Midoriya followed Todoroki as he walked around his father with Bakugo bringing up the rear while Endeavor stood stationary, processing what his son had told him. Just as they turned the corner, Midoriya stopped.
"Endeavor." The Captain turned and looked the Flame Hero dead in the eye with a measured expression. "Your son has incredible potential. With the right guidance and support, he'll become a great Hero who surpasses you, because he isn't you."
Endeavor's eyes widened slightly, surprised by Midoriya's words. He didn't get an opportunity to respond before Midoriya rounded the corner, leaving the Pro Hero alone in the hallway.
Bakugo chuckled to himself. "Damn, Midoriya, that was badass. You got balls, I can't lie."
Todoroki cut in, "I'm sorry you had to see that, Bakugo. My father and I… Well, we have personal issues, as you can tell."
Bakugo clicked his tongue, rolling his eyes. "I don't care about your damn daddy issues. But it should be you telling your old man to f**k off instead of Midoriya."
Todoroki frowned. "As satisfying as that would be, I don't know if that would be right."
The verdette looked at Todoroki for a few seconds. "Do what you believe is right, Todoroki."
The scar-faced young man thoughtfully lowered his head. "For the longest time, I believed that refusing to use my flames was the right thing. But then you showed me I was wrong… I still have plenty of things to figure out."
Midoriya offered him a supportive smile and patted his shoulder. "It'll be a rough road, but I know you'll find your way."
A small smile formed on Todoroki's face. Hearing the confidence in Midoriya's words made him believe that he would eventually get everything straightened out.
Later, as the trio arrived at the tunnel entrance to join the rest of their classmates, Midoriya was suddenly enveloped in a tight hug by Uraraka.
"Izuku-kun, that was amazing!" Uraraka squeezed tightly, unintentionally creating some close contact. "You were so dang cool out there!"
Midoriya's face flushed a bit from the close embrace, but he readily returned the hug. "Thanks, Occhan."
Uraraka's blush deepened, and she relished in the hug, revealing her admiration for the young man. As she separated from the verdette, Yaoyorozu, the ravenette heiress, pulled him into another tight hug.
"You truly were incredible out there, Izuku-kun!" Yaoyorozu gushed, squeezing tightly and adding to the flustered state of the young man. "Congratulations on your win."
"Thanks, Yaomomo." Midoriya smiled, reciprocating the embrace and feeling a flutter in his heart.
Noticing the interactions, Ashido, Tokage, and Tsunotori exchanged knowing glances. Meanwhile, Hatsume observed the trio—Midoriya, Yaoyorozu, and Uraraka—with a thoughtful tilt of her head. 'I'm sensing some weird tension between those three. It's like when mom and dad are staring at each other before their date nights.'
Bakugo rolled his eyes at the interaction, musing in annoyance, 'Can't those three losers just get a damn room or something already?'
"Bakugo!" Kirishima grinned widely. "Good to see you're back on your feet, man! How's your arm feeling?" He gestured to Bakugo's left arm in a sling hanging at his side.
"It's fine, Sh*tty Hair. The hag said she'll finish healing it up on Monday." He replied, sounding less angry than usual; instead, he seemed a mixture of thoughtful and grumpy.
Midoriya's words from the infirmary were still swirling in the ash-blonde's mind. Aside from resting, he had a lot to think about over the three-day break.
Yaoyorozu released her embrace on Midoriya and looked up at him, concerned. "How are you feeling, Izuku-kun?"
"Yeah," Uraraka chimed in, "you looked pretty rough after the match…"
Midoriya chuckled mirthlessly. "Todoroki-san certainly did a number on me, but I'll be okay."
"Nice work, Izuku!" Hatsume stepped in and patted him on the back, grinning widely. "I have to say, you know how to keep audiences engaged with all the crazy stuff you pulled. I'm impressed. Where'd you learn to do that?"
His thoughts briefly drifted back towards the stage show time of his service before he shrugged and responded, "I may have picked up a thing or two in military training."
Kaminari looked at Midoriya curiously. "Do they seriously teach you all the stuff you've done to kick ass today, Midori-bro?"
"Heh. More or less," Midoriya humorously replied.
High above Morino Hiroshi Stadium, rockets shot into the sky, bursting into colorful fireworks. Midnight took the stage, addressing the crowd with all the freshmen participants grouped together. Reporters and cameramen further back filmed and captured the moment.
Among his classmates, Monoma Neito stuffed his hands into his pockets and exhaled in exasperation. "I can't believe not a single student from Class B made it to the podium," he grumbled to himself. "Everyone going forward will continue to see our class as inferior to those Class A blowhards."
Standing beside him, Kendo shot him a side-eyed glare. "Those four earned their spots on the podium, Monoma-san. Besides, if you hadn't played around in your match against Shinso-san, you could've possibly been up there."
Monoma groaned and turned away, unwilling to admit the validity of Kendo's words.
Midnight stepped onto the stage, turning to address the students and audience. "It is time to bring the 2197 Freshmen All-Star Games to a close and start the award ceremony!" She said into her microphone.
Cheers and claps echoed across the stadium. Behind Midnight, Midoriya, Todoroki, Yaoyorozu, and Bakugo were lifted on extending platforms, and confetti popped into the air. On the third-place podium, Yaoyorozu beamed, politely waving at the crowd, doing her best to hold back tears. Bakugo snarled and hunched over with his right hand stuffed in his pocket. Higher on the second-place podium, Todoroki stood calmly, expressing little emotion. Finally, on the first-place podium, Midoriya stood tall, looking out at the crowd with a happy smile, realizing that his younger self would've started crying in a moment like this.
"And now, we have a special surprise for everyone!" Midnight gestured towards the stadium's roof, where a distinct silhouette appeared before the audience followed by the trademark laugh that everyone recognized.
With his beaming trademark grin, All Might leaped from the roof towards the arena floor. "I AM HERE!" he shouted while falling from the sky and landed in front of the podium. "AND I HAVE BROUGHT THE MEDALS!"
