Yuuei Sports Stadium
Many were still in awe at Bakugo's display of power, leaving some with their mouths hanging open in sheer shock.
Class 1-A, in particular, were worried for fellow classmate's health but were relieved of their worries soon after they received Recovery Girl's diagnosis as they had announced that she only suffered minor scrapes and slight burns as well as stress and fatigue, though she'll recover in due time as she needs rest as there was no permanent damage done and she'll be back on her feet as good as new within an hour's worth of time, all thank's to Recovery Girl's healing quirk.
Even though they had witnessed its power firsthand multiple times, it still amazed all of them as of its versatility, strength, and efficiency.
They were lucky that they had someone like her on the school's staff roster.
The students sighed in relief before Izuku spoke up.
"When are we able to visit her?" He asked tentatively. The aged hero smiled gently before nodding slightly, reading off of her plastic clipboard.
"She's awake for now, though I'd recommend that you go easy on her, it wouldn't be wise to overwhelm her with so many people at once." They all looked at each other and nodded in understanding.
Seemingly satisfied with her work, she waved goodbye before turning to leave, leaving the students to decide amongst themselves as to who should visit first.
They contemplated over this but most of them had come to an agreement as to who should go first.
"I think Midoriya and Iida should have the right to visit her first, they are her best friends after all," Kirishima suggested, his sharpened teeth in view as he smiled.
They all nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, no doubt Midoriya here is probably worried sick!" Ashido joked, causing a blush to appear on the freckled boy's face as of reacting to the pink-skinned student's teasing statement. He started to deny his actions through embarrassment as the rest of the class laughed at his expense, though this of course was all in good fun and Izumi appreciated that. He smiled contentedly, it elated him seeing how comfortable his little brother was with his fellow classmates, it made him happy that he was accepted into a friendly environment which he could grow.
At the current moment, the festival decided to advertise a break, the second round of the tournament was on hold for a few minutes granting the audience an allowance of time to treat and refresh themselves with snack vendors, food items, or simply a trip to the bathroom. Of course, they also had to clean up what used to be recognized as an arena/stage though that was of minor importance as it could be easily fixed thanks to cementoss' handiwork. No doubt the main reception center, as well as the general area outside, would be filled to the brim due to the absence of people currently in the stadium.
Many students have decided to branch off in their own directions for varying purposes, they were still teenagers after all.
On the various monitors that were distributed around the stadium were commercial advertisements from varying hero companies with their own brands of home products. It had always amused him at how ridiculous some of them were, such as advertising cartoons, food products and... law offices? That had always tickled him some way or another.
He sighed amusedly before straightening his posture, placing his hands on his waist.
"Well, guess I better make sure Izuku is okay... maybe I'll check on Todoroki as well." He said to no one in particular, although this was picked up by a certain energetic bluenette that stood beside him.
"Oh! Can I join you?" She asked enthusiastically.
Izumi was visibly startled upon hearing the unexpected request but relaxed once he identified who the source was.
"Ah, Nejire, um... you're here!" He awkwardly smiled before rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, ruffling his already messy green and black hair.
She giggled, "Mhm, Tamaki and Togata went off by themselves somewhere, probably to buy more food. So then..." She held her arms out wide before latching onto the taller boy's torso.
"I figured that I would want to stick with my awesome boyfriend!" She exclaimed.
He stared at her for a moment before his lips formed a gentle smile. He tenderly wrapped his arms around her svelte form and leaned in further to nuzzle her cheek, "You're just too adorable sometimes." He commented, making Nejire smile even wider as she giggled at her boyfriend's playful behavior. The bluenette hugged the greenette tighter, sinking into Izumi's warm embrace before sighing in contentment.
Chuckling, Izumi stroked her aqua blue hair before leaning in to kiss the crown of her head to gain her attention, eliciting the response he wanted from her.
She appeared to get the message as she parted from his torso before intertwining their fingers together, they smiled at each other as their blushes grew.
'It's warm...'
Together, the two made their way down to the stairs to find themselves with an overcrowded reception center, filled to the brim with students and adults alike.
'I was totally right...' Izumi deadpanned before sighing, although Nejire beside him seemed to be scanning the crowd with excitement and wonder, a bright smile present on her face spreading to his as well.
