As he finished up his homework, a sharp pain suddenly stabbed Izuku's hand, red seeping into the wooden desk. There was nothing in his bedroom that should do that! Was it a villain's quirk? As he instinctively pulled back in his chair, his arm unexpectedly flared up with the fierce glow of One For All. After several seconds of frantically eyeing around his bedroom, he concluded no one else was there. Both the window and door were firmly locked - Unless this hypothetical quirk somehow worked through solid objects, he'd simply overreacted.

Flipping over his palm, Izuku discovered the source of the scare. A large shard of glass had embedded itself into his flesh. He must have missed it after cleaning up that morning's mess: An One For All Vision where the previous users were standing motionless in a storming black void. After waking up, his quirk had gone on a frenzy, smashing the window and shredding his bedsheets - All without his input. Now, it was doing it a second time. Despite the adrenaline wearing off, his arm was still buzzing with raw power, ready for a fight. Using all his mental strain, Izuku willed the quirk down. Luckily, it obeyed him, flickering down like a candle.

Refocusing on the cut, it wasn't too deep, so the bleeding stopped after a few tissues. Having wiped down his cut, Izuku aimlessly swivelled on his seat, staring blankly into space. Only one question stuck in his mind: Why? Why was One For All activating by itself? For the longest time, Izuku dreaded his quirk could destroy his bones and dash his hopes of becoming a hero.

Though if these alarming trends kept going, he might have the opposite problem. He could pose a danger to the very people he wanted to save. It was pure luck nobody was in his bedroom during the window shattering. Izuku didn't dare to imagine the injuries that might have happened.

Wanting to rest after his busy schedule, Izuku had put off getting All Might's advice until tomorrow. Yet after this second incident, Izuku thought better of it, reaching for his phone. A knock at his door interrupted him. Uraraka's muffled voice came through, "Deku, hi - Are you in there? Mr Aizawa wants us all in the main hall."

Sighing, Izuku made a mental note to ring later, placing his phone in his pocket. He greeted Uraraka, stepping out into the hallway. She made a face at him, "Wow, you look like you've been working hard. Have you remembered to take a break?"

"Well, um - You know what I'm like, when I get into the zone, I can't stop.", Deku bit his lip to stop the nervous laughter. She didn't press him further as they stepped onto the balcony, overlooking the vast hall. It echoed with the muttering of their classmates, all gathered on the sofas. Yet that wasn't what caught Izuku's attention: Armed Policemen with heavy black armour, barricaded the door, strategically placed to prevent escape. While they couldn't use their quirks like heroes, they had brutal weapons to make up for it: batons that could bruise and tasers that could subdue mutant giants. Izuku hadn't analysed the police as much as the heroes, but he started to wonder if he should.

Whatever was happening, was more urgent than they could've predicted. Uraraka and Izuku couldn't find any words in their shock, so silently joined the restless crowd below. Scanning the faces in the hall, the most notable people there were Shinso and the Principal. The fact All Might wasn't there didn't help his unease. Izuku could understand Nezu, but why Shinso? He was in general studies, so why was he in the Hero Dorms, when he hadn't been accepted yet?

The beaming voice of Principal Nezu brought some comfort to the intense atmosphere, "Good Evening, children! I know you're alarmed at the police's presence, but please, don't worry yourself. It's a precaution until the investigation is over . They'll be gone within two hours. I'll let the Detective explain further. "

A plain man in his thirties stepped forward, a tan trench-coat almost covering his whole body. Vaguely, Izuku recognized him as All Might's friend, Naomasa Tsukauchi, who even knew about One For All. The detective waved at the students, attempting to be friendly, "Our force is going all around UA high tonight, asking each person a few simple questions. Tuesday's nomu attack on Endeavour has shocked all of us and proves we need to do more to keep you safe from the League."

