Jiro leaned forward, her interest piqued, as she addressed Tokage. "So, Setsuna-chan, who's caught your eye for the internship?" Her tone carried a hint of playful curiosity.
Tokage's lips curled into a sly grin. "Well, let's just say there's someone rather... Majestic on my list."
Her response triggered a wave of surprised reactions around the table. Tsunotori, sitting next to Kaminari, leaned in with excitement. "You're not talking about THE Majestic, are you? I've heard so much about him!"
Midoriya, always well-informed, chimed in. "He's highly ranked, within the top 100."
"Wasn't his Quirk called Magic or something?" Sero asked.
Affirming Sero's statement with a nod, Tokage elaborated on her choice. "Exactly. His Quirk lets him create objects from energy he emits from his wrists, allowing him to fly. It's fascinating, and I think there's a lot I can learn from him, considering the versatility of my own Quirk."
Yaoyorozu, who had been quietly mulling over her own choices, spoke up. "I noticed Majestic on my list too. But I believe I'm going with Fat Gum. I think his experience and approach could offer me valuable insights, just like Majestic would for you, Setsuna-chan."
"And you, Occhan?" Midoriya inquired, turning to her.
Uraraka sighed, "I've got quite a few offers to go through, but I think I'll focus on combat heroes for now. After my bout with Momo-chan, I feel like I need to strengthen that area."
"You seemed to hold your own well against Yaomomo though." Ashido said. "Besides, I thought you wanted to focus on rescuing."
"Yeah," Asui chimed in, "you and Yaomomo have already been training with Midoriya. Shouldn't you use this opportunity to get some rescue experience?"
"Well...While I hated losing in the first round, I have other reasons for wanting to get better at fighting before I put in some time at rescue stuff."
"Oh?" Midoriya turned to her, curious.
"The USJ. After everything...I just feel like right now it would be best for me to focus on getting stronger. Right now...the best way to rescue people might be in my ability to protect them."
Midoriya nodded thoughtfully. "That makes perfect sense."
Yaoyorozu turned to Midoriya with interest. "And what about you, Izuku-kun? With the highest number of offers, you must have some notable choices."
Uraraka leaned in, her curiosity evident. "Yeah, who's the top-ranked Hero on your list?"
Midoriya gave a nonchalant shrug. "Honestly, I haven't had the chance to look through them in detail yet. I'll need to spend some time on it tonight."
Ashido, always enthusiastic, jumped into the conversation. "But with over four thousand offers, there's got to be some big names in there! Just pick the highest-ranked one!"
Midoriya inwardly sighed, 'If only it were that straightforward, Ashido.' Outwardly, he maintained a calm demeanor. "Rank isn't the only thing that matters. It's not just about how high a Hero is ranked but also about how well their style and environment align with my own needs and goals."
Yaoyorozu nodded, showing her agreement. "Exactly. It's important to consider other factors like the compatibility of Quirks, the work environment, and how the Hero's approach aligns with your own aspirations."
"Yeah, yeah…I guess those are fair points." Ashido relented.
"Still though," Kaminari spoke up, "since you had such a great showing, I'm sure you have some great offers. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if All Might gave you one."
Midoriya did his best to maintain a measured expression. "That would certainly be an honor. But I'll let you guys know what I decide on soon after I go through my offers."
He then glanced over at Iida, who seemed engrossed in his list of offers. "What about you, Iida-kun? You received a lot of offers too."
Iida seemed lost in thought and didn't immediately respond. He appeared to be scanning his list rapidly, as if searching for something specific. Midoriya couldn't quite put his finger on what Iida might be looking for.
With Iida not responding, this prompted Tokage to disconnect her hand and levitate it across the table and playfully give him a gentle poke.
Surprised by the sudden interruption, Iida blinked and looked up. "Oh, sorry, what was that, Midoriya-kun?"
Midoriya's expression turned to one of concern. "Are you okay, Iida? You seem a bit preoccupied."
Iida's eyes darted back to his list, then back to Midoriya, a mix of focus and concern evident on his face. "Uh, yes–"
"Hey everyone! How's it going?" Hatsume exclaimed, her entrance stirring a mix of curiosity and slight annoyance among the group.
Uraraka, visibly irked by Hatsume's choice to sit right between her and Midoriya, asked, "Hatsume-san?"
Unfazed by the reception, Hatsume's eyes sparkled with fervor. "Ready to upgrade your gear whenever you are!" she declared, barely taking a breath.
Jiro eyed her warily, "Really now?"
Kaminari, seizing the opportunity, began, "Actually, I was thinking of—"
But Hatsume cut him off, her attention zeroing in on Midoriya. "So, when are you bringing your shield to the Support Department?"
Midoriya sighed inwardly, 'So that's her main interest,' he thought, slightly exasperated.
Before he could respond, an idea dawned on him. "I can swing by during our free period at 14:15. But I'm curious about that Energy Shield prototype."
Yaoyorozu leaned in, intrigued. "Are you considering replacing your shield, Izuku-kun?"
Midoriya shook his head. "No, she's irreplaceable. But I think a backup could be useful."
"To avoid what happened at the USJ," Tokage mentioned.
Hatsume's excitement dimmed slightly. "The Energy Shield? Well, it's not combat-ready yet. The main issue is the power source."
Uraraka, confused, asked, "Didn't it work during the games?"
Hatsume sighed. "It did, but that was minimal usage. It drains fast, and now I'm out of palladium, so I can't use the Arc Reactor to power it."
Yaoyorozu's eyes lit up with understanding. "So, palladium is the key issue?"
Hatsume nodded. "Exactly. It's not easy to come by."
Midoriya exchanged a knowing glance with Yaoyorozu, who smiled subtly in response.
"I might know someone who can help with that," Midoriya hinted.
Hatsume's curiosity piqued. "Really?"
