My Hero Academia doesn't belong to me. This is merely an idea turned into a fanfiction by yours truly.


Chapter 1: Flickering Embers And Desperation

"It all began in China in Qingqing City. There was news that a baby that gave off light was born. Ever since then, superpowers were discovered in various places. The cause was unclear. There are many theories from rats carrying a mutating virus, to human evolution… or it could have simply been an accident that was beyond our control or knowledge." A 166 cm (≈5'5 feet) lean teenager with ash gray hair in an undercut hairstyle, large circular ash gray eyes and a handsome face started to explain.

"Time passed and superpowers became the norm and dreams became reality! At present 80% of the world's population consists of super humans with special abilities. The world fell into chaos as along with the exceptional abilities came an explosion in crime rate. But a new profession that everyone once only dreamed about entered the spotlight! While nations struggled to overhaul their legal systems, brave individuals took up the mantle of heroes straight out of comic books. Protecting the people from evildoers! With public support, some quickly acquired the right to serve as heroes in an official capacity." The teen finished before he finally closed a textbook. "And that's a quick summary of how our Hero Society was built. Ready for tomorrow's exam Katsuma-kun?"

A young boy with brown eyes, curly, light brown hair, and a small patch of freckles in the middle of his face quickly nodded, "Yes! Thank you for helping me study for tomorrow's exam, Izuku-niisan."

Izuku waved back nonchalantly, "No worries. Just make sure you ace that test tomorrow."

"Right!" Katsuma replied before he started to glance around nervously, "Hey, Izuku-niichan. Do you think I could be a cool Hero?"

The teenager blinked at the sudden question, then hummed in thought. "Hmm well, why do you want to become a Hero?"

"I want to become a Hero so that I can save people with a smile like All Might!" The boy replied passionately.

Izuku smiled, satisfied with the answer, "Then as long as you don't lose sight of your goal, I'm sure that you'll become a cool Hero."

"Really?! Even with my Quirk? I know it's not strong like other Heroes' Quirks…"

"Nonsense!" The silver haired boy protested immediately. "Your Quirk is amazing Katsuma-kun. If you trained your body and your Quirk, you'll become one of the best Rescue Heroes in the field. You'll basically be a combat medic who can easily save a lot of people. And when you start training your Quirk you might be able to find other uses for it, which will help expand your options." Izuku finished to which the boy looked awestruck.

"Wow! I can do all that…?" He nodded to himself. "Thank you, Izuku-niisan." The child then suddenly pouted, seemingly remembering something, "Izuku-niisan when will you tell us what your Quirk is?!"

Izuku gulped, looking both shocked and nervous. "Quirk? What do you mean, Quirk? I'm Quirkless, remember?"

"Oh please, you're a terrible liar, Baka-niisan. Katsuma and I have seen you when you fabricated those papers about having a two-joint in your toe. We also noticed how warm your body always is even when it's freezing. Plus you never get sick. And finally, despite never doing any physical activities, you're physically stronger than most people, even among those with mutant and enhancement Quirks." A new voice full of suspicion joined in.

The teenager looked at the person who had just entered the room, though he already knew who it was. He found himself staring at a small girl with dark brown eyes, straight brown hair styled into pigtails with dark pink bubble-shaped bands, and a small patch of freckles in the middle of her face.

Izuku smiled sheepishly, Mahoro is just too perceptive and smart for her own good. "Mahoro-chan I don't-"

"Save it pretty boy. I don't want to hear your excuses." She rudely interrupted.

Izuku's eyebrow twitched a bit in annoyance. Though he found her behavior quite nostalgic, the girl was a bit too much sometimes.

"Nee-san, stop being rude to Izuku-niisan!" He chastised his older sister as he shot the older boy an apologetic look. "But Izuku-niisan, why are you keeping your Quirk a secret from us? Don't you trust us?" Katsuma asked, feeling a bit sad that the teen he came to see as a big brother figure is still keeping such a secret from them.

Izuku just sighed and slumped a bit. If he doesn't give an answer that would satisfy the kids, he might end up building a rift between him and them.

"Alright. I have a Quirk but… it's not that I'm hiding it or anything. It just doesn't work anymore."

"What?" Both kids looked confused. What does it mean that his Quirk doesn't work anymore? They have never heard of such a thing before.

"Well, you see every Quirk has something called a Quirk Factor. Without one, you don't have a Quirk. A couple of years ago I damaged my Quirk Factor and now I can no longer use it. So basically, I'm Quirkless. But I still have a few passive abilities gifted to me by my Quirk, but nothing really impressive." Izuku gave them what he knows is a half-truth and when he stopped, he noticed that Mahoro's expression softened but had a hint of guilt and Katsuma…

Oh boy, he's one second away from bursting into tears. Izuku thought to himself as he patted the boy's head.

"Hey, hey no need to cry. Besides, I can fix the damage anytime and gain back my Quirk." Izuku really didn't want to divulge this information, but he also doesn't want to see two people who he considers his family sad and depressed.

After all, he has no one in this world but the Shimano family.

"Then why don't you fix it and get your Quirk back?! You can become an amazing Hero Izuku-niisan!" Katsuma incredulously asked. He doesn't understand how someone like his big brother who supports his dream of being a Hero and promised before to help him become one, is now refusing to become one himself. After all, he knew better than anyone that his big brother can become an amazing Hero.

