It had become somewhat routine for Yaoyorozu to meet their little group before school. Ryoya still didn't know how to tie a tie, nor did he seem to make any effort in learning how to.
This morning started a bit differently though. Yaoyorozu met Izuku, Ryoya and Usagiyama in their usual spot, only to shortly be joined by Iida and Uraraka. Usagiyama, like yesterday, gave Momo an uncomfortable amount of eyeing while she actually fixed Ryoya's tie, so much so that Momo's inner competitive self shone through just a bit and she took a bit longer than strictly necessary to complete the simple knot. Bakugo stalked by them as a unit and growled; Izuku's shoulders slumped and he sighed at that while Ryoya simply ignored him altogether, having been to focused on... whatever was going on between Bunny-san and Mo-chan.
"I still don't get his problem with you, Deku-kun." Uraraka said, watching the blond sulk away.
"It's uh, complicated." Izuku said weakly.
Uraraka looked like she wanted to comment on it, but held her tongue.
"Harushi!" Iida called loudly. Ryoya immediately looked five times more tired. "You must learn how to properly tie your tie! I do not wish to insult Yaoyorozu's examples, but you seem to be completely ignoring her lessons!" Iida not-so-gently moved between Momo and Ryoya while untying his tie and undoing Momo's progress. "Here, allow me to show you how to do a proper Windsor Knot. Firstly, you put the wide end under the thinner one. Then,"
Izuku had to cover his mouth from laughing. He'd never seen Ryoya look so done with life, before. His glare, that Iida either conveniently didn't notice or ignored, could've dried paint and killed grass. Ochako however, didn't bother to hide her giggles.
Off to the side, Rumi gave Momo a look and a taunting smirk. The taller girl scowled.
"...once you pass the wider end through the central wrap, you bring it out completely." Iida continued, completely unaware that Ryoya had never actually followed him since he started his explanation, only staring at him before turning his attention to Mo-chan and Bunny-san. Tension was there, he could sense it, but he didn't know why and far be it from him to interject himself between two very powerful girls. He'd rather not be killed, thanks.
Then Izuku's eyes widened slightly and his head perked up. "Why're so many people in front of UA?"
"Ah, it seems like there are reporters." Iida said while chopping his arm sharply.
"Uh, how do we get around them? They're blocking the entrance staircase." Uraraka asked, looking a bit nervous.
"Do we just go over the wall?" Izuku asked innocently.
"Izuku, that's a stupid idea. I'm sure UA has some kind of defense to prevent that from happening... I'm in." Ryoya said seriously while walking closer to the wall.
"Alright, so you get low and cuff you hands and I'll -" Izuku's planning paused when Momo groaned.
"Midoriya, Harushi-kun. Please don't break into our school. I'm fairly certain you'll get in trouble for doing it." Momo just looked really tired all of a sudden.
"It's not breaking in, we are simply going over the wall." Ryoya said as if that explained everything. Momo gave him a flat look. "...fine. I have an idea."
"If it involves violence, I'm in." Rumi said confidently.
"If it involves violence, I'm going to be really upset at you." Momo said immediately afterward.
Ryoya looked at Momo, then to Rumi, then back to Momo than finally to Izuku.
"...It involves the Intimidating Slow Walk." There, he said it. Mo-chan couldn't be upset at him because it wasn't a violent technique, but Rumi could still enjoy herself since it would've likely gotten a funny reaction.
"That's a great idea!" Izuku chipped in before his smile changed to a blank, dangerous glare. Ryoya's expression, usually impassive and bored, changed as well.
Then the duo started walking.
Momo pinched the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath. Why were her friends like this?
Surprisingly, or unsurprisingly depending who you asked, the crowd saw Izuku and Ryoya walking side by said menacingly and gave them a very wide berth. Hell, she was pretty sure one of them actually broke out in a cold sweat when Ryoya glanced at him.
"How are they doing that?" Ochako seemed honestly confused. "They're just walking slowly but like, it's scary somehow."
"I don't know Anti-Grav, but the shit's hilarious! Look at the one guy, he almost wet himself!" Rumi laughed.
Iida looked confused.
"Let's just... walk behind them while the crowd is clear." Bless Momo's soul; she managed to say that with a straight face.
"Good morning, Aizawa-sensei." Izuku greeted, still in his Intimidating Slow Walk mode. Aizawa looked marginally taken aback by this but managed to keep a mostly neutral expression.
"Midoriya, Harushi." He acknowledged. "Don't be late to class while you're doing... whatever that is your doing." The teacher said before turning to give the crowd a glare. "All Might is off duty. You're interfering with our lessons here, so please leave the premises."
"We just want to speak to All Might!"
"Aren't you a little sloppy looking!?"
