I'm With you, Forever, The End

by Katsuki-1x

In the world of quirks 90% of the population has a quirk. Scientists believe that soulmates and quirks are somehow linked. Izuku and Katsuki are training at the beach when Izuku finds a fruit. Izuku eats the fruit and gains a power. On the beach the boys save a group of strangers that have washed up on shore. Izuku finds out what is power is and what it is called when the stranger

49. Chapter 49: Calm Before the Storm PT2

Asui feels a comforting warmth cocooned around her. She curls into the mass of warmth she feels. Memories of breaking down, finally letting all her emotions out, trusting Izuku and Katsuki with her burdens. She can't see how the others in her class are blind to how good these boys are. 'If you need someone to lean on, I'm here for you.' So quick to offer support and comfort her when she felt there was no one she could turn to. The way they let her cry as Izuku held her and softly rubbed her back, she didn't care when she felt strong arms wrap around her as she exchanged one strong form for another. Katsuki held her tightly to his strong chest, letting her tears soak his shirt without complaint. She doesn't remember falling asleep, but she is comfortable and warm, and she doesn't really want to wake up yet. But she knows she should probably get ready for class.

She blinks her eyes a few times, she takes in her surroundings. She doesn't recognize where she is, she is obviously not in her room. She tries to sit up in a panic, but there is a weight gently pressed across her, almost as if she was being cuddled. The weight tightens in her struggle and shifts slightly. A rumbling close to her causes her to freeze. The comforting warmth flares around her again, settling her panicked thoughts. She relaxes a bit and realizes she can hear whispers near her.

"Froggy" a growling, protective voice calls out.

Asui is confused, as far as she knows she is the only frog-type person around, but she doesn't remember anyone calling her that. A chuckle breaks through her thoughts.

"Don't mind Blasty's nickname abilities, Tsuyu." Another voice chuckles out, smooth, and gentle like water in a lazy stream flowing over rocks.

This sparks confusion in the girl, "huh?"

Fidgeting, and another rumbling sound is around her, the growling protective voice sighs next to her, "Nerd, Froggy is awake."

A yip followed by more movement as something big fidgets impatiently, laughter breaks out of the group at whatever is behind her. The weight that she realizes is an arm moves off her and the person she was cuddled against moves to sit up. Ash blond hair is in her vision, bright red eyes peer at her with a hint of worry shining in the ruby gaze. Asui realizes she must have fallen asleep during her breakdown, somehow cuddled next to the resident bomb boy. She wonders where Izuku is, she doesn't think Izuku would be too happy if she was caught cuddling with his soulmate, at least without him present.

Finally, being able to sit up and study her surroundings more thoroughly, she takes in the others around her. She studies Katsuki first, he doesn't look mad at her for invading his space. He looks at her with concern, worry, and something possessive in his gaze. He flashes her a small soft smile; she doesn't know what she did to earn such a look from someone usually so guarded. So, she moves her curious eyes to another person. Luffy and Kirishima are cuddled next to Fuji, Kirishima looks content just having Luffy wrap himself around him. Movement from the mass of tails drags Asui's attention away from the cuddling duo. She can spot Ace cuddled around a mass in Fuji's tails. A slight shift of the mass reveals the distinct two-toned hair of her hot and cold classmate. From the little Asui can see of Todoroki, she can see something like bliss covering the teen's face as he snuggles deeper in Fuji's tails. Ashido and Kaminari sit close to Fuji's shoulder, clearly just waking up.

A rumbling noise brings her attention to the wolf in the room. Every time she has seen Fuji while in class, there was always a dangerously protective aura around him. This time though, the look is softer, fond as he peers down at her. Fuji yips and nudges Asui gently, Katsuki chuckles at Asui's confusion.

Katsuki must take pity on her as he chuckles out, "he wants you to pet him."

Asui hesitantly reaches her hand out toward Fuji's snout. Fuji doesn't seem to mind her hesitance as he waits patiently with his head bowed in submission. Asui softly reaches out to Fuji gently stroking her fingers through his main. Fuji yips contently, giving Asui confidence in her slow strokes. She doesn't realize how long she sits there gently petting Fuji, but the clearing of a throat almost makes her jerk her hand away. She stills and looks at the source of the throat clearing.

Her eyes fall on a regretful-looking Katsuki, "we need to get ready for class."

Asui slowly removes her hand from petting Fuji, she nods as she goes to stand up. Katsuki stops her from leaving, she tilts her head in confusion.

Katsuki sighs, "you didn't eat dinner last night." Katsuki states with a glare. Asui feels guilt flood through her, Katsuki continues as if pained, "you better eat breakfast."

Asui nods and leaves with Ashido, confusion, happiness, and a sense of rightness all waring inside her like a warm fuzzy feeling in her heart. She is not sure what to do with these feelings. The entire walk to her room, getting dressed, doing her morning routine, and somehow getting to the common room was all completed on autopilot. Surprisingly, she is earlier than she expected, if the clock is to be trusted it is only 715am. The common area is surprisingly empty, except for the cursing and banging she hears coming from the kitchen.

Asui peeks in the kitchen to see what is going on, only to find Katsuki in an apron aggressively making breakfast. The amount of food Katsuki is making is enough to feed a small army. She can't really tell what the explosive male is making, but it smells delicious. Her stomach agrees vocally, loudly announcing her presence and earning her a quick glare from the explosive male. Though once Katsuki notices whose stomach is growling his face turns soft, and he tilts his head toward the table. Asui notices this is the table frequently claimed by the pack, she tilts her head in confusion and points to herself.

Katsuki huffs, "Froggy, sit down."

Even though Asui is still confused she obeys and sits down. Katsuki turns his attention back onto the food he is making. Grumbling something Asui can't quite follow. She studies the male, Katsuki has a concentrated look on his face as he works. He chops vegetables and fruits with precision. He flips one of the pans expertly, catching the fluffy-looking discs of food. Asui thinks she has seen these fluffy discs before on a commercial, if she remembers correctly, they are called pancakes. He tosses the fruit, berries, Asui notices, into a pot with a splash of water and sugar, he lets them sit and simmer. He focuses on something else, expertly whisking eggs and adding the vegetables into the mixture. He dumps the mixture into another pan, absentmindedly adding cheese to the concoction. He checks on the pancake, nods to himself, and adds it to the growing pile of already cooked pancakes. He pours more batter into the pan with a bit of butter. A timer goes off and Katsuki jolts slightly and turns the timer off and opens the oven. He pulls out two massive filets of salmon and tests them for doneness. Satisfied, he wraps them in tin-foil to keep them warm. He checks on the pot he added the fruit too and hums, he adds a splash more water and whisks the concoction vigorously. It only takes a few more minutes before Katsuki is scraping the last of the pancake batter into the pan.

Commotion from outside the kitchen piques Asui's attention. She glances out of the open doorway and spots the rest of the boys coming out of the elevator. Izuku catches her eye, he smiles fondly at her sitting at the table. He passes the table and embraces Katsuki from behind at the stove. He looks over Katsuki's shoulder inspecting the meal he hums, "Smells good, Kacchan." Izuku's voice is soft, filled with awe for the explosive male. Asui can't believe she didn't notice sooner, the way Izuku wraps himself around Katsuki, the way Katsuki relaxes and loses the ever-present tension in his frame. The signs that Izuku and Katsuki are soulmates couldn't be more obvious, even someone with a megaphone, shouting their findings on top of the tallest roof-top is quiet in comparison. But Asui digresses, she thinks Izuku and Katsuki only show what they want other people to see, when they are around people they don't trust. Asui thinks back, even all the times she has silently observed the group, she knows she has caught Katsuki cooking before. Izuku typically watches, hovers close to watch Katsuki cook, but usually not too close to be more than friends. But now she notices the way Katsuki leans into Izuku while he finishes cooking, a content looks on his face just knowing Izuku is supporting his weight. After a few moments, Katsuki nudges Izuku off him with a gentle, "move Nerd."

Izuku cheerfully removes his presence from Katsuki's back, allowing the other teen to remove the last of the pancakes and take the eggs off the stove. Izuku moves to the cupboard pulling out a stack of plates and cups to set them on the table. He moves to the fridge and pulls out the milk and orange juice. Taking his spot at the end of the table to Asui's left. There is a space open on the other side of the spot Izuku claimed, no doubt saved for Katsuki. Katsuki plates the food, handing a stacked plate to Izuku, and another to Asui. He glares at the others, tells them "Serve yourselves. I'm not your mother!"

Ace laughs brightly, "You sure act like it sometimes, Blasty!"

That comment unsurprisingly gets the fiery teen an explosion to the face, from a growling Katsuki. Asui looks worried for a few moments until she hears Ace laughing his apology, "Sorry Blasty, couldn't resist."

Izuku chuckles and shakes his head fondly, digging into his meal, content to watch the chaos unfold. Shoto sighs exasperated and fondly at Ace, as he pulls on Ace's top to stop him from goading Katsuki any further. "It is entirely too early to set Sir Lord King Explosion Murder off, Ace."

Ace pouts, "but Sho, it's so fun."

Shoto doesn't even look at Ace, content to dig into his plate. "One of these days, he is really going to kill you." But it is said completely fond, and as if they have this same conversation every morning.

Luffy proves Asui's thoughts correctly when he chuckles, "Aniki will never learn. I think it has been a personal mission to set Kats off first thing in the morning; since we were five."

Ace laughs loudly, "but he makes it so easy."

Izuku sighs completely amused with the morning's antics, "Ace makes good target practice too."

Katsuki smirks ferally, dangerously, "Yeah, he's a good punching bag. I almost think he enjoys getting his ass handed to him."

The other boys nod their heads in agreement, Ace gulps. He knows that particular smirk means Ace is one stupid comment away from a Haki-infused explosion to his face. He wisely apologizes, meekly, "Sorry, Blasty."

Asui was so transfixed on watching the chaos around the breakfast table she jumps when someone flicks her nose. She lifts her eyes to the culprit, only to face a glaring Katsuki. She tilts her head in confusion, wondering what she did to set him off.

Katsuki's glare shifts into a pout, "You didn't eat dinner last night." He reminds me, "you need your energy for training today."

Asui looks down at her food, it looks delicious, like nothing she has eaten before. She takes a mouthful of fish and chews it thoroughly; eyes widen as the savory flavor bursts and dances along with her tastebuds. She digs into her food with vigor, she doesn't notice the small fond looks she receives. She tries the pancakes, there is a berry syrup-like sauce that compliments the fluffy cakes. The sauce isn't as sweet as she thought it would be, but sweet enough that the berries have lost their tartness. The eggs are fluffy and jam-packed with peppers, onions, tomatoes, and broccoli. The vegetables are cut small as to not overwhelm the bite. She finishes her breakfast in record time and doesn't realize she is pouting until she hears a chuckle.

Asui blushes, and fiddles with her fingers, "Thank you, Bakugo. It was delicious."

There is a small blush on Katsuki's face as he accepts the praise for his food. He grumbles something about not letting the girl starve, and since she didn't eat the dinner he made last night, the least he could do was make her eat breakfast.

Izuku chuckles fondly at the scene, then turns serious eyes on Asui, "Tsuyu?"

She focuses on the green-eyed boy, hearing the serious tone to his voice, "yes, Mido-Chan?"

Izuku's green eyes flash, "you asked us last night to help you get stronger. Is this still true?" Asui nods. Izuku smiles blindingly, "good. Depending on what we have for the heroics class, we will start today. I have a few questions for you if you are comfortable enough to answer them."

Asui doesn't need to think too much about her options, she has witnessed Kaminari getting stronger. So, with a nod, she consents to Izuku's questioning. Asui watches as Katsuki flashes a smirk and places a blank notebook in front of Izuku.

Izuku opens his notebook with a happy-sounding hum, he flashes his bright green eyes at Asui. "Ok first question: Who makes your hero gear?"

Asui hums, "I'm not sure." She puts her finger to her chin, "I put the request in when I started at U.A. so I never met the company that designs my costume."

Izuku hums considering, "Ok, that is not an issue. Do you have the prints or specs that you requested when you came to U.A.? if not, would you be comfortable enough to let me take your suit to a friend of mine? He makes all of our gear, and he is in class 1-C. He would be able to spot any weakness in your suit, or areas that could be improved to maximize your Quirks potential."

Asui hums uncertainly, "I'm not sure. Can I talk with him first before we send my suit to him? I don't want him to put in so much work on the suit and it not work for me."

Izuku nods, "if we are still working on special moves during our Hero class, I'll take you. Ok, next question, what are you working on for your special moves?"

"I am working on camouflaging and suppressing my presence." Asui answers.

Izuku's eyes sparkle, "That's so cool, have you finished it? How long can you hold the form? Can you move without losing the invisibility, or do you have to stay stationary?"

"Ummm…" Asui blushes, "I haven't perfected yet."

Izuku smiles softly, "It's ok, we will figure it out together." Asui nods still feeling a little embarrassed. Izuku flashes her a reassuring smile, "Ok now, what areas did you want help with?"

Asui hums, "I'm taking sailing lessons with Yasopp- Sensei. And I originally wanted to work in ocean rescues as a pro hero. So I have neglected all my training that didn't include, swim speed and flexibility. Some of those skills can be used on land, the swim speed has helped my agility. I could work on my leg strength to increase how far I can jump. Also, my tongue can stretch about 20m so I could work on that as well."

Izuku hums thoughtfully, "Ok, so physical Conditioning. How are your reflexes, reaction time?"

Asui hangs her head in shame, "I could work on it a bit more."

