The news of Ingenium's condition was finally released. Needless to say a lot of the hero community was shocked by the extent of brutality displayed on the hero. Thoughts and prayers were sent to the family, tributes and such were erected, and other heroes vowing to catch the one responsible.
Numerous heroes had their own reaction to the news.
Endeavor leaned back on his office chair as he watched the news on TV. He swirled his own special brand of bourbon in his glass. Downing the glass, his flames flared up as the alcohol added fuel to his already hot flames.
"The Hero Killer will be an excellent introduction to show Shoto the path of the mighty." He grinned as he received a few reports from Burnin' and his other sidekicks. Information was scarce.
Even before Ingenium's incident, the Hero Killer was always a target months ago. Endeavor grumbled as he knew that time was of the essence in catching the villain with the week he has with Shoto.
He called his sidekicks. "Expand the search area and ask a few other agencies for help."
-Uh, sir? Does this also mean we share what we have?-
"Of course it does. If we kept information to ourselves then we'd be getting nowhere in other cases." Even a man as prideful as Endeavor knew the importance of transparency and intelligence. Strength of one's self is always the best, but the only thing that can compete with it is information.
And being the Number Two hero, every asset was needed to even compete with All Might.
In a nice apartment several cities away, a man with luscious red wings barely finished his meal when he saw the news. "So that's what happened to Ingenium? Wonder if the board's gonna have me on this Hero Killer case? Unless Endeavor's looking on upping his approval by catching the guy himself."
His phone rang the second he said that and he groaned.
"Damn it." He answered the phone. "Hello there, so what's up...you want me to follow who?"
In the fashion department, the fashion hero Umbawari put down her brush. She crossed her arms as she watched the news. Hosu City wasn't her area, but she's met the Iida family a couple times throughout her hero career. After all, pros have time to mingle and Umbawari admired them for some time.
Obviously Ingenium's brother didn't take up the offer she sent, but she got two of the cute girls from the tournament. She remembered planning a whole commercial experience for the two to promote a new product, however…
She glanced down at an email sent by the Endeavour agency. Inside were several case files of the Hero Killer's deeds and their own personal findings. Normally she'd leave to the Number Two to handle things, but this level of brutality spoke volumes on what the Hero Killer was now willing to do.
"Yuna?"
-Yes Ms. Umbawari?-
"Push the commercial shoot for the hairspray product by about six days. The interns I've chosen will be needed for a new assignment."
-Of course ma'am.-
She leaned back in her chair and grabbed her phone. She reexamined the photos of Momo Yaoyorozu and Itsuka Kendo. Her eyes slightly widened at remembering the two were more combat focused than she was initially comfortable with.
"If I'm focusing my agency on this and having them help. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to…" She flipped through her contacts. "Ryuko...busy. Ms. Joke? Teaching. Mt. Lady...no."
The hero finally reached one name that made her pause.
"...maybe her." Umbawari pressed call and kept the phone some distance away from her ear.
"EH? The hell do you want?!" Umbawari prepared herself for an argument.
KRSH!
Izuku staggered back across the grass as Takahashi lunged forward. He tried to dodge, but didn't escape in time. The blade left a blue line on his cheek before Takahashi followed up with a solid elbow to the face.
Using his momentum, Izuku went with the hit and flipped a few times to gain some distance. He used a reverse grip on his practice blade when Takahashi was on top of him again. The sun was at its peak as All Might watched on.
Since Gran Torino was his early choice, Izuku knew this would give him more time to add their newest addition to his combat roster.
"Keep me center Izuku." Takahashi said while leaning from side to side. Izuku was swiping crazy. "Watch your movements, they're too wide!"
He tried to adjust when Takahashi locked blades with him. Izuku was pushed to his knee as Takahashi pressed the tip against his shoulder. The white shirt started to get blotted with blue paint when Izuku was kicked away.
Rolling to his feet, Izuku tried to catch his breath before going on the offensive again.
