Chapter 30
"In the wake of battle, we find our true strength not in our arms but in our hearts."
— Unknown
Hosu City, Japan - May 2197
As Midoriya slowly awoke from his slumber, the sterile scent of antiseptics and beeping of medical monitors hung thickly in the air. Allowing his vision to adjust to the fluorescent lighting, he began taking stock of his condition. He was no longer in his hero costume but donned a hospital gown, the fabric coarse against his skin. A sharp pain throbbed in his right leg; he winced and glanced down to see his thigh heavily bandaged, a dull ache pulsing through the area.
Midoriya's thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a concerned nasally voice from across the room. "Midoriya, are you alright?"
Turning his head, Midoriya saw Iida in the adjacent bed, swathed in bandages. His shoulders were wrapped, a nasal splint adorned his face, and his left arm and legs were encased in casts. Despite his condition, Iida managed a weak smile.
"I'll be okay." Midoriya reassured, his voice more steady than he felt. He eyed Iida's injuries, his brow furrowing with concern. "How about you?"
Iida grimaced slightly. "I haven't gotten a full diagnosis yet. I only woke up a short while ago," he replied, shifting to find a less painful position. "Thank goodness for painkillers, they're keeping the worst at bay."
Midoriya nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "Maybe Recovery Girl can see you next week. She should be able to speed up the healing." His eyes then darkened with curiosity and concern; especially when he recalled the masked man with adamantium claws. "What happened after I passed out? How long have I been unconscious?"
"You've been out all night. It's 11 right now." Iida answered. His voice dropped as he continued, "After you collapsed, the 'Claw Villain' was...he had some sort of breakdown, and was ready to kill you. But then, Stain intervened—he took the stab meant for you."
Midoriya's eyes widened in disbelief. "Stain did that?"
Iida nodded slowly. "Stain was arrested after, but the other Villain escaped," he added, his voice trembling. He paused, struggling to maintain composure. "You lost a lot of blood, Izuku..." His eyes met Midoriya's, filled with a mix of relief and residual fear. "If it weren't for your mentor being there to stop the bleeding…you might not have made it."
Midoriya was momentarily confused by the mention of a 'mentor' until recalling that Black Widow was legally considered his superior during this mission. "Is that right?" A wave of gratitude washed over him. "I really owe her then."
The super-soldier noticed the guilt shadowing Iida's eyes as the bespectacled teen continued, "I almost got you killed because of my vendetta against Stain."
With a firm yet sympathetic expression, Midoriya responded, "Seeking revenge was wrong, yeah. But if you hadn't been there, Native would surely have died. In that sense, perhaps what happened was a blessing in disguise."
Iida bowed his head, reflecting on Native's earlier words to him. "Perhaps..." he murmured thoughtfully.
Midoriya continued, his tone firm, "And if I had died, it would have been my choice to fight, and not your burden to bear."
Iida exhaled deeply, the gravity of Midoriya's words gradually settling in. "Maybe... but it still would have weighed heavily on my soul."
Their exchange was interrupted by the door swinging open. Black Widow and Manual, still clad in their hero costumes, stepped into the room. Iida's eyes met Manual's, and he immediately slumped his shoulders, a mix of shame and regret washing over him as he avoided his mentor's disappointed gaze. Meanwhile, a flicker of relief crossed Black Widow's face before she quickly masked it with her usual stoic demeanor.
"I see you're finally awake, Captain," Widow commented dryly. "Enjoy your rest?"
Midoriya's hand instinctively went to his bandaged thigh. "It was peachy," he replied with a wry smile, shaking his head. "Iida mentioned that you stopped the bleeding after I passed out. Thank you."
Approaching Midoriya's bedside, Black Widow folded her arms and frowned slightly. "There's a lot I want to say to you, but it'll have to wait. Right now, you both have a visitor."
The door opened once more to reveal a tall, broad-shouldered man nearly as tall as Midoriya, dressed in a sharply tailored black suit with a white-and-black spotted tie. However, the most striking feature was his head, which resembled that of a bloodhound dog, covered in dark brown fur with beige spots.
"This is Hosu City's Police Chief, Tsuragamae Kenji," Black Widow introduced.
Upon recognizing the figure of authority, Iida made an effort to stand, his movements stiff with pain. Midoriya also began to swing his legs off the bed in an attempt to stand, but Chief Tsuragamae quickly interjected.
"No, no. With your injuries, please stay seated, young man. Woof." Chief Tsuragamae's statement ended unexpectedly with a canine-like sound, causing Midoriya to raise an eyebrow in mild confusion. 'Woof?'
The police chief surveyed the two college students with a discerning gaze. "So you're the hero students who took down Stain, yes?"
"We are, sir," Midoriya replied, his expression composed. "And I presume you're not here just to congratulate us for defeating him?"
"Not quite." Chief Tsuragamae's tone was grave. "You see, Stain sustained some serious injuries. He has several broken bones, a severe concussion, and a rather severe stab wound in his abdomen. Of course, we know the latter was inflicted by the unidentified 'Clawed Villain', but the other injuries appear to be linked to your confrontation. Right now, he's in another hospital under very strict guard. Woof."
"Here's a lesson you both should have already learned," Chief Tsuragamae began, his voice steady. "After the Third World War, as Quirks became commonplace, militaries and police forces around the globe moved quickly to reestablish law and order. It was decided that Quirks should not be used as weapons. That's when Professional Heroes were introduced. Trained and licensed, they were to handle the battles we couldn't, woof."
"It's impossible for the police to condone the use of deadly Quirks. We aim to prevent harm, not cause it. Pro Heroes are only allowed to use their abilities because they adhere to a strict code of ethics established by the early heroes."
Midoriya listened, his expression impassive. He waited for the chief to reach his main point.
"That's why it's illegal for unlicensed individuals to use their Quirks to inflict harm, except in self-defense. However, from what we've gathered, both of you actively sought out and engaged the Hero Killer. Regardless of your intentions, you lacked the authority to harm the Villain," Chief Tsuragamae continued, his tone growing more severe. "This means that both of you, along with your supervisors—Black Widow and Manual—could face severe repercussions for this misuse of your powers."
Iida's frown deepened, his anxiety mounting as the gravity of their situation settled in.
Midoriya's expression remained unchanged. "Tsuragamae-keibu," he began deliberately, "I understand that Iida-san and I didn't handle things by the book last night. But if we hadn't intervened, Native would have been killed, and likely more heroes as well. Now, I would like a straightforward answer: what should we have done last night?"
Chief Tsuragamae's face was stoic. "As unlicensed student interns, your role is to stay close to your supervisors and assist in evacuations or apprehending criminals, not engage in combat unless it's self-defense."
