A/n: So updates will probably go back to once a week after this one, guys, but on the other hand, they'll probably be lengthier chapters.

Hope you like the chapter! :D

Class Rivalry

The next day, Izuku left Yaoyorozu in charge of homeroom and made his way down to class 1-B. Taking a deep breath, he knocked and opened the door. "Good morning. Sorry for interrupting. I was hoping I could speak to you for a minute, Kendo?"

The president of class 1-B stared at him with surprised blue eyes. She was at the front podium, talking to the class. Izuku wasn't sure what about. She had fallen silent when he'd opened the door.

"Of course," she said politely. "Look over the schedule, everyone. I'll be right back." She stepped outside, shutting the door behind her. "What's up, Midoriya?"

"Well…" Izuku gave her a sheepish smile and rubbed the back of his head. "I was actually wondering if any of the girls in your class rent an apartment alone to go to UA?"

Kendo tilted her head. "Is this a pervy boy thing?"

"No! That's what one of my classmates is doing, and I was hoping a roommate might make things a little easier for her?" Izuku gave her his most earnest look.

Kendo relaxed, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Oh. Well, actually Pony's a foreigner. She's being sponsored by the Tsunotori family, but she lives alone in an apartment they're renting for her."

Izuku felt his hopes rise. "Would she be interested in a roommate, do you think?"

"She might, actually, yeah." Kendo turned to the door. "Hold on a second."

A minute later she returned with a girl who stood just short of Izuku's height. She had longer arms than average and two huge curving, cream-colored horns on her head. Her face was round and her eyes were large and sky blue. Long, wavy blond hair fell down her back. Izuku bowed.

"Hello. I'm Izuku Midoriya from class 1-A. It's nice to meet you."

The girl smiled at him. "I'm Pony Tsunotori. It's nice to meet you." She had an accent, but her Japanese was pretty good.

"Pony, he's wondering if you were looking for a roommate," Kendo explained. "A girl friend of his has been living alone."

"Living alone?" Pony tilted her head. "No family?"

"Her family lives in another town," Izuku explained.

Her eyes lit up and she clapped her hands. "Me, too. My family lives in England. It would be nice to have someone to eat with at night. We could study together!"

Izuku smiled, liking her upbeat personality. He had the feeling Uraraka would actually really like her. "Maybe you and Kendo can sit with us at lunch? My friend doesn't know I'm asking about this. She'd be embarrassed if she knew, but I'm worried about her. I want her to be happy."

Pony nodded solemnly. "I understand this."

Kendo put her hand on Pony's shoulder. "We'd love to have lunch with you."

"Great!" Izuku beamed at them and bowed again. "I really appreciate it. And if after lunch you don't think it would be fun to live together, you can forget I asked. No hard feelings!"

Pony looked confused by this.

Kendo waved him off. "I'll handle it. Go on. First period is going to start soon."

Izuku bowed again. "Thank you so much!"

Three days later, Kendo and Pony were still eating lunch at their table. The two girls really got along well with Uraraka. Even Kacchan, Hitoshi, and Todoroki, the more stand-offish of their group, seemed to like their company. Izuku was especially pleased because Pony had invited Uraraka and Kendo to stay at her place that night since they didn't have school tomorrow. Uraraka had accepted after some cajoling from Kendo. Things were going really well, and Izuku couldn't help humming a perky tune as he washed his hands in the bathroom.

"Well if it isn't the famous president of class 1-A."

Izuku looked over to see Monoma and another boy from 1-B, the one that looked a bit like a praying mantis, enter the bathroom. He sighed and turned to face the two teenagers, the water still running beside him. "I don't want any trouble," he began.

Monoma gave him a disdainful look. "Make sure we're not disturbed," he told his friend.

The green-skinned and haired boy gave Izuku a nasty smile before slipping outside the bathroom. Monomoa locked the door behind him. "You know, there's something really off about you. You and that rage monster who's always with you. I've never not been able to copy a quirk before, and how the hell is Bakugo still at school? He killed someone, for god's sake!"

"Don't do this, Monoma," Izuku tried to reason with him. "You could get in really big trouble."

"What? Like you did when you and your monster cornered that little guy from your class in a bathroom just like this?" Monoma batted his lashes with exaggerated innocence and laughed as Izuku's eyes widened. "Did you think you were alone in there?" He grinned almost playfully. "Do you think you're alone with me now?"