'Damn annoying reporters.' Aizawa thought bitterly. He turned his back on the group and ignored any further questions.
Ryoya looked Izuku in the eye seriously. "There's something off about that crowd."
The green-eyed boy slowed down his strides and opened his senses, and sure enough there was a very cold ki among the sea of people. The person didn't have enough ki to stand out above any normal person, but the fact that seemed to be filled with malicious intent was enough to give both teens a pause. "You're right." Izuku worried. "What should we do?"
"I'll tell Hobo-sensei. You wait here." And so, Ryoya did. It wasn't exactly easy for him to explain how he and Izuku knew what they knew, and he figured he didn't have enough time at the moment to explain in detail, so he'd keep it brief. "Hobo-sensei, there's something wrong here. One of these people might be a villain."
Aizawa raised a brow at that before scanning the crowd again. Sure, they were a bunch of vultures, but he wouldn't actually say they were dangerous. He waved off Harushi's warning. "They're just reporters. Get to class before you're late and I give you detention."
Ryoya kept a neutral expression before looking at the crowd himself. He seemed to focus on someone in particular before nodding and leaving without a word.
He didn't look back, not even when he heard the UA barrier close, nor when he sensed the weird ki vanish into thin air.
When Aizawa arrived in class, everyone already had taken their seats. Good, he didn't need to wait.
"Good work with yesterday's training." He began without fanfare. "I looked over your marks and evaluations. Bakugo." The blond stiffened. "Stop acting like a child. You have talent, but you're wasting it on some stupid tantrums. Either shape up and lose the attitude or I'm kicking you out of the Hero Course." Aizawa watched closely as the boy grit his teeth and nodded. He didn't want to single him out, but he already stood in contention for biggest problem child of the year. His lack of rescue points raised several red flags, and his aggression towards others definitely needed to be worked on. The only reason he wasn't expelled immediately after using a lethal attack on his classmate would be because that Nezu would likely reinstate him to prevent him from becoming a vigilante or fall into the grasp of the HPSC. "Midoriya. You did well, but you gave up a perfectly good stealth position to engage in a petty rivalry. If that were real, you would've costed an untold amount of lives. Get your head on straight."
Izuku looked down at his desk before nodding in understanding.
"Todoroki, fight Harushi to the death in a KFC parking lot at 4 am, I don't care. But don't bring that pettiness into heroics. To blatantly disregard an enemy to settle a personal grudge is stupid and I hope you've learned from that experience." Todoroki's hand balled into a fist but he kept a completely blank look and nodded. "Harushi, Usagiyama. Learn to hold back. We're heroes not gladiators. You won't get anywhere if you sought out to actively cripple the people you're trying to capture."
Rumi didn't look happy but begrudgingly let out a quiet 'yes sir'.
"Understood, Hobo-sensei."
"Good. Now let's get on with homeroom." Aizawa suddenly took on an air of intensity that took the breath out of the class. "It's time to pick a class president."
"A normal school activity!"
Everyone's hands went up immediately and people started spouting reasons to be elected.
"Ooh! Ooh! I wanna be class president! Pick me!"
"I wanna do it too."
"Oh, you mean the position that exists for me."
"That a leadership position! I'll do it, pick me!"
"Quiet down, everyone!" Iida suddenly shouted above everyone. "Leading the many is a serious and heavy responsibility! But simply having the ambition does not mean you have the ability!" A serious gleam appeared in his eye. "This sacred position in office demands the trust of it's constituents...! If this is to be a democracy, I put forth the notion that our leader must be elected!"
"Iida," Ryoya's voice was muffled. "This is a classroom, not parliament. Relax."
"But Iida-chan, most of us haven't known each other long enough to build any trust, kero."
"Yeah, and everyone'll just vote for themselves!"
"That's exactly why anyone who manages to earn multiple votes will be the best suited individual for the job! Sir! Will you allow this?!"
"Don't care how you do it," Aizawa said while crawling into his sleeping bag, "Just make it quick."
"I got five votes!?" To say Izuku was floored by the revelation would be an understatement.
"Hah!? Who the hell voted for Deku!?" Bakugo stood up immediately in a fit of rage.
"Well, I guess we know it wasn't you." Sero teased, only to awkwardly laugh when Bakugo's eyes snapped to him and bore into his very soul.
Uraraka whistled nervously.
"I did!" Toga raised her hand without shame or fear. "He's pretty smart and stuff from yesterday, so he seemed like a good idea! I would've voted for my fang buddy here but he didn't even raise his head off the desk." Bakugo looked even more angry than before.
"I'd rather die than be class president, thanks." Ryoya added dryly.
"Zero votes!? I thought as much. This is the harsh reality of the sacred office...!" Iida doubled over, clutching his chest in mock agony.
