Chapter 45: The End of the Beginning

Summary:

Izuku recovers from Kamino

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

After a brief telepathic conversation with All Might, followed by a truncated explanation of One for All, Ragdoll swore herself to secrecy and left, somewhat overwhelmed. Izuku got out of bed and took a deep breath, "That was intense."

"I'm surprised Quirk Understanding didn't butt in with some sort of tangent," Daigoro scoffed.

We apologize for the inconvenience we initially provided, Banjou-sama.

Izuku did a double take, and the vestiges seemed to as well. "Is that… Quirk Understanding?"

Indeed, we are QUIRK UNDERSTANDING, Midoriya-sama. As a result of intermingling with other mental Quirks, sifting through the memories of our current host and his predecessors, and being exposed to the energy stockpile within ONE FOR ALL, we have attained consciousness. We are attempting to adopt a more welcoming persona after our underdeveloped form caused you and your cohort undue stress.

"I appreciate that," Izuku said.

"You're not shouting," Hikage said. "That's definitely an improvement."

Thank you for your feedback, Shinomori-sama. After reviewing our performance the previous night, and your reactions, we have decided to remain silent unless directly addressed. If any of you wish to alter our behavior, please inform us. Be advised that, as the current holder of ONE FOR ALL, Midoriya-sama's orders will take precedence.

Izuku blushed reflexively. He rubbed his head, "I don't feel the same sensory overload as I did before."

MULTITASKING has been fully integrated and enhanced, Midoriya-sama. It now allows you to unconsciously compartmentalize tasks and filter your perception. Would you like to hear about changes to its active components?

"Sure," Izuku said.

MULTITASKING, when consciously activated, now allows you to concentrate on two mental tasks for four hours, three for two hours, four for an hour, or five for half an hour. Six tasks are beyond the current scope of MULTITASKING. You will need to refrain from using MULTITASKING for a minimum of half an hour after reaching the time limit, preferably a full hour. Extending past your limits will result in migraines that increase with severity the longer you use MULTITASKING.

Izuku nodded, "Look, I'm going to have a lot to deal with for the next few days. So, for now, Quirk Understanding, please don't address us unless we directly ask you for something."

I will comply, Midoriya-sama.

"Thank you," Izuku said.

There was a pause, then Daigoro said, "Man, Blackwhip sure is a cool Quirk, isn't it?"

No response.

"Hooray! Freedom!"

"We're reaching the point where I'm wondering whether or not we should just reveal One for All publicly and be done with it," Nezu said with frustration.

Izuku blinked, "Nezu-sensei, are you all right? You seem off, and you haven't had any tea since we've arrived here…"

All Might looked nervous, "Nezu… went a little overboard while you were held captive."

Nezu sighed and fiddled with a pen, "I apologize, Midoriya-kun, I need to detox a little before I can handle another cup. I'm merely frustrated at how many people have wandered into this situation, most through no fault of their own."

Izuku put a finger to his chin, "Does tea have a stronger effect on tiger quolls than humans?"

Nezu dropped the pen he was fiddling with and stared at Izuku.

Izuku scratched the back of his head, "I mean, I had to make estimations based on your size and weight after narrowing down your genus, I couldn't be sure of the exact species, particularly after figuring out your fur was bleached from your experimentation, but-"

"Hush," Nezu said, leaping onto the desk, then onto Izuku's knees, "Have confidence. You won the game fairly. On that note, Yagi-san, I will now fight you over whose successor he will be."

"I believe that ship has already sailed," All Might said.

"I will crack open your cervical vertebrae with my fangs like you were a tree-kangaroo," Nezu said, deceptively cheerfully.

"I can be both?" Izuku said warily. "Plus Ultra?"

"That works for me!" Nezu said, returning to his desk. "Though do be aware that, upon your display of healing powers, Recovery Girl will want to stake her claim. I believe she's looking to retire sooner rather than later."

"Should we inform Aizawa-sensei about my, ah, new curriculum, then?" Izuku asked.

"Perhaps not yet," Nezu stated. "When you teleported your polycule to your location on live television, Aizawa-kun proceeded to take out his sleeping bag, get in, and curl up into a ball. He hasn't left since. The only thing he has said to anyone thus far is, 'Nope.' I believe Kan-kun left him the last of his liquor stash. He hasn't needed it since Fuki-kun joined his class."

