Hitoshi finished changing and was about to head out for his first official Hero training session when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Upon turning around, he found the blonde boy with the tail looking nervous for some reason. But why? Was it because he was new? Or did it have to do with his Quirk? It wouldn't surprise him if it was the latter. Brainwashing had made a lot of people nervous and fearful for what he could potentially do with it. Even if he had only ever wanted to use it to help others rather than hurt them.
The other boys had left the room while Hitoshi waited for the tail wielder to speak. He was the one who silently asked for his attention after all. But moments passed and nothing was said between them. Wanting to speed things up so as not to be late for his first official training, Hitoshi asked, "Can I help you with something?"
There was a moment of hesitation to reply. Brief and quickly covered with words but still there as the blonde blurted out, "I need to apologize to you."
Purple eyes widened in shock as the boy before him bowed to emphasize his words. Hitoshi blinked at the unexpected action before asking, "Why?"
As far as he knew, he had never interacted with the blonde before now. Maybe they could have during the first two rounds of the Sports Festival, but nothing really stuck out to him. There had been so many people and so many things happening all at once that a lot of it was a blur now.
"I acted very disrespectful to you during the festival," the other explained while still bowing. "I warned others of your Quirk before their one-on-one matches with you to give them an edge."
The brainwasher quirked a confused brow at that. Warning others of what he knew didn't seem disrespectful to him. After all, he and Izuku had discussed all of the Hero Course students' Quirks before the festival. Using his friend's analysis to give them their best chances possible to hold out until the end.
"So, what does that have to do with 'disrespecting' me?" Hitoshi questioned, still confused. The blonde peeked up with his own confused expression. "I was warned about all of you by Izuku before the festival. Knowing what you're up against is just strategy."
"I know," the other boy said as he cast his head back down. "But I didn't warn everyone. I only warned the ones in my class and then Midoriya only because he was a semi-finalist. And I only warned them about you because I thought your Quirk was…shady."
The purple haired teen was startled by that. Sure, he figured that they had been warned before their matches since Tokoyami and Bakugou had both come to the fight with prior knowledge of what his Quirk could be. As did Shiozaki but they had been on the same team during the Cavalry Battle. But he had thought it was just word of mouth to help a classmate, not because his Quirk was seen as 'shady'. Being too close to 'Villainous' to his liking.
"At the time, I thought I was helping," the bowed blonde continued. "But then Midoriya called me out on my Quirkist stupidity and made me realize what I did was wrong. I wanted to apologize since for my actions against you. It was wrong of me to judge you by your Quirk. I'm sorry for discriminating against you like that. You don't have to forgive me but I sincerely look forward to working with you."
Purple eyes stared owlishly at the boy still bowed in front of him. That's has got to be hurting him right now. But still the blonde persisted to remain bent over to push his sincerity further for his apology. The first Hitoshi had ever gotten from another person who had judged him but realized they were wrong. With Izuku's help of course.
Damn. The Green Bean deserves a medal of honor or something for all that he's done to help me and others to be better.
He should get his friend a thank-you gift for everything he's done for him. Telling him his Quirk was heroic. Being his friend. Defending him against others without saying a word. Seriously, Izuku is just the embodiment of a Hero. As if it was his destiny to be one no matter what. Maybe, he could get him Hero merch? Nah, he has so much of that already. Perhaps some notebooks or new pens. Maybe a sketchbook? He'll have to think about it. For now, he needed to address the boy in front of him.
"I knew that some had been warned of my Quirk," Hitoshi said. "But I didn't know it was for that specific reason."
The bowed teen's fists clenched in anticipation.
"I'm not going to lie that it stings you thought that," the brainwasher continued, earning a flinch from the other. "Growing up I was always labeled a Villain for my Quirk until I met Izuku. But you are the first to ever apologize. Which I accept by the way and want to thank you for."
Surprised black eyes peeked up at him as the blonde said, "Really?"
"Really. Now please stop bowing," Hitoshi said to which the other did as told without being brainwashed. "Let's just start over. I'm Shinsou Hitoshi."
He bowed his head in greeting. The blonde gave a relieved smile and said, "I'm Ojiro Mashirao. Thank you for accepting my apology and I look forward to working with you."
