The rest of the day came and went as usual, but everyones minds were towards America, the prospect of a brand new experience on their journey to becoming heroes. When Midoriya and his friends went to get their stuff from the classroom, they were surprised to see some familiar faces standing outside. There, talking to Kaminari was none other than Hitoshi Shinso, the brainwasher of the General Studies course, and to his right, with Ashido and Sero looking over her shoulder as she tinkered with a control console, was Mei Hatsume of the Support course. Given the nature of their previous encounters, Midoriya wasn't entirely sure how to feel about seeing them again, but he figured that the polite thing to do would be to talk to them, especially since he didn't want to be mind-controlled again by Shinso.

"Shinso! Hatsume!" Midoriya called out from down the hall, and the two students turned to him.

Shinsou smirked immediately with recognition of the boy that bested him at the Sports Festival. "Well well, Izuku Midoriya. It's good to see you again."

Midoriya was slightly taken aback. "I-it is??"

Shinsou chuckeled. "Don't worry, I'm not going to use my quirk on you. You beat me fair and square back then. Besides I don't think we should be fighting now that we're on the same side."

"S-so you're really gonna be fighting in the East versus West Tournament, huh?" Midoriya stammered.

Shinso scratched the back his head, his sunken eyes glancing at the other students in the room. "Is that what they're calling it? Yeah I guess I was the obvious choice, given how far I went in the festival. I'm just hoping I can use this new chance and make something more from it for once."

Midorya smiled and nodded. Shinso has a powerful quirk, there was no reason he couldn't get the same chance to be a hero as anyone else. He understood that more than anyone.

Shinso lowered his arm and looked Midoriya in the eye. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't impressed by how you bypassed my quirk, even if I don't know how you did it in the first place."

Midoriya gulped. He really hoped this wouldn't turn into another inquiry about his quirk. He already had to deal with his own class in that respect. Not even All Might could completely explain with certainty what had occurred during the fight with Shinso. The last thing Midoriya's frequently erratic brain needed was to play 20 questions about One-for-All.

The purple-haired teen looked at the ground, a look of resolve in his eye. "Ever since that day, I continued to fight for my dream, to become a hero; I've been doing a lot to prepare for the day I'd get another shot." He looked back up at Midoriya, his grin returning. "But who'd have thought my second chance would come so soon? I guess I have you to thank for reigniting my fighting spirit."

Midoriya smirked back at Shinso. "You should never give up on your dreams, not even when the odds are stacked against you. I'm glad you haven't given up!"

Midoriya then turned to the pink haired girl leaning on the doorway. "I bet you're excited too, huh, Hatsume?"

The tinkerer stopped what she was doing and looked up at Midoriya. After an odd amount of staring, she cocked her head to the side. "Who are you, again?"

Midoriya sighed. He knew the girl was aloof, but they had only met a few weeks ago! Her memory was jogged after he reminded her of the cavalry battle.

"Ohh, yeah." She brushed it off without interest until she noticed Iida. "You! I remember you! Thank you for modeling my babies for me!" She said with a wink.

Iida was so flustered when he remembered how she had humiliated him during their match, and he was suddenly waving and pointing his hands the way he did when he scolded. "Could you not be so disrespectful? That type of behavior will not be tolerated in our class!"

Hatsume placed a hand on her hip. "Coulda fooled me. Looks like you have plenty of clowns in the hero course, especially the electric guy over there. Guess you're doing a bang up job as the class rep, huh?"

Midoriya thought Iida would explode, he hadn't seen his friend so exasperated before. Perhaps was best to change the subject before she pushed his buttons any further, she was being way too outspoken for Iida's sake. Luckily Uraraka decided to step in. "Well, I'm sure we've all got our work cut out for us. I bet the Support Course at MA is crazy awesome!"