"Ah, good for him, I'd been worried about him for a while," All Might said.

"Indeed, but we've gone off topic," Nezu said. "I invited the Wild Wild Pussycats to U.A. to possibly aid us in perfecting your training after the camp was cut short. They initially declined, but I believe the return of Ragdoll's Quirk has changed their opinions. And I suspect Miss Shiretoko wishes to practice her own expanded Quirk under safe conditions. And to possibly grill for more information, I can't be sure."

Izuku smiled, "I mean, I'm willing to share some of it, but I would like to get some advice before I do…"

All Might put a hand on Izuku's shoulder, "Young Izuku, One for All is your Quirk now. Any decision you make is yours alone. The last embers of One for All have left my system, and I have formally announced my retirement. My age is over."

Izuku scratched his chin, "Yeah… about that…"

All Might raised an eyebrow.

"So, I've got a lot more energy in One for All with these new Quirks and it's really messing with my ability to properly measure out my power," Izuku said. "And just because you're retired doesn't mean you're not a potential target for villains…"

All Might's eyes widened, "You mean…"

"I made Melissa a Quirk, and I gave one to Ragdoll…" Izuku said. "You could certainly use a Quirk since you've got a vacancy, and I can always refill the stockpile over time, right?"

Nezu nodded, "An excellent idea, Midoriya-kun! You have plenty on your plate dealing with these new Quirks, so restoring your output to something manageable would be an ideal scenario. And you'll be protecting your adopted father as well."

All Might must have decided he was a Midoriya then and there, because tears rolled down his eyes like rivers as that was said. "I'm still retiring, though. It's become clear to me that I've had my flaws and that much of what I've attempted to do has enabled great injustices. People are driven to be Heroes, but even some Heroes are now content to be bystanders. I think my time would be better spent helping the next generation grow."

Izuku smiled, "I thought you'd say that. So, then… All that you need to do now is…" Izuku took a hair between his fingers, which glowed. As he plucked it, he made his face mimic All Might's, "EAT THIS!"

Nezu chortled as All Might sighed, "Never going to live that down, am I?"

"No," Izuku said as All Might took the hair and swallowed it.

"So, what percentage do I have?" All Might said.

"Stockpile-wise, I'd say you've got about 20% of your maximum One for All. I ported over Fa Jin, since I know now that Isamu-ji-san's staying here and I won't lose my bond with Nejire-chan," Izuku tapped his head for emphasis. "I also gave you Shock Absorption and Super Regeneration, so you'll have a decent amount of power, a way to power up if necessary, and some extra durability. Though, Blood Bank and Survivor are intermingling with Super Regeneration and Shock Absorption, so you'll probably get some of them in there, too. Those four have actually created a gestalt Quirk that's been transferred to the girls I've bonded with! It's essentially an overall body enhancement Quirk that keeps them at optimal health, protects them from damage, and heals them quickly. I think I'd call it Total Body Enhancement? I'd need to think about-"

All Might chopped Izuku lightly on the head, "A bit much, my boy."

"Sorry," Izuku blushed.

"So, this is a pretty good mixture you've given me!" All Might said. "I might be able to continue normal Hero Work if I wanted to!"

"Well, trouble tends to find us anyway, so…" Izuku said.

All Might laughed, "Too true, young Izuku! Now, that's all, I presume?"

"There might be additional Quirks along for the ride," Izuku said. "We won't know until later…"

At the time, All Might took Izuku at his word. Soon, he would learn that his successor pulled a fast one on him.

About three hours later, while Izuku was with his classmates in the common room, he heard the sound as he and Inko were in the Midoriyas' living room.

Thump-thump-thump-CLICK!

"What was that noise?" Inko asked.

"Oh… He tricked me…" All Might said, simultaneously proud, annoyed, and thrilled.

"What's wrong, Toshi?" Inko sounded worried.

"Your son decided to give me a Quirk now that One for All has left my body," All Might said, frowning. "Part of the energy stockpile, and a few Quirks to help protect me… And one of them, which he didn't tell me about, was Bonding."

In his head, he heard his predecessors laughing, Nana loudest of all.

Ah well, Inko was happy, and he knew that for a fact. She was also crying, but that was to be expected.

"Wait, the Quirk Thief is real?!" Denki yelled. "Holy crap!"

Itsuka groaned, "And of course you're immune to him."

