(A/N: So, I was going to do the hero names in one chapter but it got too long at 21 pages and felt the need to split it in two. But I didn't want to split it up by a week. So, you're getting a double update! Enjoy! :D )
...
Shouta eyed his students as the two new ones settled into their seats. Like he had said it wasn't ideal, but it was the best Shouta could do to get some distance between the two and Bakugou. Having the green one surrounded by friends while keeping the blonde one closer to the Erasure Hero and not disturbing the seating chart too much. He didn't much care for the purple one to be in the same row as his attempted attacker either but with Hagakure, Satou, and Yaoyorozu as a barrier it should be fine. Besides, Shinsou had shown he could match up against Bakugou just fine during the festival.
"Now then, today's class will be on Hero Informatics," Shouta said addressing the students once they were all settled in their seats.
Tired black eyes could see some students like Midoriya and Uraraka among others were excited. While others were obviously internally freaking out like Kirishima and Kaminari. Most likely expecting something on Hero laws or a pop quiz of sorts which weren't bad ideas. However, today's lesson was a special one that would play a vital role in their upcoming internships.
"Codenames," the Erasure Hero announced flatly. "It's time to come up with your Hero aliases."
The tired man downed the last bit of coffee as the students started cheering from their seats. Being loud and obnoxious with their arms raised in celebration for the 'totally awesome' lesson. However, a Quirked glare and the intimidating cracking of knuckles worked wonders to shut them up.
"But first…" Shouta drawled as his hair floated back down upon during Erasure off. "…in regards to the Pro draft picks I mentioned the other day. Those are based on who the Pros believe will be ready for Hero work in the coming couple of years. Typically, it isn't something you would need to worry about until your second or third year. However, by extending offers to first years like you, it's the Pros' way of investing in your potential."
Now all the students were clearly excited at the prospect of getting offers from Pro Heroes. Though none of them matched Midoriya's as the green one was vibrating in his seat. Uraraka was pretty close though since she was also a ball of floaty energy.
"Offers are arbitrary of course," the teacher continued. "Any and all can be rescinded or revoked if their interest in you is lost before graduation."
The excitement had dimmed at that somber thought but it was still there. If anything, it may motivate them to do their best and go Plus Ultra to keep hold of that interest. He would expect nothing less from his class.
"So, what you're saying is that even if we get picked now," Hagakure said from her knew second row seat. "We'll still need to prove ourselves after we've been recruited."
Called it.
"Correct," Shouta responded as he took out a remote. "Now then, here are the total of draft picks for those of you who received offers."
With a click of a button, said numbers for Class 1-A appeared on the blackboard. The draft picks were no way evenly spread out as they had been in past years. Todoroki had received the most at 4,123 offers while Sero sat at the bottom with 14 requests. Most of those who had made it to the one-on-ones had totals varying between those two extremes.
Kaminari, who had received 272 draft picks, complained at the drastic difference between Todoroki's and the next highest which was Tokoyami with 360 offers. While Yaoyorozu, with 108, offered somber but supportive congratulations to Todoroki for his high number which he merely brushed it off as being because of Endeavor's influence.
Then there was Uraraka, with 20, who was vigorously rocking Iida, with 301, back and forth in excitement with tears in her eyes and giggling. Which the bluenette was just going along with it for some reason rather than stopping her from giving him whiplash. Bakugou had received offers as well but since he was being barred from the internships his picks weren't shown. And his weren't the only ones not on display.
"Wait, where are Midoriya's and Shinsou's?" Kirishima asked having noticed the top two winners' names were missing. The red head himself had received 68 offers.
"Since they are transfer students, Midoriya and Shinsou are not eligible for the Hero draft picks," Shouta answered then turned his focus to said students. "However, this doesn't mean that they won't be partaking in an internship. Instead…"
The Erasure Hero's signature Totoro grin spread on his face sending a shiver down each one of his students' spines.
"…they will be spending that time with me to play catch up with the rest of you."
Most of the class still held fear of his threatening grin but not his two just now declared interns. Instead, the pair let out a sigh of relief before shooting twinned determined looks his way. Well, sort of twinned. The green one gave a smile while the purple one a smirk, but both were filled with conviction. Good. Shouta wouldn't go easy on them though they already knew that having trained together since before the Sports Festival.
