Chapter 3: Little soldier boy, Brave hero boy
At Iroh's dojo
It has been 2 years since Izuku started to train at Uncle Iroh's dojo and is making great progress. It is now May 1st and Izuku is now six years old and is getting closer to finally using heavier weights to train with. Because he is still too young for anything over 25 pounds without risking doing more harm than good with his growth, Izuku has had a lot of time to figure out some new sword techniques.
Izuku has changed physically over the time since he first started to train at the dojo. He is a few inches taller and his body more lean but not very muscular because of the limit of how heavy the weights he can use is. He has a ton more energy and no matter what outfit he is wearing, he always ties up his green bandana on one of his arms so that way he always has it on him.
Because Izuku can't wear the bandana on his head most of the time, he instead ties it to one of the upper parts of one of his arms (the bicep). He likes having it on his person at all times even when sleeping because it feels like when he wears it his uncle is watching over him.
Izuku has come up with some new sword techniques with Iroh's help.
There is his Onigiri where he strikes his foe once very fast with all three blades at the same time. His Bull Charge is where he thrust his two swords in his hands very fast multiple times and finishes with a slash with the third sword. Then his final move called Hawk Wave is where Izuku spins his body and leaps forward with all three swords slashing everything he has leapt towards.
Izuku is seen running in the halls looking for his Uncle Iroh with a very important question.
" Ah I've finally found you!" Izuku yells as he is standing in the doorway that leads outback into the training grounds. Iroh is seen partaking in his favorite pastime of drinking tea and feeding the birds. It would be even better if Iroh was playing chess against someone.
" Oh Izuku, why were you looking for me?" Iroh asks as he feeds his pet parakeet and sets down his now empty cup.
" Uncle Iroh, I just heard that there exists swordsmen who are able to cut through almost anything, including steel!! Without the need to use a quirk! Is any of that true?" Izuku asks as he leans on the doorway to catch his breath.
" Of course they exist, why do you ask?" Iroh asks as he hands Izuku a cup of cool tea. Izuku quickly thanks his uncle and accepts the tea to quench his thirst. After drinking he stops leaning on the frame and fully stands up.
" I ask so that way I can try and learn how to do that as well. It would help me immensely when I become a hero." Izuku looks up at Iroh with sheer determination in his eyes.
" Well Izuku you are in luck because I know the secret behind how to cut steel."Iroh raises his finger up to the side of his face and winks at Izuku with a big grin on his face.
" Really Uncle Iroh, can you teach me?!" Izuku clenches his hands tightly as a raging inferno can be seen in Izuku's eyes.
" Alright Izuku just give me a second to grab some things and I will give you a demonstration." Iroh pats Izuku's head as he heads inside to grab two things needed for the demonstration.
A few minutes later
Izuku is kneeling on the porch in front of Iroh who is standing in the training field with his katana and a piece of paper.
" Now watch carefully Izuku and pay attention to what I do." Izuku nods his head excitedly to see what the secret is as Iroh readies both his sword and paper.
" HYAH!" Iroh yells as he tosses the paper in the air and in only a second slashes at the paper with his sword. The whole time Izuku's eyes are wide open to attempt to not miss anything that is happening. Iroh's sword makes contact with the paper and fully brings down his sword, while Izuku is expecting the paper to be shredded to ribbon.
.
.
.
After a few seconds Izuku realizes that the piece of paper that Iroh had slashed at…...is still intact afterwards.
"...you didn't even cut it." Izuku says plainly as all of his excitement was now drained out of his body. Iroh bends down to pick up the paper and shows it to Izuku.
"Izuku I didn't cut it because I didn't want to cut it." Iroh says with a cheeky smile, enjoying the confused look on his student's face. "This is the secret to cutting steel.'
Izuku tilts his head to the side and questions Iroh "What do you mean you didn't want to cut it and what do you mean by this is the secret to cutting steel?"
Iroh sits next to Izuku and watches the leaves fall from a nearby tree. " The secret to learning how to cut through almost anything, is to learn how not to cut anything." Iroh then turns his head back at Izuku. "That is the secret to cut steel. I know it sounds strange and believe me I didn't get it the first time either, but after more training I believe you will learn how not to cut anything." Iroh smiles at Izuku as he turns his head back at the falling leaves.
"There are strong swordsmen in the world who are capable of cutting nothing but can also cut anything including steel when even using the same sword. These strongest swordsmen can cut what they want to cut and protect what they want to protect. Swordplay that can only harm what it touches is not real swordsmanship. I hope you will understand this someday Izuku and learn to cut nothing and anything."- Iroh smiled as he watched the falling leaves.
Izuku also watches the leaves from vine fall and says to Iroh "I hope I do as well and understand what you mean."
Iroh then laughs and starts to make a new batch of tea for him and Izuku to enjoy.
2 months later
After telling Izuku the secret to cutting steel, he starts to train Izuku how to attack villains without accidentally killing them when using real swords. Izuku is thankful for this as heroes don't kill villains unless it is a last resort. He helps show to Izuku how to hit a target with the edge of a blade, but still not cause any damage that isn't just skin deep.
He also shows Izuku how to properly maintain and fix a sword. The last thing Iroh wants is for Izuku to be in the middle of a fight, only to have his swords become dull or break entirely. He also trains Izuku to not break his own swords if he uses too much strength on them. Taking care of one's blades is another part of being a good swordsman.
Iroh then starts to train Izuku on slanted ground that is covered in slippery soap. " Why are we training on this wonky ground uncle Iroh." Izuku asks as he tries to maintain his balance.
Iroh easily walks on this ground like his sandals had rubber spikes on the soles. " Your next part of training is to train you to fight on all types of terrain. Using a sword isn't just using your arms, just like any other martial art your stance is also important. You use your legs to add some leverage to your attacks as well as keep balance and power in your moves."
Iroh then starts to punch, kick, and dodge an imaginary foe while standing on this ground. Izuku is once again surprised at how easy Iroh does this while Izuku is having a hard time just standing up. However, none of these make Izuku lose hope, instead it inspires him to train even harder.
July 5th
Izuku is at home making lunch for him and his mother. While in the kitchen Inko comes in wanting to talk with her son.