The room was plunged into pitch darkness. Izuku's throat tightened as his eyes went painfully wide, desperately trying to make out any light.

"Leave class 1-B alone, Midoriya. This is the only warning you'll get."

Izuku staggered, arms shaking violently as they waved about him. His mouth moved as he tried to speak, tried to beg the other boy to turn on the lights, but no sound would come. His breathing came in loud, harsh pants.

"Monoma? Something's not right…"

Izuku lurched toward the sound of that voice, desperate to make contact, to not be alone in the void. A terrified whimper tore from his tight throat.

"Is the mighty president of 1-A scared of the dark?" Monoma laughed from behind him. "Hilarious."

Izuku jerked around to face him and stumbled, falling on his hands and knees. He was wheezing. He couldn't catch his breath. His heart felt like it was going to pound out of his chest. Warm water suddenly touched his skin, flowing around his fingers. That wasn't static he was hearing, it was running water! The water was rising all around him. Sheer, unadulterated terror swallowed him whole and he SCREAMED.

"What is he doing?"

Katsuki followed Braindead's line of sight and saw some loser leaning against the boy's bathroom door with his arms crossed. "Is that the bathroom Izuku's using?" he asked tensely.

The teen nodded.

Katsuki stood abruptly and made his way quickly through the cafeteria, Braindead and Todoroki following in his wake. The fucker with the praying mantis face glared at him in challenge. Katsuki's palms went slick, but before he could say or do anything, a scream tore through the air. The worthless insect spun to face the bathroom with wide eyes, but Katsuki was already blowing past him. He fucking kicked the door open. The crash and splintering of wood was completely drowned out by Izuku's terror.

Katsuki took in the room: a sink overflowing - Izuku on his knees in a puddle of water - a blond kid from 1-B sitting against the wall with the broken door, head bleeding - another boy with white hair and pitch-black skin standing over Izuku. Katsuki lifted his hand but curled it into a fist before he could blast the stupid motherfucker into next year. Instead, he punched him in the face hard enough that the bastard went down.

Dropping to his knees, Katsuki yanked Izuku against his chest. A piercing scream tore from Izuku as he flailed his arms, knocking him violently away. "Fuck!" Katsuki hissed and got right back onto his feet. "IZUKU! Shut the fuck up!"

Green eyes snapped to his. Izuku's pupils were huge, his face bone white. He was breathing hard and fast, panting and gasping for breath. Katsuki crouched so they were more on level. He didn't try to touch Izuku again, but the eye contact seemed to be helping. Izuku had stopped screaming at least.

"I'm right fucking here," Katsuki said roughly as adrenaline burned through his veins. He wanted to punch something! Or blow something to little pieces! But he forced himself still, forced himself to concentrate.

Izuku was panting too hard to speak, but he reached out two violently shaking hands. Without hesitation, Katsuki grabbed them, dropping onto his knees for better balance. "That's right. I'm right here," he promised, never once breaking eye contact. It was as if that one point of connection was all that was keeping Izuku sane.

Air racing in and out of his heaving lungs, Izuku grunted and whimpered, shuddering as he clung tightly to Katsuki's hands.

"Hey, can you hear me?" Katsuki heard Todoroki say behind him. He had to be talking to the blond with the bleeding head. "Can you tell me what happened?"

"He just started screaming," the asshole answered, voice slurred.

Braindead came up and crouched next to Katsuki. "I can…" he started to say.

"No," Katsuki cut him off, voice hard and final, never once looking away from Izuku. "Don't you fucking dare. Not when he's like this."

The freak wisely didn't say anything. Instead, he got up and turned off the running water.

"You're okay." Katsuki listened as Izuku's breathing became less rapid. "I've got you."

"What happened in here?" It was a teacher's voice, low and resonate.

Katsuki ignored it, concentrating on talking Izuku down. The black-skinned boy he'd punched slunk past him. Katsuki let him go. Izuku mattered more right now and he could always find the three assholes later.