Tenya looked distraught, "In retrospect, this does make sense. We knew that the Nomus were created with multiple Quirks, so it stands to reason that someone who can give and take Quirks would be responsible. That being said… I'm starting to agree with Tokage-kun's assessment of your Quirk, Midoriya-kun."

"Yeah, it's a fair assessment," Izuku said, from his spot on the couch. Currently, Momo and Ochako were on either side of him, Yui sitting on the floor by his feet, Eri on his lap.

Setsuna laughed, "Someone tried to steal your Quirk and you were like, 'No, how bout you hand over yours!' Absolute bullshit, my fellow green-head!" She detached a hand, and Izuku reluctantly gave her a high five.

"Honestly, I'm surprised you're not surrounded by your entire harem," Kyoka joked.

"Ribbit, we're on rotation at the moment," Tsu came in from the kitchen, sitting next to Ochako. "Otherwise, we'd be walking around as one giant clump of people."

"Which sounds nice, but logistically tricky," Izuku said.

"The restroom in particular!" Mina quipped, basking in the various blushes that statement produced.

Any further discussion would have to be tabled as Nejire burst into the common room, "We have visitors!"

Izuku turned his head, and beamed, "Hey, Mirio-senpai, Tamaki-senpai!"

"Hey, Izuku-kun!" Mirio said, giving the younger boy a gentle noogie. "Glad to see my kouhai in decent shape after that mess!"

Tamaki managed to say "Hey," and stayed composed for fourteen seconds before succumbing to his anxiety and pressing his face to the wall.

"Huh, you're really improving, Tamaki-senpai!" Izuku said, to which Tamaki gave him a thumbs up, not changing his position.

"Honestly, he's the most relatable person on this whole campus," Hitoshi said, coming up behind his T.A., alongside Akira, Shoda, and Shishida.

"Hey, how're you guys doing?" Izuku asked.

"We came here to ask you that question," Shoda said, a little exasperated.

Hitoshi looked at Shoda and rolled his eyes, "What else did you expect?"

"That was the manliest thing I've ever seen!" Akira said. "Since when did you guys learn how to teleport?!"

"Since that exact moment," Momo stated. "The fact that Izuku's Quirk is yet to fully settle within him means that there are times when it will manifest in different ways at unexpected times. Hence why we were able to avoid charges of vigilantism due to arriving at Kamino."

"To be expected," Shishida nodded. "While Midoriya-kun's acumen is remarkable, the fact remains that, in terms of practical experience, he is still on the level of a preschooler."

"Well, there's worse options for first Quirk accidents," Mirio said. "You don't want to know how many times I've fallen through floors when I shouldn't have."

There was a collective shiver.

Tenya chose to change the subject, "How are the other members of 1-B? Are you coping well, now that the dormitories are mandatory?"

"We're doing well, much better now that Midoriya and Ragdoll are safe," Shoda said.

"More of our compatriots wished to arrive, but we weren't certain if you would be willing to have visitors after that harrowing ordeal," Shishida said. "As such, only those of us more familiar with Midoriya elected to visit."

"We're planning to have a massive party to celebrate the victory, though!" Akira said, pumping a fist. "You're all invited!"

Izuku teared up a little, and said, "Of course! Thank you for the hospitality!"

"Oh, and Midoriya-kun, two of our classmates wished to address you in private," Shishida stated. "Todoroki-kun and Aoyama-kun both have issues they wish to discuss that they would rather no one else be privy towards."

"Well, we can guess Todoroki's issues, at the very least," Hitoshi said. "But, yeah, they wanted it to be private…"

Izuku nodded, then said, "That reminds me, I have something I have to ask Principal Nezu…"

Shishida adjusted his glasses in shock, then said, "How do you not run in dread at how casually he says that?!"

Denki shrugged, "This year's been completely crazy, so we've had to get even crazier just to cope. At this point, aliens could land, or monsters could rise from the ocean, and most of us would just be like, 'Yup, typical Tuesday.'"

Izuku finished texting his message, then pocketed his phone. Five seconds later, it vibrated with a chime. He checked it.

"How did the principal respond?" Ochako asked.

"Several dozen laughing emojis," Izuku said.

Momo blinked as she glanced at the screen, "Are those custom emojis of Nezu himself?"

"Does that really surprise you?" Izuku asked in response.

"No, not at all," Momo conceded.

