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Work Studies

"The air here is thick with dust, it's gonna make me sick."

Twice stepped lively as he walked towards the old abandoned warehouse that was the League's current hideout. He was guiding the beak-masked ringleader of the men he met in the alleyway. This guy's quirk was too powerful to be some low-level street thug. He was the real deal, and Twice was sure that Shigaraki would think so as well.

"Join the club," Said Twice, replying to the man's comment. "The guys inside have been sick for a while."

The man coughed, but said nothing.

As they entered through the warehouse door, Shigaraki and the others looked up from their conversation. "Well now," Shigaraki said. "You've brought us a pretty big catch, huh, Twice?"

"You think so?" Said the man in the mask. "That's strange, coming from the leader of the League of Villains."

"What gives?" Said Magne. "Is this guy famous or something?"

"My master showed me a picture of him before," Said Shigaraki. "He's yakuza, the young head of the Shie Hassaikai, Kai Chisaki." All For One had told Shigaraki of the various yakuza groups from his day, ruling Japan's dark criminal empire. His master found them useful and would often utilize their criminal ties to help him in his work. Slowly over time, however, as the hero society began to thrive, the groups began to disband, one by one, until they became nothing more than petty thugs, struggling to survive.

"What's a yakuza thug from the slums doing here?" Said Magne. "Maybe you're excited about All Might's retirement, too?"

"I'm more interested in All For One's absence," Said Chisaki. Shigaraki reacted slightly to the name of his master, but didn't respond. "The old timers always feared the Dark Master, even after rumors of his death. Most people my age thought he was just an urban legend, until Kamino Ward, that is. Now that he's been thrown into Tartarus and All Might's retired, both sides are now leaderless. Who will take their place, I wonder?"

"You know who my master is," said Shigaraki, stepping forward. "But you've still got the nerve to ask that? Sounds like a challenge. I'm the next leader. Even now, I'm gathering my troops, and as our numbers grow, I'll turn hero society to dust."

"Do you have an actual plan?" Said Chisaki, unconvinced.

"Watch your tongue and tone," Said Shigaraki dangerously. "I thought you wanted to join up with us?"

"A goal without a plan is just a wish," Said Chisaki. "If that's what you're offering, why should I join you? The Hero Killer, Muscular, Moonfish, even Deathstroke, all of these top game pieces at your disposal, and you lost them. You can't even manage a few crazy people, yet you want to build an army? You need direction and goals. And I have a plan."

Chisaki lifted his hand, removing one of his white gloves. "I didn't come here because I wanted to join you," He said. "In order to bring my plans to fruition, I need money, but no one wants to invest in a small-time obsolete yakuza. But your group has recognition behind the name. I want you to join me. Make me your new leader, and I'll show you exactly how to use the right tools to accomplish your mission."

"Leave," Said Shigaraki. Immediately, Magen leapt from her seat, taking her giant magnet in hand, running towards Chisaki. With a mighty heave, she used her magnetism to pull Chisaki towards her, ready to strike -

In an instant, Magne's top half exploded, blood and gore raining down from around them. Toga screamed in fright, while Twice ran towards what was left of Magne's lifeless corpse, her giant magnet laying discarded next to her remains.

"Just remember," said Chisaki, brushing himself off. "You made the first move. Ugh, I'm filthy now." His brushing turned vigorous as he tried to wipe the blood off his coat. Mr. Compress seized his chance and leapt into action, attempting to seal Chisaki away with his quirk, but something shining flew into his field of vision, striking him in the arm. As soon as his hand touched Chisaki's, his quirk seemed to no longer work.

"Don't touch me!" Shouted Chisaki. Immediately, Mr. Compress' arm erupted in a geyser of blood, just as Magne did, causing him to rear back, shrieking in pain. The wall behind Chisaki exploded, revealing several beak-masked henchmen swarming around Chisaki. One of them, wearing a white cloak, was holding a revolver pistol.

"Where did they come from?!" Shouted Twice, holding the injured Mr. Compress. "We weren't followed, I swear!"

"You're late," Said Chisaki to the white-cloaked henchman.

