and grit her teeth with the force of trying to push her quirk back against Katsuki. Then they both felt the force vanish completely. Magne looked down at her magnet in confusion before she found herself wrapped in a capture scarf.

 

Magne was tossed into the air as Aizawa leapt from the trees. He slammed her back down the ground. A moment later her magnet fell from the air and smashed into her.

 

“Eraser!” Mandalay said with relief.

 

“Mandalay, relay a message to all the students. They have permission to use their quirks!”

 

“I think we figured that bit out!” Katsuki barked as he flew to Aizawa’s side.

 

“Bakugou, you take on the heavy hitters. I’ll try cut off quirks where I can.” Aizawa ordered.

 

Katsuki nodded and looked around, “Any idea who the heavy hitters are?”

 

He got his answer when Todoroki crashed into the ground nearby, a wave of blue flame following him.

 

A heavily scarred man wearing a trenchcoat walked through the trees as blue flames licked his skin. He had a wide smile as he threw out an attack.

 

“HAHA! Come one little Todoroki! Show me what all that special training Endeavor gave you is good for!”

 

Blue fire launched itself towards Todoroki but it was driven off course by a strong gust of wind as Yoarashi appeared overhead. Todoroki took the opening and launched a huge wave of ice but the blue flame user melted it an instant.

 

Katsuki narrowed his eyes and took off to join the fight. He was just closing in when a purple portal appeared right in front of him. He was going too fast to avoid it and he shot straight through.

 

The portal closed behind him, shutting off the sounds of the battle and leaving him surrounded by dark trees. He was still in the forest but he had no idea how far he was from the campsite.

 

“Oh good,” A scratchy voice said behind him, “You’re here.”

 

Katsuki spun on his feet and narrowed his eyes at the smiling figure behind him, “Shigaraki.”

 

---

“This is Mandalay, by authorisation of Pro Hero Eraserhead all UA students have authorisation to use their quirks to fight back!”

 

Kyouka scoffed, it was a bit late for that. Her and Eijiro were following Izuku as they ran through the forest, aiming for the area with the strongest quirks.

 

“You guys think this is The League?” Eijiro asked as they turned a corner at a large oak tree.

 

“Definitely,” Izuku responded in a tone Kyouka hadn’t heard him use before, “It’s probably how they got here, using Kurogiri again.”

 

Kyouka bit her lip and asked the question on her mind, “Any idea why they want you alive?”

 

Izuku paused and sighed, “It’s probably because-”

 

“Look out!”

 

Neither Kyouka or Izuku had been paying attention to their surroundings and had allowed the villain to sneak up on them.

 

A blonde girl in a school uniform fell from the trees wielding two sharp knives. Kyouka dived to her right but still received a nasty cut on her shoulder.

 

The girl landed on her feet with the grace of a cat and swung a knife at Eijiro. Eijiro however simply hardened his arms and the knife bounced off him harmlessly.

 

“Hey! No fair!” The girl pouted as she leapt back, “I wanted to taste your blood!”

 

Izuku rushed forward. The girl threw two knives out but Izuku simply tanked them, letting them slice into his chest before he shouldered the girl to the ground.

 

Izuku tripped and tumbled forward as Eijiro and Kyouka ran up to secure the villain. She was on her knees and staring down at her hands, frozen solid.

 

“Hey!” Eijiro said as he stood over her, “Don’t move!”

 

The girl slowly looked up at him and Kyouka with tears in her eyes, “It… It’s gone… My quirk is gone.”

 

Oh right… Izuku.

 

“Yeah well, don’t attack people next time.” Kyouka said.

 

“I… Thank you!” The girl said as tears started to run down her face, “Thank you so much!”

 

“Huh!?” Eijiro said with a frown, “Thank you?”

 

“My quirk,” The girl said as she smiled, “I hate my quirk… It comes with a hunger for blood, so strong I can barely control it. I finally… I finally don’t feel hungry for the first time in years.”

 

“Oh…” Eijiro said with a look of sympathy, “I see.”

 

Suddenly the cogs in Kyouka’s brain shifted and she felt her veins run cold, “Wait… Did you say… Hunger?”

 

The girl nodded.

 

Kyouka slowly turned her head to face Izuku. He was looking down at the ground, his breathing heavy and body shaking slightly.

 

Kyouka gulped, “Izuku…?”

 

Izuku’s eyes snapped up to her, they were empty and cold.

 

“Delicious…” He whispered.

 

“Izuku… Are you ok?” Kyouka said even as she took a step back.

 

Izuku smiled, it was a smile Kyouka didn’t recognize. 

 

Your quirks smell delicious!” Izuku said with a slight giggle.

 

“Izuku, you're scaring me,” Kyouka said.

“Izuku?” Izuku said with a frown before smiling, “No… I’m not Izuku. You can call me Deku. And I’m… so… HUNGRY!”

Notes:

I'll be honest, I've never been a big fan of the 'Toga has a blood craze which is unmanaged making her crazy' trope but it fit too well in this fic not to use it.

Thanks for all the comments and kudos as always!

Chapter 62: Deku Attacks

Summary:

As the heroes and villains battle it out in the forest a new threat emerges, a threat none of them are prepared for

Shigaraki casually walked forward, smiling at Katsuki, though he was covered in hands he had tossed the one that normally covered his face aside.

 

“It’s good to see you again, Bakugou.”

 

Katsuki didn’t think twice before he shot forward with an outstretched fist. Clearly Shigaraki had been doing some training though as he easily dodged to the side. Katsuki turned in the air but Shigaraki just frowned at him.

 

“Is that anyway to greet a friend?”

 

Katsuki scoffed, “Friend? You tried to kill me and my friends.”

 

Shigaraki just waved him off, “That was then. This is now.”

 

Katsuki grinted and moved forward. He swung a fist out which Shigaraki dodged once again.

 

“You need to calm down!” Shigiraki snapped as he flung out his outstretched hand at Katsuki.

 

Katsuki flew back, making sure there was a few feet between him and Shigaraki.

 

“What do you want?” He spat.

 

“To talk,” Shigaraki responded, “I figured we could discuss things while the rest of the NPCs fight.”

 

Katsuki narrowed his eyes in suspicion, he didn’t lower his guard but stopped attacking.

 

“Talk about what?” Katsuki asked, he could at least try to buy himself some time.

 

“Isn’t it obvious?” Shigaraki said with an eyeroll, “Izuku Midoriya.”

 

Katsuki immediately tensed up, “What about him?”

 

“You must know by now it’s his dear old Dad running the show right?” 

 

“Yeah, we figured.” Katsuki said, of course it had all been speculation at that point but he wasn’t surprised to find Shigaraki confirming it.

 

Shigaraki hummed as he leaned against a tree, “This is all his idea you know? Cause chaos with a bunch of grunts while the few decent recruits we have kidnap his precious son.”

 

Katsuki let out a bark of laughter, “You actually think he’ll come willingly?”

 

“I don’t care what he does,” Shigaraki responded with a scowl, “I had my own plan for this but that was thrown out the window by Sensei.”

 

“And what was your plan?”

 

“A small squad, capable of holding back your lot but probably not beating them. But the focus would be on bringing someone back with us, and willingly, not a kidnapping.” Shigaraki said before he glared down at the ground, “But Sensei said we should make an impact and bring All Might's star pupil back. As if I don’t know the real reason he wants him back.”

 

Katsuki realised he was probably gaining more information about All For One than All Might had managed in years. So as much as he wanted to punch Shigaraki in the face he held off.

 

“So he wants Zuzu for what, to be his successor?”

 

It was apparently the wrong thing to say as a dark look flashed across Shigaraki’s face and he cracked his fingers dangerously.

 

“I’M his successor! Although… Maybe you have a point. But Sensei doesn’t have allies, he has weapons. And his own precious son is the perfect weapon. Or at least his quirk is.”

 

“So where do you fit into all of this?” Katsuki asked.

 

“Ah, ah, ah,” Shigaraki said as he wiggled a finger at Katsuki, “Just because we’re talking doesn’t mean I’m going to spill all our secrets.”

 

Katsuki clenched his fists, “So what the hell are we talking about?”

 

“I told you that Midoirya wasn’t my choice of target,” Shigaraki said, “You were.”

 

Katsuki raised an eyebrow, “Target for what?”

 

“Recruitment!” Shigaraki responded, like he was inviting Katsuki to apply for a job at a family business, “To finally make you see you belong by my side.”

 

Katsuki couldn’t help it, he let out a soft snort which evolved into laughter, “You can’t be serious?”

 

Shigaraki scowled, “And why not!? You and I are the same.”

 

That stopped Katsuki’s laughter.

 

“You and I are nothing alike.”

 

“Aren’t we? We’ve been chosen to be successors to a war that has nothing to do with us, don’t try to deny it I know where your quirk came from. Both looked at by society with distrust and disdain. And we both see the beauty and power in violence.” 

 

Shigaraki had stepped forward during his words and Katsuki watched him closely.

 

“I’m not obsessed with violence like you are,” Katsuki scoffed.

 

“Aren’t you?” Shigaraki asked with a raised eyebrow, “You attacked me without a moment's hesitation. You enjoy violence just as much as I do.”

 

“I enjoy beating up villains.”

 

“Oh is that it?” Shigaraki said and smirked at him, “That’s the only reason you use violence? You’ve never once thought about hurting someone for the sake of it?”

 

Katsuki opened his mouth but his voice died in his throat. This only made Shigaraki smile wider.

 

“I wonder. What would you have been like if you’d grown up with a quirk instead of quirkless? Do you think you’d still be a hero? That you’d still be a good person?”

 

“Of course I would!” Katsuki snapped, though his voice wobbled slightly.

 

“Are you sure? What about before you knew you were quirkless? Were you the same good hero then?” Shigaraki mocked.

 

Katsuki paused, knowing Shigaraki was wrong. He would never hurt someone who didn’t deserve it. But then a memory flashed across his mind. It was blurry, from when he was a kid before his quirk diagnosis. During their school years some of the kids had started to call Izuku Deku, though it only lasted until they moved schools. It was a play on words based on the kanji reading of Izuku. They’d never found out where it started. Except Katsuki knew.

 

It had been him. He was the one who had first called Izuku Deku behind his back. Something he had never admitted to anyone.

 

But they were just kids back then. His quirklessness wasn’t the sole reason he hadn’t grown up a bully.

 

Was it?

 

“Oh there’s something there isn’t there.” Shigaraki said, “You know it just as well as I do. You and I? We’re the same. The only difference is our quirks. Makes you wonder, if you’d been born with my quirk? Would you have been All For One’s successor?”

 

“Shut up!” Katsuki roared and shot forward.

 

He was too fast for Shigaraki who took a blow to the face. He growled and swivelled on his feet with an outstretched palm. Katsuki turned in the air and shot up, hovering just above the treeline.

 

“You can’t deny it, Katsuki Bakugou!” Shigaraki shouted up to him, “The only difference between you and me is the adult who found us!”

 

Katsuki ignored him and shot back down. But this time Shigaraki was expecting it. He ducked to the side, avoiding Katsuki’s punches, before throwing his hand out. Katsuki twisted and shot out as fast as he could. But Shigaraki still managed to clasp his sleeve.

 

Katsuki flew back into the air as his sleeve ripped off and disintegrated. Shigaraki’s quirk was dangerous but as long Katsuki kept up his speed Shigaraki was too slow to hit him with it.

 

Katsuki soared down again but Shigaraki dived to the side the moment he did. Katsuki slammed into the ground and skidded to a halt, turning to face the villain.

 

Shigaraki slammed his hands into a tree and the trunk instantly vanished. There was a creaking and Katsuki looked up just as the large oak fell on him. Branches snapped against his skin as he raised his arms above himself. But as quickly as the tree had appeared it was gone, a victim to Shigaraki’s quirk.

 

But it had done as intended. As Katsuki opened his eyes again Shigaraki was on him. 

 

Katsuki tumbled back as an outstretched hand nearly grazed his face. Shigaraki pushed forward as Katsuki fell backwards. He felt a large branch and grabbed it, swinging it at Shigaraki. Shigaraki’s hand clasped around the branch and it turned to dust.

 

Katsuki pushed back with float, skidding along the ground and out of Shigaraki’s range. He pushed himself into the air, backflipping until he was just over Shigaraki.

 

He swung his foot down and there was a crack as it hit Shigaraki on the head. He went down like a sack of bricks, collapsing into the ground as blood covered his face.

 

Shigaraki looked up at Katsuki with a shaking body.

 

“Ever compare us again,” Katsuki spat, “And I’ll kill you.”

 

He turned and shot off towards camp, leaving Shigaraki alone and injured.

 

---

 

Todoroki smashed through a tree into the clearing. He rolled across the ground as dirt filled his mouth. Coming to a stop he got to his knees, coughing the stuff out of him. His quirk was running at full blast, his body both freezing and burning at the same time. His heart was in his throat and he was near breaking point.

 

Whoever this so-called Dabi was, they weren’t just some thug with a fire quirk.

 

Looking around the battlefield Todoroki could see the chaos of the attack. The villains had no real rhyme or reason to them. They were simply there to kill and cause chaos. Luckily however the students and heroes were holding their own. Todoroki had no idea where Katsuki and Aizawa had gone but even without them they were pushing the villains back. It was only Dabi giving any of them any real issues.

 

“Don’t tell me you’re done already!?” Dabi cried as he walked up to Todoroki, “Where's that fight Endeavor put into you!?”

 

Todoroki wiped the sweat off his brow as he got to his feet, “Long gone. This is the fight my friends gave me.”

 

Dabi snorted, “What next? Are you going to defeat me with love?”

 

Dabi went to attack when the ground below him shot up, swallowing him hole in a cocoon of mud and dirt. 

 

Pixie-Bob appeared to the side, a bandage around her head and her hands manipulated the earth around Dabi.

 

“Todoroki!” 

 

Todoroki looked to his side as Uraraka came running up to him. She was covered in cuts and bruises and the side of her face was swollen.

 

“Ochako!” Todoroki cried as he ran up to her, “What happened?”

 

“Just some villain with a loud mouth and weak fighting style. Trust me they look worse than I do. Where did Bakugou go?” She asked as she looked around.

 

“Through a portal. If we’re lucky he’s still within the forest.”

 

Uraraka turned to him with a panicked expression, “And if we’re unlucky?”

 

Before Todoroki could answer he glanced at an incoming villain behind Uraraka.

 

“Look out!” He shouted and threw her behind his back.

 

Before he could attack however, a blonde school girl appeared from nowhere. She flew through the air and smashed a foot right into the side of the villain's head.

 

“I got him!” She cried with a wide smile.

 

“Good job Toga!” Eijiro cried as he and Kyouka ran up behind the blonde girl, though they didn’t smile at her victory.

 

“Guys!” Kyouka cried as she ran up to Uraraka and Todoroki, “Where’s Bakguou!?”

 

“We don’t know?” Todoroki said, “Jirou we need your quirk to-”

 

“I don’t have my quirk!” Kyouka snapped as her eyes widened in horror, “Where the hell is Bakugou!? He’s the only one who might stop him!”

 

“Stop who?” Uraraka asked in confusion.

 

Before anybody could say anymore there was an explosion that rang out throughout the field. Fiery chunks of dirt were thrown in all directions as Dabi broke free from his prison.

 

“Oh hey!” Dabi said with a wide smirk, “Looks like you snagged some students Toga!”

 

The blonde girl flinched, “I… I didn’t… I just…”

 

“Leave her alone!” Eijiro shouted as he stepped in front of her, “You’re the one that kept blood from her aren’t you!?”

 

Dabi shrugged, “I guess she’s not crazy anymore huh?”

 

“Dabi, listen to me!” Toga shouted, stepping forward, “You don’t understand what’s happening here! There’s this kid and-”

 

“Who cares!?” Dabi retorted with a growl, “I came here to kill heroes. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do!”

 

Dabi raised his hands above his head and brought them forward to shoot a huge blast of fire.

 

Except nothing happened.

 

Everyone braced themselves yet not an ember of blue fire could be seen. Dabi frowned and looked down at his hands.

 

“The fuck?” He grunted, “The hell happened to my quirk?”

 

“Oh God…” Kyouka whispered.

 

Then a wall of blue fire roared into life behind Dabi and slammed into the villain. He was sent flying through the air, smoke coming from his body as he hit the ground with a loud thud.

 

From the trees came a sight that made Todoroki gulp. Izuku was walking forward, the most deranged smile Todoroki had ever seen on his face. His hair was white and his eyes glowed green with power. Blue flames burned from his arms as the trees around him caught fire.

 

“Midoriya!” Pixie-Bob yelled, “Hold back would you!? You almost hit me!”

 

“That’s not Midoriya…” Eijiro said.

 

Izuku moved before anyone could fully register it. One minute he was there the next he vanished and appeared in front of Pixie-Bob. Her eyes widened in surprise before Izuku’s arm swung up. As it did so Todoroki watched muscle seemingly grow around it, doubling it in size. His fist slammed into Pixie-Bob's stomach and she let out a cough of blood.

 

Pixie-Bob collapsed to the ground with a groan as Izuku took a deep satisfying breath.

 

“Oh yeah… Not a bad quirk, elemental emitter quirks are common but yours is fairly powerful. And what a range!” Izuku said with glee.

 

Kyouka was right. This wasn’t Izuku.

 

“Deku stop!” Eijiro shouted, “You don’t have to do this! You want quirks right? Then go after the villains!”

 

Deku turned to them and spat on the ground with a scowl, “Heroes and villains. Is that all any of you ever think about? I can’t believe how obsessed we used to be with it all!”

 

“Hey kid!” One of the villains shouted, “Who’s side are you on!?”

 

“You see!?” Deku shouted angrily at the villain, “That’s what I’m talking about, you’re all obsessed with sides!”

 

Once again he moved. The villain was hit in the back of the head with a hardened fist and went down with ease. As he stood over them Deku frowned.

 

“That’s it!?” He complained, “A quirk that gives you an extra finger? Ugh, you can have this one back.”

 

“Todoroki!” Kyouka shouted next to him, snapping him out of his trance, “Do something!”

 

Todoroki nodded and rushed forward with a burst of flame. His arm became encased in ice as he pulled it back.

 

Deku saw him and let out a wide smile, “Todoroki! Now here’s a quirk worth taking!”

 

Todoroki smashed his fist into the side of Deku’s face. Ice exploded everywhere yet Deku’s face didn’t move an inch. Meanwhile pain shot through Todoroki’s arm, it was like punching an immovable object.

 

“Yeah… I got a couple new quirks.”

 

Deku’s arm shot out and his hand wrapped around Todoroki’s ankle. Todoroki was flung over Deku’s shoulder and smashed into the ground. He felt a strong pull on his quirk but he latched onto it and tugged it back. Above him he heard Deku let out an angry snarl.

