Hello and welcome to the next chapter!
Lunafanficsinc; Maybe I did~
Clarent excalibur; The sports festival is going to be quite fun. Yeah, that would be cool, thanks for the suggestion.
Yamajiji; Hehe she is quite cute huh~?
CPU-BLANC-WHITE HEART; Thanks very much! They do have some good moments together huh?
ShadowUzumaki55; They are quite understanding about what's going on with Keita. He's going to be going through an emotional arc to decide what he's going to do with the powers inside of him.
theGuy696; Sort of yeah.
ThunderFang72; Thanks very much! They'll be interacting this chapter.
Silver crow; Thanks. Yeah, he had some time off to get his head around what had happened. Katsuki has yeah. Yeah, Eri's quite cute huh. She just has to find the trigger for her to use it, maybe she'll find it during this training period. It seems that everyone is rather surprised that they're dating. She doesn't care now, she was just teasing them. Yup, he helped Aizawa out, and everyone involved in the incident. Rappa will yeah. It seems that Katsuki's going through a few things, while Shoto and Keita are able to relate to one another really well due to their similar experiences. He'll be training with them. Tsuyu surely did~ Itsuka seems to be like that huh. Perhaps on one trip he will meet them. It seems Momo might be a little bit jealous. Ibara and Himiko are friends yeah. It's a process for Keita to come and think hard about it. We'll see how well Keita does in that. It seems we have, can't wait to see the rest of them. Probably yeah. Maybe some of the more less developed ones. Yeah, I've got an idea on he's going to intern under. Maybe he will.
Neonlight01; Yeah, it's nice after all the action that there can be some time for them to relax. They don't judge him yeah, they understand that it is his brother is the one that's doing these things, and not him. Aizawa is a pretty understanding guy, and can see that Keita would need sometime after what happened with his brother. Yeah, he's done more than has been seen, and Keita's going to be dealing with those as the story continues.
Guest 1; That looks like an interesting idea, the idea of a phoenix sounds interesting to do~ Thanks for the suggestion!
Guest 2; Pony's going to be coming into prominence rather soon. She could train with Hawks.
Well, with those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Prepare for the Sports Festival!
With two weeks until the Sports Festival was going to begin, Keita was determined to get in some training for it. While he wasn't sure what his classmates were going to be doing, he himself was going to try and make use of the Quirk he had.
So, he had asked for help, and that help was...
Mirko.
Standing within an open field, with only grass, and a few trees in the background, Mirko and Keita stood face to face, at a distance of about five to six metres, giving them enough distance for them to attack, or defend, while also being close enough for them to read the others movements.
Keita wasn't wearing his Hero Costume, he had found out during the festival he wouldn't be allowed to use it and they'd only be in the gym uniforms, so that's what he was wearing right now, so he could get used to moving in it.
Eri was also there, sitting off to a good distance, and watched Keita like a hawk, wondering what kind of training he was going to do.
"Thank you for coming Mirko-san, I truly do appreciate it."
Keita said while bowing his head.
Mirko's eyes displayed somewhat hostility, while also having a shining bright smile.
"So, you've come to me for combat training, have you?"
She smiled out, showing a light grin on her face.
Keita inclined his neck, and put his hands together.
"Yes, I'd like to be able to move faster than before. I think I've got a good handle on my Quirk for now, I just need my reflexes to become better. I saw Mirio-senpai during the fight at the USJ, and how he was able to fight so well, and how he reacted to big brothers attacks along with the natural speed he had as well, he did better than the current me."
Mirko began nodding, understanding what Keita was feeling at this moment.
With the fact that he had seen his brother again, he would want to continue training and become stronger.
Though she also wasn't sure how Keita was feeling about Kai as a whole right now. It was difficult for her to discern.
"He is pretty good, but you also aren't a slouch. Your reaction speed and speed in general is pretty great. Still, you want to try and get a higher level of speed?"
"Right, please if you could help me..."
Mirko gave a light smirk, and pushed her feet deeper into the ground.
Keita saw that the ground was beginning to crack, showing the level of intensity that she was going to use.
"Alright then, you asked for it."
Mirko stomped the ground hard, and caused it to shake slightly, as she propelled herself forward.
Her speed was incredible, and when she got in close towards Keita, he barely had time to pull backwards as her strong foot came in front of his face, giving Mirko the chance to raise her other leg high, and swing it downwards, catching the ground in a heavy foot stomp, causing the ground to break below.
Keita was uprooted by the attack, and flung into the air.
"Kei-chan!"
Eri called out with worry, seeing Keita going a good distance up into the air.
Keita looked towards her, and gave her a comforting look, which relaxed Eri's heart.
"Now, you can't control the ground! What are you going to do?! You have to think, enemies will also do this! They'll corner you, get out of that corner Keita!"
Mirko charged forward, and allowed her leg to go around like a propeller, swinging it so fast that Keita could hear the air as she was moving.
When she got in close, Keita knew he couldn't rely on touching the ground, so he had to come up with something different, and then he showed his ability to bend in the air, avoiding the swinging kick from Mirko, and then placed his foot onto her right thigh, surprising Mirko a little bit.
"Impressive, you do learn quite well~"
Mirko had to praise him, seeing that how he was handling the situation.
"Ryukyu-san has been showing me aerial combat also. Even though I can't fly, she still taught me how to move my body while staying in the air and be able to use my opponents body to help me move, or to attack!"
Eri looked on, seeing how Keita was able to combat Mirko, at least to the point that he could react to her attacks. While she wasn't fully aware of what was truly happening, Eri knew that Keita was trying his hardest, so she was going to fully support him no matter.
"Alright boy, show me your stuff!"
"Then have this!"
Keita thrusted his hand out for Mirko, who smirked, grappled the young man, and twirled around, turning him towards the ground, where her foot went to press against him, all the while they were falling down to the ground.
"That's pretty clever! But, not good enough for me!"
