Chapter 18
"Thank you so much!" Izuku said happily as he bowed to Gran Torino, clutching his costume case to his chest, "You taught me a lot."
"Damn well hope so," the old man chuckled, before going serious, "You're a good kid, Midoriya. Don't lose that."
"I…I won't," the teen nodded, "Again, thank you."
"Sure, whatever," the man sighed, "Now get going, you're going to miss your train otherwise."
"Yes sir!" Izuku grinned as he hurried off towards the station.
------
"But if we're talking about transformative internships," Kaminari laughed, "It has to be you three! You took down the Hero Killer!"
Iida, Izuku and Shoto all looked up as he spoke, the class falling silent as they all stared at the three boys.
"How do you know that?" Shoto asked, "The news said Endeavor captured him."
"Yeah," the blonde shrugged, "But you at least fought him, right? And Midoriya knocked him out at the end. What was that thing you were yelling about though? Knowing the Nomu?"
"Ah," Izuku muttered, looking away, "It was…nothing."
"No, really, what was that abou-OW!" Kaminari yelped as the earphone jack jabbed him in the side, looking at Kyoka in surprise, "What was that for?"
"He obviously doesn't want to talk about it, Jammingyay," the girl growled, "So leave it."
"Jeez, okay," he muttered, walking back to his desk, "Wonder what Basic Heroics will be today?"
------
"A RESCUE RACE!" All Might shouted as he held out the card, "Something fun after your internships!"
"Ah, shouldn't rescue training take place at the USJ, All Might?" Iida asked as the class began to chatter.
"That is for disaster training, Young Iida," the man chuckled, "This is just a race!"
"I see," the teen nodded, dropping his raised hand, "I apologize for the interruption."
"Quite alright," All Might nodded, "Now, onto the groups!"
Izuku shook himself out as he walked to his starting position, taking a deep breath as readied himself. The rest of his group was positioned around the training ground, also probably waiting for All Might to announce the start of the race. A moment later, a buzzer sounded, All Might's voice echoing over the tightly packed industrial zone, and Izuku jumped.
"No way!" several of the class shouted as he shot into the sky, watching on screens nearby, "Midoriya can fly now?"
Izuku just grinned as he hovered in the air for a moment, allowing the momentum of his jump to carry him forward a bit, before dropping down onto a pipe, leaping forwards with all his strength as he reactivated Float, soaring through the air at speed. He had to drop a few more times to keep up his momentum, occasionally flicking his fingers to keep himself from going off course. He quickly reached the bottom of the silo he'd heard All Might shouting from, leaping straight up its side, and sailing over the top.
"My goodness!" All Might shouted in surprise as the teen landed in front of him, "What…what did you just do, Young Midoriya?"
"Oh, I unlocked another Sub-Skill of One for All," the teen quickly explained, glancing back to see if he could spot the other students, "It's called Float. Gran Torino told me it belonged to your Master."
"F-float?" All Might gasped, "Y-yes, it did. And now you have it?"
"Sort of," Izuku grinned, "It's a little tricky to use, I've only had a few days practice, but I'm pretty good at it already."
"I'll say," All Might muttered, "Did you…did you perhaps see my Master?"
Izuku nodded, blinking as All Might gave a sad smile, before quickly schooling his expression as Sero leapt over the edge of the Silo.
"What the hell was that, Midoriya?" the smiling boy panted slightly, "You were flying!"
"More floating," the green-haired teen chuckled, "It's uhm…another part of my Quirk. I can buy certain Skills, and that was the newest one I got."
"Damn," the other boy huffed, "That's kind of unfair."
"Sorry," Izuku blushed, rubbing the back of his head.
"Nah, don't be," Sero chuckled, "It's pretty damn cool if you ask me."
------
Izuku was deep in thought as he made his way to Nedzu's office, not noticing as the other student walked around the corner, bumping into him.
"Oh, sorry!" he said, blinking as he looked at Shinso in surprise, the teen looking a little worn out and ragged, "Shinso, right? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," the purple-haired teen muttered, stepping aside as Izuku walked past, "Don't you have somewhere to be?"
"Oh, right! Thanks!" Izuku smiled, glancing back as he hurried on, checking the other boy's stats quickly, eyes going wide at what he saw.
Name: Hitoshi Shinso
Level: 6
Stats:
Strength: 15
Dexterity: 14
Endurance: 14
Intelligence: 20
Wisdom: 15
Charisma: 25
Skills:
[Brain Washing]
"Huh," Izuku muttered to himself, smiling slightly, "He's gotten stronger."
------
"Incredible," Nedzu said as Izuku hovered in the air in front of him, "Quite the useful ability if I do say so myself! And I do!"
"Thank you, Nedzu sir," Izuku smiled as he dropped back down to the floor, "Though the cost for unlocking the Sub-Skills of One for All went up again. They now cost three Hero Points."
"That certainly makes sense," Nedzu nodded, pulling a large textbook out from under his desk, Izuku reading the cover in interest.
"Game Theory and Design?" the teen muttered.
"Why yes!" Nedzu chuckled, "I thought that perhaps this would be of use to you, considering the nature of your Quirk. Though of course I made a point to read it myself first, quite interesting."
"Oh, that makes sense," Izuku nodded, picking up the book, immediately getting a prompt asking if he wanted to use the Skill Book, which he accepted, letting the new knowledge settle into his mind as the book vanished in a flash of light, "Oh wow, this actually explains a few things."
"Good to hear!" Nedzu said happily, "Now, if you would be so kind as to check your Status Page, I would like to see how you've grown."
"Of course, Principal," Izuku nodded, opening the screen, and starting to copy it down.
Name: Izuku "Deku" Midoriya
Level: 14
Stats:
Strength: 132 (999)
Dexterity: 33
Endurance: 66
Intelligence: 40
Wisdom: 32
Charisma: 24
Free Points: 10
Hero Points: 1
System Skills:
[Analytical Eye]
[Inventory]
[Friend List]
[Override]
[Party]
Extra Skills:
[One for All]
[Basic First Aid]
[Basic Electrical Engineering]
[Basic Structural Engineering]
[Basic Mixed Martial Arts]
[Basic Game Theory]
"Huh," Izuku said as he finished writing the numbers out, "Some of my stats have gone up. Guess it was because of the training I did with Gran Torino."
"That would certainly make sense, yes," Nedzu hummed as he looked over the page, "You are quickly outpacing your classmates, I must say. You are almost on par with many active Pro Heroes. Very impressive."
"Oh," Izuku mumbled, "I don't really want to leave them behind too much, but it's a little difficult when I keep levelling up and training so hard."
"I'm sure it's fine," Nedzu chuckled, "It shall simply work as motivation for them to try harder."
"I suppose," Izuku sighed, "What do you suggest I put my Free Points into?"
"Why ask me?" Nedzu said, sipping from his cup of tea, "It's your Quirk, so you get to decide."
"Yeah, I guess that's true," Izuku nodded, "I'm starting to feel a little unbalanced in terms of Strength and Endurance, so maybe I should put more points into Dexterity? Increase my speed and flexibility?"
"That sounds like a good plan," Nedzu nodded as the teen dumped all ten points into the stat, "How do you feel?"
"Looser," Izuku hummed, shaking out his body, before bending right over, his head nearly touching his legs, "It's strange."
"I am sure," Nedzu chuckled, "Now then, onto our usual exercises, I should think!"
------
"Wait, so it's just robots?" Mina asked, cheering, "Then this'll be easy! We'll really be able to let loose!"
"Only if you pass your written exams," Aizawa grumbled as he walked in, the class hurrying to their seats.
"Wait," Kaminari paused, grabbing his head, "I was so caught up in the internships and training that I completely forgot to study!"
"That is unforgivable!" Iida shouted, "Knowledge is a powerful tool for Heroes!"
"Hey, Yaomomo has the highest Intelligence Stat in the class, right?" Kyoka hummed, looking over at the tall girl as she blushed, "Maybe she can help tutor you?"
"Yaomomo!" Kaminari cried, "Please impart onto me your great wisdom!"
"Oh!" the girl gasped, "Of course, I'd happily tutor anyone who needs it."
"Me too!" Mina shouted, Sero nodding behind her.
"I could use some help with maths," Kyoka hummed, holding up her notebook.
"Of course!" Momo said happily, "I'll organise some nice tea for us as well! Do you all like Oolong? Perhaps I should see if I can get some Emperor Black Tips!"
The four students just smiled at the beaming girl, taken aback by her bright smile and apparent naivety.