" Hey sweetie can I have a quick word with you?" Inko waves at Izuku. Izuku, seeing and hearing his mother, sets down the utensils and walks over to her. " Sure, what do you want to talk about mom?" Izuku asks as he wipes his hands on his apron.
"Well your birthday is ten days away and I was wondering what you would like for a gift?' Inko smiles as she looks down at her son.
Izuku puts his hand on his chin to think about what he wants for his birthday. As his eyes start to wander around the room, they land on his mother's earrings. Apparently, they are a matching pair with her mother, Izuku's grandmother. They are three gold earrings that look like long teardrops about an inch long that hang on his mom's left ear.
" I want a pair of earrings like yours mom" Izuku then points to them dangling there.
" Really, why do you want a pair like mine?" Inko asks as her eyes try to look at them.
Izuku puts his hand around his arm just underneath the bandana Iroh gave him. "When uncle Iroh gave me this it feels that whenever I wear this it feels like a part of him is with me. I also want something like that with you so a part of you is also with me." Izuku then closes his eyes and gives his mom one of the biggest grins he can give. His smile was so bright Inko thought she needed sunglasses.
Inko eyes start to water and squeals in delight. " Of course my baby I will get you a pair just like mine even if I have to special order then!" Inko once again gives Izuku a hug that is practically snapping all of his bones in half and pushing the air out of his lungs.
" M-M-Mom c-can't -b-breath." Izuku tries to wiggle out of her grasp.
July 15th
Izuku is having his 7th birthday and is having a great time. While Izuku doesn't really have any friends besides Bakugou who didn't want to even think about showing up because he is too cool for shit like that, Izuku is still enjoying it with his mom. They both will later head to Uncle Iroh's dojo to celebrate with him as well.
Izuku has had his slice of birthday cake and opened up his present from his mom as well. She was able to get a matching set of three teardrop earrings and he was now wearing them proudly. Izuku can't really think of any way that today could go better.
Inko then walks towards Izuku while holding an old photo album. "Izuku, I have another gift to give you." Inko then sits down on the couch and sets the album on the coffee table. Izuku then sits next to his mother wondering why she has the photo album out.
"You remember the story I told you about your grandmother and grandfather when they first got together?" Izuku slowly nods his head remembering this sad story.
Back when his grandparents were both in high school they got together for a one-night stand. They didn't really like each other that much because his grandfather hated heroes and anything to do with them. His grandmother on the other hand was a fan and they only got together because they both look attractive to one another. Well after the one night stand his grandmother finds out 2 weeks later, she was pregnant with his mom. Because his grandfather was only physically attracted to her, when he found out she was pregnant he didn't want anything to do with her and the child. He hated the thought of marrying a hero fangirl.
Thankfully her grandmother's parents were caring and understood her situation and helped her make sure she still got a college degree and helped raise Inko. his mom then turns her head to look at Izuku.
" Well Izuku there is a bit more to the story than what I told you." Izuku looks up at his mom, surprised to hear more to the original story.
" You see, the reason that your grandfather told your grandmother why he didn't like heroes was because his mom was a hero. While he was a baby his father got really sick and sadly wasn't able to fight it off. His father had died leaving only his mother left. After the funeral his mother couldn't quit being a hero but didn't want to risk herself dying at the hands of some villain and leave her son with no one to look after him. They didn't have any relatives and they didn't have any non-hero friends to be his godparent either. So, she was left with only one choice which was to give him up to an orphanage."
" When she gave him away, she left him a picture of herself so he knows what his mother looked like. It was because of all this that your grandfather started to hate heroes. Before he abandoned my mother, he gave her his mother's picture. That way he no longer has anything to remind him of her and to show me who to blame for why I have no father." Izuku is surprised to hear this news, but even more surprised to see his mom not cry.
" However, I never did blame her, instead I respect her strength." Izuku then tilts his head in confusion. Inko giggles at this and explains further.' You see Izuku, I respect her because it takes great strength for a mother to give up her child to give him a better life. A life being loved and cared for by a family. I am proud to be related to this woman even though I don't know what happened to her. Though I did hear that my father did later get married to someone else and start his own family" Izuku is still confused as to why his mom is telling him this story.
Inko sees this and smiles. " The reason I'm am telling you this Izuku is to not try and stop you from being a hero, you are too kindhearted to not be." Inko then rubs the freckled cheek of her son. " I'm telling you this so that you know that a hero's blood flows through your veins. It is because you and I are related to this woman that I believe you will become a great hero." Inko then takes a picture out of the album and shows it to Izuku.
Izuku is shocked to see that the woman in the picture is almost the spitting image of his own mother. " Izuku, I want you to have this picture of your great grandmother because something in me tells me you should have it.' Inko then gives Izuku the picture as he stares at his mom in surprise.
" There are three things I want you to always remember Izuku..." Inko then points at his new earrings. " First, remember that I will always support and love you."
She then points at Izuku's arm with the bandana wrapped around it. " Second, remember that your Uncle Iroh will be there to help teach and guide you."
Then Inko finally points at Izuku's heart which he now realized he was holding the picture next to. " Third, I hope and believe that your great grandmother's spirit will watch over you and protect you." Inko then pulls Izuku in for a hug as tears start to fall from her face.
Izuku is also crying and because it has been a long time since he last cried and he had built up a lot of tears in reserve. The only thing different about crying this time he wasn't sad, he was happy. When the dam broke it looked like two waterfalls were on his face. They hugged like this for a while until they separated, got cleaned up, and headed towards Uncle Iroh's home/dojo. They had fun and played games for the rest of the day. This has been Izuku's best birthday so far.
2 months later
Izuku is at Iroh's dojo wearing his bandana on his head as he is training. After his birthday Izuku has kept the picture of his great grandmother in his wallet. Right now, it is only Izuku and Iroh at the dojo today as the other students are with their parents today.
Izuku wants to try and come up with new techniques for his three-sword style and is waiting for Iroh to come by and help him.
" Izuku, how is it going?" Iroh asks as he walks up next to the porch that leads into the main studio.
" It is going good Uncle Iroh, I was just waiting for you to come on by. I was hoping you can help me come up with some new techniques today." Izuku then stops swinging his kendo sword.
Iroh smiles and starts to walk up to Izuku to help him out, but his foot slips because it had rained yesterday. Iroh's face was about to smash into the porch step but was stopped by Izuku. He was able grab onto Iroh at the last second before something bad would have happened.