 

“Why the hell did he let some of you gain a resistance to it! Give it up Todoroki!”

 

Deku’s eyes lit up hot red and Todoroki raised his arms to shield himself from the heat vision. But before it came Deku was tackled in the side by Sato.

 

“Stop it, Midoriya!” Sato shouted as he tried to pin Deku to the ground.

 

“My name is not MIDORIYA!” Deku roared and Sato was thrown off him with a burst of blue flame.

 

Deku got to his feet with a feral look. A moment later plant roots ripped from the ground and wrapped around him as one of the villains let out a gleeful cheer.

 

“I got him! I got the kid we’re after.”

 

Deku let out a deep bitter laugh, “You think you have me? You have ME!? You are nothing compared to me!”

 

He tore out of the roots with ease, his body gaining an immense amount of muscle that hardened around him as it grew. Between the fibres and cracks blue flames roared to life making Deku look more like a demon than a student.

 

The plant villain staggered back in shock as Deku charged her. She tried to raise a defence but Deku smashed through it like it was nothing. She was quickly thrown into the trees minus a quirk.

 

The battle around him seemed to have to come to an end as Deku rampaged across it. Hero or villain, he seemed intent on taking all the quirks he could.

 

Several villains charged him only to be tossed around like playthings. With each one giving Deku a new quirk to let loose with.

 

“More! More! MORE!” Deku roared as a huge fist slammed into a villain, sending them flying into the forest, “Your quirks will be mine! All mine!”

 

Deku turned to face more villains when his back exploded. He staggered forward and turned to find Yaoyorozu standing with a grenade launcher. She fired again and Deku raised a hand to take the blow.

 

“I don’t know who or what you are!” Yaoyorozu called with a determined fire in her eyes, “But I want my friend Midoriya back!”

 

Yaoyorozu fired again but Deku knocked it to the side like an annoying fly. He jumped into the air, the earth shattering behind him before landing right in front of Yoayorozu.

 

“Can’t you see!?” Deku cried as he swatted the launcher out of Yaoyorozu’s hands, “We are you friend!”

 

Yaoyorozu’s hand glowed as she went to use her quirk but Deku grabbed her by the throat and lifted her into the air.

 

“Ain’t no way you’re our class president!” A cry came from above as Kaminari seemingly dropped out of the sky and onto Deku’s shoulders.

 

He grabbed either end of Deku’s head and their bodies lit up like Christmas as he poured as many volts as he could in Deku. Yaoyorozu was dropped to the ground, her body shaking from the attack.

 

But as quickly as the attack had begun Kaminari’s electricity was cut off. He tried to push it out again but nothing happened.

 

“Oh shit.”

 

Deku reached up and ripped Kaminari off his shoulders, throwing him halfway to the campsite.

 

“Now for the real prize,” Deku said and turned to Yaoyorozu who was still convulsing on the ground, “Such a unique and powerful quirk. I’ve wanted a taste since we first met Yaoyorozu.”

 

“Get away from her!”

 

Deku was swept up in a combined attack as fire and hurricane winds slammed into him. He was pushed back against the ground as Todoroki and Yoarashi stood side by side for the combined assault.

 

Uraraka ran over to Yaoyorozu, lifting her in the air with her quirk and pulling her back.

 

“Don’t let up!” Todoroki shouted to Yoarashi as the massive firestorm engulfed Deku.

 

“AHAHA! YES! SUCH POWERFUL QUIRKS!”

 

There was a flash of blue and a colossal explosion of fire and electricity swept through the clearing. Todoroki was thrown back, his ice leg shattering as he collapsed in the dirt.

 

Before he could get back up plants rose up from the ground and twisted around him, pinning him in place. Deku appeared above him, his feet crashing down either side of Todoroki. His eyes were crazed and power flowed off him in waves.

 

“You know I once got a little taste of your Daddy's quirk?” Deku said as Todoroki squirmed beneath him, “I gotta say… Yours doesn’t even compare.”

 

Deku reached a fist back as Todoroki closed his eyes, ready for the impact. Except it never came. Where before the clearing seemed to be full of chaos it was suddenly calm and quiet.

 

“Ah, hello Sensei.”

 

Todoroki opened his eyes to find Aizawa glaring at Izuku with red glowing eyes.

 

“You’re not my student.” Aizawa said, “Todoroki, are you ok?”

 

Todoroki nodded as he tore off the plants and scrambled away from Deku, once he was out of eyesight of Aizawa he felt his quirk flow back into him. Around them people were fleeing into the forest, desperate to get away from the quirk stealing monster.

 

“Your timing is impeccable Aizawa.” Deku growled in frustration.

 

“Well the villain I was fighting, Mr Compress, wasn’t anything special without his quirk.” Aizawa said, “I’m more curious about what’s going on here.”

 

“Isn’t it obvious?” Deku said with a chuckle, “We’re finally taking what we deserve.”

 

Aizawa raised an eyebrow, “And what is that?”

 

“Quirks!” Deku said, “All the quirks in the world!”

 

“Now I know you can’t be Midoriya, he could never be so egotistical.”

 

Deku let out a disgusted scoff, “I’m better than Izuku. I’m Izuku at his peak.”

 

“And that peak includes hurting your friends?” Aizawa questioned.

 

“Only temporarily,” Deku said and waved him off, “It just makes it easier to take their quirks.”

 

“You act like you’re the only one who deserves a quirk.”

 

“Not necessarily,” Deku said with a frown, “It’s all about strength, Sensei. The strongest people in this world are the ones who rule it. Heroes, villains, civilians, None of those tags matter. There is only one truth in this world and that is those with power win and those without power lose. And I intend to win.”

 

“You know you’re starting to sound like what I imagine HIM to sound like.” Aizawa said and though Todoroki was confused Deku seemed to know exactly who they were talking about.

 

“What? Trying to get under my skin? Maybe I do. But he lost. All Might beat him but he won’t beat me. It’s all about evolution. I’m the pinnacle of human evolution. The perfect quirk in existence, it’s only natural I end up on top.” Deku said with a smirk.

 

“You say your quirk is perfect but here you are, cut off by my quirk.” Aizawa pointed out as his eyes remained focused on Deku.

 

“True,” Deku admitted, “But I’m also willing to guess you were expecting me to vanish and Izuku to reappear the moment you cut off our extra quirks.”

 

Aizawa frowned, “Your quirk is emitter too…”

 

Deku’s smirk grew even wider and he waggled a finger at Aizawa, “That’s what the doctors thought. But do you really think our quirk can be fixed into the usual methods of classification? All For One is everything at once. Emitter, mutant, augmentation and seemingly no quirk at all. With all that training you’ve made us do, our quirk has grown into something not even All Might could predict.”

 

“That still doesn’t change the fact you’re cut off from the rest of your quirks.”

 

“That’s true.” Deku said with a shrug, “But you can’t hold your quirk forever. You’ll have to blink eventually. It will be less than a second but with all the quirks I’ve built up, how much do you think I’ll be able to do in that split second?”

 

Aizawa paused.

 

“Todoroki.”

 

“Yes Sensei?”

 

“Run.”

 

---

 

Katsuki soared over the trees as fast as he could. As soon as he had gotten his bearings he realised Shigaraki hadn’t taken him far. He just needed to get back to the clearing where the main fight was and-

 

A colossal sized monster suddenly reared its head in front of Katsuki. Quite the feat considering how high up Katsuki was. It let out a great roar before a hand swatted Katsuki out of the sky like a mosquito. Katsuki crashed down through the tree line and crashed into the ground.

 

He looked up at the monster with a growl, “What the hell Dark Shadow!?”

 

Dark Shadow responded with another roar, its shadowy hand coming down to crush Katsuki. Katsuki dived to the side, avoiding the attack as twigs, dirt and bark flew everywhere from the impact.

 

“Bakugou!”

 

Katsuki turned as Shoji ran up to him, he was bleeding heavily and moving more slowly than usual.

 

“The hell is Tokoyami doing!?” Katsuki demanded.

 

“It’s not his fault,” Shoji said, “He struggled to control Dark Shadow in the darkness and he grew angry when he saw the villain injure me.”

 

“Villain?” Katsuki asked, “What villain?”

 

“Fleeeesh!”

 

“That one!”

 

Shoji once again pushed Katsuki to the side a moment before long bone-like spikes ripped into the trees and ground.

 

The villain was wearing a black straight jacket and Katsuki realised the spikes were made of his teeth. 

 

“Fleeeesh!” The villain cried again as another set of teeth shot out at Katsuki.

 

He raised his arms to defend himself but even with his quirk the teeth sliced at his skin. Katsuki threw his arms open as he shattered the teeth with sheer force before ducking back.

 

He went to charge the villain when a massive shadow hand slammed down in front of him and knocked him away, Katsuki twisted in the air before turning himself up right with float.

 

“Dammit Tokoyami, what are you doing!?”

 

“He can’t control it!” Shoji shouted from below Katsuki, “He’s trying but Dark Shadow is out of control!”

 

“Well how do we get it under control!?” Katsuki yelled down as he twisted in the air to avoid being snapped in half by Dark Shadow’s beak.

 

“He needs light!” Shoji replied as he grew several arms to take the blow from the tooth villain.

 

Katsuki looked down at his glowing arm from his quirk.

 

“I think I can do that I just-”

 

“FLESH!”

 

Katsuki let out a cry as several teeth pierced into his beck. He tensed his muscles at the last minute, causing most of them to shatter but he still felt a few stab wounds.

 

He shot to the side as another set flew past him and he dipped below the tree line, next to Shoji.

 

“We can’t do anything with that damn freak attacking us!”

 

“I don’t think I’m strong enough to beat him,” Shoji confessed, “His teeth slice right through muscle and skin.”

 

“For once I wish Shitty Hair was here,” Katsuki grunted.

 

“If we can just get rid of one we can probably take the other,” Shoji said, “But I don’t know how we get rid of one while the other keeps attacking us.”

 

“Simple,” Katsuki said with a smirk, “We let them do it for us. Can you get toothy into a clearing?”

 

“I can try,” Shoji said before running over to the villain.

 

Katsuki shot up into the air towards Dark Shadow.

 

“Hey asshole!”

 

Dark Shadow swung his hands out to crush Katsuki but Katsuki twisted and looped in the air to avoid them. He rose up under Dark Shadows beak, pushing all his quirk into float and his arms before he struck Dark Shadow with an uppercut.

 

Dark Shadow’s head snapped back before its yellow eyes narrowed on Katsuki. It let out a cry that shook Katsuki’s ears before reaching out to grab him. Katsuki dropped below the hand to avoid it before the other hand reached up to grab him.

 

Katsuki shot to the side. A moment too late he realised it had been a trap and he looked up as Dark Shadows' beak went to bite him in half. He reached up and grabbed the top of the beak before bracing his feet against the bottom, holding Dark Shadows' mouth open.

 

His body shook as Dark Shadow let out a frustrated scream while trying to crush Katsuki in its mouth.

 

“Damn it bird brain you owe me for this!”

 

He pushed back with all his might and shot out of Dark Shadows beak which snapped shut with a resounding crack. Katsuki twisted his body in the air before kicking Dark Shadow in the side of the face.

 

“Come get me!”

 

Katsuki turned and shot downwards until he was below the treeline. He curved around trees as he flew forward. He glanced behind him and saw Dark Shadow following, crushing and uprooting trees as he ploughed forward.

 

“Bakugou this way!”

 

Katsuki turned towards Shoji’s shout and broke through into a clearing where the student was fighting the tooth villain. 

 

The villain turned to Katsuki as he appeared and spikes shot out of his mouth. But Katsuki ducked into a roll and he stumbled along the ground and to the side.

 

A second later Dark Shadow crashed from the trees, directly towards the tooth villain. The villain let out an attack but his teeth simply broke against Dark Shadow. Dark Shadow grabbed the villain in his beak, crushing him and throwing him around like a chew toy before tossing him deep into the forest.

 

“That’s gotta hurt,” Katsuku mumbled.

 

“Bakugou! Light!” Shoji cried.

 

Katsuki nodded and focused on his quirk, on the effects it had. He then pushed it through every inch of his body until it was painful. But it worked and his body lit up like a bright red flame. Dark Shadow was engulfed in red light and let out a painful scream. Fire would have been more effective but it was enough.

 

“Dark Shadow!” Tokoyami's strained voice said, “RETURN!”

 

Dark Shadow let out one more angry cry before retreating back into Tokoyami’s chest who had appeared in the midst of all the destruction. He collapsed to his knees as sweat covered his body.

 

“Tokoyami!” Shoji called out and ran forward, grabbing his friend.

 

“I… apologise…” Tokoyami said weakly as Katsuki approached, “Thank you both for stopping me before I did any real harm.”

 

Katsuki just grunted in response, “Don’t mention it. You two stay here, I need to-”

 

“Bakugou look out!”

 

Katsuku tensed and swivelled on his feet as a villain came charging towards them!

 

And… ran right past them…

 

“Uh… Are they blind?” Katsuki asked with a furrowed eyebrow.

 

Then the entire forest seemed alive. Villains were running right past them, all looking terrified and completely ignoring the students. Some of them were shouting too.

 

“Don’t stop! Save yourselves!”

 

“What kind of fucked up quirk is that!?”

 

“He took it… He took it!”

 

“What has got them so scared?” Shoji asked.

 

Katsuki felt a sinking feeling in his gut as he looked the way the villains had come from. The way he knew most of the class were.

 

“Oh no.”

 

---

 

They ran.

 

Every villain and hero from the clearing tore through the forest as fast as they could. Both sides ignoring each other for the greater enemy.

 

Todoroki couldn’t be sure but he suspected Deku had doubled his stockpiled quirks in no time. And several of them had to be A Grade. The villains had scattered like roaches, their quirks the most vulnerable to Deku’s attacks. The heroes tried to stay together with those who were able to resist Deku’s attempt to take their quirks holding up the rear.

 

The issue was with his new quirks and Izuku’s lack of morals Deku was nigh unstoppable.

 

Todoroki sprinted forward, he saw Kendou collapse under her own weight up ahead.

 

“We can’t stop,” He said to her desperately as he tried to help her up, “We need to put as much distance between us and Deku as we can.”

 

“My leg,” Kendou said and winced as she tried to stand on it, “I think one of the villains broke it.”

 

“I’ve got her!” Tokage said as she appeared next to Todoroki and hauled Kendou over her shoulder, “I remember Midoriya taking my quirk back at the sports festival. I’m probably not as good as resisting it as you guys are but I can get Kendou out of here.”

 

Todoroki nodded and handed Tokage the Class B President. Glancing around he saw she wasn’t the only injured straggler. Most were students but there was a single villain desperately trying to hobble away.

 

The villain looked around in panic as she realised she was at the back of the pack. Kaminari wobbled on his feet not far from her and her hand shot out. A nearby puddle of water came to life and wrapped around Kaminari’s throat, dragging him over to the villain.

 

“Hey!” The villain cried out to Todoroki, “You can move right? You’re gonna get me out of here you hear me? As far away from this shit as you can get me!”

 

“Let him go!” Yoarashi shouted as he descended from the sky, and a few other 1A class members also surrounded her.

 

The villain snarled and looked around at them, “Don’t come any closer! I’ll kill him! I swear I’ll kill him!”

 

Then the water around Kaminari’s neck dropped to the ground.

 

Todoroki gulped.

 

The air behind the villain shimmered before Deku appeared in view, clearing having used Hagakure’s quirk. 

 

He was huge, buffed up to twice or three times his size. His entire body was hardened and it looked like his arms were on fire. His teeth were sharp and the ground and plants moved around him like he had his own gravity.

 

The villain fell to her knees as she looked behind her at Deku in pure terror.

 

“A water manipulation quirk huh?” Deku said, “Not bad. Can’t create water like Kota can though. But that would be a perfect combo. Where is the little bastard anyway?”

 

Deku swatted away the villain with the back of his hand and she was sent crashing through the forest. Kaminari staggered back though Deku just ignored him.

 

“Izuku!” Todoroki yelled as he stepped forward, “I know you’re still in there! You have to fight this Izuku! You’re strong enough, I know you are!”

 

“That’s right Midoriya!” Yoayorozu shouted as she and Uraraka ran up wielding grenade launchers, “You’re the strongest person in class!”

 

“Yeah!” Uraraka agreed, “Show this wannabe Izuku who’s boss!”

 

Deku threw his head back and laughed, “Of course we’re the strongest in class! Just look how much chaos we’ve caused already!”

 

“No,” Yoarashi said as his face steeled, “Izuku isn’t the strongest out of us because of his quirk. He’s the strongest because he’d never break. He’d fight until his last breath, never once waning in his convictions. Izuku is an inspiration to us because he isn’t you. You’re just a cheap imitation who has no idea what real power is.”

 

Deku stopped laughing and frowned, “Real power? Real power!? I am real power!” He roared and slammed a fist into the ground.

 

The earth beneath their feet shook and the trees swayed, electricity cackled over Deku’s body as flames roared into the sky behind him.

 

“All I see is weakness!” Iida suddenly shouted, having appeared next to Yoarashi, “You only wish you could be as strong as Midoriya!”

 

The more everyone defied him the more angry Deku seemed to get, “Izuku wishes he could be as powerful as me! He was the one holding us back! I’m the one who’s going to reach our true potential!”

 

“True potential?” Todoroki said with a scoff, “All I see is a weakling who’s terrified of Izuku. You know he’s stronger than you and you know it’s only a matter of time until he regains control.”

 

“HE’S GONE!” Deku roared, “Izuku is gone and I AM HERE! And once I’ve beaten all of you and taken your quirks I’ll decimate everyone else in this forest! Once that’s done I’ll head to the nearest city and take every quirk there until I’m done. At that point nobody will be able to stop me, not you, not All Might and not even dear old Dad!”

 

There was a squeak from behind Todoroki and he glanced back to see Aoyama cowering behind them all, shaking with fear. Todoroki gave him a strange look. He also couldn’t remember Izuku ever talking about his father.

 

“Not if we stop you first,” Yoarashi said with a hard glare at Deku.

 

Deku chuckled and stood up, spreading his arms, “You think you can? Then give it a shot! A free attack on me!”

 

Todoroki knew it was probably a trap. But his sister had always told him not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

 

“Give him everything you’ve got!” Todoroki shouted.

 

Deku was hit with a flurry of combined attacks. Wind, fire and ice smashed into him while Yaoyorozu and Uraraka shot as many grenades as they could at him. Smoke quickly filled the area. Everyone went on for as long as they could until Yoarashi and Todoroki couldn't hold out their quirks anymore.

 

There was silence in the area, a massive plume of smoke where Deku had once been.

 

“Did you do it?” Iida asked uncertainty.