"Ditto," the purple haired teen replied with a soft smirk as Ojiro gave him a smaller bow. "Now, let's get going. Don't want to make Aizawa-sensei wait."
A flash of fear appeared in the tail boy's black eyes and he quickly nodded before they both left the changing room. Being the last to arrive they were quickly captured in their teacher's scarf and chastised for being late. Ojiro was quick to claim responsibility and explained he needed to apologize to Hitoshi. He was going to explain for what but the brainwasher was quick to interrupt him with saying the situation was handled.
The Quirked red eyes of their teacher eyed the pair but neither gave him further explanation. Thankfully Ojiro didn't try to give explanation again after Hitoshi had stopped him. Because while the brainwasher didn't want to throw his new maybe friend under the bus after he had apologized so sincerely. As a result, they were charged to run some laps around the gym as punishment for being late before they could join the training.
They gratefully started their laps and used the time to warm up as well as get to know each other more. He shared his love of cats and cycling. Even though the latter he hadn't been able to enjoy for years from bouncing around between foster home and not having a bicycle. While learning that Ojiro had studied martial arts for years. Starting out as a hobby and then pursued as training to become a Hero. All in all, the laps may have been a punishment but they allowed the two to get to know each other and let any past grievances become water under the bridge.
...
Chaos was what Izuku found upon entering the Support studio but what else was new? Mei being Mei had once again managed to make something explode and Maijima was scolding her for it. The greenette let out a huff of amusement at the scene as he closed the door behind him and walked into the room. The other people were working away at their various projects as he made his way to where they kept the overalls and put a pair on. He then walked over to his friend who was getting a lecture that would go in one ear and out the other.
"What did you blow up this time, Mei-chan?" Izuku asked as he approached.
At the sound of his voice, the student and teacher turned to him. The pinkette squealed that her friend was there and proceeded to glomp him with no care that she was smudged with grease and soot. Thank goodness he had put on the overalls before coming over. While Maijima gave him a nod in greeting.
"Izuku! You're here!" Mei cheered as she released him. "I thought you would be busy with Hero training and wouldn't come here until later."
"Well, kind of hard to train when most of my stuff is broken," Izuku replied with a sad smile. "Aizawa-sensei said I could come here instead of training to give me as much time as possible to work on them."
"Yes, we discussed it and decided it would be best for you to utilize your time," Maijima interjected. "You'll be allowed to come here during the afternoon classes this week. You have a lot of work ahead of you and we as teachers of UA want you to have the time and opportunity to be as prepared as possible for the internships."
"And I'm going to help you, of course," Mei added as she slung an arm around his shoulders. "With the two of us working on your babies, we'll restock your arsenal in no time!"
Arsenal, huh? I like the sound of that.
Izuku smiled gratefully at his friend while Maijima looked as if he was about to protest but shut his mouth again in thought. Perhaps thinking that having the pinkette turn her hyper focus to helping him may quell her penchant for chaos. Which was naive hopeful thinking on his part because Mei would be chaos incarnate no matter what she turned her focus on. It was just…Mei.
Rather than say anything more about Mei helping him, Maijima beckoned Izuku to follow him to go over his remaining salvageable Support Items from the confrontation. The greenette followed the man while Mei returned to her still smoking baby. The teacher walked him through his Support Items as he took out each one or, for some, what was left of them. His left glove, fire mask, goggles, and belt were fine. Including his array of bombs, extra cartridges for fuel and tape, and all the other various tools and supplies in his belt. But his Jet shoes, Tape gun, shield, electric escrima rods, and his right glove were broken beyond repair.
"We had a meeting this morning to inform the staff of what happened," the Excavation Hero said as he walked the student through the box. "The teachers have been warned to make sure Bakugou keeps away from you. We will also crack down on any Quirk discrimination or bullying that occurs. Please come to a teacher if you ever have any more issues with that."
"Of course, Maijima-sensei," Izuku replied, really appreciating that UA was a school of its word with its zero-tolerance policy. "And thank you. For going through my box. I really appreciate it."