"You're holding the blade too tight." Takahashi then disarmed Izuku and tossed the blade into the air. Catching it, he held both blades against Izuku's neck. The teen barely noticed when he could feel the paint drip down. "Now too lightly."
Izuku stepped back fast before the lines were made. Back flipping a few times, Izuku got into a tight stance when Takahashi followed. Dodging most slices, the teen caught his mentor's wrist and twisted. Takahashi dropped the knife and Izuku went to grab it. Instead he was kneed in the stomach for his troubles.
"Always be aware of your opponent's movements. The blade isn't your only worry." Takahashi thrust the knife down, but Izuku rolled away in time. He snatched the knife off the ground and held it up. His mentor scoffed and threw the knife. Izuku's eyes followed the blade as it barely grazed his cheek when Takahashi grabbed Izuku by the scruff of his shirt and pinned him.
"Case in point."
All Might blew the whistle and Takahashi pulled back. The knives were sheathed as Izuku fell to his knees.
"The art of the blade is something you'll have to learn alongside your internship." He held his hand out and Izuku took it. "Remember, your balance is the key to everything."
"Got it."
"I made lemonade." The group turned to Inko who was holding a tray of drinks. "Takahashi, do you have to be so harsh? I knew you were training him, but I never imagined the lessons would be like this."
Takahashi shrugged. "He learns best through experience and going easy on him would be a disservice. Right, Izuku?"
"He's right, Mom. I need all the lessons now while I can." Izuku said as he laid back down. After the Sports Festival, Inko became really interested in how Izuku developed those skills. One talk with Takahashi later and she began to watch their training sessions.
The mother was surprised to say the least when she saw the extent Izuku and Takahashi were at. It was one thing to hear about their training, it was another thing to watch Izuku run across the field at super speed. Sometimes they seemed to be running around in circles around her.
Luckily the past few sessions she's been watching, Mr. Toshinori Yagi was there to watch alongside her.
Speak of the devil, Inko placed the glass next to his head as Toshinori approached. "This looks wonderful, Ms. Midoriya."
"I hope it is to your liking Mr. Yagi. Uh, lemons are hard to come by."
Takahashi and Izuku watched Toshi drink the lemonade and saw him slightly shiver. "Well, it's delicious."
The two noticed the small smile on Inko's face as the two adults were enjoying their drinks. "Glad you approve, Toshinori."
Takahashi slung an arm around him, his sudden action reminding the two adults of who was nearby.
"Inko, I need to talk to Yagi. Why don't you and Izuku freshen up for dinner."
"Oh and would Mr. Yagi be joining us?" Her eyes flickered at the skinny man.
Toshinori coughed and put on a bright smile. "Only if you'll have me."
Inko smiled as Izuku followed her. He was told to set up another plate for dinner. Izuku and Takahashi exchanged a secret glance before the two separated. Toshinori waved goodbye until they were gone.
"...what?" He asked.
Takahashi stared at him for another second. "This week in internships, I'll be training Katsuki Bakugou in the art of Chakra."
All Might's eyes widened at the announcement. "What? I thought Young Midoriya was going to be your only apprentice."
"It was the plan, but I think there's some benefits of training him. However as such a student requires my attention, I won't be able to extend your time with One for All this week. You'll have to be back on schedule with your energy."
"I see. That's not a bad thing, but Tsukauchi might need you."
"I already told him so he knows that anything he gathers on my hunt will be dealt with after the internship week. Right now focus on Gran Torino and Izuku. They'll need your attention."
All Might nodded before Takahashi remembered something. He looked inside the bag that held the fake knives and pulled out a book.
Teaching for Dummies: The Handy-Dandy Guide to Teach
"That's messed up." All Might said.
Takahashi chuckled and tossed him the book. "I highlighted the parts you need in yellow and all the secondary parts in pink."
All Might put the book in his pocket and walked with Takahashi as they could smell dinner. It wasn't exactly rare for them to eat out, but an evening dinner on Takahashi's property hadn't happened for awhile.