 

For a moment Todoroki’s heart skipped a beat with hope.

 

Then Deku laughed.

 

He stepped out of the smoke just as his body healed up. Todoroki could see his ribcage and one his eyes was being regenerated but he was still standing.

 

“That was a little better than I was expecting. But still not enough.” Deku said with a smirk, “You see Todoroki? There isn’t a single person here who can beat-”

 

BOOM!

 

The shockwave caused everyone to fall to the ground as several trees were uprooted.

 

Deku went flying, smashing into the side of a nearby rock and causing it to shatter.

 

Todoroki looked up to find Katsuki hovering just above them, his quirk on full power as it lit up the area. His fist was still clenched from where he hand punched Deku.

 

“I don’t know who you are, but you’re going to give me my brother back,” Katsuki growled, Todoroki had never seen him look so angry.

 

There was a rumbling from where Deku had landed and he appeared through the debris, his jaw locking backing into place.

 

“Don’t you see Kacchan? We are your brother.”

 

“Fine,” Katsuki said and cracked his knuckles, “Then I guess I need to beat some sense into you.”

Chapter 63: Deku vs Hachiman

Summary:

With Deku out of control only Katsuki has the power to stop him

Katsuki launched himself towards Deku who laughed as they clashed. Pushing with everything he had, Katsuki slammed into Deku’s chest and lifted him off the ground. They smashed their way through several trees as Katsuki forced him away, trying to get as far from everyone else as possible. 

 

“Come on!” Deku cried with a feral smirk, “Is that it!?”

 

Deku’s body sparked before blue flames exploded from him. Katsuki pushed off him as fast as he could, the flames licking at his skin.

 

Deku crashed into the ground, large trees falling on top of him as he did. Katsuki flew up, hovering over the treeline. A quick glance around showed him they had separated from everyone else into a thick part of the forest.

 

The snapping of branches brought his attention back down as giant roots shot up from the ground. Katsuki twisted in the air to avoid them. He tried to locate Deku but he was hidden from the treeline. 

 

The giant roots continued to fly up at Katsuki until one managed to wrap around his ankle. He was slammed down to ground with a grunt as the impact of the landing caused a cloud of dust to gather.

 

Katsuki managed to rip the root off and get to his feet just in time to see a wave of blue fire barrelling towards him.

 

He ducked behind a large tree as the fire ripped past him. The tree itself immediately started to turn to ash even as the fire died down. Katsuki turned and kicked against the damaged tree, launching it in the direction he hoped Deku was.

 

He watched as Deku teleported around the tree, quickly closing the distance between himself and Katsuki.

 

Katsuki raised his arms to block Deku’s attack, but Deku’s arm was surrounded by muscle and hit Katsuki far harder than Izuku ever had. He was launched off the ground and tore through the trees until he came to a grinding halt along the ground.

 

Katsuki snapped his attention up just as Deku came crashing down. He rolled out of the way as Deku’s fist slammed into the ground, causing it to explode outwards.

 

Katsuki jumped to his feet and pushed through the flying debris. He swung and hit Deku in the side who countered with a backhand across Katsuki’s face.

 

Katsuki dug into the ground, the earth cracking beneath him and Deku hit him with another blow. Katsuki growled and grabbed Deku’s shoulders before headbutting him at full force.

 

Deku staggered back as blood poured from the gaping wound that appeared in his head.

 

“Damn it Zuzu!” Katsuki shouted, “What’s gotten into you!?”

 

Deku turned to Katsuki and laughed, “Quirks!”

 

Deku rushed forward and tackled Katsuki to the ground, laying punch after punch on him.

 

“Come on! Give it to me! GIVE IT TO ME!”

 

Katsuki managed to kick Deku off and push himself back with float. 

 

Deku grunted before his body sparked with electricity and blue flames. He threw his arm out and a wave of fire sparking with electricity ripped towards Katsuki. 

 

Katsuki shot straight up into the air as the flames devastated anything in their path. The forest in front of Deku turned to ash and the earth became black and scorched. The flames grasped at Katsuki’s shoes as he managed to fly above them.

 

“You can’t run from me brother!” Deku roared.

 

Katsuki looked down just as Deku crouched down with his legs bulked up with muscle. A moment later Deku jumped into the sky. The force shattered the ground around him, uprooting several trees.

 

Deku skyrocketed up towards Katsuki, blue flames pushing him up even faster. Katsuki dived to keep him head on.

 

They clashed above the trees, creating a shockwave that ripped through the area.

 

Katsuki managed to avoid getting thrown back completely by Deku and used the momentum to swivel in the air and launch a kick into Deku’s side with everything he had.

 

Deku was sent through the air, crashing into a cliff face. It crumbled around him, causing a small landslide from the impact.

 

From the tumbling rubble came intense rays of heat vision towards Katsuki. He zoomed through the air to avoid it but it still managed to graze his side.

 

Katsuki cried out in pain as he lost control of float and spiralled to the ground. 

 

He didn’t even have a moment to breathe before roots ripped from the soil and wrapped around him. He fought against them, ripping them off his body as fast as he could.

 

But before Katsuki could break free he was kicked in the back by Deku and once again sent crashing through the trees until he finished up in a river.

 

The water around him twisted and moved until Katsuki was surrounded in a bubble of it. He tried to break free but the water swirled around him, cutting off his access to air as he opened and closed his mouth.

 

“Fly you fool!”

 

Katsuki did as the voice commanded and shot straight up in the air, far higher than he had before. He kept going until the ground was far below him and he had a full view of the area. Even with teleportation and his new quirks Deku would struggle to reach him up here.

 

As Katsuki tried to spy him below, a shadowy figure rippled into existence right before his eyes.

 

“You can’t beat him Nine, not at your current level.”

 

“Fuck you!” Katsuki snapped, “What do you know!?”

 

“More than you. If you lose this battle he’ll take One For All and if you’re lucky he goes to war with All Might and All For One and if you’re unlucky the others kill him from within.”

 

“Well what do you care!?” Katsuki growled out as the pair floated in the sky, “I thought you all wanted him dead anyway.”

 

“I never wanted your brother dead Nine,” The shadow said with a hint of anger, “But I had to be sure he would not put you in danger. It’s clear to me now regardless of how we feel we have to accept you two will work together, which won’t happen if you lose this fight. So that’s why I’m giving you access to my quirk.”

 

Katsuki shot to the side in the air, avoiding a tree that had been thrown up at him, “Yeah? Well it better be a hard hitting one!”

 

“It can create a smokescreen.”

 

“Are you fucking kidding me!? Is that it!? You realise what I’m up against right!?” Katsuki shouted, again as several more trees flew his way.

 

“Yes and whether you want to admit it or not you’re outmatched, but smokescreen will allow you to surprise him.”

 

“You clearly haven’t been paying attention, he can sense quirks dumbass!” Katsuki said as he ducked to avoid a spitball explosion.

 

“True, but clearly you haven’t been paying attention,” The shadow mocked, “Our quirks have evolved under you, smokescreen is now more than a simple gas. It will completely block a person’s senses, their world will go dark, they will not hear or smell anything. They won’t even be able to taste. The only thing they will be left with is touch. I imagine any quirk sensing abilities will also be blocked.”

 

“That sounds like a big guess,” Katsuki grunted.

 

“Got a better idea?”

 

Katsuki growled and started to dive towards the ground. As he did so, explosions rang out around him as Deku used spitball. Blue flames and electricity also shot up, forcing Katsuki to twist and turn.

 

As he dived Katsuki could feel the changes in his quirk, like a dam had been opened slightly and allowed more power to flow through.

 

With a push thick purple smoke bellowed from Katsuki’s body and surrounded the area. Deku laughed from below right up until the smoke surrounded him.

 

“Huh? The hell is this!?”

 

Katsuki smirked and soared through the smoke. He punched Deku on the side of the head, causing it to snap back.

 

“Where are you!?” Deku shouted in anger.

 

Katsuki zoomed in and out of the gas, laying blow after blow against Deku who tried to counter by throwing his arms out. But Katsuki avoided them with ease, able to see Deku clearly through his own quirk.

 

“That’s ENOUGH!”  Deku roared as fire and electricity burst from his skin.

 

---

 

“Just stay here ok Koda?” Mina said as she tried to calm the terrified boy.

 

“W-Will everyone be ok?” Koda asked from the box Ashido had put him in; it was made of thick metal and designed to be a panic box against villain attacks.

 

“Are you kidding?” Mina said with a smile, “With Zuzu and the others out there? Those villains don’t stand a chance. Don’t open the box for anybody but you Aunt ok Koda?”

 

“Ok,” Koda said and wiped his eyes as Mina closed the box.

 

She turned and quickly ran out of the basement, locking the door behind her. She ran out of the building and joined the others who were mounting a defence of the camp. 

 

Vald King has been giving classroom lessons to the failed 1B students which consisted of Mineta and Monoma while they had been joined by Bondo and Kodai, Shoji and Tokoyami too had appeared out of the trees. A few knocked out villains surrounded the camp.

 

“Did you get Koda safe?” Vlad King asked Mina.

 

“He’s safe, what do we do now?”

 

“Hold this fort,” Vlad King instructed, “It’s the only building within miles we can use to treat the injured and regroup.”

 

“When are the other heroes getting here!?” Mineta cried.

 

“They’re not,” Vlad King grunted, “Without any way of contacting them nobody will know what’s happening.”

 

“We’re on our own!?” Mineta wailed as he shook with fear.

 

“Do we have a plan Sensei?” Bondo asked their teacher.

 

“Yes,” Vlad King said as he rolled his shoulders, “Beat back the villains until they give up.”

 

“That doesn’t seem like much of a plan…” Shoji mumbled to which Kodai grunted in agreement.

 

Mina was about to agree when she caught a low rumbling coming from the trees. She turned her head just in time to see a creature smash through.

 

“Is that a Nomu!?” Mineta shouted.

 

It was. There was no doubt about it. The creature looked like it had once been human but it was now huge and muscular with mint green skin and an exposed brain while several arms protruded from all over it, each one with a different tool on the end from hammers to chainsaws to drills.

 

Mina dived back just before a hammer smashed into the ground where she had been standing. The Nomu let out a great roar before a spike of blood slammed into its side.

 

“Overwhelm it!” Vald King ordered as he used his blood to attack the creature..

 

Mina didn’t need to be told twice, she threw a blob of acid right on the Nomu’s face. It sizzled and spit into the air. 

 

But it only seemed to anger the Nomu which shot forward with a burst of strength, swinging a chainsaw at Mina. Mina stumbled back, desperately trying to avoid the attack.

 

A moment before she had her stomach ripped open Shoji jumped in front of her. His extra limbs slammed into the chainsaw which started to rip them apart.

 

“Shoji!” Mina cried as she grabbed the back of his shirt and yanked them both away from the Nomu.

 

It growled and went to move forward but before it could a huge boulder slammed into the side of it, sending it skidding across the ground.

 

Looking over Mina saw Kodai and Monoma throwing small pebbles towards the Nomu which turned to huge rocks moments before they landed. Presumably this was Kodai’s quirk that Monama had copied.

 

“GO AWAAAAAAY!” Mineta screamed as he ripped purple balls off his head next to them and threw them into the fray.

 

The Nomu roared and got back up, smashing a rock that flew towards it with a hammer. It tried to leap into the air but its leg was stuck to the floor via Mineta’s quirk.

 

“Pink girl!” Monama cried and threw a pebble at her, “Coat that with your acid and throw it.”

 

Mina nodded and caught the pebble before holding it in her hand. She coated it with thick and high intensity acid, the pebble already starting to sizzle before she threw it. Moments before it landed on the Nomu, Monama activated the quirk turning the pebble into a huge acid coated boulder.

 

It landed right on the Nomu’s head with a crunch, slamming it into the ground. Steam rose from where Mina’s acid dripped down as the Nomu slouched under the rock.

 

“Good teamwork everyone,” Vald King said.

 

“Tokoyami!” Mina snapped as she turned to him, “Where was Dark Shadow!?”

 

“I’m sorry Ashido,” Tokoyami said and looked down with shame, “There was an incident and I can no longer trust Dark Shadow for the night.”

 

“They you should get inside,” Vlad King said, “Help when the injured show up and-”

 

“Uh, what is it doing?” Bondo said and pointed at the Nomu which was turning into a gooey substance almost like it was melting.

 

There was a crash as another Nomu, identical to the last, came charging out of the forest. Mina turned to face it when a wave of fire blasted into the Nomu, sending it flying back.

 

“Todoroki!” Mina cried in relief.

 

Todoroki was running in front of what appeared to be most of the combined classes.

 

“Sorry we’re late,” He said.

 

“Get everyone who’s injured or unable to fight into the building,” Vald King said, “The rest of you, we hold this campsite you understand!?”

 

Mina noticed a good chunk of the class were heading inside and turned to Todoroki, “What happened?”

 

Todoroki winced, “It was-”

 

“Don’t get distracted!” Vlad King shouted as two more of the Nomu smashed their way through the trees.

 

Mina rolled to the right as one slammed down where she and Todoroki had been. One of its arms swung at her but Yaoyorozu ran in from the side wielding a sword and sliced the arm clean off.

 

Mina threw out two blobs of acid which landed on the Nomu’s back, its skin bubbling off. The Nomu turned to her with a pained roar before a floating tree appeared over it.

 

Uraraka jumped up behind the tree, grabbing it and slamming it into the Nomu which crumpled to the ground. Yaoyorozu turned with her sword and cut the Nomu’s head clean off. It immediately started to turn to gloop.

 

“Is this one of its quirks?” Uraraka asked as she landed next to Mina and Yaoyorozu.

 

Before they could answer yet another Nomu came barreling towards them. All three dived out of the way just as Tetsutetsu ran forward.

 

“I got you!” He shouted and clashed with the Nomu, digging his feet into the ground.

 

The Nomu attacked with various tools but they sparked and bounced off Tetsutetsu's metal skin as he grappled with the beast.

 

“Uraraka I need a boost!” Mine shouted.

 

“Right!” Uraraka said as Mina ran by and she slapped her with her quirk.

 

Mina floated through the air until she hovered over the Nomu. She spread her arms and pushed her quirk out through her entire body.

 

“Acid rain!” Mina cried as acid poured from her body onto the Nomu like a storm.

 

The Nomu withered and roared as the acid dripped onto its body. It swung a chainsaw out to cut Mina out of the air but tape appeared and wrapped out the limb, pulling it back. At the other end of the tape Sero and Sato were desperately pulling back on it.

 

“Recipro Burst!”

 

Iida charged towards the Nomu as Mina cut her attack off, his engines blaring with fire. He kicked the Nomu so hard in the side Mina could hear its bones break and muscles tear. It started to turn to goop before Iida had even finished following his kick through.

 

Mina dropped to the ground as Uraraka shut her quirk off.

 

“Are you ok Vice President?” Iida asked as he helped her to her feet.

 

“Never better,” Mina grumbled.

 

“Here comes another one!” Tetsutetsu shouted as another Nomu growled and ran forwards.

 

“Stop!”

 

Mina turned and saw a blonde girl in a school uniform running up to them with Kyouka and Eijiro.

 

“Stop killing them!” The blonde girl cried, “He can only make two! Capture them rather than kill them.”

 

Mina frowned at the girl.

 

“Listen to her!” Eijiro called and that was all Mina needed.

 

Tetsutetsu ducked out of the oncoming path of the Nomu before punching it in the side of the head. 

 

As the Nomu briefly lost its momentum Mina threw two small but highly concentrated acid attacks right at its knees. Its skin and muscles melted away, forcing it to the ground. 

 

A moment later a thick layer of ice surrounded the Nomu, freezing everything but its head. It continued to roar and growl until Sero snapped its mouth shut with tape.

 

Nearby the other Nomu was being held down by a combination of Mineta and Bondo’s quirks.

 

The blonde girl ran past all of them and up to the treeline of the forest.

 

“Twice! I know you’re there, if you’re replicating the Nomu this quickly you can’t be far.” She cried, desperately looking around, “Please Twice, you’re my friend. I know this isn’t what you want. This isn’t what I want, we’ve both been manipulated by The League.”

 

There were a few tense seconds before a figure walked out of the treeline. He was tall and completely covered in a spandex suit, he appeared to be crying.

 

“Toga,” He sniffed, “You’re my friend? No she isn’t!”

 

“That’s right,” Toga said with a smile, “And I know you don’t want to hurt anyone.”

 

“I… I don’t… Yes I do!” Twice ranted, making Mina uneasy.

 

“Let’s just go, away from here, away from everyone. We can be friends and be happy.” Toga said as she tried to approach twice.

 

“Happy? I’d like that,” Twice said, “I can’t be happy! You can’t make me do anything!”

 

“Please Twice, just… Come with me.” Toga said and held out her hand.

 

Twice looked at it, “I… I want to… LIAR!”

 

He suddenly leaped forward, pulling out what looked like razor sharp wire as Toga fell back.

 

“Toga!” Kyouka cried as she went to run forward.

 

But before anything happened Twice was wrapped up in a scarf. Aizawa landed on his back, crushing him into the dirt while glaring at him with red eyes.

 

The two captured Nomu instantly turned to goop as Twice withered and cried out under Aizawa.

 

“Toga help me! I’LL KILL ALL OF YOU!”

 

Aizawa raised his hand and chopped the back of Twice’s neck and the villain stopped moving.

 

“Twice!” Toga shouted and ran up to him.

 

“He’ll be fine,” Aizawa said, “I just knocked him out. Is anyone injured?”

 

“All injured parties are inside Sir!” Iida said and Mina was amazed he didn’t salute.

 

“Good, let's get this villain secure. Toga was it? You’re welcome to stay with him but only with a guard.” Aizawa said as he hauled Twice up and into Toga’s arms.

 

“Thank you,” Toga said.

 

“Don’t get too comfortable,” Vald King said to the students, “This isn’t over yet, more villains will be on their-”

 

An explosion ripped through the forest. Mina and several others were thrown to the ground by the shock wave as the trees were stripped of their leaves. In the distance a huge fireball reached into the sky, several colours flickering within it.

 

“What the hell was that!?” Vlad King shouted.

 

“A family dispute,” Aizawa replied.

 

---

 

Katsuki rolled along the ground before coming to a stop, his body aching all over. Around him the world was on fire, the forest decimated and the ground burnt and broken.

 

“Get up Nine!”

 

Katsuki groaned and hauled himself to his feet. Deku had thrown every quirk he had at him and it had hit harder than anything Katsuki has ever suffered.

 

“What’s the matter brother, too weak to continue?”

 

Katsuki narrowed his eyes as he saw Deku stalking up to him, his quirks pouring off him like smoke.

 

Katsuki spit blood out of his mouth and raised his fists, “Are you kidding? I’m just getting started.”