"Now why can't you be like that?" Kirishima chuckled at Bakugo, the blond snarling at him.
"You want tutoring?" he growled, "Fine! I'll tutor to fucking death!"
"That's the spirit!" the red head laughed.
"Oh, Midoriya," Ochako said as she looked over at the boy, "You have a pretty good Intelligence as well, right? I'm struggling a bit with Hero Art History, can you help me?"
"Oh, sure," Izuku nodded.
"Ah, it would be untoward to allow two members of the opposite sex to interact alone!" Iida said loudly, making the brunette blush, "I shall accompany you to ensure nothing happens!"
"And Buzzkill Iida strikes again, kero," Tsuyu chuckled, making the blue-haired boy look at her in confusion, "But I'll join as well, if that's okay?"
"Sure," Izuku grinned, "Though where should we meet? My apartment is kind of small."
"We can study at my house, kero," Tsuyu hummed, "My siblings will be there, but they won't disturb us if I ask."
"That sounds great, Asui," Izuku nodded.
"Call me Tsu, kero," the girl replied flatly.
------
"So, you're the new hire?" Dabi hummed as the scaled man adjusted the mask over his face, "What do we call you?"
"Spinner," the lizard-like man said, looking over the rest of the group, eyes drawn towards the television in the corner of the room, and the blonde girl, pale-haired guy and young boy staring at it, "Uhm…are they playing a video game?"
"Yep," Dabi replied, sipping at his drink as he eyed the muscular man sitting in the back corner of the bar, muttering quietly to himself as he picked at the scar over his eye, "Just a couple more and the Vanguard will be ready, wonder who Giran will bring us next?"
"Wait," Spinner hummed as Shigaraki opened the stat sheet for his character, "What's with that build? It's kind of shit."
"Not you too," the pale-haired man growled, "All you need to win this game is Strength!"
"Not really," Spinner shook his head as he slid onto the couch, "I mean, I'm a Strength main myself, using great swords, but you have to balance out your stats so you don't get one-shot."
"You play this too?" the man asked, glaring at Spinner like he was competition.
"I've finished this game a few times, yeah," the lizard-like man nodded, "It's pretty good, though not quite as good as the previous one in my opinion. Bit too easy."
"Easy?" Shigaraki snorted, looking at Toga, "Tell that to this noob!"
"Hey!" the girl huffed, "I'm further along than you, aren't I? Doesn't that make you the noob?"
"Shut up!" the man yelled as he died to the boss, "FUCK!"
"Just restart, dude," Spinner chuckled, "Your build is already broken, so you might as well try again."
"No," Shigaraki growled, "I like my way of playing!"
"Fair enough," Spinner sighed, "Oh, hey, there's a hidden Strength weapon just off to the side over there. It'll compliment the disaster you call a build."
"SPOILERS!" the pale-haired man shouted.
Chapter 19
Izuku glanced at his phone as he checked the address again, making sure he was at the right house. Nodding, he rang the doorbell, walking through the gate as the front door opened.
"So," the gruff voice croaked as the bullfrog-like man glared down at the teen, "You're one of my daughter's classmates?"
"Oh! Uhm…yes sir!" Izuku said hurriedly, "Izuku Midoriya, a pleasure to meet you!"
"Hmmph," the man snorted as he stood in the doorway, before a familiar voice called out.
"Please don't try to intimidate my friends, dad," Tsuyu said as she appeared behind the man, making him sag slightly as he looked at her.
"It's a father's job to protect his daughter, Tsu," he rumbled, the girl just shaking her head with her usual blank expression, "Fine, sorry."
"You can come in now, Midoriya," Tsuyu said as her father went back inside, holding the door open for him as he entered, "We'll be studying in the dining room. I wanted to do it in my bedroom, but my dad said no."
"I see," Izuku nodded as he took off his shoes, blinking as he came face to face with a pair of children staring at him from a doorway, "Oh, are these your siblings?"
"Yes, kero," Tsuyu nodded, looking back at the pair, "Samidare, Satsuki, come say hello to my friend."
"Are you Nee-chan's boyfriend?" the young girl suddenly asked, Izuku lighting up in a blush.
"No way is he sis's boyfriend," the slightly older boy huffed, "He's nowhere near cool enough."
"Not…not cool enough?" Izuku asked, looking at Tsuyu in confusion.
"Sorry, kero," she chuckled, "Satsuki asks pretty much everyone that question, and Samidare is at that age where he only cares about stuff that he thinks is cool."
"Oh, I see," Izuku nodded, smiling down at the children, "No, I'm just your sister's classmate. And what about Heroes? Do you think they're cool?"
"That's a dumb question," Samidare laughed, "Of course Heroes are cool. But sis is going to be the coolest of all the Heroes!"
"Then I think we'll get along just fine," Izuku chuckled, "I think Heroes are cool as well. Are the others already here, Asui?"
"No, you're the first one to arrive," Tsuyu shook her head, "And call me Tsu, kero."
"Uhm…sure," Izuku blushed slightly again as she led him through the house to the dining room, the teen beginning to pull his books from his inventory.
"Woah! How are you doing that?" Samidare gasped from the doorway, having followed them.
"Oh, it's part of my Quirk," Izuku smiled, "It allows me to store a bunch of stuff in a special dimension. Up to my Strength stat in kilograms."
"Strength stat?" the boy asked, "Oh! You're the one sis was talking about! The guy with the video game quirk! I guess that's pretty cool."
"Thanks," Izuku chuckled as he continued to unload his books and stationery.
The doorbell rang again, Tsuyu hurrying off to answer it as Samidare continued to watch Izuku, the green-haired teen fidgeting slightly under his intense gaze.
"So, uhm…who do you think is the coolest Hero?" Izuku asked, blinking as the boy laughed.
"Sis, of course," the boy said, "She's going to save all the people that get washed away at sea and beat up all the illegal smugglers!"
"I see," Izuku nodded, "What about All Might? Do you think he's cool?"
"Of course I do!" the boy huffed, "He's the number one Hero, so he has to be cool! Are you dumb or something?"
"No," Izuku chuckled, before leaning down to the boy and whispering, "Hey, want to know a secret? I was personally trained by All Might to get into UA."
"What?" Samidare gasped, "No way!"
"Yes," Izuku smiled, holding out his phone, "I even have his phone number to prove it."
"Woah," the boy gasped, before looking thoughtful, "Maybe you are cool enough to be Sis's boyfriend, then?"
"I told you before, kero," Tsuyu said as she led the blushing Ochako into the room, "I only like girls, Samidare."
"Oh, yeah," the boy nodded, "But Midoriya-nii is pretty cool, so I wouldn't complain if he did become your boyfriend."
"Not happening," the frog quirked girl hummed, before giving Izuku an apologetic look, "No offense, Midoriya."
"None taken," Izuku nodded, smiling as Ochako sat beside him, "I mean, it's not like we have much time to worry about relationships while learning to be Heroes, right?"
"R-right!" Ochako barked, sitting upright as her cheeks flushed some more.
"Oh, did Satsuki ask if you were Asui's girlfriend?" Izuku asked the blushing brunette.
"Yeah, it, uhm…it caught me off guard," she mumbled, looking between the two green-haired teens, "I mean, I wouldn't be against it or anything! But I already have someone I like and-."
The brunette gasped as she cut herself off, covering her face with her hands as she started to float, letting out a stream of indecipherable words.
"Oh? Who, kero?" Tsuyu asked with interest.
"Nobody!" the other girl squeaked, "Just forget I said anything!"
"I bet it's Midoriya-nii," Samidare grinned, "He's pretty cool, so he wouldn't be a bad choice!"
"N-n-n-no!" Ochako stammered, bobbing against the ceiling now as she blushed even harder, "It's not what you think!"
The doorbell rang again, Tsuyu hurrying off to get the door as Izuku helped Ochako down off the ceiling. A minute later, Iida entered the room, chopping his hands through the air as he spoke.
"Your house is lovely, Asui," he said, "I had no trouble finding it."
"Thank you, kero," the girl replied as they all sat down at the table, "And call me Tsu."
"Now then!" Iida cleared his throat, "Shall we get on to studying?"
"Boring," Samidare sighed as he walked away, "Call me when you're going to do something cool."
"Go play with Satsuki, kero," Tsuyu called after him, "Make sure she doesn't bug us."
"Sure thing, Sis."
------
"So," Tsuyu said as the two boys left, saying goodbye to the girls after their study session, "Who is your crush, kero?"
"W-what?" Ochako blushed, "W-why are you asking that?"