"Did you vote for someone else?"
"You were the one to propose this election, what exactly do you want, Iida?"
"Whatever the case," Aizawa cut in smoothly. "Your president is Midoriya and your vice is Yaoyorozu."
"You seem pretty anxious, Midoriya." Momo leaned over and whispered. Thankfully, he was only a bit taller than she was. "Are you unwell?"
"No, uh it's fine, Yaoyorozu. I just wasn't expecting to get so many votes." Izuku said honestly and while rubbing the back of his neck.
"Honestly, me either. I don't know who are the other two people who voted for me, but I'm happy for the vote of confidence." Momo smiled.
Izuku had an idea of who one of those people were, it was obvious to him and plain as day.
"I know Midoriya's got the right stuff for this!"
"And Yaoyorozu is pretty cool too! Analyzing the battle training and all!"
Iida's mind wandered elsewhere, still completely scandalized over the decision.
"More people here than before..." Ryoya frowned at this while everyone else ate happily next to him.
"Well, it's because besides the hero course, there's also students from the support and business courses. We all come here for lunch." Izuku explained.
"What about Gen Ed?"
"They have their own area from what I understand, since they are the largest course."
"Oh wow, this rice is really good!" Uraraka munched with a smile.
"Yeah, Lunch Rush is really good at what he does. Not much is know about his quirk, but he's a masterful chef." Izuku said with a look of admiration towards the kitchen doors, then his expression changed ever so slightly as he remembered something. "You know, I'm kinda worried about whether or not I'll be a good class president."
"Ah, don't be silly, Deku-kun. You'll be fine."
"Worry not, Midoriya." Iida said while adjusting his glasses. "Your grit and decisiveness in a pinch make you perfectly suited to lead everyone. That's why I voted for you."
"One of those votes was you?"
Iida just nodded.
"But didn't you want the position too, Iida? I mean, you've got the look for it with the glasses and all."
Ryoya heard that and gave Uraraka a dry stare, one that she didn't notice. Izuku discreetly elbowed him under the table.
"Again, ambition does not equal suitability." He took a sip of his drink, "I humbly made the choice I felt was correct. And judging by the amount of votes you got, others did as well."
Uraraka swallowed her rice then giggled. "The way you talk, Iida you're a rich kid aren't you?"
"Uh, rich?"
Iida, sweating nervously, turned away. "I normally don't like people to know so I try to keep it hidden. But yes, I am from a renowned hero family. I'm the second son."
"Whoa, that's really cool." Izuku said, already getting stars in his eyes.
"Do you know of the Turbo Hero, Ingenium?"
Izuku's entire face lit up like the sun.
"Well, now you've done it." Ryoya whispered to himself.
"Of course I do! He employs 65 sidekicks at his office in Tokyo! So you must've met a lot of heroes!" Izuku's blabbering would've went on much longer had Ryoya not gently tapped his shoulder. Well, gently by their standards, as to Iida and Uraraka, Ryoya seemed to drop his hand on Izuku's shoulder with the impact of a grenade. The green-haired boy stopped talking in an instant and sheepishly laughed.
"You're very well informed..."
"He's a fucking nerd is what he is." Ryoya added.
Then Iida suddenly perked up and bolstered proudly. "Yes, Ingenium is my brother. He leads people with his unwavering adherence to the rules and regulations! A truly magnificent hero! It's my admiration for my brother than inspired me to become a hero." Then he deflated, and his smile lightened. "Though, I only just realized I'm not yet ready to lead anyone. As the superior candidate, it was only right that the role should go to you, Midoriya."
"I've never seen you smile before, Iida." Uraraka said suddenly.
Iida tried to sputter out something of a response.
"Oi, what's Robo-Cop here smiling about?" Rumi's gruff question sounded just before she slammed her tray on the table next to Ryoya. "Fucking line is really long today."
"Yeah, it is Usagiyama-san, but luckily, we got here early."
"Unfortunately, we weren't as lucky." Momo said, gracefully putting her tray down next to Ochako, and across from the rabbit girl.
"So what was Robo-Cop here smiling about? Someone tell a joke about math or something?" Rumi reiterated.
"Usagiyama! I'd never joke about such an important subject in our curriculum!"
"They were mostly speaking about their inspirations to become heroes, Bunny-san."
"Oh, no shit? Well, mine was the number 5 hero, Killer Bee!" Rumi proclaimed, drinking out of her Killer Bee branded thermos. "There's a few other reasons, but the main woman I look up to is her. She's badass and headstrong, and she refuses to go down without a fight!"
Ryoya kept a straight face, but the ghost of a smile tickled his features. "Really? I couldn't tell by you wearing the exact leotard she does only in a different color. Looks good on you."
