Summary: Bakugou finds his starting line
Chapter Text"Excuse me. May I have your guys attention?"
As if All Might was Moses, his voice cut clean through the murmurs of his students. With slight glances towards the losing pair, Uraraka and Izuku, and wary looks towards Shinsou, and Bakugou, all attention was turned to All Might.
"Good. Now, I am proud of all four of you for the fighting spirit you displayed out there," Izuku cringed while drilling holes into the ground with eyes, and his fists clenched in frustration, "You all did well for your first battle simulation," Bakugou wanted to punch the smile off of All Might's face, but opted to dig his nails deeper into his arms, "And furthermore, though there are some flaws here and there throughout the simulation, do know that this marks the beginnings of becoming a hero!" Uraraka wanted to puke. Not just from using her quirk, but at the word 'Hero.' Shinsou rolled his eyes at the statement.
All Might's smile twitched upon noticing the four students discomfort and froze for a bit. Shit. This wasn't in the teaching for dummies book.
"All Might sensei?"
"Ah- Oh yes. So now that this battle simulation is over, it is now time to analyze it to see where we may improve for the better! So who can tell me who is the MVP of this battle simulation?"
The students debated among themselves and All Might stood there patiently. The murmurs settled down, and Momo was the first to volunteer to answer.
"All Might sir."
"Yes Momo?"
"I believe Shinsou is the MVP of the simulation."
Her response caused outbreak among the students.
"Seriously?" Kirishima exclaimed, "I think the MVP was Midoriya bro-" Jirou quirked an eyebrow, "er- um.. so yeah. It was just so manly how he confronted Bakugou!" He held a fist to his heart while shedding manly man tears.
"Yeah I think the MVP should be Midoriya. He did defeat Bakugou. That must take some total skill!" Sero agreed. Other students nodded along with the statement, though Katsuki clenched his teeth at the word 'defeat.'
Tsuyu was next to voice her opinion. "Well, kero." She said, holding a finger to her chin, "I agree with Momo." The class gasped and Tsuyu was quick to explain himself, "Shinsou strived during this simulation. Bakugou was blinded by his emotions, Midoriya seriously injured himself, becoming useless and Uraraka was caught." Tsuyu made eye contact with a bewildered Shinsou, "In all, Shinsou deserves the title."
"And if I may add on to Asui's-"
"Call me Tsu."
"Tsu's thoughts.." Momo corrected herself. "Shinsou deserves the title of this simulation. From the beginning, despite having an.. Uncooperative partner, he remained level headed and was able to quickly think up a plan of action. He was strategic when setting up the room, making sure there were no blind spots for himself, and the place he hid, up on the ceiling, was an unpredictable spot for his opponents. From there, he was hidden in the shadows and had a birds eye view of the room, allowing him the perfect position to attack and defend. For example, defense against Uraraka because she needs to touch to activate her quirk. Through his actions, it shows he was cautious of his opponents and planned accordingly. He was able to predict his opponent's moves and manipulate them in favor of his quirk. If anything, he took this simulation seriously and not for granted and applied himself to the villain role. Now if he were on the hero's side, I believe he would still succeed to be MVP."
The class fell into silence and stared between Momo and Shinsou who wore a blank face. Though internally he was grateful to Momo's words. Validation felt good.
All Might cleared his throat to talk. "Now can someone tell us why the others aren't the MVP?" Uraraka and Izuku shifted from side to side awaiting for someone to completely expose their inadequate performance. Katsuki shifted his position leaning on the wall and hugged his arms closer as if to close himself off from the world. Katsuki didn't want to hear what some extra had to say about him.
"If I may All Might?"
"Yes Momo, please explain."
"To begin… on the hero team, Midoriya and Uraraka failed to make a plan that incorporated awareness of the villain's team quirk. We should all have all idea for how each other's quirks work prior from the quirk apprehension test. With that given info, a plan to nullify or to apprehend each other could have been made during the planning period. The plan to split up wasn't necessarily bad. In a real life situation the bomb is the priority and by splitting up showed that was understood. It just lacked precaution. On the fight between Bakugou and Midoriya, both show prowess on the battlefield. Though the fight seemed to get a tad personal. In Midoriya's side, I feel he blocked out his teammate in favor of focusing on the fight. On Bakugou's side, he dragged it out too much. On a villain's standpoint the fight should be short and simple. In the end both teams lacked proper communication and didn't treat this like the real thing."