"I might be a little jealous, kero," Tsuyu hummed, pink tinting her own cheeks as she looked at Ochako, the girl blushing harder.
"What do you mean by that?" the brunette asked.
"I mean I have a bit of a crush on you," the frog quirked girl shrugged, "So I was interested in who my competition was."
"C-competition? C-crush?" Ochako squeaked.
"Yeah?" Tsu hummed, "Don't worry, I'm not going to try hit on you or kiss you or anything. Unless you want me to, of course, kero."
"I mean," Ochako mumbled, "I wouldn't complain…I do kind of like girls myself, but I prefer guys."
"Guys like Midoriya, kero?" Tsuyu smirked, the expression strange on her usually blank face.
"W-well…yeah," Ochako blushed harder, "But I'm pushing those feelings down. At least until after we become Heroes."
"That'll be a long time," Tsuyu hummed, "At least another three years or more. Are you sure that you'll be able to wait that long? I don't think I would."
"Why are you telling me this?" Ochako asked.
"Cause I like you, kero," Tsuyu shrugged again, making the brunette blush harder, "And I don't believe in hiding my feelings. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable."
"No, it's fine," Ochako replied, "It's just…a bit overwhelming."
"I see," Tsuyu nodded, "Your train only leaves in a couple of hours, right? Want to have dinner with my family?"
"Free food?" Ochako blinked, making the other girl chuckle, "I mean, sure! That'd be nice."
"Does that mean you're Nee-chan's girlfriend now?" the small voice asked as Ochako and Tsuyu looked at Satsuki, Ochako lighting up in a blush again.
------
"Jiro-san?"
"Huh?" the girl blinked as Momo spoke to her, her ears lighting up in a slight blush as she realised that she hadn't been listening, "S-sorry, Yaomomo, what was that?"
"I was asking if you understood what we just covered," Momo replied, looking at the other girl in concern, "You were just staring at me."
"O-oh! Sorry, I didn't mean to!" the black-haired girl muttered, looking down to hide the blush that was spreading to her cheeks.
"It's quite alright," Momo smiled, "Shall we all take a break? You must be getting tired after all this studying."
"Yes please!" the other three at the large table said as one, flopping down onto the hard wood as they groaned.
"Hey, Jiro," Mina suddenly chuckled as Momo left to go fetch them some more tea, "I saw the way you were looking at Yaomomo. You got something to say?"
"What?" the punk girl gasped, shaking her head, "N-no! Not at all!"
"Woah, wait, do you mean Jiro's got a crush on Yaomomo?" Kaminari suddenly gasped, making the girl glare at him, before he held up a thumb, "Nice!"
"What are you talking about, Jammingyay?" Kyoka growled, readying her jacks.
"Just that Yaomomo's pretty hot," Kaminari shrugged, "I mean, I would try if I thought she was in my league."
"And she's not?" Mina chuckled, the blonde grinning as he shook his head.
"Oh yeah, way out of my league," he laughed, "Smart, pretty and a recommendation student? No way I'm getting that homerun."
"You'd definitely strike out there," Sero chuckled, "Then again, I don't have much hope either."
"Yeah," Mina sighed, "Yaomomo's just so…perfect. It'd probably be hard to be in a relationship with her."
"You too?" the two boys asked, patting the girl on the shoulder.
"Well, I don't know what you three are talking about," Kyoka huffed, "I just got distracted, that's all."
"By Yaomomo?" Mina chuckled, "Maybe by her lips?"
"Or her che-YEOW!" "Or her bu-OW!" the two boys yelped as Jiro jabbed them each in the ear with her jacks.
"Shut up!" she shouted, "I do not have a crush on Yaomomo!"
"No body said you did," Mina just grinned, "But maybe now we think you do. Tsun-tsun."
"I am not a Tsundere!" the girl yelled as she tried to jab the other girl, Mina dancing out of the way as she laughed.
------
"Learn faster, dammit!" Katsuki shouted as he hit Kirishima in the head with a rolled-up book while they sat in the diner, "You're gonna fucking fail at this rate!"
"I dunno, man," the red head sighed, sitting back as he finished the mock exam, sliding it over to the blonde who began to furiously mark it, "I think I did pretty well this time."
"You fucking think?" the blonde snorted as he finished, holding out the paper, "Cause you fucking passed."
"Woah, really?!" Kirishima said excitedly, "Manly!"
"Yeah, fucking whatever," Katsuki growled, "But you can fucking do better than this! Do it again!"
"Aw, come on man, let me at least have a break first!" Kirishima sighed, sitting back in the chair, "Hey, why didn't we do this at your place? I mean, I know that my place is a little chaotic and far away, but why a diner?"
"My house?" Bakugo snorted, "Cause my old hag of a mom wouldn't have left us the fuck alone!"
"Aw, so you just wanted to be alone with me?" the red head chuckled, blushing slightly, "That's sweet."
"What the fuck are you talking about, Shitty Hair?" Katsuki yelled, smacking the other teen on the head again, "I'm just here to fucking help you study cause you're such an idiot!"
"Jeez dude, sorry," Kirishima laughed as he hardened his head against the onslaught, "I was just saying it's nice. That you're nice. At least under all the swearing."
"Fuck you!" Katsuki barked.
"Gladly," Kirishima laughed, making the pair suddenly fall silent as they stared at each other in surprise, "Uhm…that didn't come out like I meant it."
"What, you got a fucking problem with gay people?" Katsuki grumbled, looking away to hide his slight blush.
"Nah, not at all. I'm all about free love and that stuff," the red head said hurriedly, "I mean, everyone is hot, right?"
"What?" Katsuki blinked, "You fucking bi or something?"
"Pansexual, yeah," Kirishima blushed, "I like pretty much anyone."
"Huh," Bakugo grunted, "Well, who gives a shit?! That isn't why we're here! Now get started on the next fucking test!"
------
"Wait," Mina said, "Why are the teachers all here?"
"Because," Nedzu hummed as he popped out of Aizawa's capture weapon, "We have decided to step up the pace of your training! You'll be placed in groups of two that will each face a teacher!"
"A-against the teachers?" the class shouted, Nedzu just grinning as he nodded.
"Now, the groups have already been decided on, so get into your pairs and join your assigned teacher in a bus!" the principal laughed, a gleam in his eye.
Chapter 20
The bus was silent as the three figures were driven towards the testing venue, Izuku glancing back at Katsuki, who was sitting as far away from him as possible, glaring out the window. All Might sat in the front, watching both nervously as the bus finally pulled up in front of the massive gates to the area, the roofs of several buildings poking out over the top of the walls.
"We're here," All Might said as they got off the bus, the huge gates opening for them, revealing what looked like a downtown business district, "I shall head in first. You have ten minutes to discuss strategy before the buzzer sounds and the exam starts."
"I don't need shit," Katsuki growled, "I'm gonna come straight for you and win!"
"I-I see," All Might replied, before leaping off into the distance as the two teens walked into the venue.
"Stay the fuck out of my way, Deku," the blonde spat as he stalked forwards, Izuku just sighing loudly as he followed behind him, making the blond spin and glare at him, "What? You got a fucking problem?"
"Yes, actually," Izuku replied flatly, startling the other teen, "I don't even know why we were paired up. We obviously don't like each other, so I don't get why they're forcing us to work together."
"Don't like…? I FUCKING HATE YOU, DEKU!" Katsuki shouted, explosions crackling across his palms.
"My point exactly," Izuku sighed again, "Look, we're up against All Might, so our best bet of passing is to run."
"Fuck that!" Katsuki snarled, "I'm gonna beat the shit out of him!"
"What?" Izuku blinked, shaking his head in disbelief, "That has to be the stupidest thing you've ever said, Katsuki."
"FUCK YOU!" the blonde roared, jumping forwards as he swiped at Izuku, the teen dodging back easily, before surging forwards and slamming a punch into Bakugo's chest, throwing him backwards into, and through, a brick wall.
Katsuki lay stunned for a moment, before he jumped to his feet, snarling like a rabid beast as Izuku stood in the hole.
"You see?" Izuku asked, "How do you expect to be able to win against All Might when you can't even win against me? All Might is a lot stronger than either of us, even working together, so our best bet is to run!"
"Fuck that!" the blonde roared, "I'm the best, and I'm going to prove it, here and now!"
"Tsukasa," Izuku said flatly, a look of pain on his face, "Do you even remember him? Our childhood friend? Though I guess you only ever called him Wings."
"Why the fuck would I give a shit about an extra like that?" Katsuki spat.