As Izuku pulls up Iroh, Izuku looks up at him. " Are you okay uncle Iroh?" Iroh doesn't even respond as he stares at the step he was about to fall on with a shocked expression...
" Uncle Iroh?"
Iroh then shakes his head and looks at Izuku. " O-oh y-yes I am okay, and sadly Izuku I don't think I will be able to help you today, I am too busy." Iroh gives Izuku a strained smile and hurries off down the hallway.
This didn't make any sense to Izuku. There was no one else to help with today as it was only the two of them at the dojo. There was also something off about Iroh's smile, he never had a hard time to smile before. Izuku decides to check up on Iroh and see what's wrong with him and see if he can help out.
As Izuku walks down the hallway he wonders where Iroh went off to. As Izuku nears Iroh's private office he hears something come there. Izuku presses his ear against the door to listen better.
" Little Soldier boy, Come marching home."
" Brave soldier boy, Come marching home."
" Leaves from the vine, In orange glow."
" A sun setting in the sky, The edge's cracked though whole."
Izuku is surprised to hear that Iroh is singing, but he also hears that he is also crying. Izuku then decides to open the door to see if Izuku can help his Uncle.
When the door opens, Iroh turns around in surprise to see Izuku coming in here. The room was very modest with only a desk, a bookshelf, a tea set, a table, a wall closet, and a shrine behind the desk with an incense stick burning. Iroh is kneeling in front of the shrine.
" Izuku, what are you doing here?" Iroh asks as he cleans the tears off his face. Izuku walks up to Iroh and kneels next to him. " I'm here to see why you are sad and to make you feel better. Izuku's eyes are so clear that Iroh can tell he won't take no as an answer.
Iroh exhales deeply and then turns his body towards Izuku, while still kneeling. " I can already tell; you won't leave without an explanation." Izuku nods. " Alright then Izuku, this is the reason why I am upset." Iroh then points his arm towards the shrine and Izuku see's two pictures on it. " I have never told you about my family Izuku, have I?" Iroh looks at Izuku to see him shake his head no.
" You see Izuku, I was once married to one of the most beautiful women in the world. After a few years of being married we decided to have a child. So far things were going good and both my wife and our soon to be born child were healthy." Iroh's smile then slowly starts to frown.
" But then a few days before my wife was about to give birth, she got sick. We tried everything to help her get better before the delivery, but we had no luck. When the day came my wife stayed strong to ensure that our child will come out fine. She was successful and our son came out alright, but she didn't." Izuku looks back at the shrine to see the first picture of a beautiful woman, uncle Iroh's wife. Iroh smiles sadly and continues his story.
" Once she passed away, I made it my mission to make sure that our son would grow up just fine, with plenty of love and care. However, I did not have a good starting point. Because my wife was sick when she gave birth, my son had a weak body. Thankfully if given the right foods and exercise he would start to get healthy. So I did everything I could to help him get better and by 6 years old he did." Iroh then looks at Izuku with a smile on his old face and Izuku tilts his head.
" You know Izuku, you remind me a lot of my son, you both are so alike." Iroh then starts to giggle as he reminisces. "You both are very clever, have a strong will to help others, and are both excited to learn about swordplay and being heroes." Iroh then starts to giggle even more when he remembers a certain memory. " My son once said that he will train his quirk enough to be able to set the ocean on fire. You both have a very creative imagination." Iroh once again looks sad and his eyes tear up.
" You see, my son also wanted to be a swordsman and even inherited his mother's sword. He was training so much because he wanted to be like me." Iroh is now crying as he remembers what happens next. " One day after training my son went out to buy a sharpening stone for his mother's sword. I wasn't able to go with him because I had to clean the dojo. When he got to the steps of the store he tripped and he-h-he…" Iroh was clutching his kneels while trying to go on with the story. " He… wasn't able to survive when his head hit the steps."
Izuku is also crying and sees that the other picture is of a young kid who looks like both his mother and uncle Iroh." That is why I was so shaken up earlier, I almost met the same fate as my son." Iroh is trying his best not to break down into tears in front of Izuku. He then turns back towards the shrine. " Sorry you had to see me so shaken up Izuku. It is just that I am an old man who wasn't able to help out my family. There are times where I remember that I have no one left and I am alone…Izuku, could you please leave, I wish to be alone."
Iroh expected to see out of the corner of his eye Izuku leave but is instead tackled into a hug by him.
" NO!" Izuku yells as he tries to bear hug Iroh.
" No? W-what do you mean no? Won't you please leave?" Iroh tries to pry Izuku off.
" No as in you are not alone!" Izuku lifts his head with crying eyes trying to look Iroh into his.
Iroh is surprised and stops trying to get Izuku off of him.
" Uncle Iroh, I told you why I call you uncle. My reason was because I didn't want to be disrespectful to my master by only calling you by your first name. But what I didn't tell you was that after a few months of training with you my reason changed."
Iroh did remember why Izuku called him Uncle, but now the reason has changed? Iroh stops crying and finally starts to look in Izuku's eyes, ready to hear his explanation.
Izuku loosens his hug and moves his hands to grab onto the front of Iroh's robes. " When you took me in as a student you didn't mind that I was quirkless, you didn't mind that I wasn't that strong, and you didn't mind my crazy ideas or my fan-boy tendencies."
" You just treated me like I am equal to everyone else in the world. You taught me sword-play, taught me how to make a good cup of tea, taught me about birds and how to take care of them, taught me how to play chess, and taught me how to be a gentleman and respect others despite how they might treat me!"
Izuku is gripping so hard on Iroh's robes that his knuckles are turning white.
" Whenever I hurt myself, you treated my injuries and showed me how to get back up after I fall! When I got hungry you gave me food you made yourself even if it wasn't that good at times! When I wanted to play with you, you stopped what you were doing and played with me!
"I STOPPED CALLING YOU UNCLE AS A FORM OF RESPECT AND STARTED CALLING YOU UNCLE OUT OF LOVE!!!" Izuku yells out and then takes deep breaths to get more air in his lungs after that rant.
Iroh couldn't believe what he was hearing and was looking at Izuku with surprise on his face and a typhoon slowly pouring out of his eyes.
