Chapter 33
"The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today."
- H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Musutafu, Japan – May 2197
Midoriya woke with a startle, the soft red glow from his digital clock cutting through the darkness of his small apartment. He lay there for a moment, breathing heavily, as fragments of a dream—more a memory—haunted the edges of his consciousness.
'Tsurugi Peak. I haven't thought about what happened there for a while. Why now?' he wondered, a frown creasing his brow as a wave of sorrow washed over him. All his old friends... gone. He shook his head, dismissing the melancholy. 'No time for that,' he thought.
Glancing at the clock, he saw it was early enough for a run. Pulling on his jogging attire, he headed out to Takoba Municipal Beach, hoping the fresh air and rhythmic sound of the surf would clear his mind.
After his run, feeling slightly more centered, Midoriya returned to his apartment, showered, and then settled down at his desk to update his 'Reports' notebook. His pen flew across the page as he detailed the past week's events.
FROM: CAPTAIN AMERICA
TO: COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
SUBJECT: BACK TO CLASS
FOLLOWING AN EVENTFUL WEEK INTERNING WITH S.H.I.E.L.D UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE UA HEROIC DEPARTMENT, AND HAVING FULLY RECOVERED FROM THE INJURIES SUSTAINED IN HOSU, I AM SCHEDULED TO RESUME REGULAR CLASSES TODAY.
NEWS OF THE ATTACK ON HOSU HAS SPREAD ACROSS JAPAN. THE OFFICIAL ACCOUNT STATES THAT SEVERAL PRO HEROES ENGAGED STAIN AND HELD HIM AT BAY UNTIL BLACK WIDOW AND I INTERVENED TO DEFEAT HIM. BLACK WIDOW HAS RECEIVED MOST OF THE CREDIT, AND HER IMAGE HAS RAPIDLY PROLIFERATED ONLINE. HER STRIKING BEAUTY AND FORMIDABLE DEMEANOR HAVE UNINTENTIONALLY GARNERED A MASSIVE FANBASE, NOW RIVALING THAT OF MIDNIGHT, MT. LADY, AND THE WILD, WILD PUSSYCATS.
WHILE I NEVER SOLICITED THIS OUTCOME, I APPRECIATE HER DRAWING THE SPOTLIGHT AWAY FROM ME. ANY FURTHER ATTENTION COULD POTENTIALLY JEOPARDIZE THE COVER PROVIDED BY S.H.I.E.L.D.
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, I WILL CONTINUE MY REGULAR DUTIES OF STUDYING AND TRAINING AT UA. HOWEVER, WITH ALL FOR ONE STILL OPERATING FROM THE SHADOWS, I AM INCREASINGLY CONCERNED THAT I MAY NOT HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPLETE THESE FOUR YEARS AT UA UNINTERRUPTED.
Closing the notebook, Midoriya packed his things and left the apartment.
Approaching Uraraka's door, he knocked, hoping to see if she was ready.
Silence.
He waited, then knocked again. No response.
'Strange, she's usually ready to go by now.' He pondered for a moment, then remembered how dejected and angry Uraraka and Yaoyorozu had been at the station yesterday after Romanoff's teasing kiss.
'Oh right… She must've left early to avoid me.' He exhaled heavily. 'Looks like I'll need to straighten things out with both of them today. Appreciate it, Natasha.' He could already envision the redheaded super-spy shooting him a mocking smirk and a peace sign.
The UA University's exclusive gym for the hero students echoed with the sounds of grunts and thuds as several students honed their skills in the early morning. Amid the mix of upperclassmen focused on their routines, Uraraka and Yaoyorozu occupied a quieter corner of the gym, dedicated to their training on the mats.
Yaoyorozu, her hair styled into a familiar spiky ponytail, wore a red tank top paired with black shorts and tennis shoes. In front of her, Uraraka sported a side ponytail and was dressed in a form-fitting pink shirt that revealed her toned abdomen, along with tight black capri pants and matching shoes.
Yaoyorozu, holding a punching bag steady, watched as Uraraka flowed through a series of precise martial arts maneuvers. Her focus was intense, her movements sharp and calculated as she practiced the techniques, she had learned from her internship with Gunhead.
Uraraka's focus was razor-sharp as she faced the punching bag. Her movements were fluid and precise: a quick jab with her left, a swift dodge to the right, a deceptive feint followed by a powerful uppercut. She pivoted smoothly on her heel to deliver a roundhouse kick, visualizing it connecting solidly with her imaginary adversary. Mentally, she choreographed her next moves: 'Duck under the counter, block, and counter with a left hook! Follow up with a right jab! Right into her beautiful, smug face!'
As the intensity of her imagined combat peaked, Uraraka's emotions surged. Overwhelmed by the fervor of her training, she struck the punching bag with more force than intended. In the heat of the moment, she inadvertently activated her Quirk, eliminating the bag's gravity. The aged chain couldn't withstand the sudden shift and snapped, sending the bag soaring upward until it collided with the ceiling.
Realizing what she had done, Uraraka quickly touched her fingertips and deactivated her Quirk. The bag plummeted back to the matted floor with a loud thud. Panting, she stared at the bag lying amid the broken chain pieces, feeling a flush of embarrassment heat her cheeks.
"M-my bad…" She stammered, flushed.
Noting Uraraka's frustration and the sudden outburst of her Quirk, Yaoyorozu approached her with a concerned expression. "Occhan," she began gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Maybe that's enough for this morning."
Uraraka nodded, her chest heaving as she tried to calm her racing heart and flush of emotions. "Yeah, I think... I think you're right."
With a warm smile, Yaoyorozu suggested, "Let's cool down a bit. How about we grab some coffee?"
Uraraka managed a small smile. "That sounds really good right now."
Later, at a small café on campus dubbed "Java the Hutt", the store buzzed quietly with the activity of students grabbing their morning fixes. At a table near the window, Uraraka and Yaoyorozu sat together, steaming cups of coffee in front of them. Both were dressed in their uniforms after cleaning up.
Yaoyorozu stirred her coffee thoughtfully, breaking the companionable silence. "So, Occhan, why were you so adamant about us working out together this morning? Not that I'm opposed, of course. But the request seemed rather out of the blue."
Uraraka took a sip from her cup, her eyes avoiding Momo's inquisitive gaze. "I just wanted to burn off a little steam before class," she admitted, her voice a bit more subdued than usual.
Yaoyorozu nodded understandingly, but her curiosity was piqued. "You didn't invite Izuku-kun though. Does this have something to do with what happened at the train station yesterday?" she probed gently.
At the mention of the incident, Uraraka's cheeks tinged pink, and she looked away, clearly discomforted. "Y-Yeah," she confessed, her fingers nervously fidgeting with her coffee cup. "I just wanted some time away from him."
Yaoyorozu sighed softly, relating to the feeling. "I understand. But, after having a night to sleep on it, I think I may have jumped to conclusions too quickly."
Uraraka bit her lip, contemplating her next words carefully. "But what if we didn't?"
"Ochako?"
"I've been thinking," the brunette started hesitantly. "Do you remember a few weeks ago at your place when Izuku was reading the biography of Shimura Nana?"
"I do." Yaoyorozu nodded.
"Well," Uraraka continued, "I can't help but think if someone like her is Izuku's type?"
"His type?" Yaoyorozu questioned, curious about where Uraraka was going.
"Yah know, someone who's strong, beautiful, and confident." Uraraka paused, taking a deep breath. "Someone like miss Black Widow definitely fits that mold, doesn't she?" Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Is it really so far-fetched to think that Izuku might be interested in someone like her?"
Yaoyorozu absorbed Uraraka's words, sensing the vulnerability behind them. After a thoughtful pause, she took a deep breath and began to articulate her own thoughts, perhaps more to reassure both her friend and herself.
"Ochako, I understand why you might feel this way," Yaoyorozu began, her tone gentle yet firm. "But we shouldn't let a moment of uncertainty cloud our judgment about Izuku's character."
