Chapter 52: "Thanks for your hard work!"
"How do you feel?"
"Like I was blown up."
"You were."
"That would explain it."
…
"You looked like you were having fun down there."
"Yeah, I had a real blast…"
…
Thwack
"Okay, kinda deserved, but also ow."
"I thought it was funny."
'Then it was definitely deservedly.'
Izuku smiled at the sound of the vestiges laughing in his mind as he continued to lie in one of Recovery Girl's beds. Until he and Kacchan were healed up enough to start moving, the Award Ceremony would be postponed and the two of them were confined to these beds.
At the moment, besides Recovery Girl and their patients, Ochako, Mei, Tsu, and Kirishima were currently also in the room with them.
Though given the small crowd outside the door looking in, there were plenty of other people who wished to pay them a visit. Unfortunately Recovery Girl insisted that her patients needed to rest and thus only could allow two visitors each.
Izuku had managed to stay awake, even as the med bots had carted him and Kacchan away, but his rival was still out cold.
"Bakuchan looks much nicer when he's like this, ribbit, rather than when he has his usual scowl on his face." Admitted Tsu as she gently poked Kacchan's cheek with one of her large fingers.
Kirishima chuckled nervously, "You think so? Probably shouldn't say that to his face unless you wanna risk losing yours…" He then looked over at Izuku. "But seriously, that fight out there was manly Midoribro! You and Bakubro really gave it your all out there, huh?"
Izuku gave his redhead classmate a grin. "Sure did. It was the first time Kacchan and I have fought in… six, maybe seven years? It was the day we made our rivalry official, but we hadn't fought since then, this was the first chance he'd given me to show how far I'd come." A distant look crossed his face. "My first chance to finally catch up to him…"
There was a moment of silence before Ochako said, "Well, you definitely caught up to him, there's no denying that."
"Yeah… just barely, I had to give it my all to do that."
"I'd say you gave a little more than just 'your all' you foolish boy." Huffed Recovery Girl as she tapped her cane on the floor a few times in annoyance before pointing it at him. "Look what you did to your arm! I thought the entire point of those lessons with Aizawa was to avoid these kinds of reckless injuries!"
"Sorry ma'am…" Said Izuku dejectedly.
Recovery Girl returned her cane to its original position, sighing before looking at the boy with a gentler expression, "My boy, I stress this need to be careful because I must remind you that my Quirk is not a magic cure all. I do not undo the damage to your body, simply accelerate its healing process. If you break yourself too many times, not even I will be able to put you back together."
Izuku nodded his head solemnly, "I understand Recovery Girl, it won't happen again."
"Until your Martyr Complexing Ass finds someone else to save, then your body parts are fair games right?"
"Kacchan!" Exclaimed Izuku, turning to see his rival giving him a flat look from his own bed. "You're awake!"
"Hard to sleep through the sound of your dumbassery, Izuku." Deadpanned Kacchan flatly.
"Ah." Said Izuku blankly as he blinked at the blond a couple times in surprise. "You… you called me…"
Kacchan rolled his eyes, "Because you finally managed to beat me, nerd. If you ever slack off and let me overtake you though, it's right back to Deku for you, comprende?"
"'Comprende…'" Replied Izuku with a sigh.
"Sheesh, you really can tell they grew up together." Joked Ochako. "They're like brothers."
Tsu let out an amused croak, "Like Cain and Abel maybe, ribbit."
"Wait, which of us is Cain?" Asked Izuku.
"I'll show you a 'cane' if either of you start something in my office." Threatened Recovery Girl.
"No thank you." Said Izuku weakly. He'd heard horror stories about that cane, he'd rather not learn how much truth those stories carried.
Kacchan groaned as he sat up, "Alright, let's fuckin' go."
"Boy, you are supposed to be resting!" Argued Recovery Girl.
"Ah piss off ya hag." Grumbled the explosive blond. "It's not like I'm planning on getting into a fist fight or running a triathlon. I just don't feel like laying in bed. Izuku and I are awake, so we can go to the Award Ceremony now."
"That's true." Said Izuku as he turned and rolled out of bed, moving carefully because of his broken arm. "We'll be fine, I don't want to hold everyone else up."
Recovery Girl looked at the boys before sighing, "Honestly, you're both just like that foolish Hero you admire so much. Fine, I don't like it but I'll let you go. Just be careful to avoid aggravating your injuries."
"Yeah yeah, wasn't planning on it." Groaned Kacchan dismissively as he waved her off, while Izuku gave the nurse an apologetic bow. Their friends followed after them as the pair left her office, only to be met with the small mob of students waiting for them outside.
"Midoriya!"
"You're up!"
"Are you good to be moving?"
"I was bored waiting for you to get your ass out of bed Zuku!"
Tokoyami sighed as he forced his partner back into him, this hall was crowded enough without her coming out without warning to cause a ruckus for everyone.
Izuku waved his good hand in an attempt to calm his classmates, and friends from other classes who were present. "We're still a little roughed up, but we're good to go for the Awards Ceremony."
"If you say so." Said Shoto. "I definitely wouldn't wish to attend without you there."
Izuku chuckled as he scratched the back of his head, "You flatter me, Shoto."
Shoto stared at him, "It's not flattery. It's the truth."
"Right." Said Izuku weakly. 'Baby steps.'
"I've gotta say, it was pretty satisfying watching this blond menace faceplant on the arena after the way he knocked me out." Said Shinso with a grin. Kacchan didn't say anything, instead opting to just flip him off.
"I only wish I could have fought you myself, Midorya." Said Kendo. "Still, you put on quite a spectacular performance in each of your matches."
"Heck yeah!" Said Mei as she put an arm around Izuku's shoulders. "Izuku definitely earned that victory! He's the best!"
"Thanks Me- ow." Said Izuku, flinching a little as she jostled his injured arm.
"Alright, enough of that, let's get going." Said Ochako as she grabbed Izuku's uninjured hand and started pulling him along to get Mei off of him.
As the students slowly started making their way to the stadium, Izuku looked at Yaomomo, "Congratulations on Third place, Yaomomo, you too Shoto, you both put up great fights until the end, you definitely earned that placement."
"Thank you Midoriya, that's kind of you to say." Said Yaomomo with a smile as Kaminari and Jirou followed her closely. "I may not have made it to the finals, but Bakugou was as worthy of a foe as any to lose to."
Shoto didn't say anything, he simply let out a humming noise as they kept walking.
Soon enough they were at the entrance to the Arena, where Midnight was waiting for them.
"Hey there kids!" She said with a friendly wave. "Good to see you boys up and moving again, I'm impressed you can stand up again after that match." Her eyes narrowed. "Honestly I'm amazed you were able to convince Recovery Girl, you should probably still be in bed."
Kacchan groaned, "We're fine dammit, Pervy-Sensei. It's an Awards Ceremony, I think we can attend something like that while being a little hurt."
"'Pervy-Sensei…?'" Parroted back Midnight with a confused expression as Izuku resisted the urge to laugh. "I…" Midnight sighed. "Fine. Midoriya, Bakugou, Todoroki, Yaoyorozu, the four of you are to walk out and step on one of three special circles that will be numbered one, two, and three. Once it's time for the ceremony to start the spaces will rise from the ground and become the podium. Any questions?"
"It's only going to be the three of them." Said Shoto calmly.
"Eh?" Asked Midnight in confusion.
Shoto took a step back, separating himself from the other three finalists and returning to the larger crowd behind them, "Given my… poor sportsmanship during the entirety of the festival, I can't in good faith join Izuku and the others on the podium. I'll take fourth place, Yaoyorozu deserves it far more than I do."
"Shoto…" Said Izuku softly. "Are you sure about this?"
Shoto nodded his head, "This is what I want, Izuku."
Izuku smiled and nodded his head before looking at Midnight, "Then I'm on board with his decision, would you kindly be willing to bump him down to fourth place, Sensei?"