He typically didn't take on interns since working with teenagers as a teacher was bad enough. However, this year the Erasure Hero made an exception for his two newest problem students. They didn't have as much catching up to do if he hadn't been training with them since the beginning of the school year. Having unofficially closed the gap between them and their future classmates before they joined the Hero Course. But there were still things he could teach them.
Besides, if Shouta was a bit possessive of his newly acquired problem children, who was to say? It was something Hizashi had teased him about when he had told his husband he planned to not only take on one intern, but two. The green one and the purple one. The loud blonde had chortled at that earning a shove from the tired man making the other fall off the couch. While the cats had watched in their own versions of amusement.
Traitors, all of them.
But Shouta stood by his decision. He would mentor Midoriya and Shinsou to get them up to snuff. And if it allowed him to keep an eye on the two problem children then so be it. Gods know that the green one was a trouble magnet. Being there during the USJ and getting attacked by Bakugou before even being part of 1-A. Shinsou wasn't much better being almost attacked by the same explosive blonde twice. It was for the best that they interned under him instead of out in the world where they could run into who knows what kind of trouble.
No, this internship was going to be informative and structured with the chaos kept to a controlled minimum. Well, as much as possible what with the chaotic storm that was going to be having the green and purple one under the same roof as his cockatoo of a husband and their three fur babies.
Oh right…that means they're going to find out I'm married. To Present Mic of all people. Ugh. That's going to be a headache.
But it was too late now. He had made his decision. Whatever happens during the internship in regards to the two problem children learning of his private life will stand. They will be sworn to secrecy of course or suffer the wrath of Eraserhead. Something even those of the Underground feared.
"With that settled, despite these results you will all be going on internships," Shouta declared which made those without offers perk up with hope. "Giving all of you the chance to work alongside Pro Heroes. A majority of you already have experience going up against real Villains during the USJ attack…"
Another collective shiver spread through the class with Shinsou being the only exception. Though he too grimaced at the mention remembering that his friend had been in danger.
"…however, seeing Pros in action up close and personal is still valuable experience for all of you."
"That's why we need to pick our Hero names!" Satou said with a proud clenched fist.
"This is getting me so pumped!" Uraraka added from the other side of the room looking excited and determined.
"As of now, these Hero names will be considered temporary," the tired man said bypassing their enthusiastic comments. "But take this seriously and pick something appropriate, or else…"
"Or else you'll have hell to pay!" a female voice interrupted from the suddenly open door.
Extra as always, Shouta thought with an internal sigh as Nemuri entered the room and sashayed toward the podium.
Her Hero costume hugging all of her curves leaving practically nothing to the imagination and causing some in the class to blush. Not the most appropriate costume to wear in a high school but it was not as risqué as the version she had worn during their own time as students of UA. Which had consisted of a trench coat, belt, boots, choker, glasses, and the barest of coverings for her well-endowed chest with literally nothing else. Leaving her bare ass skin on display for all to see. In comparison, this version of her Hero costume was…tame.
"The codename you pick today could be your Hero name for life," the R-rated Hero said as she walked with her hands behind her head to accentuate her full figure which Shouta rolled his eyes at. "So, you had better be careful or else you'll get stuck with something utterly indecent."
"Midnight!" the class exclaimed as she gave them a wink.
"She does have a point," Shouta conceded as Nemuri stopped to stand beside him, dropping her arms and propping one on her hip. "Midnight will have final approval for your names. Choosing sensible names isn't my forte."
It was true as the Erasure Hero hadn't even come up with his own Hero name. Hizashi was the one to chose it for him. Probably not the best idea since there were certain Hero related choices that his husband had made which he found questionable. Like his banana hair.
Thanks for that one, Midoriya.
But the tired man did admit that the codename Eraserhead was an appropriate name as any for him. Though it had at one point prompted Nemuri to gift him a pencil costume which he wore once on a drunken dare. After which he threatened to burn the damn thing except, she had rescued it and any pictures they had taken of him in it to protect them from his ire. To this day that stupid picture still popped up in their group chat from time to time.
Why am I friends with her again?
"While deciding, think of the kind of future you see for yourself," Shouta continued as he grabbed his sleeping bag. "The kind of Hero you want to be. Because the name you choose will help you cement that image. It will let others know what you represent."