"It appears the test was successful, though," The henchman replied, producing a small firearm from his robes. Shigaraki looked at the pistol, and again at Mr. Compress, noticing a small syringe-like object sticking out of his arm.

"What did you do to my comrade?" Said Shigaraki.

"The effects aren't permanent," Chisaki replied, continuing to scrub his arm. "Hard to be objective in this situation. Killing each other isn't productive. We'll cool our heads and try again later. I owe your side an arm." He turned and began to walk away, taking his henchmen with him.

"Tomura, let me cut him," Said Toga, producing a knife from her sleeve.

"No," Said Shigaraki.

"Smart move," Said Chisaki, tossing him a business card. "I don't wanna rush you, but the sooner we talk, the better."

"Let me go after them!" Said Twice. "I need to make them pay."

"No," Said Shigaraki. "Get Mr. Compress to a hospital."

"We need to make them bleed," Said Toga, looking at the bloody corpse that was once Magne.

"Another time," Said Shigaraki, picking up the business card. "All in good time."

Izuku sat nervously in his chair, sitting across the desk in Oliver Queen's office. He had escorted Izuku in quickly and sat him down, ready to begin their interview. Izuku was staunchly reminded that he had never been inside a real Hero Agency before, much less interviewed for one, and could feel his heart beating into his throat.

"Can I get you anything?" Said Queen. "Tea? Soda?"

"No, thank you, Mr. Arrow," Said Izuku. "I mean, Mr. Queen," He added quickly.

"There's no need to be so formal," Said Queen, laughing. "Relax. Just call me Oliver."

"Okay," Said Izuku, feeling a little more at ease.

"So Bruce told me that you were interested in Work Studies here," Said Oliver. "I have to say, I'm surprised."

"You are?" Said Izuku.

"Of course," Said Oliver. "You've already made quite a name for yourself in the Hero world. Second place in the UA Sports Festival, taking down the Hero Killer, and not to mention Kamino Ward." He was counting off his fingers as he spoke. "With your resume I figured any agency would be scrambling to have you work for them. So why come to my humble establishment?"

"Well, I wasn't sure where to go," Said Izuku. "And Bruce said I could do worse than you-" he stopped short, eyes wide in horror. He hadn't meant to say that part.

"Bruce said that?" Said Oliver, surprised.

"Well I. . . he sort of. . . I didn't. . ." Izuku stammered nervously.

"That's the nicest thing he's ever said about me," Said Oliver. He looked genuinely touched. "Well, in any case, you're hired, buddy. I am honored to be the one to officially welcome you into the Justice League." He stood immediately and started shaking Izuku's hand vigorously.

"This is a Justice League agency?" Said Izuku.

"The very first," Said Oliver proudly. "Since All Might's retirement, the Justice League is looking to have more heroes on the ground to protect the little guys. All Might left some mighty big shoes to fill, and so they're sending anyone they can spare to form different agencies around the country. I volunteered to spearhead the effort."

"How many more members of the Justice League have set up agencies?" Said Izuku.

"Are there any other Justice League members here with you?" Asked Izuku.

"A few, yes," Said Oliver. "In fact, I was just on my way to a meeting. I think it would be a good idea to introduce you to the staff."

Before he could protest, Oliver escorted Izuku out of the office and down a long hallway, passing by various training halls and technical rooms as he went along. "Are all of these people heroes?" Asked Izuku, amazed.

"Some of them," Said Oliver. "But most of them are technical experts. There's a lot more to hero work than just smacking villains around."

At the end of the hallway stood two large glass doors, similar to the ones Izuku passed through from the lobby. Oliver waved his security card and the doors slid open. Izuku looked at Oliver nervously, who just nodded for him to continue forward. Inside the room there were several people sitting at a large conference table, chattering among themselves. They looked up from their conversations as Izuku and Oliver made their way into the room.

"It's about time you got here, Ollie," Said a blond-haired woman in a leather jacket. "Five more minutes and we would have left."

"Well I'm glad you decided to stay," Said Oliver. "You can meet our newest recruit."