Midnight let out a hum, her eyes closed and her arms crossed as she tapped her foot on the floor. After a second or three she smiles, raising her whip into the air, "I like it!" She declares.
"Likes what? This woman is weird."
Midnight then points at Shoto, "It takes a certain level of boldness to speak your mind and pass something like this down. I'm proud of you Todoroki." She pulls out a phone. "I'll update Aizawa and Yamada on the slight change in plans." She gestured towards the entrance. "You three should get out there. The rest of you can head up to your seats in order to watch the ceremony. Run along now."
Izuku subconsciously squeezed Ochako's hand for support one last time before releasing it, walking through the entrance with Kacchan and Yaomomo close behind him.
Shoto watches Izuku leave before turning and walking away into the depths of the stadium, the other students close behind him as they start making their way back to their seats.
However once they rounded the corner, Shoto was met with a flaming face he hadn't wanted to see.
"Shoto." Said his father firmly, glaring down at him. "And others. I've been looking for you, son. I've been wishing to talk to you since your match with the Midoriya boy, but you've continuously been avoiding me. Come with me, now."
Shoto was about to say something, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Uraraka, who was glaring up at the man, "Todoroki doesn't have to do anything you-"
Before she could say something his father could make her regret, Shoto lifted up his hand to cover her face, "It's alright, Uraraka."
His classmate looked at him, a concerned look on her face, "Todoroki-"
"There have been some words that I've wanted to have with my father, to be perfectly honest, I've simply been putting it off until now." Admitted Shoto. "Go on ahead everyone, I'll be with you shortly."
His classmates exchanged some looks before they began to walk once more, moving past Endeavor and continuing down the hallway.
His father narrowed his eyes at Shoto when he realized something, "You made it to the Semi-Finals, should you not be out there for the Awards Ceremony?"
"I stepped down, given how I acted I decided that Yaoyorozu alone deserved the placement."
His father huffed at that, "Well, if you had used your flames sooner perhaps you would be in the Midoriya boy's place out there. But better late than never I suppose, with your childish rebellion a thing of the past, you're ready to replace me, surpass me even!"
"Don't flatter yourself." Said Shoto coldly, glaring up at his father. He had no interest in listening to the man run his mouth. "I didn't use my flames for you."
"What?" Replied his father, fixing a glare onto Shoto.
But Shoto wasn't going to back down, "I used my flames for Izuku. He helped me realize something when we were fighting. Before me there were two paths I could take. I could remain the way I was, cold and closed off, refusing to use your power, but ironically ultimately becoming a Hero like you in the end." Endeavor said nothing, simply letting the boy say his piece. Shoto looked down at his left hand. "Or I could accept that these flames were my own power. I could accept myself. Stop fighting to spite you, and instead fight for what I truly wanted."
"And what is it that you 'truly want?'" Asked his father.
Shoto looked back at the man, "To become a Hero like All Might. One who inspires people with his kindness, who fights with everything he has to both defeat villains and save the innocent. That's the kind of Hero I wish to be." Shoto then paused before reaching up and awkwardly scratching the back of his head. "He also pointed out the hypocrisy of claiming that I'd climb to the top without your power since it was your recommendation that got me into UA in the first place."
To the surprise of no one, Shoto Todoroki found amusement in very few things. But there was something humorous to him about the expression his father was making, and that made everything worth it.
"Todoroki?" Both Endeavor and Shoto turned in surprise at the sound of a third voice making her presence known.
Shoto blinked in surprise, "Ah, Shiozaki, it's you. Did you need something?"
Shiozaki looked at Shoto, then at Endeavor. "Your friends were kind enough to point me your way. It's a pleasure to meet you, Number Two Hero." She said politely.
Endeavor crossed his arms as he stared down at her. "I remember you. You're one of Class B's students, one of the best performing ones too, only falling out of the running once you went against my Shoto."
"Yes." Replied Shiozaki neutrally. "Your son made me well aware of my own… shortcomings on my road to being a Hero."
"Hmph, you clearly have a strong Quirk." Replied Endeavor calmly. "You showed great skill when you defeated the recommendation student from your own class in the first round, don't take losing to my Shoto too harshly, he is simply amongst the best of the best, so there was no shame in being bested by him."
"I… wasn't aware that you paid so much attention to other students, much less ones who aren't even in my class." Admitted Shoto.
Endeavor turned to look at his son, "Shoto, this may surprise you but I don't spend every waking moment with my eyes focused solely on you."
Something about the way his father said that annoyed Shoto.
Endeavor looked back at both students, there was a contemplative expression on his face that Shoto was not fond of, "Still, I'm surprised, I wasn't aware the two of you were close."
Shoto looked at Shiozaki.
"Oh… hello there Shiozaki." Said Shoto, staring at the Class B girl in surprise as she entered Recovery Girl's office.
"Greetings, Todoroki." Replied Shiozaki politely. "I hope I am not intruding."
"No… it's fine, I'm glad to see you actually, I was hoping to speak to you." Admitted Shoto.
"Ah, is that right? I wished the same." Replied Shiozaki as she moved forwards, taking a seat next to Shoto's bed.
The two sat there in silence for a moment, before eventually…
"I'm sorry."
They both spoke the same words in unison, making them stare at each other in surprise.
"Wait, no I-"
"No wait, I-"
They both clamped their mouths shut as they stopped attempting to speak over the other.
"You first." Said Shoto.
"You are too kind." Said Shiozaki as she reached her hands up and clasped them together in prayer. "I humbly request for your forgiveness for the things I said during our match. I spoke on things that were based solely on assumptions and that I had no business interfering with."
Shoto watched as the remorseful girl had a faint line shine upon her as she apologized to him. He sighed before saying, "Ironically enough, I think everything you said to me when we fought was spot on, I just did not want to admit it and thus lashed out at you."
Shiozaki looked at him in surprise. "Truly?" She asked uncertainly.
Shoto nodded, taking a moment to look at the palm of his left hand before resting it on his face. "I was… in a way I still am, in a very dark place. What did you call it? 'A sickening miasma of negative emotions?'"
"Those… were my words, yes." Replied Shiozaki.
Shoto nodded, "I was certainly on a self destructive path. You told me as much, as did Mi- Izuku too." He looked over at her, a solemn look on his face. "Even if you were not the one to get me to use my flames, now that I've received some clarity I realize how harsh I was towards you when you were only trying to help me, someone you barely even knew. For that, you have both my apologies for my actions as well as my thanks for your efforts."
At first, Shiozaki did not respond to Shoto's words. However, after a moment of contemplation, she unclasped her hands, watching out and grabbing Shoto's left hand, gently pulling it away from his face and holding his hand on her own. "Todoroki," She said softly, "I know not the nature of the cross you bear, nor do I know if there's anything I can do to ease your burdens." She looked at him, a determined expression on her face. "But I am still someone who is striving to be a Hero, someone who wishes to do the Lord's work and bring salvation to those in need. Should the time ever come where you would like to reach out to me, I would be willing to do everything I can to assist you."
Shoto stared at her hands as they held his. After a moment he reached out with his right hand, placing it atop hers. "I… do not have a lot of experience when it comes to interacting with others." He admitted. "So I apologize if my words come across as odd." Shiozaki was silent, allowing Shoto the time to formulate his words. "There are many things that I do not think I can go into detail about when it comes to my burdens. However I've learned that I do not need to carry those burdens alone anymore. I made my first friend not too long ago, he helped pull me away from the path of damnation I had allowed myself to walk down." He looked at Shiozaki. "If you still would like to become a friend of mine as well, I won't reject you this time, Shiozaki."
Shiozaki stared at Shoto for a moment before smiling, the faint light that had been on her now becoming far brighter, engulfing them both in its brilliance, "I would very much like that, Todoroki."