"Ok, we have a base, for now, to work with. I will work on a training schedule for you, and then reevaluate where you are in two weeks." Izuku smiles. He hums thoughtfully, "I want to put you through a series of tests, like the quirk apprehension exam that Aizawa made us do. Except, I don't want you to use your quirk. If we increase your base strength without the extra skills your quirk gives you, it will increase the overall power of your quirk. And then at the end of the two weeks, we will do a retest to see the improvements."

Asui nods, "Thank you, Mido-Chan."

Izuku nods in finality, "Great, then we should probably get to class."

Asui looks at the time, it's 7:40 am and class starts at 8:30. But she knows the boys like to get to class earlier than the rest of their classmates. She tilts her head in question, confusion marring her face.

Luffy looks at her with a small solemn look on his face, "we get to class early so we don't have to hear the whispers of the others."

Asui looks down sadly, she has noticed the whispers, mostly being white noise to her but every once in a while, she picks up the venomous words sneered at the group. She wishes she can stop it, but the boys seem to ignore the comments and she doesn't want to bring light down on the situation. But then she wars with herself because she is supposed to be training to be a hero, a hero stops injustice. And to Asui, the others berating some of their classmates just because they look different is a grave injustice. Luffy crowds her and wraps a lanky arm around her shoulders, "it's ok Tsuyu, it's not something we are new to after all."

Asui looks confused, Izuku sighs, "don't worry about us, Tsuyu, we have been treated like this since kindergarten. I wasn't expecting much to change just because we came to a hero high school."

Asui doesn't know what to think about that. They have been treated like this since kindergarten. Why? Why hasn't anyone stopped it? She can't help but be incredibly sad for this group of boys, to have to deal with being called a monster, villain, or beast since they were 5. It's terrible. Asui thinks the boys are even stronger than she originally thought, to be able to put up with that scorn and not fall into darkness because of it… well that takes incredible strength. She thinks of all the physical power the group has and can't help but realize if they had any darkness in them, they would have been villains due to the judgment and scorn they received at such a young age. Asui knows how easy it is for people to let the thoughts of others and the treatment received can turn a good person to do bad things. She can't help but be extremely glad they at least had each other.

She is in the mostly empty classroom when a thought comes to her mind, "Mido-Chan?"

Izuku hums and lifts his head off the desk, "What is it, Tsuyu?"

"Why did I wake up in your suite? Cuddling Katsuki?" Asui looks confused.

Katsuki huffs, "did you feel better when you woke up?"

Asui thinks for a moment, she did wake up feeling a sense of peace and safety before the panic set in. But once she realized where she was the panic faded into confusion, but underneath that was the still humming comfort she had when she woke up. Even still, the comfort and safety she felt haven't completely left her. She nods, "Yeah, I did." Tears well up in her eyes, "Thank you, Bakugo."

Katsuki blushes and turns his head with a grumbled out, "'t'was nothing."

Izuku moves to pull the girl into a hug, "you looked like you needed someone else to be strong for you."

Ace chuckles, "We are a bit weird when it comes to giving each other comfort."

Shoto nods, "So when Katsuki texted us that we were having a puppy pile. We came running."

Asui tilts her head in confusion, "Puppy Pile?"

Izuku groans, but it goes ignored as Luffy excitedly explains, "well Fuji is basically a giant puppy. So puppy pile."

Kirishima butts in, "Except when Fuji is protecting something, but when it is just us, he's a giant Puppy."

Katsuki smirks, "Cuddling is the only way Fuji knows how to comfort us. Matchstick, Lu, and I have been putting up with the cuddling since we were seven." Something changes in his eyes, "Fuji gets lonely if we don't let him out. There is not always a threat to deal with that requires Fuji's strength. So the Puppy Piles lets him out and he gets to spend time with the pack cuddling and comforting us."

"The puppy Piles have been more frequent lately, with everything that has been happening." A dark look of almost grief takes over Shoto's face.

"Like you're one to complain Icy-Hot!" Katsuki faux rages, his voice similar to a bark. "You're always the first one that falls asleep."

Shoto blushes, something wistful in his voice, "But his tails are so soft."

Asui chuckles a small light sound but manages to snatch the attention of the other boys. She flashes them a real genuine smile, "Thank you. I never would have guessed Fuji would be so cuddly."

Izuku blushes, "he is only like that around the pack. Only pack gets to see Fuji like that, everyone else sees protective Fuji. Fuji likes to claim people."

Shoto hums sage-like, "It seems like Fuji is claiming more people."

Katsuki huffs, "not just Fuji."

Asui interrupts with a shy hum, "Um Bakugo?"

Katsuki turns his ruby gaze onto the frog-like girl, "What is it, Froggy?"

Ace chuckles at the nickname but doesn't say anything. It seems like Asui was actually claimed by Katsuki. Asui looks down in thought, "I don't mean to be rude, and you don't need to answer if you don't want to…" She cuts herself off and fiddles with her fingers.

Katsuki huffs trying to suppress his impatience, "just ask. If I don't want to answer I won't."

Asui slumps and draws in a couple of deep breaths, "Um, your wolf features? They come from Izuku, right? But is that all you got, or um can you turn into a wolf too?"

Katsuki blushes and turns his head away, grumbling something under his breath. "So you also found out the Nerd is mine." His tail twitches embarrassed; he knows that Asui witnessed his Nerd clinging to him after the mission with Overhaul. But at the time he was too exhausted to care.

Izuku chuckles, "The soulmate ability I passed on to Kacchan is the awakening of his spirit animal. His spirit animal is Fenrir." Something dangerous flashed in his eyes its there for a moment but he managed to push it aside. "I'm sure you know the myth of Fenrir. Everything before Ragnarok is true, but while Fenrir was imprisoned, Fuji heard his howling and saved him. Fuji took Fenrir to his homeworld to heal, during a war that Fenrir was too injured to participate in, Fuji fell and somehow became my spirit animal. My Quirk allows me to access, transform, and use the abilities of my Spirit Animal. Fenrir spent the rest of his life looking for Fuji. When he passed, he became Kacchan's spirit animal. Fenrir is not the Beast of Destruction the gods thought he was. He was wrongfully imprisoned because the gods feared his strength." Izuku sighs, "Fenrir is only loyal to Fuji and anyone Fuji trusts."

Asui looks between the two teens, "I thought I recognized the markings on Bakugo. But I think they look cool and suit Bakugo. I don't think knowing about Fenrir has changed what I think of you. My inner-frog isn't sending me any flight responses." Asui pauses, finger to her chin, "I didn't know soulmate bonds were that strong. I always thought they could only be used in life or death situations."

Katsuki smiles a small grateful smile at the frog-like girl, "Thank you, Froggy."

Izuku's intensely protective gaze softens to something fond, "Thank you, Tsu."

Ace chuckles, "Blasty has started claiming people too."

"Shut up, Matchstick!" Katsuki rages.

Izuku smirks at Katsuki, "I don't think that is just Fenrir's influence. In fact, I think Kacchan has been claiming people long before Fenrir woke up, even before Fuji woke up."

Katsuki glares but doesn't deny the accusations.

Kaminari looks between the two confusion all over his face, "Huh? I thought there was only one overprotective wolf that claimed everyone."

Izuku hums like he has just came to some incredible universe-altering, reality-shattering conclusion, "Why else would Kacchan befriend a hopeless nerd when we were three?"

"Not my fault, you needed someone to protect your nerdy ass." Katsuki pouts.

Izuku's eyes sparkle, "Kacchan! My hero!" he swoons dramatically.

The others join in on the dramatic swooning, Shoto even adds dramatic fainting. Back of hand on his forehead and all. Katsuki's face turns red, and no one is completely sure if it is from rage or embarrassment. Izuku chuckles, "The first day we met, Kacchan declared he would be the greatest hero and I would be his sidekick."

Katsuki smirks, "Those villains didn't stand a chance against us."

Izuku doubles over laughing unable to catch his breath, Kaminari clears his throat because he is confused surely 2 three-year-olds wouldn't stand a chance against villains. "What villains?" Kaminari questions confused with a tinge of worry on his face.

Izuku sobers up, "the villains were imaginary. We would pretend there would be villains in the forest behind my house. Kacchan would defeat them and rescue me from their evil clutches." A serious look crosses Izuku's face, "I knew then, I could always count on Kacchan to protect me."

Katsuki blushes, "Damn right, Nerd!" he declares.

"Kacchan was my first friend, my only friend until we met Ace and Luffy. I have always been awkward, and nerdy, our agemates didn't like how I muttered my analysis about heroes and their quirks. So, my mom would take me to the park to try and get me to socialize with other kids. I just got the new All Might action figure and I wanted to play with it. I was showing it to some older kids and when I tried to get it back one of them pushed me into the sandbox," Izuku reminisces about that day. A small smile appears on his face, "I started crying, but then a boy not much older than me, but larger than life managed to get my toy back. We bonded over our love for All Might, to be the greatest heroes that always wins, and saves everyone."

Katsuki hums, "everyone avoided me, back then. I know my personality is shit, I'm aggressive, rude, brash, and prone to solving conflicts with my fist rather than words. Other kids didn't want to be around me, they started treating me like I was bad. Their parents didn't want me around their kids because I was rude. So they started to say I was heading down the road to villainy. So when I saw the little nerd getting picked on and pushed, I stepped in." He blushes embarrassed, "a hero is someone who protects those weaker than them. So, I figured if I could save one person, I would prove the other kids wrong."

Izuku smiles fondly at his soulmate, "my mom was so happy I made a friend, she didn't care that Kacchan was loud and brash. She saw that Kacchan was getting me to open up, that he was protecting me in his unique way that she never tried to stop me from playing with him. We would forage for herbs in the forest to find plants that could make remedies like burn creams and such. When we watched hero fights, Kacchan was never bothered by my muttering or my analysis. He would even point out the things I missed or add his own opinion to my analysis."

Katsuki smirks at the shocked faces of everyone there, "the day I got my quirk, the nerd already analyzed it, and countered all potential weaknesses. He started drawing my costume, making notes on the side for potential support equipment. My nerd even designed my gauntlets when we were five."

Izuku flushes embarrassed hearing Katsuki brag about his analysis, "I was what you call a late bloomer. My quirk didn't come in until after my fifth birthday. I wanted to be someone useful to Kacchan, I vowed if I was really quirkless, I would do anything in my power to make sure Kacchan became the best hero for the both of us. My mom took me to the hospital, the doctor said I was quirkless. He said since I haven't shown any signs of having a quirk, I most likely didn't."

Asui looks between the boys confused, obviously, Izuku has a quirk now, but she didn't know quirks could come in later. "So if you were diagnosed as quirkless, how did you get Fuji?"

Izuku smiles fondly, "Kacchan took me to the beach to cheer me up. He wanted to show off his quirk by exploding the trash around the beach. We were looking for an area that was away from everyone else when I found three people washed up onshore. They looked injured, and I wanted to help them. I guess Fuji felt my desire to make them better and he lent me his flames to heal them. We waited until they woke up, and when they did, we met Shanks, Ace, and Luffy. They didn't have anywhere to go so I took them to my house. My mom took them in, Shanks found a job at Might Tower. They stayed with us ever since."

Even though the pack knows the origins of Ace and Luffy, Asui doesn't, and a sad look crosses her face, "Why not go home? Don't you miss it?"

Ace gets a dark look on his face, "at the time going home wasn't an option. We came from a very small island, a bunch of Soldiers came to the island and set it on fire. Shanks saved me and Luffy in a tiny rowboat. We hit a storm and capsized ending up on Izuku's beach."

Izuku sighs, "during the time they stayed with us, Shanks was trying to save up money to move out. But they found out Shanks is my mom's match. So she ended up adopting Ace and Luffy."

Asui gasps at this new information, "So you three really are brothers."

Ace chuckles, "Technically, all four of us are brothers."

Asui flashes a confused look between the four, "oh?"

Izuku considers telling her about the incident when they were seven, but surprisingly Katsuki beat him to it. With a growl, Katsuki mutters, "my mother tried to kill me when I was seven. It wasn't like the nerd was going to let me go to an orphanage. Inko officially adopted me so I wouldn't be taken away."

Asui's face morphs into a horrified expression, these boys have had it so rough. The strength they must have to keep bouncing back is incredible. And though she is dying to know why, why a mother would try to kill her own child, she keeps her mouth shut. She can tell whatever happened was traumatic and life-changing, she doesn't want the boys to have to relive it. So she tries to smile through the sadness, "I'm glad you made it out of there, Bakugo."

Bakugo nods gratefully, "all thanks to the Nerd for that one." He tries to play it off but there is a subtle hint of a whine building in his throat.

Izuku clears his throat grabbing the attention of the others, "actually, it was Fuji that saved Kacchan's life. I lost control when I saw Kacchan like that, I was panicking, and Fuji took over." I whimper builds in his throat, "It was the first time I fully transformed, I was scared I was gonna lose Kacchan. Before that, I only had access to Fuji's healing and enhanced senses."

Luffy's face morphs into sadness, "that was when Shanks upped our training."

Asui gasps, "you've been training since you were seven?! No wonder why you are all so strong."

Izuku catches the hopeless tone shadowed by disbelief and awe. He sighs, "We had no choice at the time. Fuji needed to be under control, and I couldn't risk losing my mind if something happened to the others. Luffy, Ace, and Kacchan put up with the training to take the burden off my shoulders. If they were stronger, the chances of them getting hurt decreased. With that, the chances of me losing control over Fuji lessened as well."