Midoriya affirmed, "Yeah. Palladium shouldn't be a problem for them."
Hatsume's enthusiasm returned. "With enough palladium, I could get that shield ready for your internships in no time!"
Midoriya grinned, excited at the prospect. Yaoyorozu blushed lightly, pleased to be part of the plan.
Hatsume, carried away in her excitement and oblivious to the suggestive undertones, leaned closer to Midoriya. "And with any extra palladium, I could upgrade my super baby!" She beamed at him. "You know, Izuku-kun, making babies has always been a blast, but making them with someone as focused as you takes it to a whole new level!"
Yaoyorozu, caught off-guard by Hatsume's enthusiasm, blushed deeply. "H-Hatsume-san, perhaps we could... um, choose our words more carefully?"
Uraraka, her cheeks glowing a shade of crimson, chimed in with equal embarrassment, "Yeah, phrasing is important, Hatsume-san!"
"Huh? What're you talking about?" Hatsume asked, clueless.
Tokage, Ashido, and Tsunotori couldn't contain their amusement, their laughter bubbling up at the scene.
Kaminari, mouth agape, was about to add his own quip but was swiftly silenced by a pointed kick to the shin from Jiro, a clear warning to think twice before speaking.
With Hatsume now digging into her meal, and eyeing over Tsunotori's list while commenting that she had plenty of babies that could assist in her flight, Midoriya turned his attention back to Iida.
His eyes lingered on Iida's stack of papers and was surprised to see it was mostly done. Neat black lines marked out agencies he had decided not to go with, or at least what he assumed. He then noted the intense look in his eyes; it was as if he were looking for something specific. Something didn't feel right, but he hesitated to press further; especially in public.
The table then buzzed with light conversation as the others discussed their internships and Hero names, and Hatsume suggested ideas for improving other's Support Gear.
That's when Tokage's voice, tinged with uncertainty, cut through the chatter. "Err..."
Everyone at the table turned in the direction Tokage was looking. Midoriya, following their gaze, was surprised to see Todoroki standing there, holding a tray of food, looking directly at him.
"T-todoroki?" Midoriya stammered, caught off guard.
Midoriya's reaction echoed around the table, with expressions ranging from surprise to curiosity.
Todoroki spoke up, addressing Midoriya with a solemn tone. "Midoriya, I didn't get a chance to say this after our match, but I wanted to thank you. What you said to me, and did for me. You've helped me in more ways than I can say."
Midoriya, slightly embarrassed but touched by Todoroki's words, nodded. "I'm glad I could help, Todoroki."
As Todoroki turned to leave, offering a polite bow to the group, Midoriya watched him, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. He remembered the countless times he had seen Todoroki eating alone, his isolation not just physical but emotional.
Knowing the struggles Todoroki had faced, Midoriya felt a pang of empathy. The All-Star Games had been a turning point for him, but it wasn't enough. Midoriya knew that enduring troubles like Todoroki's required more than just occasional support; it needed the steady presence of friends.
Glancing around the table, Midoriya noted the empty seat beside them. Before Todoroki could take another step, Midoriya called out to him, his voice filled with sincerity. "Hey, Todoroki. Would you like to eat with us?"
Two hours later, after a bustling lunch break, a boring Modern Literature 102 class, and a free period, the students of Class 101-A made their way back to their Foundational Heroics classroom. Meanwhile, Midoriya and Yaoyorozu walked side by side, departing from the Support Department.
"I really appreciate what you did back there, Momo-chan," Midoriya expressed with genuine gratitude.
Yaoyorozu responded with a warm smile, "It was my pleasure to help, Izuku-kun."
Midoriya let out a light laugh, recalling their recent visit. "The look on Mei's face when you created palladium... I thought she was about to short-circuit!"
Yaoyorozu's laughter joined his. "It was quite a sight. So, this means the Energy Shield will be integrated into your costume?"
"Yes, that's the plan," Midoriya confirmed with a nod.
"I'm relieved to hear that," Yaoyorozu admitted with a sigh. "I know you're incredibly skilled, but I always worry about you being unprotected in a critical situation."
Midoriya winced slightly, memories of past injuries momentarily surfacing. "Yeah, I agree. Extra protection is always welcome."
As they conversed, Midoriya spotted Iida ahead in the hallway, deeply engrossed in his internship offers. He raised an eyebrow when Iida continued straight ahead instead of turning towards their classroom.
"Odd. Where is Iida-kun going?" Yaoyorozu remarked, noticing as well.
Midoriya's concern deepened. "I'll go check on him. You should head to class, Momo-chan."
Yaoyorozu hesitated, but eventually nodded. "Alright, just hurry back. I'd rather you both not be late."
With a determined stride, Midoriya hastened his pace down the hallway, skillfully navigating through the crowd of students, eager to catch up with his friend.
As Midoriya hastened his pace, he noticed they had wandered beyond the Department of Heroics and into the Business wing, a less crowded area. Catching up, he reached out and gently tapped Iida's shoulder. "Iida-kun!"
Iida, jarred from his deep contemplation, spun around with a slightly disoriented expression. "Midoriya-kun? Why are you here? Shouldn't we be heading to our Field class?"
Glancing around, Iida's confusion deepened as he realized he was off course. "I... How did I end up here?"
"We've passed the Heroics Department," Midoriya informed him, a hint of concern in his voice.
A look of mild distress crossed Iida's face. "I hope we haven't made ourselves late. As future Pro Heroes, punctuality is key..."
Midoriya quickly reassured him, "Don't worry, we've still got some time. About ten minutes left before class."
Nodding, Iida began to turn back towards their classroom. "Let's hurry then. We can make it if we're quick."
Midoriya hesitated, then spoke up earnestly, "Iida, you know you're a good friend of mine, right?"
"Of course," Iida responded, slightly puzzled.