The light… it felt oddly… comforting…
"Shiozaki is just a friend, Endeavor." Said Shoto, glaring up at his father. "Whatever you may be thinking or planning about us, keep it to yourself. I've had enough of you attempting to intrude on my life." He then reached over and took Shiozaki's hand, causing the vine haired girl to let out a noise of surprise as he started walking away with her.
"Shoto, our conversation isn't over." Said Endeavor in annoyance.
"Trust me, father, it very much is." Said Shoto, looking at the flaming man over his shoulder. "I won't become what you want, and there's nothing you can do about nor anything you can do to intimidate me into rejecting everything you are. Because I've made a friend who is far scarier than you…"
Endeavor could only watch, stewing in anger, as his son and his friends fled from his sight around the corner of the hallway. With a noise of frustration, he slammed a fist into a nearby wall before turning and walking away.
"Alright folks, who's ready for the Awards Ceremony!?" Said Midnight cheerfully as she waved her whip around like a flag, making the audience cheer. "Originally third place was going to be shared between Yaoyorozu and Todoroki, but our second Semi-finalist chose to step down, so Third Place will solely belong to the master of Creation, Momo Yaoyorozu!"
From the crowd, Kaminari and Jirou could be heard cheering the loudest.
"In second place, the Living Explosion himself, Katsuki Bakugou!"
The cheers were far less energetic, it was no secret that his personality made Kacchan the dark horse of this competition, but he still had people like Tsu and Kirishim cheering for him, so it was clear he was unbothered.
"And finally, this year's First Place, it's the Superpower Boy Wonder, Izuku Midoriya!"
As soon as his name was called, the crowd practically exploded. In the same way Kacchan had been the obvious dark horse, Izuku was absolutely the one the crowd had come to adore the most.
"Congrats nerd, you'd better enjoy that spot at the top of the podium while it lasts." Said Kacchan without looking at Izuku. "I'm taking the win next year."
Izuku smiled, "I look forward to seeing you try."
"And now," Said Midnight, "Giving out this year's medals…"
"I Am… Here with the-!" Shouted All Might as he leapt down from high above.
"He's everyone's Hero, All Might!" Said Midnight, accidentally cutting him off."
"…Medals." Said All Might dejectedly, making his coworker apologize sheepishly. Not being one to let minor hiccups slow him down, he approached Yaomomo first. "Young Yaoyorozu, you put on a spectacular showing of your Quirk and your adaptability with it, I look forward to seeing which Hero you choose to intern with." Said the Number One as he placed the medal over her head before stretching his arms out to offer an embrace.
The girl accepted, wrapping her arms around All Might's midsection, "Thank you, sir."
All Might then moved to Kacchan, "Young Bakugou, you fought tooth and nail to climb your way to the top. Second place is nothing to be ashamed of if you know you gave it your all to come this far."
Kacchan waited until the medal was put on and Lal Might was done hugging him to say, "Izuku may have one this year, but I'll take first next time. Just watch me."
All Might gave the boy a smile and a thumbs up, proud of his resolve before moving to Izuku. "Young Midoriya, I am truly amazed and proud of your performance today. You promised to the audience and your peers you would fight for first, this victory is one you earned."
Izuku sniffled as All Might embraced him, "Thank you sir."
All Might stepped away, "Well! These are your winners! But hold on everyone! As you all witnessed! Everyone here today has the potential to be standing up here! Competition! Encouragement! Pushing each other to climb higher and higher! The sprouts of today will grow into the Heroes of tomorrow! In that spirit, let's have one last cheer! Say it with me!"
"PLUS ULT-!"
"Thanks for your hard work!"
There was a moment of silence before the audience, and the vestiges started laughing at the amusing little mix up.
Thus concluded the First Year's Sports Festival.
Chapter 53: "You can call me, 'The Savior Hero: Deku!'"
"You wanted to meet me?"
Izuku stared at the person sitting on the sandy beach of Dagobah beach, the waves crashing in the background making the only source of noise here.
After the Sports Festival concluded, the student body of UA was granted two days off from school to rest their bodies and minds, as well as spend time with their families.
Izuku had heard from a bunch of his friends about how things had gone for them. Ochako's parents had surprised her at the place she'd been staying, congratulating her on her performance. She admitted that she cried a little. She also had to convince her dad not to go after him for punching his little girl, which did make Izuku feel slightly nervous.
Tsu had gone out to have dinner with her family, both of her younger siblings being very proud of her and thinking she was super cool, even if she lost to the "scary explosion man." They were also apparently happy that Izuku had "avenged her" by kicking his butt.
Shoto, who had given Izuku's number, had apparently gone to visit his mother in the mental hospital. Izuku decided not to pry for details, but Shoto claimed that the visit had been nice.
Sero's parents rewarded him making it to the tournament and giving it his all against Shoto with a vintage Spider-Man comic, something he apparently locked away in a special safe beneath his bed. Izuku understood the importance of keeping collector's items safe. He should definitely try to invest in a safe himself at some point, no matter how much Fifth and Seventh teased him for it. First had his back at least.
Kendo had also given him her number, and she talked about how embarrassing her dad had been when it came to praising her for how far she came, straight up parading her around the family dojo for the other students to see. Apparently he also wanted to meet Izuku some day to get an understanding of what kind of "intentions" the Class A president had with his daughter.
Something Kendo had no intention of rescuing him from.
Mei's parents had apparently celebrated by getting her some very expensive tools she'd had her eyes on for the last couple months, which she planned to use to build a new baby she'd been designing in her head since her match in the Sports Festival. Izuku was admittedly very curious about that.
Shinso didn't say much. Apparently his old man gave him a pat on the head for "showing those Hero Course kids whose boss" and that was about it.
Iida… wasn't answering Izuku's messages.
Izuku himself celebrated by eating like a king with his mom, who cooked him up the largest Katsudon he'd ever seen. Though before eating she did pinch his cheek so hard he was afraid she'd rip it right off his face as "punishment" for how reckless he'd been, going as far as to break his arm while fighting Kacchan.
Speaking of Kacchan…
"How long has it been since the day you told me about One for All? Thirteen months?" Asked his rival.
Izuku pondered for a moment before responding, "It had been April of 2140 when I told you, so yeah?"
Kacchan nodded his head, not looking at Izuku and instead continuing to stare out at the crashing waves, "Probably a good thing you told me as soon as your training started. If your dumbass had tried to keep that sort of shit a secret I would've found out and kicked your ass for it."
Izuku nodded his head, "Oh absolutely you would've, I basically said the same thing to Yagi-Sensei when I added the stipulation of telling my mom and you when I agreed to become the Ninth."
Kacchan let out a hum before rising to his feet, "I want to fight you."
"…Eh?" Izuku turned to look at Kacchan in confusion.
"We're rivals, Izuku. I want to fight you. A sparring match. Can't use our Quirks but I still am in the mood to go fist to fist with you."
Izuku eyes Kacchan with suspicion, "You're not planning to ask me to fight every day until you win are you?"
Kacchan stared at him for a moment before looking away, "No."
"You're a goddamn liar!" Exclaimed Izuku.
"Look, are we gonna fight or not Izuku!?"
"Of course we are! But you better believe I'm not gonna do this shit every day! Once a week outside of school, tops! And not without some stakes!"
"Deal!" Shouted Kacchan as he swung his fist Izuku.
"Great!" Replied Izuku as he mirrored the movement, their fists colliding and pushing them back.
The pair stared at one another for a moment before grinning and charging. "Winner picks the loser's Hero name!"
"You're on!"
Their "sparring match" would end up going on for over an hour.
Izuku sighed in exhaustion as the sound of rain colliding with his umbrella filled his ears. He was already starting to feel burnt out and the day hadn't even started, being crowded the entire train ride to UA had absolutely sucked the life out of him. Was this what being popular was like?