"Great," Said a tall, muscular hero in a red, sleeveless jumpsuit. "That's all we need is another teen brat running around the place." He nudged the girl next to him, who appeared no older than Izuku. She was wearing a gray hood and red, skin-tight spandex while absently twirling a small arrow bolt in her fingers.

"Up yours, Harper," the girl replied. The man simply chuckled in response.

"Now, now, children," said the blond-haired woman in a mock motherly tone. "Don't make me kick both your asses."

"If you've all quite finished," Said Oliver. "Go ahead and introduce yourself," he gently pushed Izuku forward, who felt himself grow flush under the sudden pressure. He tried to speak, but nothing came out. Clearing his throat, he took a deep breath and tried again.

"My name is Izuku Midoriya," He said, bowing politely. "First year Hero Student for UA High School." There was silence as Izuku pulled himself up from his bow. The group before him seemed to be studying him carefully.

"The kid who took down the Hero Killer," Said the girl in the hood, finally breaking the silence.

"The Bat's new sidekick?" Said the sleeveless man. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Izuku's going to be completing work studies with us," Said Oliver.

"Since when are we babysitters?" Said the girl in the hood. "Why doesn't he 'work study' with Batman?"

"Obviously he feels as if Izuku could learn something working here," Said the blond-haired woman, standing up and walking over to Izuku. "Don't mind them, they've been cursed with bad attitudes. My name is Dinah, codename 'Black Canary.'"

"I've heard about you!" Said Izuku, perking up. "You're one of the Birds of Prey."

"You've done your homework," Said Black Canary, impressed. "Exactly what I would expect of Batman's new protegee. The tall one over there is Roy Harper, Codename 'Arsenal'," She gestured over to the sleeveless man. "And the brat in the hood is Mia Dearden, codename 'Speedy.'" The girl in the hood didn't react, continuing to stare at Izuku while twirling the small arrow bolt.

"Izuku's going to be working with us after school," Said Oliver. "Batman has overseen his training thus far, but he still has a lot to learn about working the everyday beat. In the wake of All Might's retirement, it's up to us to protect the little guys out there."

"Whatever," Said Arsenal, rolling his eyes and turning to Izuku. "So you're the Bat's new sidekick. Big deal. What makes you think you can slug it out with us?"

"Don't be rude, Roy," said Black Canary warningly.

"Good question, though," Said Speedy. "You took down the Hero Killer. Big deal. You were trained by Batman? Who cares. What makes you think you can keep up with us?"

Izuku didn't expect to receive this kind of animosity. Though he wasn't much younger than the two junior heroes there, the experience difference between them was palpable. He grew to realize that, despite everything Bruce had taught him, everything he learned at UA, and all the battles he had been in, he still didn't have a strong understanding about how to be a hero. They saw him as just another greenhorn, wet behind the ears.

Then he remembered his last conversation with Kacchan, when he appeared to him in his dream. Your training with Batman obviously squashed the wuss out of you. Just. . . stop holding yourself back. And you better not lose again. This strengthened his resolve. Even if he had a quirk now, even if he was trained by Batman, he would still have people out there question his ability to be a hero, no matter what. He had to show them he had what it takes.

"Let me prove it to you, then," Said Izuku. "Let me show you I can keep up. I won't let you down. I won't hold back, and I won't lose."

Oliver gave him an approving look. Speedy and Arsenal exchanged a glance at each other, looking unconvinced. "Fine," said Arsenal finally. "Just don't fall behind."

"I won't," Said Izuku. "You can count on me."

"Then your first assignment starts tomorrow," Said Oliver. "Have you heard of the Nighteye agency?"

"As in Sir Nighteye, the Pro Hero?" Izuku had seen him on television. He was supposed to be a genius-level tactician, his hero agency was small-time, housing only two official sidekicks. Regardless, his agency was responsible for taking down some high-level villains and was very well respected among hero agencies.

"The very same," Said Oliver. "The Justice League has been looking to form strategic partnerships with the local agencies, and considering Sir Nighteye has worked with the Justice League before, he was one of the first considered."

