Chapter 7: Chaos Unchained
A/N: Thanks for all the favorites and follows. Hope you like this chapter containing even MORE CHAOS! Oh, and I added Kaminari because I feel he and Tokoyami are too underrated
"So, who is this friend we are going to meet?" Izuku asked Watanabe. Both of them were walking down the streets to a mall to meet up with one of Watanabe's friends.
"You'll see," Watanabe replied. Izuku pouted and then asked, "Do you think he'll like me?" Watanabe shook his head at Izuku's hesitance, "Considering the fact he witnessed me break the turtle's nose, I don't think he would dare anything."
Izuku rolled his eyes, "So what, you terrorized him into being friends with you?" Izuku teased.
"What, no!" Watanabe exclaimed, "We were friends long before that. His mom's quirkless too actually, so he won't mind you either."
"Oh," Izuku said not sure what else to say, "Why did he ask you to meet up anyway?" Izuku asked changing the subject.
"To discuss about the article." Watanabe replied while Izuku spluttered, "But what if he figures out we wrote it," he panicked in a low tone.
"I'd tell him anyway. I trust him a lot. He's my best friend," Watanabe said. Izuku didn't say anything in reply. He wouldn't question this friend's integrity as long as his cousin vouched for him. They turned a corner and saw a hero fly away above their heads. Watanabe and Izuku stared at him and then looked down. There were a lot of reporters on the street. Izuku sighed, "The reporters are really ambushing anyone they can get their hands on huh?"
"Serves them right. Half the heroes give half-assed answers to try and defend themselves. At least shitty Endeavour told what he actually felt. Pro-heroes my ass," he muttered angrily. Izuku sweatdropped, "At least the UA teachers were supportive,"
"Well, it is UA. The principal is Nedzu who formed the quirk discrimination laws! Of course, he won't take just any pro-hero," Watanabe replied. "Anyway we're here," he announced. Izuku followed Watanabe in the mall. They took the elevator to the food court where Watanabe started scanning for his friend.
"Oi, Watanabe! Here!"
"Oh, there you are Kaminari!" Watanabe shouted back.
Izuku was hauled over to a table where a yellow-haired teenager with a black lightning streak in his hair was sitting.
"Yo, how are you doing?" Watanabe asked cheerfully.
"Good. Is that your cousin who you moved in with?" Kaminari asked.
"Yeah," Watanabe said and elbowed IZuku to introduce himself. "H-hi, I am Midoriya Izuku."
"I am Denki Kaminari, have a seat guys!" he exclaimed joyfully. The two cousins took a seat. "So, what's your quirk?" Kaminari asked.
"Uh, I'm quirkless," he said quietly. Izuku waited for the insults or a gasp to come but he just got a laugh in response, "Cool, like my mum! She'd be pleased to meet someone else who's quirkless." He said optimistically.
Izuku stared at him in surprise, "Yo-you aren't mad?"
Watanabe rolled his eyes in annoyance and took one of the burgers Kaminari had ready ordered. "What, no! Why would I be mad!?"
"I-i don't know, I just thought..." Izuku collapsed into silence. Kaminari turned towards Watanabe with a questioning look.
"He was bullied because he was quirkless and therefore 'weak'. Oh and he called his main bully who used his quirk on him, his best friend, and fondly gave him a nice nickname while he called him Deku." Watanabe said. Izuku looked down with tears in his eyes embarrassed at the way Watanabe had introduced him. Now Kaminari would think he was a mad crybaby. He was about to excuse himself when he heard a smack. "Ow! I was eating!" Watanabe yelped.
Thwack, Izuku looked up and saw Kaminari smacking Watanabe once more, "Who the hell introduces someone like that, you idiot. Apologize!" Kaminari said.
"Sorry, Izu, my bad," Watanabe replied not looking apologetic in the slightest.
Izuku stared at Kaminari in surprise. "What?" Kaminari asked.
"You just smacked Watanabe,"
"So?"
"But I thought you were friends. Why are you beating him then?"
"Says the guy who called his bully his best friend," Watanabe commented and got another smack from Kaminari. "Ok, I deserved that one,"
"This is a playful smack. Friends often do that and the other friend doesn't fight back because they know they did something stupid and probably deserved it. Trust me, we have hitten each other a lot of times because one of us did something idiotic." Kaminari explained.
"Oh," Izuku replied, "So, it's not the same thing as Katsuki did with me?"
