Damn, this is sudden. It's been a while since I updated a fic chapter so soon after the previous one. I've been working on this chapter since the last one, and similarly, the next chapter has already started. I took pieces of this chapter that threw the pacing off and put them in the next chapter. So we will see a version of the hospital scene, check in on Ochako and Iida, and see the lead up to the exam arc, as well as actual parts of the exam as well. I will be doing something slightly different with that but also similar to canon. If you've been reading the fic this far, you can probably hazard a guess.

I didn't want to rehash canon too much, so I addressed some things but unless there were major changes, I tried not to retread the original manga. I also wanted to continue exploring Izuku and Mina, both as individuals, and as a pair. I also wanted to devote some time to their friendships, primarily with Tsuyu and Kirishima. I'm planning on exploring some stuff with both of them too, especially with the introduction of my once OC, the sidekick to the original Crimson Riot. Her hero name is Scarlett and we get some hints to her story and her quirk, but we will see more of her later.

Lastly, I wanted to explore more of Mina and her approach. We never even saw her internship during this arc, but here I show a glimpse into it. It was fun to write. I enjoy writing about this girl and I hope you enjoy reading her. I can't wait to get into the next arc and then one I have been looking forward to for a while: I-Island. After that, we'll tackle the training camp and hoo boy, that will be big. I am getting ahead of myself, however. For now, happy mother's day and I hope you like this chapter. As always, feedback is greatly appreciated. Ciao for now~

Oh! Addendum! Sorry. I feel awful for forgetting this in my hurry to upload, but credit to NarretTwist for the character of Michi, whom I namedrop here.

—-

The beginning of the internships arrived soon enough. Bakugou looked down at his hands. How could he lose to that pebble? Was he really holding out? Mocking him? First the girlfriend and the friends, then UA. Now this? It didn't make sense and it made him angry. And yet he also felt off, hollow even. Was it because he lost? He was supposed to never lose, especially not to that nerd.

And yet now there were rumblings and questions. He wanted that damn Deku to rage and rage he did. Ironically, the shrapnel fell back on Katsuki and it only deepened his frustrations. Why wasn't he on top? Why was he held hostage by this asshole who for most of his life was quirkless. And he had an Ace up his sleeve the whole time?

He would win. He was determined to, shaken or not. He was going to surpass everyone that got in his way, especially that shitty Deku and his backup dancers.

For now, however, he was at the agency of Best Jeanist, one of the top heroes in the country. If he was going to learn from anyone, it might as well be one of the best.

But why the fuck was he dressed like this? It's bad enough the loud mouth from his class was there too. To be dressed up like an utter dipshit, with his hair gelled down. It was hell. It was bad enough his mom knew Jeanist through modeling work, though he probably didn't recognize her.

"You lack elegance, which is why I will help rein you in. Injecting rowdy rapscallions with style and manners is where I truly shine."

Monoma stroked his chin. "How very elegant for a man in denim with pants past his belly button. Though I suppose he is truly the most elegant hero in the top ten."

"Will you freaks shut the fuck up about Elegance?"

"The only freakish one here is you." Best Jeanist sighed, posing dramatically with a comb and brush. "But we will fix that. Superior Jorts, fetch me the harness Michi left behind. I think we need something to hold this ruffian in place while we style him into someone more respectable."

"Can't you just use your quirk, sir?" The sidekick questioned.

"I need my hands and my focus free." The consummate professional hero stated calmly. Bakugou could feel a vein pop in his head but decided to relent.

"I hope that shitty Deku and his friends are having a worse time." He groaned as Monoma tried not to laugh and failed miserably.

X

Kirishima arrived at a similar setup to Izuku, at the doorstep of an elderly person. However, rather than getting mistaken for dead or senile, his mentor was very much neither.

"Oh. It's nice to meet you Ms. Scarlet!"

"Don't call me Miss, boy. Ms. Scarlett. Bah. This isn't clue…but I am here to make sure you get one." The old woman scoffed, eyeing up the young man who towered over her like Clifford the big red teenager.

"What do you me-"

The old woman threw a 5 pound weight at the boy. It hit his head with a clang, his hardening activating just in time.

"Hey. Give me warning. " he was surprised the old woman was so strong but he supposed she had to be.

"Villains won't give you warning. You have to have better reflexes. Heroes are shields for those that can't protect themselves and inspiration for when they can. Now pick that weight up. I need it to secure the tarp. We're holding a blood drive. Just around the corner and a block from here?"