She leaned forward, her expression earnest. "We've known him for only five months, yet in that time, he's profoundly impacted our lives. He's helped us grow—not just as students and potential heroes but as individuals."
As Yaoyorozu spoke, her admiration for Midoriya became increasingly evident, her voice taking on a warm, reflective quality. "He's not just academically gifted and physically capable, but there's a genuine kindness in his approach," she continued, each word underscored with respect. "Izuku has this remarkable ability to inspire confidence in others. He sees the potential in everyone, making you believe you can do more, be more."
She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before delving deeper. "And his strategic mind—during simulations and real-life crises, his tactics have often turned the tide. It's his foresight and analytical skills that have saved us more than once."
Her eyes brightened as she recalled specific instances. "Remember the USJ, how he coordinated our defense against those villains? Or the All-Star Games, how he outsmarted opponents who underestimated him because of his basic augmentation Quirk? And let's not forget what he did in Hosu last week."
She leaned back slightly, her expression thoughtful. "And it's not just his hero skills. Izuku's compassion extends beyond the battlefield. He's always there with a reassuring word or a helping hand, whether it's schoolwork or personal struggles. It's like he can't help but care deeply, almost to a fault. And despite his own challenges, he never lets them overshadow his concern for others. The way he balances his duties and his personal hardships is really admirable. He's not just performing as a hero; he genuinely embodies the spirit of one."
Her gaze drifted momentarily as she considered this. "There have been many who've tried to emulate what Captain America stood for, but Izuku... he might actually live up to that legacy."
Realizing she had been rambling, Yaoyorozu blushed slightly, her silver eyes meeting Uraraka's chestnut. She saw an understanding there, a soft acknowledgment of everything Yaoyorozu said.
Taking a slow sip of her coffee, Uraraka finally spoke, her voice low but clear. "Momo, can I share something personal with you?"
Yaoyorozu nodded. "Of course. You can tell me anything."
Uraraka exhaled slowly, gathering her courage. "Momo, I... I really like Izuku. More than just as a friend," she confessed, her heart feeling lighter yet heavier with the admission.
Yaoyorozu lightly gasped and took a moment to process this, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. "I-I see… Well, that's wonderful! Do you plan to tell him?" While she genuinely cared for Uraraka, the idea of her and Midoriya becoming a couple stirred a sense of loss within her.
Uraraka sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I don't know. We're all working so hard to become heroes, and it feels almost… wrong to distract him with my feelings, which seem so trivial compared to our futures. Besides, even though I care for him, I can't shake the feeling that he has… better options than me."
"Ochako, you couldn't be further from the truth," Yaoyorozu immediately countered, her voice firm as she placed her hand reassuringly over Uraraka's. She was determined not to let her own emotional turmoil prevent her from supporting her friend. "Your feelings are not, nor will they ever be, trivial. They matter because they're important to you, and that gives them immeasurable value. Also, you are kind, caring, and incredible in your own right. You're beautiful, talented, and hardworking, not to mention bubbly and fun to be around. Izuku knows that better than anyone. You're a catch, and he'd be lucky to have someone as special as you."
"I appreciate that, Momo," Uraraka responded, her cheeks deepening to a darker blush on her cute round face, a sparkle returning to her eyes accompanied by a small but genuine smile. However, her smile faltered as she continued, "Really, it means more than you know to hear that. But let's be honest for a moment. Even if all that you said is true, how could I possibly compare to someone as perfect for him as you are?"
"M-me?!" Yaoyorozu blurted out, her face turning a deep shade of red that underscored her surprise and naturally cute allure.
"Momo," Uraraka continued with a light chuckle and a shake of her head, "calling you beautiful is a huge understatement. You're absolutely gorgeous, sexy, stunning, alluring, and practically every guy's fantasy. You have a genuine heart of gold, all while being strong and creative. If there was such a thing as the perfect woman, I'm pretty sure it would be you. Plus, the connection you and Izuku share on both a mental and emotional level is unrivaled. Izuku couldn't do better than someone like you."
Yaoyorozu was deeply touched, nearly speechless at the sincerity in Uraraka's voice. "And let's be honest, Momo… you like him just as much as I do, don't you?"
The heiress's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the directness of the question. Her heart skipped a beat and her facade momentarily cracked as the truth she had buried deep down surfaced abruptly. She opened her mouth to deny it, but the sincerity in Uraraka's gaze made her pause. After a tense moment, she let out a slow breath, her shoulders drooping as she surrendered to the truth.
"Y-Yes, I... I think I might," Yaoyorozu confessed, her voice barely a whisper. "But I haven't sorted out my feelings yet. It's all so confusing."
The two friends shared a long look, an unspoken understanding passing between them.
"Whatever happens," Uraraka said, gently squeezing Yaoyorozu's hand, "we'll figure it out together. And no matter what, we'll support each other. That's what friends do, right?"
Yaoyorozu paused, looking at Uraraka with a mixture of surprise and relief. It was as if a weight she hadn't fully acknowledged was being lifted from her shoulders. She then nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she returned the squeeze. "Of course, Ochako."
Midoriya stepped through UA's main gate, his mind buzzing with thoughts of All For One's schemes, the League of Villains, and the mysterious figure known as Wolverine. 'All For One is definitely plotting something major. Hosu was likely just a prelude,' he mused internally. 'And Wolverine... How does he fit into all this? Is he an agent of the League, or does he represent some third party? And why does he seem so focused on me?'
So deep in thought was Midoriya that he didn't notice someone calling out to him until the voice was nearly upon him.
"Hey, Izuku-kun! Wait up!"
Startled, Midoriya stopped and turned around, finding Uraraka and Yaoyorozu approaching, each with a cup in hand; Yaoyorozu carrying an extra one. "Oh… Ochako, Momo. Good morning," he greeted, slightly flustered.
"We were calling you for a while," Yaoyorozu mentioned, a small smile on her face. "Didn't you hear us?"
Midoriya scratched the back of his head, sheepish. "Sorry, I must've been lost in my thoughts."
"No worries," Yaoyorozu said, extending the extra cup towards him. "I thought you might like some hot tea from Java."
Gratefully accepting the cup, Midoriya's smile warmed. "Thanks, Momo. That's very thoughtful of you." He then looked to Uraraka. "Did you head out early this morning, Occhan?"
Uraraka nodded, her expression tinged with a slight anxiety. "Yeah, I invited Yaomomo for an early workout at the gym," she explained, her voice steady yet carrying an undercurrent of tension. "We needed to clear our heads after everything that's happened."
Midoriya nodded in understanding, and then figured he'd get straight to the point. "By the way," he gently said, "about what happened yesterday, I–" He stopped when Uraraka held up her hand.
"Um, before you say anything, Izuku, Yaomomo and I… we both have something we need to say," Uraraka said, her eyes flicking to Yaoyorozu, who took a deep breath before speaking.
"I want to apologize for my reaction yesterday," Yaoyorozu began, her voice laced with regret. "I jumped to conclusions without understanding the whole situation. It was unfair to you."
Uraraka bit her lip, nodding in agreement with Yaoyorozu before adding her own apology. "Same with me. It wasn't right, and we should have let you explain things first."
Midoriya waved off their apologies with a kind smile. "It's okay, really. I'm not upset, but I do want to clarify what happened." He paused, collecting his thoughts. "Black Widow, or Romanoff-san, prefers to keep a low profile. However, after the incident in Hosu, her fame unexpectedly skyrocketed, which she isn't pleased about."
Yaoyorozu furrowed her brows, puzzled. "That's unusual. Most heroes would relish the level of attention Miss Widow is receiving now."
"She's more like an underground hero, similar to Aizawa-sensei. Staying out of the spotlight is essential for her work," Midoriya explained, his tone hinting at slight exasperation. "To retaliate for accidentally drawing attention to her, she decided to play a prank by kissing me in front of everyone."