"Uh no. Heroics aren't just for me, Katsuma-kun. Besides, my Quirk is useless and only brings me trouble. Trust me, it's fine this way." You have no idea how my Quirk has done more harm than good. Is what Izuku wanted to say as he knew the truth. He knew that he didn't deserve to be a Hero. Not after everything he has done.

The younger boy looked like he wanted to ask more questions but one sharp glance from his sister was enough to silence him.

There was an awkward silence in the room before Izuku claped his hands and stood up. "Alright, Katsuma, Mahoro. It's time for you to go to bed. You have school tomorrow." Izuku announced as the two children whined and went to their bed.

Katsuma watched as Izuku closed the door behind him with one thought going through his head. Izuku-niisan I know that you can become an amazing Hero. You can be greater than All Might, so why not? I know you secretly want to be a Hero, so why not?


In his bathroom, Izuku stripped his clothes and quickly let the warm water of his shower run down his body.

Katsuma, Mahoro, I'm sorry for keeping secrets, but this is for your own safety. Izuku thought as he looked down at his chest. I won't let him use my Quirk for his plans nor will I do his bidding. Never again. The teenager clenched his fists tight until they drew blood as he had a dark look on his face. No matter what, I have to protect this cursed Quirk from his clutches. Izuku then glanced at his right arm, ignoring the scars and focused a tattoo right under his shoulder. A bold 'L' with a dot '•' right between the two lines, followed by an 'N'. Also, there was a sniper rifle drawn, diagonally upwards, starting with the recoil pad and ending with the receiver reaching the 'L', with the other part of the rifle coming out of the 'N' ending with the muzzle. It's my promise to you, Master.

Finally done with his shower, Izuku wrapped a towel around his waist and started to dry his ash gray hair. He ignored the scars that showed on his body, specifically the cuts on his back. He was used to them by now. Once done, he picked up his PJ which were basically a short and a T-Shirt, got dressed, and went to bed.


The next day, Izuku was preparing some pancakes and cutting two apples for the two kids who were now awake and waiting at the table.

"Hey kids," Izuku greeted them as he put down two plates on the table. "I have great news today. Kazuma-san is taking a quick break from work and will be coming home today."

"Really?! Dad is coming home today?!" Both kids shouted excitedly to which Izuku chuckled and nodded.

"That's so cool! I can't wait to see him again!" Katsuma continued while Mahoro eagerly nodded.

"Actually, he's the one who's going to pick you from school today."

"What about you, Izuku-niisan? Aren't you going to pick us from school, too?" Katsuma tilted his head in confusion.

"Sorry not today, kiddo. I have somewhere else I need to be so I'll be coming a bit late."

At that, Izuku noticed that Mahoro gained an evil glint in her eyes. And he didn't like that look one bit.

"Have you finally asked your girlfriend to go out with you on a date?" She asked and leaned closer towards him with an evil smirk.

"WHAT?!" Izuku blushed in embarrassment and sputtered for a moment. "She's not my girlfriend and there's nothing between us!"

"I knew it, so it's a girl!" Mahoro cheered and Izuku just groaned in his seat.

He knew that the kids always wondered where he would go sometimes after school, but he always avoided their questions and gave half-truths. However, he never expected Mahoro to be this persistent. And yes it was in fact a girl, but not a date!

"What's a date?" Katsuma asked with genuine confusion.

"I'll tell you when you're old enough. Just finish your breakfast so that we can go to school." Izuku answered with a sigh, to which the boy pouted.


As Izuku closed the house's door behind them with three backpacks slunged on his back before walking with the two kids to their school, he didn't notice that they were being watched from the shadows.

"So those are the target's kids, right?" Asked a feminine voice.

"Yes. And from what I was able to gather, the target should be returning home today to visit them and spend some time with them during his short vacation." This time a masculine voice curtly answered.

"Shouldn't be a problem then. This mission will be easy. We'll snatch our target and kill the brats, and then we'll wait at the meeting point." The woman said back.

"Chimera should also meet us there with his target in three days."

"Nine will get his first two new Quirks, and one of them will finally cure his cellular degeneration." She gave her partner a menacing smile, "After today, we'll be one step closer to achieving our dream."


Jaku Private Middle School:

Izuku calmly walked through the school's gate. He still had over 10 minutes until the first bell, so there was no rush.

"Oh my God, it's Tsutsumi-kun!" One girl squealed.

"He looks so hot!" Another girl added.

"Right? I think he's the only Quirkless boy I would love to date. After all, everything else about him is perfect!"

"I'm going to leave a love letter in his locker today!"

"Me too!"

"Die bastard!" An angry male shout came.

"Quirkless pretty boy!" Another male student added.

Izuku mentally sighed and hung his head low. Let it be known that Izuku Tsutsumi hates attention. And school is where he gets the most attention. Either from his fangirls that chase him all day or the boys who curse him whenever they see him. Some also try to bully the "Quirkless" kid, but thankfully his fangirls take care of them. Not that Izuku can't handle himself, though it makes things easier and it brings less attention. And so Izuku hates school with a passion because he's always the center of attention.

It doesn't matter. After PE I'll go to the infirmary and fake a fever so that I can leave early. Izuku thought as he awkwardly smiled and waved at a girl who called his name.

"Alright kids, the final exams are coming up soon. Make sure you study well so that you can make your way to your desired high school. From today till the exam, we're going to be reviewing old topics and do mock tests-"

"Excuse me, sensei. I don't feel well and I think I might have a fever. Could I visit the infirmary please?" Izuku politely asked.

