Years Ago…
It was the last day of school and All Might had requested to meet me later on in the day. But first, I had to pack up all of my belongings back at my dorm and move back to my house.
Standing in the way of all of that was my final class for the year: 6th period Math.
Personally, I have never been a fan of many academic subjects. When I got into UA, I barely passed the written exam. But the school kicked much of my training, hero work and otherwise, into overdrive. I was soon able to replicate the dedication I had to hero work to my studies.
Truthfully, the two will never be equal. After all, I'm in the hero course. Not the general studies course. But it's enough that I often help some of my classmates in the hero course with their homework in our non-hero classes.
Last night, I had done some training work with Bakugo and Kirishima, so I was tired. I fell into my seat like a sack of potatoes. Even though classes are almost over for the year… school hasn't hit the brakes at all!
"You're free to go."
There was a pause.
"WHAT?!" the class exclaimed in unison.
"What? Would you prefer I assign you work?" Aizawa said slowly. "I know you all are burnt out and you only get a bit over a month of summer vacation, a lot of which will be spent doing internships."
The class didn't say anything in response.
"Just go pack up your dorms. You've all already finished your finals." Normally very nonchalant, Aizawa seemed uncharacteristically irritated and quick with his words. It seemed like he wanted to just get things over with.
The class ran out like a pack of deer running away from a loud noise. Left behind, I went up to Mr. Aizawa.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Aizawa. Stay safe during next month!"
"No need to thank me, Midoriya. Make sure you remember your appointment with All Might tonight."
Wait, why does he know about our appointment? Is it that big of a deal? I hope nothing serious happened. I figured he was just going to talk to me about my summer internship. Did something-
"Are you going to go home?" Aizawa asked, jolting me back into reality.
"Ah! Y-Yeah. Thanks!"
Having taken all of my school supplies out expecting there to be math class, I ran back to my desk to put my objects back into my backpack and leave the classroom. But then I remembered something.
Crap! I forgot I was going to help Uraraka move her stuff! I need to catch up with her!
I quickly packed up my stuff and ran towards the door.
Activating One For All: Full Cowling as I ran, I burst through the door, turned to my right, and lunged forward only to ram directly into the person who I was intending to help.
"Midoriya! No running in the halls!" shouted Iida, who was going in the opposite direction.
"Sorry!" I turned towards the person I had run into. "Uraraka! Are you okay? I'm sorry. I didn't see you there!"
"It's okay," she said with a more nasal tone than usual because her hand was on her nose. She moved her hand back and looked at it, looking surprised. "Ah! I think my nose is bleeding!"
"Oh no! It is!" I quickly pulled a handkerchief out of my bag and gave it to her. "I'm so sorry, Uraraka. I didn't realize you were waiting for me and tried to catch up with you." I extended my arm and helped her up to her feet, with her right hand holding the handkerchief to her nose and her eyes tightly shut.
"It's okay. Do you want to come and help me put stuff up in my dorm?"
"Sure." We started walking, but I kept seeing Uraraka wincing from the corner of my eye. Oh no… I ran into her with my quirk! How hard did I hit her? "Uraraka, are you sure you're okay? You look pretty hurt."
"I-It's fine. It'll stop in a second."
"Are you sure? You look to be in a lot of pain." She pulled away the handkerchief. Its color had turned from a light green to a darker scarlet. "Uraraka! It hasn't even been a minute and it's already this dark! Your nose could be broken!"
"What? No it isn't! It was just a bump in the halls. I'll be fine."
"A bump where I was running near full-speed with my quirk. Come on, let's go to Recovery Girl."
I indeed broke her nose, which made me feel immensely stupid for what I did. Luckily I didn't full-on destroy it; only a minor fracture. But it was a break nonetheless.
Uraraka was healed with no problems and she didn't lose much stamina, so she was able to just get up and walk with me back to her dorm. Unlike me, Uraraka didn't visit the nurse's office very often and didn't run out of energy like I did at the start of the year.
On our way, Uraraka suddenly started walking goofily. "Wow, I'm tired. I don't think I'll be able to carry all of my stuff," she said with a smirk plastered on her face.
"Awake enough to laugh at me when Recovery Girl scolded me for 'hitting a girl'."
She gave me a cute giggle. "Yeah. Thanks for taking me there. Sorry for getting your handkerchief all gross." She lifted it to show the big crimson blotch in the middle and gave it back to me. I folded it so that the dry edges were on the outside.
I handed it back to her. "You can keep it. I've got a bunch of those; just make sure you wash it out with peroxide."
"Haha, okay, Mama Deku! You don't need me to wash it for you."
"Well, I can take it back. But if you want it, you can have it."
"Really?" I nodded my head and smiled, holding out the hanky in my hands. "I… think I'll keep it then." She took it, looked away, and kept walking. "Thanks, Deku."
"Yeah. I'll miss you this summer, Uraraka."
She looked back at me with a smile on her face. "You will?"
Ah! That might've been a bit too direct! "U-Uh… yeah!"
