Aizawa-sensei had told them to gather in their classroom after school for a special announcement. When Izuku sat behind his desk the air was thick with fear. He'd lived with fear as long as he could remember. You never got used to it, but you could learn to live with it. What choice did you have? Now it wasn't just him. Terror had painted all his classmates faces. Everyone had read Kawada's article and been devastated. All-Might had been in the hero business for thirty-four years. He'd been the Symbol of Peace since before any of them had even been born. All-Might was still the number one hero in Japan. But he was not a symbol anymore. Symbols didn't bleed. Symbols didn't cough and struggle They were too big for that.

The whole world had seen All-Might bleed.

A single video couldn't wipe away over thirty years of good deeds and All-Might still had an army of supporters but where there had once been unanimous adoration was now… controversy. Fear and confusion. Feelings of… betrayal. Izuku was afraid where this could lead.

Only Iida seemed to be immune but that was because he was trapped in an even darker place. Their class president had finally returned to school and managed to appear normal. But one look in his eyes revealed that his mind was not there. 1-A's lovable giant was gone, and a stranger had taken his place.

The door swung open and All-Might stepped in. For the past few days, he'd been in full damage control mode. Going from one talk show to another and trying to quell people's fears. This was the first time in three days they'd seen him at school. Izuku had seen every one of the interviews and all of them had brought him close to tears. All-Might had done so much and now… he had to defend himself like a man on trial.

"Good day, boys and girls! I have arrived!" All-Might said.

Usually there would have been cheering. Now they all looked like scared kids in a thunder storm. Pleading their father to make it go away. All-Might sensed the mood and his smile lost some of its glitter.

"I'm sure all of you have a lot of questions. I'm sure all of you are scared. I'll do my best to explain myself. Five years ago, I was wounded in a battle against a villain. It was covered up because… I was afraid something like this would happen."

All-Might looked around at the class.

"Now, I wonder if that was the wisest option. I can only say that it was never my intention to hurt you like this."

Eijirou got up. Tears were glittering in his eyes.

"All-Might! You don't have to apologize! You were hurt! You were hurt, and you still kept fighting! I… I'll do my best to be even half as cool as you one day!" Eijirou said and threw his fist in the air: "Plus Ultra!"

Izuku recognized his que and followed suit.

"Plus Ultra!" Izuku yelled.

The rest of the class joined them. Even Bakugou and Iida.

"Plus Ultra! Plus Ultra! Plus Ultra! Plus Ultra! Plus Ultra! 1-A chanted.

For a moment Izuku thought he saw tears in All-Might's eyes but… that was impossible. He was All-Might. All-Might didn't cry.

"Everyone… thank you. It won't be long until I have to hang up my cape. I'm relieved to know that there are so many promising young heroes to take my place." All-Might said.

Bakugou put up his hand.

"The villain who hurt you. Who was it?" Bakugou said.

"Someone… I'd rather forget. He's dead now." All-Might said and smiled even more broadly: "I'm afraid that's all the time I have for now. Enjoy your internships."

There was a sense of relief when the class poured out. Only Iida was unchanged, and he followed All-Might to his office. After some hesitation, Izuku went after them. He waited outside All-Might's office for Iida to come out. When he did, Izuku smiled awkwardly. The unwelcome surprise made Iida's eyes narrow.

"… hi, Iida. Uh… how are you?" Izuku said.

"I'll manage." Iida said.

"… so… who are you interning with?"

"Manual."

"… the hero in Hosu?" Izuku said.

Where Stain was operating.

Iida's patience had grown thin and it finally cracked.

"What do you want, Midoriya?"

Izuku tried to summon Indestructible's confidence and… failed. Why was this so much easier when he was in the armor?

"… are you planning to… go after Stain? I… no one would blame you. But… it won't change anything. It… it won't make you happy."

"Stain would be dead, and my brother deserves revenge. It doesn't matter if it makes me happy or not." Iida said.

"… but…"

Iida silenced him with a glare.

"My brother can't walk. He can't be a hero anymore. After everything he's done… all the people he's saved… How is that fair?!"

When Izuku couldn't think of anything to say, Iida turned his back and left. Izuku was left standing in the hallway lost.

All-Might opened his door. He'd reverted to his skeletal form and the yellow suit hung loosely on him.

"Trying to push him now won't do you any good." All-Might said.