"Of course, Tsutsumi-kun."

And with that, Izuku left the class and went to the infirmary. After slightly increasing his body temperature thanks to his damaged Quirk, Izuku packed his stuff and left school. He didn't feel bad about skipping school though as he was at the top of his class and could've easily graduated months ago if he wanted. That and he hates school, so why not skip. Taking a train at Jaku's station, he headed to Musutafu city.

Izuku was now wearing a black hoodie with the hood being pulled over his head to hide his ash gray hair, matched with gray pants as well as a pair of sunglasses. He was standing in front of Aldera Junior High watching as the students were leaving school. The teenager waited for a moment till he spotted a familiar head of ash blond hair. It was his old childhood friend, Katsumi Bakugo. And when he saw her, memories of simpler times rushed through his head…


Flashback:

"Kyuji! Kyuji! Look, I got my Quirk! I didn't want to say anything this morning because I wanted you to see it first!" Kid Katsumi yelled excitedly as she ran towards her best friend.

"Wow! R-Really?! Can you please show me? I wanna see what it can do." A kid with green forest hair, large circular emerald eyes and four diamond shaped freckles on each cheek replied, equally excited.

Suddenly, small sparks ignited from Kid Katsumi's hands who was now sporting a look of pride at her best friend's awestruck expression.

"S-So cool! Kacchan your Quirk is so amazing! How does it work?" Kyuji eagerly asked, wanting to know more about his best friend's Quirk.

"It's called Explosion. Doctor said I sweat nitro-nitro…" She scrunched her nose trying to pronounce the word the doctor used. "…nitro something that I can detonate with my hands to create explosions." She finished with a demonstration, shooting a very small explosion in the air.

"Wow, Kacchan! You can do a lot of things with your Quirk. You can save a lot of people with it!"

"And I'll be able to kick anyone's ass! Just you wait and see. I'll be the Number One Hero!"

Kyuji was very impressed. He deeply admired Katsumi because of how fearless and determined she always was. And ever since he met her, he was drawn to this strength, hoping that maybe some of this strength could rub off on him too since he knew that compared to her he was shy and meek. Coupled with her powerful Quirk, Kyuji knew that Katsumi was going to go far. That she would become one of the best Heroes that the world would ever see.

"Now you better get your Quirk soon, Kyuji! And it better be your father's Fire Breathing or better yet Pyrokinesis, a mix between your father's and mother's Quirks. Not that it will be better than mine, but this way, I'll never run out of sweat and we'll win against any Villains that is stupid enough to face us. We'll be the best Hero Duo ever!" Kid Katsumi cheered excitedly and her energy was infectious that Kyuji couldn't help but cheer alongside her. Although, he was also happy to know that Kid Katsumi wanted him to be her Hero partner.

"Midoriya, Bakugo break time is over, it's time to get inside!" Came their teacher's voice.

"Hai!"

As the two kids rushed to their class, Kyuji couldn't help but wonder if he'll get an amazing Quirk like Katsumi…

"Unfortunately, it's during that same week that I uncovered the first sad truth about this world. All men are not born equal. Some of us are blessed in so many ways, while the others just end up with the other end of the stick. And in our Hero Society ruled by Quirks, there's only one way your world could be turned upside down while you're not even old enough to go to school." Izuku commented as he recalled what happened during the week.

"You should probably give it up." The doctor pointed out without any care in the world.

Once the doctor's words registered in his head, Kyuji's face was ripped off all the excitement he initially had. He didn't know how to react to this announcement. He was just told that he's Quirkless and should give up on being a Hero. The boy was so shocked that he dropped his All Might action figure and any other words the doctor said fell on deaf ears.

"Is there something wrong with my Kyuji? Most of the other kindergarteners' Quirks have already manifested… He's the only one…" An green haired woman, Inko Midoriya and Kyuji's mother asked, before collecting Kyuji's toy that he just dropped using her Quirk. She was worried about her son and didn't want to believe the doctor's words. She knew that if they were true, then that would mean that not only his dream to pursue Heroics would be crushed but that he would lead a very difficult life going forward in a superpowered society like theirs.

The doctor then proceeded to explain that from what he saw from Kyuji's X-Ray, the boy had two joints in his pinky toe which meant that he'll never manifest a Quirk. After this explanation Inko left with a pretty devastated Kyuji.

The doctor then quickly went to a back room, where a paper showing positive for the Quirk gene laid on a table alongside an X-Ray of a foot with only one joint in the pinky toe, and put them both in a file with Kyuji's name on it. He then pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

'So tell me Garaki, how did it go? Did you figure out what's Kyuji's Quirk?' A manly and intimidating voice asked from the other of the phone.

"Unfortunately, the answer is no. His Quirk is unlike anything seen before." He paused for a moment, contemplating his next words. "I think Kyuji is a success. He may not have the same Quirk as you, but I believe that he's a success nonetheless. You're from the first generation and the probability that one of your children would get your Quirk is very low, and out of all 17 children who visited me, only Kyuji showed results that he may have something similar to your Quirk. That or it's something else entirely. Only ones left to visit yet are Kyuju, Juji and Juju, but I don't believe that any of them will have your Quirk. However, I would still like to see their Quirks and how useful they can be."

'I see. Good job, Garaki. Did you lie to Kyuji and tell him that he's Quirkless like I've told you to do?'