Hatsume's eyes suddenly glittered with jovial rays, the crosshairs in her irises shrinking, so intense they made everyone back away a couple of steps. "OH you have NO IDEA! Iron Man AND Ant-Man graduated from that course!! SO many iconic costumes and gadgets have been designed at that school! I even heard that Tony Stark built one of his first armors-"

Shinso managed to get a few words in, interupting Hatsume before she flew off the rails, which frustrated her enough to return her focus to whatever she was working on. "We're all very excited. I also figured since we're all going to represent Yuuei, it couldn't hurt to get to know my comrades. I managed to convince monkey wrench over here to come along when I told her studying everyones quirks would make for good support gear inspiration, but she got bored when everyone got freaked out when she invaded their personal space. She kept trying to take everyones measurements, you know?"

Hatsume rolled her eyes at Shinso's remark, muttering to herself about requiring constant updates for her subjects, but he continued nonetheless. "Regardless, with her skill I'm sure she'll be a fine asset to the team, even if she does lack combat experience. Anyway, we should be getting home, got a lot to prepare for, you know? I'll see you at the airport Midoriya. It was nice to see not everyone in 1-A is an ass."

With a simple wave, Shinso made his way down the hall, Hatsume not far behind, nearly running into the wall repeatedly since she wasn't looking where she was going. Iida walked into class, happy to have ended the interaction, while Midoriya shook his head and smiled. He was glad he was on good terms with Shinso, and he was glad to see Hatsume again, even if she was pretty unhinged and invasive. The others as a whole (excluding Bakugo of course) had a much higher opinion of Shinso now that they got to talk to him.

"I never liked her."

Midoriya turned around and was surprised to see that his best friends cheeks were a deep red. "I-I know you two didn't really get along well during the cavalry battle, but she's actually pretty cool, and since we're on the same team, maybe it wouldn't hurt to act nice...?"

Uraraka raised an eyebrow at Midoriya. He knew it wasn't like her to get angry at someone like this, but he wrote it off as Uraraka not taking to Hatsume's personality. "If you say so, Deku. I just think that girls nothing but trouble." She stormed off into the classroom, and Midoriya couldn't understand why she was so bothered. Shrugging his shoulders, he followed her into class.

The following week until Saturday was generally uneventful. This was normally time off, but now time was spent on conversations about the upcoming tournament, the students they'd have to fight, the heroes they'd meet, the places they'd visit, equipment and supplies they needed. The students that couldn't come were understandably jealous, but wished their friends well. Midoriya couldn't help but think about these things too. On Friday, Midoriya decided to have lunch with All Might at the school. He had a lot of questions for his mentor.

They ate in the teachers break room, All Might in his powered-down form. The two sat across form one another as the Symbol of Peace poured his student some tea.

"You wanna know about Professor Xavier? To be honest kid, I don't really know too much other than what I've heard. This is actually the only time I've ever met him in person. I've spent so much time with hero work here these days that I don't typically have the time to work overseas."

Midoriya frowned in disappointment. The professor had to fly back to MA shortly after the announcement, so he had never gotten a chance to meet with Midoriya.

All Might could read the One-for-All successor like a book, and smiled as he poured his tea. "I have met Captain America and Captain Marvel several times, however."

Midoriya suddenly shot up from his seat. "S-seriously?!"

All Might smirked knowingly. "Ohh yeah, we went on several missions together back in the day. Cap's as heroic as they come, a great man, with an even better right hook!" All Might swung his right arm in the air, mimicking a right hook as if he were holding a shield. "If I remember correctly, he's the Hero Training Instructor at MA. I'm sure I could introduce you."

Midoriya nearly fell out of his seat. "Are you kidding?! That would be so cool! After you Captain America is the most respected hero in the world! And what about Captain Marvel??"

The mention of the Supernova Heroine caused All Might to pause, nursing his tea in his hands.

"Ah, Carol..."

That was when Midoriya suddenly noticed that All Might's smile was different somehow...was he that enamored by the sound of her real name? "Now that woman is a spitfire. When we first met, we actually traded blows. A big misunderstanding. If I remember correctly she had only just discovered her quirk. It's typical for a lot of people in the West to discover their quirks pretty late, so she was pretty freaked out. Anyway we became good partners after that, and I'd always lend a hand whenever I was in the country."