 

Deku smirked and teleported forward. Katsuki braced himself before a fist slammed into his side. He forced himself not to go flying and countered with a punch to Deku’s head.

 

Deku’s head snapped back but he quickly brought it forward, slamming it into Katsuki’s forehead and forcing him back.

 

“Poor little Kacchan,” Deku mocked before he punched Katsuki in the jaw with a hardened fist.

 

“Born weak, destined to be forgotten.” 

 

Katsuki tried to punch him but a wave of blue fire forced him to jump back away from Deku.

 

“But even with All Might’s quirk you’re still weak!” 

 

Katsuki launched off the ground to gain some air but he felt roots wrap around his leg and he was brought to the ground with a crash before Deku’s foot launched him down the valley.

 

“Your quirk will be mine Katsuki Bakugou! And then you’ll finally see who you were meant to be!”

 

Deku teleported so he stood right over Katsuki and placed his foot on Katsuki’s chest.

 

“Just give it up already brother, I don’t want to kill you.”

 

“Fuck you!”

 

Deku growled and threw his head back as his eyes lit up red with so much intensity they caused Katsuki to wince. Deku pulled his head back and looked down at Katsuki until two huge beams of heat vision slammed into Katsuki at point blank range.

 

Katsuki cried out as the heat seared into his chest, his skin bubbled and he felt like he wanted to rip his body apart from the pain.

 

He grit his teeth focused on his entire quirk and pushed.

 

“Give me back my brother!” Katsuki roared as he shot straight up, hitting Deku with an uppercut.

 

Not bothering to hold back Katsuki pushed forward with his attack. He knocked on Deku’s jaw so hard he broke it clean in too.

 

Deku tried to counter but Katsuki wrapped his legs around Deku’s arm and pushed against his chest. There was a sickening tear and pop as Deku’s arm was ripped clean off.

 

Deku’s body burst into blue flames but Katsuki fell back before taking a breath and blowing at full force. The flames flickered under the force before Katsuki moved in. He kicked Deku in the side so hard his ribs shattered and his chest tore open.

 

Finally Katsuki used float to swing in the air and charged a punch as hard as he dared before bringing it down right between Deku’s eyes.

 

Deku went down so hard the shockwave ripped up the earth around them.

 

Katsuki staggered back before falling to the ground. He fell to his knees as he looked down at his bleeding chest, the world silent around him.

 

“You need to get out of here, Nine!” The voice said urgently, “Seven can’t hold them off for much longer!”

 

“Just… Give me a minute,” Katsuku said, barely able to talk or move in his current state.

 

“Nine you don’t understand they’ll- Hey! You can’t do this! It’s not right you can’t-”

 

The voice disappeared and Katsuki frowned, “Hello?”

 

He went to stand up when the ground shifted below him, a combination of roots and earth reached up and wrapped around his body, pinning him down. He looked up and saw Deku staggering forward, his body slowly healing.

 

“Aha, you didn’t think it was over did you?”

 

Katsuki struggled against his capture but he was in an immense amount of pain and his quirk suddenly appeared to be acting up.

 

Deku walked up to him and punched him in the side of the face.

 

“Just!” Punch. “Give!” Punch. “It!” Punch. “Up!”

 

The final punch sent Katsuki into a daze. He spat blood out of mouth and felt a tooth go with it. He could feel himself fading away.

 

“Sorry kid,” A new voice said in Katsuki’s head, “But at this rate he’s going to take it, we need to put him down for good.”

 

“No…” Katsuki protested yet it was too weak for anybody but himself to hear.

 

Then he felt himself black out.

 

---

 

Kaina had been to stranger dinners, though not by much. She was also fairly certain there had never been a more odd gathering of people.

 

Currently sat around the Bakugou-Midoriya kitchen table was of course Mr and Mrs Bakugou themselves, Inko, Yagi, Kaina herself, David Shield, Endeavor and two of Endeavor’s three children.

 

Kaina had been delighted when Inko had suggested a meal without any kids around at her house. Kaina had yet to really spend time with Mitsuki or Masaru that wasn’t related to their sons so it was a welcome opportunity to try and get on the good side of Inko’s family.

 

Inko had shocked her when she mentioned Endeavor and David Shield would be joining them. David she could understand, he was Yagi’s old friend who had only recently returned to the country. But Endeavor had surprised her, she knew the two families had been growing closer but she never realised quite how friendly they all were with each other.

 

She’d been more shocked when Endeavor had arrived with his daughter and eldest son behind him, apparently at the insistence of Inko.

 

Kaina had hoped the meal would be her chance to learn more about Inko’s family life, however the gathered crowd made that somewhat difficult.

 

“Melissa wouldn’t talk to me for a week after that!” David said, telling them a story about a disastrous Halloween, “It’s not my fault Star and Stripes’ hairstyle didn’t look good on her!”

 

Everyone let out a soft chuckle around the table.

 

“I think that’s what makes the boys so easy to look after,” Masaru said, “Neither has to do anything with their hair.”

 

“Easy to look after? Which two boys have you been raising Masaru?” Inko asked with a slight giggle.

 

“That reminds me of the time Shoto cut his own hair,” Fuyumi said with a smirk, “Remember Dad?”

 

Endeavor, who had remained rather silent throughout the whole meal, smiled slightly, “Yes. I came home from work to discover a trail of red hair through the house. I followed it until I discovered Shoto had cut off the entire red side of his hair. He absolutely refused to cut off the white side. For months he had a head with full white hair on one side and short red hair on the other.”

 

Fuyumi laughed, “You were so mad.”

 

“I was,” Endeavor admitted and chuckled.

 

“Yeah, you shouted at him for an hour until he cried,” Natsuo spat, causing most of the table to wince.

 

“I did,” Endeavor confessed as he lost his smile.

 

Kaina and Yagi made awkward eye contact from across the table, neither quite sure how to deal with Endeavor and his son. Why had Inko even invited Natsuo?

 

“Sorry I’m late!” Melissa Shield said and quickly appeared around the corner, still in her UA uniform, “I got caught up in the lab and lost track of time!”

 

“Hello sweetie,” David said as Melissa took a seat next to Natsuo.

 

“Let me get you some food, Melissa,” Mitsuki said as she hurried around the room putting a plate together.

 

“Thank you Mrs Bakugou,” Melissa replied and smiled at everyone, “Hello everyone, oh hello, I don’t think we’ve met,” She said to Natsuo, “I’m Melissa.”

 

Natsuo gazed at her with wide eyes until his sister kicked him under the table.

 

“Say hello idiot!” 

 

“Oh uh, hello! I’m um… Natsuo! I’m Natsuo Todoroki.”

 

Melissa beamed at him, “Hi! You must be Endeavor's son right?”

 

“Yeah…” Natsuo said with much less enthusiasm.

 

“Oh Melissa, did you know Natsuo is studying engineering at university?” Inko said.

 

“You are!?” Melissia cried as her eyes lit up, “Oh wow! What field are you in? Hero support?”

 

“No, I’m actually hoping to go into aerospace,” Natsuo said before he and Melissa quickly started a conversation that seemingly blocked everyone else out.

 

Kaina looked down at the smirking Inko.

 

“I know what you’re doing.”

 

“Who me?” Inko said with big puppy eyes that made her look exactly like her son, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

 

Kaina snorted.

 

“So Enji,” Mitsuki said as she put a plate of food in front of Melissa (who promptly ignored it), “How is the agency restructure going?”

 

Endeavor sighed, “We’re having to make a lot of redundancies. The agency is going to be much smaller than it was before. But I think that’s probably a good thing, it will allow us to focus more on the jobs we take in.”

 

“All Might ran his agency for years with minimal staff,” Yagi pointed out, “I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

 

“All you boys ever talk about is work you know?” Kaina complained.

 

Yagi deadpanned at her, “Kaina, where is your work tablet right now?”

 

Kaina scowled and looked down. It was in her lap.

 

“That’s different,” She said as she picked it up to close it down.

 

As she did though she noticed what was on the screen. The last thing she’d had open was the trackers of Izuku, Katsuki and Yaoyorozu to let Inko know when they’d arrived. It was still open.

 

Kaina watched as the blue dot representing Yaoyorozu sprinted through the forest towards their campsite while the red and green dots of Katsuki and Izuku were way off into the valley, both zooming about at rapid speed and sometimes slamming into each other.

 

“Toshi, what will the UA students at camp be doing right now?”

 

Endeavor raised an eyebrow as Yagi checked the time.

 

“I would imagine most of them would be going to sleep while Izuku and Katsuki have their extra classroom lesson with Aizawa.”

 

“I see,” Kaina said as she stood up at the table, “Then we have a problem.”

 

---

 

Deku punched Katsuki in the face again before he realised his opponent had fallen unconscious. He scowled and grabbed his hair.

 

“Really!? You get knocked out that easily? Ah well, guess this quirk is mine.”

 

Deku went to reach out for Katsuki’s quirk when Katsuki’s eyes snapped open and Deku was thrown back with an explosion of force that shattered the restraints.

 

Deku skidded along the ground and looked up as Katsuki hovered above him. His body sparked with power and his eyes glowed as he stared down at Deku.

 

“Deku,” He said with a deep voice, “This is where you fall.”

 

Deku smirked as he cracked his knuckles, “You’re not Katsuki anymore are you?”

 

Katsuki frowned at him, “We are the ones chosen to end your quirks existence.”

Deku laughed and braced himself, “Come on then One For All! Show me what a real quirk is!”

Notes:

Hi all, sorry this took so long to get out, I've just been really busy recently. Hopefully you won't have to wait as long for the next chapter!

Thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

P.S. Trying to avoid the term 'Mineta's balls' a million times in this chapter was the greatest challenge of writing this fic so far

Chapter 64: Deku vs One For All

Summary:

As Izuku and Katsuki lose control of their quirks the pair find themselves in the vestige world while on the outside Gods do battle.

A/N: So... it's been awhile, over a year in fact. First of all to all my regular readers (if there's any left) I apologise for... well... vanishing off the face of the earth. Without going into too much personal detail last July I was in a pretty serious accident. Spent some time in a coma, some more time in a hospital bed and some even more time in physiotherapy. By the time I was actually feeling independent enough to sit down and write I just couldn't find the motivation and the last thing I wanted to do was come back, write one chapter and vanish for another 3 months. So I wanted to wait until I could come back and upload chapters on a semi-regular basis, which I guess is now. Hopefully there's a few of you still reading this story. Also I apologise if the next few chapters are a little short and maybe clunky as I get back into flow of things. Anyway, it's great to be back! Hopefully you all haven't (like me) completely forgot what this story was all about.

 

---

 

“Izuku!”

 

“Izuku!”

 

“Izuku wake up!”

 

Izuku’s eyes snapped open. He felt hard rock underneath him and a cold chill. Up above was the night sky… Except it wasn’t. As Izuku looked closer at it he could see stars made up of every colour he could imagine, blues, reds and purples shone in the sky as streaks of colour flickered between them like lightning. Yet despite that there was utter silence around him.

 

Izuku pushed himself up onto his elbows and looked around. It was almost like he was in the middle of space, floating on an asteroid. 

 

“Ah good, you’re awake.”

 

Izuku turned to find a man crouched down next to him, he was thin with white hair and green eyes and his clothes hung off him.

 

“Who are you?” Izuku asked, his voice croaky and weak.

 

“I’m your Uncle Yoichi.”

 

Izuku blinked and frowned, “Uncle? But Mom doesn’t… You’re All For One’s brother.”

 

Yoishi nodded as he stood up and held out a hand, “I am and thus I’m also your uncle.”

 

Izuku glanced at the hand before taking it and being helped up to his feet, “That means you must also be the first wielder of One For All.”

 

“Correct,” Yoichi said, “And while I’m sure you have many questions, that is not our most pressing matter.”

 

“Then what is?”

 

“Deku,” Yoichi said, his eyes narrowing slightly, “He has taken full control from you.”

 

Izuku’s memories suddenly came flying back. The fight with the blonde school girl, the way he had taken her quirk and his hunger had become unbearable before he had blacked out.

 

“You mean he took over!?”

 

“I’m afraid so, you briefly lost complete control duel to your hunger and in that moment Deku raged forth.”

 

Izuku ran to the edge of the asteroid they were floating on, “Then we need to get back, I have to stop him!”

 

“Why do you think I’m here?” Yoichi said with mild amusement.

 

“Right,” Izuku said before frowning, “Uh… Where is here?”

 

“This,” Yoichi said and spread his arms, indicating to the space around them, “Is the vestige world, more specifically, your vestige world.”

 

“A vestige world?”

 

“Yes. To put it into simple terms, we’re inside your quirk factor.”

 

Izuku looked around in mild awe, “Wait… So how are you here? I don’t understand.”

 

“I’m a vestige of the real Yoichi. Have you ever heard of limb or organ transplants? Where the receiver sometimes takes on personality traits of the donor. Well quirks operate in the same manner, each quirk carries what we call the vestige of the original user. Obviously in most cases you’d never know but for quirks like One For All everytime the quirk was passed on a vestige of the previous user travelled with it. The same can be said for yours and my brother's quirks, everytime you take a quirk a vestige comes with it and arrives here, in your vestige world.” Yoichi explained.

 

Izuku felt panic swell up inside his chest and he started to run around in horror, “You mean I’ve been holding people hostage!?”

 

Yoichi grabbed Izuku’s shoulders and held him in place, “Calm down Izuku. Most vestiges aren’t like me, they’re mere slithers of a person, not even self aware. Simply a ghost of someone's quirk. It’s only powerful quirks or those like One For All with an element of being passed on where the vestige can take more of a personality.”

 

Izuku took a deep breath, “So, if we’re in here what does that make Deku?”

 

Yoichi gave him a sad smile, “You mean you haven’t figured it out? Deku is your vestige.”

 

“That- That can’t be, he’s nothing like me!” Izuku protested, “And if he was my vestige wouldn’t he have been around all this time!?”

 

“He was,” Yoichi confirmed, “Except like most vestiges he was little more than a whisper of you. That was until the night Katsuki passed his entrance exam.”

 

Izuku felt the blood drain from his face, “Our blood brothers pact…”

 

Yoichi nodded, “Neither of you could have predicted how the transfer would interact with your quirks. But in that moment the power of One For All mixed with your quirk and your vestige became a true representation of yourseld. Except, when it was born, your hunger attacked it and unlike you it could not resist. Your vestige was warped by the hunger, its mind twisted and broken until all it could think about was quirks. And thus Deku was born, a twisted representation of yourself consumed by his hunger. Ever since then I believe he has bided his time, waiting to wrestle control from you.”

 

“Then how do I get it back!?” Izuku demanded, looking around as if Deku would fly past them at any moment.

 

“That’s simple,” Yoichi said, “We find him and you fight him.”

 

“Got it,” Izuku said with determination, as he started to walk across the asteroid before pausing mid-step, “Uh… If Deku’s in control of my body right now then what is he doing?”

 

---

 

Deku crashed down onto the ground, the earth around him being torn to shreds from the impact. He let out a growl before blasting the air with heat vision. Above him One For All twisted around before ducking down and flying just above the ground.

 

They slammed into Deku, raising him off the ground before pushing upwards. Deku grabbed onto One For All’s arm as the pair rose high into the sky.

 

Deku wrapped his body in blue flame as One For All fell back. Deku paused in the air as One For All flew above him before twisting their leg and kicking Deku back down to earth.

 

Deku shot straight down, slamming into the ground and felt several bones break from the impact. 

 

A whistling from above heralded the incoming attack from One For All and Deku slammed his fists into the ground. Several pillars of rock shot up to intercept One For All who smashed through two before the third slammed into their chest.

 

Deku smirked and teleported towards them. He grabbed One For All around the throat before a blast of fire behind him smashed them back to the ground.

 

Deku hardened his fists before launching a wail of punches into One For All's face. The shockwaves from the impact cracked the earth and caused the air to echo with their impacts.

 

One For All grunted and with an explosion of power managed to kick Deku off who landed a few feet away.

 

Deku let out a chuckle, “I’m starting to think Kacchan was holding back against me.”

 

“He wasn’t,” One For All said as Katsuki’s face morphed into a scowl, “He was just incapable of operating at this level. We, however, will have no issue killing you.”

 

Deku smirked, his mouth seeming to grow wider than what should be possible, “Well then, in the interest of fairness, I’ll stop holding back too.”

 

Deku slammed his hands into the ground and pushed his quirks through them. The ground shifted and cracked, rising up and moving like sand as bursts of water erupted from the earth like geysers while vines wrapped around Deku’s legs. His body hardened and blue flame burst through the cracks as he seemed to grow twice in size.

 

“Tell me One For All,” Deku snarled, “Can your quirk match this!?”

 

One For All simply hovered above the ground, “Yes.”

 

---

 

Katsuki slowly opened his eyes. He felt odd, the feeling only amplified by his strange surroundings as he drifted through space on an asteroid.

 

Katsuki went to take a step forward when he realised his body wasn’t obeying his command. He looked down to discover he was wrapped in some kind of shadow, pinning his arms and legs to his side. He cried out in panic only to realise his mouth was covered too, all he could do was squirm.

 

“Yeah, I should’ve figured I’d find you like this.”

 

Katsuki snapped his eyes to the side as a woman walked by him, she was muscular and wearing a hero outfit with her hair tied up not unlike his Auntie Inko.

 

Katsuki narrowed his eyes and growled at the woman.

 

She let out a chuckle, “I still can’t believe Toshi picked you to be his successor. Not that I disagree but you really aren’t the type of kid I saw Toshi passing One For All onto.”

 

Katsuki narrowed his eyes at the woman.

 

“You’ve got no idea who I am, do you?” She said with a slight smirk, “Well if you’re Nine, I’m Seven. Although you can just call me Nana.”

 

Katsuki’s eyes widened, this was Yagi’s predecessor. Though that raised more questions than it answered.

 

Nana looked him up and down with a slight frown, “You being in this state may present us a problem… Let me give you the rundown kid. To put in bluntly you’re inside One For All, your consciousness was sent here after the others wrestled control from you.”

 

Nana sighed and gave Katsuki a long look, “Toshi had no way of knowing what would happen by transferring you the quirk. The moment we all learned who your brother was it drove the others into a frenzy. Only myself, Yoichi and Toshi fully supported you. Since you gained One For All kid there’s been a civil war going on inside the quirk. Me and Yoichi have held them back as long as we can, I even managed to convince my old Sensei, En, number six, to join us. But with what’s happening in the real world we couldn’t stop them pushing you out. Yoichi had to go elsewhere but En and Toshi are trying to fight back. We need to join them and you need to take back control of your quirk.”

 

Before Katsuki could respond Nana grabbed him and threw him over her shoulder. Katsuki kicked and growled in protest but she just looked at him and rolled her eyes.