Aoyama looked haggard when Izuku walked into the room. Search and Diagnosis, once fully absorbed, had given him a full workdown of the other boy's body, with Quirk Understanding providing a brief synopsis of his Quirk. Aoyama hadn't slept or eaten properly since the day of the attack on the camp (and technically, he hadn't gotten much sleep during camp, either). And that was combined with the usual strain that his Quirk put on his body.

"Crap, that has signs of a first generation Quirk," Yoichi said. "If they weren't weak, they weren't safe. Sometimes they weren't safe even if they were weak."

As soon as Izuku walked in, Aoyama immediately put himself in a dogeza position, "I'm so deeply sorry, Monsieur Midoriya."

Izuku winced, and he could just feel that, if things were even a little different, he'd be there in Aoyama's place. "It's not your fault, Aoyama-kun."

" Non , it was, even if I was unaware of it," Aoyama said, tears flowing. "You only faced that ordeal because of my actions. Even in ignorance, I am nothing but a despicable villain."

Izuku paused, before saying, "Look, Aoyama-kun, you didn't have any ill intentions, and even if the experience was unpleasant, good things came out of it. The League of Villains has little, if any power left, All for One is paralyzed and imprisoned, and not only did he fail to steal my Quirk, I stole some from him. If I had the choice to avoid that ordeal or do it all over again, I'd do it cheerfully. So, even though I don't think it's necessary, I forgive you. Completely."

Slowly, Aoyama rose, "Thank you for your kindness, Monsieur Midoriya. However… I cannot in good conscience continue this path knowing I have been tainted by such villainy. This Quirk is the tool of a villain."

Izuku squared up, "Did you see the Kamino fight?"

" Oui. Both you and All Might were tres merveilleux, " Aoyama said halfheartedly.

"Did you see me heal the heroes downed by All for One?" When Aoyama nodded, Izuku said, "That Quirk was Overhaul. I stole it from All for One. It originally belonged to a Yakuza boss named Kai Chisaki, who I captured on my internship. He was a monster who would kill people with his Quirk, or use it to torture Eri. It can completely destroy and reshape the matter of anyone the user touches. It can be the deadliest, most painful weapon imaginable… But now that I have it, I'm going to use it to heal people!"

Aoyama looked torn, "Do you really think that I can be a Hero with this Quirk?"

"All Might told me that often, justice is born from evil," Izuku said. And in a conspiratorial whisper, he added. "And he'd know. Both of our Quirks originated from All for One."

Aoyama's eyes widened, his jaw dropped. After a few minutes, he steeled himself, "I will not tell a soul."

"Good," Izuku said. "Now, there's something else… your Quirk isn't suited for your body. I can't do anything to change your Quirk, but with Overhaul, well… I can change your body."

"... Quoi, " Aoyama said flatly.

"A couple of Quirks I took basically give me a cheat sheet to your biology. Your Quirk didn't come with any mutations to make it easier for you to use, but I can sense what you'll need and alter your body to accommodate your Navel Laser," Izuku said. "I'll only do it with your permission, though."

" Oui! I will allow it, mon ami! All that I ask is that you do not interfere with my aesthetics too much…" Aoyama said tearfully. For his last comment, his typical flamboyant personality seemed to return, if only a little bit.

"Of course…" Izuku said. He grabbed Aoyama's wrist, and began to mutter, "Okay, going to need a focusing organ, something like an eyelid for control, a group of core muscles, and a means to cushion the impact… Hmm…" Izuku put another finger to his chin, and said, "I've got it… This will only take a second…"

According to Quirk Understanding, Overhaul had few ways to be empowered by One for All, given its own unbelievable strength. Still, it had two major improvements.

Chisaki could heal people, but in doing so would create a horrifying blood splatter and cause the person seconds of excruciating pain. If there were ways to reduce those side effects, Chisaki never pursued them. Now? The process was incredibly quick, and the pain was replaced by a lightly pleasant tingle.

Aoyama blinked, and Izuku let go of the boy, "All done!"

Aoyama made himself aware of his body. So many aches and pains he'd long accepted as normal were now gone. He removed his belt and inspected his new belly button. There was a flap of skin that opened to reveal a glittering diamond-like jewel.

"Magnifique!" Aoyama said.

