I OWN NOTHING

Time to try to blend in slice of life anime storytelling with JRPG formulas of mini-quests for main story missions… I can see myself failing miserably here.

XXXXXX

'I have to look for Aoyama Yuuga, Asui Tsuyu and Iida Tenya.' Joe thought as he exited the school and went to the dorms, 'I can use the dorms' phone to call their homes and get a change of clothes.'

After doing so, going back to his white slacks and pink tee, he walked to the phone and started dialing the numbers given to him on a slip of paper. The others had their targets and he had his to deal with. Katsuki was given less for the obvious reason that he was the least social of the party, and he was given the two more likely to talk to him.

"Hello, this is the Aoyama house. Huh? A classmate of Yuuga's? Well, if you're looking for him, that boy went to the underground mall. If you see any stylish shops, go there."

"Yes, this is Asui. Big sis? Are you one of her classmates? Well, she went to the underground mall to buy tonight's dinner. If you want to meet her, you can go there."

"This is the Iida residence; may I ask who are you? Oh my, you're one of his classmates. Well, he is here, busy. Perhaps you should come later. We'll wait for you."

'The underground mall it is.' He thought and went there immediately.

Surprisingly, the place wasn't as crowded as he thought it'd be with it being so lively and colorful. Truth be told, even during villains' attacks on the city the malls and establishments would still find a way to be open. It was fortunate to him there was conference going for some new pros to gain more popularity. Men would go due to Mt. Lady being there, and mothers would take hero-loving children to see the pros.

All in all, it made finding anyone easier, and it made him stand like a sore thumb with his clothes.

"Ah, the foreign student that was concerned over Yaoyorozu yesterday." He found his first target already wearing a frilly white shirt and stylish jeans.

Despite his shades, Joe had to close his eyes slightly due to a mysterious set of sparkles surrounding the flamboyant boy.

"I've heard you've been looking for me, but didn't think it'd find you in such tacky clothing…" he eyed him, frowning slightly, "That combination of color doesn't do your body type justice."

Joe was about to retort, say it was his parents' choice and not his, 'I should've never let my mom buy me clothes again.'

Before he could put his thoughts into words, he watched Yuuga turn, "Come on, dear foreign student, it's time you get a makeover and find your true self!"

Joe was baffled, but had a job to do and followed suit.

The two entered a small store with many trendy outfits that Yuuga was eyeing, "Hmm… You could go with a bad boy style to boost your bravery… Perhaps even try an intellectual's look, or something charming… To think I'd find the perfect guinea pig…" he chuckled, worrying Joe who felt the back of his head start sweating, "But after seeing you, I know it!"

In a split second, Joe had a set of clothes in his arms and Yuuga pushing him into a dressing room.

There he was, on the other side, in the privacy of the room, with Yuuga talking, "Try it on, and feel like an improved version of yourself!"

It took Joe some time, but he was out in a purple shit he had untucked, a pair of jeans, and a black hoodie with medium-length sleeves and yellow highlights that complimented his shades.

"Très magnifique!" Yuuga said as he used his hands to make a frame to observe Joe better, "Yes… I can feel it, you're giving a more confident vibe! I bet you can feel your boldness increasing!"

Joe pushed up his shades with a finger, smiling at his new look on a mirror.

CHIC BOUTIQUE:

- Using different clothes in your conversations with your allies or other activities will increase the skill points you earn. There are different variations, use them wisely.

"Hmm… I shall call this, the Bold Bad Guy." Yuuga said with a large smile, "Your guts shall make lesser men envy you, and your charm will woo the dames. Ah, how I impress myself at times."

Joe had to return to the matter at hand, and had some options: "I need to ask you something" and "How am I paying for this?"

Yuuga wagged a finger, "Worry not, I shall pay for it. After all, I needed a guinea pig like you to try a few ideas. Consider us even, you got style and I got inspiration. After all, you came here to ask for help, right?"

Joe started to sweat more, 'He's definitely not the Fortress' source.'

Yuuga then patted his shoulder, "Alright, now go out there and keep impressing everyone! And if you need to look your best or dare outfits in any situation, come to me!"