Then, Detective Tsukauchi placed his hand on Shinso's shoulder, drawing attention to the purple-haired teenager, "You might recognize Hitoshi Shinso from general studies. He's been brought to aid the investigation as we believe his unique quirk will streamline the whole process. With your permission, he can put you into a painless trance and make you answer honestly during questioning. Keep in mind, this is entirely optional."

Shinso could sense the room's gaze digging into him, so he awkwardly kept behind Detective Tsukauchi. He must have been improving his quirk since the Sports Festival, since brainwashed people couldn't speak in the past. Izuku was aware quirks were occasionally used in police questioning, but the ethics were still being debated. The police must be getting desperate. This must be tough on Shinso, his first introduction to heroics being so controversial. How many people would he have to question tonight?

At the front of the crowd, Yaoyorozu sternly raised her hand, "Sir, may I ask the illegalities of this questioning method?"

Ignoring her fancy phrasing, Class 1-A quietly nodded their agreement. TsukauchiI pulled his hat over his eyes, "It's only natural you'll have concerns, young lady. I'll admit it is rare and the police haven't made the decision lightly. Though given the severity of the threat, we've concluded it's necessary. We're only doing this to ensure your safety."

Yaoyorozui asked, "So may I ask what you're looking for?"

Every policeman subtly flinched at the question. Tsukauchi swallowed hard before answering, "A potential leaker within UA."

Now the armed police made eerily more sense. They were prepared to make an arrest, by force if need be. At the announcement, several classmates were on their feet. They were throwing their outrage at the detective. Tsukauchi kept his lips shut until the commotion had passed. Amongst the growing chatter, Izuku braced himself for Kacchan's booming shouts to deafen them all, like one of his explosions. As the one who got kidnapped, he'd be the most offended. Strangely, not a peak came out of the spiky-haired teen. Remaining deadly quiet, he hunched down further, shuffling to the back of the crowd. Somehow, that reaction was equally as threatening. Izuku didn't want to assume the worst of him, but the fear of Kacchan's impulsiveness wouldn't leave him.

Amongst the more intellectual students, like Todoroki and Yaoyorozu, Izuku noticed they had less exaggerated reactions. They must have suspected this for a while. As for Izuku himself, his logic and emotions were in a vicious clash. He couldn't deny the possibility without evidence, but he still couldn't suspect any individual. All of the friendships he'd built over the months, even going through life and death with them. To think even one of those could be a lie made his legs tremble and tears blurred his vision.

Next to Izuku, Uraraka ignored her own shock to reassure him, "Hey, there's no guarantee it's true. My parents have chased off some dodgy people in the past and no one in UA gives me those vibes. Even if it is true- I honestly can't believe it could be a student. Can someone of our age even trick Japan's top school?".

Izuku couldn't meet her eye contact, wiping away his tears, "I hope not..."

Todoroki coolly strolled into the conversation, "Or, it could be your own wishful thinking. The League already has high schoolers who are capable villains. Remember that knife-wielding girl at Summer camp?". Despite his casual demeanour, Izuku could instantly tell the intense emotions crawling under the surface, his lips verging on a seeping snarl. Izuku couldn't comprehend how Todoroki must have been feeling. Endeavour was still in hospital from the nomu attack and now this was happening two days later. With his own cruel father, Todoroki knew better than anyone, the malice some heroes were hiding behind their TV smiles.

As he'd promised to keep Todoroki's past secret, Izuku moved the topic along before Uraraka questioned him, "And there was that teenager with the gas quirk. He looked even younger than us. So I guess it's not impossible after all…"

Uraraka stared at him, bewildered, "Deku?"

Before Izuku could respond, Iida raised his voice above every other conversation, directing it at Detective Tsukauchi. It silenced the whole hall. Iida did his typical hand gestures, but more aggressive than usual, like a blade cutting through the air, "I respect UA's judgement, but I can not stand aside this time! 1-A has the most loyal and caring classmates I've ever had. From my own experience, none of my friends can commit such treachery."