"How crude for a joke," Yaoyorozu commented, disapprovingly shaking her head.
Midoriya nodded. "Agreed."
Uraraka, who had been mostly silent, spoke up with feigned nonchalance, but unable to completely cover the slight strain in her voice. "Still, I'd imagine many guys would kill to have been in your shoes Izuku-kun.
"I mean, between her looks, the leather outfit, and that flirtatious attitude coupled with a sultry foreign accent…what kind of guy wouldn't want the Black Widow's attention?" she asked tentatively.
Midoriya took a moment to respond, his voice steady but soft. "Romanoff-san is certainly beautiful, and even from our limited interactions I can tell she is an exceptional hero in her own way, but I can't really say that my feelings for her are of the romantic variety. Never mind that we've known each other for less than a week, the way she holds herself is a bit too cold. I'm sure she has her reasons, and she's probably different with people she's known longer and trusts more, but personally it just kind of comes across as too distant and artificial for my tastes."
"Okay, but if not her specifically, what kind of woman would be more…your type?" Uraraka persisted in renewed hope, her voice barely a whisper.
At her question, Midoriya paused, his expression becoming distant.
"I suppose it'd be pointless to ask you to reconsider your choices now, Izu-kun..."
"Nope. You're stuck with me, Peg-chan."
Peggy's stern expression softened to an affectionate smile that made his heart skip a beat. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Shaken back to the present by the echo of those words, Midoriya's expression briefly revealed a flicker of pain, observed only by Uraraka and Yaoyorozu. They exchanged worried looks, sensing the depth of his unresolved emotions.
"My type…" Midoriya murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Good morning!" Iida's energetic voice cut through the tension as he approached, his gaze quickly taking in their somber expressions. "Is everything alright here?"
Midoriya quickly regained his composure. "Yeah, we're fine, Iida-kun." He offered a reassuring smile to Uraraka and Yaoyorozu. "Let's head to class before we're late."
"Right," Yaoyorozu replied, mustering a supportive smile. "We wouldn't want to start the day with tardiness." Her glance lingered on Midoriya and Uraraka, hoping to bolster their spirits.
Uraraka, still processing Midoriya's earlier reaction, nodded slowly. "Yeah…" She managed a small smile, her thoughts swirling with questions about Midoriya.
"Well then, let's be off!" Iida declared with his usual vigor. As they began walking toward their classroom, he sidled up to Midoriya with a look of concern. "Midoriya-kun, you seemed... distant for a moment there. Is everything really alright?"
Midoriya forced a smile, appreciating Iida's concern. "Just some old memories, Iida. I'll be okay."
As they moved through the lobby, Uraraka and Yaoyorozu trailed slightly behind, exchanging glances filled with concern. Both were puzzled and worried about the brief glimpse of sorrow they had seen in Midoriya's eyes. What could have stirred such deep feelings in him?
Sero and Kirishima erupted into laughter, pointing at Bakugo incredulously. "Holy crap! What the heck, Bakugo?!" they exclaimed in unison.
"Stop laughing," Bakugo seethed, his body shaking with barely contained rage. The source of their amusement was Bakugo's hair, which had been styled into a sleek, pretty boy look, a stark departure from its usual wild, spiky style. "My hair's gotten so used to this I can't get it back to the way it was…"
Their laughter only intensified at his frustration, tears streaming from their eyes.
"Did you not hear me? Stop laughing! I'll kill you both!" Bakugo threatened.
"Like to see you try, pretty boy!" Sero taunted.
This remark pushed Bakugo over the edge. "WHAT'D YOU CALL ME!?" he roared. Suddenly, without warning, his hair explosively returned to its normal fiery look.
Across the room, Ashido was deep in conversation with Tokage, Jiro, and Asui. "Wow! You got to face actual villains?" Ashido asked, her voice filled with awe.
"Well," Jiro twirled her earphone jack, "I didn't really fight per se. I just helped with evacuations and provided logistical support."
"That still sounds like fun!" Ashido responded enthusiastically. "What about you, Setsuna-chan?"
Tokage, ever cheerful, replied, "Eh, mostly training. Majestic showed me how I can use my Quirk for surveillance and espionage stuff though—things I hadn't even considered."
Asui chimed in, her voice calm as ever. "I spent basically the whole week training and cleaning the ship deck. Although," she tapped her chin thoughtfully, "there was this one day we caught a bunch of drug smugglers."
"That's so cool!" exclaimed Tokage, Ashido, and Jiro simultaneously.
"What about you, Yaomomo?" Tokage turned to the raven-haired girl curiously. "How'd it go with Fat Gum?"
Yaoyorozu, who was sitting at her desk, looked over with a smile. "Overall, it went quite well, I must say. Fat Gum gave me useful pointers on making decisive decisions in battle. He also shared several recipes for his own snack bars that are not only very high in calories but quite delicious too."
"What I wouldn't give for your metabolism," Tokage sighed, shaking her head with a mix of envy and amusement.
"What about you, Ochako-chan?" Asui inquired, glancing towards Uraraka.
Uraraka, standing beside her desk, flowed through a series of martial arts maneuvers, her expression etched with intense concentration. "It was very enlightening," she replied, her focus fixed on the air in front of her as if facing an invisible adversary resembling Black Widow.
"She looks uber serious," Ashido observed, watching her moves with interest.
"Gunhead must've been something else," Jiro added, slightly perturbed by Uraraka's intense demeanor.
Nearby, Kaminari and Tsunotori observed Uraraka's rigorous routine.
"If she was already good in melee, she's definitely leveled up now," Tsunotori commented, impressed by the display.
"Yeah, she looks like she's ready to take someone's head off," Kaminari agreed, his tone a mix of awe and slight concern.
"I can take a guess who." Tsunotori smirked slightly. "She's tall, has red hair, and is apparently foreign eye candy for all the guys."
"Right…" Kaminari connected the dots, and then became sheepish. "Um, sorry about the way I acted yesterday when Black Widow showed up."
Tsunotori smiled sweetly. "It's okay, Denki. But do try to exercise a bit more self-control next time."
Kaminari nodded. "Yeah, will do."
"Don't be fooled by her smile, Kaminari-san," Mineta piped up from his desk, his voice carrying a hint of melodrama. He glanced away, his expression fearful. "All women are just demons at heart, hiding their true personalities behind pretty faces."
"What the heck did Mt. Lady do to you?" Kaminari asked, his concern palpable.
"She opened my eyes…" Mineta murmured, his eyes distant. "I see now that dedicating my life to pursuing women is a foolish endeavor. It's better to focus on developing my own skills and steer clear of the opposite sex."
Kaminari blinked, taken aback. "I…think he's broken."
"I'll give it a day," Tsunotori predicted, her tone light.
"Well, if we really want to highlight who's changed, it's those three." Kaminari pointed towards Midoriya, Todoroki, and Iida, who were gathered near Todoroki's desk in the corner of the room.
"Right, the Hero Killer!" Sero exclaimed, his voice muffled as Bakugo held him in a tight chokehold.
"We're just glad you guys made it back alive," Kirishima added, his tone sincere and relieved. "That must've been a terrifying situation…"
"Yeah," Todoroki confirmed, nodding solemnly. "It was."
"Hey, Greenie!" Tokage called out from across the room. "You gotta tell us what Black Widow was like!"
At the mention of the redhead's name, both Yaoyorozu and Uraraka tensed visibly.
"Yeah! She sounds like a total badass!" Kirishima said enthusiastically, pumping his fist in the air.
"A rather crude way to put it, monsieur," Aoyama interjected, his tone refined. " Élégante is more fitting for her."
Midoriya, feeling mildly exasperated by the direction of the conversation, thought to himself, 'I don't know if I'd go that far…'
From his desk, Tokoyami calmly commented, "I must confess I am intrigued by her mysterious persona and nonsensical demeanor. I like her costume color too,"
"Be honest, man," Sato chimed in playfully. "How much did you really help out in the fight against Stain? Did Black Widow do most of the work?"