Midoriya's gaze sharpened. "So, Iida and I should have just stood by and watched others die because we lack a license? What kind of heroes would we be then?"
Iida's eyes widened in shock at his friend's boldness. "Midoriya!?"
The humanoid bloodhound leveled his gaze at the verdette super-soldier. "Midoriya-san, I was informed that you're a former soldier. Tell me, you're required to follow the orders of your superiors, yes?"
Midoriya met the chief's gaze squarely, his voice firm yet composed. "Yes. As a soldier, I was taught to follow the orders of my superiors. But more importantly, I was taught to serve and protect, to uphold justice even when faced with difficult choices. The true duty of any soldier—or hero—is not just to follow orders, but to assess and act upon what is right.
"If an order or a law conflicts with saving innocent lives or preventing clear wrongdoing, then it is not just my right, but my responsibility to stand against it. In the heat of that moment, protecting lives was the priority, regardless of the regulations. That's what being a hero means—it's about doing what's right, even when it's hard."
A brief silence fell over the hospital room.
"Midoriya…" Iida said softly, wearing an expression of surprise along with Manual.
Black Widow, meanwhile, could barely conceal an amused smirk. 'Way to act the part of a greenhorn, Captain.'
"Hmm…" Chief Tsuragamae hummed thoughtfully, his tone reflecting consideration. "That's a very mature perspective; one that I can certainly appreciate, woof. But while I can commend your stance, we still must consider the legal implications. Publicly, your actions last night might be celebrated widely; however, that would compel us to proceed with the formal charges against you, woof."
He then turned to Romanoff. "Alternatively, we could present it as Ms. Black Widow here having taken the lead, with you, Midoriya-san, providing minor assistance at the end. Stain's injuries from the confrontation align with her fighting style and your shield-throwing tactics. And we could exclude any involvement from Iida-san. Fortunately, the witness count is low, and those present are amenable to this narrative."
Iida looked up, his surprise evident. "We... we wouldn't face punishment?"
"Legally, no. But your supervisors might decide on internal disciplinary actions." The chief offered a cautionary note.
Midoriya caught a fleeting, stern glance from Black Widow.
Chief Tsuragamae continued, "Choosing this path means you avoid legal repercussions, but you also forfeit public recognition of your heroism. The decision is yours."
The room lingered in contemplation before the chief added, "Personally, I'd prefer not to jeopardize any promising careers over a single misstep." He gave a playful thumbs-up, his tongue sticking out briefly in a lighthearted gesture.
"Regardless," Manual interjected with a heavy sigh, bowing his head, "we have to take responsibility as negligent supervisors."
Moved by a sense of responsibility, Iida gingerly stepped off his bed and approached Manual, bowing deeply. "I'm so sorry. You warned me, and I didn't heed it. I hope you can forgive me."
"Yeah. You caused us a lot of trouble," Manual replied, lightly chopping Iida on the head in a reprimanding yet gentle manner. "We'll discuss consequences later. Just remember this lesson and don't repeat it."
"Sir!" Iida responded earnestly, accepting the reprimand with resolve.
Midoriya glanced over at Iida sympathetically. "Are you sure about this, Iida?"
Iida looked back at Midoriya, his expression firm yet tinged with introspection. "Yes, I am. I can live without any public recognition from last night. I'm satisfied knowing that Stain will be punished for his crimes. I accept responsibility for my actions, and I'll take this opportunity to better myself."
Midoriya nodded, his smile broadening with pride at Iida's mature response.
Chief Tsuragamae's expression softened, a hint of regret in his eyes. "I realize this resolution may not seem fair. You won't receive the public accolades you deserve," he said, bowing slightly. "However, please allow me, as the chief of police, to extend my personal gratitude."
Both Midoriya and Iida acknowledged the chief's thanks with respectful bows, Midoriya managing his from his seated position on the hospital bed.
Black Widow then interjected, her accent coloring her words distinctly. "Now that we've addressed that," she said, shifting her focus to the young heroes, "we need to tackle the second major issue at hand—the 'Claw Villain'."
"Ah, yes," Chief Tsuragamae straightened up, his tone serious. "Our information on this individual is limited, woof. We've gathered testimonies from witnesses at the scene, particularly Native, but since you both directly engaged with this criminal, your insights would be invaluable." He produced a notepad and pen from his jacket. "I know you're still recovering, but any information you could provide would greatly assist our investigation."
Midoriya and Iida nodded in understanding, then proceeded to describe their encounter with the Claw Villain following Stain's defeat, detailing how the confrontation unfolded.
After recording their testimonies, Chief Tsuragamae reviewed his notes meticulously. "Just to clarify, woof, after you apprehended Stain and stepped into the street, this individual emerged from an alley and targeted Midoriya-san?"
Iida confirmed, "Exactly. Native and I were unfortunately still reeling from our injuries with Stain, so our part in this fight wasn't significant. Not that it mattered since the Villain was focused solely on Midoriya."
The chief turned to Midoriya, curiosity in his eyes. "You mentioned he spoke in English around you. What exactly did he say?"
Midoriya's brow furrowed as he recalled the intense exchange. "He... questioned if I was 'the real deal.'"
"The real deal? Woof?" Chief Tsuragamae echoed, puzzled. "What do you think he meant by that?"
Midoriya hesitated, "It's hard to say for certain. Perhaps he recognized me from the All-Star Games and sought to challenge me directly?"
Black Widow observed Midoriya's expression closely, sensing there was more to the story. "It wouldn't be the first time Villains have targeted UA students to gain notoriety," she remarked, referencing the USJ incident.
"Hmm," Chief Tsuragamae nodded thoughtfully. "So, we might be dealing with a foreign Villain seeking to make a name by targeting UA students? Given the League of Villains' possible involvement last night, this individual could be associated with them."
Iida's expression turned to one of alarm. "The League was involved?!"
Manual joined the conversation, adding, "The disturbances we initially responded to involved Nomu—four of them, according to reports."
As memories of the devastation caused by the Four-Eyed Nomu surfaced, Midoriya's expression grew somber. He turned to the chief, his voice tinged with concern, "Tsuragamae-keibu, may I inquire about the overall impact of the battle? How many were wounded, excluding me and Iida?"
Chief Tsuragamae consulted his notes briefly before responding with a heavy tone, "The battle's toll was significant. Sadly, we lost a few civilians and two heroes. Additionally, the four Nomus as well as the 'Claw Villain,' remain unaccounted for."
Midoriya and Iida exchanged a look of dismay, the weight of the casualties pressing down on them.
"The skirmish also left several heroes injured and hospitalized," the chief continued, glancing down at his list. "This includes Endeavor and…unfortunately, your classmate, Todoroki Shoto."