Asui hums with her finger on her chin absorbing the reasons why these boys are so strong. "It makes sense, giving the circumstances."

Izuku's ears twitch as multiple signatures pop into his range, muffled voices on the other side of the door. It seems they have lost track of time and the other students are making their way into the classroom. There is an exciting buzz around the majority of the class, Izuku can't help but smile, content that their classmates are starting to loosen up. With all that has happened this year so far, the class deserves to focus on something else. Once everyone is in their seats, Izuku calls the class to attention.

Aizawa steps into the classroom, replies halfheartedly to the students 'good mornings.' After the night he had last night, he wants nothing more than to crawl into his sleeping bag and sleep for the next week. But alas he has a class to teach, well he just has to get through the morning announcements then he can pawn the students off on the other teachers.

Aizawa sighs, "I had a meeting with Nezu last night, the festival is still slated to happen. The event will be closed to the public; however, we are giving passes to family members. If you want your family to come to the festival, you must submit a request for temporary access pass two weeks prior to the event. No exceptions."

The class starts to break out into murmurs and whispers. Aizawa's patience for the day has completely checked out. He glares and activates his quirk, "you can talk, later." He states coldly, glaring at the few students who were too slow to shut up immediately. "With the festival approaching, you will be given time to work on your exhibit. It doesn't get as much publicity as the other events, but it is meant to be a fun experience for the entire school."

Izuku raises his hand, he waits to be called upon. With a glare, Aizawa acknowledges him with a short nod. "Is it mandatory to participate in the event?"

Aizawa sighs, there must be a reason why Izuku is basically asking to sit this one out. "In one way or another, every student participates. A student behind the scenes is just as important as the students in the spotlight."

Izuku sits up straighter, then hums, "yes sensei. One more question?"

"What is it?"

"Can the class do multiple events?" Izuku asks almost too quietly, but Aizawa still hears the question.

Iida interrupts, "We are supposed to do this as a class. What can't stand us long enough to work on a class project? Oh right, I forgot you barely participate in-class training, why would you participate in a fun class event. Do you even know how to get along with anyone besides your group?"

Izuku bows his head, "it's not that Iida. I just don't want to make anyone uncomfortable. I can sense the unease coming off you in waves, and if this is supposed to be a fun event for the class… well I have no issues sitting this one out if it means you guys will enjoy yourselves."

Kaminari slams his hands down on the desk, "I have had it!" He rounds on Iida, "just yesterday you were voting whether or not to wait for Izuku and Katsuki to decide what we were going to do. You all voted against waiting for them, so we walked out, you didn't even try to get us to stay. Why are you trying to make Izuku seem like the uncooperative one? Why are you singling him out? Do you know why we don't hang out with the rest of the class in the common room?"

Iida scoffs, "it's not my business if you hang out in the common room or not. I do not see what this has to do with me."

Kaminari glares, electricity sparking around him, "it's because every time we go downstairs, all we get is whispers behind our backs, distasteful looks, and caution. The dorms have been hard on us all, a new way of life, new surroundings. But at least you guys can decompress in the common room after a long day. Izuku stays away because he is too nice to cause anyone unnecessary stress and discomfort." Tears threaten to spill from his eyes, "how would you feel if every day in class your peers looked at you with hatred? How would you feel if every day, you came home from school just to be looked at with discomfort and hatred, everyone standing on eggshells waiting for you to snap just they would actually have a reason to hate you? How would you feel, if there was nowhere you could go to escape that, the only place you can let your guard down is in the safety of your room?" Kaminari's rant gets choked off by tears, he hiccups as Izuku pulls him into a hug.

Izuku gently rubs Kaminari's back, "it's fine Denki."

Aizawa sighs, "typically when the class can't decide on something, I would be forced to pick a generic class activity." The class groans, Aizawa glares but ignores them, "however, because of the clear rift in the class, I will allow two separate performances."

Iida nods with something like a smirk hiding behind his stoic face, Izuku continues to rub circles on Kaminari's back. Once the boy is settled, Aizawa hands over the class to Present Mic for English.

The rest of the morning classes progress without incident, Katsuki studies Izuku. His nerd is lost in thought, the lack of muttering and scribbling of his pencil on paper is the only giveaway to how deep in thought he is. Katsuki nudges him and waits for the Nerd to acknowledge him. Izuku hums gently and shakes his head. Luckily Katsuki's note-taking ability is on par with Izuku's so he can catch the nerd up on whatever they missed.

Katsuki waits until lunch to bring up the incident, "What happened, Nerd?"

Caught off guard, which is shocking itself Izuku startles, "Kacchan?" His eyes clear as he realizes he spent the entire morning lost in thoughts. Izuku looks into his soulmate's eyes, picking up the worried gaze. He sighs, "let's grab lunch and see if Kato wants to join us."

Katsuki nods, "then you're gonna tell me what is on your mind?" It's phrased as a question, but Izuku notices the small hint of a command laced in them.

Izuku nods, "of course Kacchan. I think we should eat outside today."

After grabbing lunch and seeing if Kato wanted to join them, Izuku leads the others to the roof. Kaminari is still shaken up from his outburst earlier. Izuku wraps a tail around him, as he leads them to the roof. Finding a spot away from the door and out of sight if anyone happened to look up, Izuku scans his surroundings to make sure he wasn't followed. Luckily, Iida doesn't seem to care where they went at the moment so they should be ok letting their guards down a little.

Kato looks at the group confused; they do not normally sit on the roof. They haven't done that since middle school when they wanted to be away from everyone else. Something must have happened in class today to draw the boys back up to their secluded rooftop. Whatever it was seemed to upset Izuku, Katsuki, and Kaminari the most. Ace and Luffy look angry but with an air of acceptance; like this is nothing new and almost expected to happen. Shoto hovers close to Ace, frost coating his skin. Ashido hovers close to Kaminari adding her support to Izuku's gentle cuddling. And Kirishima isn't smiling, which concerns Kato as much as everything else does. Kirishima is always smiling, every time Kato has seen the red-head he always greets the world and everyone with a toothy grin. Standing behind Izuku is a familiar unknown girl, but instead of raising alarms, Kato studies her. She looks sad and confused on the pack's behalf. She looks at her wrist with something like intrigue and shock. Her finger twitches above the tail, wanting to pet the tail but unsure if she should. What shocks Kato though, is on the girl's other wrist, there is an Ash-Blond tail circled lightly but still possessive around her.

Kato feels eyes on him, he turns his gaze to the culprit, landing on a pair of protective ruby eyes. He lifts his brow in question. Katsuki blushes and grumbles out, "she's mine."

Kato nods at the growling tone, unsurprised Katsuki would be another possessive wolf. He looks back at the frog-like girl and smiles softly at her confusion, "hi, I'm Kato."

The girl blushes, "Tsuyu." She introduces herself with a frog-like croak.

Kato nods and flits his eyes across everyone present, "So, is anyone going to tell me why my soulmate is so upset?"

Izuku growls lowly in his throat, just barely covering the whimper as he retells what happened in class. Izuku tells Kato what Tsuyu told them last night about the class-wide vote to wait for them and how the voting results were not in their favor. So Izuku told him he asked Aizawa if it was possible for the class to do separate events for the festival. Kato understands Izuku's reasonings. Izuku is too nice to bring unnecessary stress to other people. Izuku explained once in middle school what it felt like when people were uneasy around him. He explained it as a dark, heavy, suffocating feeling; as if all the air in the area was replaced with mud. Thick and dirty.

Izuku starts telling Kato about Iida trying to make them seem like the ones being uncooperative. Making it seem like Izuku and pack wasn't interested in the first place, to justify trying to leave them out of the discussion. Izuku also tells him how Kaminari stood up for them, calling Iida out on his bullshit, only to break down. Kato moves to crowd his soulmate, softly rubbing the mark and whispering comforting words to the distressed male.

Kaminari immediately latches onto Kato, hiding his face in Kato's chest. Clinging to his normally stoic soulmate. Kato doesn't mind, at least not when his soulmate is clearly hurting. So he whispers softly that it is ok to cry and let go. That Kato is there for him, he is not going anywhere. He won't tell the distressed male that it will be ok, that it will be fine because even he knows it won't be. The group is not new to this treatment, followed them all their lives because people hate, fear, despise what they don't understand, what they can't control. It's heartbreaking when Kato thinks about it, because these boys have brought happiness to him, helped him get strong, showed him that even if he was quirkless people still care, love him for him. And he wouldn't change any of his past if it meant he wouldn't have met these wonderful teens.

Kaminari's breathing evens out as he calms down, Kato chuckles softly not wanting to disturb him. However, Izuku looks like he wants to tell them something, so regretfully he tries to pull away. But Kaminari slumps completely boneless, apparently, his soulmate cried himself to sleep. Kato smiles softly and maneuvers Kaminari to lay his head in his lap, Kato runs his fingers through Kaminari's hair.

Izuku looks at the two softly, a small, pleased smile on his face. "I think we need to talk to Nezu about switching the classes sooner. The rift in our class is growing every day, I have tried to fix it, give them space but as long as we are in class 1-A the rift is going to keep getting bigger."

Asui croaks in confusion, "why is Principal Nezu switching the classes?"

Izuku studies the girl, he comes to a decision quickly and sighs. "I'm not supposed to talk about this around other people, but I trust you Tsuyu. You said last night that your frog feels unsettled like something huge is coming. I can't tell you everything, just that your frog isn't wrong, and we are taking steps to prepare for it. You can't say anything about this to anyone, the only students that know are on this roof. The teachers that know are Aizawa, All Might, Shanks, and Nezu. Night eye, Hawks, and Detective Tuskauchi know as well."

Asui nods, "I understand keeping this away from the other students, but surely the other teachers should know about this right? They can help train the other students to prepare for the threats."

Izuku sighs, "We can't tell anyone I don't trust. Simply put there is a mole feeding information to the villains in the school. The summer training camp's location was only known to Class A and B the pussy cats, and a few teachers. After the mall incident, Nezu changed the location of the camp to prevent a villain attack, somehow the villains knew exactly where we were and what teachers would be there."

"I see," Asui croaks.

"I will talk to Nezu about filling you in, on everything else." Izuku states.

Asui hums, "So does this mean, you haven't really been doing work-study. That's a cover-up as well."

"It is still considered work-study since we are with a pro hero, but you are partially correct," Izuku states cryptically. "Anyways, as I said we have been working on preparing for this threat. However, Nezu brought up re-doing the classes. It is getting harder to keep suspicion off us. Iida has been watching us, making sure we leave with different heroes. He waited outside principal Nezu's office just to find out what agencies we were going with. He made sure Ace, Shoto, and Sabo left with Aizawa. Then watched Kaminari and Kirishima getting picked up by Nighteye. If I can convince Nezu to split the classes sooner, we won't need to cover our tracks as much. Not only that but if we leave Class 1-A, there is a chance the others will lose their hostility."

Asui nods, there is understanding shimmering in her eyes. The amount of trust Izuku puts on her is shocking, but Asui has already decided that she wouldn't betray their trust; no matter how big the secret is. She was serious when she pleaded for their help when she said she wants to help them. If that means taking these secrets to her grave; so be it. She nods, "I won't tell anyone. And I won't ask any more questions about this topic. Thank you for placing your trust in me."

Izuku studies her, looking for any signs that she is being dishonest, unsurprisingly he doesn't find any. "Thank you, Tsuyu."

Asui puts her finger to her chin in thought, unsure if she should voice her question. In fact, she almost forgot to ask, in her confusion of having not only Fuji's tail wrapped around her wrist but, Fenrir's as well. And she doesn't quite know what that means, she doesn't want to assume anything, but Katsuki did say she was his. Not only was that comment itself shocking, but the fact that not even Izuku disputed it confuses and shocks her. She flashes her eyes to the normally explosive male, he is quiet, face softer than she has ever witnessed before, content in a way she didn't think she would ever see. She catches him staring at her, once caught he flushes and turns his head away.

Izuku chuckling, "what's wrong, Tsuyu?" Catches her attention.

Asui decides to hell with it, she has never held her tongue before, so after steadying her thoughts she points to Bakugo, "What did Bakugo mean by I'm his?"

Katsuki blushes and grumbles something under his breath, Izuku laughs fondly at his emotionally constipated soulmate. Ace, Luffy, Kato, Shoto, Kirishima, and Sabo have looks of amusement plastered on their faces.

Izuku decides to take pity on Katsuki, and flashes serious eyes to Asui, "Kacchan means he claimed you."

"Claimed me?" Asui croaks confused.

Izuku smiles fondly, "yea, your pack now. One of us."

Asui tilts her head possibly in shock, maybe confusion, or perhaps a combination of the two. She doesn't know what to say, because she never thought Bakugo would claim anyone, let alone her of all people. When did he even decide to do that? Was that why he was cuddling with her? Is that why he still has a tail wrapped around her wrist?

Izuku chuckles, no doubt sensing her inner turmoil, "pack to us, are people we would put our lives down for. Now that there are two wolves, our pack is getting bigger. Fenrir wants people to claim and protect as well."

"Why me?" Asui asks voice croaking from emotions rather than her frog.

Izuku smiles fondly, "pack to Kacchan is a bit different. Kacchan views pack as those he wants to be strong for."

"What does that mean?"

Katsuki huffs, "you needed me to be strong for you last night. So I claimed you, so you don't have to be strong on your own anymore."

Asui tries to choke back the tears, but she fails as a broken sound rips out of her throat. The tails wrapped around her tighten slightly. Something unwinds in her chest, all her doubts, fears, stress; loosens to make space for hope, comfort, and peace. With every tear that falls from her eyes, she feels lighter than she has ever felt. And through the river of tears, she smiles blindingly, filled with happiness.