"Trust me. It only gets worse from here."
"Can't relate honestly."
"Yeah yeah, rub it in Mr. Underground, must've been real nice not having to deal with the paparazzi chomping on your cheeks every other day."
"Yeah, it was only once a week for me."
"This is no time for an idle stroll!" The sound of someone shouting behind him accompanied by the loud stomps of running made Izuku jump in surprise, pulling his attention away from Fifth and Sixth's banter. Izuku turned to see the source of the voice. "We'll be late! Good morning Midoriya!" Exclaimed Iida as he charged towards the front door, wearing a poncho and rain boots to shield himself from the rain.
"Late? We're five minutes early still!" Exclaimed Izuku as he jogged after Iida into the school.
"The students of UA make it a point to arrive five minutes early!" Insisted his Class Secretary.
"NERRRD…!"
Izuku somehow managed to keep his sighing internal.
After they'd gotten out of the rain and into the school, they put their belongings away into a locker so they could dry off and be ready for their trips home in the event it was still raining.
As Izuku watched Iida put his poncho away, he decided to speak up, "How's Tensei?"
Iida went stiff for a moment before closing the locker and looking at Izuku with a smile, "Your concern is appreciated, Class President, but you needn't worry about my brother. I apologize if he or I caused you any undue concern."
Izuku could only stand there and stare as Iida walked away towards their class.
"That was the most artificial smile I've ever seen."
"Poor boy, I hope his brother is ok. I remember seeing the last couple Ingenium's through All Might's eyes, and Tensei always seemed like a good man."
"I just hope that kid doesn't do something stupid like go after the bastard who injured his brother."
"Aw c'mon, a straight arrow braniac nerd like him? There's no way, right?"
"He's going to."
Izuku and the other vestiges looked towards Third, 'What makes you say that?'
"Because we're very familiar with what the eyes of a man fueled by a desire of vengeance looks like."
If even Second was this certain… "Shit." Said Izuku as he jogged off to get to the classroom.
Izuku walked in to see his classmates talking amongst themselves. A bunch of them were sharing their own stories about civilians crowding them on their way to UA. To quote Tsu, "One little event, and suddenly the world's got its eye on us, ribbit."
The sound of the door opening got all the students back into their seats. "Hmph, your reaction time's improving." Noted Aizawa-Sensei drily. "Morning, Class."
"Good morning Sensei, ribbit." Said Tsu. "It's good to see you with your bandages off."
Aziawa-Sensei rubbed at the new scar just below his eye, "The old lady's treatment was excessive." He lowered his hand and looked back at his students. "But never mind that. Today we've got Hero Informatics Class. And a special one at that."
A lot of the students froze up, fearing the worst like something akin to a pop quiz.
After letting his students have a second to sweat, Aizawa-Sensei elaborated, "You'll be coming up with your Hero Alisases."
The tone of the class did a one eighty as several of Izuku's friends cheered excitedly at the revelation. The moment Izuku saw the red flash of his teacher's Quirk, he quickly ducked to the left to avoid letting the vestiges get hit, he saw Tokoyami moving in a similar way to keep Dark Shadow safe.
"But first," Said Aizawa-Sensei in frustration as he put some eye drops in before looking back at them. "It's time to announce the pro draft picks I mentioned the other day. To the surprise of no one, those of you who made it to the final round got the highest results."
With the click of a button, the blackboard behind Aizawa-Sensei revealed those amongst 1A who had been sent offers for internships, as well as how many.
-
Midoryia - 3933
Todoroki - 2083
Bakugou - 1562
Yaoyorozu - 301
Iida - 108
Kirishima - 68
Uraraka - 50
Asui - 32
Sero - 14
Tokoyami - 1
-
"...Fifth don't even sta-"
"Three plus nine plus three plus three is eighteen, which divided by two is nine."
"Oh will you STOP!?"
"I'll stop fighting for this theory when the universe stops proving it true!"
"Grass. Touch it."
"HOW!? I'm a vestige living in a teenage boy's head, you want him to go rolling through a grassy field and hope I absorb the grass secondhand?"
"If it'll shut you up? YES!"
"You just hate me because I'm right!"
"No, I just hate you in general!"
"Don't you mean, 'in geh-neral?'"
"AGH! I'm jo-ing to kill you!"
Izuku groaned. The vestiges were giving him a headache. He silently walled the lot of them away so he could focus on what Aiawa-Sensei was saying.
The students talked amongst themselves. Unsurprising was Izuku taking first given the show he put on the entire time. What was a shock was Shoto getting more offers than Kacchan.
That is until he explained it away with a tired, "It's mostly just my father's influence. If not for that, my applications would probably be even less than your Yaoyorozu's."
"And then there's Bakugou playing third fiddle, same as always." Said Sero.
"I don't wanna hear that guy who got his ass iced in five seconds!" Snapped Kacchan, flipping Sero off, who simply slumped over in shame as he was forced to recall his instant loss against Shoto.
"Woah! Woah! Woah! Fifty!?" Exclaimed Ochako excitedly as she grabbed Iida's shoulders and shook him, which the Class Secretary took in stride.
After giving Class A a moment to talk amongst themselves, a second teacher made her presence known. "The name you pick now… may be what the world ends up calling you." Explained Kayama-Sensei. "You ought to choose carefully, or you'll know true hell. Right Eraserhead?"
"I resent every word." Grumbled Class 1A's homeroom teacher.
"And I'll let Zashi know again" Replied the woman with a wink and a giggle, making the man roll his eyes. Kayama-Sensei's eyes traveled across the room, looking at the students before pausing a moment on Iida. The two stared at one another in silence for a split second before breaking their eye contact.
'Right. Ingenium and Kayama-Sensei are friends.' Remembered Izuku. He hoped that she had been able to visit him at some point after the Sports Festival.
"Anyways." Continued Kayama-Sensei. "Feel free to trade ideas with one another too, sometimes a second opinion is a good way to avoid making a fool of yourself."
"Or it can be the key to getting embarrassed." Grumbled Aizawa-Sensei as he curled up in his sleeping bag while Kayama-Sensei handed white boards to the first row of students for them to pass further back.
Once Izuku got his hands on his own board, and marker, he found himself staring at the thing in contemplative silence. There had been many names he'd considered. All Might Jr, Small Might, Almighty, Mini Might, "All Might" but using the Japanese words instead of the English ones. He uncapped his marker and was about to write something, when a voice next to him spoke up.
"Can you help me out, Midoriya?" Asked Tooru, holding up a whiteboard to help indicate her location more clearly.
"Having trouble, Tooru?" Asked Izuku, tilting his head in curiosity.
Tooru slumped forward dramatically, "Well I was gonna go with Invisible Girl, but then you kind of dropped those world shattering revelations about my Quirk on me and I've been forced to rethink things."
"Sorry about that..." Apologized Izuku. He then tapped his marker thoughtfully against his chin. "Well… if I had to pick a name, I'd go with Prism, given their whole ability to refract light, and your Quirk is all about manipulating light through yourself like a Prism."
Tooru perked up at that, "Oh, that is really cool actually!" She quickly started writing down on her board.
"Ohohoho, quite the clever naming abilities, Midoriya." Chuckled Kayama-Sensei. "I'm impressed, did you really come up with that name on the fly?"
"Kind of, yeah?" Admitted Izuku as he scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "I just did some quick run throughs of things Tooru's Quirk could be compared to and associated with and figured that 'Prism' would be something short, sweet, and memorable. Like Tooru herself."
"I like it!" Said the teacher with a smile. "By all means, continue to share ideas with one another, teamwork makes the dream work! Of course I'll still be here to axe any names that fall anywhere short of perfect!"
"A fickle one, isn't she?"
'I think that's just how she shows she cares. Same as Aizawa-Sensei.' Replied Izuku with a shrug.