The television and phone screens across the country flickered with images of devastation and heroism in the wake of Hosu City's riot, a shockwave that resonated deeply following last month's incident at UA University.
The banner "Hosu City Riot Aftermath" stretched across the news ticker, setting a somber tone as the anchor detailed the previous night's chaos. "Tragedy struck Hosu City as four civilians and two heroes, both sidekicks of the Pro Hero Endeavor, perished amidst the havoc wrought by four villains resembling the Nomus from the USJ Attack on UA University last month."
The broadcast shifted to a dramatic aerial shot from a news chopper, capturing Endeavor in a fierce battle against the Sabertooth Nomu. Flames enveloped him as he fought valiantly, but as the beast nearly overcame him, a massive wave of ice, launched by his son Thermodyn, smashed the creature against a building in a spectacle of ice shards and crumbling masonry.
"Endeavor and his son–UA's Freshman All-Star Runner-Up, Thermodyn–also suffered from severe injuries and were hospitalized. Further news to come on that."
On the streets, citizens clustered around public screens and smartphones, their expressions a mix of concern and captivation.
A middle-aged man shook his head in disappointment. "Endeavor's really losing his touch, getting beaten so badly."
"Right?" chimed in another. "And he needed his boy to save him, too?"
A third bystander added, "It really shows the gap between him and All Might. Definitely overrated."
Meanwhile, a nonchalant figure with black hair and visible burn scars on his face observed the scene from the edge of the crowd. The sight of Endeavor struggling against the Sabertooth Nomu curled his lips into a satisfied smirk. As discussions of the villain's resemblance to the USJ Nomu swirled around him, the man slipped away into a nearby empty alley, pulling out a burner phone with deliberate caution.
The news shifted seamlessly to a new segment, under the headline "Unlikely Heroes of Hosu City." The anchor's tone took on an admiring quality as he announced, "While the country's Number Two Hero struggled in last night's turmoil, two unlikely beacons of heroism illuminated the darkness."
The broadcast then showcased thrilling footage of Black Widow and Captain Midoriya in action against the Four-Eyed Nomu. Captain Midoriya deftly threw his shield, slicing off the Nomu's tongue just as it threatened to ensnare two bystanders. Moments later, Black Widow delivered a precise shot to its exposed brain, with the gore tactfully blurred for viewers.
"As the city reeled from the chaos, a couple found themselves on the brink of a brutal attack by this monstrous villain. Their lives were saved by the heroic efforts of UA University's own Midoriya Izuku—also known as Captain Midoriya—and his supervisor and mentor, Black Widow," the anchor continued.
The screen then zoomed in on Black Widow aiding Captain Midoriya as they rescued civilians from a demolished bus amidst the chaos. "While many citizens recognize Midoriya from his impressive victory in UA's recent Freshman All-Star Games, Black Widow is less known but arguably made an even more significant impact last night."
In a cozy suburban living room, two young siblings perked up as they recognized one of their rescuers on the TV. "That's her! That's the lady who helped us!" the sister exclaimed, pointing at the screen. Her brother nodded in agreement, his eyes wide with admiration, "She's so cool!"
Footage from street cameras showed a slightly blurred image of Widow leaping over the Eyeless Nomu, placing a device on its head that triggered a sudden explosion. The broadcast then cut to a clip from a news chopper, capturing a Winged Nomu diving towards the scene, only to be halted mid-air as several projectiles struck its head and delivered a disabling electric shock. As the creature collapsed, the camera focused on Black Widow on the ground, her gauntlets raised in readiness. She was seen briefly coordinating with the other heroes on the scene before dashing off, her auburn hair streaming behind her as she moved swiftly.
"Black Widow, a relatively unknown and unranked heroine employed by Kanazawa City's Urban Guard hero agency, showcased remarkable skills and poise," the anchor noted. "She saved civilians and neutralized threats using an impressive arsenal of weapons and support gear, rather than a Quirk. While some may question her unconventional methods, the undeniable results speak for themselves."
On another news station, a headline appeared titled, "Black Widow: The End of the Hero Killer"
As the channel displayed photos of a defeated Stain being loaded into an ambulance, with Black Widow visible in the background, the anchor continued, "The infamous Hero Killer Stain was apprehended during last night's disaster. A heroine named Black Widow is credited with the Hero Killer's arrest with assistance from her intern and UA's Freshman All-Star Champion, Midoriya Izuku, now known as Captain Midoriya."
Across Japan, reactions to Black Widow's recent actions were varied. While some admired her effectiveness, others were captivated by her striking appearance, which seemed to eclipse that of some of Japan's established heroes.
Two coworkers, a man and a woman, were engrossed in their smartphones as they sat on a park bench during their lunch break, scrolling through the latest news updates.
"I know this might sound a bit shallow...but Black Widow is incredibly attractive," the man remarked, flipping through clips of Black Widow in action. "She's right up there with Midnight and Mt. Lady!"
His female coworker rolled her eyes at the comment. "Really? Her looks? That's the first thing you notice, not her achievements? Typical," she chided.
"Hey, I'm not just focused on her looks! She's also incredibly competent," he defended hastily. "Anyone who can take down the Hero Killer has to be a badass."
The woman nodded, her expression softening. "True, I do appreciate how she doesn't play up to the camera like some other heroines. She's all about the mission, which is refreshing."
The man leaned back, thoughtful. "It does make you wonder, though, if our own heroes could have handled things better, like her and that Midoriya kid," he mused, echoing a broader public sentiment without realizing it.
On another broadcast was a panel of experts, framed under the provocative headline: "Japanese Heroes Ineffective?" The discussion centered on the recent dramatic events and their broader implications for Japan's hero system.
"As we know, UA University's Captain Midoriya, although of Japanese descent, is actually here on a visa from the United States, technically making him a foreign hero. Similarly, Black Widow, who is originally from Russia, is also in Japan under a visa, her reasons for being here remain undisclosed," one expert outlined, setting the stage for the debate.
The panelist continued, "The actions of Black Widow and Captain Midoriya during the Hosu riots were undoubtedly heroic, but they also highlight some potential shortcomings within our own hero system. Their involvement raises important questions about the effectiveness and readiness of Japan's native heroes."
On another news station, there was a title: "Special Report: Hero Killer"
"The Hero Killer is credited with seventeen kills of Pro Heroes, more than any other criminal since the debut of All Might." A female news anchor reported. "The Hero Killer is currently receiving treatment at a hospital under strict police guard. Police are awaiting the recovery of several of his victims before investigating his motives. One thing is for sure, his arrest has certainly brought a sense of relief to the nation and gratitude towards the heroine Black Widow for her important role."