Katsuki gruffly uses his tail to pull the crying girl into his chest, a small content smile forms on his face as she grips to him and lets the overwhelming emotions out. He doesn't need to be strong for happiness, but still, he holds her and lets her emotions soak his school shirt. Asui sniffles as she regains control of her emotions, her tears die down, but she hugs Katsuki tightly, thankfully. Katsuki chuckles, a rumbling sound from his chest, "you good, Froggy?"

Asui lifts her head up and smiles beautifully, genuinely. She nods, "Thank you, Katsuki."

Katsuki turns his face away, emotionally capped for the day, he mumbles out, "don't mention it, Froggy."

Asui lets him go content to spend the rest of lunch engaging in light banter and teasing. The teasing comes from Ace. He picks on Katsuki calling him a softy. Katsuki smirks dangerously and leaps with an explosion ready, cackling about there is nothing soft about an explosion to the face. But Ace laughs at the damage caused by the explosive teen as Izuku heals him sighing exasperatedly, a small fond smile on his face. During the chaos, Kaminari wakes up. He gets drawn into the brawl and accidentally discharges shocking everyone in the group. Izuku and Luffy laugh at the twitching masses on the ground. Asui supposes rubber would be immune to electricity, and Izuku's healing probably nullifies the electrical current. Izuku flares his healing over the twitching teens, laughing at the shocked, panicky expression on Kaminari's face. The electric teen hovers around another teen Asui thinks his name is Kato. She has never seen him before, so he is probably in the support class, or maybe Gen. ED.

That happy atmosphere returns as Asui observes the group relaxing and chatting on the rooftop. The pain from the argument in class was forced to the backs of their minds, locked behind built-up walls and barriers. But Asui can still sense a little of the tension, but as she has observed from the group they don't like to let anyone share their burdens. And Asui guesses the tension won't fully fade until they can cuddle in a pile with Fuji. Just before the bell rings, Izuku is herding them like sheep to make their way back to the classroom. They arrive right at the first bell rings, giving them a few minutes before the other classmates come to the class.

Izuku's ears twitch as Aizawa makes his way to the classroom, he glances at the teens sitting there, the air around them is lighter than it was during homeroom. Aizawa studies the problem children, he raises an eyebrow at Katsuki, who has a tail wrapped around Asui. The teen glares, but it is dulled by the blushing face of the explosive male. Aizawa smirks under his mask, chuckling softly, causing the male to growl slightly and tighten his hold on the girl. Aizawa makes eye contact with Izuku, and the others, and they all flash him protective gleaming eyes. 'Ah,' Aizawa thinks, 'I see,' putting the puzzle together, Asui has been claimed by Katsuki. And since this is all new to the awakened wolf, he is possessive of his new charge. Now that he thinks about it, something seemed different about Asui this morning. But with his announcements and Kaminari's outburst, it slipped his mind. Thinking about the distressed teen he flits his eyes over to the electric teen. Kaminari has seemingly calmed down from his earlier outburst, no longer clinging to Izuku's tail that is still wrapped around him.

Aizawa's skin prickles in a way that proves Izuku is throwing his observation Haki out. Scanning his surroundings and making sure they are alone. He must have something important to bring up. His ears twitch listening to see if anyone has managed to breach his Haki. He sags relieved and steadies serious eyes on Aizawa.

"I need to speak with Nezu," Izuku states eyes flashing seriously.

Aizawa nods, "Okay."

"What are we doing during hero training?" Izuku questions.

"The same thing we have been doing, special moves training." Aizawa sighs.

"Can we speak to him during the heroics class?" Izuku wonders, "it would ensure we aren't followed."

Aizawa nods, "sure, I'll let Shanks know."

Izuku nods and settles back in his seat, Aizawa notices the furrow to his brow that belies his relaxed posture. Clearly, Izuku has something pressing he needs to run over with Nezu. Aizawa wonders if it has anything to do with homeroom this morning. He internally shrugs his shoulders; he will be told about it later.

The other students start to make their way into the classroom, continuing their talks from lunch, discussing what they are going to do for the festival. Not a single one has realized Aizawa is in the classroom. Typically Aizawa comes to the classroom after the kids have settled. But something about this morning makes him wonder what really happens before everyone gets settled. Aizawa doesn't think Kaminari would fly off the handle over some small incidents. But then he sees it, the way the students halt their conversations as they enter the classroom. They flash wary glances towards the group already there. Flashes of distrust, and almost fear flow through the room. Aizawa watches as Izuku stiffens and squirms in his seat clearly uncomfortable. Katsuki subtly trying to crowd him, trying to offer the other teen support.

He finally understands Kaminari's outburst, he knew the class didn't trust them, but he hoped that maybe things have gotten better with time. The only ones not sending distrustful looks are Tokoyami and Shoji. It is hard to tell what the bird-like teen is feeling, but his face looks sad, like longing, like guilt. Aizawa watches as Izuku flashes a small smile to the bird-like teen, which is not nearly shocking as Katsuki's reaction. The explosive teen flashes a grateful look to the other teens, receiving a nod instead. Some sort of silent conversation happening between them.

With Shoji's mask, it is impossible to see his expressions. But he gives a greeting nod to Katsuki and Izuku. Clearly, the pack has managed to grab the support of two other members of the class. Aizawa thinks back, remembers the tragic ending to the Summer Training Camp. He remembers getting reports from Tokoyami about his near kidnapping. How Izuku saved him before trying to save his friends. Shoji's report of carrying the worn-out teen as he healed his broken body, the way they fought together trying to save the other members of the class, and how they failed. Shoji can't get the sound of a grieving wolf out of his mind as he was losing consciousness. The sound tore through the six-armed male and lodged deep in his soul, as Izuku punished himself for not saving his friends.

Aizawa is pretty sure Shoji knows Izuku and Katsuki are matched, thinking back to how he worded his report. "The sound of his anguish was like losing a piece of himself. Like he wasn't sure if he was going to live past the separation." But there was a considering hum before the teen shook his head and said, "it's none of my business. But I can only pray they make it home safely."

The last students to enter the room are Uraraka and Iida, the looks they give the group are venomous. They glare at the group and watch gleefully as Izuku squirms uncomfortably in his seat. Aizawa growls in his throat, sounding similar to a certain possessive wolf. He glares as the two teens take their seats. He clears his throat lacing venom in his voice, "get into your costumes. You have 5 minutes to get down gamma field." He walks out barely containing his rage, it wouldn't do to lose his temper. But he can torture the class in training.

Like yesterday Shanks is waiting for half of the class that he worked with yesterday. Izuku smiles gratefully at the separation from the other class. As much as he wishes he can close this gap in the class, it is impossible. The negative feelings he can pick up when the rest of the class notices he is anywhere near them makes him cringe and he wants nothing more than to run away. So he pulls Shanks to the side and tells him he is going to see Kato, that is their code for he is not going to be around. He is sure Aizawa has already told Shanks that they were going to talk to Nezu.

Getting the ok from Shanks, Izuku leads the group into the main building. He pushes the button on his comms, reaching out to the ninja. Surprisingly it is Itachi that responds to him.

"Hey Itachi," Izuku greets.

"Izuku." Itachi acknowledges.

"Can you let Kakashi know, we are going to be late. I need to speak with Nezu for a moment." Izuku notifies.

"On it," Itachi confirms.

"Thank you, Itachi. I'll let you know when I am finished." Izuku notifies and disconnects the headset when Itachi confirms his message to Kakashi. Izuku makes his way to the principal's office. He knocks on the door and waits patiently for the acknowledgment to enter.

"Come in" Nezu allows.

Izuku opens the door and steps into the office looking troubled. Nezu studies the tension in the teens' frames. "What can I help you with today?"

Izuku takes a steadying breath, "I think we should revamp the classes sooner." He looks down and glares at the floor, "I can't do it anymore, Sir. The rift in the class is expanding. The looks they give people that are remotely nice to us, they treat everyone that associates with us as villains. And I just can't take it anymore, they don't even want us to participate in the classes event for the festival. I asked Aizawa if we could do our own thing, he okayed it. Kaminari broke down because Iida made it seem like I wasn't willing to cooperate with them. They waited until Kacchan, and I was visiting Eri to discuss what the class was doing for the festival. I wasn't there but I was told they voted against waiting for us."

Asui croaks, "Sir, I was there, and Momo asked if they should wait for our missing classmates. The class mostly said no, I said it wasn't fair to not wait for them, Tokoyami and Shoji didn't say anything, but I can tell they wanted to. Ace said if they weren't going to wait for the others, they won't be a part of the planning either. The others only wanted Ashido and Kaminari to stay, Iida said they weren't too corrupt yet." She fiddles with her fingers, "I stopped paying attention after that. Next thing I know Bakugo is inviting me to eat."

Nezu hums and steeples his hands in front of his face, "I see."

"That is not all sir," Izuku states.

"Go on."

"Well, we have started training the Ninja in Haki. If we follow our cover stories, we shouldn't know them. It's going to be harder to keep our ties with the others secret. Even if Shanks takes over Haki training, Kacchan and I still need to train the other holders. Plus Iida has taken to following us around making sure we leave with who we are supposed to when we go on our missions. Even if Iida isn't the spy, raising his suspicion is going to notify the spy that we are people they need to watch. If we are put into the underground course, then we can avoid the others and do our missions without as many cover stories." Izuku explains.

Nezu turns his piercing gaze to Izuku, "ok, who do you recommend for this underground class?"

Izuku smirks, "Everyone in this room of course, and the younger ninja."

"Who would you have teaching the class?"

"Shanks or Hawks as homeroom. Kakashi or Itachi as an Aid for the ninja's needs." Izuku plans.

"Any other recommendations?"

"Kato Tenjin, from the support department." Izuku considers, "he only failed the entrance exam because he only has Haki, he was also placed in a group with a lot of ranged and speed based hopefuls. By the time he got to the bots most of them were already taken down. There is another candidate that should have been put in the heroics course. The entrance exam isn't tailored for mental quirks. But his quirk is powerful and If I train him to fight with Haki he could rival Aizawa as a pro."

"Who?" Nezu questions.

"Shinso Hitoshi. General ED. Student." Izuku smirks dangerously.

"Ok, how many does this leave us?"

"Well in this room there is 10, then there is 8 ninja, plus Kato, and Shinso. That leaves us with a 20 man class. But I think we should up the class roster to 30, give us wiggle room." Izuku plans. "Also, I want to fill Asui in on the real mission."

"Why?" Nezu questions.

"Because her Frog already knows something is happening. It would be best to include her in the planning. On that note, I am sure Tokoyami or Dark Shadow can feel it as well. I have not gotten a chance to talk to him yet and he hasn't brought up his concerns to me at all." Izuku states confidently, "Also Kacchan claimed her."

"Really?" Nezu's eyes widen.

Izuku nods and fills Nezu in on what happened last night, everything to Asui's unsettled concerns to her promising to get stronger to help them with whatever the threat is. His face contorts into sadness as he recalls her breakdown and the cause of it. How the rift in the class is causing her distress because she can see the injustice of it, but she can't do anything to correct the behavior as a hero should. Nezu watches Katsuki as he growls and wraps his tail around the girl. Asui startles but quickly relaxes into the claiming hold.

Nezu nods and levels the girl with a hard stare, "Ms. Asui, I'm sure you can imagine the consequences of uttering a word of this to anyone outside this room. With the exception of Aizawa, Shanks, and All Might."

Asui nods, "Yes Sir, I am aware that not many people know of this threat. I will take everything said in this room to the grave."

Nezu continues to stare her down, "This is a grave situation that not even the hero commission knows about. With a potential spy in our midst, it would do no good to inform the pro heroes or the hero commission."

"I understand Sir," Asui bows sincerely.

Nezu studies her for a long moment before he sighs and nods to Izuku, "fill her in."

Izuku spends the next half an hour or so filling her in on everything, the origins of Fuji, his training with Kacchan that allowed them to share his other quirk. He tells her about Fuji's warning and the steps they have taken to prepare for this threat. He goes on to tell her that the people that were hired out for protection are actually from the Grandline, a world different from this one. He tells her about the true origins of the Ninja, people from The Elemental Nations. He tells her about his visions. That he went to these worlds to save who he can, to help fight in this upcoming war. That this war will be so devastating that most of their world's population perish in it.

Asui's eyes widen briefly in disbelief, she observes the others hoping she would see any signs that they are playing an elaborate joke on her. But she takes in all the other people the group has gathered, the Ninjas with their almost shadowy presences. The 9 or so adults that have come to work at the school. The unsurprising look in Izuku's eyes as he gives each one of them a small almost discrete nod. The battle-hardened expressions on all their faces scream they have seen the very worst of what this corruption can do, so she believes them. Her face hardens in acceptance and determination, "What can I do to help?"

Izuku smirks, something dangerous, thrilling, promising, and gleeful, "we train." He looks at Nezu, "call Shanks please."

Nezu nods "What should I tell him?"

Izuku smirks knowingly, "Tell him to bring the fruits."

Katsuki raises his eyebrow, "What are you planning, nerd?"