"No, Bakushit beat you for fun and used his quirk on you. For example, if I hit Kaminari for no reason or he got sad that I hit him, that would be bullying. But we just playfully hit each other." Watanabe explained as Kaminari nodded.
"I'd never hit Watanabe otherwise, especially because he broke Kawatsume's nose," Kaminari said. Watanabe grinned, "He asked for it,"
"True," Kaminari replied, "I still remember his mom threatening him so bad, he pissed his pants!" Kaminari said and the two friends started laughing. Izuku smiled at the exchange too.
"I'll assume this Katsuki got his ass kicked," Kaminari said.
"Well, I broke both of his arms, so... yea I did get his ass kicked!" Watanabe said proudly.
Kaminari shook his head, "Of course you did, Did you tell the teachers though?"
"Did, turns out they didn't do anything about bullying to give those with stronger quirks a clean record for their future. Did I mention one of them knocked me unconscious?"
Kaminari's mouth hug open, "Wow, that bad! I feel sorry for you, my dude," he said to Izuku.
"I-it's fine,"
A silence followed Izuku's response. No one spoke for some time as the three ate their food without any further comment.
"Let's walk around the mall while we get introduced, shall we?" Kaminari offered after they had finished their food.
"Sure," Watanabe said cheerfully and Izuku nodded. The trio got up and began to walk around the mall. Izuku wondered when and how Watanabe was going to tell Kaminari that they had written the article.
"Who is older?" Kaminari asked.
"Sorry?" Izuku asked snapping out of his thoughts.
"Who's older, you or Watanabe?" Kaminari asked again.
"Oh, Watanabe's older by two weeks," Izuku replied. Kaminari nodded and kept on asking more questions to get familiar with Izuku. Watanabe gave his own snarky answers. Izuku was laughing at Kaminari's stories about Watanabe who countered with his own embarrassing stories starring Kaminari. As the three got out of an electronics store, they were suddenly stopped by a reporter.
"Excuse me, I am a reporter who is looking for a teenager's views on the article about quirk discrimination. Would you three mind sharing your views?"
"Uh, I am not sure..." Kaminari started but was interrupted by Watanabe, "Of course!"
"Wonderful, I'll just get the cameraman. You three stay here, please. I will be right back!"
Watanabe smiled in reply. Kaminari didn't protest Watanabe's decision to give an interview and instead seemed to gain confidence. Izuku on the other hand was a nervous wreck, "Watanabe! Why did you agree to giving an interview!?" he asked.
"Why not?"
"But what if," Izuku said before remembering that Kaminari didn't yet know that they wrote the article.
"What if what?" Kaminari asked confused. Watanabe only smiled in reply, "I'll tell you after the interview. Or you can try figuring it out beforehand!" Kaminari didn't look pleased with the abrupt answer but nodded. Soon the reporter emerged with the cameramen.
"Ok, so we'll start the interview right away. Are you guys ready?" The reporter asked. All three nodded, even Izuku.
"Alright, camera's rolling and... start!"
"Hello everyone! My name is Yuki Hayashi. Today we are at Mustafu mall asking people their views on the recent article on quirk discrimination that has plunged society into chaos. With me now are three students. Please introduce yourself to the camera with your name and quirk,"
"My name is Denki Kaminari and my quirk is Electrification,"
"My name is Hattori Watanabe and I do not wish to disclose my quirk,"
Watanabe nudged Izuku and discreetly changed his eye color. Izuku took the hint and spoke, "Hello, my name is Midoriya Izuku and I also don't wish to disclose my quirk." Izuku was quite thankful that Watanabe had come up with the idea that their quirk shouldn't be disclosed. If both became pro-heroes, a villain might dig up this interview and use it against them. While it was very far off in the future to think about being a pro hero, it was something both Watanabe and Izuku had to carefully think about.
The reporter looked a bit bummed out that two of them refused to share their quirks but proceeded quite cheerfully with her questions.
"Ok thank you. Firstly, what are your views on the article?"
"I think the writer made a lot of valid points, especially on how they tied quirk discrimination to be beyond equal rights and showed how it is existent in everyday life," Watanabe replied passionately. Izuku nodded to show that he agreed with the answer. Kaminari seemed to be taken aback a bit at the way Watanabe had answered the question but he too nodded.
"Ok, what do you think about bullying?"