"… you heard?"

"Well, you did yammer outside my office." All-Might said and opened his door completely: "Want to come in?"

"… I… if it's not too much trouble." Izuku said.

"I was just making tea and I prefer to drink it with company."

Izuku stepped in and sat down. All-Might poured them tea. All-Might had surprisingly many potted plants.

"… will Iida be alright?"

"Hopefully with time. These things take time. We've told Manual what to expect. He's a good guy and will keep an eye on Iida." All-Might said and offered him cookies.

Izuku ate one. It was good.

"The best thing you can do to him now is give him room. Be there for him when he needs you." All-Might said.

"… okay."

"So… excited about your internship?" All-Might said.

"… I… I get to go to Endeavor's agency. He… he asked us to show up already on Sunday."

"A rare honor. He almost never takes interns." All-Might said and grinned: "You pulled a fast one on Bakugou."

"… I… yes."

"I'm grateful to you and Kirishima for getting him back to school. But… I need to ask you to do me one more favor." All-Might said.

"… what is it?"

"You don't have to forgive Bakugou. You don't owe him that but please. If he's serious about making amends and changing… don't punish him for that. Don't mock him for his past mistakes. Don't punish him for trying to be better."

Izuku stared at his tea.

"… okay."

"It's not fair, my boy. I know but… life isn't fair. Even if we try to make it so. Sometimes the only thing we can do is… let it go." All-Might said.

"… I know."

All-Might smiled and patted him on the shoulder.

"You'll be a fine hero, Indestructible. Learn what you can at Endeavor's and then surpass us both."

Izuku smiled.

"I will." Izuku said but then his smile withered: "Will you be… alright?"

"Don't worry about it. I'll just have to get through this. I've survived worse." All-Might said and scratched his scar.

Izuku finished his tea and went home. There he started packing for his week-long stay at Endeavor's. He and Mei left there on Sunday.


On a Monday morning Momo Yaoyorozu arrived at Uwabami's agency fifteen minutes early. She stood before the building trying to muster the courage to go in. Would Uwabami take one look at her and declare her unsuited for heroics? Mei had said that she had suffered her most humiliating defeat and failure had nothing left that could scare her but… it was hard to be as brave… as fearless as Mei.

"Yaoyorozu?"

Momo turned to look and sighed in relief when she saw 1-B's class president Itsuka Kendo waving at her. It was good to know that she wouldn't have to do this alone but… would a hero… a real hero be afraid to face challenges alone? What if she didn't have what it took? Even Midoriya… a complete novice had beaten her when it mattered.

"Why are you so pale?" Kendo said and nudged her shoulder: "Sorry. Don't you remember me? I'm Itsuka Kendo. We met at your party."

"Of course. And I'm Momo… but you knew that already."

Kendo laughed.

"Relax. It's just an internship." Kendo said and looked at the agency: "Shall we?"

They stepped in together and the receptionist told them to head to the top floor. They thanked her for the help and took the elevator.

"I'm a bit surprised that you chose Uwabami. I mean with your Quirk you could easily throw down with the big boys and Uwabami concentrates in arrests and tracking." Kendo said in the elevator.

"Midnight recommended her. She said Uwabami could help me… deal with pressure." Momo said.

"Are you still down about the tournament? You made it to the finals." Kendo said.

"I could have done better." Momo said.

Kendo grinned.

"Next time just create a gun. Problem solved."

Momo smiled.

"Maybe I will."

The elevator door opened and led them to Uwabami's office. Uwabami looked like she did in the papers. A woman with a model's looks and snakes for hair. To Momo's surprise she wasn't alone. Midnight-sensei was there too. With Ojiro. Who was dressed as a valet. Ojiro looked away embarrassed when they came in.

"Yaoyorozu! Kendo! Welcome to my lair!" Midnight-sensei said.

"This is my office." Uwabami said dryly.

"Not anymore it isn't. Come close and let Uwabami check the goods." Midnight-sensei said.

"… goods?" Momo said.

Uwabami gave them a quick look.

"They're certainly pretty enough."

"Pretty? I'm sorry but weren't we supposed to learn about the hero business?" Kendo said.

"And you will. Side jobs are an important part of heroics too." Uwabami said.

Momo kept glancing at Ojiro whose face was growing redder by the second.

"Why is Ojiro dressed like that?"

