Hello again. Another fluff/training chapter coming up.
'' = speech
' = thoughts
'' 'quote' '' = one character quoting another previous line
[][][] = little transition
{}{}{}= flashback begins/ends
Not much to say this time around, enjoy!
Three days had passed since Izuku had returned from the hospital. The weekend was uneventful, for the most part. Class A had another smaller scale party on the Saturday, but made sure to avoid binge drinking.
Mineta, being the oh-so-witty comedian (in his dreams) decided to try and get the couples rounded up during a slow dance, only to be shut down by Koji, of all people. Seeing Grape Rush hounded by squirrels and the occasional pigeon was maybe the only thing that broke the monotony.
Izuku sat in the cafeteria at Monday lunchtime, flanked by Iida and Todoroki. He grumbled internally. Ochako had to go see Mei for costume improvements and couldn't eat with him.
Tenya and Shoto weren't bad company; in fact they were excellent friends. He was simply a little scared of Iida sometimes. Especially when Mei was brought up.
The Speedster and the Inventor had begun dating just before the end of their first year. They were happy, of that there were no doubts. And they were happy for over a year. Until Mei's father died.
It wasn't a villain. Or even a common criminal. He simply passed due to natural causes. The peaceful nature of his death didn't help Mei's grief one bit. Her inventions and costume adjustments became both inefficient and incredibly dangerous. Sero had almost died after an A.I she had programmed to auto-generate metallic obstacle courses malfunctioned and sealed him inside an airless box.
Finally, a month after the anniversary of his death, Mei split with Iida. Her fragile mental state had been pushed to the boundary and Iida's attempts to be the caring boyfriend seemed to only frustrate her.
The boy was inconsolable. He was angry. He was openly disappointed with Mei's inability to overcome her issues.
But he couldn't blame her. After all, if not for Izuku and Shoto, he would have been dead due to his grief over a family tragedy. And, just as he had come to realise during his own rescue, Mei would need friends to support her. He just couldn't be one of them.
Izuku kept looking at the tall boy as he poked at his food. Iida still couldn't speak to Mei, even now. When he had costume or gear ideas, he would send someone in his place. Usually Izuku or Ochako.
Now that he had finally decided to see Yui from Class B, he might recover from his funk and finally see eye to eye with Mei again.
Izuku chewed another mouthful as he looked to his right at Shoto. He would never have believed that he would be one of his best friends when they first met. He was cold (literally too) and dismissive of his classmates.
Momo was brilliant for his social skills. Although she lacked an understanding herself, she had an aura of excited friendliness that pervaded her. After learning of Touya Todoroki's past and survival, he had been far more open with both his siblings and friends. Momo guided him through it. He would have offered advice but, being Izuku Midoriya, he had little to give.
Mina and Tooru helped Momo, who in turn helped Shoto. It was an awful Chinese Whispers type deal where any information filtered through to him was just a little inaccurate. He looked to his right again, only to jump out of his skin as big, brown eyes stared deeply into his own.
''O-Ochako! Jeez!'' He gripped at his chest. His girlfriend laughed as she rustled his hair.
''I've been here for a good few minutes, dummy! You were just muttering too much!''
He blushed before flinching. ''C-Could you guys hear what I was saying…?'' He giggled nervously.
''I heard 'Chinese Whispers' after you said 'Momo.''' Shoto stated blankly as he raised his chopsticks up to his mouth again.
''O-oh, yeah?'' He looked back to his untouched katsudon. ''You hungry?'' He asked as he held the small bowl up to Ochako, who rested her elbows on the back of his chair as she laid her chin on his shoulder.
''Eh? You're kidding, right? You never offer up katsudon.'' The brunette eyed him suspiciously.
''W-Well, lunch is almost over and you spent so long with Hatsu-'' He froze as he envisioned Iida's face. ''-in the Support Department that you won't have time to eat a whole lunch.''
Ochako eyed the bowl and felt the pang.
''I just don't want you being hungry during last period…'' His eyes seemed to sparkle as if to enhance her desire to eat.
''I agree!'' Iida interjected. ''Any form of study performed on an empty stomach is insufficient!''
''O-Okay, fine! Just… eat one cutlet, please? I don't want you not eating any of it, I-Izuku.'' Her face felt much warmer and it wasn't from the heat of the bowl.
Izuku quickly threw a pork cutlet into his mouth and handed her the bowl and chopsticks.