Meanwhile, in a relatively abandoned warehouse, a young blonde woman happily skipped with a knife in hand and an insane smile gracing her face; blood was present on her school girl sailor uniform. In both ears were earbuds playing an episode from one of her favorite podcasts.
"We're back talking about the criminal who has certainly left his mark on Japan, if not the world! The Hero Killer: Stain!" The podcaster excitedly announced. "Why did he do it? What did he hope to gain? Don't be shy, we're taking your calls right now."
After receiving permission from the hospital staff, Midoriya and Iida made their way to Todoroki's room. Inside, Todoroki was resting, his chest bound in tight bandages.
"Midoriya? Iida?" Todoroki's voice was weak but he managed a surprised look upon seeing his friends.
"Hey, Todoroki. How are you holding up?" Midoriya asked as he took a seat next to the bed, propping his crutches against the wall.
"...I've been better," Todoroki replied, his eyes briefly noting the injuries on his friends. "What about you two? What happened?"
Midoriya shared a glance with Iida, who gave a subtle nod. "It's a long story... and it's different from what the media is reporting. Can we trust you to keep this between us for now?"
Todoroki sensed the gravity in their voices and nodded in agreement.
Iida and Midoriya then alternated in recounting the events of the previous night—from Iida's confrontation with the Hero Killer, Midoriya's timely intervention, their intense battle against Stain, and the subsequent encounter with the 'Claw Villain'.
After nearly thirty minutes, Todoroki remained silent, deeply contemplating the narrative his friends had unfolded before him.
"That's…quite the story," Todoroki finally said, his expression a blend of admiration and concern. "You both really endured a lot last night." He turned to Iida, his voice laden with empathy. "Iida... I'm sorry."
Iida appeared confused. "For what?"
Todoroki's expression darkened with guilt. "Ever since I learned about what happened to your brother, I noticed the anger in your eyes—it mirrored the anger I once harbored," he confessed, lowering his gaze. "But I said nothing. I wasn't sure how or even if I could comfort you."
Midoriya added with a tone of regret, "I feel the same, Iida. You were grappling with so much, and by the time I realized how deeply it affected you, I was nearly too late to intervene."
Tears welled up in Iida's eyes as his emotions surfaced. "I... I was so consumed by my desire for revenge that I lost myself in it," he admitted, his voice breaking as he bowed his head further.
The room was momentarily enveloped in silence, heavy with their heartfelt confessions.
"Tenya," Midoriya gently broke the silence, his voice steady and reassuring, "last night was a harsh lesson, one that could have ended much differently. But it also presents an opportunity."
Iida looked up, his eyes locking with Midoriya's earnest gaze. "What defines us isn't the fact we fall, but that we rise again. So, today, let's learn. Tomorrow, let's improve."
Iida's voice grew steadier as he absorbed Midoriya's words. "Thank you, Izuku. For being there, even when I strayed from my path."
Midoriya smiled warmly. "Always, Tenya."
Todoroki, observing the bond between his friends, found a small comfort in their shared trials. "I know it might sound strange...but it's reassuring to know you both faced challenges too, though I wish none of us had to."
"I could certainly do without the injuries," Midoriya agreed, a hint of humor in his tone despite the situation. "But, unfortunately, it comes with the territory."
Todoroki's gaze shifted to Midoriya and Iida's injuries, concern etching his features. "How bad are they?"
Midoriya gently touched his right leg. "I suffered a pretty deep cut on my thigh from that Claw guy; it needed stitches. But my healing factor should handle it in a few days."
Nodding, Todoroki then turned to Iida, who added, "Mine are a bit more severe, I'm afraid. The doctor gave me the full diagnosis before we came here. I have cuts that will likely scar around my shoulders and arms, but my left arm might have sustained permanent damage."
Todoroki's eyes widened slightly at the gravity of Iida's injuries. "That bad?"
Iida nodded solemnly. "The doctor said it'll require surgery, but the nerves in my left hand will never fully recover. It's nothing too serious, just reduced functionality and dexterity." He gave a wry chuckle. "At least it wasn't my dominant hand."
"Can't Recovery Girl's power help with that?" Todoroki asked, hopeful.
Iida shook his head. "Even her amazing Quirk has its limits. But it's fine..." He glanced at his casted left arm. "I'll carry these scars as a constant reminder of what our future profession entails."
"I completely understand," Todoroki said, his gaze dropping to his bandaged chest where three claw-like scars marked his skin.
Midoriya then asked, "We heard Endeavor was injured too. Do you know how he's doing?"
"He'll be fine," Todoroki assured him, sounding impassive. "He's being treated for dehydration, overheating, and injuries from the Nomu that attacked us."
Curious, Midoriya pressed, "Can you tell us more about what happened?"
Todoroki's gaze was distant as he recounted the harrowing events in District 4. "We were responding to a fire when a Nomu ambushed us. It was different from the one at USJ—far more ferocious. It... it killed one of my father's sidekicks." His voice wavered slightly, the memory of the bloody scene visibly weighing on him.
Midoriya gave Todoroki a sympathetic look, understanding the difficulty of witnessing such a tragic loss. "It's never easy seeing someone lose their life, especially in such a violent manner."
"Yeah," Todoroki murmured, his tone subdued. "I felt so powerless. I keep thinking maybe there was something more I could have done."
Iida leaned in, his voice earnest and supportive. "Blaming yourself won't change what happened. The best we can do now is heal and learn from this experience to be better prepared for the future."
Todoroki nodded slowly, taking solace in Iida's words. "I need to become much stronger." He glanced at Midoriya with a flicker of gratitude. "If I hadn't embraced using my flames, I might not have survived. Thanks again, Midoriya, for helping me accept that part of myself during the games."
Midoriya acknowledged the thanks with a nod, then furrowed his brow in thought. "You mentioned the Nomu you encountered wasn't like the one from the USJ. Can you tell us more about it?"
Pausing to collect his thoughts, Todoroki described the creature. "It looked like a sabertooth cat…with some kind of cybernetic enhancements. It had enhanced regeneration like the other one…but it could also breathe fire."
Both Midoriya and Iida expressed surprise at the description.
"That's quite unusual," Iida commented.
"Were you and Endeavor able to defeat it?" Midoriya inquired.
Todoroki shrugged slightly. "My ice managed to slow it down temporarily, but it shrugged off both mine and Endeavor's fire attacks. It was close to killing my father until I used my ice to slam it into a building." He paused, recalling the moment he cauterized his own wounds to stop the bleeding. "I passed out shortly after that."
Iida's expression grew concerned. "We heard that the Nomus from the riots are still unaccounted for. There's speculation that this attack could be the work of the League of Villains."