"It was no trouble," Maijima said with a dismissive wave of his large hand. "It was the least I could do for you after what you went through. And, even though you're not in my homeroom anymore, you're still my student."
The shorter man reached up and ruffled his green curls much like a lot of teachers have been doing lately. Not that Izuku didn't mind. In fact, he kind of liked the affectionate attention but it was just different from before. His past teachers had treated him with derision and distain. Doing anything they could to push him down and put him in a bad light. But the teachers of UA cared and they showed it through their words and actions. It made the greenette smile.
"So, what do you have planned for this week?" Maijima asked as he retracted his hand.
At that question, Izuku pulled out his notebook and showed the man his ideas. A revamp of his Jet shoes which were by far his favorite because they gave him such good mobility. Plus, skating around on air was really fun. He wanted to tweak his fire mask and goggles a little but for the most part they were good. He wanted to remake his escrima rods but with sturdier material. His shield he wasn't sure about but would leave it for a later time. His gloves he was retiring because he had learned firsthand, his right specifically, what happens when they malfunction. As for his Tape gun and as a replacement for his gloves, the Quirkless boy had an idea. Along with a few other ideas he wanted to explore.
The Support teacher looked over his notes and approved of his plans before shooing him off to get to work. The greenette bowed to his teacher in thanks, grabbed his box, and made his way over to Mei who was elbows deep in her baby. He placed his box on the station next to his friend and unpacked the items inside. Separating the gadgets that had 'made it' from the ones that were almost unrecognizable.
"Oof, your poor babies," Mei said as she eyed his damaged Support Items. "He really did a number on them, huh?"
"Yeah, he did," Izuku replied with a sad tone. "And this is more of the censored version. It was a lot worse before."
A pink eyebrow twitched in anger while she wore a strained smile. A subtle flicker of the ire within her for the sake of his broken babies. Small and unnoticeable by most but Izuku wasn't just anyone. He was her best friend and so he knew how to read her well.
"I know you're probably planning some kind of revenge right now, Mei-chan," the greenette said with a stern look. "But you can't go attacking Bakugou for what he did. He's already getting punished for it. Besides, it would just land you in suspension too."
Green eyes stared into yellow earnestly until the pinkette relented with a sigh, "Fine, I won't sick my babies on him. Even though he deserves it for attacking you like that."
"I figured you would think that way," Izuku responded. "Which is why I waited to tell you what happened. Know you would probably go on a rampage after him."
"You know me so well," Mei snickered because it was true. She would have so totally done just that without a second thought. "But that won't stop me from imagining it."
"Mei-chan, please don't," the greenette signed in exasperation.
"I can see it now," Mei said with a presenting wave of her hand. "Bakugou hanging from the rafters like a pinata from my Capture Gun and your tape. He would make great target practice like that."
"Mei-chan, no!" Izuku exclaimed in protest but couldn't stop the giggle that escaped him.
He couldn't help but laugh at the mental image of a raging Bakugou struggling in the air. Like an enraged fly caught in a web. Something he could clearly see with the memory of seeing him captured by Aizawa when he and Yamada had come to save him from his bully. Wriggling around on the ground tied up like a ham but with no chance to escape.
Considering the laughing as a win, Mei redirected the conversation back to her favorite subject as she said, "So, what is the plan for your babies?"
"Oh, right!" the greenette said as he showed her his notebook.
He walked her through his plans and what he wanted to have her work on and what he wanted to do himself. For her, to start he wanted her to remake his escrima rods with some proposed improvements. He also asked if it was okay for her to make a bomb version of her Capture Gun to add to his many others in his belt. Mei took her assignments with glee and assured him that basing off a new baby from one of her own was more than okay. She eagerly started working using his noted designs.
As for Izuku, his first priority were his Jet shoes. He had a lot of noted changes he wanted to make and perhaps into more of a whole shoe or boot rather than just an attachment. The original design he would still remake after the internship week as an emergency set for impromptu situations, but for now the upgrade version was his focus.