As the wooden utensils touched her lips, Shoto snickered. ''An indirect kiss, hmm? How scandalous.'' He joked with a slight grin. Even Iida huffed in amusement.
Ochako and Izuku both turned scarlet. IcyHot and Ingenium's soft laughter became even more raucous.
''W-Why is that embarrassing? We've literally had sex!'' Ochako said, unamused by her own reaction to such a poor attempt from Shoto.
''I-I don't k-know?! Her verdette boyfriend replied as he picked up his tray and hopped away from the three of them.
As Uraraka watched her boyfriend take evasive action, her goal of increasing his confidence strengthened.
[][][]
''Okay, this week is basically just an enormous waste of time.'' Aizawa said as he handed out their schedules.
''And the week after too, it seems…'' Momo frowned at the calendar.
''I mean, we have our licences and all our exams are done, right?'' Kirishima grinned at the amount of free periods on the next week's schedule. ''We just have to get ready for next Saturday!''
''Yay!'' Tooru's clothes bobbed up and down in excitement. ''Graduation from U.A must be super cool, right!?''
''It will be for those of you who have set yourselves up for success.'' Aizawa said as he took his place at the front of class. ''That should be no issue for you all. The other classes, on the other hand… ''
''Sensei!'' Kaminari raised a hand. ''All of tomorrow is battle training?'' The Electrification user said with a puzzled expression.
''Hmm. It's not compulsory and you can feel free to fight as hard as you'd like. You've had enough training to know your limits.'' Their homeroom teacher explained.
''We should probably take it easier than normal, right? Recovery Girl basically has us on a hit list at this point.'' Jirou commented as she played with her jacks.
''Well, maybe that would work for some people.'' Mina said as she directed her attention to the resident troublemaker. Soon, the entire class had laid their eyes on him.
Katsuki turned and glared back at them. ''Oi! I can show restraint! I don't need to prove myself to any of you!''
[][][] The Next Day [][][]
''NERD!''
Bakugo stood in the centre of the gym in his hero costume. Izuku turned and glared at his use of 'the N-Word'(in hindsight, maybe that wasn't the best name for that). Katsuki winced in silent apology.
''Fight me!'' He squared his shoulders and rolled them in anticipation. Izuku sighed as he looked down to his shorts and t-shirt. He had brought his costume too, but hadn't expected for Kacchan to ask for a fight before class technically started.
''Why so soon, Kacchan?'' He unlocked the suitcase containing his hero gear.
''Because you're my yardstick, nerd. When I beat you, I know I can beat anyone.''
There was a few seconds of silence as Izuku quickly checked to see if there was anyone else around. He threw off his shirt and shorts and hopped two-footed into his costume.
''My, my, my! How scandalous, Midori!'' Mina yelled as the rest of the class bustled into the gym.
He turned red as he quickly scrambled into the rest of his gear and tucked his mouthguard under his chin. Of all of the class, only Koda and Hagakure had arrived out of costume. That made sense at least; Koji was naturally quite the pacifist and Tooru was at a major disadvantage in a straight-up brawl.
All Might followed behind them, in his workout gear. Clearly he intended to get his hands dirty at some point during the day.
3-A sat on the bleachers as they awaited 3-B. A few minutes passed and Kendo poked her head around the door.
''Ah, we are late!'' She craned her neck around. ''Hurry up, everyone!''
She rushed over to the bleachers and plopped herself down next to Momo. The rest of Class B followed in kind, mingling with friends from the other class. Were this a year or two ago, they would never have attempted to mix themselves. As Tokage winked as she passed him, Izuku was glad that they had overcome that social and communal issue.
Vlad King and Ryukyu strode in and stood before them all, with All Might leaning against the bleachers on the other side of the large room.
''Right, kids! Been a good while since we last had some one-on-one's, huh?'' Vlad King started.
''This is a good chance for you to learn the weaknesses of your own quirks against unique opponents.'' Ryukyu continued. ''We'll have 2 battles at once, one just behind me-'' Ryukyu pointed further up towards the gym's rear entrance. ''-And another over in that space there.'' Izuku quickly glanced along. Luckily, the bleachers stretched all the way along the length of the gym to allow all participants a chance of being watched evenly.
''So then! Any volunteers?'' Vlad King asked, despite knowing who'd raise their hand first.
''Ah, Bakugo!'' The Blood quirk hero said with a strong hint of sarcasm that the ashen blonde either didn't recognise or chose to ignore. ''I take it Midoriya already agreed?''
''Y-Yes, sensei.'' Izuku stood up.