Todoroki nodded solemnly, gently laying a hand on his bandaged chest. "That Nomu was incredibly strong and vicious. If it's still out there," he looked at them gravely, "whoever faces it next will be in for a tough battle…maybe even one to the death."
Midoriya looked introspective. 'Something like this Nomu Todoroki described couldn't be something the League made in under a month, right? What all goes into making these Nomu?' He furrowed his brows. 'What are you planning, All For One?'
Midoriya's contemplative silence was broken by a phone's ringtone.
"A text message is here!" All Might's synthesized voice declared.
Todoroki reached under his bed's blanket to pull out his phone.
"You have that ringtone too?" Midoriya asked, moderately surprised.
Todoroki nodded. "All Might's an inspiration of mine. Also, I like how it ticks off my father." He unlocked the phone and opened his messages.
Yaoyorozu: "Todoroki Are you okay?! I just saw the news. You're in the hospital?!"
Uraraka: " Iida u were in Hosu 2. R u ok?"
Todoroki looked back at Midoriya and Iida. "Looks like our friends heard the news."
"I'm afraid I don't have my phone on me," Iida said.
"Neither do I," Midoriya added. "Do you mind replying for us?"
Todoroki nodded and began typing.
Todoroki: "I suffered some cuts and frostbite, but I'll be fine. Midoriya and Iida r in the 🏥 with me. They dont have their 📱s on them right now"
Ashido: "Hold on, r they hurt 2?!"
Todoroki: "Iida had injuries to his arms, but says he'll be okay."
Uraraka: "That's a relief!"
Hatsume: "Icy-Fire-Man, tell Legs he needs to come by sprt dept next week! Need to upgrade his costume."
Todoroki: "I will"
Tsunotori: "I'm def behind on the news 😓 "
Kirishima: "Same. All I heard was there was a riot in Hosu with Nomus"
Asui: "Had a hectic night myself so still catching up"
Sero: "U ok Tsu?"
Asui: "Yes, I'll talk about it in class on Monday, but I wanted to check on all of you first."
Kaminari: "Yo, just seeing the news. They're mentioning Midori."
Uraraka: "Why is Izuku there?"
Todoroki: "He and his supervisor took down the Hero Killer"
Uraraka: "WHAT?!"
There were exclamations from everyone else in the chat.
Yaoyorozu: "Oh my goodness! I'm just now seeing that news… Is Izuku okay?!"
The soft click of the hospital room door swinging open snapped the trio's attention away from the phone. Black Widow stood in the doorway, her posture relaxed with one hand resting casually on her hip. "How're you boys holding up?" she asked in her accented Japanese.
"We're managing, Ms. Widow," Iida responded with a polite nod.
"You're Midoriya's supervisor?" Todoroki inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Black Widow's smile widened slightly. "Yes, I have the distinct pleasure and considerable challenge of keeping up with him," she replied, her eyebrows arching playfully. "It's practically a full-time job, believe me."
Midoriya offered a wry, unamused look, prompting Todoroki to glance between the two. "You really shouldn't give your supervisor such a hard time, Midoriya."
"Indeed!" Iida chimed in. "You wouldn't want your actions to reflect poorly on UA, after all."
Doing his best to hold back a retort, Midoriya turned back to Black Widow. "Did you need something, Ms. Widow?"
Her expression shifted to a more serious demeanor. "Yes, could I have a word with you in private?"
Acknowledging her request, Midoriya nodded and reached for his crutches. He pulled himself up and said to Iida and Todoroki, "I'll be back in a bit. Mind responding to our friends without telling them everything?"
"Yeah, sure." Todoroki nodded in acknowledgement. With that, he hobbled out of the room, following Black Widow into the hallway.
Romanoff guided Midoriya away from the recovery wing and into an indoor courtyard brimming with lush greenery, centered around a soothing fountain and bathed in natural light from a skylight above. They settled on a bench near the fountain, the gentle sound of water murmuring in the background.
Setting down his crutches, Midoriya looked around appreciatively. "I've never seen a courtyard like this inside a hospital before."
Romanoff nodded, absently pulling a stick of gum from her utility belt. "Newer hospitals design these spaces to provide a break from the harsh fluorescent lighting and sterile environments. It's proven to aid mental health," she explained, popping the gum into her mouth. "Something I could use right now, especially with all the media attention that's about to come my way."
"Have they been hounding you already?" Midoriya inquired, noting her weary tone.
Romanoff sighed heavily, her expression tensing. "Coulson told me Urban Guard's phone lines are jammed. News stations from everywhere are clamoring for exclusive interviews with me," she shared, switching to her native tongue of Russian, "Damn vultures."
She then gave him a sharp look, annoyance flickering in her eyes. Still speaking in Russian, she added, "Fury is none too pleased with the surge of public attention either. It undermines our efforts to maintain a low profile."
Noticing her annoyance, Midoriya replied in Russian. "You chose to come along, even though I was ready to handle it alone." He paused, reflecting on the events of the night. "But honestly, I'm really grateful you were there. You made a significant difference. And Iida told me you stopped my bleeding. Thank you for that."
Romanoff shrugged nonchalantly. "You don't need to thank me," she said, her gaze drifting to a nearby bush of flowers. "I was just doing my job."
"...Was taking credit for capturing Stain also part of the job?" Midoriya asked with a wry smile.
Still chewing, Romanoff glanced at him briefly. "You mean keeping you out of trouble with the police? Yes, that's part of the job description too."
"But you didn't have to do the same for Iida," Midoriya pointed out. "He would be facing serious legal consequences if not for you. Even if you don't want it… thank you, Romanoff."
Romanoff seemed to reflect on his words. "I believe people are more than their worst mistakes. The fact that you were willing to risk your life to save him convinced me he was worth saving too."
Midoriya glanced at Romanoff, a smile breaking across his freckled face. "You know, beneath that tough and stoic exterior, I think Black Widow has a pretty good heart."
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Captain," Romanoff responded, her green eyes narrowing slightly with a mix of amusement and resolve. "What I did was for the mission." She paused, her voice firm. "But rest assured, I will remember this and return the favor, especially with the headaches it's bound to bring my way."
Midoriya gave a small smirk. "I'll keep that in mind." His gaze drifted to the lush greenery surrounding them in the courtyard. Still speaking in Russian, he continued, "Although I enjoy our chats, I suspect you didn't bring me out here just to discuss your rising fame."
Romanoff met his eyes, a hint of approval in her gaze. "Quick to catch on," she acknowledged. "You weren't entirely forthcoming with the Hosu Police Chief about this 'Claw Villain'."