Keita watched as he was tossed down onto the ground, and Mirko came down hot and heavy with her foot, readying to crash into Keita within a moments notice, something that Mirko thought would be good, if he wanted to learn how to fight then she wasn't going to hold back.
Keita, upon hitting the ground however knew Mirko would try to attack, so he touched the ground as fast as he could, and caused it to form a dome around him, giving him a protective barrier, still Mirko just smirked at the sight.
"This wont be enough!"
True to her word, her foot instantly shattered the dome…
But he wasn't there.
In fact, she couldn't see where he had gone.
That was until she heard some noise behind her, seeing that Keita was coming in fast with several pillars of the earth, and she saw across the ground, a very subtle disturbance in the grass, Mirko believing Keita had used it to transport himself across the field, around her so she wouldn't see while she had her concentration on the earth dome itself.
"Haha! Now that's my boy!"
Mirko turned around, and then swung her leg out in an arch, to destroy the incoming attacks, and then turned some of the pulverized stone right back towards Keita, coming in as fast as bullets, and came so close that Keita thought that Mirko was doing this to help test his reflexes, and make him faster.
So rather than use an earth shield, he decided to weave his way through the attacks, his swift feet carrying him through the hard hitting, fast moving stone pieces that could wound someone if they hit.
But Keita wouldn't allow it, and simply did his best to get his way through the pieces of stone.
Mirko watched with impressed eyes as he weaved through the incoming attacks, using movements that she was surprised he could pull off, like twisting his body, and bending backwards to a degree that it would be hard for a few good Hero's to accomplish.
"Sir Nighteye has trained you well it seems. You're smart, reacting to my attacks rather than thinking about it constantly. It's good to have a balance of intelligence and instincts. Intelligence helps you come up with plans, instincts helps you stay alive during a battle." Mirko murmured, as Keita dodged the last stone. "But, I can see a few areas that could be improved upon. I'm not Sir Nighteye, but I do know a few things about fighting, especially with my legs."
Hearing those words from Mirko, he felt rather pleased.
It gave him happiness to know that someone like Mirko could see his potential and praised him in such a manner.
Keita released a breath.
"Yes, you're very skilled Mirko-san."
"That's why we're gonna be training together for the next two weeks. I wont go easy on you. But maybe after the training days, we could have a bath together."
Keita almost thought he heard wrong.
But when seeing that Mirko was giving off a mixture of an alluring look, and a teasing one, he knew he had heard right, and his face turned a bit more red, something Mirko found that she quite liked to see.
"A-Ah, Mirko-san...I'm dating Kacchan now...and that's..."
"Ooh, so you've finally begun dating her huh? About time, is all I can say."
"Huh?"
Keita seemed confused by what she meant.
Mirko though continued to show her grin.
"Yeah, I'm sure that Bakugo girl is going to be quite entertaining when I flirt with you~"
Keita was blindsided by Mirko's sudden flirtatious side.
Eri watched on curiously.
She didn't understand exactly what was going on, but she could see that Keita seemed happy, so that was enough for her at the moment.
Meanwhile, Himiko was currently looking at some vials of blood to try and test the new applications of her Quirk. She hummed, as she was being watched over by Sir Nighteye, who looked on curiously towards her.
"Himiko-san, what are you doing?"
"Well, during the USJ incident, I was able to use Kei-chan's Quirk. But I'm not entirely sure how I used it."
She divulged to his astonishment.
"I...I see, so you can transform into people perfectly? As in, not just appearance, but also their powers."
Himiko nods.
"Yes, even right down to their Quirk. But I'm not sure how it's done. I mean, when it happened...I was in a panicking situation, and I just kept thinking that if Kei-chan was there, then he'd be able to save Kacchan, and I couldn't do anything. Everything was happening...in that moment, I wished that I was Kei-chan from the bottom of my heart...if I had his power, then maybe I'd be able to save Kacchan...then it sorta happened."
Sir Nighteye placed a finger to his chin, and stroked it in deep thought.
"I see...that's quite the situation you've gotten yourself into there. Having a power you currently don't know how you accessed."
"Right! Ugggh! I don't know what to do...it feels as if I'm helpless right now, that I have amazing power, but it's locked away and I don't have the key to gain access to it...come on brain box, you must have an idea, right? You're supposed to be one of the smartest guys around, right?"
Sir Nighteye lightly smiled at the praise.
"Perhaps. However, this is a new situation for me as well. Your Transform Quirk, being able to also take on the Quirk of the person you've transformed into. Your Quirk could make you more diverse than many Hero's and Villains. You could literally have any Quirk."
"Yeah but...how do I access it?"
Sir Nighteye got into deep thought while Himiko stared at him curiously.
"It's a good question. We'd have to think back to what happened in the first place, and if we can recreate those circumstances. Beside the obvious of having his blood inside of you….hmmm, you have a close relationship with Keita, perhaps it has to do with how you feel about that person..."
"How I feel huh...well, maybe that could be it. Ooh, I'd be able to replicate Tsu-chan too because she's absolutely adorable~"
Sir Nighteye gave a bemused look.
"Maybe you could. But if it was just that...hmmmm, you understand how Keita's Quirk works, right?"
"Right."
"Do you understand how...hmm...how Edgeshot's Quirk works?"
Himiko shook her head.
"I've never really seen him in action so I'd say no."
"I see...Then...hmmmm, this is just a theory, but maybe it has to do with knowledge. You don't get any knowledge from the peoples blood you drink, do you? If you don't know them that well, got their blood, and transformed into them, people would still be able to tell the difference since you have no prior knowledge, correct?"
Himiko nods without a worry.
"That's certainly right. That's why I have to study my targets beforehand and make it believable. If not, they'd pick up on things right away, or quite quickly depending. Either way, it's best to have knowledge on my targets before transforming into them."