"Yes, sir. However…, please excuse me but I must inquire as to why do we need to lie to him about his Quirk."

'Kyuji is a little kid. He sees all those Heroes running around and thinks they're cool. He's obsessed with being one of them. And worst of all, his idol is none other than All Might.' He spat the Number One Hero's name venomously. 'If you tell him he has a Quirk, he'll become an unstopable force that will stop at nothing until he fulfill his dream. And frankly his determination to be a Hero reminds me too much of myself when it comes to my goals… And now that we know that he has a Quirk that could potentially rival mine, we know how big of an obstacle he could become. It doesn't help that when he was sleeping yesterday, I tried to steal it before my "flight" to see what it was, but was met with failure instead. So no, we need to show him the ugly side of the world. We need to crush his Heroic spirit before we mold him as we like. And living as a Quirkless kid is a great start. After all, I'm not going to stand aside this time and let history repeat itself.' He sourly finished.

"I understand. I'll make sure that my grandson spills the news tomorrow in his kindergarten that the boy is Quirkless. After all, we know how cruel kids can be."

That night, Kyuji was watching his favorite video, the one about his idol's debut, All Might. That video never failed to put a smile on Kyuji's face, but tonight was different.

"HaHaHa! Everything is fine now. Why? Because I am here!" The Number One Hero All Might shouted with his booming voice while saving the civilians.

"Mom," Kyuji called his mother with a weak, shaky voice. "No matter what trouble you're in, he'll save you with a smile." Kyuji slowly turned his chair to face his mom, his eyes already watery and filled with tears, ready to be unleashed. "A super cool Hero… That's what I want to be. Can… I still be-"

Kyuji didn't get to finish his sentence because before he could, Inko immediately rushed to her son with tears coming out of her eyes too.

"I'm sorry, Kyuji! I'm sorry! I-I wish things were… different." Inko exclaimed as she pulled her only son in a tight hug in an attempt to comfort him, but truth to be told they needed someone to comfort them both.

That's… not what I wanted you to say. Kyuji said in his mind as waterworks poured out his eyes. Mom… I want to be a Hero with Kacchan… We promised to be a Hero Duo…

And that was how Kyuji Midoriya was dubbed Quirkless, having no superpower at all in a society where 80% of its population had a Quirk. This made him a social outcast, deemed worthless, and being a constant target for bullies, especially from his former best friend, Katsumi, who gave Kyuji the insulting name Deku, which simply means useless. But even then, Kyuji was undeterred and never lost sight of his dream.

However, Kyuji had no idea what the future had in store for him. And how the pain he suffered as Quirkless Kyuji paled in comparison to the one he would suffer as not Quirkless Kyuji.


Izuku pushed the memories to the back of his mind before they started to get too much, and resumed watching Katsumi from afar. She hasn't changed that much since they were kids. Same short ash blond hair and angry red eyes. Though Izuku had to admit that the same couldn't be said about her physique as she now stood at 172 cm (≈5'8 feet) and was the spitting image of her mother, Mitsuki Bakugo. But contrary to Mitsuki, Izuku could see the muscles hidden under her uniform that could only be gained by the intensive hard work one would expect from Katsumi.

For the past three years, every month, Izuku would always come here to make sure that his childhood friend was safe. He would follow her home, scout the area and make sure that He won't hurt her in any shape or form.

However, since the start of this year, Izuku's visits have increased to once every two weeks due to All Might's presence in Musutafu. Contrary to public belief, All Might's presence doesn't make Musutafu safe. Because wherever All Might is, He will also be keeping an eye out. Hence why Izuku is wearing his black hoodie and sunglasses, trying not to stand out in order to make sure that Katsumi is totally safe even if he has to stalk her.

As such, Izuku kept following her from a distance, observing her as she walked back home as well as her interactions or the lack thereof until she finally reached their old neighborhood.

Kacchan still hadn't made any friends. Although, I can't fault them because her angry scowl makes her look scary. Shame that she wears it all the time now. Izuku sighed and shook his head. He really wished he could help her or even reveal his true identity to her and show her that she still has a friend. But while the former is a risky and dangerous idea, the latter is borderline insane, and would only lead to the loss of another person close to him. He knows he's cursed like that. People always get hurt because of him.

"Huh?! Want to say that again?" Izuku's thoughts were halted by Katsumi's angry voice.

"Come on. No need to get so worked up. Come with me and I promise I'll show you a good time." A dude who was blocking Katsumi's path replied, which earned him an explosion right to the face.

Ouch. Seems like Kacchan became more violent over the years. Izuku mentaly commented, surprised that she would immediately resort to using her Quirk like that.

"If you know what's best for you, you better not show your face here again, fuckface!" She yelled at the guy who was currently running away from the angry and violent middle school girl.

Well, I think she can make it to her home safely on her own. With that, Izuku started to search around the area and make sure that the neighborhood is totally safe. And before he knew it, the sun was already setting, meaning he had to quickly make his way to the station in order to catch a train home.

I'll send a quick message to Kazuma-san telling him that I'm coming back home. Izuku said in his mind as he fished his phone out of his pocket, but then frowned at what he saw. No service, huh? Can't help it then, I'll just make my way home. After that, he got comfy in his seat and plugged his earphones in his ear to listen to some music.


Shimano Household:

As the three Shimano family members were sitting in the living room, watching TV and having fun, the doorbell suddenly rang.