''Then come and join us down here.''
''Hey, Bakubro?'' Kirishima placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. ''Why Midoriya again?''
Katsuki laughed. ''He'll beat my ass at some point today. Might as well be first thing…'' He said with no degree of disappointment as he hopped down to meet Izuku as the verdette leapt from the middle of the bleachers.
''Places then, gentlemen.'' Ryukyu and Vlad King quickly walked over to sit with All Might as the two rivals took their 25 paces and spun to face one another.
A soft murmur filled the stands. Izuku tuned them out as he stared Bakugo down. 'It's been over a year since Kacchan last beat me. I can't lose that bragging right now.' He thought as he smiled at his opponent.
Katsuki smiled back. A lot more 'serial killer-y' than his own, but at least it was something.
He briefly turned to All Might. The blonde man remained tight-lipped, but offered a single thumbs-up. Izuku nodded in return.
Vlad King rang a bell. The crowd of students leant forwards in anticipation. The bell rang a second time… and Katsuki burst towards him.
Izuku feigned a hook and gripped the blonde by his neck as he zoomed past. Bakugo fired off an enormous explosion that loosened Midoriya's grip just enough to free him. As Izuku let the smoke clear, he was hit with a roundhouse kick that popped his jaw and sent him stumbling back a few steps.
Bakugo leapt at him again, only for Izuku to summon One for All and throw a straight-armed punch that impacted on his childhood friend's gut.
A few 'ooohs' sounded out. Most of them knew that pain all too well.
Katsuki's forward momentum meant that the punch didn't force him backwards, but he would need a few seconds to get over the fact that he had been winded.
He wouldn't get those few seconds. Izuku ran at him as he clambered back onto a single knee. From his crouched position, Bakugo joined his thumb and finger in a loop on his left hand and fired an AP Shot at Izuku. Then another. Then another.
One for All flowed through Izuku once more as he dodged the blasts and closed the gap. 'Come on, Kacchan. Do your big take off. The one you always-' His train of thought was cut short by an intense pain in his shoulder.
A few surprised gasps filled the auditorium. Izuku looked down to his shoulder as he hopped backwards. There was a gaping hole in his costume. And his chest. The wound lay just where the arm met the torso, rendering his left arm immobile.
''You… you usually only have 3 AP Shots before you need a break.'' He said to Dyna-Might as he finally stood up again.
''Haha! As if I would actually tell you that I could do more! Keeps me unpredictable!'' Came his aggressive reply.
''Hmm. Guess we'll both have to be unpredictable then.'' Izuku summoned Black Whip and threw countless strands of dark energy at his opposite number.
Bakugo bobbed and weaved, leaping over some as he used his explosions to blow some away. He propelled himself to just in front of Izuku and reeled back for a strong uppercut.
Izuku simply took a deep breath and breathed fire at the boy. So much fire, in fact, that even leaping into the air above it still singed Bakugo's leg hair.
The crowd was aghast. How long had Midoriya been able to do that?
Katsuki, now safe, quickly looked down at the dissipating flames. Izuku was no longer in his view. ''Ah, shit.'' Was all he managed before an emerald blur pummeled him into the ground with a 20% Smash.
There would have been a crater, were it not for the incredibly resilient flooring inside the gym. Bakugo attempted to get back onto his feet, only to be stopped by All Might. The blonde man gave him a stern look. Katsuki understood.
Izuku jogged over to the pair. ''Good fight, Kacchan. You landed two real nice attacks there.'' He cradled his jaw as he motioned to his shoulders with his chin.
All Might offered the Explosion quirk user a hand up. ''Thanks. I'll aim for three next time.''
''And that was quite the start to today's proceedings, you two.'' All Might pointed to the very excited bleachers. The skeletal man allowed Katsuki to return to his seat but held Midoriya back with an arm across the chest.
''Before the next pair volunteer; how many of you would like to fight Young Midoriya today?'' He asked the 36 eager students. He got his answer swiftly as almost every single hand shot up.
''E-eh?'' All Might raised a brow in confusion. ''You'd think a fight like that would have discouraged them.'' He said just loud enough for his successor to hear.
''He gives the best feedback!'' Kendo yelled down to the former Number 1 Hero.
''Yeah! He pinpoints our mistakes!'' Kirishima followed up.
''And he just breathed fire!'' Mina added, though it was directed more at her fellow heroes-in-training than the staff members.
''Oh yeah. What's that all about, Midoriya?'' Shoji asked from the very front of the bleachers. ''Another part of One for All?''