"Very good Momo. Midoriya, good work holding your own against Bakugou but next time plan accordingly and consider your teammates. Your plan did not consider how Uraraka would put up against Shinsou nor did you communicate enough with her enough. In a real life situation, communication is important, this goes for the villain team also. Midoriya, your plan was also didn't factor any tricks the villains may have planned. Got that Midoriya?"
Izuku gave a solemn nod.
"Uraraka, I feel you didn't show your best today. There was many opportunities where you could've shown your skills. Throughout the simulation, you didn't question Midoriya's plan. Also, when facing off with Shinsou, you let him get in your head. A hero must not bend to a villain."
Shinsou raised an eyebrow at the statement. "Next time be more assertive and confident in yourself. I know you have potential to be an amazing hero."
Uraraka responded with a smile. Internally her stomach turned. An amazing hero huh?
"Shinsou. Great work. You showed that you can be levelled headed in high stake situations and you also displayed exceptional planning. Like Momo said, you calculated each step, predicted your opponents moves and were able to counter them. Great work Shinsou. Keep that stuff with you throughout your hero training career and onwards."
Shinsou shrugged off the number 1 hero's praise. "Sure."
All Might turned towards the brooding Bakugou. "Bakugou." Said boy shifted. "I'll admit, you have amazing control on your quirk and you great battle instincts, but your communication skills are lacking. For one, you didn't listen to your teammate and went on your own. Instead you made this simulation into a personal matter. I understand you're at a age where you want to show off, but being a hero more than just showing you have power. Heroes must be able to communicate and think with a level head so that they can make smart decisions. The decisions you made during this simulation reflected that you do not care for the wellbeing of your teammates nor do you consider the consequences of your actions." All Might paused noticing how stiff Katsuki was. "Bakugou, I'm not trying to single you out. Please take my advice to heart. You have the skill but are lacking in….. heroic traits. I fully believe you can be an amazing hero."
All Might sighed when Bakugou gave no reply.
"Also, this goes for everyone, personal grudges should not interfere in your hero training. Treat every minute of your training like it's real. There is no room for personal problems in the hero business. You may be forced to work with heroes you don't see eye to eye to, but you must be able to get pass personal problems for the sake of the people you wish to save."
Midoriya opened his mouth to speak but closed it when nothing came out. He opted for a sheepish nod. Katsuki remained silent.
"Now you four should head over to recovery girl to get patched up."
When given the opportunity, Katsuki pushed pass towards the exit of the monitor room without batting an eye to anyone. Izuku and Uraraka shared a look and followed after. Shinsou was the last to leave and took his time to walk to Recovery Girl's office.
Recovery Girl had been tending to paperwork before she gasped at the sight before her. Four battered teens had walked in. Most noticeable she noticed how messed up All Might's prodigy, Midoriya, looked. Dang it Yagi.
"I'll treat you two first," she said motioning towards Katsuki and Izuku to follow. "The other two, wait there, I'll be back in a moment."
Recovery girl had led them to a separate room and looked over the boys from head to toe. "Take off your shirts now dearies and take a seat on the bed right there." She walked passed them towards the medicine cabinet for bandages and disinfectant. Noticing that Izuku wasn't moving, she quirked an eyebrow. "Something wrong? Come on now, take off your shirt. Look the blonde one over there already done what I said. Chop chop now boy, I have other patients to treat."
Izuku's hands trembled. Katsuki was right there and he was pretty sure the concealer on his soulmarks have gotten messed up. Either way Recover Girl would have to clean his wounds and the concealer would come off and expose his soulmakers to Katsuki. He wasn't ready to come clean just yet.. Especially after that fiasco during the simulation...
Recovery girl rolled her eyes at the trembling teen. He must be a shy one. "Okay then. Be like that. I'll tend to you after the other three."
She left the two in the room. In the tension filled room.
"So.. um.."
"Shut up you stupid beta." Katsuki sneered while coupling that with alpha pheromones. "I don't want to hear shit from you."
Izuku pursed his lips. "Bakugou. I want to say-"
Katuski got up and held Izuku by the collar. "I said SHUT IT-"
"No fighting over there boys." Recovery girl called from the other room.