The crowd's cheers took on new life, almost deafening upon the Number One Pro's arrival. For the audience, today had been one treat after another; seeing All Might was just the cherry on top. For All Might, he was incredibly happy; he loved to see up-and-coming Heroes show what they could do, and the All-Star Games were only a third of the way done with the Sophomore and Senior games in the next couple of days. The fact that the winners of the freshman events were all his students filled him with pride.
All Might took the two bronze medals and stepped up to the third-place podium.
"Young Yaoyorozu," He began, muting his microphone so that his words were for the ravenette alone, "you showed remarkable creativity and intuitiveness throughout the events. With enough preparation, I daresay that you'll be a match for almost any Villain!"
Yaoyorozu blushed and bowed her head. "Thank you, All Might-sensei."
"I would advise you, however, to better prepare yourself for when things don't go according to plan," All Might continued. "Work on those reflexes, and you'll certainly be a force to be reckoned with."
The heiress nodded and then accepted both the bronze medals All Might placed around her neck, and the brief hug he gave her.
All Might then turned toward Bakugo, who glared angrily at the bronze medal. "I know this isn't the result you were hoping for today, Young Bakugo. Still, this is only your first All-Star Games, and you will only get stronger from here. Use this day to push yourself further towards the top."
"Yeah." Bakugo bowed his head a very small amount so that All Might could place the other bronze medal around his neck. "Can I ask you something, All Might?"
"Of course! I can't guarantee I'll give you an answer you'll like, though."
"Whatever." Bakugo looked at All Might stone-faced. "Tell me, does being the best mean proving you're the strongest at everything?"
"Not in the slightest," All Might said, gently hugging the young man so that he could whisper in his ear. "For all that our society loves ranking Heroes in popularity, there's really only one person you should ever work to impress—yourself. As long as you do your very best, even if you fail, you can walk away from anything with your head held high."
"Okay." Bakugo frowned thoughtfully. "Well, I'm still gonna be the greatest Hero ever; that's my goal, and I won't stop until I achieve it. Just you wait, All Might, I'm gonna surpass even you and Midoriya."
All Might wasn't sure what surprised him more—that Bakugo seemed to be listening to honest advice or that he had compared him to Midoriya. He appeared to have done the latter without really thinking about it. All Might chose to let Bakugo think about things as he moved on to the second-place podium.
"Young Todoroki, I believe you overcame more than a sporting event today. I don't know why you decided to use your flames, and I won't pry. However, I can say this decision is an important step in your journey and will only help your growth."
With the silver medal around his neck, Todoroki nodded and spoke softly so that only All Might could hear him, "Midoriya helped me see how wrong I was and reminded me of why I'm here. I want to become a great Hero, like you, All Might… I can see why you've taken an interest in potentially training Midoriya."
All Might's gaze briefly flickered up to Midoriya. 'Truthfully, I feel he's the one training me sometimes.'
Pulling the young man into a hug, the blonde goliath whispered, "I'm sure you'll figure out what you need to do, young Todoroki. Just make sure your footing on your path is secure; starting is easy, but it is even easier to backslide in the beginning."
Todoroki nodded in understanding, keeping his gaze even.
All Might moved onto the winner with the last medal in hand. "Ca—Izuku," he kept his voice down so no one else could hear them, "congratulations on winning your first All-Star Games. You showcased incredible determination, tactful thinking, impressive skill, and, most importantly, a compassionate heart; all of which are the best qualities of a Hero. You lived up to your speech and showed many a Hero is more than just strength. Well done."
Midoriya smiled widely, a twinkle in his emerald eyes. "Thank you…Toshinori."
All Might did his best to suppress his fanboy giddiness as he placed the gold medal around the First Hero's neck and then hugged him. 'If only my younger self knew that someday I'd be awarding THE Captain America a gold medal.' He wistfully thought.
"One more thing," he said quietly, "I'll call you sometime over the weekend, and we can talk about you-know-what."
Midoriya nodded in understanding. "Right."
Patting Midoriya on the shoulder, All Might turned back to the crowd and flipped his mic back on. "There you have it, folks!" He shouted, his booming voice carrying over the speakers. "Give it up for not just our winners, but also everyone who went beyond today! Say it with me…"
The arena shook with the combined force of thousands of voices.
"PLUS ULTRA!"
Seated at the dimly lit bar counter, Shigaraki meticulously recorded his observations on a notepad as the All-Star Games concluded. Kurogiri watched from the other end, still impressed by his ward's newfound determination in his assignment.
"I'm glad to see you took the Supreme One's assignment seriously, Shigaraki," Kurogiri stated. "What did you learn about the winner?"
"Midoriya Izuku," Shigaraki muttered, pen scratching against paper, "on the surface, he may not appear threatening. But he leverages his melee and tactical prowess to compensate for the limitations of his lame enhancement Quirk. He's skilled at exploiting others' weaknesses. There's also that overpowered shield that breaks the game." He winced at the phantom pain in his jaw, resisting the urge to disintegrate another pen.
"A fair assessment." Kurogiri nodded. "Anything else?"
Shigaraki paused as he set his notes down and began pouring himself a drink. "Maybe. He doesn't sound like he likes Hero society."
"Oh? An interesting observation. I'm sure Supreme One would be interested in hearing more about that."
Shigaraki took a sip. "What about you? Any word on new members?"
"They're mostly leads right now, but thanks to the Supreme One's connections, they're very promising. I have also been in personal contact with someone that may be a great addition to our group."
"Oh?"
"Stain, the Hero Killer. I located him and extended an offer. He seemed interested at the very least."
Shigaraki swirled the amber liquid in his glass, "The Hero Killer, huh. He's pretty famous, and he's been hunting heroes for some time now."
"As I said, someone with that kind of experience could be an excellent addition."
"I suppose…I'll admit, I'm curious to see if this Hero Killer lives up to the hype."
Midoriya and Uraraka strolled toward their apartment complex, the evening sky casting a warm hue over the surroundings. In Midoriya's left arm was a box containing an assortment of Japanese sandwiches, a veritable feast compared to Uraraka's more modest snack. He took triumphant bites, replenishing the energy expended during the day's competition.