''Uhhh? Something like that.'' He responded less than convincingly.
''Regardless, you cannot all fight Midoriya. He is only one man!'' All Might said in exasperation. ''And many of you cannot hope to best him 1 on 1.''
''We should also let his shoulder heal up, hmm?'' Ochako said in concern for her boyfriend.
That comment gained a swathe of apologies from the students. He was literally missing a chunk of flesh and definitely a fair bit of blood. Expecting him to fight so soon might be a bit too demanding.
''Well then, I challenge you!'' Kirishima pointed with an open palm. ''Jurota!''
''My good sir! Whatever have I done to gain this decree for a duel?'' The well-spoken beast retorted.
Izuku laughed heartily as he returned to his seat, only for Setsuna, Ochako and Momo to rush to him with advice for his wound. At least Momo could make some medical supplies while he awaited his next match.
[][][]
The next few hours flew by. Several matches between many who had never fought before went on. Many were not as long lived as those watching were hoping. None were as embarrassing as Kendo vs Denki.
Within seconds, Kendo had placed the Pikachu boy into a choke hold. That wasn't even the worst part. In an attempt to escape, Kaminari had licked and nibbled at Kendo's neck. The redhead was less than impressed by the desperate plea to distract her and promptly tightened her hold. It was safe to say that Jirou was both amused and mortified.
Midoriya had rested long enough to witness 7 of his classmates' battles before he jumped back into the fray. He had gone up against Tetsutetsu, Monoma, Sato and Mineta already. When Kirishima called out to him, he steeled himself.
Eijiro was strong. Mentally and physically. 'Unbreakable', as the boy dubbed it, was potentially the strongest quirk progression of any prospective hero in their year. It was lucky that he was a hero. To even dent that form, Izuku required 45% One for All and a strong wind back. As he took his place opposite the redhead (although he could see the black roots just about poking through), he thought deeply about other heroes who actually had the potential to defeat Red Riot.
Midnight? Surely Kirishima couldn't harden his organs…
? Although picking him up would be like holding a cactus, she might be able to shake him around.
He turned to the stands. Mina was cheering for Eijiro, of course. Ironically, she was one of the few in the room who had an advantageous quirk to use against him. He didn't see her attacking her boyfriend any time soon though.
''Don't hold back, Midoriya!'' Kirishima grinned as he flexed. Izuku smiled back and offered a small nod as the bell chimed.
Red Riot charged Deku immediately and Izuku, confined by the height of the gym's ceiling, zipped around the ring. Kirishima hardened instinctively. He couldn't risk a sucker punch as the emerald blur rushed around him.
As his legs hardened, he felt tendrils wrap around them. Then his arms. Izuku came to a stop in front of Kirishima, lightning crackling up and down his body as he attempted to keep the rocky boy still.
There were a few tense moments of quiet, where the only sound came from Kinoko and Sero's fight behind them.
Eijiro made the move. He dashed forwards as he entered Unbreakable. Izuku tightened the tendrils to little effect. The jagged, diamond hard edges of Kirishima's skin pierced and practically deflated Black Whip.
Izuku was forced to zip around again. He could hear Mina sarcastically booing his actions, but smiled internally. She knew as well as anyone that anyone who fought against Eijiro would spend most of their time dodging.
The redhead began swinging and pouncing at the air. Anyone who was less experienced would assume it was frustration. In fact, he was timing his preemptive attacks very well. On a few occasions he had grazed or narrowly missed his opponent.
Izuku decided to use that against him.
As he dashed by once more. Kirishima struck him in the leg, sending him spiralling to the ground and skipping like a stone for a few paces whilst Red Riot closed the distance between them.
Izuku sped off again, bouncing around the room as he did before, this time closer to Gran Torino's technique. Kirishima, for a second time, contacted him; this time he had landed a well placed blow to the ribs. Or so it seemed. Midoriya cried out and slumped onto the ground as their crowd cheered for the Hardening Hero.
Eijiro, now visibly fatigued from his attempts to intercept Izuku, leapt to Izuku. Just before he planted his feet, Izuku sprung onto his own and threw a wicked punch. With a 60% Smash, Red Riot spun in the air like a top and landed in a crumpled heap.
''Heh.'' Kirishima laughed dryly as he propped himself up onto his elbows. ''So I never did hit you. You were faking it.''
''I was. You can't get up without me hitting you again. I suggest you resign, Kirishima.''