Having to stand next to Iida's loud voice, Tokoyami cringed. His folded arms became tighter, "Compose yourself, Iida. We shouldn't be getting offended. The rule of law applies to everyone. If police suspect criminality, then let them. If we think we're an exception, when we're constantly handing villains into the justice system; That's the definition of hypocrisy."

Before an adult could intervene, Iida snapped back at Tokoyami, "Upstanding civilians shouldn't be treated the same as literal criminals. 1-A is being falsely suspected, I know it!"

Despite the heavy lighting, the sheer threat of the traitor gave Dark Shadow enough will to emerge. It formed as a black mass on Tokoyami's shoulder, though smaller than usual, preaching like a bird. It gave a warning hiss to Iida, "Now that our home is no longer safe, I won't tolerate threats, even from supposed friends. You don't want to know what I'm capable of."

Having the raw power to back those words, Izuku couldn't know if Dark Shadow was bluffing. Luckily, Tokoyami kept face at his riled quirk, patting it away, "Dark Shadow, you protect me from physical attacks. No more. I'm putting my physiological wellbeing in the hands of the police.".

It hovered there, unmoving as if it was tempted to disobey. Then, Dark Shadow dipped its beak, retreating back to Tokoyami's body, "If that's your wish for now, then so be it."

The fact the traitor's presence drove Dark Shadow to threaten people without Tokoyami's input, showed the gravity of the situation. There were old sayings that animals had better instincts for danger than human and perhaps the same applied to the Shadow monster. With Dark Shadow pacified, Mr Aiawa's voice then abruptly answered Iida's earlier argument. He strolled through the glass door in between two policemen, "This isn't easy, but you must think rationally about this. The possibility of a traitor can go either way, so be prepared. Consider this a necessary lesson to become a pro. Villains aren't just physical threats but mentals ones as well. Looking beyond a manipulative smile, can be the difference between life and death. Trust is necessary to be a hero, but don't mistake it for blind faith".

From the middle of their classmates, Kaminari blurted out, "I get why the police need to suspect everyone- But instead of a lie detector or something, it'll be someone's quirk poking around our heads! What if my private thoughts are exposed? It's creepy!"

This instantly struck a nerve with Shinso, who strode over, getting into his accuser's face. From his experience with Kacchan, Izuku expected him to punch Kaminari, yet nothing happened. The purple haired boy gave him a cold stare before turning to the doubtful 1-A, "I don't particularly care for this dimwit's babbling, but for the record: I'm striving to join the Hero Course. I'm holding myself to the same high standards of a hero, just like any of you. I'd never use my quirk in a villainous way."

Mr. Aiawa stepped in between Shinso and his class. While their teacher's lanky frame didn't make for an intimidating presence physically, the sheer force of seriousness radiating off him was enough to make anyone freeze. In a low tone, he gave out his instructions, "The more time you waste, the more time you'll get yourselves stressed. So we're getting this done efficiently. One by one, you'll be interviewed in the kitchen in seat order. There you can decline Shinso's quirk if you want. Until the police are finished questioning, you won't be allowed to leave the dorms. Is that clear?"

"Yes Mr Aiawa!", the class shouted in unison. Satisfied, their teacher gave them an ensuring nod. From there, everything was set up swiftly: Shinso was escorted into the kitchen, the UA staff got out the police's way and Deceptive Tsukauchi was given a clipboard. A-1 was left standing there speechless. They already felt like cornered criminals, only waiting for their fates.

Midway under the archway leading to the kitchen, Tsukauchi smiled back to the students, "Everyone in UA is in the same boat - You'll get through this. Ask any policeman if you have questions. So getting started - Seat 1, Yuga Aoyama, please."

Despite his obvious shaking, Aoyama put on a brave face as he followed the detective, "Monsieur - As the first star to shine, I'll show everyone there's nothing to worry about."