Uraraka observed him, feeling a mix of amusement and embarrassment. 'Does he know it's rude to eat like that in public, or is he just too hungry to care?'
"Don't know how you can settle for just one of these, Occhan," Midoriya remarked between bites. "I get it's not mochi, but still…"
Rolling her eyes, Uraraka couldn't help but comment, "Seriously, Izuku-kun, do you ever stop eating?"
Midoriya chuckled, "Gotta recover all those calories, Occhan. Remember, my metabolism is super-charged."
Entering the building, Uraraka sighed, looking at him with mock annoyance. "It's not fair. You and Momo can eat whatever you want and still look gorgeous."
Midoriya grinned, teasing, "You think I'm gorgeous, Occhan?"
Realizing her blunder, her face turned bright red as she sputtered out, "I-I said no such thing!"
Midoriya chuckled. "You totally did, but it's okay. I appreciate the compliment." He then took another bite, savoring the flavors. 'This brings me back…' He fondly mused on his mother's cooking.
Approaching an elevator, they waited momentarily for the doors to slide open.
"But really," Uraraka sighed, "I wish I could eat like that and still stay in shape."
Midoriya swallowed, giving her a thoughtful look. "Eating healthy is important…but a little indulgence every now and then won't hurt. Besides, you'd look great even if you gained a bit of weight in the right places."
She raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean, 'the right places'?"
The super-soldier smirked mischievously. "Well, you know, a bit more on the thighs and hips wouldn't be a bad thing."
Uraraka's face turned a deep shade of red. "Izuku!? Y-you can't just say things like that!"
He laughed. "Come on, Occhan, I'm just yanking your chain."
The brunette tilted her head cutely. "Yanking my chain?"
"It's an expression. It means I'm just joking with you." Midoriya clarified. "Relax, you're perfect the way you are."
Uraraka huffed but couldn't hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "You're lucky you're cute, you know…or I'd be mad at you."
Midoriya glanced down at her coyly. "So, you admit I'm cute?"
Uraraka playfully nudged him. "C-cut it out!" This earned genuine laughter from the super-soldier.
The elevator shuddered to a halt, and its doors gracefully parted, revealing the familiar corridor lined with apartment doors. As Uraraka approached her own entrance, she turned to her green-haired companion. "Turning in early, Izuku-kun?"
Midoriya, weariness etched across his features, nodded. "Yeah, I'm beat. Could use some extra Zs tonight."
Uraraka shot him a stern look. "Remember, no training tomorrow, mista. You need to rest."
Midoriya offered a tired smile and nodded. "I know..." Internally, he acknowledged that training in his current state would be more harmful than beneficial. It was time to let his body recover.
Satisfied with his response, Uraraka unlocked her door. However, as she attempted to turn the handle, a frown marred her face. "Huh… That's odd."
Midoriya, still standing nearby, raised an eyebrow. "What is?"
"My door is unlocked." Uraraka blinked twice. "I could've sworn I locked it this morning when we left..."
Midoriya's focus sharpened, recalling that he had indeed witnessed her locking it. "Does anyone else have a key to your place?"
Uraraka considered the question. "Well, my parents, but they're all the way in Yokkaichi."
The weariness evaporated from Midoriya's expression, replaced by a steely determination. Placing his sando box on the floor, he moved in front of Uraraka. "Stay behind me, okay?" he urged in a hushed tone.
Uraraka, sensing the shift in atmosphere, felt her heart quicken with fear. "Izuku...?"
"Just trust me," he replied, his gaze focused on the potentially compromised doorway.
As the duo stood in the corridor, an unsettling tension hung in the air. Midoriya reached for the handle, prepared to face whatever may be inside head-on to protect his friend. His other hand slid into his pants pocket, fingers searching for a hidden clicker that would alert nearby SHIELD agents.
'1…2…3!' Throwing the door open, his keen eyes darted around the room. Then, out of the darkness, two humanoids crawled out on the floor with creepy smiles and red eyes; one appeared to be female while the other was a male.
"Ochako!" The figures exclaimed.
"EEEEHHHH!" Uraraka screamed in terror, her eyes bulging out.
Midoriya immediately sprung into action and rushed toward the nearest intruder, delivering a decisive gut punch. The man grunted painfully and collapsed to his knees. As he turned his sights on the other intruder, a familiar voice echoed in the room.
"Papa?! Mama?"
Midoriya froze. 'What?'
Uraraka flicked on the light switch by the door to fully reveal the intruders. One was a woman of average height, the spitting image of Uraraka with shoulder-length brown hair, curved bangs framing her mature face, and perma-blushes on her cheeks. She wore a white blouse, blue pants, and black shoes.
The man hunched over on his knees had a blue-collar vibe, well-built and broad-shouldered with short, light-brown hair. He had a chiseled face with stubble, and his attire consisted of a light-green collared shirt, tan pants, and brown boots.
It didn't take Midoriya long to recognize the striking resemblance in the two adults with his brunette friend.
"Papa!?" Uraraka rushed past him toward her father.
"Katashi!" Uraraka's mom joined her daughter and knelt by her husband in concern. "Are you alright?"
Midoriya stood back momentarily, sweating nervously.'Whoops.'
Later, Uraraka Katashi was taking deep, slow breaths while sitting on the couch; his face twinged from the sharp pain in his torso.
"Are you sure you're okay, papa?" Ochako asked, sitting beside her father.
"I can call for immediate medical assistance, Uraraka-otousan." Midoriya chimed in, standing awkwardly off to the side.
"Heh, relax." Katashi chuckled and waved the concern off, trying to look nonchalant. "It's not that bad. Though I'm definitely gonna feel this in the morning."
"Here you go, dear." Uraraka's mother returned from the kitchen and handed her husband a bag of ice and a couple of painkillers. "Thanks, honey." He nodded gratefully, swallowing the pills and applying the ice to his torso.
Midoriya bowed apologetically, "I am deeply sorry for hurting you!"
