Chapter Text
The light bulb in this room is strong enough to make one, if the person were to be under this lighting, could nurse a headache. In this particular room label teacher lounge #1- Let me know how UA is the opulence and abundance in one place, as their fake cities are perfect for locating real people, have many to spare and rarely use their resources on students, especially those who are labeled problem children.
Izumi Midoriya, with a messy bun, was reading some files. Curiosity gnawed on her mind as Izumi Midoriya will, eventually, face AFO. Her quirk, something the little Izumi ALWAYS prayed for. It comes with strings attached…and only now, Izumi, without the hush and the awestruck, can see how the strings are deadly.
All Might, when met Izumi Midoriya, was under the belief AFO was dead but he still wants someone to be this perfect pillar. Now, it's a known fact AFO is alive and Izumi needs to fight him…
All the users died violently…Nana Shimura was the only one who married, and in the end, her family…what happened to them?
Izumi was with All Might and Gran Torino reading some files-way too thin about a megalomaniac who murders without fear No, it's more he kills knowing there's no consequences for him…just like someone I know. and her eyes narrow as the information is too thin, too sparse. En, Nana Shimura's late mentor, was the one who investigated the small nuke…
The small nuke of a rural city is a strange line to read, even if it is in the past. It feels a mockery of the past Japan endured. WWII created the story of Godzilla for its denim- the small whispers of what Japan DID were far and in between in this modern age- and AFO, who nuked this rural city is nothing more than a footnote.
En investigated the case. Wrote how AFO used explosives quirks and killed people easily-Izumi inhaled as another parallel with Bakugou emerged so naturally- and no reason was given.
En wasn't from that city (there's no bio to tell what is the place of his origin. Izumi frowns at that)
En wasn't dating any rural woman or man.
En didn't even know to visit this place. (there's a small, tiny, info from his own handwriting stating how he prefers beaches more)
AFO did all of that …because he could.
Izumi Midoriya wanted to laugh, really. The parallels with a lunatic such as AFO can be described to Bakugou sans the power. For better or worse, AFO's power is impressive unlike the firecrackers that Bakugou can create. But the cruelty is there…can he be his long lost son or descendant? It´s a silly thought. It's impossible as Izumi knows his parents by distance…but his cruelty is noticeable by one of his victims.
His favorite victim.
“He nuked….a rural city?” Izumi turns to Gran Torino, All Might who were the ones to give the files as Izumi, the heir, needs to know what she is dealing with. The question comes with bafflement and a desire to know more. “How he nuked a city and there was no talk about this…”
Gran Torino is the one to respond, not stimmering as All Might would-at least, it's what the senior hero believes- with a sober tone. “AFO has, for the lack of better words, friends who would cover the story or spin a different tale…for a price. He used to work with another loon named Destro, the partnership ended…we don´t know why. But the story about this rural city was shared but they gave an excuse, blaming a quirk incident and a mutant child who was born looking like a cow, if I'm not wrong, and got a powerful quirk ....” Gran Torino doesn´t need to go any further as Izumi can guess what happened next.
“So the word spread around and…those small cities don't like mutants, great.” Izumi replied sarcastically. “That was Destro's doing or AFO?”
“Destro,” All Might explained. “Nana told me how En faced this villain and in his final moments, the villain shared all he did for AFO. Apparently, he wanted to blame the quirkless but no one in those cities would believe…so his target was the mutants. En tried to clean the mess and while they can't blame this non-existent mutant for the destruction of this city…the fear and hate is too deep in their root now.”
“AFO only wants his brother back, quirkless, quirked, mutants matter little to him.” All Might concludes looking at his hands and then at Izumi. It was with those hands he held that monster's neck and killed…but somehow, like a damn cockroach, he's still alive. Now, he´s Izumi´s problem…
All Might wonders if he really destroyed Izumi´s life.
She wouldn't be here if I had let it go…maybe she would have been in a different field, dating, making friends and not having to chase a crazy man like AFO.
Gran Torino explained one of AFO's actions, in the era when Nana was alive, he decimated people in a shopping mall and no one survived. It was brutal, it was bloody and …he did because he could. Maybe to send a message to Nana Shimura or maybe because, deep down, he could kill everyone in Japan.
The media blamed something else. A nameless villain the heroes catched, later, a mutant with hate in his heart and then to a gas leaking in the mall with sad consequences.
AFO did all that because he could.
All Might gives a story of triumph of Nana Shimura, how she saved people from AFO in a battle of life and death. How her wits, her strength and her quirk triumphed in that day…and AFO did evil because he could.
It's not that further his plan in any way. In the comic books´s world, villains usually, at least the ones in western, have a logic to follow. A method for their madness if you will. Doing their evil things usually has a purpose behind…
AFO does what he wants without any reason.
Bakugou does what he wants without any reason.
“Has he…ever suicide baiting anyone?” Izumi asked not to help herself with such an obvious question. The two older heroes exchange looks of secrecy and Gran Torino slowly nods at All Might.
“Since you´re my heir, you´re allowed to know.” There's an urgency in his tone.All Might's blue eyes are on Izumi as she patiently waits for the answer. “Yes, his most famous case, if we can call it that.” And Izumi believes they can't since for the media and even The Hero Commission AFO is not real until recently and is not a big deal. “He made a bank owner in Pequim kill himself. We don't know why…but …AFO was after this bank owner and convinced him to end his life. I've no idea why.”
It´s a grim story.
It´s a grim and short story about how one day, out of blue, AFO decides to mentally torture this random man to the point he ends his life.
It's enough to make Izumi Midoriya laugh. There´s nothing funny in the poor man´s tale but to Izumi the sheer fact AFO took pleasure in killing a random man in Pequim, no killing, suicide baiting…matches perfectly with Bakugou. What does that tell about him?
WHAT THIS TELLS ABOUT THE SOCIETY?
“What's funny?” Gran Torino grossly since the suicide of this man is not funny and even if it was,well, Izumi Midoriya is not one to do schadenfreude remotely entertaining. Izumi stops laughing, nervous as it was, to allow her tears to fall.
SUICIDE BAITING IS NOT FUNNY.
“Suicide baiting is not funny,” Izumi replied between hiccups. Her knees lose the battle against gravity, the girl is hiding her face with her hands. Bakugou and AFO have parallels, one is a villain and…the other is not. Why not?
What makes Bakugou a hero?
His quirk?
His useless and pathetic quirk?
All Might saw this girl weep, sob before. He has witnessed her shatter the bones, going to the limit and more but …laugh and cry because of suicide is not something All Might ever imagined to see. The man, whose social skills are rusty-it's easier to please a crowd of nameless fans. Not this particular girl- designably, the hero approaches Izumi as the girl is weeping, shaking her core.
Izumi Midoriya doesn't cry for no reason.
The first thing in his mind is how…maybe she knows this man in Pequim, but that would be impossible. How? I don´t know much about her family…what if a member of her family did commit suicide? The man hugs her, it's possible to feel now she's shaking. It's not normal, she never shaken like this…even when her bones SHATTERS.
Gran Torino can only imagine someone in her family must have committed suicide. What else is the explanation for her to look so…broken? Thank God All Might can comfort her…I was never good at that, not even when Nana lost everything.
Once the girl stops crying, once her brain registers how THIS IS NOT ALDERA. The girl takes her breath in, to regain herself. “All Might,” she begins as the man still hugs her. It dwells on how the girl only found out his name thanks to Gran Torino, but this is not an issue, right? She just call me All Might… ”Has any hero suicide bait anyone before?”
It's an odd question.
When I met her…those heroes: Birdman, Kamui and Strong arms…did they say something like that to her? I knew they would scold her but this feels too extreme.
Making judgments on the situation without hearing her side is stupid, All Might has made too many stupid actions in his past and Izumi, his heir, suffered with it. The man can be silent and listen with an open mind.
“I know someone who did…” Izumi says deadend, vacant eyes as she looks at anything but any of the men. All Might says nothing, he just holds her. A silent promise he's listening. He's here at least. “I know someone who did try to suicide bait me…his name is Katsuki Bakugou. He has many parallels with AFO.”
Izumi was expecting in full to see denial or blame coming her way. How Bakugou would never do such a thing and/or Izumi is lying.
What she didn't anticipate nor expected was…All Might looking wrath himself as he asks with his words laced with vexation even if barely contained. “When did that happen?” All Might asked, clenching his fists.
Gran Torino steps in. “No hero, student or not, would ever do something like that. Kid, this boy is not hero material. We can talk to Nezu to suspend him.” Gran Torino replied and All Might punched a hole in the flooring, this man is quirkless.
“NO.” All Might says between his teeth. “He should be expelled!”
Izumi is mute. No one takes her side…no one helps her. Bakugou is this golden star and everyone is just lucky to be abused by him.
“That's …really possible?” Izumi asked, daring to hope. “I don't trust Nezu …much.” and the two heroes press her, as gently as they could, to continue this line. Izumi finds her words after some stimmering. “His test, along with the other heroes…were cruel and pointless. He seems to want to punish the students who Aizawa considered stupid.” Izumi feels her heart beating faster, it's Izumi speaking her innermost thoughts to two adults. No one is belittling her or trying to gaslight her. “Also, he says how smart he is but what he has about AFO is almost nothing…all we got are some notes from the hero En, Nana and All Might…he didn't contribute anything.”
All Might remembers that particular exercise and how…Bakugou slapped Midoriya. He should have done something but Aizawa said how inexperienced All Might is and how the students need to find their footing.
Oh I can show him my fists.
“I knew that kid was rotten, I just…never imagined…” The guilt in his voice is battling the anger. How many times has All Might failed this girl? He can hear a voice in his mind, disgusting as AFO´s voice should be, mocking, taunting him. At least, Tomura Shigaraki is a competent warrior…what are you doing with this girl, All Might?
The man stood up and made a promise to Izumi, one he'll die to see reality. “THAT BOY IS OUT OF THIS SCHOOL, HE WON'T HURT YOU.” I can't …take AFO out of her life, that parasite will be there…but I can and I will take this other parasite out of her life.
Gran Torino, usually, would disagree with such extremism but today an exception can be made. “Do you have anyone we should call? A mother? Father? brothers?” The senior hero has seen people in that position before and family support can do wonders.
Izumi shakes her head. “My mom couldn't handle another problem…,my father is dead. I'have no brothers.”
This all begins because Izumi wants to know more about the villain who will certainly try to kill her. The death penalty is not something Japan has and All Might is pushing this request for AFO and is being rejected without any consideration.
AFO is an immortal man with 200 years of give or take.
There's many things to gain from his wisdom, it's what The Hero Commission believes, and as Izumi realizes how OFA is connected to a grim end……her life was a horror for no reason. The villain know as AFO killed and suicide baiting for no reason, Bakugou did the same. A student having any parallel with such a villain IS worrying.
What exactly triggers Izumi to speak next is…maybe because you can't repress the hurt and anger for so long. Maybe her feelings were like a broken dam flooding freely now (or maybe is the delirious feeling of knowing someone IS listening). All it's known is how Izumi Midoriya says what Katsuki Bakugou has been doing since the girl was 4 years old.
Izumi Midoriya has 17 years old.
All Might listen to the tale HORRIFIED.
Gran Torino is matching his energy down to a tee. This man has seen AFO murder his own teammates for no reason or something insignificant.
The tale ends and All Might can only say with a shaky tone. “THAT BOY GOT GO!”
Gran Torino is wondering if AFO, with all his evilness and resources, could have made a baby. Gran Torino can't even imagine AFO having a baby in a natural way…
“If Bakugou is his son, doubt he was born in a natural way…maybe AFO gave birth to him.” Izumi voiced Gran´s thoughts. It´s a joke but not entirely. The nomus exists, many quirks can alter your mind…what stops AFO to make KATSUKI BAKUGOU?
This all begins because Izumi Midoriya realizes she has to face a monster known as AFO and needs information…
One of the many things that can be attributed to Nezu is how he´s a smart man, too clever and a clever man is always dangerous. His intelligence is a feat no one can ignore even if Nezu is the one self-entitled as the smart man in the room…if the files about a villain like AFO is too thin, too sparse then it only means AFO is a greater villain. Yes, a rural city was nuked in the past but if there´s nothing to find…it only means AFO is clever.
The office is reminiscent of how intelligent, clever and cunning Nezu truly is. If a human is to say how the decor is plain, especially considering how UA is so rich, the chimera can point out how their IQ are not high enough to understand his vision.
Nezu is the smartest man/chimera in the room.
How else would I get this office?
How else would I have to work with those damn brats? The future heroes of this society…
The door of his office is kicked by All Might, even in his skinny form, the hero can still be considered strong. His demeanor is usually of good-nature, not today. The man looks as if he´ll snap someone's spine…and considering he did that in the past…it's not a feeling YOU should ignore.
Nothing I, the smartest man in the world, can't deal with.
If a person can be the embodiment of fury, then this person is All Might. He doesn't walk, he marches towards Nezu as his blue eyes are glowing so menacingly…It's important to note, once again, how All Might did murder people as a hero.
“I want Katsuki Bakugou out of this school NOW” All Might is not one to demand on his best days, however, today his demands aren't to be ignored.
Nezu is the smartest man in the room.
What is more worthy: All Might´s money or Bakugous´s money?
UA is the top school for heroes in all Japan, so as many schools in the country, the fees are a mandatory thing, when you are labeled the best school …it's in between the lines how the fees are not cheap-not like the public schools of lower level like Aldera and such- and UA is the example of opulence.
After all it's only in UA you can find:
- Fake cities are perfect to be usable but are wasted in exercises where students how to beat each other. It's funny because many people live below the poverty line and some even reach villany-Izumi knows such a fact as once she saw the bills and Inko, dismissively, said their father´s savings can cover the bills if they make some small sacrifices- but UA has free houses.
- UA hosted events such as Sport Festivals where NEZU claims and wants the world to believe how the event is more important than Olympics.
- They have the best inventors, one example to give is PowerLoad, who can craft any machine his imagination and skills can match. He's the one who crafted the robots used in the entrance exams.
- They have the once retired Recovery Girl who can heal any wound with her kisses…if she feels like. It's one person with the best healing quirk in all of Japan.
All Might is the one paying for all the fees for one student, Izumi Midoriya. Her uniform, her food and books. Not a fact the hero ever felt the need to advertise to the world, let alone to Izumi Midoriya.
What matters the most?
All Might´s money or the Bakugous?
UA is, in Shouta Aizawa's mind, a place to build the best heroes and those usually tend to be the ones who can survive out there. What is surviving in the hero society? Having a strong or non-problematic way to do the job and live to see another day. Izumi Midoriya, the new problem child, has a very complicated quirk and Shouta Aizawa, the homeroom teacher couldn't be bothered to guide her or find a way to accommodate her strange and freakish quirk.
If Izumi is not fit to be a hero…she should be gone. It's his personal opinion, and one that remains even as Izumi is the one who brought Eri safely.
Could Bakugou have done the same? Well, he is not good with kids…I give that. Maybe, as Aizawa remembers how Eri still begs to see Izumi again and again. How the girl felt safer with Izumi and Mirio,and how she put some great distance between her and Bakugou’s loud voice. But he could have fought Overhaul.
Normally, Aizawa would be in any other place either sleeping or doing anything else. However, considering all the channels in the TV in his room were showing how All Might is retired and Endeavour is the de facto #1…it's all the enforcement to leave his room and do patrol in the dorm house.
He is retired but still plays as a teacher…all this to give preferential treatment to that girl, pathetic.
The dorm house has strict rules, especially at night. The students are still allowed to commune in the lobby of the dorm but soon enough it will be time for them to sleep. It's possible to see some students watching TV, chatting or heating up the leftovers. No one is commenting on the absence of Izumi Midoriya- Aizawa can only roll his eyes as he knows that fool is telling how special she is and to go plus ultra- the homeroom teacher asks with his tongue as his irritation is still logical, if you ask him.
(The students were commenting, in whispers, how Gran Torino, a figure linked to All Might and shredded in mystery, requested Izumi Midoriya for a chat and so far nothing. Bakugou was barred to go as the senior hero told how only Midoriya is needed, currently, Bakugou is still seething even the students are now gossiping about something new)
Aizawa turns to the side to see, to his utmost displeasure, All Might is marching to the dorm with his blue eyes burning. The man is quirkless, but Aizawa won't lie or voice out how for a split second…Eraserhead understood why many villains fear All Might.
This man killed his enemies with one punch for years…is it that crazy to think he lost the ability?
Fear is replaced by annoyance. This idiot, as Eraserhead bravely thinks in the depths of his mind, thinks he can bulldoze his way in my class? His brow frowns as he closes his arms. Great, I will have to deal with the idiot. Should have sent Hizashi for that. “What you…” His words die on his lips as All Might, who was never a short guy, looks so ready to kill someone.
Not even Tomura Shigaraki received such a stare from the hero.
… I get why Endeavour was in one sided rivalry with him.
“I want Bakugou out of UA, now.” All Might is hardly one to make demands, actually or to be silent, tonight All Might is not accommodating anyone, his request is to be heard and heard as many students peep to see the conversation. No one ever saw All Might in such a state.
Rage is flooding in his veins.
Not even Tomura Shigaraki got such stare.
Katsuki Bakugou is flabbergasted by this news. If he had the mind to complain or blame DEKU, well, his words vanish from his mind when the hero of all Japan sent a look of pure disgust. As if he's looking for a despicable villain…
He didn't even look at Tomura Shigaraki with even a quarter of this energy.
The other students are murmuring between themselves, if it was anyone else the request would be a bit much…however, All Might never asked anything like that before. Iida and Momo, as the class presidents, are discussing the situation among themselves.
“ABSOLUTELY NOT!” Aizawa shouts as if HE is the one dealing with a villain. As if the blond man in front of him, so imposing, is Tomura Shigaraki. “BAKUGOU IS THE FUTURE…”
“A future villain? I agree.” All Might replied dryly as his eyes are on the boy as if he's truly despicable, a blemish on the heroes´s side. “I'm tired of pretending I'm not seeing the issue, I thought he had an attitude problem…but no, he's evil.” Nezu is present in the scene but he's silent as a mouse. A fact Mina and Kaminari, the dumbest students of A1, noticed right away.
Meanwhile, Izumi and Gran Torino are forgotten in the teacher lounge as All Might promised, once again, to Izumi he would do something for her. Gran Torino is not one to comfort someone but he believes his old pupil will do right by this girl…
If he expels this kid…will everything be better?
Izumi rose from the ground, no reason to cry anymore or to sit idly. In her past, Izumi had this belief that if she had a quirk or if she was someone important…all the abuse and hurt would disappear. It dwells on her mind, with heavy heart, how technically speaking she achieved both goals her childish self dreamt before.
1)She is All Might´s heir. A title that Nighteye was willingly to emotionally break a teen, in this case HER, to make sure HIS chosen one was picked. A title that comes with great responsibilities. In his last breath, his words were about Mirio Toogata and All Might…not the girl who defied his vision, not the girl he considered inferior until the end. Not the girl who saved Eri despite his asinine plan.
2) She has a quirk that is so rare, so unique. It shatters her bones, it has a loon of a villain who is equally stupid and evil who wants her quirk for reasons it's never fully explained.
Izumi Midoriya is still abused, still is belittled and is still in the dark. Bakugou is still the golden boy…to insane degrees.
“Kiddo, you don´t…” Gran Torino wanted to say how she could stay here, tug away from this mess but her stare stops the lies bolting from his lips.
“If I´m to deal with Tomura Shigaraki, eventually. I can't be cooped up here. If I´m to deal with a villain who…will murder me, I can't stay here hiding. I´ve faced Bakugou all my life, what can he do now to scare me?” Izumi told her past about Bakugou, shared all the details and…now clarity washes her unmerciful.
No one is born equal in this society, some people are born to be abused and others are to be abused.
I don´t like that.
There is an old story, a fable her mother used to read when Izumi was a little girl (and the hope of having a quirk was still tangible) that is playing in her mind right now. The ugly duckling, from Hans Anderson.
Izumi opens the door and leaves the teacher lounge without waiting for Gran Torino´s response or if he´ll follow her.
Once upon a time, there was a family of ducks who had beautiful ducklings sans one, who was called ugly duck as a cruel moniker. All the other ducks mistreated the poor duckling and no one wanted to be his friend.
One day, the ugly duckling escapes his terrible home and meets more abusive animals…who think he's so ugly. Their unsolicited advice wasn't needed clearly nor helpful in the slightest.
Finally, the ugly duckling is so tired of his own miserable life…he spots a bank of swans in a nearby pound. The ugly duckling is tired of his life and …knows how the swans don´t like intruders in their territory…his plan is to be killed by the swans.
“Kill me,” says the ugly duckling.
One of the swans is confused. “Why would we do that? You are one of us”
And the ugly duckling looks at his reflection to see…he was always a swan.
Izumi Midoriya is now facing the dorm where she resides and is back to reality to witness All Might shouting some colorful words and Aizawa is also using a very special choice of words. Gran Torino is right behind her…for moral support? Izumi has no idea.
Aizawa noticed her…
Bakugou notices her and all anger is directed to her, which Izumi now wonders…when he's not looking at her with anger?
There´s time he's staring at me with smugness as if he's better than me.
There´s time he hates my very existence as if I murder his mother…and at the same time, he called his mother an old hag.
What I did to him?
Why should I even care?
The students of A1 noticed her, no one was happy to see her, no one was unhappy to see her. Their neutrality ends up helping just one person and Izumi Midoriya can admit plainly how…she saw worse.
I´ve a villain insane like AFO after me…
Tomura Shigaraki is also a problem…
Izumi Midoriya doesn't fit the mold of a good hero. It is so painfully obvious and now the girl wonders if maybe she should have stayed in her lane. Justice would have been served to people like Bakugou sooner or later, after all, AFO exists and he kills heroes, people and anything for no reason.
Not very heroic to wish someone death…
Her fingers ghostly touch her right check where Bakugou slapped her harder enough, in typical shonen manga, that would have been the moment where the protagonist would release his inner power and beat up Bakugou …Izumi frozen.
He punched her in such a quirkless way.
And Recovery Girl had shaken her head, on that day, telling how the problem goes both ways…
I should have slapped that bitch then!
I should have slapped him!
The students are looking at Izumi, as usual. Their stare morphed into something twisted in her mind, it causes Izumi to hear those snickers, those sycophants curling in a corner as Bakugou, with Aldera uniform, would torment Midoriya. The students are always just looking.
Momo and Iidas speeded, with such peculiarity in this situation. It's not every day that All Might faces Eraserhead …and the class knows the man favours Midoriya.
If I'm to die…I don't want to die with fear.
The twisted image of a mob covered in eyes is now just regular students. Regular kids are completely confused but no one is reaching to Izumi Midoriya.
“I knew it. This is a problem child's finger!” Aizawa berates and wants to confront her, wanting to give a piece of his mind. If he plays his part right, finally, fucking finally get rid of All Might´s protege. Sadly for him, Aizawa is not moving as All Might is holding his shoulder with enough strength…Eraserhead fear, for a split second, the man would break his shoulder.
Nezu is still silent. The smartest man in the room is without a voice out suddenly.
“I want this him,” Electrical blue eyes gaze upon, speaking through his teeth. Bakugou as if he is scum of earth and All Might never gave such a powerful stare to a villain who invaded UA. “Out of UA. Katsuki Bakugou is not a hero, can't ever be a hero!” And his words are final. Many are whispering.
For all his arrogance and superiority, not even Bakugou would be dumb to engage in a fight with a powerful man such as All Might. He tried that once in the exercise…and it ended with his hand meeting Izumi's cheek.
Aizawa is looking at All Might as if he's a traitor. “Absolutely not, I’ll not expel a student who has potential to be a good hero. Are you out of your damn mind?” The homeroom teacher asked snidely as his eyes had contempt for the hero. For the retired hero.
Kirishima, playing devil's advocate, is deciding to do the unsolicited peacemaker and with careful strides he goes to Izumi Midoriya, not caring for her tired eyes-not that he cared for her arms and health when he asked for her help to save Bakugou a few months ago- and beaming starts speaking so freely. Almost calling her by her first name. “Iz…I mean, Midoriya, this is a misunderstanding…please, help us. All Might wants to expel Bakugou.”
Izumi wonders if she would break her hand if she slaps him right now. I mean if I channel 20% of ofa on my hand alone…I may break my bones but …if I channel just 10% I can break his bones. Just theory.
Kirishima is giving a big smile, waiting for her response. Izumi, for her part, is considering how it would be to punch, slap one of them. Would the peacemaking still be in place or would she be in the wrong?
Why? Why would I be in the wrong?
Victims can't be heroes?
Am I not a good victim?
“This is all because of a problem child!” Aizawa berates All Might but his eyes are on Izumi Midoriya. “If her feelings are hurt, tough up. The hero business is a cruel world, people die all day.” It's something true but Ochako and Jirou gulped at that, never witnessed death, not as gruesome as it can be for a hero.
Nighteye had, all things considered, a pretty clean death. Ochako, on that day, didn't even share a word with the hero until the accident took place…she is still innocent in this regard.
Izumi chuckles. Covering her mouth a little.
Afo nuked a city.
Afo dismember Nana Shimura.
En was slashed to pieces.
UA is not ready for that.
It's ammunition for Aizawa to go on a tirade on how Midoriya is a disrespectful student, how she is not ideal for this course. No one stands in to defend her. Izumi is not chuckling anymore.
All Might takes a stance for his heir. “Don't dare to talk about her like that! This girl is more heroic than you can ever dream! Bakugou, on the other hand, is nothing but a vile boy. He tried to kill Midoriya more than once…and it was my mistake, I should have stopped him, should have done more” there is an admission of guilt. All Might only looks at her, no one else. Forgive me. “Bakugou also suicide bait Izumi Midoriya. Tell me, Aizawa, is this proof of a good hero in your eyes?”
People gasped, Kirishima was out of balance and Izumi could see the gears in his mind working. Izumi is still pondering about her scarred hands slapping someone. Even more as all eyes are on Midoriya, waiting for confirmation or refusal.
What else can Izumi say?
Should Izumi give a teary discussion about how Bakugou abused her? The word abuse sounds heavy on her but it's also carried with honesty. “He abused me for years” It's easy to speak the truth, but it gives no joy.
More gaps, more murmuring and Aizawa is now excusing the boy. Yes, he did bad things IN THE PAST. But it doesn't matter now, not for the future. What is interesting is how he is addressing such a point to All Might, not to Izumi. Not to the victim.
Did Nana ever have to endure this?
How was her relationship with her husband?
“Am I supposed to protect him?” Izumi asked half-curiously, gaining their attention. Bakugou looks insulted, looks furious but if one thinks about it, Katsuki Bakugou is always constipated. Her fingers ghostly touch her right cheek. “Or am I supposed to let him slap me again?” Shoto Todoroki is surprised with this revelation, even more so when someone fills in how …in their last exercise Bakugou slapped Midoriya.
The exercises were divided and not everyone witnessed the scene. At that time, Shoto was in another arena…Now, as he is knowing what happened. His eyes are at Bakugou as if he never saw the man before.
No one thought it was a big deal as Recovery Girl is here…No one still doesn't think it is a big deal.
Shoto Todoroki, who still VIVIDLY remembers his mother being slapped by his father, looks at Bakugou as if he´s scum on the Earth. “WHY AM I KNOWING ABOUT THIS NOW?” His words only make Aizawa angry to the point his quirk is activated.
But his quirk is useless right now.
“Am I supposed to let him suicide bait me?” Izumi asked, wondering if she should be angry, if she should be sad. The thing about perspectives is how…it can change given the right tools. Kirishima looks uncomfortable, ghastly forming words that mean nothing and do nothing.
In her mind, it's hard to not compare her situation with Shonens and western comics where, upon a big moment, the hero always has the right thing to say. Motivates the others and wins against villains and bullies.
Because they usually have….friends.
Izumi has a villain who is 200 years old and has murder her predecessors.
Izumi will die by his hand…or by Tomura Shigaraki.
“I’d not have time to deal with…this, not again.” Izumi holds the bridge of her nose as her mind is screaming for her to get out lest she wants to guilt trip in doing something against her wishes, again. There's the idea of comparing herself with heroes of western comics and how they do have cool one- liners…Izumi just sighs.
Aizawa is speaking again. “His past doesn't define him!” He says it is the best solution. It's funny because, in a way, he is not even denying the claims. “He can be a hero, All Might, one that will survive” his line sounds very illogical.
Izumi ignores it, even when he calls her a problem child. He has been calling her for months, almost a year. Why would this make her snap and go berserk? I may die next week…I don't want to waste time with him.
Ochako tried to call for her using her hero moniker, looking up as Izumi was climbing to her room.
Dekiru or Deku?
Bakugou felt insulted, in his mind, the blame of all this- All Might looking at him as if he is a real deku- can be attributed to one person, of course, Deku. Katsuki Bakugou always considered himself a teacher who took the job, the mission to teach Izumi Midoriya her place in life ... .bellow everyone.
She is peeble, maybe worse than that.
YOU ARE USELESS.
DEKU.
And his oh so valuable lessons are usually followed with violence. No one in Aldera minds, regardless if it is Izumi or someone else, when Bakugou is charitable enough to use his quirk to prove how they are all inferior to him. Maybe Izumi Midoriya needs another lesson…
His killing intention is clear and the boy activated his quirk…ready to beat her up, in front of everyone - wouldn't be the first time and if is up to him,not the last- but Gran Torino, a senior hero, locked in his intentions and blocked the attack and tackle him to the ground effortless.
Gran Torino is an old man.
Gran Torino is making Bakugou taste the floor using a quirkless tactic.
Shoto Todoroki blinks as if to wake up from the stupor and uses his quirk. Putting Bakugou in an ice wall is dangerous-someone runs to grab Recovery Girl right away- but as Bakugou still looks ready to strike Midoriya…it makes Shoto almost puke.
His father had the same face when he beat up his mother for the last time. Shoto Todoroki can even hear his mother crying when she thought no one was listening…
“YOU CAN'T EXPEL BAKUGOU FROM MY CLASS,” Aizawa exclaimed with such vigor completely new for their homeroom teacher who…couldn't care less if a girl has a quirk that shatters bones. Or to the fact, Bakugou wanted to attack Midoriya, again. “HE IS A PROMISING HERO, HIS PAST DOESN'T DEFINE WHO HE IS, PLUS YOU CAN'T EXPEL ANYONE…YOU AREN'T A REAL TEACHER, YOU HAVE NO LICENSE!”
Nezu now speaks matter-of-factly. “Precisely, only staff members can expel students.” Nezu changes the tune as he can FEEL the anger oozing from All Might. This man killed with his bare hands “But Bakugou truly has a horrible past we can't ignore. I say he gets detention to better reflect on his past actions.”
Ah right…detention to reflect on how he beat me up for no reason.
There is some defense for Bakugou coming from A1 telling how …the boy could be better if he does therapy, how maybe his parents are to blame or maybe his quirk affects his brain. Many excuses, no accountability for Bakugou.
Izumi goes to her room quietly. What is hovering in her mind is not Bakugou, it´s AFO and how tomorrow he may escape Tartarus and kill her for good. Maybe he'll kill her when she hits 50 in a brutal way and will just laugh about it.
Nana Shimura got married and had a son…what happened to them?
Her room is filled with All Might´s bootleg merch, her green eyes spot the posters and now wondering if when the man posed for this art …he was already missing some organs. Izumi wonders if THIS is the life she wants.
Do I want to cough blood?
Do I want to be a pillar?
Will I forever be the single one out?
Her essentials are really spare and fewer, a few clothes-most uniforms for hero work and her underwear-, adding a 2 pair of shorts and 3 shirts,her old laptop which has a scratch on the back but is still functional and her sketchbooks, the burned sketchbook is very visible and Izumi wonders …if she had studied in other school, would her childhood be a bit less miserable?
I can't even imagine a happy one?
Ochako is there, in the frame of her door, telling how this is breaking the routine and if Izumi asked for All Might to do something so extreme. Maybe, if Izumi had time to research, there would be a comic book where there exists a perfect reply for this situation.
Peter Parker had really atrocious writing in the past but when he had good writing…he really shines.
All Izumi can do is look at Ochako with drowsiness and reply. “So you want me to let Bakugou continue to hurt me? Because I don't understand you right now. Are you in love with Bakugou?” Such a question makes Ochako gasp and look disgusted by such a vile accusation, and Izumi raises her hand. “I don´t understand why you aren´t horrified that he suicide bait me …or you don´t believe me? You fought him in the Sport Festival…you really think he wouldn't do it?”
“You think I am lying? Tell me why I would do that then…He punched my face, you were there as well Recovery Girl who…promptly blamed me for his lack of cooperation, you saw him call me DEKU, you saw him hate me day 1. Tell me, why am I lying? I don't need to…he's just a horrible person. A villain in the making.” Izumi replied, trying to not get emotional, trying but it's hard…Bakugou is the one who gave a wound in her soul and is always poking.
Why?
Why does he hate her existence?
Ochako frowned her brown. “Still asking for All Might to expel someone is a bit much …”
Izumi really is tempted to slap her.
“It's really low, Midoriya, I know Bakugou has a temper. But we, as a unit, should help him. I see how he treats you, yes, he has issues and we should help him. He needs help not to be tossed away…” Ochako would say more for sure but Izumi slaps her.
Ochako gasps again.
“Where is this unit when he slaps me? When he tried to kill me on day 1? WHY I HAVE TO CARRY THAT PARASITE IN MY SHORT LIFE?!” The last part is screamed with such force, with such intensity…the girl believed for a second to possess Present Mic's quirk. Of course she doesn't.
But for this moment, Ochako is too speechless.
All Might is still shouting at Aizawa when Midoriya is back with her small bag, once again, all her essentials can be summarized in one bag. Iida and Momo are hearing both sides but it's irrelevant their inputs as they are just students, regardless if Momo and Iida want Bakugou to stay or go…their opinion is useless.
“Problem child, look what you did!” Aizawa berates her and All Might would respond to him only.
“NO, FUCK´S SAKE, THIS IS YOUR FAULT, YOU HAVE A LICENSE BUT YOU ARE A TERRIBLE TEACHER!” All Might answer so ferociously.
Gran Torino pipes in saying how the man, Eraserhead, is notoriously known for not giving any instruction or help to his students and to expel them so freely. “Doing that …increases the number of villains in Japan. You never cared for those kids?”
Aizawa´s gaze tells a pretty clear “no”.
In front of all his current students.
“I´ll use all I have to make sure this boy won't ever become a hero, he's a villain in the making, and you´ll have to answer for this Aizawa!” All Might speaks with venom in his voice and his eyes meet Izumi…he made a promise and…once again can't fulfill it.
“I knew he wouldn´t be expelled, frankly I don't care anymore.” It's a lie but Izumi doesn't know what else to say. “I want to switch classes. If he stays in A1, then I go to general studies.”
I don't care for fame…all I want is to help people.
My life is short now thanks to that loon. Thanks to ... .many bad calls I made.
Was it worthy?
Aizawa starts making accusations, belittling her, calling her a problem child, seeking attention and what not and the girl can't understand why such hostility? She wants to leave…Aizawa can keep Bakugou all to himself.
“No one ever asked to be transferred to general studies before, that's unheard of.” Nezu commented and the others nodded, looking as if Izumi had grown a second head.
Izumi, in another time, would have cried as they were all staring at her. All judging her. IT WAS JUST LIKE THAT IN ALDERA.
I CAN DIE TOMORROW…who cares what they think?
I want to enjoy my life as short as it is.
At the present, Izumi just shrugs and replies still with that tired tone, with no light in her eyes. “It's more than clear I don't fit here and I don't want to be slapped again…I have to deal with villains, in my immediate future, so having to tiptoe to see if I'm hurting his ego,” Izumi replied looking at Bakugou still immobilized and sending hate towards her, as if this is all her fault. “It's tiring, it's exhausting. I spent years with this in Aldera. So no thank you, I wish you all the best luck with him.”
Izumi looks at Nezu unimpressed as the chimera is sweating profusely. Nezu, the smartest man in the room, couldn't have predicted any of that. “The switch is really easy, I don't need to do a Sports Festival …just need to sign a form, just that.”
The myth of students who can move, upgrade as they say, to A1 is a well documented myth. A good lie people know but want to believe. Shouta Aizawa was in A1 in his youth days and so were his friends but were considered the weakest.
All Might protests. Making another promise and…Gran Torino intervenes and says…it's better this way, at least, the girl will be saved. Shoto Todoroki is confused with this line. Saved from what? His eyes went to Bakugou…oh.
Shoto Todoroki is one of the only people who asked what's really going on. No one answered him.
Nezu agreed to let Bakugou be suspended for 3 days. All Might is not happy, Gran Torino, who has a license, says how he, in theory, can expel him. Aizawa has no means to help girls like Momo or Hagakure but can cite laws in a heartbeat and, technically speaking, Gran Torino can't expel Bakugou.
He doesn't work at UA right now. But Gran Torino is free to discipline Bakugou as he sees fit.
Nezu agreed with Midoriya transferring to another class.
Such change in her life only demanded one signature from herself and now, Izumi is officially in the General Studies, it wasn't a quiet matter. As everyone got wind of this change- her new room is already filled with curious eyes, one glance at All Might and the eyes are gone- Gran Torino and All Might took her to the room, no one is looking anymore. It's just Izumi Midoriya and two heroes.
All Might wants to promise,again…how she can go back to A1 and how Bakugou will be expelled but…would that be another broken promise?
In the end, All Might just said to Izumi if she needs any help with the materials, books or anything …she can ask for his help.
Izumi asks one simple question. Just one. “Are you…paying my fees or is the story about scholarship true?” it's something the girl wondered about as the site of UA
specify their scholarship is very limited.
All Might doesn't say anything.
“Ah, got it. You could have told me”
“I'm sorry. I didn't …want to embarrass you.” All Might explained not noticing how the words make a chill travel to her spine. Her mother is known to always apologize, cry and nothing much.
Gran Torino left with All Might, not before promising if she needed any help to give him a call. Be with the studies or the quirk.
Now Izumi is alone in her room. The room in itself is plain, devoid of any decor. Even the bed has a plain white bedsheet, even the bathroom adjacent is devoid of anything. There´s nothing and Izumi has nothing of hers to decorate and all her merch is in her other room…the woman can't return and take an All Might poster, it doesn't bring the smile it used to do to little Izumi.
Now Izumi lays in her bed and …everything crashes and burns, alone in this new room. The fact she will be murder, horrifically, by a loon of man…the cruel words of Bakugou are hovering in her mind, maybe as an inescapable prophecy.
Pray to have a quirk in your next life.
The girl lay on her bed and cried, all her tears stained the pillows. Sobbing on her pillow.
Her life is on a time limit.
The last users were murder in a cruel way, what could have happened to Nana's family?
Her childhood was married to abused and neglected and …for what reason? What was the justification?
Izumi can't ever fit in.
Her dream will lead her to an early grave.
Her quirk shatters her bones.
She is lost and alone.
She is considered a problem child.
She is lost and alone.
For how long can one cry? Izumi has no clear answer for this question, her pillow is drenched with tears, her face is red and her eyes puffy. Her rough and bruised hands hug herself as the reality sinks in. She can die….was it worthy to have a quirk?
Is this the type of hero I want to be?
Nana was the only one who had a family….En’s family ….is not mentioned.
Ok, do they call me a problem child? Fine. I WILL BE A PROBLEM CHILD!!!
Izumi Midoriya breathes in and out, as her mind is racing with many questions. “What happened to Nana Shimura’s family? Who is Tomura Shigaraki?” Her hands shake a little as she can remember his hot voice in her ear telling how he can kill 30 people.
He wasn't lying and SHE KNOWS IT.
But where does he come from? Villains don't pop out from nowhere as much heroes like to pretend they sprung from the sewer-Izumi remembers a teacher of an elective making this joke about Shigaraki, it was very uncomfortable for Midoriya- but as she´s alone with her thoughts, once again, Izumi Midoriya has one question. “Where does he come from?”
Her hands are not shaken anymore as she rises from her bed, slowly goes to her bag and pulls her old notebook and once settling the wifi…goes to Google.
I should trust the adults in regards to Tomura Shigaraki….
“Many villains come from the poorest city, Tomura Shigaraki…is a cruel name.” Izumi is typing in her notebook with an idea in mind. “I doubt there is a Mr. and Mrs Shigaraki, but people in the poorest areas are desperate.” Izumi mutters to herself.
The google shows the poorest cities in the perfect hero society:
- Kamagasaki (Osaka)
- Yokkaichi (Mie)
- Okinawa (Naha)
- Adachi (in Tokyo)
Izumi bites her nail as she is seeing the statistics of where the petty crimes begin-in the poorests areas- and how the villains often left their families behind as they are sent to Tartarus or die by heroes´s hands. A theory formed in her mind…
“What if Tomura Shigaraki is the son of a villain, who in a moment of desperation, sold his son to AFO?” Izumi mutters as her lips are touching her bottom lip. “If it wasn't sold, then AFO, the evil organization in question…” Is it possible to see AFO, one single person, as this evil organization? YES.
There's a list of bars in those poorest cities and Tomura Shigaraki used to be in one……
Should I trust the adults?
Izumi types again in her notebook and remembers something in her cellphone, as she lift herself up to grab the cellphone…as she's up the woman sees the small stain on her old shirt “shirt”
I don´t have much clothes….
Images of her mother filling her room with All Might´s merch as her eyes are still puffy enters in Izumi's mind as an agonizing thought dares to penetrate her very soul. Did she parent me or just placate me with his merch?
AFO is in the prison, but could get out any day…does Izumi Midoriya want to die with a shirt with a stain? And with a closer look, can see a small hole in her old weary shirt.
Death waits for no one.
But I don't want to die having no clothes.
Her phone shows a notification of coupons, discounts for this shop in Daika that is with shirts” and other items.
Why not? I like shirt “shirt”
The mental image of AFO killing her while all she has to wear is either a stained shirt-Izumi´s finger spotting a tiny hole-or something of All Might's merch. It's morbidly funny, maybe, not even funny. Just morbid.
“Tomura Shigaraki is a cruel name to have,” Izumi says to no one.
Deku is also a cruel name.
Izumi got a wink of sleep but the notebook is still on-the battery is on its last strength- and the girl didn't even change her clothes. Izumi Midoriya´s hair is a mess and the girl watches how her phone is full of notifications…the most important is the notification about the Shirt “shirt” shop and the sales.
Yawning and stretching, Izumi Midoriya can only imagine what will happen now. Well, whatever it is, Bakugou won't be breathing on my neck… Having some small sense of vanity, the girl put on her uniform, tied her hair-she doesn't have a brush- and looked at the mirror in the bathroom.
She doesn't look like Nana Shimura.
Good, I´m Izumi Midoriya…whatever that entails, that's me.
Her skirt is free of any wrinkles, her red sneakers are in good shape and Izumi Midoriya braces herself to face a new day. The day will be harder but at the very least, I won't have to endure Bakugou or Aizawa. With her resolve in place, having turned off her notebook and grabbed her bag…Izumi Midoriya is opening the door…
To see the classroom of the General Studies class is celebrating her with a nice basket treat baked with sakura treats-a very famous brand- and many pairs of happy smiles. Mei Hatsume is among the crowd. Mei Hatsume wasted no time to shake her hand and thank her profusely.
“Thank you, Muscles girl, thank you so much.” Mei has, literally, stars in her eyes. “Thanks to you…we have more funds!”
Izumi nodded wordlessly but had no idea what's going on. It seems someone managed to read her body language. Nudged to Mei, very gently, and the pinkette seemed to get how Izumi was not understanding what's going on.
A girl, fidgeting her fingers, introduces herself as Maina Furasu. She's in the same year as Mei Hatsume and gave Midoriya a small bouquet of tulips. “Thank you so much, Midoriya-san” her tone is soft but she hands the flowers even if her face is flustered. Izumi NEVER received flowers in her entire life.
WHAT I DO?
The girl thanked her and put the flower in her room. In a way, now her room has a new piece of decoration.
Clearing her throat, Mei Hatsume starts her explanation with much excitement as usual. It's a miracle Izumi didn't end up between her bosom or vice versa. Funny how that happened two times. “You have no idea how much people are commenting about us, and for once in a positive light,” Mei says beaming and the others fake cough. “The media is talking about the student of A1 who preferred to be here, with us, than with Aizawa´s classroom and many investors are now paying attention to us and deciding to fund us, hell…even Deternet is interested.”
Izumi nods along as Mei is throwing a barrage of words. Once Mei finishes, Midoriya has a clear understanding of what is understood.
“Wait, investors…shouldn't UA be the one to invest in their students?” Izumi asked, having a gut feeling she sounded naive. Considering how everyone looks shocked by her question, yes, Izumi Midoriya is being naive.
“No, not really. UA works with a hierarchy.”Mei explains with a somewhat serious tone. “The money for our inventions and projects come from our pocket, unless we are from classes like A1 or B2”
it makes sense when she thinks about it. It's unfair as many things in life, as many things in Hero Society.
“Hm, glad I could help…indirectly, I guess.” Izumi replied and the others are none the wiser about her inner turmoil as they´re excitedly telling how Deternet, of all people, reached out. Something about the new direction is very interesting to know what the classroom Izumi Midoriya picked can do.
ODD, but ok.
Mei snaps her fingers as she remembers something. “Oh, All Might is doing a press conference right now…to talk about Aizawa, I mean, bashing him. Him and Bakugou…is it true…” Mei threads carefully as the topic of such conversation is delicate. “he, you know…”
Many eyes are on her with pity. It's not a pleasant situation.
Well, keeping silent wouldn't help me in any way.
I don't want to protect him.
Sighing, there´s no words needed as all Izumi has to do is nod and people get the gists. No one denies her confirmation or jumps to defend Bakugou. Far from it, people are saying how that boy is always a bad apple.
That 's new…
“Wait, if All Might is doing a press conference…” Izumi trails off wondering if she should be there with All Might. The mere idea makes her physically ill.Thankfully, one of the girls chides in saying how All Might is handling everything. Apparently, the entire Japan knows how vile Bakugou is- Izumi frowned her brown I didn't want to protect him but …the entire Japan knew?- Aizawa won't allow Bakugou to be expelled but his defense against all the accusations is non-existent.
Bakugou´s parents are called and…things are a mess.
Bakugou may face consequences…
Wow …I hope to live to see that.
Checking on her cellphone, Izumi can see some texts from Gran Torino and even All Might telling her …how they´ll handle this. The girl doesn´t need to worry nor give interviews if she doesn't want to.
I hate talking in public.
There´s a message from Nezu begging for her to do something…the bad publicity will kill UA, Izumi promptly ignored his text.
“Oh, so…we don't have class?” Izumi asks as the girl wonders if UA can function with the press and All Might doing a show. Maybe, after all, they certainly didn't care to make the Sports Festival after Shigaraki invaded UA.
Hm, this make me think how…Shigaraki wanted Bakugou to join his team…if he is seeing all this…seems his golden boy is in trouble, I can only say: fuck you Shigaraki. (Thinking that, Izumi still wonders about this villain, the little pawn of AFO. Is he…alive? Is he…in good health?)
Mei shakes her head. “But not because of the media, our teacher got stomach flu and gave us a free day. Apparently she ate poor quality sushi and…had to be rushed to the hospital. She's fine,” Mei showed her cell phone where it's possible to see the teacher-a woman- with thumbs up but looking still in recovery.
The best sushi is the expensive one, got it.
“Oh, the media is circling the school? Because I kind of wanted to go to Daika…” Izumi doesn't clarify how she needs to buy clothes as her spare ones are getting smaller, and doesn´t make mention of her small vanity.
“Ah, so that's what the famous Midoriya do? Make chaos and go shopping? typical.” Hitoshi Shinso appears with his purple hair and the bags under his eyes. His arrogant stare is on Izumi Midoriya, the former student of A1. “Important too much for the A1?” The mocking is clear as well his intention.
Izumi looks at Mei and says. “Oh, he's…still here?”
“Yeah, just ignore him. It 's what we do. About your question…I´d know a way to get away from the media. Wanna help?”
“Please!”
Hitoshi tries again, calling Izumi an arrogant and spoiled girl-among other things- but he's alone in the hall as everyone leaves with Izumi Midoriya. Hitoshi shouts how he´ll be in the A1 and be a hero 10x better than her…but there's no one to hear such a promise. He's alone.
He's alone to blame Izumi Midoriya for her privileges and how his life is tougher.
Thanks to Mei and the others, Izumi managed to leave-Mei gave a hat to Izumi to hide her face…people are interested in her right now- and as she hops in the train to go to Daika…she sees the interview on her phone. From what she can summarize, the interview is a long one and All Might has mentioned Endeavour…
“Bakugou displays the same temperament as Endeavour and I find that concerning, while yes, Endeavour is a hero…His temper is concerning, Bakugou has shown to UA, multiple times, how his temper is a danger to everyone. I don't think nor want to think of Bakugou as a hero, let alone one as in the level of Endeavour.”
I wonder…how Todoorki is feeling with all this.
The girl is on the seat next to the window and is in hopes to buy some decent clothes, nothing fancy, nothing extravagant. I mean…I wouldn't have any opportunity to wear anything fancy even if AFO dropped dead last night. Until someone sits next to her…
“Gang Orc?” Izumi whispers as the mutant hero greets her by raising his hat.
“Shopping?” Gang Orc asks, without any judgment or drawing attention to her as there are few people in the train today.
Izumi just nods. There's no need to say how she has no shirts or clothes...there's no need to mention how her life may end too soon.
They don´t talk anymore, they just enjoy the silence. Izumi is seeing the passage shifts and her smiles falter as her eyes widen. She screams and points at the window. Gang Orc was on his phone, texting someone, when her scream startled and…he gasped.
In Daika city there's a huge crater, impossible to ignore.
WHAT THE FUCK?
The few people on the train today are horrified at the crater, it's not a small hole, it´s a crater bigger enough to raise many, many concerns. Izumi gasps as the train is still moving and the crater seems bigger and bigger by the minute.
Welcome to Daika city, home of the greatest crater ever seen.
Notes:
I edited again, used the spellcheck, look the fic wont be with perfect English but I think you guys can totally read the fic without problems.
Chapter 2: chap 2
Notes:
I finally finished this chapter, wow. The idea was in my head for days, weeks, even.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 2
Izumi can see how the station of Daika is damaged, minor things if compared to the crater in front of her eyes. Gang Orc is taking a good look at the area-there were no signals of natural disasters, let alone any hero fighting any dangerous villain. The hero scratches his head and looks at Midoriya, her black hat with the word “hat” is well in place… but I don't think people would have noticed if she is Izumi Midoriya right now.
“Midoriya, you´ve got your license…” Gang Orc subtly reminds her how she can use her quirk and the girl nods at him. Her eyes are taking the small line of street being slowly decayed as more of the passengers of the train are gasping.
“I'll …call for help, make sure everyone is alright.” Gang Orc before making his important call addressed the people, many gasped, some took steps back as Gang Orc talked but many were listening. Midoriya and Gang Orc are the only heroes, and the mutant hero urges no one to leave this area as it's unclear if Daika is safe.
Meanwhile, Izumi Midoriya is thankful that her hat is in place. After all this, I got to say thanks to Hatsume again. Her eyes are taking the crater, going as close as it´s safe and her eyes spot one singular detail.