"He worked with the Justice League?" Said Izuku, surprised.

"Years ago," Said Oliver. "When he was All Might's former sidekick."

Izuku had forgotten about that. All Might had worked with relatively few partners, especially in recent years, but he had taken a few sidekicks in his time, such as David Shield in America. Since All Might had once been a member of the Justice League, it is only safe to assume that Sir Nighteye was also a member. In their partnership, Nighteye was considered the Brains behind All Might's brawn.

"In any case, we have been trying to establish a working relationship with Sir Nighteye," Said Oliver. "But our efforts have so far been in vain. But now that you're here, I think you would be the perfect liaison. I would like you to meet with him and convince him to partner with the agency."

"Me?" said Izuku, stunned. "But how would I help? If he worked with the Justice League before, why would he be reluctant to work with them again?"

"He didn't leave the League on good terms, I'm afraid," Said Oliver sadly. "He was fiercely loyal to All Might, and resented Batman for his animosity towards him."

"But I'm Batman's student," Said Izuku. "I don't think he would be happy to see me."

"Perhaps," Said Oliver. "But there's something else that connects you to him: All Might."

"What do you mean?" Said Izuku.

"Batman has told me how much All Might has grown to respect and admire you," Said Oliver. "Even though they don't talk anymore, Nighteye is head-over-heels for All Might. I'm confident that your shared connection to All Might would get you a meeting with him at least."

"You want me to ask All Might to introduce us?" Said Izuku.

"It couldn't hurt," Said Oliver.

"You sure you want to trust him with this?" Said Arsenal. "He could blow all the work we've done to try and get Nighteye on our side."

"Izuku's proven time and again that he can get results in any situation," Said Oliver. "Besides, inter-agency diplomacy is essential in hero work this day and age. Batman always preferred to work alone. Even as a founding member of the Justice League, he's never been more than a part-timer. I think it would be a good opportunity for you to learn how to work with others."

"If you say so," Said Izuku. He was still unsure about this. Establishing a partnership between two agencies was not what he had in mind when starting his work studies. Oliver must have sensed his unease, as he walked up to him and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Don't sweat it too much kid," Said Oliver. "Talk to All Might. I'm sure he could help point you in the right direction."

"You want me to do what?"

All Might was surprised to hear that Izuku had wanted to speak with him. They hadn't had a moment to talk since they got back from Gotham, and he was eager to catch up. However, when Izuku had explained what he wanted of him, he almost wished he hadn't.

"I see," Said All Might, after Izuku's explanation. "Oliver thinks I can help you get in touch with Nighteye." He leaned back, sighing.

"Please, sir," Said Izuku. "It would help me a great deal if you could arrange a meeting for me."

"I'm sorry, I have to refuse," Said All Might bluntly. "That's not to punish you. Personally, I was against the first years starting the work study program so early on. Secondly, you still have a lot to learn about your quirk. I would recommend focusing on that before taking on extra hero work. And lastly," He paused, looking visibly uncomfortable. "I just don't want to have to talk to the guy. It's been years since we spoke. I'd rather not open up old wounds."

"All Might," Said Izuku. "There's something I need to tell you."

All Might listened with intense interest as Izuku regaled him of the dream he had with Kacchan, about the things that he had said to him. "Bruce has laid the groundwork for me," Izuku said. "And you yourself have said that I'm worthy. I know I just inherited this quirk, but that's exactly why I need to do this work study program. I need to get stronger, so I feel worthy of this quirk. I know that Oliver can help me improve it, and maybe Nighteye can too."

All Might sighed. "I still can't introduce you," Said All Might. "Emphasis on 'I'. There may be someone who can help in this situation."

"Third year Mirio Togata. All Might would like to speak with you. Please go to the counseling office."

Togata stopped in his tracks as he heard his name called over the intercom. "Crazy," He said laughing. "He wants to talk to me?"

"What could he want with you?" Asked Hado. "Are you in trouble or something?"

"I don't know," Said Togata. "But I to-gata go see!" He paused, waiting for his joke to land, but was left with blank stares from Hado and Amajiki. "That was supremely unfunny, wasn't it?" He said, laughing to himself.