Students started grouping up as they began to exchange ideas with one another about Hero names. To the surprise of no one, at least half the class was crowding around Izuku, all clamoring for suggestions. "One at a time, please." Said Izuku weakly, raising his hands in surrender.
"Okay, so I was thinking, 'The Ridley Hero: Alien Queen!'" Said Ashido, grinning as she held up the first draft of her Hero name for Izuku to see.
"Of course you would." Chuckled Kirishima, shaking his head as he seemed to relive the many, many times he had sat through that movie.
Izuku scratched his cheek as he mulled it over, "I'm not super knowledgeable with that one, could you give some context?"
Ashido grinned at the chance to gush about what seemed to be a special interest of hers, "It's a reference to the main monster of the second movie, the Xenomorph Queen! It's huge, scary, and has acidic blood, hence why I think it'd be perfect!"
"Hey, I think I remember seeing that one once. Before my brother threw me into that vault."
"The franchise was pretty okay at first until they started churning out sequels. The franchise took a real swan dive after that…"
"And you want to name yourself… after a horror movie monster?" Asked Izuku uncertainly, to which Ashido enthusiastically nodded her head. "And you can't think about how that might be a bad idea?"
"What do you mean?" Asked Ashido, tilting her head in confusion.
"Well, it might strike fear into the Villains you fight, assuming they know the reference." Said Izuku. "But if any kids google your Hero name they might end up getting a fast ticket to some trauma when they get greeted by horrific images of the… Genos-Morph?"
"It's 'Xenomorph' you uncultured swine." Said Ashido, glaring at Izuku before sighing. "But you've got a point. I can practically see the cancelization threads now." The students collectively shivered. The Internet was a scary place filled with a lot of deranged individuals, their parents had made sure they knew that from as soon as they had access to the Internet. "So what would you suggest?"
"How does 'Venus' sound?" Suggested Izuku.
"What, like the planet?" Wondered Sero.
"Well yes, since on Venus it rains acid, a perfect way to reference Ashido's Quirk." Explained Izuku. "But there's more to it. Venus was also the Roman Goddess of love and beauty, which from what I've gathered fits Ashido perfectly."
Ashido smirked, "Oh my, calling me a Goddess are you~? What would your gal pals think about that?"
Izuku's face reddened a little, "I don't- I didn't mean to- Ashido I swear I wasn't-" He stammered helplessly, making Ashido laugh out loud.
"I'm just messing with you Midori, don't get your All Might Brand, Trademark, undies in a bunch." Said Ashido before giving him a thumbs up. "Thanks though, seriously, I'm definitely going with Venus."
Izuku turned to Kirishima. "I was hoping to go with 'Red Riot' if that was all good?" Explained the manly man of 1A.
"Ah, a Crimson Riot fanboy. Approved." Said Izuku with a thumbs up, making Kirishima smile so brightly it was like looking into the sun.
"Now you know what you put your classmates through."
Tsu raised her hand to go next, to which Izuku nodded his head. "This one is one I've thought about since Elementary School, ribbit." She explained as she showed off her whiteboard. "Call me Froppy."
Izuku blinked in surprise, "That's… actually perfect. I like it. Not every name needs to be super imposing, 'Froppy' is an endearing one that'll definitely appeal to the masses, especially children."
"Ribbit." Replied Tsu with a nod and a small smile.
"Shoto." Said Shoto calmly.
"That's… uncreative." Said Sero drily.
"It fits. The character for 'Sho' means 'burn' and the 'To' is for freeze. On the nose but accurate. Especially since making one name that encompasses two very bipolar abilities can be hard." Explained Izuku, to which Sero conceded the point.
"Well, I'm just going for something that's at least kinda clever, thoughts on 'Cellophane?'" Replied his friend.
"Ah, because it's a type of tape and 'Cello' sounds the same as 'Sero,' I like it." Said Izuku with a smile, making Sero feel a little more proud of his naming skills.
Ojiro was next, offering up the least creative name so far, "Tailman."
Satou, who was next, was giving his classmate an annoyed side eye as he revealed his name.
"Well… it's certainly the type of name where the Hero is capable of exactly what it says on the tin." Admitted Izuku. "If you want something a little more creative, since we're already thinking of you incorporating a staff, would you be willing to take a suggestion?"
"That is why I'm over here." Replied Ojiro, offering the white board and marker for Izuku to take.
The class president accepted it graciously, and after a couple seconds revealed his own idea, "The Sun Hero: Wukong."
"Like Son Wukong. But why 'The Sun Hero?'" Asked Ojiro, looking at the name then Izuku in confusion.
"Well this avoids having to make your full name 'Son Wukong.'" Explained Izuku, before pointing at Ojiro's head. "And the Sun can have a few different meanings, like how your hair is yellow like the Sun, or perhaps if you can become more self confident, you could appear like a sort of 'Sun' to those who admire you, you get what I'm saying?"
Ojiro's face reddened a bit, hiding it behind the whiteboard, "I think you're overselling me just a little bit, Midoriya."
"Nah, I think I like that a lot actually." Said Sero before reaching over and poking Ojiro. "And Midoriya's right, you could stand to have a little more self confidence my dude." Ojiro's response was to smack his hand away with the whiteboard.
"Alright, guess I'm next." Said Satou as he revealed his name to be, 'Sugarman.'
Well that explains why Ojiro's name annoyed him.
"Honestly, if your Quirk wasn't already named Sugar Rush I would have suggested that, I think Sugarman is the next best thing." Admitted Izuku.
"Would naming myself after my Quirk have really been that bad?" Wondered Satou.
"I mean…" Said Izuku, grimacing a little. "Think about it like this, your Quirk's name and information are written down somewhere. If people get access to a name a hacker trying to get to you could try and search for your Quirk. We know that the government puts more protection around the Heroes' files, so you'd be fine, but regular people don't have that advantage. The Registry is secure, but we've already seen how Villains won't stop at anything, if they find out who you're related to…"
"Then naming myself after my Quirk could put my family members in danger." Concluded Satou. "Then yeah, no, absolutely not. Sugarman it is."
Jirou, who had been sitting close to Satou as she worked with Kaminari and Yaomomo, froze at her classmate's words before quickly scrubbing away the name she currently had written down, attempting to completely rethink her own naming conventions.
Izuku chose to leave her to it. He gave a thumbs up to Shouji's "Tentacole" and Kouda's "Anima."
When Mineta decided to go with "Grape Juice," Izuku contemplated simply leaving it be, before bringing up the name, "Vineyard," stating that it had a more "mature" feel to it. After a moment of consideration, Mineta went with Izuku's suggestion.
"Oi, Izuku." Said Kacchan, smacking Izuku over the head with his whiteboard. "As the bet goes, gimme a name."
Izuku rubbed the side of his head before taking the whiteboard. After some thinking, he wrote something down and handed it back. Kacchan took a moment to read it, not saying or revealing the Hero name before simply placing the whiteboard face down on his desk.
"What, not gonna share?" Asked Kirishima in disappointment.
"You'll see at the same damn time as everyone else." Grumbled Kacchan, making Izuku snicker.
Soon enough, everyone who hadn't been a part of the group started stepping up to reveal the names that they'd come up with on their own.
Yaomomo was, "The Everything Hero: Creati." Bold, creative.
Kaminari was, "The Stungun Hero: Chargebolt." Clever.
Jirou had opted for, "The Sound Hero: Pulse." Referencing the way she weaponized her own heartbeat, Izuku liked it.
Aoyama had wanted to go for, "I Cannot Stop Twinkling," but Kayama-Sensei convinced him to go with, "Can't Stop Twinkling" instead.
Tokoyami had gone with, "The Jet Black Hero: Tsukuyomi."
"Oh god, the edge, I'm bleeding!" Wailed Dark Shadow dramatically.