Among the crater, there´s something partially decayed. In truth, Izumi has no idea what the item once was but the fact it's partially decayed makes her eyes widen. For a moment, she can hear HIS WORDS in her ear.
I can kill 30 people minimum
Her head snaps back and forth, searching for any signal of the blue haired boy/man. Nothing in sight as she should have known…but she spotted a single lighting pole and at the top, there's a camera.
The lighting pole is near the crater, miraculously untouched, and the camera is working as Izumi sees the item move from one side to another. There's a crater in Daika city that no one can even imagine how it happened.
Her eyes narrow as the camera is focused on her, only her.
Gang Orc has finished his cellphone and is in the line of view of the camera, but Izumi has the feeling…the camera is only interested in her.
Her fingers are touching her neck lightly as she can still hear his words echoing in her mind.
I can kill 30 people at a minimum.
Izumi runs like the wind, ignoring as Gang Orc is calling her name-if he wanted to keep her disguise a secret, now is too late- and she starts to climb the lighting pole knowing the camera is looking at her as if it's an eye looking at her, a red eye waiting and looking at her.
“Your quirk…” Gang Orc barked but is concerned as Izumi Midoriya's strange quirk is well known by the heroes by now.
“NOT USING MY QUIRK.” Izumi shuts back as she climbs to the top, still keeping an eye contact with the camera. There´s the red signal on the camera indicating SOMEONE is watching the scene, and as she´s on a high level she can see other cameras as well, function perfectly.
She's facing the camera…
“Shigaraki…” Its´s her only response.
But what happened here? I don't think he would make a crater for no reason and vanish…
There´s more darker reasons for the crater that Izumi shakes her head at it, if Tomura Shigaraki wanted to commit suicide, the world would know, plus there´s no blood or body left.
“Tomura Shigaraki…you were here…” Her eyes are still looking at the camera.
In a secure location, the man known as Skeptical, working on his keyboard, is trying to nurse his foul temper ever since his robot lost to the gang of punks known as League of Villains. Redestro made a bet with their leader…and lost, now Tomura Shigaraki IS the Supreme Leader.
Skeptics mumble some colorful words in relation to the fact but…it won't change the fact how Tomura Shigaraki has a superior quirk and it's best to obey him or …you´ll be dust. One of his surviving robots showed him the situation.
Two heroes, well, one pro hero and a student are in Daika City, and they are clearly not ignoring the situation.
Idiots…well, even if we could bribe them…it's not as if we could hide a crater like that.
One of the heroes, who is just a student, is none other than Izumi Midoriya. Skeptical is not impressed with this in the slightest and KNOWS Tomura Shigaraki is weird about this girl, this plain girl with a very lame fashion sense if you ask Skeptical. Therefore, the best course of action is to let the Supreme Leader know about this.
That manchild will be happy and if he's happy…maybe I can get something out of this.
It's not pleasant to have to walk upstairs to see the new Supreme Leader who is eating sushi with his co-workers. Thanks to the elevator, the man reaches his destination in less than seconds as Tomura Shigaraki is in his penthouse-he'll gain a villa as well-eating sushi with the others and red eyes look at him, not greeting him.
Skeptical would, in another situation, be far away from this man, but as he´s now having to work with this dangerous villain…and he didn't make a great first impression. Skeptical steel himself and puts the effort in looking as blase as possible in front of Tomura Shigaraki.
“Supreme Leader,” Skeptical greets hoping the usage of the name will grant good points. “We have people wondering about the crater you created,” Pressing a button in his cell phone the screen presents where it's very clear Izumi Midoriya. “One word, Supreme Leader and this girl will be no more…”
Tomura Shigaraki rose from his chair, in a swift moment, but as soon as Skeptical's brain registered the movement…Tomura Shigaraki's hand was grabbing his neck like a claw of a predator about to squeeze the prey.
“She is mine, let's make this clear as possible,” Tomura hissed his words as Skeptical is slowly losing oxygen. “She is mine and no one will lay a finger on her, got it?” The villain sees how Skeptical is drooling, how his face is getting slightly blue and…let go of his neck.
The hacker drops on the floor, taking big gasps of air. His shaking hand goes to his neck and can feel small cracks on his skin. Panic is visible on his visible eye-his hair and fringe always hides his face and right now this is a small mercy- as Tomura is just gazing at him, still like a predator who is deciding if he´ll finish the prey off or not. Deciding if it is worth the time or not.
“Go it…” Skeptical's voice is shaky, trembling every moment but the message comes across. Tomura is now gazing at the screen where Izumi Midoriya is. His attention is solely on the girl, the rest is divided in not caring and paying attention.
The lanky hacker is sliding on the cracks on his neck. It's a miracle or a morbid power play on Shigaraki's part where he allowed Skeptical to survive, The Meta Paranormal Army does have fantastic medical aid-rivalling with Recovery Girl-so its possible to heal the cracks, just how Recovery Girl did for Aizawa when he faced Shigaraki… But if the cracks were just one inch longer…I would be dead.
Toga is giggling happily at the screen. “DEKIRU!”
Tomura Shigaraki´s undivided attention is on the girl, and his eyes lit up when the famous Izumi Midoriya starts saying the name Tomura Shigaraki. Dabi, the only one not eating sushi, made a snide comment “Hey, she remembers you, ugly!” but it falls on deaf ears, all Shigaraki can focus on is Izumi Midoriya once again.
The person delivering more sushi didn't get the memo about Izumi Midoriya as he entered the penthouse with more food nor seems to care one of the generals, Skeptical, is on the floor breathing heavily and with quavery fingers on his neck…
The person only saw Izumi Midoriya on the screen scowls as he said with all the conference of a fool. “She would be prettier if she lost the freckles.”
Tomura is fast, very fast and while Skeptical is on the floor slowly gathering strength to lift up…there's some drops of blood dropping next to him and all his visible eye can see is the fool being decayed in matters of seconds, there´s no flesh, no dust, nothing. The drops of blood were either a deliberate choice or an accident…which one is worse?
Skeptical stands tall but is cowering against the wall. There´s no blood in Shigaraki´s hand, his eyes are back on the girl.
“Oh…she's the one here…asking questions about the crater,” His tone is low but his face softens as if he hasn't killed a person in cold blood. He is going to the TV to see the girl closer. “Hat, hat. Funny.” Tomura remembers how in the mall she was wearing a shirt saying “shirt” and that's funny and he can't put a finger on why.
“You have a plan to cover the crater,”it's not an order, it's a fact. “Redestro must have a backup plan, right?”
Shigaraki doesn't look to see Spinner looking at him with awestruck, Skeptical, for his part, can only nod but Tomura´s eyes are pressing for more information and the hacker is nothing more than a coward.
“Trumpet will talk to the hero to give a cover story…and as well fix the damage,” You and your merry band of losers did. As if Skeptical would ever say such words to Tomura Shigaraki even more as the man is smirking.
“And we have cameras around the city…function cameras, I want to see all of it.” The villain smiles pleased with himself. Tomura Shigaraki´s index finger touches the image of Izumi Midoriya and in the back of his mind, it makes him remember a lonely and young Tomura Shigaraki/TENKO SHIMURA who would gently touch the screen in hopes to get comfort… Sensei is always a sick fucker.
His finger leaves as the image shows Izumi saying his name once again.
“So you didn´t use your quirk…There´s so much I don´t know about you,” Tomura replied lightly while Toga is in awe at Midoriya for being able to climb the pole in a quirkless style. Spinner has eyes for Shigaraki and is ignored.
Izumi Midoriya climbs down the pole and is talking to Gang Orc.
Skeptical is wondering who was the person Tomura Shigaraki killed… Better him than me.
Trumpet, you better know what to do …for once in your life, I really need you to do well.
Trumpet is on the way with his jeep of the old days, you see, Japan has forsaken any weapon and anything linked to military a long time ago the moment it was very possible for men to fly, but there are some who collect rarity for sentimental value. Trumpet, a politician always closely associated with Deternet, has a jeep and is making way to speak to Gang Orc and Izumi Midoriya.
Of course, avoiding the damn crater…
His phone is buzzing with messages from his REAL Supreme Leader, Redestro, begging for him to fix the situation and the man has a vex expression on his face. I told him it was very stupid to pick a fight with LoV… His irritation fades away as his eyes see the crater, impossible not to see.
Tomura Shigaraki is powerful…and he has no qualms like we do…
Either he will liberate the world or destroy everyone.
The jeep is driven by one of his followers and who survived the encounter of Tomura Shigaraki.The crater took buildings and shops down, sure, insurances can cover and Deternet can replace the material goods, but the sheer power of Tomura Shigaraki can still be felt here. People will ask questions, even our lower members will!
How can a person be this powerful? Tomura Shigaraki is a wild card, his motivations are fuzzy, at best. Can Trumpet mold this dangerous and insane man? No, he scares me too much…where does that man even come from? It's not as if there is a family known for having decay as a legacy quirk or something like that…as far Trumpet is aware, Tomura Shigaraki is a cockroach that crawls from the bottom of this Hero Society.
I need as many fools as possible in my control for as long as I can. His eyes land on the driver, Minato, who was spared from seeing Tomura Shigaraki from so close. He, like Geten, has a good quirk and just like Geten, he is loyal to the cause to no end.
“Minato.” Trumpet speaks with an easy tone, with a good familiarity that makes the nervous driver gaze at him. “Thank you, you were very brave back there…” There's a perfect expression of camarade and brotherly love that Minato drinks as if he is a thirsty man.
Like Geten, Minato is a good fighter and loyal to the booth. Like Geten, Minato can be the perfect sacrificial lamb if Trumpet deems appropriate.
Minato has happy tears.
Fool, you are still useful to me.
After ten minutes of not only replying the entire fight-shivers run down his spine as he can still see, so vividly, Tomura Shigaraki defeated Redestro- and the fear is still grasping his very soul. Tomura Shigaraki is too powerful and now we obey him…for better or worse. The best smile, one that can win any crowd, formed in his lips as he can see the silhouette of the mutant hero, Gang Orc.
Fantastic will have to talk with another mutant…
Well, at least, he's not that Lizard.
There's a group of people behind them, looking hesitant at not only the heroes but at Trumpet, the politician can notice how there are a big number of women here but his eyes scanned to see the men, some of them appear to be salary men.
The jeep is parked nearby and Minato has instructions to be in the car, let the general take care of the situation. The man, in his best suit-it's a miracle he wasn't damaged, what the MPA lost today was just cannon fodder-and the silence greets him.
On a normal day people would be shouting out his name. Understandable, Redestro lost and no one aside Shigaraki is celebrating this. All eyes are on Trumpet, the mutant hero is waiting as everyone else. Show time!
The civilians are still shocked looking at the crater.
The politician notices the small figure next to Gang Orc, the stupid hat does nothing to hide her appearances, this is Izumi Midoriya. His smile is still to bring comfort, but his eyes are scanning her and…
So this is Izumi Midoriya? She would be a lot prettier if she lost the freckles. Hm, she could change her hair a little…she's not ugly, I give that- His eyes are trained to evaluate the beauty of a heroine without being obvious- Still, she could be more…Plus, the way she is looking is not pleasing at all. And her fashion sense is …not ideal, not bad but for a woman who has knockers like that…she could dress more like Creati.
All in all, Izumi Midoriya is not ugly but her frown, her eyes so brazen on his figure and her freckles let alone the stupid hat “hat” aren't attractive. Not marketable enough, but she has a nice body…not a lost cause.
All Might´s interview is still playing throughout Japan and Trumpet can use this AGAINST Izumi Midoriya if she becomes a problem…good girls don't like to be called out. Well, hopefully she will stay silent. If she was alone I could have killed her and bring to the Supreme Leader.
Well here I go having to talk to a mutie….well, at least he's better than Spinner, I give that.
“Hello, It's a terrible day. I'm glad we have a hero here.” Trumpet is looking only to Gang Orc, ignoring Izumi´s green eyes. There´s an intensity in her eyes that parallels Tomura Shigaraki. Still, Trumpet ignores the girl and focuses on the mutant hero who is making the basic question, what happened here.
The trumpet is playing safer. His first explanation is to pretend to make a call to get information, once again, ignoring the girl.
“TOMURA SHIGARAKI WAS HERE!” Izumi spoke with such clarity, once again, giving the impression her voice echoes in the entire area, it's such emotion causing people to look at her and be afraid as if Tomura Shigaraki will pop out of nowhere. No one thought he was a problem …until now.
Stupid bitch.
Trumpet is on his fake phone call, thinking on what to do:
- Belittle the girl may not be smart, even if he uses clever words as many women are looking at Midoriya with hope. The salary men are too.
- Denying will make her suspicious
- Gang Orc takes one look at the crater and seems to agree to the possibility of Tomura Shigaraki. “Midoriya has faced Shigaraki two times, if anyone knows his quirk, it is her!” This solidifies her claim.
The Hero Commission is the de facto head of all Japan, so any public organ who has its mission to serve the population…is linked directly to the Hero Commission, no exception. Even the orphanage. Trumpet works in the safety and protection public organ that leads with natural disasters to oversee the reconstruction and see the legalities.
“Tomura Shigaraki? His quirk decay is really powerful,” Trumpet commences as all eyes are on him. “But his quirk is very useful, could decay garbage. Wouldn't that solve many problems?” The question is directed to the public and everyone agrees with some hesitation.
Trumpet is spinning a tale of a friendly environment and how Deternet wants to help mother nature. In fact, the tale is so enticing, the politician couldn't see Izumi Midoriya walking, no, marching towards him. No one noticed until…
Izumi Midoriya is grabbing his collar and making his face inches to hers as her fist is ready to greet his face. The politician wasn't prepared for that or the fact his words, as polished and captivating, held no effect on her. “Are you kidding me?” Her eyes are so intense…
Just like HIS.
“Are you telling me Deternet wanted to create a machine that mimicked the decay of Tomura Shigaraki? You think we are stupid or this company is stupid?” The girl asked angrily as cameras were on her figure.
Her eyes….
“Tomura Shigaraki can destroy anything with 5 fingers touch, he did something in UA a few months ago.” Izumi is controlling the situation and many people are nodding at her. Trumpet would have slapped her if he was a dumber, her fist is still ready and the politician can see the scars on her hands.
Her hands…
“Deku-chan, please.” Trumpet finally acknowledged her presence pleading, trying to weasel his way out. Her eyes narrow and fury manifest with her eyes lighting up, in a literal sense. There's a feeling of doom clouding Trumpet.
A mortal who will be dragged to hell by a demon.
“Don´t call me Deku,” The girl hissed and Trumpet was losing control of the situation. The politician gulped as his mind was given a very grim option: you can´t manipulate this girl and she won´t stop.
Will I be killed by a woman?
“Of course, Dekiru-chan. It was a spill of tongue, the names deku and Dekiru are so similar,” Trumpet explained, almost sobbing and it wasn´t enough for the girl, or maybe it was. It's hard to tell because Gang Orc calls her name, like an adult scolding a child.
“I understand your frustration, Midoriya. But this is not how a good hero acts. You are better than this.” Gang Orc says and it does the trick to make Midoriya let go of the politician. Her eyes are still so ferocious.
Gang Orc now has the word. “That being said,” his eyes are judging the politician. “It feels very strange that a company like Deternet wants to create a machine like that, out of the blue.” The mutant hero trails off.
“Where are the people?” Izumi asks as she's guessing what Gang Orc wants to imply. The politician is confused for a moment which is enough to make Gang Orc explain the situation to him.
“To test something like that YOU need permission from The Hero Commission, as well time to evacuate. However, I have not heard one thing about people or any evacuation plan…” the mutant hero narrows his eyes, he glances at Midoriya for a moment and back at Trumpet. “To replace the quirk of a dangerous villain without any safety measure is dangerous…to a criminal.”
Trumpet is not sure who to blame here:
- Gang Orc
- Izumi Midoriya
- Tomura Shigaraki
- Redestro
“Well, of course, all the people were properly evacuated and the insurance can and will cover all the damage as Deternet will as well.” Trumpet adjusts his collar and sees how the civilians are hesitant on his words. DAMN, STUPID BITCH
The so-called stupid bitch, in his mind, makes another question. “Can we see the invention?” Izumi has no acknowledgement of support or inventions like that, that would be Mei Hatsume´s area, however, she can smell something fishy here.
“Of course, first you need a warrant…” His words are cut short thanks to the mutant hero, Gang Orc, reaching his arm so strength one could mistake to think the hero is aiming to punch Trumpet hard as it can. However, there´s no ill intention.
It's just a screen with a very clear message the politician can read easily thanks to how closer the device is to his eyes.
“Oh you spoke with a lawyer around…” Trumpet answers pretending to be relieved and spinning a new tale about how he was about to contact the authorities, how he wants to cooperate with the heroes. As if proving his point, the Hero Commission arrives with a few chosen heroes, one of them, is Hawks.
The winged hero is staring at Midoriya, for a moment. The next second, he's conducting the talk. He's basically supporting Deternet and Trumpet´s words. “Of course, they'll face consequences, but the progress isn't to be shamed.”
Trumpet hates how Izumi Midoriya is uncastter on the subject, people are looking up to her and the politician hates how he is looking like an incompetent buffoon. “I find incredibly Midoriya is here, helping the heroes, when All Might, who should be retired, is doing an interview to defend you …shouldn´t you be there with your mentor?”
People are whispering and Trumpet would smile in victory as the image of a good girl is being tainted. If All Might, Japan's biggest hero to this day, is doing all that for her…why is Izumi Midoriya here? No one could imagine a crater would be here.
Izumi Midoriya still have such intense stare.
“Funny, now that I think about…how Deternet knows the level of decay Shigaraki has? For all we know, maybe his quirk got an upgrade or decrease.” It's extremely rare but there are cases, Izumi mentally noted, of quirks that are undeveloped. Her mother´s quirk is a good example of that. I know Shigaraki won´t be in this group but still…
Trumpet looks so disagreeable. Hawks had to intervene and say, in his carefree way, how he´ll take care of the case and the REAL heroes are working.
“I´ve got a license,” Izumi replied, looking at the winged man with his big smile that…never reaches to his eyes.
“And I´ve experienced more than you can dream of. Now, little girl, let the real heroes work.” His smile is present and it is possible to see his perfect white teeth. He “jokingly” shushed her away as the camera was following her moviment and …Hawks noticed the action, but he is quick to take Trumpet away as the agents of The Hero Commission are taking charge.
Izumi is left alone and notices how the cameras are looking at her, only her. Gang Orc is saying, to one of the agents, how it is an dumb idea to try to mimic the quirk of a dangerous villain, but even so, all the cameras are on her.
“You are here…aren't you, Tomura Shigaraki?”
It's revealed to her, by chance, as one of the civilians was gossiping how the shop that sells shirts “shirt” will only open next week. The shop is untouched by the chaos but it's more prudent to open next week.
Tomura Shigaraki is watching until the girl is forced to go away, especially, considering the reporters want to talk about the crater and about Izumi Midoriya who All Might is defending with all his passion and breath, not something to see everyday.
Trumpet arrives 30 minutes later, complaining and whining-in an elegant way as he likes to say- about the situation, especially, about that Izumi Midoriya. Skeptical could have tried to inform him about how Izumi Midoriya is a delicate topic, Redestro certainly tried…even if the man was playing the jester for the Supreme Leader.
The man known as Trumpet, adjusts his suit, glancing at Dabi as memory serves him right on how Hawks, of all heroes in the world, saved his image by stepping in. The cover story, as well the decoy are ready to be used and thrown away as The Hero Commission surely will do. Which is good for us, they fall for the bait. Dabi, for his part, seems to find the situation amusing.
Even though Dabi is watching the screen showing Midoriya entering the station, his blue eyes are on the other screen noticing Hawks talking with everyone with such charisma, introducing the “survivors” to the world as if it is a fun game. And they are all fans of him…Hawks, you're a really bad spy.
Trumpet wants to smooth things over with Tomura Shigaraki, his new Supreme Leader, so as his red eyes are on the politician only it's time to do some sweet talking. “I’ve helped in taking care of the situation by Hawks,” would be unwise to lie to a man like Shigaraki. “But the situation is under control, Gang Orc seems to believe we were tackling your quirk in the name of the environment. We,” Trumpet directed his attention to Redestro, his real leader for now. “I may have to pay a fine, a hefty one and the reconstruction is to begin today if possible.”
The warning is clear as day even Twice can see it. The masked man comments how long the rebuilding will take followed by “I don't care” and Mr. Compress, the most artistic masked man, is interested as well. Apparently, it will take a week tops as they will use a reconstruction company, the Urarakas, to do the deed.
Himiko Toga giggled at that. “I know that name…” she stops giggling as she remembers something important. “ She is not talking much about the Midoriya’s case” and the girl with eye patch pouts, it's almost cute if everyone at MPA forgets Miss Curious is dead because of her.
Trumpet is ignoring the hacker who is cowering against the wall. “I met Izumi Midoriya, not impressed. For a woman who defeated Overhaul and Muscular she's…not ideal, in terms of looks but…” Trumpet stops talking as Shigaraki rises from his chair, his caste is in place, the bandages on his face are still there but…the man still has an agility out of this world.
Or maybe, Trumpet is just an old man who never had the need to work out or fight, after all, there is always a cannon folder to do his bidding if he calls. There is always a Geten, out of luck, they can exploit for their own gain.
So it's no surprise how Tomura Shigaraki has his hand, the disabled one, around his neck as his eyes are vibrating with rage but his expression is calm, there is no snarling, no insults. His eyes are red and stare at Trumpet as if he is less than an insect. “You think she, Izumi Midoriya, is less than you? That woman is far braver than anyone gives credit to!”
Have Shigaraki given credit to Midoriya in the past? All the clarity he got from this fight, all his memories make Tomura Shigaraki realize how …AFO played him as a fool and it wasn't even a difficult task to accomplish. I'm not his pawn.
Tomura Shigaraki is expecting an answer, as his red eyes are still on Trumpet. The politician's neck is getting small cracks as Shigaraki wishes and is travelling through his body quickly. “Well…”
Still having the means to gulp, to feel fear, Trumpet's eyes watery as his lips quiver. “I'm sorry…” Redestro jumps in, with his plaster smile on, as he is acting like the jester and begging Tomura Shigaraki to spare Trumpet, after all, the man couldn't possibly know Izumi Midoriya means so much for Shigaraki.
It makes Shigaraki pause, for a second, is Midoriya important for him? I'm always thinking about her … but why?
Tomura Shigaraki, the Supreme Leader, who still is healing from his last fight, gave one final look and tossed the politician to the ground as if he was weightless.
Minato enters the lobby to see the scene of his general and immediately tries to attack Shigaraki, which ends in a minute with very predictable results. No blood this time but people could see how this decay was slower…decaying the blood, then tissues, then bones. There´s nothing about Minato.
Redestro looks agape at the scene ... even if there's nothing more to look at. The former Supreme Leader wonders if this was a message: obey me or die. Which is the case, Shigaraki passed the message loud and clear.
Minato is nothing now.
“You, hacker,” Shigaraki with his disabled hand points at Skeptical, who is still cowering against the wall, “I want all the information you can get about her, Izumi Midoriya, today. No one touches the girl but me.” His words leave no room for anyone to disagree, Redestro is saying how this is a good order, a great commander needs to know more about the next heroes.
“Especially one who has such an odd quirk,” Redestro finished and Shigaraki just stared at him with nothing more deride. It makes the man, once a proud leader, be silent as Shigaraki can only say one thing.
“Shut up,her quirk is unique just like her,” Shigaraki replied uninterested. You defeated Overhaul, how did you do that Midoriya? I want to know more about you “I want the live footage too, I want to see all of this again.” There's a maniac glee in his eyes. I never thought she would…come after me. Well, I´m free of AFO, I can do what I want but what do I want to do?
Understand Izumi Midoriya. All my time with AFO left me so confused, I'm not a victim, I'm not a pawn …
All his plans fail now, he can't control me and…Izumi Midoriya, whatever it is, it's my choice to want to know her. Not AFO. It's mine.
I WANTED TO MEET HER THAT DAY, I want to know her, it's my will and I will know her.
I want to understand her!
AFO can't control me!
Spinner is looking at Shigaraki as if he hung the moon and stars, but the one called Tomura Shigaraki is barely noticing his existence, instead he is murmuring her name like a prayer or maybe, just a promise. Toga stalks closer to Skeptical, and stabs him in a non-vital area. “I also want the live footage!” her smile is either cute or creepy, your pick.
Skeptical is leaning towards the latter.
Tomura Shigaraki rolls his eyes at this, especially as Toga jumps of joy as the hacker agreed to her request- Trumpet is being taken by the hospital planted in this organization, decay isn't spread lethally, there is a way to fix that- and the hacker once arrogant and who looks down on LoV now is mute and nods along with their requests.
Twice is cheering her on, as they are back eating sushi. Dabi is the only one who isn't eating the fish and Spinner is still looking at Shigaraki who in turn …is staring at his phone. Who are you, Izumi Midoriya?
Skeptical know he is in hell. Does anyone else want to know more about that freckled girl?
Dabi gave him the most shit eating grin a man can muster and say with total confidence. “That was fun, I want to see the live footage too, send it to my room, Skeptical” and adds with a fake sweet tone, enough to make Skeptical want to explode. “I want the footage of our fav girl,” Toga cheers again. “And about the bird brain!”
I'M IN HELL!
The hacker is now working against time, his remedy is applied on his neck and the brush with death is nothing more than a reminder how his new Supreme Leader is a powerful man, and with said power came the dangerous idea Shigaraki may not need Skeptical. Finally, the hacker completed his task and downloaded all information linked to Izumi Midoriya.
I don't get the fuss about her, but…it is strange how she didn't name her quirk.
I had to give them access to the footage. Skeptical growls as he remembers how he wasted precious time on Earth to fulfill such a useless task, but of course, the hacker is nothing if not a coward and his whines and complaints are private. Are they all crazy for Midoriya? She has nice tits.
Twilight is reflecting on the windows of the hall connected to the office in the penthouse of Tomura Shigaraki. Skeptical hides away any annoyance- the memories of the two fools are still lingering in his mind THAT COULD HAVE BEEN ME- in his visible eye, his long fringe hides his face like a perfect curtain and for once, that's not a fashion statement, but a good strategy.
Tomura Shigaraki looks better, in fact, he looks like he's healing faster and once again, Skeptical´s face is hidden by a perfect curtain. No need to show disgust at the fact this man is healing faster…Tomura Shigaraki was looking at the screen on his notebook-probably looking at the footage of Izumi Midoriya- if there was any doubt on what could be getting his attention, the hacker can hear the faint voice of Izumi Midoriya.
I choose to be impressed by my cameras to capture her voice, nothing else.
The hacker has the remedy in his neck, as well as bandages thanks to the hospital installed inside the villa …The brush with death is to not be forgotten, especially as the Supreme Leader, giving him the hacker attention, is focused solely on him. Death is staring at you, will you die today? This is a question hovering in his mind.
All this for that girl….got it!
Never talk shit about her.
NEVER.
Choosing his words carefully, no need to mention her amazing tits- the hacker is a boob´s man- unless the leader wants to talk about it. No need to waste time with pleasantries. “I found all I could about her, Izumi Midoriya, daughter of Hidashi and Inko Midoriya, her medical history is a big odd,” his tone is neutral, not clipping. “It states she was diagnosed as quirkless by a Dr. Uijiko”
Tomura Shigaraki has a good poker face, but his finger touched the mouse pad and decayed completely as soon as the name was mentioned. “What?” He asks slowly and the hacker shows the receipts of one Izumi Midoriya being diagnosed by Dr. Uijiko.
Tomura takes the receipts carefully as he reads how the one called Dr. Uijiko- there's a copy of the doctor's signature and Tomura knows his handwriting well enough- his eyes are reading as the man states Izumi Midoriya is healthy, but no sign of a quirk. What? That is…strange. That girl definitely has one. The doctor is many things but incompetent is not them.
The fear, grasping his lungs, as the idea of AFO having touched Izumi Midoriya in some way to give her a quirk…can be dismissed by one simple answer: sensei never helps people, never did and never will.
There´s the idea that the girl is a late bloomer, possibly. But if she is a late bloomer when the quirk blossoms? Tomura asked this question and the Skeptical, the self label greatest hacker of all Japan, can't answer this accurately. “My cameras only managed to see her…using the quirk in the exam of UA. She spent months, in total 10 months cleaning the Takaba Municipal beach park.
Wait, that was almost a year ago. The implications are setting on Tomura´s mind, but his poker face remains. The hacker has no idea if his boss is pleased or not but considering his boss's fingers are on Skeptical's body.
“Her father passed away when she was little, her mother is the only parent alive.” Skeptical try to share a theory, anything to impress the boss. “Maybe, if she is really a late bloomer, her mother advised her to keep the quirk hidden…maybe an accident happened.” Her father, as Skeptical can prove, was due to an accident. Not on her quirk which would make more sense.
As if reading the hacker's mind, Shigaraki narrows his eyes. The idea Izumi could have killed her father by accident is…funny. The man's lips curl into a smile. Would you, Midoriya? Oh I know so little about you…I was a fool. Won't say that near Dubai.
The theory falls flat as the man, Hisashi Midoriya, was really killed in an accident. An airplane crash and Hisashi was one of the many victims.
Tomura opens his hand to see more of the files as Skeptical was still babbling about her quirk, which was grating on Shigaraki´s nerves. Oh my god, she is not just a damn quirk. His face frowns his brow as there´s photos of Izumi in Aldera school, once just middle school but now added high school.
The girl, in the photos, is hurt or she is alone as if she has the plague. His eyes meet Bakugou- Tomura snarls at the sight of the little boy in the photo- having a crowd of people, and smiling…Izumi Midoriya, is alone and …injured.
In one photo, Bakugou is pointing at her, clearly laughing as Izumi has scraped knees, bandaged up but there´s visible sight of blood, no one in the photo seems to mind…they keep their distance from Midoriya.
Is she what? She has some contagious disease?
The hacker explained how the cameras used to take the official photos of Aldera school and how it was easy to access the photos in the main computer, the photos were saved in their driver. In his explanation, the hacker has yet to see this girl having any friends in Aldera. It makes Tomura Shigaraki remember their time in the mall…
She was alone….
I was happy to see her alone but never thought about why she was alone. She is the perfect heroine, shouldn't she be more popular?
(Images of Tenko Shimura in his daycare plays in his mind, the boy was so popular. Everyone wanted to play with him…)
“Wait, you said she cleaned a beach…why is the media not talking about this?” Tomura asked how many heroes would love the good promotion. The hacker surprised the boss by saying how no one paid attention to a girl cleaning a beach, but they paid attention to All Might who was there for 10 months.
Tomura Shigaraki looks at another photo of Aldera, apparently, if Tomura can interpret the photo right, the school took the kids to a nice travel to some place and everyone is on a nice group…Izumi is alone and has her uniform burned, her knees are hurt once again.
Izumi looked like she was 12 years old and her eyes carried sadness…everyone was so cheerful. The hacker said how there were other quirkless kids in the school but still, the girl was completely alone. The following photo, of the travel, has more people in groups and Izumi is alone AGAIN.
Did I have a better childhood than her, the hero?
“And her mother?” Tomura wondered what he would do if it's revealed Inko slapped Izumi like his own father, Kotaro Shimura, did to little Tenko. Skeptical just shrug, which is not a positive response.
“I don't know. The mother is a stay at home type of woman. Hardly set a foot on Aldera, to be clear this is the cheapest school in the area where she lives. The woman has no job and lives through the husband's insurance money.” The hacker shows his tablet to show a graphic on Midoriya´s income. “They aren't starving, but they have no way to afford to pay the fees of UA. I think All Might is the one paying the fees, maybe a way to compensate for cleaning the beach and how she got no credit.”
Odd…It's not as if he got the credit.
“So, no one was grateful a girl cleaned the beach…” Tomura Shigaraki asked and the hacker nodded. Tomura Shigaraki´s voice is clipping. “This damn hero society.” The disgust is clear in his tongue but a soft voice comments in his head how he, Tomura Shigaraki, never knew this fact until a minute ago.
The interview All Might did is still a hot topic, not every day you see the #1, even retired, to talk about how Aizawa is unprofessional, how Bakugou is a villain in the making and how UA is a terrible school. What is funny is how during the interview people did bring up how “Shigaraki wanted to recruit Bakugou” and how it made total sense for a villain like him wanting to partner up with Bakugou.
Ok, I feel insulted.
Even Endeavour received some criticism, and the class A1 too.
“The girl, Midoriya, is now in the General Studies,” shows a copy of the form to the boss. “Wanted a way out of Bakugou as Aizawa refused to this day to expel him even after the suicide baiting.” Skeptical informed matter-of-fact. Tomura Shigaraki exclaimed, rising from his chair and almost decaying the desk.
The hacker only shows the video of the tablet where All Might talks about this part, and what's worse, Aizawa is not denying this. His defense? It was in the past, therefore, it doesn't matter.
Tomura has a window to her past….
- She was bullied
- Misdiagnosed (or maybe not, Dr. Uijiko, as Shigaraki knows, is many, many things but incompetent is not one of them)
- She has a neglectful parent (Shigaraki asked if Inko Midoriya has any job or volunteers at something, and it's confirmed the woman is a stay at home wife)
- Her knees were bleeding. She had to walk around with those injuries. (While, a healer did healed the injuries, it makes Shigaraki imagined what ifs scenarios where a young Tenko Shimura meet the girl bruises)
- Her quirk causes her pain( Shigaraki asks about that and the hacker said how maybe Izumi never registered the quirk or had a quirk awakening in a negative way. “Not all quirk awakening are good” and this line makes Shigaraki frowns)
- She is poor.
- She is All Might’s protegee for some reason.
- SUICIDE BAITING
- No pet (Tomura has the creep feeling that if she had a pet Bakugou would have killed it, and this makes him furious…I was an idiot, damn Dabi was right)
Who are you, Izumi Midoriya?
“Tell me more about the school, Aldara.” Tomura ordered using his disabled hand-his prosthesis was changed to be more comfortable, it took precedence over Redestro- rest on the desk, his visible finger is tapping on the desk gently and the hacker is almost having a heart attack.
Tomura smirks. The feeling of having power is always intoxicating.
If one can call a good day, certainly this Wednesday, a brand new day, will be amazing for Aldera. Today, all the classes are to learn math and there´s something to be proud of how each of their students never flunk on math. Yesterday was a doozy for sure. The All Might's interview was shocker-even more to Takeru, Midoriya's former homeroom sensei who never imagined All Might would be on her side, ever- more so as Bakugou won't be this shining star, won't be the next Endeavour.
Well, nothing to cry about…Midoriya can be the next success and they can milk her hard work and her fame will give them profit. With that in mind, Aldera has released posts yesterday and today to support Midoriya, how Bakugou is not the student they thought…
Izumi Midoriya has not responded.
All Might has not responded.
But it's ok because Deternet, one of the most prestigious and important corporation of Japan, if not the entire world, has reached the school's principal expressing a desire to see them, see, Deternet is very impressed by Midoriya-Takeru let a incredulous “REALLY?” But who cares, money is coming- and want to see the school where Izumi learnt everything in her life.
This is a celebration, even more so, as the email is legit and the official contact of Deternet called them to inform them that someone is coming to see them about their future. Of course, this means a nice paycheck.
“That girl is useful after all!” Takeru comments happily as Deternet is known to be very generous with their social projects and what's more essential in any society than a school. “Who would know?!”
The principal is even considering drinking his best sake, but decides to wait until they all are touching the check. The man is called Taro and he is not shy about his opinions on Midoriya. “I always found her weird, a quirkless girl can be anything but a hero but…well, it pays off. She has a quirk and what a beautiful quirk it is,” the man replied, already imagining the money,if Midoriya lost her arms is not effective in his fantasy of having a nicer house. The school will get an upgrade and so every staff member.
Yes, Bakugou was rough/abusive with her, but who cares? In the end, THEY WILL GET MONEY.
Taro reads again the email and happiness is so euphoric on this man, but he reads the last part out loud for all to hear, to be hitting. “Bring all the staff members and students, from middle to high school, as our guy will want to see the people who meet Izumi Midoriya sense her tender years.”
MONEY IS ALL THEY CAN THINK.
Excitement is visible in the students, staff members and even the weather seems jocular. Deternet is interested in and investing in Aldera thanks to Midoriya. If anyone had told Takeru, the former homeroom teacher, how Midoriya would be the one to bring fame to the school and Bakugou shame…he would have laughed hysterically. Now, the man adjusts his tie as Bakugou is the shame and Midoriya is their golden ticket.
THANK YOU, DEKU-CHAN.
Most men are sharing this thought as they are with beady eyes, big smiles as the students are crowded- boys and girls, of all ages, are excused to participate the class to see this big moment as it was requested- gossiping about Midoriya, it's not every day All Might makes a big interview that goes even to international media talking …in regards how Katsuki Bakugou needs to be out of UA.
The Bakugous did not comment on the accusations. Once again, not even Eraserhead had denied the claims…
“Who would have thought Deku-chan would give us money?” Taro comments, clapping his hands together. He remembers how her hero´s name is Dekiru but this detail matters not. Not when, by everyone´s exhilaration, a limo is parked in front of the gate of the entrance of Aldera.
Taro, using his best uniform, having his black hair combed stylish and with a confident smile is going to greet the representative with glee. He heard some of the boys who used to hang out with Bakugou speaking freely about DEKU- “Who would guess that bitch would go that far?” and they laugh but stop as the principal sends a severe look- his smile is ready for business.
Do we have any good photos of that girl if they ask?
Well, we can lie…Miss Shinji is a whizz with photoshop. He looked at the chubby woman and silently the woman nodded as if reading his mind. This puts him at ease. Everyone is on the edge of their seat, metaphorically speaking, when the limo arrived and of course, now things will be different for Aldera. Who knows? Taro thinks, maybe we can finally afford a nice pool instead of a small pond with tiny fishes.
(Izumi was thrown in that pond many times, but that is not a relevant topic to discuss with wealthy people)
The limo is parked in front of the school, as it is the request of the Supreme Leader. The driver, Untenmaru Kurumada, is on stand-by-his new boss wants to do things his way- Tomura Shigaraki is healed, not to the fullest but almost there. The bandages are gone, his white hair is combed in a loose ponytail and his scars are visible. The healers in the MPA are one of the best and can cure almost anything… can´t regrow limbs, if they could Redestro would have legs again.
This mission, if Shigaraki can call as such, is to be met alone but Dabi insisted in coming and make the compelling argument “Or I go or Toga goes” and well, now Tomura Shigaraki is side eyeing his comrade humming a K-pop's song, humping his feet against his seat.
Wait…he likes K-pop?
“Since when have you liked K-pop?” Shigaraki asked mildly curious, of all people to like the genre, Dabi never would meet the cut in his opinion. Dabi stops humming and opens a grin full of mockery fully designed to irritate Tomura Shigaraki.
“None of your business,” Dabi replied, enjoying antagonizing his boss. Shigaraki, clouded with this new power, with this new sense of self asked, again, what is Dabi´s real name. Dabi only responds. “Have to wait to figure it out, ugly!!
Tomura can feel a vein popping on his forehead. I need him…for now. Maybe, just maybe, it would have been better to bring Himiko Toga along…or maybe not, his mind is giving scenarios where the girl would annoy him about Izumi Midoriya. I should have been more selective huh…
“Why am I here again, ugly?” Dabi asked in a pithy way, resting his back against the cushy back of his seat. His eletrical blue eyes are on the driver for a minute longer and it makes the man flinch. The Supreme Leader and his general are talking in Untenmaru Kurumada's limo, what an honor-not his limo, the limo belonged to Redestro, but details don't matter when honour is too tangible in his mind.
“Answers, I want answers,” Shigaraki gives this much as a response and if Dabi doesn't like that, well, Shigaraki can't care less. Dabi doesn't whine for more details but he says one interesting thing:
“I want to see the school where the downgraded version of Endeavour crawled from.” Dabi replied but his eyes were accusing Shigaraki. His blue eyes are calling him man-child, stupid and more…Who was the one who decided Katsuki Bakugou would fit nicely in HIS merry band of losers?
Tomura Shigaraki would like to strangle Dabi, to decay him…but even if he could, and he totally can, what would this prove? It would only cement how Dabi is right. Tomura Shigaraki made a stupid move. The man, with this new clarity, can own up…….privately, that's it.
The door is opened by Tomura himself causing the driver to flinch and apologize for his incompetence, Oh right, he's the driver guess it is his job to open the door for me. This is not the case for Dabi who seems to know how to behave on a limo, which is odd but Shigaraki is here for Midoriya only. Dabi and his secrets aren't on his top priorities.
Untenmaru Kurumada almost bowed to them, maybe the power trip would be nice but Shigaraki is impatient and wants to end this already. Patience is a virtue but I´m never a virtuous man.
Taro, the principal, is a man hard to miss, especially as he´s in the centerfold of the group waiting for the rich sponsor to grace Aldera, some lies are welcome and even encouraged if they will get money. Who would know Deku-chan ended up helping us so much. His dark eyes, full of beady eyes, light up as the figure who comes out first seems rich followed by the white haired man donned in the best suit money can buy, and has a red cape.
Yes, if you see this man you would believe he has money to sponsor a school without any problem.
The money is important but it took then a minute to realize the men coming to them aren't rich sponsors, the first one dressed in such iconic fashion is known as Dabi, the pyromaniac and the other man is…
THIS IS TOMURA SHIGARAKI.
Many schools taught over the years that if a villain approaches you, the best course of action is to hide and wait for a hero to come by. Natural selection dictates that the prey who doesn't hide from predators will die, therefore, everyone is quick to scram, to scream for help…
Tomura Shigaraki can really enjoy the sight, really. But he needs them to stay put and Dabi, acting out of pure curiosity, uses a literal fire wall to prevent people from leaving…the ones who weren't fast enough burned to charcoal, Dabi´s fire is potent enough to burn metal, humans aren't different.
Now, no one can escape. Tomura is taking one final look on the school and is remembering some of the horror games where the schools are the stage for pure terror-Tomura is never a fan, those games are boring in his opinion- and how the design of those places scream “Yep, you are in a horror game” but Aldera school is just…so banal, so plain.
It's just a building crafted by humans to teach the next generation of kids in this area, nothing more but…Izumi Midoriya bled here.
Taro is trembling but a thought born out of delusion and terror worms in his mind, Tomura Shigaraki and Dabi are just two people, Aldara staffed, quirked and quirkless are in a bigger number. As much Tomura Shigaraki or Dabi i is terrifying…two against 200 staff members is no brainer.
There are teachers, secretaries, teachers in training, the catering staff and of course, the students who are in the range of middle schoolers to teens. In total, there´s 500 people to face two men.
Isn't this perfect? Aldera can get fame, money and more as the place that manages to get a villain on their own. Not many schools do that. The Hero Commission won't even fine us. The villain who invaded UA is now detained by Aldera …this is much better than to depend on Deku.
Strength in numbers.
(Bakugou tormented one girl for years but he always had a back up. His lackeys were always near to help. He had back up even to bully people who had quirks, strength in numbers always help)
It may be familiar as Tomura Shigaraki, in the past, had given such smiles in front of danger. The main difference is how the villain can back up any claims, if he says he can defeat this person, HE CAN do it. Looking at this middle aged man with grandiose dreams… Oh yeah, I´m so worried, oh no. I should have brought my nomus oh no.
Dabi is not impressed as a bunch of nobodies are clearly aiming to attack them, he mutters under his breath. “Lame, so pathetic.” His blue eyes are on his boss as if to say it's all his fault, Tomura chose to ignore him.
The adults, men who have a strong built for a fight-they are quirkless, none of them were allowed to do much for Midoriya or care, Bakugou WAS supposed to be their star- and the others have a strong quirk, together, they can end the villain.
Dabi does nothing as he watches what the boss will do. Tomura, for his part, is lukewarm at best as all the man had to do is lift one finger and touch the fist that was so dangerously close to Shigaraki´s face. Then, the mob that was gunning for his blood and fame decayed. They are being infected one by one even if Tomura only touches one fist of ONE person.
Their bodies crumble to dust, there a few drops of blood but it's more on the usage of their quirks than decay. In less of a minute, there´s no mob.
“Sweet, I can control the time of decay,” Tomura is visibly happy by this situation. Dabi couldn't care less but he does care when the rest of Aldera is begging for one particular hero to save them, Endeavour.
Dabi is glaring at them, more cries for help for Endeavour as if the hero would descend from heaven and save them. The pyromaniac tossed his blue fire at this particular teacher, spotting a merch of Endeavour, crying for his name…the teacher is no more. The sight of the man being burned until he´s charcoal or less so, makes everything real.
No one is saying a word.
“Well, who is Midoriya´s former homeroom teacher?” Tomura looks at the spot where the mob should have been. “If he was there, then I want to talk with someone who saw her…if not, I can decay something else,” Shigaraki promised with a big grin. It's not a threat, it's a promise.
What can Takeru do in this scenario? Tossed chalk at Shigaraki? He's not little Deku, no, he's a dangerous and powerful villain. The man steps forward, trembling, and is aware he pissed on his pants but considering how death is looking at him, it doesn't matter.
“Ah, yes. You!” Tomura´s grin remains, in actuality, he knew who was the homeroom teacher, Skeptical in a true “yes man” fashion showed him a compilation of files about everyone in Aldera, including Midoriya´s former homeroom teacher. Skeptical have eyes all over Japan, therefore, Shigaraki has images of Izumi bleeding and going back home…
(Shigaraki let his displeasure grow, let enhancer his quirk)
Many students are calling the heroes, parents or anyone and are getting frustrated how the phone is not working, no one is picking their calls. Shigaraki is taking joy in this situation, they are hopeless. “No one will answer, no one will bother our chat. We can talk about Midoriya without those annoying heroes bothering us, isn't that nice?” Tomura asked in a faux saccharine tone.
Skeptical is doing every task Shigaraki requests in hope to be in his good grace. Pathetic, but well it helps me here.
“As her sense, you saw her grow…you saw her turn into the woman she is today, tell me more about Izumi Midoriya, her childhood, her family. Everything.” Tomura commences with such authority and Takeru is amiss. The man can only remember tossing chalk at her, ignoring her obvious lies (“He used his quirk on me, please help me,” “Shut up, Midoriya. I know you are lying, you are just clumsy. Go to the healer and stop causing a scene”)
The sensei is trembling but tries to answer the best he could, lying to Shigaraki is not well advised. “Well, she is an orphan. Well, not really. Her mother is alive but that woman rarely arrives at the school or interacts with the other parents, Izumi Midoriya was…a smart kid,” the man remembers her essays. “She made some claims about Bakugou…telling how he was breaking her stuff, we thought it was a lie. We may have been too harsh to judge.”
Tomura prompts for more.
Takeru paints the scene of how Midoriya was abused, how no one did anything because Bakugou was the star of the school. “Not many heroes of Mustafu make it to the top 10, we thought Katsuki Bakugou, who had all, could have reached the top 10. So…some sacrifices are worthy, besides, Midoriya is a star in the rising, all is well.” Many support his claim. Many are calling her DEKU.
One of the boys who used to hang out with Bakugou, Hinata Ren, has a topknot and is slowly growing a mullet. “Listen,” Hinata Ren stammers, gulping as he 's looking at Shigaraki. “What Bakugou did was all for fun…” and continues. “Besides, Deku is fine now. She was a liar anyway, got a quirk and pretended to be a victim, pretending to be crying…she is a liar.” The boy completes and Takeru endorses such an opinion proving to be spineless.
Images of Midoriya returning home with her things burned, with blood, with puffy eyes. How her quirk has lasted less than a year…
Hinata Ren sees the silence of the villain as a victory, maybe, Hinata Ren can be the big hero here, he can get the fame and money. Yes, Midoriya talked to that villain in the mall and faced him in the invasion but she is DEKU, what does she know? Her best features are those big tits she developed, nothing else. Hinata Ren can handle Shigaraki. It works for Deku…can work for me.
“He´s the star, you see, the biggest star ever. Wasn't that the reason why you wanted him in your team? Katsuki Bakugou is an asset, powerful and sure could be the next Endeavour.” Takeru comments with hope in his eyes, or maybe, pure delusion.
Many support this claim, many are trembling, one of them puked and the rest are shaking like a leaf. Dabi walks towards Takeru and asks, in his low tone, if he truly believes Katsuki Bakugou can be the next Endeavour.
“Yes, he'll be rich and powerful…” The man replied as he remembers all the sacrifices this school did for him. Dabi kicks him down and as the man is on the ground, burns him. Shigaraki doesn´t need to interrogate him anymore.
“Did I ask about Bakugou? That useless boy?” Shigaraki asked, noticing how silent the rest of the survivors were. “I asked about her, Midoriya. No one here can tell me anything aside from how she was abused? She had no friends, no pet? nothing…”
A girl, called Mimi Toraka, confessed how the school used to have pet bunnies and how Midoriya was doing a good job, until, Katsuki Bakugou used his quirk-explosives louder enough- that gave a heart attack to the bunnies, no more pets.
(Tomura can't help thinking about Monchan…)
The children are screaming, begging for mercy. Apologizing to him about Midoriya, no one is really getting it, no one is admitting how horrible it was for this girl to be abused in such a way. “And the suicide baiting?” The boy, Hinata Ren, now looks uncomfortable.
Tomura clunk his tongue. Did anyone care when she asked for mercy? Did she even ask for mercy?
The villain can´t help to imagine Izumi Midoriya, in a tender age, coming back home with blood and burned body parts, how the walk back home would be filled with people who would ignore a girl hurt…how her eyes are vacant.
I …could have seen her…
Then what? What would I, at that time, would do?
Hinata Ren is crying, mumbling words in the degree of blaming DEKU or asking for anyone-even DEKU- to appear and save him. Tomura Shigaraki looks at him and is waiting for his answer.
“We are sorry…so sorry.” Hinata Ren is on the floor and is talking, among sobs, how Bakugou abused the girl. Explaining how nothing sexual ever happened, no one thought Midoriya pretty, but they just liked to see Bakugou put the girl in her place. “Bakugou said she looked down on him…” presents this as justification. The story continues as Bakugou targets Midoriya the most, one of her sketchbooks is burned because, according to Bakugou´s words, Midoriya is a creep for writing in her sketchbook and minding her business.
The villain points at Mimi Toraka, and asks if Aldera tossed anything related to Midoriya to the trash, the arts teacher comments how some of the stuff were immediately thrown away, along with other student's projects, to give space for Bakugou…but some leftovers are stored.
One of the teens decided to attack Shigaraki, with his quirk, he can form knives from his hand but it doesn't matter. The boy was decayed easily, no hit for Shigaraki and the students near the boy were decayed by proxy.
Bakugou will be a great hero, they say, as long as you don´t get on his bad side.
All I can think is Izumi Midoriya returning home covered in bruises…did no one care?
(The image of Tomura, in his young days, walking among the streets covered in blood and being ignored is IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE)
The art teacher tried to use her quirk, for a woman who deals with art, her quirk is super strength, but what is a super punch compared to decay, it was slow this time as everyone could see the cracks forming and then slowly taking the woman's life. The villain is bored. “I want those leftovers, anything Midoriya has made. I want NOW.” It's an order and no one will defy it.
Hinata Ren wanted to go inside with Mimi Toraka but Dabi didn't let it. No fire was used, the sheer presence of the pyromaniac was enough.