Looking around, the green and black haired boy searching the outskirts of the mass of people in hopes of finding their destination beforehand, his eyes found their target.
Turning to his side he tugged her hand lightly.
"Well, let's get goi-"
"Ah, Midoriya, Hado." A voice called out behind them.
They both turned around, curious as to who was calling out to them in the midst of the noise.
When they did, a smile had found a way across their faces as they were greeted by a young white-haired man... who happened to have a katana strapped to his side.
It was none other than their homeroom teacher.
Hero Name: Masamune.
Age: 23
Quirk: Fujin's calling
He's a pretty laid back guy and is generally well liked by the students of Yuuei but he's no joke when he's called to the job, his students can testify to this.
"Ah, Masamune Sensei it's good to see you!" Nejire exclaimed as Izumi sent his own greetings to the pro hero with a slight wave.
The man had a relatively tall build with a pale complexion. He typically wore a casual set of clothes along with his favored black scarf that always seemed to hand around his neck, although the only distinctive traits on him were his messy silver-white hair and golden eyes. All in all, he looked to be a fairly standard law-abiding citizen, though his smile was always something pleasant to look at and he was always easy to approach and communicate with as of his laid-back nature.
"Was there something that you needed from us Sensei?" The green haired student asked.
The silver-haired man shook his head accompanied with a minor shrug. "Not really, I just wanted to check up on you guys, and also," He walked up to Izumi before placing a firm hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Congrats on your brother getting in the third round of the festival, the kid's done well to get that far." Izumi nodded before smiling pridefully.
"Yeah, he's worked tirelessly to prove his worth, it makes a brother like me proud." He said confidently, Masamune nodded before smirking.
"No doubt, you were always as soft as butter when it came to the topic of your little brother, though I suppose I can understand that the boy's gone through much." He shrugged casually, "He still has a long way to go though, but with a brother like you I'd bet that he'll make it far into the pro hero industry." Izumi blushed at the man's compliments before he tapped into the nervous and timid personality that would usually be accustomed to Izuku.
"U-uh, T-thank you, S-sensei..." He stuttered, making the other two laugh at his expense.
"Sorry, but seeing you like that is just too funny." He got out between heavy bouts of laughter. After it died down Masamune wiped a tear from his eye before slapping the green and black haired boy on the back hard. "Don't worry, you're still one of my favorite students after all." Izumi just looked at him with a smirk on his face, "You say that to everyone in our class Masamune sensei." The silver-haired man laughed once more, "Hah, I guess that's true, though I believe it's well placed." The two smiled at his honest words, they chatted for a while longer before the golden-eyed man yawned loudly before stretching his arms out wide.
"Welp, I'm going to go take a short nap until the next round starts." He said dismissively before turning around and waving his hand casually. The man paused for a moment before turning back to them, "Oh, Midoriya, there was something that I wanted to discuss with you."
The boy looked slightly confused but decided to ask the obvious anyway.
"What about?"
The silver-haired man walked forward towards him before rummaging through his jacket's pocket to pull out a slip of scrunched paper.
"It's about your quirk... your other quirk." Izumi's eyes widened slightly but stayed silent to let him continue.
He sighed before his head to the side as he scratched his head, "Well details aside, Nezu, Aizawa and I have come upon the decision to help train your quirk." He stated simply before patting his shoulder lightly, "Don't worry, we'll talk about this later, this is a slip like a reminder for when we get back to class, though that comes later so you two just go enjoy yourselves okay?" The couple looked at each other before nodding in appreciation.
"Okay, thank you again sensei." The man smiled before waving his hand.
"Don't mention it, now if you don't mind..." He turned around once again, "I've got a date with a comfortable chair in the lounging room." He said jokingly, eliciting a laugh from the two students putting a smile on his face.
"Be sure to give my regards to little Izuku, Midoriya." Smiling, they nodded in acknowledgment and gave their goodbyes before walking their separate ways.
Walking hand in hand, the two made their way through the busy crowd., though the taller of the two seemed to be deep in thought as he mulled over his teacher's words, unsure of what's to come and to expect.
Your other quirk...