With that, Shouta climbed into his sleeping bag and slumped against the wall once more. Willing himself to sleep before he hit the ground. Such was the skill of a habitual napper.
...
A name that represents the kind of Hero I want to be, huh?
Izuku thought back to the Hero names he had come up with as a child while Midnight passed out whiteboards and markers for them to use. All of them had been variations playing off of All Might as he was the greenette's idol and inspiration to become a Hero. He accepted the board handed to him by Kouda as he recalled some of the many now embarrassing codenames he had come up with. Such as Mighty All Man, All Might Jr., Super Might, Mighty Boy, Mighty Man, Captain All Might, Super All Might, etc. Verging more on copyright infringement than a homage, but hey, he was obsessed with the Number One Hero growing up. Also, he was a kid. Sue him.
The greenette still looked up to All Might despite what the Hero had said to him when they had first met. That it was fine to dream as long as it was realistic. Which Yagi thought Izuku was doing as he had applied and joining the Support Course. Using his skills to be the 'best hero' he could be with his own 'strengths' as the man had said. Not knowing that this whole time Izuku had been aiming to be a Hero despite All Might not believing that a Quirkless Hero was possible.
But Izuku was here in Class 1-A. Transferred to the Hero Course after having won the Sports Festival using his own 'strengths'. His analysis. His Support Items. His edge. The one Chizome had told him to find and he did. An edge that was being honed with the help of his mentors. Maijima for his Support Items. Nezu for his analysis. Aizawa and Yamada for his physical training. Even Shuuzenji eventually for first aid.
Izuku would become a Hero. Just as Quirkless as the day he was born. Replicating the Quirks of others to use as his own edge in a fight. Refusing to let his lack of Quirk hold him back from his dream. To be a Hero who saves people. One who does anything they can to help. And with his Quirk Replicating Support Items, his power set could technically be ever changing and evolving. Never tied down to one specific style of fighting because his canvas was blank as Mei had said when they had first met.
Huh…now that's an idea.
The greenette scribbled down his thought on his board with a determined grin. It was perfect. A name he could be proud of and definitely represented the kind of Hero he wanted to be. Yes, this had to be his Hero name. With a confident nod to himself, Izuku put his board down on his desk and closed the cap to his marker before looking around at the others.
The class had been working on their codenames for about ten minutes so far. Mostly by themselves but there were still passing of comments and suggestions if someone was coming up blank. Which Izuku could easily see from the back at some of the literally blank whiteboards held by the students in front of and around him. Such as Kaminari who was complaining about having no ideas and only getting jeering suggestions from Jirou next to him.
In the back to his right, Izuku saw Ochako was hard at work playing around with combining words. Iida was already finished with his board face down on his desk. Tsuyu was still working as was Kirishima to the other greenette's left. Izuku turned to see how his other two friends were fairing. Hitoshi was practically glaring down at his board in concentration while Shouto was simply staring at his finished work. Curious, the greenette peaked over to see what his friend had come up with hoping for some clever but simple moniker only to see he had merely written his own first name.
"Uh, Shouto-kun?" Izuku asked gaining the boy's attention. "Are you really thinking of just using your own name?"
Shouto blinked at him before looked down at his board as he said, "I guess. I don't know what else to write. As for the kind of Hero I want be, I'd like to be just me. Not as the son or successor of Endeavor. Just…Shouto."
Huh. That actually makes sense in a way.
"I think I get it," the greenette said with a hand on his chin. "It's like your way of showing that you are your own person. Plus, your name has the kanji for 'burning' and 'freezing' for your Quirk."
"Yes," the bi-color teen confirmed simply.
Izuku gave him a nod with a smile in approval though in his mind he was already mourning the loss of being among the few to call his friend by his first name. It was supposed to be a sign of closeness being able to call one by their given name. And if Shouto made his Hero name his own, the using of first names sort of loses that novelty. That mark of closeness that they shared outside of their friendly touches. His thoughts must have been written on his face despite trying to keep his disappointment to himself.
"You don't approve," Shouto commented flatly.