It felt like an hour, but eventually Izuku's rigid body slumped. Katsuki moved closer as Izu broke down into loud, broken sobs. When Izuku clung to him instead of pushing him away, Katsuki sighed in relief. He wrapped his arms tightly around his boyfriend's shivering form. Rocking back and forth, he spoke quietly into his ear. "It's okay, Izu. You're doing so good. I've got you. Everything's good. You're here with me."

Izuku wails slowly quieted into soft sobs. Katsuki pulled back and brushed damp green hair from his pale face. Exhausted eyes looked up at him, swollen and red-rimmed. Katsuki gave him a small smile, and Izuku curled closer to him in a show of absolute trust. Katsuki sat there, holding him protectively for a long quiet minute.

"We should get him to the infirmary," Aizawa said softly from behind him.

Katsuki nodded. His knees and legs were screaming in pain from kneeling so long.

"Oh, Izuku." All Might in his muscled form stepped around and crouched in font of Katsuki. With surprising gentleness for such a large man, he transferred Izuku's unconscious body into his arms and stood as if Izuku weight nothing. "I've got you, my boy."

Aizawa helped Katsuki stagger to his feet. Shocks of pain went through his legs and he grimaced. "What the hell happened?" he demanded, following close behind All Might as the hero carried Izuku to the clinic.

Aizawa sighed. "A few boys from class 1-B…"

"I know what they were fucking doing," Katsuki snapped. He wasn't an idiot. 1-B had beef against 1-A for being better and more popular. They were also scared of 1-A because of all the villain shit going down. It didn't take a genius to know they were pissed about their president and classmate hanging with them at lunch. "What the fuck triggered him?"

"Apparently Monoma turned the lights out so that another classmate who can travel through anything black in color could scare him a bit." Aizawa paused grimly as he said, "They didn't get that far. Midoriya began to freak out as soon as the lights went out. Monoma turned them back on when Midoriya screamed, but it was too late."

"The fuck? Izuku had never been scared of the dark before."

"I think I know what caused this," All Might said mournfully.

Katsuki lengthened his stride to come even with the massive hero. "What?" he demanded. All Might actually winced and shifted his eyes, unable to maintain eye-contact. Katsuki's stomach dropped and his palms began to sizzle. What the fuck had the idiot done to Izuku?

"Gran Torino is a skilled and knowledgeable hero, so when he asked me to give him some time alone with Izuku, I agreed," All Might confessed softly. "However, I started to feel uneasy after a few hours and went up to check on them…"

Katsuki gave him such a murderous glare when he fell silent, hesitating. "What the fuck did he do?"

All Might's words came quickly, pleading for understanding. "I knew Gran Torino's training methods could be a bit extreme, but I never thought he would implement something so dangerous with Izuku."

"What. Did. He. Do?" Katsuki bit out, voice almost a growl.

"… He placed Izuku into a sensory deprivation pool…" All Might all but whispered.

"He what?" Aizawa stopped in his tracks and had to trot to catch back up with them.

"When I arrived…" All Might said mournfully. "Izuku was so still. His eyes were wide open, but they stared blindly up at the ceiling. It took me almost an hour to bring him around. I stayed with him the entire time after that and made him rest as much as he'd allow. He was driven, almost manic. He demanded that the training continue, and I made sure it was simple drills." All Might shook his head. "Before we left, I took the recording Gran Torino had made of Izuku while he was monitoring him in the pool. Izuku was okay at first, but after thirty minutes he began to panic and show signs of extreme distress. It is likely why darkness triggered him now."

"Why didn't he just get the fuck out of there?" Katsuki demanded hotly.

All Might lowered his head in shame. "Gran Torino administered a targeted paralytic. Izuku could not move his body, but his awareness was left unaffected."

Katsuki stopped, literally panting with rage. All Might and Aizawa turned to look at him, All Might with an expression of guilt and Aizawa with an expression of concern. Katsuki took a few deep breaths, his hands fisted and shaking at his sides. "Izuku told me that dying is worse than any torture he experiences in his visions. Worse than his bones being shattered. Worse than a canon ripping apart his intestines. Worse than being strangled or cut or burned…" His eyes blazed as they stared at All Might. "Because it feels like he's in a void of absolute nothingness… No body. No life. Nothing… Nothing but this horrific, soul-shattering cold."

All Might's arms tightened around Izuku. Tears filled the dark of his eyes.