"Then, maybe that's the key. You have to have intimate knowledge on someone's Quirk, to see how it is used, what activates it, and how you can apply it to your own usage. Some are easy to figure out. Like your friend, Asui-san, she's got a Frog Quirk, she can do what a Frog can do, or Mirko-san who's got a Quirk that can do what a Rabbit can do. But a Quirk that is more tricky to understand, perhaps it would be more difficult for you to use them. As I said, it's only a theory, but it doesn't seem to be a coincidence that you used Keita's Quirk. I don't think the same event could have happened if you had...Edgeshot's Quirk. From what you've described, you thought and felt Keita in those moments, and then the power came out."
"I see what you're saying. But how come it activated when I was at the USJ? I've turned into Kei-chan before, and nothing like that happened."
Sir Nighteye hummed at what she was saying.
"It's a good question, and I don't have a definitive answer for you. But, I do know that there have been circumstances of someone not fully understanding their Quirk, and believe it is one thing, only to discover that it is something like. Like, lets take a water Quirk. The user could believe they only control water from around them, but later discover they can produce the water. You understand?"
Himiko nodded strongly.
"So my Quirk could've been misunderstood this entire time?"
Himiko thought about it more and more.
If that was the case, then she was sure that she could possibly begin achieving better things.
She could grow stronger and do more things than ever before.
"It's possible. I don't know for certain, it's hard to define the abilities of a Quirk, as not all are the same. There can be other transforming type Quirks, but they'd act differently to how yours would act."
Himiko understood that.
There probably were more Quirks like hers out there that could show similar things, but not be the exact same as hers.
"But, that wouldn't explain why it suddenly happened..."
Sir Nighteye agreed with her.
"Perhaps...Perhaps you went under a certain, awakening of sorts. It isn't unheard of for a Quirk to grow in times of great stress and emotional trauma. It's been shown to happen before, and perhaps that's what happened with you. You, seeing Bakugo was about to be killed, was pushed on many levels, your own inability to change the situation at hand, and how you wished Keita was there to help out. Those factors, could've lead you into developing the power you attained, allowing your Quirk to develop to this point."
Himiko listened intently to what was being said.
She was glad that Sir Nighteye was there to tell her, as she wouldn't be sure if she was on her own.
"That sounds pretty cool. But still, it seems kinda harsh that the powers only grow when put into stressful situations. Death was on the line when I did it, was it like that for other people as well?"
Sir Nighteye inclines his neck.
"Most likely. We still don't understand every single aspect of Quirks, we are still learning as we go. And as we go with your Quirk, we'll discover all aspects of it, what it can do and how you can apply it in different scenarios."
Himiko could understand that, and then looked at the blood before her.
"I guess then I'll have to try and replicate that success. If I could, I could become even stronger! Yahoo! Lets see if I can do this Sir Nighteye-chan!"
Sir Nighteye was quite pleased to see Himiko was determined to do her best throughout the training.
By the end of the day, Keita went to bed, feeling his muscles sore from Mirko's workout, and her attacks against him.
When he got into his bedroom, he saw that Katsuki was already there, apparently waiting for him, wearing a revealing nightgown, something that caused his face to turn redder than he thought it would.
Katsuki looked up towards him, then gave a smirk.
"Coming to bed or what?"
"Aah, yeah. I'm coming."
Katsuki continued to smirk, as he began taking off his clothing, leaving him in his underwear only.
Hopping onto the bed, Keita got in beside Katsuki, and smiled towards her.
"Kacchan, today was rather interesting. I've been training with Mirko-san."
"Mirko is it? Heh, well I know what she's like, the damn flirt."
"She's very...she's quite like you actually Kacchan."
"I'm nothing like her! I don't flirt!"
"Hehe, maybe not. But you've got the same fiery attitude~"
Katsuki cocked her head to the right hand side.
"Heh, if you say so."
Keita leaned back in his bed, while Katsuki just stared at him curiously.
"Something on your mind Kacchan?"
"Not really. Just keep thinking about some stuff that happened recently, that's all."
"Ooh, I see. Is it maybe Izuku-kun related?"
Katsuki scowled.
"No, I don't really care about that anymore. I've moved on from it. Yeah, maybe he had some strength and all, maybe he had a Quirk...but, it's as you said, the nerd wouldn't be that cunning to hide it for all those years. Still curious as to how he got it, that crap about gaining a Quirk. Who'd want to give one to him?"
Keita wished that he could explain what was going on with Izuku.
But he had been sworn to secrecy...even if it didn't feel good to him.
"Kacchan, you know I have the power to give others Quirks...if I truly tried...I could give you a power..."
"Heh, that's nice of you. But, I'm fine with my explosion Quirk."
Keita lightly smiled.
"I thought you'd say something like that, you're so earnest aren't you?"
Katsuki rolled her eyes.
"If you say so, Kei. But, you do have that power, are you going to do anything with it?"
"Hmmmm...to be honest, I don't know yet. I could give power to others...I think. I'd have to go over how to do it first. But if I could...I'd have to think of the best way to do it, and who to do it for. Maybe people that don't have Quirks."
"That could be cool. There are twenty percent of people that don't have Quirks, you could give them Quirks."
Keita thought that was a good idea.
Thinking about all those that wished to have a chance.
But, he still had a few things to think about when it came to that.
"Maybe do some good, with the evils that have been done to me. Use this power, in a good way, right?"
"Right."
Keita placed his lips onto her own, Katsuki smirked and pulled closer as their kiss deepened more and more. Katsuki's hand slowly slid down his right hand side, allowing her fingers to go over some of the scars that Kai had caused to him.
She then allowed her hand to go towards his face, and gently stroked his cheek, giving him a kind hearted smile something that Keita was surprised to see, but it was very welcome from Katsuki, his arms going around her form.
Katsuki though recalled what she saw the other day in school.
What she had been seeing for a while.
Himiko, and possibly others, it was something Katsuki knew she had to think about deeply.
"By the way Kei, do you know that Himiko also has a thing for you?"
"Yes, I'm quite aware, but I'm with you."
"Damn straight you are...but, you know...after hearing what happened to you, and how you have been through so much emotional stuff...I want to also make you feel good..."