"I think people with stronger quirks almost always bully people with so-called weaker quirks. Most of the time teachers don't do anything to curb the bullying." Izuku replied this time with a determined tone. Watanabe grinned at his cousin's response, "Couldn't have put it better. I just want to add that not all schools are like this. My previous school did not tolerate bullying and punished those who tried to bully others. They did not mind playful smacks or squabbles but they didn't tolerate quirk-induced bullying or when people with stronger quirks made fun of those with weaker quirks."
Kaminari listened with interest at the answers. It was almost like the two had pre-planned their answers. Not to mention Izuku, who had come off as a bit shy and hesitant had taken a determined approach to defend the article passionately. You didn't become best friends with Watanabe without figuring out that he always has something planned to create chaos. And he knew that Izuku, as his cousin, might be like him. So, he found the cousins' answers fishy.
"Kaminari, you have a strong quirk. Do you agree with Watanabe and Izuku's thoughts?" The reporter asked.
"Um of course. He and I are best friends even though people call his quirk useless and mine strong."
"Do you three go to the same school?"
"Er, no," Kaminari answered. "Watanabe and I used to go to the same school. But he moved to Izuku's school Aldera a week back. But they, um," Kaminari glanced at Watanabe to see whether he was ok with him talking about Aldera. Watanabe nodded and Kaminari continued, "Um, they abused those with weaker quirks and thought that those with strong quirks should get a free pass."
"They basically worshipped those with strong quirks and helped them while casting aside those with weaker quirks, which is why we are now changing back to my old school," Watanabe interjected.
The reporter looked a bit shocked, "How were you abused?"
"Quirk-induced bullying and those with stronger quirks were never punished so that they could have a clean slate for the future," Izuku whispered lowly.
Watanabe could see the amount of professionalism that stopped the reporter from reacting to the sentence, "I see," she said. "Would you like to tell us more, or prefer not to?"
"Um, I don't think he wants to talk about that presently. It's still recent, and my brother is too shy to outright say no, so can we talk about something else, please?" Watanabe interjected. The reporter nodded, "Sure. Kaminari and Watanabe, could you tell us more about how your school handles quirk discrimination to such an extent that there is so little bullying?"
"They punish those who bully and to make sure that the victim always tells the teacher, they have a policy of not punishing the whistle-blower," Kaminari said.
"That is a nice plan. However, aren't you cornered outside the school?"
"Ah right, that used to be a huge problem. But one time Watanabe was cornered. Instead of letting himself be beaten up, he hit back and, um, broke the bully's nose..." Kaminari said. Watanabe turned red and the reporter's lips twitched as it nearly broke into a smile.
"I see. Um, were you punished Watanabe?"
"No, but I was told to try and not break a bone the next time someone bullies me outside school," Watanabe said quietly.
"Ok, next question now. What do you think of quirkless people?"
"They are people too. I don't understand the question," Watanabe said with a neutral tone but eyes that promised pain if someone told they disagree.
"No, no of course they are people. I was just asking what you think about what the article has to say,"
"The article is true. There are many quirkless students in Aldera. At least those with a quirk are sometimes given mercy but those who are quirkless are tormented a lot," Izuku said with an emotionless tone.
The reporter's face grew a bit sad as she heard the answer, "Kaminari, how has your school acted towards the quirkless?"
"Like Watanabe said, they treat them like everyone else. Our principal likes to think that since none of us are really allowed to use our quirks except if we become pro-hero, it's stupid to treat people differently for their quirks. His motto is literally, 'Discrimination is idiotic, but quirk discrimination is just plain idiotic. You got a gift, be thankful!'"
The reporter sweatdropped, "I see. I certainly like his approach even though he seems to be a bit, er, extravagant." Yuki said, "Last question: What are your views on quirk classification?"
"It's idiotic!" All three responded simultaneously. The three stared at each other, having spoken at the same time but then smiled. Izuku chose to answer the last question, "Ultimately, it is society who is determining which quirk is strong or weak, or which is heroic or villainous. A lot of quirks that seem weak are strong. For example, I'm sure many people think that a quirk that allows the user to change skin color is useless. But it could be used for camouflage and therefore, stealth missions. Other people would then think the quirk is villainous because of its uses but it's the person who chooses what they want to do with their quirk. People telling someone they are villains for their quirk will just make them become villains." Izuku said.
Yuki nodded vigorously at the speech from Izuku, "Wonderfully said. I am sure the writer will be pleased to have influenced young minds such as yourself too!"
At this Watanabe and Izuku nearly burst from laughter. However, they managed to pass off their laugh as a smile in response to the reporter's words. Kaminari looked at his friends with concern.