Mimi returns with the items, a few pictures-some are wrinkled and have some nasty comments by an ADULT - “stop lying Midoriya”- but it's not in a bad shape, oh, Tomura noticed a necklace the girl made.
Tomura takes the items.
“This is all she left?” The villain asked and Mimi only nodded, fearful of her words triggering his anger even more. The villain touches the door of the school and it all crumbles, it all turns into dust. Now, the villain turns to Mimi. “I could kill all of you, no one would know but…how long has Midoriya asked for help until she gave up?” Tomura reads the message on the draw. “Stop lying Midoriya. Well, if you are all quick to side with Bakugou, Endeavour in the making,” and Dabi scowls at that, making the survivors feel the cold touch of death. “You don't need to worry about Midoriya, try to tell anyone what happened and see what happens.”
“Yes,” Tomura looks at the sky with a new resolve. “She doesn´t need to worry about any of you. Ever again.”
With those words uttered, Tomura Shigaraki goes back to the limo. Dabi follows along, the driver, Untenmaru Kurumada, salutes them and would even sing if the men asked for. Dabi takes a good look at the driver and puts a hand on his shoulder, his hand may be slightly hot for touch.
“You…are the driver of the Todoroki family. We have so much to talk about.” His smile is borderline maniac and the driver only nods in total submission.
Inside the car, Tomura watches the draws, studies them. In the past, Tenko Shimura got celebrations from his classmates and even students of other classes. He had physical evidence of this fact-the photos have his older sister so happy for him- but Izumi Midoriya, this brave and kind hero…got this.
This feels unfair.
“Boss, what is your obsession with Midoriya?”
“What is your obsession with Endeavour?”
The night arrives so swiftly as in the small office, in a crowded police station, one can see Detective Naomasa almost in a pose of “shrimp” writing down a report in regards to the newest villain they apprehend, it was a villain who could teleport and stole items from shops. The problem was how the villain lied about the quirk.
It's not a detail not important for many officers and other detectives would glaze over such little fact, but Naomasa is nothing if a perfectionist, plus his quirk has a broad range and could put in question others robbery that happened in certain locations.
Someone softly knocks on the open door of Naomasa's office, it gained attention of the detective who finally concluded the report and turns to see his senior, Toji Manasato- a man with strong build, blue eyes and grey hair as well wrinkles-and is one of the heads dealing with the case of Daika City, yes, The Hero Commission is handling the case but the selected ones by the Hero Commission wants few people to overseas.
The Trumpet, the known politician, already paid out of his pocket the hefty fine and Mr. Youtsubashi arrived in a press conference, with his prosthetic leg, apologizing for his mistake, confirming he has paid the hefty fine with taxes and showing the “model” of the support that caused all that.
In truth, Naomasa and Gang Orc aren't convinced such invention is the real culprit, but, proving is another case as Hawks is on the front of the case and Trumpet is being very “cooperative”
“Working late, again?” There's a soft teasing on his lips as the senior Naomasa doesn't even try to hide the case. “Your sister will be worried, look…you're working too much and your input for this case is greatly appreciated, to the point, I´m giving you a few days off.”
Normally, Naomasa would deny and want to work more but as he stretches his arms and yawns -his eyes spot office Sansa, the mutant with a huge pile of files- a nice rest is much welcome. “Sansa too?” asked trying to rope his dear friend in getting days off too.
Toji Manasata chuckles heartedly. “Why not? You two worked alright, deserved a rest.” The senior pats his back and Naomasa doesn't hide the relief in his eyes. The senior chuckles and orders the man to rest, in a joking way.
One of the detectives whispered in his ear. “They are here…”
Toji Manasato enters the lobby of the police station to see Hinata Ren and Mimi Toraka. Both with vacant eyes and with shaking hands.
“Tomura Shigaraki …destroyed our school.” Hinata Ren answers almost shouting and the senior detective crosses his arms as the girl is looking at her shoes, mumbling something, if Toji has to guess…if he has to throw a hazard guess, then it's something akin to “deku help us”
“If this is about the fire, the firefighters already took care of the situation and we are filing a report and will investigate.” Toji answers parched as the boy's eyes watery.
“SHIGARAKI IS HERE!” The boy shouts in hope someone can hear him but as Toji can tell as much, the police station is always buzzing with people- criminals, heroes, cops and detectives- and many people don't give attention to him as…the high authority is not bothered by this news.
“Listen kid, no one has ever told you how lying is bad?”
Notes:
Ok, here are some of my ideas for the chapter.
1) The sexism- you noticed how the men in this chapter refers to Izumi as having big tits, yes she does have but men noticed bc well...you can market busty heroes more. An idea and meta I saw around is how UA allowed Momo to use THAT outfit because, well, busty heroines are the best...for sales. You saw how the men are pointing her "faults" in the looks, when one of the men do look like fucking Sadako. I like the sexism in this story to be in a discreet way, more real. Trumpet wasn´t answering Izumi first...gee, why is that? Why would this man ignore this girl? He is not being obtuse about it, it's discreet.
2)I didn't want Izumi in the interview bc I see Izumi as really not wanting to deal with the media or fame.
3) How I see and write Shig is unique, I guess. I want to develop him and his thing with Midoriya, he is no prince charming but he is not this gross incel. He is a villain, and I do want to show how powerful he is. How he got a nice upgrade...in a way, he is the trope people USED to shout "IZUKU LOSES THE ARMS" I hated this trope in fics bc Izuku got nothing aside from being disabled...I would have liked the trope if it were a fair trade; he lost an arm, but can use his quirk to the fullest. (Shig got disabled and gained an army in exchange, I like that. Even if I do have issues with the MVA)
4)Their relationship will be enemies to lovers. Shigaraki is really into her. He is curious and how, in canon, he was thinking about Izuku 24/7 but did nothing, now he is doing something. He has power in many ways.
5) Izumi and power is something I want to explore. She was the weakest link; people wanted to break her, but never did (she has cracks through). My take on Aldera is how...they gladly let Bakugou abuse anyone because they were betting Bakugou to be the next Endeavour, please, pay attention in the line. They wanted an endeavour, not a lady Endeavour...I think I do have more to say, but that would give spoilers.
Chapter Text
chap 3
The day of a new day is marked by loud flashes of reporters gatekeeping the main gate of UA, the interview of the biggest hero has concluded but the consequences are still rolling. At this moment, Hizashi Yamada, donned with a nice suit, showing professionalism is instructed to talk to the reporters- Nezu forbade him to attack them it will make things worse- “Good morning, listeners.” His usual humour is vague in his tone. “Let's start the Q and A, now!”
The reporters are questioning if or when Bakugou will be expelled. The second main question is if Eraserhead will take any measure for his students or if any measure will be taken on him!
Meanwhile, in the teacher lobby, the main one, Sara Ao enters in the room tiptoeing softly as the mood is tense. The woman has a medium size in height, has blue hair that barely touched her shoulders - her hair is a deep blue, which is a genetic trait in her family and maybe a little pun with the name- dressed in her soft blue suit dress. Her eyes are from the azure tone but her skin is white, married with a few scars and the passage of time.
Her quirk is called quietude. It works in the following way: if Sara Ao activates her quirk, touching your hand or any part of your body, you will feel profunda calmness. It's not a quirk suited for battle…and not very effective for dealing with ALL villains. A tranquil villain can still kill and mayhem as much as an anger once (Sora Ao tried to explain to The Hero Commission how it can still be beneficial and not all villains are insane murders. They conceded her point but…still render their method better)
The woman is the sensei of the General Studies classroom. Her little urchins, as she called them jokingly, oh I have a new student in my class now…better ask if she is comfortable with the urchin part. Her little urchins sent her messages telling how the situation was unfolding. Note to self, if the sushi is that cheap…it's a trap.
The woman is feeling much better, ready to start her work but the tension is thick in the air as her co-workers are all wearing suits- even Power Loader is using a suit, and the man is averse to any press media is dressed as if he will have to be in one- sara Ao, baits her eyes. The silence is never a good signal among senseis.
“Morning,guys” Sara greeted, waving her hand, refusing to be ignored. The sense is nodded but the silence remains. “How are things going?”
Midnight, donned in a suit and an elegant bun, is the one to answer the question with a tired sigh. “Oh you were in the hospital.” The woman asked how Sara is fairing and the sensei promised her health is much better. “That's nice, well not nice how All Might wants to expel Katsuki Bakugou, you know, the kid in the news.”
Sara is not entirely sure who the boy was, but she got the story down thanks to the media. “He abused Midoriya, my current student. There a rumors of suicide baiting…”
“Not a rumour, he did that,” Midnight confessed, taking her glasses down and rubbing her eyes. “Aizawa is defending him and not even him deny the fact. Bakugou has attacked that girl for years, I totally get where All Might is coming from.” The woman trials with this line but…the implications of her line are on the nose.
Ectoplasm sensei is the one to continue where she stopped, the man is relaxing on his sofa, with his prosthetic legs “chilling” as he too is wearing a suit and either the change of uniform is uncomfortable or is the entire situation. “Bakugou abused a girl for years, suicide baiting is an act not only illegal but also vile, only a villain would do this.” The masked man greets Sara. “We are all in this hell, answering the media because of him! Aizawa is defending that kid for what reason?”
Sara remembered hearing absolutely nothing good about Katsuki Bakugou but in the past…her main focus was with her dear students. No one ever asked to be with the General Studies…usually they beg to be upgraded. God knows Shinso Hitoshi tried.
“Wait, Aizawa is defending…” Sara stops her question to add another in its place. “Why isn't this boy expelled yet?” The woman was sure the moment she set foot in UA Katsuki Bakugou would be a bad history to recall after a couple of beers.
“Technically speaking, the law is on Bakugou’s side. Aizawa can't expel a student who is here for almost a year. If it was on day 1, sure. But All Might is pushing for the boy to be kicked out and his lawyers managed to grant him a suspicion of a month. Aizawa and HIS lawyers are arguing against it.” Ectoplasm sensei really wished he had a cigar right now, he is not a smoker. “And ever since then, everyone here is being interviewed…Sara, keep ready, you will be next”
Sara flinched and nodded as even in the hospital a few nurses were more than eager for a good gossip. Normally, Sara would have loved to join in but this is a situation where the woman has no control or idea. Plus, I have never met Izumi Midoriya…all I know of her before was her quirk - it is strange- and her deeds, and now I know about suicide bait.
“Look, y'all wanna ask, so I'll be askin’. Is Aizawa fucking Mrs. Bakugou?” Power Loader asked a bit crass but no one could chide him. “The man has rejected students since he started workin’ here, one time he rejected a couple of students who were doing the exam. Now he fights tooth and nail for the brat? The villain in the makin’?”
Midnight takes offense to this idea. “Shota Aizawa is not fucking a married woman.” Her bite decreases. “I have no idea what he feels about the boy or why only Katsuki Bakugou deserves such protection. I don't know.” Midnight is silently considering how maybe Bakugou could be a product of an affair but this feels too absurd. Why is he so hellbent on protecting Katsuki Bakugou?
Sara gulped, regardless of the possibility of Eraserhead having an affair with a married woman or not, the woman knows she'll have to dance according to the song meaning she’ll be interviewed. Makes sense as Izumi Midoriya is famous…for better or worse. Oh this makes me think.
“Where is Aizawa?” Sara asked, noticing the absence of the sleeping bag. Everyone grunted. It makes the blue haired woman think she did a stupid question but Midnight answers rubbing her forehead.
“With his lawyers, he left his classroom alone, I guess he can…but he is focused on reverting the suspension, nothing is official exactly, but tomorrow it will be officially stated the boy known as Katsuki Bakugou is to be suspended.” Midnight sighs. “And we can only hope the circus stops”
Oh…he seems so dedicated for this student/son
With an open hand Sara claps with her other hand that is closed like a fist. “Oh, that makes me think, can anyone give me Izumi Midoriya’s files?”
“No,” they said in unison.
Sara flinched again.
“Sorry, we can't give you because Aizawa tossed all the trash, among all the other files.” Midnight confessed ashamed now. The blue haired woman was expecting this to be a joke, no. It 's very real.
OH MY GOD
“Ok, that's really unprofessional. Can you tell me something about her?” Sara asked furious at Aizawa- he is not even in UA but with his lawyers discussing a way to save Bakugou- and curious. Deternet is sending materials to us as soon as this girl goes to our class…we deserve to know more about who is the new addition to our class.
“Well…”Ectoplasm commenced looking at his legs “chilling” and then at the blue haired woman. “Her quirk is really strange or she doesn't value her body. She shattered bones…”
Midnight shrugs. “She has a well developed area here,” points at her own chest. “But it is very well reserved. I get why now!”
“Her old school was destroyed by a villain.” Power Loader added as he was serving himself a nice cup of coffee.
“WHAT?”
Thanks to the media, the news reaches many forms of media now. It is a podcast go tiktok, is saying how the Aldera school is destroyed. The police and firefighters believe it to be an accident.
Poor thing
Sara Ao doesn't seem to grasp that no one in the room has a single thing to tell about Izumi Midoriya. No one has anything negative to tell either.
I will do my best to help her!
Izumi Midoriya is with her gym uniform of UA, now with the knowledge that, for all her materials, uniforms and even food are being paid by All Might. The uniform doesn´t change, but the girl is with her red sneakers- it's the rare moments where Izumi has a trace of vanity- her room is still devoid of any decor aside the flower now put in a vase (courtesy of Maina Furasu)
Well, think this way, Izumi…whatever they throw at you in the classroom can´t be worse than being in the same room with Bakugou.
The girl tied up her hair in a practical way, in the past, many girls in Aldera would sneer at her if she used a ponytail-Izumi's hair is naturally curly, a small gift from her father as she says to no one-so a bun is the best she can do. Well, if the girls don't like…can't do much…it's not as if having perfect hair will help me now.
Izumi holds the doorknock, pausing, as she glances at her old model notebook for a moment. “His base was in a non name bar…in Kamino Ward, Yokohama.” It's not that far away from UA if you take the bus or a train. It was that easy to see this information now…how the heroes found nothing about Tomura Shigaraki, a cruel name.
Deku is also cruel.
The information is on the internet, all you have to do is crack the right site…Izumi can´t even say she's a hacker-it's not even her thinking less of herself, it was really that easy- and the girl knows what is her next step. “Tomura Shigaraki…” The memories of the mall date plagues her mind lately. Cautiously, Izumi adds to absolutely no one. “Who are you?”
No one will answer such a question.
No one but me!
Now, leaving her room the girl can see the other girls waiting for her excitedly. No one is sneering at her hair. Mei Hatsume went to hug Midoriya, and as if it is a well revered joke, somehow Midoriya tripped on her feet and is now between Mei´s bosom. The pink haired girl doesn't seem to mind at all.
“Morning, Muscle girl!” Mei enthusiastically greeted Izumi. Everyone else is eating breakfast sans Shinso Hitoshi who is…absent. Izumi doesn't have it in her to even pretend to be upset that he's not present. I remember our fight, I met the past users…ok, meeting is a generous word here.
Hm, what do I know about them? About their quirks?
I do know how Nana Shimura and En were murder.
“Morning Hatsumei,” Izumi is free of the position. “Any news?” The girl asked, noticing how there's a free table for her. A girl with glasses named Komako Masu asked if she wanted some of their asagohan: rice, miso soup and grilled fish.
Eating breakfast with friends is always more yummy.
Izumi agrees.
The two boys in the table greeted her warmly, no one seemed to make any inappropriate thoughts or even look at the scene with leery eyes on the fact Izumi´s head was between Mei's breasts. They are talking about the classroom and their sensei, normally. Wow not having to endure a pervert and his friends? I LOVE ALREADY.
Mei is beaming and talking about how thanks to Midoriya, the muscle girl (not the worst nickname she ever got) how Deternet is even landing them more material to work. Maina Furasu chimes in, matching her friend's excitement. “Deternet is even letting us use their workshop…it's way better than UA.”
Izumi nodded.
Izumi put her miso bowl down and asked, carefully. “UA is said to be the best school…but they don't support the General Studies…isn´t that hypocrite of them?”
“Yep, but it's because of hierarchy.” Komako pipes in gently. “We are all at the bottom of the bottom.” The girl rolls her eyes. “That's why Hitoshi is always complaining and whining about being here. It's pretty bad, he looks down on us as if he is the best student around but …” Her smile is on her lips, reaching her eyes. “He lost to you in the Sport Festival, looked like a dumbass.”
The girl with glasses continues cheerfully. “I know this is not glamorous, but we truly believe we can be heroes in our own way. Inventors, marketing gurus,” the boys's eyes gleam with gratification. “Can be heroes in their own way. We are all making the difference.”
Izumi smiles sincerely. “I agree 100% I wanted to be in UA for so long, never cared if I landed on the class A1 or not, we can all be heroes.” The green hair recalls her past and a pang of shame blossoms on her soul. What was her plan if she never met All Might? “I do think UA should be nicer to all their students. Rankings aren't all that important!”
“Oh that would be a dream, but…” Komako sighed. “If that was reality, maybe Shinso would stop being so…drama queen!” the girl concluded, lowering her head at how impossible such a dream is. That made Izumi curious and the others noticed readily.
Hitoshi became the subject of the talk, according to their classmates Shinso Hitoshi is:
- He has a victim complex, always saying how he is worse but under the same breath calls mutants “muties” or worse. Maina wasn´t happy how Hitoshi was bad mouthing Ojiro.
- He didn't accepted his defeat in the Sport Festival graceful at all
- Started getting secretive and absent from the class or the duties.
- He is very evasive but says he´ll be a hero. “He says he´ll defeat you once and for all, Midoriya.” “Geez, ok then.” (It felt as if they were expecting some epic declaration but Midoriya has no time to waste on Shinso Hitoshi. Hm, he seems to think of me as the golden boy/girl…well, does he still think like that ?
The conversation shifts to their homeroom teacher, Sora Ao. Everyone makes the “blue” kanji in the air and says in unison “She's all blue” and chuckles at that, of course, Izumi Midoriya has no idea who they are talking about. She seems nice but I´ll keep my guard up. This thought doesn´t make her think of her past.
The breakfast is over quickly and it's time to go to the class. Mei commented how the media is still hounding but thanks to them not knowing where the General Studies is located they are saved. The boy with a big topknot called Futo Nagashiro-he introduces to Izumi all smiles “thanks to you, we got better computers for our classroom!”- comments how the reporters will find a way to see them. “We must all be in our best,” everyone nods. “Mei, remember, the media is very important…don't forget to take a shower.”
Mei nodded but gave the impression she may have forgotten already.
Another boy, with a hat, named Ronaudo Kaege-also did thank Midoriya “our cameras are top new, I need to show you soon. Like, Deternet gave us a good upgrade!”- gave instructions to the others, including Midoriya. “It's essential to know how to deal with the reporters, no one here wants to be like Endeavour.”
HELL NO
Izumi blinks, unsure what to make of this information, it just feels so insignificant now that she is scheduled to fight a megalomaniac who kills people for no reason other than “I can”. In fact, fighting AFO is like fighting a bully that has all the cheating codes. A real final boss.
“I´ll keep that in mind,” Izumi promised and the boys are relieved, going as far as to giving thumbs ups. Izumi Midoriya feels a big water drop in her head but says nothing.
WAIT
“You guys seem to know a lot about Deternet,” Izumi commenced urgently as she remembered the huge crater in Daika city. Everyone nodded beaming with pride, stating how it is very common for them to sponsor heroes, a case and point is Burnin´ and Slingin´s Go. “Is it common for a company like Deternet to do support or any invention to mimic a quirk of a known villain?”
“ABSOLUTELY NOT” They all said in unison. All eyes are on Mei Hatsume, the genius creator, who went on a two minute tangent about what happened to Daika and how Deternet, a company known to make the best of best would have a blunder like that, a mistake.
“Someone was fired after that,” Mei concluded her rant. To summarize, the explanation was sloppy, and even after the CEO proved how no one was harmed and how they evacuated an entire city in secret-Izumi raised an eyebrow at that- it is still sloppy work that could stain the image of the company.
Mei Hatsume added, very chilly, how SHE can make a better decay machine than that pathetic prototype. Izumi Midoriya, holds her hand, and pleads for the pink hair to not do that. The genius girl agrees happily. “Don´t worry, I still have my death ray machine!”
Ok?
“But a company wanting to eradicate trash and waste is a good way to go,” Maina concedes, imagining a world where such machines exist. Tapping her 3 gloved fingers against her left check. “Too bad that was a huge mistake. I even left a bad review on their website!”
Komako is not smiling as she comments how SOME politicians wouldn't want such a machine unless they can get some profit out of it. Izumi tilted her head as the comment is a bit personal, especially as Komako commented how Deternet works with some POLITICIANS who are worth nothing.
“Tomura Shigaraki´s quirk …could be used for good. I don't believe there are evil quirks or good quirks. Just intention.” Izumi confessed as the others listened to her words and seemed to consider her words carefully. It's a novel for Midoriya about how people are really listening to her words.
“You really should tell that to Hitoshi,” Mei comments in a serious tone. “Maybe he'll stop being a pain in the ass.” The others chuckle at the comment.
Izumi Midoriya is considering her next move. The girl is deeply aware how she's not one to trust easily and rarely lets or even likes when people call her by her first name…but considering her life could end tomorrow…
“I was thinking, if everyone is ok and comfortable, you can call me by my first name as I can call you by your first name.” Izumi comments waiting for their response. Stimming with her hands until holding each other to stop any unnecessary moviment. Keep calm Midoriya, you may die next week, no need to be nervous about calling people by their first name.
The others smiled wider and said, with a big enthusiasm if possible, “YES!”
Maina holds her arm around Izumi, with starry eyes. Starting chatting about her quirk. For a girl in General Studies and that helps the great Mei Hatsume, her quirk is to make flowers(Izumi´s eyes widen as she can´t help to question her quirk and Maina is taking pride in it). Mei holds the other arm talking about her newest invention and asks how Izumi dealt with the situation in Daika and Komoko is excitedly talking about Sara Ao.
The boys are excited for the classes, especially the media one. In their words, the equipment is now excellent.
Shinso Hitoshi is walking to the classroom as Aizawa was abundantly clear how he can't miss too many classes. The man took time from speaking with lawyers-he's not even in UA- to chat with Shinso, it makes the purple haired boy feel powerful …especially as he's seeing his soon to be former classmates walking so happily with Izumi Midoriya.
Her story being broadcasted to the world is one thing, for sure, Shinso thinks, she will capitalize on her sad backstory. Bakugou is a piece of shit, I agree with that. But I will get her spot in A1.
The reporters are hounding the UA and Shinso had the desire to give a piece of his mind to the media but Aizawa STRONGLY REJECTED such idea and told the boy to continue training, in his own words, don´t do anything illogical until I return.
Fine, I won't talk to the media, sensei.
But I can and will win against Midoriya.
“Well, well well, if it isn't our super star.” Hitoshi already has a facetiousness tone aimed only at Midoriya. The girl is, in his eyes, already feeling she's the most important person in the universe. Your weird but powerful quirk won´t save you. “Izumi Midoriya, the Deku or Dekiru?” and …nothing.
Izumi Midoriya stares at him calmly for a moment and then turns to her classmates. “Is he always like that?” Pointing, with her scarred finger, to Shinso Hitoshi, without ever looking at him.
They nodded. No words were needed.
“Kumoko, has Hitoshi helped you clean the class before?” Izumi asked only to Kumoko and the girl shakes her head sadly.
“We are supposed to be in the classroom this week, but he'll bail out again…like he always does” Komoko implied how unreliable she thinks Shinso is. Izumi nods and walks, ever so calmly, towards Shinso Hitoshi.
He throws more jabs at her.
He is calling her names.
(Shinso is called unreliable by one of his classmates and is not caring in the slightest. Izumi frowns at that)
There´s no words from Midoriya, and the girl wonders if the boy truly, with all his heart and soul, thinks Izumi Midoriya is that stupid. The idea of the boy who revealed his quirk to Izumi and lost would try the same tactic again thinking the girl would fall for that makes …Izumi mad.
Oh if I had decay.
Oh if I wasn't a moral person.
“Don't you understand? Oh great Dekiru, I´ll take your spot in A1, I´ll be a hero ten times better than…” His words die off as Izumi, holding his collar neck, throws him to the ground as if he is weightless and then lifts her right leg high enough…as if it is a deadly blade ready to do the fatal blow.
(She's wearing pants, so no panty shots)
Shinso´s eyes widened but no word escaped his lips.
Izumi looks at him, then back at the classmates.
Effortlessly shows her red sneakers, to all to see, and adds. “As you can see, my red sneakers are clean. There's not an ounce of dirt in there.” Maina went to check out and it's true, the red sneaker looks brand new. “I always clean my shoes.” After such a declaration is given, the shoe is inches above his mouth.
Izumi´s eyes are at him.
Shinso stares at her.
“Where are you going lately?” Izumi asked, wondering a bit about his absence. The boy lost the bravado in a minute and confessed how Aizawa is training him to be a better hero, one far above to be in General Studies with the others-the word “others” may as well be replaced by losers- the classmates feel offended by all of this.
Her green eyes are staring deep into his soul, if only AFO was that easy to defeat. If he was, I wouldn't be here. Her eyes turn to Komoko. “If he gives you any problem with the chores, let me know. He's still a student of General Studies and if he has responsibilities should uphold them.” Her eyes are on Shinso one last time. Her red sneaker is still an inch away from his mouth. “You wouldn't last a minute against Tomura Shigaraki.”
Shinso paled at the mention of this villain.
Shinso paled even more as the girl had such a sinister smile, in his opinion, on her face.
Futo is taking his phone out and asking permission of Midoriya if he can record this scene, when asked why, this is his explanation. “Deterent is investing in us because if a hero like you wants to be in our class, then it means something. It's important to show how you, despite all, are a hero who Deternet can rely on.”
Izumi blinks and is about to say no but thinks again.
“Hm, who is going to watch the footage?” asked, trying to appear not interested. In her mind, Deternet IS connected with Tomura Shigaraki. AFO acts alone, but Shigaraki can be a wild card,especially as considering all she knows about the villain next to nothing this could be a factor, who knows? Maybe Deternet does know more they are willing to share.
That crater in Daika can only be made by him.
This interest of Deternet for me….is strange
“Oh, some high up on Deternet, Oh I have his name here…” The boy opens a message on his phone and then says the name. “Tomoyasu Chikazoku, he's also known as Mr. Skeptic or Skeptical for some. He was the CEO of Feel Good In but now works for Deternet as the head internet security.” mentions how the pay must be higher for a person to give up to be a CEO like that.
SUS
I hope you see this Tomura Shigaraki.
“You have my permission to send the video, if the high up enters in contact, please let me know.” Izumi requested this much and Futa has no reason to think this as suspicious because, in his mind and of his friends, there's nothing wrong in what she asked for.
“Got it!” Futo sends the video to Deternet and happily shows Midoriya the automatic response Deternet shared.
Thanks for the video, we will be in contact soon.
I hope you are seeing this, Shigaraki.
Shinso Hitoshi is forgotten on the floor as the others are going to the classroom.
What is this girl?
Tomoyasu Chikazoku prefers to go as Skeptic or Skeptical because is true to his nature, regardless of what he prefers to be called, the video reached his email right away and the hacker forward to Tomura Shigaraki and to Toga, and to be safe on the side, Dabi as well. The office is massive, luxurious and decorated to a king, but the hacker feels this is nothing more than a prison, a gilded cage.
The hacker is in the same office, it's spacious as one can imagine, but having the red eyes glaring at him from time to time is enough to make the hacker fear for his life. Tomura Shigaraki, the Supreme Leader, is typing in his notebook and God only knows what he is doing or seeing. Whatever it is, the hacker does his only job without falter and sends the video about Izumi Midoriya to him.
His red eyes are shining with such life, glowing as the video shows HIS hero knocked a random boy whose name doesn´t matter in the slightest. The way Izumi used her word as if it was a sword it's amazing. Would she use that on me? As soon his name is dropped- thank god for technology being able to capture her voice so naturally-his heart is beating faster. She only said HIS name.
(The hacker feels so out of place. The fear his boss is seeing some erotic video of this girl or anyone only makes his anxiety spike. Oh god what if he starts to…do it here?)
You, Izumi Midoriya, are so fascinating.
You want to know who I am? How will you do it?
The door of his grand office opens and enters Toga still with the eyepatch and a new school uniform, with a saccharine smile playing on her face, and a bloody knife in her hand. Skeptical gulped but the girl is not even glancing at him.
“Shigaraki,” the she-devil says, running to him so fast as lays on the top of the desk having a knife aimed very close at his neck. Skeptical´s pressure is falling, how will this play off? Will he have to serve another insane person? Great, insane woman as leader.
Well, she does have nice tits…NO, don´t fuck CRAZY.
“Dabi told me you got a souvenir of our girl after going to her school WITHOUT me,” Toga whined while still having a knife at his throat, Tomura is unphased by this, actually, he seems almost bored. “I want them too now!”
Tomura sighs. “Dabi told you?” Rolls his eyes as she nodded, still with the knife and a ficlet of blood drops from his throat. Himiko Toga is very upset.
“I can't give you her drawings, they are mine, I can give her the necklace she made through.” Tomura hands over the necklace Izumi Midoriya crafted in her tender age. It's full of the colors red and green, the girl gushed excitedly and let go of her knife.
“Ok, Tomu, I forgive you now.” The girl says putting the necklace and coming down from the table. Wearing as if it's the biggest honor. Tomura Shigaraki wonders when this girl stopped from being a Stain fangirl to be Izumi fangirl.
Tomura Shigaraki is very annoyed at Dabi, but should have seen this one coming from. “Where did that corpse go?”
“He took his motorcycle and is doing his things…he is very secretive, oh but he took the driver.” Toga is still admiring the necklace. “If you need a driver, Spinner said it would be an honour to drive you,” the girl chuckles loudly.
Tomura shakes his head. No thank you.
Why does Dabi need to be alone with that driver? Tomura would be curious if his mind wasn´t slowly being consumed by Izumi Midoriya. There´s nothing else to think about, only her. Did you find out who destroyed your former school? What do you think, Midoriya?
“HEY, is that our girl?!” Toga is watching the video in awe.
Tomura Shigaraki can't decay her, instead, he takes the ficlet of blood on his throat as if it's nothing-he got worse and MUCH WORSES- cleaning the wound with his finger and the small cut is stopping bleeding.
Skeptical regrets every decision that leads to this moment, every single one. I should have stayed as the CEO of Feel Good Inc.
Sara Ao arrived in a nick of time, waving at her students with a good humor intact but asked to talk to Midoriya outside, moving her hands comically to make her point how Izumi Midoriya is not in trouble, Hitoshi is in the class, scoffed at that. No one gazes at him. Once they are outside the class, the blue haired woman promises once again how Izumi is not in peril.
Interesting choice of words.
“I just want to talk to you in private,” Sara sensei knows the door is made to be soundproof. No one can hear what happens outside. It's a way to be considerate and let my little gremlins be creative. “I want to know how you are feeling with all this.” The woman bites her inner lip.
Like I can die tomorrow.
Oh if I say this…that will be morbid.
“Fine as I can be,” it's a calculative answer but Sara seems to accept as much. Izumi can see how Sara Ao is really blue, saving for the skin. Her blue suit goes well with her azure hair. The homeroom teacher was a sidekick - a small fact Izumi remembers now looking at her face - who had a quirk called quietude.
Oh if I knew this before…I could have said I'm a green woman back then. Was that going to be funny or not?
“You were a sidekick. I know your work, you seem to be better than…Nighteye.” Izumi knows this is rude to say but if anything, it's honest so no one can label her a liar. The woman smiles faintly.
“Thank you, my time as a sidekick wasn't that fructiferous. My quirk is called quietude, it can calm anyone. If I touch the person.” explained Sara. “I tried to show to the Hero Commission how we could try a new way to deal with villains without needing violence,” most think such a tale is boring, after all, the public loves to see a strong hero beat up a villain.
Izumi’s eyes are shining with hope. This could have helped so many people. I…if I had this quirk ….it could help me with Shigaraki. “Your quirk seems to be amazing,it could have helped so many people.”
Sara smiles in utter relief.
“Glad to think my little failure isn't boring you,” Sara joked slightly. “I say failure because The Hero Commission refutes my idea and even when they concede my points, they still say no. I lost my job as a hero but when Nezu was opening General Studies…he needed a teacher and The Hero Commission didn't prohibit me from applying here, and here I'm. For 6 years now.”
Izumi blinks and can feel the unfairness of all this.
“The Hero Commission doesn't want to change a system that benefits them. It's…Tartarus as …horrible as I heard on the internet?” Izumi asked and the woman couldn't even lie. No one can claim to be ignorant of Tartarus, especially if the person works in the hero industry. I never thought about this aspect until recently.
“Yes, but you don't have to worry about this. I'm not here to talk about prisons today, promise you. I want to check on you” the woman makes a point to say she is not going to use her quirk but if Izumi wants to hold her hand, that's understandable.
Izumi is tempted.
Izumi is distrusting.
“I want to know, first things first, which name you are comfortable in going from now on? I love to call my students gremlins and urchins but they all approve of the names. I won't call you something that makes you feel bad,” the woman is waiting for her clarification.
NO ONE ASKS PERMISSION BEFORE.
In Aldera I was just Midoriya or the liar or deku.
I can choose how I want to be perceived?
“Midoriya is fine for now. You can call me just a student for now,please.” Izumi was called a problem child by Deku. If she can choose, she wants to be just a girl. But of course, her life is against the clock.
“Ok, I will call you Midoriya, you are my student. I want you to feel welcome. I do know your quirk is a bit challenging and Aizawa wasn't,” Sara doesn't want to cuss the man out in front of the girl. It won't help the case. “Ideal to help with your quirk…Even more as he lost your documents regarding your quirk and the rest of his students too.”
Izumi is not a little bit surprised.
“So I want to help you with what I can, ok?”Sara explained her side hoping it has touched her new student. I have no idea why you chose us but if anything I promise to make your staying here as pleasurable as possible.
Izumi nodded shortly.
Izumi is still distrusting.
Sara Ao now has to deliver the final news. “Midoriya, I have something to tell you, please…” Sara is not an expert in delivering bad news. And who is? “Your former school Aldera was…destroyed by a random villain. The cops are investigating, doing a good job so far but no one is found guilty yet. I think you had the right to know”
Izumi 's mouth dropped.
Her thoughts go in one direction.
Tomura Shigaraki…but how did he find my old school and for what reason?
Oh …Bakugou. No, wait, if that was the case why not doing that before?
Sara let Izumi recompose herself, once the girl is back to reality. The sensei asked if Izumi felt ready to return to the classroom. The green haired girl wants to return home. What is home for her?
Tomura Shigaraki was in my school?
Why aren't they saying it is him?
Once she is back to the classroom, the teacher explained how today they can finally use one of the fake cities for training. Izumi raised her hand. “Hm, how many fake cities UA has and what do you mean finally use it?” already sense the unfairness as if it is an old friend.
“Oh, well in the official site we have listed 8 fake cities, but extra officially, we have in total 10. Nezu granted permission to use the city for our workout exercise.” Sara explained still with her good humour. “They let us exercise there because…”
“We have you!” Everyone sans Hitoshi answered gladly. Izumi smiles but can only think what they would have done if Izumi hadn't joined the class. Why is the UA divided like that? Shouldn't they all work to be heroes in unison?
How naive I was?
This is not about working as a team….it's popularity.
I still think Stain is an insane man but I can see his points way clear now.
Still a serial killer.
“Nezu is a jerk!” Izumi mutters but the others hear and no one disagrees. Not even Shinso Hitoshi can make any arguments here. Which Izumi noticed and wonders if even if her former classmates would think something similar
Sara Ao gave a final warning before taking the kids to the fake city. “The reporters are still hounding, Present Mic is dealing with them but ... .there is always the chance of one of them sneaking in and if that happens, please,don't engage with them. Call me immediately on UA or on my emergency number!” Sara Ao points at Maina who has the phone held high as she explains to Midoriya how Sara has an emergency contact to be used for EMERGENCIES only.
SO DIFFERENT FROM AIZAWA.
To top it all off, Sara Ao is writing on the whiteboard their quirks and the progress they all made.
HOLY SHIT, SHE IS NOTHING LIKE AIZAWA.
The fake city is a big stadium. In the past, Midoriya kept her observations in the back of her head, but as her life can be cut short …nothing stops a critical observation as those cities are functional and could have housed many people. Villains enter villainy as a last resort because money and houses are scarce, but UA has fake cities and secret fake cities. The stadium is on the Olympics level, perfect for anyone to train…if they have the physics for it.
Izumi gazes at her new homeroom sensei and the woman is too wondering if this IS a gift or a mockery. Her students are meant to be in the background, hardly anyone will be able to keep up like that.
Maybe Izumi Midoriya. As she looks at the stadium and back to the home of the skyscrapers, a traitorous thought plays in her mind. If the UA had opened those buildings to people in need…would we still have a Tomura Shigaraki?
Sara sensei, as Midoriya learned it's how she likes to be called, claps her hands gathering everyone forward to her. If Izumi can say anything about her new sensei is how she is the type of person that once given lemons will try to make a pie with it. “Everyone, listen to me. This is clearly new for us,” Her eyes gesture to the stadium, no one can disagree. “But we have an opportunity and we can use it. I want to test our running resistance today. We can use this stadium every Tuesday if we want to.” There's a bit of hesitation on her part, Izumi really feels like a fool for thinking how UA would be better.
“If you got in the last place, you´ll have to be the first to get a shower.” Sara Sensei ended with a smile aimed at Mei, in fact, many people are looking at Mei.
Mei feels attacked by this.
Shinso Hitoshi sees this as a good way to finally prove how he is above Izumi Midoriya. The boy is not subtle and Midoriya promptly ignores him, which in hindsight, only fuels his determination.
Running in circles and to keep a good time is an exercise that makes sense, at least right now. It makes more sense than Aizawa's first test but the bar is lower if we are to compare Aizawa with anyone else. Izumi, in Aldera, never got compliments on the Physical Ed. Right now, she's having a good time and no quirk is required.
Mei is also making a good time, Maina pouts and says Mei needs to take a show which only fuels the pink haired girl to run faster. Komoko is in decent shape and the two boys are too. Izumi is leading the group with Shinso Hitoshi being far away.
“Ah ha!” Mei said in triumph once the exercise ends.
The class ended and Izumi managed to convince the genius girl to take a shower-the others girls thanked her once again, Maina gave her a flower, a pink rose. “It's not new, but I'm working on that”- Shinso walked away, still annoyed he lost TO A GIRL. Izumi, for her part, is tasked to help with the dinner but Gran Torino asked to see her…no chore for her TODAY.
Izumi wanted to see her former school, but her time could be better used by talking with Gran Torino and learning more about AFO, OFA and whatever she can about Tomura Shigaraki. I do find it odd he wanted to talk about Stain with me.
They are using the same teacher lounge, with the same lighting bulb and the lighting is the same, it is still generously offered by All Might and Gran Torino by Nezu. Considering how All Might is causing hell in the social media…it's prudent to not fuel the fire. Bakugou is a hazard that the principal has no idea what to do and Aizawa is not helping.
Gran Torino started by giving details on what went down at the press conferences. Aizawa had no justification or even can deny All Might's claims but his main defense is how Bakugou can be a better hero. “All Might said how aspiring to be an Endeavour is a disservice to all people involved. The man is rude, crude and not a good hero. Seldom do I see him that mad…” The old man chuckles.
Izumi talks about Daika city, not really interested in knowing about the press conference or Bakugou. The old hero listens and can see how this could be related to Shigaraki, but they shouldn't jump the gun, it makes sense. It's reasonable advice but…Izumi knows in her heart Shigaraki IS behind this.
“All Might is also arguing with The Hero Commission as we speak to execute AFO,” Gran´s tone is sober, suddenly he feels older than he looks if possible. “In this country, executions aren't legal, so All Might IS asking something illegal and well, that is no small feat to ask. Even more as international heroes ARE looking at this matter,” The implications are clear.
Izumi can only imagine if Star and Stripes, the biggest hero of the US, is involved how this could be a political nightmare. The US is famously known for being meddler …even when people don't ask for it.
The senior hero sighs in defeat. “As this unfolds, I want to talk about your quirk.” The man speaks with significance in his tone. OFA is a quirk Izumi NEEDS to master and is now a matter of life or death.
Training here would be really stupid. The girl has flashbacks of Nighteye and his absurd request and how she almost went along with that. I can trust that Gran Torino will be reasonable. “We can´t fight in an office like Nighteye forced me to do,” Izumi explains in one go how the late sidekick wanted her to prove her worth and how she almost did the ridiculous task, how she thought to be beneath All Might´s expectations, what really stopped her was the fact …she was wearing a skirt and that was her ONLY skirt.
Gran Torino opened and closed his mouth several times, until finally he found his voice. “HE DID WHAT? AND YOU TELL ME THIS NOW?!” The old man has a vein, no, two veins popping. He takes a long breath in. “That son of bitch, I thought he was…Oh Midoriya, I´m sorry, it was my fault. I really thought he could have helped…I asked All Might to direct you to him, I´m sorry. If I knew he was a creep like that…” Shame engulfed him as Gran Torino wanted to punch a dead man. Son of bitch, Nana was right about him!
Shame and guilt won´t help anyone.
“I'm sorry, Midoriya, truly.” The old hero asks for her forgiveness again. Izumi can´t help to compare to the memory of her weeping mother, sobbing on the floor as her daughter is quirkless, officially.
“I have a theory: OFA, who garners so much energy, still needs time to adapt,” Gran Torino remembers how the first time Izumi used her quirk and how her kicks, in the end, proved to handle a small portion of sofa without damage to her body. “I know you don't feel you have time for that, All Might is working with The Hero Commission for execute AFO,”
Izumi gazes at her scarred hands. Well, I certainly want to make AFO killing me as difficult as possible.
“I can use a small portion of ofa in my kicks,” Izumi comments, still looking at her scarred hands. “I try to visualize ofa as the katsudon in the microwave. So far it works,”
Gran Torino nodded. “My suggestion is…maybe meditation can help allocate better energy, we would need time …I don't think meditation for one week will make you handle 100% of OFA. But it can be a stepping stone.” Gran offered as much hope as he could.
Izumi thinks it is worth a shot.
Well since I'm here…
“I've been thinking…Tomura Shigaraki is the heir of AFO,” Izumi commences tentatively as the senior hero nods as this is the correct information. “But from what all you and All Might have been telling about AFO, he is not one who would need an heir. Why does he even have one?”
The mood grows sour as the man inhales and exhales,suddenly it becomes clear, once again, how going after a villain like AFO only damages your health. “That man is cruel,” He states once, finding his voice. “Too cruel and stupid. I don't know why it had to be Tomura Shigaraki of all people…” Gran has a good idea why but why give such a cruel name. “But that man had other heirs…”
Izumi is taken back by this information.
“He had other heirs, Nana told me as much: fifth, forth,third. No,she didn't know their names. Chances are the poor souls had no name. How they died. One was giving more quirks a man could hold,deforming him beyond recognition until…” the man sighed and the tale was clear. “ The other was used as a meat shield, and the other was exploded by AFO just because.”
Izumi blinked and couldn't help comparing all this with a bully. Can't help to compare him with Bakugou.
“There a rumour AFO had a previous heir, named Nine but …the man runs away and is in another country. His power is a quirk that causes a tempest.” Gran Torino comments and gives a photo of the man. “I have contacts too, girl, the one called Nine is forming a group in Othelon. AFO never put their feet there.”
Othelon is an artificial island created 100 years ago. It was created to be a paradise for people with quirks or not, it's a mix of the Asian culture and the western, having as official languages: Portuguese and Japanese as well English.
This opens a window of interpretation. Is it possible to escape AFO?
If so, why not Shigaraki?
So is it possible for Shigaraki to leave…AFO?
And why is he not after this Nine?
“What do we know about Shigaraki? Why is AFO not going after this man called Nine?” Izumi asked as she glanced at the photo of Nine and noticed how the man seemed similar to Tomura Shigaraki and….a tad bit with the first user.
Izumi saw his face once in her dream, white hair covering part of his face, one green eye and …that's all she managed to see. I may be wrong but for now….they all seem similar. Nine and Shigaraki seem more similar though ... .ARE THEY RELATED?
Gran Torino wanted to tell her, but this girl already has too much on her plate. Knowing about Shigaraki won't make a dent. “No, aside from how immature and unstable he sounds,” not a lie. “We know next to nothing, as for why AFO is not after Nine…I don´t know. Maybe because he deem Tomura as a better heir? Maybe he wants to get him later?”
Gran Torino doesn't feel comfortable talking about Tomura Shigaraki, it's pretty obvious and Izumi Midoriya picked up on the first second.
Well can't argue with how immature he sounds but Tomura Shigaraki is a mystery we need to uncover.
No one wakes up and decides to attack a school.
“Can you tell me more about Nana Shimura?” Izumi asked, curious. Only Nana had a husband - not a secret information- what happened? The woman leans forward as Gran Torino holds his own hand and finally speaks.
“She was the best, a great hero. A great friend. She was so in love with her husband,” the tale of Nana Shimura is a sad one and Izumi is hearing every word. The tale ends with her death, it was a horrible,gruesome and pointless death that still haunts the narrative of Gran Torino and All Might.
It's not very useful , Izumi refrains to say out loud. The old man seems to be on the verge of tears already.
Izumi then asks one final question. “And her family? Can I meet them?”
“No. Nana asked us to stay far away from the family ... .and we were all going to obey her order. Her last request.” Gran Torino is well aware how her family must be dead but …he doesn't want to see it.
Let's spare Midoriya to see all this.
Izumi Midoriya is mulling over this little fact. I have to find out …The Shimura family is really out of the hero's life?
As she tries to imagine about Tomura Shigaraki - her current theory is how the boy was living in the line of poverty and how AFO grabbed him once it felt all it was lost- and his past, the girl tries to imagine the Shimuras. In her mind, it's not hard to imagine that Nine and Tomura Shigaraki, for being similar, could be related…maybe brothers or cousins who were struggling. One got away, the other didn´t.
Family is not always loyal, not always protects you. Izumi knows this by heart now.
Now, in regards to Nana Shimura and her family, all she had is a name. Nana Shimura had ONE son and gave away for his protection-Gran Torino confessed how Nana left a letter for her son to be open only when he had 18 years old and the man made sure,without ever meeting him, to make sure the letter stays with Kotaro and remains with the man as far Gran is aware- so it is not impossible to find more about this case.
Kotaro Shimura.
Hm, I think that name is familiar like I have heard before.
The day ends peacefully, no reporter found them YET. The looming danger of how Izumi will have to face one of them soon enough is in her mind. The boys gave her tips on what to do, basically stick to Sara Ao's words but if she is not available, tell the reporters you won't give any comment without her homeroom present.
In the simple decorated building of General Studies, Present Mic enters, still donned a suit, to confirm how the media is still a wild circus. “They are gunning to talk with any of you, so please…don´t talk to a reporter without your homeroom present.” The blonde man relaxed a little as the kids agreed with the plan.
“No worries Midoriya, I didn't reveal anything personal about you.” Present Mic reveals trying to sound positive going as far as giving a thumbs up, but his anxiety is speaking volumes here.
The temptation to ask about her former classmates is present, of course. The temptation is easy to overcome in this case as Izumi Midoriya makes no desire to know what is going on in that classroom. There´s no regret in her decision as the teacher is now gone.
Maina is helping Komoko with her chores as Hitoshi is training, with permission of Aizawa. Maina is commenting how her quirk is useless for her line of work and Izumi tilted her head and chimes in as she's stopped washing the plates.
“I don´t think your quirk is useless. It may not be ideal for your line of work,”Izumi concedes as the other girls listen to her. “But you can create flowers with one touch, that is amazing. Maybe you can create a new type of flower. Maybe a new biome to study.”
Maina´s eyes grow comically. As the girl is staring at her hands in complete awe. “I don't know. I usually just create flowers I see on the internet or in my garden. I guess I never tried to create a new type of flower.”
Izumi voiced her theory that if Maina thinks of a new flower and all the science behind all its properties…it is possible to create one. This makes the girl look at her hands as if she has never seen before.
Meanwhile, Mei, fresh out of a bath, asked how long it will take for Daika city to be rebuilt. The crater of that size won't be fixed in a day. The girl genius is tinkering on one of her babies-a vacuum like object that is to help a student with a quirk, no more details were shared-
Maine and Komoko are curious. There´s many shops which are closed because of the crater and Daika city is a residential as well as a commercial area. The green haired Izumi is also very curious-the two boys are on social media, doing their things in peace- and thanks to a good investigation on the internet…
“Mei, the CEO said the rebuild will be as soon as it can.” Izumi reads from her cellphone and shifts the position of the phone as she opens a video. In there, the CEO of Deternet is showing the preparations to rebuild the city, how the Uraraka working site is hired along with others and how even the hero Cementos is called to help. The reparation is to be concluded in 2 weeks, tops.
The girls witness the video until it ends, with once again, the CEO bowing in apology. Maina blinks as she notices his prosthetic legs, it wasn't a secret. But…”How did he lose his legs?” and Komako is cleaning her glasses and putting them back on again because she too is curious. How one lost a member and is so …calm about it?
“I think he only lost one leg,”Izumi looks at the CEO bowing. “But I've no idea, I don't think he talked about the accident.”
Mei shrugs about this fact. “I do know Deternet is better at bringing their A game because many fans, me included, aren't impressed with the company. Trumpet even made a speech about efficiency.” Mei is back tinkering on her machine but Izumi sees how Komako rolls her eyes at the mention of Trumpet.
Eventually, it's time for everyone to sleep and Hitoshi is back, still sneering at Midoriya and being ignored. Izumi wished the girls good night, wished good night for the two media gurus and even for Hitoshi…he is the only one who didn't answer her.
(No response from Deternet…yet. Futo is very transparent and Izumi thanked him)
They seem nice.
Hm, no one here called me plain or …deku. Aside: Maybe Hitoshi.
Once inside the room, the girl is mulling over how the bar where Tomura Shigaraki used to live and if one is to think of this as a mission from a game, then it would be level 1 or a tutorial. If she grabs a bus can reach the location in less than 10 minutes. Can I go faster?
Well, am I a problem child?
Izumi bides her time, the girls are in their respective rooms. Mei is still working, Maina is still training her quirk-there´s sounds about a botanic and the girl giggles Oh I was right, I guess?- Komoko is in her room, either sleeping or doing something else.
Opening the window, it's feasible to see how the General Studies are separated from the other dorms and how there's no camera or any form of security for this area. If Izumi was a villain…that would be a costly mistake for UA.
“But I'm not a villain, so…that's alright.” Izumi mutters to herself smirking as she, donned of her Shirt “shirt”, a brown pant and her red sneakers is on the parched of her window. The advice of Gran Torino is echoing in her mind, meditation can be useful. Focusing a small quantity of OFA to her legs, the girl jumps out the window.
It was puissant to be able to jump through a window and not fear death, it was also laughable as she did follow an advice Bakugou gave her less than a year or so ago, but instead of killing herself, Izumi is just hopping at great heights and moving faster.
The girl is thankful for having tied up her hair in a braid, preventing the window from causing her hair to go to her eyes. Almost went to Nana Shimura´s style but…I don't think it would look good on me. The girl has no idea if anyone would find her hairstyle cute, but is practical.
