The Mentor

Izuku has to be present in Aizawa's office after class.

But the whole Heroics Faculty and their fluffy principal are in there too!

'So Midoriya...what happened?' Aizawa asked him. 'When we investigated your background, you're Quirkless yet seeing videos of you in the Entrance Exams, you have a Quirk. And what the heck happened to you with that girl?'

'You know that life as a Quirkless is social hell for anyone...and kids are cruel to those they deem inferior to them.' said Izuku. 'Shishou basically called kids here 'little sociopaths given legal gun usage'...and how.' the faculty did a double-take at the description. 'The worst was in the three schools I was in growing up. Teachers put so much stock into Quirks that since preschool, there's already a social hierarchy of Superior Complexes. Those who have useful or powerful Quirks stood on top of the food chain while those with useless Quirks and Quirkless are nothing but playthings and bully targets to emphasize one's superiority and pride. Such an upbringing can turn little angels into demons. And in my time growing up, Bakugo Katsuki, my only but now former friend, was the worst hit by this in our time together.'

'He grew up with an ego the size of Everest, Superiority Complex and the need to lord it over everyone. This went until Junior High. The boy who once was kind and bright, became a monster who told me that I'm so useless I should take a swan dive off a building and hope to have a Quirk in the next life.' the teachers' expression said it all in how they took that. 'In my severe depression I did just that a year ago...' All-Might looked horrified as he saw him last before that. '...but...shishou caught me from falling. She was searching for apprentices. I caught her attention that day out of her sense of justice and she was furious with what pushed me over the edge and with mom's blessing, I spent ten months under her.'

'She knew someone who would gladly give me his Quirk since, well, he's about to pass away from old age.' Izuku began using their excuse. 'After training and bookwork from hell since this Quirk is powerful if you studied like nuts with creativity to match, Shishou has the ability to Transfer Quirks. She has two Quirks, her original Phantom Blade ability and the Quirk Transfer. I had to be holding Paracelsus' hand since it required physical contact...and I gained his Alchemy ability.'

'We never heard of such a person.' Principal Nezu noted.

'Well, they hated what our society has become, basing life on Quirks...that I and my fellow Quirkless were the best example of why they hated society as it is now. Heck, they don't even exist underground. They prefer to live away from Society and its hypocrisy. They would rescue people like me who had it hard, give them hope when nobody here did and they either stay with them, or return home to start a new lease on life but if things went to shit, we can always go home there and leave behind the misery we came from.' Izuku chuckled. 'There I had good teachers who gave a damn about me...and good friends too after eleven years of social ostracism and isolation.'

'Damn, kid, that's quite the gloomy baggage you got.' Present Mic whistled. But this painted a picture none of them liked.

'Well, Shishou's quite the negative person, having seen the worst of humanity while growing up, before she Inherited the Quirk Transfer for their isolated society and haven from its previous owner, being too old herself.' Izuku shook his head. 'She was the best in our generation, trusted enough to be a teacher despite her age by Haven's elders. She already has Riku, Sora and four others before she picked me up.'

'In the event society is in trouble...will they help us?' All-Might asked him. Izuku glanced at the man who basically crushed him a year ago with a dispassionate look.

'Don't think so...Haven will gladly laugh and watch with popcorn and soda on hand and remain out of the way.' Izuku snorted much to the faculty's affronted expression. 'Because this society created its own issues in the first place.'

Haven does not exist. Its simply a fabrication because 'that society' never existed in the first place.

'The way society works on Quirks, they say we dig our own holes, we lie in it. A quirk-based society where ostracism runs more than against just Quirkless, but also towards those whose Quirks are deemed useless and Quirks suited for villainy, treating these people like shit until eventually, you get what you wish for. These people will then lash out, out of hate and pain, then heroes, without knowing anything, swoop in, beat them and haul them to jail...sure there are Villains who are just plain bad people beyond redemption due to gaining Superiority or worse, God-complexes but there are those pushed into it...and nobody listens to their voices simply because 'you committed a crime, you deserve prison'.'

'And then criminal masterminds will use this opportunity to take in these people...indeed, society created its own problems. Haven reaches out to people pushed on the brink, but not even they can save everyone. You'd have to be lucky to be found by a member and saved by them.'

'I see...so that is your upbringing in Haven.' Nezu mused. 'But with that upbringing...will you still become a hero, Midoriya-kun?'