"What?! No, I mean, yes…no yes? Ugh," Izuku sputtered out with his hands waving in defense only to fall in defeat because even he didn't know what he was saying. Ugh, words are hard sometimes. "I mean, I get why you would choose Shouto as your Hero name and if that's what you want to do then you should. But I just…"
His voice trailed off as he scratched the back of his head nervously.
"You just what?" the element wielder pressed.
"I just…I like calling you by your name, Shouto-kun," Izuku managed to say with a slight blush from admitting that out loud.
"Why would making Shouto my Hero name stop that?" Shouto asked, honestly confused.
"Because if you do then everyone will call you that," Hitoshi chimed in to explain, taking a break from glaring down at his still empty whiteboard. "And Green Bean here wants to be special."
The purple haired teen gave a wink and suggestive brow wiggle causing the greenette to blush a shade darker.
"Oh," Shouto let out with the smallest glimmer of revelation showing on his stoic face. "But you are special to me, Izuku."
And the blush darkened once again.
"Ooo, confessing in the classroom," Hitoshi teased with a smirk.
"Confessing?" Shouto asked turning to the boy to his left confused.
"Don't worry about it, Shouto-kun," Izuku assured him while glaring at his jerk of a friend before doing his best to will his blush away. "Anyway, it's your Hero name so you can choose whatever it is. Don't let me stop you. It's your choice in the end."
The bi-color teen sat there in thought taking his words in before saying, "It is my Hero name and it is my choice. But I also don't want to take away something special from our friendship."
Grey and blue eyes peered earnestly into green. Izuku found himself almost getting lost in their cool and stormy depths but managed to mentally shake himself out of it.
"Really you don't need to worry about me," Izuku tried to insist.
"But I will," Shouto pressed being just as stubborn.
Again, they stared at each other in a silent battle of one not wanting to influence the other who actually wanted that influence. Eventually Izuku relented as he said, "Okay. Well, if you're not going to use your name, then what are you going to do?"
The bi-color teen let out a hum in thought as he erased his whiteboard before saying, "I'm not sure, but I was wondering if you have any ideas?"
He wants my input on his Hero name? Wow.
"Oh, well, um, you could do something related to your Quirk," Izuku suggested, nervously at first but slowly worked towards a muttering brainstorm. "Referencing the two sides of fire and ice like your name would have. Or you could do something related to temperature. Or even balance since your Quirk has two sides to balance the other out. But you could also have it reflect the kind of Hero you want to be. You could also combine them all by playing around with different root words or even…"
The greenette continued to yammer away while the bi-color teen listened with rapt attention. Absorbing every suggestion and letting it mull around in his mind. But he wasn't the only one getting ideas. Hitoshi became inspired part way through his rant and even Kaminari seemed to have his own lightning strike of epiphany. Not that the muttering teen noticed being in a full-blown ramble. Because when you ask an analyst like him for ideas, you better be ready for all the ideas.
Izuku was so caught up in his rant that he was caught by surprise when Midnight called out, "Alright, my lovelies. It's been fifteen minutes! Let's see who among you is ready to share?"
The class as a whole had a collective silent freak out at the sudden realization that they had present these. In front of everyone. Which they probably shouldn't have been surprised by since they would be doing that to the public on their internships. But still! Give them some more warning than that.
The first brave soul to present was nonother than Aoyama. The flamboyant blonde strutted confidently to the front and stood proudly behind the podium. Beckoning the other students to look at him with anxious anticipation.
"Prepare yourselves. I present to you 'The Shining Hero'," Aoyama said before he presented his board dramatically above his head. "My Hero name is 'I Cannot Stop Twinkling!'. My sparkle is undeniable, wouldn't you agree mon amis?"
He finished with a wink as if his proposed Hero name was the most impressive idea ever. Which the class did not agree since it was a whole freaking sentence. With punctuation and everything! But he was right about that last part. The pure confidence oozing out of him seemed to make the air around him sparkle much like his Quirk. Quite undeniable indeed.
While the other students were thinking the blonde couldn't actually be serious with that kind of name, Midnight seemed fine with it. For the most part anyway as she made a few changes to make it 'Can't Stop Twinkling' instead. Still an odd choice for a Hero name but if she was okay with it then it was fine they guessed. Aoyama seemed please anyway with it giving his thanks in a mix of Japanese and French. Which was also a bit odd but if Izuku remembered correctly from the student files the boy was born in France so that made sense.