Izuku found himself rooted to the cold ground beneath him as he felt his chest tighten under the hardened gaze of the large bulky man who stood right in front of him. He had silently closed the navy blue door, letting Uraraka have her much needed phone call and talk with her parents. His fingertips felt cold against the bar of steel that was bolted to the door in front of him. He sighed dejectedly as his breath was shaky, he recalled hearing the muffled sounds of her crestfallen sighs as he had stood outside of her room, the feeling of helplessness overwhelmed him as he could only stare at the object that stood between them. The memory of his usually cheery friend left him with only a heavier weight on his shoulders as he clenched his teeth.
He wanted to see her smile again.
That single thought was what gave him the courage to enter the room, he took in a deep breath to steel himself before opening the door, Uraraka had been one of his best friends since the start of his school year, they have been through lots of hardships together and he had to admit that... well, he liked her.
But the sight before him made his heart fall.
The girl in question sat at a nearby table, hunched over as her trembling arms were folded in front of her as her hands shook. She turned around quickly to see who came in, letting out a small squeak upon seeing who came in.
Izuku could only stand there, his emerald green eyes softened in pity and concern. Her own chocolate eyes were bloodshot and shaky as they frantically shot across, scanning the room for anything to discuss but to no avail, as the room she was found in was practically empty. Her tear stained cheeks glowed red in embarrassment. Her lips were quivering fearfully before she attempted to put on a smile, though it more likely resembled a wobbly line. She had never shown any signs of dear or depression while they were together, it hurt him to see one of his best friends and inspirations seem so weak and miserable.
"D-Deku! , uh... uhm..." She fumbled over her words as she looked away from him in hopes that he would just leave her alone to wallow in self-pity, she didn't want him of all people to see her this way, she had just wanted to hide behind that cheery and happy mask that she had always wore in front of her friends. Though now, it was cracked.
He took a step forward but she remained unmoved, though her body quivered as he drew closer.
Step after painful step, he had made his way right beside her huddled figure, she couldn't take it anymore.
"... Please leave me alone..." She whispered.
He stood there, a single word or sound had yet to leave his lips. His shadow flows over as she pleaded to him once more. "Please..."
A moment had passed before she was suddenly enveloped in a comfortable and warm embrace, the usually timid and shy Deku had mustered up the courage to grant his friend the comfort she desperately needed as she sat there, stiff as a statue before she felt the walls she had built around herself begin to crumble. It had terrified her that he could so easily break down her insecurities, she didn't want to be hurt again...
But this time, she felt safe and warm... it had reminded her of her parents.
She had missed them, so much.
Uraraka clutched Izuku's top as she trembled in his arms, taking deep breaths to steady herself. Izuku had done nothing but hold her tightly and stroked her hair comfortingly, he shivered against her touch but slowly settled into it.
She laid her forehead against his firm chest, "Sorry..."
"What are you apologizing for Uraraka-san? You didn't do anything wrong." She was about to retort but stopped herself from doing so, she knew that the boy would just keep at it until she felt better, he was stubborn like that. Smiling, she simply chuckled before pulling back from the embrace.
Taking in a deep breath the girl exhaled before pumping her fists into the air, her brown eyes gleaming as a smile formed on the edges of her lip.
"Well, I guess I have to thank you instead, so thanks... Izuku." The boy froze in place as a blush grew warmly on his freckled cheeks, though in the midst of all the questions being asked in the depths of his mind Uraraka also had a blush across her rosy cheeks, now becoming a scarlet red as she simply giggled at his expected reaction.
The two stood in silence, the space between them grew heavy and awkward as the two pondered on what to do next.
*Ring... Ring... Ring...*
The sound echoed throughout the room, making the two as stiff as statues.
Uraraka fumbled about, she was flustered but relieved that the tension was broken as she rummaged through her pockets before pulling out a pink flip phone, her head tilted curiously before her eyes widened upon reading the calling number.
The girl's eyes were glued to the screen, painful memories resurfaced, their caring voices and words of encouragement. But after her defeat, what would they think of her now...
"Dad..."
Her voice was quiet but Izuku had picked up on it and decided it was his cue to leave.
She looked back up to him upon noticing his movements which were slow but hurried at the same time, feeling that she had done something to push him away she attempted to form an apology but the green haired boy quickly waved it off.