"And that you can always talk to me if something's bothering you?"
Iida's expression turned somber, and he averted his gaze. "I appreciate it, Midoriya-kun, but I'm fine. Really."
Midoriya bit his lip, torn between respecting his friend's privacy and the concern gnawing at him. He knew more about Ingenium's situation than he could let on, and it pained him to see Iida like this. Taking a deep breath, he decided to push a little further. "I'm sorry, Iida, but I'm not convinced."
Even when Iida looked at him sternly, Midoriya continued, "I learned in the military when someone's wearing a mask to hide their real feelings, Iida-kun. I can tell you're not handling things well…"
Iida's voice was firm, yet there was an underlying tremor. "Midoriya, I'm just being thorough with my choices for the internship. And while I appreciate your concern, it doesn't give you the right to assume I'm being dishonest."
"It's not just about the internships. Your Hero name... you seemed in pain choosing it. I've never seen you like this."
At that, Iida visibly flinched, turning away as his eyes glistened with unshed tears. The quiet of the hallway seemed to amplify their conversation, the weight of the moment pressing down on them.
"Iida, please," Midoriya implored, his voice soft but earnest. "Trust me, bottling this up won't help."
After a heavy silence, Iida's voice broke through, barely above a whisper. "My brother... he asked me to take up the mantle of Ingenium."
Midoriya frowned, recalling Coulson's report on Ingenium's paralysis. "If he's passing the mantle onto you, then does that mean his injuries are…severe?" He feigned surprise.
Iida nodded. "Yes… Stain's attack left him paralyzed. He can't feel his legs. The doctors confirmed it. My brother's Pro Hero career is over." His voice started trembling.
Midoriya reached out to place a comforting hand on Iida's shoulder. "Iida, I'm so sorry..."
Iida's gaze was downcast. "He wants me to continue Ingenium's legacy."
Midoriya nodded understandingly, drawing parallels between continuing his own legacy and the Ingenium legacy. If he were being honest, even with One For All being factored in, Ingenium's legacy sounded a bit more daunting since it was a family one.
Hesitating, Midoriya said, "You're afraid that you won't be able to live up to your brother's name, aren't you?"
Iida's gaze met Midoriya's, a mix of admiration and despair. "How could I? Tensei... he wasn't just a Hero; he was MY hero. I've always looked up to him. He's everything I think a Pro Hero should be. He wants me to carry on the Ingenium legacy, but how? How can I do that when I feel like I'll only ever be an imitation?"
"Iida, your brother knows the kind of person you are, the kind of hero you'll be. It might seem daunting, but he wouldn't ask this of you if he didn't believe in you. You don't have to be him. Just be you."
Iida looked at Midoriya, taken aback. It was as if Midoriya had read his deepest fears. Perhaps serving amongst his fellow soldiers in America's military had indeed taught Midoriya to get a good read on people.
The super-soldier pulled his hand off Iida's shoulder and stepped back. "Come on, we should be heading to our class before we're late."
Iida nodded and followed silently, using the time to process the verdette's words.
As they approached their classroom, Iida placed a hand on Midoriya's shoulder, stopping him briefly. "Thank you, Midoriya. I need to think about what you said. Please, keep this conversation between us for now."
Midoriya nodded, understanding the importance of privacy in this situation. "Of course, Iida. Take all the time you need."
They entered the classroom, both pondering their own thoughts. Midoriya hoped his words had provided some comfort. For now, all he could do was offer support and hope that Iida would find his way.
As the day's Field course concluded, Class 101-A, now back in their standard uniforms, gathered in the classroom to finalize their Hero names and miscellaneous draft information. The classroom buzzed with a mixture of excitement and nervous energy as paperwork was distributed.
Ignoring his Hero name paperwork, Iida sat alone at his desk, methodically scanning through his stack of internship offers. His eyes moved swiftly until one particular offer caught his attention and made him pause.
The hero's name read 'Normal Hero: Manual', but it was the location that held Iida's gaze: Hosu City, Tokyo.
A rush of emotions welled up inside him. He had been hoping, almost against hope, to find an internship in Hosu, but as the day had worn on and one Hero after another was crossed off his list, doubt had begun to set in. Now, in the dwindling hours of the school day, his persistence had paid off.
Aizawa's voice cut through the classroom chatter, "Iida, have you chosen your name?"
Iida's eyes shifted from the paper to his teacher, a resolve building within him. He nodded confidently. "Yes, Sensei."
Whispers and curious glances were directed at him from his classmates. Iida could feel Midoriya's gaze on him, heavy with unspoken understanding. The words they had exchanged earlier lingered in his mind, offering both comfort and a reminder of the weight now on his shoulders.
Taking a deep breath, Iida stood up, clutching his whiteboard. 'Tensei, you trusted me with your legacy. I will not let you down. I have the opportunity to seek justice for the wrong done to you, and I will seize it. I will find him,' he thought resolutely.
With a steady hand, Iida flipped his board around, revealing his chosen name to his peers. 'The Turbo Hero: Ingenium. It's this name that will confront him.'
Four days later, on a lively Friday evening at the Concord Dawn diner, the air was filled with a vibrant mix of sounds: conversations blending with laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the enticing aroma of dishes being served. Illuminated by the warm, cozy lighting of the diner, Midoriya and his friends gathered around a spacious table, celebrating Tsunotori's belated nineteenth birthday.
The group, though noticeably missing Iida due to prior commitments, had a special addition this evening: Todoroki.
Recently, Midoriya had taken the initiative to include Todoroki in their lunchtime gatherings, a gesture that gradually thawed the initial frostiness of their interactions. While Todoroki's presence was often marked by his characteristic stoicism, the subtle changes in his demeanor hadn't escaped Midoriya's observant eyes. Fleeting smiles and brief exchanges revealed the gradual melting of barriers, a testament to the burgeoning camaraderie within the group.