Katashi looked at Midoriya's bowing form momentarily before turning to his daughter. "Ochako, who is this? Your boyfriend?"
Ochako's face went beet red. "What?! N-no!"
"I'm Midoriya Izuku, Uraraka-otousan! I'm a close friend, classmate, and neighbor to your daughter." Midoriya answered.
"Oh?" Uraraka's mother perked up in surprise. 'So this is the boy she keeps talking about, huh?'
Katashi leveled a suspicious expression at Midoriya. "Why were you coming into my daughter's apartment with her?" He narrowed his gaze. "You weren't planning to do anything immoral with her, were you?"
"No, sir!" He swiftly responded.
"Papa! Will you stop?!" Ochako yelled, frustrated. "That's not what's happening!"
"When your daughter mentioned her door was unlocked, I was concerned her apartment was compromised and went in first. When I saw you rushing forward, well, my training kicked in…" Midoriya elaborated, keeping his head down.
Katashi stared at the verdette before his stern demeanor turned into a bright smile. "Ah, I see then. So, this was just a misunderstanding."
"That's what I've been trying to tell you!" Ochako snapped. "But you kept assuming the worst!"
"I'm sorry, sweetie, but it's a father's job to look out for their child." Katashi then turned back to Midoriya. "You can lift your head, son."
As Midoriya straightened up, he looked at the Uraraka patriarch apologetically. "Again, I'm sorry for hitting you, sir."
"It's alright. Honestly," he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, "turning off the lights and jump-scaring our girl probably wasn't the best idea in hindsight."
"Especially with Ochako having such a caring neighbor." Uraraka's mother chimed in and approached Midoriya. "So, you're the strapping young man my girl keeps talking about."
"M-Mama!" Ochako shouted, flustered.
"I'm Uraraka Miu." She smiled sweetly and bowed. "A pleasure to finally meet you, Midoriya-san."
Midoriya bowed politely in response. "The pleasure's mine, Uraraka-okaasan."
Ochako cut in. "Not that I'm not happy to see you two, but what are you doing here?"
Uraraka's parents both turned to their daughter with happy smiles.
"We came to throw you a party, of course!" Miu excitedly declared.
Katashi added, managing to stand up from the couch. "We had to come to celebrate your showing in the All-Star Games. We had the whole event recorded and want to watch it with you as a family. Also," his grin brightened, "we have some incredible news to share with you too!"
"But what about work? Don't you have a job going on?" Ochako weakly objected. "I mean, did you take the bullet train here? When? How? I…" Her lips quivered as tears brimmed in her eyes. "I…I can't believe you're here!"
The dam burst as Ochako wrapped her parents in a hug and proceeded to cry. After going several months without seeing them, she couldn't suppress her tears of excitement.
Midoriya, meanwhile, stood a respectable distance away and allowed the small family to have their moment of reunion, a small smile on his face.
Politeness guiding him, he turned toward Uraraka's parents with a small, respectful bow."I'll see myself out then."
Uraraka Miu turned to him. "Are you sure? You're welcome to stay a little longer."
Midoriya shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I am feeling exhausted. Again, apologies for the trouble I caused you."
"Oh, it's no trouble, dear." Miu offered him a warm smile, her squinted eyes opening to reveal sparkling brown eyes. "Thank you for looking out for our daughter."
Uraraka Katashi, though more reserved, nodded appreciatively. "You have our gratitude for taking care of our little girl. Although, I must say, you pack quite a punch."
Midoriya chuckled, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "Well, it's a habit, I suppose. But I should let you three have your family time." He inclined his head toward Ochako's father.
"Thank you, Midoriya-san," Katashi replied, offering a firm handshake, which Midoriya accepted. "Take care of yourself. I'm sure we'll see you around."
With a final nod, Midoriya stepped back, allowing the Uraraka family to continue their heartfelt reunion. He exchanged a quick glance with Ochako, who mouthed a silent "thank you" before refocusing on her parents.
Closing the door gently, Midoriya let out a long exhale. 'Definitely not an ideal first impression.' He berated himself.
He went to pick up his sandwich box from the hallway floor and retraced his steps toward his own apartment. As he approached his door, Midoriya cast one more look at Uraraka's apartment. The warmth of their family bond lingered in the air, stirring a mixture of joy for his friend and a subtle longing for the familial connections he lacked. With a quiet exhale, he unlocked his door and entered his apartment.
The soft click of the door echoed in the now quieter space. Midoriya walked over and turned on his bedside lamp, and the room was bathed in a gentle glow. After placing the sandwiches in his fridge for later, he settled into his chair at the work desk, reached into the drawer, and retrieved his 'Reports' notebook.
Flipping to the latest page, he began penning his thoughts in English.
FROM: CAPTAIN AMERICA
TO: COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
SUBJECT: JP UA ALL-STAR GAMES RESULT
The UA FRESHMEN ALL-STAR GAMES HAVE CONCLUDED, AND I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT I SECURED FIRST PLACE IN ALL THREE MAJOR EVENTS. I EXERTED MY FULL EFFORT AND TOOK PRIDE IN REPRESENTING MY COUNTRY AND MYSELF ON THIS GRAND GLOBAL STAGE. DESPITE A FEW COMPLICATIONS THAT I WON'T BORE YOU WITH, MY COMPANIONS DISPLAYED ADMIRABLE DETERMINATION THROUGHOUT THE GAMES.
I HOPE THAT MY VICTORY SERVES AS A REMINDER THAT HEROISM IS NOT ABOUT FLASHINESS BUT RATHER BRAVERY, DETERMINATION, AND A COMPASSIONATE HEART.
ON A MORE PRESSING MATTER, ALL FOR ONE AND THE LEAGUE WERE LIKELY VIEWING THE GAMES–MEANING THEY KNOW THE CURRENT CAPABILITIES OF MY CLASSMATES' ABILITIES. I SUSPECT AFO WILL WANT TO ACCELERATE WHATEVER SCHEME HE HAS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT FACT.
IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE HE MAKES HIS NEXT MOVE.