Midoriya hesitated for a moment before replying, "Well… I certainly wouldn't be alive now if it wasn't for her. So, I'm very grateful." That was true.
"I was skeptical of your internship choice," Asui admitted, looking thoughtfully at Midoriya, "but it seems you were several steps ahead of us."
Overhearing this, Bakugo's expression darkened. He turned away, his fists clenching unconsciously as a growl escaped him, frustration simmering beneath the surface.
"So, is all that news about Stain being connected to the League of Villains true?" Tokage asked, her curiosity piqued.
Midoriya frowned slightly. "I can't say for certain… But it does seem that way," he replied thoughtfully.
Shoji, who had been listening intently, spoke up with a hint of concern in his voice. "I don't even want to imagine if he had been there during the USJ attack."
"He's definitely scary…" Tsunotori added, her voice tinged with fear.
"Hey, have you guys seen that video of him that's going around the internet?" Kaminari interjected, his tone shifting the mood slightly.
"A video?" Shoji echoed, his interest piqued.
"Yeah! Stain's definitely an evil guy, for sure! But he's super tenacious! It's almost kind of cool, don't you think?" Kaminari's enthusiasm was evident, though perhaps misplaced.
Kaminari's arm was suddenly slapped by Tsunotori. "Denki!" she scolded, nodding pointedly towards Iida.
Realizing his slipup, the electric-blond winced. "Oh! Uh, I'm sorry, Iida-kun. I—"
"It's fine," Iida interjected calmly, though there was a slight hardness in his tone. He paused to glance at his bandaged left arm. "It's true, he was tenacious. I understand why some might think he was cool. But his beliefs led him to commit cold-blooded murder. No matter his motives, killing can't be condoned."
Kaminari frowned, rubbing the back of his head in guilt, clearly regretting his earlier comment.
Iida regained his composure and energy, extending his right arm forward with renewed determination. "To prevent anyone else from suffering like I did, I will strive to be the perfect hero!" His declaration resonated with conviction through the classroom.
"Something you should all strive for," a voice commented just as the classroom door slid open. Aizawa stepped inside, noticeably wearing fewer bandages than before. "Now, settle down," he commanded in his usual stern tone. The room quickly quieted and took their seats, all eyes turning to him.
"Hopefully, your respective internships were enlightening. For the remainder of this course until the finals in July, we'll focus on refining the skills you've learned. Expect intense training sessions designed to push your limits and adequately prepare you for the final exams."
The room collectively nodded, a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation palpable in the air.
"Alright then. Everyone, take out your textbooks and let's get the day started."
Later, as Aizawa concluded the Foundational Heroics lecture, the students of Class 101-A gathered their belongings and prepared to head to their next class.
"Iida," Aizawa called out just as the students began to file out of the room. "Stay for a couple of minutes."
"Yes, Sensei!" Iida responded, his voice firm.
The rest of the class departed, leaving for General English, while Aizawa quietly shut the door, ensuring privacy. He turned to face Iida with a serious expression. "Iida, Manual's agency contacted me yesterday," he began, his gaze steady. "He informed me about your actions in Hosu. What you really did."
Iida's demeanor shifted; his frown deepened and he lowered his head in shame. "I see…"
The room was momentarily filled with a heavy silence, punctuated only by the distant sounds of students moving through the hallway outside.
Breaking the silence, Aizawa asked sternly, "Iida, I'm sure you understand the gravity of your actions. Right?"
"Yes, Sensei…" Iida murmured softly.
"I can and should expel you immediately," Aizawa stated flatly.
"I would deserve that, Sensei," Iida admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Aizawa sighed heavily, his disappointment evident. "I never expected such recklessness from you. However," he paused, pinching the bridge of his nose, "given what Stain did, perhaps I should have seen this coming." He refocused on Iida, his expression softening slightly. "You're very lucky to be alive, Iida. Had anything gone even slightly differently that night, we might have been mourning you today."
Iida bit his lip, his body trembling as he struggled to control his emotions. "I…I know, Sensei," he managed to say before a sob escaped him. "I know I was wrong. But as I said before, I swear on my life... I'll become a better hero! But," he bowed forward, "if you decide to expel me, I will understand."
Aizawa studied Iida carefully, allowing another tense moment of silence to pass before making his decision. "You will serve on the janitorial staff after classes till the end of the semester," he declared.
Iida's eyes widened in shock. "S-Sensei…?"
"You are still expected to perform well, both in class and in training," Aizawa continued. "Make no mistake, if you slip up in either I will expel you. Is that understood?"
"Yes Sensei!" Iida responded, a mixture of relief and resolve in his voice. He bowed in deep gratitude. "I won't let you down again!"
After dismissing Iida, Aizawa returned to his desk, sinking into his chair with a heavy sigh. He was lost in thought, his mind racing with concerns. 'If Midoriya hadn't been there, Iida surely wouldn't have survived. But why was he and his mentor in Hosu when Urban Guard is based in Kanazawa? How did they just happen to come across Iida and Stain?'
He rubbed his temples wearily, his fingers threading through his unkempt hair. "Yet another puzzle to solve with the golden boy," he muttered to himself.
After their afternoon classes, lunch, and a study session, Class 101-A gathered once again for their Foundational Heroics Field course. All Might had directed them to don their hero costumes and assemble at a designated training site located on the outskirts of the campus. The area, an industrial labyrinth, was dotted with factories, sprawling networks of pipes, and towering cranes, setting the stage for their next challenge.
As the class gathered in front of the training area's entrance, buzzing with speculation about the upcoming exercise, Uraraka and Yaoyorozu were examining Midoriya's updated costume.
"I like your costume change, Izuku-kun!" Uraraka beamed. "The shield's new design is cool too."
"Thanks," Midoriya replied, smiling appreciatively. "After my first costume was damaged at the USJ, I wanted to make some updates."
Yaoyorozu examined the details, nodding in approval. "Aesthetically, the design is very pleasing and indeed pays homage to Captain America's costume." She then pointed to the green hoodie draped over his head. "Is that your new helmet?"
Midoriya nodded. "I had it designed as a hoodie for convenience. The material is still robust, though—it can withstand knives and minor gunfire. But that's not the only new feature." With a quick flick of his left wrist, a red-colored, partially see-through projection shaped like a circle with a star design in the center materialized.
Yaoyorozu and Uraraka's eyes sparkled in amazement.
"So cool!" Uraraka exclaimed, her excitement palpable. "You got Hatsume's Energy Shield installed!"
"Like it?" Midoriya nodded, still grinning. "Hatsume installed this afternoon."
Yaoyorozu nodded approvingly. "I'm glad she was able to do that. How valuable do you think it'll be in combat?" she asked curiously.
"Well," Midoriya responded, flicking his wrist again to deactivate the shield, "for now, I can use it for roughly ten minutes before it needs to shut off and recharge for an hour, and I still don't know its limits in terms of how much punishment it can take. So, I'll still primarily rely on my regular shield. But having this as a fallback option is definitely advantageous.
"Enough about me though. I see I'm not the only one who's made some costume changes." He gestured towards Uraraka and Yaoyorozu, noting Uraraka's new gauntlets with four holes and a belt with two holes, and Yaoyorozu's yellow-tinted, high-tech visor.
Yaoyorozu adjusted her shades with a smile. "Do you like them? Hatsume crafted them for me in exchange for making her palladium."
"How do they work?" Uraraka inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"They sync with my wrist tablet and can connect to the internet to search for the molecular structure of any material I need. They're voice-activated for now, though Hatsume assures me she's fine-tuning a mental-activation interface for it."
"That's incredible, Momo!" Midoriya's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "It sounds like those could really enhance your ability to create on the fly."
"Yeah, that does sound cool," Tokage chimed in as she approached, intrigued. "Have you had a chance to use them yet?"