"I met him on my internship," Izuku continued, "Sort of. He was a Nomu. But…but he's dead now."
"What?" the blonde growled, staring at Izuku in confusion, "The fuck are you saying, Deku?"
"That the Nomu are people," Izuku replied, "That they used to be people, Katsuki."
"And why should I care?"
"That's exactly the problem," Izuku muttered, "You don't. You don't have a compassionate bone in your body, only seeing others as obstacles or barriers. You won't be able to become a proper Hero if you're like this."
"A proper Hero? Fuck you, Deku! I ain't a fucking coward!" Bakugo barked, stalking forwards, and barging past the other teen, "I'm gonna face All Might down and win! Then we'll see who's a proper Hero!"
"Fine," Izuku sighed, turning away, "You can go act as a distraction for all I care, Katsuki."
"A distrac…I ain't nobody's fucking distraction, you shitnerd!" the blonde roared, spinning to glare at Izuku again, "You're just a fucking coward!"
"The exam is about to start," Izuku hummed, looking up as the buzzer sounded, "I think we should get going no-."
He didn't get to finish his sentence as a massive wave of force suddenly demolished the ground, buildings, and street just beside them, leaving a clear path right to the other end of the testing zone, All Might standing at the far side as he called out.
"Come on, little Heroes!" the man shouted, "I am a Villain! You either need to beat me or escape to win!"
"ALL MIGHT!" Katsuki screamed as he launched himself straight towards the blonde man, screaming bloody murder the whole way, Izuku just shaking his head in disbelief as he hopped onto a nearby roof with Float.
"If he wants to act that way, then fine," Izuku muttered, staying low as he skirted around the fight that had already started in the centre of the zone, "I'll pass on my own."
------
Recovery Girl sighed as she watched the exams unfold on the numerous screens set up in the medical tent, shaking her head as she turned away.
"While I understand the need for such exams," she muttered, "It doesn't mean I have to like it."
A buzzer sounded, making her look back at the screens, watching as Cementos freed the two teens from the prison of concrete he'd buried them in, ending the test.
"At least he held back," she grumbled, "They don't look too hurt, just upset at failing."
A second buzzer quickly followed, Recovery Girl nodding as Ectoplasm led his students out of the building, the cuffs clinking around one of his prosthetic legs as he walked.
"Looks like we won't have too many injuries this time, with any luck," the old woman sighed, before glancing at a particular screen, "Except maybe that fight."
------
Izuku glanced back at the battle raging in the distance, able to see the two figures clearly as they clashed, one ragged and panting as he tried to unleash another explosion, the larger one easily dodging it, appearing beside him and back handing him through a wall. The first exploded out of the rubble, throwing himself recklessly back into the fight, Izuku just shaking his head as he hurried towards the gate.
He paused as he reached the open exit, looking back again just in time to see Bakugo getting pinned to the ground by All Might with a railing, the blond struggling weakly as small explosions crackled across his palms. Izuku shook his head, turning back to the gate. If Bakugo had been defeated, he only had a few seconds before All Might would realise where he was. He took a step forwards, then another. Then he swore quietly under his breath.
------
"And another group passes," Recovery Girl said as Aizawa entered the tent, "They did quite well."
"That they did," the man grunted, "How is our special exam going?"
"Worse than we hoped," Recovery Girl sighed, pointing at the screen, "The two separated immediately after having an altercation. Bakugo has been attacking All Might since, while Midoriya snuck around the battle and headed to the exit."
"Hmmph," the man grunted, "They'll both fail then. The point of this exam was to get them to work together."
"I don't think it's as easy as that," the old woman sighed, "It seems this goes far deeper than just a simple grudge or dislike of each other."
"Whatever," Aizawa sighed, pulling out his sleeping back and lying down in one of the beds, "Wake me if anything interesting happens."
------
"Come now, Young Midoriya!" All Might shouted as he looked around for the other teen, "You can't just abandon your teammate like this. That isn't very Heroic!"
"I'd hardly call him a teammate!" Izuku shouted as he shot up into the air, using Float to get the height advantage, before flicking his fingers behind him to swoop down towards the pinned Bakugo and All Might, "He wouldn't listen to a thing I said! Why did we get paired up anyway? I told you about some of the stuff he's done to me!"
"Ah," the Pro said, blinking slightly in surprise, "But you only told me you were bullied? You never said anything about Young Bakugo?"
"It was heavily implied, All Might," Izuku shouted as he darted in, taking advantage of All Might's hesitation to rip the railing pinning Bakugo to the ground out, throwing it at the Pro Hero, "I mean, I literally said that someone in my class once told me to kill myself!"
"Wait…that was Young Bakugo?" All Might gasped, before the punch slammed into his left side, making him wince, "Ah, going for the weak spot, I see?"
"Sorry, All Might," Izuku gave him an apologetic look as he jumped back, "But I have to win this!"
"Then I shall not hold back!" the blonde laughed, winding up a punch as Izuku jumped back again, crouching down to weather the blast.
The punch swung forwards, unleashing a powerful wind as Izuku suddenly spun, grabbing the unconscious Bakugo from the ground, and slinging him over his shoulder, before jumping into the air. He hovered for a moment, looking like he was straining to keep afloat, before the blast of wind hit him, sending both teens soaring through the air towards the exit. All Might swore under his breath as he suddenly realised what Izuku had done, darting forwards to try and catch up to them, the power of his own punch working against him as they just barely outpaced him.
"Bakugo/Midoriya Team Pass!" the electronic voice chimed as the pair sailed through the gates, landing heavily on the ground as they lost momentum.
"Young Midoriya!" All Might shouted as he caught up to the two teens, "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, All Might," the teen sighed as he got up, stretching slightly, "But we should get Katsuki to the Medical Tent. You beat him up pretty badly."
"Ah, well…I suppose I did," the older man blushed as he carefully lifted the blonde into his arms.
------
"So, there were some failures," Aizawa said to the class as they waited nervously, "As well as a near pass. So, you'll all be going on the Summer Training Camp."
"LET'S GO!" Kirishima shouted as the class cheered, Aizawa smirking slightly at their excitement.
"Of course, those that failed will still have to take remedial lessons," the teacher added, killing the mood slightly, "And Midoriya…"
"Yes, Sensei?" the teen asked, confused.
"You only just passed," the man said, "So watch yourself."
"Only just…? Why?" Izuku balked.
"You basically abandoned your teammate, but you did go back for them, thus, a near pass," Aizawa grunted.
"What?" the teen shouted, "I didn't abandon anyone! Katsuki was being too hard-headed to work with, so I left to pass the exam! And I only went back because-."
"I don't want to hear your excuses," Aizawa huffed, pulling out his sleeping bag, before pausing, putting it back away with a tired sigh, "Anyway, you'll all need to get the things on the provided lists."
"Woah! So much stuff!" Kaminari gasped as he read over the pages, "I only have a swimming costume and a couple of other things, I'm going to have to buy so much!"
"Same here," Mina chuckled.
"Then how about we go out as a class?" Tooru called, making the class turn to look at the invisible girl, "We can go to a shopping mall together and buy the stuff we need!"
"That is an excellent plan, Hagakure!" Iida said loudly, "We shall meet tomorrow then!"
------
"Is something bothering you, Midoriya-kun?" Nedzu asked as Izuku half-heartedly worked on the puzzle in front of him, the teen sighing as he sat back.
"Yeah," Izuku nodded, "The exams. I was wondering why Katsuki and I got paired up, it's not like he's subtle about hating me."
"Hating you?" Nedzu hummed, "Whatever do you mean?"
"I know he yells and swears at everyone, but he especially does it to me," Izuku explained, "I mean, why have none of the teachers said or done anything about it? I know why they didn't back in middle school; they didn't want to ruin Katsuki's chances of getting into UA, but…I thought it might be different here."
"That…is an excellent point," Nedzu muttered, "Why have none of the teachers' made reports about Bakugo-kun's attitude and actions?"
"So, yeah, I was just wondering why we were paired up for the exam," Izuku finished.
"Hmm, well, I shouldn't really be telling you this, but I feel it may explain some things," Nedzu replied, "Your pairing was decided on by Aizawa, and he did so in an attempt to get the two of you to work together in order to, in his words, "Get over your differences"."
"Differences?" Izuku laughed, "Is that what he thinks my relationship with Katsuki is? Not at all!"
"Then what is your relationship with Bakugo-kun?" Nedzu asked.