'Haven saved someone like me. I should save people like myself too because...who would?' Izuku laughed bitterly. 'Who would bother giving us even a minute of their day? Only way for me to save my fellow Quirkless is to become a Hero.'

After dismissing him, the faculty began to talk.

'That kid is so depressing...' said Present Mic gloomily. 'I've seen happier people who failed Todai Entrance Exams!'

'But he gave us food for thought...about problems we never see because of our own upbringing and social life.' said Recovery Girl. 'We should convene with other schools to scope out kids with Quirk-Related issues and give them the chances they never had, and the knowledge that someone is in their corner.'

'That would be difficult but very doable. The problem is, are the teachers willing?' Nezu pointed out.

'We have to. But I agree the problem being dedication and the chance that some teachers might be biased.' said Midnight. 'Effectively proving that kid and Haven right about almost everyone.' she said curtly, doing an armfold.

'That is why we must lead by example.' said Nezu. 'And we should start with counseling on all our students and find who are the Red Flags.' he said. 'Who's up for proving that kid and Haven wrong?'

'Before that, we need to talk to all girls in our two Hero Classes.' said Aizawa. 'We need to obtain that manual you know.'

'Ah! But everyone already went home!' Kan exclaimed. 'That means we only have tomorrow to talk to them!'

'Sucks to be us, but its up to those girls.' said Aizawa. 'I for one, want to see how strong she is, if she can raise boys to carry atrocious weights as strength training.'

xxx

'I'm home!' Izuku called out to his now slim mother with an incredible skin and hair condition after three months of special food diet.

'Okaeri, Izuku.' Inko beamed. 'Guess what happened today?'

'Sell me.'

'I got a suitor again though its been so long...I mean, I'm 41 now, you know?' said Inko fretfully, full anxious mode.

'I hope for our sakes its a good man mom.' Izuku sighed.

'I hope so too...but its been a while since I fell in love again.' said Inko wistfully.

Izuku inwardly winced.

His parents divorced because he was Quirkless.

His father denied how he could sire a Quirkless kid and even denied his mother's fidelity, and a pissed off mom dragged him for a DNA Test with all their samples after smacking him. When results came out and doctors had to explain how things work, being publicly embarrassed like that caused one hell of a fight in hospital, Police had to intervene and then Divorce happened as they're conveniently in the Station with his mom gaining custody and his father forced to give a big alimony every month due to how things began. It was how they were both getting by since his mom quit her job to be a full-time housewife.

Well, with the food from Food Paradise, mom became available in the market again despite being a Single Mom she no longer looked 41. The superfood made her look half her age. Izuku hoped she scores good. But after years of having no father, can he deal with a Stepfather now if things rolled well?

He had no male role model in his entire life. It was his friends who taught him what a man should be.

xxx

In school...

Izuku, Aizawa noted, very reluctantly mingled with his classmates in the two days he sees the kid. The faculty observed same behaviors as well.

Given his mindset, Hound Dog predicted, if word of his true nature gets out considering he was granted a Quirk, not born with one, what friendships he may have made might go the same way as his and Bakugo so to spare himself the pain of abandonment and ostracism, avoids everybody than have a repeat of his childhood. He cannot trust his classmates with his heart at all. Sure they're friendly now, but there's the dreaded what if.

Hence, counseling session is a must, starting with the Hero Courses.

On Saturdays and Sundays, they'll do the whole damn classes with him for last in his class.

In the Quirk Apprehension Test, Izuku was very physically fit. Indeed, he used his Alchemy but sometimes in other tests, solely his physical prowess. But even then...well...he was still impressive.

He had also observed his other student who has a history with the greenette. His face clearly screams 'what the hell?!' because evidently, he wasn't this way last he saw him!

And now, after school, Gym Beta...

'This is it guys...two days are over.' said Iida as they gathered with Class B.

'What's going on? Why are we all here and why are all girls in costumes?' the boys from the other class wondered.

'We are here for a crucial battle.' said Kan-sensei grimly. 'We found a person who can give us the Physical Training Manual for girls so they do not turn out this way.' he said, showing them enlarged photos of lady heroes and their physiques. 'Quite...manly somewhat, no? And these ladies have...marrying issues as a result. To spare this generation as its too late for the older year students, the girls must show their resolve and spirit as heroes to the owner of the training manual. Or is she really, Midoriya-kun?' he asked Izuku.