"Izuku-niisan! I'll go get it!" Katsuma excitedly ran to the door, happy that his big brother is finally home to join them. He opened the door, but what he saw wasn't his big brother.

Two individuals stood in front of him. The first was a young woman with fair skin, blue eyes that sloped inwards, and noticeably full, glossy lips. She also possessed straight, shiny red hair with chin-length bangs that partially obscured her right eye, the back part of which reached down to her thighs while two front strands appeared long enough to reach past her feet. She wore it tied together at the ends down her back, the two longer strands left to fall down to her knees before looping back up behind her.

Katsuma noticed that the woman wore some kind of costume. Is she a Hero? He doesn't recognize her. It was a pale purple blouse with frilled cuffs, the collar upturned, and a pearl string necklace of a similar color. Over this is a short, navy blue dress with a collar so low it dips all the way down to her waist, as well as a thick brown belt that's fastened in 3 places around her waist. With that she also wore dark red gloves and frilled, thigh-high socks of a purple color, a pair of black boots with knee-high protrusions worn over the top, two bands of red binding them to her calves around the back. Along with this, she sported a black choker with a small red circle in the center, as well as a black domino mask over her eyes.

The other person was a tall, lanky man with pale orange eyes that are baggy and slant forward and straight gray hair.

But that's all he can see because of the man's numerous burgundy-colored bandages, which wrapped around every part of his body except for his hands and eyes. Over his bandages, he wore a dark gray combat vest, light gray skin-tight pants with beige knee guards, and a set of black fingerless gloves. He also wore gray dress shoes with dark detailing, along with a brown garter belt holding numerous pouches held up by a belt. But what alarmed the young boy was the fact that the man was carrying a small sword on his left shoulder. And just like the woman he came with, he can't tell if he's a Hero or something else.

Unconsciously, the boy took a few steps back as the two individuals came in, looking around the house seemingly examining it.

"Wh-Who are you?" He nervously asked.

They ignored his question and instead the woman flashed him a smile that does nothing but unsettles Katsuma.

"Tell me boy, is your Daddy here?" She asked with a hint of malice.

Katsuma couldn't meet her eyes and instead opted to look anywhere else but her as terror grips his heart and freezes him in his place.

"I asked you a question boy. It's not good manners not to respond when someone is talking to you." The woman sneered and unknown to the boy her smile became fully malicious.

Suddenly, the young boy saw a red blur from the peripheral of his eyes and then heard the sound of a crash which caused the boy to let out a scream.

"Katsuma! What's wrong?! What happened?!" His father came running in, followed by a distressed Mahoro.

"Ah, Shimano-san, you're finally here. We were looking for you, but instead found your son. He wouldn't tell us where you are, so I had to find another way to get you here." Everyone now looked at the chair that has been smashed to bits.

"What do you want from me?!" He asked in a mix of anger and fear.

"Can't tell here. You'll have to come with us quietly to find out." The woman calmly responded.

"Or else?"

The woman's smile became even more cruel and in a blink, Katsuma felt something grabbing him by his waist and hoisted him up in the air. Upon another notice that said thing turned out to be the woman's red hair.

"Or else we kill your brats and we still take from you what we want."

"Wait!" He frantically put his hands up, surrendering. "I'll come with you. Just please don't hurt my children."

"Good answer." She replied as she threw Katsuma's body at his family, earning her a yelp from the boy.

"Katsuma, are you okay?" The father worriedly asked as he helped his son to his feet.

"I-I'm okay." The boy stuttered out with tears in his eyes.

Kazuma knelt down and grabbed his son by his shoulders, "Alright, listen to me son. I want you and Mahoro to go to my room and stay there until Izuku-kun comes back, okay?"

Tears started to pour out of the boy's eyes, "B-But Dad, the Villains want to-to take you. Y-Y-You can't go with them."

"No Katsuma. I have to go." He then turned to Mahoro who was also crying at this point, and pulled both his kids in a hug. "Don't worry, everything will be alright. Just stay in my room until Izuku-kun comes back home. Everything will be alright, okay?" They nodded, and he pulled out from the hug and looked at their faces for what may be the last time. "Mahoro… Promise to take care of Katsuma…" He paused for a moment and then shook his head. "...and Izuku-kun. That boy has already suffered a lot. So take care of them both."

"I pro-promise." She whispered loud enough for both her father and brother to hear.

Kazuma's face softened for a moment before it changed into a steeled determination. "Good. I love you both. Now go." And with that, a sobbing Mahoro took a shaken and sobbing Katsuma to their father's room upstairs.

"Finally finished your goodbyes?" The woman asked while inspecting her hair, seemingly bored.

"Yes. I will come with you and as promised you won't hurt the kids."

"Promise?" She gave an evil smirk. "I don't remember promising anything."

"Wha-" But before he finished, the woman suddenly shot a shower of red needles from her hair at the heater, causing it to explode and causing fire to erupt and start spreading around the house. Shocked and terrified, the father turned back to the woman, "You said you won't hurt-" He was once more cut off as red bandages wrapped around his entire body, making him look like a mummy and rendering him speechless.

"The fire will serve as a diversion to escape from the Heroes and take care of the witnesses, but we must go now." The man finally spoke after being quiet since their arrival.

"Yes. Let me just make sure those kids die in the fire before any Hero could save them." She replied to which he nodded.

"The teenager isn't here."