The Uraraka adults were needed elsewhere so they weren't joining today, but Takahashi was fine with his tenants not being there. He sat down on the grass as he watched Toshinori sit between Inko and Izuku.
The three were looking at the meal Inko made today as Takahashi took a moment to appreciate the sight. The trio almost looked too natural together. Yet as he watched on, he looked at Inko.
Her hair bun was loosened when the wind blew. She was laughing at something and for a quick second Takahashi saw someone else. Her ebony hair flowing in the wind and a distinct beauty mark just below her lip.
He quickly shook his head and opened them to see Inko putting down Takahashi's plate.
'I wish you could've had this type of life, Nana.' He thought before getting up and joining the group for dinner.
The Next Day
Everyone was excited. They turned their forms in on time, they had only light training today, and now they were on their way to the train station. Class 1-A was going to begin their internships.
Aizawa opened the door to see Takahashi. "Are you here to help escort them?"
"Yes and to handle transferring our special case." Aizawa was made aware of the decision made for Bakugou. He didn't know about the special circumstances of it, but understood that Bakugou was in need of some guidance. Especially now.
It was basically an unspoken conversation that Bakugou isn't doing the best. Aizawa's baggy eyes were the only thing competing with the blonde's. His posture was more off and anger more a trigger. Especially towards Midoriya.
"So you prepared Izu?"
"Aw, you know me. I'm prepared for…" Izuku can still feel Bakugou's glare at the back of his head while he was talking to Tsu. "Most things. We can exchange stories like pros when we get back."
"Sure, kero." Tsu said though it was a bit uncomfortable to talk with the blonde staring down at them. Ochako, Mina, and Momo kept a close eye on the blonde since Izuku's little tangent a few days back.
The cases were given to everyone except one. Aizawa raised an eyebrow as Takahashi looked at Izuku. He looked pretty concerned.
"Aizawa, I thought Power Loader dropped off the suit."
"He said he did. So maybe…" Loud clattering footsteps were heard outside the door and the door suddenly opened. Power Loader was panting hard with one hand holding a suitcase and one hand holding a reaching Hatsume.
"The suit isn't perfect yet. I could still add a few modifications to make it work wonders for Ten-" She stopped when she saw Izuku and his class staring at her. "Ten Million! Excellent, you can tell Power Loader that I can work on a few more kinks into the suit for your internship!"
"Hatsume, the suit was already complete!"
"But-"
"Hatsume." Izuku approached her and cupped her face to stop her from doing anymore. "My internships today. I have to take the suit but just so you know, I trust your babies to do right by me."
Hatsume's eyes widened to an adorable degree before her limbs finally stopped flailing. Power Loader sighed gratefully while Takahashi raised an eyebrow. Izuku's hands were cupping her cheeks, but he could see the slightest hint of a blush.
And for some reason he can feel some students stare bearing down on his apprentice.
Mineta and Kaminari's jaws dropped at the casual approach taken to subdue the support maniac who they've heard to be a living ball of energy and madness. Ochako didn't react too badly as she knew how much trouble the inventor was. If Deku could calm her, all the better.
"Oh ok, but no peeking until you officially make it to your internship! It's bad luck for a client to see the product too early."
"But it's done and isn't that for men see their bri-"
"Not yet! I need to do one last thing." She pressed her lips against her fingers then tapped it against the case. "A bit of momma's love and daddy's prctice to be perfect."
"Please stop!" Izuku blushed heavily at the implication. The past few days of training with a blade meant he made the occasional stop at the support department to help Hatsume adjust the gauntlets to his new style. Plus he gave a bit of input on what the costume should look like.
"Midoriya. Play house with that student later." Aizawa growled. Izuku shuddered at the intense intent and grabbed his suitcase. His class had a bit of mirth escape their lips at the antics.
Iida actually smiled at seeing Midoriya try covering his face as Hatsume was saying her goodbyes.
"Take good care of our babies! Or break them in so I can make them better!"
"You better be glad that we know you're talking about inventions and not children!" Izuku said as he turned the corner. Power Loader and Hatsume watched the hero students leave.