"That crystal will help you focus the laser's beam, and the membrane will help prevent it from going off accidentally," Izuku said. "There's a small bone and cartilage structure behind it, alongside muscles to hold it and a fatty deposit to help cushion your organs from the recoil. It shouldn't impede your movement, but if it does, let me know so I can adjust it."

" Merci beaucoup, mon ami, " Aoyama said. Tears ran down his face.

"No problem, Aoyama-kun!" Izuku smiled. "That's just what a Hero should do!"

As they parted ways, Aoyama said, "How vexing, that smile outshines me even at my brightest."

While Izuku had met Aoyama in one of U.A.'s conference rooms, Shouto asked to meet him in his dorm room. Izuku got there, briefly running into Monoma. The blond's eye twitched and he looked like he was going to say something, but lost motivation and walked away in a slump.

"Is… is he okay?" Izuku asked, not expecting to ask that question today.

"The guy didn't take the whole Kamino incident well," Sero stated. "He was muttering like you if you were on amphetamines. Most I could discern was something about sharing the spotlight. Here to see Todoroki?" Izuku nodded, and Sero replied, "5th floor, west wing, third door down."

Thanking him, Izuku made his way up. A brief knock, and Shouto answered. "Hey, Izuku-nii, glad to see you again," he said, sounding a little lost. "Come on in."

"Pardon the intrusion," Izuku said as he entered the room, looking surprised at the Japanese-style structure that was so different from the typical dorm rooms he'd seen. "So, Shouto-kun, I was made aware of what happened with Endeavor…"

Shouto's expression didn't change at first, but he shut his eyes and sighed, looking frustrated, "It's everything I ever asked for. He admitted to so much… Nezu informed me that I was… mistaken about some of his motivations, but he still let everyone know. And he left. Fuyumi-nee was given ownership of the house, Natsuo-nii returned now that Endeavor's gone, and my mother was discharged, and is living with them. He spoke to me, apologizing, saying he'd support me financially but that I was in no way obligated to contact him or do as he said. That he'd help me any way he can, but that if I wanted to never speak to him again, that he would accept that as the consequences of his actions…"

Izuku, unsure, said, "I'm guessing it's not as satisfying as you expected."

"I'm confused more than anything," Shouto said. "I expected none of this. Everything I thought I knew was just upended. Now, I barely know what I'm doing. Though finding out we're fourth cousins was a pleasant surprise at least."

"Yeah, who'd have guessed our asshole biological fathers knew each other," Izuku said.

"About that," Shouto said, taking out a sealed, stamped envelope. "Endeavor left this for me to give to you."

Izuku took the envelope and read its contents. It was a handwritten letter, including Endeavor's signature, a rarity that made the Hero nerd in him sing while the rest of him processed its contents.

"If it's not too private, can you tell me what he said?" Shouto asked.

"He… he started by thanking me for the whole Sports Festival speech, saying that it helped him put things in perspective," Izuku said, confused. "Then he was talking about how he knew Hisashi… Apparently, when Endeavor was at U.A., Hisashi lived with his family for a few months… It's… apparently there was a lot of abuse among the family…" Tears started to form in Izuku's eyes.

"Are you okay, Izuku-nii?" Shouto asked.

"I think I know how you feel," Izuku said. "All this time, I assumed that Hisashi left our family because I was Quirkless, that he just paid us child support out of, I don't know, shame or something… Now? It turns out that he was afraid of being a parent like Endeavor, and he didn't trust himself to not be an asshole to me, so he left instead…" Tears flowed freely. "None of that's bad news, but none of it's really helpful, either…"

"Yeah, that's about right," Shouto said. "Well, at least we're suffering this sort of revelation together…"

Izuku composed himself, wiping his tears, "Yeah… I've had more than my fair share of those while the League had me… And one of them was actually another revelation for you…"

Shouto inhaled, "Does this ever stop?"

"I don't know, it hasn't for me," Izuku said. "Do you want to know?"

"Might as well," Shouto said, resigned to his fate.

"Dabi, that guy with the blue fire from the League?" Izuku began. As Shouto nodded, he continued, "Turns out your brother Touya survived his training accident."

Shouto just stared at him.

Izuku continued, "He was complaining about Endeavor ruining his plans, and when one of the Heroes addressed him by that name, he freaked out and asked how he knew it was him, and All Might said they just guessed and that he confirmed it."

Shouto continued to stare, then lay down on the floor, "I think I'm done for now. I'll deal with this tomorrow."