"Thanks, Deku," she said, turning away and adjusting her hair, seeming a bit surprised.
I just made things really awkward… why did I say that? "U-Uh, speaking of summer, what internship are you doing?" asked Uraraka.
"I haven't decided yet," I said. "I'm probably going to try and do it for four or five weeks though. I want to get in as much training as I can."
"Deku! We only have six weeks of vacation! Are you sure you want to work that much?"
"Absolutely," I said with a smile. "I'm trying my best to be a hero. Day and night, I'm going to keep working at my goal!"
Uraraka gave me a warm smile that made my heart skip a beat. "Deku, it's been a year since we've met, but you never cease to amaze me."
I could feel my face starting to heat up. Why do I feel so stirred up by this conversation? This hasn't happened before… "Um… what are you planning to do?"
"I'm going to focus a bit more on rescue training this summer. At my internship during the school year, I went to Gunhead. But my quirk is more likely suited for rescue. And I often have gotten hurt because I've failed to get up close to villains, so I might want to focus on my strengths for a while."
I looked at her and stopped walking. "What's the matter, Deku?"
"Don't sell yourself short."
"What do you mean?"
"I think it's important that you train yourself in multiple ways, but it's okay if you're not a beat-em-up hero with a better combat quirk like Kirishima or Kaminari. Thirteen is a more rescue-oriented hero, but he can fight."
"Well, yeah, but I honestly might just stick to rescue. I don't think I'll succeed doing combat."
"Stop doing that!"
Uraraka looked a bit surprised at my almost angry reaction.
"A quirk is not what makes you a hero. You are a hero because of what you make your quirk. It's not a bad idea to focus on rescue training this summer, but I've seen you working all year. You're always trying your best, pushing your limits, and willing to put yourself out there at any cost to save others."
I looked back up at her to see her still surprised, with her mouth agape and eyes staring straight at me. I started to notice that her cheeks looked a little pinker than usual. My heart started to pound a bit faster. What's happening…? Is she okay? Is she sick? Maybe tired from the healing?
"Ah... did I say something?"
"No, you're fine. It's just… do you think about anyone in our class when you list those details?"
"Um… let's see…" I was genuinely confused by the question. "Uh… you?"
She blushed further and put her hand on her chest, slightly moving her gaze away from me.
"Uraraka? Is something wrong?"
She reached her hand out and lightly grabbed mine. "I… I want to be honest with you, Deku."
Suddenly, everything I had been feeling up to this point started to grow. My heartbeat got faster, my face felt hot, and my arms started to tremor.
AH! What's happening…? Why is this so nerve-racking? Nothing's happening… right?
"U-Uh… yeah! Anything! What is it?"
"It's just that… much of that work… much of my drive to become a hero and all of these things you praise me for, they aren't completely from me."
"What do you mean?"
"I… I really look up to somebody. And their influence… it… they… I really like you."
I felt a little more calm. "Oh. Don't worry, I like you too! You're honestly my best friend, Uraraka!"
She did not seem to be relaxed by my answer, rather, a bit more stressed. "N-No, it's… it's more than that! I mean… since the beginning of the year, you've been so diligent. Your note-taking, your observance, your… your-"
"Midoriya! Uraraka! No PDA allowed on school grounds!"
Looking down, we both realized we were holding hands. Just one, but enough that we would get an earful from the Class Representative.
We both jumped back as we realized. "Ah! Iida!" Why am I holding her hand?!
"Are you two alright? Is one of you leaving? What's going on?" Even on the last day of school, Emergency Exit is all-out.
"No, no! It's okay! We're fine! I was just… on my way to help Uraraka pack her things! Do you want to help?"
"That was it? It looked like you two were holding hands, which by the way, it inappropriate on school-"
"N-No! Nothing like that! I promise," I said.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes! I promise! Nothing happened!"
Iida paused and looked back to Uraraka, who was looking away shyly, almost looking disappointed. "Alright. If you say so. Now let's go to your dorm and move things out!"
It felt good having the three of us walk back to her dorm together and pack up her things. But Uraraka didn't seem like she was in her best mood. She looked somewhat "out of it" the entire walk, as if I had said something to upset her.
Uraraka… does she... ?
No. That can't be it.
We're focused on hero work right now.
And that can't happen with our current situations! We're heroes!
She's just my friend! I just want to spend my time with her, hang with her and Iida, and help her with homework.
Continuing to walk forward, I grinned and allowed my mind to wander for a bit.
I'm really glad I kept a handkerchief handy. I feel so bad for hurting her nose. But I'm glad I got to give it to her.
I hope she remembers me by it. Maybe we can video call each other over the break and I can see her face again.
Honestly she looks really cute when she's flustered.
I soon regretted that decision.
No, stop! No thoughts like that!
Hours later…
"All Might? Are you in here!" I opened the door for my apprentice.
"Hello, Young Midoriya! Come on in, sit down! Have a snack if you'd like!" I pointed to some candies I had laid out on the table.
"I'm alright, All Might. I just ate with Uraraka and Iida after moving our stuff back home."