Ochako, who had surprisingly chosen to not ask Izuku for help, held up her whiteboard, "I wanted something that paid homage to my family without making the connection explicitly obvious, so I went with Uravity."
"That's a wonderful name, dear." Kayama-Sensei said with a smile.
Izuku gave her a thumbs up, which made Ochako smile nice and brightly. That left three students.
"Just your name, Iida? Are you certain?" Kayama-Sensei asked.
Iida nodded his head solemnly, "I'm certain. I'm… not there yet."
Kayama-Sensei pressed her lips together before nodding her head, "If you're certain."
Kacchan turned in his seat to look at Izuku, raising his fist in front of him. Nodding his head, Izuku did the same. After three shakes the two opened their hands. Kacchan went with paper, Izuku had chosen scissors.
Scoffing, Kacchan turned around and looked towards the front of the classroom while Izuku stood up and stepped forward.
"When this name was first given to me, it was an insult." He explained. "But since then, I've taken that name and made it my own. I'm no longer the 'Defenseless Izuku' that those who looked down on me thought of me as." He smiled as he revealed his name. "You can call me, 'The Savior Hero: Deku!'"
His classmates clapped at the name, proud of what he had come up with. He walked back to his seat, nodding to Kacchan who was now the one standing before everyone else. "Now, personally I would've gone with, 'Lord Explosion Murder' for my Hero name." He admitted.
"It would've been rejected." Said Kayama-Sensei flatly, making Kacchan glare at her.
"However," Groaned Izuku's rival as he looked back at the class, "I was 'persuaded' to try something a little different. Call me, 'The Boomer Hero: Dynamight.'"
Izuku felt his lips twitch as he heard Kaminari snicker. He then had to bite his lip when the older vestiges of One for All all broke down laughing as the joke became clear to them.
Kacchan meanwhile, remained blissfully aware of the fact that Izuku had been making fun of him with his Hero title.
"Still, naming himself after All Might definitely seems like something he'd do."
"I just know the viewers are gonna have a heyday with this one."
Fifth groaned in frustration at Fourth's words.
"Now then!" Said Kayama-Sensei, clapping her hands together. "My work here is done, excellent job today kids, you've given yourself some spectacular names, I can't wait to see them in the headlines one day when the news sings your praises as Heroes. The next step I'll be leaving in Aizawa's hands, best of luck~"
As Kayama-Sensei made her exit, Aizawa-Sensei groaned and crawled out of his sleeping bag. "Alright class…" Said the man tiredly. "Now it's time to start picking where you'll be interning."
Chapter 54: "Magical Girls are badass and you know it!"
"You got invited by HAWKS!?" Izuku's eyes were sparkling with excitement once he learned who the lone Hero to send Tokoyami an invitation to an internship was.
"I was quite surprised if I am being honest." Admitted Tokoyami. "I did not even make it past the Cavalry Battle, so to receive any acknowledgment, from the Number Three Hero of all peoples is quite the black lightning bolt to my nerves."
"Just call it a 'shock to your system' Fumi."Groaned Dark Shadow. "I've told you, talking like this makes you sound weird, not cool."
"I don't want to hear this from the being of the abyss who holds ambitions to become a, 'magical girl.'" Retorted Tokoyami.
"Magical Girls are badass and you know it!"
"I personally," Said Izuku, cutting into the pair's argument, "think you should accept the offer. Your abilities might be different but both of you have very skilled and versatile Quirks." Izuku didn't miss the way Dark Shadow preened at the praise. "His advice will likely be to help you when it comes to improving your creativity and teamwork."
Tokoyami nodded his head, "Your words hold truth, Midoriya. Thank you for your wisdom."
"Could you give me some of that wisdom, Midori? I can't decide who to go with." Groaned Ashido in defeat as she shoved her list of offers into Izuku's face.
"Ack, ok, gimme a second." Said Izuku, scanning the list his eyes widened as he saw an interesting one. "Midnight?"
"Wait, Kayama-Sensei's on here?" Asked Ashido as she looked over his shoulder.
Izuku nodded, "Looks like it. I actually think that would be a great pick for you."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously. In the same vein as with Tokoyami and Hawks, your Quirks might be different but sometimes that's for the best. Like Aizawa-Sensei said, 'Heroes aren't just One Trick Ponies.'" When Ashido tilted her head in confusion, Izuku elaborated, "She might be able to give you some creative ways to think outside the box, both with your Quirk and without it."
Ashido chewed her lip in contemplation before nodding, "I like it!"
Izuku smiled, before turning to see if any of his other classmates wanted some help.
A good number of them had already figured it out by this point. Ochako was working with Gunhead to improve her hand to hand combat skills, Kirishima wanted to go with Fourth Kind due to how 'manly' he was, Jirou had selected Death Arms, Tsu was with Selkie, and so on.
There were a couple choices that surprised him. "I'm going with my father." Said Shoto calmly. Izuku stared at him, waiting for him to explain his reasoning. He could wager a guess but he still wanted to hear it. "Right now I need to improve my usage of my left side, and loathe as I am to admit it, he's the best teacher I could pick."
Izuku nodded his head. He didn't like it, Shoto didn't like it, Seventh was very vocal about how much she hated it, but this was ultimately the most practical call to make.
"I've gotten into UA thanks to him, might as well use him for all he's worth until I'm capable of carving my own path."
Kacchan, to the surprise of no one, immediately picked the highest ranked Hero on his offers list, the Number Four Hero, Best Jeanist.
"Kacchan, what exactly are you planning to learn here?" Wondered Izuku.
Kacchan scoffed, "I wanna see what that Denim Doofus plans to teach me. Who knows, maybe I'll pick up something actually useful along the way."
Izuku sighed and shook his head, "Why are you like this…?"
"You know damn well the answer to that."
"Fair."
There was one choice that really threw Izuku off. "I'm planning to intern with my mom." Explained Kaminari simply.
There was a few beats of silence.
"What?" Asked Izuku dumbly.
Kaminari pulled his phone out and opened the Photos App, showing Izuku a picture of himself next to a woman who basically looked like an older version of himself. "The Charging Hero: AA." Explained Kaminari.
Jirou and Yaomomo stared at him. "You're the son of a Pro Hero!?" They exclaimed incredulously.
Kaminari quickly raised his hands in surrender, "Woah, easy, I just didn't want to make a deal of it or anything. She's not even in the Top Hundred, but our Quirks are so similar that she's basically the perfect teacher." He then weakly chuckled and scratched his cheek in embarrassment as he admitted, "And, well, I mean, it gives me an excuse to spend time with my mom..." Both girls practically collapsed to the floor as they simultaneously clutched at their hearts, much to Kaminari's confusion and concern.
"Aw, that's precious, a mama's boy."
"Yeah, so sweet it's making me diabetic, I'm more concerned with whatever the hell's wrong with the kid."
"Oh, uh, Izuku? You good?"
While Kaminari was killing his gal pals with cuteness, Izuku was going through a bit of a crisis, "How did I not recognize the son of a Pro Hero was my classmate? They're so similar it should've been obvious I'm a failure of a Hero Otaku I-"
A spectral smack upside the head from Eighth woke him back up.
He coughed into his fist awkwardly as he focused back on the others, "What about you, Yaomomo?"
"Oh, uh…" She trailed off as she looked over her options again. "In all honesty I'm still not sure, I was considering Uwabami."
Izuku stared at her, "Why?" He was kinda thrown off by why she would choose something so odd.
"Well, she's a popular model, I was hoping she could help me when it came to appealing to the masses and interacting with other Pros." Explained Yaomomo.
Izuku sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "No. Just… no." He said.
"Eh?"
"Yaomomo, Uwabami is a model first and a Hero second." Explained Izuku. "You're going to get little relevant experience from her, if any. She's probably just planning to use you as an Extra in one of her commercials or something."