Izuku's voice hitched when Katsuki released him. He watched Katsuki stalk back to where he was before.
"Listen you nerd. Just because you won today doesn't mean you or anyone else is above me. So don't think you can jut talk freely to me. You ain't worth shit. Got that?"
"That wasn't what I- no it- uh." Izuku stopped talking when he caught sight of Katsuki's glare. He gulped and sat down on a lone chair far away from Katsuki.
Recovery girl was quick to patch up the other three, and they returned to class. Before Katsuki left he made sure to stare down Izuku. This action triggered a memory.
Katsuki. You should protect the weak. A motherly voice rang in his head.
He sneered and slammed the door shut. He was supposed to be weak!
Now all that's left was Midoriya Izuku.
"So Midoriya. Are you going to let me treat your wounds now?"
Izuku who was fiddling around with his tattered costume nodded. "Ye- um Yeah.."
With an exasperated sigh Recovery Girl waited for him to remove his shirt. "Really… Like master like student." She said to herself when she saw just how banged up he was.
"You should really be more careful." She commented while cleaning the wounds.
"I know.."
While she cleaning the wounds she couldn't help but notice that Izuku and Katsuki had the same soulmarks. "So that's how it is~"
Izuku looked over his shoulder in bewilderment. "Pardon?!"
Recovery Girl only looked on with an all knowing smile. "Ah! Young love."
"Um what?"
"Really. Why are you hiding your soulmarks. Just confront him about it." Recovery Girl started to go off on a tangent about youngsters being so shy and talking about how it was in her days.
Izuku's eyes hardened. "I can't."
Izuku's comment went unheard over her rant.
"I can't." He said a bit more boldly.
Recovery Girl stopped her movements noticing the tension in the greenette's shoulders. "And why is that?"
"I just.." The tension released. "I just can't." For many reasons…
Recovery Girl rolled her eyes. "Ok then. I won't say a word to him about it."
"Thank you ma'am." He said gratefully.
"Yeah yeah kid. By the way you're going to need a sling for your arm." Izuku nodded. "I think this should do it now." She said putting the last of the bandages. "Look in the cabinet there. There should be some extra shirts and sweatpants. Put those on. I'm pretty sure you want to get out of that mess of a costume."
"Thank you.." Izuku said when he was done changing.
"Yeah yeah. Now come over here so I can give you a kiss."
"WHAT?" Izuku was having major deja vu to when All Might made him eat his hair.
"Get your head out of the gutter. It's my quirk."
"Oh. Yeah! Sure.. Ok. Sorry."
Recovery Girl rolled her eyes and pecked the boy on the cheek. "Go over to the bed there and take a nap. Don't worry about class."
Izuku replied with a drowsy thank you before knocking out.
Recovery Girl only shook her head when she went back to her paperwork. She could already tell that Midoriya will be her most problematic patient. While doing a paperwork an interesting thought crossed her mind. Interesting.. Shinsou, Bakugou, and Midoriya have the exact same soulmarks… Wait but that wouldn't make sense.. Their secondary genders.. She looked through the boys files on her computer. "Huh. Shinsou and Bakugou are both alphas. That makes sense.. But Midoriya.. Beta? That doesn't make sense. Something seems fishy.." Recovery Girl stared at the peaceful sleeping greenette in thought.
When Katsuki came back to the monitor room, he remained silent as he watched the remaining teams do their battle simulation.
His fists tightened when he saw Shouto freeze the whole building.
He clenched his jaw when Momo continued to evaluate each battle.
His face darkened whenever his childhood hero spoke to tell someone "You'll make a great hero."
He stormed out of the monitor room when All Might called it a day.
Throughout the remainder of the school day Katsuki couldn't concentrate. His mind kept flashing events from the simulation. If he had to describe the feeling, it was the equivalent to a bug flying around your head. He hated it. He wanted his mind to shut up, but it refused to bend to his will, just like certain Dekus.
"BAKUGOU. FROM NOW ON. DEKU DOESN'T MEAN I'M USELESS. IT MEANS I CAN DO IT!"
How many times do I have to tell you Bakugou. I'm not that useless Deku I was before. And if I have to beat you to show you that. Then so be it.
His grip tightened on his pencil.