"Honestly? Same," Izuku said.

Later that night, the Ennead were in the Midoriyas' living room playing card games. Inko was currently out with All Might, while Eri was fast asleep in her room. While no one else was present, Nana appeared, sitting on one of the chairs. She looked horribly depressed.

"Hey, Nana-kaa-san…" Izuku said.

"I don't deserve to be called that," Nana said. "I completely screwed up being a mother.

Izuku got up and hugged her. Ochako followed suit, as did Nejire and Toru. Momo diplomatically said, "Shimura-san, you did the best that you could to prevent All for One from killing your son-"

"Fat lot of good that did!" Nana spat, tears flowing. "That bastard still ended up killing Kotaro in the end! The only difference between keeping him and giving him up was that he ended up hating me! And that hate turned him into a monster, a monster so horrible that my own grandson chose to stay with the man who orchestrated every terrible thing in his life! It would have been kinder to keep him and let All for One kill him in front of me! It would have been kinder to snap Kotaro's neck myself!"

Tsu joined in the hug as Nana sobbed, joined shortly by everyone else. When they subsided, Tsu said, "You couldn't have known all that, ribbit…"

"Doesn't matter," Nana shook her head. "Kotaro's just as dead, and he made his family miserable in the interim, because of my stupid mistakes. All I did was practically hand-craft a tool for All for One to use against you!"

Suddenly, things became clear to Izuku, "It wasn't your fault that Kotaro became a monster… I… Hisashi Akatani and Enji Todoroki both lived with abusive relatives. For a while, they lived under the same roof with the same abusive woman. Hisashi chose to break the cycle. Endeavor didn't."

Momo continued, "You tried your best to keep Kotaro safe, and had to hurt him in the process. He was the one who chose to pass that hurt down to others."

"What about the foster parents you left him with?" Melissa asked. "What if they're the ones who got Kotaro all twisted up?"

"And Mugen's the asshole who forced you to make that choice," Toru added. "Between that and giving your grandson that Quirk, he's the one who's really at fault!"

Nana sniffed, "Damnit, where did you kids get this insight?"

Izuku smiled, "I, for one, have some great teachers living in my skull. One of them is one of the nicest women I know. Helped raise two boys. One of them didn't turn out right, but the other became the greatest Hero of his time…"

Nana smacked him halfheartedly, "Cheeky brat…" she choked out affectionately.

"Man, hugging ghosts is nice," Mei said. "So, Izuku, I guess this means you're going to contact Hisashi-san after all?"

"I suppose I am," Izuku said. "I mean, not right now, but soon. At least hear his side of things. I mean, I don't necessarily need him in my life now, but his absence has affected me for so long that I might as well confront it…"

Nana got up from the chair, squeaking from the movement, "Well, I hope it's as helpful to you as this was to me. Can't let some prick hurt my third son." She floated up to Izuku and ruffled his hair.

Izuku laughed, "It is kind of odd, you adopted Toshi-tou-san and me, and now Toshi-tou-san adopted me…"

Melissa snorted, "You're dating your stepfather's honorary niece, I think you can handle it."

"True," Izuku conceded.

"Wait, could Nana ruffle Izuku's hair before?" Mei asked.

There was a pause.

"I mean… I could feel her touch before…" Izuku said.

"True, ribbit, but we can see your hair move with her touch…" Tsu said, putting a finger to her cheek.

They were interrupted by the door opening. "I'm home!" Inko said, walking in. "How are you all- who is that?! " Inko whisper-shouted, pointing at Nana.

Everyone stared between Nana and Inko, and Nana asked, "You can see me?!"

"This is a Stage 4 Bond side effect, isn't it?" Nejire asked.

It is indeed, Hado-sama, Quirk Understanding stated.

"Oof, guess that keeping that Quirk silent unless spoken to needs work," Daigoro said.

"Mom, could you please take a seat?" Izuku said. Concerned, but trusting her son, Inko complied. "Mom, this is Nana Shimura. Nana-kaa-san, let me officially introduce my mother, Inko Midoriya…"

"Hey, Inko-chan," Nana said, a little embarrassed. "Good to finally speak to you?" she said uncertainly.

Inko managed to say, "Nice to meet you…" before she fainted.

"Huh, Mama Inko's doing much better with this sort of thing," Ochako mused.

"Right?" Izuku agreed, proudly