Chapter 12: Basic Hero Training Part 3
Itsuka Kendo couldn't help but glance at her partner, Denki Kaminari, as they waited in the observation room to begin their match. While she'd seen flashes of his quirk during the earlier apprehension tests, she hadn't yet figured out how effective he could be in a structured fight. She knew the basics: he could emit electricity, an undeniably flashy ability. But she also knew the glaring downside—Kaminari wasn't immune to his discharges. Too much usage, and he'd be a liability.
That weakness wouldn't have bothered her so much if he didn't seem so... scattered. His demeanor, casual to the point of carelessness, grated against her instinct for preparation. His quirk could've been devastatingly effective if wielded with precision, but instead, he swung it around like a hammer. She sighed inwardly. If she wanted to be a pro hero, she'd have to learn to work with all kinds of people.
Izuku works well with anyone, she thought, the image of her boyfriend's endlessly adaptable nature flashing through her mind. If he can do it, so can I.
Taking a steadying breath, Itsuka clasped her hands together, grounding herself with a quick centering exercise. She stretched deeply, feeling the tension release from her body, and rose with a calm sense of readiness. But when she looked over, she noticed Kaminari staring at her with an unreadable expression.
"Nervous?" he asked suddenly, his tone light, almost teasing.
"A bit," she admitted, finishing her stretches. "Those last two groups are a tough act to follow."
"Oh, totally!" Kaminari agreed, visibly relaxing. "Midoriya and Ashido were nuts—did you see how they countered Bakugo? And Koda? That guy summoned so many rats, I thought I was watching a horror movie!" He laughed, leaning casually against the wall, his posture still annoyingly lax.
"Aren't you going to warm up?" Itsuka asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Nah, I'm good." Kaminari waved her concern off with a smirk. "I'm just enjoying the show right now."
That smirk ignited a flare of irritation in Itsuka's chest. "Just so you know," she said, her voice turning a little frosty, "I have a boyfriend. I've been with Izuku since the end of elementary school." Her arms crossed, her eyes piercing.
Kaminari blinked and appeared genuinely surprised. "Really? Huh. I figured you two are a little more casual with how he's been staring at all the girls' costumes."
Itsuka's frown deepened. "Izuku doesn't 'gawk.' He's analyzing. Trust me, he's probably writing a mental essay about how everyone's outfits optimize their quirks." She allowed herself a sly smile. "Besides, he's looked over everyone in the class. I'm not worried—he gave you the same once-over."
Kaminari visibly flinched, his smirk faltering. "R-Right, yeah, my bad. Got it. You're definitely taken. H-Hey, uh, we need a plan, right? Let's focus on that!"
Restraining a grin, Itsuka nodded. "Good idea."
They settled quickly on a simple plan: stick together, keep their heads up, and do their best to avoid traps. As it turned out, their opponents, Tsuyu Asui and Toru Hagakure, were a fearsome pair. Asui's frog-like qualities made her extremely agile, whereas Hagakure's invisibility made her virtually impossible to follow. Itsuka knew they were in for an uphill fight regarding stealth and misdirection.
"All right, get ready," All Might's booming voice announced, snapping them to attention.
"Start!"
The pair entered the dimly lit training building cautiously. Itsuka led the way, her large hands ready to expand momentarily, while Kaminari trailed behind, watching their flank. The first floor was eerily quiet.
"Stick close," Itsuka whispered. "The bomb's probably on an upper floor, but they'll try to slow us down on the way."
Kaminari nodded, his usual carefree demeanor replaced with a focused intensity that surprised her.
The faint creak of a window opening shattered the stillness. Itsuka froze, every muscle tensing. The sound came from a room just down the hall. A second later, the window slammed shut.
"Check it out," she murmured, glancing at Kaminari. She silently counted down with her fingers before enlarging her right hand and smashing the door in. Dust billowed, and she swung her other hand to clear the air, hoping to reveal Hagakure.
The room was empty, save for a closed window. Itsuka frowned, her massive hands sweeping the space in wide arcs—still, nothing.
"Anything?" Kaminari asked, his voice tight with nerves.
"No," she replied, stepping back into the hallway. "But with Hagakure, that doesn't mean much. Let's keep moving."
The sounds began to toy with them—more windows opening and closing, doors creaking, footsteps echoing just out of sight. Each noise ratcheted up the tension, fraying their focus. A loud door slam echoed from the first floor as they ascended the stairs.
Kaminari spun, discharging a quick blast of lightning. The sudden flash lit up the hallway, but there was no sign of their opponents.
"Stay focused," Itsuka snapped, but she could see the frustration building in his eyes.
"We're wasting time!" he growled, bolting toward the noise.
"Kaminari, wait—!"
Itsuka hurried after him, her heart sinking as she realized they were losing coordination. They burst into the room from where the noise had come, finding only an open window. Itsuka leaned out the window, spotting another open window directly above with a pink tongue holding what looked like an invisible Hagakure onto the second story.
"Kaminari, Asui just took Hagakure up a floor. We need to—"
"Kaminari has been captured!" All Might's voice rang out in her earpiece.
Itsuka turned, stunned, to see Kaminari standing sheepishly with capture tape wrapped around his waist. In their rush to chase Hagakure, they'd overlooked entirely the trap she'd set at the doorway. Her partner was out, and she was now entirely on her own.
Kaminari, for his part, could only give her a sheepish shrug. "Sorry..."
Itsuka's mind raced. The villains had manipulated them, using stealth and misdirection to draw them into errors. She just needed time to regroup and think strategically, but being the only remaining hero, the odds were against her.
"Focus, Itsuka," she muttered, steeling herself for what was to come. If Kaminari had been captured, whatever Asui had done with the invisible Hagakure had been a ruse. This meant that Hagakure was vulnerable right now, separated from Asui. That was if she was still in the room. The door was wide open. She could have run out into the hallway after capturing Kaminari and already be halfway up the stairs without Itsuka being any wiser.
Damn, what a horrible situation she was in.
First, she needed to ensure that Asui couldn't even the odds by coming through the open window. With one hand guarding herself, she quickly closed the window and began to clear the room, starting from the door.
Nothing except the bound and sheepish-looking Kaminari in a corner.
Well, it's time to brave the hallway then, but first…
Itsuka reached to the floor and crushed a handful of the cement flooring into gravel-like dust. This isn't much, but it should help me even with the odds of Asui's range advantage.
She gave Kaminari one last apologetic glance before opening the door, remaining wary of the likely ambush.
From there, the tension only mounted. Itsuka tried to regroup, knowing she was now on her own. Itsuka carefully swept the hallway, keeping an eye on the windows and doorways. Her massive hands acted like shields, ready to counter any surprise attack. She spotted faint marks on the dusty floor—footprints heading toward the staircase that led to the second floor. She and Kaminari had already wasted too much time on the slow approach. Her team would likely lose if she didn't increase the pace. Remaining wary of a possible ambush from behind, Itsuka quickly advanced to the next floor.
Itsuka was only halfway up the stairs when the attack came.
A long, sticky tendril whipped toward her from the shadows directly above. Itsuka ducked, feeling the air ripple as Asui's tongue narrowly missed her face. Reacting quickly, she swung her enlarged left hand toward the attack, forcing Tsuyu to retreat into the shadows.
"So you're done hiding?" Itsuka called out, taking a defensive stance.