His goggles, mask, and belt were going to remain mostly unchanged. Though he did want to tweak some things and restock his belt. His shield and Tape gun were being shelfed for now and he was permanently retiring the gloves. One scarred hand was enough for him. But he had an idea to replace both his gun and his gloves with one Support Item. Based off a technology that already existed and was being used by a Pro Hero, but redesigned for his own needs and preferences. Because Japan was too hot and humid to wear a scarf all year around like a certain someone.
There was one more project he wanted to work on that week which would require help from Maijima. He needed the teacher to help him get access to the technical specs on that tablet he had used during the USJ attack. It had been very handy for communication as well as knowing where everyone was. His thought was to develop a version of his own that could be used for tracking purposes. The specifics of which he was still trying to figure out.
With plans in motion, the two friends worked diligently for the next two class periods. Slowly rebuilding some of his arsenal from scratch and setting a groundwork for them to stand on. Time flew by until the bell for the last period of the day rang and the two were forced to stop briefly to attend the end of day meeting. Most students moved to change into their uniforms with plans to go home. But knowing that they would be back, Mei and Izuku were given permission to remain in their overalls.
Before the pair left, Izuku remembered that Shouto wanted to redesign his costume. He informed Maijima that the element wielder would be stopping by with the submission form and that they wanted to include his notes with it for Shouto's Support Item. The teacher acknowledged and made a note to pull up the various files after homeroom. He shooed the two teens out of the studio and locked it before following behind the students as they all headed off to their respective classrooms.
After splitting off from the Support teacher and student, it didn't take Izuku long to make it to 1-A. The classroom was partially occupied as the students were trickling back from the changing room. He was surprised at first that Tenya wasn't one of the first ones back, but then he thought that the class president was probably making sure everyone got back in a timely manner. He was a stickler for that sort of thing.
While waiting for the rest of the class to arrive, Izuku received a text on his phone. Upon taking it out of his pocket, he saw that it was from All Might. The greenette unlocked his phone to find a message asking if he was free after homeroom to have the earlier requested talk. The teen replied that he was and texted Mei that he would be a bit late to the studio because a teacher wanted to talk to him. But also assuring her that he would get back as soon as he could after hearing what Yagi had to say. His friend replied with a picture of her giving a thumbs up as he received another text from the Hero stating where to meet him. The greenette was putting his phone away when he found himself suddenly being scolded.
"Midoriya-kun, you are out of uniform," Tenya reprimanded upon seeing his attire as he entered the room. "Students are to be in full uniform for class outside of training. I insist that you go and change at once."
Izuku let out an exasperated sigh before replying, "I have permission from Maijima-sensei to be dressed like this, Tenya-kun. I'll be going right back to the studio after this so there was no point to change. And I'll probably be doing this for the rest of the week."
The engine user stopped short at that before bowing as he said, "I see. Apologies. Please continue to do as you have been instructed."
The greenette nodded as his friend took his seat. Behind him came Ochako who commented, "Wow, Mido. Those are some grubby threads."
"Well, you know, making Support Items can get messy," Izuku responded with a shrug. "Rather get these dirty and not my uniform."
"True, true," she said as she sat down. "So, how was the studio? Tenya mentioned that's where you were instead of training."
"Oh, it's going great!" Izuku replied cheerfully. "Mei-chan and I got a head start on working on my Support Items. I'll be going right back after this meeting. There's only a week before the internships and I have a lot of work to do."
"Wow, guess you're going to be busy in the studio this week, huh?" the brunette said before giving him a playful pout. "Darn, I was looking forward to training with you but I guess that'll have to wait."
"Yeah, sorry about that," he said with an apologetic smile. "Maybe near the end of the week I'll join to at least test the finished pieces. But we'll just have to see how this week goes. Though it should go faster with Mei-chan's help."
Ochako gave an approving hum with a smile as the bell rang. All the students were quick to get to their seats and sit in silence as Aizawa entered the room. The end of day homeroom meeting began same as it had in his previous class but with different student leaders. Tenya and Yaoyorozu ran through the usual routine before turning control over to Aizawa and returning to their seats.
"Now then, more about your internships," the tired man said from where he stood at the podium. "They will last for one week. I want to reiterate to think hard on your decisions. Not all agencies will be a good fit whether by the type of Hero work they do or the combination of Quirks. Such as Thirteen who would choose to focus on rescue rather than fighting Villains. So, don't pick just any placement for your internships. Use this time to think over your decisions."