Katsuki continued, remorseless, teeth bared in fury. "It's why he likes his ropes. It feels like something's holding him together, making him feel real and safe… And someone you trusted paralyzed him. Took away his hearing and vision. Took away gravity…" He took a deep breath, a rage burning like lava in his core. "And after you saved him… You stayed there and allowed Izuku to continue to be trained by this motherfucker who tortured him!"

"I — "

Katsuki's hands exploded. Smoke bled through his fingers and snaked to the ceiling, writhing his shoulders and head. "By staying," he snarled. "You told Izuku that it's okay to be abused as long as it's in the pursuit of training his fucking QUIRK!"

Aizawa grabbed him roughly by the shoulder. "Enough, Katsuki. Let's take this to the gym."

Katsuki almost refused. The only thing that stopped him was Izuku's unconscious form in All Might's arms. The loud bang hadn't even made his boyfriend twitch. Izu was utterly spent. Izuku didn't need any more fucking losers doing whatever they fucking wanted at the cost of what he needed, so with a snarl, Katsuki spun and sprinted through the halls.

He ran until his lungs and legs couldn't support him anymore. Until UA and the sprawling training grounds were behind him and he stood in some scraggily-as-fuck woods. He set his feet and faced both palms forwards. With a scream of pure fury, he triggered his quirk at full power. The explosion was so fierce he was launched backward through a massive cloud of smoke and dirt. Trees for a quarter mile in front of him burst into flames and were torn violently from the ground.

Katsuki landed hard enough to knock the air from his lungs. He rolled and tumbled until he found himself on his back, staring up at a painfully blue sky. His whole body screamed in pain, but at least the anger was gone. Wheezing, Katsuki closed his eyes.

Sunday morning Aizawa found himself sitting in a boardroom at school with thirteen of his colleagues. The massive table was U shaped. Principal Nezu sat on several pillows on a chair positioned at the bed of the U, his small paws folded elegantly before him.

He was one of the rare animals who had developed a quirk. In his case, a super-intelligence quirk. He appeared to be a combination of several different animals. He had the head of a mouse with circular black eyes. A large scar cut down over the right one. His ears were relatively square-shaped and slanted outwards from the top of his head. He had an elongated muzzle with a small round nose, and his fur was pure white. As for his hands, they were large, dog-like paws while he also had a thin tail like that of a cat. He wore a black business suit as usual and had a friendly smile on his face.

Gathered at the table facing him were all the teachers and employees who had any prolonged or significant interaction with class 1-A, or more specifically, Izuku Midoriya. There were thirteen in total: Recovery Girl, All Might, Present Mic (Midoriya's English teacher), Cementoss (his Japanese teacher), Ectoplasm (his Math teacher), Snipe (his History teacher), Power Loader (his Science teacher), Midnight (who'd observed him closely during the Sports Festival), Vlad King (class 1-B's homeroom teacher), Hound Dog (the school's guidance counselor), Ivy (Midoriya's current counselor), Gran Torino (who'd trained Midoriya during the work study and who was also a former teacher), and himself.

Aizawa sighed, knowing Katsuki was going to be furious that he hadn't informed him of the meeting, but there was no point in making him worry. There was nothing he or Katsuki could do. This meeting could not be avoided, and really it shouldn't be. Midoriya was a special kid. He needed special consideration, and the staff should be all on the same page. The problem was, would they all end up on the right page? Dismissal from the Hero Program was a slim possibility, but a possibility nonetheless. What would he do if it came to that? What would Katsuki do?

"Good morning," Nezu began. "I am truly grateful for your attendance to his meeting even though it is your day off. I have called you in because I truly feel this issue could not be postponed. For those of you who are not aware, three boys from class 1-B led by young Neito Monoma attempted to intimidate Izuku Midoriya from class 1-A in the boy's bathroom in the cafeteria. This resulted in Midoriya suffering a panic attack."

"Is he well?" Midnight asked, concerned.

Nezu inclined his head. "He is currently resting in the clinic with his mother, Inko Midoriya, and close friend, Katsuki Bakugo, in attendance."

"I don't understand," Power Loader spoke up. "You usually handle a conflict of this nature between the students and homeroom teachers only."

"This is the second such panic attack young Midoriya has experienced. He also had one after the incident at the USJ. It was severe enough that he was administered a sedative," Snipe informed the room.

