CHAPTER 6

Holding Out for A Hero

UA High School,
Musutafu, Tokyo Prefecture,
February 15

The lounge of Class 1-A dorm was cozy. The couch was warm and plushy. The air conditioner blew gentle warm breeze, presumably set up higher than ambient temperature to accommodate Tsuyu Asui who – true to her frog-like characteristics – was not very comfortable in cold weather. The light was soft. Everything was different than Class 1-B dorm which was set up spartan-like, with militaristic aura yet still with a touch of gentleness.

"Thank you for meeting with me," Yosetsu took a seat in on the couch in front of Izuku and Ochaco. They looked relaxed and comfortable in sweat shirts with matching shorts and flip flops. For a second Yosetsu felt a bit overdressed with t-shirt underneath an open buttoned-down shirt, jeans, socks and sneakers, but he shrugged it off. "I wish we could meet in better circumstances, but unfortunately I am pressed to do an assignment for Kan-sensei."

"That's OK, anyway we can help," Izuku replied. "For old time's sake."

"Yes, for old time's sake," Yosetsu smiled. "How are you guys? Staying strong together?"

"For sure, I'm crazy about her," Izuku threw a mischievous look at Ochaco.

"Deku-kun is just being silly," Ochaco slapped Izuku's arm. Her face turned tomato-red. "How are you and Chika?"

"We're busy for our own projects for the moment. She's training hard for Love Live Finals in a month," Yosetsu tried not to sound grim and hopeless upon mentioning Love Live. "Anyway, I'm doing research for a class work. We need to know the motivation of students to become Pro Heroes."

"You should start with Todoroki-kun," Ochaco giggled. "He is the face of UA 1st-year Hero Program. His Dad is the No.1 Pro Hero in the country. He's one of the strongest, if not the strongest, 1st-year students in the Hero Program."

"Kaibara will talk to him. I get to talk to you," Yosetsu scribbled something in his notepad. "So Midoriya, tell me about yourself. Why do you want to be a Pro Hero?"

"I uh… silly reason, actually," Midoriya tussled his greenish hair. "I was bullied when I was a little kid…"

"By Bakugo, no less," Ochaco tuned in. "He's the one that gave him the name 'Deku', meaning 'he who can't do anything…"

"Yeah, well, we were kids at the time," Izuku snickered sheepishly. "Anyway, being bullied made me feel helpless. Villains, in a sense, are bullies too. They have quirks and use their quirks to hurt other people for whatever reason they deem fit. I wanted to be a Pro Hero so I can save people from these bullies with, even though I was born quirkless. I wanted to walk in the path of All Might, my favorite Pro Hero."

"He has big dreams for such a small and weak kid," Ochaco quipped.

"Well the measure of a hero does not lie in the size of his body," Izuku cringed. "Anyway, I guess fortune favored me. All Might lied his eyes on me during the encounter with Sludge Villain. He passed on his quirk One For All for me, and I became a student of UA."

"One For All is a very powerful quirk," Yosetsu asked while scribbling on his notepad. "How do you feel about that? Do you feel superior than your peers? Do you feel you have to take revenge against your bullies… *cough* Bakugo *cough*?"

"That's what some people think, but no, I don't have ill will toward Kacchan," Izuku replied, half mumbling. "He is my friend, and I still respect him. I have no desire to use my quirk against him. The only thing I feel about inheriting One For All is the desire to control it so I can save people from powerful villains."

"That's my guy," Ochaco giggled and wrapped her arms around Izuku's.

"Indeed," Yosetsu nodded. He turned to Ochaco. "And how about you? What inspires you to become a Pro Hero?"

"Yeah, about that," Ochaco winced, trying to hide her reddened cheeks behind Izuku's shoulder. "I was a fan of Kurose-san, a.k.a. Space Hero Thirteen, when I was little. I was moved by her principles, especially that quirks are not meant to do harm, rather to help others. I think all lives are precious, and worth saving. I wanted to be like her when I grew up.

"But then, I started to see that my parents were not as blessed financially as others. They worked back-to-back shifts just to provide me with good education. As you might already know, UA tuition is not cheap. But they sacrifice a lot to make sure I am accepted at UA. This makes me somewhat guilty, and I strive to become a Pro Hero so I can get money to help them. Family is important to me. I know my cause is not as 'grand' as others', but you have to look from a poor-girl's perspective to fully understand it."

"I think it's commendable," Yosetsu continued to make notes.