"It doesn't matter. He won't have any clue about what happened today. By the time he comes back this house will be burned down." And with that she began to trash the house, causing the fire to spread further before she and her partner left.


With Izuku:

Izuku stretched his arms and yawned as he exited the station. He was tired today and would give anything to have some good old sleep. The teenager started to make his way towards his house, but as he got closer he noticed some fire trucks and ambulances speeding down the road. He shruged, and continued to walk. Whatever is going on doesn't concern him nor is it his role to intervene. He knows if it's a Villain attack and he was his younger self he would have picked one of his Hero Analysis Journals and sped after them to see the action and analyze as many Quirks as he can. But that was Kyuji Midoriya, and he is Izuku Tsutsumi. They are physically the same person, but they couldn't be any different mentally.

As he kept going on his way, oblivious to the current events, Izuku started to feel uneasy. Something was wrong, but he doesn't know what it is and it makes him feel restless. But then his enhanced sense of hearing kicks in along with his enhanced vision. And the sight of the same ambulances and fire trucks in front of his burning house with the crowd behind them cheering and filming the Pro Heroes that are most likely trying to save the day fills him with nothing but dread.

D-Did He find where he was hiding all those years? Is He the one who set this up? But why would he do something petty like burning my house like this? And then it hits him, and his eyes widened in fear and terror. Katsuma-kun! Mahoro-chan! Kazuma-san! Without a moment to spare, Izuku bolts towards the burning house as fast as his damaged Quirk could make him, which is fast enough to make him run a mile in two minutes and a half.

As Izuku made his way to the crowd, he was about one second away from rushing into the burning house before he stopped himself.

No! What am I doing?! I can't save them! I-If I try to save them it'll be just like before…

An image of his biological mother, Inko Midoriya flashed through his head. She looked frail, pale and there was a massive hole in her chest causing a pool of blood to form underneath her.

"I-I'm sorry, Kyuji…" Her breath was ragged and blood came out of her mouth as she coughed, "I… failed you as a mother. I couldn't… save you."

"Mom please don't go and leave me! It wasn't your fault it was mine! It's all my fault!" A six years old Kyuji screamed in desperation and agony as tears ran down his cheeks.

Sad eyes looked back at him with nothing but regret and pain. "I'm sorry… for everything. Save yourself,... Kyuji." Inko gave her son a sad smile before the light in her eyes vanished.

"NNNOOOO!"

He then grimaced before the memories of his Master's last moments came to mind.

A tall woman was sitting on the floor, her back to the wall as blood was pouring out from her side. She had a curvy body and long, dark blue hair with numerous scattered pink streaks on it which was tied up in a ponytail with two shoulder-length full strands of hair left to frame her face. Her eyes were purple with a mauve shade framed by dark blue-colored angled eyebrows. She wore light boots, a dark, sleeveless dress and a metallic utility belt in which she stored her bullets in.

This was Kaina Tsutsumi, the famous ex Pro Hero Lady Nagant who was currently looking at the teary-eyed green haired kid in a hospital gown clinging to her like a lifeline with a sad smile that still showed her unconditional love for him.

"You know I'm very mad that you decided to take my last name for your new identity. If I didn't know any better, I would say that you're begging the HSPC to find you." The woman huffed, her voice was chiding yet also soft. "But… a part of me is also happy. I know I've never told you this but to me you're like the son I never had." She felt his hold on her tighten.

"I-I don't remember a lot about my biological mother. As y…y-you know she was killed a few weeks before w-we met." He sniffled at the memory of his biological mother. "I was s-so young and didn't get the ch-chance to truly know her." He paused, taking a deep breath so that he could speak with stuttering. "We had a rocky start and we clashed a lot. But as you got to know me, you started to go out your way to help me in any way you can." He gave her a quivering smile. "At some point I realized that you were more than just a mentor figure. You practically raised me ever since I was six. And honestly, I couldn't have asked for a better mother after everything I've put you through." Tears started to pour from his eyes again once he glanced at the missing chunk of flesh at her side that was covered with her bloody hand.

Lady Nagant choked back a sob as Izuku's words filled her with warmth and tears formed in the corner of her eyes. It had been a long time since she last felt appreciated and… loved. Heck, she couldn't even remember the last time she felt like that. But it was a pleasant feeling, and she pulled him closer with her not so bloody hand.

"I wished I could've escaped with you and watched you grow into the amazing man I know you'll become." Giving a melancholic sigh, she gently pushed him off her. It was time for him to go and escape the prison he's been confined in for six years. "Izuku," Her expression changed to one of steely determination, and her voice spoke with conviction. "I know that you'll become an amazing Hero." When she saw his lips parting, likely to protest, she placed a finger on his lips, cutting him off. "Your Quirk isn't cursed and you can use it to save people like you've always dreamed. And you're not useless Izuku. And I know you chose the name Izuku because it's another way to read the word Deku." She fixed him with a stern look, and he couldn't help but gape in surprise.

"How did you know?" He asked in shock.

"Call it a mother's intuition." She weakly joked, earning a chuckle from Izuku. "But seriously, I don't think your Deku means useless, Izuku. If anything, I think your Deku is derived more from Dekiru which means 'You can do it'. And I know without a doubt that you can do it, Izuku. I know that you'll escape today and become the greatest Hero this world has ever seen." She observed his expression but only found doubt, denial and self-loath.

Before she could say anything else, they both heard a roar coming down the corridor. Both knew what it was, and they knew what it meant. Their time was up much to their disappointment.