"Uraraka san, you should take the call... I think that you need it, hear what he has to say." His words were soft and kind as her chocolate brown eyes started to water at the thought of her parents.
Nodding, she smiled brightly making a sound of agreement and approval.
"Thanks Deku, good luck for your match." Stopping for a moment, a small smile grew on his face as he nodded with determination. His green irises grew in intensity, Uraraka was familiar with this image.
It was one that showed promise and hope, it was a light that she knew would take him far into this world of heroes and villains.
"Thank you..."
The vivid memory was still at the forefront of his mind, though bringing himself back to reality the freckled student found himself in front of the no. 2 hero Endeavor, the flaming giant had called for him as he left the room to prepare for his next match, his gruff voice had caught him off guard as he squeaked at his sudden appearance.
Upon being called, Izuku could feel the heavy and intimidating presence that emanated from his being. The man's piercing teal blue eyes bore deep into his being as his mind raced as his pulse beat faster.
So this is Todoroki's dad, huh?
A heavy and tense silence hung in the air, the two's stares were firm and their bodies unmoving, although Izuku felt that he was about to break first.
"You're Izuku Midoriya, correct?" Endeavor asked, though Izuku had never known Endeavor personally, he had one relative that was.
"U-uhm, y-yes..." Izuku hastily replied. The flaming giant leaned over to get a better look at him, though his eyes showed a minor hint of disappointment. Comparing the timid boy to his elder brother, Endeavor could see a contrasting difference between the two, this one was weak. Though he saw no other way to achieve what he wanted.
"Hmph, I want you to do something for me Midoriya." The boy in question frowned before tilting his head to the side, "Me? What for?"
Endeavor folded his arms casually before his face morphed into an expression that was somehow more serious and annoyed than moments before. "I want you to provoke Todoroki into using my powers." He replied bluntly making Izuku reel back slightly. "W-what?!"
Grunting in annoyance, the man saw that he needed to explain further, "My son refuses to use my powers due to some... circumstances but he doesn't understand that keeping up that charade will be the reason behind his downfall." Izuku's eyes widened, he had known that the boy had not liked to use his left side at all, it did explain why his ice quirk had only been influenced by his right side. Though the hybrid quirk user had never mentioned what happened between him and his father, though everybody in the class had a good idea of how he felt about his old man.
"Why?" He muttered. He wasn't about to let his friend be pushed around, he needed to fight for him. Izuku had always remembered his distant looks and cold tone, he was suffering. Endeavor scoffed before pointing a finger towards the freckled boy. "It is none of your concern, but I want him to get stronger... and you will be his stepping stone to be number one." His emerald eyes twisted into a hardened glare, it was rare to see him in such a state, he didn't even mind being called a 'stepping stone' for his friends... but he had to ask himself, "Does he want that?"
Behind a corner wall, Izumi and Nejire had stumbled upon the heated scene before them, though it actually was getting pretty heated as the number 2 hero had visually been ticked off.
"Um, should we do something?" Nejire asked the amber-eyed boy, Izumi had known Endeavor quite well considering he had worked under the man as a sidekick for his three years in Yuuei. Though things were kind of rocky at the start of his internship considering Endeavor's blunt and heated personality, Izumi had found that he was a great mentor and had a great amount of respect for him, even if his mannerisms could be improved. He was responsible for bringing Izumi's quirk to great heights, the Todoroki's were like an extended family to him and he had a good and open relationship with each of them.
"... I'm not sure, though..." Izuku had spoked again, it was rare to see the normally timid boy seem so confrontational to an intimidating figure such as Endeavor. "I think he needs to do this." Though they had only stumbled upon half of their conversation, he could tell that the main topic was about the youngest member of the Todoroki family, Shoto.
Izuku had suddenly turned around to leave, though his posture was stiff and tight. "I'm not all Might but that means that Todoroki's not you either." His fists visibly clenched as Endeavor's face contorted in rage, the flaming giant had to hold himself from berating the freckled boy but he wasn't done.
"I'll do all I can to help him, not for you but for him." The mic was dropped as the heat died down, Izuku's footsteps echoed throughout the hallway into the light of the arena. The three had stayed silent at Izuku's declaration, the two students were starting to get nervous. It wasn't every day that he could just stop entirely, Izumi was worried that he would have an outbreak but he was proven wrong. The man chuckled quietly before it evolved into loud laughter, a broad smile was present on his face as he turned around to face the pair of prying eyes.