"Why?" Kirishima asked. It's not like he was opposed. He was down for it, but a friend once said questions led to answers.

"Because community service is just as much part of the game as punching guys really hard, bonehead. Follow me."

"Yes, ma'am. "

"You call yourself Red Riot, yeah?" She turned and looked over her shoulder. Memories flooded back but she would control their flow.

"Yes. Crimson Riot is my favorite hero of all time. I modeled myself after him" Kirishima couldn't help but gush. He felt like Izuku talking about All-Might (or any hero ever really.)

"Why model yourself after a corpse, boy? Pick role models with a pulse." The woman sighed, a cold venom in her words, masking something more genuine.

This got Kirishima fuming, but he knew he had to be respectful. Unfortunately he couldn't hold his tongue. "What gives, grandma?! That's disrespectful! Plus he was the most manly hero of all!"

"I assure you, spikes, I'm uniquely qualified to give thoughts on Crimson. I stood by his side for years after all. And I have enough of his gender neutral machismo pumping in my veins for years to come."

The red-haired boy stared blankly at his mentor, trying to put it together before it slowly hit him like a smile bomb. "You did…huh…oh…OH! YOU'RE SCARLET! THE STEADFAST SUKEBAN!"

"No need to be so loud. I have my hearing aid in. Still, it's nice to be remembered…though I actually was the second Crimson Riot for a while too after his death. Guess the sequel never holds a candle to the original though." The woman shook her head and smiled? Wiping a stray bang from her eyes to grin at the boy once more.

Kirishima was utterly star struck and was very hyped to learn heroics from someone who worked under his favorite hero of all time.

"Are we going to fight villains? Are you going to use your quirk? Are you going to use it on me?"

"Probably just low level thugs. I'm an old woman. My blood isn't what it used to be. So unless you want an old lady's death on your hands, follow close and don't break off."

"Of course. I won't let you down." Kirishima stood steadfast. He would prove to himself and to Scarlett that he was a true hero, a true man, and a dependable friend

"Good. I wouldn't want to slap you upside the head. I'd probably break my hand if I didn't pierce it on those spikes. Now let's mosey." Scarlett spoke calmly, holding up a hand and pointing in the direction of the blood drive. "We've got a lot of lifting to do."

"Yes, Maam!"

X

Izuku got off at his stop, walking to the address All-Might had given him. On the way, Mina texted him.

"I'm so excited I couldn't sleep. Running on monster and determination! I think I burned a hole in this shirt again! ;0;"

"Too much pink energy is dangerous. Be careful, Mina."

"Pfft. Always."

A second later. "Fuck! I tripped and fell! Send help!" Izuku couldn't help but smile and sigh at his back and forth with Mina. He couldn't wait to meet up with her again. Maybe they could go shopping again soon.

What Izuku saw was a short, elderly man in a pool of red. The boy felt his blood run cold at the scene before him. Was his mentor murdered? Was it a medical condition? Either way, he was freaked out.

"Hello. Who are you?" The old man got up, nearly scaring Izuku to death. "Why are you screaming, sonny? My hearing isn't that bad."

"Sorry. I just thought you were dead."

"I just tripped and dropped a plate of sausages. The ketchup got everywhere. Dagnabbit" the old man exclaimed, appearing quite senile.

"I'm Izuku Midoriya. All-Might said you wanted to train me so I decided to take your offer," Izuku smiled, trying to be polite. He wasn't sure if he got the right place, however.

"Who are you?" The man asked, sitting on the floor like a confused baby is an ill-fitting costume. It was hard to believe this was the hardest golden-age hero that sent a shiver up All-Might's spine.

"Really? I just told you."

"I'm hungry. Are you Toshinori?" The old man continued, looking confused and non-threatening. Izuku couldn't help but feel sad, if not slightly disappointed. It felt rude to admit that, however.

"I-I'll be right back. I'm going to make a phone call." The green-haired boy nervously made his way to the door, deciding to save face. Gran Torino turned around and headed for Izuku's briefcase, which he had put down on the floor.

"Come at me, boy. I want you to show me what you can do with One-for-All…" He grumbled to himself, fiddling with the case.

"Nice costume. Looks like a bunny. Come on. Put it on!"

"Are you sure you want me to fight you?" Izuku scratched his cheek, still unsure if this was going to work out

"Who are you again?" The old man spouted again.

"I'm sorry, but I don't have much time to waste. All-Might is running out of power and I need to be ready to fill in for him. I can't fool around with you right now." The young man sighed, having had enough. He picked up and closed his case, ready to head back home and reach out to another agency. Hopefully it wasn't too late.