Izuku's eyes gain a bright green glow, as he turns to Asui. "As you know Fuji is originally from a fruit, he is not a quirk. What I didn't mention is I'm not the only one who ate a fruit and got an ability from it. Ace, Luffy, and Sabo have all eaten Devil Fruits to gain their abilities. There are three types of devil fruits, Logia types, like Ace and Sabo's, allow the user to turn into their element. As you know Ace turns into fire, but that is not all, he is fire; all fire is under his control. Sabo just recently ate his, so he is still learning it, but he ate the Iron Sand Fruit. When he masters this ability, he will be able to turn his body into iron sand. Another type of fruit is Paramecia types, they allow the user to somewhat manipulate their environments, whether by changing their bodies like Luffy's rubber or by giving someone the ability to manipulate a substance like strings or magnetism. The Last type of fruit is Zoan types which allows the user to transform into an animal, there are three different types of Zoan; the first is your normal animals like monkeys, cats, etc. The second type of Zoan fruits is Mythical beings like dragons and phoenixes. The last type of Zoan fruits is Ancient types, typically dinosaurs, gods, and Spirit Beasts."

Asui soaks in this information, in fact, if it wasn't for this information, she would have never guessed Ace, or Luffy ate one. "They sound like quirks."

"Yes, they are easily mistaken for quirks. And really the only difference between them is instead of being born with an ability, most chose their ability, or in my case ate a strange looking fruit on a beach when I was five." Izuku blushes, and shakes his head, "anyways, what if I told you during my time in the Grandline I managed to bring some of the fruits I found home."

Asui catches the hidden question on whether or not she is willing to eat a fruit to gain another ability to make her stronger, and it is a tempting thought, but, "What are the drawbacks of eating one?"

Izuku sighs, "Well the only drawback for you would be a weakness to saltwater like oceans. However, there are ways around this weakness."

Asui frowns, considering she wants to be an ocean rescue hero she is learning sailing to help her rescue people lost at sea. "I can't be an ocean rescue hero if I am weak to the oceans." She mutters out loud.

Izuku's smile widens, "What if you could control the oceans themselves? With enough training, all you would need is to place your hand on the water and rescue everyone that needs to be saved. You could change the force of storms, control the currents of the oceans, prevent floods, stop Tsunamis in their tracks. You would have control over all water like Ace has control over all Fire."

Asui's eyes sparkle at the implications, "I could do that? Is it really possible?"

"With enough training, and the right fruit; yea," Izuku states with a knowing smile.

Asui frowns, and slumps, chances of finding that specific fruit are impossible. She wouldn't know where to even start looking for that fruit. Then she thinks, why would Izuku get her hopes up like that? It seemed oddly specific that he would bring up that specific fruit. The fruit would be perfect for her, she can picture the lives she could save in the ocean. But also having the ability to control water would give her an upper hand during land battles.

Izuku chuckles softly at her as she is lost in her thoughts, Shanks arrived some time ago and Izuku filled him in on everything so far. Shanks relinquished the bag of fruits with a nod, trusting Izuku's judgment. Izuku shifts through the bag searching for the water fruit he has researched. With a victorious sound of "Ah-ha", he finds what he is looking for. Asui's eyes fall on him not really registering what is happening, Izuku smiles blindingly at her and holds out the fruit, "Luckily I already found that specific fruit. This fruit is the only Devil Fruit in existence that isn't affected by water. It is your choice if you want this fruit or not. But I wouldn't have offered it to you if I didn't think it was worth it."

Asui considers the information given to her, "So if I eat this fruit, not only would I still be able to swim, but I would also be able to tame the oceans themselves? I would still be able to be an ocean rescue hero?"

Izuku nods and pulls out a book, "this is everything that is known about the fruit. Every user that has had the fruit before you have been unaffected by water." He hands the book over her, "here take a look at everything that is known about this fruit. Keep in mind that just because it is not written in the book, doesn't mean you won't be able to do it. If you eat this fruit, you will be able to control all water, even the water in plants and people."

Asui considers the information in the book, plus the information Izuku is hinting at. The fact that this is the only devil fruit in existence unaffected by water, while still being able to be so strong she can't see a downside to eating this fruit. Still, she hesitates, she will have to train the fruit relentlessly to get to the strength required to tame the oceans.

Izuku senses her hesitance, "if you decide to eat this fruit, I will help you master it. You won't be doing this on your own. I have theories we could try. The capabilities of this water fruit are only limited by your imagination. We could even combine it with your Frog abilities."

Asui nods, "thank you, Izuku." She reaches for the fruit, hesitant for a few moments. But what does she have to lose if she consumes this fruit? Maybe her hesitance stems from the fact that if she does consume this fruit, she will be forced to accept that not only is their world is in trouble, but at least 2 others. She can't imagine a threat so severe that Izuku and Katsuki are basically begging people from other worlds to help them. She thinks back on her promise from last night, she meant it when she said she would help them when the time comes. So she nods to herself, determination filling her every pore, her inner frog croaks in acceptance to her will to get stronger. She steels herself and brings the fruit to her lips and takes a bite. The taste is awful, like ash on her tongue, and she wants nothing more then to spit it out, but she forces herself to swallow. The second bite is not much better, but she is expecting the bitter almost medicinal taste that bursts in her mouth. Without thought, she takes the last bite hoping to just get it over with.

Izuku winces, he remembers how awful his fruit tasted, and feels guilty he didn't warn her. As she finishes the last bite of the fruit, she makes a face of relief that it is finally over. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you how bad the fruit tasted. But now you are a fruit holder. First, you can't tell anyone about the fruit. It wouldn't surprise me if the government were to get this information that they would try to recreate the fruits. Secondly, since you ate the water fruit it will be easier to say it is because your quirk awakened."

Asui nods, "how long does it take to show signs of the power?"

Izuku hums, "When I ate my fruit, I immediately burst into green flames."

Luffy laughs, "I unknowingly ate my fruit, I was with Shanks and saw the fruit in a chest I thought it would be some awesome dessert. After I ate it, Shanks hung me upside down to force me to spit it out. Seconds later my body stretched, and my head smacked onto the ground."

"Logia fruits are different from the others," Ace begins. "When we eat a Logia fruit, we become that element." He emphasizes this point by turning his hand into fire then reforming. "It won't be a conscious thing at first. Your body needs to figure out how to be water while also not being water."

Asui croaks in confusion. Sabo chuckles at her, "I got my fruit 2 weeks ago. I ate the Iron Sand fruit. I can use the Iron sand my body creates to grind down weapons, and then reform the particles into a different weapon. Like Ace, I am also a Logia. If I were to get shot, stabbed, impaled, or cut my body would turn to Iron Sand and then reform when the treat passes."

Asui hums, "So I could get shot and the bullet would just go right through me, I wouldn't take any damage?"

"For the most part, yes." Izuku sighs, "There is another power I will be training you with that can bypass a devil fruit's defense. Not many people know of this power, but it is something every living person can use."

Asui croaks again in confusion. Katsuki groans and nudges Izuku, "Nerd, we should just bring her with us to see the others."

Izuku perks up, "Right, we are supposed to meet with Kakashi and the others." He flashes his eyes to Asui, "There are more people I want you to meet." Receiving a nod from the girl, he turns back to principal Nezu. "There is a couple of others I want to bring into the loop about everything."

Nezu gets an excited gleam in his eyes, "Oh? Who might that be?"

Izuku hums, "from this school, Shinso and Tokoyami. I would need an excuse to talk to the other schools. The others are Inasa and Shindo. I think with the rise of villains, and putting U.A. into hiding, the other schools should merge. If we have all the hero hopefuls in a centralized area, we will know exactly where the villains will attack. If U.A. goes into hiding, there is a chance the villains would attack the other schools to lure us out."

"I see," Nezu steeples his fingers. "How would you convince the other schools to merge with us?"

"Easy," Izuku smirks something dangerous, "regardless of provisional licenses, hero students shouldn't be in constant danger. Tell the other schools that the first-year students from all the schools are going on a year-long training trip. That should put the other schools at ease knowing their youngest students would be in hiding away from the fighting to get a grasp on their quirks. Most students don't train with their quirks until they get into a hero school; giving the new students a year of just quirk training would reduce the number of injuries and deaths before they graduate."

Nezu hums, "I will propose the idea, between the both of us we should be able to convince them. And if those students want to stay then they can."

Izuku nods, he will leave the rest of it to Nezu. Chances are the other schools wouldn't listen to him anyway still being a student and all. Sometimes, Izuku really hates that he is a student, he should be out there helping people. But then again if he didn't come to U.A. they never would have met Kirishima, Shoto, Kaminari, Ashido, or Asui. Granted they could have met at a later point in life, but who knows for sure. "Sir, one more thing?"

Nezu nods looking at the teen curiously, "What is it?"

Izuku hums, "did Aizawa talk to you yet about the Eri situation?"

"Briefly," Nezu replies.

Izuku fidgets, "have they come to a decision? Will it be possible?"

Nezu smiles softly at the teen, "Nothing concrete yet." Nezu smirks at Izuku's slumped form, "but it looks promising. I should know more after the festival. It is looking favorable that young Eri will be placed under the care of the U.A. with Aizawa's eraser quirk. Your mom would have to wait until the investigation of the child's family is complete. As long as she has no capable family willing to take her, she will be in our care."

Izuku perks up, "Thank you, Nezu." Pout forms on his lips, "I don't want her to go to someone I don't trust." He levels a sharp look at principal Nezu, "She might not be pack yet, but she is under Fuji's protection."

"Why isn't she pack yet?" Kaminari asks, "you obviously care a lot about the girl."

Katsuki sighs, "It's not that we don't want to claim her. It's just, she just got out of a bad family. If we tell her pack is family, she is going to think we will be the same as Overhaul."

Izuku nods, "I want my mom to adopt her so I can be her brother, show her what a good family can be. Then when I tell her she is pack she would understand it as being Fuji's family."

"That makes sense." Kaminari nods understandingly.

Nezu removes his steepled fingers from his face and hums consideringly, "I will work on changing the policy to let the soulmates of teachers reside on school grounds. That way there is no debate on your mother taking her in if she is Constantly on school grounds."

Izuku bows, tears pooling in his eyes, "Thank you, Sir."

Nezu waves it off, "Now if there are no more pressing issues, I believe you have some training to get to."

Izuku jerks slightly wiping the unshed tears from his eyes, "right, we shouldn't keep them waiting any longer."

Just before the boys leave Nezu points to a couple of boxes in the corner of the room. The boxes are full of balloons and rubber balls for chakra training. He waves the group off and settles into his thoughts. He didn't think the rift in Class 1-A has gotten so bad. He will have to talk with Aizawa to get his thoughts on the matter. He has also considered the issue involving the little girl. Last night Aizawa looked more distraught than usual, when pried for information Aizawa laid his concerns about the girl to him. He knew the girl was already under the protection of Fuji but witnessing the longing in both Izuku and Katsuki makes him fear that if the girl does have family waiting for her; he is going to have two very angry wolves to deal with.

From the investigation so far, it seems favorable that Eri will be under U.A.'s protection. The girl's mother abandoned her, and her grandfather is in a coma. Assuming her grandfather wakes, he would be in no condition to properly nurture the girl. Not to mention her unstable quirk would bar her from any of the orphanages. Basically, the committee is stuck between letting U.A. have her or sending her to a prison-like institution. Nezu fears what will happen if it comes down to the latter, should he tell the committee about Izuku's protection? Or should he play this by ear? He also needs to make sure that Eri would be safe when she comes here. He hums in thought, maybe he can use the festival to show that the girl would be in the best hands possible.

***With Pack***

On the way to the Ninja's dorms, Izuku turns on his headset. "Itachi?"

"What can I do for you, Izuku?" Itachi hums on the other end.

"Sorry our meeting with Nezu went longer than planned, are you guys still around for training?"

Itachi hums on the other end, "We have just completed physical conditioning, everyone is still around."

Izuku hums, "good, we will be arriving shortly."

Itachi disconnects the communication with an affirming sound, letting Izuku know he will inform the others. Izuku picks up the pace and leads the pack to the other side of the campus. On the way, he notifies Kato that he should come too if he is interested in more Haki training. Of course, Kato agreed while also going on a tangent that he can finally meet the other ninja.

After a short detour to grab Kato, Izuku leads the group to the building behind the school. Izuku walks into the building and heads to the training room they were in yesterday. The ninjas gather in the middle of the room, stretching and waiting for Izuku to address them. Off to the side, Zoro and Sanji are honing their respective strengths. Izuku waves them both over.

Once everyone settles down, Izuku clears his throat, "I've got someone to introduce to everyone. Her name is Tsuyu Asui, and she has just been filled in on everything that is going on. She has a frog-like quirk."

"Like your wolf quirk?" Naruto blurts out.

"Not exactly," Izuku smiles warmly. "She can use the abilities of a frog, but she doesn't have a transformation as we do."

Naruto hums, "That's so cool. I'm Naruto Uzumaki."

Asui smiles sweetly, "Nice to meet you Naruto."

Izuku chuckles at Naruto's blush, "Starting with the teens, we have Naruto, Gaara, Rin, Sasuke, Neji, Lee, TenTen, and Shikamaru" Asui croaks out a polite but bashful greeting. "Then we have Kakashi, Gai, Itachi, Nii, Han, and Roshi." The mentioned Ninja wave their greetings when they are introduced. "Over there," Izuku points to the side of the ninja, "we have Zoro and Sanji."

Asui nods, "it is nice to meet you all."

Izuku clears his throat, "Kacchan is going to supervise your training today. I need to catch Asui and Sanji up to speed. Ace and Shoto, I'll need you two for demonstrations."

Ace and Shoto nod and follow Izuku to an empty area off to the side. Izuku looks at Shoto, "Shoto, you are going to demonstrate observation Haki. Sanji, you are going to attack Shoto with everything you have."