Rumi's cheeks went red but she did nothing to deny the accusation. "Oi, High Class wears one too!"
"Believe me, I've noticed." Something about his tone and insulation made Momo choke on her food. "Killer Bee is cool. She's tied for my favorite too because of all the good she does across Japan." 'And the fact that she's one of the very few heroes who is actively trying to defeat Shadaloo.' He doesn't say. "My favorite hero isn't even really a hero, I guess. She's more of an underground hero/vigilante. Juri Han."
"Juri Han?"
"I've never heard of her before."
"I haven't even heard of her before." Izuku said while giving his friend an odd look. He knew for a fact that Ryoya simply wasn't the biggest fans of heroes in general, and as such, just assumed he didn't have a favorite one. But apparently, he did and it was someone so obscure that she escaped even Izuku's fanboyish gaze.
"I believe I've heard that name once or twice under Chun-Li sensei's tutelage." Momo said after regaining her composure. "Isn't she closer to an actual criminal? I'd assume so based on how Chun-Li sensei spoke about her."
Ryoya just shrugged. "Maybe she is. But she and I actually have a similar outlook on some things."
Rumi swallowed her rice and gave the tan boy a suspicious look. "And those are?"
Before Ryoya could answer however, an ear-piercing sound brought an end to their conversation.
"The alarm?!"
Security Level 3 has been broken. All students, please evacuate in an orderly fashion.
Iida stood up, confused. "What's security level 3?"
"It means someone's infiltrated the building! Hasn't happened in my three years of going here!" An upper classmen said while running away. "Anyway, hurry up and get out of here!"
A variable stampede of students took place, pushing and shoving one another with no regard for anyone else. The desperation to escape from whatever happened overrode people's rational judgement and Izuku felt himself being crushed between two students. Despite his larger than average frame, even he was susceptible to being rag-dolled at the crowd's mercy.
"Ow! Fucker!" He heard Rumi say somewhere from the sea of people. Izuku felt someone fall against him and saw another person fall over.
'Damn it, everyone's so quick! It's causing a panic!"
Another person fell against his front, and he was pleasantly surprised to see it was Uraraka. "S - sorry!"
"Uraraka-san! Are you okay!" He shouted over the loud crowd, trying to use his much larger body to shield the girl.
"I'm fine, Deku - just that," At that moment, even more people forced the girl further into his chest, resulting in Ochako's chest pressing against Izuku's.
Ochako turned bright red in an instant. "Sorry! I - I'll try to move-!"
But Izuku seemed to not care at that moment, instead wrapping one arm around the girl's shoulder to keep her close while the stampede got worse. "Damn it all. Who in the world would even trespass into UA!?"
On the outside, Mic and Aizawa stood between UA's entrance and a wave of people with recording equipment.
"Give us All Might!" Someone demanded. "He's in the right!?"
"No, he's out today." Mic replied loud enough that his quirk wouldn't be needed.
"Just give us a comment! That's all we want!" Someone else pleaded.
"This is completely illegal. Villainous, even. Can we just blow them away already?" Mic suggested.
Aizawa perked up ever so slightly at the villainous comment. Should've he had heeded Harushi's warning? Regardless, it was too late now. For as badly as he wanted to tell Mic yes, fire away, he knew it would cause more harm than good in the long run. "Lay it off, Mic. They'll write what they want either way. Let's just wait for the cops."
Iida, forcibly pressed against a window answered. "The press!? It's okay everyone! It's just the press - " before he could finish, someone pushed his face right against the glass window, interrupting his message. He continued to get swept away in the crowd.
"Ryo-kun!" Momo shouted as Ryoya clung to both her and Rumi tightly, making sure they weren't trampled by the students.
It was when someone nudged him hard enough to roughly jostle both girls and Rumi got an unintentional elbow to the side of the head from a taller student due to her short self that Ryoya snapped.
He hadn't attempted to call on the Satsui in a very long time, mostly because he knew he couldn't do it with the seal in place. He always felt it brewing within him, of course. Whenever he felt a surge of negative emotion, like now, the Satsui no Hado would beg to be let free. But Ryu-sensei had told him that the seal was weakening, so maybe he could call on just a small amount to help here.
His ki flared and in an instant, the entire room went stock still like a deer in the headlights. His eyes started to glow and his voice boomed like it had before. "Calm. The Fuck. Down." He commanded.
Everyone's eyes turned to him in fear, but no one dared to say anything. "You fools are hurting my friends in your mindless panic."
He frowned and scanned the room, looking for any sign of opposition until his eyes fell on Rumi, then to Momo and finally to Izuku. They were also wide with fear and trepidation. They looked at him like he was a dangerous, wild animal. Ryoya's eyes widened minutely and he instantly dropped the ability. "Sorry..." He whispered before turning away and walking off. Thankfully, his little scare tactic worked as the crowd gave him a wide berth before slowly and uneasily walking forward.