"Only in practice so far. This will be their first real test in a training exercise," Yaoyorozu replied, her voice filled with anticipation.
"Same here," Kaminari chimed in, joining the conversation with Tsunotori at his side.
"You updated your costume too, Kaminari-kun?" Tokage asked, curiosity piqued.
The blonde grinned widely. "Submitted a request after the All-Star Games. The new feature just came in today!"
"What did you change?" Yaoyorozu inquired, her interest evident.
Kaminari gave a sly smile. "Heh, you'll see."
"He still hasn't even told me what they are," Tsunotori added with a mock pout. "He said he wants to surprise us."
"So today's the first practice test for your updates, huh? This should be interesting," Midoriya said, his anticipation clear. He then turned to Uraraka, his curiosity unabated. "What about your updates, Occhan?"
Uraraka paused for a moment before responding, "I think I'll go Kaminari's route and surprise all of you too." She smiled cheekily.
"Boo!" Tokage playfully gave a thumbs down. "You guys can't tease us like that."
The conversation was halted when a sudden gust of wind heralded the arrival of All Might, who landed dramatically in front of the class.
"I am here!" All Might announced with his usual exuberance. "Hope you're ready to continue our lessons. It feels like ages since I've seen you all. Welcome back! Now, listen carefully to what's in store. Today, we're going to have a little race. Take everything you've learned from your internships and apply it to this rescue training."
"Sir," Iida interjected, raising his hand, "if we're doing rescue training, shouldn't we be at the USJ?" With his costume damaged from Hosu, he was currently wearing the UA standard gym outfit.
"Ah, but that facility is more focused on disaster scenarios," All Might clarified with a smile. "As I mentioned, today is about racing."
He stopped to gesture to the training area behind him. "Welcome to Ground Gamma! Inside, you'll find an area of factories that form an intricate labyrinth. Good luck navigating your way through.
"You'll be competing in groups of five, each starting from different positions on the outskirts of this industrial city. I'll send out a distress signal, and your task is to rescue me. Whoever finds me first wins! However, please try to keep property damage to a minimum." All Might paused and turned to Bakugo with a pointed look.
The explosive blonde bristled, turning away with a grumble. "Why are you looking at me?"
Later, after dividing the class into five groups, the first group took their positions at different spots around the outskirts of Ground Gamma. Group 1 consisted of Tsunotori, Kaminari, Iida, Uraraka, and Yaoyorozu. Meanwhile, the fifteen remaining students gathered on a stage outside the area, their eyes fixed on a giant screen displaying live camera feeds of the five participants.
"Iida-kun hasn't fully recovered yet, right? He should sit this out," Sero remarked.
Midoriya, notebook and pen in hand, ready to take notes, replied, "His legs are mostly recovered, so he should be okay. His biggest challenge will be navigating the turns in the maze that prevent him from reaching his top speed."
Tokage, looking thoughtful, added, "Honestly, I'd say Kaminari is at a big disadvantage against those four."
Jiro nodded in agreement. "Yeah, speed isn't exactly his strong suit."
"What about when he pulled off that blitz move in the All-Star Games?" Ashido interjected.
"He had gear from Hatsume-san, remember?" Jiro pointed out.
"Oh yeah, that's right," Ashido recalled, nodding.
Kirishima joined the conversation, his enthusiasm evident. "Who're your picks? My bet's on Iida."
Sero thought for a moment. "I got odds on Tsunotori."
"Same," Mineta chimed in, sounding bored. "Tsunotori's the obvious choice."
"I know that Lightning Dolt will be last," Bakugo grumbled dismissively.
"Ochako-chan and Pony-chan can both fly," Ashido noted. "So those two should have the biggest advantages."
Asui added a practical note, "That depends on how long Ochako-chan can stay airborne before she gets nauseous. Kero."
"That," Tokage chimed in, "and I'm pretty sure Pony-chan's faster in the air too. So, I'd give her the edge."
Midoriya was about to offer his own input when something on Kaminari's video screen caught his eye. Noticing a particular detail about the electric blonde's costume, a small smirk crossed his face. 'This race might be tighter than we think,' he mused in anticipation.
From his vantage point atop an industrial tank in the center of the area, All Might spoke into a microphone. "If everyone is ready, BEGIN!" He declared, pressing a clicker. A horn sounded across the facility, signaling the start of the race.
Immediately, the five competitors sprang into action.
Iida took long strides, rapidly building up speed as he searched for the path of least resistance towards All Might's location.
Tsunotori detached two horns and leaped atop them, propelling herself into the skies.
Yaoyorozu navigated a long stretch of pipes, carefully placing her feet. As she ran, she deftly pulled out a snack stick from her waist pouch. Packed with calories, more than a standard meal, it was ideal for fueling her Quirk. Fat Gum had gladly shared the recipe with her.
"Skywing!" Yaoyorozu shouted, activating her visor. Designs promptly appeared on her visor's left lens, guiding her next move. With those specs in mind, she activated her Quirk, a rainbow-colored glow emanating from her back as she leapt from the pipes.
Spectators were initially puzzled and concerned by Yaoyorozu's daring leap—until she suddenly soared upwards, carried by a paramotor equipped with a large red parachute.
"Oh wow! That's so cool!" Ashido exclaimed, visibly thrilled. "Yaomomo's flying now too!"
"Completely forgot she could just make something to help her fly," Sero admitted, smacking his forehead in disbelief.
"Pony-chan is still in first place for now," Asui noted. "But Yaomomo could close the gap."
"Why a paramotor though?" Kirishima pondered aloud. "Couldn't Yaomomo have made a jetpack or something faster?"
While jotting down notes, Midoriya provided some insight. "Using a parasail is an ingenious way for her to achieve flight in this scenario. It's simpler and consumes far fewer of her lipids compared to a more complex device like a jetpack."
"Heh," Tokage smirked, her emerald eyes following Yaoyorozu's ascent with a mix of admiration and slight envy. "Yaomomo never ceases to amaze. No wonder she's a Recommendation Student…" A twinge of disappointment surfaced as she recalled her own missed opportunity to become a recommendation student, but she quickly shook off the negativity, focusing back on the spectacle.
As Tsunotori soared above the labyrinth, the hum of a motor drew her attention. Turning, she saw Yaoyorozu catching up on her paramotor.
"Picking up the pace, Yaomomo?" Tsunotori called out with a competitive grin.
"Just trying to keep up with you, Pony! Let's see who reaches All Might first!" Yaoyorozu shouted back, a determined smile on her face as she pressed down on the throttle to increase her speed.
As both increased their pace, another challenger swiftly entered the aerial race. A set of cables with grappling hooks shot past Tsunotori and Yaoyorozu, latching onto a nearby set of pipes. The cables quickly reeled in, pulling Uraraka past the pair to their surprise. As she neared the pipes, the hooks detached and retracted into her left gauntlets, allowing her to slingshot forward.
With focused determination, Uraraka extended her right arm and shot out another set of hooks toward some machinery. Negating gravity on herself, she was pulled forward with even greater speed. 'I can win this!' she thought.
"Ochako?!" Tsunotori and Yaoyorozu exclaimed in surprise.
Most of the class was equally stunned by Uraraka's new gear.
"Whoa! Since when did Uraraka get those added to her costume?" Kirishima yelled out.
"It's like Sero's Quirk, kero," Asui noted thoughtfully, then paused. "I feel like I've seen something like this before."
Midoriya grinned widely, recognizing the device. "Those are Hatsume's Wire Arrows!"
"That's it! Hatsume used them to navigate the canyon in the obstacle race, kero," Asui recalled. "Ochako-chan must've been inspired by that."
Midoriya nodded, quickly taking notes. "Pairing those retracting cables with her Zero Gravity Quirk is ingenious. Adding all that with her costume's thrusters, her mobility is now significantly improved!"
The onscreen placements were updated, showing Uraraka in first place, with Tsunotori and Yaoyorozu tied for second, and Iida and Kaminari trailing behind.