Unfamiliar with his eccentric personality, Tsukauchi was dumbstruck, awkwardly walking on without a word. When they disappeared around the corner, uneasy laughter spread through the classmates. It was the only spark of humour in this tense situation, like a metal vice enclosing in on them. Having forgotten he was even there, Izuku's brain snapped back into focus, briefly letting himself join in. Then he fell into free space on the pale sofa, exhausted. Both Todoroki and Uraraka kept their respectful distance, going to other friends. Izuku was silently grateful. He wanted to be left with his thoughts for a while.

Since Izuku was Seat 18, he'd be one of the last interviewed. Could he handle the long wait? Had the parents of 1-A been informed? His poor mum had worried so much. She was already struggling to allow her son to remain in the UA. Admittedly, Izuku was frustrated at the police. They had sprung this massive realization on them and hadn't given the class time to process it. Couldn't they have warned them at least a day beforehand? Objectively though, it made tactical sense. By making it a surprise, it meant a potential traitor had no time to form an escape plan.

His classmates clustered into smaller groups, having their own heated debates. While others quietly kept to themselves like Izuku himself. He didn't want to eavesdrop on Sero's and Jiro chatting, but since it was on the same sofa, it was impossible not to. Sero muttered in confusion, "I don't understand why everyone is acting like this traitor already exists. This is the league we're talking about - With their resources, I bet they could've hacked or used a villain's quirk."

Jiro pulled at her earphones, frustrated at the whole situation, "Sorry to break it to you Sero, it seems damn likely. The School wouldn't panic us with a traitor without evidence. Now that I think about it, I'm starting to believe it. The League finding the USJ schedule without a leak is one thing, but the secret Summer Camp - It's pretty unfeasible."

Sero grunted, leaning deeper into the plump couches, "Well, until this traitor is proven to have willingly betrayed us, I don't see the point in getting all righteous about it. I bet they were blackmailed. Though I am curious…".

Sero scooted to the other side of the sofa, nudging Izuku with his oversized elbow. Startled out of his clouded mind, he wondered if his classmate understood he wanted to be left alone. With a gleam in his eye, Sero asked, "Hey Midoriya - You're always making notes on everyone's quirks. Can we read through them? It could give us an idea on who the hell did it."

Izuku flinched away in disgust, "What- Sero! Our class is meant to be uniting, not dividing itself!"

Sero shrugged, "Relax- It's not like I'm going to seriously accuse anyone. I just want a clearer picture of this whole mess."

From across the hall, Izuku's loud outburst caught unwanted attention. Oh no, would other people get the same idea as Sero? Three or four students approached the tan sofa, with Kirishima rushing ahead. The usually laid-back boy was on the verge of a panic attack, clenching his hair and red-faced. A shudder of guilt crept on Izuku. While he'd been staring into space, he hadn't noticed Kirishima crying several meters aways.

Grabbing Izuku's shoulder, Kirishima pleaded, "Come on man, give us something grounded to work with. I'm literally becoming paranoid here. I can't help but accuse everyone: Hagakure, Aoyama, Bakugo-".

A hand suddenly appeared from behind them, gripping Kirishima by his neck collar. With a single-arm, Kacchan flipped his friend onto his back with a loud thump. It caused nearby tables to rattle with the sheer impact. Kacchan dug his knee into Kaminari's chest, pinning him down. Small sparks crackled within his palms, tempted to unleash his full power, "Say my name again, bastard!", Kacchan threatened.

Kaminari waved his hand blindly, "Bakugo, come on! We all have to contribute ideas about their motive, don't we? And because of your time with the League-", he spouted, making it worse for himself. To Izuku's guess, Kaminari was attempting to be smarter than he was.

Knowing that activating One For All would insult Kacchan further, Izuku shouted out, "Jero, use your taser move!"

Nodding, she extended her earjacks like whips, aiming them into Kacchan's ears. She sent small sounds waves coursing through his body. It was enough to temporarily stun him, stumbling back to free Kaminari. It was enough time for Mr Aiawa to sprint in from the kitchen. Taking over from Jero, he used his capture weapon to detain his unruly student. His red scarlet eyes blocked any chance of Kacchan activating his explosions.