The speed of her jumps are getting faster and it dwells on how she may not even need to take a bus or a train. In less than 3 minutes, she is in Yokohama. The girl stops on the sidewalk to see the non named bar is still existing, just abandoned. There is no security. Nothing.
The bar, clearly abandoned, still has the sturdy branches the pro hero Kamui used in the rescue of Bakugou. Aside from that, the building is more or less the same, except without any proper maintenance. Izumi narrows as she can see how there is almost no one in the street-people enter homes TOO QUICKLY as soon as Izumi arrives- it is all…so quiet.
The bar is so clearly abandoned
The door is almost falling to the ground by its hinges. As Izumi enters the bar with her flashlight, the light is gone- looking up and one can see how the light bulb was burned - the mirror is shattered but the girl can still see her reflection, despite the dust taking control of the place. Thank god I have my mask.
There a pool table parted in half, actually almost anything is destroyed. Yeah, they can't return here even if they want to. The stairs to upstairs are weirdly intact. The girl climbs the stairs to see the rooms.
Dabi's room is …not important for her mission. (She took a peak. Minimalist as Shoto Todoroki)
Toga’s room is full of cute stuff…and said cute stuff were literally stabbed.
Mr. Compress’ room…Izumi kicked his door down hard enough that the door is literal dust now. Ok I don't like him.
Spinner’s room is full of Stain photos and Izumi is not interested.
Twice’s room has little things. Is he minimalist as well? I guess when you are a villain you can't have the luxury of your own stuff.
Kurogiri has a room but it has nothing in it. Literally nothing. What?
Tomura Shigaraki has his room as well…it is dark. Was it always dark or is it because of the lack of light? His room has a bed, has trash bags …and in one position Izumi sees a curve of where a bag should be but is not. Did he decay the trash bag? How interesting. I guess his quirk can be used to save the environment. Know what? WHEN I see him again will tell him that much.
In her mind, if she uses the right words maybe Shigaraki will want to escape AFO and maybe if Izumi manages to make a good and convincing speech, Tomura Shigaraki can help the environment. I cleaned a beach for 10 months…If I had decay…no more dirty bleach.
She noticed the books on the shelves.
- The art of decay and decomposition (Izumi can see the logic in reading this one)
- Naruto (“oh why not?”)
- Some books about physics.
- One about Redestro but is full of sassy comments in each page by Tomura. (“Destro is so impressed, he lost the fight for a NPC”, “Who goes around calling themselves Destro?”)
- A book about hacking (Izumi's blood runs cold for a moment. Does he know how to hack?)
- An old manga about a little Tenko, the small kitsune as his misadventures. (“I remember this book”)
- A journal, it has some eloquent phrases as “die am” written here and there but also “sensei is still watching me”
She noticed the toys on the shelves from an old tv show. Fictional heroes and Izumi gasped as she recalled how those characters are indeed heroes of a fictional show. “Oh my god…he likes heros…well, fictional ones.” And her eyes locate the computer, she presses the enter button and…the computer explodes.
Izumi takes some of the toys and books and puts them in her bag. This can be important.
Now, she is going to the last hall, there is one room here. The said room has nothing but a desk, a chair and nothing else. In each drawer Izumi found nothing except in the last one, where there was a small agenda.
The handwriting is hard to read, it's almost as if it is from a doctor.
“He needs more time, I know you said this but wouldn't it be better to turn him into a Nomu?” Izumi reads out loud to no one. “Tomura Shigaraki would be more useful if…..I can't read this” the girl put the agenda on her bag.
For a moment, Izumi, who saw many playthroughs on YouTube about horror games, was expecting a monster to materialize and fight. It can't be that easy. She jumps down to the first floor where the exit is. No monster, no alarm, not even a thug.
In the game horrors, the ones Izumi can't afford, the horror is more on the hopeless, it's how you, the player, can't escape. In this abandoned bar…Izumi can escape.
Heroes were here and….saw nothing?
Shigaraki kidnapped Bakugou for a foolish reason, maybe no one thought there was anything worth investigating. Izumi feels a fury inside of her. “Were you being stupid or you genuinely saw how evil Bakugou is?”
It can't be helped as she feels the bar being trashed by the heroes IS Tomura Shigaraki’s fault. You are such stupid man. But the fury still remains.
Is she mad at the heroes?
Is she mad at Shigaraki?
Is she mad at Bakugou?
Fury is fueling her but there is no one to fight, no hero or villain. The girl steps outside the bar and kicks the bar still with that green fury and only stops as the building now is in shambles, the branches also fall, effortlessly. No one seems to say a damn thing and Izumi wants to remain that way.
Tight lips sink no ship.
There is one camera who is recording all this. The camera has the Deternet’s logo.
Izumi looks at the camera.
I destroyed your bar…are you mad? Happy?
How would Izumi even make Shigaraki see her side if she was destroying his old bar? But you like destruction don't you, Shigaraki?
The girl waits for a moment, to see if the person who is seeing the footage will call the police or any hero. No one is called, the camera is focused on her, only her. Ok then. I’ll find you out Tomura Shigaraki ... .but kidnapping Bakugou was such a dumbass move.
The girl jumped and just like the Hulk, she is out of the picture.
Izumi saw the reporters on the main gate, on this new day. No one noticed her and no one ever finds out about her midnight excursion. As she slowly walks away, Sora Ao waves at her beaming as she is with her students …away from prying eyes of the reporters or the media frenezy.
Today, the students are allowed to use the pool, it's a reward but the way Sara phrased and everyone looks…it feels more of a mockery. Especially as no one in the classroom knows how to swim. “This feels more like Nezu is being a jerk than anything else,” Izumi comments looking at the main building where one can find Nezu.
Izumi mutters angrily how it is very unfair how they are being treated and Sara Ao has nothing to use to justify Nezu´s actions. I can only say one thing. “The hero industry can be very cruel, very unfair for those who aren't the mold.”
Izumi remembers her own line. No man is born equal, but to hear someone else to say makes the woman pause. No man is born equal so should we all be silent over our pain and hope for the best? Endure it?
“But it is what it is…” Komoko said shyly, with her modest swimsuit.
Izumi rethinks her life, how her childhood was soiled thanks to being daring to go to the same school as Katsuki Bakugou, how she was a horrible person for trying to help him one time and …how unfair life was for no choice of Izumi.
Not all men are created equal
But do we have to silently take the mistreat?
I got no reward for all those years I was silent!
“Doesn't mean we had to take them down!” Izumi said with fire in her eyes. “I took down for years, got nothing but scars ... .got nothing but a horrible name, well….” Izumi is not sure if she is speaking for the class or herself. Sara puts an arm on her shoulder.
“Thank you, it's important to know you care for us, but how could we fight someone like Nezu?” Sara asked as the other students stared at the scene as if it was an exciting movie. Maybe it is a rhetorical question…
Izumi thinks for a second.
“Malicious compliance! If he wants us to use the damn pool, we shall use the pool. We are all going to learn how to swim, if he has other plans for the pool? Too bad, we are all going to learn how to swim”
Sara blinked several times.
“Well, he did give us the pool for us to learn…nothing more sensible than use.” The sensei nods her head and then asks Midoriya to change, privately telling how UA has a swimsuit and the girl thanked her.
I don't even have a swimsuit…damn.
If she has to die tomorrow, Izumi hopes to make things as difficult for Nezu as one can imagine for today, metaphorically.
Class A1 used to swim in that pool, it was one time as far she recalled unless they were using it behind her back, which could be possible.
Mei raises her hand. “So when you said malicious compliance…”
“No,no and no. Too early for revolution.”
Am I causing a revolution? I just want them to use the pool and all the utensils.
“What other injustices does General Studies face?”
“OH BOY WHERE DO WE BEGIN?”
Sara could put a stop on this but…she is a very curious woman right now.
Turns out hierarchy is a big thing in UA, worse than Aldera. In the past, Izumi tried to be a bully buster, sadly, her efforts were not appreciated as back in the day, Izumi helped a kid from the explosives of Bakugou and what she gained from that boy-his name is Hinata Ren if she is not wrong- is how he sided with Bakugou as soon his quirk manifested and didn't need help from a girl.
Two boys from the second years appear in the pool, snickering at the students-pointing fingers at Futo´s hair and the Ronaudo´s hat-as well as how everyone is struggling to learn how to swim.
Izumi gets out of the water and goes at them. With the mindset that it doesn't matter in the long run as there´s an insane man who WILL kill her.
“Hi, Midoriya.” One of them, who has dark hair and deep blue eyes, greets with a clear flirty tone that is only alien for Midoriya. The boy goes as far as to pass his right hand through his hair. The other friend, with orange hair, sneers but…stops as he gazes upon her eyes.
“The hell is wrong with your eyes?” shouts so loudly that Sara is concerned and leaves the pool to see what's going on.
The flirty boy is looking at her eyes, horrified. Instead of seeing green, he's seeing a fire, in a literal way. The girl is smiling so sinisterly. I will face a monster that nukes cities for fun. Her eyes are on fire as Izumi opens a big smile…
“Guys, are you making fun of people who want to learn? That seems like what a bully would do, not a fan of bullies, they tend to be the worst villains…” She grabs their arms and lowers to the ground, they ARE taller than her but feel so powerless. “I don't like bullies, are you bullies?”
“No!” They swear up and down, throwing apologies to the students of General Studies and as soon Sara arrives apologising to the blue woman. Once free, the boys run away. The sensei looks at the green fire eyes and how they are back to normal.
“Hm, your eyes are hot.” Sara comments unsure of what else to say.
“Thank you,” Izumi replies and is back at the pool as everyone sans Hitoshi are celebrating her.
Well, that 's fun.
The classroom ended up being constructive since the students are learning. It was established that until they all managed to swim at a decent level, the classes would be in the pool. Nezu tried but failed to deny such an order even because HE GIFTED the pool for total altruist reasons.
Now returning to the dorm, the kids are organizing their chores, Shinso has no orders from Aizawa so he is tasked in…taking the garbage out. The others are planning on doing a game night, after their chores are finished.
Izumi finished her chores in time, once again, she was tasked in cleaning the silverware. The girl has experience in cleaning silverware, pots and plates since an earlier age, since Izumi Midoriya was merely a 7 years old …she knows how to run a house.
Ok I need to go see Aldera.
The twilight is spraying orange in the sky, as Izumi Midoriya has her uniform up. The girl is about to leave when Mei, still wearing her goggles, asks if she wants to stay for the night games.
Oh I never was asked for a game night.
Izumi can't help the sweat drop from her head as she sees how everyone is already too eager, planning their games board and video games.
“Guys, I'm not good with games,” confessed Izumi Midoriya, feeling awkward. Maina waves her hand flippantly in response.
“Don’t worry, we all suck at games too!” Maina answered with a big smile.
Komoko follows along. “Yeah, we barely passed level 1! That's how bad we are!”
Izumi can't help but chuckle. Ah this is fun…hope I won't die tomorrow.
Izumi looks at them fondly. “ I have to go see a place right quick, but I’ll return and ... .we can all be stuck on level 1” Izumi promised and everyone is holding on to her words.
It is officially stated Katsuki Bakugou is suspended for two months…Izumi pays no mind to that. All she wants is to return sooner.
The imaginary bunny hopping in the meadows is lovely, however, Dekiru hopping among buildings, with her iron mask, with her eyes sharply taking into account every person, every construction, every color…it's not very cute. The girl spotted a few cameras with the Deternet's logo, especially in the path to Aldera.
There were never this many cameras before.
In less than 10 minutes, Izumi is in the familiar gate of Aldera, except there is no school, just a site full of piles of dust. The girl just stares at the scene. There is no watch at the top, there is not even a door. There was nothing.
Just dust.
There also walls surrounded the piles of dust and of course, a camera surveilling the piles of dust. Once upon a time, there was a school here…where it taught Izumi how to bow, lower your head down as Bakugou will be the star. It taught Midoriya how to think she is worthless, and the girl believed …
I only stopped to believe because I will die or…I never believed that but felt hopeless to do anything before?
The school had 3 floors, last Midoriya heard they were planning to add another floor for education reasons. Now, it's just dust. Her legs are moving closer to the pile of dust, not touching, but close enough to see how all are on the same color, a light brown.
Her arms almost touch the dust, wondering if that was closer to their old classroom- there not a single happy memory in that place- but refrain from doing that. Instead, she noticed the camera focusing on her, no alarm, no heroes, no one. It's just her and the stranger looking at her.
This used to be my school.
When Izumi saw decay for the first time, he almost killed Aizawa. It created cracks and the only reason the man is alive is because Izumi thought fast enough - and Recovery Girl can heal almost anything IF she wants to- “he decayed a wall too, but when he did that…it dismantled the wall, not decayed.” The wall, in her memory, still could be seen as one even if completely fractured.
He dismantled the object, but you could still see what it was but this….
“Amazing…” Izumi replied with her eyes analysing the dust. One week ago, this was a tall building, now it is nothing but dust. “Absolutely amazing. Terrifying but amazing.” Quirks can devolve in rare stances, like her mother's quirk but on the other hand, quirks can evolve. “Amazing”
The camera is focused on her, curious to see her reaction. The girl is still smiling and wishing she had her sketchbook. Decay had a quirk awakening, that's dangerous but wow your quirk is amazing.
“Hey!” a voice of a man calls in. It's Toji Manasato, with his white hair combed, wearing a clean uniform, shaved, still has his wrinkles and a few scars from the job. The man has a friendly smile on his face. “I was expecting you, Midoriya” he welcomed her.
The camera is not following him.
The camera is following her.
“Because Tomura Shigaraki decimated my former school?” Izumi asked trying,to gauge his reaction. The man, for his part, chuckled heartily.
“Oh no, Midoriya, I was expecting you because I want to tell you how…it wasn't Shigaraki who did it. It was another villain,” his tone is very saccharine. The camera is following her, only her. His line is a script and if even Izumi can tell…then the script is not good.
“You were waiting for me to say…it wasn't Shigaraki?” She side eyed the camera for a moment. “So who was it?”
“We have no idea, but we ask you to leave this to us, we are working to see this mystery to be solved.” The man replied candidly, for a weird moment, Izumi thought he would salute her. “The same way we are all working to rebuild Daika city!”
“Sure, sure. So there is another villain with decay as a quirk?” Izumi asked sarcastically. The man still smiles, telling everyone is going to be fine because Deternet and the heroes will protect us, again, it's an obvious script.
The camera is on her.
There is no one but this man and he is making no moviment, nothing to stop her.
Izumi runs towards the camera, the cop doesn't even pretend to stop her, which is very odd. Taking speed, Izumi starts climbing the wall as if gravity is nothing for her, maybe at this instance, gravity can be bent to her wishes. Izumi is now at the top of the wall, the top is big enough to allow her two feet to balance there. As the camera is looking at her.
Looking only at her.
“Hello Shigaraki,” Izumi can even feel how the camera is staring so intensely at her. “I don't know you…but I will know.” Izumi looks at the pile of dust and it barely registers in her mind to hide the big grin on her face.
“I will find you, Shigaraki!” Izumi promised. “We have lots to talk about.”
The cop says how she can't use her quirk without a license or permission.
“NOT USING A QUIRK!”
The girl lands on the ground as if she is a graceful acrobat, the cop is still smiling at her, Izumi says she has no more questions and the man waves at her goodbye and promises how he is doing his best for Daika city too. Yeah, this is a plot…but how does Shigaraki fit in all this? Did Deternet hire Shigaraki to do that? Kill a rival?
Once out of Aldera, it was too easy. Too easy, that makes the girl be sure there is a conspiracy here and someone is watching her, Shigaraki comes to mind but who else? Afo is in prison, so the only one who could be…
No idea. I guess Shigaraki is watching me.
Why?
What game are we playing?
“Deku chan?” That voice belongs to a girl, Mimi, if Izumi is not wrong. A girl once poured a cup of milk on Midoriya’s hair and said how “maybe now your ugly hair will look less ugly” . At that time, it did hurt but now it feels juvenile. I may die next week. Who cares for hair?
The girl was entering a corner but stopped as she saw Izumi Midoriya. The hero who can do everything.
Mimi once had pretty hair and skin, and was one of the prettiest girls in the classroom. Her features now are a far cry from the girl she once was. Bags under her eyes, her hair is a mess and her clothes are in a poor state.
“Deku, dekiru. Please ... .help us” Mimi pleads, and Hinata Ren follows suit, meekly hiding behind a girl which is a bit ironic.
“Please Deku, Dekiru, Shigaraki was here ... .you have to do something!” Hinata pleads with his voice rough as if he hasn't used it in ages.
Izumi looks at them. Really look at them. She remembered the name calling, how Izumi felt so useless- how sometimes at night, she still feels useless- how they either laughed with Bakugou or ignored her. How her knees were always bleeding.
A good hero would help them.
But I was told I'm not a hero…but a problem child.
Well…
“I'm sorry, I can't help…remember, I'm just deku. Try to contact Bakugou. Maybe he can help.” Izumi speaks as her eyes finally notice the camera on the other corner, it has the Deternet's logo.
Izumi walks away.
Ok Shigaraki, let 's play.
Tomura Shigaraki watches the scene with the biggest smile he can muster. Nothing would ever bring such satisfaction, not even destruction if he can be honest. He is watching the footage again and again, in the privacy of his own office in his penthouse.
“Ok Midoriya,let 's play.” He says as he holds the drawings of a little Izumi made ages ago with as much tenderness. Yet, his smile has a savagery.
What will be your next move, Midoriya?
Notes:
Sharing my thoughts here.
1)So Sara Ao is an oc(DUH), but I want her to be the total opposite of Aizawa and even Present Mic. This woman wants to help the students. Sure, Aizawa protected them from Shig (IT'S HIS JOB), but he has no interest in helping with their quirks; his approach is hands off. Sara wants to help in all she can.
2) Izumi will face the media, trust me. I do love journalism, and it has two sides to the story. I don't want to be like Hori, who makes the journalists be all paparazzi types. The thing I want to show is how AM is a big deal and the man is going all this circus to make a student be expelled, and rightfully so, for one student...will make people curious.
3) Shigaraki is certainly something here, he is finally changing as he is to understand more of the hero known as dekiru, which is so far different from canon, where Shig doesn't try to understand anyone. He sees Izumi being so feral and is like "hmmm, I really should do more with this obsession I have over her and try to know her," which is an improvement.
4) Izumi seems OOC, but bc I was thinking with this logic: She thinks she will die, so horrible, like YOLO. But some of the things I wrote here are canon traits Izuku showed...but I´m now directing them to use for good, if that makes sense. No, Izu won't just beat up villains. Izumi is seeing how REALLY UNFAIR the hero industry is. Not all men are born equal, Izumi knew this day 1, but now she is seeing how right she was.
Chapter Text
Chap 4
Daika city, as the blinders can show, is still undergoing reforms but it looks so promising. Tomura Shigaraki admires the construction for a moment, in the safety of his confinement how the workers are using machines and possible quirks to speed the process - Daika and his villa are far apart but any eyes can see the machinery, the moviment but if the works look up won't see Tomura Shigaraki, all they would see is a big villa. Maybe, less than that.
In a way, Tomura Shigaraki owns Daika city. I do own this city…I never considered the possibility of owning a city. Sensei… His old mentor sour his mood greatly. Sensei is rotting in the prison. Oh the irony. The sneer is forming on his lips and growing as the irony is becoming too delicious to ignore, does AFO firmly believe Tomura will rescue him? Probably not, but his sensei is a stupid but equally cruel man.
What does this mean about me?
Eventually…Tomura Shigaraki will have to kill his master.
Killing is not an issue for one called Tomura Shigaraki, mourning won't be a problem in this case. The grief for his family, for the late Shimuras, aren't a set back. Tomura can admit this as his left hand is holding FATHER tightly. Yes, grief won´t be a problem.
His red eyes studied his new location, a well furnished penthouse, located in a villa. The design was deliberated to showcase how the Supreme Leader´s power flows, see, there´s many ways to prove to anyone how superior you are and money, as Shigaraki learned very well, is the fastest way.
The place is elegant, it's designed thinking of the best. The area is also beautifully hollow. Just like the bar and Tomura Shigaraki intellectually know if he decays this place it won't change anything… That bar was so lonely. The last hug, the last intimate contact I got was ages ago. Such a cold hug.
His memories of his family are more vivid, as if everything went down yesterday, and the villain can remember how his mother had a keen eye for decoration. His late mother would often buy furnishings for the house. Mom used to buy chairs a lot…now I get it was because of her quirk…we both have decay. Her version only worked on solid objects, unlike….mine.
Stopping his musing and observation on the reconstruing, Daika city is to be rebuilt in a few weeks, maybe less. Tomura Shigaraki watches the scene as there´s now the implicit question in his mind: how destruction would affect the society? Killing heroes and a few buildings won´t change things, not really.
They would sweep things under the rug. I hate that!
The fact the media is not shared thanks to Shigaraki commanding his hacker to follow. Aldara is a pile of dust and no one is giving much talk … Their reaction doesn't matter, just hers. Oh Izumi Midoriya. The footage of Izumi, HIS HERO, going to the Aldera and facing the camera is …something Tomura appreciated late at night.
His white shirt is open in a V line and his eyes can see the difference. In the past, Tomura Shigaraki was a skinny man, now, after all the adventures with Gigantomachia…The villain has gained muscles. His right hand still has is aided by a prosthesis and as his synthetical fingers touch his skin-there's scars here some are way older, some are recent- his mind goes to Izumi Midoriya
The girl had a bad childhood thanks to what he found out so far. IT'S NOT ENOUGH I Need to know more about her. I want to know who you are, Izumi, consume, if possible.
His fingers are still dancing, tracing over the scars and going dangerously low. There´s no one watching him, there´s no one interested in knowing what he does…his mind goes to Izumi Midoriya. What did she do to survive her childhood? Shigaraki is curious, and feeling that odd feeling, perhaps, its curiosity.
His hand goes lower…imaging if the girl has committed any crime. Did she kill a family member? An abusive family member? Maybe not, but the idea intrigues him so much. What stops his musings is seeing the workers lift up a statue-not of All Might, and certainly not of Izumi- from Deternet´s mascot.
Shigaraki chuckles darkly. I own even that stupid mascot. The said mascot is a mix of squirrel and bunny, it's dumb and for sure it's not infringing any copyright laws with Nintendo or, in this case, Pokemon. Looks like an ugly Eeevee.
His chest is still exposed, closing all the buttons is a challenge Tomura is not winning YET, but he´ll. His late mother once taught him a neat trick to button his shirt and now, Tomura, a powerful villain, is using the very same trick. “I was skinny and now I have muscles…” the right corner of his lips lifts up as the man wonders if he can level up like this.
Redestro explained, through fake smiles and flattery, how Shigaraki can't leave the complex, at least not now. As the villain considers his options, it is prudent to use the element of surprise. “I blew once, not gone do again.” His smile is back as he remembers the footage of HIS hero. His body feels energized. “I´ve something far more important to take care of…before destroying the Hero Society.” His tongue licks his upper lip.
As Tomura walks in his luxurious penthouse, knowing full well how temporary this accommodation will be, the villain is in his living room-it's so elegant that if Tomura wasn't a villain, he could throw those boring adult parties here. Does Redestro do orgies? Nevermind- but as Tomura is the loner…there´s no one here.
There´s just Tomura Shigaraki and Izumi´s drawings. All of them are located at the top of the table-the living room seems out of those magazines or western movies of wealthy families-and Shigaraki is once again looking, studying her drawings.
The first one is a corgi. NOT MONCHAN. It's a character from a kid's manga. Tomura….never finished the manga, Tenko opened the first volume with MONCHAN. Of course, the teacher wrote a comment on the draw that Shigaraki opts to ignore.
The second draw is a flower, not any flower, no. It's a Higanbana, and if Tomura Shigaraki, with his death touch can say anything, is how the draw is really good. “You got talent for that..” mutters knowing NO ONE is listening. There's a small dry water spot on the petal.
Were you crying?
Tomura Shigaraki is no crier.
Tenko Shimura cried enough.
The final draw is about a man. His green hair, freckles and face is very similar to Midoriya, that is a picture of Hisashi Midoriya.
Tomura Shigaraki doesn´t know what to think of Hisashi Midoriya. “Father,” The villain watches where his FATHER is, the hand is far away from him and Tomura rises so fast from his chair, holding hand. His mind was supplied with a memory where little Tenko Shimura did a task correctly. In the daycare, many people congratulate him, including his father, Kotaro Shimura. “I´m proud of you, Tenko” were words his father said with a soft face.
“What are we playing, Midoriya?” Shigaraki inquired knowing no one would answer, just how in the nameless bar. In the past, Kurogiri would listen to his whines, complaints and doubts but offer nothing more than practically, in the best case.
Kurogiri is in Tartarus last Shigaraki heard of. The nomu was a faithful company to Tomura, not by choice but does nomu even have an inkling how there was no option for him? In the past, the bar was always an empty shell…but Kurogiri was there, like a good doll. Like an essential item no home can be without.
Well, if this is my temporary house, Tomura thinks to himself, I should be the one to decorate. His eyes land on where the rest of his family is safely kept- Hana is at a nice table, next to her mother and grandparents and an elegant bouquet of tulips.
His phone rings and is, without surprise, the doctor Uijiko calling again and again for the same reason. There are many voice nails and texts, all of which belong to Dr. Uijiko. “Stewing for a few days and he’s acting so immature,” There's a sinister smile playing on his lips.
He considered taking another bath just to make sure the doctor wastes more time waiting on him. It's a very alluring option, Tomura Shigaraki admits that much as the smugness in his attitude is very telling. “But I have better things to do with my time!”
It must be shocking for Dr. Uijiko does not see Shigaraki galloping and demanding power like a child. The quest for power is secondary as more important things are on his lap, metaphorically speaking.
Midoriya, just who are you? Dr. Uijiko never comments about …meeting you. Never.
It's a fact how Dr. Uijiko- or whatever alias he uses- never saw any future in Tomura and in the past, in the long days, that didn't matter as all Tomura wanted was mindless destruction. Now, he dares to covet a future for himself ....and his mind is still thinking about Izumi Midoriya.
How do you quench this thirst? How to get Izumi Midoriya to be…here? Kidnapping is not ideal for a plethora of reasons - the stupidity of trying to recruit Bakugou thanks to a kidnapping is still a very idiotic and shameful act on his part- and the main one is how Izumi wouldn't sit idly. Plus, kidnapping is something romanticized in dark romance novels.
The internet is full of degenerates! Sensei told me to get what I want…but what do I want?
IZUMI MIDORIYA!
But once again, kidnapping another student of UA feels stupid. It was short-sight on his part, in the past, trying to get an ally out of a kidnapping action. Tomura Shigaraki can and will do better.
Gently, he puts the draws in letters as if it is something precious. He puts the letter next to Hana and the flowers. Grief is not a problem for a man named Tomura Shigaraki.
His phone is buzzing again, Dr. Uijiko is sending texts, talking about Gigantomacchia and demanding Shigaraki to be in his lab NOW. Such demands, by the way, are met with indifference as well as satisfaction. The bald man must be plucking his eyebrows and mustache by now.
“Well, let's see what Deternet is doing.” Tomura Shigaraki admires himself in the mirror. His white hair is now getting long, his uniform is so well-polished and straight out of a commercial - one of those commercials with heroes dressed in their best. The irony is hilarious - as his leg is fully healed. His hand is still disabled.
The villain is out of his penthouse. A new text appears, it's from Toga and is annexed a selfie.
DON'T LOOK CUTE?
Shigaraki rolls his eyes. Toga is a bit enamoured with the necklace.
The head of Deternet is not just one person, as Redestro, the CEO of the company, is deeply aware of how true this is. The man had to take a medical leave-his physiotherapy is still on going, there's no medical technology to regrow limbs- and is working at the home office, a perk only for the CEO of the company.
The circle of trust, as Redestro likes to call, are reunited in a private office among the villa. Trumpet looks at the empty chairs, it's not to admire the elegant decoration, nor if things were alright Trumpet would waste time to admire how one decorate the room-the man, last month, complained and used his words to shame the personal decoration of MPA for how this particular room looked- but to see how …there´s a lack in numbers.
THEY ALL PERISH BY THE HANDS OF SHIGARAKI.
In the room, there´s 5 people:
- Redestro
- Trumpet
- Skeptical (he is here in a physical sense, mentally? The man is on his tablet barely talking to them, grunting here and there but never looking at anyone.
- Hayate Isamu (Responsible for the finances of MPA and Deternet, you don´t make so much money to amass an army without planning and intelligence) is a man with a black beard, so prominent, it's his only differential trait. Even his suit is the same as Trumpet, his black hair is also similar to Trumpet, his round face is somewhat similar to Trumpet…the beard is the big differential. Maybe it is for this reason he doesn't have a moniker.
Redestro is pondering, mulling even, as Isamu explained how expanded to the US may be a profitable decision, even more as the US are trying to stand up- President Trump sunk the country in ways Trumpet and Isamu are STILL trying to understand the sheer stupidity, the downfall of the US is a topic many people in Japan are still studying and some, celebrating- and this deal can benefit both of them.
I´ve to think carefully, we don´t want the US to be too powerful but money is always welcome. I heard a lot about Star and Stripes. Redestro is on his chair, the one that signalized, for anyone who enters in the room, who is the boss. Thank god that parasite is not here.
The doors of the room are opened revealing Tomura Shigaraki and Redestro cringed inwardly but puts on his best smile, ready to butter up his new “boss”. “Shigaraki, you are here! How are you? Will you give us more pieces of wisdom? Tomura Shigaraki, your quirk is at a level we can even dream about. You are our liberator.”
Trumpet looks at his boss with a bit of pity.
Thought this idiot would be with his doctor. Redestro was under the impression Shigaraki would be with his weird doctor far away from MPA, but it seems that is incorrect. “Its a joy to see you here. It's a joy, no, it's an honour to see you here. Thank you. With your expertise we can do..” Tomura looks at Redestro nonchalantly making the CEO fear for his life but continues with his inane speech.
If you sweet the crazy murder known as Shigaraki, maybe, your people won't die. Or can save a big number.
“Shut up,” Tomura Shigaraki answers, already used to how his voice is different. “What are you doing?” The villain is walking towards the boss chair, ignoring Trumpet, Skeptical and Isamu. Tomura Shigaraki is looking at Redestro, his red eyes seem to emit power. Redestro, who has prosthetic legs immediately, wordless, rose from his chair and let Shigaraki sit on the chair, no protest in his words or face.
Good. He may live another day.
There´s no chair for Redestro.
Isamu is aware of WHAT went down, what Shigaraki represents now. Isamu is, however, clenching his jaw. He caused the Daika´s crater…AND BECAUSE OF HIM WE ARE WASTING MONEY TO THE LOSERS OF GENERAL STUDIES. His eyebrow lower as he can do the math and Deternet is sponsoring Izumi Midoriya, a girl with a weak quirk, for HIS SAKE.
“Supreme Leader,” Skeptical can´t talk in a sweet tone, not even to Redestro, but the hacker is more mellow right now. “I´ve found articles about Aldera, as you requested, it is following our script. No one thinks like you.” Skeptical mutters how if Miss Curious was alive, she would handle this easy peachy. The hacker looks at Shigaraki smirking at him.
The visible eye from the hacker shows fear, maybe he should be silent.
“Then you shouldn't have picked a fight with me, let alone Toga.” The smile on Shigaraki's face stretches as his words aren't just a fact of his victory, but a veiled threat. Tomura Shigaraki´s eyes are red, like blood and Skeptical shiver as the knowing fact this man can end your existence and…can even decide if there´s blood behind or not, it's enough to make the hacker focus on his work.
“Hm, what the media IS talking about?” Shigaraki asked, letting his prosthetic finger tap on the desk as his eyes were on the others. Isamu is a new face, Shigaraki admits that, but his interest remains less than lukewarm.
“Nothing, I swear.” Skeptical's voice shrills as his hands are holding the tablet. “Our cops are taking care of the situation,especially that detective. Everyone thinks the cops and heroes are looking for the culprit. People believe and aren't looking for more details, we can release a fake report blaming someone else.”
“No need. Soon enough, this society will be over,” Shigaraki comments so casually. Smirking at Trumpet who is gazing at his shoe as if it is the most interesting thing in the world. “And …Midoriya?”
Isamu frowns. This girl, Izumi Midoriya,is pretty, he gives that, but her quirk is non-marketable. What else will we lose if we continue with this manchild?
Redestro is standing tall, still smiling in such a simpering way. Clapping hands as Shigaraki is reading the lines of the documents, it refers to the construction of Daika city- the Urarakas made an estimate, and thanks to his quirkless employees things will go faster than previously discussed- “That's nice.” It's the words of the Supreme Leader.
Skeptical is focused on his device, Trumpet could slap him and the man wouldn't budge…the politician wouldn't dare to do so, not with Shigaraki looking at them, not with his Supreme Leader making him feel so small.
“You, trumpet,” Shigaraki doesn't know his real name but heard the man go by Trumpet. “You are a politician, you have connections. Can you locate someone for me?”
Trumpet gazes at his Supreme Leader nodding and trying to appear as if he's not fearing for his life. As if he's praying to not anger such a powerful being. His Supreme Leader.
And so, with the naturality of a showman, who runs the show for a long time, Trumpet nods and speaks in a more charming tone. Or trying to appear as his mind remembers WHO did the crater in Daika. “Yes, I can find you anyone or anything”
“Careful, bold words to make to me,” Shigaraki comments amused as Trumpet, the politician, is squeezing in the fancy chair.
There's a sadistic pleasure in knowing such a man, a rich politician, is so uncomfortable by Shigaraki's mere presence.
“Where is Kurogiri?” Shigaraki asked admiring how Trumpet is trying to control the fear, some escaping through his eyes. A dark smile plays on Tomura’s lips. “Still can do your promise, Mr. Politician?” And the politician is trying to gain leverage, no, he is grasping straws here but is trying.
“He is a nomu, the only one the heroes captured alive, I want to …rescue him. He is useful to me.” Tomura comments and rises from his chair as Trumpet is not giving a clear answer.
The gesture clearly set Trumpet off. The man goes on a tirade about how he deals with the department that cleans the messes heroes and villains create, not the security or prison…but he can get answers. “I can make a call, and find you for you now.” Trumpet is on his phone and is talking, rather suave, rather sincerely charming, with someone and once the call is over.
Shigaraki is facing him.
“He is in Tartarus, cellar 23, the basement. Shota Aizawa and Hizashi Yamada are one of the few people who visit him, for some reason.” Trumpet confessed in one go, his face getting red. “He is not talking much,”
Tomura narrows his eyes at him. “ That is something.”
Redestro chimes in, like a monkey dancing to the music of its master, his inane smile is too fake. “Supreme Leader, you can't go out…people can't know you are here. As you know, you are too smart to forget this detail. Truly, the smartest villain we know and truly…”
“SHIT UP!”Shigaraki can hear the insults in his fake compliments and it's so fake, so obvious in its malice and cowardice, it's revolting at least when Shigaraki hates All Might be.
His red gaze met Redestro who lost his balance and fell to the ground. Isamu would like to help his real Supreme Leader, but Shigaraki is suddenly larger than the room, and the beard man is just staring at Tomura Shigaraki.
“Supreme Leader,” Skeptical wants to draw the attention to him, a part of him feels furry someone so incompetent like Trumpet, a politician that got his job thanks to money and connections, is getting some praise for Shigaraki or…what one can assume as praise from the lunatic. I'm better than all of them. “I found something about Midoriya, wanna…” his words were cut off as Isamu found his voice.
The fool found his voice to criticize Izumi Midoriya.
“Why are we wasting money and effort on a girl that has the strangest quirk? She shatters her bones,” Isamu angrily spats as if this is a defect of Izumi's negligence. “Recovery Girl even refused to heal her, how more of a waste cause can you be? Why are we making her “Deternet's IT girl” ?”
Shigaraki stalks towards the man. His poker face is the best example of neutrality. Isamu truly believes his Supreme Leader can be reasonable in this regard, maybe he doesn't realize how much money they are wasting with such an odd girl.
She is pretty, but a pretty face won't help in the long run
Tomura Shigaraki’s red eyes don't show fire, just that vacant stare. His refined right finger taps Isamu’s shoulder. Nothing happens. “What do you mean Recovery Girl refused to heal her?”
Isamu sees a chance. He takes it with nails and teeths. “I have a contact in the UA, this person told me how Recovery Girl made this comment only about Izumi Midoriya. So clearly….” His words die off as his eyes gaze to his shoulder being decayed, soon, his entire body.
He had no time to scream.
There 's no blood.
Not even his beard.
The chair he was…is gone too.
“Sweet, I can control how decay goes. I didn't want to stain the floor with blood,” Shigaraki comments so casually. “And that chair didn't look good in this room,” his tone is mocking. Tomura looks at Trumpet who is pale.
Skeptical is on his tablet, eyes focused on his electronics, tablet and a cellphone.
Redestro is still on the floor.
“What about Midoriya?” Shigaraki asked pleasant to his hacker. The man shows a video about Shigaraki’s hero.
Tomura Shigaraki face is hard to read.
“The media would find her eventually…do something,” Shigaraki ordered and Skeptical almost scream how this is not his job…if Miss Curious was alive she would know what to do.
The video ends and Shigaraki doesn't give more orders, his hacker sends the video to Tomura’s private cloud. The hacker and politician are on the phone using all their contact and resources to help…no one looks to where Isamu USED to be.
“By the way, the business with the US. Do it. If that ends up being Star and Stripes…I’ll kill her if she becomes a problem,” Shigaraki responds so calmly, barring boredom.
Redestro, still on the floor, wanted to deny but Shigaraki looked at him challengingly and…the man changed the tune. Singing praises to Shigaraki and his decisions.
Tomura Shigaraki now goes to see the doctor.
The media found you.
As soon I heard you were in General Studies, I had to know more and I still feel it's not enough….
Oh Midoriya, I want to find you
No, I want you to find me!
Dr. Uijiko is located in his private lab, Shigaraki made extra clear, with few words and his intense red eyes, and no one be from LoV or from MPA reached a hand to the doctor, although, the older man hardly cares as there's several dashboards with purple lighting with screen indicating how ready the newest nomus are, currently, just 60%
There are also big tubes, thick cables on the ground that Johnny can't bite-the nomu is akin to a dog with sharp teeth, but not even his teeth can do any damage to those cables- and all is connected to many computers linked to more tubes and dashboards.
The round man, with his mustouche, is peeved as Shigaraki appears. His words are a tirade of accusations, bad mouthing and almost a swear, however, Shigaraki passes through the doctor to see the Gigantomacchia. The monstrosity Dr. Uijiko crafted to please AFO ages ago- AFO hardly tells about HIS pasts but Gigantomacchia's past is not hard to find, well, it is just a footnote- is a monster that can be on any size, at the moment, he's on the size of big Leonberger which says something.
Giga is almost touching the ceiling, but is staying still as if waiting…as soon he saw Tomura Shigaraki his eyes lit up. “MASTER,” rejoice is visible as his master is back FOR HIM. Tomura Shigaraki defeated Gigantomachia and with that won his undying loyalty.
Tomura is patting his head as he once did to MONCHAN. Privately wondering if Gigantomacchia can even have a tail like a dog, more specifically, like a corgi´s. “Hey, have you been good? Eating your food well?”
Gigantomacchia doesn't need food, exactly, it's not essential for him but from time to time it's essential for him to eat the victims the doctor provides for him. The monstrosity nodded its head and said how amazing his master cares for him.
(Did AFO care if Giga ate the vitamins? Tomura doubts very much)
Tomura pets his head again, still having Monchan on his mind. The doctor is loathing how this ungrateful swine is ignoring him…he should be begging for more power exactly like a child would throw a fit for a new toy. That, in his unbiased opinion of course, is how Tomura Shigaraki is.
Still petting the monster, Tomura never looks at the doctor, but speaks to him and shows such a lack of respect if you ask Dr Uijiko. “You attended Izumi Midoriya…when she was a child,” the girl is 17 years old, she´s still a teen. How old is Tomura? The man doesn´t know anymore. Tenko Shimura once was a normal 5 years old, now he 's Tomura Shigaraki. “Tell me…why did you hide that from me?”
The round man's face got red and a vein is popping, in fact, one can correctly assume it will pop any minute. “MIDORIYA, MIDORIYA! Is all you can talk about?! when you were talking about video games, annoying me with those damn references, now you are wasting time with this? Are you set to prove to me AGAIN how much of a loser you are?”
Tomura is still not facing the doctor.
The round man feels he may explode. “YOU ARE A MANCHILD, A LOSER. Don't you want power? Why waste time?”
Tomura is still not looking at him, which infuriates even more, if that´s possible, the plump doctor.
“I´ve power, I control a city. I want more power,” Tomura corrected the doctor, now dignifying the round man with a gaze from Tomura Shigaraki. “But I want to know the loose thread in my life, I want to know more about Izumi Midoriya.” Those red eyes are gazing into his very soul and Dr. Uijiko feels a bit of panic but refuses to allow Shigaraki to win, not this manchild, this loser, this waste of organs.
“Fine, I don´t know why you are wasting time with this…” Dr.Uijiko sighed and rubbed his eyes as he prayed for patience, it's a fact how Dr. Uijiko told, more than once, how Tomura Shigaraki isn't a worthy VESSEL but AFO was adamant. Just because he is a Shimura, you would have made a better nomu. “I knew her…no, saying that is a lie. I just diagnosed her.” It's unnerving to have Tomura Shigaraki, with white hair, giving his undivided attention.
He looks like a weak version of AFO, how dare him!
“I did all the tests, even a blood one. In the end, the girl IS quirkless. The mother? Sob uncontrollably, it was really pathetic even more as the girl had what?” The doctor paused to remember her exact age, “7 years old? I think. Anyway, I do remember the girl, Izumi,” He says his name, unsure if it is her real name but at the same time, giving the energy of not caring to be correct. “I do recall how the girl was quiet as a mousse, even when I drew blood…” and the doctor started laughing.
Tomura is just staring at him.
“She made the same face you when I used to do the blood tests,” The doctor laughs merrily at the fond memories of Tenko Shimure looking so broken as he didn't even flinch. “Her eyes were on her mother, who was on the verge of eating my chair…” He stops to laugh some more.
Tomura is just staring at him.
Macchia is so obediently near his master, so silently.
“Well, once the girl was diagnosed as quirkless, I told she can't be a hero, obviously.Hmm, maybe I should have worded better, many quirkless can work in the industry and is far better have a quirkless daughter than a mutant,” The doctor comments almost shrugging. “The mother was heartbroken, and put her daughter out of my office and begged if there was a way for the girl to have a quirk.”
Tomura narrows his eyes. “Is she a quirkcist?”
“That would be easier to understand, but no. Apparently, the woman lost her husband,” The doctor rolls his eyes, the motion is very visible even if he's wearing dark glasses. “and wanted to have a piece of him. His quirk was fire ball, begging, sobbing if there was a way to make her daughter have her late husband quirk, she wanted that quirk specifically. I almost sent her to AFO, let him deal with such a hysterical woman, but…” The doctor sighs softly in a way only mentioning AFO would do to him. “I decided to not bother him, he already had his hands full,” his stare is intense on Shigaraki.
Tomura is not impressed by the obvious dig.
“The girl was outside the door, I think she heard how her mother was hysterical, all for a quirk. I don´t get why, again, quirkless are better than mutants…” The man shakes his face. “I had to listen to that pathetic woman´s story while I was in the Central Hospital´s basement, where the good cases were.” The doctor is sure Shigaraki is going to ask about this.
“Why were you in the Central Hospital? Why did you attend Izumi Midoriya? AFO and you, love, and don't even try to hide, legacy kids ... .Central Hospital is not the way to catch legacy kids.” Tomura accused as he´s coming closer and the doctor realizes how tall Tomura Shigaraki has become.
“Momo Yaoyozuro, she was an excellent fit but her mother sent her to Switzerland, a relative of hers, and stayed there for some time until she returned to study in Somei. Fuyumi Todoroki, it 's a strange case, I confess. Rich families, as the Todorokis, do tend to make their kids, at least daughters, study overseas for at least 6 months minimum…She was out for 2 months and returned, no words from Endeavour about this, but many were asking when she would do the overseas program." The doctor can remember the interviews as Endeavour had little interest in commenting about his daughter, maybe to protect her private life, but he rarely talked about any of his kids, just Shoto Todoroki.
Maybe it means nothing.
Endeavour barely talks about his first son anyway…
“Many girls of legacy kids were out of the country or had barriers too big for us to break,” Or AFO had no interest in them. The man continues, uncaring for Tomura´s presence, as usual. “I was there working, I´m a licensed doctor…and unlike Recovery Girl, I don't reject anyone. Midoriya wasn't an exceptional case, just a quirkless daughter who had that as her mother, nothing special.” And the doctor crossed his arms. “Satisfied?”
“About Midoriya? Hardly, if she is really quirkless…how come she has a quirk?” Tomura loathes the man in front of him, but credit where it is due, he knows what he is doing in the medical field, so the chances of Izumi developing a quirk out of the blue are slim to none.
The man sighs and mutters something, maybe in the sense of how dumb Shigaraki is. “If I have to wager, I think All Might gave his quirk to her, why? No idea, that is incredibly stupid of him!” The doctor is rambling about OFA, the quirk, as if Tomura had any clue on what this is.
In his mind, Tomura is making a small timeline. She cleaned that beach for 10 months…no signal of quirk, and only used her quirk when…she faced which would have passed a year. SHE FACED ME WITH A QUIRK SHE GOT SO RECENTLY?!
This revelation does make Tomura more antsy for Izumi Midoriya.
“I mean, she could have a better life as an idol, people are fickle about freckles, I used to watch the idol bands with my grandson…people were always talking about girls with freckles. She could have been one. Not a hero, and certainly not a hero who shatters bones,” The doctor shakes his head disapproving.
Tomura blinks at this revelation. “You…had a grandson?” exclaimed agitating Macchia who tells he's ready to follow his master's command.
The doctor is nonchalantly about it. “Had, that´s the right word. He used to study with Midoriya,” rolls his eyes so hard and ignoring Tomura for a second. “He wanted to fly…I helped him, and you used him in your, whatever that was, against Stain.”
Tomura is not surprised by this. The doctor IS callous with human lives.
HIS GRANDSON?
There´s this itchy for decaying this man RIGHT NOW, but Tomura refrains from doing that, he still needs this vile human alive and breathing.
“More questions about Midoriya? No? great, now let´s start the process to give you AFO…” The doctor is asking for Tomura to strip and sit in the chair where he'll be electrocuted, mildly, as the man promised and then finally be put in the tube where his body will slowly receive one of the most powerful quirk in the planet, maybe, the only powerful quirk in the planet.
“Sounds fun,” Tomura says with a dry sarcasm. “But no thanks, not yet. I still need to do things…For example, rescue Kurogiri, and I´ll use Gigantomacchia.” The mere mention of his name by his master´s mouth makes the monster so happy.
The doctor closes his fists and trembles a little. “We wouldn't have this problem with Dabi…” Mutters and Shigaraki listen to that.
“You knew Dabi before he joined LoV?” Asked hazy as the mere idea is insane but…not totally impossible.
“Of course, he was in the basement of the Central Hospital, I wasted time with the Midoriyas, should have been with him…” his concern is almost paternal until Shigaraki remembers how he admits to murder his own grandson in cold blood. “Do you believe it? The mother, mama Midoriya, even begged for her daughter to be in the basement as she heard there were special cases there and miracles, how I didn´t laugh at her face …I don´t know.”
Tomura Shigaraki is resisting the urge to murder this man. Why does this bother me now? I always knew he was a monster. Then, what does this make me?
“Macchia, can you attack Tartarus?” Shigaraki asked, looking at the monster who is ready to fulfil any command his master gives to him.
“YES, as you wish, master!”
Tomura nodded and asked for the monster to follow him. Ignoring the doctor once again, as it became pivotal to sort his mind before doing anything radical.
- Rescue Kurogiri can be a nice distraction.
- The doctor sacrificed his own family…I thought only heroes did that.
- Why do Izumi want to be a hero?
- What else is Dabi hiding from him?
Well, I hope killing some cops and heroes will be a nice distraction.
It's without a shadow of a doubt how the apartment where Dabi resides is The definition of the word luxurious. This apartment has mahogany flooring, the new painting- a light blue- gives a cozy atmosphere, currently the dinning room is the picturesque scene worthy of any Dorama with wealthy families. The tables, the chairs and more are fitting for a general if the Supreme Leader.
There is even the sweet fragrance of flowers and fruits that together create a wonderful perfume for the house, however, it's his own brand of skepticism to see the lovely scent as a veiled mocking. Burned flesh, as few COULD tell you, doesn't smell wonderful.
(Dabi has to clean himself religiously and with special shampoos and soap)
Dabi can even admire the welcome basket that Geten, out of all people, were forced to deliver to Dabi, no fish in the basket. His lips curl in a lazy smile but there is malice underneath such a smile. Must have hurt for Iceman.
Geten, the ice user, has made abundantly clear how his disdain for Dabi is still strong. The white haired man always sneers at his scars and looks affronted when the women of the organization give bedroom eyes at him.
Which is always funny and an ego boost. But as Dabi looks at his guest, it dwells on him, how he may be coming across as a bad host. “My bad, we are having a talk and I was just reminiscing about the past,” Dabi’s deep voice is with a friendly front as he is finally looking at the wingback chair, the yellow one.
Redestro had redecorated the room, well, called someone to do such a task and clearly no expenses were spared. In a way, this seems to be designed for a grand hero and it makes Dabi find a morbidness in this joke.
The winged back seats are in 4 colors but the yellow one is where the guest is…tied up and gaged as Dabi is staring at his work of art. Untenmaru Kurumada has long hair, now his hair is burned, his face is swollen, his eyes are puffy and his uniform also has burned ... .that goes to his skin.
“Where are we?,” Dabi asked in his deep voice as he kicked the leg of his hostage, making the man wince in pain. A part of him truly wants to set him ablaze. “Right, you just told me you saw Rei Todoroki on the floor, crying and begging for help …sure a hero would help her.” His tone is sardonic as he kicks the man again, his fire is matching his eyes.
Untenmaru Kurumada watches as his general touches his tie is burning, the sparks are touching his skin. The blue fire can melt metal, human skin is nothing. The driver is muffing a scream.
The villain watches how the face of the driver is still fixable. The MPA has healers that can do almost anything -there talks to fix his skin with a bit of time which Dabi isn't opposed to- which makes the temptation to hurt this man MORE, but his plans rely on this idiot being alive and fit to drive in the right schedule.
Endeavor is not one to change the staff so…he needs this driver.
Dabi is snapping his fingers and tapping his foot, tapping away closer to Untenmaru Kurumada’s head. “Hm, Rei Todoroki is still in Fujitani Hospital 's psychiatric ward for a long time. No one finds it odd because a hero is here, her husband. Hm, now we establish how the great Endeavour still let his wife perish in that hell hole, oh we did briefly talk about Fuyimi.”
The girl, according to the driver, was sent overseas because of public backlash. Many wealthy families DO send their kids abroad for a small period- the minimum of 6 months- and Enji Todoroki sent the girl for Canada but she was taken back in less than a month ... .and the fewer photos can show the young girl taking care of Natsu.
Chiyo is the caretaker. An old woman that was forced to retire according to the laws. The timeline is very suspicious.