"This is getting interesting," Tokage remarked with a wide grin. "We've got a three-way aerial race!"
"Tsunotori's still got this!" Sero declared excitedly. "She's more experienced flying than the other two."
"My money's on Ochako-chan!" Ashido chimed in.
Kirishima deflated slightly, realizing his bet on Iida was likely a long shot now.
"It's not over yet," Midoriya added, a knowing look on his face. "There's still another competitor all of you have forgotten about."
True to Midoriya's statement, another challenger swiftly entered the fray. As the three girls raced through the air, a figure suddenly leapt into view from off to the side, zooming past them with an incredible burst of speed.
"Whoa! Kaminari?!" Most of the class shouted in disbelief.
Todoroki's eyes widened in surprise. 'The way he's propelling himself through the air… When could he do that?'
"No way!" Kirishima exclaimed. "How the heck is he pulling that off!?"
"He's moving like he did in the All-Star Games second event," Sero commented, equally awed.
"Hold on," Ashido pointed to Kaminari's screen, "look at his legs!"
Vaulting over a set of machinery, Kaminari landed on a stretch of pipes and surged forward, electricity crackling around him. Whirring noises emanated from his sleek, black boots which featured intricate mechanical elements, leg braces, metal soles, and circular devices at the ankles that emitted a soft yellow glow.
"Hey," Uraraka's eyes widened in recognition, "those look like the boots he was wearing in Risk Trifecta."
"Looks like you weren't the only one inspired by Hatsume-san's inventions," Yaoyorozu pointed out.
"Okay, I have to admit, that is a really cool surprise, Denki!" Tsunotori commented, her smile beaming.
Channeling a steady current of electricity into the boots, Kaminari used electromagnetic induction to significantly increase his speed. These upgraded boots also included an additional feature. As he approached the end of the pipes, the electric blonde focused. 'Remember Voltstream's training. Not too much or too little. Find that sweet spot.'
Arriving at the edge, he crouched down and thrust himself upward while simultaneously changing his boot's polarity. This action propelled him high into the air. He soared over a large gas chamber and landed on another set of pipes, switching polarity again to continue his forward momentum. He kept using this technique to leap between obstacles without losing speed.
"Hell yeah!" Kaminari yelled excitedly. "Getting these was a smart move!"
Midoriya rapidly jotted down notes. 'He's changing the boot's magnetic polarity to maintain his footing and propel himself through the air.' He smirked proudly. 'He's come a long way with his Quirk control. Way to go, Kaminari!'
"Crazy," Tokage remarked, her eyes wide. "Those jumps of his. It's kind of like…"
Bakugo watched in shock. 'Those are my moves! How did that electric idiot manage to pull this off?!' he thought furiously.
Jiro watched Kaminari blitzing through the air with lightning dancing around him, expressing mixed admiration and surprise. "He's…so cool," she uttered under her breath.
Kaminari leaped onto a bridge, sprinting across it before jumping onto the handrails and using magnetic propulsion to thrust himself forward. 'This is so freaking awesome! First place is mine for sure!' he thought confidently.
However, his excitement was short-lived. As he landed on large PVC pipes, the magnetic attraction from his boots failed. Without the expected grip, he slipped off the pipes.
"Oh crap!" Kaminari yelped as he lost his footing.
He crashed into another set of pipes below. Fortunately, he was spared from serious injury, though the impact left him dazed. This momentary delay allowed Tsunotori, Uraraka, and Yaoyorozu to soar past him overhead.
" Annnd that wasn't cool," Jiro muttered, her tone tinged with exasperation.
"Huh, what happened?" Kirishima asked, confused. "He was doing so well."
Tapping his pen against his chin thoughtfully, Midoriya observed, "Using polarity switching to jump around like that only works with ferrous materials present. So, when Kaminari landed on those PVC pipes, he lost the magnetic attraction that was keeping him stable. He'll need to be more mindful with how he uses that technique."
Moments later, the race concluded, and all five members of Group 1 gathered atop the storage tank where All Might was positioned.
"And it's over! Thanks, Hero! And congratulations!" All Might announced, handing the winner a decorated sash emblazoned with the kanji for "Thanks for saving me!"
"Alright!" Tsunotori cheered, happily accepting the sash and draping it over her shoulders.
Meanwhile, Yaoyorozu offered comfort to Uraraka, who was hunched over in discomfort. "Are you alright, Occhan?" she asked, concerned.
"Y-yeah…" Uraraka straightened up, brushing off her unease. "Just still getting used to using my Quirk on myself for prolonged periods."
"I must say, it was clever to incorporate those retracting cables into your costume," Yaoyorozu praised. "Good thinking on your part."
"Thanks, though I admit I can't take all the credit," Uraraka replied sheepishly. "That goes to Hatsume-san. Still, second place isn't too shabby."
Their attention then shifted to Kaminari and Iida, with the former lying on his back looking mildly exhausted and the latter kneeling to catch his breath.
"Are you hurt, Kaminari-kun?" Iida inquired.
"Ugh, just my pride," Kaminari responded glumly. "Man, I was sure I had it for a second there!"
"Don't be upset, Denki," Tsunotori approached him, offering a hand. "That technique of yours is super cool! With more training, I'm sure you'll master it."
Kaminari smiled and accepted her hand, pulling himself to his feet. "Thanks! And when I do, I might just give you all a run for your money. Speed isn't just for runners and fliers anymore; us sparky types can now zip around too!" His tone was light, filled with friendly competitive spirit.
"All of you have shown incredible improvements compared to the start of the semester," All Might praised. "Keep working and preparing for your final exams."
"Sir!" The students acknowledged in unison.
"Group 1, leave the field," All Might then directed into his microphone. "Group 2, you're up."
As the group made their way off the building, All Might's smile widened with pride. 'They truly have come a long way. The time those students have spent with the Captain has certainly had a positive influence on them.'
Meanwhile, Iida silently considered the innovations his classmates showcased—Kaminari's new boots, Uraraka's gauntlets, and Yaoyorozu's visor, all products of Hatsume's genius. 'Perhaps I should seriously consider asking Hatsume to add improvements to my costume?' he mused, seeing it as a good opportunity now that it was being repaired.
Back on the stage, Group 2 exited and headed to their designated positions around the faux city.
Bakugo, meanwhile, was inwardly seething. 'While I was getting groomed at that useless internship, everyone around me has gotten better.' He clenched his fists in frustration, a bead of sweat racing down his face. 'Dammit!'
As the guys of Class 101-A shed their hero costumes, the locker room was abuzz with a mix of exhaustion and animated discussion.
"That was some tough training today, huh?" Sato remarked, wrestling out of his yellow jumpsuit.
"It was the first class in a while that actually made me glisten," Aoyama added, dabbing at his forehead with a purple towel.
"Man, I really need to work on my mobility," Kirishima lamented, removing his costume's gear-shaped shoulder pads. "I feel like I'm lagging behind everyone else."
Nearby, Tokoyami, adjusting his uniform's tie, offered a suggestion. "You could also compensate by enhancing other skills."
"Like endurance and strength, right?" Kirishima mused.
"Exactly," Tokoyami affirmed.
Sero, overhearing the conversation, jumped in. "I still can't believe how fast Kaminari was moving out there. Seriously, bro. Where'd that come from?"
Kaminari, grinning while he peeled off his shirt, responded, "Guess all that training to control my Quirk is really paying off."
Suddenly, a poster on the wall fluttered to the floor, revealing a small hole behind it. Kaminari, curious, pointed it out. "Hey guys, look! There's a hole in the wall."
"So. What's the big deal?" Sero asked.
Kaminari's eyes widened as he peered closer. "Dude… The girls' locker room on the other side."
Instantly, tension filled the room, and all eyes turned towards Mineta, However, instead of jumping at the chance to peep on their female classmates, the purple-headed student continued packing up at his locker–seemingly oblivious to the conversation.