"Not quite hero," Asui replied from somewhere above, giving a creepy giggle and croak.
Knowing they had the advantage, Itsuka was forced to pursue. She turned on the stairwell, barely catching sight of Asui as she disappeared into the shadows of the second-floor hallway. With a battle cry, Itsuka threw her fist forward, hoping to grab her as she escaped, but she was promptly unbalanced by a trip as she stepped into the hallway.
She was forced to make an impromptu roll to avoid a harsh landing, successfully preventing a tongue lash from Asui in the process.
While the combat roll helped avoid a bad landing, it forced her to size her fists to a more manageable size to maintain her dexterity. The gravel she had held onto was only clumsy and thrown in retaliation as Tsuyu. Drat, there goes that plan. I've got to watch out now. Hagakure was somewhere to my left and behind me, and Asui was to my right and above, but she was moving fast. Oh crap!
Itsuka only managed to dodge another attempt from Asui as she flung out her tongue to grapple her with. Seeing the chance, she quickly used one of her fists to keep it pinned to the wall. However, Itsuka was unprepared for how slick the tongue was, and Asui quickly yanked it free, using the momentum to gain some distance.
Itsuka went to pursue but caught a shift in the dust kicked up from the gravel she'd thrown and switched targets. Without hesitation, she lunged back towards the shifting dust, giant fist expanding and aiming for the spot she was sure Hagakure had to be.
Hagakure squeaked and dodged, but not before Itsuka's fingers grazed her arm. Now she knew exactly where one of them was.
"Gotcha," Itsuka said with a grin, ready to press her advantage. She was so eager to finally see a chance at a win that she let herself lose sight of Asui.
A sudden croak behind her shattered her focus. She turned just in time to see Asui leaping toward her, a set of capture tape held taut between her hands. Before Itsuka could react, Asui landed on her back and looped the tape around her arms, binding them tightly. The weight threw Itsuka off balance, and she fell to one knee, struggling to break free.
"Nice teamwork," Hagakure chirped, reappearing as she slipped her gloves back on.
Itsuka gritted her teeth, but she couldn't deny it. The villains had played her perfectly, using Asui's agility and Hagakure's stealth to outmaneuver her.
"Heroes, captured!" All Might's voice boomed, signaling the end of the match.
Itsuka sighed, leaning back against the wall as Asui removed the tape.
"Good match," Itsuka said begrudgingly, extending a hand toward Asui and Hagakure.
"You too," Tsuyu said, giving her a hand up. "Your reactions were speedy."
"And you nearly caught me," Hagakure added, smiling. "That thing with the gravel was clever."
Though she had lost, Itsuka couldn't help but smile. Although the result wasn't what she desired, the match had provided a valuable lesson in strategy and teamwork. She noted that she would work on her tactics for the next exercise.
Izuku Midoriya had been quietly rooting for his friends to win their matches, but the outcome of Itsuka's team had snuffed out some of his hope. He wouldn't blame her solely—after all, Hagakure and Asui had executed an ingenious plan. Still, he couldn't help but analyze the match, replaying it to pinpoint what had gone wrong.
Could she have convinced Kaminari to blitz the building instead of cautiously advancing? he wondered. It was a gamble, but it might've thrown the villains off balance. Their psychological strategy had worked too well, disorienting Itsuka and Kaminari with constant misdirection. A faster approach might have initially put the Villains off their game. After all, he hadn't noticed any obvious additions to their costumes that could have allowed them to set up some traps.
It was impressive how Hagakure and Asui had manipulated the environment to their advantage. Hagakure, he realized, had never even left the first floor as they had been led to believe by Asui's actions. The opening and closing of windows and doors had all been Asui's doing, her tongue granting her the range to create an illusion of movement across multiple floors. It was a bold and risky ploy that had paid off spectacularly. By staying hidden in the room where she ambushed Kaminari, Hagakure had captured him in seconds, effectively tipping the odds in their favor before the match had properly begun. Had the villains not fallen for the ploy, they would have had Hagakure at their backs as they advanced up the building.
From there, stealth and mobility carried the villains to victory. The early capture of Kaminari had thrown Itsuka off her game, forcing her to fight a losing battle against a team that was already one step ahead.
When Itsuka returned to the observation room, she wore a mix of frustration and reflection. Still, she clapped along with the rest of the class when All Might awarded Hagakure the MVP title. The invisible girl practically glowed with pride (or so Izuku imagined since only her gloves and boots indicated her presence). The victory had been well-deserved, and the lesson was clear: strategy often outweighed brute strength.
Izuku turned his attention to the next match, hoping for a different outcome. This time, Shinso and Uraraka faced off against Shoji and Jiro. As the match unfolded, however, it became clear that the villain team had devised a simple yet brutally effective plan.
Jiro's amps blasted a constant wall of sound throughout the building, drowning out Shinso's voice and rendering his quirk useless. Without the ability to compel their opponents through his questions, Shinso's greatest weapon was neutralized.
Meanwhile, Shoji used his strength and close-quarters combat skills to dominate the heroes. Uraraka and Shinso could not coordinate effectively, and Jiro's relentless sound waves drowned out their communication attempts.
Shoji's multi-armed prowess was particularly devastating. He blocked Uraraka's attempts to touch him, preventing her from using her Zero Gravity quirk while keeping Shinso at bay with sheer physicality. The two heroes tried to regroup, but every move was countered by Shoji's tactical precision and Jiro's sonic interference.
The match ended in another victory for the villains. A battered and visibly frustrated Shinso returned to the observation room alongside a crestfallen Uraraka. Shoji was awarded the MVP for his commanding performance, his stoic demeanor betraying only a hint of satisfaction.
Izuku sighed as he analyzed their defeat. Their quirks are promising, but they lack close-quarters combat skills. Shoji quickly overwhelmed them, and Jiro's sound-based strategy completely shut down Shinso.
A thought began to form in his mind. Maybe they'd benefit from martial arts training. If their bodies could keep up with their quirks, they'd stand a much better chance in such situations. He made a mental note to bring it up with Itsuka later. A training club focused on fitness and hand-to-hand combat might help not just Shinso and Uraraka but the entire class.
The next match, however, proved to be over almost as soon as it began. Izuku watched as Todoroki's team, consisting of him and Eijiro, faced off against Sero and Sato.
Todoroki wasted no time, raising his hand and encasing the entire building in thick ice. His attack's sheer speed and precision immediately neutralized Sero and Sato, who were frozen in place before they could react.
The scene was both awe-inspiring and anticlimactic. Sero's carefully laid traps, which he had painstakingly set up to trip up the villains, were rendered useless, frozen solid along with the rest of the building. Eijiro smashed through the icy remains of the traps as he made his way to the bomb room, his hardened body shrugging off the cold with ease.
There was a brief glimmer of resistance as Sato, who had managed to ingest some sugar and break free from the ice, launched a counterattack. His superhuman strength allowed him to shatter the frozen layers around him and charge toward Eijiro. For a moment, there might be a proper showdown.
But Eijiro's durability proved too much. He grinned as Sato's punches glanced off his hardened form, ready to retaliate. Before the fight could escalate, Todoroki intervened, encasing Sato in an even thicker layer of ice. With their final opponent immobilized, Todoroki calmly placed his hand on the bomb, ending the match.
"Heroes win!" All Might's voice echoed through the training area.