"You do Kacchan."
"Yeah...but, if some other girl comes onto you...just remember that I said it's fine..."
Keita cocked his head curiously.
"It's...fine?"
"Right! That's what I said, isn't it? But only with those I agree with! I'm the main!"
"Main…?"
Katsuki began laughing.
"I'll sort it out, just leave it to me."
Keita wondered more about what Katsuki was talking about.
But for now it seemed as if she was going to deal with something, so he shrugged, and just held her as they fell asleep together.
A few days into the training, Itsuka had been thinking deeply about the things that she wished to talk to Keita about. The fact that she was saved by him over a year ago, how he was able to shine brightly, and protect, and fight, and be strong, and kind.
She kept thinking about the inner strength that he had, so she thought that maybe it would be nice to see Keita in a situation outside of class like he had with Himiko and Katsuki, like Itsuka did have one time, so that's what she did, heading towards the place she knew that Keita was currently sparring after asking Sir Nighteye about it.
She wasn't sure where he lived, it seemed to be on a need to know basis in case of Kai.
So when she got there with a picnic basket with her, she saw the holes in the ground, the destroyed debris, and also saw Eri sitting in a safely constructed out of the ground protection dome which allowed her to see perfectly well what was going on with the openings.
She walked over towards Eri, and sat down beside her.
"Hello Eri-san, are you watching Keita-san train today?"
"I watch Kei-chan everyday, he's really trying hard."
Itsuka could see that.
She could see how Mirko was coming at him, and he was dodging her attacks the best he could, which wasn't easy due to how strong and capable she was. Itsuka couldn't even see Mirko moving half of the time, showing just how capable Keita was for being able to follow her movements at all with how rapidly she could bounce around, seeing the shockwave's on the ground as well which tore through it, breaking it apart so Keita couldn't take full advantage.
Yet he still kept countering her very well, and seeing that only made her all the more determined to see what kind of Hero she would be capable of doing as well.
Then when the training was done, Keita walked over.
"Aah, hello Itsuka-san. What're you doing here?"
Itsuka began showing a slightly shy side to her, her fingers going together, and then breaking apart with her nerves beginning to take a hold of her, but she tried her best to force those feelings down so she didn't get taken over by them.
"O-Oh...well, erm...nothing much. I've just...I've brought some food with me, and I thought you might like to have some together with me? L-Like, a picnic or something..." Her eyes went to Eri, and produced a rice ball from her picnic basket. "Here Eri-san, I made these myself. It was an interesting experience, I'm not sure if they came out that well."
"Ooh, thank you!"
Itsuka lightly smiled, glad that Eri was happy.
She then turned to Keita with the same kind smile as before.
"So Keita-kun, do you want to eat with...me?"
"Sure! I'll ask Mirko-san if she wants to..." He turned to see Mirko jumping away. "...I guess she's rather busy. So it's food for three!"
Itsuka nodded, and together, they set up the food for the three of them to have together.
Itsuka kept thinking back to the day that they first met, how she wished to speak to him even more.
"So Itsuka-san, how have you been training so far?"
"Well, I've been training the strength of my hands, it's going to be nuts huh? Everyone's going to be doing their best, and I remembered you during the Entrance Exam, and what you could do with your own power."
She said, beginning to relax which relieved Keita as well.
"Aah yeah, that was quite the day. I remember Monoma-san being rather...intriguing during that time. Is it hard with him in the class?"
"He knows when to be quiet." She giggled out. "But I guess he's alright. Since being voted Class President, it's kinda my duty to make sure he doesn't get to out of line. People are even calling me the big sister of the class. Crazy or what?"
Keita shrugged.
"I don't know, you have a kind feeling to you. Even when we first talked at the Entrance Exam, you made me feel invited, warm, and happy that we had met one another. You have a natural kindness to you that I really admire about you."
At those words, Itsuka began to blush lightly.
"O-Oh, thanks...Keita-kun. You also are quite like that. Just speaking to you can make me feel calm and relaxed."
At her words, Keita also began to blush lightly.
Eri looked momentarily confused, before poking Itsuka's side.
"Erm...Kendo-san, do you like Kei-chan?"
"L-Like him?"
Itsuka wondered how she meant that.
Eri being the curious child she was, pressed on.
"Yes...do you? Kei-chan's really nice, and kind, you know?"
"W...Well, I think he's a really good person, and I'd consider him my friend. So yes, I do like him."
Itsuka said it while giving Eri a curious look.
"Do you like him like how Kacchan likes him? They are boyfriend and girlfriend now."
Itsuka almost did a spit take.
But she held it together, and thought about what was being said.
"I-I know yes. They are dating...it's great~"
Keita gave a curious look towards Itsuka.
It seemed as if she was trying to say more than her words expressed.
"Yes...Kei-chan's really happy now."
"That's wonderful, I'm glad for him."
Itsuka spoke with a kind voice, her eyes displaying an enjoyable expression in her eyes.
Itsuka then looks towards Keita, feeling more and more as if she wished to express something to him.
Her gratitude for what he did that day for her.
How he was able to keep being positive despite what she had heard.
Though she hadn't heard much, she knew something had happened at the USJ, and no one was mentioning it, even going quiet when she asked if Keita had been involved with anything. Itsuka wasn't an idiot so she knew that there was something more going on than that could be spoken about, but out of respect, she didn't bring it up.
Instead, she made a declaration.
"Keita-kun...I'd like to say that during the Sports Festival, I'd like to see how strong you are."
"Itsuka-san…?"
"Maybe it sounds strange...but, I'd like to see your cool sides. Because, I'm going to be showing you my cool sides as well. I've been training hard, and I will show you the strength that I have gained because of that."
Keita's face uplifted.
He was glad that Itsuka was being quite serious.
"I understand. Then I can't wait to show you Itsuka-san! I'll try my best!"
"Right! I'll be waiting to see you fight Keita-kun!"