 

“What? You got a better idea to get us there?”

 

Katsuki stopped kicking but still grumbled in annoyance, a grumble that sounded an awful lot like a curse word.

 

“Ha! I knew I’d like you kid!”

 

---

 

The mountainside collapsed in a hail of rubble and dust. The earth shook with the impact as the shockwaves ripped the trees from their roots. From the crumbled rock One For All smashed forward.

 

The air around their body shimmer with power. Despite Deku’s throw causing them to destroy half a mountain with the impact there was barely a scratch on Katsuki’s body. Their eyes glowed like miniature suns as they glared out at the battlefield.

 

There was a great roar. The sound of a beast that ripped through the night before Deku rocketed forward. His quirks swam around like a cocoon of energy, his twisted form barely visible from within.

 

“Look at you,” One For All said with disdain, “This is what it means to wield One For All. To be overcome with such a primitive and violent nature that nothing human remains. The only treatment can be a mercy killing.”

 

“You’re damn right it’s violent!” Deku roared as fire, earth and water shot out towards One For All, “And there’s not a damn thing you can do about it.”

 

One For All braced and took the hit of the combined quirks. Their skin broke but they pushed out with their power and the attack shattered. There was but a moment before Deku slammed into them.

 

And the clash of power caused the very foundations of the earth to shake.

 

---

“We have to hurry!” Izuku hissed as he and Yoichi leaped from asteroid to asteroid. Every now and then Izuku would get a vision of extreme violence as Deku battled One For All.

 

“We’re nearly there,” Yoichi assured him, “I believe the center of your quirk is just over this ridge.”

 

Indeed Izuku could sense the power increasing as they ran. The sky above them had much less black empty space and was filled with huge brightly coloured stars. The asteroids had grown slowly closer together until they seemed to be just one large rocky landmass. 

 

And in front of them was what Izuku could only describe as a colosseum.

 

He’d seen pictures of the famous one in Rome but this one was at least twice the size. It appeared to be made out of one solid piece of rock that had been carved into shape. Izuku couldn’t see a doorway so he and Yoichi were forced to clamber up the rocky side.

 

They reached the top of the wall and peered over.

 

“Mother of God…” Yoichi whispered.

 

Izuku couldn’t help but agree. The inside of the colosseum looked like a large bowl with a layer of sand at the bottom. In the middle of it was a tall column of stone peaked by what could only be described as a throne. In said throne sat Deku, smirking in all his splendor.

 

But it was the chains protruding from Deku’s back that were the most unsettling. Each chain arched up behind him before leading down the floor below where it was met with a quirk vestige. Each and every one was wrapped in the end of the chains. Some of the vestiges where barley formed globs of energy, floating around aimlessly. But others were closer to humanoid and seemingly tried to tug away from the chains only to be pulled back.

 

Izuku gulped, “Ok we’re here, what now?”

 

Yoichi pointed his head towards Deku, “You need to fight him, take back control of your body and your quirk.”

 

“But how!? I don’t have any of my quirks, how can I fight him?”

 

“Don’t think about it as a physical battle,” Yoichi urged, “Though you may have to go up against him in reality this is a battle of willpower. You just need to show him that your control over this quirk far outweighs his.”

 

“But doesn’t that mean he’s still going to hit me?”

 

“Yes,” Deku said, suddenly appearing floating in the air next to the pair, “It does.” He finished before backhanding Izuku into a wall.

 

---

 

After about ten minutes Katsuki had to admit defeat and accept he couldn’t break out of his shadow prison and was forced to allow Nana to carry him to wherever their destination was.

 

He wouldn’t have minded so much if she had at least shut up for it.

 

“I think Banjo is probably our best bet to start turning the tide,” She said as they floated over yet another floating rock, “His quirk is fueled by anger so his instinct was to hate your brother at first. But I think he’s starting to realise that his anger isn’t being backed up by anything other than prejudice.”

 

Katsuki couldn’t care less what the other users of One For All thought about him and Izuku. He just needed them to stop fucking about with his body. He could literally feel the blows being exchanged on the surface.

 

 “All right kid,” Nana said as she tightened her grip on him, "Curtains are up, best prepare for the show.”

 

They landed on an asteroid which looked like it had once been a building but had long since fallen into ruin. There was a semicircle of tall red chairs on the asteroid. Although none of them were filled, instead there was a mismatched group of people in an intense argument.

 

“You can’t seriously agree with this Banjo!” 

 

“It’s complicated En,” The presumably Banjo replied, though he didn’t say it with much grit.

 

“How is it complicated!? He’s a kid!” En shouted back, next to him stood the vague outline of a golden figure shaped a lot like All Might.

 

“He’s not a kid En,” another member replied, this one with a scar down his face, “He’s the son of All For One, it’s only a matter of time before he follows in his father's footsteps.”

 

“Look, once I kinda agreed with you guys. I mean what would be the point of defeating All For One if he just had a load of kids waiting around to take his place? But we’ve seen what this kid is like, he’s not even remotely like All For One. Hell, in some respects he’s a better hero than most of us were.”

 

“He’s an abomination," another previous user, with spiky hair, spat.

 

“Say that again I fucking dare you!” Nana shouted as she unceremoniously dumped Katsuki on the floor, “You wouldn’t be so brave about insulting Yoichi’s nephew if he was here.”

 

“Yoichi doesn’t understand the importance of this quirk,” The member with a scar said.

 

“Doesn’t understand!?” Nana spluttered, “It’s HIS goddamn quirk! If Yoichi had been even a little more selfish or, unlike you lot, a little more arrogant, none of us would be around to have this clusterfuck of an argument.”

 

En cleared his throat, “Nana please… Langauge…”

 

“Don’t you dare ‘language’ me, Sensei! You don’t get a pass on all this just for switching sides at the eleventh hour!”

 

Katsuki watched this all unfold as he fought against the shadows around him, trying desperately to break free. The user with the scar sighed and shook his head.

 

“Look at Nine Nana, he doesn’t even have the strength to break free.”

 

Nana grunted, “We’ll see about that, I just brought him here so that he could boot all of you guys out of his head.”

 

“Actually,” said the spiky haired user as he stepped forward and raised an arm towards Katsuki, “This is rather convenient."

 

The form of All Might tensed beside Nana.

 

“What the fuck are you doing two!?” Nana demanded.

 

“Isn’t it obvious? Clearly the outside world has lost control. Yagi chooses a poor successor who will only let the world fall to All For One and his offspring. For the greater good we must take back control of the quirk.

 

“And the best way to do that is to kill the mind its current wielder."

 

---

 

The villains seemed to have abandoned their original quest, their sole purpose now appearing to be focused on fleeing the devastatation caused by Deku and One For All en masse. Unfortunately this brought them all charging directly towards the camp.

 

With the entirety of class A and class B having made it back (bar Izuku and Katsuki of course), the area had quickly become a warzone. Several of the students who had lost their quirks or been injured had barricaded themselves inside. The rest had formed a defence with Aizawa and Vlad King taking the lead.

 

Ochako’s stomach churned dangerously as she let another tree fall on top of a villain. With their numbers depleted the students were having to fight two or three villains at once just to keep up. As a result things had taken a turn.

 

Ochako fell back as Iida skidded to a halt beside her.

 

“I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up,” Ochako said as Todoroki barrelled a group of villains away with fire.

 

“I’m certainly slowing down and my legs are cramping,” Iida said, his face wincing in pain, “But they just keep coming.”

 

“Iida!” Aizawa barked, “Cover the left flank!”

 

“Yes Sensei!” Iida shouted and sped off to the left before knocking down a villain that Kyouka had been grappling with.

 

Ochako spat out the bile that had crept into her mouth and ran forward. Another group of villains had come fleeing through.

 

Luckily most of the villains were two bit thugs and didn’t stack up against people with even a few months of training.

 

The first villain threw a clumsy punch at Ochako who ducked under it and launched an uppercut right under the villain's chin. He went down without so much as a whimper.

 

The next villain surged forward, their arms seemingly growing forward as they did. Ochako just used this to her advantage and slapped them on the wrist. The villain immediately floated into the sky, their arms and legs moving as if they were trying to swim through the air.

 

A third villain hissed at Ochako with two razor sharp fangs. Ochako ducked back as they tried to grab her. She focused on dodging, moving her feet along the grass. Then at the perfect moment she released her quirk. The floating second villain came down hard on top of the third, causing both to collapse into a pile of tangled limbs.

 

Ochako put her hands on her knees and panted heavily. No matter how many villains she took down it felt like an endless swarm. But it wasn’t and if they could just keep up-

 

Pain exploded in the back of Ochako’s head and her legs gave way. She crumpled into the grass, her vision blurred and her limbs stopped responding. She felt a wave of warm liquid soak into her hair as she looked at the villain standing over her.

 

It was insulting, they hadn’t even taken her down with a quirk. They had simply bashed her head in with a rock.

 

Ochako scowled and defied the villain with a witty remark, “Fshhh’uuuukeeee uuuhooosh!”

 

The villain growled and raised the rock again. Only to be hit in the side of the head with a tail before they could bring it down.

 

Ojiro stood over Ochacko, his tail was covered in cuts and bruises and he was struggling to stay on his feet.

 

“Are you good Uraraka?” Ojiro asked as he helped her to her feet.

 

“Shhhfine,” Ochako mumbled as she wobbled on her knees.

 

Ojiro looked around them in panic, “There’s too many, what the hell do we do!?”

 

Ochako spied another two villains coming in from the side, “Osshhhiro!”

 

Ojiro turned and glanced between the villains and Ochako. He couldn’t both hold her up and fight back the enemy.

 

“YOU PICKED THE WRONG SCHOOL TO ATTACK VILLANS! BECAUSE I AM HERE!”

 

All Might crashed down in front of the defensive line, causing a shockwave to throw anyone near by on off their feet. Immediately the flow of villains stopped as All Might glared out at them.

 

“You all have one chance to stand down!”

 

For a moment the entire area seemed to pause, the students gazed at All Might with relief while the villains snapped their attention between All Might and their rear view. The view in which Deku and One For All were tearing up the entire forest.

 

Finally one villain broke the silence, “Fuck it! He can’t take us all down at once!”

 

It opened the flood gates as all the villains charged forward in a surge.

 

“Oh contare villian!” All Might said as he raised his fists.

 

But rather than being punched into an alternate dimension the frontal villain jerked back as a stream of blood erupted from their shoulder. 

 

The next thing Ochako knew there was a helicopter overhead with the words SHIELD slapped across the side and one David Shield at the controls. It was also accompanied by Lady Nagent, who leaned out of the side taking potshots at the villains.

 

“Damn it All Might!” She shouted over the noise of the helitcopter, “You hit them with a full frontal attack and you could take the entire building down in the process!”

 

“I know what I’m doing Nagant!” All Might responded as he backhanded one villain and flicked another away like they were made of paper.

 

“You also charged ahead, unlike the plan!” Came another deep voice a moment before Endeavor landed right next to All Might, a wave of fire washed over the villains who had now decided it was better to take their chances in the forest then try to fight to top two heroes at once.

 

“Dad!?” Todoroki asked as he hobbled over, “How did you guys know to get here?”

 

“A good hero always knows when there’s a crisis!” Endeavor responded.

 

“Lady Nagant figured it out,” All Might said.

 

The pair had only been on the field a few moments but already the fighting was coming to an end.

 

“Either way, I’m glad to see you all,” Aizawa said as he captured the final fleeing villain with his scarf.

 

“Is everyone accounted for?” 

 

“Everyone except-”

 

At first Ochako thought it was an earthquake. The ground shook and threw her and Ojiro to their knees. All Might, Endeavor and Nagant tensed, expecting a diabolical villain to come crashing through the forest at any moment.

 

“Oh my God!” Somebody gasped.

 

Ochako never did figure out who it was, as she, like everyone else, was distracted by the sight of an entire mountain simply crumbling into rubble in the distance. One minute it had been there and the next there was nothing but a cloud of dust.

“Ah…” All Might said.

Chapter 65: This is My Quirk

Summary:

Izuku and Katsuki must battle their own inner turmoil to regain control of their quirks

Izuku crashed into the side of the colosseum. His back screamed at him as he crumpled into the sand below. Several of the quirks turned curiously in his direction. Izuku looked up just as Deku came screaming through the air. He rolled to the side a moment before Deku’s knee smashed down.

 

“Deku, you need to listen to me!”

 

“Listen to you!?” Deku growled and kicked him away, “Can’t you feel what’s happening? Our power is increasing at a never ending rate. Soon we’ll be the most powerful quirk user in history!”

 

“That isn’t what I want,” Izuku said as he got to his feet.  

 

“Yeah well, what you want doesn’t matter anymore.”

 

Deku launched himself at Izuku. Izuku tried to block the punches but he took one to his gut and then to the side of his jaw. He stumbled back as he tried to raise his arms up to block.

 

“I tried to work together!” Deku shouted and kicked Izuku’s knees out from under him.

 

Izuku fell to the ground as Deku drove a foot down onto his chest, crushing the air out of him.

 

“We could have been so much more together!” Deku shouted as Izuku clawed at his leg, “But you didn’t listen! You had be Izuku fucking Midoriya! Self righteous bastard and weakling!”

 

Izuku started to cough, desperate for air as Deku's foot pushed down on his ribs.

 

“Well it’s too late now! I gave you a chance and you tossed me to the curb, so now I’m taking control and we’ll do whatever the hell I want!”

 

“No we won’t!” Izuku managed to gasp out before he threw a handful of sand in Deku’s face.

 

Deku hissed and shifted slightly as he covered his eyes. The reduction in pressure was just enough for Izuku to throw his foot off and scramble away. 

 

Deku growled and leaped forward but this time Izuku was ready for him. They exchanged blows, Izuku took some hits while Deku got others. They moved around the colosseum like a dance, the vestiges watching them as they did.

 

“I won’t let you do this!” Izuku shouted, “I won’t let you use my quirk for evil!”

 

“Such naivety!" Deku growled out before grabbing Izuku around the throat, “I just need to squeeze it out of you.”

 

Izuku lifted his legs and wrapped them around Deku’s arm before pushing against his shoulder. Izuku grit his teeth and used all his effort until he felt Deku’s shoulder pop. Deku hissed and let go of Izuku who rolled away once he hit the dirt.

 

“I’m done with you Deku,” Izuku said, “You’re not going to intrude on my life any more.”

 

Deku smirked, “Then I guess it’s either you or me.”

 

---

 

En immediately stepped in front of Katsuki, “Kudo, you… you can’t be serious.”

 

Kudo didn’t even flinch, “This is bigger than him En, it’s bigger than all of us. One For All has always been about sacrifice and if that means this boys has to die than so-”

 

All Might’s fist seemed to simply appear next to Kudo’s face. One minute Kudo had been standing the next he was in a crumpled heap mixed in the debris of his chair.

 

“AHAHAHAHA!” Nana laughed, practically doubling over, “You fucking idiot Kudo! What did you think would happen if you threatened Yagi’s prodigy?”

 

Kudo picked himself up off the ground, “Step aside All Might.”

 

The vestige of All Might seemed to only grow brighter as it stood over Kudo, some of the other users took a step back.

 

“Woah, why don’t we all calm down?” Banjo said he stepped forward with his arms raised, “We can all talk about this.”

 

“We don’t have time to talk Banjo!” Kudo snapped, “The spawn of All For One is out there fighting right now, if we don’t finish him off here and now he’ll become unstoppable, even more powerful than his father.”

 

“So we kill the ninth wielder!?" En cried in outrage.

 

“I agree with Sensei on this,” Nana said, “This is fucked up.”

 

“Actually I think Kudo may have a point.”

 

“For fucks sake Bruce!” Nana shouted, “Does anyone else fancy jumping on the child murderer train!?”

 

The user with a scar stepped forward, “We should at least consider-"

 

“Consdier what!? Killing a kid!?” Nana sapped, “Yeah, some great fucking hero you are Shinomori.”

 

“We never claimed the title of hero,” Kudo said, “It was only after Banjo became one that tradition was started. In our time there was simply All For One and those of us that stood against him. The rest of you can never comprehend what it was like in our time, a neverending war. We all had to do things we weren’t proud of for the greater good. That’s all this is.”

 

“Actually I think it’s murder.”

 

The tension around the group was suffocating Katsuki who wanted nothing more than to rip this stupid shadow off his mouth and start shouting at them all in turn. Instead he was forced to watch them argue like an extended family at Christmas.

 

“Enough!” Bruce said, “There is no point in dragging this out, “Nana, En, All Might. Stand aside.”

 

But nobody moved.

 

Kudo sighed, “Fine.” And touched his chest.

 

The next Katsuki knew Kudo was standing next to him, his fist raised for an attack. But All Might was suddenly there, blocking the blow. Kudo jumped back before All Might threw Katsuki away from the action.

 

“Dammit Kudo stand down!” Nana cried as she flew towards the pair.

 

But she was stopped when Bruce jumped on her back, winding his arm up like a jack in the box, “I’m sorry about this Nana.”

 

Bruce’s arm lit up red and he slammed his fist down on Nana. The impact rocked the entire asteroid and Nana smashed into the ground, spitting dirt out of her mouth.

 

“You dirty fucker. You’ve been storing power up this entire time.”

 

Meanwhile En and Shinomori had become lost in a thick cloud of purple smoke, only their voices could be heard coming from within.

 

“You can’t beat me, En, against danger sense your quirk is useless.”

 

“Wanna bet!?”

 

The only one not fighting was Banjo, who seemed to be under the impression the fight had yet to start.

 

“Guys please… If we can all just calm down…”

 

But nobody was calming down. Kudo was clearly outmatched by All Might but he was fast, very fast. Whatever his quirk did it seemed to be speeding him up and slowing All Might down. Nana and Bruce seemed to be fairly evenly matched and Katsuki had no idea what was going on inside the smoke.

 

The worst bit was he was helpless to do anything but watch.

 

At least that had been the worst bit until a blow from All Might missed and the shock wave sent Katsuki flying off the asteroid.

 

---

 

“We must leave Tomura, the battle is lost!”

 

Kurogiri desperately tried to drag Shigaraki through one of his portals kicking and screaming (literally). The villains had long since been defeated. Those that hadn’t been captured were desperately trying to flee through the forest. A bright light overhead showed Endeavor as he swept through the sky, hunting down the remaining villains. Nearby a helicopter hovered, its searchlight penetrating the tree line. Every now and then a shot would ring out from the helicopter as Nagant tookput any non-UA student she spotted.

 

Not to mention All Might was here too.

 

It had been a dangerous mission before, now it had gone beyond being a suicide mission. Their forces were scattered to the wind, only a few loyal soldiers had returned to Kurogiri, and they were laughably outmatched. Despite this Shigaraki still seemed to believe they could win.