"My agency has a tight dress code for the employees. Even interns. After his actions in the tournament I just had to have him." Midnight-sensei said.

"Kill me." Ojiro mouthed at Momo.

"Both of them have the looks of a model but we need to make them comfortable in their skin first. Luckily I have just the trick." Uwabami said.

"Really?" Momo said.

"Pole dancing." Uwabami said.

"Excuse me?" Kendo said.

Ojiro was looking around like he was trying to find an escape route. Momo had turned even redder than him.

"Like… like in strip clubs?" Momo said.

Midnight-sensei laughed.

"Pole dancing is the perfect marriage of self-control and confidence. It will prepare you well for modelling. And heroics of course."

"This is insane." Kendo said.

"Why am I here?" Ojiro said.

"Well, we need an audience, don't we?" Uwabami said.

"That's it?" Ojiro said.

"Of course not. You'll be doing it too." Midnight-sensei said.

"… I…. but…" Ojiro said and then just sighed: "Whatever. This might as well happen."

Momo hoped the others were having a better time than her.


Tsunagu Hakamata, the hero Best Jeanist, looked through his latest interns file and didn't find much to like.

"I'll be honest with you. I don't like you. Especially after what happened in the tournament. Many in my agency believe that you're more suited for villainy but that is why I invited you. Reforming problem children like you is also a hero's duty." Tsunagu said.

Tsunagu put the file down.

"Everyone deserves a chance to improve themselves and I will make a hero out of you. We will start with your hair. We need to get that thing under control."

His latest intern Hitoshi Shinsou grinned.

"I was ready to sell my left testimonial for a chance like this. You want my hair, Mr. BJ? You can have it." Shinsou said.


Minoru Mineta sat at Mount Lady's agency with Uraraka and waited for someone to tell them what to do. They'd already waited for half an hour. The only one who even seemed to be at work was the receptionist.

"Like… does she even know were here or…" Minoru said.

"Hush. I'm trying to smell the office sex. That I'll be having. With Mount Lady." Uraraka said.

"… you do that." Minoru said.

She's going to die alone and confused, Minoru thought.

Finally, after an hour of waiting Mount Lady decided to finally show up. Wearing a baggy t-shirt and sweat pants. Eating instant ramen. She gave them a long, puzzled look.

"Who the hell are you?"

"We…" Minoru said before Uraraka pushed him aside.

"We are your new interns! I'm Ochaco Uraraka! A huge fan!"

"Oh shit! That was today? Uh… Okay. You can find the mops in the cupboard over there. Clean this pig stain up."

"… uh… weren't we supposed to learn how to be heroes?" Minoru said.

"You are learning. When a higher-ranking hero tells you clean her office, what do you say?" Mount Lady said.

"Yes, ma'am!" Uraraka said.

"See? She gets it." Mount Lady said and left them.

They stared after her.

"Dat ass." Uraraka said dreamily.

"… is it too late to pick another agency? Or a new best friend?" Minoru said.

"Aw. You're my best friend too. Now, let's get to work. And when I'm all sweaty from all the cleaning, I'll be needing a shower. Then I just I need to wait for Mount Lady to hit the showers too and…"

"She probably showers at home." Minoru said.

"Let me dream!"

"Is that why you picked her agency?!"

"Hush. I'm trying to smell the shower sex."

Minoru sighed.

"Let's… let's just get this over with."


Katsuki Bakugou hadn't thought anyone would be inviting him to their agency after the fiasco that had been the U.A Sports Festival. The Chivalrous Hero Fourth Kind had surprised him. Fourth Kind Looked and dressed like a mob boss and had the build of a four-armed gorilla.

Katsuki stood in line with Eijirou and his cheap knock-off from 1-B. Fourth Kind looked at them and didn't seem to like what he saw. He crossed all four of his arms.

"Alright, brats. Talk to me. Why do you want to be heroes?" Fourth Kind said.

"I'm going to show everyone I'm the best." Katsuki said.

"I want to keep people safe from villains!" Eijirou said.

Katsuki had to suppress a smile. That was so like Eijirou. Dirt simple and true. Katsuki didn't hate it. People over-thought things too much. Eijirou was a doer.

"The same!" The knock-off said.

Katsuki bared his teeth. Couldn't the knock-off have even a little a personality of his own?

Fourth Kind shook his head.