"He's…he was my bully," Izuku said, taking a deep breath as he spoke, "He pretty much beat me up at every opportunity just because my quirk was weak. It's actually weird, now that I think about it, he barely targeted anyone else, mostly just me. I wonder why?"
"Why indeed," Nedzu nodded, "It is good that you are prepared to talk about this, Midoriya-kun. Many find it very difficult to speak of such trauma."
"I guess it's because my Charisma is a lot higher than before," Izuku chuckled weakly, "I'm a lot more confident than I ever was and feel like I can at least trust a few people in UA."
"Only a few?" Nedzu asked.
"Yeah, like you," Izuku replied, "And All Might. Though even though I told him about what happened, he didn't realise I was talking about Katsuki at the time."
"I see," Nedzu hummed, "Well, I think that's our time for the day. I'll see you after the weekend, Midoriya-kun. Enjoy your shopping trip tomorrow!"
"Goodbye, Sir," Izuku nodded as he left the room, Nedzu pulling out his phone and making a quick call.
"Ah, All Might," he squeaked, "Would you be able to come talk with me for a moment?"
Chapter 21-
"Oh wow!"
The class was gathered in Kiyashi Ward Shopping Mall, looking around at the plethora of shops as people stopped to stare at them.
"Hey! Aren't you the guy that won the first year UA Sports Festival?" a girl suddenly asked Izuku, her friends giggling behind her, making him blush slightly as he nodded, "Awesome! Can we get a photo with you? Give me your number and I'll send it-!"
"We have things to go buy," Ochako suddenly interrupted the group, pushing Izuku away as Tsuyu smirked to herself.
"Uraraka is right!" Iida called, "We all have different things we need to go purchase!"
"Then we should split up and meet back here in a couple of hours," Kirishima suggested, the rest of the class agreeing and walking off in groups, leaving the brunette and green-haired teen alone.
"Oh," Ochako said as she looked at Izuku, blushing slightly as he chuckled quietly, "I, uhm…I guess it's just us?"
"I guess," Izuku nodded, before his head snapped to the side, "Wait, is that shop selling a Limited-Edition Golden Age All Might action figure? And for howmuch?"
"Why?" Ochako giggled as he raced over to the window, following closely behind him, "Do you want to buy it?"
"Not really," Izuku shrugged, "I have one myself. Bought it when I was a kid, saved up for over a year to afford it. I was just surprised that they went for so much these days. Glad I kept it in the box."
"I see," Ochako nodded, "Well, uhm…I kind of need a lot of stuff, like Bug Spray, so should we get going?"
"Oh, sure!" Izuku grinned at her, making the brunette blush a little more, "I think I saw a pharmacy that has what you need just over there."
------
"So," Mina hummed as their group checked out the swimming costumes, looking over at Tsuyu, who was comparing two similar options, "Why'd you insist on us leaving Midori and Chako together?"
"No reason," the frog-quirked girl hummed, "Just for their own good, kero."
"Their own good, huh?" Mina grinned, "So, you're setting them up? What a good friend!"
"Not really," Tsuyu croaked, "More like trying to get Ochako to sort out her feelings. I don't like having partners that pine after other people."
"Huh?" the pink-skinned girl blinked, "What does that mean? Are you also interested in Midori?"
"It'd never work, kero," Tsuyu laughed softly, shaking her head, "I'm too gay for Midoriya to handle."
"Wait…so then the one you like is…?"
"Yep," Tsuyu interrupted as she made her choice, putting the costume in her basket, "You should choose something as well, kero."
------
"Hmm," Iida hummed as he inspected the running shoe, "Hmmm…"
"What's up, Vice-prez?" Kaminari asked, kicking his feet to the ground to get used to the new shoes he was wearing, "Something on your mind?"
"I was just thinking that maybe we should not have left Midoriya and Uraraka alone," he muttered, putting the shoe back on the stand, "They may do something…untoward."
"What are you saying?" the blonde chuckled, "They aren't secretly dating or something, are they?"
"Not to my knowledge," Iida shook his head, "Though their feelings for each other are rather obvious."
"Really?" Hagakure chimed in, "I mean, Ochako likes to look at Midori a lot, but I don't think I've ever seen him look at her that much. Maybe it's one-sided! Oh, poor Ochako!"
"I doubt it," Iida shook his head again, "Though I am hardly an expert on such matters."
"I'd say," Kaminari laughed, "Usually you'd keep these sorts of things about your friends a secret, but you just blurted it out!"
"Ah, I did, didn't I?" Iida sighed, "I shall have to apologize to them both later."
------
"Okay, so that's everything we both needed from the list, right?" Izuku asked as he and Ochako walked back to the meeting spot, the massive bundle of bags holding their purchases safely stored in his [Inventory].
"Yeah," Ochako smiled, skipping along beside him as they went, "Oh, hey! They even have a roasted mochi stand! I want to get some!"
"Sure," Izuku chuckled at the bright look on her face, walking over with her as she started to count out her money, looking slightly depressed, "What's wrong? You short on the cost?"
"Y-yeah," the girl muttered, "Sorry."
"No problem," Izuku said as he stepped forwards, ordering a few pieces from the seller, "I'll pay. I have enough for a bag or two."
"You really don't have to!" Ochako gasped as Izuku accepted the packets, handing one to Ochako, who immediately took a bite, smiling happily, "Thank you."
"Such a cute couple," the round man behind the stall chuckled as they stepped away, making both teens blush as they looked at him, "Reminds me of my wife and myself when we were your age."
"O-oh!" Izuku almost choked, "We aren't a couple! Just friends! Sorry!"
"You say that now," the large man hummed, "But I can see it in your eyes. Good luck, both of you!"
"Thanks?" the teens muttered as they hurried away, both trying to hide the furious blushes on their faces from each other.
------
"Oh, Tsu is over there with the others!" Ochako said as she and Izuku made it back to the meeting place, hurrying off towards the group of students and leaving Izuku alone.
Shaking his head slightly to clear his thoughts, Izuku started to walk towards them, when a familiar voice called out to him.
"H-hey!" he turned to see the girl that had been asking for the photo before standing with her friends, the rest of the group still giggling as the girl looked down slightly, blushing, "Uhm…sorry to ask this, but is that girl…is she your girlfriend?"
"What?" Izuku blushed, "N-no! Just a friend!"
"Really?" the other girl gasped happily, "Then…could I get that photo now? And your number? So I can send it to you?"
"Oh, uhm…" Izuku floundered for a moment, looking over the girl. She was cute, with an obvious dog mutation quirk, her tail wagging excitedly behind her as she smiled at him, "I'm sorry, are you…uhm…are you flirting with me?"
"Huh?" the girl blushed harder as he asked the question, looking away shyly as she licked her lips, "Y-yeah, I guess?"
"Sorry, I just…" Izuku muttered back, "I've never had anyone flirt with me before. It's a bit of a surprise."
"Really?" the girl asked, her tail wagging happily again, "Then can I get your number? My name is Koinu, Koinu Airashi."
"Uhm…sure?" Izuku blinked as the other girls gave a quiet cheer, making their friend blush harder as they all gathered around him, holding up V signs as the dog-girl took the photo.
"Thanks so much, Midoriya-kun!" Airashi said happily, her tail wagging rapidly as she exchanged numbers with him, "Here's the photo! I'll message you some time!"
"Sure," Izuku blushed as the group of girls hurried off, before shivering, feeling like someone was glaring at him as he turned to look back at the group of students, noticing Ochako turn quickly away as he did.
"Wow, your first fans?" Jiro suddenly said as she and Yaoyorozu walked up behind him, making him start, "They were all pretty cute."
"I am so jealous!" Mineta growled as he bit into one of his balls, "Why don't cute girls give me their numbers yet?"
"Probably because you're a creep," Jiro sighed as they headed back towards the group.
------
"Dude, I brought my console over so we could do contest runs, not so you could rage every time you lose."
"Then why do I keep losing?!" Shigaraki shouted at Spinner, glaring at the sleek screen set up on a table beside the outdated television set, "We're using the same starter build! It's bullshit!"
"Skill issue, I guess?" the scaled-man chuckled, drawing a hateful glare from the pale-haired man, "Jeez dude, calm down. Let's just try again, you can go against Mustard, it'll be more fair."
"Hey!" the middle schooler growled, "I'm pretty good at this game as well!"
"Yeah, but I've finished it a couple of times, so I'm better," Spinner laughed as he handed over the controller.
"Whatever," Shigaraki and the teen muttered as one, before glaring at each other, preparing to start again.