While Todoroki initially felt awkward about joining Tsunotori's birthday party, especially since he didn't bring a gift, he was relieved to know that it wasn't anything formal and the others hadn't brought gifts either since Tsunotori hadn't asked for any.
"Seriously, Pony-chan!" Ashido exclaimed. "Why didn't you tell us your birthday was last weekend? We didn't get to give you anything!"
Tsunotori's smile was carefree as she shrugged off the concern. "Oh, don't worry about it, guys. Just hanging out with all of you is enough of a gift for me. Really."
Tokage couldn't resist a little teasing. "Plus, Kaminari-san already took you out last Saturday, didn't he?"
Jiro, trying to mask her curiosity, turned to Tsunotori and Kaminari. "W-what did you guys end up doing?"
Tsunotori's answer was filled with simple joy. "Oh, we just walked around the park, hit the mall, had some ice cream, and did karaoke."
This caught Jiro's attention. "Yeah? Um, maybe we should all do that sometime?"
Ashido's enthusiasm bubbled over. "Sounds like fun to me!" she exclaimed.
Tsunotori eagerly agreed. "Yeah, I'd love to!"
Yaoyorozu, always practical, added, "That does sound like a good time, but with our schedules, we might have to wait until after the semester."
With everyone in agreement on a potential karaoke outing, the conversation naturally shifted to the subject of their upcoming internships.
At the lively dinner table, amidst the cheerful chatter, Todoroki unexpectedly broke his usual silence. "So, where is everyone interning next week?" he inquired, his voice calm yet curious.
Uraraka's face brightened as she shared, "I'm going with the Battle Hero: Gunhead!"
Midoriya's interest piqued. "Gunhead, huh? That's a solid choice! He's renowned for his combat skills and has an impeccable record in combat-related missions." He recalled the detailed information he had noted about Gunhead in his Pro Hero notebooks. "He's also got a ton of commendations from the police."
Uraraka's eyes widened. "Wow, I knew he was good, but that's impressive!"
Midoriya nodded, "Yeah, his ranking might have been higher if he was more into the media side of heroics. But he focuses more on actual fieldwork with the police; something I can respect."
Sero leaned forward, curious. "What kind of Quirk does he have?"
Uraraka enthusiastically explained, "His Quirk is Gatling. He can fire keratin bullets from gun-like organs in his arms, effective mostly at close range. Since we both need to get up close to use our Quirks, I thought he'd be the perfect mentor for me."
Tokage chuckled. "Look at you, Ochako-chan, giving us the full rundown. You're starting to sound like Greenie."
As the conversation continued, Midoriya found himself momentarily caught off guard, his mind drifting back to a painful memory from his past. The mention of Gunhead's Quirk had unintentionally triggered flashbacks to a Hydra agent with a similar ability he had encountered on that fateful day he received his powers. His face momentarily clouded with the shadows of those memories.
Yaoyorozu, sitting next to him, noticed the subtle change in his demeanor. She leaned in, her voice laced with concern, "Izuku, is everything okay?"
Startled, Midoriya quickly regained his composure. "Oh! Uh, yeah, I'm fine," he chuckled awkwardly, attempting to mask his momentary lapse. "Just got lost in thought for a second there."
Though Yaoyorozu nodded, accepting his response, she couldn't shake off a lingering sense of worry for him.
Tsunotori's excitement was palpable as she announced her choice. "You guys already know, but I'm interning with Gang Orca!"
Kaminari couldn't resist a playful jab. "Our class's cutest student with the scariest-looking Hero? That's going to be an interesting combo, Pony."
Tsunotori nudged him playfully, her eyes sparkling. "Watch out, Denki-kun. I might just come back stronger than you."
Kaminari responded with a confident grin. "Challenge accepted. I'll be stepping up my game too."
Tokage, ever the instigator, added, "Speaking of stepping up, where are you interning, Kaminari-san?"
"I've chosen Voltstream," Kaminari said proudly.
Midoriya nodded with approval. "Voltstream, huh? That's an excellent match for your Quirk. He's known for his precision with electricity."
"Exactly," Kaminari agreed, his eyes shining with determination. "Midoriya's right about control being essential for me. Learning from Voltstream will definitely help me harness my Quirk better." He then turned to Jiro, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "What about you, Jiro-chan? Who did you choose?"
Jiro's response was more reserved. "I'm interning with Death Arms. I'm not entirely sure what to expect, but I think there'll be a good bit of patrolling involved."
"That's a solid foundation of Hero work," Midoriya reassured her. "Patrolling is a fundamental part of a Pro Hero's day-to-day duties. It's definitely valuable experience."
Kirishima, brimming with his usual energy, was next to share. "I'm interning with Fourth Kind. I've heard he's tough, but I'm up for the challenge."
Midoriya cautioned, "He's known for his strictness, so be prepared for some hard training."
Kirishima's enthusiasm didn't falter. "No problem! A bit of tough training is exactly what I need. It's going to be awesome."
Then it was Ashido's turn, her face lighting up with excitement. "I'm interning with Cloud Dancer! She's in the top fifty, and her Quirk is so cool – she can fly by dancing!"
Tokage, intrigued, leaned in. "I've heard about her. I think she even has a few dance studios scattered across Tokyo, right?"
"Yep!" Ashido responded, her eyes sparkling. "Her Quirk and style are just what I need to learn to enhance my own abilities."
"What about you, Hanta?" Asui grabbed Sero's papers, and then fended off his hands with her tongue when he tried to take them back. "Did you decide on anyone yet, kero?"
"Well, I want to focus on Heroes that specialize in mobility," he said, even as he tried to get around Asui's tongue. "Air Jet is on that list."
"I remember him." Midoriya spoke up. "His agency was located close to the apartment complex Occhan and I live in, before he moved. You should've told me sooner; I've got plenty of notes on him."