"What do they teach you in U.A? You brats know nothing about being heroes. Good thing I got here in time. I'll spend this week showing you the other side of being a hero. The one you don't see in TV."

"We're ready!" Eijirou said.

"Good. Go fetch plastic bags and gloves. We're off to clean a park." Fourth Kind said.

"What?!" Katsuki yelled.

"You heard me. If you have a problem with that, you know where the door is. So, do we have a problem?" Fourth Kind said.

Eijirou looked at him pleadingly. Katsuki sighed.

"No."

"Good. Now get to it." Fourth Kind said.

When Katsuki tried to leave with Eijirou and the knock-off, Fourth Kind put one of his four hands on his shoulder.

"Not you."

Eijirou looked at him surprised but then left with the knock-off. Fourth Kind leaned against his desk and crossed all four of his arms.

"Saw the video of you." Fourth Kind said.

"Everyone has." Katsuki said.

"Made you look like an asshole. Not surprising since you are one."

"What?!" Katsuki yelled.

Fourth Kind smacked him over the head.

"Don't interrupt me when I talk. You're an asshole, brat. But I don't think that's entirely your fault. Being an asshole has been very good for you. It got you to U.A and all the way to the finals. And no one tried to stop you from being one. Not your teachers. Or your parents."

Katsuki glared at Fourth Kind furiously.

"Leave my parents out of this!"

Fourth Kind smirked.

"At least you take responsibility. Maybe there is still hope for you. Like I said. Being an asshole was good for you. Then it stopped being good for you."

Katsuki shuddered.

I loved you once and you… you threw me away! I loved you! You threw me away! I loved you! Once! And you threw me away! Live with it, you bastard! I loved you once!

It was stupid and ridiculous, but he felt like crying. When had things gone so wrong? He… he'd never meant it to go so far. And… how did you fix something that was so broken?

"… yeah."

Fourth Kind rubbed the scar on his face.

"I know it's hard to unlearn being an asshole. And being a hero is not just about beating up villains."

"Heroes are supposed to fight villains and win!" Katsuki said.

If… if only he beat up enough villains… then… then maybe what De… Midoriya had said would stop ringing in his ears. Why did he care what Midoriya thought about him?! He was just… someone who'd loved him… once. And who… he'd thrown away.

"What did I say about interrupting me? Heroes are supposed to set an example. At the moment you're only a bad one. I'll do what I can for you. It's up to you if you want my help." Fourth Kind said.

Katsuki swallowed his pride and helped Fourth Kind clean the park.


On Sunday Izuku and Mei took a train to Endeavor's agency. By Mei's insistence they both wore their Project: Indestructible jackets. Mei had managed to one-up him and was even wearing one of their t-shirts under her jacket. Izuku was sure a few people in the train had recognized them but none of them had said anything.

"… I've been meaning to ask…" Izuku said.

"I'm flattered, Izuku, but the release you signed said that there will be no fucking among Team Indestructible members." Mei said.

"… what?"

"I think it was on page… 69?"

"… I never got that far." Izuku said.

"That was the idea." Mei said.

"… what… what else did you slip in there?" Izuku said.

"Nothing major. Besides your organs being my legal property." Mei said.

"… jeez, Mei."

"Relax. We're not that desperate for money. Yet." Mei said.

Izuku made a mental note of going through the release he'd signed more carefully when he had the time.

"… I wanted to know how you made Blacksmith agree on this." Izuku said.

"Dad doesn't know I'm here." Mei said.

"What?! But… our parents had to sign leases."

"I've been forging dad's signature for years. He thinks we're interning for some basic bitch."

"… what if he finds out?" Izuku said.

Mei shrugged.

"Forgiveness is easier to get than permission."

They arrived at Endeavor's agency in the early evening. Endeavor might have been the number two hero, but his agency was easily the biggest in Japan and it showed. Endeavor's base of operations looked like a military headquarter. The receptionist knew to expect them and gave them a friendly smile.

"He's waiting for you, Team Indestructible. Your package has also arrived." The receptionist said.

Mei took out her phone that came with a tracking device.

"I know."

They took an elevator to the top floor and Izuku felt his pulse quicken. He was really doing this. Meeting the second biggest hero in Japan. Endeavor was no All-Might, but Izuku still owed a ton of his merchandise. Mei didn't look too impressed and played with her phone all the way up.