As Izuku would come to find out, Ryoya was much better at hiding his ki than he remembered he was. They still had a few minutes before class resumed, and he hasn't seen, heard, nor felt his friend since. Logically, he knew there was nothing to worry about. They were on UA's grounds and he highly doubted Ryoya would've simply left and went home after doing... that. But he had confided in him his fear of being seen as a monster for harboring such an ability.
Were there better was of handling that situation? Probably. But Ryoya's plan worked. Sure, now people were a bit scared of him but he managed to completely defuse the situation in two sentences. To Izuku, it was Ryoya's first time using his 'evil' power for good. It was a reach and he knew that, but it was likely miles better than what Ryoya thought at that moment. He only wished he could speak to him face to face to confirm it, but he was surprisingly good at remaining completely undetected.
Even Momo started to worry.
When neither him, Rumi nor Momo found him until next period, Izuku just sighed. The class went along no different that they ever did, but Ryoya just gazed out of the window with a melancholic expression. He didn't utter a word to anyone and when the period ended, he quickly grabbed his things and left.
'They looked at me like I was a...' Was his thought as he vanished down UA's halls.
A group of UA's teachers met outside by a destroyed gate.
"No ordinary reporter can do this." Recovery Girl spoke grimly.
Nezu, UA's esteemed principle walked towards the dusty remains of the steel with his hands behind his back. "Someone instigated this whole affair. Did someone break in during the surge? Or was this a declaration of war?"
Earlier that morning, somewhere across Musutafu, Mt. Lady and Kamui Woods were having a hell of a time against a villain.
"Serial robber and murderer, Habit Headgear!" Mt. Lady looked like she had seen better days.
Habit Headgear just flipped them the middle finger with his left hand, keeping a family tightly pressed against his person with his right. "See this lucky family? Come any closer and I'll snap their necks! Got it? Stay back, heroes!"
The family cried and begged to be saved, but the villain just laughed at the futility. "And now to make my escape!"
"Fear not, good family!" The swift, cold wind of justice that was All Might blitzed by, knocking the villain out with a swift Missouri Smash to the back of the head. "Why you ask? Because I am... on my morning commute!"
"We really appreciate it but..."
"He'll put us out of business..."
The police were thankful, and All Might waved off their praise. "I mustn't be late now! Farewell!"
'My speed and power have been steadily dropping ever since I gave Uraraka the power. My maximum duration was shortened ever since the Sludge villain. She's been progressing quite nicely, so has Midoriya. I long for the day where I wouldn't have to be as active as I am anymore, and the newer generation could rise in my place.'
"I heard there's a hostage situation in the next town over."
All Might just sighed. He could leave it to the local heroes, but he was the Symbol of Peace.
When the bell rang, and everyone returned to homeroom, Aizawa began with speaking without introduction. "Now for today's basic training." He said, giving the glass a bland once over. "This time, All Might, myself and another teacher will supervise."
'This time?' Izuku thought to himself. 'So it's a special class?'
Thankfully, someone vocalized Izuku's internal question.
"Um, what exactly are we doing?"
Aizawa reached into his pocket and pulled out a white card with the word 'RESCUE' on it. "Preparing you for disaster relief, from fires to floods."
"Rescue training!"
Students muttered to themselves.
"Sounds like another rough day."
"Come on, this is what being a hero is all about! I'm pumped up!"
"I'll be right at home in a flood, kero."
Aizawa activated his quirk and glared at them. "Hey, I'm not done." Everyone settled down. "It's up to each of you whether or not you wear your costumes. Some of them could be bad for the environment." He pressed a remote and like yesterday, the walls opened. "The training site is a bit remote, so we'll be taking the bus. That's it. Get ready."
Izuku was determined. He wanted to be the strongest hero like All Might yes, but he also wanted to save people with a smile like the man himself. 'This'll help push me towards be a Symbol. I'll do my best!'
Turns out, everyone chose to wear their costumes. "Hm? I wonder why Todoroki isn't wearing his weird ice armor thing?" Uraraka questioned innocently.
True to her word, when Izuku looked over, Todoroki just wore a white buttoned down shirt, white pants and white boots. It looked more business casual than combat ready in Izuku's opinion. "It probably didn't survive the battle trial. He probably didn't want to wear his gym clothes."
"Midoriya! It is your duty as Class President to ensure that everyone gets on the bus in an orderly manner!" Iida said while brandishing a whistle from god knows where and chopping fiercely. "Inform them that they must line in an orderly fashion according to student ID numbers."
Izuku sweat dropped at the scene. "It - It's fine Iida. I'm sure we don't need to go that far." He said while people just outright ignored the speedster anyway and went on.