Izuku goes into a short explanation about observation Haki after Shoto sufficiently demonstrated the technique. "Observation Haki allows you to sense the presence of others around you. With more training, your range will expand."

Izuku calls up Ace with a smirk at the other teen's dramatically betrayed expression. Izuku smirks dangerously, "I could always get Kacchan up here to demonstrate Arms."

Ace deflates, "no I'm good."

Izuku chuckles innocently, "I thought so. Ok, now I am going to demonstrate arms. Asui, do you remember when I told you there are ways to get around logia devil fruit holders? This is one of them, without Armament Haki you and Ace would have the advantage." He demonstrates by throwing a punch to Ace's stomach. Asui watches as the fist goes through Ace's stomach, while Ace laughs at the sensation. He holds up his fist focusing his Armament Hami to his fist turning it a shiny black. He punches Ace's stomach causing the teen to crumple over Izuku's fist. Izuku heals Ace as he rubs the teen's back comfortingly.

Izuku turns his eyes to Katsuki, he smiles fondly at the concentrated frown on his face as he watches the shinobi intently. "Come on," Izuku points over to the others, "let's join them. Tsuyu and Sanji will be partners for now." He hands the pair a blindfold and a stick. "Asui put the blindfold on and sit down." He gives her time to settle herself, "now clear your mind and focus on your surroundings. Feel the air around you, listen for the breathing and shuffling of your partner. The object of this exercise is to not get hit by the training stick."

Asui gulps her nerves down and does as told. She focuses on her surroundings and nods when she has calmed enough. Izuku gives Sanji the ok to begin randomly attacking Asui. He observes as Asui tenses before Sanji can hit her, but she doesn't have the speed or reflexes to dodge yet. Izuku smiles that is good he can work on her reflexes. Her devil fruit ability prevents her from taking any damage, but the furrow in her brow when the stick goes through her head proves she can feel it.

Twenty minutes later, Asui is dodging more often than not, Izuku thinks the heightened senses come from her Frog instincts. The timer on Katsuki's phone goes off and everyone switches. Izuku continues to observe the group, planning ways to help them. At the same time, Izuku can't really give them more help, it is something they need to feel inside them. All he can do is tell them to clear their minds and focus on their surroundings.

The timer goes off again, Izuku noticed the Ninja he was training yesterday improved slightly. They are making progress, but it is slow. The only exception to this is Shikamaru who dodged every attack during his turn. He wonders if Shikamaru is ready for the next step. As Shanks has told them there is only so much you can do with training alone. It becomes a lot more difficult to apply observation Haki effectively in combat.

"Now to train Armament Haki, you need to meditate. Why do you fight? Why do you want to be stronger? What are your ambitions?" Izuku starts to explain, "the stronger the conviction is the stronger your Armament Haki will be."

Lee shoots his hand into the air, "What is your reason to fight?"

Izuku smiles wistfully, "When I started training, I wanted to be strong enough to fight by Kacchan's side. To protect him, and those weaker than myself. But my will, my reason to fight, my fighting spirit comes from my conviction to put my life on the line for those I care about." He looks around the room, "your will does not need to be like mine, it could be anything. Being the greatest swordsman, to fight with everything you have to accomplish that goal. Whatever it is, do not try to force it. While meditating answer those questions, honestly. It will come on its own once your will is clear to you."

He gets some confused nods, but he really can't explain it any better. So he forces the ninja to meditate. Izuku observes with his Observation Haki, he can sense the unrefined power rising in Naruto and Gaara. As he thought those two would be better at Armament than Observation. Kakashi's aura flutters and condenses slightly, but it doesn't stabilize like it would if he awakened it. Itachi is close as well, his aura stabilizes slightly, but is still unrefined. Izuku could tell Lee had the potential to unlock Armament quickly as well. However, Izuku needs to stop him a couple of times, because instead of stabilizing his aura around himself, he condenses it inwards like he is trying to open the inner gates.

After about an hour Izuku gently calls everyone out of their meditations. "Ok, that is enough for now. First, I want to point out what I observed. Naruto and Gaara, you are close to unlocking it, but it is unrefined. I have a few theories on why. Your will and ambitions are strong, but your conviction and confidence is weak. Armament Haki is a perfect balance of Will, Fighting Spirit, and conviction. I think as you both get more confident in your uncontrolled abilities; we will see improvement. So the only training you are allowed to do on your own pertaining to Haki or Chakra is to meditate, focus more on your Fighting Spirit and gaining confidence in yourselves."

Naruto nods with a thoughtful expression on his face. Gaara shares Naruto's thoughtful expression. Izuku moves on, "The next thing I noticed, Lee," Lee perks up at the mention of his name. "Your will, fighting spirit, and conviction is in perfect balance. I have to say you are the closest one among you to unlock Armament. The only roadblock you have is directing your spirit, you are pulling your spirit in when you should be pushing your spirit out. Think of it like this, when you pull your spirit in you are trying to unlock the inner gates; manifesting armament Haki is the opposite, you want to push your spirit out and wrap it around you like a blanket."

"I think I get what you are saying." Lee hums thoughtfully.

"Kakashi and Itachi, you both are holding onto regrets of the past. It won't be easy, but you need to turn those regrets into convictions. If you lost someone important to you, you could turn that regret into a conviction to get stronger, so you don't have to feel the pain of losing someone close to you. I will not pretend to know what you are going through, but if you need to lean on someone, I'm here for you." Both former Anbu nod. Izuku continues, "Sasuke it is going to be harder for you to unlock it."

"Huh? Why?" Sasuke almost pouts.

"Because for the longest time your will and your conviction were to get justice for your clan by killing Itachi. Now that you know the truth, your will is wavering. It is not going to be easy to change your will, but I am sure you will get there." Izuku points out.

"I'm not sure what to do anymore," Sasuke mutters out. "Everything I have believed for so long, all my strength, my training with Orochimaru has all been for me to kill Itachi. But Itachi is innocent, now I don't know what my purpose is."

"I wish I could just give you a purpose," Izuku starts, "but it is not that easy. While training your chakra, I want you to focus on why you are training again. Try to find a new reason to be strong besides vengeance. I will talk to Shanks and Rayleigh to see if they know how to help you. Personally, I do not know anyone whose will has changed so severely."

Sasuke nods and looks down to glare thoughtfully at the floor. He doesn't say anything, but Izuku can sense turmoil in him. Emotions he has not considered in the last 8 years warring with the twisting embers of revenge and vengeance. His will for justice has not changed, he still wants to put his clan to rest. But his conviction to be strong enough to kill Itachi has wavered.

Izuku knew this was going to be hard for the ninja, considering their wills and ambitions are not relevant here. They each had their own reasons to be strong, protecting their village, to survive, to become Hokage, to be accepted for who they are. It is going to take some time for them to find and cultivate new wills.

Sensing the gloom around the ninja, Izuku sighs. "Ace, and Sabo take Asui over to an empty space to work on her water abilities. She doesn't have Chakra, so this part of the training isn't going to help her." Ace and Sabo nod and lead Asui away from the group. "Zoro and Sanji, both of you can work on physical conditioning. Since you do not have chakra either."

Zoro and Sanji flash each other competitive smirks. Without words to move to an area set up with sparring mats. Zoro holds his swords in a reverse grip, he might not like the pervy cook, but he doesn't want to accidentally hurt him either.

Izuku watches them bow and engage in a very intense spar with a fond smile for a few moments. He shakes himself out of his thoughts and turns towards the Rest of the group. "Shoto, Luffy, and Kirishima take Denki and Ashido to work on quirk training." He looks over the ninja, "Naruto, come up here for a moment." Naruto shuffles up to the front of the group, excited energy buzzing under his skin. "What do you need first to show everyone the Rasengan steps?"

"The water balloons are first," Naruto remembers. Izuku hands him a water balloon. He holds it firmly in the palm of his hand. "The first thing you want to do is rotate your chakra in multiple directions all at once. It is important to know which direction your chakra naturally spins. Clockwise or counterclockwise." He focuses his chakra to the palm of his hand; everyone watches as the water inside starts to rotate. Unlike the first time Naruto was learning this technique, he can't summon his shadow clones to help him. However, this does not deter the teen, he huffs and keeps trying to get the balloon to burst.

After a couple of hours of training, Izuku calls it. "Ok, that is enough for today. Naruto, Gaara, Rin, Roshi, Han, and Nii, we are going to work on our transformations. Kakashi, you guys can either continue working on the Rasengan or physical training."

The Jinchuriki hesitate for a few moments, Izuku smiles reassuringly, "we are not doing full transformations today. With the exception of Gaara, we are only going to work on the beginning forms of the transformation."

The Jinchuriki relax a bit, Katsuki huffs, "have you all managed to get in touch with your spirits?"

Naruto rubs the back of his neck, "Kurama is still kinda mad at me. I don't think he trusts me to let him out occasionally."

Izuku hums, "I have not gotten the chance to fix your seal. I need Jiraiya for that. For now, we are going to work on taming up to four tails. When you are still in control and your thoughts are mostly unaffected by Kurama then we will work up to the next tail." He looks at Gaara, "were you able to talk with Shukaku?"

Gaara nods, "he seems better. He hasn't called for blood since my seal has been fixed. I have also been able to sleep without him trying to take over. I think we are at the point where I can sort of call him my friend."

Izuku's eyes sparkle, "That's wonderful Gaara!" He moves to hug the teen, ignoring the startled flinch. After a couple of moments he disengages from Gaara, "I'm going to get you used to cuddling. Your pack so cuddling is a must."

Katsuki sighs but levels a soft look at the startled teen, "Nerd, you can't force him to cuddle. He will cuddle when he is ready to."

Izuku pouts, "but Kacchan…" Izuku whines, "Fuji was too immersed in scanning our surroundings while we were at the Elemental Nations, that he wants to meet him without the threats around us."

Katsuki smirks something feral, "So, let him out." Katsuki looks at Izuku's wide eyes, and his smirk widens, "what's stopping you?"

Izuku ponders for a moment, "I guess nothing is really stopping me, I just didn't want anyone to be uncomfortable. But Fuji misses his family." Izuku breaks off with something sad stealing the words in his mouth.

Naruto approaches to offer comfort, "We won't be uncomfortable if you let him out. He saved Gaara and Nii. Brought back Rin, and saved Roshi and Han before the Akatsuki got to them."

Izuku's eyes tear up, "thank you Naruto." A thought comes to him, "Maybe sensing Fuji out will convince the others that we are not trying to trap them anymore. Nii, you have both your tails already, so I want you to focus on letting Matatabi out."

Nii hums and closes her eyes, blue and black flames start to dance along her skin. The flames grow and condense to the form of the two-tailed cat. Matatabi purrs as she has the freedom to stretch her body out without the confines of the seal. Though the seal is better, more space, better scenery, nothing is better than being actually out of the seal to physically experience the sounds and smells of the world. She wishes they were outside, but she will take what she can get.

Izuku hums thoughtfully, "The seal has finished merging your souls together. I do not sense any lingering hatred or corruption, that would be present if this was an uncontrolled or rage-induced transformation." He wants to mutter and write all this down, but he won't, he will wait until later. He picks up an intense feeling of awe and intrigue coming from the other Jinchuriki, and confusion and wariness coming from Matatabi. Izuku chuckles, "this is what a perfect transformation will look like. There is no corruption around the spirit, and while wary and confused she is calm."

Gaara gasps, "So this will be possible for all of us? Eventually, I will be able to let Shukaku out? He won't rampage and hurt innocent people?"

Izuku smiles fondly at Gaara, "Eventually, yes. Gaara there is no hate for you in this world. Shukaku shouldn't feel any hatred being aimed at him or you. You both," he pauses and takes in all the other Jinchuriki, "All of you are safe here." He flashes an understanding nod to the others. "I understand your wariness, I understand that you are scared. But I can promise you I won't let anything happen to you."

Gaara shakes in his hold, "ok, I trust you."

Izuku rubs his back gently, "Let him out, if you start to lose control, I will stop you."

Gaara nods, he takes a few breaths to settle his emotions. He closes his eyes, appearing in Shukaku's den. The Tanuki is studying his host intently.

Gaara watches him, tries to parallel this Shukaku to the mad version of this spirit. He can't, there is no bloodlust, no insanity, just wariness, and caution. Gaara relaxes, "Shukaku, I am going to try to transform and let you out for a little while. It probably won't be for long, but as we train together the time should increase. I am sorry you are stuck with me." He finishes with a bow.

Shukaku studies his host with a critical eye, trying to sense any falseness. He would have liked to be permanently free, but he understands. If he is removed from his host, he and Gaara will die. Without the madness and pain of the other seal, his thoughts finally feel like his own again. And as he studies his host, he sees nothing of the frightened child he met before. Instead, he finds a confidant, if guarded, strong-willed shinobi. He comes to a decision, "I can accept that."

Gaara gives him a small soft smile, "Thank you, Shukaku. This is a new chance for us, I don't want us to be hated for things that happened in the past."

Shukaku laughs high-pitched, "It has been a long time since my thoughts were my own. All I want is to experience the world, remember the feeling of wind on my face, the sand under my paws, and the heat of the sun on my back. I will work with you, and all I want in return is some company from time to time."

Gaara nods, "I can do that."

Shukaku huffs, "Then get out of here, brat. I want to see that flea-bag!"