'Yup, its really hers since the physical training is based off of Ninjutsu for Kunoichi.' Izuku explained. 'She's among the last ninja bloodlines of the past who took ninjutsu seriously and the inheritor of the arts from her master. Other ninjas went modern and to this day their descendants don't know jack that they came from a lineage.' he told them. 'Kunoichi aim for physical powers without compromising their looks, an asset of kunoichi-hood. Let's face it, shoulder muscles, triceps, biceps and abs will give them away in undercover jobs and kunoichi are infiltrators for intel. Sportswomen can only have that kinda excuse after a thorough background check as papers can be faked.'

'Exactly.' said Aizawa. 'To this end, UA Collaborated with other schools with Hero Courses. Shiketsu, Ketsubutsu, Isamu, Seiai and Seijin will be here shortly as well with their Hero Students as well. I want a good impression of them of us and no Bad Public Relations caused by attitude...you hear?' he glowered at the two classes. 'We are UA. We are well-known. It takes just one person to paint everybody else in the same bad brush. If anyone and I mean damn anyone showed bad manners...you're hereby removed from the Hero Course and replaced by somebody from or Support who'll be happy to have your place. You only have one shot. Need I remind you that I once expelled a whole class?'

'He did just that.' Kan confirmed. 'Aizawa's the strictest Homeroom Teacher in this school.'

'Midoriya, question.' Todoroki asked Izuku. 'If you're carrying 220 kg on yourself...' he said to the horror of Class 1-B. '-how much does she normally carry?'

'She's currently 500kg.' said Izuku with a cringe. 'Her lifetime goal was carrying a ton on herself.'

'HAH?!' the two classes howled.

'So yeah, if she slaps you, you'd need the ER for Emergency Surgery and even then we're not sure you'll have a normal life after...'

'Same goes for you dude! You're carrying 220kg on her orders!' Kirishima exclaimed. Izuku can only look sheepish as other students came with their teachers.

The Homeroom Teachers went to meet up with other teachers.

'I'm nervous.' said Yaoyorozu. 'We have to show our resolve and spirit as heroes, but what does that even mean?'

'Well we give it all we got in a fight of course!' said Ashido cheerily.

'There's more to it than that.' said Asui. 'Midoriya-chan, any hints?'

'I can't. She'll know I helped you out and flunk you by default.' Izuku shook his head. 'And that, will be embarrassing since other schools will be a witness.'

'Ehhhh?!' the girls squawked.

'Guess that's all on you now huh?' Aoyama mused. 'Break a leg, mademoiselles!'

'Yeah, you can do this!' said Kaminari.

'Girls from all schools, gather at the grounds!' a matronly, snooty-looking woman called out. 'It's time!' she said as a rather eerie soundtrack* began playing all over the gym.

'Holy crap, what the hell is that?!'

'Man, this is just like a boss fight from a game...'

Welcome... they can hear Naruko speak coldly as a wave of killer intent smothered the whole gym.

'Holy shit...not this again...' Mineta whimpered as the killing intent shook them all.

Are you ready to face me with your spirit and resolve as Heroes? Come and face me!

'...and this is who our students must win against?' Ms. Joke squeaked out.

'Yup, this big baaad boss.' said Aizawa. 'She even played a soundtrack just to emphasize her bad boss status.' he said wryly.

'Oh hell...' and on cue, Naruko appeared at the center of the battlefield.

'Izuku! Sora! Riku! Front and Center!' she commanded as the three boys shunshined before her, and kneeling ANBU style. This behavior stunned the UA teachers and students while other schools raised eyebrows. 'You will be Impartial Judges on all students! Your task is to disqualify the undeserving! And one student who fails...their school is disqualified with them!'

'WHAAAAT?!' the girls cried in disbelief.

'That's not fair!'

'This IS fair.' said Naruko. 'One of you are undeserving for lacking and yet getting the same training as your peers despite not having earned it?'

'My Quirk is Psychic Empathy.' said Riku. 'I can tell who easily loses their spirit. You all had time to talk and plan...let the battle begin!' and the three boys left in speedy blurs, standing in opposite directions by the walls of the gym, faces stone cold.

He is clearly fibbing and bullshitting his way, but only four of them knew that, when the true judge was Naruko herself.

'Man, never thought Midoriya can make such a face.' said Sato as they watched all hell break loose. Their classmate's face was utterly cold and unfeeling.