Power Loader glanced at his student to scold her for her clinginess costing time, but saw that Hatsume's smile was different. Instead of the absent minded smile of the inventor, it was a lot warmer though tinged with a bit of worry. A look he was familiar with too as he completed gear he didn't think was ready.
"Hatsume. Remember to do things on time." The scolding will be more gentle this time. After all…
"I just want to make sure my friend will be safe. My babies will make sure of that."
Class 1-A arrived at the train station. Izuku held his case a bit closer. Hatsume was very particular in not looking just yet. So he didn't and leaned over to Jirou.
"Do you have any recommendations for travel?"
"Do you just talk to me for music, Green?" She asked.
"Maybe." He smirked and she rolled her eyes.
She texted him a new playlist and bumped him on the shoulder. "You ever listen to hardcore punk?"
Iida watched Midoriya talk to his friend and saw how carefree he was. Oh how much he wanted to join in on there, but as he approached his train to Hosu City. Aizawa and Takahashi finally stopped at the center of the station.
"Alright from here on out, your gates…" The group stopped as soon as they heard a few squeals. Aizawa and Takahashi turned around to see a crowd following one man. His red wings flapped up and down as red feathers helped a few of the people around him. "Huh?"
Takahashi's eyebrow raised as he saw the man approach them. The Hero ranking system wasn't something he always paid attention to though that didn't mean he was ignorant to who was on top.
And those red wings could only belong to one person, the Number 3 Hero: Hawks. Takahashi could almost hear the hum of excitement from the group. 90% of it being Izuku, who does his best to know every hero.
"Hey, U.A." Class 1-A was pretty stunned by how the Number 3 just appeared before them. "Hope you don't mind me dropping in. I'm actually here to pick up my intern."
"Eh?" Most of the class said when Tokoyami stepped forward. "Tokoyami?! You picked Hawks?!"
"Tokoyami, you're so lucky!" Izuku said as his bird classmate looked a little bashful.
"I was lucky to be given such an honor." Tokoyami said. Hawks turned to Midoriya and smiled.
"Really? Cause I remember extending an offer to you too." He was already between Tokoyami and Midoriya.
"Oh, right! I'm really sorry to reject your offer, but there was something else that I couldn't pass up." If you listen hard enough, you could hear the grinding teeth of Katsuki Bakugou in the background.
"Interesting. I wonder what could've made you go there instead of the Number 3's office?" Hawks got a little close when he felt eyes glaring at the back of his head.
He turned over to see Aizawa and Takahashi glaring. "We don't mean to cut in, but our students need to get on their trains."
"Right, right." He turned to Tokoyami. "I have a car waiting for you in the Central Parking lot, parking space 2-A, to take you to my agency. Get settled there and I'll meet you."
"You won't be joining him?" Takahashi said as Tokoyami nodded and followed his instructions.
"Nah, I liked taking the scenic route. Besides it'll give me some time for a proper introduction."
Aizawa sighed. "If that'll be all then the rest of the students have to go."
"Sure." Hawks said and turned to Class 1-A. He passed one more glance at Midoriya before seeing Tenya. His yellow eyes almost flashed in front of the Ingenium successor. "I hope you all do your best out there and remember to go Plus Ultra. Remember when you put on those costumes, you're heroes."
And with that Hawks left the group with a flap of his wings. Most of the students were astounded while Izuku was taking notes. Iida felt a bit weird since it felt like he was looking at him in particular. Then again, his family has received many notes of recovery and recognition from other heroes.
Aizawa sighed. Hawks was someone that he could never get a read on. A young prodigy that rose through the ranks to the point where it was only Endeavor and All Might above him. Even then there was a debate on whether Endeavor was actually above him in ratings.
Takahashi, on the other hand, didn't like the look he was giving Midoriya. His attitude and looks were different and a little suspicious.
'It's been awhile since I've seen his type.'