Midoriya was scared to ask, it didn't seem appropriate, but for some reason he did anyway. "A-all Might? Did you...like her?"

All Might stopped for a moment, then he laughed so hard. he nearly spilled his tea all over the floor. "Man, Midoriya, you sound like a 12 year old asking me about my crush!" Midoriya was red with embarrassment until his mentor finally calmed down. "Don't worry, you're not overstepping any boundaries here. In truth, I did have very strong feelings about her, but after my big fight with All for One, it became more and more difficult to see her. Things just kind of fell apart from there."

Midoriya frowned. He put All Might on a pedestal so often that he tended to forget that he is a person like anyone else. He found it difficult to imagine his idol and teacher living a normal life. An image of All Might wearing an apron and holding a baby with All Might's face in a kitchen laughing together popped in Midoriya's head. The teen shuddered at the thought.

"I-I'm sorry to hear that.."

All Might suddenly perked up. "Don't sweat it kid, it was a long time ago! You want my advice, when you're ready for a relationship young Midoriya, find a woman like her. Kind, but with a hell of a strong spirit. A real spitfire of your own. She'll put you through hell, but there'll be no one better to have at your side."

Watching All Might take a long sip of his tea, Midoriya looked down in his cup at his reflection, and thought about what his mentor just said. For some reason, he kept thinking about Uraraka...

When Saturday morning came, Midoriya was pretty frantic. If his mom hadn't woken him up, he doubted he would have made the flight. He blamed himself for wanting to rest, he had a hard time sleeping lately. As he gathered his backpack and travel suitcase at the front door, he looked at the scars on his right hand and clenched them into a fist. He hoped with Full Cowling and Gran Torino's training he had enough control over One-for-All to properly represent his school.

"Izuku! Did you pack everything? You remembered your toothbrush, right? Do you need a new toothbrush?" Midoriya turned towards his mother and smiled, her tendency to worry about him as endearing as always. "Yeah mom, I remembered. Besides, I'm running late, no sense in buying supplies now."

Inko wasn't deterred. "Okay...did you remember your All Might pillow? I know you're restless in your sleep without it..." Midoriya's face flushed and his eyes opened. "M-mom! I don't use that anymore, besides I'm in high school now...pro heroes don't use cartoon pillows to help them sleep!"

Inko sighed and she gave her son a big hug. "I-I'm sorry son, I'm just worried is all. New York City is so far away, are you sure you'll be all right?"

Midoriya hugged her back. "Well I'll be with my friends, and All Might is going to come with us, so we have nothing to worry about! I really should go, I need to get to the airport before they leave without me."

Midoriya and his mother parted, having reassured her, tears still drenching the floor as he entered the cab.

When he finally arrived, he was relieved to find the class was still boarding the plane. The school was getting their own private jet to fly them, so its a wonder Midoriya managed to get there at all, especially since it was supposed to leave 10 minutes ago.

Unsurprisingly, Kaminari was the first to speak up. He never was much of a thinker. "Hey, look! Guess Midoriya decided to show up after all! Jeez, I know the last tournament took a lot out of us, but man, you'd think that you of all people would have arrived on time!" Midoriya blushed with embarrassment.

Yaoyorozu disapproved of comments of this nature, and decided to intervene. "Speak for yourself, Kaminari. At least Midoriya lasted longer in his match than you did." She was as blunt as their classmate Asui, and Ashido couldn't help but join in. "Yeah, at least Midoriya didn't have such a dumb look on his face because of his quirk when he lost!" She added as she tried to keep herself from laughing at the electricity-users face when he fried his brain from using his quirk.

Kaminari jumped back like he was being backed into a corner. "Hey, chill guys, I was just messing with him!"

Midoriya wasn't sure if he should be flattered that the girls basically called his tournament loss a lot cooler than Kaminari's, but he decided not to dwell on it.