Iida deflated, but got on the bus nonetheless.
Ryoya wordlessly got on and headed to the very back in the hopes that he could have more time alone to this thoughts. Izuku correctly picked up on his friend's need for space, and chose to sit closer to the front, however Momo's concern made her follow him and Rumi seemed prepared to get answers even if it killed her. They sat on either side of him and try as he might, Ryoya couldn't keep his eyes to himself, looking between the two girls before groaning. They were really going to be the death of him, weren't they? Damn them and their leotards.
"So, what's with you, pretty boy?" Rumi cut straight to the chase. "You did that whole... thing at lunch and then just fucked off like you saw a ghost. Then you're just avoiding us the rest of the day? Hell's up with that?"
Ryoya sighed. "It's nothing, Bunny-san."
"It's not nothing, Harushi-kun." Momo said immediately. "It seemed to bother you quite a bit, whatever that was."
"It's um, complicated."
"How so?"
"Because it's like - " Ryoya paused. How does one explain to his friends that he possesses a hidden hado that only wants to kill, destroy and fight and is tied directly to his emotions and is progressively making him more of a monster the longer he goes without taming it? "I'll tell you later, honestly. But now, it's kinda hard to put into words."
Rumi crossed her arms and scowled, clearly not happy with the lack of response, while Momo only slowly nodded.
"You know I generally speak what's on my mind, Midoriya." Tsuyu said suddenly.
"Oh? What is it, Asui-san?"
"Call me Tsu." She corrected immediately. "Your quirk is really strong, but it's also weird, kero."
Izuku raised a green brow at this. "I uh, actually don't have a quirk, Asu - Tsu-san."
"Come on, man!" Kirishima interjected. "Of course you have a quirk! All that green lightning and those Hand-oh-kens!"
One day, Izuku silently prayed, someone will get the name correct.
"Er, actually no. That's not a quirk. I'm fully, 100% quirkless." He racked his brain for an explanation. He wasn't supposed to explain ki as per Ryu-sensei's recommendation, but he couldn't really go a full three years with these people without telling them. And he was much to earnest to lie. "Um, have you heard of ki before?"
"Like from Dragon Ball?" This time, it was Kaminari who spoke up. "Now that you mention it, those Hay-dough-kans do look a lot like those ki blasts! Can you fly, Lightening Buddy!?"
Izuku, sweating nervously, just awkwardly chuckled. "Er, no. I can't. But the Dragon Ball this is an... apt comparison. Basically ki is life force, and through training, you can get it to a certain point where you can manifest it," He waved his hand and an inky black trial followed. "And beyond that, you can get shape it and unlock it's affinities." The ki went from black to a violent, neon green before taking on it's lightning like properties.
"Dude, that's so cool! Teach me how to do that!" Kirishima said with a blinding smile.
"Um, I can't." Izuku quickly shot down, causing the boy to deflate. "Ki is, for lack of a better word, incompatible with quirks. Or well, most quirks." No one interrupted him, all wanting him to explain further. Even Aizawa leaned back ever so slightly in his seat to hear better. "From what I can understand, it's based on uh - how do I say this?"
"You can say it for how it is, Izuku." Ryoya suddenly said from his spot. It seemed him, Rumi and Momo were done with their little 'conversation' and chose to interject. "Do you hear that old quirkist idea that quirkless people are 'lesser people' because we haven't 'hit the next step in human evolution'?" He sounded bitter saying that and people could understand why. "Well there's some truth to it. Me and Izuku really are genetically inferior to people with quirks. No matter what the quirk, could be as simple as changing eye color, you still have a biologically stronger body than I do, naturally. But Ki is based exactly on that purity."
"Are you saying we can't learn it because we're impure?" This time, it was Toga who asked, just as curious as everyone else.
Ryoya shook his head no. "It's a case by case basis. Basically, the further you are from 'pure human' the less compatible you are with ki. Let's take Mo-chan for example. Her quirk is frankly just unfair, and I've told her as much." Momo playfully tapped his shoulder for that. "It uses her lipids to work though, and thus, the fat on her body is much denser than that of a normal human. Denser fat means denser muscle, and in order for her body to support to extra weight, she needs to have denser, stronger bones."
"You seem to know a lot about Yaomomo's body, Haru." Mina teased, but it completely went over his head.
"Um, yeah? We've been friends since we were kids?" He asked as though it should've been obvious. "But anyway, she's not exactly a normal human, but she's not so far off that she can't learn to harness ki. Mo-chan, would you demonstrate?"
Momo waved her hand and just like Izuku before her, a trail of ki followed, but there were very noticeable differences. Where Izuku's was a thick, jet black ink, Momo's looked more like light grey, thin paint.