With that, he slipped into his sleeping bag and closed his eyes for a nap leaving the class to their devices. Everyone took out their respective lists of offers or the list of optional agencies for those who didn't. Even Hitoshi and Izuku did despite already knowing they would be interning under Aizawa. The list the greenette had was short especially compared to Shouto's number of offers. But even so it was still something.
Looking over the offers, he noticed that many of them were from the teachers. His various mentors as well as a handful of the others like Cementoss, Ectoplasm, and Midnight. Most likely as signs of support because he was sure they knew he was off limits being claimed by Eraserhead already. All Might's name wasn't there but it didn't surprise him too much. Besides, what could the strong Quirked man teach him how to be a Quirkless Hero when he hadn't believed it was possible. Though hopefully Izuku had managed to change his mind after having won the Sports Festival. Guess he would find out within the next hour or so during their meeting.
There were a handful of other names from Heroes of various levels in the rankings. From lesser-known Heroes such as Mr. Brave to more well-known ones like Fat Gum. There was even one from Ms. Joke who he could see himself getting along with since they shared a sense of humor. It would be nice to maybe meet her in person one day.
But for now, Izuku's choice of internship placement was already decided. Which he was fine with because Eraserhead had a similar approach to fighting that the Quirkless boy did. Through physical training as well as the use of Support Items. He could learn a lot from the man who's only Quirked advantage was the ability to erase most other's Quirks for a short period of time. Because they both had to train their bodies to make up for the lack of Quirked strength.
Hitoshi could also learn a lot from the Underground Hero since he wanted to become one himself. Skills in stealth and espionage. Brainwashing would be perfect for that kind of work. Plus, the anonymity of the Underground would do well with keeping his Quirk as much a secret as possible. The less people knew about it the more effective of a Hero Hitoshi could be.
The coming week was going to be hell, no doubt about that. The last month of training under Aizawa had been but the two aspiring Heroes had enjoyed every second of it. Because all the hard work and harsh training had been a means to an end. Push themselves past their limits to achieve their shared goals to become Heroes. Both willing to do whatever it took to reach that goal no matter how uphill of a battle it was.
But even though he knew under who he would be interning, it was fun to see who he could have gone with instead. Any of the Heroes who had made offers to him could teach the greenette something valuable about being a Hero. Helping him add yet more tools to his belt. Because as Aizawa said during the USJ attack, 'you can't be a Pro Hero with only one trick up your sleeve'. Having a variety of skills was important to being an effective Hero.
Izuku may not be able to choose where he was interning, but he was grateful that Aizawa had given him the list. The greenette may have had the disparaging thought that they were made because he was UA's charity case or just to get the opportunity to see the Quirkless teen up close. But after having looked over the offers and seeing exactly who had made them, Izuku found himself thinking otherwise. Because in his research of Heroes as well as getting to know some of them, the ones on his list he knew to be good Heroes and people in general.
The fact that those Heroes made him offers gave him hope. They were ones who seemed to be Heroes to help others rather than for fame or money. Perhaps he could do as Aizawa had said and consider them 'potential allies in the future'. Because maybe, just maybe, their offers were genuine even though a small voice in the back of his mind kept bringing the possibility they weren't. Mistrust simmering just below the surface due to years of hoping for the best only to get the rug pulled out from under him again and again. Negative thoughts always at war with his optimistic side.
Maybe that was something Inui-sensei could help with once Izuku started his therapy with him. One of many things actually. Who knows what kinds of problems a childhood like his could cause? Though he was sure that Hound Dog would be able to 'sniff' them out. The greenette chuckled quietly to his internal pun. But seriously, he was looking forward to starting the therapy sessions. Because they had really helped after the USJ attack which made him hopeful that they would do wonders for the years of mistreatment from his past teachers and peers.
With a hopeful and satisfied smile, Izuku looked over his list once more before putting it away in his bag. Planning to share it with his mother when he got home to show her who was interested in him. Once the list was safe in his bag, green eyes turned to his friends to see how they were doing.