Itsuka wished she could tell Keita how she felt at this moment.
The gratitude she felt for what had happened.
But she saved it for the moment.
She was going to do it eventually, but she needed time to build up her courage.
As the days turned into a week, with training with Mirko coming along nicely, and now the tournament itself soon coming up, Keita was taking a relaxing day or two off so he could keep his body at peak performance.
So while he was resting within the living room of his home with Sir Nighteye, he heard a knock at the door.
Curiosity came over him, and he went to get the door, opening it to reveal that it was Ryukyu stood there with a semi shy looking expression on her face, but mostly a humble one that caused Keita to smile.
"Hello Ryukyu-san, what are you doing here?"
Ryukyu tried to fight her nerves down.
She wasn't sure why she was feeling like this.
She was used to dealing with situations where it would be difficult for her to do many things.
But for some reason, whenever she thought about interacting with Keita, she felt butterflies within her stomach, she felt her heart beat increasing, and she felt heat pooling inside of her, trying to escape from her.
"Ah...well, I heard that your Sports Festival is soon. And I also finally had a chance to get sometime off from my duties to...well...erm...to spend sometime here. I-if you don't mind that is."
Ryukyu tried to fight down the feelings she felt deep inside of her.
Trying to keep her composure.
"I don't mind, do you want to come in? Sir Nighteye-san just went with Eri-chan to do some shopping."
"Ooh. That would be nice, thank you."
Keita always liked how humble she was.
Ryukyu definitely was the type of person Keita could get along with very well.
Keita and Ryukyu walked into the living room.
"Tea, Ryukyu-san?"
"Aah, no, that's okay."
Keita nodded, sitting down beside Ryukyu.
"Ryukyu-san, so how come you wanted to spend time here?"
"Aah...well, I was concerned mostly. About what happened with you recently. I wanted to make sure that you were okay. I'm sorry it took me so long, my life as a Hero keeps me busy and when I'm finished, it usually leaves me tired. So I decided to take a day off today to see you."
Keita was surprised that she did that just for him.
"T-Thank you for considering me. It's really sweet. But, I'm alright for the most part...yes, my brother did appear, but I'm working through that, and not allowing him to control any aspect of my life anymore Ryukyu-san."
Ryukyu gave a humbling smile.
"It's amazing how you can deal with all of these things..."
"I don't know about amazing, but it's really kind to say that."
Keita said while showing a signature smile.
The smile caused Ryukyu to also smile at the younger man.
"That's why, I've been thinking about the best way that I can support you...but, I'm not sure what I can do. I'm not brash like Mirko-san, and Sir Nighteye-sans ability to teach you things surpasses my own ability..."
Keita pulled closer, his hands resting near her own.
"Ryukyu-san, you already do support me by cheering me on. I don't need anything more than that."
"You're so kind...so, that's what I'll do. During the Sports Festival, I'll cheer you on. I know that you'll be able to do amazing Keita-san."
Keita gave a strong nod.
"I'll definitely try my best Ryukyu-san!"
Ryukyu nods strongly.
"You know, I've seen your capabilities that I am sure that you will be able to do very well during the tournament."
"I hope so! My classmates do have an interesting Quirks so I can't wait to see their abilities at play as well! But, I do have to ask Ryukyu-san about something if you don't mind?"
Ryukyu nodded.
"Of course, what's on your mind?"
"Actually, I'd like to thank you for helping me with aerial combat so far. And if you don't mind, maybe we could do some more training today? I was going to relax, but if you're here...unless since it is your day off, you'd want to relax which I'd understand..."
Ryukyu shook her head.
She was glad that he asked her that.
"Of course, I'd help you Keita-san. Please leave it to me."
Keita gave a cheery smile.
"Thanks Ryukyu-san! Are you sure you feel up to it?"
Ryukyu tilts her neck.
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"It's just your face has suddenly gone red. Are you feeling hot perhaps?"
Ryukyu inhaled slowly, shaking her head several times.
"I-I'm just really hot like you said! That's all!"
She made that excuse, and tried to stand up, but she did it too fast, and ended up slipping back down onto the couch, her body twisting to fall onto Keita's arm, falling into his arms, his eyes meeting with her own.
"Are you okay Ryukyu-san?"
Ryukyu could only nod, seeing how Keita's arms were somewhat around her.
Feeling his closeness towards him, caused her cheeks to fill with heat, then turned her head away in a semi shy manner.
"I-I'm fine, I'm sorry for falling onto you."
"Ooh no, that's fine~ I don't mind at all~"
Keita said with a kind smile.
Ryukyu could only nod as if she was a robot, turning her eyes away from Keita.
"T-Then, lets begin Keita-san, if you'd like?"
"Sure, thanks Ryukyu-san! If there's anything I can do for you, please let me know~"
Ryukyu paused when he said that.
She turned back to him, seeing his smile for her, caused her to smile softly.
"That's very sweet, thank you. Now, lets get to training."
"Right!"
With that, Keita and Ryukyu spent the day training together.
Though it was her day off, Ryukyu felt oddly pleased that she could spend this time with Keita, helping him develop his skills, and that he came to her in the first place to get training only made her feel good inside as well.
The day before the Sports Festival arrived, and Keita had finished his training, now he was sitting in the living room, watching some TV, as Sir Nighteye came into the room. His eyes stayed relatively calm, and his face lifted upwards into a light hearted smile, something that was rare for Sir Nighteye to show to anyone.
"Tomorrow, you're going to be doing the Sports Festival. Are you nervous?"
Keita hummed, he wasn't sure on how to respond to that.
"Not really. I'm excited for the challenge ahead, and I can't wait to see how my peers have been training also. Kacchan didn't even want to train together, because she wanted to show me some new moves if we ended up fighting one another."
Sir Nighteye let out a small laugh.
"That does sound like her."
"Yes, I hope I'm prepared for it."
"I'm sure that you are. All you can do is your best, Keita."
Keita always could feel the support Sir Nighteye would give.
It did feel like a Father's support.