" Uncle I had stopped seeing you as my master and instead saw you as my family member. You are like my actual uncle in everything but blood. I don't know what happened to my father and it is too painful for my mom to ask her to remember and tell me." Izuku stops crying for a second and smiles at Iroh.
" I never had a father figure till I met you and you came along to fill in that role. So, you are not alone uncle, I am here for you." Izuku once again hugs his uncle as tight as he could.
A storm was then released from Iroh's eyes as he cries, and he starts to hug Izuku back. "T-thank you my nephew, thank you Izuku." Then stayed like this for a few minutes until they both released each other.
Both Izuku and Iroh clean their faces and look at one another with smiles on their faces. Izuku then looks up at Iroh with his eyes closed and gives him a big grin.
As Iroh is about to rub Izuku's head he sees something behind him. Iroh is surprised when the image of his son starts to overlap with Izuku. Iroh is so shocked he can't say anything, but then see's the image moves one last time before it disappears. The son looks at his father, points to behind Iroh at the wall closet and nods. Before Iroh could stop this image from leaving, he then understood what the specter meant.
" Izuku, I want you to have something." Iroh then gets up and walks to the closet. Izuku stops smiling and is confused at what his uncle is doing.
Iroh opens the closet and on the middle shelf a sword can be seen in its sheath and on a sword stand. Iroh picks up the sword and turns back to Izuku, kneels in front of him with the sword resting on top of Iroh's palms. Izuku is surprised to see such a very beautiful sword be shown to him.
The sword had a white sheath and white clothed wrap on the hilt. It had a gold-colored pommel and hilt guard. When Iroh pulls out the swords Izuku sees that the blade was beautiful, clean, and very sharp. Iroh puts the blade back in its sheath and presents it to Izuku.
" Izuku, this was once my son's sword and now I want you to have it." Iroh bows and extends his arms out to Izuku so he can take the blade for his own.
Izuku is shocked that Iroh would want to give him such a prized possession. " Uncle Iroh, is it really alright for me to have this?" Izuku asks before trying to reach for the blade.
' Yes Izuku, something in me tells you you should have it." While bent over Iroh smiles understanding what his son's message to him meant.
Izuku smiles and picks up the sword and inspect it with his hands. "Does the sword have a name?" Izuku looks back toward Iroh.
" Yes it does, and its name is… Wado Ichimonji." Iroh straightens up and grins at Izuku." Please use it to help you become the world's greatest swordsman and hero."
Izuku smiles and straps the sword to his back because he is still not tall enough to have it on his waist. Izuku and Iroh go to the backyard training ground and have some snacks, tea,watch the leaves fall, and play a game of chess. Izuku may have gotten better at chess but is still no match for Iroh.
" Uncle Iroh, can you sing the song you sang earlier? I really liked it." Izuku asks after his 5th loss.
" Of course Izuku, it is both mine and my son's favorite just so you know." Iroh turns to look up at the leaves.
"Leaves from the vine, falling so slow."
"Like tiny fragile shells, drifting in the foam."
"Little hero boy, come marching home.'
"Brave hero boy, Now I am hommeeeee…'
"I don't remember that in the song you sang earlier." Izuku looks at Iroh confused.
"It is part of the next verse Izuku." Iroh smiles at Izuku knowing only to himself that he had changed the lyrics as he makes the next batch of tea. Izuku just shrugs and helps his uncle clean up the chess set. For the rest of the day Izuku didn't train and just spent time with his uncle.
Izuku understood why it was important to relax and take time off every now and then. Now though, Izuku now understands the importance of making sure you take time off to spend time with loved ones.
Chapter 4: Graduation and meeting All Might
Uncle Iroh's garden 5 years later
5 years have passed since Izuku had inherited the Wado Ichimonji katana and Izuku was finally able to add some muscle to his body.
Once he turned 11 he was finally able to start training with weights heavier than 25 pounds. He then was able to finally master one sword-style and hand-to-hand combat.
He is still learning two sword-style and Izuku thinks it is still a few years off before he has perfected his three sword-style. One thing he has also trained for was to use any of his three sword-style moves with two swords, one sword, and no swords at all.
He was able to add/create more techniques to his skill set.
Lion's Song is a move where Izuku stands still with his swords in his sheaths . When his enemy charges at him he draws them for a quick and powerful strike. Because he is standing still as well, he is able to adjust his stance to add more power and speed for this attack that he would have a harder time to add if he was moving. This move is used as a defensive counter-attack.
Flying Dragon is where Izuku jumps into the air and uses his weight and some slight spin to slash at his opponents. Izuku has practiced being able to jump from great heights without hurting his legs. If he tucks and rolls he can jump out the window on the second floor and not get hurt at all.
Crab Claw is where Izuku puts the sword in his mouth near any part of his foe. He then chops both swords to meet the third sword in the middle to attack his foe with great force like a crabs claw. He only uses this on strong/tough enemies though because anyone else might not survive this attack without losing a limb.
Dragon Twister is another move where Izuku stands still and spins his body and swings his swords once his enemy is in range to cut them and send them up a few feet into the air. If Izuku swings hard enough you can slightly see the air current created.
And finally, his ultimate attack.
Three thousand worlds is Izuku's strongest attack. Izuku starts by spinning the swords in his hands in opposite directions. He then charges in an instant to slash at his opponent with multiple sword slashes. The spinning helps to build up speed and kinetic force that Izuku uses to attack his enemy with greater power. When he perfected the move he tested it on a training dummy in the training grounds. The end result was that the dummy was cut to pieces and left slash marks a few inches long in the ground at the dummies ' feet". Thankfully Izuku trained to make sure the marks he left were not that far from his target. He had a problem where he slashed the path he took and even hit the other dummies next to his original target. If Izuku has only two swords he calls it two thousand worlds, one thousand worlds with one sword.
Izuku was also able to master some of Iroh's other teachings. He learned how to fight on any terrain. How to take care of, fix, and even make his own swords since Iroh also taught Izuku how to be a blacksmith. While he is not a master blacksmith, he ain't no amateur either. He mastered reading his enemies muscle movements in their arms and legs to predict their moves. Though he still has a very hard time reading the muscle movements in other parts of the human body.
Because of Iroh, Izuku started to learn other things to help himself enjoy his time off when not training.