In an instant, a spark appeared in Gran Torino's eye and he zipped in front of the door, a smirk painting his face as he knocked the One for All Inheritor on his ass.

"Well if that's the case, put on your costume, Kiddo, because it's time to see what you're made of. Come at me, Embryo!"

Izuku felt a chill in his blood. That Joseph Joestar technique really fooled him. He should have known but he didn't. This really was All-Might's teacher.

"You got wax in your ears, kid? That muscle-headed boy scout couldn't teach a goldfish, so it's my turn to see what you can do. Catch me if you can!

The anxious teen looked around the room at the old man darting about like greased lightning. He was not expecting the old guy he met previously to be so spry, but then again, he did train the greatest hero in the world.

Izuku did his best to keep up without breaking himself, utilizing what he remembered from training with Mina. He did better than he thought he would but there was something missing that he couldn't put a finger on.

"Impressive, but still not enough. From what Toshinori told me, you kept breaking your bones. Looks like you have better control than I thought." Gran Torino smiled, turning into Grin Torino.

"I had help." Izuku retorted, feeling like hevwas on the cusp of breakthrough, but not yet into it.

"I can tell. Well if you think that's all you need, you can go home. I'm just warming up." And with a burst of speed, Gran Torino became an utter storm, giving his new ward more trouble than he could have imagined.

Izuku's movements were still clumsy. He was so focused on emulating All-Might and controlling the massive power he had inherited, he hadn't really had much clue on how to stop his bones from breaking.

However, he was onto something after training with Mina. And the day's accident was the linchpin to the whole thing. Izuku dove at the older man, who jumped up and landed with a crash onto an old kitchen appliance, utterly trashing it.

"Dammit. My microwave."

"Crap. Sorry." Izuku stopped, deciding to head over to the table where the wrecked appliance was.

"Nah. It's to be expected. Guess I'll just order another one." The old man sighed. "No idea what happened to it. Must've been old.

Avoiding comments about the old man being the one who broke it, as that was probably all a ruse at this point, the boy made an offer."You can see about same day delivery. I can pay you back the difference for shipping."

"You're too kind, kid. Don't worry about it. We will have to be more careful next time. Sit on the couch, we can watch TV in the meantime."

With no other choice, the teenager reluctantly agreed. Luckily, the marathon of old crime show reruns came to an end when one of the deliverymen dropped off a new microwave.

"Thank goodness for speedster. Papa needs his Taiyaki fix. Boy, do me the honor. Break her in." The old man grinned, sitting on the couch as Izuku plugged it in and put in a plate of Taiyaki. Unfortunately, to the old man's chagrin, the fish pastry didn't heat all the way through.

"C'mon, kid. Don't you know how to use a rotating microwave? It's gotta spin to deliver the heat evenly. Otherwise it comes out wrong."

That was the eureka moment. Between the soccer field and the broken Microwave, it had all come together. Izuku took a deep breath and let the energy flow through him, regulating its flow. He closed his eyes, feeling everything spark inside him. "I've been thinking of this all wrong. It's not something I just switch on and off. It's in every part of me. I think I can catch you now."

"Is that so? In that case, think fast, kid."

Izuku felt the energy flowing through his entire body, a part of him that he could adjust at will.

Izuku lunged at Gran Torino, who narrowly dodged and leapt over the young man. However, he used that opening to focus on his target. He just needed to stay steady, eye on the prose. He wouldn't break it this time. He pretended his fingers were a leg and Gran Torino was the ball.

"Goal!"

The airblast hit the veteran hero and sent him rocketing towards the wall, with little time to brace himself. Izuku skidded on the floor and made a dash for Gran Torino, catching him in his arms.

"Told you I could catch you."

"Jeez, kid! That was brutal…Not bad. I think I need to lie down a bit but that's the kinda trick I would have pulled on All-Might to keep him on his toes."

"Thanks. I just utilized something my girlfriend taught me before I came here. A couple things I guess."

"Well now, a lady killer, eh? That's right. Toshinori told me about a little pink spitfire who gave him an ear full. I saw you fight her at the Sports festival. That was probably your best performance, even better than your performance in the finals."

The old man reclined on the couch, thinking back to his time with his partner. He would like to meet this girlfriend some day, if she was anything like Nana. "Your moves were raw. You won but you need more training. You fight too much like All-Might. You can't just copy his approach and think that's it. Too much brute force and emotion and copying his techniques."