"Alright you heard the Number 3. You are out there representing U.A. High. I expect nothing less than exemplary reports on your internships. And one more thing, the costumes will only be worn on duty. Understand? Good, then go." Everyone began to disperse when Bakugou was approached by Aizawa. "Your transports already here."
Iida took his que to leave when he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Hey Iida."
"Midoriya?" He turned to see Izuku and Ochako looking at him. "What is it?"
"You're going to make the name Ingenium proud. I know it." Izuku said. Iida blinked and felt his heart constrict. Not from anger or offensive feelings, but from genuine feelings. "And if you feel like you can't...don't be afraid to call ok."
"Right. Thank you, both of you." He smiled or at least tried to. No matter the genuine feelings, Iida's heart was already set on something. And his feelings would reflect that. "I'll see you in a week."
He walked from them as Takahashi watched. "Aizawa walked Bakugou out. I'll catch up."
"Sure."
Bakugou left in a huff as he and Aizawa turned to the exit.
"I'm worried about him, Deku."
"Me too." Izuku said before feeling a big hug from behind. Ochako blinked before seeing Mina holding onto Izuku.
"Hey Midori~" Mina sing-songed.
"Mina! What's up? Isn't your train nearby?"
"Sure it is, but I wanted to give my favorite boy a little goodbye hug before going." Izuku rolled his eyes and let her squeeze him. He didn't seem to catch on that she was applying some pressure to his chest. Mina let out a shaky breath when she realized she was copping a feel.
"Tooru, help." Izuku said when he realized Mina was holding on for way too long.
"Sure thing Midoriya." Tooru pried Mina off as the two went down to their stations. "Stay safe."
"Bye Midori! We can catch up on dance lessons when we get back!" Mina said as Tooru dragged her away.
Ochako didn't know what to make of the event, but raised a fist at Izuku. "See next week."
"Sure. I know you'll get plenty strong." The two bumped fists and Ochako walked off. Izuku sighed a little at watching her walk off when he heard someone clear their throat.
"Momo!"
The creator nodded and raised a finger. "I hope you know I'll catch up to you."
"I hope you do." Izuku said with no hesitation.
Momo also reached out and held his hand. "Also please, try to stay safe. You have a tendency for trouble."
"If someone's robbing a convenience store, I'll make sure to duck." Momo chuckled slightly. If this was going to be his humor then she should know when to laugh at it. Izuku walked off as Momo watched for a second before going to her own station.
From a distance Iida watched his friends in their little world. They were so hopeful and happy and more than anything Iida wanted to enjoy the moment, but he had a mission.
Iida walked away from his friends and saw his train. He was five minutes early. The Iida he was before would've made it in ten. Breathing in and out, he proceeded to the platform when he felt a presence.
"Iida." The hero turned around and saw Takahashi standing behind him. His arms were crossed and his brown eyes were bearing down on him. Iida felt a bead of sweat go down his brow when he realized that he never truly faced Takahashi.
Learning that Midoriya learns from him, but only seeing his kind side left him vulnerable to the more stern side of him. Yet he should stand his ground.
"Mr. Takahashi, Midoriya's train is over a few platforms away."
"I'm not here for Midoriya. You are as much my student as he is." Takahashi can sense Bakugou and Aizawa walking to his car and knows he'll wait. Besides this was needed to be said.
"Well, thank you sir, I appreciate the sentiment, but I must-"
"The path of an avenger is wrought with pain and shame." Iida's eyes widened when Takahashi said that. "It is the path one would go down when they have nothing left. Iida, let me ask you, do you have nothing left?"
The teen froze as Takahashi said that. He glanced behind Takahashi and saw Ochako talking to Tsuyu before parting. He caught a glimpse of Midoriya apologizing to a man he bumped into.
"You know the stance of U.A and what your brother believed." Iida's fist clenched. "It's not wise to-"
"It was brother." Iida growled. "He lost an eye and an illustrious career as a great hero because scum Stain happened. He and his accomplice must pay for that."
'Accomplice? Does Iida know about the second man who attacked his brother? The Man in Pink?'