"As a fresh graduate it may be a little hard to make money," Izuku added. "But when you're good enough to be in the Top-10 ranking Pro Hero like Endeavor or Best Jeanies, that's when you start piling up money." He looked at Ochaco warmly. "You can do it. I have faith in you."

"Aww… thank you," Ochaco giggled.

"I think I have enough information," Yosetsu surmised. "Thank you for your help. I owe you one."

"Yeah, 2 tickets to Love Live Finals!" Izuku replied.

"Yeah, sure, let's see what the future brings," Yosetsu quickly took off before anybody mentioned Love Live Finals again.


It was not hard to find Eijiro and Tetsutetsu, rivals turned best friend. They were always at the gym. Eijiro liked the concept of masculinity, hence his regimen of workouts to keep his body strong. Tetsutetsu was only happy to follow his new friend, for he was arguably the strongest student in Class 1-B, and was determined to keep it that way.

"So is this what you Tweeddle-dee Tweeddle-dum do pass time?" Hiryu walked into the strong stench of sweat inside the gym. "Muscle up in the gym? Checking each other's guns?"

"Men sana in copore sano, Rin," Tetsutetsu replied while pumping 25-kilos of dumbbells. "We are in Pro Hero school. We have to keep sharp. Keep healthy. Keep strong. Keep…"

"Manly!" Eijiro yelled from the corner.

"Exactly! Quirk alone is not enough. There are some quirk-erasing drugs running around the street, and some quirks are anti quirks, like the one Aizawa-san has. We can't rely on quirk alone as a Pro Hero. We have to rely on our inner strength. Sometimes we have to use old-fashion muscles to do the work."

"You think?" Hiryu took a bench and sat next to Tetsutetsu. "So why do you want to be a Pro Hero?"

"Kinda hard not too, don't you think?" Tetsutetsu said and switched to a different set of dumbbells. "I mean, look at me. What else would a guy with this kind of quirk do?"

"A lot of thing," Hiryu took notes. "Heavy industries would pay you a lot of money to do hazardous work. Why do you want to be Pro Hero? What excites you to put your lives on the line of fire for the sake of others?"

"I don't know, it just feels right. I can stop bullets. I can stand fire. I can stand ice. I stood firm against Shoto Todoroki. Hell, I might be the only one in Class 1-B that can go toe-to-toe against Bakugo. I will crush that idiot next time I fight him. It's just natural that all these power is used for the good of humanity."

"Humanity," Hiryu went berserk on his notepad. "You think a lot about humanity, Tetsutetsu?"

"Who cares?" Tetsutetsu dropped his dumbbells. "It's good enough for a cause. I'm doing this for the good of people."

"You're thinking too much, Rin," Eijiro walked pass to get water. "We're all here to be the good guys. Everything else is just technicality."

"So what technicality do you have, Kirishima?" Hiryu turned his attention to the red-haired hunk. "Are you here on your own, or are you following somebody's example?"

"I did start by following example," Eijiro sat opposite to Hiryu. "Crimson Riot. The best Pro Hero in existence. He's fast. He's strong. He's… manly. The manliest Pro Hero of all time."

"Manlier than All Might?" Hiryu chuckled. "Midoriya may object."

"You can't deny Crimson Riot is macho-er than any other Pro Hero in history, including All Might. He has strong determination to defend the defendless. That's the sign of manliness. Only the manliest of men would do that. And I wanted to be like that. But being here, with friends, and teachers, I develop my own Pro-Heroism. I am a big fan of Crimson Riot, but I am not trying to be Crimson Riot. I'm not Midoriya. I have my own style, I have my own cause to be a Pro Hero."

"Care to share?" Hiryu asked.

"Because it's the manly thing to do. Only the manliest of men would do that. Didn't I say it already?"

"I guess you did," Hiryu took fast notes. "Several times."

"If there are no other questions, Tetsutetsu and I are going to hit the field and see who is the manlier today." Eijiro grabbed his duffle bag and headed to the exit. "Though it's not hard to see the end result."

"Yeah, me," Tetsutetsu did the same thing. "I ate iron for breakfast. Eijiro today, Bakugo tomorrow."

"I'll let you go and do the manly things together," Hiryu wrapped up his notes. "Thank you for showing support for friends in need."

"A friend in need is a friend indeed," Tetsutetsu replied without looking back. "Good luck with the assignment. I think you're gonna need it."

"As a matter of fact, we are," Hiryu muttered, but Tetsutetsu was already too far to catch it.


The library was not the appropriate place to talk about Pro Hero, but considering Shoto Todoroki's penchant to keep things to himself, it might be the only place where he felt comfortable to talk. Sen Kaibara spent several days to set up the meeting, and when Shoto finally agreed, he knew he couldn't screw it up.