The elevator opened to a small corridor that led to Endeavor's office. It was bigger than Izuku's home and its walls were made of glass giving Endeavor a view of the city that he protected. Todoroki was also there and sitting on one the couches. Todoroki smiled when he saw Izuku but grimaced when Mei stepped in.

Endeavor was sitting behind his desk and studying the package that had been delivered. Much to Izuku's disappointment he wasn't wearing his hero costume, but a black suit and his beard wasn't on fire. You could see the family resemblance then. Endeavor was an older, more rugged and beefier version of his son. When they stepped in, he got up to greet them.

"Welcome. I've been expecting you." Endeavor said and shook Izuku's hand.

Endeavor almost crushed his hand without even trying.

"… I… I've been looking forward to this too. I… I'm a huge fan." Izuku said.

"Are you know? Happy to hear it." Endeavor said and then offered his hand to Mei.

Mei waited just long enough to be rude before shaking Endeavor's hand. From the corner of his eye, Izuku saw Todoroki let out a relieved sigh. When Endeavor's back was turned, she wiped her hand in her jeans. Izuku wondered how long he could go without washing his right hand before it became gross.

"We got the armor, but I can't seem to be able to open the damn thing." Endeavor said.

"That's the idea of protection. I designed it myself. Thanks for looking after it." Mei said and tried to take the casing.

Endeavor put his hand on the package and rooted it on his desk.

"I'm happy that you accepted my invitation. I wasn't sure you would. Not after all that happened between me and Blacksmith. I hope we can make peace." Endeavor said.

Mei didn't say anything and tried to yank the casing free. Todoroki was sitting uneasily on the couch.

"… I hope so too." Izuku said.

Endeavor and Mei turned to look at him. Izuku knew it hurt but… sometimes all you could do was let grudges go. If Mei saw Endeavor in action, then maybe…

Endeavor let go of the package.

"Don't worry. Everything will go according to plan." Mei said icily.

"Things rarely do. I was planning for Shouto to win the tournament, but it didn't pan out. We've already reviewed what he did wrong." Endeavor said.

"Yeah." Todoroki said.

"I was very impressed with the armor. Can't wait to see it in action." Endeavor said.

"You will." Mei said.

"Why wait? You're both here. I'm here and I have a training room just below our feet. A match would be a good way to see what Indestructible can do." Endeavor said.

"… who would I be fighting?" Izuku said.

Todoroki got up.

"I can…"

"Me, of course." Endeavor said.

"Dad…" Todoroki said.

"Don't worry. I just want to see what he can do." Endeavor said.

Izuku's mouth was dry and his heart was beating way too fast.

"… okay."

They took the elevator to the training grounds. A huge cavern where people with powerful Quirks could go wild. Mei helped him put on the armor.

"Be careful and if you can punch off his babymaker, I'd be very grateful." Mei said.

"… yeah, no. Not doing that." Izuku said.

"I'd give you a raise."

"… you don't pay me." Izuku said.

"I could start."

"… still no."

Izuku put on the helmet and Indestructible took the wheel. He left Mei behind and stepped into the arena. Endeavor walked to meet him. He'd traded his suit for his hero outfit and his beard had caught fire.

"Can you hear me, dad?" Sagan said.

"Loud and clear." Indestructible said.

"Endeavor's flames are stronger than Todoroki's, but the armor should be able to handle it now." Sagan said.

"Does he have a hidden ice Quirk?" Indestructible said.

"No. You nervous, dad?"

"Extremely."

"Me too. If we win, does that mean we get his agency?" Sagan said.

Indestructible grinned.

"Let's find out."

Endeavor cracked his neck.

"Come at me like I was villain. Don't hold anything back."

"I hope you won't regret that." Indestructible said.

Endeavor laughed.

"Cocky, are we? I don't mind that, but cockiness has to be earned."

Indestructible studied Endeavor's data. He was well over two meters tall and weighting roughly hundred and fifteen kilos. Most of it muscle. When it came to experience Endeavor was second only to All-Might. Indestructible should have been worried but… he wasn't. Indestructible 2.0 might not have been faster or stronger than the prototype from the tournament but even at full-power it could run for five hours and its heat resistance and cooling system were far superior. Endeavor might be the number two hero but what was he without his flames? A tall, imposing man but a man none the less. The armor made Indestructible superhuman.