Joe sweated even more when Yuuga put on a dramatic pose by turning his arms up into a V, which the foreign boy awkwardly did too to try to not be disrespectful, 'I better find the others.'

After that embarrassing moment, Joe took a look around the stores for something that could be needed for a dinner.

"Hi." a monotone voice said from behind him, and Joe nearly jumped out of his skin when seeing Tsuyu right behind him, "I got a call saying you were looking for me. What do you need seeing me face to face for?"

Joe was unsure of how to reply, but noticed her clothes that covered her body almost fully: a large coat, a long skirt, and gloves. She looked absolutely small when compared to him due to walking hunched over, but it wasn't all that distracting. It gave him a crick on the neck having to look down at her, but nothing to worry about.

"Are you going to answer?" she spoke monotonously, but he could tell she was busy, "Sorry for being rude, but could you cut this short, ribbit?"

He tilted his head at the odd frog sound, but did his best to ignore it and contemplate his lies:

- "I wanted to ask you out."

"You're not my type." She'd say straight to his face.

- "I forgot…"

"You're a bad liar, ribbit." She wouldn't miss a bit.

- "I need help."

"You're hiding something." She'd state firmly.

Aborting was a good option, but before he could after he failed miserably, she spoke again.

"I can tell you got something on your mind." She started, "I am the kind of girl who blurts out what first comes to her mind. You hang a lot around Midoriya, whose Quirk looks like All Might's. Perhaps you two have something special with him, ribbit. I've heard Bakugo is the same. So you coming to me means there's something important you can't tell me about, ribbit."

Joe was legitimately scared of how good her intuition was, mostly since the only person with that kind of detective skill was Izuku. Tsuyu sounded far more confident in her theory, though.

"I won't bother you asking for details." She looked ahead at the store before her, "You seem like a nice enough guy on the outside, but there's something odd about you. If you want to talk about anything, I'd like some help getting and carrying a few things, ribbit."

He could see where she was going with that line, 'This is an odd way to earn her trust, but it's all I have.'

After seeing him nod, she nodded back, "Good, come here and get…"

Moments later, Joe was carrying handfuls of plastic bags and helping Tsuyu get home without the frog girl bothered by the weight of her groceries.

All the while, he had an odd feeling, "We're nearly there…" she said, turning to him and eyeing him a second longer than needed.

Gears were turning in his head at her odd behavior, 'Is she testing me or studying me?' he asked, both were good possibilities.

"You must really want some answers if you made it this far, ribbit." Tsuyu's voice brought him out of his thoughts.

She kept facing straight ahead, but continued talking while he continued carrying the bags.

"You're the one guy who's really hard to read in our class." That intrigued him, "I've seen you interact with people, and it's as if you manage to fit. There is something about you, like you're putting on a new mask. To talk to everyone and get to know them, you change, ribbit. That's why I wanted to ask…"

There was a pause, but he was patient, though he could choose to ask what she meant he chose silence.

Shaking her head, she continued, "You make it seem so easy, ribbit. Putting yourself in their shoes and saying what they want to hear. Do you really mean those words or just want something in return?"

Joe was put in a pickle, but could see her point. However, he was at a loss:

- "I do."

If that were his answer, Tsuyu could hear something in him, "You sounded a bit unsure, ribbit."

- "I don't know."

With that as his answer, Tsuyu would nod once, "At least you were honest, ribbit."

In the end, she'd turn to him and say something he needed to hear, "You don't seem like a bad guy, but those you've gotten close to aren't either. Whatever you're doing, I'd suggest you are true to yourself. Make your words really mean something for them, ribbit."

He nodded, feeling strange, like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders yet a new one had been added on them, 'She's definitely not the sacrifice, but her words…'

She took the bags from him, ending his train of thought, "I'll carry them now. Thank you for helping me. I hope you find what you want one day, ribbit."

XXXXXX

After the slight existential dilemma he had with Tsuyu, Joe steeled himself to go to the Iida residence. It was an apartment atop a large building, showing that they were truly elites.

"Hello, you are Brown, right?" said an older-looking version of Tenya in a simple white shirt and jeans, "Name's Tensei, and my little brother should be done soon. Come on in."