“We talked about Natsu,” Dabi said, remembering how the driver confirmed how the man is a doctor, well, almost. The finals are killing you? His thoughts are amused as he wants to imagine Dr. Todoroki doing exams and being a doctor. The soon to be doctor has a girlfriend, a heteromorph called Nezumi.
“Oh right.” Dabi has a grin of his own, his jaws can really stretch so wide? The villain knee to where Untenmaru Kurumada is still is pulling his hair, with such strength, one would be inclined to believe Dabi can scalp the driver’s head. “Let's talk about the star of the show, not the dead Todoroki,” Dabi has a big smile that is borderline insane. “The masterpiece! How is he?”
Untenmaru Kurumada is crying, sobbing and getting another kick, this time on his stomach. Once the man is still, Dabi takes the gag out.
“The young master,” the driver is speaking among sobs, trembling and looking forlorn and broken at his general. His general isn't happy with him. “ Once wanted to invite a Midoriya girl and Bakugou to a family dinner…” the driver breaks down crying begging for forgiveness.
Dabi looks unimpressed.
“Oh a family dinner …with the Todorokis, but Midoriya must have liked it.” His tone is too ambiguous but the driver is not in the mind to care if he is praising the girl or mocking her. “go on.”
“The girl at first wanted to leave his family, his brothers, but as soon as she saw Bakugou there ... .She said,” The driver is hyperventilating and Dabi does nothing. “ She lied, a pretty obvious one, she barely looked at the young master or anyone and said, stemming, how she needs to see her grandparents. She beat it.”
Dabi chuckles. “Her grandparents are dead 10 years now.” The villain starts to laugh because considering how the entire world sees Bakugou as a monster. In this society a filial daughter is the building block of this society, but, Izumi Midoriya lies about her deceased relatives, grandparents in this case, doing that all to escape Bakugou.
The entire world knows about how shitty Bakugou is. The entire world knows how Izumi Midoriya survived all this abuse. Boss’s obsession aside…I do wonder why she wanted to be a hero. The man can admit how there are similarities here with this girl.
“Bakugou told him, his words, to fuck off and he walk away. The young master was….alone, I drove the young master back home and Fuyimi was there as well as Natsu…there was a fight with Endeavour…But…I ….” The driver is crying, his face is reddened.
“You did nothing, as usual.” Dabi berates him. “ And?”
The driver shakes and his mind is not recalling anything about the young master. They don't interact much.
Dabi knows about Midoriya, Iida and the young master facing Stain- Dabi is very impressed with the two heroes, not with the driver.
“Well…after the reveal of Bakugou, I caught the young master more withdrawn than ever. The heiress of Yaoyozuro tried to engage in a talk with him,” The driver comments in tears. “He wanted to see his mother, his classmates were trying to talk to him…he ignored the heiress, and burned the tapes of one of his classmates, Sero Hanta”
Dabi has no idea who Sero Hanta is and frankly, doesn't care in finding out. Poor Shoto Todoroki, Endeavour rob any chance of you being a normal kid and you tried to befriend Endeavour 2.0
Did you have a crush on that girl Midoriya?
I hope not. It will be so awkward for you.
Now blue eyes look into the driver. “Wanna make me happy?” The driver nodded desperately, like a dumb dog wanting to please his master. “Good…then I may not burn you” YET.
Izumi took a nice shower to take the chlorine out of her body and hair. Thanks to some youtubers talking about the importance of taking the chlorine out of the body, Izumi is taking better care of herself. The other students too. In fact, Izumi Midoriya doesn't have toiletries at the moment, Mei happy to help and to stall as much as possible shared some of her shampoos, pads and soaps. Most of the girls did chip in for this cause…
But as Izumi is outside the building…the reality is how Maina had to pull Mei's ear and drag her to the bathroom. The genius girl didn't manage to
The General Studies's building is modest if compared to the rest of the dorms for classes such as A1 and B2, but it has a small garden where people like Komoko Masu, Futo Nagashira and Ronaudo Kaege are tending of the tomatoes and Izumi Midoriya shyly asked if she can help.
Shinso WAS supposed to help but left as Aizawa is back and ready to teach him, apparently, the new strategy is to give Shinso muscles…
Maina has the essential task of…bath Mei Hatsume, if you pay attention you can even hear the genius girl and Maina arguing. “But my babies…” “After the bath!” “Why? I'll be dirty again,” “MEI! Don't call Izumi here.” “Fine…I hate baths” “We know”
Shyness is always hand in hand with a sense of not belonging, but Izumi can´t stay idle even if the clock is against her. “Can I help?” It's a garden and Izumi´s name translates roughly to beautiful spring…it's unfortunate how some kids, in the past, never learned how to learn properly but were sure first too loud to share wrong opinions.
Ronaudo Kaege nods. “Thank god, we have so many tomatoes. Pick a basket, Izumi. Tonight, we all have sauce.” It's a joke about something and Izumi didn't get it but everyone laughed and it was ok. Everything is ok.
Komoko is talking about her mother, apparently she's a super important business woman. “And your family, Izumi?” the girl with glasses asked, involving her in the conversation. Izumi can´t lie but no one minds Inko Midoriya not being this powerful business woman.
Izumi talked about her late father, an architect, and how that inspired her to be a hero. It's not a lie, but is just a small fragment of WHY Izumi wanted to be a hero. Her late father used to make houses for people and was part of the social programs to house many poor families…the intention was noble, but the cynicism in Midoriya now wonders if the idea was just to hide the poor. Did dad know? I don't think so…I think he wanted to help …its just…It´s just the hero society is way more complex than I once believed.
The classmates are impressed. Futa, with his amazing topknot, takes the word as if this is a press conference with all the important channels eyeing them. Ronaudo sighs as if this is something common. Komoko just claps her hands, helping the illusion.
"That's what a hero does, it helps people. Gentlemen, ladies. A hero is a person who helps those in need and what is more heroic than house those who had nowhere to go? Midoriya may not be a hero with a license, but it is a hero in a true sense,” Futa stops dramatically and Komoko claps her hand, Izumi does so and Ronaudo is filming. Wow I barely noticed him taking his phone out!
“Midoriya here,” points at the girl who is carrying tomatoes and doesn't seem to know this is now a very important press conference. “It's a hero, one in the making who wants to help others. She is a hero too.” And Futa gives a dramatic pause. Ronaudo ends the filming and talks, in a whisper, to Izumi.
“His parents are media gurus, they used to work with Miss Curious in the past…Futa takes the media very seriously, and he is just trying to help you.” It´s all the warning Ronaudo can give before Futa appears and starts dumping info about the media, tips on what to say or act in the future.
The journalists spotted Izumi Midoriya early in the morning, before everyone headed to the pool because, well, malice compliance became the new trend. The journalists were adamant in knowing what Izumi thinks about everything.
The Bakugous aren't protecting or denying any claims against his son.
Aizawa and his lawyers are doing their best and counseling is on the table for Bakugou.
The girl hasn't said a word aside “I can't talk without my homeroom teacher present” but her photos and videos are trending ALL AROUND THE WORLD. Somehow, it is particularly easy for Izumi to ignore this fact…once AFO is lurking in her mind. Had a dream or memory about how Nana died….Felt so real…As if Nana was looking at me.
(The small silver line, if Izumi can be called that, is to know how one single photo of Izumi barely looking at them…tops the charts and rankings of many sites and Mt. Lady, who is the media´s darling, got second place…Izumi feels a bit vindicated when thinking about the media class she gave. No, it wasn´t her fault…in the end, it was class A1 who let me down. With this thought, Izumi feels a bit bad for Mt. Lady)
“Oh…guess I´ll have to learn how to deal with…the media,” Izumi inwardly cringes. Fame is not her thing, but considering her name is trending on BlueSky, the Weboo, the Twitter and more…it's something she may need to be prepared for.
Futa is giving tips after tips. One thing that he emphasizes is the looks, male heroes can have scars and people will love it, female heroes need to be pretty. “You are pretty, Izumi.” Futa reveals as if this is a fact. The others nod, Izumi is speechless. “But you´ll need, in the future, to have a dress for galas or a suit, what suits you better. I also know what to say. The public’s opinion is essential! Look at Mt. Lady or All Might!”
Ronaudo chimes in. “Futa is right, popular heroes are usually called to be in galas by the Himuras, Mr. Youtsubashi and more do like to know the next heroes. Money is essential for this profession. Maybe, that´s why Todoroki-san doesn't need to worry about how he acts in front of others.” He crosses his arms and is now mulling.
Izumi knows a bit of his backstory. “He…has his reasons for not wanting to be social.”
“Of course, my point is not to invalidate his struggles, it's just if he was poor and didn't play the game…he would be a hero with no support in the future.” The boy puts his phone back, it has a crack on the back. “Money is very important for the hero's work, Tiger Lily wouldn't be known as a man if he didn't have a good income behind him…” and adds the last part softly. “I wouldn´t be seen as one without having good support.”
Izumi understood his words, its implications. “You right, thank you for telling me that.”
Ronaudo has a relieved smile on his face. Komoko chimes in talking about how their homeroom teacher handles the situation professionally. “Just like a media guru!” Futa nodded in approval.
As they are heading back, there´s one person in front of the gate of this small building. Shoto Todoroki. The boy looks so anxious, it makes Izumi remember a stressed cat and …considering everything, the girl doesn´t have it in her to ignore him.
“Go on guys, I'll catch up later,” Izumi promised and added how she´ll make the sauce. The fact she has no idea what the sauce is is what makes the others laugh, not maliciously, as they hold on to their promise.
Now it is just Izumi and Shoto separated by the open gate.
“How are you?” Todoroki inquired bluntly, trying to be too hasty, too insensitive. The situation regarding Izumi's past is public - her story with Bakugou is clear, her family was dragged into the mix and well, Shoto Todoroki is not surprised to learn how her grandparents have been dead for 10 years.
The boy’s heterochromia can appear rare, unique but aren't concealing how his eyes are nervously scanning the girl’s cheeks as if to see any signal of a slap, or a bruise…or a burn.
Izumi Midoriya can't hide the fact how his stare is a bit intense, as if he truly needs to inspect her skin- the freckles as well- or else… Subconsciously, the girl let her scarred fingers gingerly touch her cheeks as well her nose. There are facts of her past that are still in the dark.
I must have a puncheable face.
“Better now,”Izumi reveals in an appealing tone, there's a calmness in her tone which was hardly associated with her time in A1. Her green eyes indicate no lie, but are scanning him back as if to determine if his visit here is merely to trade pleasantries.
How long is Izumi in General Studies? A week and no one reached her. Not that she ever expected anyone to really do that.
“Bakugou is gone,” Shoto doesn't wait around the bush. Bakugou’s suspension couldn't ever be a secret. “A month for now. Everyone in the dorm is hectic,” Todoroki stops as he remembers Momo feeling utterly lost, not because of the lack of Bakugou, but what THIS can mean for the rest of them.
Some people like Sero Hanta believe it is not a big deal for them. Sero Hanta goes as far as to say maybe some time out for Bakugou and Midoriya is what the doctor ordered. No doctor ordered that! No one wants to talk about…Midoriya.
“I´m sorry,” heterochromia eyes full of forlorn but his voice is croaky. Shoto Todoroki doesn't look down, even if the shame is engulfing him like fire. The boy noticed how, in such small interaction, “You didn't flinch.”
“No, there´s no more reason for me to do so,” Izumi reveals in such a pleasant tone. It dwells on how life can truly be fantastic without Bakugou breathing down her neck. How funny! All it needed was to realize how she WILL die by AFO's hand.
Izumi is not one to ally with silence anymore. It never did her any favors. So, the girl lowered her eyebrows, crosses her arms. Using a flat tone to speak. “Don't take this the wrong way, but I’ll win the Sport Festival without using my fire, I’ll prove I can win against All Might's lovechild on my own.”
Izumi muffled some giggles, and the sound was so rare to hear in the past, when she was in A1. It took a while for Shoto to understand her strange line.
A sweet drop fell on his head. “Oh, you were mimicking me,” Todoroki said exasperated and a bit relieved. His mother rarely jokes anymore but she still smiles, albeit, in a faint way.
Izumi nods. Is this a small payback or not?
“How are you, Todoroki?” Izumi asked casually. The gate is open but neither moves an inch. The heterochromic eyes can't see any injury but his mind recalls how Recovery Girl coughs up how she DID say how she may not heal Izumi Midoriya anymore.
“Confused, angry. I thought A1would be different,” The implications are very easy to spot, barely hidden. “I came here to apologize. I shouldn't have trauma dump you,” Shoto had to rely on Google to solve some of his questions- Fuyimi and Natsu were busy- “and I…should have done something, anything back then. I just let…. Midoriya,” his words carry urgency. “I had no idea he slapped you. I meant it. If I knew he would do that…” Shoto trembles as he remembers the first and last time his father lay a hand on his mother.
Little Shoto was terrified.
Shoto Todoroki is a hero now.
It´s not a secret that Shoto Todoroki goes to visit his mother more lately.
Izumi is quick to say how none of what happened in that damn exercise - using the word damn makes Shoto be surprised- “if you want point fingers, point fingers at Bakugou and Eraserhead,” Izumi remember how the media finally hound her and how she couldn't say much except her line, how the homeroom teacher appears and cleverly handle the situation.
I need to know how to handle them better.
Futa said something about a gala dress or suit. Gone ask him for more details.
“Still…I should have done more,” Shoto confessed, trembling still. Izumi gently put a hand on his shoulder, making the boy gaze at her. “When I asked you to dinner with my siblings….I also asked Bakugou,” the boy looked so remorseful. “and you ran away…the lie was very obvious,” Shoto comments how even this driver picked up. “But I didn't pick how you were so uncomfortable…how Bakugou is just like my old man. I'm sorry!”
Izumi would say everything was fine, but if she is to die tomorrow…to let any more repressed emotion or idea live in her mind feels wasteful. “I want to apologize for that, really. I shouldn't have lied about my grandparents like that but….I wouldn't be in the same space as him, not again.” Izumi holds one of her scarred fingers.
Her eyes are on Shoto. “Why did you invite him, out of everyone? I never understood why you wanted to befriend him,” Izumi asked, genuinely curious. Shoto is not like Kirishima and he is a Todoroki, far richer than a Bakugou can ever hope for. Why befriend someone is Endeavour 2.0?
Shoto Todoroki looks at his hand for a moment, remembering his curse. If he had shaken Bakugou's hand…would he be out of UA? Snapping back to reality. “I …don't know, he was always around you. No one seemed to find that strange…so I thought we …” Shoto sighed. “You two resemble my brother.”
Izumi blinked. “Oh you mean Dr. Todoroki? Oh he isn't a doctor officially but …” Izumi would go on a tangent as she remembers pieces of this story from what Maina told her. Apparently, Natsu Todoroki is a prodigy in the medical field, if not a prodigy, then he is one of the best students at the University. There is a point where Natsu needs some media training as well.
“Maina told me about how your brother is an excellent student,” Izumi is holding her bottom lip.
Shoto shakes his head. “No, the one who died in Sekoto Park,” Shoto then reveals the existence of Toya Todoroki, dumping the little he knows about the first born of Todoroki easily.
Izumi Midoriya blinks. Makes me think if Tomura Shigaraki has a similar past ... .maybe he did have to fake his own death. I need to know.
“So we remember you…your dead brother? Hm, can I ask why?” Izumi doesn't know if there is a graceful way to handle this topic but Shoto doesn't seem upset.
“My brother always tells me little stories about him. He was unhinged like you were in the Sport Festival,” Shoto comments and Izumi nods not having in her to try to deny the obvious. “And liked to fight ... though, I think I misunderstood some of Bakugou’s actions.”
“I need time to process everything, but Todoroki, I don't hold you against anything Bakugou did.” Izumi speaks with sincerity. “I'm just done with class A1.” The girl wanted to say how tired she is to be excluded, singled out for not being the typical image of a heroine.
Shoto seems to understand, at least, the part about A1. No one is private about her innermost thoughts. She wants to know more about Tomura Shigaraki - for sure a boy of a lower income family that AFO took advantage of - and the Shimuras.
“About your things, I locked the door of your …old room, no one can enter. If you want your good stuff back…I can make sure no one will bother you.” Shoto promised remembering how his mother once confessed how she wanted an old book located in the Todoroki state.
Izumi remembers the All Might's merch.
“I´m not sure if I want my merch back,” Izumi answers hesitantly as the idea of the posters where All Might is so happy and victorious crashes as she KNOWS this man was in pain on many levels. It makes it seem shallow, on the other hand, abandoning the merch there feels wrong.
“You have all the time to decide, I locked the door. No one is entering there.” Shoto consider telling how Hagakure wanted to visit her but is either too ashamed or too easily swayed by the others girls - Mina and Jirou aren't badmouth Izumi, but they are downplaying everything - “If Hagakure was here, would you be able to see her?”
“No,” Izumi stated matter-of-factly. “But I can sense her smell,” almost shrugs as if this is something anyone would be able to do.
Shoto doesn't argue with the logic.
“Oh, yeah, I wonder if you know but All Might still is campaign for the death of ONE villain located in Tartarus,” Shoto shows his phone and it's clear footage of many reporters in front of the main building of Hero Commission - it's closer of Izumi's home- as the famous hero of all Japan is asking, no, demanding a death penalty…something extremely illegal.
With a contemplation written in her face, Izumi speaks. “Heroes kill villains, all the time. Many heroes do so, for example, Mirko is famous for loving to beat up villains and killing them. Heroes do kill, even if The Hero Commission wants to sell a different story. We don't have rehabilitation, just death and hope for the next life ….they became a better citizen, a useful one.” Izumi’s eyes dart to.the side as her words are laced with venom.
Committ suicide and pray to get a quirk in your next life.
Anger is making her frame shake, Shoto doesn't know what to do to comfort anyone. “Why is he so specific about one villain needing the death penalty?”
Izumi considers her options here. Nana Shimura is still a beloved figure, her cover death is plausible enough and no one needs to know about AFO. “The man who killed Nana Shimura is there.”
Shoto Todoroki gasps at the revelation. “But wait, if that's the case, should he be an old geezer now?” Asked confused as for sure the assassin must be a frail old man.
Then again, Gran Torino is an old man who is still working…so maybe Shoto Todoroki can be wrong about this.
Izumi bites her tongue, metaphorically. “It's classified, I can't tell you, sorry.”
No one needs to know about AFO.
Shoto Todoroki wanted to press the matter, eventually accepting to let it go, for now. Whatever the truth is, it must be really serious if All Might wants to murder someone.
“Well, the other thing you should be aware of…” Shoto remembers how Izumi was cornered by Shigaraki, in the mall incident, and decides that hiding information from Izumi is not a smart call. “Tomura Shigaraki invaded Tartarus and took one of its prisoners, Kurogiri, with him. There's many casualties. Eraserhead,” the name is stated rudely, so deserving. “ Left as he is now focused on training Shinso Hitoshi. Present Mic is handling the media ... .this news won't be shared.”
Izumi gasped and took a step back. “How come no one is talking about this?” but she answers her one question. “This is the decision of any high rank of The Hero Commission, as they control the country and for sure don't want people to know a villain like Shigaraki invaded the prison and won.”
He invaded the UA, he invaded Tartarus…OH MY GOD.
Shoto agreed with her thoughts. “Got the information thanks to my old man, he texted me that, now wanting to play as a concerned father and told me to ….respect the curfew.”
The name Endeavour makes Izumi remember Bakugou. It weirdly grounds her to reality. “I never liked Endeavour when I was a kid,” confessed mildly as she frowned at the mere memory of that man. He is just like Bakugou…AFO is just like Bakugou.
The following question is something Midoriya is aware of the answer, but, at the end of the day, the girl is curious. “You told me about your…situation,” Izumi said as delicately as she could. “You think if anyone, anonymously, were to call the police…”
Shoto laughs. It´s joyless.
“The media would have muffled everything, my mother was more or less of your age when she married him and gave birth to Toya,” Revealed with a disdain in his voice.
Izumi is horrified by the implications with what's being said between the lines. Izumi Midoriya is 17 years old…
“Eraserhead is leaving his students alone, to train a kid who is not from his class, Endeavour can be the #1 hero of all Japan…Bakigou got just a suspension, it will make his curriculum look bad, but he could still get a job. What is our society? Being a hero seems so bleak.”
Shoto has no answer for that.
“I´ll think about what to do with the rest of my things,” Izumi is not looking at him anymore. “I need time to process all this too,” and the implied message is clear for the boy.
Before Shoto Todoroki leaves, Izumi has nothing else to lose as she comments how the cheerleader uniform was a prank by Kaminari Denki and Mineta Minorou.
“Not that the other boys are pervs, I don't know about them …” Izumi remembers Iida and if he is a perv, it's not her problem. “But I just want to say how …it's strange and sad they can do that and get no consequences. They humiliated the girls and nothing happened. What is this hero society?”
Shoto has no answer for that.
For a moment, Izumi wants to dump on Todoroki about the Iida. I wanted to tell what Kirishima did but …it felt too personal.
Too raw.
As if understanding her plight, Shoto mentions he needs to return to the dorm. Maina and Komoko are calling for her, asking if everything is okay. Meu Hatsume appears waving her hands, with a beaming smile, saying how tonight she'll cook.
Shoto returns to class A1 in silence, no smile on his face.
Izumi returns to her new dorm with a smile playing on her lips.
Sara Ao did handle the media and assured the students how everything will be fine. It's alien for Izumi to see a teacher who treats all of them fairly and cares for their well being. Shinso stayed with Aizawa as the hero moved some strings and allowed Shinso access to an exclusive gym. It's important to share how, as much as this gym is top notch, Shinso Hitoshi will require to work out diligently.
The dinner was great, everyone got a plate. Izumi murmured time and time again and no one looked at her oddly. Futa shared to Izumi, how if she ever had to do an interview, it's essential to look at ease and be calm.
In his words, you are in control of the situation, always.
Izumi muttered about this and Futa only told to speak in a calm tone in the microphone. Ronaudo did agree, a good voice from a charismatic hero can do wonders.
Now, as Izumi is, she is in lotus position with Gran Torino- the same room still owned by the senior hero, Nezu can do all the power play but the headmaster won't pick a fight with All Might or Gran Torino.
(It's the veiled respect the headmaster is sharing and Izumi wants that. The respect is a taste the girl is covet is desiring)
Can someone respect Deku?
No, no one would respect the good victim.
No one even respects Shigaraki. The heroes, in the UA, still mock Tomura Shigaraki, calling him a man child. They would be cannon folders ... .they can't handle Shigaraki, let alone AFO.
“Breath in and out, Midoriya,” Gran followed his own advice. He is a grumpy old man but revealed how, because of his quirk and life, meditation is a good part of his routine. “Breathe in and out, Midoriya. Let the energy flow in your body.” Instructed as the man is doing a breathing exercise.
Izumi has her eyes closed.
If Shigaraki hadn't dealt with Aldera, what would she do?
What Izumi Midoriya can do?
In the back of her mind, there is a voice lulling Izumi in a sense of security. The voice seems feminine, maternal in a sense. Offering a comfort that for sure can't be from Inko Midoriya.
The voice is getting clear….
But as soon as she opens her eyes…There's the vivid, too realistic, image of Iida punching her nose. It is so real, the girl falls from her position and covers her nose, breathing erratically as if she got another punch on her nose.
Gran opened his eyes to see Izumi breathing hard, her eyes widened and her hands were covering her nose. The man doesn't understand but he has to help, has to set up as All Might isn't here. “Girly, what's the matter? Met Nirvana?” It's a small joke that flew under her radar.
Izumi sits back gingerly touching her nose, nothing is broken. There is no damage on her face and Izumi laughs. “Maybe I do have a punchable face!”
Gran Torino cocked an eyebrow. “What?” And fear gripes on his lungs, could be another problem? This girl faces hell from Bakugou- not even his biggest Stan denies such a claim- could be another?
Izumi stops laughing. Not getting why the man is so worried. Don't you have a morbid sense of humor?
“Well, it's just mediating makes my memories so real, as if I can touch or if it can touch me. I remember when Iida punched my face, it hurt.” Izumi confessed and added, “He tried to kill Stain, I stopped him. I was on a guilt trip, like an idiot, to save Bakugou from Shigaraki and …when it was settled Iida punched me. It hurts like hell.”
Gran Torino’s jaw dropped. Nana, in their youth, once got punched hard in the hall. On that occasion, her nose was fractured and her cheek swelled …there's division as the man who did this, a fellow hero in name, claimed he did this because he wanted her position. He claimed he would have punched her even if she was a man.
Maybe it's true, but Gran has maturity on his side.
There's no sex equality in violence. If Izumi was a boy, being punched by a classmate, without any reason, is bad. Her story is how she, a girl, was in the hospital and Kirishima went to her room asking her help to save Bakugou and…she was with a mild case of fever.
“Where was Aizawa when all this happened?” Gran asked as angry is latching on his very soul. The answer is very obvious but he would like to hear from her.
“Doing nothing.” Izumi answered as if it was to be expected.
Gran Torino looks at Izumi Midoriya. Who is this girl angered in her past life to warrant such rotten luck? Well, it could have been worse.
His mind goes to dark scenarios…
Yes. Izumi's life could have been worse, however, doesn't make what she endured recently any better.
The man picks his phone. “I want to make this clear, you should have come to me if you were having problems,” Gran analysed her expression. It's a visible doubt on his words. “I can't fix the past, but I can make sure the boy gets punished”
“Because he punched a girl?” Izumi asked, looking at her chest- the word “another shirt” is strategically up from her breast- seeing her small, minuscule stains. This shirt is old, so Izumi needs to take care of herself.
“Because he used violence against a classmate without any reason!” Gran Torino states as if that is the only truth. If the man once believed how hitting a girl is worse than hitting a boy. Boys will be boys lost the meaning when Nana Shimura was murder in that way.
No defense for Iida and Gran Torino nodded at her silent consent.
The man calls to one number, the person answers right away. Izumi didn't recognize the voice, even when Gran put the call on the speaker.
“Gran?! You don't usually call this late…”
“Tensei, remember the situation in Shibuya?” Gran opened with this question and the other line was silent for a moment. Izumi has no idea what happened in that area or who this person is but Izumi is paying attention.
“Yes, I owe you my life.”
“ Tensei, I'd like to cash in.” Gran Torino sighed. “I want you to take your brother out for a sabbatical year, and before you protest hear me out. Your brother punched a girl’s face for no reason. One who was responsible for rescuing the Bakugou kid. The one who saved your brother from murder a man,”
Tensei Iida, as now Izumi can piece his identity, sighed and his voice looks broken.
“Are you sure he did that?”
“I wouldn't have called you if it was a lie. And I'm asking for this out of respect for you and your family. A Iida can have more options than…most students,” Gran Torino used diplomacy as the Todorokis, Shimuras and Iidas are one of the most important families ever.
Even Izumi, who doesn't care for fame, can tell how prestigious the Iidas are.
“Ok, I’ll do it.” Tensei Iida looks on the verge of tears. Gran Torino looks at Izumi and asks. “If your brother asks, please, don't use Izumi Midoriya’s name, who is calling you is me.”
“I understand. Trust me.”
Izumi looks at the scene with big eyes as skepticism is still on her soul. There's no way Tensi Iida will take his brother out, but maybe he'll get a slap on his wrist, it's something.
Meanwhile, Tenya Iida is doing his homework alone, well, homework is a generous work as Aizawa is neglecting them but the boy is doing essays, it helps calm him down.
(The media is still talking about how awful Bakugou is and Iida can't help to agree. The boy was always rude and villain like)
He started doing the homework when the dinner was served, now, as the dinner ended. Momo Yaoyozuro taps his shoulder, tentatively. “Iida, your ... .brother wants to see you,” her eyes flick to the watch, it's way late for a family meeting but considering Tensei Iida is a legacy, some privileges are given.
Iida stops his writing and goes to see his brother passing by a sulking Kirishima- his phone has messages from Bakugou and some are from hours ago, no response.
The guards of UA are present and are indeed Tensei Iida. The man is in a special wheelchair, the car is crafted to be adapted for his needs. Tensei is the only victim who survived Stain and no one forgets that- one of the guards is discreetly recording the situation. You don't see legacies in UA every day.
Who opens the car’s door is his caretaker. A woman with a feminine black suit, purple hair that barely touched her shoulders, a petite figure and lilac eyes. Her skin is so smooth, there are no eye bags or even zits. Mineta and Kaminari are jaw drops, this woman is gorgeous - their eyes are on her chest and indeed is a good size- ignoring how she is opening the door allowing Tensei to walk in.
“Iida-sama,” the woman is concerned and looks very distraught to see the audience forming. Tensei shakes his head and the woman sighs.
“I'll be fine, Sakura” Tensie promised as he was gazing, with a hard stare, at his young brother. The man held her hand kindly but let go to solve this situation.
Tenya is beaming and is ready to hug his brother, fuzz about his health - no one will be seen as Shoto watches the scene a bit envious. Dr. Todorokis is nice, but hardly will hug shoto like that and likewise- but stops as Tensei raises his hand and his young brother stops on his track.
“I got a call…and I want to know, have you punched Izumi Midoriya on the nose?” Tensei asked and the woman named Sakura is clearly expecting a negative. In fact, Sakura is holding her hands like a prayer.
Jirou shouts out, infuriated, on her classmates behalf of her classmate stating how Iida would never hit a girl. Never!
Iida prostrates on the ground. “Yes, I did that.”
Shoto looks at the scene and feels a knot on his stomach. Bakugou slapped Izumi, Iida punched her….what else? Does anyone want to do a quirk marriage with her?
The idea alone makes Shoto’s ice react to his body. “You are also a villain. You are also a bad person,” now, if anyone asks, as if anyone would dare, who Shoto is seeing…he’ll ruefully say ... .just Endeavour.
Jirou gasped as everyone else.
Iida is still on the floor. “I was high on emotions. I shouldn't have reacted so strongly, I was concerned for her…” Kirishima is still silent, unmoving. “She went on her own to save Bakugou, she and the others,” Iida named them perfectly. Asuy thinks is unfair to shift the blame to the others even if she still think going on their own to rescue Bakugou was suicidal.
Shoto is considering beating him up, but his legs don't move. He is still that little boy. No, no. I'm a hero now. I'm stronger.
“He never apologizes to Midoriya,” Shoto found his voice even if his legs and feet feel glued. The others look as if they should speak or not, but Shoto is not stopping. “Your brother went to see Stain and kill him, Midoriya was worried and was after him…and no one in this damn class helped her!”
Ochako looks away now remembering the “strange” text message of that time. Ochako judged, on that day, Izumi was speaking nonsense and ignored the others.
A ping of guilt is on her conscience.
Not even to say anything about Izumi Midoriya.
Tensei looks at his brother knowing how his jaw is clenching, he is squeezing the arm chair of his wheelchair and most importantly, knowing how heartbroken he is right now. “Get up, Tenya. I didn't raise my brother to be a killer. I didn't raise my brother to hit a girl, a classmate who is concerned for you.” His reproval looks to all of the students.
“I don't know what type of heroes y'all think you can be…but please, reconsider your choices.” Tensei now addresses his younger brother. “I can and will take you for sabbatical leave. And after one year, I’ll transfer you to a new school”
More gaps.
Shouji, however, asks Ojiro and Tokyoama what this means. Asuy, in her good sister persona, replies ever so sagely.
“Its basically career suicide, no agency wants to hire a hero who has a sabbatical leave on the resume.” The frog girl explains as she watches the scene unfold as a mere viewer.
Oijiro adds. “True, while he is a Iida, many agencies still frown upon that but…considering he is a Iida…” trials off as the implications are easy to understand to Shouji, who has to be the mutant student model.
One fact about Tensei Iida many like to mention nowadays is how after his legs heal from the initial surgery that saved his life…he will do another surgery, where it is possible to recover the mobility of the legs, however, he is officially quirkless.
The older Iida will most likely still need his wheelchair, a different one, and clutches but is possible to give back his mobility. His career is indeed over.
“But…brother, Nissan.” Tenya now looks at his idol, his older brother. “You ask me to be the legacy of your family…”
Tenya frowns. “I don't need a brother who hits a girl and plans a cold murder as part of the legacy,” his face shows disgust. “The fact you don't care about a girl you punched, but the legacy is…very disappointing." His eyes look at Sakura who is crestfallen. “Your niece or nephew shall be the next Ingenium. You? Have 5 minutes to grab your things and get in the car!”
Tensei sighs and turns his back but says to his little brother. “You really disappointed me, Tenya.” and refuses to say another word as his Tenya Iida is begging for his forgiveness.
Sakura just asked. “Have you asked for her forgiveness?”
Tenya Iida shit up completely after that.
Someone asked if Izumi is the one to snitch on Iida, though, the word used “snitch” received some backlash. Mineta, the perv finds the situation too distasteful. Iida hitting on a girl, in a literal sense? Gross. Others think Izumi should have solved this privately.
“YOU TRICKED THE GIRLS TO USE CHEERLEADER UNIFORMS! YOU TWO DID, BET SERO WAS HELPING TOO” Iida exploded as this is being the worst night so far.
Sero is not denying or confirming.
“I called for him!” Shoto lied and the retired hero cocked one eyebrow but didn't correct him. In the end, it doesn't matter if Izumi called him or not, Iida is leaving in shame.
No one noticed how quiet Kirishima is. He is on the corner, holding the cellphone, looking so downcast.
Everyone in the A1 are talking about what just happened …and in matters of minutes, the social media is too.
The guards posted what he could to the site of Miss Curious.
Now class A1 has a horrible image if that is possible.
Momo wonders if they are cursed, if Midoriya is cursed or if UA is cursed. The woman is not even one to believe in superstition, but lately everything is changing.
We are heroes …we are good people.
We are heroes….right?
The media circus didn´t back down as the President of Hero Commission hoped, in fact, it increased as there´s international media are houding them. The blonde woman is feeling a migraine coming, even winced as the situation is complicated: An student of UA is suspended, said student is a villain in the making and now All Might is demanding the lethal injection on ONE villain in Tartarus.
We aren't the damn United States, you weaboo. The President massages her temple, Akane Ai, as they are all located in the conference room. All the politicians are present to save Trumpet who is handling the rebuilding of Daika city. Not that he would be of much help.
All Might is relentless. The man, in his entire career, NEVER made any demands which means THIS is taken seriously.
“HE IS A MONSTER!” All Might howled so violently Akane feared the media would listen,unfoundable as they are in the 18 floor, the media is not even inside the lobby.
Akane inhales as she's the main force of The Hero Commission is to one to respond to All Might, the others are following her lead, always.
“We have many monstrous villains, why this one, AFO, as he calls himself…deserves death? Something completely illegal in our country?” Akane asked in a dry tone as her tired eyes gaze at him.
All Might is fuming and any filter or desire to keep secrets is gone. “HE MURDER NANA SHIMURA!”
Akane gasped loudly enough to warrant her subordinate to notice and others even reacted. The others are muttering among themselves and Akane is the voice leading the discussion until she nodded and finally addressed the hero.
“We understand, her death still shaken this society…we could talk about a more permanent solution for AFO,” Akane is measuring her words, choosing carefully. “After we get more information. He´s a villain with not only a powerful quirk but has 200 years of knowledge of our country…there´s 200 years we, Japan, don´t know about ourselves.”
All Might is not satisfied with this outcome. “HE IS A LIAR, you truly believe a monster like him will tell the truth?” All Might frowns as he gazes at Akane. “Do you think what he'll tell, if he is speaking the truth, will be something Japan can withstand? We barely talk what WE did during WWII”
An uncomfortable silence reigns.
“1240. This is the number of villains I killed in my bloody career, I saved 100x more people, maybe more. I can kill that monster, I´ll do it, I don´t care…you can throw me in Tartarus later or kill me, I don't care…just let me murder this monster,” All Might demands in his skinny form but there is still power.
All Might is connected to heroes like Star and Stripes. For Akane's tribulations, Star has shown interest in knowing what her former master is doing.
Akane has received a message from the US embassy regarding the interest Star and Stripes is on what All Might is requesting and explicitly stating how she'll back him up. The woman felt fury as it felt like the US was bossing HER around.
“We need more time to think, we´re not saying no. We are saying how…killing inmates is not something YOUR motherland does.”
“But hiring mercenaries and killers IS something my motherland does daily.”
The air of the mall is with a sweet fragrance, a small treat the mall loves to give to its consumers. Izumi Midoriya knows each shop, each customer passing by not noticing the hand on her neck. Her green eyes glance at the villain next to her, smiling a bit demented. “Let 's have a chat, Midoriya.”
If Izumi can analyse this correctly, he almost feels like a little boy wanting to be tougher. Izumi frowns as she glances at the people passing by once more. “If I say no, you'll just kill everyone? 30 people at max?”
Tomura´s smile in a goofy way. “Minimum, you know that, Midoriya.”
Izumi is not taken by this, too unphased. “Could I have stopped you? Do I have the power to stop you?” Her hands are on his and remove from her delicate neck without a problem.
Tomura Shigaraki, still smiling goofy, replies with clarity. “I don't mind Midoriya, this is your world, I just can do what you think I can do.”
Izumi Midoriya opens her eyes to see a familiar ceiling in a soft orange color, it's her new room. Izumi has decorated a little, her flowers are present -Maina's friendship language is giving flowers which Izumi doesn't mind at all. Mei gave her a crafted heat system as winter is coming, Komoko gave her a poster of a nice lake to put in the room and the boys lend her books about media and heroes- her green eyes land to the ride side, as her head sees a pair of red eyes.
(Komoko commented how her mother took her to Otheon, a lovely trip, and Izumi nodded and mentioned how it sounded lovely. Komoko seemed very pleased Izumi heard her ramblings and asked if she wants a poster of the place, Izumi said yes)
The red eyes belong to a girl with a horn in the middle of her forehead, white hair -it's slightly curly lately- and has a white and red dress, it's no other than Eri. Her last name is Chisaki, but no one uses her last name. Eri doesn't mind…for now. Or so Izumi thinks.
“Morning,” Eri greets Izumi enthusiastically. The 8 year old girl is beaming, Izumi is fast to sit and is glad she´s not wearing anything inappropriate- Her clothes are worn and her wardrobe is in need of new things-through, Eri is looking at her chest and Eri's own chest is a bit confused.
Izumi feels a drop fall on her head. “Eri, what are you doing here? Did the others let you in?” Now as she reflects, Izumi never talked about Eri with them nor talks much about herself. The little girl shakes her head and points at the window.
“I climbed here, I heard Dekiru is here and I wanted to see you, no one was looking, so it was easy to escape.” Eri comments with pride, putting her little hands on her hips as she smiles so proudly. “It's lucky I'm small, not the first time I had to climb a window.” speaks with such naturality, such joy.
Izumi can't forget how she met Eri. “And your arms are healing?” Did the Recovery Girl do her damn job or refused for any reason? The green haired girl hated how she let the girl go, on that day, even if all went alright …THANKS TO IZUMI MIDORIYA, NOT NIGHTEYE. What that weird man did aside telling me how I´m unworthy?
Thankfully, the old hag is not as heartless to let a little girl (and a cute one) to still be with bandages wrapped in her arms. Eri shows the arms free of any scars or marks of needles. Physically, Eri will be fine.
“I found out Overhaul lost his hand, I want to thank you,” Eri has a smile and it´s a bit goofy, a bit like Tomura Shigaraki. Well, Izumi Midoriya just had a very realistic dream with him, it was very lucid.
A lucid dream?
“I did not decay his hands, but I defeated him. We did, if you haven´t helped me..I wouldn't be able to do it, thank you Eri.” Izumi worded carefully as no lies are in her words but Eri doesn't need the gritty details.
The little girl seems content with the situation. Regardless if her hero decayed the monster´s hands or not, she is her hero.
“Wait, you came here alone…where is Aizawa or anyone capable?” Izumi almost shouts but refrain from doing so at the last minute to not scare Eri. The girl shrugs, telling how all the teachers are busy and Aizawa is training Shinso. Apparently, he is in an exclusive gym specialized in gaining muscles. Present Mic is on the phone with many reporters and lawyers and Nezu is locked in his office.
Eri chuckles as if this is all amusing. “Mirio was supposed to take me to eat apples again, but when I heard about you…I couldn't wait.” Her smile dies off. "Aren't you happy to see me?”
Izumi caresses her face gently. “Of course I´m happy to see you, I'm just surprised.” Then remember a little piece of trivia. “I'm on the second floor, how do you climb up here?” Her quirk isn´t ideal for climbing.
“I told you, I'm used to sneaking around, it's how I'm alive.” Eri comments on such horrible things with such naturality.
With a heavy heart, Izumi can understand her words very well. “Oh, I know.” Izumi knows too well. The unfairness of living in a world where little girls need to know how to run, how to climb, how to fear in order to survive. Her blood boils at the thought… We are weak, even if we have a quirk, we are singled out ... ..That's unfair.
“Plus, you´re Deternet´s it girl. I want to see you”
“HUH?”
Izumi scratches her head as Eri pulls a phone, one that is very clear, extremely obvious, it's not hers. There´s news about Deternet and how Midoriya is officially the Deternet´s IT GIRl, well, not legally as Izumi signed absolutely NO CONTRACT, but, according to the media…she is.
Izumi reads at the news and then at Eri so innocently holding the phone. “Eri, did you steal this cellphone?”
“No?”
“Close enough for me,” Izumi awkwardly looks at his wardrobe, her clothes on her last day and the situation on how the girl doesn't take care of herself, and who is at fault? Hers? Her mother?
Pointing fingers now won´t help.
Eri happily goes to the wardrobe to see how there's few clothes, Izumi sighs as she goes there. “I´m needing clothes,” the green haired says as much to explain the obvious. Eri's eyes spark as the little girl jumps and says how she can help.
Daika City is still being rebuilt, yes, the reconstruction is going smoothly but not enough to open the shops.
“Eri…you don't have to do that,” Izumi assured her. It's somewhat adorable to see Izumi having a fan. Izumi reached Eri and saved the little girl.
“Won't be stealing, just borrowing.” Eri smiles beaming. “Easy peach, plus, Midnight´s has many …share is caring.”
Izumi barely hides her disgust at a cloth of Midnight's brand. Eri is too young to understand Midnight´s branding, but the little girl comments how Midnight is the chief of the theater area. “Oh, well….then just one shirt, please.”
(Izumi and her classmates did witness the heroes playing roles. Midnight wasn't dressed inappropriately)
Eri waves at her, and Izumi holds her for a moment.
“Since you are, wanna stay for breakfast?”
“Yes” and adds in the same happy beat. “You don't want me to climb the window down”
“NO!”
Izumi, with her teeth brushed and donned with a new cloth, comes down with Eri in her arms. Mei is on her coach and turns to see Deternet's it girl. “Hey, muscle girl, hi new kid” greets as if nothing is weird in the scene.
Maina looks at the girl and gushes at the girl, making a wreath with yellow roses. Eri, still on Izumi´s shoulder, magnanimously accepted the gift.
Komoko gushed at the girl but asked the loaded question.
Futa and Ronaudo chimed in, answering for the girl. Apparently, Izumi was wrong about the fact no one knows what happened in the Overhaul raid.
“We all knew about Midoriya rescuing a little girl,” They said, impressed as Futa gave a speech, as if once again in a press conference, and Eri ended up clapping her hands. His tip, for the day, was for Izumi to never feel ashamed in speaking about her deeds. Modesty is appreciated in the hero community, but, you still need to talk about your deeds.
A balance, as Ronaudo intervenes, is a must for every hero. No one likes an arrogant hero, but someone who never talks about their deeds is always last. Izumi feels a bit stung but Ronauld apologises right away. “I didn't mean to offend, it's just heroes really know how to communicate with the media or else they get no job,” Maina agrees with her friend and said how many good heroes ended up getting no recognition.
It makes Izumi pause for a moment. I hate fame…but well, heroes do need fame.
“I understand, thanks for the tip.” Izumi thanks sincerely. Fame is not something for her to worry about right now or ever.
Maina asked if Eri has a hero relative, after all, why else would a little girl be in UA? That is not common for UA at all.
“Oh no, they want my quirk, but I don't want to help.” Eri replied calmly.
Maina looks at Izumi.
Maina looks at Eri.
“Yeah,your quirk, your choice!” Maina fires back not fully grasping the context, to be fair, the heroes didn't share with the media what Eri saw or endured.
Komoko claps her hands. “Daika city will be ready, we should go there and buy essentials.”
“Yeah, I want to buy some clothes…” Izumi confessed, still with Eri, ever so comfortable, on her shoulders. For a moment, Izumi feared the girls would sneer and comment how they know Izumi is poor or how her fashion style sucks (one of the girls made comments, not malicious, but still hurtful about her fashion sense.)
Mei beamed. “Then let's all go together, I need new tops and shirts too.”
Maina agreed happily, and asked Ronaudo if he needed any piece of clothing. His binder, as he comments, is fine but he does need a new pair of shirts.
Komoko is excited for this outing. Asking Izumi if she ever went to Daika, well, before the destruction. Maina and Mei pipe in saying how Daika has great shops and even a good ice cream shop. The boys, who are now excited, commented how Daika has a great media library.
“It was created by Miss Curious…” The boys replied in unison and both are starry eyes. “We would love to see it, the reporter is currently in The US in a seminar with the most influential media manager of the entire world,”The name Media-con seems silly or maybe, genius either way this is conference only the best of the best go. Miss Curious is the only Japanese professional of the field to be called to such an event more than once.
(They do acknowledge how the event can too exclusive, maybe, down right borderline racist as there just one profile of professionals in the event)
No one is excluding Izumi or mocking her.
Izumi almost cry.
Izumi Midoriya is a crier and her tears aren't ignored.
Mei offers her a tissue, promising everything will be fine. Daika city will be rebuilt faster and they can enjoy a nice day together. Eri promised the same for Midoriya.
Everyone there assured her how Daika city will be ready so quickly.
Izumi nods and refuses to say how, in her past, she is often left alone.
“Let's go to Daika city together!” The green haired girl promised much to the others' joy.
“Plus, as you are Deternet’s It girl, they sure will be happy to see you there!” Mei comments enthusiastically. “And then…they can hear my complaints!”
“Mei!” Maina chides. The others laugh as it's funny, it´s normal. Izumi found everything so perfect, wanting to preserve this moment if possible. Wanting to store the moment…
“They are the best of her best, I don't forgive that mistake!” Mei crosses her arms.
Komoko laughs at the scene, taking her glasses off to wipe the tears out of her eyes.
Futa says Deternet did reach to him (“your complaint was well filed, Mei”) to show a message to Izumi.
Deternet sees a great future for you, Izumi Midoriya.
You are a worthy hero.
You saw my video, Shigaraki?
“Thank god it is Saturday.” Izumi says because it's true. Sara Ao, later, sends a message wishing the kids a good weekend (make sure to mention the boys to read more the material “media is important but so is knowing more languages”) and tells how the media will cool off as Present Mic took care of the major issues.
All alone. The sensei didn't mention it, but it's implicit in her wording.
Eri is meeting the other girls, finally allowing the flooring know her shoe. The little girl looks at the girls and at their chest and is looking at her own.
Eri is confused.
It's late night, Eri has long gone and moved to her temporary housing along with Izumi's classmates escorted, in the condo-Nezu made thanks to Cementoss- there´s a babysitter, an old woman whose her task was to make meals and make sure Eri is not hurt. Chiyo seems friendly enough as she even invited the students for a nice dinner. The food was delicious and the old woman was very chatty as she confessed how she was the babysitter/caretaker of the Todorokis.
Never met little Shoto.
The classmates found that a bit strange but can easily assume Endeavour spent more time training Shoto Todoroki.
Izumi kept her mouth shut. It was surreal hearing such an innocuous line and not feeling sick. Endeavour was abusing his family, his son, and this woman doesn't know? Izumi doesn't direct her anger as Chiyo-the woman is so fragile- but it's telling how the biggest hero of Japan, sans All Might, did all that and is still unknown by the public.
It´s also telling how Aizawa is indeed loaded as the man who can hire the best lawyers-the expulsion was a moot point, no lawyer in the world can revoke this. Bakugou's curriculum has this red spot- open a membership of the best gym for a student that isn't from his class and hire a caretaker for Eri.
(Eri whispered to Izumi, as the others were having fun, how Chiyo is harmless. Izumi hates how she understand what she meant by that)
Now Izumi Midoriya is in her room recalling everything that happened tonight. The girls said how lovely meeting Eri and Chiyo. Komoko asked if Izumi wanted to help her make a sweet dish tomorrow, a mochi. No one singled out Izumi, and the green haired girl agreed.
Izumi was seeing some receipts online, never Izumi cooking with someone, usually it's for her mother or for both. No one in A1 was very interested in cooking with her, it was a chore, like any other…Izumi refused to dwell on that as she ended up scrolling to see more of the Media-con. Futa and Ronaudo made a big ramble about this event, especially regarding Miss Curious and right now, Izumi can say she is genuinely impressed.
The official photos of the media-con from last year, sure enough, Miss Curious was a guest of honour there- the only visible blue woman- but as she looks at the official site of the event, there is no mention of Miss Curious.
Maybe she is no longer a guest of honor?
Oh she could be a surprise guest. This event has done surprises in the past, so it's not impossible, but Izumi notices the overlap on the fact: Miss Curious's social media and site IS in Japanese, the social media of the media-con IS English.
But one thing is clear: as much as Miss Curious is considered a very influential voice in journalism, often criticizing everyone and everything, it is connected to Deternet….
And her silence is very telling. Her blog did a post regarding the crater in Daika-the tone of the post was very different from the others-but the woman who once did a live show during Endeavour using his flames loose…is 2 weeks without showing herself.
“She usually makes live feeds,” Izumi remembers one of her past live feeds. The woman is daring enough to even try to interview a villain, and she did flawlessly to the joy of her view. It makes Izumi think if she would try to interview Tomura Shigaraki.
What a silly thought….
Maybe not. Maybe she did find a way, or rather, something that could be used to force Tomura Shigaraki to work for Deternet …for some reason. The man, as Izumi fingers her neck, once gave the impression of wanting fame very much.
Companies don't rise to power without dirtying their hands….so maybe they hired LoV and Shigaraki
Now as the image of Tomura Shigaraki enters in her mind, the villain soaking in fame-a theory but if he is working with Deternet, on the side, wouldn´t be the same as Stain having merch STILL- The idea of fame makes her think of Nana Shimura and her family.
Izumi, is now a hacker and even eyed the hacker book that once belonged to Shigaraki, then is back to the screen. Many villains come from low-income families-with small exceptions as Muscular was from a moderated rich family- and they are often KNOWN to be in third rate bars. The internet even has the name of the bar where Shigaraki picked the rag team of villains for his invasion of UA.
“But the name of said bar and address is very known on the internet,” Izumi cocks one eyebrow as she writes down the address, should this be a secret? It was so easy to find and Izumi only has wifi and a computer that is still working.
“Ok, let's see what I can find about the Shimuras. Kotaro Shimura.” Izumi types his name on Google bracing for disappointment, however, Kotaro Shimura´s name appears on Google and the first thing is his late LinkedIn page.
There´s a short message from the LinkedIn page stating how Kotaro Shimura is dead, there's confirmation from the Hero Commission.
Izumi feels a bit nauseated since under the official post, people are still using the old posts of Kotaro Shimura to share their interests. Izumi feels worse as Nana's son is dead. “Damn,” Izumi covers her face with her hands feeling the urge to sob. Nana Shimura died for nothing.