Beside him, Ochako was staring intensely at her list scribbling little marks here and there probably working on narrowing down her choices. In front of her, Tenya was already writing down a choice on his submission form and Izuku wondered who he had chosen and why. Hopefully nowhere near Hosu because Stain was still in operation there but then again, it was where his brother was hospitalized. Which could influence his decision but Izuku at least wasn't too worried his friend would go after the Hero Killer.
Tenya had been acting a bit different from normal but that was understandable considering what had happened to his brother. But the greenette felt no fury from him, only remorse for the elder Iida son being injured and out of commission for a time. It didn't entirely keep him from worrying about his friend though. Because grief could be a powerful motivator whether positively or not. And with Tenya…he did have a tendency to jump the gun like when he makes his snap assumptions.
The greenette made a mental note to check in with his friend sometime during the week. The engine user had said he was fine but that didn't mean he actually was. Which again would be understandable because his brother had been attacked by a Villain. One who had hurt but then helped him. Who very much regretted his actions and had been forced into that unexpected situation. Though the only ones who knew to what extent was Izuku and the Hero Killer himself.
If Tenya did choose Hosu to be close to his brother, there was one thing that lessened Izuku's worrying for his friend. The fact that Chizome had said on multiple occasions that he did not target children and had even chastised the League of Villains for doing so during the USJ. Because at least it meant the Villain did not go after children when it came to his mission. So, even if Tenya did pick Hosu and just so happened to run into Stain, there was a chance he would not be hurt. Slim but still there.
Izuku shook himself out of his thoughts because there wasn't much use contemplating the 'what if's of the future. Only time would tell how the story of their lives would play out. Instead, he turned to see what Shouto was up to. Green eyes spied that Hitoshi had already put his list away and was resting his head on his arms on his desk. Probably sneaking in a nap much like their teacher was.
They are so alike it's almost scary. Maybe there is some weight behind Shouto-kun's theory that they're related.
He let out a huff of amusement as he turned his focus on the conspiracy theorist himself who was sitting quietly at his desk with his eyes closed. Izuku saw that he had already filled out his form and green eyes peeked over curiously to see who he had chosen. Only for him to frown to see that it was the one person he wished his friend could get away from.
"Um, Shouto-kun?" Izuku said, earning a replied hum and the peaking open of a grey eye. "Are you, uh, sure that you want to intern with…him?"
The greenette nodded his head toward the sheet of paper with the name of the Number Two Hero written down as his first choice. Two tone eyes opened fully as he looked down at his submission form and was quiet for a moment in thought.
"Yeah, I am," Shouto replied with a sigh. "It'll be annoying and he'll think he was finally 'winning' against my 'rebellion'. Which he isn't. But, if I am to learn to use my left side, who better but the man that my fire came from?"
Grey and blue eyes looked into green trying to convey his feelings. Not exactly wanting to go to his old man for anything but knowing deep down that it was the best option for him at this time. Which Izuku reluctantly had to agree with because he would be the most knowledgeable of what Shouto's fire side was capable of. Would be able to teach him as a fellow fire wielder with an almost identical Quirk. Not ideal because it was with his abusive father but the practicality couldn't be ignored.
"Who are you going with?" Ochako asked from behind him curiously due to the somewhat tense atmosphere.
"Endeavor," Shouto replied flatly with no excitement.
"Number Two Hero, huh?" she said with an impressed nod. "Wow, that's probably the highest ranked offering in the class. But then again, he is your dad so it makes sense that he would offer, right?"
"Mhm," the element wielder responded simply.
"How about you, Ochako-chan?" Izuku asked to shift the focus off of Shouto.
"I'm going to go for the Battle Hero Gunhead," she answered with an enthusiastic air punch and determined grin. "I ultimately want to be a rescue Hero but after my fight against Bakugou, I realized that I should probably get more battle training just in case. Like the stronger I am, the more possibilities I'll have. Plus, I could get a different perspective from learning under a battle Hero than I would if I only focused on rescue."
"Oh, that makes a lot of sense," the greenette commented. "It would be another tool to your belt like me and my Support Items. Good choice!"