Izuku couldn't help but admire the efficiency of Todoroki's approach. The combination of overwhelming power and precise control had left the hero team with no opportunity to fight back. He was made the obvious MVP for how easily he'd shut down the Villain team.
However, Izuku wasn't focused on Todoroki but on Eijiro, whose mask of manliness had briefly fallen into an expression of self-doubt. I think this is something to talk about when we get home.
Had Izuku been noticing Todoroki, who wouldn't have missed the analyzing gleam in the other boy's eyes as he seemed to assess Izuku.
As the day's matches concluded, Izuku reflected on what he had seen. Each match highlighted critical lessons for both the winners and the losers.
Yaoyorozu showed what a versatile plan could provide for those who knew how to set one up. Itsuka's match demonstrated the importance of adaptability in the face of psychological warfare. Shinso and Uraraka's loss emphasized the need for physical training to complement their quirks. Todoroki's overwhelming victory reminded everyone of the value of sheer, unrelenting power.
Izuku's thoughts drifted back to the idea of a training club. If we could all work together to strengthen our weaknesses, it would make us a better class overall. Heroes can't rely on quirks alone.
He made a mental note to discuss it with Itsuka—and maybe All Might. There was potential here, and Izuku was determined to make the most of it.
"Well done, students! Some of you truly went to Plus Ultra with your performances today!" All Might declared, his booming voice carrying over the training grounds. He struck a heroic pose, grinning from ear to ear. "These recordings will be passed to Aizawa-sensei, who will provide your grades tomorrow!"
And with that, he took off like a bullet, waving cheerfully as he disappeared into the distance.
It was such an abrupt departure that Izuku blinked in surprise. He must have someplace important to be, shrugging it off as he turned toward the changing rooms.
With the Heroics class finished, the students were free to go home. Izuku returned his costume to its designated case, carefully folded and ready for the next training session. After changing his uniform, he stepped outside to meet his friends, who were already animatedly discussing the day's events.
Shinso, no longer bearing the bruises from his earlier match, joined them with a tired yawn. The dark bags under his eyes suggested Recovery Girl's treatment had worked its magic, albeit at the cost of his stamina.
"I don't know about you guys," Shinso said, raising a hand in a half-hearted wave, "but I'm heading home to sleep for about a year."
"Not a bad idea," Kirishima said, clapping him on the back. "You earned it, man."
Shinso gave a tired smile but didn't stop walking. He lived nearby, opposite the train station, so he waved one last time before heading off. "Later, guys."
Izuku watched him go, then suddenly remembered an idea brewing in the back of his mind all day. "Oh, wait! Shinso, Uraraka—before you go!"
Uraraka, who had been chatting with Itsuka, turned toward him with curiosity. Shinso paused mid-step, looking over his shoulder.
"I was thinking," Izuku began, his tone eager, "maybe we could start some kind of fitness club. You know, to help you two build strength and teach self-defense techniques or martial arts. It could help in future training exercises."
Shinso groaned but nodded reluctantly. "Fine, fine. After today, I guess I can't argue with that. I'll join."
"Awesome!" Kirishima exclaimed, throwing an arm over Shinso's shoulders and giving him a playful shake. "Soon, you'll be just as manly as Izu-bro and I!"
Shinso gave a sarcastic thumbs-up. "Great. Looking forward to it."
"What about you, Uraraka?" Itsuka chimed in, embracing a classic Muay Boran stance with practiced ease. "Izuku and I usually spar together, so I'm sure we could show you a few moves."
Uraraka hesitated, her hands fidgeting. "You think martial arts would help me? I mean... I've always wanted to focus on being a rescue hero."
Itsuka glanced at Izuku, prompting him to answer. She wasn't disappointed.
"Absolutely," Izuku said, his voice steady and passionate. "Even rescue heroes deal with combat situations. Villains don't care about your specialty—they'll attack anyone who gets in their way. Disaster relief can also involve managing distressed civilians who might act unpredictably in high-stress situations. And don't forget—you'd need to protect those civilians from rampaging villains. A strong foundation in hand-to-hand combat could make all the difference."
Uraraka's expression grew thoughtful, but she still looked unsure. Sensing this, Izuku continued, his tone growing more serious. "Do you know about the Water Hose heroes?"
Her brow furrowed. "Water Hose? I've never heard of them."
"They were a hero duo who specialized in firefighting," Izuku explained. "The male hero could output water at high pressure, and the female hero was hydrokinetic—she could manipulate water with amazing precision. They were incredible at handling fires in remote areas."
"So what happened to them?" Uraraka asked, leaning in with curiosity.
Izuku's voice darkened. "They were sent to a small village to help with an emergency. A villain named Muscular was in the area, threatening to kill everyone. Water Hose tried to stop him. It might have been an easy fight if they'd had more experience in villain takedowns. But they weren't prepared for someone like him."
"What do you mean?" Itsuka asked, crossing her arms.
"Well," Izuku said, "they could've drowned Muscular by trapping his head in a water bubble. It would've been simple with their quirks. But they weren't used to facing strong, ruthless villains. When Muscular killed one of them—" Izuku paused, his jaw tightening. "The shock left the other hero vulnerable. Muscular nearly killed her, too. She only managed to injure him and force him to retreat by slashing one of his eyes with water, but... she didn't survive the trip to the hospital."
Uraraka's face paled. "That's horrible..."
"It is," Izuku said, his voice softening, "but it's a lesson. The outcome could've been different if they'd had more experience fighting dangerous villains. However, they were a rural firefighting team. How were they to anticipate running into Muscular in a remote village? That's the thing. It's just like what Aizawa-sensei said: hero work isn't fair. While they were heroes for holding off Muscular, it doesn't stop the fact they lost their lives. Uraraka, your quirk is one of the strongest in close combat. If you learn to fight, you can dominate most opponents. Take their gravity, and you control the fight—unless their quirk specifically counters it."
Itsuka nodded firmly. "Izuku's right. You've got so much potential, Uraraka. You just need the tools to make the most of it."
Uraraka's cheeks flushed pink, a mix of embarrassment and determination. "I'll think about it. I've never considered using my quirk like that before."
"That's why you've got Izu-bro," Kirishima said, grinning. "He's like a quirk encyclopedia."
Izuku chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "I just want us all to succeed."
As the group walked home, the lively conversation gradually faded. Izuku's attention was drawn to a lone figure ahead of them—a familiar blonde with a slouched posture. The messy hair and angry stride could only belong to Katsuki Bakugo.
A younger, more naive Izuku might have approached him at another time. He might've tried to offer encouragement to bridge the gap between them. But that time was long past. Bakugo had made his choices, and Izuku no longer had the energy to chase after someone who didn't want to be helped.
He stayed with his friends, his steps steady and his resolve unshaken.
Chapter 13: A Breach in the Walls
After exchanging phone numbers, the group parted ways, agreeing to meet at Dagobah Beach for some training on Sunday. The air felt lighter as they walked together, and the excitement of plans buoyed their spirits. Izuku chatted with Eijiro and the girls, the conversation naturally flowing as they escorted Itsuka and Uraraka to the train station.
The evening was quiet, the faint hum of city life in the background. Uraraka and Itsuka were animated, comparing notes about their matches from earlier in the day. Izuku mostly listened, chiming in occasionally, his gaze flicking to Eijiro every so often. The slight slump in his friend's shoulders and the forced edge to his laughter didn't go unnoticed.