''Pfft! After all the 'manliness' I preach!?'' He said jokingly as he threw himself off the ground.
Izuku was technically correct. He couldn't get off the ground without being hit with another One for All charged Smash.
But it didn't mean Eijiro couldn't hit him simultaneously.
The two powerhouses both landed solid hits on each other's temples and fell to the ground.
''Izuku!'' Ochako lowered her gravity as she jumped over the rest of the spectators. Mina scrambled from her seat and ran down to join her friend.
Ochako knelt down to her boyfriend as Mina did the same.
''U-Uhhhh…'' Izuku turned his head slowly to look up at the brunette.
''Can you hear me okay?'' She asked.
''Muh.'' Izuku responded with a slight nod.
''Can you see me okay?'' Ochako asked as she slipped a hand under the back of his head.
''Y-Yeah…'' He flung his arm over her and gripped her shoulder tightly. Uraraka slowly lifted his head and Izuku came to sit up.
''H-How is Kiri… Kirishima?'' He said groggily.
''Out cold.'' Mina sat with her lover's head resting on her thighs as she stroked his hair.
''I'm sorry, Mina.'' Izuku said sincerely.
''It's fine, Midori. I'm sure he would've been more angry had you gone easy on him.'' Mina smiled as she looked back down to study Kirishima's unconscious face.
Footsteps could be felt as All Might approached. He didn't seem too fazed by his protege's state. Then again, he'd seen far worse injuries in his time. Most of which were Midoriya, it pained him to admit.
''Are you alright, Young Midoriya?'' The blonde man said as he squatted down next to him.
''I'll be fine, I just need a few minutes to recover.'' He said through grit teeth.
''At this rate you'll end up graduating in another coma. Young Kendo will be the last to fight you. Are you okay to continue?''
Ochako looked at Izuku with a troubled expression. Her face begged him not to.
''No quirks.'' He replied.
''Ah. A purely martial arts affair, hmm?'' All Might cupped his chin. ''Wise.'' He stood up and cracked a knot in his back. ''I'll inform her of your terms.''
Izuku pivoted his head to meet Ochako's eyes. She looked less than impressed.
''You're on a mission to infuriate me, aren't you Deku?''
''Sorry. I'll make sure to get a lot of rest and an ice pack.'' He said like a boy promising his mother that he'd behave.
''Okay. But if you feel dizzy or messed up, you aren't fighting.''
He nodded as he slowly rubbed his temple, wincing slightly at the tenderness.
''And if Kendo still wants to fight so bad-'' Ochako's eyes narrowed. ''-Then I'll do it myself.''
[][][]
Izuku had recovered fairly fast. Shoji fought Awase in his peripherals as he studied Kendo. The ginger girl was an adept fighter, having already mastered several forms of martial arts by the time she entered UA when she was 16.
In comparison to him, she was a level ahead in hand-to-hand combat. If not several levels. Izuku had self-taught a few stances in judo, taekwondo and Krav Maga, but when facing someone like Kendo, he felt that she would be able to perfectly counter any attack or strike he tried.
As Awase hit the deck for a 3rd time, Ryukyu stepped in and ushered both he and Shoji back to their seats. Kendo turned back and gave him a small smile, one that he returned as he stood. Ochako huffed; he wasn't sure if this was jealousy over Kendo or the fact he was fighting for the 7th time today.
Considering he and a few others had fought roughly that amount, only a few hours had passed. They had arrived at 8:30 and it was only 12:30 now.
Izuku looked to All Might again. They both knew that this battle was only really for Kendo's benefit. Speaking of Kendo; the girl was loosening her corset as she kicked off her boots, letting her bare feet touch down on the mat that Vlad King had rolled out for them.
''Do you, uh, want me to take my boots off too?'' He asked. Kendo stretched her arms out as she hopped up and down.
''If you want. I'm only really doing it for the grip. Can't be slipping in martial arts.'' She peeled her mask off of her face and laid it down next to her boots.
''Oh, alright. Well-'' Izuku kicked off his red sneakers. ''Just to make us even, yeah?''
Kendo raised a brow just before the bell rang. Izuku charged the girl.
But he had made a fatal mistake. Whilst his shoes may have been removed, his socks hadn't been. He had no grip.
He tumbled into a forward roll before attempting a leg sweep. Kendo leapt the leg before bringing her foot down near his head. Izuku narrowly dodged as he attempted to stand, only to slip again. This time, his foot shot out… into Kendo's unmentionables. The girls in the audience hissed in associative pain.