 

“I’ll kill them!” He screeched as he fought against Kurogiri, “I’ll kill them all!”

 

“It’s no use Tomura, we can’t hope to defeat them now.”

 

“NO, NO, NO, NO! This isn’t how it was supposed to go!” Shigaraki wailed as he clawed at Kurogiri.

 

“On that we agree,” Kurogiri said and managed to drag Shigaraki through a portal.

 

The young villain collapsed onto the bar floor as the portal shut behind them. A few villains had also made it through.

 

“That was crazy!” One of the villains shouted, “I knew signing up to you guys would be intense but-”

 

He was cut off when Shigaraki’s hand clamped around his throat, it took all of a few seconds for the villain's throat to turn to dust and his head to roll from his shoulders.

 

“Shut up! Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!”

 

The other villains in the room quickly scrambled away, terrified that saying or doing the wrong thing could result in a friendly handshake from Shigaraki.

 

The bar was emptied of everyone bar Shigaraki and Kurogiri until-

 

“Tomura,” came the displeased voice of All For One, “What happened?”

 

---

 

Izuku was losing. He was losing badly. Deku was just too strong in this world.

 

Izuku’s arm hung limply from his side, blood covered half his face and one eye was swollen shut.

 

“You’re looking a little rough there Loki,” Deku said with a smirk.

 

“Just… Just getting started,” Izuku responded.

 

Deku laughed and rushed forward, battering Izuku to the side, “Give it up Izuku! You can’t hope to defeat me.”

 

Deku launched a kick at Izuku who tried to hopelessly block. Izuku was thrown into the air before crashing down against the wall of the colosseum.

 

“Izuku!” Yoichi cried as he came running up to his side, “Are you ok.”

 

“Fine,” Izuku mumbled as he struggled to his feet, “I… I can’t beat him, he’s too strong.”

 

Yoichi gave him a firm look, “Then stop trying to outdo him in a standard fight.”

 

“B-But you’re the one who said to fight him!”

 

“Yes, I said to fight him. But that doesn’t only mean trying to out punch him,” Yoichi sighed and grabbed either side of Izuku’s head, “This is all about your quirk. Show him that you know this quirk better than he does. This is YOUR vestige world Izuku, nobody knows this place better than you. Don’t fight Deku to beat him. Fight Deku to control him!”

 

Izuku clenched his fists and nodded, “I’ve got this.”

 

Yoichi smiled and took a step back, “This is your fight nephew, I trust in you.”

 

Izuku stalked back out towards Deku who watched him coming with a wide smile, “So, still got some fight left in you huh?”

 

“I’m giving you one last chance Deku, give up now and you can keep your freedom.”

 

Deku threw his head back and laughed, “Freedom!? With you around I’ll never be free.”

 

Deku came speeding at Izuku, the chains flowing from his back clinking in the air. Izuku rolled to avoid the attack. Deku twisted and threw a punch which Izuku managed to block. But the strength alone caused Izuku to be pushed back, his feet dragging in the sand.

 

“These are my quirks, you hear me Izuku! Mine!”

 

Izuku watched as Deku pulled on the chains, forcing more power to flow into him.

 

Chains.

 

Izuku had an idea.

 

Deku rushed him again but this time Izuku sidestepped him, throwing sand in his face as he did. As Deku spluttered Izuku ran forward, scanning the area. He needed a powerful one with enough self awareness to- There!

 

Hearing Deku behind him Izuku ran full sprint at one of the quirk vestiges. It looked vaguely humanoid and was made of blue flame. It watched curiously as Izuku came running before he grabbed the chains around its chest.

 

“This better work…”

 

“Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing!” Deku shouted.

 

Izuku didn’t respond, instead he pulled at the chains around the quirk until-

 

Snap!

 

The chains came flying off and Izuku was thrown to the ground just in time for Deku to stand over him.

 

“You little shit, that-”

 

Deku was sent flying by a wave of blue fire. Izuku scrambled away as the flame quirk stepped forward.

 

Deku stood up, patting down the flames that had lit up around him, “Oh very fucking funny, get the quirk to fight-”

 

The flame quirk didn’t give Deku a chance to talk, throwing fire at him over and over. Deku desperately tried to swat it away as he became more and more frustrated.

 

Izuku used the distraction to run to another quirk, it looked like Todoroki’s, a body made of ice that burned from within. He tugged on the chains, getting closer to breaking them when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

 

“You fucking coward!” Deku roared and threw Izuku to the ground, he was covered in burn marks and had a face of fury, “You think you can use my own quirks against me!?”

 

Izuku growled and kicked upwards, catching Deku in the knee. Deku cried out and Izuku wrapped his legs around his waist before hauling himself off the ground. He twisted until he was on Deku’s back.

 

“That’s the thing Deku,” Izuku said as he wrapped his arms around the chains coming from Deku’s back and pushed his feet against the back of Deku’s shoulders, “You keep calling this your quirk,” Izuku said as he started to pull and strain the chains, “But you’re wrong.

 

“This is my quirk!”

 

There was an almighty crash as the chains ripped out of Deku’s back. As they did each one seemed to shatter, turning to metal fragments. Izuku fell off Deku’s back as Deku collapsed to the ground, his back a bloody mess.

 

“M-My quirks,” Deku gasped.

 

Every vestige seemed to stop moving at once, all turning to stare at Izuku. Izuku looked down at Deku and smiled. For the first time he saw fear on Deku’s face.

 

“Get him.”

 

The quirks swarmed Deku, each one firing off whatever energy it had. Deku became invisible within a wall of power.

 

“Izuku!” He cried, “Izuku, you need me! Without me you’re weak! Without me you’re nothing!”

 

“Without you,” Izuku said calmly, “I’m exactly who I’m supposed to be.”

 

“Izuku! Izuku, get back here! IZUKUUUUU!”

 

Izuku turned and walked away. Yoichi was standing at the edge of the colosseum smiling.

 

“Well done Izuku.”

 

Izuku sighed, “Thanks, what happens now?”

 

“Now, you take a nap,” Yoichi said and Izuku blacked out.

 

---

 

Katsuki was falling.

 

The asteroid turned out to be like an iceberg and he was watching it zoom past. All the while glaring at it like it had personally insulted him.

 

Katsuki was furious, here these people were arguing over his quirk like he didn’t exist. Not to mention it looked like all the previous users of his quirk were a bunch of psychopaths and wackjobs. He figured they couldn’t all be like All Might but killing him? That was beyond fucked up.

 

And the worst part was Katsuki couldn’t do anything about it but watch and wait to see who won the argument.

 

Fuck that.

 

Katsuki focused on his emotions, using his rage, his fear and his hope to fuel him. He didn’t care what anyone else said, he was beyond that now, people had been putting him down his entire life. So what if now it just included these maniacs?

 

Katsuki hadn’t worked all this time just for some long dead extra to kill him now. Using every ounce of determination he had Katsuki finally managed to get an arm out from the shadow he was trapped in.

 

He grabbed onto the side of the asteroid, his fingers scraping against until he had a grip and stopped himself. He hung there for a few moments until he managed to push his other arm out. With his arms free Katsuki began to climb back up the side of the mountain.. It was awkward without the use of his legs but soon enough he had made it back up to the top.

 

Amazingly none of the previous users had even noticed Katsuki had vanished, either that or they assumed he was fine.

 

The fight was going on as before, Kudo looked like he was hitting his limit, he looked exhausted from the fight whereas All Might looked like he had only just begun. But Nana was covered in bruises, Bruce appeared to have out manoeuvred her. Meanwhile En and Shinomori were dancing around each other, neither able to land a hit.

 

Katsuki growled and dragged himself forward on the ground. He must have looked like a huge worm, wiggling across the floor, but nobody paid him any attention. He managed to get to one of the red chairs and climb up the back, watching the fights he timed in perfectly.

 

Just as Bruce sidestepped a punch from Nana, Katsuki threw himself off the back of the chair. At the same moment the shadow around his mouth burst open.

 

“FUCK YOU!”

 

Katsuki landed on Bruce’s back and wrapped his arms around him. At the same he sunk his teeth into the side of his neck, feeling blood spurt into his mouth.

 

Bruce cried out in shock and stumbled back. He reached behind him and managed to launch Katsuki off him. Katsuki landed in a heap and looked up with a feral smile, his mouth covered in blood.

 

“Would all you fuckers just get lost!?” Katsuki shouted, “You think I give a flying fuck about your approval!? Any of you!? You idiots died! Remember that!? You fucking failed! So as far as I’m concerned none of you can teach me a god damn thing! So why don’t all just leave!?

 

“This is my quirk!”

 

Everyone stared at Katsuki. The silence was deafening but Katsuki refused to back down.

 

Eventually Kudo stopped forward, “Insolent child you-”

 

“Enough!” Banjo snapped, causing everyone to face him.

 

Banjo let out a deep sigh, “You know… Maybe the kids got a point. Look at us, all fighting over the best way to deal with All For One when we all failed. Each and every one of us barley even made a dent in his empire. Only All Might had any success and even then the bastard just came back. Clearly whatever it is we’ve been doing hasn’t been working, so why not take a risk and go with the unorthodox kid?”

 

“But his brother-”

 

“Is also just a kid,” Banjo interrupted, “Last time I checked we’re supposed to be the good guys. Maybe I don’t agree with letting the two of them work together so closely but if you ask me we lost our right to start dictating that when we all bit the bullet.”

 

There was a pause before Kudo stepped back, “Fine. But that doesn’t mean I’m willing to help him.”

 

“Come on Kudo!” En said, “We need to help him if-”

 

“Leave it En,” Banjo said, “Five minutes ago he wanted to kill the kid, let’s take the win and get out of here.”

 

En nodded before turning to Katsuki, “Well Nine, you’ve got your chance. Don’t waste it.”

 

The previous wielders slowly vanished, as if being blown away by an invisible breeze, until it was just Katsuki and Nana.

 

Nana smiled down at him, “Not bad kid. I’ll see you soon.”

 

Before Katsuki could ask what she meant his world went black.

 

---

 

All Might smashed through the forest as he followed the sounds of battle. At one point the trees stopped and gave way to a devastated battlefield. The ground was a mess, fires raged and smoke filled the air.

 

Then All Might saw them. Two beings of raw power fighting each other, it was like watching two minor gods battle it out. And then… they stopped.

 

They just stopped. One minute the pair had been exchanging blows and the next they simply collapsed on the ground, almost simultaneously.

 

All Might rushed towards the pair, landing between them. He quickly checked their pulses.

 

“Thank God…”

 

He gazed down at them, they both looked battered and beaten, yet despite that their faces looked peaceful.

 

“Boys… What did you do?”

 

---

 

“Tomura, what happened?” All For One asked as he watched Shigaraki squirm on the monitors.

 

“It was those damn brats!” Shigaraki screeched, “They ruined everything, they overpowered us and-”

 

“So you failed?”

 

It gave All For One immense pleasure to watch Shigaraki wince.

 

“Only because those UA students are-”

 

“Are children. Weak and inexperienced with no backup, you had an army. An army that was thoroughly routed by a force smaller than itself.”

 

“Sensei please I can-”

 

All For One didn’t want to listen, he shut off the stream, leaving Shigaraki to rant at a blank screen. He paused. Then he threw the TV screen across the room.

 

“M-My Lord?” Came the Doctor's voice as he walked into the office, “How did the attack go?”

 

“Poorly.”

 

The Doctor wisely chose not to respond, instead awaiting further instructions.

 

“It appears Doctor, I’ve made a grave mistake.”

 

“Mistake Sir?”

 

“Indeed,” All For One said with a deep scowl, “This idea of a… successor, has turned out not to be the best route forward.”

 

There was a pause and All For One could tell the Doctor had something to say.

 

“Don’t hold back Doctor, for once I would like your unfiltered opinion.

 

The Doctor clasped his hands anxiously, “Well My Lord it’s just… You need a successor, your body is on the brink, a single fight could end you.”

 

All For Once felt his fists clench, “You are correct… Which is why we must find a way to bring me back to full strength.”

 

“But Sir we’ve tried everything, there is nothing-”

 

“I have a son.”

 

The admission was so shocking the Doctor’s mouth kept moving yet no sound came out.

 

“His name is Izuku Midoriya,” All For One continued, “He has an improved version of my own quirk.”

 

This finally woke the Doctor, “He does? In that case… I could… yes I… I think it’s possible. I’d need the boy here in person to work on, not to mention your body is still damaged, we’d need to figure out how to repair it and finally we’d need a method to bring it altogether but… with his quirk it might actually be possible. He could be the key to returning you to your former self.”

 

All For One smiled, “Excellent, then get to work right away Doctor, the sooner I’m back up to full strength the better.”

 

“Of course, I assume you’ll get Shigaraki to find the boy?”

 

“No. I think it’s time I started to handle things… personally.”

Notes:

Kamino Ward? Never heard of it...

I'll be honest, this chapter feels a bit rushed, as does the overall ending to the training camp arc. Though I'll confess that's probably in part due to my big break, trying to write these chapters to finish of arc I last wrote a year ago is pretty damn hard so I figured I'd wrap it up quickly and move on. Hopefully things feel more on track over the next few chapters, and yes, from now on the story arcs will more or less be own creation away from canon.

As always thanks for all the kudos and comments!

Chapter 66: The Doomsday Theory

Summary:

In the aftermath of the training camp attack Izuku and Katsuki learn just how dangerous their blood brother pact was.

Yagi washed the blood down the sink with a wince. He hadn’t even been pushing himself that hard at the campsite yet his body was still paying for him time as All Might. He wondered just how much longer he had until he couldn’t use One For All at all.

 

There was a knock at the bathroom door, “Yagi?” Endeavor said, “The parents have started to arrive.”

 

Yagi sighed and checked himself in the mirror, he straightened his tie and mentally prepared himself for what awaited him. They had all but taken control of a nearby HSPC facility after getting things under control. David and Vlad King had stayed with the HPSC back at the camp to finish rounding up the villains while Yagi, Endeavor, Aizawa and Kaina had come back to the facility which was acting as a makeshift hospital for the students and a prison for the villains.

 

Yagi walked out the door and followed Endeavor towards the reception room, “How is Shoto?”

 

“Beaten and bruised but otherwise ok,” Endeavor said and Yagi could see the relief on his face, “In fact it seems most of the students only suffered minor injuries. Largely thanks to… well…”

 

Endeavor trailed off awkwardly and Yagi nodded at the silent answer.

 

They entered the reception area to find it in chaos. There were HPSC agents everywhere, trying to gain control of the situation as well as medical staff running between rooms. The parents of the students were starting to trickle and each and every one was demanding to know what the situation was.

 

Luckily those students who hadn’t needed urgent medical attention were helping out where they could. Yagi saw Ashido talking to Ochako’s parents.

 

“It looks worse than it is, she took a hit to the back of the head but it mostly caused a lot of bleeding. The doctors put her to sleep because they were worried about quirk exhaustion. I can take you to her if you like?”

 

Yagi nodded at Ashido as she led Uraraka’s parents towards the rooms. For someone who insisted she had no leadership abilities she was handling things well considering the class rep was still out cold.

 

Yagi felt, more than saw, Endeavor stiffen up beside him. He spied Endeavor’s other two children approaching and surprisingly a third person who must have been-

 

“Rei?” A shocked Endeavor asked, “What are you doing here?”

 

“Our son was hurt,” Rei said as way of an explanation.

 

“Right,” Endeavor said, Yagi had never seen him so nervous, “Well he’s ok, a few bumps but nothing terrible, if you follow me I can take him to you.”

 

“Is Melissa here?” Natsuo asked.

 

Despite the situation Yagi allowed himself a small smirk, “She’s staying at home, we don’t want to overwhelm everyone.”

 

Natsuo visibly sagged, “Right…”

 

Fuyumi rolled her eyes, “Come on Natsuo, I think Shoto is more important than a girl right now.”

 

Yagi chuckled as Natsuo tried to argue with his sister while the family walked away. His chuckle didn’t last long as the people he’d been dreading came running up to him.

 

“Toshi!” Inko cried, “Are the boys ok?”

 

Yagi laid a hand on her shoulder, "Physically the boys are fine.”

 

Masaru raised an eyebrow, “Physically?”

 

Yagi sighed, “You best follow me.”

 

He led the three parents away from the chaos of the reception area and towards the private room for their sons.

 

“The boys have both suffered from quirk exhaustion and taken a bit of beating. However, nothing major or life threatening.”

 

Mitsuki let out a sigh, “That’s good.”

 

“There are, however… complications…” Yagi said.

 

“Complications?” Inko asked, her voice rising slightly.

 

Yagi paused and turned to them, “Ok here’s the thing. The official story is that The WildWild Pussycats launched an attack at a secret meeting of the League of Villains. Unknown to them however the UA classes were camped nearby and got dragged into the fight. The students were forced to hold their own but nobody was seriously injured and they helped capture several league members.”

 

The parents nodded.

 

“And the unofficial story?” Masaru asked.

 

Yagi ran his hand through his hair, “We suspect there’s a traitor at UA who leaked the location of the campsite. This would be bad enough except… To put it bluntly it appears Izuku and Katsuki have been struggling with quirk control for weeks now and they both ended up losing control. The results where… Well lets just say they had villains running in fear.”

 

Tears welled up in Inko’s eyes, “Are they… alright?”

 

“We don’t know. They’ve both been out cold since I found them and we’re not entirely sure why. They haven’t got any injuries to recover from and their brian scans are normal.”

 

They arrived at the room and Yagi pushed the door open. There were two beds at either end of the room, Izuku in one and Katsuki in the other. They were hooked up to a few monitoring devices and both had bandages wrapped around various body parts but apart from that they looked fine, as if they were napping after a long day. 

 

Both mothers ran forwards to their respective sons as Masaru hung back with Yagi, “We’ve no idea why they won’t wake up?”

 

Yagi shook his head, “The doctors don’t, though… I think I have some idea as to why.”

 

---

 

Izuku woke up to find he was still in the vestige world.

 

“Back here already?”

 

“Tell me about it,” Katsuki grunted next to him.

 

Izuku turned to find Katsuki standing over him, offering him a hand up. Izuku took his it and frowned as he stood.

 

“What are you doing in my vestige world?”

 

Katsuki scoffed, “Your vestige world? You’re in mine fucker.”

 

“Actually it’s your shared world.”

 

Izuku jumped when he realised he and Katsuki weren’t alone. Standing with them on the floating asteroid was Yoichi, Nana and-

 

“You bastard!” Izuku cried and leaped forward, punching Deku in the side of the jaw.

 

Deku went down with ease and Izuku started to lay in punch after punch.

 

“OW! Hey! HEY! Someone get him off me!”