I WILL PROVIDE FURTHER UPDATES AS MORE INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE.
With the brief report finished, Midoriya closed the notebook, placing it back in the drawer. He stretched, letting out a long, tired yawn. The weight of solitude settled in the room, the echoes of family laughter next door now a distant memory. Pondering the day's events, Midoriya couldn't escape the subtle ache of loneliness.
Seeking a distraction, he retrieved his phone and checked it, disappointment crossing his face when he found no messages from Iida. The screen displayed enthusiastic texts from his group of friends, sharing the joy of their families' reactions to the All-Star Games.
He was happy to know that even Yaoyorozu's parents had video-called her to celebrate with her. 'Hopefully her folks will find time to see her in person. I know Momo would love that.'
A genuine smile played on his lips, but as he scrolled through the messages, a subtle ache settled in his chest. Shaking off the feeling, Midoriya congratulated each friend individually through quick texts, the rhythmic taps of the keyboard echoing in his silent apartment.
Switching to the music app, he pressed play on a long playlist, filling the quietness with music from his era. The silence had been starting to bother him.
Plugging his phone on the charger, he pulled out the gold medal, examining the symbol of triumph in the dimly lit emptiness of his apartment. Unfortunately, the medal felt more like a silent companion than a celebration. With the medal still in hand, he walked to his bed and collapsed onto it, the mattress offering a momentary respite. Despite considering changing, fatigue from the day's events washed over him.
A heavy sigh escaped as he let the gold medal slip onto the bedside table, switching the lamp off and enveloping the apartment in darkness. The room closed in, solitude becoming a palpable presence. Closing his eyes, Midoriya surrendered to the quietude. The cheers of the crowd faded, replaced by the background noise of his music playlist and the soft hum of his breath.
His thoughts drifted to his closest friends from the past, a small smile gracing his face as he imagined their reactions to winning the All-Star Games. The compliments, jokes, and proud reactions felt like distant echoes, adding a bittersweet layer to his emotions.
'What I wouldn't give to see them again just one more time… Peg-chan…' he inwardly lamented, the brim of his eyes becoming misty.
Two days had elapsed since the conclusion of the Freshmen All-Star Games. Enjoying a break from their usual classes, many students, particularly those who participated in the events, spent their time catching up on rest, hitting the books, and tuning in to watch the remaining two games. Even Midoriya found himself needing a day of physical recovery after the intense competition.
As the Saturday night lights illuminated the streets of Musutafu with a lively atmosphere, a quaint ramen shop named Noodle Force on the outskirts of the city attracted locals with its aromatic offerings. Midoriya and Coulson sat on stools outside the shop, both casually dressed for the evening.
Midoriya sported his brown leather jacket over a red-and-white plaid shirt, dark blue jeans, and his iconic red-laced boots, while Coulson donned a black leather jacket over a white t-shirt featuring a rising sun emblem on the front, complemented by dark jeans and black shoes.
Having placed their orders with the chef, Coulson turned to Midoriya, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "There's something different about you, but I can't quite put my finger on it." He said in English.
Midoriya brushed a strand of blonde hair away from his blue eyes, smirking. "Wanted to try a new look tonight." He replied in English.
Translation: I wanted to keep a low profile.
"Understandable since you snagged that promotion," Coulson remarked.
Translation: Understandable since you won the All-Star Games.
Coulson raised a small glass of sake. "Cheers!"
Midoriya lifted his own sake glass, clinking it against Coulson's with a satisfying sound before both men enjoyed a sip.
Coulson set his glass down, a quizzical expression on his face. "I thought you despised this particular look..."
Translation: Don't you hate this disguise?
Midoriya responded with a nonchalant shrug. "I've grown accustomed to it."
No translation needed.
A sympathetic frown appeared on Coulson's face as he grasped the underlying sentiment. "I'm sorry..."
The super-soldier shrugged again, his demeanor indifferent. "It's in the past. No regrets."
Nodding in understanding, Coulson decided it was best to drop the matter. Keeping his voice down, he continued, "When I said 'win the whole thing', you certainly took that to heart. You made it all look easy."
"Trust me, it wasn't; especially the last round," Midoriya quietly replied. 'I'm still sore from all of those burns…'
"I'll take your word for it." Coulson pulled out a smartphone from his jacket, opened an app, and passed it to Midoriya on the counter. "By the way, take a look at all of this."
Picking up the phone, Midoriya saw that it was an app featuring the top stories from the last two days by many Japanese news networks.
Astonishing Upset in UA All-Star Games!
Not Your Typical All-Star Champion.
Carelessness Costs Todoroki the Gold!
Midoriya 'Yo Joe' Izuku: Future Great…or One Year Wonder?
These were just a few of the big headlines from yesterday's news. He opened each article and swiftly read through them, getting a grasp of people's stances on his victory.
It was clear the country was simultaneously ecstatic and shocked by his victory, especially when it was revealed that his Quirk was nothing more than a simple enhancement type. Some people were campaigning that Midoriya could be a trailblazer for groups of people without flashy Quirks entering Pro Heroics, while many others brushed it off as a feel-good story that would pass in time.
"Well, the waters have been stirred at least," Midoriya remarked.
"They're raging actually." Coulson chuckled. "You should see all of the online and news debates."
As Midoriya returned the phone to Coulson, the distant hum of a local news station played through a small television in the corner. The pair turned their attention to the screen.
"Breaking News! The Hero Killer Strikes Again!" the newscaster reported. "Hosu City became the latest hunting grounds for the dangerous criminal, Stain. Two Sidekicks and One Pro have been killed while two other Heroes have been critically injured, including the popular Ingenium."
Midoriya's expression darkened. 'Iida.'
Coulson frowned and looked at Midoriya, concern etching his features. "Ingenium is the brother of one of your friends, right?"
"Yeah…"
"How's he taking it?" Coulson asked.
Midoriya's gaze fell to the counter. "Not well. He sent a group text to me and the rest of my friends briefly saying what happened, but not much else. He hasn't replied to any of our calls or texts since then. Ingenium was critically injured, so…" he trailed off, the unspoken worry hanging heavy.