The redhead squeaked as she jumped back. 'Is he doing this deliberately? It's like a Drunken Master!' She studied him attempting to stand again, slipping and sliding. 'No. He's just an idiot.'
''Sorry Kendo!'' He eventually stood up straight again.
''Take the socks off, Izuku.'' Kendo deadpanned. The boy backed up and threw the obstacles off.
He gave a thumbs up before jumping towards her again. Itsuka scissor-kicked forwards, forcing Izuku into a sliding dodge. He threw an uppercut, which Battle Fist easily caught.
Itsuka pulled him closer to her as she wrapped a leg around his neck. Izuku's back hit the mat as he felt the space between Kendo's thigh and calf tighten on his gullet.
He held his breath and tensed every muscle he could as he threw his legs up... before planting them at some speed, propelling him back into a standing position.
Usually, Kendo would've released her grip and flurried a few hits to regain distance. This time, she didn't back down. Until Izuku gripped her upper arms and tried to throw her off his back. Itsuka felt her hold weakening and attempted to roll over his shoulder onto the floor. She found herself dangling.
'W-Wha?' She looked up to her leg. More specifically, her foot. Wrapped in Izuku's untidy bird's nest of a haircut.
Izuku's neck muscles were working overtime to stop him doing an impression of an ostrich sticking their head into sand.
Kendo shifted her weight and Izuku yelped.
''S-Sorry Midoriya! Should we stop!?'' She yelled up; the blood was rushing to her head now.
''I-I'll just try and u-untangle it…'' He responded. Kendo felt his fingers trace around her toes and ankle as he operated.
''O-Okay, shift again!''
Kendo did as asked.
She felt her back hit the mat. Success! As she stood up again, preparing to throw a solid hook, she felt a tickle on the sole of her foot.
'Oh no.' She looked down. A messy tangle of green locks weaved around it. Kendo's head shot up. Izuku's eyes were wide in shock as he patted the top of his head, a noticeable clump of hair missing from his scalp.
''Whoops/Whoops…'' The two combatants said in unison.
''HAHAHAHAHAAAA!'' Katsuki wept in laughter from the stands. ''Dumbass!''
Izuku turned bright red. There were a few stifled giggles and chuckles from the less compassionate in the crowd, but they were mostly drowned out by murmurs of concern. Ochako looked deathly pale.
''I am so, so sorry, Midoriya!'' Kendo hopped on one leg as she tugged the hair off her, before gathering it all into her palms and offering it to him.
''It's okay… I should've paid more attention to getting you loose... '' He tried to comb his hair over with his fingers. ''I probably needed a haircut anyway.'' He smiled awkwardly.
''Young Midoriya.'' All Might approached them, his jacket curled over his arm. ''I take it we're having a wardrobe malfunction?''
''Y-Yeah.'' Midoriya eyed the enormous clump in Kendo's hands and sighed.
Yagi hummed in thought. ''Young Ashido!'' He called out to the pink girl.
The Acid Quirk user sat ramrod straight but didn't respond.
''Are you well versed in hairdressing?'' He asked with a hint of optimism.
''Oh… Oh! Midori needs a touchup, of course!'' Mina laughed joyously as she turned to Momo and whispered. In a moment, a hair salon coat grew lengthways out of Yaoyorozu's left arm.
''Step into my clinic, Mr Midoriya!'' Mina announced in an old-timey voice. Izuku jogged up the steps.
''Ah, uh, whadda I do with this?'' Kendo nodded to the clump of hair. She got no response from the greenette as he dashed upwards.
Her eyes glistened in sudden realisation as they darted around. Everyone was watching Mina throw the coat around Izuku's neck. Kendo pocketed the hair with a very red face.
[][][]
''Damn, I messed up. We gotta go bald.'' Mina said in the deepest voice she could manage. Whilst Izuku had the urge to suddenly scream, Mina's devious smile said she hadn't messed it up. Yet.
Aoyama and Tooru watched in eager fascination as Mina's electric razor traced Midoriya's back and sides, giving Izuku a low top fade. He was unsure if it would suit him, but Yuuga insisted that he would 'twinkle as much as he did.'
Momo had provided him with some hair growth cream to slather on the bald spot that would, in about a day or two, get it to an even length with the rest of his hair. For now, Mina significantly shortened it with thinning scissors and combed it to the side, purely to cover the spot.
''Okey dokey then, Midori. I'll just even out a few pieces here and there and you'll be all good.''
''Thank you, Mina. You really didn't have to do this.'' He smiled warmly at her.