Hope, as Izumi knows, is a flicky and dangerous thing, because a voice in her head is urging her to think if there are other Shimuras alive. Urging to see more.
Izumi raises her head, lowers her hands and goes to see more of Kotaro Shimura´s life.
“Ok, then let's see his business life.” Izumi speaks with a broken tone. Starting scrolling down and her mouth drops. “No way. He was the CEO of Red Sneakers?”
Red Sneakers was a very popular, frankly still is, type of shoes where quirkless and quirked can use it. It was a shoe everyone wanted, Izumi was so into those shoes. “Was there anyone else more fan of those shoes than me?”
Kotaro Shimura not only was the CEO but he created the entire thing from scratch. It was a story of success, an orphan-Izumi feels uncomfortable by this choice of words from the text- created such profitable success in such a short time.
Izumi Google more about this fact. It seems Kotaro Shimura won awards for his business, wearing a traditional yukata, along with other men in similar wardrobes. Everyone seems to be discussing business. All the photos have Kotaro holding some award, with a clear winning smile. In the most “recent” photos has a woman next to him.
The woman is really pretty, her hair is slightly curly and looks lovely, wearing a beautiful kimono. That's Nao Magi, soon to be Shimura. “Oh she is so pretty,” Izumi saw her name in the legend, Nao Magi soon to be Shimura.
Izumi's jaw dropped again. “His wife?!” And scrolling more, it's easy to locate more about their lives. She was a famous actress- rich family, and had money on her own- who was, at the time of this photo, engaged to Kotaro Shimura.
Izumi can´t stop to wonder how…the woman looks a bit like Shigaraki. Which is nonsense. “I´m thinking too much about him,” the last photo she found, on linkedIn, has Nao making a goofy smile.
Fast forward…
Izumi found another photo of Kotaro Shimura, Nao Shimura and his kids thanks to google. On the hotel's official site, there were a bunch of photos from important guests- it's a hotel 5 star hotel and even All Might was there. Izumi ignores the pathetic sidekick who is trying to look cool in the photo-and the Shimuras are there.
Nao is glowing with joy.
There's a little girl in her arms. Her name is Hana Shimura. (cute name, if you ask Izumi)
Kotaro is holding a little boy, a sleeping boy. Kotaro has a soft expression on the first photo but in the second has a more neutral one (maybe he didn't want the photos but couldn´t say no) The boy´s name is Tenko Shimura.
In a third photo, one where Tenko is more awake, he´s holding his father´s hand, in fact, it seems as if he wants to hide himself with his father´s hand.
Weird…makes me think of Shigaraki.
Googling more, Izumi put a photo of Nao and Kotaro to find more, and to locate their wedding wasn't that hard. Izumi is not a hacker, all the information is very accessible. A particular photography company whose name and time have solidified in Japan now.
Kotaro and Nao had a lovely and traditional wedding. Nao Shimura looks absolutely stunning, her grandparents are, in the photo, so proud and happy.
“She is so beautiful.” Izumi admires Nao for a moment, so elegant and fit for nobility. “She looks in love. Same for him” the green haired girl wonders if her parents were like that.
Izumi prefers to push the thought away, for now.
(Inko hasn't contacted her yet, a neighbor promised her that Inko is fine. The media didn't bother her since All Might had total control on the situation…but at some point in life, Izumi will have to talk with her mother, her only family)
But one thing caught her attention right away is….
“Nana Shimura and her husband, Ryujin Himura.” Izumi claps her mouth as if saying his name is forbidden. Then her face heats up at how ridiculous she is sounding. “The same company…photographed two Shimuras, coincidence!”
Ryujin Himura is an attractive man in the picture. White hair, brown eyes(it's a tone that is almost red, but not quite) and a strong build. Indeed, if you have to imagine a man with Nana Shimura, that is the man. His face is full of pure joy, the face of a man in love.
There´s a photo where Nana and Ryujin are making goofy faces.
Hm, once again, it's all a coincidence.
Izumi takes a moment to admire the photo once again, Ryujin is incredibly handsome, blushing, Izumi puts her hands in a praying position. “I mean all respectfully, Nana”
(Izumi is not surprised to hear a soft chuckle but as she looks up at the window it is probably just the window. Winter is coming after all)
“Their vows: your enemies are my enemies too” Izumi is a bit giddy as the photo shows Ruyjin holding a sword and Nana flexing her strong arm. “Power couple!” Gran Torino, much younger, is in the photo and is clearly overjoyed.
Can Izumi be selfish enough to dream of having that?
Probably not.
Izuki searched for more about Ryujin, found an article saying how the Shimuras disowned him for personal reasons and ... that's it. Oh, apparently, he was a lawyer. Oh, silly Izumi, there´s the obituary.
Oh right, fuck you AFO.
Ironically, more search on Tenko's maternal grandfather led Izumi to see a photo of Tenko Shimura, in his daycare, named PARADISE with his maternal grandparents who are in the photo, smiling so proud at little Tenko. Many people, in the photo, are clapping hands and it is clear how this smiling boy, Tenko Shimura, is receiving praise.
(It seems he won a small contest as Izumi saw the award in his hand)
There is a sense of pride and joy for Tenko Shimura and trying to imagine little Izumi Midoriya being on the receiving end of such pride and joy. It ends with current Izumi crying a little, sadness or anger? The girl can say it's a bit of both.
Izumi looks at the daycare, PARADISE, and thanks to social media…the daycare is still working. The President of the Hero Commission was there, 2 years ago, to congratulate the daycare-Japan takes education and teachers very seriously- no mention of Tenko Shimura.
“Tenko Shimura….what happened to you? What are you doing right now?”
There´s no mention if Tenko Shimura is alive or not.
There's the stupid hope that MAYBE the rest of the Shimuras are alive.
Maybe Kotaro sacrificed himself to make sure his family will live on.
The MPA has a gym where many members can workout, or even relax. Many heroes, who have no one to return home to, like to lounge around in this area to gossip. Communication is essential. The mood WAS the relaxation ends quickly as the Supreme Leader walks in, his leg is fully healed as the rumours mentioned and the heroes are hostile but cowardly bowing to the Supreme Leader.
Tomura Shigaraki can sense how the telltale of this area changes drastically by his mere presence, it makes him think if sensei enjoyed such feeling. Maybe, maybe not. It makes him think again if he'll enjoy such a feeling. Maybe.
How can the heroes who side with Redestro react to the image of the man who created a crater in Daika? Apparently, they all are bowing to Tomura as if he is a CEO.
“Leave,” His voice carries no room for argument and all the heroes slowly move as if Tomura would attack if anyone makes a wrong move. “You three, wait.” His eyes slowly glaze over the 3 heroes. Obediently, the 3 heroes are doing what the Supreme Leader demands, Tomura remembers KAMUI WOODS, but the others aren't important.
Birdman
Kamui
Strong arms.
Both stop dead on their tracks. Birdman has a nervously smile, but is sweating and it is hard to believe it was because of the workout.
“I'm reviewing a lot of footage about Izumi Midoriya, I heard you three meet her.” His red eyes are sending a warning but the heroes have no idea what it is. Is Shigaraki upset that they haven't killed his, hm, so-called enemy? Or is he upset they met Midoriya first?
“We followed the protocol,” Kamui, the mutant hero who is linked to the trees, the same hero who invaded Shigaraki's old bar in a raid to rescue Bakugou a few months ago.
Kamui is trembling but to his luck, it's not as noticeable as Birdman. Strong Arms, for his part, is solid as concrete as if seeing the sight of Tomura Shigaraki is not enticing fear in his soul or, maybe,
“You did?” His voice is sassy as he cocks his head to the side. “Good, you must sweat for your life, because I'll be seeing the footage. Hope you aren't lying to me.”
“Never Supreme Leader,” Strong arms speak fearlessly. “We live to serve you.”
Tomura narrows his eyes.
It's a silent cue for them to leave NOW.
Tomura Shigaraki is alone in the gym …allowing the man to do his workout without curious eyes. Kurogiri is at the penthouse cleaning the cups, wordless like an old decoration.
Now, Tomura Shigaraki holds a dumbbell and watches how the instrument doesn´t decay.
Notes:
1) Daika city is not being forgotten because a crater appears out of nowhere, and Izumi KNOWS who did, but can't prove it FOR NOW.
2)I´m preparing the field for making Izumi realize she has friends, which will be a first; the class here accepts her genuinely. The boys are media gurus, or so they say, but they do accept her fr.
3) I want Dabi to be smarter here and win bc this is not a fic where the abuser wins.
4) BK will appear later to show how pathetic he is. Also, we see more of the media bc, like LoV, did feats that I felt were swept under the rug. Dabi´s fire, for example, could have caused a forestal disaster (canonical, the fire arms used helicopters to put out the fire), and Shoto is now so alienated from A1.
5) I don't like Iida, but this is not hate. He is hypocritical, and a bit of humility would do him wonder. I had a vision of him having a caretaker, and you can insert here whether they are dating or not, but I´m following up on his health. He is disabled; he can walk with crutches, but is still disabled and is considered quirkless.
6) No one in UA is very happy with A1 as the dirty is spamming. UA has a power play as Nezu is not here to teach but to appease his ego.
7) Izumi finding out details about Shimuras and having her theories about Shigaraki is not a sign of her being this amazing hacker, but paying attention to the details HC and heroes shared so carelessly. As for Nana´s husband, I like the idea of Shig having small traces of his family.
8) The 3 stooges are canon, Kamui Woods, Birdman, and Four Arms, who saw Izumi save BK and scolded her. I get the logic here...but they lose any reason as they start praising BK. Yes, Mt. Lady was there, and while the fandom likes to ship them (Mt. Lady x Kamui), I think she deserves better.
9) Forget to add but the artist Enapav, who used to make great Shigadeku arts, was drove away and stop making art bc ANTIS WERE HARASSING HER OVER A SHIP. I bet it was the bkdk, the shigadabi and LoV stans who did that. I hate it.
Sharing hate over a fictional Character, how lame! How fucking lame.
Chapter Text
Chap 5
In this society looks matter everything, either you are a great hero or already branded a villain. The Hero Society HIGHLY encourages for the heroines to have no scar or any blemish on their skin-Mt. Lady is considered so pretty but is still ranking lower than Nana Shimura- and having a good body is essential. Muscles are a silent requirement for ALL heroes, even if their quirks don´t really need a nice abs.
Mirko, the famous bunny hero, is a great case as the heroine has the entire package that many heroines should try to emulate. A good skin-no zip or scar-a great hair, her quirk is well approved by The Hero Commission and has a great physique. Rumi Usagayama, a proud Basin woman, was the poster child of a great gym that is not very accessible for the regular folks.
Coincidentally, it's the same gym where Aizawa-a premium member- took a student to gain mass in the correct way. There´s some photos on social media and while the boy is there for a few weeks, 2 to be exact, won´t do magic. It is possible to see some results.
Many heroes do a few things when realizing muscles won´t appear out of nowhere (very seldom genetic will help in this departament)
- Work out in this particular gym or if money is tight, will try any gym to impress the public. It helped as Kamui Woods was scrawny but thanks to the sponsor of a local small name gym, got muscles and publicity.
- Use of drugs.
Tomura Shigaraki is in the privacy of his room, there´s no cameras or microphones. If the Supreme Leader desires to talk with anyone all he needs to do is use his phone, no one will barge into his room unannounced. He´s shirtless as his hand is using the dumbbell, the hand holding the instrument is the one with the prosthetic.
It´s an amusing thought to have, Tomura chuckles to himself, as he is closer to being a Luke Skywalker than any so-called hero fan of Star Wars. Well, I wouldn't kiss my sister but aside from that… His prosthetic hand covers the 3 fingers missing and the phantom pain is still present at late nights.
Working out as you´re thinking about the late discovery is great, maybe the blood moving through his brain freely, or maybe it is the motivation as the angel of inspiration is visiting him late at night thanks to the many footages of one Izumi Midoriya.
As Tomura is working his right arm, patiently, his lips curled into a smile as he remembers the footage of Izumi Midoriya cleaning the Takoba Municipal Beach Park FOR 10 MONTHS ALL ALONE as All Might did nothing but cuddle with his fans.
Pathetic.
In the footage Izumi is grabbing the pieces, in this case, trash and putting it on the truck while All Might, if not cuddling the fans…is doing nothing. Sometimes, there's a skinny man in the footage-Shigaraki knew how All Might was getting weaker and the sinister vindication as the loathsome hero CAN die But he drops in my list A LOT- watching and…at the end of the videos, Izumi Midoriya gets muscles.
No, dont tell me fucking ALL Might couldn´t subscribe Midoriya to any gym?
He is the FUCKING ALL MIGHT…people would pay for letting Izumi train in their facilities.
Is he stupid?
All Might´s stupidity aside, the fact Izumi gained muscles by sheer work while many heroes whine on social media- Skeptical showed him how Kamui Wood and Birdman made some subtle insults to heroes who go to such an important gym- Midoriya work her butt to get muscles…
Tomura Shigaraki starts to laugh.
Izumi Midoriya, a girl from no famous or rich family, did what many heroes won't do unless paid.
(It makes his blood boil as no one gives any credit to Izumi Midoriya…)
Why does Izumi Midoriya want to be a hero?
She has no parent to uphold any legacy. I researched the earliest Midoriya, worked in a bank…far from hero work.
Why do I want to be a hero?
His mind goes to another video, one where Izumi had a white skirt. Tomura made the mental note to realize how the girl may not have a good number of clothes, not that the villain is a fashion designer or anything similar, but in all the footage Izumi's best clothes, cleanest and primed are from UA.
In that video, Izumi with a white skirt, went to Nighteye's agency and everyone is sending a mix of pity and indifference to her-Tomura remembers seeing for the first time and not understanding why until the answer presented itself- the seer hero greeted her with such coldness and wasted no time to insult her, there´s cameras there.
If Tomura Shigaraki had any doubt about HOW Izumi had a quirk…All Might and his idiotic sidekick killed for him.
The man went on a tangent about how Izumi is worthless and unfit for this quirk-All Might,in the beach footage, gave something to Izumi to eat in the end. Oh, it was a quirk, what was it? - and said the only way to get an internship with him is if she defeats him in a task…He starts jumping back and forward, making some winds.
There's also an air circulator increasing the winds.
Izumi is wearing a white skirt.
(Shigaraki saw how Shigaraki treated Bubble Girl and…found that gross. HE FOUND THAT GROSS AND HE HAS KILLED PEOPLE)
The girl looks as if someone slapped her. LIKE SHE IS IN ALDERA AGAIN. Bakugou´s late cronies used to hold her down…let her bleed.
(Now they are dead and the ones alive are outcast)
Izumi slowly backed away from the man, from the agency with such vacant expression.
(Similar to how Tenko Shimura walked cover in dirty and blood among people)
Another video shows Izumi holding a little girl, covered in bandages, clinging to the green haired Izumi as if her life depends on that. Shigaraki noticed Overhaul and another hero, the one called Lemilion.
Izumi looks as if she doesn't want to partake of the child…but Mirio convinces her.
Izumi looks so broken.
Tomura laughs again as the other footage Skeptical provided shows Izumi facing Overhaul, with the little girl clenched on Izumi like a koala. Izumi Midoriya defeated Overhaul who was using 100% of his power and won…it´s amazing.
Tomura's revenge was happened thanks to Izumi Midoriya.
(No hero said anything about such feat, well, one did but it wasn't from class A1)
And now you want to play games with me? Oh Midoriya, what are you hiding? I want to know you so badly.
Tomura's laughter increased to the point it caught the attention of Kurogiri entering the room, not something done without prompt. The nomu looks patiently at Shigaraki waiting for the laughter to die.
(Tomura Shigaraki saw the footage of the Wild Wild Cat´s camp and how everyone treated Izumi Midoriya… Why do you want to be a hero, Midoriya? They don't even recognize how you are their MPV. The fact there´s footage of everything surely makes Skeptical important FOR NOW but also a creep in Shigaraki's book)
Tomura rolls his eyes once noticing him. “I´m fine, can´t I laugh?”
“You look absolutely deranged laughing like that.” Kurogiri can´t lie.
Tomura´s frown remains.
“The one named Skeptical finished the reports about the situation in Tartarus, do you want to see it?” Kurogiri asked patiently as Tomura was still doing his workout.
To Tomura, Kurogiri is familiar. He knows him for better or worse.
“First, where is Mustard?” Shigaraki asked, barely remembering the villain who joined his organization because of Stain.
“Ah, you remember him!” Kurogiri´s tone is so prideful. “He isn´t in Tartarus…” informed casually. Noticing how Tomura is paying attention. “It seems he escaped, he´s around…but the others are there, locked up.”
Tomura Shigaraki is not impressed. “I´d know where he is…I don´t care,” unless he is a problem for Midoriya but I think he won´t…he´s all bark no bite.
“How is the media talking about me?” Tomura asked with his mood bright as this is becoming a fun pastime. Either the media is making him be the boogieman or he´s non-existent and in both cases, Tomura wins. The crater in Daika City still makes heroes and cops WHO KNOW the story nervous…and Tomura smiles when he sees them.
The cops and heroes have this irritating habit that when Shigaraki passes through them commenting how their muscles are growing, how they are getting strong…and looking hopeful to the Supreme Leader.
Parasites, they´re like cockroaches.
Those heroes only are looking for their best interest, no one would care for a child covered in dirt and blood. MIDORIYA WOULD. He has proof of that and…wonders why she even listens to that Lemilion? One day I can ask that…
“They´re saying how you´re a force of destruction…but still believe the heroes can stop you.” Kurogiri comments and on cue, Shigaraki laughs hysterically.
“The ones who saw your face are dead,” Kurogiri comments, remembering how his charge murder so many heroes and cops with one finger, literally. “and the survivors were bribed to say nothing, no one is saying anything YOU don´t want to say.”
Some of the inmates were killed in the crossfire, not that Tomura is too upset about it.
“Tomura Shigaraki, may I ask something? What is your plan once Izumi Midoriya finds you?”
Tomura with the sweat still running through his back. His smile increases as his eyes are glowing. “ I want her…I need to know her, Kurogiri.”
The nomu doesn´t seem to have any opinion about that, however, his golden eyes narrowed and a small sigh can be heard by him.
“Very well, your hacker wants to talk to you.” Kurogiri informed him.
Tomura is not interested.
“Toga also wants to talk to you.”
Tomura groaned.
__________
The passage of time, as Izumi is slowly realizing, has soft ways to make its presence for the girl now. Currently, she's in the yellow floatie in the Olympic pool Nezu demanded General Studies class used and a cold breeze hits her skin. The bathing suit Izumi still wears has the logo of UA-it dwells on Izumi how she never considered a life where she could be in a pool with friends If i have to rewind my life …what I was thinking? Please, just make stop hurting.- and everything changes even if, to the naked eye, everything is the same.
Her classmates are enjoying the hot water thanks to the heater Mei and Maina constructed, the winter is coming and soon enough Izumi must use a winter coat…she doesn't have one. Futa is swimming decently now while his topknot is protected. Ronaudo is flapping his feet on the hot water enjoying the weather, there's scars on his chest but no one comments a thing about it.
The bathing suit has the logo of UA but the water of the giant pool is warm, thanks to the mechanism Mei and Maina developed so…no one has to worry with cold water, Futo has a special protection for his topknot. Ronaudo is wearing the male bathing suit and no one comments on the scars.
Komoko is swimming much better, far from an Olympic level of greatness but she is getting the gist. Sara did her best to teach everyone the basics and it seems when everyone is calm and focused learning how to swim is not a problem.
Sara, always in blue, is now bringing a white board closer to the pool as she is clearing her throat, winter is coming and with that another year is ending and the final exams are coming. Izumi feels as if she´ll burst laughing…NOW SHE IS HAVING A NORMAL CLASSROOM, after years and years of Aldera and A1.
My grades are ok….
How nice…if I don´t have a supervillain gunning to murder me…I could have enjoyed this more.
“As you know,” Sara, wearing her bathing suit also has the UA logo, gives a kind look to Izumi. “Finals are coming and our exams are designed to be a presentation in group. I want you'll talk about the importance of media,” Sara explained and while she does teach literature, math and TI but her main point is media. A hero needs the media as much as the media needs a hero.
Izumi didn't understand this connection. It puzzles her very much but her classmates seem delighted to explain to her how it works, how heroes like All Might know how to play the media game, so to speak. My childhood dream was so simple when I was a silly and lonely little girl.
“And I´ve a big surprise for all of you, since we have Deternet's IT girl.” Sara explained giving an amused look to Izumi, the woman went to her purse and took a few envelopes. “Deternet contacted us to inform us how Daika city will be re-open in 3 days. You guys will be the first clients to go there, I want a nice report on how the city is.”
Everyone makes a rowdy show, after all, they already promised each other to visit Daika City. Maina swims closer by and is singing happily about how everyone will go to Daika city and Izumi is invited to be on this outing.
Izumi wanted to cry so hard.
It was all what I wanted…why was it so hard back then?
Sara adjusts her blue hair and comments how Shinso won't be in the outing nor the presentation since he's working with Aizawa to go to A1. Her tone is professional and all the woman explained is how she and Aizawa agreed Shinso will take a written exam to compensate for this arrangement.
“Loser!” Mei comments unbothered as she's about to dive in the pool again.
Sara doesn´t say anything negative about Shinso Hitoshi, nothing on her expression indicates anything foul, it´s very professional and Izumi admires that a lot and wonders how her life would be if ALL teachers in her past were like that.
Izumi recalls Aldera and how Bakugou had lackeys, one of them had a long finger as a literal quirk, held her down and made her bleed. There's no sexual aggression, a small mercy but Izumi bled before even had managed to get her first period in Aldera. Izumi got her first period at 13 years old.
Izumi bled, cried and no one bait an eye.
izumi bled, cried and got a quirk and no one baited an eye.
This society values power…but power is not just a good quirk, it is more.
The pink haired girl is swimming so swiftly, almost could pass as a professional and stops near Izumi´s floatie with a big smile on her face and for sure, as Izumi had time to understand her expressions and quirks, has a few crazy ideas in her mind. “Wanna do the project with us? Me and Maina usually work alone…but if you want, you can enter.” Mei gestures to herself, a very happy Maina and then Izumi. “The presentation will be fun and we can work with someone strong.”
“You want me…because I'm stronger?” Izumi flexed her muscles.
“A nice bonus, I admit!” Mei has no shame.
“Ok, then we are a team.” Izumi reveals calmly smiling to hide the happy tears because Izumi Midoriya IS a cry baby, she knows this fact but doesn't want to make this public, not today. Her eyes are getting teary as Maina and Mei are happy that Izumi joined the team and are already discussing ideas.
The presentation is to be made as a group.
The essays about Daika city are individual but Sara said people can help each other.
Izumi swim, went down to the pool so no one would notice her teary eyes. Returns to the superfice twisting her green hair gently. People want to work with her, no one is shunning her, there´s no one calling her names, no one making her feel smaller.
“MAINA, MUSCLE GIRL IS OURS!” Mei celebrates and Maina does a V of victory, all this because Izumi is in their team. It´s so different from class A1 when she was in the camp with Wild Wild Cats…no one made a move to add her in their group.
Ochako dancing silly with her group while Izumi is left alone …has a special place in her mind, for now.
(Izumi being punched by Iida, being gaslighted by Kirishima and how Bakugou would refuse her hand in the rescue…there´s a folder in her mind. Power is essential in this society but power is not just about a good quirk)
Komoko, Ronaudo and Futa are in a trio, already sharing ideas.
Mei and Maina are sharing ideas as well. Izumi can help with the math, it´s strange people being so open to listening to her…Their idea is to talk about how a hero can make success with social media. There´s no target malice against Izumi, even through Izumi is not expert in media, Mei and Maina are just in the mind “We can explain you, no biggie”
Sara Aoi explains how the project will be, a PowerPoint presentation is a given but Sara wants one of them to speak up to the class and if Izumi has to be honest it won´t be a problem as the classroom is smaller than A1.
I can do that.
The mood isn't shattered when Ectoplasm arrived at the gate of the Olympic pool. His prosthetic legs do make a noise announcing his presence but Midoriya wonders if the villains or heroes would ever dismiss such noise. The masked hero clears his throat and looks abashed.
Izumi sits on the edge of the pool and can see his students a few meters away, all of them are looking at the pool with great desire-one of them wink at Izumi and the girl has no idea what to make of this- Sara doesn't seem to mind his presence.
“Sara, can I talk to you?” the hero waves his hand to catch her attention, his eyes land on Izumi, who is at the pool edge with a mix of pity and sympathy. Izumi REALLY doesn´t know what to do with this.
(Izumi's victim status is still a hot topic. Briefly, the girl wonders if Bakugou, in the solitude of his big house, is seeing all of this. In a way, he made her famous… I hate him so much)
The masked hero speaks in a low tone, hoping to come across unsuspicious as the blue haired woman comes further. “Sara, can we use the pool? I´ve 10 students who have quirks related to water, one of them even got a quirk awakening …” there´s urgency in his tone.
Sara gulped as she looked at the pool and back at her coworker. “I would love to help, truly, but malicious compliance…Nezu gave us access to this pool, you know, one of his power play trips.” The woman´s lips are thinner. “The other pools are…”
Ectoplasm nodded slowly. “Dammit. I understand, but damn…”
Sara says how he can use the pool once they're finished with their class here which seems a good suggestion but Ectoplasm rejected as the students are getting impatience and there´s so much a theoric book can help, plus, when Sara finished her class…it will be a bit dark and one of the students has a poor sight at night.
“Well, Emi has a pool in her school…” Sara suggested softly knowing full well how Miss Joke has her own school, a rival of UA, and how the pool can be accessed and help the students. Nezu would see this as treason… But if the kids need help.
Ectoplasm contemplates but declines. “Remember when he thought Eraserhead and Emi were a thing?” the man shudders at the thought which makes Izumi curious. Miss Joke, as far as Izumi remembers, was very into Aizawa.
Bad taste…poor woman.
Maina touches Izumi´s knee as the green haired man is on the edge of the pool, while Maina is still in the water. “Hey, wanna know the gossip about those two?” Maina asked with such starry eyes. Gossips are always welcome.
“Miss Joke and Eraserhead hook up once,” Maina gossips in a soft tone as Mei doesn't seem to care in the slightest. “Nezu was so sure Aizawa would leave and be with her…he tripled the salary, jokes on him as Eraserhead had no interest in her…poor woman.”
Izumi, in the same tone. “Why did she go…after him?”
“Oh, because ….” Maina looks around, darts her cute eyes as if she has an audience, Mei still doesn't seem to care but answers anyway without caring dor semantics.
“She is reaching an age where women who aren't married are considered spinster by the conservative part of Japan.” Mei is floating so calmly. “And her family is very conservative.”
“Poor woman,” Izumi can't help saying. Maina agreed and added how apparently it was a hell for the other teachers as Aizawa was showered with compliments and Aizawa expelled many students on day 1 and Nezu clap hands to such a fact.
Meanwhile, Ectoplasm and Sara are trying to come to an agreement.
“Look, I could make a call, cash a favour with the hero Seal,” Ectoplasm explained, now uneasy and adding in a low tone. “I´m afraid some of the students´s parents will have an issue with a mutant hero teaching their kids.”
Izumi heard that.
Maina too.
Mei possible, but it is hard to tell if she is caring as she's happy floating in clean hot water. The pink haired woman is mumbling something about how nice it is to float in hot water that isn´t yellow.
“I can help you…with the fallout, if it happens,” Sara gestures her hand. Ectoplasm nodded and it seems something is decided. The masked hero makes a quick call to Seal, the mutant hero and it seems his students can use HIS pool for training.
After this meeting, nothing else happened.
Eventually, the classroom is over.
Izumi wants to take a shower and take off the chlorine from her green hair, Mei is pouting as she seems to want to work now but bath is the priority. “Come on, Mei, baths are important.” and Maina giggles as it did the trick for Mei to accept the fate.
Kyoka Jirou wasn't meant to be here, certainly not lurking but ever since Iida was removed from A1 people are being harsher with them as if the entire classroom slapped Izumi Midoriya. You know for a victim…you´re often chipper.
Jirou is behind a wall seeing the girls wrapped in a towel and the first thing that comes to mind is…
WHY ARE THEY WELL-ENDOWED?
Sara Aoi closed the gate of the pool, also using a towel.
THE TEACHER TOO?
Jirou doesn't comment on the scar on Ronaudo but notices how Futa´s hair looks perfect even after being out of the pool.
HOW?
The cold water hits her head, body as Izumi grabs the shampoo-Komoko gracefully shared when Izumi realized how she has no hygienic items. The girl with glasses looked, for a moment, as if she wanted to ask something more but gave up and accepted the frail excuse for Izumi's lack of items- Izumi can't barely remember her excuse but the shame is still lingering on her tongue.
The girls are in the changing room, it's split as there´s a section for girls and one for the boys. A tall wall of cement separating the group and making it impossible for the boys peeping or the girls too.
Izumi´s body is glittering as the cold water isn't enough to make her stop musing regards her small findings. It's not enough, I need more. The mental image of Tenko Shimura, in that winning picture holding the award- Izumi realized it was about handwriting, something Aldera didn't do. If they did we know who would win- and how there´s no more information on the Shimuras.
Kotaro Shimura is dead, thanks to a post on LinkedIn.
But his family?
Her hands are on her neck, cleaning with a soap, as the image of the angelical Tenko Shimura, with a big winning smile shifts to Tomura Shigaraki. Her scarred fingers are pressed on her neck, remembering how Shigaraki can holster up so easily her neck.
Izumi holds carefully recalling how his hand was so calloused. How the man is dangerous and his threats are genuine…if he says he can take down 30 people, he means every word. The girl still feels the cold water washes on her as Izumi considers how to approach Tomura Shigaraki.
Her legs are almost glued as more cold water falls, more and more.
Tomura Shigaraki IS a cruel name and not his real name. Did he name himself or was AFO?
Did he enter the villainy to support his poor family?
Did his mother can't handle the finances? Did she leave all the work for him too?
Is he related to Nine?
It´s unnerving how Tomura Shigaraki was bitching about Stain and now Izumi is so damn curious about him. It´s so strange and infuriating how Izumi Midoriya didn't get curious at that moment…that moment out of blue when Shigaraki put his hand on her neck, and started yapping and even asked her out.
Let's chat and drink some tea? Geez for a villain who did the impossible 3 times, your pick up lines are kind of funny…
The name of the bar where Shigaraki picked his first goons is called Bad Apple. It´s a bar in one of the poorest areas of the city and so easy to find on the internet it makes Izumi wonder if it is a joke, it isn´t. The bar is well known…
You can´t be a popular hero if there´s no villains to catch.
The images of Nana´s marriage enter in her mind, Ryujin and Nana are not only a power couple, or are really good looking-Izumi makes a prayer motion and swears to Nana Shimura's ghost how her words are innocent- but is the vows that make Izumi smile.
You don´t have enemies, your enemy is my enemy.
That is really hot.
Izumi is thinking how Shigaraki could be in Deternet, well, no mega corporation reaches the top without dirtying their hands but to use a villain like Shigaraki. His will is unmoving…what is he getting from this deal? It hits her how villains aren´t just people in Tartarus.
Sometimes, you can have a small mark in your record and how this can change how the work forces will see you.
Hm…I doubt Shigaraki wanted to be a salaryman.
“What are you playing, Shigaraki?” Izumi ponders to herself as she twisted her long green hair groaning a little as she's still trying to imagine how Shigaraki did half of what he did and how AFO is still in Tartarus-All Might explained how only one prisoner was rescued, it wasn't AFO- and the girl lets his name escape from her lips wondering what to feel or approach him.
“MIDORIYA,” Komoko appears with teary eyes. The girl is still clothed and Izumi is quick to return the shampoo but the girl shakes her head in total distress. “There´s a monster in the vent.”
Komoko is crying, sobbing and Izumi closes the faucet and picks the towel.
“Hey, it´s ok, thank you for telling me…” Izumi comforts softly as Komoko looks up babbling how they need to call Sara-sensei. It seems a good option but Izumi shakes her head explaining how by the time she arrives the “monster” will be out.
(For a moment, Izumi considered imaging if it was Nomu and Shigaraki was there to end all of them but…that is dismissed easily. If Shigaraki was here, Izumi would feel, if Shigaraki was here …why send a lil monster to the girl´s locker? Even if Shigaraki is a perv-wiredly, Tomura never gazed at her boobs in that mall date- there's many, many ways to see porn…Deternet is connected with many things, especially host clubs)
“Komoko,” Izumi says as the girl is trying to calm herself. “I know who it is, it's not a monster, not in the literal way. Where did you see the said monster?” The green haired asked serenely as Komoko points to the north wing where Mei and Maira are looking at the vent half naked.
Mei either believes in the monster´s story or…wants to stall time.
Maira is looking at the vent and mutters. “I think I saw something…” Narrows her eyes.
Izumi arrives at where the girls are having Komoko hiding behind Izumi, muttering how the monster was staring at them naked, Mei adds how Komoko is fully clothed but is not saying the monster isn´t real.
Izumi narrows her eyes for a moment and then beams a smile. “Well, girls…we should all take a bubble bath.” Before anyone asks what she means by that or if she is joking, the pair of eyes appear on the vent and Izumi, with a towel gripped on her, climbs to the vent and grabs the monster out of the location.
It´s Mineta Minoru.
Izumi´s quirk activated as green sparks emanated perfectly on her arm, it's causing new scars but what is pain for Izumi Midoriya right now?
Many people in A1 saw the green sparks, never were impressed, now Mineta is feeling the heat, in a literal sense.
“YOU ARE BURNED” Mineta whined.
Mei blinks and can only say. “YOU HAVE A FIRE QUIRK? Muscle girl, you´re so cool. If you are to burn him…can you do it here? I want to see.”
Maira has no complains.
Komoko is hiding behind the girls, even though she is fully clothed, no girl is berating her.
“No, won't waste fire here.” Izumi responds but the newly awakened fire burns parts of Mineta's hair much to the perv´s fear. The towel is still wrapped around her body perfectly and the girl get out of the lockers with a crying Mineta in her hand.
His hair is on a green fire and her sparkles are getting more furious the more he speaks. One thing about this structure is how the locker room is located on the first floor but 20 meter away there´s the pool.
Mineta is screaming louder than the time Shigaraki invaded UA and the boys of General Studies arrived, confused and having Mei cheering for Izumi to burn Mineta down is a bit confusing.
“Caught a perv in the vents, since UA won't expel him. I´ll deal with them,” Izumi explained with a smile of doom aimed at Mineta, her eyes used to be green but now there's a literal darkness in there. The green is mixed with a darkness that no one in A1 saw before. “You guys have the phone? I give permission to film me on Deternet, what is more heroic than dealing with pervs?”
Futa answers by showing his phone, it´s water-proof.
Ronaudo raises one concern. “You are, you know, in a towel….”
Izumi doesn´t seem to mind at all.
Well, if she doesn't mind, ok. Ronaudo thinks as he´s helping his friend recorded, Futa's hand is plastered with hair gel after all.
“Hi, Deternet, it´s me.” Izumi smiles as if the camera in front of her is indeed Tomura Shigaraki. “This is what we do with pervs, especially those who try to see girls showering.” And without sparing any words, still being a being emanating fire and rage, Izumi Midoriya tossed Mineta 20 meters away, reaching the pool perfectly.
Izumi's smile continues. “I said pervs, didn't I?” And starts marching to the right side where a big pillar of structure exists to see Kaminari Denki and Sero Hanta smiling awkwardly at the scene.
“Classic Mineta, am I right?” Denki asked and had time to only say that as Izumi holstered him by the shoulder and still with the towel in place, tossed the boy to the pool, reaching the target perfectly.
Her feral eyes land on Sero Hanta who tries to use his quirk…but what is a bunch of tapes against the rage of a girl?
The sparks gave the shape of tentacles for a moment and that makes Sero petrified as his tapes melt, that NEVER happened. Izumi grabbed him and tossed him as if he was weightless. Izumi Midoriya has muscles in her arms, legs and is enraged.
Her eyes met with the camera as she opened a sweet smile. “That is what I do with heroes like them!” and gives a wave that feels a bit goofy.
“Perfect, but that wave was a bit goofy, Izumi.” Futa points out.
Izumi shrugs. “I know but I feel the person who will see the video will understand the joke.”
Komoko is still a bit shocked by the whole ordeal. “class A1 is a bunch of pervs?”
Izumi just nods.
Mei completely pouts. “I was expecting to see him burn, next time, will you burn him?” The genius girl asked as Maira is holding Komoko, promising there´s no pervs.
Izumi nods again.
“YES!”
The next day, the sunlight hits Izumi propping her waking up and the first sound her ears catch are the name “Tenko Shimura”- her dreams are getting more and more realistic- Izumi sits on her bed, the winter is coming and the woman braces herself and “I´m thinking of that bad western show again,” her green eyes land on the side to see Eri, resting her head on her hands, as she is resting on Izumi's bed.
Izumi stares at her and Eri waves at her, wishing her good morning. “Your alarm clock is broken.” points at the clock which is frozen in time, Eri is a little girl and doesn't seem to get how the clock is broken because it´s partly melted.
In my dream I was melting a clock…I wanted to talk to Tomura Shigaraki. Wanted to know what he thought of my little stunt.
Did I melt a clock?
“Maira said we have time, the other girls are here too …wondering how the clock was burned.” Eri comments so casually.
Izumi feels a sweat drop on her head. “I did that, I think. I was dreaming…and guess I did that,” and adds as she is rubbing her eyes. “You guys enter my room? Why didn´t I wake up?”
Eri shrugs. “You were talking about Tenko Shimura and Tomura Shigaraki, Mei said we do have time…so they let you sleep a little more, but if pass the 30 minutes, she´ll enter here and…” The girl stops talking as Mei enters the room carrying one of her inventions.
Mei blinks as Izumi wakes up. “Ah, morning muscle girl, I was about to use my new baby.”
“A weapon?”
“No, the clock alarm!” Mei explains so proudly and Izumi nods as she glances at the partly melted clock. More things I need now…note to yourself, Izumi, don´t melt clocks in your now lucid dreams.
Mei seems disappointed to not be able to use her clock, but quickly shakes her head as the woman is pumped up again. “Tomorrow, it's Daika city day!” The genius girl even does little jumps. It´s all innocent, “Next time, please, just burn the grape.”
Eri looks at Izumi and Mei with hopeful eyes. “Can I watch?”
Izumi is not sure if a girl that young should see this but then again, no girl should be a victim of Mineta Minorou. “If he tries and is unlucky…” It´s the best she can say and seems to please the two girls.
Mei said the breakfast is done. “Futa says he is a genius of media, but he knows how to cook. Better than Komoko,” somehow, the girl with glasses heard that and shouts a loud “HEY!”
Everyone laughs and Mei leaves the room with her baby in hands. Eri tells how the girls saw how she was climbing to see Izumi Midoriya and told how she can use the door. “That boy Futa cooks very well,” Eri nods in approval.
Eri went closer to Izumi, the older girl put her arms around her. It´s a sense of comfort the girl, Izumi, has yet to remember if her own mother ever provided, maybe once …when there was a chance of Izumi having a very easy quirk and no problems.
There's a bag near Eri that is half of her size, and Izumi frowns. “Did you try to climb here with this bag?”
Eri looks away, but Izumi gently touches her hair. “Eri…”
“Yeah…maybe that's why they let me use the door,” Eri admits, leaning forward as the older girl caresses her face tenderly. “I get it now, here it is safe, promise you.”
Izumi ponders those words. Here it is safe…
"What's in the bag, Eri?” Izumi asked, trying to peer at what's inside the bag. Eri preens delighted and hushes to open the bag.
“Chiyo makes a good breakfast, she really loves cooking and is really good but she takes time and is not always looking at me,” Eri explains with a big smile, it's not one people would associate with a normal little girl. “I went to the theater room and grabbed somethings for you, Midnight was on the phone…she looks different with a suit,”
Eri is a little girl but her age doesn't shield her from how bizarre Midnight dresses up as a dominatrix. The mere word dominatrix is well known by kids thanks to her.
(Eri, during her time with Overhaul, wasn't SA in any way but she heard and saw the men talking about sex and how Midnight would be easy laid. Eri doesn´t understand the word but knows how Midnight with a leather bikini, in a magazine, make the men stop working)
Izumi sees a winter coach and a jacket, the hoodie is so similar to Tomura Shigaraki´s saving one small difference, there´s a logo of a sponsor, for once, it´s not Deternet. Aside from this, the hoodie is so identical.
I remember each word you dump at me, Shigaraki.
“Did Midnight see you?” Izumi inquired, imagining the heroine would notice Eri, even if she is on the phone…or maybe not, maybe Izumi is being way charitable here. Eri clears her throat as if she´s about to give a pearl of wisdom.
“She saw me but I gave the cutest smile ever and then she giggled and was back to her phone call.” Eri seems to expect applause and Izumi understands and gives applause earning Eri to bow.
“The cuter you are…the less they won't suspect you,” Izumi says with a smile, remembering Aldera. No one thought Izumi was ugly, but her cuteness was non-existent. She is, as Ochako WRONGFULLY put, plain.
Wow when I think about it…I just get angry.
Why did I have to endure all that? What did I get from this?
(Ochako called her plain as if this is the truth and maybe Izumi is not this great beauty not like Momo but Ochako is way planier than her)
The winter coat is pink, it feels something the girls from Aldera would gush about. The fabric is warm and at the same time, Izumi wonders if it will match with her clothes. “Thank you, Eri.” Izumi's heart warms as Eri looks as if she succeeded in a very important mission.
“Oh, Aizawa wants me to train my quirk…” Eri has this smile that Izumi knows too well, too innocent, too pure, too deceiving if anyone ever stops to look -NO ONE EVER DOES- and the girl adds. “I´m trying so hard, Izumi-neechan…so hard.”
Izumi winks at her.
(She does think Rewind is fascinating to talk about but if Eri doesn't want to think about it, who is Izumi to force this conversation?)
“Mirio…brothers you?” Izumi asked, knowing how he is no longer able to be tangent. Knowing if she punches him with her natural strength, it's possible to break his nose. Izumi Midoriya has known about blood since 4 years old.
Eri shakes her head. “He doesn't ask me for his quirk back…”
“Eri, please, do enter by the door next time.”
“I will try…can I go with my knife?”
Izumi sighs. “Put in a nice teddy bear, no one will expect a knife in a teddy bear.”
Eri smiles.
Fashion, as Izumi can testify, is not her forte but luckily for her no one in UA seems to care much for what she wears or not, for example, the winter is coming closer, creeping around the door so to speak metaphorically and Izumi is wearing the boy´s uniform of UA-her skirt wouldn't be ideal as she has no pantyhose- the skirt has short sleeves and while on a technical level, the uniforms of UA are unisex…is not ideal to use shirtless shirts for now.
Izumi could have used the winter coat. Could be tacky or maybe high fashion…it´s hard for Izumi to say or care.
In the end, Izumi tied up her hair and used the hoodie. It´s so similar to Tomura Shigraki´s old one with the difference being one logo which is easy to miss. The General Studies are ready, Komoko Ronaudo and Futa are talking about their project and as well how Tomura Shigaraki, out of all people, invaded Tartarus but…everything is fine.
EVERYTHING ISN´T FINE.
Izumi has the mind to say how Tomura is dangerous, how no one in UA is taking him seriously but Maira is holding her hand-it´s getting easy to count how many people have held her hand All Might didn't enter in the counting- And gently takes her away. Mei is drinking something, completely and apparently oblivious to the rest of the world.
“Are you ok?” Maira asked, biting her lips as her minds were conjuring more and more flowers, if anyone could read the girl´s mind right now it would be taken back by the amount of Lady´s myrtle parading in her mind. “Look, I know you are reserved, I know things change drastically and well…I don´t want to press but I do worry as hm…the canteen is where A1 is and we'll see them eventually…”
Izumi can count the number of times people show concern for her.
It´s a small number.
“Mei is worried too…even if she is, you know, Mei.” Maira looks at the genius girl who is still drinking from her Stanley Cup. As if in cue, the girl comes closer, and without any further ado says.
“We are worried that class A1 will try to retaliate against you because of the pervs…They have the mentality of us against them.” Mei confessed a bit peeved.
Izumi blinks. “I haven´t thought about that…well, they can try…I can always punch them.”
“Or murder them…” Mei says very casually. Maira says, in a hush tone, how it would be way more prudent to not do it in the school.
Somehow, Komoko, Futa and Ronaudo comment how if anyone is going to murder anyone…to do it in UA, in front of all people, is not ideal.
“Bakugou tried to kill me in the first week. Well, I´m from a nobody family in terms of heroes…so yeah, maybe I would have to take care of witnesses.” Izumi comments oh so casually.
Futa and Ronaudo exchange looks and say in unison. “Be careful with the cameras, I mean we do know you like to hang out at night.”
Izumi´s pupils are wider. “WHAT? YOU KNEW?”
Mei noddes as she was cleaning her google. Speaks up with so much convection, almost vibrating on sight “Yep, it was nice see the Hulk homage…but if you are to burn someone here…don´t, the cameras will see, unless,” Mei stops on her tracks and is now mulling the blind spots of the cameras. “What if you burn someone in the sky?”
Izumi´s jaw drop.
Then after a few moments.
“I would have to be really fast…and the corpse would draw attention…” Izumi replies by imagining how the other past users would have dealt with someone like Mineta. Her mind goes to how they dealt with AFO.
Big difference here…a perv like Mineta is not the same danger as AFO.
But a perv like Mineta can be worse and…girls are taught to always dress carefully not to make men perceive them as slut, rarely do we see the men being accounted for.
“Not if there's a distraction,” Komoko comments kindly. The girl took a shower yesterday after making sure there´s no one watching her. Even earlier in the morning, the girl sent Futa and Ronaudo, the two boys, to be sure no one is peeping tom her.
(Shinso is on the gym and Komoko wondered if he, with all his flaws, would have helped)
“I´m just…investigating some things, privately.” Izumi answers as the others blink and seem to accept that.
“Next time, use the door, Izumi.” They all said in unison.
“...Will try,” Izumi says with a sweat drop on her head.
(No one says anything about her hoodie, no one says anything about her lack of things…Izumi is grateful for that)
It's either because of the media frenezy, after all All Might didn´t stop on his campaign to kill this ONE particular villain and once again, is dragging others heroes in the debate: JAPAN DOESN'T DO THE DEATH PENALTY. Sara Aoi is tasked to give support to other heroes as a small press conference will be held in the Hilton Hotel in Tokyo as MANY people have questions…in lieu to this situation, many teachers gave a free period for their students.
Sara Aoi sent a message to her students, her beloved urchins, explaining the situation and how the students can send the essays to her email as she has no idea if the situation will be acclimated positively or negatively. It's strange to see a teacher in UA caring for the teaching of their own pupils.
(The rumor mill is spreading fast as usual and many are gossiping about how passionate Aizawa is to defend Bakugou and how fast his gears are turning to train Shinso Hitoshi. Is he a MILF hunter?)
With free period the girls are free to talk about their project and at some point, Mei Hatsume has mentioned about the MISTAKE Deternet made, the explanation as why a crater of that size happened is all thanks to a mal-function of a product “we want to decay trash so to help humanity” spiel is a meme now. It 's a joke now.
“We could make one much better and wouldn't make a crater!” Mei said pouting as she's revised her date on the project, it seems Mei can multi-task. Maira is writing down the
numbers and pays no media attention to her friend whining about that ONE mistake.
“What is really stopping us?” Izumi asked, feeling inspired. Mei stops reading what she wrote and pays attention, Maira can multi-task. “Shigaraki decayed my former school,” no one seems to mind how uncaring the girl is.
The media is still making a show about how the heroes and cops WILL figure out WHO did such horrible crime.
It´s interesting how the heroes in this case ARE plants of Deternet: Burnin and Slingin Go.
“Shigaraki had a quirk awakening as he can decay, not dismantle anymore.” Izumi comments remembering how her former school was a pile of dust. It should have many people sane and afraid. Izumi smiles wider. “ It means it can go on a molecular level. Could we decay without the quirk decay?” Izumi is now thinking loudly as her mind conjures a very specific type of acid.
Mei has the biggest grin one can imagine. “Oh I knew it! I knew you are one of us, muscle girl!” and starts chatting about how to decay it may need other forms of acid. Heat to melt the matter, Maira is fastly writing everything down.
Eventually even the mad genius and a quirk specialist need to eat something…and Maira is not opposed to this.
Futa, Ronaudo and Komoko are still in the library preparing not only their powerpoint and their essays. In the library many are still talking about the revelations of Izumi being a victim, of Bakugou being a villain in disguise, Iida being transferred with dishonour and Aizawa ignoring the class for Shinso Hitoshi …make people talk.
The girls preferred the canteen…but Maira gently takes Izumi aside while Mei is safeguarding their material. The brunette has a loose ponytail and her eyes are married with concern. “Listen, hm, there´s people in the canteen…and huh, I just worry about what you'll take. Many people still like to gossip and you´re a hot topic for now.”
How many times has someone shown concern for Izumi Midoriya?
“Thank you, I mean it. But I can´t be secluded here forever…they´ll talk about me sooner or later,” Izumi assured her.
Mei appears with her bag, in her happy go lucky attitude. “Izumi, if anyone bothers you…remember…we can kick their asses, there´s no law saying you can't beat up someone with a crow bar!”
“Mei, I´m pretty sure that is illegal.”
“Yes, a punch would be more morally dubious legally speaking.”
The canteen is full with the class B1 in one corner, some third year students and in between. It makes Izumi think of social media and how many people in UA have an instagram and how EVERYONE had an opinion in relation to what happened to Izumi, except Izumi.
(Futa and Ronaudo helped her open an instagram acc but Komoko is the one who took the first picture, in her own words, “you do look cute when you're smiling sincerely. It´s a nice photo to put in your insta.”)
Lunch Rush is present, physically speaking, as she's giving the lunches but rarely interacting with any student. It's just a job for her, nothing more or less. Izumi inspected as Ochako timidly goes to the heroine and gets her food using a yellow card.
(The food is not free in UA, the scholarships can give discounts of course but it's not enough. Izumi has a small allowance that All Might gives to her…the allowance wasn't supposed to be known…the initial idea, as she found out quickly, was for Izumi to believe UA is paying her so she can eat. He can help me as long as I never find out…what do I know about this man?)
No thoughts for her former classmate. They sit at an empty table and Mei is excitedly talking about projects, decay and even clothes that can withstand decay. “Can this be possible?” Izumi asked and Maira laughs at the naivety.
Mei Hatsume takes this as a challenge. “YES!”
Izumi has money, it´s not hers and it's supposed to be ignored, or rather, to deceive the girl. In the former school Izumi had to make her own bento and eat alone…always alone. Maira snaps the green haired to reality.
“Lunch is special today, do you want it too?” Maira asked hopefully as Mei is doing her own dish and only Mei can stomach. Izumi nods knowing full well she won´t be eating alone, it´s not she will be eating in a group…it happened before with A1…the difference here is how she´ll eat knowing how she´s accepted fully.
Monoma Neito is watching the scene with a heavy heart and a guilty anchor on his back, in the past it would be easy to label Midoriya as a pig-head and move on but now all cats are out of the bag …it makes Monoma feel small.
Kendo, the class prep, is noticing his stare full of regret and knows how, despite his abrasive personality…Monoma Neito is a good kid who wants to be a good hero…not enable abuse or abusers.