Izuku closed his eyes shut, and hesitantly stood back up before he took a few steps towards the door. Then he stopped, his fists clenched and shaking.

"Why are you so sure that I'll become a Hero, Master? Quirk or no Quirk, no one ever believed in me. So what exactly makes you so sure that I'll become a Hero when even I don't believe in myself anymore?"

Lady Nagant pulled her head back, her eyes fixed on the roof as she gave a nostalgic smile. "Because you saved me from that bitter, cynical woman I was becoming. You reminded me of what it means to be a true Hero. The one I always wanted to be. But do you want to know why I think you'll become a Hero…?

... It's because you can't stand still while people are getting hurt." She finished and hoped beyond hope that her words would somehow reach him and free him from the shackles of desperation.

"Thank you." Izuku replied, but Nagant shut her eyes, knowing that her wordsfailed to reach him much to her frustration and sadness.

"Goodbye son."

"Goodbye Mom." Now was Lady Nagant's turn to let the tears she had been holding all this time fall freely on her cheeks as the figure of the boy she raised kept getting smaller and smaller…

I'm sorry, Master. I'm not a Hero. What kind of Hero keeps failing when it comes to saving people, lest his precious ones. I shouldn't interfere. The real Heroes got this. He looked at the current, present Pro Heroes. Kamui Woods, DeathArms and Mount Lady stood helplessly in front of the burning house. It seemed that their constant reliance on Backdraft when it comes to fire cases came back to bite them this time since he's not here. Noticing this, Izuku looked down in shame, knowing that instead of rushing in to save his family, he's standing pathetically in the back of the crowd drowning in self pity. But he can't bring himself to make a decision. If I-I don't do anything, they'll die. Isn't there something I can do to help? Should I just rush in? But my Quirk is damaged and I don't know what will happen if I use it after all these years. What if I make things worse? What if I fail-

Izuku's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sound of his phone ringing. It was muffled because of the crowd's frantic screams, but Izuku's enhanced hearing could hear it perfectly fine. And just hearing the ringtone told him the identity of the caller and he immediately picked up.

'IZUKU-NIISAN COME AND SAVE US PLEASE-'

Katsuma's screams were still going on as the phone fell from Izuku's grasp. And by the time it made its way to the ground, Izuku's feet had touched the ground, now standing in front of the Pro Heroes and the crowd. The latter erupting in cheers when they saw a black blur leaping above them.

"IDIOT! STOP! STOP!" DeathArms shouted in a pointless attempt to stop Izuku who was now running towards the burning house. Kicking the door off easily, Izuku made his way inside looking frantically around for anyone inside before throwing his hoodie aside.

"I'M COMING!" Hearing cries and shouts from upstairs, Izuku pushed his hands forward as fire started to get absorbed by his palms, clearing a path for him. Unfortunately though, the process was too slow for his liking.

Damn it! Fire Absorption is nothing compared to what it used to be! Gasping Izuku fell to his knees, smoke coming out his hands. I-I can't believe it! I'm already at my limit?! Izuku thought incredulously.

It didn't look well for Izuku. He was at loss. There was only one way to save them but,

Should I risk it? Should I charge up and fix up my curse? Even if I save them today, can I guarantee that I'll save them the next time? Izuku questioned in his mind as he looked at both of his hands. It was then that the final words of his Master came to his head.

"... It's because you can't stand still while people are getting hurt."

That's right! How can I stand still while my two siblings are in grave danger! Fire started to come out of his hands as he remembered all the time he spent with the two siblings. He remembered the time spent buying his little brother Heroes' merchandise and watching All Might videos together. He even promised to help him become a Hero. Katsuma-kun. The boy who reminded him so much of himself when he was a kid. A Hero fanboy who wished nothing but to become a Hero who saves people with a smile like his idol.

As the fire around the house started to gather and move towards him, he recalled his time spent with his little sister. All the times helping her styling her hair. Teaching her how to fight so that she could beat up the older kids who bullied her younger brother. Showing her how awesome her Quirk is and its potential. Mahoro-chan. The girl who reminded him too much of Katsumi when she was her age. Fierce, prideful and can come out as rude sometimes with that sharp tongue of hers, and yet you can tell that she's a kind girl who loves her family and friends and would do anything to protect them.

Izuku opened his mouth as he started to devour all the flames around him, including the ones coming out of his palms. And then suddenly, a light in a crescent moon shape glowed through his white T-shirt, slowly filling up. And Kazuma-san. The man who took me in from the streets. I don't know why he isn't here but how can I face him if I let his children die after all the kindness he has shown me? I can't betray their faith and trust in me! If I'm going to save them, then I can't give anything less than my best! Izuku shouted in his mind as the once glowing crescent moon became a bright sun, shining brightly through his shirt.

"Fire Eater worked perfectly. I can feel the power coursing through my veins and my other Quirks coming back to life. The damage to my Quirk Factor is healed. Now I can easily save them!" Izuku grinned victoriously and started to make his way to the stairs, now that there were no flames to hinder him.

Meanwhile, Katsuma and Mahoro were hauled up in a corner in their father's room. They were coughing thanks to the amount of smoke in the room as well as sweating due to the intense heat of the flames as almost the entire room was on fire.

"Wh-What are we going to do? If we don't d-do anything we're going to die!" Mahoro shouted in distress.

"Izuku-niisan will come and save us! I know he'll come any moment now!"