Izuku thought about that, wondering if there was some truth to those words. After all, this was a man who left such an impact on All-Might despite only teaching at UA for a year, that the man was quivering in fear. "I guess you're right. I'm going to go get us some food. I should think about my approach

"Anyway, don't get too cocky. I actually haven't had my coffee, so I'm not on my game right now. After I get some Joe, we'll go again. I wanna really test ya, kid."

Izuku was nervous. This man had given All-Might the shivers. He was not to be taken lightly. But then again, neither was Izuku.

"Good thing I test well." The young man took a deep breath and powered up Full Cowling, 5%. He still wasn't sure where that name came from but it sounded cool in his head. Plus his costume had a cowl he barely wore.

"Don't get too cocky, son. I can see those jelly legs. Try not to let that slow you down." Gran Torino took off like a rocket once more.

Izuku helped clean the apartment up and then tried again. This time his movements were careful and fluid, taking care to not destroy the apartment like before. He failed several times but managed to turn the tide.

"Not bad, unless I'm getting tired. I gave him 3 minutes and he got me within 2. Not a bad use of momentum. This kid's gonna be a monster," Gran Torino grinned to himself.

"That was faster than I expected. You still need guidance. I think you're still too hung up on trying to be All-Might. You have to be your own person, kid. The world is changing and it won't always need an All-Might. It will need whatever you provide. You have to figure out how you'll fulfill that need, who you're going to be".

"Hmmm. I guess that's what I'll figure out here."

"It's going to take more than a week, kid."

"It's a start. Besides, if I have to face off with All for One, I don't have years to figure it out."

"You're not wrong there. Anyway, we'll get in some more training tomorrow morning, then we'll go out and bust some criminals. I'm thinking Shibuya. Higher crime rate there, so it will make for a better learning experience."

"Really? I still need to improve."

"Nah, tomorrow will be enough,, I think. Fast tracking to phase 2. You're a fast learner and already seem on a good track."

"Alright then. If you say so." Izuku shrugged, admitting that he wouldn't mind more practical testing of what he could do in the field. It felt a bit premature, however.

"I do. We'll clean up a few here and there and do the same thing the rest of the week. Besides, if we trade any more blows with each other, you might not learn. I heard you have prior experience with villain attacks."

"A little. All Might helped save me from one, plus there was the USJ incident."

Gran Torino stretched his arms and yawned. "Well that's unfortunate but at the same time, that just means this might go by a bit faster. We should get some shut eye, kid. Big day ahead."

"Oh, are you sure? I can still go." Izuku felt pumped, ready to see what else he could do.

"Kid, I have neighbors, and I would rather you not break yourself or my property. Besides, an old man like me needs rest." The old vet winked. "Up the stairs, there's a spare room. Stick to it and get some rest. There's some spare clothes if you don't want to stew in your juices and a shower across the hall."

Izuku nodded. "I guess it has been a long day. Good night, Gran Torino."

"Who are you?"

"That's not funny."

"It is to me."

Izuku shook his head, not sure whether to be annoyed or amused. It felt like he had gained a grandfather, complete with the grandpa's sense of humor. He was half expecting a "I guess they'll let anybody in here" from the man. Still, he had a feeling that under this strange old man's tutelage, things just might work out.

X

That night, Izuku slept on a cot in a spare room, staring at his phone screen as he talked to Mina.

M: "Shibuya! Sick! Send me pics!"

I: "We're going on patrol. I doubt we have time for sight-seeing. "

M: "Just don't play the Reaper's game without me, nerd."

I: "Wouldn't dream of it. I have a big day tomorrow. Heading to bed."

M: "Hold on. Can I call?"

I: "Everything ok?"

M: "Yeah. I just miss your voice idk "

Izuku smiled, feeling his heart squeeze within his chest. They had seen each other earlier, and yet they would be separated for a few days, so it would be tough.

I: "Sure."

Like clockwork, his ring tone sounded off. The boy answered and heard Mina's soothing voice on the other end.

"Hey. Sorry to be a pain. I know I probably sound clingy."

"No. No. It's fine. I kind of wanted to hear your voice too…I can't believe we're working with pros." Izuku answered back.

"Right? It's so exciting! Like yeah, we trained with All-Might and a bunch of other heroes but this is like… out in the field. The real world, baby! I hope I get a jetpack! Gonna rain slime down on bad guys! Sploosh! Sticky with maximum acidity!"

"Maximum acidity kills people."