The red hair is carrying big bags using her quirk…big hands make the shopping.
(They can use quirks to help carry bags but have to ask permission to use it to defend against villains..)
“You think…he´ll like chocolate?” Kendo asked skittishly as she glanced between the bags than to her friends who are still very hesitant. Monoma doesn't voice out his opinion for once and that makes the red hair worry even more. “Well, liking or not, I hope we made the right call…”
We break some rules and laws….all that for the sake of a …
Monoma Neito is looking at Izumi Midoriya. “Think she …faced our ‘raccoon’? She was in the Camp too now that I remember…her arms were broken, I don't remember seeing anyone too concerned. Kendo, if it was you in that position I would be worried…I would be so worried if it was anyone in our class”
She is a victim and…how no one noticed?
His blue eyes are scanning everyone in the room and his judgmental eyes go to class A1. All of them enable Bakugou, all of them are the problem…
I knew I was right to not like them!
The news about Shinso Hitoshi being in that particular Gym does make the rumours spreading like wild fire, maybe Aizawa is consoling Hitoshi's mother. The memes are getting plentiful.
Monoma doesn't care if the pathetic excuse of sensei is banging a married or window woman.
“Monoma?” Kendo calls for him but her friend is walking towards Izumi Midoriya, for once, the boy is not with a prideful expression nor any mask. The girls in the General Studies stop talking when the boy from B1.
The General Studies, as Izumi is slowly being roping into their dynamics, have a hierarchy:
- Futa is the one to film or photograph anything worthy for THEIR social media(yes, they have a social media and took a photo of Izumi greeting her to the group, many heroes comment…even Kamui Woods)
- Ronaudo films if Futa can't do or if the situation requires a second view.
- Komoko
- and Maira.
Gently Izumi whispered into Maira´s ear. “You can film this for Deternet…it´s fine.” the brunette wanted to protest but Izumi winks at her and in the end, Maira is discrete recording everything.
The brunette sighs but obeys and Mei is content in being an audience…FOR NOW.
“Midoriya,” Monoma says tentatively. His hands are fidgeting as his blue eyes aren´t with that superiority, that confidence that Izumi has yet to experience. “I want to apologize…”
Izumi narrows her eyes as his words are cut short. “For calling me pig head?” Izumi rose from her seat, no need to use violence, in fact, she rose up from her seat gracefully. Monoma still sees this as something for HIM to be ashamed of.
The others are watching the scene …as Monoma Neito is known for being a self- proclaimed defender of the little people, his disdain for A1 is legendary but now it's possible to see the blond boy humble himself.
The boy is looking at his shoes a lot.
(It´s not the red sneakers. Izumi loves her red sneakers, some third years do use this brand too)
Izumi, with her red sneakers and hoodie similar to Shigaraki´s, stares at Monoma. There's no hate, such feeling is reserved to those who well deserve it but the girl IS curious. The boy is slightly taller than her but his eyes are still on the flooring.
Many eyes are on the scene.
I´m not a bully like Bakugou….
You all would just watch huh?!
“I made,” Monoma finally found his voice and his eyes gathered courage to see the girl crossing her arms. “a mistake, I judge too quickly. I'm here to apologize. Youér a victim in all this”
(Izumi feels irked at the word. But as Maira is still recording there´s no signal of that)
“Why? You had no problem calling me pig-head to my face and smiling. What changed?” Izumi asked, crossing her arms. Her face is icy but inside there´s an inferno in her soul. “Bakugou tried to kill me in the first week, what suddenly makes me the good victim, one worth to be pitied?”
All eyes are on Monoma as if he's the one to blame.
Izumi won´t have none of this.
“All of you were witnesses! Bakugou was nothing but a villain, maybe worse. Why do you think Tomura Shigaraki, a man who invaded UA to kill all of us,” Izumi says all of them are looking at her, all of them are giving their attention to her. “A man who invaded Tartarus…wouldn´t want to have someone like HIM in his team?” Izumi snarls remembering how she had to save him.
(People are sending mean stares at Kirishima…and Izumi doesn't spare anyone anymore)
“All of you saw how he´s useless, a hateful parasite who can't do anything else but put a GIRL down, to break her. IS THIS A HERO TO YOU?” Izumi shames all of them, meanwhile, the girl is inwardly happy, deliriously happy for calling Bakugou useless. Sadly he isn't here.
“HE TRIED TO KILL ME!” Izumi is crying and she would love to say it is fake but…Izumi Midoriya can´t fake crying. More hateful stares are being thrown at class A1. Kirishima is hiding his face and Ochako looks as if Izumi slapped her again.
Many people are muttering in agreement WITH IZUMI MIDORIYA.
Monoma Neito gulped as the guilt was too great to swallow alone.
“I was abused daily, isn´t that what the media says? Isn´t what All Might said in the interview?” Izumi asks, feeling her heart tight…All Might is the one who made the change after almost one year he did something for her. One year and he finally did something but can I really count on him?
“I was the good victim all my life, I was quiet, I thought with all my heart if I would be a good girl,” Izumi knows she´s crying, she´s a Midoriya meaning being a crier. “People would accept me, but all I got…all I would get in the end WAS A GRAVE WITH THE NAME DEKU,” Her watery eyes stare at Ochako with such power, the brunette is looking down. The urge to march at Ochako and slap her again and again is strong but the opportunity of having their attention and agreeing with her is far better FOR NOW “AND HAVING PEOPLE SAYING THIS IS NICE AND HOW I SHOULD AGREE WITH THAT. I WOULD DIE WITH THE FUCKING NAME DEKU!”
Izumi covers her face with her SCARRED hands.
Many people are staring at daggers at table A1. Muttering meant things to the class, after all, a Iida was removed from there for punching a girl…must be something wrong with this group.Ochako is crying and Kirishima is putting his hands on his hair …and it's possible to see the roots.
“What changes?” Izumi asked again, remembering who was filming. The show must go on. “I want to be a hero to help those who are forgotten by people…but how can I help if everyone here sided with an abuser? An abuser who has a good quirk and money.” This feels she's talking about Endeavour increasing the urge to punch the hero even more.
I can't rely on All Might
Many people are sending sympathy, pity and more to Izumi Midoriya. They are listening to her. It makes the girl wonder briefly if this rush in her heart is something similar Shigaraki felt when all those minions followed him. Did you make them listen to you Shigaraki or was it pure intimidation?
“The hero system is already so cruel with us girls,” Izumi doesn´t measure her words as she goes on a tangent on what Nighteye did to her, well, tried to. Many girls in the third year agreed with her gladly and mentioned how the hero may be dead but he is still a creep.
Many commented with pity in their tongue the case of Bubble Girl. The girl took a job in another country and wasn't present in the funeral, no one aside Mirio and All Might were present.
Izumi nods respectfully at the story of how Bubble Girl quits the agency and has no contact with Mirio.
(Mirio is very silent in the canteen. Izumi spotted him but makes no desire to talk to him or soften the blow, to his credit, Mirio does look horrified at the tales of how Nighteye treated the others…He rose up to talk to Izumi but his friend Nejire stops him shaking her head at him.)
Monoma is so ashamed of himself, but looking at his own shoes won´t save him. “I know, I want to apologize. I shouldn´t have judged you so quickly,” then he shocks everyone and bow down to properly apologize.
(All Might did something similar with her mother but considering everything…it was a moot point)
“Do you,” Izumi says, not minding if this is sincere or manipulative, at least not for today. “understand the issue here?”
Monoma nods and raises his head and looks at A1. “The class A1 is to blame, they let Bakugou do whatever.” and many agreed.
Izumi narrowed her eyes. “But everyone is judgmental of the victim. You´re saying, in this case, implying…some people don't deserve sympathy? Do heroes pick who is worthy of saving now?” Fires back and many are confused and looking at Izumi for guidance.
(A far cry from her past when people would ignore her. Is this power? It's not just having a good quirk is more…is so much more.)
Monoma shakes his head. “I´m always on the victim's side. I was bullied in my school…I want to be a hero, like you. I want to be a hero who helps others like you.” His words are sincere and Izumi nods. “But class A1 let Bakugou do everything…and it clouded my judgment, I'm sorry.”
Izumi gives one final look at class A1. Sorry Todoroki. “The class A1 has no homeroom teacher to really help them…since some of the boys do like to peep tom.” Izumi explains how Kaminari Denko and Mineta Minorou tricked the girls to use cheerleader outfits.
More daggers to class A1. People are taking a stand to be far away from them…
(Did her words alone do that?)
Kendo steps in still with her bags in hand and positions herself next to Monoma and begins to apologize. “I´m guilty here too, I knew there was something wrong with Bakugou but I took preference over my friendship with Yaoyuzuro. I promise.” No one saw the heiress's face twisted in sadness. All they see is Kendo apologizing, promising to help the victims.
(Izumi still feels irked at that word)
“To make up for all this we have chocolate to share with all of you,” Kendo doesn´t even look at A1 but the message is pretty clear. The explanation is how class B1 helped a big hero with a case and his agency delivered chocolate, the expensive one.
Izumi sends a fuming look at Monoma and the blond who was all about justice and unfairness has the decency to see the hypocrisy. Not even A1 who had Iida, Todoroki and Yaoyozuro gained fancy chocolate.
“We want to share with all of you!” Kendo is doing damage control and Izumi can´t compete with the power of the chocolate.
“I once tried to get a chocolate,” Izumi rolls up her sleeve and shows the scars. “Bakugou in Aldera didn't like to share.” No one knows those scars are from her quirk. Any physical scar Bakugou inflicted on her was healed in Aldera …But it does the trick. As Kendo wants to give the nice treat to Midoriya first.
I´m weaponizing my scars.
Izumi got fine slices of chocolate for Mei, Maira and Izumi-her friends are waving happily in regards to the chocolate- and as she gets the candy, making sure to grab for her others friends who still are in the library, one of the boys from B1 says something very curious.
“Think our ‘’raccoon’’ likes chocolate?”Tetsutetsu commented in a whisper rather astonished but it was close enough to Izumi for her to hear such a line.
“Raccons can't eat chocolate.” Izumi comments and the boy freaks out and the girl next to him, Ibara starts praying.
“They can't? Damn, I didn´t know that.” He greets Izumi for the tip comically but it's possible to see how he´s sweating. The green haired girl sees how the others are still tense and once noticing her stare tell a story how they ‘adopted’ a nice raccoon, even Kendo is commenting on this.
Well I never had a pet.
Izumi is applauded by the others, that is power and Izumi is smiling softly. No one likes a woman who SHOWS enjoying having power. Hm, guess Futa is right about everything related to the media and heroes. Once sitting down and offering the chocolates.
Maira is still recording.
Izumi remembers the bar where Shigaraki took the minions for the invasion of UA. Did you do a speech to move them? Did you intimidate all of them? Were they just bloodlust loons? Oh, I´m curious about you, Tomura Shigaraki.
Flashing a nice smile, Izumi makes the V of victory, as Maira is still recording, and says one simple finishing line. “This chocolate is better than a Bad Apple.” with such goofy smile SIMILAR TO WHAT SHIGARAKI DID and the record is over. You know very well what that means, Shigaraki.
“You want me to edit the last line?” Maira asked as she's not sure if it is a good line or not.
Izumi shakes her head. "I'm doing a small homage to a western movie. Deternet loves those movies,” It´s true and Mei is piping in saying how the CEO renovated an old movie theater to not only show national movies but international as well.
“Hm, never saw it.” Izumi comments calmly while taking a bite of the chocolate, it´s expensive and very delicious.
“You will…as tomorrow we'll ALL go to Daika city!” Mei and Maira said in unison. Izumi chuckles.
(A1 is secluded from everyone and no one looks at them. No chocolate for any of them. Izumi feels bad for Shoto Todoroki ONLY)
If Deternet responds to her last video …that is something only Futa can answer.
That night, Izumi finally stopped working on her essay and now is in a lotus position, on the floor of her room, preparing to clean her mind for meditation. Her cellphone, an old model, is showing some messages and all of them are from All Might.
The last message Izumi read was about how the President of The Hero Commission signed a document pricing that in two months AFO shall be killed with a lethal injection…
Can she really believe that?
And even if AFO is dead for good….will she be saved?
He will try to make me a pillar of this rotten society.
No.
I can't be a pillar.
I can't be like him.
(Everyone in the journalism field respected the powerful All Might when he gave an order. No one talks about Inko Midoriya. Izumi wants that, such power is far more enticing than being a pillar. Izumi Midoriya will do GOOD with such power)
Her mind is passing down the current facts she discovered.
The Shimuras.
The hypothesis of Tomura Shigaraki and Nine being brothers.
The bar Bad Apple.
The way people with a bad resume are set to be exploited by big corporations just like Deternet. One of Shigaraki’s teammates was in this situation…such a thing was easy to find out as his name is public now.
And of course, her favorite doomed ship. Nana x Ryujin. The photos of Nana and her husband are pure love, to the point, if Izumi had stumbled upon the photo before…she would stupidly dream about such a joyful event for her.
But who would want to marry her?
And why would she want to marry?
“Still, he was a very handsome groom. All respect to Nana,” Izumi thinks a man with long white hair is the peak of good looks and can only imagine how Nana Shimura definitely agreed.
“Why thank you!” A ghostly feminine voice welcomes Izumi and as Izumi turns to the side where the voice is…a very transparent Nana Shimura is smirking at her.
“I always told him how good looking he is.” Nana replied with a goofy smile.
Izumi stares at Nana. “Did I lose my mind?”
“Hm, not yet. Do you want to scream?” Nana asked back.
Mei enters her room with a map in hands but her question stays dormant in her mouth as she sees a ghost floating around. “Izumi, are you busy?”
“Kind yeah!”
“Ok, is that a good ghost or evil ghost?”
“I'm Nana Shimura! I'm a good ghost!” Nana promised and Izumi inhaled and exhaled as she had to accept the fact a ghost is talking to her, actually, as she thinks about it ... .why wouldn't a ghost go talk to her?
Mei looks at Nana and then at Izumi.
“Ok then…if anything happens, scream…Komoko has a bible!” Mei states so steadily with her eyes on the ghost as she slowly closes the door.
“Ah, she seems nice. I like her. So Izumi Midoriya can we talk? I promise to be fast.”
Izumi blinks and accepts ghosts are real, why make this a big deal? “Sure, I’ve time”
Class B1’s dorms are indeed as similar to class A1 as the mind can imagine, the design is even identical. The amount of chocolate is already a small number, no one from class A1 got one and Kendo ignores any calls and messages from Momo Yaoyozuro.
At the moment, there is a solitary chocolate bar as the entire class looks at the solitary room. You see, who designed the dorms made one mistake in adding an extra room.
“Kendo…” Ibara says in a low pitched tone. “I'm worried…are we doing something right? The Lord always says to help our neighbors but ... .The Hero Commission threw people in Tartarus for less,” her words made the others tense.
Monoma Neito speaks up. “We are heroes to help those who need ... .if no one else will help him…why would we ignore him? That would make us like Bakugou and class A1!” Those words do make the others see reason.
Kendo nodded in agreement.
She and Monoma climb the stairs and are now holding the doorknob of the solitary room, opening to reveal one boy with some bandages on his legs, an empty plate on the desk and looks slightly annoyed.
“How is the sun?”
“Mustard, don't complain!” Monoma says and Kendo gestures to the chocolate. The red hair has a nice bar of chocolate and delivery to him.
The boy has bruises on his legs, no gun and leaving would be a bad idea…Mustard takes the chocolate. “So…when will you throw me to Tartarus?”
Monoma is watching the scene and the other students are watching…if the situation regarding Izumi wasn't brought to light, maybe they would all let Mustard bleed and die or call heroes to let him rot in Tartarus.
Izumi Midoriya wants to be a hero for the small folks.
Monoma has the same idea.
“Do you want to be a villain? Do you want to go to Tartarus?” Kendo asked and Mustard looked at her as if she is stupid. “I need an answer!” Flares back not wanting to lose her patience but she hates to be called or implied as stupid.
“So …am I to be your pet villain? Cute, but if you think I can tell anything about Shigarki or the League…you're mistaken. As for me? I didn't want to be a villain …it's just the only option for me!” Mustard replied, taking a bite of the chocolate.
Kendo looks at him for a moment, then looks at Monoma and back at Mustard.
“The Midoriya's case inspired me…I want to help. I know someone who owes me a favour,” Kendo explains mildly, not giving names. “The case we helped today was a cover ... .and this hero owns I can get you a new ID. Vlad sensei is busy with his upcoming engagement and wedding…won't notice the paperwork of a foreign student ....” Kendo stops as the dots are being connected in his mind.
“You have the power to do that?” Mustard asked, astonished.
Kendo remembers the horrible things she heard about Bakugou and what Izumi had to endure …and she feels ashamed, as a fellow woman, she didn't do anything for another woman. Izumi Midoriya is so powerful, her speech cut through many people and for sure …she’ll be a powerful hero.
Kendo nods.
(The engagement of Vlad sensei is a blessing for their plans. The sensei has introduced his fiance to the media and the wedding is a sure thing to happen)
Mustard blinks at that, still absorbing the information. “Wait, is this all about Midoriya? Because Shigaraki didn't seem normal to her. He placed her at the top of his kill list ... many heroes were in that camp,” Mustard speaks as that was a walk in the park for him, class B1 disagrees. “And he focused on her. Not even the Wild Wild Cats…Izumi Midoriya is the #1”
Monoma feels pity once again. Poor girl.
“Do you want to be a hero?”
Mustard reflects on that. “I don't know ... .but I don't want to be disregarded.”
There's still time to think…
Kendo is inspired by Izumi Midoriya and her power…she is a powerful girl indeed.
Notes:
1) Ok so I do like writing those chapters focused on Shigaraki because he is not stupid, he is uneducated but he can change. His obsession with knowing Izumi IS sort saving him...a rare case where an obsession can save you.
2) Shigaraki and Kuro´s relationship is more complicated to me bc Shigaraki canonically doesnt seem to care for Kuro, not as a person or weapon...but Kuro IS programmed to care for him....its complicated because does Kuro really cares for Shig or the program is stronger?
3)Passage of time and we will get a time skip. And Izumi will be to her second year...I want to be clear we´ll get a vilain arc for her but what this entails will be spoiler.
4) Nana shows up and while sure you may see this as a joke, especially as how Mei reacts...its because I think ghosts existing in this universe is kind intersting. You can see ghosts who still linger on Earth because they have one final mission to do. Mei and the others all saw ghosts. If quirks exist, why not ghosts?
5) I don't hate MONOMA, to be clear here. I really dont. I just dont like how in canon Izuku was mistreated and took everything LIKE THE GOOD VICTIM. The victmhood of Izuku is a strange case because you can punch him but the fandom gaslight and is gaslighted into thinking THIS ISNT ABUSE, WHEN IS REALLY ABUSE. Izumi, in this fic, HAD TO REALIZE SHE MAY DIE to finally do something....just because she doesnt want in her grave the name DEKU attached to her.
6) All Might IS a bad teacher, and I´m always lurking on the MHA critical to see good points about that (aside everything else, sometimes I add my two cents) there a panel where AM sees how Izuku is using 5% of his power during the Sport Festival, during his fight with Shoto when...that alone wouldnt be possible as Izuku had no idea of the meassures...so AM was talking to us, reader, without knowing what is really going on with Izuku. Again he is a bad sensei but not malicious. I do think Izumi and Izuku were always watching his videos bc it gives a sense of comfort.........now that Izumi KNOWS the real am, to put generous, its not as great she imagined.
7) Inko IS a bad mother. No, she never slapped Izumi. No, she never let the girl be hungry but she is so emotionally neglectful ...Izumi, as I mentioned in the fic, was abused in Aldera. BK used his quirk on her and for sure that must have hurt like hell.......Aldera healed her to SAVE HIS FACE OFC, but imagine your daughter returning home with her things badly burned, weeping and even if her injuries are healed...you can see she was injuried once......imagine you seeing all that and doing nothing! Inko is the child and Izumi is the mother and my god she is so tired of this.
8) Eri is not the plot device...she is a mischievous girl...she has a knife.
9)I like how Izumi and the General Studies are bonding...I think Izumi is really strong to despite all she endures...she is not hating everyone. But I can also see how she wouldn´t know how to make the first move in terms of friendship. Its ok, everyone in the General Studies is a bit strange.
10) Izumi is doing her investigation slowly....I like to do build up for all that. Shigaraki can´t say he knows Izumi, not yet. But he knows a tad bit more and is VERY NORMAL about all that.
Chapter Text
Chap 6
Fiction and reality are two distant entities in Izumi Midoriya's life. Once when Izumi was a mere lonely QUIRKLESS girl watching doramas and movies was a form of escapism-the famous video little Izumi LOVED to watch is always on loop on her file-and the stories of girls who were bullied only to be saved by a handsome boy IS a fantasy Izumi can´t fully grasp, in those stories, the actress doing the bullied girl were always pretty girls with no freckles. Izumi´s reality was more grim…but in her tender age of 10 years old…watching a K-idol, in a dorama, being rescued by friends and a love interest is amazing…
Little Izumi didn´t like those types of stories, it was too fake- the victim is always a pretty girl in levels Izumi can't ever reach or understand- and to this day, prefers ghost stories and until today…as Nana Shimura´s ghost is staring at her, too vividly if anyone can forgive the small pun.
In the stories of the horror where ghosts appear…they are either spirits of revenge, ruthless beings who have no problem in sacrificing even innocent dogs to reach their goal or beings who want to send their farewell to their loved ones.
Nana Shimura is still looking at Izumi Midoriya, as if seeing something fascinating in front of her. Floating so effortlessly causes the girl to wonder if this is about her quirk or if it is a natural ability of a ghost. Nana´s form is translucent…Izumi can only inhale and exhale as her reality is shifting once again.
Ok ghosts exist…
“So we can rule out I'm not insane …” the yet is so intrinsic in her words barely hide it. Sanity is still intact, all things considered. Nana seemed amused at such a reaction and her eyes darted to the flowers and to the poster of Otheon with a certain sadness. Maybe, the great Nana Shimura never had a chance to travel.
(Izumi herself never had a chance to do many things and now wonders what was stopping her. Yes, Otheon requires money to visit but what prevents Izumi from visiting locals near her place? Getting a quirk certainly didn't make her ACCEPTED by class A1)
If I had walked away ... .I wouldn't be worthy as a hero but Bakugou would be out of my life. This thought makes another one arise. To be a hero you need power…and power isn't just a quirk. It's money, it's connection. I want…I want to…
“It's this about the quirk….you too think I'm unworthy OFA?” Izumi asked mentally brace herself for Nana Shimura coming here just to say how anyone else could do the job. How many times people come to her space to say how unfit Izumi truly is? In the past, she would meekly take but considering how her life is cut short…why lay down?
Bracing herself to hear this , who crosses space and time, to just say how Mirio Toogata and Katsuki Bakugou or anyone else.
“HUH?! You think I would appear in this dimension just to be a creep like Nighteye?!” Nana asked befuddled and crossed her arms. The stunned reaction is priceless for Nana Shimura who now opens a big gin. “I think Yagi chose you for a reason, and well, I like the pun. Izu!” Nana has a tender and comical smile as the name Izu can also mean NINTH.
Izumi blinks and says. “Nighteye is a creepy little man…he’s dead.” Now, the girl is not religious- her gaze is on Nana for a solid minute- maybe not as a zealot would but her eyes slowly focus on the flooring. “He is dead….” repeats the words again in hopes to gauge a reaction. What would a ghost say about the death of Nighteye?
If ghosts exist….
Nana is humming, tapping her feet so casually…even if the foot is not even touching the ground. “I´d think he´s in hell, well, maybe not in hell…but in purgatory. Well, not my circus, not my monkeys.” Nana shrugs uncaringly to the situation of his soul. Her face hardened. “I'm here to talk about OFA with you… your quirk…store so much energy….it evolved to the point we,” Nana Shimura makes a point to give a knowing look to Izumi.
The past users could pay her a visit.
Izumi overcomes, thinks and adapts to such situations.
“Will more ghosts come to visit me?” Izum asked as her lower lip was being touched, slightly pulled by her index finger. “So ofa has a connection with the past users, if we go with the idea that ghosts are energy…then it's possible the quirk works as a portal,no. Not a portal, more like a point of contact between the other post users.” Starts to murmur as if she is praying.
Nana is a bit closer and says. “Wow you are smart, thank you, that will help with the explanation.” Nana seems sincerely pleased. “But well…yes, while OFA can be,as you pointed out, a point of contact for all of us…it's also a storeroom. It stores energy, quirk and even us!” Nana looks at the side to see no one. “Oh well, for tonight is really just me. But the others do want to know you. We do see your struggle and win, Izumi Midoriya and all in between, you do think you are a worthy ninth!” Nana reveals truthfully.
Nana has a smug expression for a moment. “And you do have a nice taste!” The woman is holding her chin with her index and thumb looking very proud of herself.
(Izumi blushes and looks away. Then have the strength to say “your wedding was so beautiful…and I loved the vows!” This pleases Nana very much)
Her cat-like expression fades as she remembers why she, a ghost, is really here. “OFA is a quirk with too much energy. It has been passed down for 200 years. Say, Midoriya,” Izumi is quick to correct, almost stumbling in her words, how she can use her name, Izumi. “Very well, Izumi, do you know about the quirk singularity theory?”
Izumi nods. “It's a theory that says how the quirks can evolve with that. How one can get a quirk awakening,which is a new form of their current power thanks to extreme situations such as trying to defend someone you love or even yourself, there are cases of civilians who wake more powerful versions of their quirks thanks to situations of extreme distress like a man almost killing you.” Izumi says that in one go. “It also says how a strong feeling can indeed make a quirk gain more power, there are records of mothers…” Izumi can separate this case with Izumi's reality. “ Who upon giving birth loved their baby to such a degree their quirk evolved.”
Nana blinks and is impressed. Giving her a thumbs up. “Bravo! But well, another part of the theory is how with time …a quirk can, many speculated, gain an awakening. That's the case for OFA. This quirk can do more than just store quirks and us,” Nana explains.
Izumi is about to ask if she is talking about memories. If the quirk can also safely keep precious or useful information but….What is the limit? But Nana beats her on it as she continues
“I'm saying ... .when I was using OFA…I managed to get Gran Torino's quirk.” Nana reveals in a soft tone. “We were together and he was joking about how his quirk is stupid. I said, I could use that…and he said, “Well Nana, I give you my full consent to take the quirk!” We laughed thinking it was a joke. It wasn't. When I faced AFO…” Nana makes a sour face. “Can't believe his name is Zen. Anyway, I used his quirk …”
“But Gran Torino still has his quirk. I saw it.” Izumi comments as his quirk is still in one piece. Still working despite all odds. In her training with the old man his quirk is still active and the senior hero showed no issues during his time using the power in front of Midoriya.
“What I'm saying is OFA can take quirks if the users in question consent,” Nana closes her eyes and sighs as she continues to reveal the information. “I don't think All Might realized that, no one did and I couldn't warn him as…you know, game over for me.” Nana jokes lightly. “And we can´t wait to see if you´ll figure it out or still be in the tutorial. A long tutorial if you ask us.”
Izumi is pondering her words carefully. All Might always speaks highly of Nana.
No, wait. He just says how she was his master and how pretty she was. Nothing more.
He doesn't even tell me his real name…
HUH? Long tutorial?!
“So…is this a choice I can make or should I tell All Might?” Izumi asked, narrowing her eyes at the ghost hero. Nana Shimura is smiling and it may be a result of thinking of Tomura Shigaraki, a fact Izumi is noticing lately, but the woman in front of her has a smile so alluring, so charming but it's so similar to Shigaraki's goofy smile.
Maybe Izumi lost her mind.
“Your choice to make.” Nana enthroned this as if she had second intentions. “But I do think you're more than capable of keeping this as a secret. All Might kept secrets from you, so…maybe this could be your personal quest.” Nana has a very funny look, her eyes lit up and once again, Izumi can see Tomura Shigaraki in her. “After all, he isn´t talking about my grandson, Tenko Shimura…I know about my family,” Nana reveals with a heavy heart and stops as the silence answers itself as to what really happened to the Shimura family.
Izumi felt a knot on her throat. So Kotaro Shimura is really ... .dead.
Nana muffled her cries, tears won't help anyone. Tears won't help…but the woman looks sorrowful.
“My grandson, Tenko Shimura is alive…I once asked All Might and Gran Torino to not,” Nana swallowed her tears, the desire to scream. What good will it do if Nana breaks down? “But I ask you, Izumi Midoriya, would you look for my grandson?” Nana asked, waiting for her answer. The ghost can´t force Izumi to do anything she doesn´t want.
“I'm looking for him, for your grandson. I'm also collecting information about Tomura Shigaraki.” Izumi says with such determination. Her eyes lit up as she spoke about her ideas regarding Shigaraki and Tenko Shimura, how AFO is using Shigaraki and how Izumi wants to try to reach him.
Nana stares at her…once again in a way so similar to Shigaraki.
The ghost has a cat-like smile even if her eyes are still with a lingering sadness.“Well, that is interesting. I can count on you to reach both of them. Not many heroes would want to know about Tomura Shigaraki…” Nana begins and Izumi is expecting the hang back compliment but. “So thank you Buddha, you are different.”
(Nana mentions how if AFO is indeed killed by the Hero Commission…the ghosts will have no ties to this plane of existence. IF he is really killed for once and for all, Nana gives a sinister smile at this little pun and Izumi is ONCE AGAIN seeing Tomura Shigaraki in her)
Izumi stares at Nana. Someone being sincere in complimenting Izumi IS rare. “How can I talk to you again?” If AFO is indeed killed after 2 months it gives Izumi a small window of time to interact with the others.
Nana smiles ruefully. “To be in this plane already drains some of our energy, but we´ll try to chat with you. If you truly need…meditation does help wonders, Izumi.”
Nana is getting opaque and it dwells on Izumi how the woman may be gone, again.
“I see you…because of my lucid dreams?” Izumi asked, wondering about her lucid dreams of lately, all of them are related to Tomura Shigaraki.
“Nah, that is all on you. OFA is just a stockpile with such energy and secrets, you´ll have fun figuring it out. Oh, sorry for All Might´s lame instructions …you got a quirk that is overcharged to levels not even I can understand,” It's a small consolation and Izumi accepts wholeheartedly.
Now Nana Shimura gives the same goofy smile Tomura Shigaraki sent to Izumi Midoriya in the mall. “I hope you and my grandson can drink tea and chat!”
And Nana Shimura is gone. There's no fanfare, she's gone just how she appears.
Izumi blinks comically. “WHAT?!”
“Izumi, Komoko as a bible!” Maira Shouta behind the closed door. “Should we do an exorcism?”
It takes a minute for Izumi to process everything. Nana Shimura's ghost appears, OFA can take quirks CONSENSUALLY, secrecy against All Might, Tenko Shimura and the fall of the Shimuras and how her classmates are ok with many odd curveballs.
“No, no need for an exorcism.” Izumi shouts through the door. They know about her late night excursions, opening the door and Izumi makes a decision.
It would be unfathomable to imagine Izumi reaching someone or that someone would allow Izumi to touch them. Yet, right now, Izumi holds Maira´s hand and the other girl can see the scars so clearly on Izumi´s hand.
“No need for exorcism, promise you. But I want to talk with the others…wait, is Hitoshi here?” Izumi is not sure if he´s really here, if he´ll come back at some point or if he´s still out working out.
Maira is clearly happy for the hand holding, in her book, that means they are getting closer.
(Izumi would think the same…comfort is not just a video of All Might on loop. But priorities first)
Maira´s eyes look at the ceiling aiming at the right section, without any real will. “No, he's at the hotel. Oh right, forget to mention..” General Studies have a short number of students so a prez of class is a moot point. “Our sensei sent us an email, Shinso Hitoshi and his mother are in the Hilton Hotel at UA´s expense.”
Izumi´s eyes widen as her pupils dilated as she blinks slowly and her face feels hardened at such information. “HUH?”
So wait…Is Aizawa having a thing with his mother?
Maira shrugs but contradictorily, went on a small explanation. “UA, sometimes, and please understand that as very seldom, does sponsor students. Nejire Hadou is a great example as well Mirio Toogata…It covers the gym,” it´s one of the best gyms in all Japan and Mirko, who hates doing publicity, is known to sing sincere praises for the gym.
“It also covers expenses such as residency, Hm…” Maira is not one to socialize with Hitoshi too much as the boy made it painfully clear how he doesn´t think General Studies is on his level. “I think his house had a problem, water flooding…if the information is right, and modesty aside it is, there was a pipe problem and Aizawa steps in offering help…”
Izumi is flabbergasted. “Is he…and Hitoshi´s mother….”
Now Maira sincerely shrugs. “That we have no confirmation, but there´s no father in the picture so…it´s a possibility, and no cheating would be involved as Shinso once mentioned how his father walk away from them…money issues,” In a short version, it seems the man was very irresponsible with money, accumulated some debts with not so nice people and vanished.
Izumi can feel sympathy for that. Not everyone who can make a baby IS ready for parenthood.
(Izumi feels her throat getting tighter all of sudden)
“So he's not here, ok. That makes it easier. Can you call the others? I want to talk about what just happened.” Izumi asked gently but firmly. Not second guessing her choices, shrinking herself never helps so why continue with such an idea?
(Izumi still hates explosions, still hates the sound)
Maira is happy to help but before going to the girl´s face in pure concentration, eyes closed, as her fingers are crafting into thin air a mugwort. Once the plant is physically real, Maira hands it to Izumi. “To ward off bad spirits,” says so charily.
“I´ve been trying to visualize new plants but right now…the mugwort is the best option,” and with that Maira is off to call the others, not a strenuous work as Mei is in her lab, Futa and Ronaudo are in the living room and Komoko is in her room.
It took at best 3 minutes for all that.
Izumi is still holding the mugwort so carefully. When was the last time someone gave her a gift?
The answer is …obvious.
(It´s not to be ungrateful as the owner of the little shop in Mustafu used to give her bootleg All Might's merch when Izumi was smaller. Mr. Starhead as people used to call, even let Izumi write down quirks in his shop…)
Right now, Izumi is in front of those kind people and any caveat, any doubt in regards to telling anything vanish because Izumi could do it all alone, but she shouldn't nor wants to do it. “Ok, no one here is a little freak out about seeing a ghost?”
Futa titled his head, still with his topknot in perfect state, to say. “No.”
Ronaudo who is slouched on the couch speaks in a bored tone. “My grandma passed away 2 years ago, she misgender me a lot but came back as a ghost to apologize. I accepted her words and she finally moved on…people can change even if it was in paranormal situations.”
Futa opened his words with a perfect O. “Ah now that makes sense.”
Mei chimes in. “Saw the ghost of my uncle…He was against my mom and father´s marriage, I don't know why, but well, his ghost was there …I had like 7 years?” Mei stops to think through but is not entirely sure but is not giving much time for this detail. “He appears to us and apologizes…I don't think he was being 100% honest but my parents forgive him.”
Izumi blinks at that.
Maira raised her hand enthusiastically. “Saw the ghost of my old dog. Nothing to forgive, but it was nice to see him even as a ghost.” Apparently, Maira lost her dog to a disease when she was 7 years old…the ghost dog seems happy. Happy and waiting for her.
Izumi can only say. “That´s nice…I never had pets,” no one needs to know how she feared Bakugou would hurt the hypothetical pet. No one needs to hear those words because it became obvious. Izumi´s story is still trending and guesses can be made very accurately.
Futa raises his hand and Izumi privately thinks to herself why they are all raising their hands now.
“Saw my auntie…she passed away when I was two, anyway. “ Futa, just like Mei, is thinking if the ages are correct. “My family has an agency of communications and at the time, Miss Curious wanted to buy it but…the ghost of my auntie was PRETTY FIRM on NEVER EVER agreeing with that…my parents refused the proposal due to ghost interferences.” Reveals as if it is something normal.
Izumi now wonders about her silly theory about Miss Curious…either she is dead or she had to flee from the country or maybe the girl is completely wrong.
Komoko shyly raise her hand. “I saw my grandma too…she appeared to me and my mother, her words?” Komoko adjusts her glasses and makes the best impression of a spooky voice. “I better not see or hear you are near that lowlife again!”
Izumi claps at the spooky voice.
“Thank you, I still remember her voice…by the way, she was talking about my sperm donor.” Komoko comments so naturally, there´s even a coy smile on her face.
Izumi doesn´t need to ask for more details.
Mei raises her hand again and Izumi is mentally prepared to hear another story of ghosts, instead,the pink haired girl asks a question. “Nana Shimura is your …grandmother?”
Everyone gasped at the idea and well, Izumi should know they would think that…
“No, we aren't related in any way. Not by blood, not by marriage.” Izumi shoots Futa a look and the boy lowers his hand dejectedly. “She appears to me because she has a last wish,” it's not a lie, per se. “Her family is….gone.” no one needs to ask the obvious but Izumi still doesn't want to talk about AFO. “A villain found her family and…well, it happened but her grandson, Tenko Shimura is alive. She wants me to find him.”
“Why you?” Maira asked,confused. If Izumi is not a Shimura by blood or marriage, then why is Nana Shimura asking her help?
It´s a fair question. “Because…she thinks I'm the best fit to do that.” No one is arguing. “I mean, All Might is really busy with things and…” absolutely no one is arguing here.
“Izumi, All Might isn't the best mentor here…yes, we saw the videos.” Mei comments carefully.
Izumi doesn´t have much to say here.
"Aren't they master and pupil? Nana Shimura was his master but All Might never talks about her, I mean…” Komoko stops for a moment. “He mentioned her once in one interview throughout his career but it doesn't seem they are close so…yeah, makes sense.”
Izumi can´t really defend All Might….he never even told his name to Izumi.
I don´t know what their relationship was….
“Well, the Shimuras are dead…but I have found nothing about that, which is really weird.” Izumi explains and Futa, Ronaudo and Komoko exchange looks and then Futa speaks first to address the main issue.
“Actually, Izumi, it really isn't." Futa begins with an edgy tone.
“Many families of heroes are victims…and The Hero Commission has protocols for many situations, many situations indeed, included, massacres of families. The idea boils down to manipulation of the media.” Ronaudo ends his turn as Komoko speaks up.
“Do you know the case of the Water duo, right? The media says how they were killed in combat, actually, they´re brutally murdered in their own home.” Komoko looks very intensely at Izumi. “You won't have a problem with us having hm…break some laws, right?”
“Absolutely not!” Izumi promised.
Komoko sighs in relief. “Me and Ronaudo were hacking the database of some cases Hero Commission hides, in some cases, it was just cheating cases…you would be surprised to see how many male heroes have affairs and how the agents have to control and make sure the heroes have a perfect clean image.” Izumi is not really surprised by this part. Komoko continues.
“But we stumbled upon the Water duo heroes…Muscular entered their home and brutally murder them, limbs were torn off…the only mercy was how their only son wasn't at home, he was with his auntie.” Komoko flinched as the photos of the case were still ingrained in her mind.
“The point,” Futa gained the word as Mei and Maira are watching everything with great interest. “is how there are protocols and the Hero Commission doesn´t want anyone to see the violence the work can bring…so, if the Shimuras are dead, you won´t find any news. Any report about the case will be locked at 7 keys minimum.”
Maira comments with a grimace about Tartarus and how everyone involved in the invasion of the Wild Wild Cats were sent to rot, maybe in a literal sense, however, Komoko interjects saying how …one of them wasn't accounted for in Tartarus.
“Strange, I swear I saw Mustard tied up with class B1.” Izumi mumbles the last part and those who heard her have no answer. Maybe the villain escaped and the class is keeping quiet to avoid any punishment.
(It makes Izumi seethe. The existence of Tartarus as well the fear the others have to the point “if a villain escaped we will be punished”)
Ronaudo now frowns. “Wait, The Hero Commission loves a surviving story…where is Tenko Shimura?”
Fair enough. I don´t know where he is…
“I think he lays low. Maybe he works for Hero Commission, maybe he works with Deternet…whatever it is, I think is a position of power and he may have gained enemies with it,” Izumi knows if Tenko Shimura was a lawyer living in a penthouse his grandma wouldn't call for Izumi's help.
The others seem to agree with that.
“I know where his old school was, well…pre-school and while it is not ideal, it´s better than nothing.” Izumi replied as there´s no social media of Tenko Shimura and in this day and age it is a bit strange.
“My other point is how…Tomura Shigaraki is someone I want to investigate. He caused the crater in Daika city, I don't know why. I don't know why Deternet is related to him,” Izumi shared a theory of Shigaraki acting as a rabid dog for Deternet which…Mei seems to find plausible.
“No one gets that much money and influence by being nice…” But the pink haired girl sat so politely on the couch next to Maira who is now concentrating on making new flowers. Futa is on the chair, Ronaudo is a couch potato and Komoko is arching on the couch like Davi the thinker.
Izumi is the only one standing still.
“If Deternet is using Tomura Shigaraki as a rabid dog…does that mean they are stupid?” Komoko asked.
Mei cries.
“Translation: it´s a possibility.” Maira pats Mei on the back as the pink haired girl is processing grief.
Komoko raises her hand. “So does this mean …our outing to Daika city is over? If Tomura Shigaraki is related to that crater…” The girl is pouting.
Izumi shakes her head. “If you guys still want to go…I definitely want to go to Daika city.” Unconsciously take a hem of her shirt and while fashion is not a necessity, the fact the girl has so little clothes makes her feel ashamed.
Komoko watches the scene and doesn't comment on the obvious. With a kind smile, the girl with glasses comments how excited she is for the trip. “I´m a great fashion guru if anyone here needs help with their outfits, let me know.”
Izumi can feel this is aimed at her.
No malice, just a genuine desire to help.
"I'd need some shirts and some pants.” Izumi reveals and Komoko is still beaming, promising she knows great shops who can help and have a great discount. Izumi looks at her. “If I said I stole money from Nighteye, hypothetically, would anyone here have an issue?”
“NO!”
“Then money won't be an issue!” Izumi slyly talks about how Nighteye had a very expensive pen, of all things in that All Might´s sanctuary, that pen was very expensive and easy to sell. No one has any problem with that, no one.
Futa raise his arm.
“Hm, guys you don't need to raise your hand. But ok…” Izumi interjects.
“Deternet sent a response about the videos,” He gives a swift look at Maira who is now busy with her flowers-she is making new flowers never once seen but being alchemist of flowers is not easy and the breed of rose and marigold is falling apart- then back at Izumi. “They love all the videos …so much they are willingly to send us the Deternet car.”
Mei is still grieving. “Bet it won't even drive alone, bet it has a driver!”
Deternet cars WERE the promise of a more intelligent car that can drive you…of course, this promise is a meme at this point.
Futa looks at Mei in solidarity. “Yeah, it has a driver. Untenmaru Kurumada!”
Izumi is stunned at this. “He is Endeavour´s driver…why is he working for Deternet?”
“No one likes to work with Endeavour!” Ronaudo comments as if this is the truth and Izumi agrees 100%
It is set in stone, everyone will use the Deternet car. Mei is vowing to make an angry letter at Deternet and Izumi is asked-more like dragged- with her to proofread the letter. The first version of the letter has many curses…
If there´s one thing Dabi has learned is the power of observation, for example, right now, the man is leaning against a cold metallic wall noticing the lack of cables, noticing the absence of chaos that Dr. Garaki´s lab usually carries such facilities, it's also essential to notice the absence of blood smeared on the flooring or the dead bodies in tubes. This medical facility is funded by Redestro and is run by Dra. Miyuki.
Another thing to notice is how CLEAN the facility is.
This facility has more than 10 years give or take and yet, it still preserves that alcohol scent very reminiscent of hospitals. Either no one in the MPA army ever had to truly dirty their hands or this facility can do almost anything.
Well, can´t regrow limbs…
His cold blue eyes are on the woman in front of him, Dra Miyuki herself, who is a petite woman, with a dirty blonde hair-it´s dyed as the roots are discreet but not hard to miss- whose quirk is related to plants, apparently, she can grown trees if her hand touch a fertile soil…The woman is on a lecture to give all the details on the machine called Restor-E.
Dabi takes one look at the machine with some displacement as the machine in question, the Restor-E looks like a MRI. Apparently, according to the explanation, Dabi would have to absent from alcohol and smoking for 24 hours to use the machine and the machine wouldn't be able to patch the tissues- a carefully and well thought line the Dra used and Dabi can see WHY- in one go, it would be needed more than one session …but yes, his skin will regrow, his burns will be no more.
Vanity is not the reason for Dabi to even agree with such an idea…Vanity matters not to people who have HIS mission. But …it would help with his plan. His initial plan of revenge was scrapped, Endeavour could have defeated the Nomus and gained more popularity in a moment where the civilians detest him…
All Might called him rude …while not ideal, any negative word from this man makes anyone look bad. To the point Endeavour is very quiet about not even his amazing lawyers can help in this case.
His memory is excellent and can´t forget anything. The interview All Might gave as well with the request to kill ONE prisoner in Tartarus is still a hot topic as well Izumi Midoriya. The girl had her own Endeavour and if Dabi had known that…he would have burned Bakugou and punched his moronic boss.
Well, consequences are coming for him NOW.
The topic of Izumi Midoriya is interesting…the girl amassed a great deal of supporters but has avoided interviews like the plague, the best they got was footage of Izumi refusing to say anything aside from calling for her homeroom teacher…that, ironically, makes her more popular.
Bet she hates fame!. Dabi is even surprised his boss reached the same conclusion…
Then his mind goes to the masterpiece…and his little incident with a boy named Santa, Sero or whatever the name was…and how Shoto Todoroki almost murder the boy. What saved him was his uniform being resistant to ice. If he was using anything else…that boy would be dead. Dabi thinks that would be lovely.
(Dabi saw the video of Izumi with the towel and well…she´s cute alright, it amazes Dabi and maybe, Shigaraki, how the towel remains on its place not daring to lose to gravity. Shigaraki later is still upset Dabi saw that image out of all them…more so, Toga saw the image too)
Then his mind is back to the present…The Dra is still talking about the machine, how Dabi must prepare for the treatment and the best schedules for him. The villain gazes at her as he stalks closer to her and puts a cigar in his mouth as his finger lights it up. He slowly slides down his jacket…and slowly removes his white T-shirt.
The woman´s lips are trembling…her eyes are on his skin, maybe professionally …maybe not.
His husky voice speaks. “So Snow,” Her face is very fitting of the name snow. It´s very fitting, it´s very nostalgic as snow is so familiar to Dabi. The woman's face heated up as her back hit the wall. “Which part of me should I do first?”
The woman gulped, her mouth suddenly dry. “Maybe the chest, but you can't drink any alcoholic beverage or …smoke. For at least 24 hours, and it's one session a week.”
Dabi hummed in agreement, still with the cigar in his mouth. “You´re a very competent doctor.” His voice is still husky, still in the same spot, so close that the woman can feel the heat or …the heat is from her? “I´ve a question…how are the medicine colleagues nowadays?”
Dabi smirks, imagining how the woman must be trying to analyse such a question. Dra Miyuki even titled her head for a moment until she remembered HE IS THE GENERAL.
“The courses are difficult, only those mentally prepared are up for the task. If you have any questions about my qualifications, my general, rest assured…I have the right credentials.” The woman speaks and even mentioned she made a specialization in the UK, many years ago. Study medicine in the US after Trump is…not something she recommends so freely.
Natsu Todoroki graduated as a doctor two years ago…he wanted to work as a quirk specialist, but that is a notion that one doesn´t get so easily. You need to work with The Hero Commission HOW AND WHEN they command and the fees are tremendous-his girlfriend is rich, a sugar mama if Dabi can joke, but Dr. Todoroki wouldn't feel comfortable taking her money-in the end, it's more feasible to be just a pediatrician.
Fuyumi Todoroki is a kindergarten teacher…
Shoto Todoroki, the masterpiece, is the only KID working to be a hero…just like HIS FATHER.
The irony is not lost on Dabi.
“Hm, now tell me can a spouse admit the wife at Fujitani Hospital for years?” Dabi asked coldly as the woman was anxious. Dra Miyuki works in the hospital and has met Rei Todoroki, Dabi can only imagine what this woman is imaging.
“Not straight forward enough, ok, no one finds it strange Rei Todoroki is admitted in that hospital for years?” Dabi gazes at her waiting for her response.
The woman definitely worked with Rei Todoroki at least once and her face shows.
Dra Miyuki imagines Dabi could want Rei to hurt the hero Endeavour, could even be in a relationship with her. Her words are a stammering mess, as she looks down. “She speaks about her kids a lot.” Reveals as if this is a gotcha moment.
Dabi doesn't say anything.
“She´s not ready to face her husband, which is understandable.” Dra Miyuki reveals as nervousness is still ingrained in her soul at this very moment. “Like I said, she likes to talk about her son…especially the first one…”
“Shoto Todoroki?” Dabi answered knowing it was the wrong answer.
“No, Toya Todoroki.”
Dabi hummed again clearly not wanting to get more details on this matter, not that the Dra would be of great assistance, especially as she has made the WRONG idea about Dabi and his interest in Rei …and is still watching him shirtless.
“Well, do you want to see what else I may need?” Dabi boldly asks while waiting for her response and the woman with name as Miyuki is a lovely shade of red. Her hand is tentatively touching his chest…
The door opens violently revealing Geten…with his white hair is fumming and Dabi chuckles thinking how he looks like a scorned lover or one who saw his girlfriend cheating with another man or maybe it's the other way around.
Dabi ignores the Dra and is giving his undivided attention to Geten, his white hair who is long enough to resemble a certain someone. Rei Todoroki, in the past, used to have hair very similar to that.
“You're asking about Rei Himura?!” Geten looks affronted by the situation, looks at Dabi shirtless and his face heats up a little, to the point he puts his hoodie on immediately. “I´ll not let you ruin the image of my family.”
Dabi is listening. “You´re her long lost son?” The logic of Rei Todoroki hiding the pregnancy from her husband, Endeavour, two years before Shoto, is a bit ridiculous. More ridiculous than All Might being a secret father…unless…
Geten frowns.
It has been a few months ever since Redestro bowed to Shigaraki, how Dabi became the general and how MPA is at the control of Shigaraki who is killing those who aren´t getting the memo "don't badmouth Izumi Midoriya”
The defeat has taken a toll on Geten´s pride or maybe on self-preservation.
“I´m tired of this,” Geten exclaimed, ignoring the woman. “You came here…you and your group, now you´re asking about my family?” Geten is still fuming even if this was a normal day…Geten wouldn't call Rei his family.
“Rei Himura is my older sister.” Geten reveals as if this would change things. Dabi is still gazing at him.
Dabi narrows his eyes. Well, Mama Himura IS in the mind “as soon as you are fertile, pop babies” This thought may be not correct, not entirely. Dabi bet a teenager Mama Himura was hoping to get pregnant but what does Dabi know about this woman?
“Yeah? She seems a bit older to be your older sister,” Dabi can think Geten of a fool for sure but not a lying fool. The phrase gives more rope to the person to rope themselves in his mind.
“So?I'm the last son of the Himuras, our family believes in horned our quirk,” The Himuras are also known for inbreeding but Geten is not so foolish as to mention that, not that it was really necessary. “I hate having you here…I hate I didn't …I could protect Redestro.” The ground under him is frozen solid in mere seconds…
Dabi can see how Geten slyly lets water, clean water, fall on the ground. Two or maybe four drops and the ground is frozen solid.