Izuku was able to learn some things that were not a part of swordplay thanks to Iroh and his mom. He became a great cook because of his mother. He learned how to make a great cup of tea and better strategize in chess thanks to Iroh. Also he learned a lot about birds and other animals thanks to Iroh again. His mom also helped teach him how to do everyday homecare stuff because it will earn him extra points with girls, even if Izuku doesn't know how and why it helps with girls.
Izuku also started to learn to play the guitar because he loved his uncle singing and started to enjoy music more.
There are still some things Izuku needs to master and he still hasn't figured out how to cut through steel.
Izuku is sitting outside in uncle Iroh's garden taking care of his sword while thinking about what Iroh told him.
" To cut almost anything you need to learn how not to cut anything, what does that mean? Izuku then starts to polish his blade. " The strength of most sword techniques is strong thrusts, but that will only break my swords if I try that. At least I was able to learn how not to kill anyone if I use any of my sword attacks, even with a sharp blade. It looks like I will just need to be patient and hopefully I will eventually figure it out." Izuku then stands up and starts to put his sword care supplies away. As he does this, Iroh then walks out of the dojo and heads towards Izuku.
"Izuku, are you ready to earn your paycheck today?" Iroh then holds up a pair of hedge clippers.
"Yes uncle Iroh." Izuku grabs the clippers and starts to take care of the garden.
About a year ago Izuku realized that he will have to get at least two more swords before he applies to the U.A. hero course. In order to buy some, he started doing odd jobs around the dojo for Iroh and did random jobs in his neighborhood like shovel snow, rake leaves, and find lost pets. While Izuku had managed to get a hold of three other swords besides his Wado before he started to earn some money, they would not work as his main weapons.
One is a gift from his mom on his tenth birthday that was a replica of one of his favorite anime swordsmen named Trunks. But it would not work because Izuku wants to have katanas as his primary swords. Also it was something he wanted to collect, not use himself. Izuku wanted to make his own swords iconic for his three sword style, while it would be weird to use a sword from a tv show.
The second was a rapier that Iroh got him so he can learn a little fencing. Izuku can't use it since it doesn't mesh well with his three sword style and Izuku only wanted to learn the basics of fencing.
The third one was a cutlass that Izuku made himself after Iroh taught him how to be a blacksmith. It was to understand the structure of swords and better respect the time and effort that goes into making a sword. He made a cutlass because it was something he can make with his skill level. He can't use it though because he isn't that good at blacksmithing, so the cutlass has some problems and won't last long. He just holds onto it as a keepsake of his first semi-successful sword he made.
While he is finishing clearing out the weeds, Izuku thinks about some other things that Iroh taught him to help be a better hero and swordsman.
When Izuku was 9, Iroh took him to other dojos so he could fight some other students. More specifically against girl students. Iroh's dojo only had seven students including Izuku and they are all boys. Iroh is fine with girls wanting to learn swordplay, but no girls near his dojo wanted to. So Iroh went to some of his friends' dojos to help Izuku get used to the fact he might have to fight female villains as a hero.
Izuku was hesitant at first, but in his first match he was about to ring out, so he stopped holding back to make sure he didn't lose.
Izuku then turned the tables on his female foe and was able to send her to the other side of the ring. He then used his onigiri to ring her out instead, when she was laying on the floor her face was all red. Izuku thought that he hurt her, but when he realized it wasn't blood he thought she must have a fever or something.
Izuku was finishing watering the plants just in time too. Iroh decided that Izuku worked hard enough today and sent him home early.
As Izuku was leaving with his stuff put away in his yellow backpack he started to think about his school life.
At school he was no longer bullied since he didn't take anyone's crap. He still didn't have any friends, but Izuku didn't mind. The kids who did try to be his friend were only trying to trick Izuku. Bakugou was mostly the same, but he also started to pick up on his training.
Bakugou got better with controlling how big his explosions were and was able to hover in the air for a few seconds. He also created a move where he used his explosions as a smoke screen to blind his opponents face. He used it a lot on Izuku as a prank every now and then.
However, he made sure to never use his quirk on Izuku so that he didn't risk getting in trouble and risk his acceptance of entering a hero school.
From those smoke screen pranks Izuku realized that he relied on his eyesight too much. Thus, he started to train to use his other sense to help him fight, though he still has a ways to go.
After working Izuku went home and started making dinner for him and his mom. As he washes his hands, he wonders what the future has in store for him.
3 years later
After a hard-fought battle that lasted for almost an hour and a half, Izuku came out the winner. He is lying on the ground while he thinks " I was finally able to beat Uncle Iroh."
Today was the day Izuku would graduate from Iroh's school if he was able to land 10 hits on Iroh before he got hit 3 times. Izuku knew he should only take this challenge once he mastered fighting without using his eyesight. It turned out to be a good choice as Iroh had at one point dug the tip of his bamboo sword in the dirt and flung the dirt into Izuku's eyes. "Good thing I trained for that." Izuku thinks as he then blocked the attack Iroh made after he blinded Izuku.
"Good job Izuku, you were able to get 10 hits on me. That's impressive since I only got one hit on you in the beginning." Iroh rubs his arm as it still hurts from Izuku's tenth hit. Izuku then stands up and turns toward Iroh. Izuku had grown taller the last few years, growing an inch taller than Bakugou (Which pisses him off greatly). Izuku was also to grow some muscles and a six pack. He wasn't bulky either since he made sure to not lose any speed as his strength grew. While he was lean, he was built like a brick shit house with the speed of a jungle cat. He didn't even need to wear his ankle weights anymore. No one ever knew this though since Izuku liked to wear baggy clothes, so they always hid his muscles.
"I had a great teacher." Izuku smiles and he bows towards Uncle Iroh. "Well, I had an amazing student." Iroh bows back and then hands Izuku a piece of paper. It was a certificate that says "Graduate of Iroh's dojo of swordplay" with Izuku's name printed at the bottom. Izuku smiles as he takes his certificate and takes off his bandana and wraps it on his arm.
Iroh then hugs Izuku with tears in his eyes. "I am so proud of you, my nephew." Izuku also hugs back with watery eyes. "Thank you Uncle Iroh." They then break the hug as Iroh puts his hand on Izuku's shoulder.