Using his floating scarff to drag Bakugou away from the others, Mr Aiawa spat out with suppressed anger, "Enough of those conspiracies! Pros are unqualified to charge suspects, so I won't have first-years thinking they can. Let the police do their job. If you can't handle the situation, stay in your room. That goes for the lot of you."

While he wasn't as good as Kirishima, Sero managed to defuse Kacchan's temper, "It ain't worth it, Bakugo. He's just doing his usual, speaking before he thinks.". He then helped Kaminari up and ruffled his hair; half humour, half rough love.

Bukago scoffed, unravelling himself from the scarf, storming upstairs to the boys' rooms, "Well, it isn't my problem. Keep up that ignorance and see how far you make in life, you dribbling idiot.".

Izuku sunk into the sofa in embarrassment. The police stationed around the building didn't look impressed with Japan's top students. Hopefully they were somewhat understanding, considering Kacchan had been kidnapped. Having kept to himself until now, Tokoyami peered from behind a corner, observing Kacchan leaving. That was right, he's almost been stolen during the Summer Camp as well. Though Izuku had never seen the two console one another with their shared experience.

With a new determination, Tokoyami came out of hiding, calling out to Kirishima, "Is speculating about the traitor's motive necessary? Their villainous actions prove they're no different from the rest of the League. We need to shed any emotional attachment from this individual."

Fed up with everything, Kaminari exclaimed, "Whatever, it helps me anyway. That scum set us up to be killed, I'll get riled up all I like.".

Bowing his head apologetically, Tokoyami uttered, "And it's well in your right to."

Rolling his eyes, Kaminari didn't bother to reply. Instead, he ushered Sero towards Kirishima leaning against the wall, the close friends forming a protective circle. Seeing all this tension from afar, Izuku knew he should follow the electric hero's example; getting the support of his buddies like Uraraka and Iida. Despite his better judgement, Izuku turned the other way to the boy's rooms upstairs. Some people gave him some questioning glances, but nobody stopped him.

Perhaps Izuku was being ungrateful, not acknowledging the friends he'd been blessed with. However he'd only had them for a few months, he hadn't been able to break out of his old habit yet. Isolated as a quirkless child, Izuku had to learn to deal with his feelings alone. Naturally, he wasn't a loner, but he'd grown used to it. It was only heightened with the paranoia of a traitor in their midst.

Flinging his door open too fast, Izuku tripped into his bedroom. It was the way he'd left it: cardboard sealing the shattered window, bloodlied tissues in the bin and scrappy paper on his desk. Only a while ago, he was innocently finishing his homework, still in blissful ignorance. Twilight flittered through the veil of his curtains, tinting everything a misty purple. His dry eyes not prepared for any fierce light, Izuku kept the lamp off. Only having enough energy to lock the door, he collapsed onto his bed. Hidden from the outside world, nothing stirred. He left with just the ticking of a clock and the swirling of his thoughts.

This was the first time Izuku was facing betrayal in his life. Sure, he had childhood friends who turned into his bullies; but this traitor was on a level he couldn't comprehend. They were willing to kill him. Were the lives of him and his classmates so meaningless to this traitor? And for what? Greed? Ideology? Desperation? Even with the possibility of them being threatened, Izuku still found it hard to sympathize. The traitor still considered their goals above child murder. The teachers had suffered under the traitor's wrath as well; almost dying to protect their students.

Should Izuku have seen this coming? Was experiencing betrayal an inevitable part of being a Hero? Had All Might gone through this? If Izuku wanted, he could text All Might right there. But he wasn't going to, not wanting to waste the police's time. The police might get needlessly suspicious of him if they caught him using a phone.

Tokoyami's warning rang in Izuku's head, that they needed to let go of any attachment to the traitor. So the question became, was Izuku capable of that? After Gran Torino pointed out his blind admiration for All Might was a shackle - Izuku had reflected on it. Did that naivety expand to other people? His instinct to save innocent faces, was the quality people praised the most - But perhaps it could be a weakness, waiting for a villain to exploit it. The traitor could be that very fear come to life.