"She has it, but as you can see, its not as concentrated as ours. She still has all the benefits of having unlocked it, that's why she so easily bodied Kirishima and Sero, but she is unable to get to the affinity stage."
"So, the closer we are to 'pure human'? What about me then? All I have is Hardening. It's pretty good in a fight, but otherwise it's pretty boring." Kirishima asked, hardening his hands.
"I think your quirk is pretty neat, though." Izuku said, watching the red-haired boy in fascination. "It's more than enough for a pro hero. But to answer your question, you're actually the perfect person if we could've taught ki to someone. Your quirk is more like a switch, right? Meaning without it on, you are a completely normal human. You'd be able to manifest ki with no issues."
Kirishima's eyes lit up. "Cool! That's so manly! Wait, why can't you teach me it, Midori-bro?"
"Well, 'can't' is a bad word, more like, it'll take too long." Izuku corrected himself. "Learning how to tap into it wouldn't take you long, it's just a lot of mediation after all, but actually seeing the benefits and using it takes much longer."
"And," Ryoya interjected. "Mo-chan is a genius and a quirk learner and it still took me a few months to teach her how to do it. It's just, as Hobo-sensei would say, illogical to try to teach you now. We just don't have the time."
"Is that what you do to train your ki, kero? Just meditate?" Tsu asked with a finger on her lower lip.
"Er, no. Ki is based on life force. The mind, body and soul. That's why you can say me and Ryoya and in great physical shape because we kinda have to be to have strong ki. We don't train to get stronger per se, more so train to maintain our current levels since we're pretty much as strong as we could naturally be at this age."
"I'd like to add that sickness and otherwise poor health, mental or physical, takes a toll on ki. If you're unwell, your ki will be generally weaker than it would be otherwise." Ryoya gave Izuku a dry look when the boy perked up in surprise.
Ah, Izuku didn't know that part. So that's why Ryoya's ki disappeared? Was he hiding it and feeling unwell at the same time?
"That's really funny coming from you, Harushi!" Kaminari said in jest. "I don't think I've ever seen you not be absolutely done with life before! Are you even physically capable of smiling? You know, they say the chicks really dig smiling." He smiled widely as if to prove his point. "I don't think you'd need help in that department though." He gestured vaguely to the girls on either side of the tan boy. They both glared at him and he wisely shut up.
Ryoya only proved his point by looking even more done with life at the observation. "Of course I can smile. What am I? Unhinged like Bakugo?"
"Oi! Fuck you, Piss Eyes!"
"He's still better than Bakugo-chan though, kero."
"Fuck did you just say frog-face!?" Bakugo stood up and glared.
"See?"
"Good point, Tsu. We've only barely started the year and I can already tell his personality is like a flaming turd." Kaminari said to Tsu as if Bakugo wasn't currently having a conniption.
"Say that to my face, Sparky! I'll kick your ass!"
'Wow, Katsuki's getting teased. This is... surreal. I wish I had a camera.' Izuku very poorly hid his shock at the whole ordeal.
"What a vulgar conversation." Momo whispered to herself.
Aizawa, now having a lot more stuff to think about regarding his two biggest mysteries, spoke. "We're here. Look sharp."
"WHOA! Is this Universal Studios Japan!?"
The USJ was a frankly absurdly large complex. Where did UA get the money for this?
Thirteen, the Space Hero, greeted them in her astronaut suit. "There's the Flood Zone. Landslide Zone. Conflagration Zone. Every disaster and accident you can imagine. I built this facility myself. I call it," she paused for dramatic effect, a common theme among UA staff it seemed. "The Unforeseen Simulation Joint!"
"OhmyGod, it's Thirteen!" Ochako immediately shouted. "She does her best work in rescue situations. I love Thirteen!"
Ryoya tapped Izuku on the shoulder. "You see that?" He gestured to Ochako currently fangirling. "That's you. That's what I have to deal with when you meet a new hero."
Izuku gave him a dirty look, but he couldn't really counter that.
Aizawa walked up to Thirteen and the two turned slightly. "Thirteen, where's All Might? He should've met us here already."
"About that, Senpai..." Thirteen regarded the older man politely. "It seems he just about reached his limit during his morning commute." She held up three fingers and Aizawa instantly understood. "He's resting in the Break Room."
The man gave Thirteen a cold and brittle stare. "That man is the height of irrationality. Be on high alert just in case. Let's just get started."
She nodded and turned back to the class. "Before we do though, I have one or two points. Or three. Maybe four. Possibly five. Lots of points." The class looked on with collective flat stares while Ochako continued to smile like a madwoman. "As I'm sure many of you are aware, my quirk is called Black Hole. It can suck and tear anything apart."
"And you've used it to save people from all sorts of disasters." Izuku finished.