"Are you saying that you don't think Midoriya should be in the Hero Program?" Midnight asked, eyes narrowed.

"I am simply stating facts," Snipe denied.

"Midoriya is young," All Might spoke up loudly. "He has not had the appropriate treatment…"

"And whose fault is that?" Recovery Girl demanded. "You refused to allow me to diagnose Midoriya, claiming his condition was confidential. I trusted you to see to it that Midoriya got the medical attention he needed, and yet his first session with a doctor was only this week. This is pure negligence!"

"Is the mother making accusations?" Present Mic wanted to know.

"Ms. Midoriya has been perfectly cooperative, but she is very concerned for her son." Nezu looked to All Might. "It is my understanding that she has considered taking Midoriya from UA."

"She has," All Might admitted.

"The boy is mentally unstable," Vlad announced. "No one wants to say it, but I will. It might be for the best if she does pull him out."

"He is not the only student with an anxiety disorder," Hound Dog stated with a lowered head. As his name suggested, he looked very much like a human-dog hybrid. "That is poor grounds for dismissal and a bad precedent to make."

"This is not a simple anxiety disorder," Vlad argued, slapping his hand on the table. "And this is not a condition that developed over the course of being exposed to hero work. He walked in with these issues. The trauma associated with the high-intensity and violent work of a hero will only make his condition worse! Ethically, can we support his place here when we know it will continue to damage his mental health?"

Nezu clapped his paws together. They made a soft whomp sound, but it was enough to silence all of them. "As you can see, there are several issues to consider. Before we continue this discussion, however, I do want to remind you all what UA stands for. Our motto is 'Plus Ultra!'. It is our job to motivate our young students to push past their limits. We not only help our students train their quirks and prepare them for their professional carriers, we seek to nurture truly heroic spirits within each and every one of them. Because of this, UA is the number one ranked high school for Heroics in Japan and is considered one of the top Hero Academies in the world."

Nezu's black eyes looked around the table at each of them. "Which brings us back to the topic at hand. There is some cause to question Midoriya's attendance in our Hero Program. I would like us to discuss this issue as a team. During this discussion, I want to focus on two important questions. The first, can Midoriya safely push past his limits? And, two, does he have a heroic spirit we can nurture? We will discuss these two points at length, and then I will make a decision. I ask that as a faculty you respect this decision and adhere to it. Now…" He leaned forward, bracing his elbows on the desk and placing his chin on his paws. "I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter."

The arguments were as follows:

Hound Dog - It is UA's responsibility to care for the students' wellbeing. If Midoriya's anxiety is severe enough at this early stage, he might not have the mental fortitude to be a UA student.

Vlad - Midoriya's panic attacks could put himself or others in danger.

Snipe - Midoriya acted bravely and intelligently at the USJ. It was his plan that let himself and two other classmates escape an ambush. He also put himself at risk in order to save All Might, which demonstrates a heroic spirit.

Recovery Girl - Midoriya has a history of going to unhealthy extremes. He had three times done himself great injury in order to win, which could be symptomatic of an anxiety disorder or critically low self-esteem.

All Might - Two of the three times Midoriya had injured himself were in the pursuit of saving someone else. He was a late bloomer and still has not mastered his quirk. Since training at UA, these instances have decreased.

Aizawa - He acted bravely and intelligently during the battle against The Hero Killer Stain.

Recovery Girl - He also refused lidocaine at the hospital when he was treated for his wounds, which could be considered an act of self-harm.

Aizawa - He has handled his position as class president with remarkable integrity and empathy, unquestionably demonstrating his potential as a leader. For example, a student who was refusing treatment changed his mind due to his counsel. Without surgery, that student would have had permanent damage to his hand and arm.

Vlad - Both times Midoriya had a panic attack, he was unresponsive and immobile, which could prove deadly in the field.

Hound Dog - But did he evidence a panic attack after the conflict in Hosu?

Aizawa - He had an emotional reaction, but he was supported by his classmates and quickly recovered.

Hound Dog - Can you describe this reaction in more detail, please?

Aizawa - He fell to his knees and cried.

Present Mic - I see potential in the kid. Midoriya has consistently scored above average in his academic classes as well as in basic training.

Cementoss - He also came in second place during the Sports Festival.