Sero grinned. "Sorry, dude; I didn't even consider him at all until last night. Do you think you could email me those notes?"
"It'll have to be kind of late, but I can do it."
"Huh." Todoroki tapped his chin. "I think Endeavor worked with Air Jet a few days ago. Something about a drug bust. If it helps, I could probably get any recent news about him."
Sero held out one hand for a high-five, which was tentatively returned. "That is so cool! Okay, I'm definitely signing on with him."
"All of your choices are pretty inland, kero." Asui was as close to pouting as anyone had ever seen. "I chose Selkie for my internship, and he works off the coast. I mean, I figured we wouldn't see each other during the internships, but I guess I'm so used to spending time with you all, kero."
"Don't worry," Ashido said, and hugged Asui. "See, they have these awesome inventions called 'cell phones'. We can even video-call!"
Asui ducked her head. "Right. Sorry." She noticed that Sero was staring at her, and she smirked. "Kero."
Sero, slowly and deliberately, put his head in his hands.
Todoroki shifted closer to Tokage. "Is this kind of interaction... normal? I don't want to make any assumptions."
Tokage chuckled softly. "Absolutely. It's actually quite tame tonight since Mina isn't stirring up any romantic drama."
Todoroki's gaze subtly shifted across the table, observing the dynamics within the group. He noted Ashido and Kirishima, a couple whose relationship was common knowledge. His attention then drifted to Sero and Asui, where there seemed to be a budding chemistry, evolving naturally and at its own pace.
Finally, his eyes landed on the trio of Tsunotori, Kaminari, and Jiro. Todoroki, not one to delve into matters of the heart, could still sense a certain tension among them. A romantic complication, perhaps? The term 'love triangle' came to mind, a concept he found both intriguing and potentially complicated.
"I see…" Todoroki turned back to Tokage. "So, where are you interning? You got the fourth most offers if I remember correctly."
Tokage casually responded, "I'm going with Majestic. He's popular, and I think his style could work well with my Quirk."
Todoroki nodded. "I think Endeavor worked with him once. I remember him mentioning that Majestic was eccentric but really good at his job."
"A little eccentricity is fine in my book. So who'd you decide on interning with, Todoroki-san?"
Everyone's attention shifted to him. "I'll be interning with my father, Endeavor," Todoroki stated calmly yet firmly.
Midoriya, surprised, inquired, "With Endeavor? But I thought…"
Todoroki met his gaze and explained, "Despite our personal issues, he's the top fire-user in the country. To master my left side, learning from him is logical."
Understanding Todoroki's pragmatic approach, Midoriya nodded.
Ashido, eager to know Midoriya's choice, turned the spotlight on him. "Now, last but certainly not least, the day has finally come, Midori. You have over four thousand eligible bachelorettes. The question everyone is wondering is, who do you choose?"
Midoriya inwardly deadpanned. 'Is this The Bachelor or something?'
He watched his friends lean in, curious to hear where he would be spending his internship with, given the plethora of offers he had received.
Midoriya, feeling like the center of attention, calmly revealed, "I'll be interning with Urban Guard."
The announcement was met with a moment of stunned silence, followed by a wave of confused and somewhat underwhelmed expressions from his friends.
Tokage, breaking the quiet, voiced her confusion. "Uh, who is that?"
"They're an agency based in Kanazawa City," Midoriya replied. "They've got a solid record in Villain apprehensions, relative to the population size. Plus, they're really involved in community service."
Ashido, unable to contain her shock, exclaimed loudly, attracting glances from nearby diners. "You're kidding, right?! That's your choice?!"
Uraraka, trying to understand his rationale, joined in. "Izuku, I mean, they might be a good agency, but aren't you kind of... settling?"
Yaoyorozu, usually composed, couldn't hide her concern. "I have to agree. It seems like you might be missing out on learning from more established Heroes."
Todoroki, ever so straightforward, added, "You must have received offers from top-ranked Heroes. Even Bakugo-san got one from Best Jeanist." He looked at Midoriya, his face a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
The table's attention was fixed on Midoriya, each face mirroring a blend of curiosity and demand for a satisfying explanation.
Midoriya, unfazed by their reactions, calmly explained his decision. "I get where you're coming from, but for me, the prestige or the rank of the Hero isn't the main draw. I'm more interested in the day-to-day heroics, the stuff that doesn't always grab headlines. I want to be a Hero for the regular person, not just for the big, high-profile moments."
Internally, he added a crucial detail he couldn't share, 'Plus, Fury insisted I join this mission with them. It's necessary.'
The group fell into a thoughtful silence, digesting Midoriya's words.
Kirishima was the first to break the silence, his voice filled with respect. "That's really manly of you, Midori-bro! Focusing on the real essence of Hero work rather than the glitz and glamor." He nodded approvingly, clearly impressed.
Ashido let out a deep sigh and relaxed her posture. "Man, Midori, you really make it sound like we're all just chasing fame," she said with a hint of jest.
Midoriya appeared slightly embarrassed. "I didn't mean it like that. Each of the Heroes you've chosen to intern with suits your individual needs. I just feel that Urban Guard is the right choice for me."
Asui chimed in with her thoughtful perspective. "Understanding the day-to-day life of most Heroes is crucial. Not everyone is in the limelight all the time, kero."
Jiro smiled slightly, her tone approving. "It's pretty cool that you're taking a path less traveled."
Yaoyorozu nodded, her expression softening. "It's an admirable approach, Midoriya. To seek the fundamental experiences of everyday heroism."
Todoroki maintained his stoic demeanor. "I may still believe it's a mistake, but I respect your decision, Midoriya."
Uraraka sighed, her voice tinged with affectionate understanding. "Izuku-kun always sticks to what he thinks is right, even if it seems out there." Her smile grew tender as she looked at him. "Guess this is your way of living up to your Hero name, huh? A Hero For All!"