When the girls boarded their train, waving and laughing as the doors slid shut, Izuku turned his full attention to Eijiro. He waited a few moments as they began their walk home, then casually asked, "How are you holding up?"
Eijiro blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Huh?"
Izuku kept his tone light. "You seemed a little quieter than usual today, that's all. You okay?"
Eijiro didn't respond for a moment, his expression flickering between surprise and hesitation. Then he let out a soft chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Man, those eyes of yours don't miss a thing, do they?"
Izuku smiled, but his silence encouraged Eijiro to keep going.
"Alright, you got me," Eijiro admitted with a sigh. "It's just... during that last match, I felt useless, y'know? I mean, what did I even do besides smash some frozen tape traps? Todoroki could've melted them without even trying. And when Sato broke free of the ice? It wasn't me who stopped him—it was Todoroki again. I was just... there."
He frowned, kicking at a stray pebble on the sidewalk. "The guy's a total powerhouse. He doesn't need anyone else. Compared to him, I'm just a guy who can harden his skin and punch stuff. How am I supposed to measure up to someone like that?"
Izuku stopped walking, his eyes narrowing as he turned to face Eijiro. "That's not true, and you know it."
Eijiro glanced at him, eyebrows raised. "Come on, man. You saw the match. Todoroki wiped the floor with everyone."
Izuku shook his head. "He's incredible, yeah. But his strength isn't just about his quirk—it's about how he uses it. The control he has over his ice? That's years of training and discipline. It doesn't happen overnight. And anyway, you're not trying to be Todoroki. You're you. That's more than enough."
Eijiro looked away, frustration still written across his face.
"Listen," Izuku continued, his voice softer now, "you're selling yourself short. Your quirk isn't just about breaking stuff—it's about protecting people. That's huge, Eijiro. Remember when Sato broke out of the ice? You stopped his attack cold. You didn't even flinch. Todoroki might've taken him down, but you gave him the chance to do it. You were his shield. That's what heroes do—they make sure their team can succeed."
Eijiro stared at him, his usual grin replaced by something quieter, more introspective. "You really think so?"
"I don't just think so—I know so," Izuku said firmly. "And you're not alone in this. We're all training, all growing. You've got so much potential, Eijiro. Don't let one match make you forget that."
For a moment, they stood there in silence. Then Eijiro chuckled softly, a small but genuine smile spreading across his face. "Thanks, man. I guess I needed that."
"Anytime," Izuku replied with a grin.
As they started walking again, the tension over them seemed to lift. Eijiro's laughter came easier, and the conversation drifted to lighter topics. They debated the best ways to motivate Shinso to stick with the training club Izuku had proposed, laughing at the idea of bribing him with coffee or extra nap breaks.
When they reached their apartment, Eijiro returned to his usual self, cracking jokes and throwing playful jabs at Izuku. Watching him, Izuku felt a quiet satisfaction settle over him. The frustration on Eijiro's shoulders had been replaced by determination, and for now, that was enough.
Later that night, Izuku sat at his desk, surrounded by the warm glow of his desk lamp. His notebook lay open, pages filled with diagrams of quirk applications and training regimens. But his mind wasn't entirely on the page.
His conversation with Eijiro replayed in his head, alongside memories of his moments of self-doubt. It's easy to feel like you're not enough, he thought, tapping his pencil against the desk. But as long as we keep pushing forward, we'll get stronger.
With a deep breath, Izuku put down the pencil and returned his attention to his notes. He had training to prepare for, and his friends were counting on him.
—
The following day was pure chaos.
Eijiro had slept in, and by the time Izuku returned from his morning run, his best friend was still sprawled across his futon, groaning at his alarm. What followed was a frantic struggle to get dressed, grab their bags, and bolt out the door—all while Eijiro bemoaned the injustice of mornings.
"I can't believe I had to skip breakfast," Eijiro grumbled as they hurried toward the train station, his stomach audibly protesting.
"That's what you get for sleeping in," Izuku teased, adjusting the straps on his backpack. He felt no such hunger pains—his morning had been productive, starting with his run, a solid meal, and even a bit of light stretching before class. "If you'd joined me on my run, you wouldn't have had to choose between food and getting to U.A. on time."
Eijiro shot him a withering look. "Man, I respect your dedication, but waking up before the sun just to sprint around the city? Hard pass."
Izuku chuckled, his gaze flicking ahead, his brow furrowing slightly. The usual crowd of morning commuters felt denser than expected, a sluggish tide of people clogging the streets the closer they got to U.A.
Then, as they rounded the last corner, the reason became abundantly clear.
"Whoa," Izuku murmured.
The entrance to U.A. was packed. A wall of reporters stood clustered around the gates, microphones and cameras poised like drawn weapons, all aimed at a single man who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.
Aizawa-sensei.
The reporters threw out questions like rapid-fire bullets, their voices overlapping in a chaotic symphony:
"Does this mean All Might is scaling back on his hero duties?"
"How do you feel about the Symbol of Peace being assigned to first-years?"
"Can you confirm whether he's hand-picking potential successors—?"
"It's the press," Eijiro deadpanned, his voice flat.
Izuku took a steadying breath, already feeling the static of unease creeping along his skin. It was Izuku and Eijiro's first real encounter with the media as hero students, and the crowd was aggressive, shoving closer to the gates like a living, shifting mass.
"Stay calm, and be honest," Izuku murmured to Eijiro, shifting his stance slightly, his Byakugan passively registering the crowd's movement around them. "This is part of the job. Might as well get used to it now."
Eijiro hummed in agreement, though his grip tightened around the strap of his bag as they wove their way through the throng of bodies.
Then—
A microphone was suddenly in his face.
"Excuse me! Can you tell us your thoughts on All Might's classes?"
The reporter, a brunette woman in a sharp blazer, leaned in with the practiced precision of a predator sniffing out a lead. Her expression was pleasant, but there was an urgency to her movements—she wasn't just asking; she was demanding a soundbite.
Izuku blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Then he gave a polite nod. "Oh, of course. I'll try to be brief since I need to get to class."
His left eye remained the usual green, but his pale right eye glistened slightly in the morning light as he gathered his thoughts.
"All Might is a passionate instructor," Izuku said, keeping his tone level and diplomatic. "While his inexperience as a teacher shows at times, I'm confident we, as hero students, will learn a great deal from his years of experience in the field."
A safe, non-committal answer—praising without overselling, critiquing without disrespect.
The reporter's eyes gleamed, but before she could fire off another question, Izuku dipped his head in a quick nod and moved.
Eijiro stepped beside him a moment later, shooting him a look. "Man, you handled that like a pro."
Izuku exhaled through his nose, resisting the urge to glance back at the still-lingering press. "Just said what I thought they wanted to hear."
As they passed through the gates, Aizawa's tired but vaguely approving gaze met his.
"Don't be late," was all he said before returning to the sea of reporters, his perpetual exhaustion evident in every fiber of his being.
Izuku nodded and hurried inside, Eijiro following behind him. The moment they stepped into the halls, the noise of the crowd was muffled, leaving only the low hum of students filling the corridors.
Izuku wasn't surprised to see the entrance of U.A. swarming with reporters. After the Heroics Class exercise, U.A. released an official press statement that aired on the evening news, confirming the school's decision to hire All Might as a full-time instructor.
It was a decision that had taken the country by storm.