All Might - He faced a villain that nearly killed him when he was only thirteen years old. This same villain escaped me and went on to almost murder his closest friend right in front of him. Just a few months ago, he and his classmates were in genuine danger of being killed by villains we allowed to infiltrate our facility, and he came close to death again when he faced The Hero Killer. These events are exceptional, and we should not penalize him for experiences we were supposed to protect him from.

Gran Torino - All Might believes it important that you all know that I submitted Midoriya to a sensory deprivation pool during his time with me. I felt it would greatly improve his quirk control, and although All Might did not approve of the method, it has done just that.

All Might - While under our care, Midoriya has suffered great hurts and it is our responsibilities as heroes to help Midoriya heal not to abandon him because he is difficult to deal with!

Vlad - We can continue to support him even if he is withdrawn from the Hero Program. As you've thoroughly listed, this child has undergone a myriad of severely traumatic experiences. Subjugating him to any more would put his sanity at risk. Are you really willing to put his mental health at risk in the hopes that therapy now will undo the mental damage he has suffered?

Hound Dog - There is also the option that he can re-enroll after successful treatment.

Nezu drummed his fingers on the desk and turned his attention to Ivy. "I would like your professional opinion, if you would be so kind, Ivy-sensei."

Ivy's orange hair fell over the right side of her face, but the single eye visible was warm with compassion. "I've only had two sessions with Izuku, one earlier this week and another yesterday evening after he'd recovered from the panic attack, so I can't make any definitive conclusions regarding his recovery and treatment. However, I can say with confidence that Izuku possesses remarkable mental strength to have coped as well as he has with the level of trauma he has faced." She ducked her head shyly. "I understand this is a very difficult decision. You have to think of what is best for the school as well as what is best for Izuku, but I think it would be a shame to dismiss him from the program before observing the results of his therapy. He is very passionate about becoming a hero."

Nezu nodded his head. "Thank you, Ivy-sensei. Thank you, teachers. I will take into consideration all that has been said and will come to a decision by Monday morning." Pressing his paws flat to the table, he sat straighter. "Now, if you would please excuse myself, Aizawa-sensei, and Kan-sensei, I would like to talk to them about a few disciplinary issues."

Aizawa met Vlad King's eyes. He hadn't liked the staunch anti-Midoriya stance the man had taken. They've known each other for years, and had formed a pretty solid friendship. He didn't know where this animosity was coming from.

"I'd like to move the discussion to Neito Monoma and Katsuki Bakugo," Nezu said and hopped down from his chair. "This is a bit formal for my tastes, but we shall make due. Come around and sit with me."

Aizawa got up and made his way around the table. Nezu set about pouring some hot tea for them as Aizawa sat side-by-side with Vlad.

The hero was taller than Aizawa by half a foot. He had a slight underbite and the canines on the bottom poked out above his lip like a reverse vampire. He was as muscled as a body builder with tan skin and short gray hair. His quirk allowed him to manipulate his blood, allowing it to act like whips or ropes or sharpen into hundreds of needles. That combined with his hard appearance made him an intimidating figure. However, Aizawa knew the man actually possessed a very warm and open personality.

Once the tea was poured, Nezu climbed into Vlad's lap, using him to hop onto the table and sit on the edge facing them. "Now," the principal began. "Competition between class 1-A and 1-B is inevitable and healthy. However, I'm concerned about the tone the rivalry has taken as of late. Instead of motivating Monoma and pushing him past his limits, the rivalry seems to be bringing out his worst. He's demonstrated concerning manipulative and malicious tendencies at the Sports Festival as well as yesterday in his attack against Midoriya."

"Monoma had no intentions of harming Midoriya," Vlad spoke up protectively.

Nezu looked at him with such sharpness that Vlad flushed and fell silent. "I am perfectly well aware of Monoma's intentions. While partially motivated by his desire to protect his fellow classmates, his methods are not those of a hero's. I am concerned that you do not appreciate the danger young Monoma is in. How will you appropriately address it if you do not?"

Vlad lowered his head in a respectful bow. "I understand, Principal Nezu. I apologize for speaking out of turn." He lifted his head. "I assure you that I am aware of Monoma's tendencies and my responsibility in guiding him."