"Oh, one last thing that is not related to the article. This question is specifically for you given your answers have prompted this,"
Kaminari stared at Watanabe questioningly. Watanabe shrugged in response.
"A lot of distrust towards schools have awakened in response to the article. Guardians no longer think their school is safe. Your stories about Aldera have proved that point. This is why I think many people will be eager to know which school you go to now since it seems to be a good school that does not tolerate bullying regardless of quirk. So, which school are you going to, Kaminari?"
Watanabe and Izuku were taken aback at the reporter's comments. They had no idea that their article had been so successful that it was indirectly tarnishing school reputations. "Ah, I go to Mustafu General school."
The reporter nodded, "Ok, thank you. That wraps up this interview. We will be bringing you the views of other people on the next episode. Thanks for watching and bye!"
The camera cut and the reporter immediately lost her professionalism. She turned towards the trio with teary eyes, "You three really have kind views. I am quirkless too you know. So it was nice to see the article. Most of the others of your age, I interviewed didn't understand what the article was talking about and made some remarks that insulted me... But you three showed me that many of your age are good too. Thank you, not only for giving an interview, but also for the way you answered. Uh, your interview will be broadcasted on the program at 7. Good luck and bye!" The reporter said and got into a waiting elevator with the cameraman. The trio were so shocked at Yuki's words that they forgot to say goodbye back or exchange any other pleasantries. Finally, Kaminari broke out of his stance.
"Uhm, anyway, so I actually had something to ask you, Watanabe," Kaminari said sitting on a nearby bench.
"Shoot," he replied sitting down.
"Ok, this is gonna sound crazy but knowing you, you always get involved in some crazy stuff and you did ask me to figure out what you wanted to say, so here goes. Did you write the article?"
"No," he replied.
"Did you and someone else write the article,"
"Yes,"
Kaminari noticed Izuku turning red and gaped, "Did you and Izuku write the article!?"
"Well, technically we sent it to another guy who polished it up further and added some stuff, but mostly yeah, Izuku and I wrote it," Watanabe replied.
"Of course you did," Kaminari said shaking his head, "Well that throws out all the theorizing I wanted to do. You know what, I'm gonna go home now."
"What, why? We haven't even done anything together yet." Watanabe replied.
"It's already 4. I need to be back home by 4:30. Plus the interview really sucked my energy, not to mention there really isn't much to talk about the article anymore. I'll call you later." Kaminari said.
"Ok bye," Izuku said.
"Bye," Watanabe said.
"Bye," Kaminari replied, "And Izuku don't worry about Aldera man! We gonna have fun at school once you guys come!" With that Kaminari left, leaving behind a smiling Izuku.
"We should get going too then," Watanabe said.
"Yeah, if we hurry, we can get the train," Izuku said. Both of them set off at a run and barely caught the train. The ride was quiet. Both of them were fixated on catching up on what happened on the forums and shared their views on each other. While they had both created accounts, 'Storm' for Izuku and, 'Chaos' for Watanabe, they had not yet commented anything on the forums. They had remained low, waiting for the perfect time as Watanabe thought they should do.
The two cousins got down at their destination and walked through the streets to get back to their house when they saw reporters mobbing a hero. Izuku pulled Watanabe along to see which hero it was and saw that it was Death Arms.
"Death Arms, are you also taking Endeavour's side then?" They heard a reporter ask.
"I think he has a point, yes."
"So people with weak quirks shouldn't be heroes? Quirk classification is alright, is that what you are saying?" Izuku heard a familiar voice say. All the reporters turned their heads. Izuku at first wondered why the reporters were staring at him. But then he realized that they were staring at Watanabe. Izuku paled as he realized that his cousin had been the one to ask the question in a way too formal voice that didn't suit him.
"Weak quirks are liabilities..." Death Arms weakly argued.
"Ah yes, sorry, my bad. Of course, Sir Nighteye is useless because he doesn't have a strong quirk. So what if he can see the future, as long as you've got brawn you don't need the future. Ooh, what about Nedzu, why be intelligent when you can smash everyone. Except, oh wait, it's them who make the plans!" Watanabe said sarcastically.
Death Arms seemed to squirm and became pale as all the cameras now seemed to focus on the exchange between Watanabe and Death Arms. "Uh, we, uh, we, um, we need, uh, both, so that society, uh, can be a, um, well-oiled machine..." Death Arms stammered weakly.