Everyone knew about it.
As Izuku and Eijiro hurried to their seats before the final bell rang, a lone figure stood in the shadows just beyond the school gates. Dressed in black, his sharp gaze swept across the throng of reporters, a sneer twisting his face.
—
"Good work on yesterday's combat training," Aizawa-sensei began, addressing the class with his usual tired expression. He set a stack of graded rubric results off to the side before his gaze hardened with scrutiny, his tone sharpening as he prepared to deliver critiques.
His eyes landed first on Shinso, who had technically placed the lowest in the exercise. Once Jiro's soundwaves disrupted his brainwashing attempts, he'd struggled to contribute meaningfully to his team's strategy.
"Shinso." Aizawa's voice was flat but firm. "Your quirk is valuable, but it's your only strength right now. If an opponent avoids answering you, you're done. You need to start working on your physical abilities."
Shinso gave a slight nod, shoulders tense.
"I also suggest visiting the support department," Aizawa continued, "to refine your costume. They might be able to equip you with tools to compensate for situations where your quirk won't help you."
Shinso exhaled, nodding again, this time with more resolve.
Aizawa's gaze shifted to Iida, who stiffened under the attention.
"Iida." His voice remained monotone but carried weight. "Speed is useless without control. You struggle with tight maneuvers, and your ability to stop or change direction is sloppy. If an enemy forces you into a confined space, you'll crash before you can land a hit. Work on it."
Iida straightened, clearly feeling the weight of his shortcomings—how he'd overextended, leaving Tokoyami to fight alone. He placed a fist over his chest in a sharp, determined motion.
"I will endeavor to meet your standards, Sensei!" he declared, his voice filled with conviction.
Aizawa barely reacted, already shifting his focus to the next target.
"Bakugo."
The air in the classroom shifted subtly as the explosive blonde snapped his attention to the front, his scowl deepening.
"Your arrogance and pride are your biggest weaknesses. Aoyama contributed more toward the objective than your blind fit of rage and violence."
The words struck like a hammer. Aoyama? The guy who sparkled and twirled around like a drama queen?
Aizawa's eyes narrowed. "Fix your attitude problem, or Hound Dog can fix it for you."
The room held its breath, waiting for Bakugo to explode—but he didn't. His fists clenched, his jaw tightened, but he didn't fire back. A flicker of something unfamiliar—not submission, but maybe restraint—passed over his face. Instead of fighting back like he would have with some "loser teacher" at Aldera, he looked away, seething in silence.
Aizawa moved on.
His gaze landed on Sero, whose match against Todoroki and Kirishima had ended quickly.
"Sero," Aizawa said, his voice even. "You let fear control your movements after Todoroki's initial attack. Had you maintained your composure, you could have coordinated a surprise attack with Sato." He let the words sink in. "Don't take yourself out of the fight before it's over."
Sero leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, a contemplative frown settling on his face.
Finally, Aizawa took the graded results, flipping through them one last time before setting them down.
Then, he straightened slightly, his usual slouch easing just a bit—a rare indicator of seriousness.
"Now, with that out of the way, let's move on to homeroom business," he said, voice as dry and indifferent as ever. "Sorry to spring this on you at such late notice, but today I'll have you—"
The entire class tensed, a wave of silent panic rippling through the room.
Uraraka clutched her desk. Oh god, I barely survived last time…
Shinso narrowed his eyes. Wait. Did he say "late notice"? What if this is a surprise quirk assessment? I'm dead.
Sero gulped. Please don't be another combat test. I don't want to get flash-frozen again.
Kaminari paled. This has expulsion written all over it…
Aizawa blinked lazily, visibly unimpressed by the collective tension.
"…pick class representatives."
Silence.
A beat.
Then, chaos.
"OH, THANK GOD—" Kaminari practically collapsed onto his desk, dragging his hands down his face like a man who had just narrowly escaped death.
"Wait, that's it?!" Sero blurted, blinking in disbelief.
"I'LL BE THE LEADER!" Mina cheered, practically exploding out of her seat, her infectious laughter filling the room. "Vote for me, and I promise extra fun during class activities!"
That, naturally, set off the rest of the class.
"I'd be the flashiest leader!" Aoyama struck a pose, twinkling dramatically.
"Screw that; I'd be way better at it than any of you extras," Bakugo grumbled, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed.
Izuku couldn't help but smile at the chaos unfolding.
In any other school, students would see the class representative position as a chore, another stack of responsibilities no one wanted. But this was U.A.—a hero school.
Of course, everyone wanted to prove they could lead.
The cacophony of voices was brought to a sudden halt.
"Silence, please!"
Iida's voice boomed over the class, cutting through the noise like a sharp command. The class stilled, surprised by his sheer force of presence.
For a brief moment, there was actual silence.
Iida took the opportunity to step forward, his posture rigid and convictional. His face was serious, and his eyes burned with genuine passion.
"The role of class representative is not to be taken lightly," he declared, his voice strong and unwavering. "It is a job that carries the serious responsibility of leading others. It's not just a title—it's a calling that requires the trust of those around you!"
The sheer force of his speech hung in the air. Iida looked like a man delivering an oath; his arm raised ramrod straight and trembling slightly from the sheer effort of holding it.
It was commendable that he was still calling for an election despite clearly wanting the role himself. He believed in fairness, even when it meant sacrificing his ambitions.
The class was momentarily puzzled, some exchanging glances at Iida's level of intensity.
Still, he made a good point. If they were going to choose a class representative, shouldn't the one with the most votes also be the person they trusted most?
Iida turned sharply, eyes burning with determination.
"Aizawa-sensei! What do you think?"
The entire class followed his gaze—
—only to see their homeroom teacher wrapped in his sleeping bag, cocooned on the floor, looking entirely prepared to nap.
The silence stretched.
"…Sensei?" Iida tried again, his confidence wavering slightly.
Aizawa half-opened one red eye, staring at them with all the energy of a man questioning his life choices.
"I don't care," he mumbled, voice slow and deadpan. "Just decide before homeroom is over."
Then he promptly rolled over to face away from his students and sleep facing the wall.
For a brief moment, Izuku felt a flicker of concern—but then he remembered how Aizawa crawled around the first day. At this point, he was reasonably sure Aizawa could sleep anywhere, anytime, like a hibernating bear in a sleeping bag.
Iida, meanwhile, clenched his fists and bowed stiffly.
"Thank you very much!" he declared with excessive enthusiasm.
The class stared.
Aizawa was already asleep.
The room settled into quiet chatter as students scribbled down their votes.
Izuku glanced around before making his decision.
He wrote Itsuka's name.
Why wouldn't he?
She was organized, level-headed, and accustomed to making tactical decisions from years in the ring. Leadership wasn't just about being the loudest—it was about earning trust and keeping a group focused on a goal.
As he finished writing, he noticed several classmates glancing his way.
Not just Kirishima, who was already grinning at him, but also Itsuka, who shot him a small but confident smile before folding her ballot.
Izuku felt a flicker of warmth in his chest.
It was good to know that his friends placed so much trust in him.
As the ballots were collected, Iida practically vibrated with excitement as he tallied the results at the front of the room.
Izuku wasn't expecting much—he hadn't even voted for himself.
Then, Iida finished writing the results on the board.
Izuku Midoriya - 5 votes
Momo Yaoyorozu - 4 votes
Izuku blinked.
Five?