"Before we proceed to the intent of this meeting, I would like to express my gratitude," Sen said as he sat on a table in front of Shoto.

"Don't be modest," Shoto replied coldly. "I do what every UA student would do: to help someone in need. And even if we don't hang out often, I respect your work and dedication to the program. I'm glad to help."

"The feeling is mutual, doubly so on my part," Sen returned the pleasantry. It was odd that Shoto, who was typically aloof, showed some warmth and support toward a student from another class. Somebody that he barely knew. Perhaps UA managed to instill some goodwill to the young Pro Hero, and taught him the measure of being a Pro Hero. "You are one of the best students of UA Hero Program."

"I'm not different than any other 1-year students," Shoto muttered halfheartedly.

"You are different. You come from a long line of Pro Heroes…"

"My father should not be the forefront of Hero Program," Shoto suddenly turned bitter.

"Really? I honestly expect the opposite," Sen was taken aback. "He is the No.1 Pro Hero in the country. He is highly respected among his peers. If there is one Pro Hero that carries the banner of Pro Hero program, it is your father."

"If that is your opinion about him, then you don't need mine," Shoto started to pack up his things.

"Alright, alright, I want to hear your side of the matter," Sen said. "But I can't help to notice the acrimony when you address your father. Is this something you want to talk about?"

"Let's say his behavior outside his line of duty is not something you would expect from a Pro Hero," Shoto said, morosely. "Anymore than that would just be a distraction to your cause."

"Very well," Sen produced a notepad and started taking notes. "I am doing a research on student's motivation to become a Pro Hero. I want to know your motivation to enroll at UA as a Pro Hero in training. Why are you here? What makes you decide to train as a Pro Hero?"

Shoto took his time gathering his thoughts and choosing his words. "Part of it is family tradition. My father is a Pro Hero, so I should be a Pro Hero. There is no other logical choice. Part of it is my father's wish that I become the No.1 Pro Hero in the nation."

"You make it sound like a bad thing," Sen raised his eyebrows. "I think it's admirable that a father wants his son to be the best in the business."

"Not if it is done for his own ambition," Shoto threw his gaze through the window. "It is not for my benefit that he wanted me to be the No.1 Pro Hero in the country. It is for his own. He wants to be the No.1 Pro Hero but All Might outdid him at every corner. As a result of his shortcomings, he tried to conceive an offspring with the 'perfect' quirk to beat All Might. He thought it was me. I become his favorite 'guinea pig'. He focused all energy on me and neglected my siblings. Truth is, I don't want to beat All Might. I don't want to live up to somebody else's ambition. I want to be me, Shoto Todoroki, a boy trying his wings out in the great big world."

"As of now Endeavor is the No.1 Pro Hero in the nation," Sen stated. "His ambition, if you can call it that, should be settled."

"Only by default," Shoto scoffed curtly. "All Might retired, so the No.2 became the No.1."

"I didn't know you have such a rough time," Sen said emphatically. "How about what you feel about being a Pro Hero? What motivates you to stay in the Hero course at UA, regardless what your father asks of you?"

"I want to do good for people," Shoto sighed. "Everybody looks up to All Might as inspiration. I am no different. Far removed from my father's wish, if I had to choose my own path, I would still do the same. I did not have the luxury of that choice, but the result would be the same nonetheless."

"I grow new respect for you," Sen wrapped up his research. "I hope the future will bring you better life."

"I'm alright," Shoto shot up and started walking away. "UA has been a home far from home, a real home for me. My friends are my family that I never had." He stopped and turned around. "Good luck with your assignment."

"Thank you," Sen put everything into his satchel and went the other direction. "Same to you."


The after hour of Lunch Rush Café was drowned in chats and laughters of Pro Hero students from all grades. It was the hub for students to take the load off grueling trainings and class works and quizzes. And for the most part, Lunch Rush treated the invasion of his café with upbeat attitude. Feeding dozens of hungry teenagers had been his job for decades, and he certainly came to love it (if he hadn't in the first place).

Denki Kaminari shoved the last piece of tonkatsu into his mouth, then uttered a mouthful of gibberish, saying something that it was the best course the café had to offer, or something to that effect. Sitting next to him was Mina Ashido, the pink-skinned girl, steadily crimped the miso udon between her chopsticks and took it to her mouth. Her eyes blinked a few times to combat the spicy fume from the meal.

"College cafeteria usually served mundane food," Kosei stated as he munched on his anmitsu. "We're lucky to have Lunch Rush as our cook."