As Aoyama sat down with his approved name, Ashido skipped up to the front clearly excited to share her idea of 'Alien Queen'. However, while Aoyama's odd sentence name was fine, Ashido's reference to a movie monster with acidic blood apparently was not as Midnight was quick to reject it. Which led to Izuku wondering if the Hero had an aversion to scary movies or perhaps just that character as the pinkette returned dejectedly to her seat.
The first two presentation had been so weird that the other students were feeling the pressure that they had to come up with something clever to compensate. But thankfully Tsuyu saved the day by presenting her simple yet adorable idea of 'Froppy' the 'Rainy Season Hero' that she had apparently had since grade school. Izuku agreed with Midnight that the name made the frog girl sound approachable. Plus, it was a great example for the rest of them causing the students to chant Tsuyu's Hero name as she sat back down.
Kirishima took the stage next with rock hard confidence as he presented his idea of the 'Sturdy Hero Red Riot'. A further homage to his favorite Hero Crimson Riot to go along with his spiky red hair. Which Midnight picked up on and pointed out leading to Kirishima gushing over his idol. Having a Hero name like that would put him under more pressure to live up to the name, but the redhead was pumped and up to the challenge.
From there, the presentations went pretty smoothly. After poking fun at Kaminari always short-circuiting his brain, Jirou presented her idea of the 'Hearing Hero Earphone Jack' which was easily approved. She was followed by a slew of others presenting and getting quick approval from Midnight.
Some were clever like Shouji's 'Tenacle Hero Tentacole' sneaking in the word for octopus into his Hero name in reference to his dupli-arms. Also, Yaoyorozu's 'Everything Hero Creati' which was creative, Ochako's 'Uravity' which was a fun mix of her family name and gravity in reference to her Quirk, and Kaminari's 'Stungun Hero Chargebolt' combining the words for 'charge' and 'lightning bolt'. There was also Kouda's timidly shared 'Petting Hero Anima' in subtle reference to his Anivoice Quirk while also meaning 'soul' or 'inner self' which could refer to his shy nature as well. Izuku's favorite though was Tokoyami's 'Jet-Black Hero Tsukuyomi' which was a very cool reference to the moon god of Japanese lore and most befitting of the dark teen.
Then there were others that were more on the nose when it came to their respective Quirks but still good. Like Sero's 'Taping Hero Cellophane', Ojiro's 'Martial Arts Hero Tailman', Satou's 'Sweets Hero Sugarman', and Hagakure's 'Stealth Hero Invisible Girl'. Or for Ashido it was in reference to her looks when she came back with the Hero name 'Pinky'. Which left only four more remaining who had yet to present.
"Choosing names has taken less time than I expected," Midnight commented as she glanced up at the clock see they still had a good chunk of time to kill. "Not to worry though. We'll whip out the last few and I'll give you the rest of the time to yourselves as a special treat. More time to get to know your new classmates."
She gave them a wink as the students cheered for the precious free time. Aizawa ruled his class like a fierce taskmaster constantly whipping them into shape, but Midnight was being more lenient even though she was the one with the actual whip. Acting as an authoritarian still to a degree but showing her soft spot for the 'vibrant youth' which Izuku still didn't know what that was. It was as the others thanked her for the 'special treat' that Iida walked up to the front.
Izuku, along with everyone else, looked at him with worry. Wondering if he was doing okay after his brother was attacked. The greenette knew that Ingenium would be alright given enough healing time and therapy with thanks to Chizome's efforts to call for help. But the Hero was still attacked and injured while on the job. It would be completely understandable for Iida to be upset and distracted by worries for his brother's health. It was always difficult when a family member was hurt. Izuku knew from personal experience because of his dad's work accident.
"Before I present my name," Iida said keeping his whiteboard hidden as he turned his attention to Midnight. "I would like to address something if that is acceptable?"
The R-rated Hero gave a nod of encouragement which he returned in gratitude before he addressed the class.
"As I'm sure you all are aware, my brother Tensei was attacked during the Sports Festival," Iida said with a solemn tone. "I want to assure you that Tensei will be alright. He was injured but he will recover with time and therapy."