"My brother is barely speaking yet when he does, he's worried for me. That someone will come after me. And I'm not afraid." He straightened up. "I will do my duty as a part of the Iida family line and I am not ashamed to go down a path to avenge my brother!"
People gave a weird glance at Iida, but moved on. No one noticed the subtle blue line that kept them from getting close. Takahashi closed his eyes and sighed.
"Do you think killing is the same as avenging? Do you think blood will forgive all debts?" The icy tone pierced Iida as Takahashi's eyes turned dark blue. "A hero aims for justice. Not vengeance."
"I-It it jus-" He stopped as Takahashi took one step. He seemed to loom over Iida with just his presence alone.
"Think. Think about what your actions call for, what your actions will cost you. I will not stop because I believe you know what is the right choice. Prove me wrong and live with the consequences." And with that Takahashi left. Iida was stunned for a moment before hearing the train whistle. Last call to board.
He quickly hopped on board and placed his suitcase away. Yet when he reached his seat, Iida slumped in his chair. Despite the scolding nature, Takahashi was genuinely worried about his choices and trusts him to make the right one.
He didn't report it to anyone else, but now...if he made the wrong decision, could his hero career end?
Takahashi walked to the exit when he heard a flutter of feathers near him.
"Hey. You mind if we talked in private?"
The Number 3 led the way to a very remote part of the station. Less people and less prying eyes. Takahashi felt on edge with Hawks.
"Any reason you want to talk to me and not going to see your intern?"
Hawks turned to Takahashi and put a hand on his chin. "Well I'm just trying to get a read on you. It's not everyday you meet someone that's just as if not possibly stronger than All Might."
Takahashi's finger slightly twitched as Hawks took a step closer. "Taking down a Nomu meant to kill All Might alongside forming an impressive barrier around Endeavor's kid and Midoriya. Not to mention making a splash by saving several pro heroes and taking down an entire gang in Musutufa. You've built up quite the rep for someone's profession who is a nurse."
"Why talk to me about this? Is the Number 3 a fan?"
Hawks smiled. "Game recognizes game. And for one to appear out of nowhere, you'd be surprised how little I found out about you."
Takahashi didn't let his exterior break, but this one was really pushing it. "Plus we also know of U.A. not letting Katsuki Bakugou join any professional agencies."
"He has some issues to deal out before we send him out on the field."
"But sending out a potentially more dangerous student in Izuku Midoriya is better?"
The air grew tense as Takahashi and Hawks continued to scan each other. "Are these your conclusions or someone else's?"
"Could be both." Hawks said. "You know I was pretty interested in Midoriya. Kid seems to know a lot, likes to learn a lot."
"Is this going anywhere? Because if not, I need to get back to work."
"Yeah, you dropped this." Takahashi looked to his right to see one of Hawk's feathers holding his U.A. staff ID tag. His eyes widened by a fraction at how fast Hawks managed to snag his tag. "You know guys like you, I envy you."
"Meaning?"
Hawks opened his mouth to answer before closing it. He fluttered his wings and levitated off the floor. "Smart guy like you, I'm sure you'll figure it out. I'll let you go back to being a teacher. I'm sure you got something special to teach Bakugou."
He flew up a few steps before hearing a whistle. "Hawks."
He looked down and saw Takahashi holding his visor. Hawks touched his forehead and never realized that they were missing.
"Tell them, if they have any concerns talk to me in person." He tossed the visor up and Hawks actually smiled this time.
"Not bad, old timer." He adjusted his visor and flew off. Takahashi watched him vanish in the sky. "I think we'll get along just fine."
"Game recognizes game, huh?" He quickly made a beeline to the garage and texted Aizawa that he got sidetracked.
A: Sidetracked?
T: There was this annoying bird.
One Train Ride Later
The train whirred behind him as Izuku plugged in the address on his phone. All Might's handwriting was crude which could've been from him shaking. Yet that didn't deter him. It was All Might's teacher. A hero who taught the Symbol of Peace and a perfect person to help him without his two masters.