"While you may have graduated, please know that you will always have a home here." Izuku smiles as he puts his other arm on Iroh's shoulder. "I will Uncle."
Izuku puts his stuff away as he gets ready to head home. He has school tomorrow and is a little tired after the fight. Once he has dinner and hangs up his new certificate, he goes to bed early, so he doesn't fall asleep in class.
The next day
Izuku is running to school until he stops when he sees a villain attack start to take place.
"Oh cool it's the new hero Kamui Woods. He is really making a name for himself and he's not been a hero for more than a month." Izuku smiles as he writes in his hero notebook vol.13. The man next to Izuku with a star-shaped head smiles. "Let me guess you're a fanboy right?" Izuku looks at the man and sheepishly scratches the back of his head." Yeah I just want to be a hero so much because I think they are so cool."
Kamui then starts to end the fight with his ultimate move. "It is time to end this! Binding lacquer chain pr-!"
"CANYON CANNON!!!" Kamui is then interrupted by another hero kicking the villain. She is a blonde woman wearing a skin tight purple and peach colored hero suit with a purple mask that has horns.Her quirk looks like it can make her grow to be the size of a building. "Nice to meet you. My name is Mt.Lady and I'm a new hero in these parts." She smiles then winks as photographers start to take her picture. Kamui is on his knees and he thinks of how she just stole the spotlight.
Izuku frowns and yells at the paparazzi. "HEY you shouldn't take a woman's picture without asking permission first!!" The photographers then turned to look at Izuku confused on who this kid is. Before he could chew them out, he notices that if he doesn't get going, he is going to be late for school. "Crud, I'm gonna be late!" Izuku then takes off while Mt.Lady smiles at Izuku thinking how cute he was.
A few minutes later at Aldera junior high
Izuku made it to school on time with about 10 minutes to spare. He decides to use this time to add Mt. ladies' info to his notebook. As he is about to finish his new entry, his homeroom teacher then comes in with a stack of papers.
"Ok kids because it is your final year of middle school, you need to fill out these career sheets and think about your future." But the teacher then smiles and tosses the papers in the air. "But I know you all want to be heroes!" The class starts to cheer and they all show off their powers except for two.
"Hey teach don't lump me in with these extras!" Bakugou says as he places his foot on his desk.
"These extras just don't compare to the real deal of hero material."
The other kids frown at this. "Hey don't count us out." "Yeah we are just as good as you."
The teacher then pulls out a clipboard. "Oh yeah Bakugou, aren't you applying to U.A." This news shocks the class. "No way he is going to U.A." "Don't they have a low acceptance rate?" "Can he really get in?''
"Oh please there is only one school that is worthy of me. I have high marks, good grades, and aced the mock test they held. If anyone can make it, it's me!" Bakugou then sits back at his desk. As the class started to think he might be able to do it, the teacher spoke again. "Oh Midoriya you also applied for U.A. as well right?" The class then turns to look at Izuku who is still writing in his notebook. Izuku then looks up and nods his head.
"Yes sensei." The class was about to mock Izuku and say he won't be able to do it, but then they saw the look on his face. Izuku wasn't smiling or frowning, instead his expression just stared down at the class that just said that he will make it to U.A. Bakugou just clicked his tongue and went to look back at the teacher. The teacher then cleared his throat and started class.
Sometime later
Meanwhile while Izuku was in class a robbery was taking place. A big villain who looked like he was made of slime and sludge had stolen a few purses. As he was running down the street, civilians got out while wondering where the heroes were. "Why has no one stopped him yet?", "Can someone call them?", "I hope someone can stop him." It was at this time a lanky man came out of a convenience store and heard what's happening. He then started to bulk up.
"Have no fear, why? Because I am here!"
School has just ended and Izuku is packing up his stuff and grabbing his kendo sword. Sometimes if he feels like it, he might challenge his school's kendo club. Today though he had other plans. As Izuku passed by Bakugou he just gave him a simple goodbye and left.
"See you later Kacchan."
"Tch later Deku." Bakugou rolled his eyes as he packed up his stuff as well.
As Izuku was walking out of his school's entrance way he pulled out his phone to look up a map. Izuku has finally earned enough money to buy two more swords. He didn't have enough skill to make his own yet and he also wanted to window shop today to see what he liked. He will then come back later with his mom to buy something if it catches his eye. As he pulls up directions to a nearby weapons store with good reviews, he starts to walk through an underpass the directions lead him to.
As Izuku was passing through he started to smell something foul. Sensing danger he turns around and readies his kendo sword. It was then the manhole he passed by popped open as some slime creature oozed out. "Damn I wasn't expecting to find him in this city. Oh what do we have here, a fresh skinsuit?" The sludge that started to grow as he approached Izuku. "Hey kid won't you be a hero and help me out!?" The villain started to swing his tendrils out at Izuku attempting to grab him. Izuku however was ready and started to slash and dodge the attacks. After he cuts his fourth tendril the villain starts to get angry. "Hold still you brat!!"
The manhole then exploded as a new man entered the battle. The man is 7 feet 3 inches tall and is built like a bodybuilder. He has blond hair that has his bangs stand upright in a V shape. He has a big smile and his brows cast a shadow over his eyes, so you can only see his blue pupils. "Fear not citizen for I am here!" Izuku couldn't believe his eyes because right in front of him is his personal hero All Might. All Might then gets in front of Izuku and prepares his attack. "TEXAS SMASH!" All Might then punches the villain. "Damn you All Might!" The force of All Might's punch blew the villain to pieces. "Sorry about that young man, you got caught in my heroing. I would have caught him earlier, but the city's sewer system is a maze down there!" All Might then starts to pack the sludge villain in an empty soda bottle he drank earlier. Izuku is so surprised that his hero is right here in the flesh . Izuku then opens his backpack and pulls out his notebook. "All Might if you don't mind, can you sign my notebook? And don't worry about collecting all the sludge pieces, I will help out." "HA HAHA sure thing young man." Izuku presents his notebook to All Might. As All Might picks up the notebook, Izuku starts to gather up the villain and as All Might takes a look inside the hero journal. "Holy moly, this kid sure is smart. He could give those with intelligence quirks a run for their money." Suddenly a certain principal felt a disturbance in the air.