The Villain responsible for his injuries was left unsaid. As well as the fact that the reason why Tensei would be fine due to the Hero Killer's efforts to both hurt and help the Hero. They all knew it with the release of the emergency app recording. But thankfully everyone knew it was also a touchy subject best left alone.
"Due of his injuries, Tensei will not be able to continue his work as a Hero until he is fully recovered," the engine user explained. "However, I did not want the Hero name Ingenium to be forgotten while he is recuperating. Therefore…"
The class rep took a steadying breath before showing his whiteboard to the class.
"…I asked and was given permission to able to temporarily take that name to keep the Turbo Hero Ingenium in the public eye."
Iida turned to Midnight who had a hand on her chin in thought as she considered his proposition. It was a somewhat odd approach to a Hero name. Sure, in essence all of their Hero names were temporary until they became certified as Pro Heroes. But to take on his brother's name knowing he would eventually have to give it back was different.
"Are you sure?" Midnight asked as she lowered her hand. "This is the beginning of your Hero career. An important time to build your brand and show the public the kind of Hero you want to be. It may be difficult to build a name for yourself after you give it back to your brother."
"I'm sure," Iida replied with a determined nod. "I admire my brother very much. Tensei is the reason I wanted to become a Hero in the first place."
He then turned to address the class.
"My brother has made Ingenium the Hero he is today. One who helps others when they are in need. Working quickly and efficiently in a team. Which is the kind of Hero I wish to become."
Iida glanced down at his board with a fond look before bringing his focus back to his peers.
"I know that this is supposed to be an exercise to create a Hero name for myself. However, I don't want my brother's efforts as a Hero to be forgotten in his absence. I want the Hero name Ingenium to live on in order for Tensei to be able to pick his work back up as if he had never left. I know I will eventually have to take on a new name but for now I proudly accept the honor of working under the name Ingenium. To uphold Tensei's goals and values as a Hero until he is able to do so himself once again."
The class was silent as he came to the end of his speech. Only for a moment until the room was filled with applause. Midnight was squirming and positively vibrating with glee over the passionate declaration. His request was enthusiastically granted and he nodded in appreciation before returning to his seat.
"Excellent, now who's next?" the R-Rated Hero asked while eyeing the three boys in the back who had yet to present.
"Guess I'll go," Hitoshi answered with a shrug as he trudged up to the front.
...
The insomniac loathed giving presentation or being put on display in front of people like this. Preferring to remain in the background because from there no one noticed or judged you. Not as much as in the spotlight. Which was why he wished to become an Underground Hero when he graduated. Having been inspired by Eraserhead to follow in his footsteps further than just using the Sports Festival to transfer to the Hero Course.
Underground Heroics seemed a perfect fit for the brainwasher. During training, Aizawa had talked about how he had become an Underground Hero after graduating from UA. Of his own plight of surviving and winning his first year Sports Festival. Of transferring and struggling to find where he fit best in the world of Heroes. Of his eventual decision to aim towards the Underground staying as far away from the spotlight as possible. For the better use of his skills as well as to keep his Quirk a secret. Making his surprise attacks more effective in the dark alleys of Japan.
The same kind of obscurity would be vital for Hitoshi's Quirk to work in the field. He knew that he would have to rely on surprise and subterfuge when he was eventually a Pro Hero. Because if too much was known about his Brainwashing Quirk, he wouldn't be as effective of a Hero. Deception and tricks were going to be essential to go along with his verbal arsenal of misdirection, jokes, trash talk, and more. Working as an unknown would be the best fit for the kind of Hero Hitoshi wanted to be.
Brainwashing needed secrecy of its nuances in order to be used effectively. The kind of obscurity that being an Underground Hero granted by keeping out of the spotlight. Instead focusing his efforts in the dark alleys and back streets that Daylight Heroes don't typically frequent. Allowing the anonymity of the Underground blanket him and his Quirk in mystery. Which was something that his Hero name needed to reflect.
Hitoshi had always wanted to be a Hero since he was very young. At first because he, like everyone else, looked up to Heroes. The ones who saved the day to bring back order in this chaotic world. But then, over the years his motivations had changed or rather evolved. After his 'Villain' Quirk had manifested resulting in him being dumped at the nearest orphanage by his birth parents because of said 'Villain' Quirk. Leading to the countless placements then eventual displacements in foster homes. As well as those around him at the center and at school never really trusting him not to use his Quirk on them. Even though he had never and would never do that.