"Hmm…" Coulson took his phone and tapped on it several times with a focused expression. A short moment later, he looked back at the blonde, freckled man. "Ingenium is still alive."
Midoriya turned to the agent quizzically, realizing Coulson must've used his SHIELD credentials to acquire that information somehow. "Still critical?"
Coulson nodded grimly. "Based on his injuries, he likely won't ever walk again."
"That bad?" Midoriya arched his eyebrows in surprise. "What about Recovery Girl?"
Coulson shook his head. "Even her power has limits."
"There isn't any Quirk or some treatment that could help him?"
"There are incredible healing Quirks out there, yes. But they're only beneficial for the ones that have them." Coulson explained. "Very rarely can someone's Quirk be used to heal others. That's why people like Recovery Girl hardly ever retire in the medical field. As for treatments," he shrugged, "anything that advanced isn't available to the general public."
Midoriya sighed heavily. "So, unless someone with a Quirk as powerful as Recovery Girl comes around…"
"Ingenium's Pro Hero career is over, unfortunately." Coulson concluded. "A shame too. I really liked him."
The shop's chef walked up to the counter and placed two sizable bowls before the men; one was a bowl of katsudon and the other was Tonkotsu ramen.
With a polite "Itadakimasu," the men proceeded to eat their respective meals. Digging into his katsudon, the war veteran mused over the taste. 'Not bad… Not as good as mom's though…'
"So, how are your other friends doing?" Coulson curiously inquired.
After swallowing a mouthful, Midoriya replied, "They've been enjoying time with their families, celebrating their showings in the games. Occhan's parents surprised her on Thursday night."
"So you got to meet her folks, huh? How'd that go?"
Midoriya sweat-dropped. "Well… It could've gone better."
"Oh?" Coulson looked interested. "What happened?"
"I'd…rather not talk about it." The super-soldier sheepishly deadpanned.
"Oh!" He perked back up. "I think Tsunotori and Kaminari went on a date today too."
"The lightning guy?" Coulson smirked. "Funny that he gets a gal before you; even though you had a head start with two other ladies."
Midoriya sighed, rolling his eyes. "Drop it."
"In other news," the pair glanced back at the TV, "Day 3 of the UA All-Star Games concluded today." Notable highlights from the juniors and seniors All-Star Games were displayed. "With the showings put on today, the future of Japanese Heroics certainly looks bright." The broadcast then zoomed in on the winners podium, focusing on the smiling charismatic blonde student standing on. "The first place winner of Day 3 especially inspired hope in the form of Mirio Togata! After his spectacular showing, many are beginning to ask the question… Is this young man the next All Might? Tune in at 20:00 to hear more!"
"The next All Might?" Coulson murmured in English "Sounds like headline-porn."
Midoriya did not comment as he stared at the screen with a measured expression.
The balding man glanced over at the disguised super-soldier with a serious expression. "Speaking of the big guy, have you talked to him about…you-know-what."
Finishing his katsudon, Midoriya looked down at his empty bowl; his mind drifting back on the fateful night Yagi had shared his most sacred secret with him.
Two weeks earlier…
"Like you…I wasn't born with my Quirk." All Might, in his buff form, proclaimed.
Midoriya's breath hitched in his throat, his mouth agape. 'What?!' He internally yelled.
All Might turned to him with his signature smile."Surprised? Ha-ha-ha!" He laughed boisterously. "Indeed! My power was given to me by another."
"Wait! T-t-time out!" The verdette stammered as a shocking possibility occurred to him. "Toshinori…a-are you a super-so–"
"No." The blonde titan held out his hand, cutting him off. "I am not a super-soldier. My power derives from an actual Quirk and not a serum like yours."
"That's…that's…unreal." Blinking twice, he reconsidered his words. "Yet after everything I've been through…I have to believe it." He confessed honestly.
"Ha-ha-ha-ha!" All Might threw his head back, with his signature laugh. "Don't feel bad!" He gently patted the super-soldier's shoulder. "When my mentor told me what I'm telling you, I thought it was some kind of sick joke."
"Your mentor?" Midoriya asked.
"Yes." All Might brought his clenched fist up to his chest. "My Quirk is a sacred torch that has been passed down from mentor to student since the Dawn of Quirks…all the way back to the first bearer, the younger brother of All For One…Yoichi–you said his name was."
Shock was plastered onto Midoriya's visage. "W…what…?" He uttered, awestruck.
All Might nodded and continued. "It is the crystallization of each previous user's power. It carries all of their hopes and dreams…with the sole purpose of one day becoming strong enough to defeat its evil twin, All For One. Its name…"
Midoriya felt as if All Might was gazing into his very soul; his cerulean eyes held an intensity that locked him into place.
"One For All."
A moment of silence passed as Midoriya processed this revelation.
"One For All…?" Midoriya's emerald eyes widened in realization. "I see… Instead of all quirks for one person, it's one person's power for all wielders."
All Might nodded in confirmation, smiling proudly. "That's right."
"It's also the other half of the Three Musketeers motto." Midoriya mentioned.
"W-well…yes, I suppose." All Might cleared his throat. "But I'd like to see it as the righteous counterpart to All For One's dastardly power."
"...Why tell me all of this?" Glancing at All Might's left side, knowing about the gnarly injuries hidden by his clothes, his enhanced mind put the dots together. "Hold on, Toshinori, are you asking me to–"
All Might nodded, his expression resolute. "Yes, Captain. I am."
Midoriya was floored, his mouth gaping slightly. "You're asking me? Why?"
In a puff of smoke, All Might transformed back to his thin, sickly form. After coughing up a bit of blood and wiping his mouth, he replied, "Ever since my injuries, I've been on the lookout for a successor; more so in the last year now since my condition is…worsening."
'That explains why Toshinori came to work at UA then. He was planning on giving his power to a student there…until we met.' Midoriya internally deduced.
Yagi continued. "As for why you, honestly, that's not the right question to ask, Izuku. It should be, why not you?"