"Alright I'm not going to get anything in my…" He opened the door and saw a short old man on the floor. He laid in a pile of red with sausages. Taking a deep breath in, Izuku used his sixth sense. The man was still alive. "Oh thank goodness."
"I'm ali-eh? You don't look surprised. In fact, you look relieved."
"Uh, yeah. I can sense you. You're still alive. I'm Izuku Mid-"
"Eh?"
"Izuku Midori-"
"Toshinori?"
Izuku felt his eye twitch when he facepalmed. This was All Might's teacher and since All Might is [REDACTED] years old, it would make sense his teacher was a bit older.
"You sent a request to train me and-" The clasp of his suitcase opened and Izuku's snapped open. His costume spilled out of the case. The bracelets clattered to the floor alongside the newly crafted suit.
Gran Torino picked up a note with a blank smile. "Hello Ten Million. Hope you love the suit. I made it very special for you. From your number one creator, Hatsume. Ah, a love letter!"
Izuku blushed hard and snatched the note from the old man's hand. "Hey! That's not something you can just take!"
"Then use One for All to make me." Gran Torino sneered. Izuku didn't react quick enough when the old burst forward and snatched the note from his hand. Landing high above him, the old hero held the note out. "I hope you having a lady friend hasn't interfered with your training."
"What?!" The complete 180 threw Izuku off when Gran Torino pointed at his costume. "Get changed and hurry. After all, I wouldn't want to ruin this lovely note from this girl. Hatsume, right?"
Huffing, Izuku quickly changed into his plain shirt and shorts. Grabbing his new costume, he took a moment to see the redesign. Hatsume wasn't kidding when she said that she spared nothing to improve the costume.
The first thing that popped into his head was the kevlar and bulletproof vest. Similar material to the police standard, this one has been slimmed down tremendously to retain Izuku's acrobatic agility and speed. The sleeves stopped just over his forearms and the pants were similarly padded. He was happy to see that his hood still remained in place with only two small protruding .
A bigger surprise was the new mouthguard. Initially cloth, it was now a protective metal with perfectly shaped holes for filtering smoke and other hazardous gases. Luckily for him it wasn't too heavy.
The color scheme remained the same with the only green being a shade lighter than before. Black lines traced over his sides and there seemed to be a splash of red accenting his hood.
Tightening his new utility belt, Izuku grabbed the bracelets last and turned the knob. The metal expanded over his wrists. They clicked in place before Izuku got into a ready position.
"Not a bad look. Your support woman's got some real talent in looking the part."
"Thanks for the compliment. Now can I have the note back?"
Gran Torino looked at the note and stuffed it in his belt. "Nope. I want to see how you handle your power in person. And you can start with how you use One for All."
"Full Cowling." Pink sparks electrified the room. Gran Torino raised an eyebrow as Deku bounced himself up and down. A small smile was on his face before Gran Torino blasted off. Bouncing around everything, Deku tried following his movements before feeling a few kicks land on him.
"GAH!" The next kick sent him to the floor, but he recovered in time. Landing on one hand, he used his momentum to spin himself around performing the windmill technique. The move sent gusts of wind that made Gran Torino stumble for a second. Deku saw his chance and launched forward.
His fingers were so close to the belt when Torino placed his heel on Deku's leg and blasted him back. Deku landed hard in his back, but managed to roll back to his feet.
"Interesting. You've got some flexibility on ya, huh? Not bad." Before Deku could respond Gran Torino increased his speed. He landed hits on Deku more frequently to the point where the young hero could barely keep up. "Very different from All Might. He was built like a wall. You're close to toppling already."
"Re-" Deku said before taking another hit to the back.
"You know, he sent a letter to me. Telling me that he found his successor. It really peaked my interest when I found out he had another man train you as well. Now tell which one was the better teacher?"
"Th-They're equals." Deku said before managing to dodge.