Midoriya blushed slightly, avoiding eye contact. "Y-yeah… I guess you could say that."
Over an hour later, the group left Concord Dawn and bid their farewells to one another. While most headed for the nearest train station, Yaoyorozu had her chauffeur take Midoriya and Uraraka to Endor Apartment Complex.
After wishing the Yaoyorozu heiress goodnight, Midoriya and Uraraka strolled towards the apartment building, their footsteps echoing gently on the quiet sidewalk. The night was peaceful, with a gentle breeze that brought a sense of calm after the excitement of the evening.
"It was really nice tonight, wasn't it?" Uraraka remarked, a content smile gracing her features as she recalled the laughter and camaraderie shared among friends.
Midoriya nodded in agreement, his hands tucked into his pockets. "Yeah, it was great seeing everyone so happy. Pony seemed to really enjoy it. Although I wished she had told us about her birthday sooner so we could've gotten her something."
Uraraka hummed in response. "Maybe I can draw her something? Like her favorite Pro Hero?" Her eyes twinkled with a reflective light. "Speaking of drawing, I hope I'll have some time tonight to start on the rough draft for my next piece. Momo's latest chapter really inspired me."
"You don't say…" The mention of Yaoyorozu's recent smut chapter inadvertently brought a faint blush to Midoriya's cheeks, memories of the intimate scenes written about him and Yaoyorozu's self-insert character flashing through his mind. He quickly tried to push those inappropriate thoughts aside.
Curiosity sparked in Uraraka's eyes as she glanced at Midoriya. "By the way, Izuku-kun, have you ever thought about writing your own novel? With all the notebooks you have, I bet you'd be good at it."
Midoriya, slightly taken aback by the question, shook his head. "No, I can't say I have."
'Though considering everything I've gone through, I have enough material to write one.' He thought in amusement.
He went on. "But along with my Quirk notebooks, I do keep journals. Just personal thoughts and observations, nothing like a story though."
"Oh, I see. That's still pretty cool," Uraraka replied, her interest piqued by his admission.
Ascending the stairs of their apartment complex, Midoriya and Uraraka reached their floor, each moving towards their respective doors. The quiet of the hallway enveloped them, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of the diner they had just left.
"Goodnight, Occhan," Midoriya said with a friendly nod, his hand on the doorknob of his apartment.
"Goodnight, Izuku-kun," Uraraka replied, her gaze lingering on him for a moment longer than usual as he disappeared into his room. A flicker of contemplation crossed her features, her mind drifting back to the surprising contents of the notebook she had looked upon weeks earlier. 'If that notebook wasn't intended to be a novel, then what exactly is it for?'
With a soft sigh, Uraraka unlocked her door and stepped into the quiet of her own apartment. She set down her belongings with a gentle clatter, her thoughts still preoccupied with the enigma that was Midoriya. As she made her way to the bathroom to prepare for bed, the words from Midoriya's notebook danced through her mind, each one a piece of a puzzle she couldn't quite solve.
'Izuku, what are you not telling us?' she wondered, the question echoing in the silence of her room.
Meanwhile, in the quiet solitude of his office, Aizawa Shota, the stoic and perceptive Underground Hero, was immersed in deep thought. The muted glow of his computer screen and the soft light from his desk lamp were the only sources of illumination in the otherwise dim room. It was late, yet the idea of sleep was far from Aizawa's mind. His focus was entirely on the task at hand.
He had reviewed and processed the internship applications of his students, filing them away with precision. However, one application lingered in his hands, capturing his full attention.
The name "Midoriya Izuku" was printed boldly at the top.
"Urban Guard. Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture?" Aizawa murmured to himself, his eyes narrowing slightly in confusion. The choice was uncharacteristic for a student of Midoriya's potential, prompting Aizawa to probe deeper into this anomaly.
He pivoted back to his computer, pulling up the comprehensive list of internship offers that Midoriya had received. As he scrolled through the document, his surprise grew. High-profile names like Kamui Woods, Crust, Mirko, and Edgeshot decorated the top of the list. 'Why would he turn down offers from such renowned Heroes?' Aizawa wondered, a thread of suspicion weaving through his thoughts.
Determined to shed light on this puzzling decision, Aizawa accessed a specialized portal, exclusive to registered Japanese Pro Heroes. His experienced fingers danced across the keyboard, initiating a search for "Urban Guard." His gaze, sharp and inquisitive, scrutinized the search results as they populated the screen.
The information presented Urban Guard as a legitimate agency with a solid reputation in Kanazawa City, specializing in urban security and low-level Villain encounters. Yet, nothing about it seemed to justify Midoriya's selection, especially given the more illustrious offers at his disposal.
Aizawa's fingers drummed a thoughtful rhythm on the desktop. 'Is there an ulterior motive for choosing Kanazawa, or something specific about Urban Guard itself?' His mind raced with possibilities, yet he resisted the urge to contact the agency directly, opting instead for a more discreet approach.
His investigation then veered towards another aspect of Midoriya's application - the costume and shield. "Eagle Industries in New York City," Aizawa echoed, his voice barely above a whisper as he conducted a search for the company. The results portrayed Eagle Industries as a reputable manufacturer of tactical gear for Heroes, yet something about their squeaky-clean profile felt superficial, almost too perfect.
Aizawa jotted down a note, his handwriting sharp and precise: "Verify authenticity of Eagle Industries' connection to Midoriya's costume."
Next on his investigative agenda was the shield - a piece of equipment shrouded in mystery. Its remarkable capabilities had left even the most seasoned experts at UA baffled. Determined to unravel its secrets, Aizawa decided to consult with metallurgists.