All Might then signs the notebook and they both finish collecting the villain. "Thank you for that young man, now I must be on my way." Izuku's eyes went wide, he still had a very important question he had to ask him. Before he could even talk, All might bent down to get ready for takeoff. "Farewell citizen!" All Might leaps in the air, but feels a little heavy.
He looks down and sees Izuku holding on to his leg. "Woah there I like my fans but not this much. Can you please let go?!"- All Might " I can't, if I let go I might die from falling this high!"- Izuku "Oh that's right. Here, let me land on this building." All Might then lands atop of a building and Izuku lets go. "Now bang on the door till someone opens it. I must be off." "Hold on All Might I have a quirk question." "Look kid, I don't have enough time to stay." " I need to know CAN I BECOME A HERO WITHOUT A QUIRK!" All Might is surprised at this and turns to look at Izuku. However he starts to smoke and coughs. "Damn, I ran out of time!"
"I wasn't lucky enough to be born with a quirk, but I want to be a hero no matter what! I need to ask you, my own personal hero, do you think I can do it!?" Izuku then looks up to see a skeleton standing where All Might was. The new man was lanky, slighter shorter, but hunch over so he only looks about 6 feet tall. He was also blond with his bangs almost reaching his chin, though he still has a shadow over his eyes. A few seconds of silence pass as they stare at each other.
"IMPOSTER!" Izuku yells out as he points to the man. "I can assure you kid I am All MiGHT BLEUG!" The man coughs as blood comes out his mouth. " NO WAY! All Might is a giant of a man who always has a smile on his face in the face of fear!" All Might then frowns and says "There is plenty of fear behind that smile." Izuku looks confused as All Might then sits down. "Look kid I'm going to tell you how I got like this, but you need to promise to not tell anyone about this, alright?" Izuku nods his head and listens.
"You know those guys at the pool who suck in their gut to look more in shape, I'm like that. I got in a fight about five years ago that weakened me to this state." Izuku then asks "Was it the fight with Toxic Chainsaw?" All Might is surprised then shakes his head no. "You know your stuff, but that guy couldn't even land a single hit on me. This fight I kept out of the public's attention. It left me this nasty scar." All Might lifts his shirt to show an ugly scar on the left side of his stomach. Izuku gasps at the horrible scar. "After the fight I lost about 50% of my stomach and had to have surgery. The surgery took almost all my energy and now I can only fight crime for about 3 hours a day. That's why I smile kid, to hide my fear and help make everyone feel safe. A true hero never gives up." All Might then pulls down his shirt and stands up. "Now let's get off this building."
As All Might heads to the door, he is stopped by Izuku. "All Might you didn't answer my question." All Might turns around and is shocked to see a look of pure determination on his face. "I have trained almost all my life to help me become a hero without a quirk. But I have to ask this from my own personal hero. Do you think I can become one?" All Might looks at Izuku about to say no, but then looks into his eyes. His eyes look like they had a storm raging within them, ready to be unleashed. For some reason the kid's eyes reminded him of his smile. He feels safe as these eyes watch over him. All Might scratches his head and against his better judgment says. "Honestly it won't be easy…but if you train really hard you might be able to. I know of a few heroes who don't even have suitable quirks that help fight villains. Some even have quirks that only give them a small advantage, but still need to train to be strong in order to win the fight." All Might then looks at Izuku. "So yes I think you can. It just won't be easy."
Izuku smiles and thanks All Might. They then both leave the building, but one waits a few minutes after one leaves so they don't get in trouble. As All Might walks to the nearest police station he tries to tap the bottle he had in his pocket that held the villain. "Well I hope you like the food down at the…precinct?" All Might then realizes the bottle and villain are gone. He then hears an explosion at the nearby market. "Oh no…" All Might then runs off.
When he gets to the market he sees some heroes hold back some civilians as the sludge villain destroys everything. " Dammit it I let him escape." He then hears the heroes say the villain has got a hold of a hostage. It was apparently a male middle school student who was hanging out at the market. " NO! I can't believe it. I let everyone down and I'm already at my limit. I'm sorry young man, I am sure another hero will come by and help. Just hold on!"
Izuku meanwhile is heading to the market while admiring his new signature. He then hears an explosion and runs to see what's going on. When he gets to the market and sees the same things All Might saw. He also sees the sludge villain with a hostage and thinks to himself " Oh no, I thought All Might Had him captured. How did he escape!?" Izuku then remembers holding onto All Might's leg. " It's my fault, I let him fall out of All Might's pocket because I wanted to ask my stupid question. And I even wasted All Might's time so he can't come in to help!" Izuku clutches his shirt and looks at the hostage. " I'm so sorry, but I'm sure a hero will come to help you. I'm sure of it." Izuku's eyes start to water.
"I am a disgrace!"- AllMight clenches his fist
"A real hero will come to save the day!"- Izuku
"I am pathetic!" - AllMight
"I'm sorry!" - Izuku
Izuku then sees who the hostage is and is surprised at who it was. It was Bakugou and the villain was using his quirk to cause the fires and explosions. Izuku's eyes go wide as he stares into Bakugou's eyes. They showed he was scared.
Izuku then drops his notebook, puts his kendo sword in his mouth and runs. The heroes and All Might are surprised at this, and the heroes try to stop him. "STOP YOUR GONNA GET YOURSELF KILLED!!" Death Arms shouts. This didn't stop Izuku as he then picks up a pipe and piece of wood that are the size of regular swords. "Not this brat again!" - Sludge villain. Izuku then remembers page 25 of his hero notebook about Kamui using his quirk to cause the villain to flinch. Izuku then swings his left sword (the piece of wood) and hits a rock right into the villain's eyes. "AARRGGHH!!" The villain screams as he loosens his hold on Bakugou who is now able to breathe. Izuku then gets into his stance and says "Three sword-style ONI…GIRI!" Izuku then slices off the top part of the villains that has the villains' eyes and mouth attached to. Then Izuku picks up Bakugou as he drags him to the heroes. "Deku? What are you doing here!?" - Bakugou. "I don't know, my legs just started moving!" Izuku then looks at his childhood friend and smiles. "Plus, I couldn't just stand there and watch you die!"