"That's correct. However, my power could easily kill. I've not doubt there are some among you with similar abilities." The woman went on. "In our super powered society, the use of quirks is heavily restricted and monitored. It may seem like the system is a stable one, but we must never forget that it takes one wrong move with an uncontrollable quirk for people to die." The class subtly looked at Bakugo for his actions during the battle trials. During Aizawa's physical tests, you came to learn of your own hidden potential. Through All Might's battle training, you all experienced the danger your quirks can pose to others. This class will show you how to use your quirks to save lives!" She paused so the information could set in. "Your powers aren't meant to inflict harm. I hope you leave here today with the understanding that your powers and role as heroes is to help people. That's all, thank you for listening."
A few students gave Thirteen a round of applause. Ochako looked on the brink of tears.
"She's so awesome!"
"Great," Aizawa said dryly. "First things first.. - " He paused when he noticed something near the fountain.
"Izuku, it's the same ki from before." Ryoya said, eyes narrowing on the ever growing portal.
"Not just that, there's more. Someone's there and their ki is massive." Izuku's eyes went wide.
"Hobo-sensei..."
Aizawa turned his full attention towards the main area just in time to see someone reach their hand through. It was a young man with cyan hair and hands covering his face and back of his head, along with being along his arms. Then more and more people started flooding through, first looking like normal villains, then one with a large, exposed brain, then coming in green military fatigues.
Ryoya knew that fucking uniform.
"Huddle up and don't move!" Aizawa commanded. "Thirteen protect the students!"
Kirishima strained his eyes looking down. "What's that? More robots? Is this a part of the training?"
"Don't move! Those are villains!"
"That's fucking Shadaloo..." Ryoya growled.
The portal seemed to take a vaguely humanoid shape. "Thirteen and Eraserhead? According to the staff schedule I received, All Might was supposed to be here today."
'Schedule he received?' Aizawa though while pulling down his goggles.
"Where is he? We've come all this way and brought so many NPCs and he's not even here?" The hand man's voice was as dry as his hair and skin. "I wonder if he'll show up if we kill some kids."
The student body shivered at that.
"Usually, I find murder works best." Then another voice sounded, coming from the same portal. He was an older man with sharp features, white pupil-less eyes and a wide, sinister grin and he wore a red military uniform with large silver shoulder pads, wrist bands and shin guards. On his service cap, the skull of his infamous crime syndicate, Shadaloo.
"Bison!" Izuku had never heard Ryoya sound so angry before.
"Ah, it's you." Bison regarded him. "You know, when Vega told me you were around, I completely forgot about you. My schedule is usually fill on Tuesdays after all. But how could I forget those eyes? You're the one I've been looking for for a while now, aren't you? You're Akuma's brat."
A/N: You know, I always found it interesting that in Fanon, people say Izuku only wants to be the Symbol of Peace and he doesn't care about ranking,, or strength or anything. In the first chapter, he outright tells All Might that he wants to be the strongest hero. He canonically wants to be the strongest. I know it doesn't really change anything, but I've always found that curious how people just ignored that part of him to make him more selfless I guess.
And oh no, Bison and Shadaloo at the USJ. Life's not going to be fun for the students, is it?
Also, finally, an explanation on ki. I know people have been curious about it, so there it is.
Ryo/Rumi/Momo, someone brought that up to me and I didn't really pay it much mind, but I can kinda see it.
NinjaFang1331: Thanks!
Ryuujin96: Thank you! Shoji winning was pretty much sealed when Ryo decided not to use Heat Rush. Like he said, he's not trying to maim them. Sure, he and Izuku are as strong as Uraraka is at 3-5% when they're using ki and above that when using their respective elements, but it wasn't enough to take down Shoji. He's pretty beefy too. As for who said it, I didn't think it was important, but for clarification, it was Sero.
Marbled Gold: Recovery Girl was probably pretty close to clubbing him for the disrespect kek, also thank you! I had fun writing that fight.
acosta perez jose ramiro: Thank you! Yeah, there goes one of Ryoya's weaknesses as a fighter, he's not too different to Bakugo in the regard that he will tunnel vision some times. It wasn't that Ryo underestimated Shoji, it was more that Shoji was just a bit tougher than he expected. He hit him as hard as he could without using Heat Rush and it Shoji got up from that. And good catch, Rumi did hold back because we know her kicks can at the very least, crack concrete. It could've shattered Shouto's bones.
solbandgus: I agree Shoji did very well. Ryo can blame Ryu and Ken for that lol, they taught him how to fight, not capture nukes. It's a lesson he'll have to learn going forward, that's for sure. Bakugo def has potential, but as he is right now, he'll never reach it since he's so prideful that he thinks the only way someone can beat him is if they cheat.