He thanked the man with a bow of the head and walked into an apartment that put his to shame. It made it easy to guess which was his class representative's room due to the large glasses collection on the walls. Inside, Tenya was busy checking some books about the school's rules and others about proper management. He was taking it so seriously it was like seeing a machine at work.

"Please sit down." Tensei offered him the couch while he went to the kitchen, "Allow me to apologize for him if he doesn't reply. He's been like that ever since he heard he's now class representative."

"Brother, please keep it down." Tenya asked, still focused on his books.

Tensei chortled as he came to the living room with some water, "Once again, excuse my little robot of a brother."

Joe accepted the water kindly and waited patiently and silently.

At least Tensei was there, "You have a guest, Tenya. Try to not scare him off."

The younger brother sighed and got up, "Alright, alright, who is it…?" he went silent when seeing the foreign boy, "I know it'll be rude to ask, but I have to. What are you doing here?"

"He came to talk, little bro." Tensei said as he passed his brother, ruffling his hair much to the younger Iida's dismay.

"Please take it seriously, this is the guy I've mentioned." Tenya whispered.

Tensei chuckled, "Come on, he seems nice and fun, if a bit on the silent side."

Tenya turned to Joe, "Anyway, before I appear rude, I have to be blunt to you." He stared the youth in the eyes, "You are quite an odd influence to those around you."

"Huh, that sounds like a compliment." Tensei joked.

Tenya growled, "It shouldn't be." He sighed, rubbing his temples with a hand, "He has managed to befriend good people, yet also hangs out with the likes of Bakugo. Not only that, you've been getting close to the female students around the school, and tend to joke around stealing their hearts."

Tensei started snickering, "Wow, sounds like he could be giving you tips."

"No way." Tenya stood tall and firm, "Brother, treat this seriously. If he let the idea sink into others that they can do as they please, go around chasing girls, there'd be chaos. Why, some girls already started some rumors and the network gossip is the last thing we need. Not to mention, his rebellious attitude won't be a good example for others."

Suddenly, the gears in Joe's head started to turn.

Tensei held up his hands to calm down his brother, "Relax already, robot boy. Your friend here doesn't seem like the playboy type… Uh, no offense."

Joe waved dismissively.

Tenya sighed, "You may be right, but such an attitude shouldn't be tolerated. Freedom is a good thing, but if people abuse it for their own desires, it could be chaos."

Tensei shrugged, "Perhaps he came to meet his class representative to learn of that and learn how to be better."

"W-Well…" Tenya grunted, "That is a valid point, but I still have to stick to my previous statement. He isn't one to stick for rules."

Tensei grinned as he turned to Joe, "So, are you really that much of a rulebreaker?"

Joe liked the guy, so he had some options to keep the comedy going:

- "Bad to the bone, baby."

"Don't give my brother any fuel, please!" Tenya groaned while Tensei grinned like the Cheshire Cat.

- "I try to follow your bro's example."

"Then try to do the robot dance." Tensei quipped while Tenya fumed.

"Anyway, I should be glad you came here." Tenya started, regaining his composure after coughing into his fist, though he was still visibly mad.

"That's a change." Tensei said, "You've never brought someone home."

"It's for his own good." Tenya worried Joe with those words, "I can tell him all the school's rules for him to follow so he can help me prevent it from being a pit of indulgence."

Joe knew he would never get back some precious hours of his life if he didn't do something:

- "I have something to do."

- "My schedule's a bit busy."

- "I have a date with a cute girl."

Tensei nodded, knowing what he meant, "Give him a break, little bro. You're not his dad."

Tenya groaned but conceded, "Fine, if you have some appointments, I guess I shall let you go. However, when we go back to school, you should try to learn its rules."

XXXXXX

Joe sat in his bed in his pajamas, and it wasn't long before his phone began ringing.

Midoriya – I had no luck on my side, what about you?

Bakugo – I shook that Mineta shrimp for info, but he didn't spill any beans!

Uraraka – I tried talking to the other girls, but they dragged me into a shopping spree…

Yaoyorozu – All I achieved were good cake recipes.