The crowd and All Might are surprised at this sudden change. All Might even more so at what the kid just said. All Might then starts slowly changing. " This kid…what am I doing? A re al hero fights no matter the cost!" The villain then reforms and looks at Izuku. "You stupid brat... I AM DONE PLAYING WITH YOU!!!" The villain then launches a huge tendril at Izuku. Izuku isn't afraid though and gets ready to defend. As the tendril is about to hit, a huge puff of smoke appears.
As the smoke clears Izuku then sees All Might blocking the attack. "All Might?" - Izuku. "I really am pathetic. I told you the traits of a great champion, but I see now I wasn't living up to my own ideals!" All Might then pulls his fist back. "Pros are always risking their lives, THAT'S THE TRUE TEST OF A HERO!" "NO I won't lose to you again!" the slime yells as he readies another attack. "DETROIT SMASH!!!" All Might yells as he punches the villain. The force was so great that the other heroes had to block the wind from hurting the civilians and the wind pressure also put out the fires. After the wind dies down, the clouds start to shift as it then starts raining. "He changed the weather… with just one punch." Death Arms says in disbelief. The crowd then starts cheering as All Might looks at Izuku checking on Bakugou.
After the villain was taken away, Izuku was being told off by the heroes. Thankfully because he didn't use a quirk and he used no real weapons; he just got a slap on the wrist. Bakugou meanwhile was being commended for being brave. All Might meanwhile was being interviewed by some reporters. Izuku was able to leave and started walking home with his notebook back in his bag. Izuku wanted to apologize to All Might, but All Might was gone before he was done being lectured. As Izuku is walking he is then stopped by Bakugou. "Listen here Deku, you didn't save me alright!? I am still better than you!" Bakugou then storms off. Izuku rolls his eyes at Kacchan still being the same. Izuku then was about to walk home…only to be stopped again.
"I am here!" All Might then comes around the corner looking for Izuku. "All Might!? What are you doing here?" - Izuku. "HA-HA-HA I am here because I stand for justice, for I am All Might BLEG!" All Might then transforms back into his skinny form coughing blood. Izuku is freaked out thinking about how he will never get used to that. All Might then stands up and looks at Izuku. "I actually came here looking for you. I wanted to thank you for what happened." Izuku is surprised at this and clenches his fist.
"No I'm sorry all Might, I got in your way, wasted your time, and made you lose the villain. There is no need to thank me." All Might then raises his hand. "Please let me speak." All Might lowers his hand and looks at Izuku as he stares into his eyes.
"If you hadn't told me that you were quirkless I might have not come to help. When I saw that this quirkless kid was running into danger while the other heroes did nothing it inspired me to act." Izuku is surprised at this and his eyes tear up. "I heard you say that your legs were moving on your own when you charged in to save the other kid. It reminded me of how other heroes say how the first became a hero." Izuku is crying while clutching his chest. "They all say the same thing, their legs started to move on their own. I wanted to thank you and change my answer from earlier." Izuku is confused at what All Might means when he says he wants to change his answer.
"Young man, I don't think you can become a hero… I know you will." All Might points at Izuku as he is crying. Izuku is gripping his fists so hard they might bleed. "When I saw you move it was amazing how you swung your weapons with such strength, such precision, like nothing would stop you from saving your friend." Izuku is now trying hard to not fall to his knees. "It looked crazy at how you were using three swords to fight, but it was clear you have the skills to back that up." All might then smiles as Izuku starts thanking him. All might then holds out his hand towards Izuku. "I deem you worthy of my power, my quirk is yours to inherit." Izuku then looks up at All Might and tilts his head in confusion. "Huh?" - Izuku.
"Ha-Ha-ha you should see your face right now. Don't worry I'm not gonna force this thing on you. Listen well young man, this is your choice. Do you want to accept my awesome power or not!?!" All might yells out while blood explodes from his mouth. Izuku is confused as he looks at All Might. "What do you mean, what are you talking about?" All Might then wipes the blood from his mouth. "Listen there are a couple things you should know about my abilities. Journalists always guess that my quirk is some kind of super strength or invulnerability type quirk. In interviews that ask about my quirk, I joke or dodge the question. It is because the world needs to believe that their symbol of peace is just a natural born hero like anyone else." Izuku is staring at All Might with his utmost attention.
"But I'm not, there is nothing natural about my ability. I wasn't born with this power, it was a sacred torch that was passed down to me from someone else." All Might spreads his arms apart as he tells Izuku this. "Someone gave you this quirk, no way." - Izuku. "Yes way and your next, I can give you my abilities." Izuku then looks at All Might with his eyes wide as they have ever been. "Wait hold on this is a lot to process. It is true that there has been a lot of debate about what your quirk is, nobody has been able to figure it out. It is one of the world's greatest mysteries. The idea of being able to pass on a quirk or ability sounds crazy to me." (Thankfully because Izuku isn't as nervous anymore he doesn't mutter a lot).
"Look, you are just gonna have to adjust to this new reality and accept this new truth. I can transfer my quirk to someone else. And that is just one facet of my secret abilities" All Might then holds out his arm with his hand cupped open. "The true name of my power is One-for-all."
"One for all?" - Izuku.
"Yes, one person improves the power and then hands it off to another person. It continues to grow as it is passed along. It is this cultivated power that allows me to save those in need of a hero, the truth behind my strength." All Might then grips his hand as he finishes his reality shattering truth. Izuku stares at All Might's fist "Why would you choose to give me a gift like that?" "I was on a long hunt for a worthy successor and then I watched you jump into action as the rest of us stood idly by. While you are quirkless, you were able to save that boy, you acted like a hero." - All Might. Izuku's eyes tear up as All Might praises him.
"Seriously you gotta stop crying so much if you want my quirk, come on kid." Izuku then clenches his hands as he looks up at All Might. " He said so much to encourage me, he even told me the secret of his power. How can I turn him down?" "Ok I'll do it, Yes!"- Izuku. "No reluctance, that's exactly how I figured you'd respond."-All Might. " But it wasn't that simple, receiving All Might's power turned out to be no easy task, as I'd soon found out." - Izuku.
Izuku pov
All Might then gave me his phone number and told me to meet him tomorrow morning at Dagoba beach. I then walked home and had to calm down my mom after she had heard the news about what happened. After dinner I went to bed so that I could meet All Might bright and early tomorrow.
This was the first step on how I was able to get my quirk.