The last time he received anything akin to that was from Kai when they were very young.
So receiving it now did bring a warmth to his heart like no other.
"Sir...I haven't decided what I'm going to do with these powers inside of me yet."
"I had a feeling."
"But...I'd like to believe that their deaths, wouldn't be in vain, and that I could use their powers for good. I haven't decided either way if I will use them or not...but, I want to make sure that they didn't die for nothing."
Sir Nighteye inhaled a breath through his nose, sitting down near Keita.
"It's wonderful how you've matured as time has gone on, you already were quite mature when we met. But when I speak to you, I feel as if I'm speaking to someone that I really can understand on many levels. I don't get to speak to people like this often, I find it difficult also."
"Sir Nighteye...I am pleased that I chose to stay with you. I think I made the right decision."
Sir Nighteye didn't say anything about it.
But, he was taken aback, and humbled all in one with his words.
It felt wonderful that's how Keita felt about him, and about his situation.
He admired that Keita was still going forward, and yet reflecting on his past, and how he'd like to change his future into something more positive, something that would allow him to grow even stronger than ever before.
"Yes...I am glad you wanted to stay. So, whatever happens tomorrow, I'm already proud of you."
Keita smiled brightly at the man before him.
Though sometimes Sir Nighteye was hard to read.
Keita was pleasantly happy that Sir Nighteye still was showing that she was going to do her best, no matter what.
Sometime later, Keita watched as Katsuki came into the living room.
But she wasn't alone...
"Heeeeeeey Keita-kun~ How are you doing~?"
It was Nejire.
Katsuki who kept glaring at the blue haired girl, wore annoyance on her face.
Nejire was also showing a cheery smile.
"N-Nejire-san, what are you doing here?"
"She followed me back here, and refused to go away."
Katsuki explained, Nejire pushed forward, and did a small but cute little dance with her hands pressed against her chest, and her big eyes shining brightly.
"I came to spend time with you of course! Hehe, I've been trying for ages now, but this exploding girl didn't allow me to come until now!"
"That's because you're so damn..."
"Anyway!" Nejire jumped up, getting beside Keita, and wrapped her arms around him kindly. "Aaah, it's so great being able to spend time with you like this~"
"Aah yeah, it really is..."
"So, I heard you're dating Kacchan now, is that right?"
"That's right."
"That's why Kacchan here blushed when I asked her~ She's kind of adorable when she's acting all angry and embarrassed~"
Katsuki showed a scowl.
"Oi! Blue haired girl!"
"Yes Kacchan~?"
Katsuki's scowl was growing more and more on her face.
She wasn't pleased in the slightest.
"C-Come on now, don't try and anger me!"
"I'm not, I just want to spend time with Keita-kun as well. Do you think it would be alright if I stayed here for a little while, and hugged Keita-kun on the couch? Don't worry, I wont get in the way of your couple nature~ I just heard that Keita-kun is cuddly, so I'd like to feel it for myself."
Katsuki looked to be against it, Keita didn't know what to say.
But Nejire didn't wait for a response as she announced "Thanks sweetie~" and hugged Keita to her chest. Feeling the softness of her chest on his face, his face erupted into a deep redness, his eyes met up with her own.
Nejire got on the right hand side, and Katsuki scowled at Nejire from the left hand side of the couch.
Nejire brought Keita's head to her chest once more, gently stroking the back of her head while Keita felt Katsuki trying to pull him away from Nejire, but Nejire was stronger than she had anticipated, and was able to keep Keita with her as close as she possibly could do.
"Are you nervous Keita-kun?"
"Eeh, no, not really..."
"That's good. If you are, you can think about me, okay? I'll give you plenty of confidence."
Katsuki's face contorted angrily, and with annoyance evident on her face.
"Oi you, that's my boyfriend."
Nejire expressed a cute smile to Katsuki.
"But Keita-kun's really cute, I can't let him go."
"Grrr...h-honestly, don't get in our way like that..."
"It isn't as if I'm doing it to be mean, I just want to spend time with Keita-kun like this."
"Then take his head off your damn chest!"
Nejire looked down, seeing Keita's face turning red, which made her smile.
"He seems to like it though~"
"He likes my chest as well!"
Nejire innocently looked towards Katsuki, nodding a single time to Katsuki's burning rage.
"Yes, I thought that it would be best if he laid on my chest though~"
Katsuki angrily ripped Keita away and laid his head on her chest.
"He's perfectly fine with his head on mine, thanks!"
"Kacchan...you're suddenly quite forceful, huh~?"
He gave a slightly teasing look to her, but with how innocent it was, Katsuki couldn't even call it him being a tease.
It was hard to define, but she found it rather amusing.
Nejire shrugged, then hugged Keita from behind, allowing her boobs to mostly unknowingly to press against Keita's back.
"Then I'll do this~"
Katsuki rubbed her head with annoyance.
"Y-You're really not aware of what you're doing, are you?!"
"Doing? I'm merely bringing comfort to my junior, that's all. What's wrong with doing that?"
"Do you do it with anyone else?!"
"Nope~ I just think Keita-kun is wonderfully cute, and cuddly that I want to do it with him~"
Keita looked between the two women.
Katsuki's eyes burned holes into Nejire who looked back innocently.
Nejire then leaned forward towards his face.
"Don't worry Keita-kun, I know you've got what it takes to do amazing things." Nejire lightly kissed his cheek, causing heat to fill his face, while Katsuki kissed his lips, looking at Nejire. "Aaah, you two are just so adorable together~ I'm supporting you guys~"
Katsuki didn't know how that was true.
But she just dealt with Nejire being there, Nejire was quite strong so she couldn't get her to leave, and she wasn't doing anything that truly annoyed her...not yet anyway.
But Keita himself felt rather relaxed with the two girls, it took his mind off of everything
The two weeks eventually came to an end, and Keita was currently waiting for the sports festival opening to begin, together with the other members of his class. He could see each had been training in their own way, he could see that Izuku also was looking rather determined.