"Mineta," Iida stepped forward with a stern look, "you are expressly forbidden from engaging in any criminal activity. That includes peeping."
Surprisingly, Mineta didn't react as expected. Instead, he zipped up his bag and adjusted his uniform's tie with newfound maturity. "Do you really think so little of me, Iida-san?"
"What? No, I–" Iida stammered.
Mineta closed his locker door with a firm snap. "I get it. I made a fool of myself simping over our female classmates since the start of school," he admitted. "But I've evolved, gentlemen. I see now that time spent bettering myself is more valuable than chasing after fleeting pleasures." With that, Mineta shouldered his bag and quietly exited the room.
Calmly walking down the hall, Mineta's grip tightened on his backpack's straps as scenes of last week's internship flashed through his mind.
Mineta stood timidly at the threshold of a fair-sized living room, a bucket and cleaning supplies in hand. Mt. Lady lounged on a plush sofa, her attention glued to her smartphone, barely acknowledging him with a flick of her hand towards the cluttered areas. "Make yourself useful and get to cleaning," she had said. "Don't want to get a bad review and get expelled, do you?"
Frustrated, Mineta clenched his fists. "No ma'am..."
"Good boy. Now get started." She commanded.
Next, Mineta was vacuuming around Mt. Lady's feet, maneuvering awkwardly to avoid disturbing her. She nonchalantly lifted her legs for him to clean under the coffee table, her focus never shifting from her phone.
"Men are such simps." She commented to herself. "Just one little suggestive act and they all fall in line to please. I love being hot."
Mineta flinched, feeling personally attacked by her comment.
The scene shifted to an office space, where Mineta was organizing stacks of fan mail and promotional materials on Mt. Lady's desk. As he meticulously arranged the piles, Mt. Lady sat at her desk, still engrossed in her smartphone, occasionally kicking her heels in amusement at whatever captures her attention online.
Mineta's temples throbbed angrily. 'Seriously, doesn't she do anything without her phone?'
As the week wore on, Mineta's frustration grew, but so did his resolve. He began to see the disconnect between the adoration Mt. Lady receives and the minimal effort she puts into anything besides her public image.
Finally, Mineta was cleaning the windows, reflecting on how Midoriya interacted with their classmates.
Midoriya, often oblivious to the affections of Yaoyorozu and Uraraka, remained focused on his goals, always striving to better himself. Midoriya's earnestness and dedication make him a figure of admiration to everyone around him—including Mineta himself.
As Mineta polished the window, he caught his reflection shifting into a more resolute version of himself. A realization dawned on him with each stroke of the cloth.
'I had it all wrong. Midoriya isn't cool because he tries to be; he's cool because he just is. He's committed to his goals, never letting anything—or anyone—distract him. And that's exactly why he's so admired.' He inwardly realized.
Walking down the hallway, leaving the locker room behind, Mineta felt a renewed sense of purpose stir within him. 'Before I can even think about having my own harem, I've got a lot of growing to do. And I will!' He inwardly declared, a determined stride carrying him forward.
Meanwhile, back in the locker room, a stunned silence hung in the air after Mineta's departure.
"Whoa… What was that?" Sero was the first to break the silence, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"That internship with Mt. Lady must've really scarred him," Kaminari mused, still in shock.
"Who cares?" Bakugo slammed his locker shut with a resounding clang. "It's about time that purple pest grew up," he muttered gruffly.
No one could necessarily disagree with Bakugo's statement.
While buttoning his shirt, Iida walked over to Midoriya's locker. "That was certainly unexpected. Although, I'm pleased that Mineta-san seems to be taking his role as a hero student seriously now."
"Time will tell how serious he is." Midoriya stated.
Stepping out of the girls' locker room, Uraraka, Yaoyorozu, Tsunotori, and Tokage, now freshly showered and dressed in their uniforms, were still buzzing from the adrenaline of their recent training exercise. At the forefront, Uraraka and Tsunotori were animatedly discussing their performance.
"Honestly, Pony-chan, if I tweak my technique a bit, I could definitely outpace you in the air!" Uraraka declared with a competitive grin.
Tsunotori laughed warmly. "Ochako-chan, you're fast, but I've been flying since I was a kid! You've got some serious catching up to do."
"I'll get there," Uraraka countered with determination, her smile unwavering. "Remember, I was only a couple of seconds behind you."
Behind them, Yaoyorozu chimed in, her tone mixed with gratitude and concern. "I'm grateful Izuku-kun texted me about that hole in the locker room. It's unsettling that it went unnoticed for so long."
Tokage, always keen to stir a little mischief, smirked playfully. "I doubt anyone could really see much through that tiny hole. Though, deep down, Yaomomo, maybe you wouldn't mind if Greenie caught a glimpse—especially someone as stunning as you."
Blushing deeply, Yaoyorozu quickly waved her hands in denial. "Setsuna! That's absolutely not the case. Privacy is very important, of course!"
"Of course," Tokage chuckled, shifting the topic. "So, about that paramotor you used today—brilliant idea! Where did that inspiration come from?"
Yaoyorozu's embarrassment faded, her expression turning reflective. "It came from my internship with Fat Gum. He stressed the importance of using my Quirk efficiently, which resonated with Izuku-kun's teachings. The paramotor seemed like a practical solution for enhanced mobility."
Tokage leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "Speaking of practical, how's the progress on your new DNA-integrated costume? Last time we talked, it was still in the design phase."
Brightening, Yaoyorozu nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, the support company just informed me it's in production and should be ready by our Final Exams. It's quite exciting!"
"Can't wait to see it," Tokage teased, her eyebrows waggling suggestively. "And I'm sure Izuku-kun will certainly appreciate seeing you in that new skin-tight bodysuit, won't he?"
Yaoyorozu's face turned a shade redder, if possible, as she stammered a response. "S-Setsuna! That's not—focus on the functionality, please!"
Tokage burst into a fit of laughter, earning a few glances from passing students in the hallway.
Moments later, the four girls joined their friends in a spacious lobby. Gathered were Todoroki, Sero, Asui, Kaminari, Kirishima, and Ashido, all ready with backpacks for their usual post-training session at the campus coffee shop.
Yaoyorozu scanned the group, her expression thoughtful. "Are Iida-kun and Izuku-kun still in the locker room?"
"Weird," Ashido chimed in, tilting her head. "Iida's usually the first one to jump on any study session."
Kirishima, adjusting his bag, looked concerned. "Actually, he mentioned he'd be on janitorial duty in the evenings after classes for the rest of the semester."
The group was visibly surprised.
"Janitorial duty?" Tokage repeated, eyebrows raised in curiosity. "How come?"
Kaminari glanced at Todoroki, sensing he might know more. "Todoroki-san, any idea what's going on with that?"
Todoroki paused, carefully choosing his words. "It's not really my place to say. Iida will share when he's ready, I suppose," he said, hinting there was more to the story.
Their curiosity now piqued, the group exchanged thoughtful looks. Sero leaned closer to Asui and whispered, "Do you think it's related to what happened in Hosu?"
Asui simply tilted her head, her expression neutral, offering no clue.
Seeking to change the subject, Uraraka scanned the area again. "And where's Izuku-kun?"
"He had to meet someone after class," Kaminari responded casually. "Said he'd catch up with us later if he can."
Seizing the moment to organize, Yaoyorozu clapped her hands together. "Well, while we wait, let's head to the coffee shop. We can start our session, and they can join us when they're free."
With nods of agreement, the group, albeit missing two of their regular members, exited the lobby.
As conversation sparked amongst the group, Uraraka's brows furrowed in curiosity. 'Wonder who Izuku could be meeting with that's so important?'
Midoriya's footsteps echoed softly in the corridor of UA's heroic department as he navigated toward the staff offices. His mind replayed the brief encounter just after the race.
All Might's voice, low and serious, had resonated with unspoken urgency. "Captain," he had begun, catching himself with a quick correction, "meet me in my office after class. We need to talk."