------
The students chatted as they milled around by the two busses, Aizawa watching them for a moment before he called out.
"Alright, you lot! Onto the bu-!"
"Ah, Aizawa-san, I am glad I caught you!" the chipper voice of the principal interrupted him.
"Huh? What are you doing here, sir?" the tired man sighed.
"Oh, just here to give a quick revision to the list of Remedial students," he chimed, Aizawa giving him a confused look.
"But we already know who is in the Remedial Course," Shota said, "What do you mean?"
"Just this," Nedzu grinned as he produced a thick sheaf of papers from somewhere, "Katsuki Bakugo?"
"Huh? The fuck you want?" the blonde shouted as the class turned towards the principal.
"You'll be joining the Remedial class," Nedzu hummed as the blonde blinked in shock, before snarling.
"The fuck do you mean? I passed the shitty exam, didn't I?"
"Technically, yes," Nedzu replied, "But after some review, it was decided that it would be best for you to join in the Remedial students."
"Review?" Aizawa grumbled, "Why didn't I hear about this?"
"I am sure I included you in the memo I sent out," Nedzu grinned, "Perhaps you need to remember to actually read them. Anyway, here is Bakugo-kun's personalized Remedial Course, make sure he sticks to it!"
"What?" the teacher groaned as he leafed through the pages, "How is he supposed to properly train if he has to waste his entire morning doing this stuff?"
"Well, he'll just have to work extra hard in the afternoons, then. I'm sure you'll find a way, Aizawa-san," Nedzu chuckled, before producing another equally thick stack of papers, "Oh, and before I forget, here is Midoriya's personal training regime as well."
"Midoriya's?" Aizawa groaned again.
"Yes, well, he'll be missing a week or so of our private lessons, so I felt it important that he at least keep those up in the afternoons."
"Fine," the man growled, taking the second stack of papers before turning back to the class, "Now that that is over, get on the bus."
"This is your fault, Deku," Katsuki growled as he shoved past the other teen, glaring at him angrily.
"No, I really don't think it is, Katsuki," Izuku sighed as he stepped onto the bus as well.
------
"We're here," Aizawa said as the class filed off the bus, looking around the empty stopping point in confusion, eyes falling on the three figures standing off to the side.
"Where is here?" Mina asked.
"We're the Wild, Wild Pussycats!" the two women shouted as they posed, "And we're here to help you all train!"
"Train?" the class asked, the two nodding enthusiastically, "How? We aren't at the campsite yet, are we?"
"The training has already begun," Aizawa grinned as the ground surged beneath the students, throwing them over the edge of the cliff and down into the forest below, "You have until lunch to get to the mountains over there. Good luck."
"Lazy kitties who arrive late don't get any food!" Pixie-bob shouted down as the students pulled themselves out from the pile of dirt, "Now, try not to wet yourselves as you make your way through the Forest of Beasts!"
"Oh," Mandalay added, "And feel free to use your quirks! This is our territory after all!"
The class looked around in confusion for a moment, before the hulking figure emerged from the tree line, several of the students gasping in fear as the massive beast charged them. Just as it cleared the tree line, the beast crumbled, Izuku slamming though its chest as Iida took out one of its legs, Shoto freezing the other in place as Katsuki blasted its head off.
"Come on," Izuku shouted, "They're only made of dirt, so it's probably Pixie-bob's quirk! We just have to fight our way through!"
"Right!" the class cheered as they started using their quirks on the other earth beasts that emerged from the woods.
Chapter 22
The students groaned as they made their way out of the forest, the sun already setting as they looked at the small group standing in front of them.
"Mew mew mew," Pixie-bob giggled as she looked at the exhausted kids, "Seems you took a little longer than we thought."
"What the hell was that?" Sero moaned tiredly, "We had to spend the whole day fighting just to get here!"
"I even gained a whole two points in Endurance," Izuku said as he staggered towards their teacher, pausing as he noticed the small figure standing behind Mandalay, "Hey, who is that kid? Wasn't he at the rest point before as well?"
"Yes," Mandalay hummed, looking back at the boy, "This is Kota, my nephew. Say hello, Kota."
"Hi, my name is Izuku Midoriya," Izuku said as he crouched in front of the boy, his eyes going wide as the kid suddenly swung a punch forward.
The adults and other students stared as Izuku gripped the young boy's wrist gently but firmly, stopping his fist just short of hitting the green-haired teen in the crotch.
"Let me go!" the boy shouted, "Stupid wannabe Heroes! I hate you all!"
"Oh, wow," Izuku muttered as Kota pulled his arm free and stomped away, "I, uhm…I didn't know I could do that."
"What just happened?" several of the other students asked, looking at Izuku, as he stared at his hand in surprise.
"Well, at least some of you are still prepared," Aizazwa grumbled, "Anyway, go get some food, then unpack and take a bath before bed."
"Yes, Sensei!" the class called as they walked tiredly into the building.
------
"Clay pot! Clay pot!" Kirishima and Kaminari cheered as they ate, filling their bowls and faces with rice.
Izuku sighed as he watched the rest of the class being loud and boisterous, glancing over to the young boy who was carrying a box of vegetables. He watched as the kid seemed to struggle slightly, before getting a grip on the cardboard and carrying it to the kitchen.
"What are you looking at, Midoriya?" Ochako asked, startling the young man out of his thoughts as he turned to look at the girl seated beside him.
"Oh, nothing," Izuku muttered as he grabbed some more food, "Just thinking."
"Well, it must have been important, considering how high your Intelligence is, right?" the brunette chuckled, "So, what was it?"
"Just something about that boy, Kota," Izuku hummed through a mouthful of food, "He reminds me of someone."
"Oh really?" Ochako blinked, "Wh-?"
"Alright, you lot!" Aizawa shouted over the noise, "Finish eating. You have one hour before lights out, so make sure to bath first!"
The room shouted in acknowledgement, the students quickly finishing their food before hurrying towards the baths.
------
"This rocks!" Mina said happily as the girls entered the large ornate bath after washing, "I could get used to this kind of lifestyle!"
"It's only meant to be for today, though," Ochako sighed happily as she sank into the hot water, "Tomorrow is meant to be training."
"Aw, way to burst my bubble," the pink-skinned girl laughed as she splashed some water at the brunette, "But anyway, what's up with you and Midoriya? You two have been awful close since we all went to the Mall together!"
"N-nothing!" the girl squeaked, hiding her blush below the water as she ducked down, "Nothing at all."
"Ooh! I bet she likes him!" Tooru gasped, "Is that true, Ochako-chan? Do you like Midoriya?"
"N-no!" Ochako shouted as she stood up, glaring at the invisible and pink-skinned girls, "It's not like that!"
"Says you," Mina giggled as she fell back into the water, before looking up at the large wooden wall that separated the male and female baths, a desperate, and annoyingly familiar, wail coming from the other side as Kota glared down into the boys' section, "Oh, thanks for watching out for us, Kota!"
"Huh?" the boy said as he looked over the other side of the wall at the girls, before his face went pale and he staggered back, almost falling off the wall before a hand shot up and grabbed him.
"Careful," Izuku said as he floated in the air behind the boy, "You almost fell and…"
The girls stared up at the two boys as they stared back, Izuku's eyes going wide as his entire head went crimson.
"I am so sorry!" he squeaked, before dropping down behind the wall, taking the struggling Kota with him.
"What just happened?" Jiro blinked as the girls all stared at the wall, Ochako still standing as the rest were in the water.
"I think Midoriya just got an eyeful of Ochako-chan in her birthday suit," Mina laughed as the brunette let out a startled noise, before toppling over into the water, steam bursting from her head as her face went crimson, "Oh no! Ochako-chan!"
------
"Is she okay?" Izuku asked as he burst into the back room in only a towel, letting out a sigh of relief as he saw the sleeping Ochako on the couch, a towel draped over her and an ice pack on her head.
"She's fine, just passed out from the heat of the bath, we think," Mandalay sighed, shaking her head, "The other girls told us what happened, you really should be more careful in the future."
"I-I will!" Izuku stammered, looking away in embarrassment, "I really didn't mean to peek."
"Well, the other all said you saw nothing of them," Mandalay chuckled, "But the pink one kept going on about you seeing all of this one. You'll need to apologize quite a bit to her for that."
"I-I will!" Izuku muttered, his face going bright red again.
"Huh?" the brunette on the couch muttered, sitting up slowly as she rubbed her eyes, "What's going on? I was just in the bath and…"
"Ah," Izuku blinked as the pair stared at each other, Ochako blinking back as her eyes darted over him, taking in his tightly packed muscles, "I, uhm…I just came to check that you were okay and…Oh."