He perked up in pleasant surprise, scanning the room, curious who had voted for him.
Before he could dwell on it too long, Iida turned and gestured for him to come forward.
Izuku exhaled, then stood.
Alright. If this is what they wanted, he'd do his best.
He made his way to the front, joining Yaoyorozu beside the board.
Surprisingly, Aizawa-sensei had woken up from his quick—well, Izuku wouldn't exactly call it a nap.
A doze? That seemed more accurate.
Although judging by the way Aizawa hadn't fully extricated himself from the sleeping bag, he still wasn't thrilled to be conscious again.
Izuku couldn't help but wonder—how much of the voting process did he hear?
Izuku stood at the front of the classroom, facing his peers. He didn't take the weight of their votes lightly.
They had chosen him. They trusted him.
So, he ensured his voice was steady and clear when he spoke.
"First of all, thank you." His green eyes scanned the room, taking in his classmates' faces. "I won't waste your time with a long speech, but I do want to say this: I don't take this position lightly."
A few heads nodded, Itsuka's smile widening slightly, and Kirishima shot him a subtle thumbs-up.
"U.A. isn't just any school. We're training to be heroes. And that means we need more than strong quirks—discipline, strategy, and teamwork. That's what this class rep position means to me."
His Byakugan eye gleamed faintly in the classroom light, though his expression remained focused.
"My job isn't to boss anyone around—to make sure we function as a unit. That means keeping communication clear, ensuring everyone's concerns are heard, and supporting each other both in and out of the classroom."
He folded his arms, voice unwavering.
"I won't claim to be perfect, but I promise I'll do everything possible to represent this class well."
He let the words settle, then offered a slight, confident nod.
"That's all I've got."
Mina grinned and clapped loudly the moment he finished, starting an easy round of applause.
Kirishima let out a sharp 'That's manly as hell, dude!' while Uraraka and a few others smiled in approval.
Even Yaoyorozu, who would be working beside him as vice-rep, gave a respectful nod, her voice even.
"That was well said, Midoriya."
Izuku exhaled slightly, allowing himself a small smile. It felt right.
As his eyes roamed the classroom, he noticed a figure sitting unusually tense at his desk.
Iida.
Considering how passionately Iida had spoken earlier, it wasn't hard to guess why.
Izuku observed as Iida let out a slow, measured breath, clearly regaining composure after what must have been a disappointment.
Then, abruptly, Iida stood. He adjusted his glasses, the lenses gleaming as they caught the light, and squared his shoulders like a man accepting a sacred duty.
"Midoriya." His voice rang dramatically through the classroom. "I shall hold you accountable to the highest standards of leadership."
Izuku met his gaze evenly.
"I wouldn't expect anything less."
For a moment, the two locked eyes in mutual understanding and respect.
Iida nodded firmly, his internal dilemma resolved, and sat back down as if nothing had happened.
Sero leaned toward Kaminari, whispering, "Dude, was that an oath or a threat?"
Kaminari shrugged. "With Iida? Could be both."
The classroom settled down, and Izuku quickly took charge, ensuring everyone got refocused as homeroom wrapped up.
—
As the class broke for lunch, Izuku quickly nodded to his usual group—signaling he'd catch up with them later—before turning toward Yaoyorozu.
She had naturally gravitated toward her partner from the previous Heroics exercise, Koda, and was now chatting with Asui, Hagakure, and Shoji. Izuku approached the small group, careful not to intrude.
"Hello, everyone," he greeted, his tone polite but relaxed. "I was hoping you'd join my friends and me for lunch?"
The group paused, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden offer. Hagakure was the first to react. "Ooooh! An invitation from the Class Rep himself? Fancy!" She waved a sleeve dramatically as if she were being invited to a royal banquet.
Shoji, ever composed, gave a slight nod. "That makes sense. A strong class functions best when it communicates openly."
Asui blinked before offering a slow "Ribbit. Sure, I don't mind."
Even Koda, normally hesitant in social situations, gave a shy nod of approval.
Yaoyorozu, meanwhile, had already pieced together Izuku's intent. "Thank you, Midoriya. I'd like that. Is everyone else fine with it as well?" she asked, her gaze sweeping across the group.
With no objections, Izuku gestured for them to follow, leading them toward the cafeteria.
As they entered the bustling Eatery, Izuku's eyes scanned the room, relieved to find that Itsuka and the rest of his usual group had secured a large corner table. Plenty of space. Perfect. As they moved toward their seats, he couldn't help but notice the occasional hushed whispers from students nearby.
"…That's the new Class Rep, right?"
"Guess 1-A's full of surprises."
Rumors sure traveled fast.
He shook off the murmurs, focusing instead on lunch. Most of them went to grab their food, though he noticed Yaoyorozu had brought an especially large-looking lunchbox. Izuku opted for the tonkatsu curry and rice, hoping this meal would be as good as the cold soba he'd had the day before.
Once everyone settled at the table, Mina shifted her tray aside to make room for Izuku beside Itsuka. He shot her a grateful smile before immediately digging into his meal; his ears tuned to the conversation.
Mina stretched her arms overhead, flashing a cheeky grin. "Wow, it's only been a few days, and already you guys are making things official. Class Rep and Vice Rep, huh? Gotta admit it's kinda weird seeing you two in charge."
"Is it that strange?" Yaoyorozu asked, raising an eyebrow as she neatly placed her utensils beside her tray.
Izuku, however, blinked in surprise. He was sure there had been food on that tray a moment before. Wait… when did she even eat? Her tray was spotless—like the food had disappeared when she sat down. Had he been that distracted?
"Leadership is about responsibility, not popularity," Yaoyorozu added matter-of-factly, using a napkin to dry her lips.
Mina laughed. "Oh, don't get me wrong! I think you two fit the roles. It's just—I dunno, Class 1-A feels so competitive that I was expecting a bloodbath for the position."
Eijiro chuckled, leaning forward with his arms crossed. "Nah, it makes sense. We don't need someone barking orders at us—we need people who care about improving things." He shot Izuku a thumbs-up. "Man, you're always helping people, so it makes sense. Yaoyorozu, too—she's the smartest person in the class."
Yaoyorozu pressed her lips together in a pleased smile. "That's kind of you to say. However, Midoriya deserves just as much recognition for his strategic mind. His insights during the last training exercise have been invaluable."
Izuku froze mid-bite.
Wait… was I mutterstorming again during the last Heroics exercise?! His stomach dropped as a horrible realization settled in.
Damn it, why didn't anyone tell me?!
Keeping his face as neutral as possible, he rubbed the back of his neck, laughing awkwardly.
Shinso, quietly listening, finally let out a low sigh, setting down his drink before giving Izuku a pointed look. "Alright, Midoriya. Spill it. What's your game plan?"
Izuku blinked. "Game plan?"
Shinso gestured vaguely. "You didn't run for Class Rep but still got the votes. Now that you have the job, what's your first move? You don't strike me as the type just to sit back and do nothing with the position."
The group quieted slightly, all eyes shifting toward Izuku and Yaoyorozu, awaiting their answer.
Izuku took a breath before sitting up straighter, knowing that he had to set expectations early if he wanted to lead well.
"Well, I don't want this to just be about relaying messages between teachers and students. We should use our positions to set up initiatives that help us improve."
Yaoyorozu nodded, intrigued. "Do you have something in mind already?"
