The next morning, when Izuku Midoriya woke up, his legs felt sore.
He glanced at his thighs, which had already returned to normal, then quietly got up and went out for a run without waking his mother.
"How can I still not adapt to running like this…?"
"I really need to change my running style. If I keep this up, what happens when I get injured?"
While thinking, Izuku nearly tripped—but caught himself just in time.
"…No, this won't work."
"I need better control over One For All. Otherwise, I'll never be able to keep up in real combat."
Even as he spoke, he continued increasing his speed.
"But still… everyone else's Quirks are amazing."
"They really are worthy of being U.A. students—"
THUD.
"…Ah!!"
Izuku ran straight into a utility pole.
Running one-handed really did affect his balance.
Morning – Classroom
At 7:00 a.m., Izuku arrived at class—with a bandage on his forehead.
He was the fourth student to arrive.
The three who had arrived earlier were frantically copying homework.
"Kaminari, are you done with English yet?!"
"Not yet! I'm copying math! Kirishima, did you finish your language homework?!"
"Yeah! I'm working on English now!"
"Can someone lend me math?! I haven't done three subjects!!!" Mina Ashido cried in despair.
"…They seem very enthusiastic," Izuku muttered, sitting down.
He began reviewing the day's lessons, still slightly dazed from hitting the pole.
At 7:30, Minoru Mineta and Tenya Iida entered the classroom.
Mineta glanced at the struggling trio.
"Hmph. Idiots will always be idiots."
"Tch!"
Denki Kaminari clicked his tongue.
Why is this short guy actually good at studying?! He's supposed to be one of us!
"Everyone's here early today," Iida said, taking his seat.
"Good morning, Iida. Did you solve that question from last night?" Izuku asked blankly.
"I did. Thank you, Midoriya. But… are you alright? You seem off today."
"I hit my head on a utility pole during my morning run."
"…I'm still a little dizzy."
"Do you need medicine? I have pain relief oil and antiseptic alcohol."
"It's fine, I've already treated it."
Izuku pointed to the brown bandage on his forehead.
Class Begins
At 8:00, everyone had arrived.
Just as the last bits of homework were finished—
Aizawa Shouta walked in.
"First announcement."
"Our class will now select a class representative and other leadership roles."
"So—who wants to be class rep?"
Immediately, every hand shot up.
The room buzzed with excitement.
Being class rep would mean interacting with other classes…
That could be useful in the future…
But it's also exhausting.
You'd have to manage everything… coordinate people… even deal with Bakugo…
Wait…
Then why am I raising my hand?!
"Everyone," Iida spoke up, raising his hand, "a class representative should have coordination ability, strength, and communication skills."
"For fairness, I suggest we vote."
The class agreed instantly.
"Do whatever you want," Aizawa said lazily. "Just don't waste my time."
Twenty minutes later—
Iida finished writing the results on the board.
"Based on the votes…"
"The class representative will be—Midoriya Izuku!"
"Eh?! Me?!"
"I refuse! I abstain!"
"Why?" Iida asked in surprise.
Izuku stood up calmly.
"As class representative, you hold responsibility—and authority."
"You could even use that authority for personal benefit."
"I don't believe I'm someone who craves power."
"But to ensure I never become that kind of person… I refuse the position."
"…However, I'm happy to support whoever becomes class rep."
"…As expected of you, Midoriya!"
Iida immediately began clapping.
The rest of the class followed.
He understands himself well…
Aizawa watched with mild interest.
"DEKU."
Bakugo suddenly slammed his foot onto Izuku's desk.
"At least you've got some self-awareness."
"So who should it be, then?"
Izuku pointed toward Iida.
"Isn't the answer obvious?"
"He's hardworking, organized, and always thinking about others."
"He already acts like a leader."
"And honestly… doesn't his personality remind you of strict parents?"
The class burst into agreement.
"Yeah, Iida fits perfectly!"
"Definitely him!"
"…Tch."
Bakugo sat back down.
"Not bad, DEKU."
"Hey… what's with your head?" Bakugo asked.
"I hit a pole this morning."
"Hah. Idiot."
Nearby, Ochaco Uraraka quietly lowered her phone.
She had secretly taken a photo of Bakugo stepping on Izuku's desk.
This is definitely going online someday…
Aizawa sighed.
"Class rep: Tenya Iida."
"Vice class rep: Momo Yaoyorozu."
"Now sit down. That took too long."
"Open your books."
Lunchtime Conversation
At noon, Izuku visited the infirmary to have his right hand treated.
Later, during lunch—
Izuku, Iida, Yaoyorozu, and Uraraka sat together.
"Uraraka," Yaoyorozu asked, "why did you vote for Midoriya?"
"Huh? Why ask me that?"
"Because both you and Iida voted for him."
Uraraka looked up thoughtfully.
"…Because his smile is nice."
"…That's it?"
Yaoyorozu blinked.
"…Is that based on appearance?"
"What about you, Iida?" she asked.
"A leader must have strength, intelligence, and the ability to act in critical moments."
"Midoriya possesses all of those qualities."
"He gives people a sense of reassurance."
"…Am I really that reliable?" Izuku asked, stunned.
"I agree," Uraraka said with a nod.
"When I see Midoriya smile, I feel at ease too."
"…But wait."
Izuku suddenly leaned forward.
"Iida… earlier, you mentioned 'your family.'"
"…Don't tell me…"
"Are you… from a prestigious family?"
"Huh?!"
Uraraka stared at him in shock.
"Wait—Ida is rich?!"