 

Izuku felt himself being pulled back by Katsuki as Yoichi stood in front of Deku, “Calm down Izuku. Breath and take a look at him, he’s not a threat to you anymore.”

 

Izuku stopped struggling to look at Deku. He looked visibly smaller than Izuku remembered and his hands were chained together in a pair of heavy duty handcuffs. Deku saw him looking and smirked.

 

“After you left your quirks decided it would be fun to chain me up for a change.”

 

“You beat him,” Yoichi said, “You can’t get rid of Deku completely but he no longer has any power, he can’t even speak to you outside of this world without your permission.”

 

“Yeah yeah,” Deku said with an eyeroll, “The kid did great, can we get this over with?”

 

Nana frowned, “You know we could have just let you die right?”

 

“Yeah but then poor Izuku here would be walking around blind.”

 

Izuku scowled, “What’s he talking about?”

 

Yoichi sighed, “It all comes down to the day you two made a blood pact. As you both already know this caused your quirks to mix slightly, causing a reaction in both. For Izuku it created Deku and for Katsuki it enhanced the stored quirks within One For All.

 

“What you don’t know is it’s more complicated than that. This vestige world for example, because of your bond your quirks are now able to host a single vestige world which you can both visit.”

 

“Which is how me and Yoichi are able to share a space with this pile of horse shit,” Nana said, indicating to Deku who snorted.

 

“Indeed,” Yoichi said with a nod, “Your quirks have become inexplicably linked.”

 

Katsuki frowned with thought, “Wait, is that why when Stain was attacking Zuzu I knew?”

 

“Exactly,” Nana said, “Your quirks have evolved beyond their original states. Almost like they’re now All For Two and Two For All.”

 

Katsuki tutted, “You telling me I gotta have this moron in my head all the time?”

 

“Hey!” Izuku protested.

 

Yoichi smiled, “Not exactly.”

 

“That doesn’t seem too bad though,” Izuku said, “If anything it could give us a tactical advantage in a fight.”

 

Yoichi and Nana glanced nervously at each other while Deku sniggered, “Oh man, the other shoe hasn’t dropped yet.”

 

“Silence!” Yoichi hissed.

 

“What other shoe?” Katsuki asked with narrow eyes.

 

Yoichi sighed, “Have you both heard of the Quirk Doomsday Theory?”

 

Izuku, of course, had, “Yeah, it’s the theory that as each generation gains more and more powerful quirks our bodies won’t be able to handle them until one day the human race eventually becomes sterile because nobody can have any children that survive past the age of five after their quirk activation.”

 

The whole idea made Katsuki shiver, luckily most people in the scientific community believed the theory was hogwash.

 

“It’s absolutely correct,” Yoichi said.

 

“Huh?” Katsuki spluttered, “But how? Humans evolved to be able to handle more powerful quirks, just look at Endeavor and how he can resist fire.”

 

“But not completely," Deku pointed out to which he received four glares, “Fine. I’ll shut up.”

 

“Deku… does make a good point. For the large part human bodies have evolved to keep up with quirks, however, that will soon change. While yes, Endeavor can resist fire, his full output, as you both know, is still able to burn him. And while this resistance will increase with generations the rate at which the power of the quirk will increase is greater. This will continue until-”

 

“Until one of Endeavor's great grandkids or something activates his quirk and burns to death,” Katsuki said bluntly, “Ok fine, but where’s the proof of this theory?”

 

Nana rolled her eyes, “In you two you idiot.”

 

“In us?” Izuku asked, pointing at his own chest.

 

“Yes, or rather, in your quirks. Do you know why my brother has become so desperate to gain One For All in recent generations?” Yoichi asked, “Because for now he can still wield it.

 

“You see when we were young my brother was the supreme power in this country. He stole hundreds of quirks and became more and more powerful. And then one day… his power stopped increasing, he became frustrated and stole more quirks to make up for this. But then something even more shocking happened, he became weaker. With each quirk he stole my brother's body started to grow weak and frail. For years he couldn’t understand it, then one day he met a doctor who explained it all to him.”

 

“His body had hit its limit,” Katsuki said.

 

“Exactly. While All For One the quirk was able to take an infinite number of quirks my brother's body simply wasn’t able to handle that much power. He was forced to give up quirks to equalize the balance. And things have only gotten worse for him as the generations have passed on, as quirks become more and more powerful the amount of quirks he can hold onto has diminished. Just look at your classmates Todoroki or Yaoyorozu for example, their quirks alone would require a significant portion of my brother's reserves.”

 

“By the time the big asshole figured this out One For All was already onto its third user and by this point the users had figured out each transfer came with an increase in power. And so the third and subsequent users all realised one thing.” Nana said, “We didn’t necessarily have to beat All For One, we just have to outlast him.”

 

“Out last him?” Izuku asked.

 

“That’s right,” Yoichi said, “Think about it Izuku, All For One can only hold so much power and with each passing One For All increases its own power.”

 

“Wait a fucking minute,” Katsuki cried in outrage, “Are you saying the plan was just to hide until One For All became so powerful All For One couldn’t take it even if he tried?”

 

Nana winced and gave a shaky smile, “Kinda… Although I have to admit, Yagi’s reaction was the same as yours. He uh… he felt we should do more to stop All For Once, especially after he of all people pointed something glaring obvious out to me.”

 

“What?” Izuku asked.

 

“If the plan was to hold onto One For All until it became too powerful for All For One to hold onto… then how could we expect anyone else to hold onto it?”

 

Katsuki paled, “Wait are you saying…?”

 

“I’m afraid so,” A grim looking Yoichi said, “Realistically One For All only has one or two generations left until the quirk becomes so powerful that simply passing it on could be a death sentence for the receiver."

 

Izuku suddenly connected the dots, “And that’s the Quirk Doomsday Theory contained within a single quirk. One For All is basically an accelerated example of generational quirks becoming too powerful for a human to wield while All For One shows that even a quirk designed to wield immense power can’t handle everything.”

 

“So you’re saying… what? In a few generations the human race is doomed to go extinct?” Katsuki said, his voice shaking slightly.

 

“It was,” Yoichi admitted, “Until you were born nephew.”

 

Izuku blinked, “Me?”

 

“Aw come on idiot!” Deku snapped, “Think about it!”

 

“Oi! Enough outta you!” Nana shouted.

 

“Oh for fuck sake!” Deku cried, ignoring Nana and looking at Izuku, “Come on dunderhead, use your brain! Think about it, All For Once can’t hold too much power because quirks evolve with each generation… EACH. GENERATION.”

 

Izuku fell to his knees as he realised what Deku was talking about, “You… You can’t mean..?”

 

Yoichi nodded, “I’m afraid so Izuku, your version of All For One evolved just like all quirks passed on from a parent. And like all quirks your resistance upgraded, as far as I or Deku can tell… you have no limit to the amount of power your body can handle.”

 

“Congrajulations kid,” Nana said with a smirk, “You’re DNA is the only solution to the Quirk Doomsday scenario.”

 

“Actually… It’s now both of you,” Yoichi said.

 

Katsuki frowned, “The fuck are you- Oh… the blood brothers pact.”

 

Deku laughed, “You see, I wasn’t the only prize there!”

 

“Yes,” Yoichi said, "Because of your act Katsuki has also gained some of Izuku’s resistance and as a result you’re able to wild much more of One For All’s power than you previously would have. To be frank, you two probably have the potential to wield more power than any other humans on earth right now.”

 

“Oh hell yeah!” Katsuki shouted and bumped his chest with his fist, “Shoto can go eat shit!”

 

Yoichi gave the pair a sad smile, “And while this is good news for you as potential heroes I’m afraid in all likelihood my brother has figured out the same of Izuku. I always suspected Shigaraki was his attempt to allow a more powerful body to wield his quirk and eventually One For All, especially after All Might damaged his own body so much. But now with Izuku…”

 

“He could use my DNA to upgrade his original body…” Izuku said and felt a chill go up his spine.

 

There was a long silence as the implications settled in, until it was broken by Katsuki’s snort.

 

“Who gives a fuck? Just means me and Zuzu have to train until he can’t touch us.”

 

Deku chuckled, “I like this guy.”

 

Yoichi beamed at the pair, “All I can advise you is to be careful, at his core my brothers greatest strength has always been his intelligence. He will not simply come for Izuku guns blazing. But he will need time to formulate a strategy."

 

“So while he does that you two need to train your asses off,” Nana said, “Me, Yoichi, En and Banjo are gonna try work on the other users for you Nine, hopefully let you unlock some more quirks. And you kid,” She said looking at Izuku, “This dickhead may be in shackles but he understands your quirk just as well as you do, I hate to say it but take his advice when you can.”

 

Deku gave Izuku a grin that he didn’t meet.

 

“Fine.”

 

Yoichi nodded, “In which case I think it’s time you both woke up.”

 

---

 

Izuku opened his eyes and quickly found himself smothered in a hug by his mother. He wrapped his arms around her and made sure she knew he was ok, across the room he spied Katsuki and nodded his head.

 

The next few minutes were spent assuring their parents that the pair of brothers were fine. Yes they had fought, yes it was under control, no neither of them had any permanent damage.

 

If he was honest Izuku was pleased for the distraction, the more time he had to dedicate to his parents the less time he had to deal with the vast power of quirks bubbling just below his skin.

 

Eventually however Yagi informed them that all parents were being asked to leave, this was, afterall, still technically an active HPSC investigation. The Bakugou’s and Inko left reluctantly, promising to pick the boys up the next day and take them home.

 

They left the pair alone with Yagi who pulled up a chair between them and gave them both a grave look, “I want to know exactly what happened. The truth.”

 

Katsuki and Izuku glanced at each other before diving into an explanation.

 

Izuku explained how Deku had been created, how he’d been plaguing Izuku’s mind for weeks, egging him on. How taking the quirk of the blonde blood girl had caused Izuku to briefly lose control in which Deku had grabbed the steering wheel.

 

Meanwhile Katsuki admitted that the previous users of One For All hadn’t exactly appreciated his attitude and family. And how despite Katsuki’s best efforts they had managed to wrestle control from him in an attempt to kill Izuku.

 

After they were finished Yagi let out a long sigh and dragged his hand down his face.

 

“Are we going to be punished?” Izuku asked.

 

“On the one hand you should be,” Yagi admitted, “On the other hand, part of this is my fault. You two have been under such immense pressure to prove yourselves, not to mention you’ve been casually keeping secrets since we first met. So I’ll just say this, if you EVER keep something like this from me again, I’ll pull you both straight off the hero course.”

 

Izuku gulped at Yagi’s harsh words and didn’t doubt that he would.

 

“But… For now, let’s just call it all water under the bridge. Now, Katsuki, I want to speak to you about these previous wielders some more. And Izuku… Well… I’m sure you know what to do.”

 

Izuku nodded and stepped out of his bed, “Sensei, what about the villain quirks?”

 

Yagi paused and hummed, “For now you can keep them, though I want you to give the blood quirk back. We can’t risk you losing control again.”

 

Izuku nodded and left Katsuki and Yagi alone. He stepped into the corridor and sighed, leaning his head against the wall. All he wanted to do was sleep for a week, he really didn’t want to have to face his classmates after what had happened.

 

“Midoriya my man! You’re ok!”

 

Izuku jumped as Kaminari came running around the corner, his arm was a sling but other than that he seemed ok.

 

“Kaminari… Are you ok?”

 

Kaminari shook his injured arm, “You mean this old thing? Ahh, it’s fine, not even broken, just a nasty sprain. To be honest we were all more worried about you.”  

 

Izuku gave Kaminari a shaky smile, “I’m fine. Oh, by the way…”

 

Izuku closed his eyes and found Kaminari’s quirk.

 

“Ahhh that’s better…” Kaminari said with a sigh, “Come on, everyone else is waiting for you?”

 

“Everyone…?” Izuku asked but before he could protest Kaminari had grabbed his sleeve and dragged him into what looked like a waiting room. It contained the combined classes of everyone who wasn’t in a hospital bed. They all looked up as Izuku and Kaminari walked into the room.

 

“MIDORIYA!” Yoarashi cried with a large smile on his face, “I’m so glad you finally woke up!”

 

“Indeed,” Yaoyorozu agreed, “We were worried about you.”

 

Izuku blinked, “You… were worried about me? But… But your quirks!? What I… What I did…!?”

 

Yoarashi frowned at him, “What do you mean what you did? You didn’t do anything. From what everyone has been saying you took a quirk which put your hunger into overdrive, if you ask me that means you can’t be blamed for what happened.”

 

“Yeah man, besides sure you took our quirks but you didn’t actually really fight us.” Kaminari said.

 

“That’s true,” Yaoyorozu agreed, “You really didn’t do all that much harm to any students, it was the villains and Bakugou who got the brunt of your power.”

 

“Ribbet, and I think Bakugou can handle it.” Tsu commented.

 

“You see,” Yoarashi said, “Whatever was going on, I think you still retained some control. Even at your worst, you were still protecting your classmates.”

 

Yaoyorozu nodded her head, “Honestly, we’re all just pleased our class president is ok.”

 

Izuku forced himself not to cry, “Thanks guys… Now…”

 

He focused on his quirks and released those that needed returning. He watched the energies roam across the room before finding their original hosts, he watched one energy and frowned.

 

Huh.

 

Once that was complete Izuku looked around, “Hey guys… Where are…?”

 

“They’re all in Kirishima’s room,” Yaoyorozu said with a knowing smirk.

 

Izuku thanked everybody and quickly walked to another private room. He opened the door to say hello before-

 

“IZUKU!” MIna cried before practically tackling him to the floor and planting kisses all over his face, “I’m so glad you’re ok.”

 

“I-I’m fine,” Izuku said as his face turned red, “Are… Are you guys ok?”

 

“We’re all ok,” Kyouka said as she pulled Mina back, “Eijiro took some hits but he’s fine.”

 

“Yeah!” Eijiro said from where he was sitting up in his bed, “I was just about to insist we all come and check on you.”

 

Izuku walked over to Eijiro’s bed, hand in hand with Mina, where Eijiro pulled him down and gave him a quick peck on the lips. At the same time Izuku made sure to return his quirk.

 

“I’m… sorry about what happened.” Izuku said, unable to look any of them in the eye.

 

But Kyouka just grabbed his chin and lifted his head, “You protected us. That’s all there is to it.”

 

“Here’s the deal,” Mina said, “For now we’re going to completely ignore what happened in the forest and discuss more important things.”

 

Eijiro frowned, “What things?”

 

“Like what the hell our first official date is gonna be!”

 

Izuku couldn’t help but smile.

 

---

 

Shoto yawned as he stretched on his bed, honestly he didn’t think his injuries were that bad. Considering he’d lost a leg the last time he’d faced the league he felt this was a vast improvement. The most annoying thing was that he didn’t have the energy to recreate his ice leg, meaning he was going to have to walk around with walking sticks for a day or two.

 

“SHOTO YOU’RE OK!” Fuyumi screamed as she ran into the room and wrapped her arms around him.

 

“I’m fine,” Shoto said as he allowed himself to be crushed, he’d learned long ago not to fight back against Fuyumi’s hugs.

 

The rest of his family walked in and Natsuo gave him a smile, “Good to see you up and about little bro.”

 

“Do you require any assistance?” Endeavor asked.

 

Shoto shook his head as Fuyumi let him go and he grabbed his walking sticks, getting out of bed, “I’m fine, I just need a few days rest then I- Mom? I… I’m surprised to see you here.”

 

Rei smiled at him, “I hope it’s ok I’m here, Fuyumi told me what happened and well… I just wanted to check on you.”

 

Shoto still wasn’t sure how he felt about his parents so just decided to nod in appreciation. There was an awkward pause until the door to his room opened with a squeak of shock.

 

“Oh… Sorry… I uh… I thought Shoto was alone and came to see if he was ok…”

 

For the first time since his family had walked in Shoto smiled, “Please come in, Uraraka.”

 

Uraraka shut the door behind her and shuffled nervously inside, she glanced up at Endeavor and took a visible gulp, “I’m glad you’re doing ok. I was going to ask if you wanted to visit Bakugou with me but um…”

 

Shoto walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her (to the shock of Fuyumi), “I’m glad you’re ok too.” 

 

Uraraka’s face went bright red as she stammered a response out, “Uh y-yeah, you t-t-too.”

 

Natsuo wolf whistled which caused Fuyumi to elbow him in the ribs.

 

Shoto was just about to ask about everyone else when the door slammed open to reveal a very pale looking Lady Nagant.

 

“Endeavor you’re here… and so is everyone else. Good… I… I need to speak to you about something, a family matter.”

 

“I’ll go check on Midoriya and Bakugou,” Uraraka said but before she could go Shoto grabbed her hand and pulled her back.

 

“No, I want you here for whatever this is.”

 

Uraraka glanced at Endeavor who gave the slightest of nods.

 

“Ok,” Nagant said and took a deep breath, “There’s no easy way to say this. We’ve been doing DNA tests on the captured villains and well… one of them… he’s your son.”

Notes:

Bit a slow chapter this one, suspect the next few will be as we wrap up the training camp and move onto the next arc.

Thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!

Chapter 67: Fair

Summary:

The Todoroki family comes face to face with their past while Izuku if forced to consider what justice can mean in this quirk filled world

 

Uraraka felt very out of place as she stood in the cell with the Todoroki family. Inside there was a single table and chair with a man handcuffed to it, apparently Izuku was holding onto his quirk so he wasn’t a threat. He was covered in scar tissue and Ochako felt a little bile rise in the back of her throat at the sight of him.

 

“What’s your name?” Lady Nagant demanded of him.

 

“Dabi.”

 

“Your birth name.”

 

Dabi looked up, staring Endeavor in the eyes with a maniacal grin, “Toya Todoroki.”

 

Fuyumi let out a gasp as Endeavor and Rei tensed up, Ochako couldn’t help but gulp at the tension.

 

“But… I looked for you…” Endeavor whispered.

 

“Well clearly you didn’t look hard enough! Did you Dad!?” Dabi sneered.

 

“We’ve done a backlog on his movements and activities,” Nagant explained, “We can connect at least three murders to him. Possibly more.”

 

Ochako felt Todoroki’s hand tighten its grip on hers as Endeavor paled. Fuyumi had tears running down her face.

 

“Toya… Why?”

 

“Why!?” Dabi spat, “Isn’t it obvious? It’s all because of him!”

 

Everyone turned to look at Endeavor who’s mouth was moving but no sound was coming out.

 

“The way he treated us! You should all be just like me!” Dabi growled before a wide smirk appeared on his face, “But don’t worry pops, I’m sure this will all come up in my trial right?”

 

“That’s enough Toya!” Natsuo shouted and stepped forward, “Forget about Dad, why didn’t you come back to us!?”