Izuku glanced at Itsuka before continuing, "Itsuka and I were talking about starting a Body Improvement Club—something open to anyone who wants to develop physical abilities that their quirk doesn't naturally enhance. Many of our classmates are already strong, but heroes don't always win just by quirks alone. Admittedly, we originally considered it an off-campus activity on the weekends, but we'll need to rethink that structure if we extend it to the whole class."
Eijiro perked up at that, his expression immediately lighting up. "Oh yeah, you mentioned that yesterday. Shinso and I agreed to it, but we didn't set a time besides mentioning Sunday."
Mina leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "I dunno, Midori, sounds kinda like extra gym class. I figured I'd left those behind in middle school," she teased. "What's the difference?"
Itsuka grinned, crossing her arms. "While it's good that our Heroics class keeps us active, some may need time outside the classroom to work on physical improvement. Many people performed well in the Quirk Apprehension Test but didn't have quirks that were directly beneficial for any of the events—they still scored well just by being physically fit. We were also thinking of teaching some basic martial arts and self-defense during the club."
She turned toward Izuku and continued, "Izu, I wanted to talk to you about this. You should let me take the lead on organizing the club."
Izuku blinked, surprised. "You sure?"
"Of course," Itsuka said, smiling. "You're already going to have your hands full with Class Rep duties, plus you're helping out with training on your own time. Let me handle the logistics. You can still help out, but this way, it won't add too much to your plate."
Izuku hesitated for only a moment before nodding in appreciation. "That would help a lot. Thanks, Itsuka."
Yaoyorozu had just finished sipping her tea—a tea that made Izuku do a double take, considering he hadn't even noticed her pull it out—when she set her cup down, her expression composed yet thoughtful.
"On that note, I'd like to introduce something of my own," she began.
The others turned to her, curiosity piqued.
"While our class is excelling in practical heroics, I've noticed that some of our classmates are struggling in academic subjects," she continued. "U.A.'s curriculum is incredibly rigorous, and if we want to be the best heroes, we must be well-rounded. That's why I'd like to start a study group for those who need extra help."
There was a brief pause as the idea settled in.
Shinso, who had been casually stirring his rice with his chopsticks, snorted. "I dunno, Yaoyorozu. You say 'study group,' but this is starting to sound like extra school."
Yaoyorozu gave him a patient smile. "If that's how you view it, then think of it as training for your mind. Strategy, battlefield awareness, and crisis management all require sharp thinking."
Izuku nodded in agreement. "She's got a point. Intelligence is just as important as physical ability in hero work."
Itsuka, resting her elbow on the table, smirked. "Well, I can't argue against getting better grades, but do you already have a plan for how the group would be structured?"
Yaoyorozu folded her hands together neatly. "Ideally, I'd like to hold study sessions at least twice a week, focusing on subjects students struggle with the most. I'll provide materials, practice exams, and guided explanations for difficult concepts."
Mina grimaced slightly. "That all sounds... incredibly structured."
Hagakure laughed. "That's just how Yaoyorozu is, though. She's organized down to a science."
Yaoyorozu took the comment as a compliment, nodding. "That's why I'd like some assistance. Midoriya, you seem to be ahead in most of our subjects. Would you be willing to help tutor as well?"
Izuku nodded without hesitation. "Of course. If we coordinate, we could cover more ground and help more people. Math and science are my biggest strengths, but I understand all the other material just fine."
The idea was solidifying, with more people starting to nod in approval.
Then—
The sound of a chair scraping against the floor broke through the conversation.
The group turned just in time to see Iida scooting over from a nearby table, tray in hand. His movements were deliberate and purposeful.
Mina grinned, leaning toward Itsuka. "Oh, here we go."
Iida placed his tray down and straightened his glasses, his expression serious and determined.
"Yaoyorozu, Midoriya, I could not help but overhear your discussion."
Shinso muttered, "Of course you couldn't."
Iida ignored him, adjusting his posture like he was about to make a formal speech. "I fully support this initiative. Academic excellence is the foundation of any well-rounded hero, and as students of U.A., we must strive for nothing less than perfection."
He clasped his hands together. "This is why I am volunteering to assist in this study group."
Yaoyorozu looked genuinely pleased. "That would be excellent, Iida. Your knowledge of regulations and hero law would be a valuable resource."
Izuku grinned. "With the three of us helping, we'll have a good balance of different subjects covered."
Iida nodded, clearly energized by the discussion. "In that case, I believe it would be beneficial to create a structured schedule. To optimize efficiency, we should establish designated times, locations, and materials."
Mina groaned, slumping forward dramatically. "Ugh, you guys are making this sound like we're running a business."
Yaoyorozu, unfazed, simply smiled. "That's because a well-organized system is essential to success."
Itsuka grinned, nudging Shinso with her elbow. "Bet you're real glad you signed up for 1-A, huh?"
Shinso, without missing a beat, replied, "Yeah, this is exactly what I dreamed of."
The sarcasm wasn't lost on anyone.
"Well, if we're being official, we should think about who we should have as a Treasurer and Secretary. We'll need a Treasurer to take care of class finances, organize fundraisers, and determine the viability of any off-campus expenses we incur for class activities. A Secretary would help us stay organized during meetings, take minutes, and keep track of students participating in different clubs or groups," Izuku muttered, only managing to be broken out of his train of thought by Iida.
"Indeed!" Iida nodded enthusiastically, clearly pleased. "For our class to function efficiently and productively, it is imperative that we have designated individuals to organize finances, schedules, and event planning. And, as it happens, I would be honored to offer my services as Treasurer!"
Shinso gave a slow blink. "Yeah, we figured."
Izuku chuckled, already considering Iida for the role, and the nod of agreement Yaoyorozu gave him only confirmed that he was the correct choice. "I was going to suggest you for it, Iida. You're responsible, organized, and meticulous regarding the finest details—essential regarding class funds."
Iida's expression immediately brightened. "Thank you, Midoriya! I shall carry out my duties with the utmost diligence!"
Yaoyorozu turned her attention to the frog-like girl who had mainly remained quiet up to that point in the conversation. "Asui, I was thinking you would be a good choice for Secretary," she said, earning a surprised ribbit from Asui, who pointed a finger at herself in confusion.
"Ribbit, me?" Asui asked before offhandedly mentioning, "Also, call me Tsu."
"That's right. From what I've seen, you're attentive to everyone in the class and have an honest personality that would serve you well as our class Secretary."
"Alright then," Tsu replied, "I'll try not to let you down, ribbit."
As they returned to their meals, Izuku made a mental note of a random fact Iida had sprung on the group after Uraraka had asked an innocent question. He was related to Ingenium. Izuku had suspected as much—Iida's costume even resembled the Turbo Hero's, and their quirks were practically identical.
Before he could think further about the connection, an alarm's sharp, shrill sound pierced the cafeteria.
A moment later, the PA system crackled to life.
"Level 3 Security Breach detected."
The previously relaxed atmosphere vanished in an instant.
Izuku's breath caught as his mind immediately flashed to the syllabus he had skimmed with his Sharingan.
Level 3 Security Breach… That means someone has trespassed onto school grounds… through destructive means.
Crap.
Some of the older students had reported an intrusion on campus, and the moment the announcement came through the PA, the cafeteria erupted into chaos. Students scrambled for the emergency exits, pushing and shoving as panic set in.