Brown – Found him!/Bow to my skills!

Bakugo – Wait, you found him!? For real!?

Brown – It's our class representative./Iida's the source, no doubt.

Midoriya – Are you absolutely sure?

Brown – He fears anarchy at the school./He sees troublemakers as indulgent.

Uraraka – That actually makes sense, he did see you as a troublemaker at first.

Yaoyorozu – The way he tries to keep order… It's terrifying how that Fortress came to be.

Bakugo – Always knew teacher pets like him had a couple screws loose.

Yaoyorozu – Still, why would he view Todoroki as a VIP?

Uraraka – Well, some girls have tried to get his attention, so maybe Iida saw it and…

Yaoyorozu – He misinterpreted and exaggerated it… I feel ashamed typing that.

Midoriya – If his cognition of Trickster's a crooked hostess club manager, what would Kacchan's be?

Uraraka – Bet you 5 thousand yen it's a yakuza!

Yaoyorozu – Hmm… what should I bet on…?

Bakugo – Oi! Stop messing around! We know who's the source, now what!?

Midoriya – Seeing that Tenya's fear is seeing students turn the school into a pleasure district…

Brown – We should dress as cops!/I'm not crossdressing again.

Midoriya – Nothing of the sort!

Bakugo – Then what? Do we act like good students to lower his defenses?

Midoriya – Actually… yeah. How'd you…?

Bakugo – I was kidding, dammit! Are you fucking with me, Deku!?

Yaoyorozu – No, it makes sense. If we affect how the real one sees us, we'd change how he sees his fears.

Uraraka – So that awful Trickster would be a host trying to woo girls?

Yaoyorozu – Uh… something like that.

Bakugo – This is bullshit! I can't take someone like him seriously!

Uraraka – Maybe we should get Marianne-chan to help with that?

Bakugo – I'll try my best.

Yaoyorozu – Thought so.

Bakugo – Piss off.

XXXXXX

It was Sunday, and Joe had an entire day to choose what to do. So, using the clothes Yuuga had given him, he was ready to go and do something new…

And got a text from a familiar face:

Midoriya – Hey!

Brown – Hello./What's up?

Midoriya – I know it's odd to ask this early in the morning, and that we busy, but we won't be able to get to school until tomorrow.

Brown – What is it?/Something wrong?

Midoriya - There's this movie called A Fist Like a Dragon's, I won two tickets at a lottery to see it. Let's go check it out. It may help calm our nerves.

Joe could decline, but had an odd hunch. Maybe the movie would help him increase his guts if it depicted something as hotblooded as the title seemed to indicate along his new duds.

Brown – Sure.

Midoriya – Great! See you there!

Joe was out at the theater, adjusting his shades as he waited patiently early.

It didn't take long for Izuku to arrive in a pair of black slacks, his trademark boots, a green t-shirt and a white jacket.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, but the snacks are on me." he grinned at his friend.

The two sat at their seats and watched the movie in interest, with Izuku on the edge of his seat and Joe cross-armed at the bizarre plot.

Evil yakuza chairman: Do you really think you can defeat an army of three thousand with your bare hands, idiot!?

Heroic yakuza: It doesn't matter how many come, I shall make sure that girl never sheds another tear! Step up if you're ready to battle!

Izuku was slightly tearing up, "That guy… To go that far for someone he barely knew and treats like a daughter."

Joe stared, baffled at the twists of a massive conspiracy but thrilled to the end, 'The protagonist's actions for the sake of others really speak to me…'

He could feel his guts increasing to the point he may as well have leveled up.

Once they exited the theater, Izuku had on a large grin, despite a couple tears in his eyes, "That man lived without fears and regrets. I wish I could be like him, don't you?"

Joe smiled, "Same."

Izuku chuckled, "Thanks for hanging out with me, I really needed a break after how this mess got weirder."

Joe nodded, 'It feels as if my bond with Izuku will grow soon.'

After parting, Joe felt inspired enough to try something… Even if it scared him slightly at the start. It was already past midday, and he knew where to find a certain redhead: a crossroad. Somehow, Eijirou stood there and told him to meet him at a corner if he wanted to take him up on his offer. Sure enough, the hotblooded boy was a man of his word. He was there in a black vest, green cargo pants, and red t-shirt.