Midoriya was genuinely confused. "What do you mean? Toshinori, I'm just a soldier, not some great powerful superhero." He lowered his gaze to the decking, unsure. "Are you sure you want me as your successor?"
The verdette was cut off when the disheveled blonde laid a hand on his shoulder, his intense cerulean eyes staring into his emerald ones. "Yes, I do. I decided that when I saw you rush in to save young Bakugo in that alleyway."
"Not when you found out my real identity?"
Yagi shook his head. "On the contrary, the fact that you're Captain America is what kept me from telling you about One For All sooner." He went on, clarifying, "You had your own hurdles and obstacles to deal with. I didn't feel right dropping something as life-changing as One For All on you then. Also…" he pulled his hand away and rubbed his neck sheepishly. "...I didn't want you to feel like I was insulting you."
Midoriya tilted his head curiously. "Why would you think that?"
"Because you're THE legend who set the example for all Heroes. I worried offering my power to you may come off as a lack of faith in your abilities." Yagi admitted.
Midoriya groaned, shaking his head. "Toshinori…You know I wouldn't have thought that for even a second."
Yagi sighed heavily. "Perhaps not…But none of that matters now." He looked back at the war veteran seriously. "Captain, I know this may not seem fair, but I need you to be my successor! Time is running out."
Midoriya felt a pit in his stomach at the implications of Yagi's worries. "Toshinori, don't tell me you're–"
"My time limit. It's getting shorter with every use of my Quirk." Yagi elaborated. "It won't be long before I'll be unable to access my power, meaning–"
"You'll have to retire." Midoriya finished.
Yagi nodded gravely. "Which means no more Symbol of Peace for the world. I don't believe I have to go over the implications of what will happen if that comes to pass…especially if there isn't one to take my place."
Midoriya looked thoughtful, his mind racing with the weight of responsibility. Before he could respond, Yagi raised a hand, interrupting him.
"Don't answer me now," Yagi said, his voice firm. "I want you to seriously consider this. It's a decision that will change your life and the lives of countless others. Please, take your time."
There was a moment of silence as Midoriya processed Yagi's words. He met the intense gaze of the Symbol of Peace and nodded in understanding. "Okay then."
"Let's wait till after the All-Star Games," Yagi continued. "Enjoy your time with your friends, and then, when the dust settles, give me your answer."
Midoriya nodded again, a mix of determination and contemplation in his expression. "I'll think it over very carefully."
"Good." Yagi smiled faintly. "Remember, this is not just for me or for you. It's for the world that needs a Symbol of Peace."
'A Symbol of Peace…' Midoriya fell into a moment of introspection, the sound of the ocean waves providing a soothing backdrop to his thoughts.
Yagi offered Midoriya a supportive pat on the shoulder, snapping him from his musings. "Take your time, Cap. I have faith that whatever decision you make will be the right one."
Present Day…
After replaying the memory in his mind, he turned back to Coulson. "We agreed it'd be best to wait till after the All-Star Games were over before I gave him an answer."
"I guess that makes sense, but… the answer should be obvious though."
"Is it?"
Coulson arched an eyebrow, bemused. "Of course. I mean, if anyone could take the paton from him, it's you."
Midoriya looked at the countertop introspectively. "… Is that what the world really needs though?"
Coulson momentarily looked at Midoriya in bemusement. Before he could respond though, Midoriya's phone went off.
"A text message is here!" All Might's voice announced.
"One sec," Midoriya reached into his pocket to fetch his phone.
Coulson briefly stared at Midoriya. '...Glad to know Cap uses that text tone too.'
Turning on the screen, Midoriya read over the message that came through.
Toshinori: Are you free to meet up at our usual place?
Midoriya typed back.
Affirmative! I'll start heading there.
There was an ellipsis text before Yagi responded with the salute emoji.
Putting his phone back in his pocket, Midoriya turned back to Coulson. "Speaking of the big guy, think you can give me a ride to the beach?"
The night was calm, with the full moon casting a silver glow on Takoba Municipal Beach. Yagi strolled across the sand, his steps measured and deliberate. As he walked, he couldn't help but notice a crushed soda can washing up on shore. Stooping down, he picked it up and tucked it into his coat pocket, intending to dispose of it properly later.
Making his way toward the pier, Yagi contemplated the weight of the decision he had presented to Midoriya. The waves lapped gently against the wooden structure, creating a rhythmic melody that filled the air. He reached the end of the pier, where he planned to meet Midoriya, and looked out over the tranquil ocean.
Anticipating Midoriya's arrival in ten minutes, Yagi was surprised when he heard a familiar voice shouting his name. "Toshinori!"
Turning around, Yagi saw Midoriya running across the beach toward him. "Cap?"
Midoriya dashed down the pier to meet Yagi, his expression a mix of excitement and determination. "How did you get here so fast?" Yagi inquired.
"Oh... Well, I was with Coulson when you contacted me. He offered me a ride in Lola."
"I see. Were you both close by?"
"We were at the Noodle Force shop actually."
Yagi's eyes widened slightly. "But that's across town! Surely he didn't drive here that fast?"
"Well, not drive, per se..." Midoriya trailed off with a mischievous smile. "It's a long story. But let's just say, it's not your average mode of transportation."
"I'll take your word for it." Deciding it wasn't the right time to delve into the details, Yagi changed the topic.
"I'm sure you know why I called you here." The atmosphere shifted, and Yagi's expression turned serious. "Have you had a chance to consider my offer?"
Midoriya's demeanor shifted as well, his eyes reflecting a mixture of contemplation and resolve. "I have, Toshinori. And I'm ready to give you my answer."
Closing his eyes, Yagi took a deep breath and exhaled, already anticipating what Midoriya's answer would be. 'I'm sure he'll say no. It makes sense. He's the First Hero, after all. He doesn't need–'
"I accept."
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
Several moments of silence passed as a cacophony of waves breaking on the shore and the ocean breeze filled the background.