"Thanks for meeting with us, Togata," Said All Might. He was sitting across Midoriya and Togata, who were sitting next to each other on the couch before him. "Sorry to call you up here out of the blue."

"No problem!" Said Togata cheerfully. "I'm just excited that you wanted to speak with me."

"You two have met before, right?" Said All Might, turning to Izuku. "Young Togata here is doing his work study at Nighteye's agency."

"Yup!" Said Togata. "I've been studying under Sir for a full year now."

"That means you're almost guaranteed to be his next sidekick when you graduate," Said Izuku.

"He's taught me a lot," Said Togata. "I hear that you've been training with Batman for over a year now too. It makes sense, considering how strong you are."

"I'm gonna get straight to the point here," Said All Might. "Young Midoriya is doing his work study with the Green Arrow at the Justice League's new agency. Midoriya has been tasked by the Arrow to establish a working relationship between Sir Nighteye's agency and his own.."

"Wow!" Said Togata, staring at Izuku in amazement. "Talk about 'no pressure,' right? But, man! First Batman, and now the Green Arrow?! That's amazing! But still, why do you need me? I bet Sir would be ecstatic to work with the Justice League."

"You'd lose that bet, I'm afraid," Said Izuku. "The League has reached out to Nighteye on several occasions since starting an agency, but he has declined all attempts to meet with him."

"That's where you come in," Said All Might.

"I get it!" Said Togata. "You want me to introduce you to Sir Nighteye!"

"Exactly," Said All Might.

"But why do you need to go through me?" Asked Togata. "I always see him watching old video clips of you in his spare time, I'm sure he'd be really happy to hear from you."

"I can't exactly face him right now," Said All Might. "He was dead right. I ended up precisely where he warned me I'd be." He added, as if talking more to himself. "Do you think Midoriya has a chance at convincing Nighteye?"

"That's a toughie," said Togata, turning to Izuku. "But it would help if I knew what kind of hero you wanted to be."

"What kind?" Said Izuku. This was something he hadn't thought about for a while. He thought back to his time before he entered UA, before he met Bruce. He had always wanted to be like All Might, saving people with a smile. But after what happened with Kacchan, he had focused all of his efforts into becoming a hero so he could bring the villain to Justice and avenge his fallen friend. Now that he had accomplished that, he wasn't really sure what kind of hero he wanted to be.

He thought back to his training with Bruce, to his fight with the Sludge Villain, the Hero Killer, All For One, the Joker, and even Jason. And, as if in a flash, the words came to his mind and spilled from his mouth.

"I want to fight for those who can't fight for themselves," Said Izuku. "To show the world that anyone can be a hero, no matter their circumstances."

Togata sighed. "Well, I have no reason to say no, then!" He said cheerfully.

"You mean it?" Said Izuku excitedly.

"Sure!" Said Togata. "I don't know if Sir will agree, but I can at least introduce him to you. I think he'll at least like to meet you."

"Thank you!" Said Izuku.

All Might smiled as he watched the discourse between the two students. They were like two sides of the same coin. Both were born with lofty goals and less-than-ideal circumstances: Midoriya with no quirk of his own, and Togata with a nearly impossible to control quirk. Still, through hard work and determination, they have risen to the tops of their respective classes. He knew that if there was anyone in this school who was worthy to inherit his quirk, it was one of these two.

All Might looked sadly at Midoriya. Though he denied him, in his heart he still felt as if Izuku was the right choice to inherit One For All. Perhaps he could give Togata another chance, but something was still telling him to wait for Midoriya. Perhaps it was only that he was clinging to a false hope, but he still hoped that he would come around.

Still, All Might couldn't shake the feeling that this meeting was the start of something big.

Author's note: So I feel like I owe you all an apology. I know this chapter took a while to get out, and I'm sorry for the radio silence since the last update. I've been met with some strict deadlines with school and work, and have been trying to catch up, and had some serious writers block, making this chapter rather difficult. Still, I hope you enjoy it, and thank you for your patience with me!