"Yo pard, sorry I didn't notice you!" the redhead said slightly dumbfounded at seeing him there, "I was in dreamland for a bit. So, did you come to push your limits?"

Joe knew he would regret it, but still went along with a firm nod.

"Awesome! Alright, follow me!"

He ended up following Eijirou to a small park behind some apartment buildings with no one around.

The redhead crossed his arm on one side, smirking, "First off, we gotta tone up that attitude, partner!" he nodded, arms crossed as he put on a serious face, "You can be a man who let his actions speak, but if you just stay frozen and do nothing, what are you!? That's why I need to see you're ready for this, beyond a hundred percent! And math doesn't matter, so break its rules and give me over a hundred percent!"

Joe sweated in embarrassment at Eijirou's attempt to sound motivational.

"Heh, sounds like an idiot's thing to say, right?" that surprised Joe, Eijirou was being sincere, "I know I'm basically ripping off… Actually, doesn't matter." He put on a grin, "We're talking about attitude here, and it's what heroes need. You can't just say you'll do things, you gotta do them. You get me?"

Joe nodded, "I have to back up my words."

Eijirou beamed, "Yeah, you get me, pard! Good!" he smiled widely and brightly, "I knew you had something in you to try to improve! Man, I'm already looking to working with you! It'd be cool! After seeing you in action, you could be like a shadow and strike villains without alerting them while I charge through. We'd be the perfect combo!"

He felt like Eijirou was about to start laughing, but a smug, condescending voice rang in the air, "My, my, isn't that Kirishima?"

Eijirou's good mood was gone, replaced by surprise, "Huh…? You?"

It was another student wearing his uniform despite it being summer, possibly to go to extra classes if he was either a punk or wasn't very bright.

"And what do we got here?" the new guy turned to Joe, "Please don't tell me you're sticking with him. Have you seen how much trouble this guy causes? He's not even that good as a hero."

Eijirou stood his ground, "I will be a hero, whether I have an unflashy Quirk or not!"

The smug student crossed his arms, "You don't say? I seem to recall someone did your job better at middle school." He shrugged, "Then again, you didn't leave much impact there. What will you do now?"

Seeing Eijirou shake, Joe stood forward, unafraid, "Back off." He said firmly, surprising Eijirou a bit.

The smug boy snickered, "I've heard your little chat, you're here to train with him. Did you know what happened when he first saw a villain?"

Eijirou shook, hands balled into fists, "That was then, and my Quirk wasn't strong enough, but now-"

The bully cut him off, "Still all bark and no bite?" That froze the redhead, "I see, same as always. Tell me, would you like to try your luck now?"

Finally, Joe stood face to face with the bully, "I said back off."

There was something in his tone, posture, and bravery that made the other teen step back, "You sound like a broken record… Why do you stand up for him?"

Joe's words were wisely chosen, "Because you're not worth it."

"He's right." Eijirou said, clenching his fists, "You should back off, or do you really wanna start a fight here? I may have never been too bright, but even a brute like me knows heroes shouldn't fight for nothing. That isn't worth it… Talking to you is even a bigger waste of time."

"You…" the other teen started angrily, but Eijirou continued.

"Go, my partner said what we both needed to say." The redhead crossed his arms, putting on a serious face, "Your words are just words. Fighting you wouldn't amount to anything."

Growling, the bully left in silence.

Once he was gone, Eijirou grinned, "Man… and here I thought him trying to make fake money was as low as he'd sink…" Joe gave him a quizzical look, "Long story, but thanks, man."

Joe was confused, "What for?" was a good question to make, along, "What did I do?"

Eijirou beamed, "The way you stood to him, even if you could have lost… I really need to be more like that." His grin widened into a shark smirk as he pumped his arms, "Alright! I'm determined to get better, pard! I better keep bringing you along so I don't forget what kind of man I wanna be!"

Joe smiled, 'Eijirou's will power is very strong…'

He felt his guts improving, and someone was happy with him.