''Nonsense! You saved my butt a dozen times when we fought the Liberation Front. Stuff like this is the least I can do.'' She snipped a few locks as she brushed him off.
''What are we doing with all this hair!?'' Tooru pointed to the pile of green hair that rested on the bleachers a few feet away.
''Just throw it out.'' Kyoka turned back to them; the punk girl having just finished her fight against Shiozaki.
''That seems like a waste, don't you think?'' Sero gripped his chin in thought. ''Surely there's something fun we can do with it.''
''Make a wig for Bakugo.'' Todoroki said dryly, a small smirk creeping up his face.
''If any of that hair ends up near me, I will make sure all of you go bald.'' Katsuki glared along the seats.
''Let's sell it to creepy fangirls.'' Kaminari jested. ''Guaranteed yen right there.''
Midoriya stared at him blankly. Kaminari curled a brow as he met his gaze.
''Wait. Have you not seen your fan pages, Midoriya?'' He sat up straight and fished his phone from his jean pockets.
Mina threw the hair coat off him and brushed the hair on it into the rest of the pile. Kaminari tapped his screen a few times before handing his phone off to Izuku.
''Just scroll, man. Some folks online are a little wacky.''
Izuku's eyes skimmed the forum's posts, the occasional keyword catching his eye. After a good 30 seconds of fast scrolling, he reached some that made him want to curl up in a ball and die.
''I bet he's got such a tight little ass.''
''I would literally eat his shit, no joke.''
''Can you imagine him and All Might sharing you? Can you even call yourself a woman if you haven't!?''
''I could definitely bite his dick off.''
''I'd love to whip him. He seems strong in public, but I bet he's super kinky behind closed doors.''
Was Toga writing these?
He passed the phone back to Kaminari, not being able to stomach much more.
''That bad?'' Ochako fell into the seat next to him, having just beaten Yui.
''It's that bad.'' He deadpanned.
''Deku_Stan2 levels of bad?'' Uraraka asked with the smallest hint of dread.
''Nothing could be that bad.'' Midoriya trembled at the thought.
[][][]
''Okay, everyone! That's all for today!'' Vlad King held his hands up high to draw more of their eyes towards him.
''Very well done, heroes!'' All Might grinned and offered a double thumbs up.
''Head on back to the dorms when you're ready!'' Ryukyu motioned to the doors and plenty of the crowd wandered out. Tokage watched like a hawk as Itsuka burst to the front of the pack and practically sprinted back to the 1-B dormitories.
Izuku and Ochako walked back with Mina and Kirishima, who had nothing but praise for Izuku's punch.
''Hmm. It's only 2:20 Eiji. Want to go down to that ramen place down Market Street?''
''Do you even need to ask!?'' Red Riot yelled excitedly. ''After all that I could definitely use a bowl or two!''
Ochako laughed at their antics as Izuku stared ahead, his mind wandering all over the place.
''You two wanna come with?'' Mina asked.
''Oh, really?'' Ochako was shocked at their invitation.
''Heh heh, yeah? You don't like ramen?'' Mina said sarcastically.
''No, it's just… Izuku?'' Ochako looked to the tall boy, who shook his head as he exited his mental block.
''Wha? O-Oh, sure! The one with the blonde guy behind the counter, right?''
''Yup! Dude makes the best bowls outside of Tokyo!'' Eijiro beamed.
''It's not as if we have much else to do anymore, right? We're just biding time until we graduate. Why not make the most of it?'' Izuku smiled at 1-A's most energetic couple.
Izuku pushed open the doors to the dorm and allowed the two girls ahead of him. Kirishima waggled his eyebrows as a signal and Izuku slotted in as the redhead closed the doors behind them.
''Well said, Midori!'' Ashido jumped in the air. ''We'll meet at 3, okay?''
Mina and Kirishima b-lined for the elevators, leaving the new couple alone in the common room.
''So… our first date is a double date.'' Ochako giggled.
''Hardly. I feel like we'll somehow end up being both third and fourth wheel if it's those two.'' Izuku laughed.
There was a pregnant pause.
''I'll, uh, go and shower. Freshen up before we go.'' Uravity suddenly became aware of how much her skin tight costume hugged her curves.
''Why not save water and shower together?'' Izuku asked with a blank expression. There was no hint of mockery or comedy to his tone, either.
''W-wHA?'' Uraraka was astounded at the request. Since when had Izuku been that forward?
Ah. Nejire.