Midoriya nodded, leaning forward with his arms resting on his knees. "I gave him the essentials, but yes, there's more." He paused before revealing, "His claws and bones are made of adamantium."
"Adamantium? The same metal as in your shield?" Romanoff asked, her tone sharpening with the implication.
"Yes," Midoriya confirmed, his expression serious. "And his healing factor—it's off the charts, on par with the Nomus'. Maybe even stronger. I hit him with everything I had, and he just got back up like nothing happened. He's not just tough; he's dangerous."
Romanoff's gaze grew distant, her eyes narrowing in thought.
Noticing her pensive look, Midoriya probed, "You know something about him?"
"There are…old legends across the world of a wandering anti-hero. No one really knows him, but he's rumored to have a type of enhanced regeneration and unbreakable claws that extend from his hands," Romanoff explained. "Some people call him X, others know him as Patch. But the name that many recognize him by is The Wolverine."
Midoriya reflected on his recent, fierce encounter with the man known as Wolverine, recalling the threatening voice that had challenged him: "I been lookin' fer ya."
"Why?" Midoriya had asked.
"To see if yer the real deal!" Wolverine had replied.
Romanoff added, "I never paid much attention to those tales, but after last night, I believe now there might be some truth to them."
Midoriya voiced a troubling thought, "During our fight, this Wolverine could have easily killed me. He managed to land a punch but retracted his claws just in time. That doesn't seem like the behavior of someone intent on killing. He was testing me, perhaps for something else."
"To see if you're the real deal?" Romanoff suggested, almost reading Midoriya's thoughts. "Do you think he might know who you are?"
"Possibly... I don't know. He seemed more interested in fighting than talking."
"Well, actions do speak louder than words," Romanoff mused, defending the notion.
As she spoke, her mind briefly wandered to Stain's fanatic, venomous declaration before he collapsed while still standing.
"HERO! I will reclaim that word! C'MON! Just try and stop me, you fakes! This one… Must live… At all costs! He… and All Might… are TRUE HEROES! Only they are worthy to defeat me… Captain Midoriya… All Might… ARE WORTHY!"
Romanoff was silent as she replayed his speech in her mind, struggling to maintain her usual stoicism.
Noticing the subtle change in her demeanor, Midoriya probed gently, "Something on your mind, Romanoff?"
The SHIELD agent took a moment to respond, her gaze lingering in the distance. "You fought the Hero Killer. What did you think of him?
Midoriya pondered the question carefully. "Stain was undoubtedly a dangerous opponent," he began, his voice measured. "While his swordsmanship was impressive, what made him truly perilous was his fanatical dedication to his cause. He genuinely believed in what he was doing."
He sighed softly. "While I disagree with Stain's methods, I can't help but grasp his critique of society and his belief in the need for change. He sees a decline in the values that heroes are supposed to uphold."
Noticing Romanoff's continued silence, Midoriya sensed there was more behind her inquiry. "Why do you ask?"
Romanoff paused, her voice carrying a mix of reflection and intrigue. "In my career, I've faced many criminals driven by typical desires: money, power, or ego. Stain, however, was different." She paused, collecting her thoughts. "Looking at him through the sights of my pistol, the sheer will emanating from him... I'll admit, it unnerved me somewhat."
Midoriya's eyes widened slightly. "That's... surprising. Knowing you for only a short time, I can tell you're not easily frightened."
"I'm not," the redhead confirmed, turning to face Midoriya. "But his resolve reminded me a lot of your 'Symbol of Courage' ethos." Her acknowledgment carried a deep respect for both the dangerous conviction of Stain and the inspiring bravery of Midoriya.
Romanoff's acknowledgment resonated deeply with Midoriya as she drew a parallel between his ethos and Stain's resolve. It made him think of another figure of relentless conviction: All Might.
This parallel set off a train of thoughts in his mind.
"Do you have a phone on you?" Midoriya suddenly asked, his tone urgent.
Curious, Romanoff retrieved her work phone from her belt. "What do you need?" she inquired, as she unlocked the device and handed it to him.
"Can you pull up a news page for me?" Midoriya requested.
Romanoff navigated to a news site, and the screen instantly filled with recent articles—all predominantly covering Stain: the details of his capture, his past atrocities, and the speculations about his motives. As Midoriya skimmed through the headlines, a memory from the previous night flashed through his mind—his observation of the Nomus causing havoc specifically in District 4, right where Stain was known to operate.
His eyes widened in a sudden, horrified realization. "That's it…"
"What's wrong?" Romanoff asked, noticing his distressed expression.
Midoriya looked up from the phone, his eyes intense with revelation. "I've been trying to figure out why All For One would allow Shigaraki to attack Hosu seemingly at random. But now, I think I understand—the chaos last night... it wasn't just for destruction's sake. It was all orchestrated to ensure Stain would either be killed or captured."
Romanoff furrowed her brow, puzzled. "Why would All For One want that?"
Midoriya held up the phone, displaying the plethora of news articles focused on the Hero Killer. "Because all this press is practically free propaganda."
Romanoff's eyes widened as she grasped the implication. "You mean..."
Midoriya continued, "the League of Villains is using Stain's capture as a beacon. They're leveraging his ideals and the chaos caused by the Nomus to paint a narrative that aligns Stain with their cause."
He elaborated further. "By causing destruction where Stain was most active, they've made it easy for people to draw connections between him and the League. Now, those who are inspired by Stain's ideals might see the League of Villains as their next best refuge."
Kamino Ward
Shigaraki slouched at the counter, the latest newspaper spread out before him, the front page emblazoned with the headline, "Hero Killer Arrested!" In the background, a news channel played, featuring a reporter standing on a street corner cordoned off with police tape.
"I'm coming to you live from Hosu City's Echo Street. Last night, just after 20:00, the Hero Killer Stain was apprehended right here by Black Widow, an unranked Heroine who is rapidly gaining recognition—"
Before the reporter could continue, the television abruptly clicked off. Kurogiri, observing Shigaraki's growing irritation, had turned the TV off.
"All they're talking about is him and that NPC wretch! What about my Nomus?!" Shigaraki snapped, his voice thick with venom. He gripped the newspaper tightly with all five fingers, and with a flick of his wrist, he disintegrated it into dust. "Dammit! Not only have they not forgotten him, but we didn't even make the front page."
The door creaked open, drawing the attention of both Shigaraki and Kurogiri to the newcomer. Logan stepped inside, his expression weary but composed.
Shigaraki's lips curled into a smirk at his return. "Oh, look who it is… Back so soon?" He commented dryly, his tone laced with a mocking edge.
"What can I say," Logan was nonchalant. "This place's service is exceptional."
Kurogiri, ever the hospitable host despite the tension, asked, "Can I get you something to drink?"