"Oh?" Ochako blinked, watching as his eyes flicked down, before looking down at herself, realising that the towel that had been draped over her had fallen down when she'd sat up, exposing her chest, "Oh…"
"This is ridiculous," Mandalay sighed, shaking her head as she lifted the towel to allow the girl to cover herself, "You two should be more careful. You may be dating, but that's no excuse."
"D-DATING?!" the two squawked as the older woman looked at them in confusion.
"That's what the pink one said," Mandalay shrugged, "That the two of you were a couple. Are you not?"
"N-NO!" the two shouted, both shaking their heads vigorously as they went bright red.
"Well, considering you've both seen each other pretty much naked at this point, you might as well be," Pixie bob laughed as she entered the room, carrying a tray of drinks, handing one to Ochako, "Though no funny business on this camp, okay? We'll get int trouble if you do!"
"WE'D NEVER!" the teens squeaked in unison, glancing at each other in surprise, before both went crimson again.
"All teens say that," the blonde chuckled, "But the temptation is always strong."
"Pixie bob," Mandalay sighed, "Stop pestering them. And Midoriya-kun was it? Please leave so that Uraraka-chan can calm down enough to be able to go to her room."
"I…right, yes!" Izuku said hurriedly as he spun on his heel and left the room.
Mandalay just sighed again as she looked over at the blushing brunette.
"He saw me…twice…" the girl muttered.
"And he better have enjoyed it," Pixie Bob added as she leaned against the back of the couch, earning a ball of paper being thrown into her face by Mandalay.
------
"So?" Mineta and Kaminari asked as soon as Izuku entered the room, wide grins on their faces as they stared at him.
"Uhm…what?" he said slowly, looking back at them in confusion.
"What's you see, man!" Mineta huffed, "I bet it was heaven! All those legs and thighs and boobs! I am so jealous of you! Like Yaomomo! How big were her boobs?"
"I…what?" Izuku blinked, before his face went red, looking away in embarrassment, "I didn't see that, the girls were in the water, so I…saw nothing."
"Liar," Mineta grumbled, "Not even a nipple?"
"No!" Izuku gasped, shaking his head as the image of Ochako standing in the water came to mind, "I didn't see anything!"
"I don't believe you!" the short boy shouted, trying to grapple Izuku to the ground, succeeding in only lifting himself off it, "Damn you and your ridiculously high strength! Hey, wait, does your quirk have a screen shot feature? Please tell me it does! You must have snapped a few shots of the girls! Come on, even Urar-!"
"I said I didn't!" Izuku suddenly snarled as he snatched the diminutive teen off him, holding him up by the throat, "So stop asking!"
"Can't…breath…" the boy choked out, "Kaminari…help…"
"No way, dude!" the blonde said as he backed away, "You went too far targeting Midoriya's girl, this is your grave."
"My what?" Izuku blinked as he looked at the other boy, who shrugged.
"Your girlfriend? Uraraka? You ran off pretty fast once you heard she passed out," Kaminari grinned, "And the two of you have been pretty close lately. You even went off together at Kiyashi, right?"
"Yeah, but what do you mean? We were just buying stuff for the trip?" Izuku said slowly, "I mean, the mochi guy did say we made a cute couple, but-."
"I knew it!" Kaminari laughed, "You two are totally dating! You owe me, Sero!"
"But we aren't!" Izuku protested, "I swear! It's not like that between us!"
"Yet," Sero grinned as he pushed Kaminari away, "Just try to make it official before the end of the camp, right? I have a bunch of cash on this."
"Official? Cash?" Izuku blinked several times before he started to glare at the boys, "You're betting on if I get a girlfriend?!"
"Not if, when," Shoto said, "And not a girlfriend in general, Uraraka specifically."
"What? You too?" Izuku gasped as he stared at the two-toned boy in disbelief.
"I would have you know that I have not partaken in this betting pool, Midoriya!" Iida suddenly added.
"We have you down for after we all graduate, Vice-prez," Sero chuckled, making the blocky boy begin shouting in indignation.
"WOULD YOU ALL SHUT UP!" Pixie Bob roared as she threw open the door, "Some of us are trying to get their beauty sleep!"
------
"So?"
"So what?" Ochako asked as the girls all lay on the futons in their shared room.
"So, are you and Midoriya going to actually date now that he's seen you naked?" Mina continued, making the brunette shoot up in the bed and stare at her wide-eyed, "What? We all want to know!"
"N-no!" the girl squeaked, hiding her face in her pillow, "It's really not like that!"
"Says you," Tooru laughed, "But we've all seen what he has, and it's a pretty nice package."
"What does that mean?" Ochako blinked as she lowered the pillow slightly.
"Oh, well he was only wearing a towel when he ran past us after you passed out, so we may have seen some things," the invisible girl giggled, "You're a lucky woman."
"I didn't see anything," Momo said, Jiro also shaking her head as Mina stared at the empty air where Tooru was.
"I did, kero," Tsuyu nodded, "Though I don't really have a point of reference for that sort of thing."
"W-wait! You saw Midoriya's…that?" Ochako gasped, her face going bright red again.
"I did," Tooru giggled again, "And like I said, you're a lucky woman, makes me a little jealous."
"N-NO!" Ochako shouted, hurling her pillow into the invisible girl, "IT'S REALLY NOT LIKE THAT!"
"WOULD YOU ALL SHUT UP!" Pixie Bob yelled as she slammed the door to the room open, "First the boys, now you? I'm trying to get my beauty sleep over here!"
Chapter 23
The class all yawned as they stood in the early morning sun, Aizawa glaring at them as he explained the training they were going to do.
"As for you, Bakugo," he sighed, holding out the thick stack of papers, "Take these and go meet with Tiger inside the main building, he'll be handling your remedial training for the morning."
"This is bullshit," the blonde snarled as he snatched the papers and stalked off.
"As for the rest of you," Aizawa hummed, his familiar sardonic smile stretching across his face, "Get ready for hell."
"I'm so sleepy," Ochako yawned as she walked towards the training area, jumping slightly as Izuku moved to walk alongside her, both blushing heavily.
"Hi," he said nervously, "I, uhm…I wanted to apologize for last night. I didn't mean to see anything."
"O-oh, it's okay, it was an accident, right?" the brunette muttered, freezing as he suddenly reached up and ran a hand over her hair.
"Oh, sorry," Izuku blushed harder as his hand darted away, "It's just, your hair was all messed up, I was just trying to straighten it a bit."
"T-thanks," Ochako nodded, "L-let's just get to the training, yeah?"
"R-right," Izuku nodded as they looked away from each other, the rest of the class chuckling as they hurried to their stations.
"Midoriya," Aizawa said as the teen looked around for whoever was supposed to be helping him train, "Nedzu has a special exercise plan for you. It's all written down here, so follow it to the letter. You'll do physical conditioning in the morning, and mental exercises in the afternoon."
"Oh, yes Sensei!" the teen nodded, accepting the second stack of papers, quickly reading through the first few pages, "Wow, this is a lot."
"Whatever," the older man grumbled, "I'm sure you can handle it. Now stop stalling and get to work."
------
"This is fucking stupid!"
"But it is necessary," the massive muscular man sitting opposite the blonde said as they glared at each other, "You need to learn some manners, so this is how we are doing it."
"A fucking tea party?" Bakugo snarled, "How the fuck is this supposed to help me?"
"By teaching you manners," Tiger repeated, "Now, you're not allowed to swear from this point on, or you'll fail. We can work on your general attitude later, but for now let's just work on your language."
"Fu-," Katsuki started, before cutting himself off, "Fine. This is stupid anyway."
------
"What in the…" class 1B said as they stared at the other students, their faces going pale as they watched the insane training.
"This is what we'll be doing with all of you," Kan said as he looked over the wide area, "The Wild Wild Pussycats will be available to help you as well, though you should all already know what you're meant to be doing."
"This is insane," Neito muttered as he looked over at the closest figure, the green-haired teen doing some sort of crazy physical exercise regime, "How are we supposed to survive this?"
"By working harder than you ever have before," Aizawa muttered as he approached, "Now, get to it, we don't have all day."
------
"I'm exhausted," Sero moaned as the students staggered towards the outdoor cooking area, picking at the dry skin on his face and arms, "We're going to be doing this every day for the next week?"
"Whey," Kaminari said as he wandered along behind the boy, his face simple as he gave double thumbs up.