Izuku had never known a villain personally, they seemed so distant from the world he was familiar with. Growing up, he'd only known them as TV bad guys for the Heroes to beat up. Then the traitor had come crashing in, threatening to shatter his worldview in an instant. He would have unknowingly witnessed a villain's human side - In their downtime, when they weren't hurting anyone.

The hammering of his wooden door forced Izuku out of his long confused daze. It almost felt like he'd woken up from a dream. The rhythmic ticking on the clock, grew clearer, becoming his anchor back into reality. Though he stared at the black handles spinning across the clock face, it finally registered: He'd been in the bedroom for an hour! Where did the time go?

The door knocked for a second time, forcing Izuku to compose himself and open it. Uraka paused for a moment, before throwing her arms around him in a hug, "Deku - You worried me to death! Hiding away at a time like this, I didn't know if you were alright. It's almost time for you to be interviewed."

Usually, Izuku would be stupidly flustered that a girl was hugging him - But right now, he was only grateful to be comforted by a friend. He muttered, "Sorry, I didn't mean to. I just had so much rushing through my head…"

Finally taking a step back, Uraka assured him, "Your analysis is always amazing, but I was thinking if it's really the best time for that. This may sound weird, but this isn't our fight anymore. It's in the hands of the police now, people who won't be biased like us."

She was right. Izuku had already learnt this painful lesson with Stain and Iida. Heroes were indifferent forces to maintain the peace, not avengers of personal grudges. They were just one pillar holding up the hall of justice. No individual had the right to be a judge, jury and executioner. Once heroes had fulfilled their duty, that was only the start of the process. Police had to discover the truth and court judges had to sentence the wrongdoers.

Izuku sighed, "Thank you, Uraka, you're right. If I thought I was above the police and accused someone myself, I wouldn't be doing it as a hero, but as a civilian."

They gave each other optimistic but uneasy smiles. Even with a traitor lurking around, they couldn't ruin those genuine moments between 1-A. It made Izuku realise: The traitor was only one or two individuals. He couldn't let that blind sight him to the fact, the hero course still had a majority of selfless people, striving to do the right thing.

The heart warmth was short lived, as Kacchan's erupting voice seemed to send an earthquake through the building itself. Despite being behind his closed bedroom door, it barely did anything to muffle his screaming phone call, "Of course, I'm pissed, Mum! A slimy weasel somehow got me kidnapped without even fighting me. The whole time laughing at me from the sidelines!"

Even if Izuku was used to Kacchan's loud mouth, he'd never known him to be so careless with a private conversation. It was more than anger, but all-out hatred for the traitor. While he missed his mother's words, Kacchan made it easy to guess with his reply, "Shut up, you hag! I don't need one of your lectures. Tell Dad what's going on, we're done here."

Being the most experienced with Kacchan's fierce temper, Izuku wanted to deal with it himself. So he volunteered to go before Uraka could, "It's me and Kacchan's turn soon, isn't it? I'll fetch him and we'll head over."

With a pause, Uraka nodded, "Alright, Deku. I'll be hanging around if you need someone to talk to. As a heads up for Shinso's questions, it wasn't that bad. At least for me. It didn't last five minutes and the questions were pretty basic."

They gratefully waved at each other, going down their opposite ways down the hallway. Izuku was tempted to walk on tiptoes, so he didn't alert Kacchan to his presence. Biting his lips, he had to remind himself that though his rival had frightening outbursts, he wasn't a caged animal. Recently, Kachaan had made it abundantly clear, above all else, pity from others cut him down to his core. So this time, Izuku would make an effort to give him space. Letting his shoulders hang loose, he knocked on his door.

Grumbling, Kacchan swung it open, unflinching when it hit the wall with a bang. Instinctively, Izuku's spine straightened up, using all his control to hide his fear. Kacchan narrowed his eyes, "What do you want, nerd? Are the cops seriously that quick?"