Izuku looked forlornly at his half-eaten lunch before standing with a resigned sigh, activating his quirk.
Power surged through his body, rushing to his eyes like lightning. His left eye bled red, the emerald green replaced by the spinning tomoe of his Sharingan, while his right eye's veins bulged, swelling from the effort of channeling the Byakugan's 360-degree vision. The world sharpened around him, and every movement in his field of vision was mapped in precise detail.
He immediately scanned the school, leading his friends out of the thickest part of the crowd and into one of the side hallways.
His first discovery? The biggest immediate threat wasn't a villain—just reporters. The same ones from earlier had somehow forced their way inside. They were getting an earful from Present Mic-sensei, whose booming voice did not sound amused.
Izuku frowned. On the surface, it looked like a media frenzy had gone too far.
But something didn't add up.
No way would a group of reporters risk their reputations by destroying school property…
His eyes flicked toward the remains of the leading security gate—or rather, what little was left of it. The massive armored doors that protected U.A. from intruders had been reduced to dust.
That's not normal. That's not cameras or press badges—that's power.
This wasn't the work of impatient reporters. Someone else did this.
Izuku immediately expanded his Byakugan's range, searching every school floor. The reporters must be a diversion—the intruder could still be inside.
Before he could locate anything, however, something else caught his attention—someone was missing.
His stomach dropped.
"Where's Hagakure?" he asked, scanning the group.
The others stiffened, quickly looking around.
"I thought she was right behind me," Mina said, guilt flashing across her face.
Shoji's extra arms twitched, the membranes flexing as he tried to pinpoint her. "You don't think she got caught up in the crowd? She's easy to miss, and some of the students were getting physical trying to get out."
"Damn, I'll try to find her," Eijiro said, hardening his arms as he pushed into the throng.
Izuku immediately switched focus, tracking Hagakure's faint outline with his Byakugan. He spotted her instantly.
"Eijiro, forward and to the right—someone just pushed her to the floor. Hurry before she gets trampled," Izuku called out.
Eijiro acted instinctually, pushing through bodies with reinforced strength until he reached her. Izuku breathed a breath of relief as he saw his friend pull Hagakure upright, shielding her from the chaotic rush of students.
Izuku's lips pressed into a thin line as he turned back toward the panicked crowd.
They're acting like wild animals…
It was understandable—panic made people irrational—but it only reinforced his growing suspicion.
If this were an actual attack, the intruder would have gone straight to the cafeteria where the students are. But they didn't. That means their target isn't us—it's something else.
His gaze snapped to Yaoyorozu.
"Make a megaphone, or just a cone—two of them. Have Iida helped you calm the crowd? Looks like the press broke in, but there's something off about this situation. Give me a moment to scout things out."
Yaoyorozu, who looked visibly rattled, took a shaky breath before nodding. She steadied herself, then quickly formed two megaphones from her palm and handed one to Iida.
Together, the two rushed toward the packed hallways, calling for order.
Izuku, meanwhile, turned his focus back to the faculty-only sections of the school.
Ectoplasm and Snipe were already moving toward the cafeteria, likely alerted by the panic. Midnight was with Principal Nezu, who was systematically sweeping the school in search of the breach.
Recovery Girl was in the medical bay, tending to… Izuku blinked.
A sickly, thin man was lying on one of the beds, barely conscious.
Who is that?
He almost lingered on the sight, but something else pulled his attention—the one thing that didn't belong.
His breath caught.
A tear in space was open in one of the faculty rooms on the third floor.
And inside?
A figure dressed in black, a grotesque, decayed hand strapped to his face, was rummaging through confidential school files.
Izuku's eyes honed in on his expression, and his lips curled into a grin as he found what he sought.
Then—without hesitation—the figure turned and stepped into the void.
The portal closed behind him.
Izuku's fists clenched.
Damn. I didn't get to see what he took.
His Sharingan flickered as he turned back to the group. "There was an intruder. He was searching the faculty rooms on the third floor. I didn't see what he took, but he used some warping quirk to escape." His jaw tightened. "We need to let Aizawa-sensei know—now."
—
As much as Izuku would have liked to inform Aizawa-sensei about the intruder immediately, he'd been forced to wait until the press was finally escorted off campus. By then, the lunch hour was over, and it looked like Heroics would be running late to make up for lost time.
Rather than returning to class immediately, Izuku volunteered to stay behind and deliver his findings to Aizawa. He had every confidence that Yaoyorozu could keep things under control while he intercepted the pro heroes and delivered what could very well be crucial information.
Aizawa and Principal Nezu were still inspecting the destroyed barrier, so Izuku rushed over to them immediately.
"Aizawa-sensei! Principal Nezu!" Izuku called out.
Both pro heroes turned at his approach. Aizawa's sharp gaze flicked over him, clearly displeased.
"Midoriya, shouldn't you be in class?" Aizawa questioned, his voice carrying that flat, no-nonsense tone that made students instantly straighten up.
Before Izuku could explain himself, Nezu chuckled, far too smug for comfort. "Now, now, Aizawa, no need to be so harsh. Haven't you figured it out? Midoriya found our culprit with those eyes of his."
Aizawa's posture stiffened slightly. His gaze turned severe as he shifted his full attention onto Izuku.
"What did you see, Midoriya?"
There was a change in his tone now. It wasn't the apathetic grumbling of a tired homeroom teacher—it was sharp, commanding. Professional.
Izuku stood a little straighter. So this is how he is on the job. The contrast from Aizawa's classroom demeanor was stark, but it made sense. The man wasn't just a teacher—he was a pro hero.
He took a steadying breath before speaking.
"Yes, I activated my quirk when the Level 3 Security Breach was announced," Izuku began, keeping his words clear and precise. "At first, I assumed it was just the reporters causing problems, but then I noticed the state of the barrier—it wasn't just broken, it was disintegrated. That didn't align with what the press would be capable of."
Aizawa's eyes narrowed. "So you started searching."
Izuku nodded. "Since the students in the cafeteria were fine, I focused on the faculty-only areas. On the third floor, I found a villain—a male dressed entirely in black. He had these... decayed hands all over his body—one even covered his face like a mask. He was searching through something—faculty files, I think."
Nezu's expression hadn't changed, but his beady eyes showed a gleam of interest.
"What else?" Aizawa prompted.
Izuku exhaled. "He took something—a piece of paper. I couldn't get a good look before he warped away. The quirk he used to escape—it wasn't teleportation. It was some kind of warping portal."
That got a reaction.
Aizawa's frown deepened. Nezu's claws tapped rhythmically against his paw.
"Aizawa," Nezu finally spoke, "perhaps you should take Midoriya to one of the faculty rooms. Have Midnight assist with a sketch based on his description. I'll wait here until Power Loader arrives to begin repairs."
Aizawa gave a short nod before turning back to Izuku. "Come with me."
Before following, Izuku was surprised to find Nezu smiling up at him.
"Well done, Midoriya," the Principal said lightly. "Please continue assisting us while we investigate what happened."
Izuku swallowed, nodding quickly before following Aizawa back toward the school.
Nezu remained behind, still watching the wreckage of the destroyed barrier.
Such a conundrum.
He'd never heard of a villain matching Midoriya's description. And that meant...
Whoever they were, they weren't part of the usual crowd.
A new player had stepped onto the board.
Nezu's eyes gleamed.
He couldn't wait to begin his own detective work.