"How can you be so sure?! You tried to call him from Dad's phone multiple times and he didn't reply back the one time he answered! Besides, what is he going to do? His Quirk is damaged and even if it wasn't, how do you think that it will help us here?!"

"I know he'll come! I believe in him!" Katsuma stubbornly shouted back.

"I told-"

Mahoro was interrupted by the sound of something cracking. When the two looked up, they saw part of the burning ceiling breaking before it started to fall on them. Screaming, the two kids held each other fiercely while waiting for their inevitable death.

Except nothing fell on them.

Confused, they slowly opened their eyes only to see Izuku standing over them as he threw the burning chunk of wood away.

"IZUKU-NIISAN!" Both kids yelled, relief washing over them as they threw themselves at his legs, looking at him with puffy teary eyes.

Izuku looked down and saw how relieved yet still worried the two kids looked, and instantly knew that this is the part where the Hero calms down the civilians in a rescue operation and assures them that everything will be alright. Okay, I have to say something. Oh I know it!

"HAHAHA! Everything is fine now. Why? Because I'm here!" Izuku boisterously laughed, doing his best impression of All Might's catchphrase. After all, he still remembered all those days as a kid when he would pretend to be the Number One Hero. Sure he may be out of practice, but he can't be that bad right?

It earned him mixed reactions. Whereas Katsuma looked at him with childlike wonder and stars in his eyes, looking as if the Number One Hero himself really came to save him, Mahoro couldn't be any different. She looked unimpressed and gave him an exasperated look causing him to sheepishly smile and rub the back of his head.

At least it calmed them down, right?

Another burning chunk of wood came crashing down, this one blocking their paths to the door. Izuku immediately snapped out of his thoughts, and a look of utter seriousness masked his face.

"Katsuma-kun, Mahoro-chan, don't move from your places. You're as safe as you can be here. I'll take care of the rest." He declared as he stretched out his arms. A look of concentration adorned his face before he opened his mouth to take a deep breath.

What followed stunned the onlookers both inside and outside. From outside the flames around the house stopped spreading and they started to move in an orderly fashion to a certain room as if they had been called by their master, and soon enough the entire fire was snuffed out. While from the inside, Katsuma and Mahoro looked amazed at how the flames were dancing around Izuku till they formed a dome around them. At first, they became worried seeing how close the flames were closing on them, but just as Izuku told them, the flames never came close to them and instead were either absorbed or devoured by him.

Smoke came out of Izuku's hands. He grimaced once he noticed that his hands were burned before his face fell into utter confusion. That's not normal. How could those flames burn me? He thought to himself before a faint green glow started to come out of his hands, healing the burns and injuries. Izuku doesn't remember much about Regeneration since it was the last Quirk he got before he escaped the same day, but by his estimations it shouldn't take this long.

Shrugging he continued to watch as it took a few more seconds before his hands were completely healed.

"Alright everyone, let's get out of here." He said to which the two kids nodded before they grasped his hands as he led them outside where the crowd was cheering, the Pro Heroes looked both relieved and angry, the medics were heading towards them and he noticed a few police cars pulling over.

He avoided the cameras like the plague, wanting to stay as far as possible from the media, and instead stood between them and his siblings with his back directed to the media.

"Izuku-niisan," The sudden call made Izuku look at Katsuma whose smile was filled with pride, admiration and gratitude. "Thank you for saving us. You're really our Hero." The boy continued before his head turned to his sister.

Shifting on one foot nervously, cheeks red in embarrassment, Mahoro avoided making eye contact with the older teen. With a huff, she crossed her arms, "Hmph, you did okay." She then gave a small smile. "Thank you, Izuku-niisan." Her voice was low but the two boys heard her nonetheless.

Izuku was suttened, and no it's not because Mahoro didn't call him "Pretty Boy" or "Baka-niisan" but because it dawned on him now that not only did he save one person but two. People didn't die because of him. He wasn't a weapon of destruction. His Quirk wasn't a curse.

Swallowing hard, Izuku started to tear up and as much as he tried to wipe his tears and hide them, they wouldn't stop. This was of course noticed by his two siblings.

"Izuku-niisan, is something wrong?" Katsuma asked worriedly. Did his older brother get hurt while saving them or something? Even Mahoro looked a bit worried.

Izuku knelt down and pulled the two kids in a hug, "No, I'm okay. In fact, I'm better than okay. I'm happy! I'm happy and glad that you're safe!"


Supreme Nomu Analysis Journal:

Project Code: HELIOS

Name: Izuku Tsutsumi

Age: 15

List of Quirks (4/9):

Physical Peek: Enhances Izuku's body beyond human limits. Gives him minor super strength and speed, as well as enhances his sense of smell, vision and hearing. This Quirk can become stronger the more Izuku's Fire Core is charged up.

Fire Eater: Allows Izuku to eat fire, thus charging his Fire Core which in turn enhance his other Quirks depending on the amount of fire eaten.

Fire Absorption: Allows Izuku to absorb fire with his hands. He can then unleash the absorbed fire with double the fire power or eat it for a quick power up in case there's no fire nearby. There is a limit to how much he can absorb but the limit can be increased the more his Fire Core is charged up.

Regeneration: Allows Izuku to slowly regenerate from injuries. Izuku doesn't know the current limits of this Quirk since he didn't use it as much as his other Quirks. Regeneration can become stronger the more his Fire Core is charged up.