"A-are you sure!?" Yaomomo found the idea quite shocking. She didn't expect a Hero to take advantage of what was meant to be a student's learning experience like that.
Izuku raised an eyebrow and pointed at himself, "Hero Otaku, remember?"
Yaomomo slumped a little in defeat, "Very well, I shall trust your judgment on this one, Class President. But now that begs the question of who I should work with instead?"
Izuku reached towards the list of invitations she had, but then paused as a lightbulb went off in his head, "I think I might have an idea. I'll introduce you during lunch, I think he might very well be the best person to learn from as you are now."
Kaminari and Jirou exchanged a look, curious as to what exactly Izuku had planned.
Yaomomo meanwhile gave Izuku a polite bow, "Very well then, Midoriya. I shall be in your care."
"I personally plan on going with Kamui Woods." Said Sero. "From what I've heard he's on the fast track to hitting the Top Ten by the next popularity poll."
"And his Quirk and yours are both skilled at granting both maneuverability as well as ensnaring distant foes." Said Izuku.
Sero paused, "Uh, yeah. That too."
Izuku gave him a flat look of mild disappointment. Sero had no defense.
"Wait, wasn't Kamui Woods one of the ones on the general list that everyone could go to?" Wondered Mineta.
Izuku nodded, "I guess he was willing to branch out when it came to sharing his wisdom. He's someone who seems to really care."
"Huh…" Said Mineta, "do you think he…?"
"I think he'd make a great mentor for you, Mineta." Said Izuku confidently.
Mineta stared at him in silence for a moment before nodding and writing down his choice for his Internship.
One by one, Izuku walked his friends through the different Heroes that had sent them offers, or the ones amongst the general list that they could try attending. Shouji and Ojiro opted for a Pro who specialized in Rescues that had a Mutation based Quirk like they did.
Satou and Kouda opted for a Hero who specializes in more direct combat, the latter claiming he needed to improve his skills when it came to commanding his animal companions against Villains, and Satou decided that he wanted to be there to support his friend.
Finally, Aoyama and Tooru both selected an Underground Hero to work with. Tooru it made sense, Invisibility and all that it'd be good training for when she wanted to be sneaky. But Aoyama? Really?
"The fewer lights that surround me, the brighter I shall shine." Said Aoyama, pretending as if that was supposed to mean something.
"Oh? And do tell, which Hero have you chosen to learn under?" Retorted Aoyama, giving Izuku a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Well…" Said Izuku, reaching up and scratching the back of his head as he showed Aoyama one of his offers, "There was one that definitely caught my curiosity."
Aoyama took the paper and read it aloud, "The Rabbit Hero: Mirko." Aoyama stared at the invitation for a second before his eyes wound up practically bugging out of his skull. "MIRKO!?"
The students closest to them started clamoring around Aoyama to get a look at the invitation for themselves.
"Honestly it's not that surprising the Number Seven Hero would pick you." Said Ochako, moving to Izuku's side rather than joining the majority of the class in crowding Aoyama. "I'm more surprised that none of the high ranked ones sought you out."
"Well…" Said Izuku thoughtfully, "The other six above Mirko all either probably think they don't mesh well with me, or already had their eyes on a different student like Endeavor, Hawks, and Best Jeanist do with Shoto, Tokoyami, and Kacchan. I think it's more the fact that Mirko sent anyone an invitation that's the real shocker."
"No shit," Said Kacchan from Izuku's other side, "The Rabbit's notorious for being a terrible team player with an even worse temper-"
"Talk about stones in a glass house."
"-so if she's inviting you for an internship, she must see something special in you."
"Yeah, like a potential punching bag." Said Izuku drily.
"And yet you're still going to go."
"For the same reason you're going to intern with Best Jeanist."
Kacchan couldn't help but smirk as he lifted his fist. Izuku did the same, tapping his against his rival's.
Ochako couldn't help but sigh and chuckle at the boys' antics.
"Oh yeah, you still haven't told us where your going, Iida." Said Sero, pulling away from the swarm crowding Aoyama, and looking over at Iida, who had been sitting at his desk staring at the papers in front of him.
Iida blinked in surprise as he was pulled from whatever stupor he had been in before turning and smiling at Sero, "Oh, I was hoping to intern with my brother, but he's still in Recovery, so I'll be going to Hosu to work with Manual instead."
Sero stared at Iida in confusion before turning to look at Izuku, "Uh, who's Manual?"
"He's known as The Normal Hero, he's currently ranked Number Two Hundred and Twenty Two on the Leaderboards." Explained Izuku automatically, not looking at Sero and instead keeping his gaze locked on Iida.
"I see…" Said Sero before looking back at Iida. "And you're going with this guy because…?"
Iida smiled at Sero, "Well I figured someone far more grounded could help me improve with my ability to see things from a more grounded perspective."
Sero stared at him, scratching the back of his head in uncertainty, "I- if you say so, man."
"Alright, that's enough." Said Aizawa-Sensei. "The Internships will be starting on Thursday, so you have until tomorrow to turn in your paperwork and/or request a last minute change. Not that any of you would do something as illogical as choose a Hero you were completely certain about working with."
"Sounds like someone doesn't want to deal with that extra paperwork."
"Does anyone? People who change their mind at the last minute are a total pain in the ass to deal with."
"Y'know what? I think I changed my mind."
"On what!?"
"Yes."
As the students stood up and prepared to go to lunch, Yaomomo approached Izuku with Kaminari and Jirou following close behind her, "Alright Midoriya, I am ready to meet that person you wished to introduce me to."
Izuku looked at her tagalongs and ultimately decided to just go with it. The last month and a half seemed to have joined those three at the hip…s.
"Mind if I come too, Deku?" Asked Ochako. "I'm kinda curious myself."
Without a moment's hesitation, Izuku turned to smile at her, "Of course Ochako, I'd love to have you come with."
Kaminari coughed into his hand and muttered something that started with an "S" that Izuku wasn't able to catch, before flinching a little when Jirou aggressively poked him with one of her Jacks.
As the five of them made their way to the door, Izuku momentarily paused to glance at Iida, who was currently talking to Sero about something, forcing a smile onto his face as their conversation went on. Izuku planned to address that, but first things first was the appointment he'd made with his Vice President.
"So, would I be correct in assuming that the person you want me to intern with is a teacher, same as Ashido with Kayama-Sensei?" Asked Yaomomo.
Izuku nodded, "That's right, the difference though is he didn't put his name on the list of Pros that those without invitations could ask, nor did he send an invitation to you, but he and I have talked in the past and I'm hoping to convince you to work under him."
"Pretty gutsy Midoriya." Said Kaminari. "I know you're Mister Charming and all, but do you really think you can convince a teacher to go along with this?"
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained." Replied Izuku, looking at Kaminari and giving him a shrug. "And if he doesn't go with it, then I'll just reconvene with the Invitation list to find another suitable option." Izuku turned back towards the direction of where they were walking. "Besides, I honestly am surprised, and a little disappointed, he didn't send an invitation to Yaomomo in the first place, sounds like a wasted opportunity to be honest."
Jirou and Yaomomo exchanged a look, now they were really curious as to who Izuku was talking about.
Izuku then came to a sudden stop, causing Ochako to walk into him with an, "oof." He stared ahead, his eyes squinting at the door that he was standing just to the side of. "Uh… something wrong, Deku?" Asked Ochako in confusion.
"Just… trying to avoid history repeating itself." Said Izuku cryptically. Cautiously, he stuck an arm out in the area in front of the door, waving it a few times before pausing. When nothing happened, he let out a sigh of relief.
It was at this point Yaomomo let her curiosity get the best of her, looking up to see the name plate above the entrance. "The Support Course?" She asked in surprise.
Izuku nodded his head as he stepped forward, reaching towards the door handle, "That's right. Now then, let's head-"
BOOM!