He spent considerable time sifting through profiles and credentials, eventually selecting a few leading experts in the field. Composing an email, he attached images and footage of Midoriya's shield in action, hoping for insights into its unique properties.
As Aizawa delved deeper into the mystery, the implications of a forged background for Midoriya loomed large. 'Who could orchestrate such a deception, and to what end?' The questions echoed ominously in his mind.
The possibility of harboring an adversary disguised as a student within UA's walls was a chilling thought.
Additionally, the call he had last week with James Roosevelt, Midoriya's supposed high school math teacher, had been unsettling. Roosevelt had no recollection of Midoriya, which was highly unusual given the small size of the school. This discrepancy, coupled with the lack of a student profile picture and a seemingly fabricated academic record, painted a worrying picture. It was becoming increasingly clear that Midoriya's past might be a carefully constructed facade.
With the email finished and sent, Aizawa reclined in his chair, the day's fatigue and the weight of his suspicions converging upon him. He glanced at the clock - it was well past midnight now. Despite his body crying out for rest, his mind was too restless to comply. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together, but the image they were forming was unclear and potentially troubling.
Aizawa steeled himself for the revelations his investigation might bring. As a veteran of the darker facets of Hero work, he was no stranger to adversity, but this situation was different - it was close, personal, and involved the safety of his students.
Switching off his computer and rising from his chair, Aizawa made a silent pledge to safeguard his students from whatever may come, especially if it was possibly Midoriya's mysterious past.
Musutafu, Japan - May 2197
Aizawa, looking every bit as fatigued as usual yet still commanding attention, addressed his students with a serious tone. "Pay attention, everyone. You've all received your train tickets for your respective internships. I expect a text from each of you confirming your safe arrival. Remember, I know your train schedules. If I don't hear from you within an hour of your supposed arrival, I'll be involving the police. Is that clear?"
The response from Class 101-A was immediate and unanimous. "Yes, Aizawa-sensei!" Their voices rang in unison, a clear indication of the gravity they placed on their instructor's instructions.
It was Monday, the beginning of their much-anticipated Internship Week. The reality of stepping closer to their dreams of becoming Pro Heroes was finally dawning on them. The excitement and anticipation were palpable among the students.
Aizawa continued, his gaze sweeping over the class. "You've been issued your Hero Costumes and Support Items. Remember, you are to wear them only with your mentors' explicit permission. This trust is not to be taken lightly. Do not disappoint them, or me."
Midoriya's eyes briefly dropped to the silver case by his feet, containing his new, unseen Costume. Slung over his shoulder was a yellow duffle bag, complemented by the familiar black circular bag housing his shield. He felt a surge of anticipation for his upcoming mission.
Aizawa checked his phone for the time. "The trains will be arriving shortly. I expect you all to board promptly. Make the most of this opportunity and heed your mentors' advice and guidance."
As most of his classmates hurried off to catch their trains. The air was thick with a mixture of excitement and the slightest hint of nervous anticipation.
Uraraka, her eyes sparkling with a blend of excitement and nervousness, stepped forward and gave Midoriya a tight hug. "Good luck, Izuku-kun," she said, her voice warm and supportive. "Just remember to text us once you get there, okay?"
Midoriya returned the hug, feeling a surge of gratitude for her friendship. "Thanks, Occhan. Make sure you learn a lot from Gunhead," he replied, a reassuring smile on his face.
Next, Yaoyorozu approached, her expression one of earnest sincerity. She wrapped her arms around Midoriya in a gentle, yet firm embrace. "Stay safe, Izuku," she said softly. "I know you'll make a great impression at the Urban Guard agency."
Midoriya smiled, touched by her kind words. "Thanks, Momo-chan. And good luck with Fat Gum. You're going to learn so much."
As his two best friends departed for their respective trains, Midoriya's gaze shifted and landed on Iida, who stood a short distance away, his expression unreadable and distant. Concerned, Midoriya approached him, his steps measured.
"Iida," Midoriya began, his voice infused with warmth and understanding. "Remember, if you ever need to talk, or if anything's on your mind, I'm here. We all are."
Iida's eyes briefly flashed with a deep, intense emotion that was fleeting, but spoke volumes.
"Yes," Iida responded curtly, his voice lacking its characteristic enthusiasm.
The shortness of Iida's reply, coupled with the undercurrent of strain in his tone, left the super-soldier feeling uneasy. He watched as Iida turned and walked towards his train, a sense of apprehension gnawing at him.
Midoriya couldn't shake the feeling that Iida's choice of internship with the Normal Hero: Manual in Hosu City – where the notorious villain Stain had been recently active – was more than just a coincidence.
Soon, the realization dawned on him with a sinking heart that Iida might be embarking on a dangerous path of vengeance.
Midoriya pondered Iida's situation, his thoughts tinged with concern. 'Iida has always been a stickler for the rules, but anger can push even the most disciplined person to act recklessly. Dammit! I should've noticed it sooner!'
As Midoriya internally berated himself, a wave of determination began to wash over him. The gravity of the situation was not lost on him; he knew that if Iida was indeed seeking revenge against the Hero Killer, it could lead to irrevocable consequences.
With that, Midoriya pulled out his cellphone and speed dialed a familiar contact.
He didn't have to wait a couple rings before the other end picked up.
"What's up, Cap?"
"Coulson, I need to ask a favor. It may sound unusual, but trust me, it's important."
Nagoya Port, Japan - May 2197
At the bustling Port of Nagoya, amidst the constant flow of cargo and noise, a man with a notable, rugged appearance made his way off a cargo ship. His thick, dark hair streaked with gray, heavy beard, and piercing eyes gave him a notably rough exterior. Slung over his shoulder was a simple duffle bag, the only indication of his journey.
As he approached the customs office, the man's steps were measured and his demeanor calm yet alert, reflecting a familiarity with navigating new and possibly challenging environments.