"Minimum. Sorry. Got too excited. So this guy trained All-Might, right?"

"Yeah. He says I have promise but I am trying too hard to be All-Might. Maybe he's right."

"I mean you are a huge fanboy. It's hard for you not to. But you also have a lot to offer beyond that. You're Izuku Midoriya, champion boyfriend and hero in the making!" Mina cheered.

"You really are my biggest cheerleader."

"If I had the costume, I mean…."

"Minaaaaa! What if someone hears?"

"Then don't be loud." Mina teased, sticking her tongue out as if Izuku could actually see her. "I miss you."

"I know but hey. It's just a week. We'll see each other soon"

"Yeah. I know. I'm going to let you get some sleep so you can kick bad guy butt. Let me know if you find the Lost master in Shibuya!"

"Uh huh. Yeah…" Izuku rolled his eyes and smiled. "And Mina?"

"Yeah, Izuku?"

"I'll dedicate the next crime I stop to you."

"Awwww. Dork. Same. Will spell your name out in acid. G'night ~"

"Good night, Mina. Oh…before I go."

"Gran Torino literally is a Zoomer Boomer."

"Holy shit!"

X

Elsewhere…

Tsuyu loved the sound of the waves against the sides of the Okie Mariner. Rescue work was her desired focus and, being a strong swimmer, she had to jump at any chance involving water (pun only slightly intended).

The closest person to her age was a girl with short blue hair with bangs framing her face. She was somewhere in her early to mid 20s and one of the few women on the ship's crew. Other than that, it was mostly burly sailor types. If it weren't for the captain and Sirius, she would feel slightly out of place.

She thought of her friends, looking at an old photo from two years ago that they took at a photo booth.

"Reminiscing, huh?"

"A little. Just thinking about my friends."

"Who's that in your locket?" Tsuyu asked. "Sorry for being nosey, ribbit."

"No. No. It's Ok. I don't get asked about it often. I actually love going on about it. My girlfriend, Kaoruko, gave it to me. Even when we're doing hero work in different prefectures, we're never apart."

"Your girlfriend is a hero too, ribbit?" Tsuyu inquired. She knew many heroes dated other heroes, but not all. Perhaps it was because they would be better trained to defend themselves or that they interacted with each other. Either way it was interesting to Tsuyu, though not relevant to her situation.

"Bubble girl." Sirius smiled. "We actually went to school together and lost touch for a bit after that. Not too long though. We met up again about a year and a half ago, both as sidekicks. We hit it off as if we had never parted and it just flowed from there."

"She's very pretty, ribbit. I'm happy for you." Tsuyu paused. "I have someone like that. Not as much of a wait but we're still just friends. Been too focused on hero studies to pursue anything. "

"Aren't two of your best friends dating?" Sirius asked.

"Yeah. They're different. I can be more straightforward but even I get a bit…nervous. I always had to be the adult, helping raise my siblings. I appreciated that but I also wonder if that keeps me from jumping towards things I want. I'm supposed to be the blunt one "

"Even the steadfast can get sea legs… That's what Captain Selkie always says." The blue-haired cremated. "And he's been married for half a decade."

"How come I never see his ring?"

"He keeps it around his neck most of the time, over his heart. He thinks it's cute. For once, I'm inclined to agree."

"I suppose."

"Can I see your friend? The one you like?" Sirius leaned in, a playful sort of nosiness. It gave Tsuyu a taste of what it was like to have a big sister instead of just being one. She wasn't sure how to process it but it was novel to her for sure. She produced a picture of her with Habuko, her fiery mess of red hair hiding Tsuyu's hand.

"Oh wow, you two are adorable. You look so happy." Sirius smiled. "If you decide to just be friends, that's your choice. Not all strong friendships make good relationships, but if there's something your heart wants, it never hurts to try. Anyway, let's get going. We have a mission."

Sirius jumped to her feet and adjusted her headset, a larger version of hervears, which were also fin-like but less noticeable.

Tsuyu took a deep breath and smiled. She was starting to feel better. She could only imagine what her friends were up to, but she would be sure to ask all about their internships when they all saw each other next.

X

It was dark by the time Gran Torino and Izuku reached Shibuya. "That's the best time for cleanup."

Putting away his phone (after grumpy old man comments), Izuku followed his mentor, helping him take down small incidents throughout the city.

"Not bad, boy. You've got promise. The banter is too much like All-Might's but you have good reflexes and control. I can't say I recognize all those moves. You ricocheted off of the wall like me, but was that a somersault?"