'Well...he got ninja training from how he sounded earlier.' said Todoroki. 'And his posture of subservient respect just now with his fellow students...means he really is her apprentice. They all appeared and bowed before her at the exact same time, not a second late. That takes discipline. Incredible discipline.'

In the field, Naruko was clearly toying with all the girls with a bored look on her face.

But as time goes by, Riku, Sora and Izuku began doodling on the wall...until they could make T-I-M in five minute intervals.

'O-oi...that's a countdown isn't it?! the students dressed like ninjas exclaimed.

'It's almost over!'

The males from all schools watched with bated breath as the letter E was finally added, saying TIME...

They have no idea if it's TIME'S UP or TIME OUT.

Eventually, it really WAS 'Time Out', along with a long honking sound and the soundtrack stopped playing at the exact same time.

'All of you displayed valiant effort...but two girls from two different schools nearly faltered.' Riku declared. 'One girl each from Ketsubutsu and Seiai.' the girls from the aforementioned school gasped in horror. 'But evidently, I sensed great fear...fear motivated their fighting efforts...and turned back into resolve not to fail anybody. With that, you barely saved your school from flunking.' he said much to their relief.

'I will not point out who for that girl's sake, but you know who you are. Being a Hero is never an easy feat. You must do what it takes to save lives, and stop crimes and disasters while under severe pressure to make sure damage is minimal and no deaths but stuff still happens. You need all your wits and resolve to solve a single case alone. There is no room for fear or excuses when you're on the job, when people depend on you.'

'That is our judge's declaration.' said Naruko. 'I will now talk to all of your teachers about the curriculum. You may now relax and freely use your remaining time in the showers and the rest is up to your teachers.' and the ninjas were gone back to the seating areas.

'I'm glad none of our girls failed...' said Tokoyami. 'That must be very scary for the girls.'

'Its not even our third day yet.' said Iida. 'Yet they already have their first big fight. Midoriya-kun, your teacher is clearly playing with them all.'

'Well, she's a Jounin, waaay out of their league and the girls barely classify as Genin in fighting standards.' Izuku explained. 'That's her going easy.'

'Then what do YOU classify as?' Bakugo grunted.

'Still Genin until my weights get replaced again.' said Izuku. 'All of us started at the exact same time a year ago. Chuunin-Levels is 300kg mastery.'

"You've gotta be joking." Bakugo fumed. "I, of all people, am behind Deku of all people?!" how can weak Deku change so much so drastically? What the hell happened? This was beyond his comprehension!

For now he can't do a thing while the guests are still here.

xxx

'Man, what a job today, huh Riku?' Sora said as they were on the way to Lunch Rush's Cafeteria under Izuku's treat since they don't have money right now.

'Yeah, never dreamed I have to do all that just to scare people.' said Riku. 'Its kinda fun though.' he said.

'What's fun to us is insane for them.' said Izuku in amusement as they got inside. 'Good thing we get to eat first since the foreigners will be here soon, free afterschool dinner and stuff since UA Hosted this test.'

'Heee.'

'Well, Lunch Rush's cooking is good, don't worry about it. His specialty is White Rice and its damn hard to cook perfect white rice, he's a legend in the Culinary Industry for it.'

'Ohoho! That, I am!' Lunch Rush exclaimed happily with a thumbs-up. 'For me the most delicious food is rice for it complements absolutely everything! Order up boys, they're all dirt-cheap!'

'Izuku, it's your treat, don't mind if we go all out~!' Sora chimed with a grin as he and Riku self-served themselves, getting what they took interest in.

'Yes yes!'

'Oh, Lunch Rush, my Master wants Ramen, she'll pay for hers when she gets here after a faculty meeting.' Izuku told Lunch Rush, showing a picture of Naruko. 'She wants one bowl each of different types of Gourmet Ramen, ten bowls in total, the kind with lots of toppings and the noodles should be made from scratch with no MSG. She hates additives. Oh, and thin ramen noodles too.'

'Right, we'll get to it!'

'Thanks!'

'Man that's a lot of specifics.' Sora whistled. 'Then again she's veeery particular with Ramen.'

xxx

'...so that sums up this meeting.'

'This training had to be that strict?'

'Yes. It has to be followed in strict order. Otherwise it won't amount to anything.'

'Alright. Copies are made...dang, why can't our students have good handwriting...if a girl their age can have good handwriting, why can't they too?!'