Eri was currently with Sir Nighteye, so he knew she was safe, and she'd be watching.
His eyes went towards Shoto, seeing that she was sat in the back, not saying anything.
After their talk, it seemed as if Shoto had a lot to ask, a lot to say and also wanted to learn more about Keita's situation as a whole, and what he was thinking, feeling, and how they could become even closer.
Tsuyu and Himiko were casually chatting with one another, with Himiko showcasing a grin.
"Tsu-chan, this is going to be so awesome! I wonder what we're going to be doing? I hope that we can do amazing things together. Or maybe we could be enemies? Then, we'd have to face one another for the right to date Kei-chan! Hehehehehehe! We're going to be love rivals! Isn't that so sweet~?"
Tsuyu raised a finger to her lips, then tilted her head curiously.
"Himiko-chan, you've got a great imagination ribbit."
"Yup, plus with the people that have donated some adorable blood to me, I think that I'm going to be able to show my talents today! Hehehe, also thanks for the blood Tsu-chan, I'll always think of you as my adorable friend~"
Himiko hugged Tsuyu to her chest, gently stroking the back of her head while Tsuyu looked on rather awkwardly. But she didn't hate hugging Himiko, she rather enjoyed having a friend like her.
Keita smiled at the sight of them hanging out and having a good time together.
He was glad at least Himiko was able to integrate very well with everyone else.
As he was sitting in the corner, doing some stretches alone, Momo came walking over. Sitting down next to him, he gave her a bright warm inviting smile that made her heart feel as if it was going to be at ease.
"Is something going on Momo-san?"
Momo shook her head.
"No...nothing really. I just keep thinking, that I should do well in this tournament."
Rather than her hoping to do well, Keita could see that she felt as if she was supposed to do well.
"Momo-san, do you feel like you have to do well?"
"I'm...a recommendation student, people will be looking at me, thinking if I deserve it. I also have my parents to think about, I can't let them down. I'm sure they'd be happy regardless of what happens...but, I feel a sense of duty to make sure that everything works out well."
Keita could see how that would be daunting for her.
"I get it...you feel as if you have to prove why you're a recommendation student, right?"
"Exactly...but more than that, I want to prove that I can do what it takes to become a Hero. But each time I think about it, seeing everyone in the class, I feel as if they have a lot of skills that I currently don't possess. I heard about you Keita-san, taking charge during the USJ incident, and helping the others. Todoroki-san also didn't back down when in the face of danger. Even Bakugo-san showed her willingness to go and fight when she was worried about you. I don't know if I'm going to be able to show the same courage as everyone else..."
Seeing her worries, and doubts coming out like this, Keita fully understood why she'd feel the pressure.
"It's as you say...you're a student that was recommended to come to U.A, you are seen as someone that's supposed to be strong..." Momo slowly nods, as she felt a hand overlay with her own. "But, this isn't life and death, this is about having fun, and relaxing. Showing the world what we're made of, showing them the next generation of Hero's. Trust me, I can understand the pressures of people expecting things from you, and while I wasn't recommended, I feel a duty to prove to Sir Nighteye-san and the others that their training wasn't for nothing. But if I keep thinking about only that, then I'm sure that they wouldn't like me to do it. They'd want me to have fun."
Momo thought about what he said.
It did make sense to her, and she could see that he was doing his best to make sure that she felt more comfortable, about everything going on.
"Having fun...is it really that easy? To do it during this kind of situation? I know this isn't life and death like the USJ, but I feel a duty to my family, and to show everyone my skills...can it be enough to just have fun?"
"You should do your best, that's all anyone can ask of you. If that gets you through the last round, or you lose at the first round, you should just have fun while trying your best. Being stressed isn't great, trust me. Though you're really smart Momo-san, and strong. You are really amazing already, just do what you did during the Battle Trial, during the USJ, your best. That's all anyone can ask of you."
Momo began to smile.
She felt more at ease already.
She didn't know exactly how, but something about him was soothing, comforting.
It allowed her to feel as if she could do it as well.
"Maybe you're right...all I can do is my best."
"Right, and whatever the result, be proud you did your best."
Momo showed a slightly shy side as she began blushing, something Katsuki from a distance noticed, and thought "Damn, seems like it's going to be tricky keeping the girls away...concubines are fine I guess, after what Kei's been through." and then turned away, her eyes going towards Shoto who kept her eyes on Keita, something Katsuki had to question why she was doing that.
"Thanks Keita-san, even though you also have some worries of your own...the fact that you took the time to comfort me does mean a lot to me."
Keita shook his head.
"I don't mind at all, I'm glad to be of some assistance~"
"Thank you, Keita-san. I do feel more eased now."
Momo gave a humble smile towards Keita, and he did the same thing back, showing a kindness between the two of them.
Once finishing his conversation with Momo, Keita's eyes were drawn to Izuku.
He had One For All, the power of All Might...Keita wondered where he'd measure up to that?
Even though Izuku couldn't control the full power of it, he still wondered what would happen with him.
He walked over to Izuku, and gave a light smile.
"Have you figured out another way for you to use your power?"
Izuku gave a timid smile.
"I'm...not sure yet. I do have a few ideas...but I don't know..."
Keita could see the indecisiveness that Izuku had, so he wanted to spur him on, and help him the best way that he could.
"Well, I hope that we face off against one another during this tournament."
Izuku and the other class members looked surprised.
Even Katsuki held a momentarily surprised look.
But then her face turned upwards into a light grin.
"Y-You want to fight against me?"
Izuku was beyond astonished to hear that.
He didn't think that Keita would want to fight him during the tournament, if they fought at all that was.
"I would like to yes. To see what kind of opponent you'd be and how I'd overcome that. It is going to be rather interesting if we do fight one another huh? There's also a few other people I wouldn't mind fighting in the tournament, to see what kind of skills they have, and their level of power also."