"Mina had me practice with her. I think I got the hang of it but I'm a bit sloppy."

"I think that's something you can work with. You seem to copy moves, huh?"

"Oh. Sorry. I didn't mean to plagiarize. I take a lot of inspiration from heroes but also just people I am close with."

"It's fine. Really. It helps set you apart from the big guy. I think you should lean into it more."

Izuku smiled and bowed, gracious for the praise. He supposed All-Might was both fast and powerful, but Izuku was smaller and speedier. "Plus people keep comparing my costume to a rabbit, even if it's not intentional, so capitalizing on that makes sense, especially with my hero name…" the boy muttered.

"Focus, Midoriya."

"Right. Sorry. Shall we continue?"

"Hey, Gran Torino?"

"Yeah?"

"Does All Might have a family?"

"I doubt it. He devoted himself to being a pillar that I don't think he really made time for anything else. Why do you ask?"

"No reason. Sorry for getting distracted."

"There was this one person Toshi told me about years ago, but I doubt they have seen each other in years."

"David Shield, All Might's first partner before Sir Nighteye, right?"

"You're kind of scary, kid."

"You literally gave the strongest hero in the world a panic attack."

Gran Torino smiled, patting the boy on the back. "I like the cut of your jib. Turn down the sass and let's kick more ass."

"Yes sir!" The boy nodded, following the older man onto the next site. The whole time, he could feel his hair stand on end, like something was about to happen soon.

X

At the villain bar…

It wasn't unexpected for criminals to pick fights with another, especially in establishments that served alcohol. This, however, was a bar brawl that would have lasting consequences, stemming from a meeting that would eventually turn the tide of hero society.

"Where the fuck is Waniago?" Shigaraki groaned, not sure if he felt more sore from being stabbed or for being lectured.

"He has business to attend to." Kurogiri, who had helped facilitate this meeting, was polishing a glass. It was already well polished but he was distracted in the moment.

"I am his fucking business. I swear if I am ever forced to work with crime lords again, stop me." The impetuous villain cursed under his breath.

"In order to accomplish anything in this world, you need a creed, a reason. If you act like a directionless animal, you will die like one. The word 'hero' has lost its meaning in the pursuit of capital. Likewise, villains who stand for nothing will also be culled." Stain once again delivered his sermon of blood in the name of what he saw as Justice.

"Don't be so dramatic and pretentious. You're passing me off. I don't have anything like that… but if I had anything close to that, I would say I want to take this society that props up sanctimonious guys like All-Might like gods…and turn it to dust." Shigaraki sneered and panted, still feeling the effects of his scuffle. He didn't expect Stain to be that strong. Rumors certainly weren't all bullshit.

Stain got up, having felt some satisfaction. "We are at polar ends and I will likely have to kill you down the line, but there's a creed…reasoning and goals in there somewhere. We both seek to tear down this current society, towards different ends but by a similar path. You interest me, boy, and you showed your mettle at death's door."

The wiry-framed gamer scratched his neck in agitation, face scrunched up in annoyance beneath his hand mask.

"Eat shit and get out of here. Send this weirdo back to Hosu, Kurogiri. I need to go for a walk."

"Actually, young master, I say we drop him off together. This way you can test…them out." Kurogiri politely interjected as he opened up a black mist gate.

"Fine. Whatever. Let's just get on with this game." Shigaraki groaned, like a bored adolescent with murderous intent. "I want to get this underway already."

All three men stepped through the gate towards Hosu, cementing the eventual downfall of hero society as it was known.

X

The 3rd day of the internships rolled in, and Izuku was ready to get into the swing of things. He was still concerned over Iida, but the past 2 days had kept him distracted enough. He even felt like he might develop a new style sooner than later.

Once more, they took the train to Shibuya. The train rumbled along the tracks, the retired pro and his young ward sitting next to each other as they traveled through Hosu.

"Has your cape ever gotten caught on anything while you were zipping about?"

"At the beginning? I nearly killed myself several times. I almost did away with it. Capes and scarves can be a liability. Anything that's basically just a flashy noose. Eventually I just became so fast that nobody could take advantage of it."

"I see…" Izuku hummed to himself, taking notes. He was thinking of making modifications to his costume to take into consideration what he learned with full Cowling, and this miniature history lesson was giving him ideas.

"Toshinori told me you took a lot of notes. He didn't tell me you decorated the journals though.:

"Mina did that. She gave me stickers for them so I just kind of went with it. Makes it easier to ID than a nondescript journal, even if I number and label them."