Outside Gaara's mindscape, the sand starts to flow out of Gaara. It sort of resembles a sandstorm, but the sand covers Gaara, taking the shape of Shukaku. Gaara opens his eyes, his teal eyes are different, now he has golden irises, with a black four-point star pupil. There is also four black dots in the iris. A screech-like sound echoes in the training room. Izuku studies Shukaku tries to make sure Gaara is safe. He can sense Gaara's life force in Shukaku, he relaxes.

"Where is that flea-bag?!" Shukaku bellows.

Katsuki growls, Izuku smirks ferally starting to unleash his flames, condensing them into Fuji's massive form. He reaches Shukaku's height and growls warningly at him to behave. Shukaku has an air of defiance around him. Izuku growls again, lacing conqueror's Haki in the growl. Shukaku tries to resist, but eventually, he bows his head in a submissive gesture. Izuku rumbles in his throat long and low sound escaping him.

Katsuki translates, "he's saying, it's good to see you again Shu."

Shukaku blusters and shrieks in embarrassment, he always thought he would never see his kin again. Fuji is the oldest of them, and while he has felt all of the others at one point or another, he never got a glimpse of Fuji. At first, he thought Fuji died, but as the madness started encroaching on his mind, he started to believe Fuji abandoned him, left him to be used for war and destruction. But seeing the fond look on his brother's face relaxes something deep inside Shukaku. "Flea-bag" Shukaku chokes out, but it comes out in a fond disbelieving whisper, "I never thought I would see you again."

Katsuki translates again, "I'm sorry, brother."

Shukaku can feel the drain of staying out for so long, he doesn't want to stress out his host. So he accepts the apology like it is his birthright. He sighs, "I can feel my energy draining fast."

Izuku transforms so he can speak directly to Shukaku, "We will be training every day to hold your form. Eventually, Gaara will be able to hold your form for longer periods of time. When he gets more control over your power we will train outside. I understand you don't like being couped up, I just ask that you bear with it for a little while longer." Izuku bows to Shukaku, "I need your help Shukaku. The force that attacked your world is going to attack this one in a few years. I will not force you to help, but Gaara is my pack, you are Fuji's brother, so in a way, you are my brother too and I want to keep you safe. But I can't defend the world on my own. So please, Shukaku, Brother, will you lend me your strength?"

Shukaku huffs feigning annoyance, but he looks at the sincerity of the little human in front of him, bowing to him in respect. And the boy really believes Shukaku is his brother too just because he is Fuji's. He senses the strength radiating off the little human, the determination to keep them safe, and well since his mind is clear he can't think of a single good excuse to deny the kid his help. Maybe he won't be hated here, he looks at the Ash blond little human and senses his friend Fenrir in the Boy. Senses the respect and devotion the boy has for Fuji and the lack of hatred and scorn for Shukaku. He throws his senses out to cover the gym, and to his shock, there are no negative emotions aimed at him. It is strange for as long as he can remember there was always hatred around him, never able to escape it. So he comes to the decision, "If you can promise me that the brat and I will not be hated for existing; then I will help you. If you can promise me that the loneliness, we suffered in the other world will not be felt here, then I will fight with you."

Izuku smiles blindingly at Shukaku, "Of course, as long as I am alive Gaara will never be lonely again. Gaara is pack. I have claimed him, he will never be lonely again. I swear on my life. You as well will never be lonely again. If you are ever feeling lonely, I'll be there." Izuku promises with unmatched conviction.

Shukaku nods, pleased with the answer and sincerity in the little human, "Very well, then I shall take my leave. Let the brat know I will cooperate with him. It is time I take a nap."

Izuku chuckles as the sand starts to dissipate, "have a good nap Shukaku." It takes only a few seconds for the sand to retreat back to Gaara. Izuku is surprised because Shukaku's bushy tail and ears stay where they are. Gaara's eyes, while still teal in color have the same designs as Shukaku's eyes. Izuku looks at him fondly, Shukaku accepted Gaara, which completed the merging of their souls.

"How do you feel Gaara?" Izuku asks softly.

Gaara blinks at him confused, "I feel energized. I don't know how to put it, but I feel different like something was missing and now it is not."

"Shukaku accepted you as his host, he has decided to help us. In doing so, the seal finished merging your souls." Izuku states something like awe in his voice. "You and Shukaku are now one, everything you feel, see, and experience he will as well."

"I see," Gaara states. He doesn't know how to feel about this change. He doesn't want to meet anyone's eyes except maybe Izuku's and Katsuki's. He is the same as them now, and he can't help thinking everyone is going to see a monster when they look at him. His tail wraps around his waist, causing him to flinch. When the tail stays firm but not too tight, he settles a bit, he thinks Shukaku can feel his unease and is trying to comfort him. In hindsight, Shukaku has always been there for him. Even if he was under the influence of madness, Gaara was never alone because Shukaku was there. He tentatively reaches his fingers to his tail; it's made of his sand. But softer somehow.

Naruto looks at his friend wide-eyed; he thinks Gaara looks awesome. Different from that time when he tried to attack the leaf. He smiles at his friend, but Gaara doesn't look at him. Gaara's eyes are cloudy, not really looking at anything. Naruto thinks he knows why, Gaara is scared of how everyone will view him. Naruto gets it, he fears the same thing. He comes up behind Gaara and wraps his arms around him, squeezing gently, and sticking his face into the crook of Gaara's neck. "Gaara," Naruto whispers softly, reverently.

Gaara tenses hesitating in looking behind him. He knows Naruto won't look at him any differently. He didn't when Gaara let Shukaku out when they were enemies. And Naruto cried for him then, cried because he knew Gaara's pain. So, Gaara relaxes and a small smile spreads on his face, "Thank you, Naruto."

Naruto releases his hold on Gaara, after a quick reassuring squeeze. He turns Gaara around to face him, he beams happily at Gaara's easy compliance, "I can't wait until my features show up. You look so cool, Gaara."

Izuku chuckles softly, "Naruto, your features will appear when Kurama accepts you."

Naruto pouts, "But I told him he is already my friend. Stubborn fox doesn't believe me."

Izuku hums, "That might have something to do with your seal. I'll see if I can get ahold of Jiraiya and see if he can help. In the meantime, I want you to use two tails worth of Kurama's power."

Naruto gulps, "Every time I have called for Kurama's power I was always angry."

Izuku nods understandingly, "close your eyes." Despite Naruto's confusion, he does as told. "Now, picture just Kurama's power flowing through you." Naruto nods, Izuku continues, "Now, try to wrap that power around you like a blanket."

Izuku and Katsuki watch Naruto intently. They can feel the power building under Naruto's skin. Naruto concentrates on trying to feed the power through his skin to coat himself in it. An orange mist-like substance starts to come from Naruto. Izuku smirks widely, "Now shape it into a smaller version of Kurama." The mist still expands rapidly but starts to take the shape of a fox. "You are doing great, Naruto. Now condense the power, try to make it solid around you."

Naruto struggles to follow Izuku's instructions, he can feel the power around him. But he is not sure how to condense it. He tries to pull the power back towards his body, he doesn't know if he is doing it right, but he feels a comforting warmth wrap around him. He tries to condense it further.

"Now open your eyes" Izuku commands softly.

Naruto opens his eyes slowly; everything looks clearer and slightly orange. He gasps as he lifts his hands to his face to inspect the beginnings of Kurama's cloak. It looks nothing like that bubbling, blistering, fire that covered him when he fought Sasuke at the VOTE. Instead, it's like an aura, calm and warm, wrapped around him like a cozy blanket.

Izuku studies Naruto, when the teen opened his eyes, they were a bright orange and slitted. The cloak around him looks like Izuku's own fire but orange. He studies Naruto's emotions, he only feels intrigued, curiosity, and a sense of wonderment. Izuku clears his throat, "Naruto, how do you feel?"

"Warm," is Naruto's dreamy response. "It used to hurt."

Izuku nods, "remember the feeling of pulling him to the surface. Until we fix your seal, this will be the only way for you to unleash him. We will work our way up to 4 tails from here. How are your thoughts? Are they mostly your own? What about your feelings?"

Naruto adopts a concentrated look, "My thoughts are mostly my own, though I want to find a forest to explore, maybe hunt a rabbit or two. As for my feelings, most of them are my own, but the feeling of excitement is amplified."

Izuku chuckles, "That will take some time to get used to. I still get urges to run around in a forest and forage, but it will become easier to ignore. Wanting to explore and hunt is your fox instinct, not necessarily Kurama's influence. The feelings of excitement are Kurama's. Tell me Naruto, under the excitement are there any other emotions?"

Naruto hums and furrows his eyebrows as he searches under all the excitement, "Humm… all I feel is a touch of curiosity. I don't feel any anger or malice."

Izuku slumps over relieved muttering, "Thank god. The healing I gave Kurama worked." He perks back up, "Ok now I want you to pull the power back in."

Naruto does as told, he closes his eyes and pulls the power back in. It is harder than pushing the power out, almost like Kurama is fighting it. It is only after he promises Kurama that he will practice letting him out every day for longer periods of time, that he is able to retain the power.

Izuku watches Naruto diligently, he is about to use his Conqueror's Haki on Kurama, but he doesn't have to as Naruto is able to pull the power back into himself. Izuku slumps relieved, he remembers the times Shanks needed to use conquerors on him when he was training to use Fuji's power. It is not an experience he wants Naruto, or Kurama to go through. He understands Kurama's hesitance to go back in because he has no way of knowing if and when he is going to be let out. Fuji was the same way, excited to be able to see the world again. It is hard for a sentient being to be confined to a cage. There is nothing he can do to change Kurama's cell; not until he can change the seal.

After helping the others work on releasing their Spirit's cloaks and pulling the power back into themselves, Izuku calls them over. They have been at this for a couple of hours, "Good job everyone. With the exception of Nii, you all can comfortably use 1 tail of power from your Spirits."

Naruto pouts grumbling, "my tail is gone." Envy because the others got to keep one tail.

Izuku chuckles, "Don't worry about it too much, Naruto. When we can fix your seal, your features will show up." He flashes a determined smirk, "I wonder how many tails you'll be able to control by then."

Naruto gets a fire in his eye and he predictably blusters, "All of them, Believe it!"

Izuku's eyes flash amused at Naruto, "I'll be rooting for you." He sobers, "every day after Haki training we will work on this. My Goal for you all is to get to two tails by the end of the week. For Gaara, we will work on extending the amount of time you can have him out before your energy runs out."

He receives nods from the group, he dismisses the ninja to return to Kakashi. Gaara lingers, a troubled look on his face. Izuku raises an eyebrow, "What's wrong Gaara?"

Gaara looks down at the ground, ashamed that he is feeling like this, but he can't help it. No one has ever felt positive around him, especially when they find out what he carries. He knows this place is different, the other students he has seen don't look at him in disgust or hatred. They are curious to know who he is, but nothing negative. Spending 16 years feeling nothing but negative emotions follow him, it is a little hard to put that behind him. He knows Izuku, Katsuki, Naruto and the other Jinchuriki won't look at him differently. But, what about his soulmate? The one person whose opinion of him matters the most. How will he react to seeing Gaara's new features? Gaara knows this is ridiculous, Sabo hasn't treated Izuku and Katsuki any different. But then again, Gaara still hasn't told the other male he is his soulmate. For all Gaara knows, Sabo might be ok with having an animal as a friend, but maybe he doesn't want a pet for a soulmate. And Gaara realizes that is exactly what is scaring him, Sabo might reject him because of his features. He doesn't know how to put any of this is words, but he looks longingly at the sandy blond teen working with the girl on the other side of the gym. Gaara watches as Sabo manipulates his sand in a similar way to Gaara's own moves. He lets his sand hover and float around him lazily, sparkling like black glitter under the artificial lights. He feels drawn to the other teen; he wants to be close to him.

"He is not going to think any different about you," Izuku's voice cuts into his thoughts.

Without removing his eyes from his soulmate, Gaara huffs, "how do you know?"

Izuku smiles warmly, though Gaara can't see it he can feel the warmth coming through Izuku's voice, "Because, the entire time we have been training, he has been stealing glances over here at you. Gaara, I don't think you will have anything to worry about. When he was stealing glances, I didn't sense anything negative only confusion and curiosity. My guess is he is starting to feel the pull, but he doesn't know why."

"I feel it too," Gaara states wistfully. "I want to tell him, but I am scared."

"I know," Izuku says softly. "I can't force you to tell him. I can only encourage you to talk to him." he puts a hand on Gaara's tense shoulder, "I can promise you he won't think any different of you."

Izuku smirks as Sabo flashes another glance to Gaara, he turns away with a blush as he notices Gaara is watching him back. With his hand still on Gaara's shoulder, he starts to make his way over to Sabo, Ace, and Asui. When he gets close enough not to shout, he calls out, "how's the training going?"

Ace draws his fire back into himself and turns towards Izuku. His eyes widen as he spots Gaara, the bushy tail sways behind the teen, he can see the tips of Racoon's ears sticking out of Gaara's hair. With his observation Haki, he can sense the nervousness around the red-head. He smiles warmly, "It's going good, Asui is getting the hang of controlling her water to put out my fires."

Izuku's eyes widen and sparkle, "That is impressive, Tsuyu!" He removes his hand off Gaara's shoulder, and he engulfs the frog-like girl in a hug, "I'm proud of you."

Asui croaks breathing slightly elevated from training, she returns Izuku's hug. "Thank you, Mido-Chan."

Izuku nods, "You are the one who did the work."