Yagi's eyes widened as he finally processed Midoriya's response. He was at a loss for words before he finally broke the silence. "You…You'll accept my power?"
Midoriya nodded determinedly. "I will."
Yagi exhaled in relief, feeling like a great weight was lifted off of his shoulders. "Captain…Izuku…I can't tell you how much this–"
Midoriya interjected. "But on one condition."
Yagi paused, blinking in confusion. "Alright… Name it."
The World War III veteran leveled a steely gaze at the Number One Pro. "I'll accept the responsibility that comes with One For All…but I can't take on your mantle as the Symbol of Peace."
The declaration hung in the air like an unspoken truth, creating a palpable tension between the two. Yagi's eyes searched Midoriya's face for any sign of wavering, but the determination reflected in those emerald orbs was unwavering.
The ocean breeze carried a sense of solemnity, intensifying the gravity of the moment. Yagi swallowed hard, processing the weight of Midoriya's condition. The Symbol of Peace was not just a title; it carried decades of history, sacrifices, and expectations.
"Izuku…Captain," Yagi began, choosing his words carefully, "the Symbol of Peace is more than just a title. It's a beacon of hope for the people, a symbol that transcends any individual. If you take on One For All, you inherit the responsibility that comes with it. And that responsibility includes being a Symbol of Peace."
Midoriya's gaze remained unyielding. "I understand the legacy, Toshinori. While I admire and greatly respect what you've accomplished, I believe there have been some unintended consequences to having a lone Symbol of Peace in the world."
Yagi was now curious. "What do you mean?"
Midoriya paused to carefully consider his own words. "I may be a man out of time…but even I can see that society is overly dependent on All Might. So much so that people are willing to ignore those in trouble right in front of them, believing that you or some other Pro will always show up and handle things."
Yagi conceded to the truth in that statement. He was aware of this aspect of Hero society, and inwardly admitted that it bothered him. While he recognized the need for Quirk restriction laws…other factors needed to be considered for using Quirks outside of just self-defense.
Midoriya continued. "Many young Heroes aspire to be more like you, or rather, they want to reach your level of fame." His thoughts briefly drifted to Bakugo and Endeavor, but understood there were many other Pros who shared similar goals. "While that may not seem like a bad thing, it's led to Heroes focusing more on popularity contests rather than actually helping the community. Take this park, for example," he gestured to the beach behind them, "if it weren't for us, this place would likely still be a landfill."
Yagi nodded in full agreement. "You're not wrong…" Shaking his head, the emaciated blonde countered, "But still, this time of peace we have is predicated on having a Symbol! If I were to retire with no successor, Villains everywhere would rise. There'll be chaos, Captain! Surely you see that!"
Midoriya nodded in affirmation. "But finding a successor is the problem. You're putting all of your burdens onto one person, hoping they can maintain the peace and solve any problems." He shook his head. "No person should carry that weight alone."
"I did." Yagi countered. "I did so for decades."
"And look where that got you." Midoriya challenged, gesturing to Yagi's left side. "Taking on All For One alone nearly got you killed."
Yagi subconsciously laid his hand on his right side, the phantom pain coursing through him at the mention of that dreaded battle.
"No matter how strong you are, we all need allies, All Might. I'm not too proud to admit I wouldn't be standing here today if I didn't have my friends to save me on several occasions."
"...You're not wrong." Yagi let out a deep exhale. "I've always believed that society needed someone to look up to and inspire hope… a symbol. Much like you as the Symbol of Courage. With the great power that I wielded after accepting One For All, I believed it was my responsibility to become that symbol."
Midoriya's expression softened. "You may have stood alone as the greatest Hero for decades, but society needs more than just one pillar. We need a foundation."
Yagi lowered his gaze with a thoughtful expression, considering the First Hero's words, with the ocean sounds echoing in the background. 'A foundation… I see. He wants there to be Symbols of Peace, not just one person.'
Midoriya silently gauged Yagi's expression. "Toshinori, I understand that my answer may not be what you were expecting…or what you were hoping for. Maybe I've ruined your image of what Captain America is to you. But please hear me out…"
The Number One Pro silently shifted his gaze to the tall, well-built verdette, giving him his undivided attention.
Midoriya took a deep breath. "I want to continue my legacy from before: Inspiring and teaching others the true meaning of heroism. I want to assure people that no matter how bad the situation is, no matter how many times I get knocked down, I'll always get back up and keep on the good fight. I will always do the right thing because I believe it to be right."
Yagi's breath hitched in his throat, his blue eyes widening.'Captain…'
Recalling his conversation with Dr. Hatsume many years ago, Midoriya pointed to his own heart, confusing Yagi. "All Might…Yagi Toshinori…I can't be the perfect soldier, nor the perfect Pro Hero, and especially not a Symbol of Peace…but what I can and always will strive to be is a good man."
…
…
Yagi was rendered speechless, blown away by Midoriya proclamation as a surge of warm emotions coursed through him. Once again, he could feel the fires of One For All blazing within him. The faint indiscernible calls of the past wielders calling out to him.
'He…He's a far better hero than I could ever hope to be…'Yagi internally declared, his eyes starting to become misty. The swell of emotions within him was becoming too much for him to bear.
Midoriya lowered his gaze to the decking. "If my condition is still a deal breaker for you, Toshinori, then I understand. I'll accept your decision. I just hope that this doesn't result in any bitterness between–"
Thud!
Sob…Sob…Sob…
Glancing up, the super-soldier was taken aback to see Yagi had fallen to his knees, covering his face with both hands while sobbing madly.
"All Might…?" Midoriya's voice was laced with concern. 'Did I hurt his feelings that bad?'
Before Midoriya could attempt to console the emaciated man, in a puff of smoke, Yagi buffed up into his muscular form; his casual clothing now clinging tightly to his robust body. The tears streaming down his face, however, still remained.
All Might returned to his feet and wiped his face. "There is no need for more discussion. I've made my final decision."
Midoriya looked at the crying Pro, anticipating what he'd say.
"Captain America…Midoriya Izuku…" All Might tearfully declared. "One For All is yours to inherit."