Endeavor's Quirk Hellfire coated the arena in fire. Sagan let him know that the heat was well within safety limits. The smart thing to do would have been to let Endeavor make the first move but… All-Might wouldn't have waited. If a strategy was good enough for All-might, it was good enough for Indestructible.

He attacked.

Sagan did some complex calculations in a fraction of a second and pointed out all the weak points in Endeavor's body that would be easy to break. Indestructible ignored them. Endeavor had told Indestructible to fight like he was a villain but breaking the number two hero's kneecaps would have been a terrible way to start his internship. Endeavor threw a punch and Indestructible grabbed it.

During their sparring matches Ojiro had recommended him to concentrate on the basics be it boxing, judo or karate. Izuku Midoriya wasn't a natural brawler thanks to his size but Indestructible was far beyond heavy-weight.

A basic judo throw took Endeavor off his feet… and he landed back on them. It was Indestructible's turn to fly when Endeavor used his own momentum against him. Even with shock absorption fiber Indestructible felt the impact but it only left him dazed. Endeavor started twisting his arm.

"Shock!" Indestructible yelled.

Sagan did as she was told, and the sudden jolt made Endeavor lose his grip. Indestructible jumped on his feet and followed it with a wild flurry of blows. He felt them connect but… they didn't seem to faze Endeavor much. He'd never thought about it but maybe Endeavor's Quirk had toughened his body to inhuman levels like Bakugou's had.

When Endeavor counterattacked, Indestructible managed to dodge the first blow only to figure out too late it was a faint. Endeavor's left hit him in the chest like it was intended and even with the absorption fiber, it knocked the wind out of him. Indestructible was knocked into the ground and left gasping for air.

"Get up, dad!" Sagan yelled.

Indestructible couldn't get up and Endeavor was getting closer.

"Stop!"

Todoroki ran between him and Endeavor.

"Stop. You won. He's not family." Todoroki said.

The fire went out.

"Yes. Yes, I did." Endeavor said and offered Indestructible… Izuku his hand: "Can you stand?"

"… I… yes." Izuku said.

"Hope I wasn't too tough on you. You did well. Shouto."

"Yes?" Todoroki said.

"We're done for today. Take our guests home and help them settle. We'll start tomorrow in earnest." Endeavor said.

Mei helped him remove the armor and Izuku hit the showers to wash himself and get changed. A huge bruise was forming on his chest. There was a knock on the door.

"Midoriya? Can I come in?" Endeavor said.

Izuku quickly put on his underwear and pants.

"… yes."

Endeavor stepped in.

"That will make quite a bruise." Endeavor said and threw him a cold spray: "Use that."

"… thank you."

"You might think me harsh, but it does you good to be knocked around in training. Prepares you for the field." Endeavor said.

"… I… no. Thank you. For training me."

"Wish Shouto was as appreciative. If you don't have any questions, head to the lobby when you're done. My driver will take you to my home."

"… you're not coming?" Izuku said.

"I'll sleep here. Running an agency like this is busy work." Endeavor said and got ready to leave.

"… uh… Mr. Endeavor. About Mei… and Blacksmith…"

Endeavor stopped.

"Wondering about us?" Endeavor said.

"… I… know Blacksmith and your wife… were together in U.A and then…"

"And then I took him to court. Over an interview." Endeavor said and sighed: "Not my proudest moment suing an employee but… I was in a bad place then. My wife… Rei… she has… emotional problems. They got… bad and she… hurt Shouto."

Izuku's stomach cramped.

"… his face?"

"Yes. I… had to institutionalize her. Blacksmith blamed me… and so did Shouto. I… I was angry. I felt… helpless and I… overreacted." Endeavor said.

They were quiet for a long time.

"Midoriya… I… I was not a good husband or father. I had to choose between my career and my family and I… chose wrong. If Shouto hates me, let him. If that lets him cope, so be it." Endeavor said.

"… okay." Izuku said.

Endeavor's face softened when he smiled.

"Have you thought what you'll do when you graduate?"

"… I… was thinking about starting my own agency. With Mei."

"Like Hawks? Not everyone can pull it off like he did right out of the gate. My advice to you? Get experience. What with All-Might… we can't lose new talents to hastiness. I'm always looking for new side-kicks." Endeavor said.

Izuku swallowed.

"… what?"

"We can talk about that more after your internship." Endeavor said.