The other four students' eyes widened in shock as Izuku was cut off by the sound of an explosion which blew the door to the Support Course off its hinges and began to envelope the hallway, and Izuku, in smoke.
"D-Deku!?" Exclaimed Ochako worriedly, though Izuku couldn't see her from where he was. Actually, he couldn't see much of anything given that he currently had something familiarly soft pressed into his face.
"Kid, I'm starting to think that either the universe, or at the very least someone in the Support Course, has it out for you."
Suddenly, Izuku heard the whirring of a fan, which began to clear away the smoke from him as well as the entrance to the Support Course. 'Yaomomo, if I had to guess.'
"Wow! That was wild, I'm not even sure what caused that!" Came a familiar, high energy voice. Light finally returned to Izuku's world as the thing pressing against his face pulled itself up, and began to smile down at him. "Hey there Izuku, what brings you to my humble workshop?" Asked Mei with a grin.
"Ok, I take it back, god is smiling down on you by giving you harem protagonist luck to make up for the bullshit that was your childhood."
'Please stop talking Fifth.' Replied Izuku tiredly. He then gave his friend a weak smile. "Hey there, Mei."
Their moment was interrupted by the sound of someone coughing.
They turned to see Jirou lowering her hand and looking at the pair with a raised eyebrow, "Should we come back later and let you two have your 'together time?'"
Izuku frantically waved a hand at her, "Wait- no- I'm sorry this isn't what you think!" He exclaimed in a panic.
Mei looked down at Izuku, "What is- woah!?" Before she couldn't question him, something suddenly lifted her into the air. She turned her head to see Ochako gripping her by the back of her tank top and holding her, having used her Quirk to pull her off of Izuku. "Uraraka!" Exclaimed Mei happily as she moved through the air to abruptly embrace Ochako, much to the latter's surprise. "It's so great that you're here! I'd been wanting to see you!"
After a few seconds, Ochako was able to get Mei off of her, deactivating her Quirk and causing the inventor to fall onto the ground on one knee. "Alright, I'll bite," She said, looking over at Mei, "why did you want to see me?"
Mei looked up at her with a smile, "I'm glad you asked!" She then pulled out a familiar looking pair of wrist gauntlets from… seemingly nowhere.
Ochako blinked and shook her head in surprise, "How did you… do that?"
Mei's smile stretched a little further before using her free hand to point her thumb at Deku behind her, "I learned from the best!"
Ochako looked at her, then at Deku, then back at Hatsume, "Huh…?"
"Focus!" Hatsume's voice was a loud and harsh snap, immediately pulling Ochako from her confusion and back to the issue at hand. The inventor took a deep breath before once again presenting the wrist gauntlets, the same ones she used during their match in the Sports Festival. "Ochako Uraraka, would you do me the honor of letting me invent Support Gear for you?"
"Eh?" Ochako was surprised, she hadn't been expecting a proposal like that from Hatsume. She looked over at Izuku, who couldn't do anything other than shrug, seeming just as surprised by the whole thing as she was.
"Y'know what? I'm starting to think we might be intruding after all…" Mumbled Kaminari, only to let out a couple noises of pain as he was elbowed in the side by Yaomomo and Jabbed by Jirou's Jacks.
"But… why? Why me?" Asked Ochako, turning from the trio's antics and focusing back on Hatsune, who was still on one knee and looking up at her expectantly.
"Isn't it obvious?" Asked Hatsume, standing up and taking one of Ochako's hands. "There's the obvious fact that you're someone who's very important to Izuku, which already makes you super solid in my book." That statement both the green haired boy and the brunette blush. "And while I don't know the kind of dream you're chasing as a Hero, I'd be more than happy to join you in it if you're willing to do the same for Izuku and I."
Ochako looked between the pair, before asking, "The both of you made a promise to work together when following your respective dreams?"
Hatsume nodded enthusiastically, "He wants to become the greatest Hero, I want to become the greatest Support Engineer! It's a match made in heaven! He's been my muse for creating babies!" She was silent for a moment, contemplating her words before adding on, "And ever since our fight I've been feeling inspired by you as well…"
Ochako sighed as she moved past Hatsume, now standing between her and Deku, gesturing at the latter with her hand, "And did you talk to Deku about any of this? As far as he's been aware it seems he was under the impression your partnership was a two person deal? Have you asked how he feels about including a third?"
Hatsume froze up at that, before slowly turning to look at Deku, who was awkwardly looking away, "W-well, I mean… I knew he liked you a lot and that you liked him a lot, so I figured he'd just… go along with it…"
"That's not the same thing." Said Ochako, crossing her arms and shaking her head. "Making an assumption of how someone will feel or react instead of asking for their permission first can be seen as a severe breach of trust."
Hatsume looked at her, then at Deku, before she stared at the ground. "So, is that a no, then?" She asked quietly.
Ochako sighed, "I… didn't say that. I just don't want to give an answer until Deku's had the chance to say his piece."
The girls both turned to look at Izuku, who decided to preemptively wall off Fifth to prevent him from saying something dumb to distract him.
"…Fifth wants you to know he resents that."
Izuku looked between the girls, eventually settling his focus on Mei. He reached over and put his hands on her shoulders, "Mei, you were the first friend I made in years, you were willing to stand by my dream and I even when I was believed to be Quirkless. Yes you have your odd traits but that's just part of who you are and I don't want that to change." His words left her smiling genuinely at him, but she remained silent, realizing that there was a 'but' on the horizon. "But I am a little bit hurt by what you did." And there it is, the poor girl practically wilted at his words. "Don't be upset, like I said, I'm a bit hurt but I'm not upset at you. I realize you were just acting on what you both wanted and thought I wanted, you just made the error of failing to communicate with me for clarification, that's all. It was a mistake but I'm not going to break off our partnership over it.
Izuku couldn't help but smile as she saw that genuine smile return to Mei's face. He then looked at Ochako, "Ochako, I know we haven't known each other as long as Mei and I have." A statement that made Ochako frown a little, she was admittedly jealous of that fact. "But you're still someone precious to me too. You first saved me from tripping and falling on my face before the entrance exam, and then you saved me from falling to my death after I destroyed the Zero Pointer. And from there we've been through a lot together in the month and a half we've been students at UA."
He looked between the two of them, reaching down and each taking one of their hands into his own, "A partnership like this might seem a bit unconventional and bizarre, but if both of you are willing to give it a shot, I'd love to give it a try." Both girls smiled at Izuku, then they turned and exchanged a glance and a nod before moving forward in perfect unison to hug him. Izuku's face turned bright red as he felt a pair of cute girls hug him at the same time. Thankfully he was able to recover quickly, wrapping an arm around each of them and holding them close, a content smile on his face.
From the sidelines, Kyoka watched the trio hug things out. She didn't think something like this could be done, she'd been struggling with her own anxieties and feelings, but if the three of them could pull it off, then maybe…
"Huh?" Said Denki, flinching in surprise as he felt something long and thin coil round his arm. He looked down at his arm just in time to recognize it was one of Jirou's Jacks before he, and Yaomomo, were both yanked towards the rocker girl.
"J-Jirou?" Said Yaomomo in surprise. "Is something wrong?"
Kyoka shook her head while continuing to keep her Jacks wrapped around the arms of Denki and Yaomomo, "No. Nothing's wrong. I just…" She trailed off, unsure what to say.
Her eyes widened in surprise as she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked over, realizing it had been Yaomomo's hand, placed there by Denki, before he moved his own hand to her other shoulder. He gave the pair a dopey grin, "You wanted something like this, Jirou?" He asked.
Kyoka blushed, silently noting that Jamming-Whey should be thankful her Jacks were preoccupied or she would've jammed them so far into his ears she'd be able to hear her heartbeat. (Which was currently going so fast she felt like it could burst at any moment.)