"Couldn't agree more," Denki struggled to speak with a mouthful of tonkatsu.

"Isn't he cute if he does that?" Mina giggled and leaned on Denki's arm.

"Maybe it's just the food," Kosei snickered. "How often do you guys eat here? Just the two of you?"

"Just the two of us?" Denki cocked his brows. "I don't know, every other day?"

"Three four times a week," Mina added. "But that's because we often have to do extra work. We're not as bright as other students, like Iida or Yaoyorozu…"

"You're looking at the bottom two of Class 1-A," Denki followed suit. "To catch up with the rest of the class, we do extra assignment. So we come here after homework just to blow off some steam."

"So do you think this is a good place for a date?" Kosei muttered. "Hypothetically speaking, would you see me as a cheapskate if I ask you to have a date at Lunch Rush Café?"

"That would depend upon the person," Mina cringed. "Why are you suddenly talking about date?"

"Well, you know, I just thought I want to know you better," Kosei beamed awkwardly, "and for future reference."

"I thought we are helping you for your class project?" Denki stated.

"Yeah, you are," Kosei straightened his posture. "So, Kaminari, what is your motivation to become a Pro Hero?"

"I like to hang out with the cool guys," Denki leaned back on his chair and wrapped his arms around Mina. "I like being in the center of attention. And Pro Hero gets a lot of attention. Everybody knows Pro Hero. Many kids idolized Pro Heroes, like that Midoriya kid. Rumor has it said he has dozens of All Might memorabilia. I want to be like that. I want to be the one that girls imagine when they make out with their boyfriends…"

"Denki!" Mina slapped Denki's arm.

"So are you two dating because you think the other one is cool?" Kosei scribbled things in his notepad. "What about affection? Attention? Like, for example, birthday gift? What did you give each other for birthday?"

"Birthday gift?" Denki and Mina traded baffled looks. "What does it have anything to do with being Pro Hero?"

"It's a measure of sincerity," Kosei made up an excuse. "There's no point of being a Pro Hero if you are not sincere in the becoming of it. Don't you agree? Now answer the question, please. What did you give each other as birthday gifts? Something expensive? Something cheap?"

"This is a weird class assignment," Mina observed Kosei in the earnest. Her dark eyes squinted, making her look more and more like a sleepy raccoon. "Kan-sensei asked you to do this?" Then suddenly, it dawned on her. "You're not doing class assignment, are you?" You're trying to score a g… Oh My God! Asui's birthday is February 12! You're trying to seduce Asui!"

"What?! No! I would never do that!" Kosei stammered in slight panic.

"Then why suddenly you want to know about birthday gifts?" Denki grinned mischievously.

"Why not? I genuinely want to know what other couples give each other as birthday presents! Is something wrong with that?"

"It is, if you use class assignment as a cover up!"

"I am not using class assignment as an excuse! Alright, Ashido, what is your motivation to be a Pro Hero?"

"Well, I don't like bullies," Mina replied. "Bullies are idiots who think they are above others. Athletes and drama queens who think they are sitting at the top of the world just because they have quirks. I want to be a Pro Hero to be a role model that somebody with a quirk can be kind and supportive to others, especially those who are born quirkless."

"Kinda overkilling, isn't it?" Kosei sneered. "Becoming a Pro Hero just for being a role model for kids?"

"You would think, but a lot of people walk in the steps of Pro Heroes. You know, Midoriya and Kirishima enrolls because of their idols, All Might and Crimson Riot. Think of how nice it would be if kids support each other instead of bullying others that were not as pretty or as athletic or as lucky as themselves." She threw a dirty look at Kosei and grinned. "So, what did you ask Asui?"

"I uh… I haven't asked her anything," Kosei scratched his head.

"You haven't asked her out?" Denki chuckled.

"Soon, as soon as I find the perfect birthday gift for her," Kosei sighed, "which already passed…"

"Dude, it doesn't matter what you give her," Denki huffed. "Most likely she wouldn't remember what you gave her. But she will remember that you know her birthday and make effort to give her something on her special day."

"Easy for you to say," Kosei griped. "You don't have to prove anything to each other."

"Just try it, Tsuburaba," Mina said. "I know Asui. She is not the type of girl that revel the glitter of expensive gifts. Just give her something that you think nice. If it doesn't work, then it's not meant to be." She glanced at her watch and started getting up. "We've gotta leave. We still have assignments… real assignments, that doesn't include date dinner and birthday gifts…"

"Smartasses," Kosei huffed. "Thank you for your help. I'll catch up with you lovebirds some other time."