"Thanks!" she replied brightly. "So, you're going to be interning with Aizawa-sensei, huh? That's gonna be tough."
"Oh, not really," Izuku countered with a dismissive gesture. "Hitoshi-kun and I have been training with him and Yamada-sensei for a while actually. They helped us train for the Sports Festival. So, it shouldn't be much different from that."
That tidbit caught the attention of those around him who were surprised at yet another revelation about two newest classmates. Curious ears listened in as Ochako asked, "You have? Why?"
"Because Aizawa-sensei saw us training since the first day," the greenette explained. "He overheard our plan to place high and hoped to transfer like he had. So, he wanted to help us so we could do the same."
"Well, that's unexpected," Tsuyu chimed in from her seat. "Aizawa-sensei doesn't seem the type to pick up more teaching responsibility considering he naps more often than not. But he does push us to go Plus Ultra a lot. Though usually through his 'logical ruses', kero."
"Or actual threats of expulsion," Tenya interjected bringing up memories of their first day that had ended with 1-A losing not one but two students.
Izuku had only heard second hand what had happened. That the lowest scoring student had been expelled on their first day for not taking the Quirk apprehension test seriously. Then Mineta had been removed from the Hero Course for being a sneaky little pervert and had most likely been placed in General Studies. Though Aizawa had told them he had expelled him before which was a lie. But the short purple haired teen may very well be now for what he had tried to do during the festival. Who was to say how Mineta's talk with Nezu as a final warning would turn out?
Wanting to changed the subject, Izuku asked, "What Hero are you going to request, Tenya-kun?"
The engine user looked at his paper before replying, "Originally I was going to intern under my brother since being Pro Heroes is a family business for us. But there's obviously been a change of plans after he was attacked. However, I would like to be close to my brother while he's in the hospital, so I've decided to choose something in Hosu."
I figured as much.
"Are you sure that's safe?" Tsuyu asked. "The Hero Killer is still active there, kero."
Izuku flinched at her bluntness. He already knew she was one to speak her mind but she could use to learn to be more tactful than that. Because a lack of sensitivity like that wouldn't be helpful in a situation dealing with victims.
"I am aware of that," Tenya replied after taking a steadying breath. "However, the chances of running into him are slim and I have no intention of going after him myself. Besides, no matter what Hero I intern under, I will surely gain valuable experience."
"That is a good way to think about it," Yaoyorozu chimed in from across the classroom. "We're all bound to learn something about being a Pro Hero next week no matter who we choose."
More or less, Izuku thought, knowing that not all Pros were the best examples of Heroes.
"Who are you considering, Yaoyorozu-san?" the greenette asked.
"I'm not sure quite yet," the creation girl replied. "But I was considering a few such as Uwabami."
That would be one of the less.
"I don't think she would be a good fit for you," Izuku stated, gaining a confused expression from her. "Mostly Quirk wise because yours and hers are very different."
There was also another reason to not go with the Snake Hero. As of late, she seemed to be putting more effort into being a celebrity than a Hero. Focusing more on modeling and acting in commercials in lieu of patrols. She would still do Hero work of course but to him it seemed to take a back seat to her other activities. Also, he questioned her choice of Hero suit because it was basically just a dress with heals and didn't seem practical or protective.
Though she did focus more on rescue than straight out fighting. Her Quirk, Serpentress, allowed her to utilize the enhanced senses of the three snakes living on her head. Together they could find missing disaster victims as well as locate hidden enemies. But still, even rescue missions can be dangerous while she is literally walking through rubble in heels with little protection from her dress.
"That is true," Yaoyorozu conceded as she looked at her list again. "Though I don't know of anyone with a Quirk similar to my Creation."
"May I?" Izuku asked gesturing for her list.
"Oh, yes, of course," she answered as she handed over the paper.
"Hmm…" the greenette uttered as he perused her offers. She had good number of ones that would be better than Uwabami, but there was one that stuck out as a good choice for her. "I think the best for you would be Fat Gum."
"Fat Gum?" Yaoyorozu asked as he handed the paper back. "Why him?"