Ah, those three stuck together like glue this whole year. I wonder what will happen to them as they grow as heroes together. Perhaps in rivalry? Or maybe in friendship?
On the topic of those three, All Might suddenly remembered something from Aoyama and Uraraka's first term final exam. "Is it... because you like him?"
He laughed quietly to himself, unlike his other laughs, which were typically loud and proud in his old muscle form. Young Uraraka's admiration led her to think more effectively in training as well, though it could very well lead to feelings. I wonder how that will end up.
"All Might? What are you laughing at? Is everything okay?"
"Oh no, it's nothing. I do have something to talk about with you though."
"Are you sure you're okay, All Might? You're wearing a long coat and it's in the middle of summer."
The positive thoughts that came to my mind from thinking of the trio were suddenly gone and replaced with memories that were nowhere near as fond. I guess I should just cut to the chase.
All Might removed his jacket, revealing that his left arm was bandaged across his elbow. He was still wearing his suit pants he regularly wore as a teacher, but had a different top, as the suit jacket and shirt were destroyed. Along with his elbow.
Izuku's eyes widened at the sight and he let out a gasp.
"Now, now, Midoriya. I am okay. There is no need to worry about me. I-"
"All Might? What happened to you? Were you attacked? Ambushed?"
"Yes, somewhat. I-"
"By who?!"
"Let me finish!" I said, unwillingly hitting the table somewhat loudly, which shocked Izuku. "My apologies. Please let me finish."
"Sorry, All Might. I'm just worried."
"I appreciate your concern, Young Midoriya. To put it shortly, yes, I was ambushed to a degree."
Earlier that day…
"What are you doing here?"
"I've come to do what I was trying to do at the beginning of this year," explained the grandson of his former mentor.
"Why? I'm no longer the Symbol of Peace. I'm just a civilian now; a teacher teaching students at this prestigious high school."
"That explanation isn't doing you any favors, All Might."
"Huh?"
"I realized the truth a while ago," said Shigaraki. "Although you are no longer the Symbol of Peace, your presence still exists as a poison throughout hero society in Japan."
For the first time in a long while, All Might was genuinely horrified about how this situation would end up. Sure, he's been hurt a number of times and had to surpass his limits, but now, he had no defenses whatsoever. He was quirkless.
"And that poison will exist until I snuff it out. First you, then any of your little fanboys."
All Might's fear turned to anger. "You're not touching any of my students! You've already tried once, and it won't work again!"
The fear on his face turned quickly into anger. "Don't worry about explosion boy. That ship has sailed now. But what we cannot allow is another Symbol to rise up where I am supposed to be."
I want to interrupt him, but the young villain is taking time to monologue. I need it so that it can be replayed on tape and the rest of the UA staff can her his plan!
"Who is it now, Shigaraki?!"
"He's a big fan of yours. The one who also does all of your 'Smash' moves. Izuku Midoriya."
"You're not going to lay a finger on Midoriya, Bakugo, or the rest of my class!"
No… Young Midoriya! I can't let them get near you!
"And what's going to stop me?"
I know I don't have a quirk anymore… but I have no choice.
"You'll have to get through me first!"
"Easy." Shigaraki leaped towards All Might, who turned back to run, which avoided his chest being grabbed, but it wasn't enough. His left elbow was grabbed, and Shigarki immediately started to decay it.
"GAH!" All Might lifted his right fist and instinctively retaliated. "Detroit… SMASH!"
The punch hit, knocking Shigaraki off of his arm, but no embers of One For All were left. It had little effect.
"Oh, I see. You're not just weak… it's almost as if you're quirkless now. You'll be easy to finish off."
Suddenly, the door burst open, and Aizawa immediately bound Shigaraki with his Capturing Weapon.
"All Might! Get to Recovery Girl as fast as you can! I'll take care of him!"
"You fool… I told you to turn off the security cameras!" Shigaraki yelled. He quickly decayed at the binds trapping him and ran back away through the Warp Gate. Aizawa tried to capture him with his Capturing Weapon, but it ended up being cut off by the Warp Gate's closing.
Back to the meeting…
"Young Midoriya, you successfully told the world that 'I am here'. But that comes with its fair share of consequences."
He was shaking as I recounted the story. "H… How did he get in here? Did they catch where he came from?"
"No. The security cameras were disabled for that moment specifically. Aizawa didn't come because of them; he just happened to be by."
"But… when Shigaraki said that… he…"
"It means he likely had someone on the inside. I know."
"WHAT!"
"Shh! Keep it down!" I motioned him to be quiet. Midoriya and I are very alike, though in some ways, being extra isn't great for trying to keep quiet! "I destroyed the security cameras in this room. Aizawa and I will be able to explain it if we are confronted about it. But you still need to be quiet!"
"Okay. So… what do we do?"
"Well, internally, we will take care of it. We will find the traitor during the summer and get to the bottom of this. But for the time being, you must keep your internship a secret."
"My internship? Where am I going?"
"To the number one hero… Enji Todoroki… or…"
"ENDEAVOR?!"