I am thou, thou art I… A bond between those who seek greatness in facing their fears has been forged

With the birth of the Star Arcana, you have acquired a new weapon to destroy the fear plaguing this world

RANK UP!

Star: Kirishima Eijirou.

Rank 1: Hero's Attitude – Makes status ailments and debuffs inflicted by lower level Shadows lose effect in less turns.

After that long day, Joe wanted nothing more than to sleep in order to get all his energies back for the next day. As soon as he closed his eyes, he was in the Velvet Room.

Marianne giggled, "You had a good run up to this point, pet. Getting four Persona users already and this early, you're leaping in your growth."

Igor nodded, "You've seen the face of the sacrifice in the real world. His mind's fears have given birth to a Fortress far more complex than the one before. Although, these aren't the first or toughest ones you'll see." He chuckled darkly, "Would you mind me reading your future again? At least it may ease your worries regarding a proper challenge."

- "No thanks."

An amused chuckle escaped Igor, "I see you do not fear the uncertain future awaiting you. Is it bravery, or have you an idea of what you'll see? I guess I shall wait for an answer."

- "Please."

"Wise choice, for that boy has a very powerful mind. His fears aren't overtaking him, making this Fortress weaker when compared to some of mankind's worst nightmares. But I digress," he shuffled the cards with a wave of the hand, "Hmm… It appears both of you shall witness a loss."

You had only two questions: "Can I prevent it?" and "Is it dangerous?"

"It will greatly affect him, but your bonds may get in the way and make you act recklessly." Igor propped his hand on his chin, "Attaching yourselves to others is a double-edged sword, and the cards are never clear. Painful as it is, this is fated to happen… but, perhaps, with the will of rebellion burning inside you, there is something you could do. Even if fate's cruel twists may strike you, you have the power to move forth."

Regardless of his answers, Igor would chuckle one last time, "Destinies forged through mankind's fears are a poetic and tragic thing. I'd advise you nourish your bonds with your allies, yet do not allow yourself to be swayed by fear. It is you who can shatter ruin, dear Trickster. Make sure that you become he who will stop it."

Joe took it all in, 'Igor's betting a lot on me.'

RANK UP!

World: Igor.

Rank 3: Stronger Together – Your entire party gains the same amount of EXP after battle, even if they're out.

Marianne stood before him, "Do be careful, pet. You're still not prepared to understand that boy. Perhaps once you see what he's truly capable of you may do so. For now, use your time wisely."

Joe slept as best he could after that.

XXXXXX

The next morning, back at their classroom, everyone was shocked to see Katsuki.

"Is… Is this for real?" Mina asked.

"I can't believe it." Eijirou gasped out.

Joe sweated when seeing Katsuki shaking from all the effort his muscles put into remaining in a straight up posture while seated. He even clasped his hands, and his entire will power was set on keeping himself well behaved. Momo was the same, only that she was doing so effortlessly. Izuku was the same as usual, but sat straighter. Ochako for her part was fiddling with some of her things to keep everything tidy.

"Brown-san, please do not slouch and sit straight." Momo told him firmly.

He sighed inwardly, 'Time to put on a role model act.'

"Good morning everyone." Tenya said and was shocked by what he saw.

"Good morning, Iida." Izuku greeted him cordially while keeping his back straight.

"I'm… baffled…" Tenya approached Joe, "To see you already putting this much effort into behaving…" he frowned, "Is it because of our words yesterday or is there an ulterior motive?"

Joe sweated slightly and came up with three possible answers: "I really want to improve," "I'm just trying my best," and, "Good morning."

Tenya adjusted his glasses, "I see you're still an odd one." Then he turned to Katsuki, "As for you, Bakugo. Your posture is the right one, but you're shaking like a leaf."

Katsuki growled under his breath, "That's cuz no normal person sits like this, asshole."

Momo glared at him, freezing him up, "Pay him no mind, Iida. He's actually trying to behave for once."

"What you're saying rings true, that is an improvement." The class representative said and soon classes went on as normal.

As classes went on, many more people grew shocked when Katsuki tried to behave like a proper student.

"Pain in my ass…" he grumbled during lunch at the cafeteria, trying not to slouch, "My back's killing me from trying to sit up…"

Momo sighed, "My sentiments exactly, though I'd use a less vulgar vocabulary."