Mr. Aizawa was still chaperoning students inside when he noticed Midoriya stumble his way over with his luggage. "Midoriya, tardiness is unacceptable. If you're serious about becoming a hero, you can't expect the world to wait on you to take care of your priorities."

Midoriya bowed profusely in apology. "ImsososorryMisterAizawaIoversleptonaccidentbutluckilythakstomymomIgotmehereontimeandIbarelymadeittothetrainbutImherenowitwonthappenagainIswear-"

"Calm down Midoriya, you're here now. Let's board so we can be on our way already." Aizawa stopped the stammering teen, ready to take off instead of listening to Midoriya's guilt-ramblings. He wasn't looking forward to being stuck in the air with his students for the next 13 hours.

Iida and Uraraka were waiting at the back of the line and waved Midoriya over. "Hey, Deku! I'm so glad you made it! Iida and I were worried you'd miss the flight!" Uraraka exclaimed.

Iida concurred. "Yes, it is fortunate you are here now. The runway was backed up, so the plane did not land on time. Regardless, Uraraka and I insisted on waiting for your arrival!"

Midoriya smiled with relief. He really did have amazing friends. "T-thanks guys. I guess now that I'm here, we should board, yeah?"

Iida nodded and Uraraka grabbed his hand in excitement. "Let's do it! New York City, here we come!"

She led Midoriya to the plane, and he couldn't help but blush. She insisted he sit next to her. He remembered his doubtful thoughts the previous week, and Midoriya wondered if he was truly ready to continue on this path to becoming a hero. He decided to table those thoughts for now as he looked out the window at all the planes taking off. All of that thinking could wait for later, and he shared a smile of encouragement with his best friend as the students of Yuuei High steeled themselves for the new adventure that awaited them.

Meanwhile, somewhere in the North Atlantic...

"I see...thank you for the information, All for One. I will be sure to put it to good use."

The lean man engulfed in shadow ended his communications with the leader of Japan's League of Villains, returning to his seat. He turned back towards the dozens of monitors in front of him, shifting his yellowed eyes to each one, darting back and forth. From behind him a short, mechanical man with a projection on its chest hobbled over to the chair, which stood a few steps up from where he stood. From his view the chair itself towered over the meek metal frame.

The projection on the robot spoke in crackling, nasally voice muffled by static. "Supreme, good news, I trust?"

The seated figure gestured with a raised hand to address his subordinate without even turning. "Indeed. I have received words from our allies in Japan. Students from Yuuei High will be visiting the Marvel Academy."

His voice was hoarse and dry, the sound of wet smacking lips slurring his accent, making it indiscernible. There was a nauseating stickiness to it, like his tongue was forced to constantly lubricate his lips, lest they shrivel and fall apart. He seemed to growl with anticipation.

The robotic figure cringed at the sound of his superiors crooning. "No doubt that troublesome All Might is with them. He would never leave his precious students so far away from his care. This could be real trouble for us."

"No." The Supreme stopped him. "We will continue as planned. See it as having the opportunity for more test subjects, Dr. Zola."

Zola thought for a moment. "Yes...I enjoy the idea of those prospects. I've heard rather interesting things about those Yuuei students. So...we shall begin moving forward?"

"No, not yet. For now I would like to observe the proceedings."

Zola grimaced. "For the sake of planning accordingly, or to satiate your own curiosity?"

Unseen to the doctor, the Supreme grinned wildly, his smile misshapen, parts of his lips melted into his gums. Such sights should not be seen by human eyes. "Mmm...perhaps a bit of both?" He retorted playfully. "While unexpected, this could prove useful to us..."

Gazing at the monitors through gaping holes, pupils fixated on every pixel, his grin cracking wide open as his calloused hands tugged at the taut, ragged fabric on his face.

"Soon...the rat that has done this to me will pay...in blood!"

Authors Note: This chapter was a little shorter, but I really want to get to the Marvel students in the next chapter. As for our mysterious new villain? Well, you'll just have to wait and see.

COMING UP NEXT - ENTER: THE MARVEL ACADEMY! FRIENDSHIPS AND RIVALRIES ARISE!