Meanwhile, inside the customs office, the usual hum of activity filled the air. Dressed in matching black business jacket with knee-length skirts, two receptionists chatted idly near the entrance.
"So, how's it going with Kenji?" one asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
"Ah, it's amazing! He surprised me with tickets to that new movie I wanted to see," the other replied, her face lighting up.
Their colleague, meanwhile, sat at her custom-built desk, attempting to concentrate on her tasks. However, she found herself inadvertently eavesdropping on her colleagues' conversation. A sigh slipped from her lips as she felt a twinge of envy, a stark reminder of her own lacking personal life.
She was an imposing figure, standing at a notable height of 200 centimeters (six-foot-seven) and possessing a striking fox-like appearance. Despite her attractive features and unique qualities, her distinctive height and appearance often intimidated potential suitors. She felt a sense of isolation, partly due to her unique physical traits due to her Quirk, which made her stand out more than she sometimes wished.
Just then, the door opened, and the rugged man walked in. The receptionists braced themselves for the usual language barrier they encountered with foreign visitors. As the man approached the desk, the tall receptionist brushed away any wrinkles in her black jacket and skirt. She prepared herself to assist him in English, noticing his attractive, if somewhat scruffy, appearance.
"Welcome to Japan, sir. How can I assist you today?" She greeted with a professional smile, her voice steady yet slightly intrigued by the newcomer's presence.
"Yeah, good afternoon, ma'am." To her surprise, the man responded in fluent Japanese, his tone casual yet respectful. "Ugh… I hate riding on ships."
As the man delved into his jacket, extracting an orderly stack of documents, the receptionists watched in surprise, clearly caught off guard by his adeptness in Japanese.
"Here's all my papers," he paused to read the tall receptionist's name tag, "Saya-san."
The fox-woman, Saya, wouldn't admit it, but hearing her name spoken by the man's rugged, raspy voice sent a jolt down her long spine. Shaking those inappropriate thoughts away, she swiftly began the verification process.
Carefully looking over the documents, ensuring everything was in order, Saya couldn't help but steal glances at the man, finding his gruff exterior oddly appealing. "Everything seems to be in order, Mr. Howlett," she said, her tone professional yet noticeably softer than before. "I must say, it's not often we get visitors who speak Japanese so fluently."
"Please, Logan's fine." He leaned against the counter, gave a half-smirk. "And let's just say I've had my fair share of travels." His eyes flicked across Saya's unique features and tall stature. "You're not what I expected from a customs officer. Japan's full of surprises."
Saya's cheeks warmed slightly at the compliment, her fox ears twitching almost imperceptibly. "Japan is indeed full of surprises, Mr. Howl–uh, Logan. Is this your first time here?"
"Nah, been here a few times before," Logan casually replied, his eyes briefly flickering with a hint of nostalgia. "But it's been a while. Things change, people change."
"The only constant is change itself," Saya mused, stamping his passport. "Do you need any assistance with directions or local information?"
"I am looking to rent a motorbike. Know where I can find a place nearby?" Logan asked, his gaze still on Saya.
"A couple of blocks down the street, there's a shop called Hoth Motors," she explained, pointing in the direction. "They should have what you need."
"Appreciate it," Logan nodded, then, with a hint of playfulness in his gruff voice, added, "You wouldn't happen to know any good bars around here, would you? Preferably the kind that's not too crowded."
Saya smiled, her fox-like features giving her a charmingly sly look. "There's one I know of. It's quiet, mostly locals. I can draw you a map if you'd like."
"That'd be great," Logan said, his tone lightening. "Maybe I'll see you there sometime."
With a final nod and a small wink, Logan collected his stamped passport and papers. Saya watched him leave, a mix of professional composure and mild amusement on her face. "Well, that doesn't happen every day," she remarked to her colleague, still slightly surprised by the encounter.
Leaning against the counter, her co-worker couldn't help but tease. "He was totally flirting with you, Saya!"
Saya's cheeks flushed a light shade of pink, though she tried to maintain her composure. "Oh, stop it," she murmured, flattered but embarrassed.
"Guess your size isn't an issue for him," her colleague added with a chuckle. "So, are you going to take him up on that bar offer?"
Saya pondered for a moment, her gaze drifting towards the door through which Logan had exited. "Maybe," she mused, a hint of curiosity in her tone.
Another colleague, who had been quietly observing the exchange, chimed in with genuine interest. "Did he say what his Quirk was?"
"No." Saya hesitated, her professionalism kicking in. "But I shouldn't be looking up his records for something like that," she said, but the expectant stares from her colleagues, coupled with her own curiosity, urged her to act. Reluctantly, she reopened Logan's profile on her computer.
The room fell into a stunned silence as they read the information. "Quirkless?" one of them uttered in disbelief. "I didn't even think that was a thing anymore."
The other colleague patted Saya's shoulder consolingly. "That's a shame. Better luck next time, girl."
Saya bit her tongue, feeling a twinge of annoyance at how quickly her colleagues dismissed Logan for being Quirkless. She glanced toward the door Logan had exited, her expression softening. As a Mutant, she understood all too well the challenges of being different. In a world where Quirks were the norm, being Quirkless or a Mutant often meant facing undue judgment and prejudice.
As her colleagues resumed their work, Saya found herself lost in thought, pondering the mysterious man who had briefly entered her life. His confident demeanor, rugged appearance, fluency in Japanese, and Quirkless status fueled her intrigue.
'Perhaps there's more to him than meets the eye,' she thought, her gaze lingering on the door a moment longer before returning to her work.
Meanwhile, as Logan stepped outside and away from the customs office, he paused for a moment, taking in the sights and smells of Nagoya. His expression was resolute, his thoughts firmly on his next destination.
"UA," he muttered to himself. With that, he headed towards the motorbike rental shop, ready to embark on the next step of his mission.