''S-Sure! I'll just… grab some clothes and bring them to your room!'' Ochako sped off to the girl's elevator.
Izuku raised a brow in confusion. ''Was it something I said?''
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Setsuna sat in the common room, relaxing after a rough day of battles. She had decided to challenge Izuku after his haircut. That didn't go so well. To avoid more injuries, he hadn't held back at all, like he did with Itsuka.
She scanned the room. Had Itsuka come down to grab her dinner yet? She hadn't seen her since training…
Worry filling her, Tokage stood and headed to the girl's dorm room. Thankfully, it was on the 1st floor on the far end.
She knocked 3 times and waited. No response.
She knocked again. No response.
''Itsuka! You okay!?'' She yelled into the door.
''H-Hmm? O-Oh, I-I'm fine, Set! J-Just doing some-oof!'' The Class Rep's response came.
''You're not fine! I'm coming in!''
''WAIT NO-''
Setsuna burst in.
Itsuka sat on the edge of her bed in a long t-shirt that went just past her waist, her hands tucked behind her back.
''S-See? I'm fine.'' She smiled gingerly, her equally ginger hair matted to her forehead. Setsuna squinted in suspicion.
The dino girl studied the room. Towel on the bed. Curtains drawn early. Bed sheets folded in a suspiciously neat way. The light perspiration on the surface of the nervous girl's skin.
Tokage shut the door behind her and watched as Itsuka's face grew more concerned.
''What you got behind ya back?'' Setsuna questioned.
''Huh? Oh, nothing. I was just doing some s-stretches as you came in.''
''Then relax that stretch, sista.'' Setsuna walked towards her, noticing just how bare her friend's legs were.
''Uhh, okay.'' Kendo's arms snaked back around her resting on her lap. Setsuna easily caught her right hand readjust to keep something in her palm.
''You want to show me what's in your hand? I know what you've been doing.'' Setsuna prodded.
Itsuka turned scarlet as she turned her hand over and opened her palm. A tuft of green hair, held together by a single hair band at one end of the strands.
Kendo looked up at her briefly before turning even redder and facing away.
''I-Is that… No fucking way.'' Tokage recognised the curl and slight black accents the hair had.
''That's Midoriya's hair!'' Setsuna yelped in surprise. ''What the fuck!?''
Itsuka grit her teeth. ''Why'd you have to pry, Set…''
''I-I can't- I just- huh.'' Setsuna threw her hands up in defeat. She gripped the doorknob and turned back to Itsuka.
''I'd ask where exactly you've been putting that but I don't think I want to know.''
Kendo clenched her eyes shut.
''But we're dating right now, Itsu. If you need a release… you can ask me.''
The door opened and shut again with a soft click. Itsuka bit her lip as she pondered.
''At least I didn't eat it, right…?'' She offered aloud to herself. After all, what kind of a weirdo would eat hair?
Hey. Thank you for reading. Next chapter will be some more Nejire action. Mostly in the form of a flashback. I did promise I'd show you why Nejire fell for Izuku, right? Well that'll be that.
Also, Itsuka Kendo is a closet freak. And my favourite My Hero girl. I'd be tempted to make her a love interest for Izuku, purely for my own sick sense of justice. Maybe that's made for a different story, though?
Anyway, I'll address the Deku_Stan2 joke. For those of you who are unaware, Deku_Stan2 was an MHA Twitter user who was recently outed as a pedophile and groomer, as well as a massive racist. Basically, he's an enormous piece of shit. His brilliant ideas for an apology was to quote the MHA manga and claim that Deku would forgive him if he was real.
This is false. And also why I stay away from anything My Hero related that isn't on or AO3.
Anime Twitter is toxic and cringe. Especially My Hero Twitter.
Anime Tumblr is toxic and cringe. Especially My Hero Tumblr.
As is Instagram. As is Discord servers.
If you enjoy any of these, then that's cool; you do you. But I'm personally tired of liking so many things that have awful and cringeworthy fandoms.
My Hero Academia is already potentially the most hated of any fandom EVER. The anime is massively overrated (in my opinion) but the manga is fantastic.
However, I can't even recommend someone the My Hero manga without getting: ''Uh, My Hero Academia? You mean that garbage?''
Just a bit sad that the community being so awful (in parts, there are obviously brilliant parts to it, like on ) has contributed to hatred of what is genuinely good.
Anyway. Sorry for the rant. Been wanting to get those thoughts out in writing for a while.
Next chapter soon, baby. See ya!