Already knowing Izuku's answer before he opened his mouth, Kacchan barged past him, hands in pockets. Left to catch up with him, Izuku tried making a casual chatter, his first with Kachan, "Yeah-.I could hardly believe it either… Shinso is really pulling his weight."

Speaking to himself more than Izuku, Kacchan remarked, "Those Police better be doing their damn jobs right. If there's a traitor, there's someone who got away with making All Might retire. I'd like to beat the smugness out of them for thinking they've outsmarted me."

Despite what he told himself a second ago, a wave of compassion came over Izuku. It sounded like Kacchan was starting to open up to others. Better than what he'd done for years, burying his insecurities and letting them boil over into violence. Going to Kacchan's side, Izuku placed his hand on his shoulder, "I remember you saying something similar during our fight. That's still affecting you, isn't it? All of UA is in this together, one person can't change that."

Unfortunately, Kacchan slapped Izuku's hand away. The explosion user hurried his pace, remarking behind his shoulder, "Don't get any weird ideas that we're friends now, Deku. We're not. You happened to be there when I was a wreck but that won't happen again. I wouldn't be a hero if one backstabber broke me."

The blonde teenager swivelled round the corner, leaving Izuku behind. For a moment, Izuku stood like a cold statue in the suddenly lonely hallway. Not even a speck of dust dared to move in the unmoving building. He should've known it was too soon to rekindle a friendship with Kacchan, he thought. Swallowing his regret, Izuku moved forward, heading to the kitchen.

Since the hour Izuku had locked himself in his room, things had seemed to calm down. At this point, his classmates weren't huddling together like scared sheep against hungry wolves. Instead, they were scattered around, trying to distract themselves with homework or gossip. Almost as if the dreaded results for the traitor weren't on the horizon. Even the police were struggling to focus, holding their weapons loosely.

As Izuku made his ways across the wide hall, a silhouette intercepted his path, making him almost scream. After a moment, he realised it wasn't a silhouette at all, but Mr Aiawa. His pitch-black clothing and tangled dark hair had all blended into the shadows of the overhanging balcony, making him seem invisible. Even outside of hero duties, it was a habit of Mr Aiawa's to sneak around.

Still under the balcony, was Principal Nezu, the shade turning his white fur a stony grey. Though the principal hung back, allowing Mr Aiawa to deal with his late student. His animal muzzle twitched with curiosity as he silently observed.

"You're late, Midoriya. You're seat 18, yet you'll be the last one to be interviewed.", Mr Aiawa announced.

Startled at the realization, Izuku bowed in apology, "I'm sorry, Sir! I-I lost track of time..."

Usually, Mr Aiawa would be fuming if a student was late to class, having higher expectations. Yet despite the investigation being even more serious, the scruffy teacher couldn't bring himself to scold Izuku. He was exhausted in a way Izuku had never seen before. Not physically, like how he napped throughout classes, but emotionally. The passionate fire of determination in his eyes had dulled down to embers.

Sighing, Mr Aiawa pointed to the kitchen doorway, "This is an emotional time, so I'll excuse this once. Bakugo will be done soon, so ensure you make up for your slack and make a good impression. "

Before his teacher could wander off, Izuku made sure to ask, "Mr Aiawa, could I ask- Are the teachers handling this alright? It can't just be the students affected."

Surprisingly, Mr Aiawa gave an honest answer. It wasn't the words of a teacher to his student, but two people grieving over the same tragedy, "Behind the costumes and lessons, we're people who will handle it in their our ways. But for me, I'm not going to waste my time with denial. If I hesitate, I'll leave my students vulnerable. The traitor proved I failed, so I need to do better."

There was a subtle twitch from Mr Aiawa's eyebrow as he left to do other errands. Something told Izuku his teacher had admitted more than he intended. It was so strange seeing a more emotional, human side to him.