Ace meanders to where Katsuki is standing next to Gaara. Ace smiles warmly at the protectiveness radiating of the normally explosive teen. Gaara is clearly nervous, flashing glances at his sworn brother. Ace recognizes this look; it was flashed at him when Shoto found out they were soulmates but didn't want to tell him. So, Gaara is his brother's soulmate, interesting. Normally, Ace would tease Gaara, threaten him to keep his brother safe. But Ace is smarter than that, Katsuki's protective stance and Gaara's tense frame tells him, if he teases, he will not receive any mercy from Katsuki's rage. Even Izuku, who is animatedly asking Asui questions on her training, still glances over at Gaara with a hint of worry and protection in his eyes.

So Ace approaches the two, "Hey Blasty, Gaara, what's up?"

Katsuki grunts but continues to watch Izuku talk animatedly with Asui.

Gaara looks at Ace, face guarded, "Just finished training."

Ace smiles at the teen, ignoring the clipped, defensive tone, "How did it go? I see you have gained your features."

Gaara's eyes narrow, Ace notices the defensive walls come slamming up, Katsuki growls warningly, "I was able to do a full transformation, though I can't hold the form for very long."

Ace's eyes widen, "That is awesome Gaara, I wish I could have seen it." Ace smiles at the teen as Gaara's face softens a bit in his shock, "I think Shukaku's tail looks good on you."

Gaara looks at Ace wide-eyed, shocked, "you mean that?" It comes out as a question because he is confused.

Ace chuckles, "of course I mean it." He rubs the back of his neck, "I grew up with Izuku learning his transformations. So I am used to it. Next time you transform, can I meet him?"

"You want to meet him?" Gaara questions shock growing.

Ace smiles bashfully, "well yeah. You're pack, so I want to meet Shukaku because he is pack too."

"I see," Gaara states confusion and wistfulness battling to be expressed.

Katsuki grunts, grabbing Gaara's attention, "Matchstick, leave my Panda alone."

"Your Panda?" Ace tilts his head in confusion.

Katsuki tilts his head in Gaara's direction and shrugs, hey can you blame him for claiming the red-head, and until he can come up with a better nickname for him, he is just going to be his Panda. "You got a problem with that, Matchstick?" Katsuki snarls in defense.

Ace waves his hands in front of himself trying to placate the explosive teen, "No problem at all, Blasty. Just surprised. I thought Izuku claimed him first."

Katsuki blushes slightly, "Well he is mine and the nerds."

"My features are actually from the Raccoon Dog, otherwise known as a Tanuki." Gaara states in a matter-of-fact tone, similar to Shoto's when he doesn't understand the teasing or nicknames Katsuki comes up with.

Katsuki glares at Gaara, obviously lacking the heat his glares would normally have, "I know that, but you also look like a panda." He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly, "Actually more like a red panda."

Ace laughs, "I'll give you that." He turns to Gaara, "don't worry too much about the nickname, it's just his way of claiming you." He smirks at Katsuki, "just be thankful the Bomberanian didn't give you an insulting nickname."

"Bomberanian?" Gaara question.

Ace smiles widely, "yea because his quirk allows him to explode the sweat on his hands. And ever since Fenrir woke up, whenever Katsuki is mad he looks like an angry Pomeranian, hence Bomberanian."

Katsuki snarls, "Shut up, Dumpster Fire." Small explosions pop around his hands as he clenches them.

Gaara watches the scene, "Ah, I think I get it." He turns to Ace, "you're right he does look like a Pomeranian." He states completely serious, like it is a universal fact.

A menacing snarl forces its way out of Katsuki's throat, as Ace doubles over in uncontrolled laughter. Logically, Katsuki knows what Ace was trying to accomplish with his antics, and it worked to get Gaara to think of something less troubling. And Gaara doesn't know any better, so Katsuki pounces on an unsuspecting Ace. Relishing in the squeak like yelp the comes out of Ace.

Sabo spent the last couple of minutes watching Ace antagonizing Katsuki. Ace must have done something exceedingly stupid because Katsuki pounces on Ace with explosions and Haki aimed to main the idiot. Sabo sighs and chances a look at Gaara, he can't explain it, but he wants to be close to this teen. He liked hanging out with him and watching him manipulating his sand. He likes his quiet presence around him, giving him pointers to manipulate his own iron sand. He gives the teen a once over, his training with Izuku must have been a success. Gaara now has a bushy, raccoon-like tail and two small pointy black-tipped ears peeking out of his hair. Sabo thinks he looks adorable.

There are a few things Sabo has learned about Gaara, first; Gaara doesn't trust many people. It is not surprising to Sabo if Gaara really had to go through even half of what Katsuki was yelling about. Secondly, from what Izuku has hinted at, Gaara doesn't believe his soulmate will want him. He doesn't quite know why that thought hurts him. But maybe Sabo can help Gaara accept himself. He has also noticed Gaara has been stealing glances at him, he wonders why. The gazes feel mostly curious, but there is a touch of nervousness, caution, and surprisingly longing. Sabo doesn't know what to think about that.

Sabo meanders his way over to Gaara, "What did Ace do this time?"

Gaara startles but relaxes when he recognizes Sabo standing next to him. "Something about comparing him to a Pomeranian."

Sabo chuckles at the slightly guilty tone in Gaara's voice, "I'm not surprised, my brother has a talent for getting under Katsuki's skin. I almost think it is intentional."

Gaara tilts his head in confusion, "So they do this often?"

"At least once a day," Sabo states sagely. "From what I have been told this is a daily occurrence since they were five."

"Oh," Gaara looks down at the ground, if Ace and Katsuki can keep their friendship going after the awakening of Katsuki's wolf features; then he shouldn't worry about it. He wants to reach out to Sabo, but he is nervous.

Sabo tenses as something wraps around him, he looks down shocked to see Gaara's tail curled around him like he has seen Izuku and Katsuki do multiple times. He reaches his hand out to it, "It's soft, like fine beach sand." He mutters his observation out loud, shocked and awed at the shifting sand under his fingers.

Gaara blushes in mortification, eyes widening in fear. He didn't realize his tail curled around Sabo; it was an unconscious movement. Shukaku must have felt his desire and hesitance to be closer to the other sand user, it decided to act on its own. He draws back ashamed, starting to uncurl his tail from the other boy. "Sorry, I didn't mean to," Gaara rushes out panicked.

Sabo chuckles softly, "Gaara, it's ok. I don't mind it."

"You don't?" Gaara questions.

Sabo shakes his head as he softly strokes the tail, a small, revered smile on his face, "I really don't mind. It's soft, warm, and brings me a sense of comfort." He blushes a little, "I like it."

Gaara's eyes widen at such honesty, and reverence is shown toward him. He doesn't know what to do, or what to say. Part of him wants to run away and hide because these positive emotions being aimed at him are different, terrifying compared to the scorn and hatred. Part of him wants to keep Sabo all to himself wrap the teen in his sand and keep him safe in there, he wants to be wrapped in Sabo's sand and stay there and hideaway. He knows what is making this feeling so intense, he knows the other boy is his match, he guesses his soul is trying to connect with his other half. But he is scared, there is still a chance he will be rejected. Gaara shakes his head, this is just old thoughts and whispers of a small six-year-old that wanted to reach out to the other kids at the park. These are the confused thought of a boy who didn't understand why all the other kids were afraid of him. Sabo hasn't run away from him, he hasn't shown any fear around him, and he even said he liked Gaara's tail around him. Gaara smiles softly at the new thoughts in his head, truly accepting that he has a match, 'my soulmate.'

Sabo looks shocked for all of a couple of seconds, clearly, Gaara didn't mean to say that out loud, but he smiles softly at the emotionally stunted teen. "I thought so," He whispers.

Gaara stares at him in fear, mind going into panic mode, does he run away so he can't be rejected. Does he stay and find out what they could be. He doesn't know, he is not ready for this. He had only just accepted it to himself, he didn't mean to say it out loud. He can't tell if the voices he hears are in his head or being said to him now. 'Monster'… 'Demon' … 'Murderer'… He hyperventilates, clutches one hand over the scar on his forehead. The other clutches his chest over his heart. He can't breathe, he can't think, all he wants to do is scream, but his throat feels restricted, he feels like he is being choked.

A soft, firm touch to his back makes him freeze, holding his breath, hyper-aware of the fingers on his back. His sand doesn't respond, doesn't lash out in his panic. Confusion. Why won't his sand protect him? It has never failed to protect him from being attacked before, so why now? He focuses on the touch, the touch is gentle, soothing, warm. No pain radiates from the spot on his back, so he concludes it is Sabo touching him, as the only one who can touch his back without causing him pain. He relaxes slightly and pushes into the warmth. As time goes on and all that happens is small soothing circles are drawn on his back; his breathing finally eases, his throat opens, and he can finally gasp for breath.

Sabo pulls him into a firm hold, letting Gaara hide in his hold. Letting Gaara tremble, and break down. Gaara moves his hands away from his head and chest, clutches onto Sabo firmly, but gentle enough not to hurt. As Gaara comes back to himself, he tries to pull away. He is unsuccessful, Sabo tightens his hold on him. Gaara tries again, albeit halfheartedly, so Sabo loosens his hold enough for Gaara to put a little space between them. Sabo wipes his thumb under Gaara's eyes to clear the rest of the unshed tears from red lashes.

"I'm sorry," Gaara apologized, embarrassed about his panic attack.

"Nothing to be sorry for," Sabo waves off reassuringly. He smiles softly at the teen, "are you feeling better now?"

Gaara nods because he doesn't trust his wavering voice. Sabo chuckles a little, "I take it you didn't want me to find out yet?"

Gaara nods again.

"Ok, so that was unintentional." Sabo confirms, "but now that I know, what do you want to do about it?"

"Huh?" Gaara makes a confused sound.

Sabo looks away staring unseeingly into the distance, "when I felt the mark appear, I didn't know what I wanted to do. Where I am from Soulmates do not exist. But I thought about it while working on my sand and figured it didn't bother me to have a soulmate. I have watched my brothers interact with their soulmates, and I could admit deep down I want that too." Sabo turns back to look at Gaara, eyes soft and promising, "as you started spending time with me, teaching me other ways to use my sand; I started to feel something. At first, it was a fluttery, excited feeling. Then I started feeling a pull of sorts, I wanted to get closer. So I figured you were my soulmate."

"Why didn't you say anything?" Gaara whispers afraid of talking any louder.

"Because, after hearing Katsuki yell at the Hokage for your and Naruto's treatment, I figured you would need time to accept that you would have a soulmate." He looks down guiltily, "I didn't want you to go into a panic attack. And when you called it out, I thought you were ready to accept it."

"Oh," Gaara looks down in thought, "I was always told my soulmate was to the desert. Or my soulmate wouldn't want me, I'm a monster, a demon. Who could ever love someone that is tainted in blood? I was a relic they wanted to get rid of, so why did I exist? In order to exist one needs a purpose, without a purpose it's the same as being dead. So I concluded that my purpose was to kill everyone but myself. I would love only myself and fight only for myself. It wasn't until three years ago that someone shook my entire world, he was just like me, been through the same pain. He cried for me, his enemy; I hurt him, but he called me his friend. So I pushed myself, aimed to be Kazekage so my friend would be proud of me. That I would have the trust and changed the hearts of those who hated me. If I could make my enemy my friend, then I should be able to change the hearts of my village."

Sabo doesn't say anything because he knows how being Kazekage turned out for him. The Sand village took Gaara's change to be better and turned it into a cage to control him. And to Sabo that is unforgivable. He tightens his hold on Gaara slightly and continues to draw mindless circles on his back.

Gaara releases a shaky breath, "when I saw your mark, I couldn't help but think you would see me a monster, a demon, that you would reject me for the blood on my hands."

"I don't reject you, Gaara." Sabo whispers softly, "whatever you want from this bond; I'll commit to it fully."

"I have always taken what I wanted, I never held back." Gaara states a bit guiltily, "I have never half-heartedly felt anything, or done anything. I accept our bond; in any form it takes."

"I'm glad, Gaara," Sabo smiles warmly at the other teen, "we don't need a title, we are soulmates; that's what matters. We do what we are comfortable doing, nothing more, nothing less. Is that agreeable?"

"Yea, that works," Gaara states wistfully. He sags as the slight nervous tension and leftover fear leave his body. "Can we stay like this for a little bit longer?"

"Of course," Sabo agrees, pulling Gaara towards him to close the distance, letting Gaara put his head on Sabo's shoulder.

Sometime during their talk, Shoto has managed to pull Katsuki off of Ace and drag the flame user away from Katsuki. Katsuki meandered over to Izuku, still listening, and flashing worried glances to the two huddled teens. Waiting to see if he needs to step in before someone gets hurt, but he gives them their privacy and stops people from interrupting them with a glare. At one point Naruto arrived, wanting nothing more than to check on his friend. Katsuki stopped him, telling him this is something they will need to talk to each other about. But still, the sunshine blonde hovers anxiously, watching protectively over the two teens. The collective relief everyone releases as they realized their worry was unfounded, lightens the tense atmosphere. The feeling can only be described as pure happiness, for Gaara and Sabo.

Whatever form their bond takes, whatever questions they have, Izuku will be there to offer any help he can. He chances a glance at another emotionally constipated person; Kakashi. Kakashi has known since the Elemental Nations that Aizawa is his match. But the man has not done anything or said anything to the other teacher. Izuku catches the masked ninja's eyes, he raises his eyebrow and smirks in challenge. Clearly, Kakashi needs to get his shit together, he has been beaten by both Jinchuriki in finding and accepting their matches. All Izuku can see on Kakashi's face in response to his challenge is a glare. But the man's emotions are filled with more longing than fear.

Izuku smiles, there is hope for him yet.