Endeavor left and Izuku stared after him for a long time.


While Izuku was in the shower, Mei wandered around the agency planting bugs. Once she did the same at Endeavor's home, he would have no secrets from her.

"Hatsume."

Endeavor was a lot bigger in person. And far more intimidating. She felt pressure not even the villain attack at U.A could match.

"Mei." Mei said.

"Excuse me?" Endeavor said.

"Call me Mei. It rhymes with Rei. Should be easy enough to remember." Mei said.

Endeavor gave her a flash of teeth.

"If you insist." Endeavor said and crossed his arms, leaning against a wall: "I was surprised you accepted my offer."

"Not half as surprised as I was that you invited me." Mei said.

"I wanted to have a look at you. You remind me of Blacksmith." Endeavor said.

"It's the hair, isn't it?"

"You're both so obvious. And obsessed with past slights. I didn't start that fight with your father." Endeavor said.

"You certainly finished it."

"That I did. Never backdown. Always fight back. That's my motto."

Mei looked around at the agency.

"Seems to have worked out for you."

"It has. Want some advice?" Endeavor said.

"No." Mei said.

"You're getting it anyway. Don't start fights you can't win. I could be a terrifying enemy."

"I know how terrifying you can be. Was that supposed to be a threat?" Mei said.

"A fact. You have useful skills and I'd hate to see them go to waste because of a petty grudge." Endeavor said.

"Well. Thank you. For the… advice. I'll keep it in mind." Mei said.

"You do that. Looking forward to working with you." Endeavor said and walked to his office.

Mei had to suppress a shudder and for a moment she thought about running. A house that was no longer there and a family that couldn't be mended wasn't worth this. The moment passed, and she steeled herself.

"Never backdown. Always fight back." Mei said to herself.

The driver took them to Endeavor's house.


Seito Kawada sat alone in his grimy apartment and read the article again.

All-Might's Secret Out by Seito Kawada.

It was trash from start to finish. The worst thing he'd ever written. He saw no journalism in it. Just anger and rage. Trash fueled by ten years of loss and bitterness. The outrage against All-Might had turned into a witch-hunt and it was all his fault. Now that his mind was clear… it was too late to do anything about it.

What have I done, he thought.

Seito looked around at his apartment. The last in a long line of lousy apartments. Each worse than the last. He could afford a better one now. With all the job offers he'd been getting. All that money was not worth destroying a good man's reputation. What had he become? The man he had been ten years ago would have spat on him if they met. He… he'd just wanted to see his children again. Get back what he'd lost. Why? Why?! It wasn't fair! All he and Blacksmith had tried to do was force Endeavor answer for his crimes.

They'd tried to set things right and it had cost them everything. Now, Seito had even sold his soul.

There was a knock on the door.

Seito flinched, and the knocking turned into pounding. Moving as silently as he could, Seito picked up a kitchen knife. Had Overhaul decided that he was no longer needed and was cutting off loose ends? He seemed like the kind of guy.

The knocking stopped. Seito approached the door slowly and glanced into the hallway through the spyhole. There was no one there.

Someone crashed through the window.

Seito didn't even have time to scream and swung the knife out of reflex. Strong fingers gripped Seito's wrist and drove the knife into his own shoulder. He tried to scream. From pain. For help. Both. And found he couldn't. He couldn't move! He… he'd lost control of his body. He hit the wall and slid down on the floor.

A monster kneeled before him. A domino mask hid its face. Its flat face. Did it have a nose at all beneath the mask? Its whole body was nothing, but flat, hard muscle and its eyes shone like a rabid dog's.

"Seito Kawada?"

The monster's voice was raspy.

Seito only had enough strength to nod.

The monster pulled out the knife from Seito's shoulder and stuck its fingers in the wound. Even if Seito couldn't move, he could still feel. Something exploded in his shoulder. The monster licked the knife with its grotesquely long tongue.

"Do I have your attention? Where did you get the video from?"

For a moment Seito was a journalist again and journalist didn't rat out his sources. His silence made the monster dig his fingers deeper. When Seito refused to scream, the monster pulled out its bloodied fingers and licked them clean. Then it placed its thumbs on Seito's eyes.

"Would losing your eyes help you remember?"

"Wait! Wait… Shi… Hassaikai… Overhaul…"

The monster pulled back its hands and got up. The monster took out a sword and slashed.