The years of ridiculed and being labeled a 'Villain in the making' with the perfect 'Villain' Quirk to make people do his bidding. After all the taunts and scorn from people who scoffed at the idea of a 'Villain' like him wanting to be a Hero, Hitoshi had internalized another reason to become a Hero. A reason that could be summed up in one word.
Spite.
Ultimately becoming a Hero to save people, but spite had been the fuel pushing Hitoshi through these many grueling years. The 'Villain' with the Brainwashing Quirk becoming a Hero would be a big 'fuck you' to all his naysayers. Proving that he could and would be a Hero and use his 'Villain' Quirk for good. Because as Izuku said, no Quirk was inherently good or evil. It depended on the person and how they choose to use their Quirk. And Hitoshi was a Hero, not a Villain. Always has been, always will be.
As Aizawa had said, their Hero names represented the kind of Heroes they wanted to be. For Hitoshi, it was to save people as much as it was out of spite. A task that would be best accomplished with his Quirk hidden under a shroud of mystery. His codenamed needed to reflect all that but also not give him away.
The brainwasher had been stumped when trying to come up with a Hero name. After all, they had only just joined the Hero Course that day. It was a bit overwhelming to be tasked with choosing their potential forever Hero names right out of the gate. Not that Hitoshi hadn't considered various names over the years, but practically the entirety of his focus had been on just getting into the Hero Course. Barely sparing anything outside of that goal.
But now he was here presenting his chosen Hero name. One that will, if it is granted Midnight's approval, be his codename for the full extent of his Hero career. A designation that represented what drives him to become a Hero as well as hint at yet hide his Quirk. A befuddling mystique to keep his enemies guessing. Befitting his needs and was partially inspired from Izuku's ramblings about their Hero names referencing their goals and Quirks.
The walk to the front seemed to take forever and yet no time at all. Allowing him enough time to do a final reflection on his choice, but also suddenly find himself at the podium with twenty pairs of various colored eyes staring at him. Gods he hated being the center of attention.
There were times he was fine with it like when he had challenged 1-A and the entirety of the Sports Festival. But only because they were in pursuit of his dreams to be a Hero. His spitefulness overshadowing his dislike of the spotlight. And it had all paid off because he was here. In UA's prestigious Hero Course in Class 1-A. About to present his chosen codename that he was confident reflected the kind of Hero he wanted to be. Laying himself bare to a room filled with practical strangers besides the handful who were his friends.
Well, here goes nothing.
"Many of you don't know me," Hitoshi began, purple eyes scanning his classmates. "Other than the guy who declared war on you before the Sports Festival."
There were a few murmurs passed between the seated students as they recalled the confrontation. While Izuku sent him an incredulous look as he didn't know the brainwasher had done that. Not that he had kept it a secret from him or anything. It had just never come up.
"But I have wanted to be a Hero since I was a kid," the purple haired teen explained. "A goal that I've had ever since despite all those who thought my Quirk was that of a Villain rather than a Hero."
There was a mix of reactions to that. Disapproving scowls from some. Such as his friends. Distressed shock from others. Like Yaoyorozu who let out a dismayed gasp behind the hand over her mouth. And unfortunately, empathetic grimaces from a few others. Such as Shouji and Tokoyami who did their best to be subtle about it.
Ah, kindred spirits.
"But I want to prove them wrong," the brainwasher declared. "To be the Hero I always wanted to be in spite of them. Preferably Underground since that would work best with my Quirk."
The previous variety of expressions all morphed into approving ones at his intentions. Many paired with supportive smiles and nods. Which he returned in kind minus the smile.
"So, with this goal in mind, this is the Hero name I came up with," Hitoshi announced as he turned his board around. "The Spiteful Hero. Hoax."
There were some 'oo's and 'ah's from the students mixed in with applause. While Midnight excitedly accepted his choice. Though over all the noise, the insomniac swore he heard an approving grunt from Aizawa but when he looked down the tired man appeared to still be asleep. Yeah, right. If Hitoshi nudged the yellow caterpillar with his foot in thanks on his way back to his seat, who was to say?
...
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Notes extension: post/654719725782384640/part-2-chapter-14-make-a-name-for-yourself