Gran Torino face palmed. "So Toshi passed a lot of the teaching to the other guy. I suppose he gave some motivational speech while making you lift things. Nothing practical. Pathetic."
Far off in U.A. Toshinori was texting someone when he spewed blood. Aizawa and Midnight raised an eyebrow at the unusual amount that came out this time. All Might shook like he was freezing.
'Why do I feel him scolding me?'
One final kick knocked Deku back on the floor. "Ah come on, is that all you got? You'd shown some mastery over the quirk. Or was it your other power? Why don't you show me that instead?"
Deku propped himself and got into his fighting stance. Gran Torino began his onslaught again.
'Ok, he's fast. Not as fast as Takahashi but it's still astounding. I can't memorize his movements since he always changes things up.' He took one kick to the arms. 'My eyes can't follow yet, but I know what part of me can.'
Closing his eyes, Deku breathed in deeply. The world went dark with only a fast white projectile circling around him. Switching up his stance to something less fierce, Deku waited for the moment to strike.
Gran Torino noticed the boy shine bright green for a second before adjusting himself. He pressed on with his attack, but was surprised when Deku dodged it. He made another swipe at him yet Deku gracefully dodged again.
"Hn. Interesting. Couldn't do that with your eyes open." Gran Torino went Turbo and Deku let his body go with fluid movements. Each swipe the old man made was dodged. From the outsider's perspective, it could be seen as two different blurs moving like whirlpool with the center flowing easily. "Not bad, not bad at all but…"
Deku wondered why Gran Torino stopped before a coffee mug hit square in the...mug. "AH!"
"So you don't have the best perception of your environment. Not like Nighteye at least." Izuku clutched his face as Gran Torino landed in front of him. "You knew where I was at all times yet one coffee mug being sent your way got the better."
"In a way, I need to actually close my eyes to focusbecausewhenIdothenworldfallsintoaweird-" Torino karate chopped his head before Izuku mumbled him to oblivion.
'Huh, haven't done that in a long time.'
"Alright I think I got it. Now what about your ability to combine the two? You used it against Endeavor's brat."
"Oh Full Chakra Cowling. I-yeah. I can do that." Izuku leapt to his feet and began to concentrate. One for All coursed through his body and his chakra began to layer over it. The room sparked as he felt the power synch-
A loud crack knocked Izuku on the floor. He slid across until his head tapped the fridge.
"That was taking too long. What's with you kids and your long powerups? That Endeavor brat could've ended that fight easily with how long you were charging up."
"Well it takes some time synching the two energies." Izuku propped himself as Gran Torino got ready.
"How much of One for All can you control?"
"30% last time I checked. Though 30% only for a one second burst. It's more around 20%. After that my body begins to wear down."
"And 30% against Todoroki." Izuku nodded. "Hmph, I guess we can focus on you working on synching your quirks. Though I have to ask, if I push you hard enough would you go berserk?"
"Beserk?"
"You know what I'm talking about." Izuku's fist clenched when he remembered how he got into that state. So far only one of them used force, the other two involved burning him alive.
"Only if you really want to kill me."
"Really? Then we'll avoid that for now, though we can say it's not a good thing for that to happen." Izuku remembered Bakugou's hand and the frightened expressions of his friends. Even Takahashi was cautious when talking about that power.
"I don't want to rely on that. I want to sync my powers so I don't have to use it."
"Not a bad mentality. Maybe training you isn't too out of the question. Now why don't we start with synching up faster."
Izuku cracked his neck and put his hands up.
Far off in the distant alleys of the city, Shigaraki was tapping his fingers as he scanned at the two prospects in front of him. Stain stood on one side, looking over at him and the third occupant. Vali sat at the other end and downed one more drink made by Kurogiri.
This meeting has already been rough enough and the last thing they need is to pour alcohol on this simmering fire.
"That has a nice burn."
"Thank you?" Kurogiri wasn't used to serving drinks to many patrons since the bar had to be incredibly discreet for their villainous activities.
"Can we get this meeting started?" Stain asked.
"Sure."