Bakugou has been eliminated.
He villain team has won.
The victory left a bitter taste in his mouth.
... but your communication skills are LACKING.
...being a hero more than just showing you have power.
You have the skill but are LACKING in….. heroic traits.
I fully believe you can be an amazing hero.
Katsuki's pencil started to crack. In other words.. I'm lacking. But that can't be. I'm supposed to the best! I'm better than all these extras. It's not just about power my ass. I have so much power that who gives a damn about everything else. I'm the BEST!
Somehow the last thought he had made him cringe.
"Bakubro?"
Katsuki turned quickly towards Kirishima and glared.
Kirishima simply laughed it off. "Um. The bell just rang, some of the guys-"
"And girl!" Mina called out.
"And girl thought it would be cool to hang out and-" Kirishima paused to watch Katsuki shove his things in his backpack. "So is that a yes?"
Katsuki stood face to face to Kirishima. "Move."
Kirishima complied. "So yes?"
"No." Katsuki said with warning.
"But. Come on! It'll be fun!" Kirishima pleaded.
"I said no. So stop bothering me you extra."
Kirishima opened his mouth to retort but the blonde was already gone. "At least I tried."
In the background Shinsou scoffed. "Such a self entitled brat."
Todoroki shrugged. "I guess." He replied in a low voice. "Should we head out now?"
Shinsou stretched his arms up. "Yeah. Let's get out of this shit hole."
"Language."
The only reply Todoroki got was Shinsou sticking out his tongue. Well that's kinda cute.
Katsuki walked aimlessly down the street while kicking a can. With each kick came a new thought
Stupid Deku.
Stupid All Might.
Stupid Extras.
How dare he try to get onto my level.
He's a bug.
Useless.
A waste of space.
SO WHY!
The kick sent the can flying into the entrance of a park. There in that park was what you'd expect. It was nothing special. There was a jungle gym there, a sandbox there, a bench here, and a swingset there. Aside from being a bit overgrown with plants, this was his the park of his childhood days.
Katsuki crushed the can with his foot and strolled through the park, which in turn sparked memories of the old.
He sat down on a bench and looked out into the empty playground with distant eyes.
"Katsuki. Come over here." His mother called.
A small Katsuki whispered something to a green haired boy before going towards his mother on the bench.
"Yes mom?" Katsuki felt his cheeks get pinched. "Mommmm stahp it!"
Mitsuki chuckled and let go. "Ne Katsuki. Always protect the weak alright. Look at little Izu, he's so thin and small and weak. Watch out for him alright?"
Katsuki rubbed his sore cheeks. "I know mom! I'm going protect the weak with my quirk!" He proclaimed triumphantly.
Mitsuki ruffled his hair. "Alright. Go along and play now.
Getting tired of sitting on the bench, he decided to stretch his legs and walk around the playground.
"I call dibs on being All Might!"
"Ah no fair Kacchan. You're always All Might!"
"But I'm the best Izucchan. Of course I play All Might."
Izuku thought in contemplation. "I guess you're right. All right then. Watch out hero, I the evil villain is going to get you!"
"Not if I do first!"
Katsuki kicked the sand.
"Wow! Kacchan! You're quirk is so cool!" Izuku squealed.
"I know it is. You're the first person I've shown my quirk to. Not even my parents have seen it."
Izuku still staring in awe at Katsuki's hands exclaimed. "Eh? Really? Why?"
"Cause we're best friends. It's only natural Izucchan. Now hurry up and get your quirk so we can start training to be heroes. Cause you can't be a hero without a cool quirk. If not you're weak!"
"Yeah yeah Kacchan. Now show me your quirk again!"
"Of course!"
Katsuki stood in front of a slide.
"What do you mean you don't have a quirk?!" Katsuki asked in disbelief. "That's impossible Izucchan!"
Izuku wiped at his eyes. "I don't know why! The doctor just said I don't!"
"Then how're you gonna be a hero without one?!"
"I-" Izuku stared down at his feet.
Katsuki's hands twitched to comfort his dear best friend but decided against it. "You're weak." He mumbled.
"What?" Izuku asked with tears dripping from his eyes.
"I said you're weak Izu- You're weak. You don't have a quirk. You can't be a hero."
"Kacchan?"