Placing some yen on the counter, Logan grunted as he pulled himself onto a bar stool. "Yeah, whiskey."
He turned to Shigaraki, eyeing the young villain with curiosity. "So, those monsters tearing up Hosu, that was your handiwork?"
Shigaraki leaned back, a smug smile spreading across his face. "Yeah, they were my Nomus. Lovely killing machines, don't you think?"
Logan took the offered drink from Kurogiri, nodding thanks before addressing Shigaraki again, his tone flat. "Sorry to hear they were only secondary news."
Shigaraki's smile faltered, his fingers twitching with irritation. "It's not fair!" Frustrated, he slammed his fist against the counter. "My Nomus killed several people, including a couple of Heroes. Yet hardly anyone is talking about it! All the media cares about is Stain and that b*tch who caught him."
Logan, taking a sip of his drink, shrugged nonchalantly. "People like a good story. Hero Killer's got a cause that makes people think. It's not just about the chaos, bub."
This prompted a thoughtful look from Shigaraki, who then leaned in closer. "Speaking of chaos, we saw your fight against Midoriya last night. Almost had him, too. It's a pity the Hero Killer had to interfere at the last second." He paused, eyeing Logan with a curious glint. "I'm guessing your conversation with Broccoli-Head didn't go so well?"
Logan looked into his drink, his brow furrowing. After a moment, he looked up. "No… He ain't exactly who I thought he was."
A grin spread across Shigaraki's face, sensing an opportunity. "Well... Our offer is still on the table, if you're interested."
"Oh yeah?" Logan took another swig of his drink, then set it down with a clink. "Tell me… What kind of benefits does this little league of yours offer?"
Musutafu, Japan
Several days after the tumult in Hosu, Midoriya and Romanoff found themselves on a bullet train bound from Kanazawa to Musutafu, marking the end of their eventful internship week. Midoriya, clad in his UA uniform, sat with his suitcase and shield-case neatly beside him. Romanoff, meanwhile, exuded a casual elegance in brown leather heeled boots, snug blue jeans, and a green blouse, topped with a light brown jacket. Her red hair was stylishly tied into a side ponytail, completing her composed yet approachable look.
During the journey, they had been approached by several passengers asking for autographs and selfies, to which they kindly obliged. Now settled in a quiet corner of a relatively empty car, they continued their conversation in Russian, with the rhythmic clanking of the train providing a soothing backdrop.
"So, Captain, did you learn much from our agency?" Romanoff asked, a hint of amusement in her tone.
Midoriya chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, I never realized Pro Heroes had to do so much paperwork for the most basic of things." He sighed heavily. "150 years in the future and things are still bogged down by bureaucracy."
Romanoff raised an eyebrow, her amusement evident. "Since your leg needed a few days to fully heal, I figured you might as well help with some of Urban Guard's paperwork."
With a wry smile, Midoriya responded, "That was just your way of getting back at me for the chaos in Hosu, wasn't it?"
She returned his smile, her gaze playful yet piercing. "Oh, hardly. Consider all that work an administrative necessity."
Midoriya looked thoughtful for a moment before asking, "So... what happens now?"
"You return to UA and continue with your mission." Romanoff sighed, her expression turning serious. "As for me, with my Japanese license suspended for six months, my operations will be somewhat restricted. I suspect Fury will redeploy me elsewhere for the time being."
Midoriya flinched, feeling partially responsible. "I'm sorry about that."
Dismissing his concern with a shake of her head, Romanoff reassured him, "Don't worry about it. I prefer working from the shadows anyway."
Midoriya was about to reply when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and quickly skimmed through texts from Yaoyorozu, Uraraka, Iida, Kaminari, Tsunotori, and Jiro, promptly replying to each.
"Your classmates?" Romanoff inquired.
He nodded. "A few of them are at Tatooine Station. Was letting them know I'll be there soon."
Romanoff smirked. "Does this group include Yaoyorozu and Uraraka?"
"Yeah, they're there too," Midoriya confirmed.
Romanoff hummed thoughtfully. "Tell me, Captain... Do you think those girls like you? Be honest."
Midoriya hesitated. "Maybe... But I'm hardly an expert when it comes to women."
"It's not that complicated," she shrugged. "Do they seek to spend as much time with you as possible?"
"Y-yeah…"
Romanoff pressed. "Do they find any excuse to be in close quarters with you, and even occasionally touch you?"
Midoriya paused, his cheeks turning slightly pink. "Yes…"
"Then that should tell you all you need to know," Romanoff pointed out.
Midoriya slumped slightly. "But, like I said, my life right now doesn't really allow for those kinds of relationships."
'And I'm not ready to move on yet.' He inwardly lamented. '...I don't know if I ever will be.'
"True," Romanoff agreed, nodding. "Personally, I think love is for children, but I understand it's different for others."
He gave her a wry smile. "You say that, but Coulson mentioned someone named 'Barton' the other day. What's that about?"
Romanoff looked away, crossing her arms. "A friend. One I owe a great deal to. Nothing more."
Sensing her reluctance to delve deeper, Midoriya changed the subject. "Despite everything, I've really appreciated our time together, Romanoff. Thank you."
She offered a slight smile and nodded in acknowledgment.
Midoriya, curiosity piqued, ventured, "You know, you never told me what your Quirk is."
Romanoff's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "Does it really matter, Captain?"
Reflecting on her question, Midoriya smiled warmly. "No, it doesn't."
His phone buzzed again, and he glanced at the screen. "Looks like the gang wants to go out for ramen tonight. Sounds like something we could all use after this week. Wanna join?"
"I appreciate the invitation," Romanoff replied, "but I have duties to attend to." Her expression then turned contemplative. "Before we depart, do you remember what I told you before we left the garage? The night of the Hosu riots?"
"I'm joining you. No debate," Midoriya answered promptly.
She smirked, shaking her head. "No, before that."
Midoriya thought for a moment, then recalled, "Attending a Hero academy will confront me with harsh realities?" Romanoff nodded in affirmation, prompting him to continue, "What did you mean by that?"
Romanoff's gaze was steady, her voice carrying a weight of sincerity. "There's a possibility you're in the wrong business." She let the words hang in the air for a moment before continuing, "The Hero Industry fundamentally is a competition—a relentless pursuit of rankings, fame, and endorsements. It's an environment where ambition often drives individuals to step over others. Not exactly conducive to forming lasting friendships or alliances."
Midoriya, contemplating Romanoff's warning, felt a stir of uncertainty. "Are you suggesting my friends might eventually turn against me?"
"I'm merely cautioning you that today's allies can sometimes become tomorrow's adversaries," Romanoff responded, her tone neutral yet sincere.