The gravity in All Might's eyes had been unmistakable, signaling the importance of their upcoming discussion.
'I wonder what he wants to talk about. Could it be related to last week's incident at his agency's headquarters? I thought Coulson would have explained everything,' Midoriya mused. 'Or maybe it's related to One For All?'
As he rounded a corner, his train of thought was interrupted by the sight of Yagi in his deflated form, stepping out from the staff lounge.
"Ah, Ca—uh, young Midoriya!" Yagi caught himself, offering a frail yet warm smile.
"Yagi-sensei," Midoriya greeted him, addressing him properly given the location. "I was just heading to your office."
"Let's go then," Yagi said, gesturing for Midoriya to follow. As they proceeded down the hallway, Yagi looked over at Midoriya with a curious glance. "By the way, I'm curious about what your take was for today's exercise?"
Midoriya smiled slightly. "It was definitely challenging, especially considering Ground Gamma's layout. The race underscored the critical nature of quick response in rescue operations and villain attacks. Overall, I thought it was a well-constructed scenario."
Yagi's spirits visibly lifted at the praise for his exercise. "Thank you! Although, I hope you're okay with the outcome of your race. You seemed a bit disappointed afterward."
Midoriya shrugged modestly. "I'm very competitive. But there's no shame in coming in second to Sero, especially given the environment." His expression became serious. "So, what is it you wanted to discuss? It sounded important."
"Let's talk in my office," Yagi said in a low tone, indicating the gravity of their discussion. They walked together down the corridor toward the staff offices. At the door, Yagi paused to use his key card, then turned to Midoriya with a slightly cautious expression. "I should mention we won't be alone. There are a couple of others waiting inside."
Curiosity piqued, Midoriya followed Yagi into the office, which was adorned with shelves full of books and various memorabilia from All Might's prime hero days. His eyes then went to the first guest.
"Coulson?"
Agent Coulson was there, standing by the window in his characteristic suit, looking slightly perturbed.
When he laid eyes on the second guest, who was perched comfortably on Yagi's office chair, alarm bells went off in the super-soldier's head.
"D-Dean Nezu?!"
"Yes, indeed," Nezu chirped cheerfully. "I could be a mouse, a dog, or a bear, but most importantly, I am the Dean of Heroics!" He hopped from the chair onto Yagi's desk with his usual enthusiastic grin.
Midoriya's confusion was evident. The presence of UA's Dean of Heroics suggested something significant was afoot.
'If Coulson is here too, that must mean…' Midoriya's thoughts trailed off as he pieced together the implications.
As Yagi closed the door, sealing them off from the corridor, Midoriya glanced at Coulson, whose expression of mild annoyance was uncharacteristic. Turning back to Nezu, he asked, "What brings you here, sir?"
Nezu's smile widened as he approached Midoriya, extending a hand in greeting. "Oh, just a small matter," he replied, his beady eyes twinkling with mischief. "I've come to personally welcome Captain America himself to my department. A hero of your stature deserves a proper introduction."
…
…
…
Midoriya blinked twice, processing Nezu's words. Slowly, he extended his hand, grasping Nezu's paw. "You...you know?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
Dean Nezu chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, I've known since you first applied here."
"What?!" Midoriya's gaze snapped to Coulson and Yagi, both of whom wore expressions of mild frustration. "But...how? The cover S.H.I.E.L.D provided was supposed to be foolproof."
"Yes, your cover would have likely succeeded elsewhere," Nezu said, his grin broadening. "But those places don't have me."
Coulson added, "Nezu is among the smartest beings on the planet. He's solved more cold cases and complex investigations than anyone else. Even S.H.I.E.L.D has sought his expertise on several occasions."
Nezu's laughter filled the room, tinged with a hint of pride. "No spy organization can keep secrets from me!" His words seemed to dance around the office, much to Coulson's evident irritation, who couldn't help but twitch at Nezu's boast.
As they settled into their seats, with Nezu comfortably reclaiming Yagi's office chair, Midoriya cleared his throat to restart the conversation. "So, Dean Nezu, now that you know who I am, what happens next?"
"Well," Nezu began, his voice carrying a mix of seriousness and intrigue, "under normal circumstances, you'd be facing expulsion for falsifying your application."
Midoriya's face remained impassive, but his grip tightened slightly on the arms of his chair as the weight of Nezu's words settled in the air.
"However," Nezu continued, leaning forward slightly, "these are anything but normal circumstances. Your secret—this dual identity—is as critical to protect as the secret of One For All. Therefore, I am prepared to keep it."
Relief washed over Midoriya, and he exhaled deeply, his shoulders relaxing. "Thank you, sir. I can't express how much—"
"That being said," Nezu interjected, his tone turning grave, "you must be prepared for the possibility that your identity could be exposed. Given All For One's involvement, it's not a question of 'if' but 'when' your true identity might come to light."
Midoriya's brow furrowed as he contemplated the implications. The thought of his identity being revealed was daunting—how would the world react, and what would it mean for his new friends?
Before he could delve deeper into his worries, Yagi shifted the conversation. "Let's focus on the immediate issues at hand," he suggested briskly.
"Very well," Nezu agreed, turning to Coulson. "Agent Coulson, what has S.H.I.E.L.D uncovered about the events in Hosu?"
Coulson nodded, beginning his brief. "On the surface, the attack appeared to be a random act of violence spurred by Shigaraki Tomura's penchant for destruction. However, Stain's involvement indicates a deeper strategy orchestrated by All For One. He aimed to align Stain's radical ideology with the League of Villains' actions—a connection the Japanese media is now starting to piece together."
"Which means," Yagi added grimly, "that the League might soon expand, becoming larger and potentially more dangerous than before."
Coulson confirmed the concern with a grave nod. "There have been significant stirrings within the Japanese underworld. Various villains, ranging in notoriety, are now seeking out the League, either drawn by Stain's convictions or the allure of joining a rising power."
"They must have a hideout," Midoriya interjected. "Any leads on their location?"
Coulson shook his head, his expression grim. "Difficult to say. Kurogiri's warp Quirk makes tracking their movements nearly impossible. We're working on it, though."
Nezu added, "I will be assisting in the efforts to locate the League. Until then," he glanced at the three men, "we need to prepare for the inevitable confrontation."
Midoriya frowned, his gaze dropping. "You're right. Honestly, with everything that's happened, I've been questioning whether I can continue my studies at UA."
Yagi's eyebrows arched in surprise. "What do you mean? Are you thinking about dropping out?"
"It's not that I want to leave," Midoriya clarified, meeting Yagi's concerned look. "But given All For One's goal to defeat us, Toshinori, we can't overlook the likelihood of another attack on the school."
A heavy silence fell over the room as the gravity of the situation settled in.
"I wouldn't worry excessively about that," Nezu interjected, breaking the silence. "UA's security systems are among the best in the world, significantly enhanced since the USJ incident. Even All For One would think twice before launching a direct attack. This leads me to another important matter."
Nezu's gaze sharpened. "Captain, I recommend that you move onto campus as soon as possible."
"Into a dormitory?" Midoriya queried, his brow furrowing.
Coulson nodded in agreement. "Given the circumstances, S.H.I.E.L.D concurs that you'd be safer within UA's fortified environment. That, and our agents are starting to be stretched thin with other missions across the globe."
"I understand, but wouldn't moving into a dorm be unusual this late in the semester? Might it not raise questions?" Midoriya asked, skepticism in his tone.
"Leave that to me," Nezu reassured. "Though the relocation is not solely for security reasons," he added, sharing a meaningful look with Yagi.
Yagi nodded solemnly. "Cap, given recent events, we believe it's necessary to accelerate our plans."
Understanding dawned on Midoriya, though he remained concerned. "But if I were to inherit One For All now, wouldn't it raise suspicions about my sudden increase in strength?"
"Actually," Dean Nezu replied with a sly grin, "I've devised a strategy to address that very predicament."