 

“Don’t act oh so innocent Natsuo,” Dabi said, licking his lips, “When did you ever try to stop Dad from abusing me? Or Mom? Or Shoto? No, you were happy just to sit on the sidelines and watch!”

 

Natsuo cringed back as Dabi focused his attention on Shoto.

 

“Ahhh little Shoto, still trying to be a hero after all this? Do you really think that’s possible? Coming from this fucked up family? You know what I am Shoto? I’m-”

 

Ochako let out a surprised gasp when Shoto turned and started to walk away with her hand still in his.

 

There was a comical look of surprise on Dabi’s face, “Shoto!? Too cowardly too look me in the eye!?”

 

Shoto turned to look at Dabi, “No, I just couldn’t care less about you.”

 

Dabi scowled at him, “You WILL care, you’ll care when you realise I’m-”

 

“Pathetic.” Shoto said.

 

Dabi hadn’t seemed to be expecting that reaction and was stunned into silence.

 

“Let me explain,” Shoto said, “I realised something recently and that is that none of you, not a single one, have to mean anything to me. As far as I’m concerned you’re all as bad as each other."

 

Natsuo looked outraged, “How can you compare us to Dad when-”

 

“When he abused me growing up? He wasn’t a good father, true but don’t ever compare what he did to the three of you to what he did to me. He gave up on Toya long before he ever made him go through what I did.”

 

Shoto looked up at Endeavor, “Enji Todoroki is a terrible human being… but even I have to admit Endeavor is an excellent hero. Father will never fully pay for what he did to us, no matter how hard you try. Is it fair? No but it’s reality. At least he is trying to be better, to be a hero worthy of the name. I can at least respect him for that. But the rest of you I have no respect for, at least father has admitted his mistakes and is aware of them.

 

“As for the rest of you… Mother could have left father at any time, divorced him and took us with her, gone to family, gone to the police. She was never trapped, not in the way she believed, in fact her first and only ounce of rebellion against Endeavor was when she gave me my scar. Fuyumi refused to acknowledge any of it, pretending we can all be one big happy family despite everything that happened. And Natsuo? You may think you’re the victim but the truth is you’re a coward. You never stood up for me, even once you were old enough to challenge Dad, and then as you grew older what did you do? You ran, not just from Endeavor but from the rest of us, leaving us to our fates.

 

“But… What is it now? Dabi? You’re the worst of us all. What father did was cruel, but it is no excuse for what you did. You think you’re going to bring down Endeavor? No, you’re just a pathetic child who threw a temper tantrum when things didn’t go the way you wanted. You're an insane pathetic coward who I really couldn’t care less about.”

 

Dabi’s face slowly morphed into one of hatred, “You don’t know the truth Shoto you-”

 

“The truth? The truth is Dabi that I have a new family now,” Shoto said and squeezed Ochako’s hand, “And through them I’m going to be a far greater hero and person than the rest of you could ever hope to be. Meanwhile you? Midoriya has your quirk, you’re going to rot in a cell for the rest of your life having achieved absolutely nothing. Endeavor may have pushed you out of the boat Dabi, but you’re the one who refused to swim.”

 

Shoto turned away from his shocked family and looked at Ochako, “Would you like to go and visit Bakugou now Uraraka?”

 

---

 

Izuku wanted nothing more than to stay cuddled up with his partners for the rest of the day, but he knew there were things he needed to do. He kissed Kyouka, Mina and Eijiro goodbye before heading back out into the hall. It was getting late and things were a lot calmer now.

 

He knew which room he needed to go to, there was, after all, a HPSC agent outside with a rifle. He looked down at Izuku when he approached.

 

“I need to return her quirk.”

 

The HPSC agent nodded and stepped aside. Izuku walked in, the room was set up very much like a hospital room with one key difference, between his end of the room and the end the patient was in, there was a series of metal bars.

 

Toga glanced up and saw him enter, she smiled and jumped to her feet, “It’s you!”

 

“Uh.. yeah… hi…” Izuku said, feeling awkward.

 

Toga tilted her head at him, “Are you ok?”

 

“I just… Aren’t you angry at me? I stole your quirk and kinda went insane.”

 

Toga shrugged, “You lost control of my bloodlust, it happens.”

 

“Bloodlust?”

 

“Oh! It’s like uh… my quirk wants me to drink blood, so I have these cravings all the time.”

 

“Oh I get it, like my hunger.”

 

“Hunger?”

 

“My quirk uh… it wants me to take as many quirks as possible.”

 

“Ooooh I get it.”

 

There was a pause before Izuku sighed, “I uh… I need to give you your quirk back.”

 

Izuku had never seen someone actually look disappointed about getting their quirk back.

 

“You don’t want it?”

 

“It’s just… The bloodlust is so strong, if I don’t drink at least a pint of blood everyday it almost consumes me.”

 

Iuzku frowned, “That doesn’t sound so bad, do you get to pick the blood type provided or is it just random?”

 

Toga scrunched her eyebrows, “What do you mean?”

 

“Well any blood quirk user is legally allowed to claim a blood supply to keep their quirk under control… You did know that right?”

 

Tears appeared in Toga’s eyes and she looked down at the floor, “My parents told me I was a freak, that I should fight my quirk.”

 

“That… That’s terrible!” Izuku shouted, “You must have had virtually no control over your bloodlust.”

 

Toga just shrugged, “I’m just unlucky I guess, though that woman with the purple hair said they’d get me some blood.”

 

“At least you’ll have some for when you go home.”

 

“Oh I’m not going home, I’m being sent to Tartarus,” Toga said cheerily, like she was going on holiday.

 

“What!?” Izuku hissed, “That’s not fair! You didn’t have control over yourself!”

 

“I’m still a villain though.”

 

“That’s not the point!” Izuku growled and stepped up towards the bars.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

“Getting you out.”

 

Toga’s eyes widened, “No! You can’t, you’re already in a lot of shit because of my quirk!”

 

“Who’s going to stop me?” Izuku snapped.

 

“I’ll give it a whirl.”

 

The next thing Izuku knew his quirks had been cut off and he was wrapped up in Aizawa’s capture scarf. Izuku turned to glare at his teacher who just raised an eyebrow at him. Ignoring Izuku he then stepped towards the bar and passed through a few bottles.

 

“We got these from a nearby bloodbank, they should tide you over for a few days.”

 

“Thank you,” Toga said before turning to Izuku, “You can give me my quirk back now.”

 

Izuku paused, “Are you sure?”

 

Toga nodded and Izuku grabbed her quirk, doing so immediately brought on a powerful wave of hunger but Izuku retained control. He couldn’t help but sigh in relief as the quirk moved from him to Toga.

 

Toga shivered as the quirk went back to her before she grabbed a bottle and started downing blood.

 

“You good?” Aizawa asked her.

 

Toga nodded.

 

“Good, because I have to speak to my student.”

 

Izuku winced as he obediently followed Aizawa out of Toga’s room and into a private unoccupied one.

 

“What the hell was that?” Aizawa demanded as he turned on Izuku.

 

“She’s being sent to Tartarus!”

 

“Yes. That’s the usual plan for captured villains.”

 

“It’s not her fault though!” Izuku protested, “Her quirk comes with bloodlust, she can’t control it!”

 

“And I’m sure that fact will be taken into account in her trial.”

 

“But-”

 

“Are you aware she murdered someone?”

 

Izuku froze, truth be told he’d assumed Toga had just been some low level crook dragged into The League by the promise of power. He’d never considered…

 

“So tell me Midoirya, what should we do? Let her go because it was down to her quirk? What about the student she killed? What about his parents? Siblings? Friends? Is it fair that the person who killed their loved one gets away with it?”

 

“I just… You can’t blame her! It was her quirk!”

 

Aizawa just scoffed, “You think she’s the only one with a bloodlust style quirk? Vlad King has the exact same control issues yet he never ended up killing anybody because of it. Nedzu’s mind is preprogrammed to kill humans yet he’s never once taken a life. Even Midnight has poor quirk control, did you know as a result of her quirk she has unimaginable levels of lust? Yet despite her comments she’s never once done anything inappropriate with anyone nor taken anything by force. Hell Midoriya, you’ve struggled with your own hunger for years and until today you've never once fully lost control and when you did lose control not a single person died!”

 

Deep down Izuku understood Aizawa’s reasoning, he understood that Toga, despite everything, had still committed a terrible crime, but his heart was telling him this wasn’t fair, that this wasn’t right.

 

“But you can’t… You can’t just put her away for life! She couldn’t control herself, it’s not fair!”

 

“Well what the hell are we supposed to do then Midoriya!? Check with you about every criminal who is charged with a crime!? Make exceptions for those who you sympathise with!?”

 

The door to the room slammed open and Yagi marched inside, “What on earth is going on in here!? You can hear you two shouting from a mile away!”

 

Aizawa took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself down, “Midoriya doesn’t think the blood girl deserves to go to Tartarus.”

 

“Well of course he doesn’t,” Yagi said, causing both Izuku and Aizawa to stare at him slack jawed.

 

Yagi sighed and crouched down in front of Izuku, “Izuku my boy, why don’t you tell us what this is really about.”

 

Izuku looked away from Yagi, partly in anger, partly in shame, “I lost control, I hurt people. Why do I get a pass and she doesn’t?”

 

“The truth?” Yagi said, “Luck. You just so happened to come across the number one hero and get into the number one hero school, at every turn you’ve proven yourself a true hero. Unfortunately, Toga is simply a normal person with a poor quirk who never got the help she deserved. But, this does not absolve her of her past crimes.”

 

“But what If I-”

 

“Stop,” Yagi said firmly, “You keep comparing yourself to others you believe are like you but the truth is Izuku there is nobody like you. It is not your quirk that makes you stand out from the crowd, it is your nature, your sense of justice and your inability to give up. You need to realise Izuku that you can’t compare people like Toga to you because they have no hope of living up to the life you lead. Truth be told I think very few people could have grown up with your quirk and still turned out to be the sort of hero you are.”

 

Yagi stood up and sighed, “Nobody is saying what is happening to Toga is fair, but she killed someone Izuku, regardless of her reasons she has to be punished for that.”

 

Izuku slowly nodded his head, “I know I just… wish there was another way…”

 

Before Yagi could respond the entire building was rocked by an explosion.

 

---

 

Ochako allowed herself to be dragged through the halls by Shoto, eventually however the silence became too unnerving for her.

 

“Are you ok?”

 

Shoto shrugged, “Honestly? I’m surprised by how little I care about Toya, or Dabi, or whatever he wants to call himself. I’ve already made peace with Endeavor, what happens to Dabi has nothing to do with me.”

 

Ochako couldn’t help but squeeze Shoto’s hand. They approached Izuku and Katsuki’s room as Yagi stepped out.

 

“Ah, I’m glad to see you both up and about. Tell me, have you seen young Midoriya?”

 

Ochako winced, “He was uh… being dragged into a room by Aizawa, neither of them looked very happy.”

 

Yagi’s face fell, “Oh dear.”

 

Yagi hurried away leaving Shoto and Ochako to walk into Katsuki’s room. Shoto had to hobble in slightly with his walking sticks. Katsuki looked up from where he was scrolling through his phone and glared at them.

 

“The fuck happened to your ice leg?”

 

“I’m too weak to make a new one,” Shoto explained and took a seat on the end of Katsuki’s bed.

 

Ochako too jumped on the bed, “Are you and Midoriya good?”

 

“Pfft you think a little fight like that means anything to us?” Katsuki said and slammed his fist against his chest. Ochako, however, could see that underneath it all Katsuki had been shaken by something.

 

“Ba- Katsuki,” Ochako said softly, “You know you can be honest with us right?”

 

Katsuki paused before looking away, “I didn’t… enjoy what happened at camp.”

 

Ochako leaned in and hugged him, causing Katsuki to freeze solid, “Well let’s just be happy everything turned out ok.”

 

Katsuki glanced at Shoto, who appeared to have a lost look on his face, “The fuck is wrong with you pretty boy?”

 

“I met my brother.”

 

“Natsuo is here?” 

 

“My dead brother.”

 

“Uhhhh….”

 

Ochako sighed and gave Katsuki a brief rundown of what had happened.

 

“Damn that’s… rough…”

 

Shoto shrugged, “I’m okay.”

 

Ochako let out a deep groan, “For the love of… You two don’t always have to be all brooding you know! You’re allowed to feel things, especially when it’s just the three of us!”

 

Katsuki frowned, “Why with you two?”

 

“For fack sake Bakugou! Because of this you idiot!”

 

Ochako grabbed either side of Katsuki’s face, leaned in, and kissed him. At first Katsuki went stiff then he leaned into the kiss, putting his hand behind Ochako’s head. This went on for a few moments until Ochako heard Shoto’s crutch hit the floor.

 

“Oh no,” She said breaking off the kiss and grabbing Shoto’s hand, pulling him towards her and Katsuki, “You’re part of this too.”

 

Shoto’s eyes went wide, “Three of us?”

 

“Did I fucking stutter?”

 

Shoto allowed himself to be dragged in and before long all three were kissing each other and enjoying each other's company. Ochako was just about to pull back when an explosion rocked the building.

 

“The fuck was that!?” Katsuki shouted.

 

---

 

Izuku ran behind Aizawa and Yagi as they followed the sound of panic, they eventually came to a door that looked like it had been in a fire. Lady Nagant was standing outside with a frown.

 

“Nagant, what’s going on?” Aizawa said.

 

“Well… it’s better you see for yourself,” She said and opened the door. 

 

The inside of the room was stained black with ash, whatever medical equipment had been in before had been turned to a burnt shell of what it was supposed to be while the windows had been melted down. In the middle of all this chaos sat Endeavor and, for the first time Izuku could remember, the man was crying.

 

“Jesus Endeavor,” Aizawa said, “The hell is going on?”

 

“I’m… a failure…” Endeavor said in a barely audible whisper.

 

Yagi and Aizawa gave each other confused glance before Nagant sighed, “He’s talking about his son.”

 

She gave them all a quick rundown of Dabi and the conversation that had been had between the Todoroki family.

 

Yagi took a deep breath, “That is… a lot.”

 

Endeavor let out a bitter laugh, “I was a fool. To think someone as cruel as me could ever be the number one hero.”

 

Yagi raised an eyebrow, none of them had ever heard Endeavor sound so… defeated.

 

“Do you want sympathy?” Aizawa growled out, he of all people was very unforgiving for crimes involving children.

 

“No,” Endeavor said with a shake of his head, “I see now that the path I’ve led is unforgivable, as far as one can get from a hero… in light of that…”

 

Endeavor stood up and approached Nagant, “Lady Nagant, I'd like you to arrest me and shut down my hero agency.”

 

Nagant raised an eyebrow as Yagi spluttered up blood, “Enji what are you doing!?”

 

“I’m doing what I must.”

 

Nagant shook her head, “I’m not letting you do this Endeavor.”

 

“You must,” Endeavor insisted, “Dabi’s trial will be too damaging to us as hero’s otherwise. The HPSC must be seen to be getting a head start on things.”

 

“Enji, please, I thought we were past this,” Yagi pleaded.

 

As they argued Endeavor didn’t see Izuku walk up to him until Izuku’s fist connected with his face.

 

“Midoriya!” Aizawa cried as Endeavor stumbled back, not so much from the strength of the hit but the shock.

 

“You fucking coward,” Izuku growled out.

 

“Loki I must do this!”

 

“NO!” Izuku shouted, “You just want to let Nagant arrest you so you can hide away! What happened to being a hero? What happened to making the tough decisions? You were the one who told me to be better!”

 

Eneavor sighed, “Loki this is different I have to answer for my crimes like everyone else.”

 

“Except you’re not like everyone else! That’s what you told me! And you’re exactly the same, you’re the number two hero! You’re supposed to be every villain's worst fear! The line that holds no matter who else falls! You’ve spent all this time trying to rebuild Endeavor and you're just going to give up now!? After everything!?”

 

“This is different!” Endeavor snapped, “My own child is a killer! A villain! You think the public will accept that? That they’ll still support me as the number two!?”

 

“WHO FUCKING CARES!” Izuku roared, much of his own frustration coming out, “You know what being a true hero is about? It’s about saving people and protecting them regardless of anything else. Maybe your name will be dragged through the mud, maybe you will lose all your sidekicks and support but does that mean you can’t fight villains anymore? You’re a terrible father but I won’t let you kid yourself into thinking you’re not an incredible hero.”

 

Endeavor sat back, looking completely and utterly broken, “But how is that fair?”

 

“Fair?” Izuku spat, “I’m done worrying about things being fair. Right now there’s a girl who suffered quirk abuse her entire life and is probably going to prison for the rest of it all because people couldn’t handle her quirk. How is that fair? That could have easily been me, but here we are. So you don’t get to take the coward's way out, Enji Todoroki can die for all I care but Endeavor needs to be more. Endeavor has to continue, you have to hold the line, even if you’re being attacked from it by both sides. You want justice? Then your punishment is facing the world everyday for the rest of your life and letting them judge you.”

 

Endeavor took a deep breath that seemed to fill the room with heat before he stood up straight, “You’re right. My apologies Loki, I’m supposed to be the senior hero and here you are giving me the lecture.”

 

Izuku sagged, “Sometimes I just… I just wish the world was a simpler place.”

 

Endeavor gave him a half smile, “Don’t we all. Now, what were you talking about in regards to this girl?”

 

Izuku gave him a breif explination of Toga.

 

“Hmmm.”

 

“Endeavor?” Nagant asked, “What are you thinking?”

 

“Nothing… at least not yet,” Endeavor said and shook his head, “Ok Nagant, I’ll keep going, for now. But I won’t lie to my sidekicks and if they all end up leaving then so be it, if I can’t run an agency I’ll just go rogue.”

 

Nagant nodded her head, “Excellent. Though I’ll… give you a heads up when your son's trial is arranged."

 

Endeavor nodded and went to leave when Izuku stopped him, “Actually I’m glad you’re all here, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

 

“Oh?” Nagant asked.

 

Izuku clenched his fists, “There’s a traitor at UA isn’t there?”

 

Endeavor raised an eyebrow while Aizawa and Yagi stiffened, Nagant however didn’t even twitch.

 

“What makes you say that?”

 

“It has to be,” Izuku explained, “The USJ and now the training camp? The only way The League could have pulled that off is with inside help and well… as I was returning people’s quirks I noticed one of them acting strangely and… I… I think I know who the traitor is.”

Notes:

I know a lot of people will feel the Dabi part of this chapter was very short but if I'm honest when I first wrote it was a lot longer but it felt like we were just going over things we'd already seen in previous chapters with Endeavor, I didn't want to have a repeat of him trying to find himself again. Anyway, one chapter left and we'll finally be able to wrap up everything with the training camp!

Thanks for all the kudos and comments as always!