"Complaining won't get us anywhere." Izuku said while rubbing his shoulders, "So far we've done our best, so the Fortress may have changed."

"Who knows? These two have left quite an impact on Iida." Ochako mused, "Will his cognition thing really change?"

"It's our best shot so far." Izuku said, "At least we know he's the source, so we have a general idea of what his Fortress will be like."

"It's terrifyingly simple, though." Momo looked slightly uncomfortable saying that, "Iida has a strong mindset, so what would happen if someone with a more chaotic one were a sacrifice?"

Izuku winced at the idea, but still answered, "Sadly, we may have to face such things. We're lucky they didn't choose someone more messed up."

Katsuki bared his teeth like a feral animal, "Those insects better show up so I can get rid of them soon."

"Actually…" Ochako looked up in deep thought, "Could they have targeted Iida due to him being so strong-minded?"

Izuku nodded, a hand on his chin, "It is a possibility they need a strong mind, but Iida's fears are so… simple that his Fortress isn't as bad as we thought. Sure, that fake was strong, but he was one of the main fears. If anything, so long as he keeps his fears in check, our job will be easier."

Momo giggled slightly, "So, should we pay him a trip to Hawaii?"

Ochako went wide-eyed, "Huh…? Did you just joke and laugh?"

Momo blushed, "S-Sorry… I got a bit carried away."

"No, that was nice, to be honest." Ochako beamed, "You should enjoy yourself more, it suits you best."

"Girls…" Katsuki grumbled under his breath.

Joe had a good way to make him behave: "We should have Marianne join us."

"W-What!? You kidding, right!?" the blond panicked, making the others laugh a bit.

Once classes were over, the Persona users reunited at the shack along All Might and Eraserhead, with the teens wearing their gear.

"So, Young Iida is the source." All Might started, "I've seen how this place can twist anyone's fears firsthand, I'd advise you to not get ahead of yourselves."

"We know." Katsuki said simply, "Figured that if there'll be tougher bastards with worse fears than his out there we may as well go all out."

"I'm not letting anyone suffer what The Nightmare does to them." Ochako told him firmly.

"It appears they're set." Aizawa commented, "Even if you feel confident since Iida isn't off his loop, do listen to us. We didn't get sacrificed, but things we saw in that realm are trickier than they look."

"We have the advantage, at least." Momo replied, "But you are right, sensei. After what we saw, we still need to be cautious."

Izuku took a deep breath, "Let's hope the plan worked…"

XXXXXX

And that's my rap!

Alright, we're set for the second dungeon, and official first dungeon. Katsuki's was a tutorial level, so to speak. Now with the source revealed… Are you surprised? I figured I'd make it Tenya because, as the team has guessed, the Fly Men are targeting people with strong mindsets. However, since Tenya's fears are something he already fights against, his Fortress isn't as powerful as the future ones will be.

Now, before you say that's not how Tenya would think... It's The Nightmare. The place takes someone's fear and greatly exaggerates it to try to turn them into a sacrifice. See what it did with Katsuki, it made a tower where statues of him showed he'd be forgotten in time while mixing it with a tower to remind him of that time Izuku helped him. Tenya's worries are kicked up a hundred notches as well.

In short: The Nightmare is a massive asshole that wants to torture you with something beyond your worst fears before trying to sacrifice you.

Anyway, the social link with Tenya won't happen until much later. You probably guessed when, but if not then I'd be surprised. Also, yes, I had some fun with the spend-time-event with Izuku and was dying to just get on with Eijirou's social link. Glad I did, and I hope I make it a good one since he's one of my favorite characters of the cast due to the latest chapters in the manga.

And Tsuyu's little talk with Joe will be for later, just be really patient.

BIOS:

Kirishima Eijirou

Arcana: Star – Inspiration and hopefulness for the future; to feel more confident that one's needs will be met. Nothing can be taken for granted, but one's confidence isn't misplaced.

Description: fellow student at class 1A, Eijirou is prone to leap before thinking in his search to be the man he dreams to be.

Swordslinger out!