"That's not all, little kittens!" Ragdoll shouted as she appeared behind a stack of boxes, "The pampering has ended! You'll be cooking for yourselves from now on! Tonight is beef stew!"
The students all groaned, before moving forwards to collect the boxes of ingredients and pots.
"Don't worry, we also have some fun activities planned for you all in the evenings!" Pixie Bob called, "So eat and wash up quickly!"
"Yes," the kids groaned as they started to set up to cook, Ochako looking around in confusion for a moment.
"Where's Midoriya?" she asked, the other students chuckling as she blushed.
"Worried about your boyfriend?" Pixie Bob giggled, making the girl blush harder, "Don't worry, he should be finishing up his afternoon exercises right about now as well."
"So unfair that Midoriya gets to spend half the day resting inside while we all have to work our butts off all day!" Mineta moaned.
"I wasn't reasting," the green-haired teen said as he hurried over to them, "I was doing puzzles and schoolwork to train my mental stats."
"Still unfair," the short boy huffed.
"Considering that the work he's doing is for the college level, it isn't really," Aizawa grumbled, "He just has to train his quirk in a way different to all of you."
"Not to mention he has to work twice as hard on both to keep up," Kan added, watching as the students cooked.
"Did you gain anymore stat points then, Midoriya?" Momo asked, the boy nodding happily.
"Yeah, and the principal also sent a bunch of Skill Books for me to use as well."
"Oh? Like what?" Ochako asked as she joined his cooking group.
"Well, one of them was for cooking, so I'm excited to try it out," the green-haired teen grinned, "Come on, you can help me."
"They're such a couple," the other students all chuckled as the pair froze, before shaking their heads vigorously, their faces bright red.
"Remember, Midoriya," Sero chuckled as he whispered in Izuku's ear, "Official before the end of the camp, right?"
------
Dabi stood on the cliff, looking down over the campsite as the kids cooked, a cruel grin on his face.
"So, the last two members will be here tomorrow night?" the muscular man in the cloak and mask asked, "They'd better hurry the hell up! I want to taste some blood!"
"Yeah, yeah," the scarred man hummed, "Just remember who we're here for, okay?"
"I'm so excited!" Toga grinned as she hopped from foot to foot, adjusting her slightly unwieldy gear, "I can't wait to taste some of them!"
"That's creepy, TOTALLY COOL!" the masked man shouted as he stood behind them.
"Keep it down, Twice," Dabi hummed, "We don't need them knowing we're here just yet."
------
Izuku glanced back as he spotted the young boy walking into the woods, quickly getting up to follow him.
"Where are you going, Midoriya?" Ochako asked, looking over at the boy as he quickly loaded up a second plate, covering it in cling film before walking towards the forest as well.
"Oh, uhm…I was just going to take some food to Kota," he said, "I just saw him walking into the woods, and I don't think he's eaten yet."
"Okay, want me to come with you?" she asked, before immediately blushing, "I mean, if you want?"
"I, uhm…sure?" Izuku blushed as well, the girl getting up as they walked off.
"I wonder where he went?" Ochako hummed as they walked through the dark woods, "It's kind of hard to see in the dark."
"Yeah, hold on," Izuku nodded, handing the plate of food to the girl as he jumped, floating up into the air to get a better view, "Ah! I see him! He's heading up a cliff."
The two teens hurried after the boy, quickly catching up as he stopped to stare out over the camp.
"Kota?" Izuku called, making the boy snarl as he spun around to glare at them.
"What do you want? This is my secret base! You can't come here!"
"Secret base?" Ochako asked, looking around at the wide ledge they were standing on, "That's pretty cool."
"You bring your girlfriend here to make out or something? Cause you can't! Just leave me alone!" the boy shouted, making both teens blush as the shook their heads.
"N-no!" Izuku said hurriedly, "We were just bringing you some food, it's beef stew."
"I don't want to eat your shitty food," the boy huffed as Izuku placed the plate on a large rock nearby, "I bet it tastes like shit!"
"It's actually really nice," Ochako said, "Midoriya cooked it himself with a new cooking Skill he got, so it tastes great!"
"Whatever," the boy snarled, turning away from them, "I know what you're like, idiots trying to become Heroes. You're just going to die!"
"Die?" Izuku blinked, squinting slightly as he looked at Kota's Stats, "Wait, your family name…it's Izumi. You're related to the Water Hose Duo, aren't you?"
"Huh? You know about my parents?" the boy spat, "Well don't! It's not like they're around anymore, anyway!"
"Right," Izuku nodded, "They…died, didn't they? Fighting a Villain."
"Yeah, being stupid Heroes, and leaving me all alone!" Kota shouted, Izuku spotting the tears forming in his eyes, "So leave me the hell alone, you wannabe Heroes! You're all stupid! I hate all of y-!"
Kota was cut off as Ochako suddenly stepped forwards, kneeling down, wrapping her arms around the nearly crying child, making his gasp.
"I'm sorry about your parents," she said softly, "But you shouldn't hate them. They were just trying to make the world a safer place for you and others."
"What the hell do you know?" the child sniffed, his tears starting to drip from his eyes.
"It's okay to cry," she said soothingly, "You shouldn't bottle your feelings up like that. I don't know what it's like to lose someone, but I know that keeping your emotions inside you isn't…it isn't healthy."
"S-shut up!" Kota said, the tears flowing freely now as he gripped her t-shirt, "You…you don't know anything!"
"I'm sorry," Ochako simply repeated, squeezing the boy a little tighter as he let out a sob, "But it's okay, we're going to become strong Heroes that won't leave people like you behind."
"Yeah right!" Kota wailed, pressing his face into her shoulder as he cried, "Y-yeah…right."
Izuku watched slightly awkwardly as the boy cried in Ochako's arms, walking forwards, and placing a hand on her shoulder as she looked up at him, a sad smile on her face. They stayed like that for a while, before Kota suddenly pushed himself away, wiping his eyes and nose on his arm.
"Are you feeling better?" Izuku asked softly, the boy looking away as he grunted.
"I'm fine, now leave me alone! This is my secret base, not a place for you two to make out!" he huffed, smirking slightly as the two teens blushed hard again.
"R-right," Izuku nodded, helping Ochako to her feet, "We'll leave you be, then."
Kota watched as the two teens walked off, before glancing over to the plate of food on the nearby rock, walking over and grabbing it. Taking a mouthful, he blinked, shaking his head.
"It doesn't taste that shitty, I guess," he muttered, taking another bite.
------
"Thanks," Izuku said as they made their way back to the campgrounds, "I don't know if I could have gotten him to open up like that on my own."
"It's fine," Ochako blushed, "I just…I wanted to help him. Cause that's what Heroes do, right?"
"Yeah," Izuku nodded, the pair falling into a comfortable silence as they walked.
"Uhm…" Ochako said after a few minutes, looking at Izuku in the pale light of the moon that filtered through the trees, "About what I said before…about keeping your feelings bottled up."
"Yeah?" Izuku nodded slowly.
"I, uhm…I may have been doing that as well," she muttered, "My feelings…my feelings about you, specifically."
"About me?" Izuku blinked, "What do you mean?"
"I mean that…I mean that I think I like you," the girl said quickly, her blush visible even in the dim light, "I think I really like you."
"Y-you do?" Izuku said, "O-oh, uhm…I…I think I like you too."
"You do?" Ochako gasped, a bright smile on her face, before she quickly turned her head away, he face bright red, "That's…that's nice."
"Yeah," Izuku muttered.
The two of them stood in the woods, both blushing heavily as they waited for the other to say something.
"So…" the pair said at once, both turning to look at each other before pausing, Ochako letting out a laugh.
"You go first," she said.
"N-no, it's fine, you go first," Izuku shook his head, the girl giggling at him.
"Okay, uhm…I don't really want to rush into this," she explained, "I had initially wanted to keep my feelings bottled up until after we graduated, but…well I haven't really done that, have I?"
"No," Izuku shook his head, "Uhm…so, what now?"
"I don't know," Ochako replied, "I mean, maybe a kiss would be too much too soon, so…could we just hold hands for now?"
"O-oh, sure!" Izuku nodded as he reached out for her hand gingerly, the girl slipping her hand into his, careful to keep a finger lifted so she didn't activate her quirk.
"This is…nice," she said as she blushed, "Come on, it's almost curfew, we should hurry back before we get shouted at by Aizawa-sensei."
"Yeah," Izuku hummed as he let himself be pulled along by the girl, staring at their hands as he blushed.