Rei Todoroki used to do that a lot.
“And I´m the last part of the Shimuras…and yet, I have to answer to you, that is an insult to everything I hold dear.” Geten clenched his teeth and hissed his last words. Dabi wanted to incinerate him but again, Geten is not a lying fool. Many villains here aren't liars, at least, not with Dabi.
For example, Elastic boy is a villain that works as a soldier for Redestro. His quirk makes him a great soldier but his reason to side with Redestro can be seen as pure coercion. The man confided with Dabi, out of all people, after too many questions how…his wife is sick, deadly so and money for the treatment WAS scarce.
Redestro offered help…in exchange for his services.
The money is deposited in the hospital, but never the full amount. You see, the woman could have been healed right away, but Redestro is paying for the treatment in slow pieces. With each well done job, his wife gets better …
Dabi has to admit this is brilliant as well as cruel.
(If all goes well…his wife will be healed and they can celebrate the New Years …next year together in their house. The wife is in the same hospital Rei Todoroki is. The contrast is so stark…..a man who is slaved by Redestro to save her and on the other side, Endeavour)
Dabi grabs him by the collar. Incinerating him is a good call…
(His eyes are full of anger, ready for a fight…his eyes are the same
“If you have a complaint about Shigaraki´s idiotic plans, which of course, let's all chat with him!” Dabi grabs Geten as if he waits nothing all the while activating his quirk making the boy scream profanities.
(It makes Dabi think about how or if Shoto can use cuss words. The thought makes Dabi laugh…the image of Dabi laughing and using a fire that can melt anything, to the point Geten has to activate his quirk is …something ingrained in his mind)
Locating Shigaraki is not hard, he's always in his penthouse when not in meetings. The man is admiring a photo and Dabi can bet anything the said photo is about Izumi Midoriya. Lo and behold Tomura Shigaraki is indeed the admiration of a photo of Izumi Midoriya.
Dabi rolls his eyes.
But ok she is cute.
Tomura Shigaraki groans as he rolls his eyes. “Why are you here?” Dabi asked, barely giving much thought to Geten screaming all the profanities.
Dabi drops Geten on the floor with a big smirk. “Get a load of this, he´s related to Endeavour and is a long lost Shimura…” Dabi chuckles at Geten. The idea of him being a Himura makes sense…Mama Himura has popped babies ever since her first period ended.
Tomura Shigaraki puts Izumi´s photo down and looks at Geten intensely.
“Oh, really?” Tomura asked in a baby tone and titled his head. “Are you sure?”
Geten looks so offended by this question. His initial spiel is to say how he is a Himura. The direct son of Maki Himura, a woman who birth babies in the Himura clans-to his credit, now Geten is not exactly proud of this fact- and how Rei Todoroki is married to Endeavour, how his older brother, Sota Himura, married Nana Shimura.
To be clear, Maki Himura is a woman who gives birth to kids for a long while. The Himura women are fertile like that …a saying Geten remembers hearing from jeering men. Geten is not proud of this part, only on his quirk.
“You look uncomfortable,” Dabi mocks Geten and puffs the smoke of his cigar at his face. “how did you think YOU got the quirk?” asked, mocking the ice quirk.
Tomura Shigaraki WAS sitting on his table, admiring the photo and the footage-no one will be seen when Shigaraki sees the towel footage ALONE- and is walking towards Geten. He grabs his chin forcefully.
“Hey, so you think you deserve better because you are related, in a way, to those people?” Tomura Shigaraki asked, grabbing his chin forcefully knowing his fingers are leaving a nasty mark on his skin.
Geten says some nonsense about quirks.
Tomura is completely phlegmatic as he still holds Geten´s chin with such a grip that is drawing blood, his nails are long enough and Shigaraki doesn't care in the slightest. “Well, then you should bark at me…as I´m Tenko Shimura.”
Tomura laughed hysterically.
If Geten had a good mind…he would notice how his laughter is similar to Dabi.
Dabi watches Tomura Shigaraki with his lips tighten shut.
I hope he is lying…if not, then…my family tree is cursed.
Kurogiri WAS cleaning the dishes, for his own peace of mind, until the laughter caught his attention and Kurogiri arrived shortly after. Geten screams “NOO”
Tomura Shigaraki laughs amused at his suffering. He looks at Kurogiri and gives an order. “Take him out of my office, I´m busy.” and is about to turn his back when his interphone rings with Skeptical's image. Once agreeing with the call, the man is fidgety as his visible eye is full of veins, frenetically looking to all sides. Tomura Shigaraki is not caring.
Skeptical has a shocking news about Kotaro Shimura.
Tomura Shigaraki now gives his attention, but side-eye Geten as if he is to blame for all this ... .or perhaps, Geten is seeing what there is nothing to see.
“Apparently, he was Eri Chisaki's godfather.” Skeptical can see how Tomura Shigaraki is glaring at him. “The arrangement was made way before the girl was born…he was friends with the family. Naomi Chisaki married Jotaro Himura…I´m just saying this because…Izumi Midoriya hacker the national records, that's a crime.” The hacker could have open with this line but maybe his Supreme Leader would appreciate this information more.
Tomura Shigaraki laughs…madly. Truly insane, Kurogiri just watches the show.
Skeptical say how Izumi Midoriya is the one who saved the girl, how the girl is in UA´s guardianship and to conclude how the girl is often attached to Izumi Midoriya out of all heroes. Goes on details how she was the one who faced Overhaul and how impressive it was, all in the hopes his boss is impressed.
Tomura Shigaraki laughs. In a clipping tone, he ordered Skeptical to not meddle on the Shimuras again, message loud and clear. His second order is to see if Izumi has any other criminal record…
(Skeptical is losing the color on his face, if that is possible, as he says with extreme careful tone. “In a sense, she does. When you invaded UA months ago and she faced you…she used her quirk without permission. Thanks to the invasion being broadcasted at time, The Hero Commission archived the file” Tomura Shigaraki has the biggest grin one can imagine)
Dabi would pray if he believed in ANY DEITY. He looks at Geten laying on the floor with his eyes unfocused and still lays on the ground and …credit where it's due, it doesn't look like Rei Himura in the slightest.
Geten is removed by Kurogiri. Overall, today is not a good day for the boy. He looks so broken.
Saturday arrives swiftly but to those who stayed up late searching and hacking the National Database of all Japanese people, well, Saturday surely took her time -Izumi yawned as Mei is still drooling on her shoulder- waking the green haired up as a new day arises, Mei made Izumi as a nice pillow, turning Izumi´s shoulder in a pillow. Maira is snoring on her lap.
Saturday arrives and Izumi has some new knowledge in her hacker section, thanks to Mei and Maira.
- Kotaro Shimura, Nao Magi, Ino Chisaki and Tako Himura were all friends in the college years, none of them pursued any heroic work. Nao Magi was an actress of relative success and Ino Chisaki was a socialite-Maira and Komoko confessed how there magazines who USED to talk about her. “she was THE socialite” and it is still odd, to say the least, to know Eri´s mother was a socialite. I won't mention that to Eri …so soon.
- Ino Chisaki was THE socialite but fell in love with Dr. Himura so much her wedding was luxurious…it´s disturbing to see Overhaul in the photos, to be fair, he looks a moderately NORMAL civilian as his mask wasn't a beak. Ino is with her father, there was no photo of her indicating she noticed Overhaul. (Maira asks what happened to the mother and Izumi has no idea, sincerely, has no clue. Either she was killed or runaway) things I'll talk to Eri when she gets older. She doesn't need this burden right now.
- Kotaro Shimura was the inventor and CEO of the Red Sneaker and once his demise Deternet legally bought the company and now it works under his direction. It makes Izumi wonder if Deternet is really aiming to be like Disney. Mei rolled her eyes and said “Yes, even with the decadence!” (Mei Hatsume is slowly becoming an anti fan of Deternet and it´s not ONLY because Tomura Shigaraki may be their guardian dog)
- Nao Magi was a successful actress but her roles are usually more about horror. Her last movie, before marrying Kotaro, was about a woman who had a strange quirk and…killed her family by accident. The ending is VERY bittersweet. (Izumi cringes wondering if that would count as an omen in the past. Maybe, maybe not)
- Dr. Himura had an ice quirk, which wasn't prevalent in his field, as he was studying quirks WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE HERO COMMISSION. He was working on the Doomsday theory, something many peers described as laughable.
Of course, there´s nothing about Tomura Shigaraki since the name is obviously fake. There's a list of low income families and what happened to them during 20 years -Izumi is guessing Shigaraki is 20 years old- and some were driven to villany, some were killed in suspicious formats but hard to prove anything and others are still in the same situation.
Saturday arrived and it is time to visit Daika city.
(Eri is with Chiyo, the caretaker and can't leave the parameters of UA so easily …plus Daika city is promised to be crowded, Eri WILL be overwhelmed. She easily gets frightened when she is with more than 4 people…For example, some third year students wanted to be nice to her but it was too much for her and the girl used her knife, however, no teacher would believe a little and CUTE girl has a knife inside her teddy bear. Mirio still tries to talk with the girl but Eri evades his attempts with ease.)
“Girls, it´s time to visit Daika city…” Izumi speaks kindly, not knowing if she should wake them or not, people never were big on being so physically closer to her. It didn't go unnoticed how Izumi didn't flinch at the contact.
Mei wakes up as if one presses the switcher. “DAIKA CITY! FUCK DETERNET!” Mei declares loudly with a big grin on her face bearing some insanity. The pink haired girl is mumbling about her babies, one of her invitations is a software to hack all the files in the Hero Commission, of course, it's a draft nothing more. Her second invention is also a machine that decays solid elements, Izumi is helping but is still just a mere draft.
(If Izumi were to named all of her “babies” it would take a while)
Maira wakes up, robs her eyes and yawns again and again. “Morning.” With her half-lidded eyes, the girl crafted a morning glory, however, the flower is not entirely perfect as the petals are in uneven shapes. It doesn't matter as Izumi takes the flower anyway.
“Maira woke up…we have to go to Daika City!”
“Mei, have you taken a shower?”
“AGAIN?!”
“Yes, Mei, again. We all need to take a shower.” Izumi and Maira commented in perfect unison.
Mei sighed in defeat.
Taking a bath is good for her soul, Izumi considered, as more cold water drips on her skin, hair. The vanity in her is pretty null but she doesn't want to be called stinky-in Aldera, one girl poured milk on Izumi's hair but there's no recollection of anyone saying she smelled bad. And her opinions matter? NO- What is a social interaction? Izumi has no idea, and for a moment, the girl is crying in her small shower.
If she was born with different parents…
If she never met Bakugou…
Would she be a normal girl? Could she ever fit in this society?
No.
There´s no point in what-ifs anymore.
Her thoughts go rapidly to Tomura Shigaraki feeling the ghost of his hand on her neck. There´s an odd comfort in thinking of this particular villain than thinking of her own mother, who hasn't reached out, who only did something for Izumi when Izumi Midoriya, quirkless for years, got a quirk of her own…no explanation was required.
It´s comforting to know how his motives are pretty black and white. Are they? I don´t understand you at all. If he is indeed a victim of AFO who saw an impoverished kid and took advantage of her as her theory suggests then…
How I reach to him?
And if his origins are different from my theory?
Even if his family wasn´t improverished…Izumi KNOWS AFO took advantage of child Tomura Shigaraki.
As she knows how All Might is not to be trusted, at least not yet. The man …is not malicious, but he´s not reliable.
If Nana doesn´t mind I keep a secret, ok.
Her fingers gingerly touch her neck, on the same spot his hand touched it. His hand is bigger and it is important to consider the fact: is his hand big because of his quirk or its natural? Izumi's face heats up as her line of thoughts can have double meaning if voiced out.
Twisting her green hair and seeing the water drip from them makes Izumi wonder why, out of all people, Tomura Shigaraki went to her.
It makes her think if Tenko Shimura …Where is he? There´s no records of any Tenko Shimura and well…his grandma told me he is alive so…did he change his name?!
The bath is over, Izumi is out and feelish refreshed. The girl is fully clothed but has a towel on her hair…her hair takes a wild to get dry, but it´s not a big deal anyway.
The door of her room is ajar and Komoko appears holding something behind her. “Morning Izumi!” Her starry eyes are a clear indication she too is excited to travel to Daika city. “I was wondering..need help to dry your hair?”
Enthusiastically shows a hair blower with such a joyful smile.
Ah, a hair blower would help.
No one ever offers any help with her looks…
Izumi blinks and nods. Feeling suddenly so silly for never doing anything like that…
Komoko is over the moon and is very chatty as she informs the two how she is the one who takes care of Fuuta´s hair and Mei´s hair.
“Ok, that´s impressive!”
“Thank you!” and adds. “Your hair is really pretty and I wanted to help…I like to do make up,” Komoko has to speak a bit louder as the device is on but Izumi is understanding her. “I want to work with fashion…help heroines to dress nicely and hm, not be a walking talking fetish.” Izumi heard the girl coughing something like “unlike Midnight”. “So if you need help, please, don't forget to ask. I know I may not be like you, I don't want to be a hero in that regard.” Komoko explains how fights make her stomach uneasy.
(Seeing the ghost of her grandmother through is totally normal and Izumi accepts this reality without issues)
“I think anyone can be a hero, even if it´s not in a fighting or flashy sense.” Komoko chuckles. “I mean, I´m quirkless and even if I had a quirk I would still want to work with fashion, mom often tells me how I can do it.”
The hair drying is over.
"You're quirkless?” Izumi asked impressed, her eyes wide as she gazes at Komoko with such hope. Hope of what?
Komoko nods softly. “But I can´t ever be like you, even if I had a quirk…I wouldn´t want to be in the field,” he adds. “I do believe anyone can be a hero but in a different form.”
Izumi wants to cry.
Izumi wants to punch the wall and hurt someone (Aldera is gone, A1 is out of her life…who else deserves her hate?)
Izumi instead reveals with trembling words. “I´m quirkless too…got my quirk recently, I´m a late bloomer.”
Komoko gasped, frowned and said. “And Aizawa did nothing to help you with your quirk? That hobo!”
The girl asked some basic questions about Izumi´s quirk, accepting wholeheartedly the explanation of late bloomers- to be fair, OUTSIDE Japan, there were cases of older people developing quirks- first question was about the name.
Izumi feels so stupid for trusting All Might on that front.
“I didn´t think of a name.”
Komoko deemed that fair enough as the quirk is very new but urged Izumi to label the quirk faster or else the Hero Commission will be on her case.
Then asks what Izumi can truly do with her quirk. “I mean, I saw you throwing those pervs away,” Komoko shivers at the memory of Mineta. “ But I saw fire too, is that normal or was it a quirk awakening?”
“It enhanced my strength…as for the fire, I was just too mad,” It's not entirely a lie but Izumi, as much as she likes Komoko, doesn´t want to delve deep into her own quirk. Komoko accepts the question and they are back talking about the hair.
Izumi is not a different person in the mirror.
Izumi is still Izumi.
It´s just…Izumi may like what she sees in the mirror at long last.
Untenmaru Kurumada is a fantastic driver, to the point his general allowed him for this mission. Endeavour is a hardass boss but even he can't say anything negative in regards to Untenmaru's skill. The hero didn't mind his best driver taking side jobs-technically, it´s on his contract so Endeavour can't throw a hissy fit- as he has other drivers and will be accommodated in his agency, all day and night.
Geten, one of his generals, is lately not in the best shape. Apparently, the revelation of Geten being connected to Supreme Commander and Dabi-the details are fuzzy on that part, Dabi haven't commented on anything- render the boy with frustration tears as well often being on the floor.
But doesn't that prove his point? Tomura Shigaraki, our Supreme Commander, has a powerful quirk so of course he is from a powerful clan.
Skeptical can be seen awkwardly comforting Geten…
But this is not important, what matters is the mission. Untenmaru is to work as a driver for a Deternet car-something usually reserved to important people- and drive the General Studies. Izumi Midoriya is something…
No, someone…someone. He corrects himself mentally quickly.
She is someone Tomura Shigaraki wants to know…deeple, effervescently.
Izumi Midoriya is someone pitiful in Untenmaru's mind. The story circling Izumi is about abuse and who doesn't love an underdog? Her social media, while lacking, is growing in numbers. Untenmaru can even check on his brand new phone how on Instagram, for example, Izumi´s followers are rivaling All Might.
Katsuki Bakugou is on a mute, to put it mildly. The boy who was hauled by Aldera to be this great hero is being now, in all social medias- when people do talk about him is to say something NEGATIVE- heroes like Beast Jeanist and his sidekicks talk, rant even, how he TRIED to help Bakugou but had no idea how the boy was so vile…
(Suicide baiting is disgusting. It´s something funny for a hero who has killed 14 villains in a month. It´s also curious how the case of Aldera is not getting much track on the media…just the cops saying they are investigating and Slingin´ Go is on the case. No one is caring too much, ironically, Izumi Midoriya tramples any social media, any topic. People love an underdog)
UA has invaded 2 times though the second time wasn't as grandiose as the time his Supreme Commander did. Well, technically, the second invasion wasn't on UA entirely, it was on one of the stadiums but the fight escalated outside the jurisdiction of UA…Untenmaru Kurumada remembers the name of this villain, Gentle Criminal, and how he managed to escape.
The security on UA is excellent to put reporters out, not always. As in the past, some reporters did break in to see Izumi and her new classmates, however, as a driver enters in the territory all it requires is showing one card to one jaded hero-sensei-he´s from the lower ranking but is not on a dangerous lower position- and he´s free to go.
The hero-sensei does notice the burning on his face, but makes no question. The MPA can heal ALMOST anything but there's no instantaneous healing.
My general trusted me with this mission.
My Supreme Commander is counting on me.
The plan is to serve as a chauffeur for the kids, to keep his ears up to listen to anything Izumi Midoriya could be sharing as she has no idea what is going on. His mission is very simple, he tightens his hold on the steering wheel, his mission is very easy.
He sees some of the classmates of class A1. Shoto Todoroki is not among them-a strange sense of pity forms in his stomach- and how one of the kids is trying to talk with someone from another group, it appears to be from the third year …and is completely ignored.
In the past, being in A1 was a guarantee of fame…
Arriving at the General Studies building isn't hard to find, his mission isn´t impossible.
At the entrance of the building there's a woman with blue hair, their homeroom teacher Sara. All the legality was filled and she serves as their legal guardian. Sara Aoi, always blue. The driver knows his mission is simple, all he needs is to listen, nothing more.
For my General and Commander…I will do it.
While Untenmaru talks to the homeroom teacher about the schedules- the kids can´t stay out forever as it´s clear- Mei Hatsume, wearing grey pants, her trademark black top but wearing jacket jeans, without any google. The girl is inspecting the car as if she can see any small deficiency.
Untenmaru chuckles at the sight. Not sure what he should say or do here.
He is only here to listen.
Mei opens the hood as Maira is with her taking photos, once again, Untenmaru has absolutely no idea on what to do. Sara just smiles and says how Mei is a great inventor, she´s curious about the mechanics of the car and anything in regards to Deternet.
Izumi doesn't think that counts as a lie.
Maira is wearing green pants, a white T-shirt, with a dark green shirt. Wearing her hair down and using black boots. Honestly speaking, Izumi and Ronaudo thinks Maira looks like princess Leia from Star Wars.
Maira takes this with pride.
The boys are dressed all casually but Fuuta´s topknot is still in splendid state. Ronauldo is wearing a bean. Untenmaru privately wonders how the kid can even keep such a hairstyle.
Komoko and Izumi are coming closer. Sara acted as their guardian and no news about Inko, one single text from her two nights ago, everything is fine. It´s better not to think about her mother now, she can visit Daika city now.
Komoko is the most stylish out of the group donned with a midi skirt in a dark tone, her hair is slightly curled, her glasses are more casual, using a pink shirt.
Izumi, for her part, is wearing her trademark “shirt” shirt, with brown pants and red sneakers. Her hair is tied up in a ponytail, nothing fancier. There´s nothing different from the girl´s look, there´s no makeover trope here…it´s just Izumi thinking she´s not …a failure. Oh, she has a winter coat Eri has “borrow” for Izumi.
(Izumi remembers Aldera and the exclusion. Izumi remembers Gentle Criminal and his desire to be included. There´s many things to think about, many things that steal her sleep at night. Many things are wrong in this society and Izumi is powerless to stop, to change FOR NOW)
BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE POWER, I STILL DON'T HAVE POWER.
Komoko is the one with shining eyes as she´s jumping on her feet as she's talking about the shops in Daika City.
Mei, sagely nodded her head, crossing her arms but said. “Clothes are nice and all, but it´s important…to see if Deternet did a good job. Maira, do you have the …” the question ends as Maira wordlessly lifts the camera, it's a discreet one. If Izumi had to guess it´s one of those cameras used to prove cheating. “You´re the best!”
Maira has a smug expression at the same time, appreciative and is taking photos of the car and the battery blatantly in front of the driver. “Ah, Izumi…since it´s your first time in Daika City, if you feel overwhelmed let me know.” says the girl so kindly while taking photos. Their plan is to judge Deternet, of course, but they also want to enjoy the shops.
They all want to have fun and Izumi is …included.
(This revelation is so powerful. It stirs something inside of her)
This city has anything and anyone, according to Ronaudo who is now giving a mini- explanation to Izumi about the city with such passion as if he´s TedTalks. To say it´ s New York is an offense to the city, but this city has many shops. Even excellent and affordable binders which Ronaudo needs.
Izumi listens again, so patiently, imagining how the city looks now that the rebuilding is over. So being included is this? That´s nice.
“Apparently, they spare no money to make Daika amazing again.” Izumi cringes as this phrase seems wrong. “They want to make the city more fun to visit and wonderful to live in. I´m curious to see if they managed to fill the crater Shigaraki did.”
“They better do it or else…I´ll be very upset.” Mei threatens slowly as she grumbles how a company like Deternet could be so stupid stopped with her inspection and Maira has all the photos. No one doubts Izumi´s theories and ideas, Shigaraki working as an attacking dog makes PERFECTLY sense but why Deternet would go to hire a villain IN SUCH WAY scream stupidity.
Komoko pipes in to say how there´s many makeup shops and she wants to see all of them. “Even the rival one.” and the glassed girl chuckles at this private joke.
Izumi cocked her head to the side and Komoko stopped chuckling and went to explain but…Untenmaru remembers all of them how he, according to his contract and all the paperwork, has a time limit and so does them urging everyone to enter the car.
Sara waves at them.
“Fuuta, if you need anything…just call me. My contact is the same.” Sara instructed as her emergency number is always to be used in an emergency.
(It´s so different from Aizawa and anyone in Aldera )
The car, not a limo technically but is spacious as one, is really equipped to the best. “I heard the car was used to drive only important people,” Izumi comments as she´s taking a look around on everything in the car. Mei is already with champagne.
Untenmaru said they don't have the age for drinking.
“Why is there champagne here then?” Maira asked and got no response.
Untenmaru is now driving, knowing his mission is an easy piece. He looks in the rear view mirror to see… Izumi Midoriya stared at him, with such intensity, if her eyes were red…she would be just like his Supreme Commander. Her eyes held a fire that is not something usually associated with a girl.
“Did you know Tomura Shigaraki created a crater in Daika city?” Izumi asked and the man made a throat noise akin to a prey that is having a predator squeezing its neck and watching the victim…
What morbid imagery to associate with a little girl.
Untenmaru is sure the others would find the topic morbid, preferring to talk about anything else. Mei nodded and said how Deternet was stupid and Maira is asking how wide the crater is.
Izumi, never breaking eye contact with Untenmaru, gives the exact number.
Fuuta and Ronaldo whistle impressed.
Komoko, with a beaming smile, asked what Tomura Shigaraki could have been doing to cause such a crater causing the driver to say something rather silly, rather damaging and Izumi is staring at him.
Untenmaru understands the trap a little too late. Officially, Deternet released a statement where they are the ones causing such a crater, a malfunction in one of their products caused such an issue, however, it's clear Izumi knows the truth.
“I could have done better, if I wanted…and I DO, made a decay machine, I could do it.” Mei replied with a big smile bearing on insanity if you ask the driver. Maira claps her hands and says how she wants to do one as well.
Izumi gives a rundown on Shigaraki´s quirk and while she says to not know how to do the machine…she understands his quirk. Telling with details how decay works and how it can now truly do decay, turning anything and anyone in dust.
She is looking so fixated on him.
“Deternet is helping him…for reasons I've yet to understand.” Izumi replied in a flat tone. Untenmaru is weighting his options:
- He could play off as a joke
- He could try to threaten her. She is just a little girl (Her eyes are slowly getting darken, in a literal sense)
- He could play dumb.
Untenmaru is a big guy, for sure, he could silence the girl with a few words. Never laying a finger on her, no. But if he used his deep voice on her…
“Oh, he's trying to intimidate us, pretty telling by his face,” Komoko leans closer with a big smile that is not reaching her eyes. “I suppose you could, but if you intimidate us…I´ll be very upset and tell my mother what happened, my mother is Kanako Masu.” Her giggle only increased as his face got pale.
Izumi gasped. “She is your mother…Oh, that explains, I thought it was a coincidence.” Kanako Masu is the CEO of Masu Cosmetic. A woman who is the mind behind one of the most famous cosmetic companies in the world.
Komako shakes her head and chuckles. “No, sorry, I should have said it upfront,” there´s a ton of apology in her tone and Izumi shakes her head saying there's nothing to apologize here. “Mom is the CEO of Masu Cosmetic. I know she wouldn't appreciate a man screaming at me,” looks at Untenmaru. “The last one who did…”
Fuuta and Ronaudo play the funeral march.
Untenmaru knows enough about the woman, Konako Masu, to know she HATES anyone who mistreated her darling daughter, no one is spared. Even my General Trumpet doesn´t mess with her.
It's safer to play dumber.
“Hahaha you kids! There´s nothing to worry about, why talk about a villain? You guys are going to enjoy a nice Saturday in Daika city!” His theatrical only serves for Izumi Midoriya, the girl his Supreme Commander is eyeing to lean forward, to speak in a chilling tone.
“I stole Nighteye´s fancy pen, that's how I got the money to buy things today.” Izumi´s smile is reaching. “He was dead in less than 1 hour when I took the pen.” She turns to Ronaudo. “Yes, it was that type of pen.”
Ronaudo´s eyes widened. “Ahhh.” and he opened his cellphone to show people. Komoko, Maira and Mei marvel at the photo. It is really expensive and fancy too.
Mei looks impressed. “Wait, it wasn´t a problem to sneak in to get the pen?”
Maira is a bit skeptical about the price of the elegant and fancy pen. Komoko explains how her mother uses a pen like that when she has to sign important documents, it really says a lot about her company when she uses such a pen.
“It really says a lot about Nighteye he had a museum about All Might and a very expensive pen,” Izumi comments and Ronaudo is now noticing how she´s closer to him. I didn't even notice. “I did it, no one cares. I know…I can smell out of you, the BLUE FIRE, I can smell out of you how you are working for him, for Deternet, for Shigaraki, for some reason or another…” Her eyes are on him. His car stopped. “And I know you´ll be on your best behaviour because of your boss,” whoever they may be. “want us to go to Daika, we will…and you won't cause any trouble for us, if you…I´ll find you.”
Maira steps closer and materializes freesia. “You are smelling burning flesh, thought this would help with the smell.” And put the flowers behind his ears all the while looking at Izumi Midoriya staring at him.
One wrong move…and he´s gone.
And the teens are back talking about SUPPOSEDLY crimes, theories and more. Untenmaru is not sure if he should laugh or cry for help.They are talking about Tartarus and the criminals there.
“We never see a hero in the Tartarus,” Izumi comments, armed with the knowledge that some heroes DO bad things: Bakugou is still a student but plans to be a hero and Endeavour IS a monster.
“Actually,” Fuuta answers as if he´s in a Podcast. “40 years ago, a hero was arrested and sent to Tartarus. He was a serial rapist, however, he committed the crime against a woman who worked in the Hero Commission and…that was the final straw, he was sentenced to Tartarus and I think he died there.” Fuuta explained how the media, in that period, were covering because the Hero Commission had a use for the hero.
The girls obviously find it disgusting.
Izumi can also see how this is very easy to happen, especially as the criminal had a quirk that is very useful, Izumi can´t deny that part. “So the media, at large, works to help The Hero Commission keep their narrative.”
Fuuta nodded. Usually, speaking about the media makes the boy ranting, muttering sometimes but not today. “The mission of a social media worker is to make sure the hero looks good, if a hero looks bad, we all are to blame,” Fuuta lowered his head and Komoko too.
Izumi arched an eyebrow remembering the story about Endeavour. “That is very, very fucked up! If you work, hypothetically, with Endeavour and find out he abuses his family..the blame is on him, not on you!”
Fuuta agrees but can only respond. “Anyone can be a scapegoat.”
Izumi goes on a rant about how it´s very, very unfair to blame civilians when they offer help to a hero- Izumi REMEMBERS the story of Gentle- and it's how it's unfair to make a media worker be blamed. The driver made the mistake of looking into her eyes thanks to the mirror and seeing how her eyes are sharp, dark and…Tomura Shigaraki´s eyes come to mind.
(Untenmaru has seen his Supreme Commander by a fair and safer distance-if that is to be believed- his red eyes are so striking. So red, so powerful. Who is this girl?)
Fuuta raises his head. No words exchange but he's processing what she said.
Ronaudo chimes in. “There´s one hero who was ever sentenced to Tartarus.”
Maira chimes in with a morbid interest. “Did you know any villain of any age can go to Tartarus? There was one, no wait, two teens in the attack of the Wild Wild Cat's camp. Right?”
Izumi nodded. Telling bits about Himiko Toga, the other one, though, Mustard is not a villain she saw for longer. “Apparently, he was with class B1…but I don´t know what happened, as apparently, he's not listed in Tartarus.” Curious, I could have sworn…
(Izumi remembers her confrontation with Gentle Criminal and La Brava…and no one asked any questions to her, throwing blame as usual, but no reporter was ever done. Well, I'm no snitch)
Untenmaru was expecting Izumi to be this damsel in distress just waiting for her shining armor. Or to be a girl too vain in her looks and money, in fact, he was even expecting a shy beauty.
He got IZUMI MIDORIYA and the growing belief she's unhinged enough to do something very wrong.
My commander asked for me…
My general asked for me…
Mei leans forwards and has a frown on her face. “I´m really not happy with Deternet, the quality of their products and actions drop considerably. Just to be clear!” The pink haired girl glares at the driver, not in the same intensity as Izumi but comes second, and adds. “I even noticed some issues in this car, thanks to me…I fixed it.” and goes on a small tangent about Deternet and how she USED to look up to them but their standers drop.
Untenmaru's face went pale. “YOU MESS WITH THE CAR?!” his body turns to see how Mei is lecturing about the issues and the improvement, it's very clear to see a maniac gleam in her eyes.
The others aren't surprised by her antics in the slightest.
Izumi arrives again. “Oi, are you screaming?”
Untenmaru swallows hard.
My commander asked for me…
My general asked for me…
Untenmaru is trying to escape but while the wheels are moving, the car is stuck on the same spot, following the positions where Izumi´s hands are…how her green eyes are sparkling so strong, to the point it resembles fire. “Hey, I hope you´ll return here at the right time, right?”
Mei is not one to be quiet. She points her finger at him. “You better return at the right time…or else.”
My commander asked for me…
My general asked for me…
The Meta Paranormal Army is founded by Redestro but if Skeptical can be honest, in the seclusion of his genius mind, the army wasn´t meant to do more than control Daika city and while the hacker DID enjoy Redestro's vision and followed his commands, deep down, he knew the MPA wasn't meant for anything drastically. To put it mildly, it's all bark with no bite.
However, Tomura Shigaraki has now access to all the resources of MPA and the waves of change are coming as the man has one goal-curious as the hacker prior to the entire fight against LoV was under the impression how the manchild has no real goal- and how it's linked to Izumi Midoriya. Changes are coming …is it good?
The hacker is standing still in the conference room gripping on his brand new tablet as his eyes are scanning for the videos, after all, Deternet's cameras are eyes in Daika city as he´s can see Izumi Midoriya talking VERY NICELY to the driver Untenmaru.
WHY NOT KIDNAP HER RIGHT NOW?
Carefully, his eyes darted to his leader as the man is busy staring at the image of Izumi Midoriya, apparently, the girl took some minutes to locate the cameras and his grin stretches as Izumi appears to be gazing at him, intellectual, the girl doesn't know Shigaraki is watching right now.
No, she knows…as insane it sounds. SHE KNOWS.
(The memories of her facing the camera in the dust known as Aldera now. She faced him truly, Tomura wants to see her, talk to her as soon as possible)
Tomura Shigaraki rises from his chair, holding his cellphone as Izumi finally stops gazing at the camera. Kidnapping is an idea tossed to him to solve the situation, but, no. Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach and to this day that woman never ever loves him or comes any closer…I don´t want Izumi to fall for a plumber.
(Then again, Tomura Shigaraki has to admit Mario Mario is a cool dude unlike any hero…Izumi is not a hero, not one graduated. Besides, kidnapping will only make Izumi Midoriya resent him…Plus, I kidnapped that piece of shit…I shouldn't do the same tactic to her. Bowser and Peach won't ever be a thing so kidnapping is not the answer.)
How many crimes are on your file?
- Illegal use of quirk (thanks to me but oh well the rules of this society are ridiculous)
- Destruction of a public place (did you like to destroy that bar, Midoriya?)
- Past curfew (that is really pathetic law but hey baby steps)
- Hacking the database of The Hero Commission (this is illegal and could lead you to Tartarus, Midoriya…how bold you are.)
The fact that Izumi has indeed a criminal file makes Tomura giddy. Most of her crimes are easy to deal with, at best The Hero Commission would issue a fine but the hacking one COULD lead to a visit to Tartarus. Tomura won't snitch. I look forward to seeing you, Midoriya.
The conference room is an oval room with one difference, not the elegant decoration-something that Tomura is dispassionate at colors or mobile- but rather the right wall is lifted mechanically allowing the soldiers in the yard see Tomura Shigaraki in all his glory. The room is located on the third floor but as soon as the camera is set and the microphone…many soldiers can see their new leader.
Skeptical is one of the generals…supposudely.
Geten still looks so heartbroken and is utterly silenced. Apparently, news travels fast and people are now knowing Geten is related to Tomura Shigaraki-the details are fussy- and Dabi is showing too much interest in Rei Todoroki, who turns out, is also related to Geten.
Tomura Shigaraki pays no mind to Geten, especially as he falls to the ground. The young boy is questioning everything. If the importance to the clan is to be taken seriously then…I´m destined to obey Tomura Shigaraki?
Dabi arrived dressed with a T-shirt and some bandages on his chest. It raises one eyebrow at the sight and the pyromaniac sends a boring look at response and well, Tomura knows Dabi won't say what is going on. That asshole doesn´t even tell me his name…
Wait, is he into milfs? Well whatever as long don't bother me
(Apparently, Kotaro Shimura was supposed to be Eri Chisaki's guardian…and how Izumi is looking after this girl is destiny if you ask Tomura. The man is not one to freely believe in gods but he believes in fate and there´s has to be a meaning. Maybe, it´s childish of him or maybe he's right…either way, Tomura Shigaraki and Izumi Midoriya are slowly intertwined in a war that was never theirs to begin it)
Toga and Twice enter the room in high spirits. Toga, for her part, has blood splashed in her face and Twice, who appears to be in a good mood-his voice clearly states as much-is cleaning the face out of her face and the teen can only sigh like a moody teen. Once it´s done, her smile is back on.
“Tomura! We´re back!” Toga announced cheerfully. Giggling as she gazes comically at Twice. “If we were late it was because Twice…” Toga gives a big grin as Twice shakes his head and asks for her to not tell.
Himiko Toga stopped with a winning smile.
Mr. Compress arrived with a bowl of the finest sushi. He has his marbles with him as usual.
Spinner is there as well, looking at Tomura Shigaraki with admiration but the leader is barely looking at him.
Redestro arrived next to Trumpet, if he was with a frown on his face, well, it morphed in less than a minute as he saw Tomura Shigaraki. The man has a plastic smile and gushes at Tomura Shigaraki …all because the Supreme Leader is watching the soldiers. There´s so many people…enough to fill a small country.
(However, the generals would often refer to the soldiers as pawns. Even Geten, which is a bit darkly amusing as many of the soldiers started at his age. Sure, there´s many people of different ages in MPA but Geten usually leads people who are closer to his age…he calls them pawns. All of them)
Tomura sees how the numbers of Redestro´s supporters are shrinking and it´s all by his own stupidity. Shouldn't have got into a fight with me. His smirk is to Redestro as he's grovelling, sucking up to Shigaraki but the smile is ever plastic, in a way, a nomu could make a smile much better.
It wasn't needed more for Skeptical as Tomura Shigaraki can navigate with the microphone, everyone is watching the Supreme Leader with suspicion and anticipation, no one forgets how Shigaraki killed SO EASILY members of this organization.
There's no remorse on his part about the killings. He is a villain seeking destruction.
The lights are on Tomura, all eyes are on him. It's intoxicating all this attention, while his face is stoic. Inwardly, Tomura Shigaraki feels giddy. In the past, almost a year ago, Tomura convinced a bunch of NPCs to follow him to attack UA, it was him and him alone. Attacking UA was a mix of gifts now that Tomura can think about it.
I saw her for the first time, not in a traditional way…I admit. Never gone be a meet cute but we aren't like the normal people.
(The girl was abused from a tender age…Tenko was too, but it still makes his throat knotted as he realizes HE had a better childhood than her.)
“You´re wondering about the war,” Shigaraki commences as the others are silently watching and listening to him. With all eyes on him, Tomura is the leader. “You´re all here because of a dream, because of liberation from the quirks.” many agreed as Tomura GAVE permission for them to manifest. He wanted to see their responses.
The response is a big yes. A big loud and enthusiastic yes. If Tomura can give what they want…the deaths on his hand are justified.
Redestro watches wordless.
Trumpet is analysing. Shigaraki doesn't seem very smart but his quirk is incredibly powerful, we may have a chance here.
“No, you don´t want a war, you want to wait for results, for years the MPA promised to give a new society, all the while, heroes can do anything, villains are seen as scum and if you don't fit in the mold you are punished. You're punished if your quirk is too powerful, punished if your quirk is too weak.” Tomura had accessed some logs of heroes and agencies and how they turned down Izumi Midoriya because of her quirk. Nighteye is so lucky to be dead.
(Funny thing is how most of those heroes do work for MPA directly or indirectly)
The words resonate with people.
If you are a woman and have a powerful quirk, more than a man…you´re seen as “needing correction” (the number of villainess rotting in Tartarus is staggering. Shigaraki knew this fact and wonders if Izumi, who is hacking the system, is finding this as well. You´re seeing how dirty this society is…I wish to see your face)
If you are a woman and have a mild quirk, you are expected to be a supporting role and never wanting to advance your career. Mt. Lady is a curious case, as technically speaking, her quirk COULD have been used to be a supporting role but she can be the heavy hitter as well.
(For all the talk about how she loves money and fame she´s not in MPA nor has any inclination to join this group. She's still a hero I don't really care about. He remembers how Mt. Lady “helped” Izumi when the girl went to save Bakugou in the two instances. If Izumi wants to end her, I am all for it. If not, I´m ok with that.)
Many are agreeing with his words, there´s indeed a hierarchy. You need to have the right quirk, the right name, the right gender, the right family…
“Quirk liberation can´t ever be reached in a society as it is, Izumi Midoriya, was a quirkless student and was targeted day in, day out for not fitting the mold.” Many gasped and muttered between themselves. Many people there have a quirkless relative, friend or even lover. Many want to use their quirk freely and have a happy life with the ones they love.
Izumi Midoriya's story is still resonating on the internet.
Redestrto is looking down. She´s quirkless?! If it was up to Redestro all quirkless would be tossed away, would be killed and no one would see them ever again, however, the only people who desire such outcome are him and his late father. Many of the pawns love quirkless: platonic or romantically.
“Nothing can´t be ever reached if we don't change this rotten society, eliminating the dirty and filthy heroes.” Tomura has a sinister smile on his face now as Mr. Compress uses his marbles and free only 3 heroes.
Birdman.
Death Arms.
Kamui Woods.
Both of them are tied up, somehow. When Dabi inquired how he managed to do it- Mr. Compress had admitted more than once how fighting isn't his forte- all the magician did is respond with “a true magician never reveal his tricks”
Dabi accepts this answer.
(Shigaraki would ask for more, probe for more details but as Kurogiri finally enters in the room…maybe it´s better let it go)
“Didn´t I tell you…I was watching the footage of Izumi Midoriya,” Tomura says, taking the microphone away. The 3 heroes are terrified, Birdman is at the verge of literally pissing himself but Death Arms is not any better. “I saw how you heroes handle the situation,” the microphone is back on and everyone can hear the story of how Izumi Midoriya quirkless ran to save Katsuki Bakugou…all the while 4 heroes did nothing.
To say the people are piqued about such a tale is to be very generous.
Tomura is in front of Birdman. The hero is trembling in front of him and, of course, there's satisfaction in seeing the scene even if by all purposes Birdman is not important to his plans in the long run.
You guys called me manchild…and yet…
“I´m so sorry,” the man, a proud hero once, sobs as his quirk is useless without the use of his wings - both are tied up so strongly- even IF he could use his quirk what could do against Tomura Shigaraki? “I never lay a finger on that girl,” his brain is replaying that scene. Once, such a scene was very innocuous…
Two teens who almost died were considered innocuous to him.
“You seem to think two teens almost dying is normal,” Tomura says so naturally, in honesty, he would have preferred Bakugou to have died in that scenario. What if she killed him? Hmm. He doesn´t need to care for brats, but no one needs to hear this part.
Birdman is weeping.
Birdman is swearing he never lay a hand on her.
“If you had, you would have been dead a long time ago,” Tomura replied as if he´s answering about the weather and such naturality is what makes it all more chilling. Tomura lifts his chin with no care at all. His nails are too long and there´s an irony of how a hero donned in a bird motif is so easily scratched by a villain like Tomura Shigaraki.
“Please, please…I…never hurt her.”
“You were poaching Katsuki Bakugou even though he was useless…even though he was the one who made the entire mess, he wasn´t even a hero student yet but you were already trying to gain fame with his quirk.” His red eyes land on the other heroes, Kamui TRIED to do something but is just one look of those red eyes that his bravado vanished. He is a tree but his roots are shaking like poor leafs.
“You all scolded or ignored the girl who saved him, that piece of shit,” Tomura is now watching as Birdman is pleading, saying how he didn't know. He never hurt Midoriya, never. Tomura hates how no hero ever admits accountability on their actions.
He decays Birdman.
The crowd cheered.
(This doesn't please Tomura, not entirely. Better they cheering than booing)
Death Arms was known as a tough hero, one who could solve any problem with his physique and quirk alone. He received praises and had a fandom. “I never hurt that girl, I swear, please, I'll do anything…” he´s begging.
Tomura finds this pathetic.
“Would you have helped a kid covered in blood and dirt? Would you have helped a girl crying and alone?” Tomura Shigaraki is considering what to do with him.
Death Arms shouted how he would do that.
Tomura pressed a button in his cellphone and the footage of the 3 stooges and Izumi Midoriya can't be seen. Everyone can see how Death Arms is dismissing Izumi, who is being covered with a blanket, as he´s trying to engage with All Might.
Death Arms lost all color on his face. “No, wait…I can…”
What he can or cannot do is irrelevant as Tomura decays him, never needing to use 5 fingers. Instantaneous decay leaving nothing left. Tomura called for Kurogiri and the nomu arrived at his side.
(Kurogiri is a familiar piece of mobile if Tomura Shigaraki can think about it. Does he even know my real name?)
Kamui is trying to free himself, Kurogiri of his free will, holding him thanks to his port. If he is upset about the raid on his bar, it´s unclear.
Either way, Tomura Shigaraki is gazing at the man below him with contempt. “You are in the top 10. But Mt. Lady is racing to the top 5, you aren´t needed. We don't need a hero like you.” The image of Izumi covered in bruises, blood and dirty mixes with his own memories as no one helped him.
Kamui swears how he never hurt the girl. NEVER. If Tomura spares him, he´ll do anything. Tomura laughs, it´s not a joyful sound. He mentions Toga to come closer, while inwardly thinking she´s crazy, they can reach a compromise.
The blonde girl, still wearing the necklace, and Tomura can sense the pointy look Kurogiri is sending to Tomura as the great Commander may be a little upset that she has something of Izumi Midoriya.
Kamui is saying how many heroes will go after him. People will notice he´s missing. Apparently, Hawks are spying on them and know his location.
Kamui decides that if he's going to die then, at the very least, he can die tormenting those vile villains. “Any minute now…the heroes will attack you.” There's a madness in his eyes. Maybe, not madness, maybe pure hope.
Toga giggles as she takes a needle and takes a bit of his blood thanks to Kurogiri, and his portals, the hero didn't move and makes the transfusion easier. Himiko Toga has Izumi's blood-a fact that brings her joy and makes sure to store the blood to last for a while- and takes his hat as if it is a souvenir. “ugly hat,”
Kamui Woods is talking about Mt. Lady will notice he´s gone.
Dabi kicks him, still uncaring. “Your friend,” there´s a twisted sense of joy in using the word friend. There are some rumours of Mt. Lady and Kamui Woods are a couple but as Dabi can confirm she´s not dating HIM. “Your friend is very busy to notice your absence, plus no one will notice your absence as you´ll never be gone.” Dabi rolls his eyes at him.
“Hey, nutjob,” Dabi calls for Toga who is still happy as if can be with the new blood. “You have enough blood?”
The blonde nods.
Tomura Shigaraki sees no reason to keep this any longer. "Don't worry about Hawks,he´ll not be a problem for us.” And decays Four Arms. Kurogiri can only see the scene but provides no input.
“His family is in Australia, a vacation time or so they said,” Kurogiri is aware how family heroes hardly take vacations. Dabi comments, in a sardonic tone, how Endeavour NEVER takes days off.
Tomura Shigaraki shrugs.
His final words are a promise to all of them. He'll bring changes but he needs one final piece to the plan. This seems to be all the people need to listen and they approve.
Such loyalty to Redestro can shift in one speech.
What was about reputation and loyalty? it takes 20 years to build, it takes 5 minutes to lose it. Or something like that.
Redestro is not facing Shigaraki, no, his mind is on the quirkless part. Tomura Shigaraki made no attempt to even pretend to hate quirkless. Izumi Midoriya was something insignificant in his mind prior to Tomura Shigaraki entering his life. The girl didn´t have the look, was poor, had one mother, and her quirk is just plain weird.
SHE IS QUIRKLESS? GROSS.
I remember how it was revealed she is a late bloomer, still gross.
(If Bakugou, as Redestro likes to imagine, harrased a quirkless for being quirkless Redestro would support him fully, however, Bakugou attempted to kill her when she had a quirk. He never try to attack a quirkless and UA has a few...this makes Redestro feel sick. Elastic boy is working for me just to save his quirkless wife, disgusting!)
If it was up Redestro quirkless would be banned from society or maybe, Redestro would do like some western movies OF THE PAST showed and legalize hunt and kill quirkless. It´s still baffling for him how there is a cult to end the heteremorphs but not quirkless.
If that girl had died…why would everyone love them? They are useless. That girl IS useless.
His hating on quirkless isn't as subtle as he hoped. His eyes catch the trademark red sneakers. Looking up, there´s Tomura Shigaraki gazing at him.
Redestro didn't have time to put on his fakest smile.
“Nice speech, huh? I happen to like quirkless stuff.” Tomura says so casually but there´ s darkness in his eyes. His hand pats his shoulder and Redestro almost has a heart attack. “I want you to behave…be a good obedient dog, Redestro.” Now that´s a warning if he ever heard one.
Between the lines. YOUR TIME IS TICKING, OLD MAN.
Redestro fall from his chair.
Geten is too devastated by the revelations of his connection to the new Supreme Leader to promptly help. It took a few minutes for the ice user to offer assistance. Meanwhile, Spinner still gazes at Shigaraki in admiration but the Supreme Leader never once looks at him.
All the while, Skeptical is on his eyes at his tablet. If Miss Curious was here she would see the obvious a lot sooner. Mt. Lady and Izumi Midoriya have something in common, both were bullied cruelly.
No, maybe that isn't entirely true. When Mt. Lady was a teen, apparently, a boy, a very popular one - one those girls go Gaga over - skeptical rolls his eyes at the stupidity of the GIRLS was into her and asked her out but she declined his confession and some mean girls bullied her. It's not on the same level as what Izumi Midoriya endured.
The suicide baiting is disgusting for a general who is working to prepare for a war.
However, the bullying story got word and Mt. Lady became a darling to the public. Everyone loves the underdog
Izumi Midoriya has an Instagram and her followers are reaching All Might. If she plays her cards right, she can be the new darling…
Skeptical watches as Tomura Shigaraki is walking away.
If he's not normal, I suspect she isn't normal either.
So Izumi Midoriya…you captivate the heart of the Supreme Commander …you aren't normal.
Notes:
Ok here is my thoughts for this chapter.
1) Making Geten be somewhat eletist, thinking a clan´s name matter, is new idea as he in canon mentioned how his family did inbreeding and while the fandom SAYS he hates...I think he was ambivalent. I´m not saying Geten is pro incest but he´s not hating. One thing to remember is how Redestro brainwashed him into thinking "strong quirk hell yeah"and while yes, I dont think Redestro is "incest hell yeah" but if he wants quirks liberation, if he thinks strong quirks should rule, well, if incest brings a strong quirk why Redestro would be against? Again, not saying he is pro incest but he is not a hater.
2)I do love making Shig smarter and has a different goal but still in the bounds of canon. He wants to destroy but he is thinking and planning. He wants to talk to Izumi and knows...knows kidnapping is not the way. He´s learning. Also he´s gaining the support of MPA ...so you guys can figure it out what this means for Redestro
3)Redestro is the loon who would love to hunt quirkless for sport. In a way, he is the embodiment of all the quirkless discrimination fics that won't become reality. No one in this fic hates quirkless, Bakugou hates Izumi bc Izumi is Izumi. Not to defend any of the characters, I think its funnier Redestro tries to cause this MAGA in Japan but fails.
4) Izumi is on her path...look, ghosts are a thing in this world so Izumi and her friends roll on this situtation. No word from Inko, AM or anyone. The adults failed her, intentionally or not, and the girl wants to take her life and control her destiny. She wants power...not just a strong quirk, and knowledge is power.
5)Eri and Shig are related, in a way, the same for Dabi and Geten. I saw a post with this idea and damn I agreed it. We canonically dont know who is Eri´s father. Also, Eri´s mother may be super dead and she being a bad mom is not a reason for the fandom to ignore it. Did Overhaul kill her or did she herself? The incesty joke of people thinking Dabi wants Rei as a milf....well, Dabi knows what they are all thinking, he laughs but won't talk about who he is. I feel Rei can have a sense of humor like that too.
6) There´s a scene I´m so excited to write. I´m preparing the scene but the joke on this fic is how Izumi will do have a long criminal file but NO KILLING. Calling her a mass murder is a mistake and a error but she has a criminal file. Also, MEI the mad genius, the perfect foil for Dr. Evil!
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