Just then, the train's PA system crackled to life, and the conductor's voice echoed through the car: "We are now approaching Musutafu. We will be arriving at Tatooine Station shortly. Please find a seat or hold onto a handrail."
As the train began to decelerate, Midoriya looked down, his thoughts deepening. "I don't care much for rankings or endorsements. My only goal is to use my abilities to help others and do what's right. That's the entire reason I was given these abilities."
Romanoff observed him for a moment, a subtle smile forming on her lips. Despite his seeming naivety, she recognized a purity in his motives, a rare trait in their world.'Stain might have been a fanatical psychopath, but at least he understood something about true heroism.'
The platform at Tatooine Station was alive with the excited chatter of students returning from their internships. Among them were Uraraka, Yaoyorozu, Kaminari, Tsunotori, and Jiro, who had just rejoined her friends after her time with Death Arms in Musutafu.
"I seriously didn't think I could throw as many punches as I did," Uraraka bubbled with enthusiasm, playfully miming her new moves learned under Gunhead's guidance. She then turned to Yaoyorozu with a playful smirk. "You better watch out, Momo! I'm sure to win our rematch."
"I'm sure you've improved greatly, Occhan." Yaoyorozu encouraged, her eyes bright with pride. "Fat Gum taught me a lot about minimizing collateral damage while subduing villains. It's incredible how strategic you can be with your environment."
Kaminari chimed in with his characteristic zest, "Voltstream helped me fine-tune my electrical discharges. No more blackouts for me!"
Jiro chuckled, teasing him, "Glad to hear you won't be Yammingway anymore."
Kaminari grinned, basking in the camaraderie. "Absolutely, brain frying is so last week."
Tsunotori, impressed, added her own update, "Gang Orca pushed me hard. I've improved my horn control—can manage five at once now!"
Jiro, with a casual shrug, shared, "Physical stuff mostly, but I picked up some solid crowd control techniques from Death Arms."
As the group reveled in their shared progress, Kaminari couldn't help but express his envy, "I bet Midoriya's week was insane, working with Black Widow and helping take down Stain!"
"Actually," Jiro interjected as she pointed towards the arrival gate, "looks like you can ask him yourself."
The group's attention shifted as Midoriya appeared, stepping off the train with his luggage, Black Widow close behind. His face broke into a wide, relieved smile upon spotting his friends, and he quickened his pace towards them.
"Whoa…" Kaminari, momentarily awe-struck by Black Widow's figure, murmured appreciatively, "She's more attractive in person..."
Tsunotori nudged him sharply, a frown crossing her face, while Jiro rolled her eyes.
Yaoyorozu and Uraraka, surprised by the hero's presence, exchanged glances. "Is that the woman who took down the Hero Killer?" Uraraka whispered, starstruck.
"Seems so," Yaoyorozu confirmed, just as amazed. "I wonder why she's here with Izuku-kun?"
Around them, murmurs filled the air as other passengers recognized the famed heroine, her distinctive red hair drawing their gaze as much as her reputation.
Midoriya approached with a bright smile, "It's so good to see you guys again!"
"Likewise, Izuku-kun," Yaoyorozu responded warmly. "We've missed you. It's great to see you up and about."
Uraraka tilted her head slightly, "How's your leg, Izuku-kun? You seem to be walking just fine now."
He reassured her with a nod, "My body's fully healed from the damage now."
Turning to Romanoff, he introduced her with a gesture, "Everyone, maybe you already know from the news, but this is Romanoff Natasha, a senior from the Urban Guard agency where I interned. She was my supervisor."
Stepping forward with an elegant nod, Romanoff greeted them in Japanese with her Russian accent present, "It's a pleasure to meet all of you."
Kaminari involuntarily shivered. 'Her voice is so sexy…'
Yaoyorozu, impressed, complimented her, "Your Japanese is quite good, Ms. Romanoff."
"Thank you, Yaoyorozu-san," Romanoff replied graciously. "Glad to know those years studying weren't for nought."
Kaminari, unable to contain his curiosity and a bit of his typical flair, blurted out, "Midori-bro, you've got to tell us everything! How did you end up helping take down Stain? And how are you so damn lucky that you spent a week with someone as... impressive as Ms. Romanoff?"
Tsunotori and Jiro exchanged annoyed glances at Kaminari's forwardness, but Romanoff seized the moment to playfully stir the pot and leaned in slightly towards Midoriya, her voice playful yet loud enough for the others to hear, "Honestly, it was my privilege to have Izuku-kun with me. I'm rather fortunate he's within my age range."
The group collectively gasped, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. Uraraka and Yaoyorozu appeared particularly mortified.
'WWWHAAT?!' Both girls internally screamed.
Midoriya, flustered by the implication, quickly clarified, "It's not what it sounds like! Our relationship is strictly professional."
Romanoff feigned a pout, looking at Midoriya with mock sadness, "Oh, Izuku, have you led me on? I thought we were building something special."
The remark left Uraraka pale and stunned. Tsunotori covered her mouth in shock, and Kaminari's jaw tightened with a mix of jealousy and disbelief.
"So, on a first-name basis, huh?" Jiro eyed him skeptically.
Yaoyorozu's tone was sharp as she addressed him, "Midoriya-san, could you please explain what exactly is going on?"
'Momo's using my surname. She's definitely not happy.' Midoriya thought.
Before he could respond, Romanoff's phone vibrated. She checked the message and sighed, "I must go now." With dramatic flair, she kissed Midoriya on the cheek, leaving him and the others in utter shock.
She winked at him, her voice sultry, "I look forward to our next meeting, Izuku-kun. Maybe next time we can explore more... outside of work." Turning, she walked away with a confident sway, leaving a smug smile on her face. 'And with that, we're even, Captain.'
Kaminari, utterly bewildered, threw an arm around Midoriya's neck in a mock chokehold. "Bro, you bastard! Start talking! Tell me everything about your time with Black Widow!"
Midoriya tried to protest, "It's not like that, I swear!"
Tsunotori shook her head, "Seems Ms. Romanoff might disagree." She then walked away with a thoughtful frown.
Yaoyorozu shot him a disapproving glance, saying, "Shameful. Just shameful," and huffed, turning to leave.
Uraraka, looking crestfallen, added softly, "I'm glad you're okay, Midoriya…and that you had fun," before following the others.
Jiro dryly remarked, "Nice work, soldier boy," her tone laced with irony as she too turned to leave.
Midoriya, left alone with Kaminari still pestering him to share his secrets with women, groaned inwardly, "Great..." He hung his head, thinking, 'Thanks a lot, Natasha. How am I going to clear up this mess?'