"Wasn't weak quirks just liabilities?" Watanabe shot back as Death Arms who paled further, "Hypocrite!" Izuku yelled.
Death Arms seemed to gain some composure as he replied, "Ah, see the boy from the sludge incident. He doesn't have a quirk. People like him will be liabilities!"
The crowd started murmuring but Watanabe immediately shot back angrily, "Oh right, the quirkless boy who rescued the hostage was a liability. What about the pros standing by, were they heroes?"
"We were waiting for someone with a more suitable quirk too-"
"No, you were afraid! You became a hero only for the fame and glory not to help people. Kamui woods tried to help even though his quirk was even worse for the situation than yours. You aren't even the definition of a hero!" Watanabe interjected as Death Arms grew paler at his rant.
Watanabe grabbed Izuku and began to walk off. He turned a corner but only after yelling, "The only liability here is you and your thought-processing!" With that, the cousins disappeared leaving behind a stunned crowd and a pro that seemed to have had a heart attack.
As the two cousins stood outside their building's elevator, Kaminari called. Watanabe raised an eyebrow and picked it up putting it on speaker, "Yo Kam-"
"CAN YOU GUYS NOT EVEN MAKE IT HOME WITHOUT DOING SOME CRAZY THING!" Kaminari's voice rang out from the phone.
"What did we-"
"THE INTERVIEW WITH DEATH ARMS! iT'S BLOWING UP EVERYWHERE!" Kaminari shouted.
"But we just gave that interview less than half an hour back," Izuku said
"I dunno but it's going around everywhere. Gotta go, I need to see the chaos on the forums."
The two stunned cousins got onto the lift and silently thought about what they just heard. They got out of the lift and were about to enter when Watanabe whispered, "Well, mom's going to kill me for this, so tell Kaminari to pray for me."
With that, the two cousins entered. Immediately Ryuzen appeared, "I am so proud of you after that interview that shut down that idiot Death Arms! I even got ice cream from the shop downstairs!"
Watanabe stood in shock as Ryuzen cackled and Inko smiled. Izuku meanwhile took it upon him to ask Natsume, "You aren't angry at Watanabe?"
"Nah, Death Arms had it coming, so I'm going to let it slide this time," Natsume smiled.
After dinner, the family was gathered around the TV. The family was watching the program where a reporter was asking teenagers about their views on the article. Natsume was quite angry at many of the responses. When it finally came to Watanabe, Izuku, and Kaminari's interview, Watanabe switched off the TV.
"Why did you turn it off!? You guys were on!" Natsume said.
"It's embarrassing," Izuku said.
"Among other reasons," Watanabe whispered lightly but Ryuzen heard him.
"Ok, we won't watch then," Inko said gently ending Natsume's protests.
"Right, could you come with me then Izuku and Watanabe?" Ryuzen asked.
The two cousins followed Ryuzen puzzled.
"You two wrote the article didn't you?" he asked rhetorically.
Izuku turned red and Watanabe gave a sheepish smile, "Yeah, how did you know?"
"You didn't participate in our discussion about the article and it seemed suspicious that Watanabe hadn't done something crazy about Aldera. Plus I had a sort of fatherly instinct that you two did this."
Watanabe sighed, "Told you Dad would find out," Izuku nodded.
"We'll talk more about this later. I just wanted to see whether I am right," Ryuzen said.
"The TV sounds like it's on," Watanabe said. Izuku paled and ran to the living room and saw the two sisters watching the interview. They had just finished watching Izuku's view on the quirkless. Sobbing, Inko pulled him into a hug. Natsume also tried to comfort Izuku as mother and son cried.
Watanabe and Ryuzen entered the room and stood in a corner unsure what to do.
"Is this one of the 'Among other reasons,' you were talking about?"
"Yup," Watanabe said as both of them stood awkwardly unsure whether they should comfort Inko and Watanabe like Natsume or not.
Stain was perched on a rooftop reading a newspaper about the article on quirk discrimination and all the chaos that was occurring. There was even a TV store across the street which was showing a student berate a hero.
Stain closed the newspaper and put it down next to him. He watched the same students give an interview on their views about the article too. Luckily the store had its TVs on full sound today to spread the latest news about the viral article.
As the program finished, Stain sighed, "Those two students who had given the interview and berated four arms were going to make great heroes. They shared his ideology but not violently, much like the article writers.
"Perhaps violence is not always the key,"
A/N: Yup Stain is coming. Not soon, however.
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