"Your Quirk uses your lipids to convert into matter, right?" Izuku inquired earning a surprised nod from the creation girl. "Then that means you need to consume a lot of food to build up the lipids you lose when you use it. Fat Gum has to do something similar since his Quirk necessitates for him to constantly eat to keep up his fat stores. You would probably learn more from him that Uwabami."
"I see. So, that's what Aizawa-sensei meant when thinking about our Quirks," Yaoyorozu said before giving him a bow. "Thank you, Midoriya-kun. I'll take that into consideration."
"You're welcome!" Izuku chirped, happy to help.
"You sure know a lot about Quirks, kero," Tsuyu commented as he turned her way.
"What can I say," Izuku responded with a shrug. "I may not have one but I've always found them fascinating. There are so many different kinds and each of them have lots of ways they could be used. It's also good to figure out the weaknesses too so they can either be taken advantage of in a fight or have prevention measures in place just in case. As well as learning the strengths to be honed to become even stronger."
"Oh, yeah, we had talked about that during the USJ," Tsuyu said bluntly once again. "About how the Villains were probably stronger in the water and that if they had known our Quirks they would have put me in the fire zone. That's partially why I'm aiming for a placement near water, kero."
"That would be a good fit," the greenette replied, side stepping the uncomfortable subject. "Though I wonder if you would have to consider the type of water? Because most frogs stay in freshwater and since your Quirk is Frog I wonder if that extends to you. But then again, you're human so maybe saltwater possibly doesn't affect you the same."
"Thank you," the frog girl said. "And I can go in fresh or saltwater. My family and I have swum in the ocean before. But it does tend to dry out my skin more than freshwater."
"I see," Izuku said with an intrigued smile having learned something knew about her Quirk.
He had more questions he wanted to ask but the bell for the end of homeroom rang marking the end of the school day. Well, for most people. Izuku still had his meeting with All Might and then working in the studio until Maijima would eventually kick them out. Mostly for their own health but also his sanity from having to deal with Mei's antics. The students packed up their bags as Aizawa left for the teacher's room. Izuku was zipping up his backpack to bring to the studio when Shouto crossed the short distance between their desks.
"I'm going to the Support studio to submit my form," the bi-color teen stated as he shifted closer to his friend to subtly link their pinkies together. "Would you like to walk together?"
"I would love to," the greenette replied with a short squeeze of his finger. "But I have to meet with a teacher before I go back to the studio. Sorry."
"Oh," Shouto said with a hint of dejection. "Who?"
"Um, Yagi-sensei?" Izuku answered though it sounded more like a question. He figured he could have said All Might but he didn't know if the Hero would be in his buffed-up form or not.
"Yagi-sensei?" Shouto asked, not familiar with that teacher.
"He's a teacher I've discussed analysis with before," Izuku explained. "He wants to talk with me about something but I'm not sure what."
"Ah," the element wielder responded simply.
His expression was mostly blank but Izuku could see he was disappointed that they wouldn't be able to walk together. Probably another dampener on the situation on top of not being able to finish his Support Item himself. As well as not being able to help him redesign his costume. Which Izuku would have loved to do but he was just too busy right now. Hopefully the Support company did a good job with whatever Shouto requested.
"I really would have liked to walk with you," Izuku insisted with a pinkie squeeze. "I'm not sure how long I'll be with Yagi-sensei but it shouldn't be too long. If you, um, wanted to wait for me in the studio? You don't have to though if you have something you need to do. So, I would totally understand if you left early. And I…"
"I'll wait for you," Shouto interjected into his ramble.
Green eyes widened in surprise as he said, "Really?"
"Of course," Shouto replied. "I'll always wait for you."
The greenette blushed at the sincerity of that statement that his friend said so casually. Merely giving a nod and pleased hum in reply. Around them the others had finished packing up and the students of 1-A trickled out of the class in packs. Some left to go home while others headed for various training facilities. Hitoshi and his other friends bid their goodbyes leaving Shouto and Izuku behind. The pair walked together through the halls before eventually parting ways for their respective destinations of the studio or assigned meeting room.
It was time to find out what All Might wanted to talk to him about.
...
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Notes extension: post/657252828434350080/part-2-chapter-19-calm-before-the-storm