"You know, back in my day, heroes dating was a bit taboo. It was dangerous back then, not that it isn't now, but it was more of a wild west situation than the current climate."

"I worry about that sometimes, yeah. But we're both studying to be heroes. We're both giving it our all. I can't think of anyone I would rather have in my corner."

Gran Torino nodded sagely. The boy wasn't wrong. "That's correct. However, you may find yourselves in situations where you might have to put the wellbeing of others before each other's or yourselves. What's more, while some heroes can have families, it can result in tragedy for others."

"Speaking of tragedy for families…I'm worried about my friend. His brother was…"

Before Izuku could finish that thought, something rammed into the train. It came to a screeching halt as the conductor tried to make sense of the situation. In an instant, several blows made large debts in the car Gran Torino and Izuku were in. After a dramatic pause, a Nomu tore an enormous chunk out of the train car as the passengers flew into a panic.

One of the Nomu came at him, but Gran Torino kicked it out of the way. Izuku saw an opening and followed suit as it recovered, seeing it eye up some of the civilians.

"Midori kick!"

Izuku was going to congratulate himself for being less derivative of All-Might, but a Kamen Rider move wasn't much better. Besides, he had to find Iida.

"He still has me on read… This is the last known location of the hero killer. Could Iida be going after him? No. That's too reckless for such a straight laced guy…but I can't just leave it to chance."

Unfortunately, he hadn't the first clue where to look. It was utter chaos, with heroes working their best to fight the Nomu while keeping civilians safe. There were apparently three on the scene, all weaker than the one at USJ but still imposing.

"Think. Think. The hero killer's victims…60% of them were found in deserted alleys…" Electricity sparked all over Izuku as his eyes darted around. He knew how to narrow down his search now, he just had to hope he wasn't too late. Eventually, he found one a block from the agency of Native. Bingo. The green-haired boy took out his phone and sent his location to everyone he could, then pocketed the device.

"I have a bad feeling about this. I should ask for backup. Anyone in the area might help… Gran Torino's going to kill me," the boy sighed, steeling himself before he dashed into the alleyway and wound up a Delaware smash.

X

Izuku had sent a mass text to anyone he knew who might be in the area. He knew that even with this new found grip on One-for-All, he would need any help he could get. If the Hero Killer was truly around and was about to kill Iida, it was going to take more than two teenagers to stop him. Maybe three would work.

Mina checked her phone, wondering how Izuku was doing. She hadn't talked to him since yesterday, before bed, and she liked checking in. She was wondering if that was clingy l, so she was about to pocket her phone when it buzzed. Sure enough, he had texted her.

"Coordinates? Huh. Weird mass text." Mina stared at her phone. Was he in trouble? That was in Hosu? She was a bit too far away. There was no way she could make it in time. It was probably nothing.

"Except Izuku would never…" the Pink girl worried as she checked her phone.

"Ashido! We're headed out. Holster your phone and take to the streets, we've got an armored car robbery."

"On it!" Mina saluted before looking to her side pensively. She put away her phone and sprang into action, leaving the agency HQ in a hurry alongside the rest of the team. "Please be safe, Izu."

It took about ten minutes to find the car as it drove down the intersection of Tano and Chakuti. On the trip there, the young heroine decided to break the ice. "Airjet. You used to have an office near Aldera, right? Around Shizuoka?"

"Yeah. I take it you're a fan?" The man responded over Comms.

"My boyfriend is. He's currently in Hosu. That's who I was texting"

Airjet paused for a moment. "I just got a report that there's some trouble around there. Hope your boyfriend is OK. Now let's go. We've got a car to catch. It's in our sights. Can you flank it?"

Mina increased the output of acid from her feet and sped up. "I'll do my best. Pinky promise!"

Her legs burned and she could feel the velocity as she pushed herself. The car was starting to outspeed her.

"Think…think…Bingo!" Mina said to herself, scanning the area until she saw an opening.

"Airjet, I have an idea but I might get in trouble for it."

"What is it, Ashido?" The pro asked. She was brilliant and enthusiastic, but a bit out there with ideas. He was hoping it wasn't that acid rain team attack idea of hers.

"I'm going to create a ramp for myself to jump on the car!" Mina shouted into her communicator device. There was a moment of silence before the voice of her mentor responded.

"Yeah, let's try to avoid excess property damage, rookie. I'll have one of my sidekicks pick you up and drop you off onto the car. Over and out." the buster hero responded, cutting communication with Mina, who pouted at having her idea shot down.