"I see great potential within him... you have a good one, Iwaizumi." The two sighed in relief before stepping out in front of him. Of the time that Izumi had known him, he had been known to be cold and harsh despite his physically warm exterior. Though he has expressed some source of cheer on rare occasions, though it was usually a foreign concept to the man. "Thanks, Boss." The man showed a small smile before placing a hand on the boy's shoulder before walking off. The two watched as his ignited figure dims in the distance, Nejire turned to him with an expression of curiosity and awe.
"Wow, I didn't know that Endeavor could be so nice, he did seem angry at your little brother before." Izumi merely shrugged, his mouth had formed into a sly smirk "Heh, maybe he's just warmed up to me." he joked.
Nejire smiled before covering her mouth "Pffft, really? That was lame Izumi." He smiled wider before wrapping his hand around her and holding the blue haired girl close. "Then why are you smiling, hmm?" The boy retorted, Nejire giggled before tackling Izumi with a giant bear hug. "Because it's one of the things that I like about you." She looked up to meet his gaze as her face expressed pride and joy, "You're my lame boyfriend!"
Izumi burst out laughing, Nejire soon followed suit as the two stood there, "I can't believe you said that with a straight face..." He hugged her tighter as he leaned in against her ear. "But that's one of the things that I like most about you." He whispered.
Nejire shuddered as his warm breath tickled her neck. She pushed him away playfully, "You're such a flirt Izumi, It's unbecoming of you." She teased, he simply chuckled "Heh, sorry."
The bluenette shook her head in amusement before grabbing his hand lightly, "That doesn't mean I didn't like it." She commented with a slight blush on her cheeks. A loud cheer had erupted from the space above, the two looked back at each other before smiling.
"Looks like the next round is about to start." Nejire commented, beside her Izumi nodded, "Mm, let's go then."
To say that they were blown away was an understatement, the fated match between two powerful rivals had been an amazing spectacle for all to see. The determination in their eyes, the fierce clashes that they have shared. Though it may have been an amazing sight for everyone else, Izumi couldn't help but feel saddened that Izuku had pushed himself this far, the green and black haired boy had visibly flinched each time Izuku had broken one of his fingers, Izuku knew it wasn't healthy, he knew that this kind of behaviour was self-destructive but he knew that Todoroki was suffering and he desperately needed a friend to show him the way, he was determined to save him even if it would cost him the win.
And then he had said those five words, the words that would change Todoroki's world. "It's your power, not his!"
Izuku had lost the match but at the same time, he had won something greater.
He had won Todoroki's freedom.
Author's Notes:
Hey guys, sorry I haven't updated last week, hopefully I will be able to update by next Saturday (or Friday depending on where you're from) though there can't be any promises because that's just how life goes I suppose.
I hope you guys have enjoyed this chapter, I have tried out some new "Methods" or "techniques" which I believe are a good influence so I hope it makes the story more enjoyable for you guys.
So this is the first chapter that I've added a new OC, I hope you guys like him (He'll be pretty important for the story so I'll probably be able to convey how his quirk better than that confusing explanation, though don't worry he'll be cool, I'm sure of it.) I'm also probably going to add class 3-A soon enough so if you have any characters or OCs that you'd like me to include, let me know and I'll (probably) put them in.
Also for those who has already read this, I've decided to chance Masamune's quirk to something else. Don't worry, it'll be explained in chapter 17.
I also apologize for not adding in the full fight scene between the two, though I didn't believe that it would be enjoyable if I did (I mean, it would have probably been some extra commentary but there wouldn't be any significant or relevant changes, I've already been dragging out this update long enough, it even makes me suffer when I don't get these things to you guys on time) and I hope the IzuOcha scene wasn't too cringey (I can't really say if it's good or not but if you guys liked it then I'm happy) Also, I have made some changes to Endeavor's character in terms of his angry meter, though I'll be sure to add on to explaining Izumi's and the Todoroki family's history soon enough and I'm really excited for it, I was also excited to see more of the Todoroki family in the latest chapter of the manga, you bet that they'll be featured soon enough.
That's all for now, thanks for reading!
Ignis