Nezu sipped his tea. "I'm glad to hear it. However, I think part of the problem is the fact that you have allowed your own personal views to cloud your judgment regarding class 1-A. You and Aizawa-sensei have worked together successfully for many years, navigating the rivalry between your classes with expert precision. Can you explain your hesitance now?"

Vlad met Aizawa's eyes and rubbed a hand over his short hair. "I respect Aizawa, but I have concerns regarding the direction his class is taking. He is allowing his students more freedom than I feel is appropriate. Katsuki Bakugo, for example, has proven himself to be violent and volatile. He kicked the door to the bathroom down with such force Monoma was concussed, and he punched Kuroiro so hard his eye was completely swollen shut. During the Sports Festival…"

Aizawa tensed, his hands clenching into fists, and Nezu lifted a palm to stop Vlad.

"I do understand your concerns and I have spoken with Aizawa-sensei in depth regarding them. He is monitoring Bakugo very closely," Nezu assured the man.

Vlad did not look convinced. "Regardless, I am concerned that the kids in 1-A are dangerously uncontrolled. They've had some traumatic experiences, but I do not feel they are being addressed. Todoroki showed he had issues with his quirk before the loss his father, and it is likely he will lose control of it again. For such a powerful quirk, that is worrisome. Midoriya's quirk although very powerful has also proven to be unstable and dangerous to himself and others. The danger of Bakugo's quirk and personality I've already expressed my concerns on, but Aizawa has now taken in Brainwash, by-passing the normal procedures to do so. I am concerned Aizawa is taking on more than he can handle, and the result is an unstable mix of dangerous quirks in class 1-A."

Aizawa sighed. "This has been the most challenging class of my career," he agreed. "But I do not feel I have been negligent. I am well aware of the flaws and strengths of my students. Bakugo isn't the first rage hero. Our own Hound Dog is famous for his temper and yet he successfully works with students who need emotional and mental support, and Endeavor made it all the way to the number two spot. While Bakugo is different from these heroes, I do feel he has the ability to channel his anger and use it for heroic purposes."

"But…" Vlad began.

Aizawa lifted his hand, stoping him. "As for the bathroom incident yesterday, I do understand your concern, but I'd like to point out that he did not continue the confrontation with your students. Instead, he prioritized first-aid to his distressed classmate."

Vlad frowned. "That is true. I don't deny that I've witnessed heroic tendencies in the boy, but I am concerned. Especially considering the Sports Festival and his altercation with the twin villains earlier this year."

"Be concerned," Aizawa stated firmly.

Vlad's eyes widened in surprise, and Aizawa explained.

"It will not hurt these kids to have multiple people looking out for them. Like I said, this has been a challenging class, and I suspect your class this year hasn't been easy to guide, either. In fact, I believe this is the case for a reason."

"I must agree with Aizawa-sensei," Nezu said solemnly, joining the conversation. "There are signs, Kan-sensei, of upcoming conflict. Things may even escalate into another war. We need strong heroes in order to ensure a bright future for Japan and ultimately the world." He clapped his paws together. "To that end, I suggest you two work together!"

Vlad's mouth fell open.

"I suggest that during summer break you hold a joint-training camp!" Nezu beamed at them happily. "It will do wonders for your teamwork as well as bring your classes together, reminding them that they are fighting on the same side." Finishing his tea, Nezu hopped down from the table. "I'll leave you two to work out the details, but I look forward to seeing the results of your efforts."

Aizawa sighed as the principal cheerfully walked out of the room. "This should prove interesting."

Vlad stared at him for a minute and then threw his head back and laughed. "Interesting? How about impossible. How are we going to get our two misfit classes to work together? Especially after yesterday?"

Aizawa gestured toward the door with his head. "Walk with me. I need coffee."

Vlad followed him, a pensive frown on his face. "Perhaps a change in scenery?"

Aizawa led him to the nearest vending machine and put in money for two black coffees. He handed one to his friend. "The fastest way to unite opposing groups is to give them a common enemy."

Vlad's eyes lit up as an idea struck him. "We may need to outsource for this." And he began to outline a plan of attack.

Aizawa smiled as he listened.

Chapter end.

A/n: Well, that was a loaded chapter. Poor Izuku!

:D I found a cute picture through google search of Aizawa and Vlad King. I'll post it up on Insta.

Thank you for reading! ;p