Still, she guessed he was right. Aftetall, he was the pro and she didn't have so much as a provisional license. Luckily, one of Airjet's sidekicks came along and picked her up.

"Try to aim yourself and hang tight. We have one shot." The young woman said to Mina, who nodded as she skidded along.

"Let's do this! Wheeeeeee! Oh god!"

Thud! Mina felt time slow down before she landed on the car, hanging on for dear life. She made it on board, now she just needed to stop the car. She pressed her hands into the roof of it, melting through with her strongest acid. It took a while and the robbers tried to shake her but eventually she made it in.

"Hi boys! Mind if I get a lift?" She shouted enthusiastically. One of the robbers tried to shoot her but the driver stopped him.

"You'll hit the money, jackass. Use your quirk to knock her out!"

"How? I have a lockpick quirk. What the fuck am I supposed to do? Unlock her front door?" The one robber screamed.

"Stab her with the picks, jackass, at least then we can tie her up and hold her hostage. Now shut up. We still have Airjet on our tail!" The driver shouted back. "Honda! Get her!". The third goon in the car cracked his knuckles and lunged for her.

Mina grinned. She didn't take any gun head martial arts, but she sure as hell had some moves of her own. Unfortunately in a closed, moving space, there was only one that mattered. She sprayed some weak but slippery acid on the floor, causing the attackers to fall.

"Try not to fall for me, dude. I have a boyfriend. Also I'm in high school," she pulled one eyelid down and stuck out her tongue.

The driver growled before turning to see a barricade in front of him. Airjet saluted him before flying off. Panicking, the driver slammed on the brakes, causing the vehicle to lurch. Mina tumbled to the floor with a thud, but was otherwise unharmed.

"I'll take it from here, Pinky. Thanks for the assist." The Buster hero declared, dropping in from above. He turned to the robbers. "Sorry to bust in, but that's kind of my thing. Do you boys have it in you to reverse or do you want to come quietly?"

Police sirens closed in as the criminals started to get antsy. Airjet's other sidekicks blocked off all exits. The gunman from before took aim but was blown back against the console. Before the driver could say "What the fuck did I say about the gun and the loot?" He had banged his head off the steering wheel.

Mina got up and dusted herself off, posing dramatically next to Airjet with a smile. After a standoff, the robbers relented.

"Man. This fucking sucks. We were gonna make it big." The silent goon from before complained as he was tied up with rope.

The diver rolled his eyes as the gunman slowly came to his senses and tried to struggle. "Just…shut up, man."

As the robbers were taken away, Mina walked up to them. The goons looked at her and she at them. Airjet watched nervously as she poked the driver, arguably the leader of the operation.

"Make better life choices, mister. " She worried if that was too preachy or presumptuous, but she figured these three weren't monsters. They were just boneheads trying to make a lot of money fast.

"Don't patronize us, you little brat!" The driver barked out, showing razor sharp teeth. Mina recoiled, knowing that unlike Setsuna or Kirishima, this guy probably would bite her.

"Don't antagonize them, Pinky." Airjet cautioned, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder. "As for you three, the kid's right. Make better choices."

The three robbers cussed and struggled as they were led off by police. Mina looked towards the flashing lights as the police let the robbers away. Airjet walked up to her and followed her line of sight.

"You did good work, Ashido. A bit reckless but we'll work on that. I like your initiative, but a plan can be haphazard. Work on that and you'll go far. Help with cleanup while I talk to the officers who are still here." The buster hero instructed before jetting off in the direction of the squad cars.

Mina saluted the pro with a smile and turned on her heel with a flourish. As she went to join his sidekicks, she felt a buzz in her pocket. It had been a while since she had gotten that weird text from Izuku, plus the heads up that shit was going down in Hosu. She read the newest message from a few minutes ago, maybe 5 or 10 tops.

I:"Hey, Mina. We just got out of the hospital and I'm about to head back to Gran Torino's"

Mina's eyes bugged out as she looked at her phone. She wanted to do well at the internship but she needed to check in on her boyfriend.

"Airjet, I'll be back, I have an emergency call!" The pink girl shouted and

rushed off to the side as Airjet tried to flag her down. He shook his head as he took off his helmet. Looking over to some of the police that stayed behind, he addressed them.

"Kids these days. Sorry she must be worried about the Hosu situation. Anyway, Pinky. That's a name you'll want to keep an eye out for in the future."