"You have no quirk so you can't be a hero."
"What do you mean?" Izuku said through his increasing sniffles.
"I said YOU'RE WEAK SO YOU CAN'T BE A HERO!" We can't be heroes together. He thought to himself sadly realizing that fact. He felt tears prick his eyes.
"Kacchan don't cry." Izuku stood up shakily to comfort his friend.
Katsuki slapped the hand away and ran home. Leaving a crying Izuku.
Katsuki walked towards a swingset and looked at it with disdain.
"Kacchan stop it!" Yelled Izuku who stood in front of a boy. "Stop hitting him." He said in tears.
"Hah? You think that YOU can stand up to me? You must be really stupid."
"Well. What you're doing isn't cool. That's not how a hero behaves Kacchan. What would All Might say if he found out you were terrorizing others! Come on Kacchan just go away."
Katsuki grinded his teeth together. "Get the fuck out of the way you extra!"
"No. I'm going to be a hero and defend him!"
Katsuki had enough. With a ignited fist he punched Deku. He didn't stop at just one punch. When he was done, he looked down at his finished work. He looked off to the side and caught sight of a sand bucket adorned with Izuku's name. An idea sprouted.
With a smirk he looked down at the greenette who starred defiantly up at him. "You're name can be read as Deku. That must be the word for someone who is useless. That's what you are. A useless waste of space. Stop trying to be the fuckin hero you dumbass. You don't have a quirk. If you tried to be hero you'd die and just give everyone else a problem. If you know what's right you'd give up Deku." He sneered in disgust.
Katsuki wiped his eyes out of irritation. He was supposed to be weak. So why is he at UA. Why- How did he beat me? I'm supposed to be the one with the better quirk. The person who's going to be a hero to protect his weak- To be the best. So how'd he beat me! Katsuki ruffled his hair in frustration.
"Bakugou?"
Katsuki turned around and he met green eyes.
"Deku." He said lowly
Izuku rubbed his forehead. What happened to going home in peace.
Izuku rubbed his eyes. With a yawn he scanned the room. His eyes met Recovery Girl's.
"Hello Midoriya."
"Hi Recovery Girl.''
"Nice to see you awake."
"Y-Yeah.."
"You're uniform is over there so you can change and go home now if you feel good."
"Right.. Thank you for healing me."
"Yes yes. Now Izuku.. I have a question for you."
"Yes?"
"Are you really a beta?''
Izuku went bugged eyed and stared at the elderly woman nervously.
"What kind of question is that!" With a nervous chuckle he finished changing behind the curtain quickly. "Of course I'm a beta! That's what's in my record right?"
"Yes that's true. But something doesn't make sense. If you would please tell me-"
Izuku was at the door. "Wow look at the time. Gotta go!" The door slammed shut.
Recovery Girl let out an exhausted sigh. "I can't let this go… I'll make sure to ask him again next time… Really an omega feigning to be a beta in the hero course? Interesting."
Izuku sped walk out of the campus, and once off it, he booked it liked his life depended on it.
Shit shit shit shit shit she knows!
Izuku started to slow down his pace to calm down. "Oh man I'm so screwed!"
Of course she would find out. The soulmarks prove so. And she has access to my medical records! My prescription orders add even more evidence. AHHHH. What am I going to do!
Izuku sighed in defeat and strolled through the park that was on his way home. "What am I going to do.."
While Izuku walked through the park he noticed a certain blonde. Bakugou? But he doesn't go home this way… Oh man don't tell me he wants to do some rematch! I have enough to deal with today! Dang it universe. Might as well get this over with.
"Bakugou?"
"Deku."
Izuku cringed at the tone.
"Look Bakugou about the simulation.. If you're feeling salty about it wand want to fight right now, don't' I'm not in the mood." Straight and to the point.
"You liar. All this time you had a quirk. You've been looking down on me huh."
"What? No. Bakugou. That's not."
Katsuki's eyes widened. "When did you start calling me that."
"What? 'Bakugou'? I've been saying it for a while…"
That just irked Katsuki even more. When did he stop calling me 'Kacchan'. When did he stop looking up at me. When did he get strong? When did I get weak.
Izuku felt a tad worried for the blonde when he remained unresponsive for 5 minutes. His expression unreadable under blonde bangs. Izuku's heroic instincts kicked in. He reached a hand out. "Bakugou? Are you ok?"
Katsuki grabbed the evading hand and looked up with toxic eyes.
Izuku cringed when the grip got tighter. "H-hey that hurts."
"Don't you dare look down to me. Fucking lying to me all these years that you didn't have a damn quirk."
Izuku's eyes widened and he slipped out of the blonde grip.
"Bakugou look." Sorry All Might. "I wasn't lying to you. This quirk.." Katsuki's expression was once again hidden. "Someone gave me this quirk. I can't say who but that's the story. I can't control it just yet. But I will. And when I do I'll surpass you. Cause I'm not a useless Deku now. Deku now means that I can do it, so that means I'm going to be a hero Bakugou. I'll surpass you and everyone with my own power." He finished off his little speech with a smile of determination.
Something inside Katsuki triggered and he started to release his frustrations. "What the hell is that? A "borrowed power"?! I don't get what the hell you're trying to say.. Did you come to make an even more fool of me?... Huh? Even if not...Today… you beat me, ass clown! That's all there is to it! That's all…"
"Bakugou.."
"And did you get a good look at that ice guy?! I thought he was nothing before..! Fuck!" He wiped at his eyes. Why the fuck am I releasing my frustrations on this piece of shit! "What that pony-tail bitch said really sunk in.. Shit.. GOD DAMNIT! HEY! YOU TOO.. DEKU. FROM HERE ON OUT! I.. FROM HERE ON OUT.. I'M GOING TO BE NUMBER ONE!"
"Bakugou.."
"Shut it you nerd. I'm going to be number one, even if I have to beat All Might to get there." With that he left Izuku there in the empty playground.
Bakugou Katsuki has found his starting line.
===BONUS===
"Where are we going?"
"Somwhere." Replied Shinsou.
"That doesn't answer my question."
"Somewhere is a place. Soooo it kinda does."
Todoroki remained silent.
"It's a nice place I like to go to..."
"You're home is a nice place. Are we going there?"
"No. It's better than that."
"Okay then.. But I need to get home by 6 at the latest because I have-"
"A sorry excuse for training."
"Shinsou that's not-"
Shinsou turned around to face Todoroki. "Call me Hitoshi. Also forget about that illegal piece of flaming trash. Let me treat you somewhere to take your mind off things. Besides this is probs the only time we can do this since there was no homework assigned today."
"Okay then.."
After a few minutes of walking they stood in front of a café.
"You took me to a café.. for coffee?"
"Not just any café." Shinsou opened the door. "A CAT café." He said all to proudly.
The two spent the time playing with cats and having mindless conversation, which were mostly Shinsou talking and Todoroki making a small comment here and there. When they were done Todoroki took out his wallet to pay Sinsou back but his wallet was shoved into his chest.
Shinsou looked away and scratched at his chin. There was a faint blush on his cheeks Todoroki noticed. "Look. You don't have to pay me back.. Just you being there is enough..."
Todoroki's eyes widened. "A.. Friend?"
"Yeah.."
"I'm your friend?"
"Well yeah duh. Why would I treat someone out if.. they.. weren't my.. friend.. Are you ok?" Shinsou asked noticing how unresponsive the other looked.
Todoroki's face was blank until he smiled softly at the other. "You're a good friend Hitoshi."
"I-uh.. Whatever just get home safe Todoroki."
"Call me.. Shouto."
Shinsou corrected himself. "Get home safe..Shouto."
"Likewise."
The two parted ways satisfied.
A/n: AND THE AUTHOR LIVESS. Sorry for the long firkin wait. Thank you all for all the kudos and comments. They really are motivating and I'm grateful and happy to know people enjoy my work. I hope everyone's holidays are going well. Anyways happy holidays. Till next time ciao~
Side notes- The park scene was partly inspired by "The Catcher in the Rye. And like that side TodoShin thoughhhhhh. Also Recovery Girl.. OOF
Alsoooooo this anime season has been pretty cool. My top 3 are Goblin Slayer, The Time I was Reincarnated as a Slime, and Boarding School Juliet. But let's not forget Banana Fish. That thing was on a whole other level. From the music to the characters.. AHHHH The ending made me cryyyy.. Honestly looking forward to rematch this when the dub comes out.