"I-Is one of them me?! Because I'd die if I fought you! I saw those giant stone hands at the USJ! I'll be slaughtered!"
Mineta panicked when Keita had mentioned fighting other students.
Katsuki rolled her eyes.
"Mineta, it wouldn't be a fight if you guys fought. Even Kermit here could take you."
Tsuyu paused, pointing a finger to herself.
Katsuki nods slowly.
Tsuyu looked mildly surprised, then shrugged.
"Bakugo-chan, during the time that you've been with Keita-chan, have you begun mellowing out? You called him 'Mineta' you know? It just seems a bit weird when you call everyone else some curious nicknames ribbit."
"I just can't think of a suitable name that I can say around Eri damn it! I've got plenty of names for the little shit! But when Eri's around, I can't say them!" Mineta cringed as Katsuki glared holes at him. "And I am mellow! Very mellow! Aren't I Kei?!"
"You can be when we're in bed~"
Most of the class blinked rapidly, as Keita smiled cheerfully for Katsuki who gave a slight smirk back.
Mineta, giving a curious stare, walked towards Keita with a single burning question about Katsuki.
"So, what's it like dating Bakugo huh? She might be wild, especially in..."
Before Katsuki could say anything to Mineta, Keita lightly tapped the boys forehead in a semi playful manner but held seriousness in his eyes, Mineta blinked and then his face began to drop when seeing that Keita was smiling, but his eyes definitely showed he wasn't thrilled.
"What Kacchan and I get up to is our private business Mineta-san."
Mineta nodded so fast that some thought he'd break his neck.
It was clear that Mineta didn't want to bother either Keita or Katsuki, especially if they were together.
They could be scary in unique different ways.
Momo on the other hand placed a hand to her chest.
"We should just think of this as healthy competition, we're all striving towards the same goal, aren't we?"
Keita nodded.
"I agree! Even if we fight, we should do it on friendly terms and have a blast while doing it! It is serious, but we're all friends, that's why-"
"I also want to fight you."
Shoto, who had been mostly silent until now, spoke up.
Keita gave an intrigued smile.
"Ever since the Battle Trial, you've been wanting to have a fight against me, right?"
"That's correct. I've deduced, based on your abilities during the USJ, that you have both speed, and power, and are able to think of quick strategies to combat, I think that a fight against you, would be the best kind of fight for this tournament. Of course, there are others I also want to fight, to see what kind of abilities my classmates have."
Keita liked her honesty, and it only spurred him onto becoming stronger than ever.
"That's a relief, I'm glad you want to have a battle against me. Because I'd like to have one against you also."
Shoto took a moment to take in what Keita had said, before simply showing a strong expression.
"Yes, I am sure that we can have a good battle between us. I'm interesting to see the potential of your Quirk and how powerful you can be. The apprentice of Sir Nighteye, the former sidekick of All Might, and also, the current Number One student in school, Mirio Togata, also has expressed interest within you. So I have to conclude that you must have the potential to become rather strong."
Keita gave a slight nod of his head.
Shoto clearly had some other thoughts on her mind though, from what Keita could see.
Whatever it was, Keita hoped that he'd be able to help her out, and make sure that she would also have a chance to get things off of her chest, especially regarding her Father. While he didn't know everything, he definitely understood that Endeavour had done something that wasn't right, and he wasn't happy about that either.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, so the closest person to it, Tenya, opened it, and bursting through was Neito himself, holding a slightly stressed looking member of Class 1B, Keita believed his name was Tetsutetsu.
"Oi, let me go Monoma!"
Tetsutetsu snapped, but Neito wouldn't let go of his hand.
"Calm down, remember. You're in the alliance."
Himiko gave an incredulous look towards the young man, then smirked.
"Aaah, did you kidnap this boy Monoma-chan?"
Neito's eyes shot for Himiko.
"No, he's apart of the alliance! Alliance against Class 1A! And we're going to show you guys that we're the better ones! Hahahaha!"
Katsuki sighed.
"Oi, extra. Get out of here, you're giving me a headache."
Neito's eyebrow twitched.
"D-Did you just call me an extra? Again!?"
"I did yeah, you're an extra. Now get out, and go have your crazy crap somewhere else...actually, take Mineta with you. He said his life goal is go to Class 1B, to be with you."
Mineta looked scared as Katsuki gave a large grin towards him.
"I-I never said anything like that!"
"Don't lie Mineta! You said you want to go! We'll have..." Katsuki smirked as she looked towards Momo. "...that big handed girl. Yeah, she'd be a good member of the class. Also take Deku out, and add the vine girl in. She makes me laugh." Seeing Momo's cute reaction of looking slightly jealousy, Katsuki knew that Momo must've felt a little bit for Keita, and quite enjoyed having fun with it. "So yeah, take Deku and this...person Mineta, and have fun. We'll take the two girls off your hands."
"Yeah! I didn't know Bakugo would've been into that too!"
Kaminari cheered, Katsuki scowled.
"Take him, and we'll have someone else tolerable from your class. I've seen a horse girl, we'll take her. Or the ghost looking one." Toru points to herself...but because she was invisible, she couldn't be seen. "Maybe the girl that has weird eyes, she'd be fine also. Just take those three off of our hands."
Kaminari face faulted while Izuku laughed awkwardly.
Keita gave a bemused look towards Katsuki, seeing that she was enjoying herself.
He then stepped forward, facing Neito.
"Monoma-san, why did you come here?"
"T-To tell you that we'll win against Class 1A! Just watch us!"
Keita gave a bemused smile, while Neito twitched his eyebrow.
"I see. But I'm not really sure why you have a dislike for our class. But if you wish to compete, then I'd happily oblige. See you out on the field Monoma-san, it's going to be very interesting. Though please don't try and chase me again this time."
Tetsutetsu gave Neito a curious look, who began going red faced with embarrassment.
"I-It was for my Quirk! Nothing else!"
"If you say so dude..."
Katsuki smirks at what was happening, then walked over to Neito.
"Yeah, don't go around chasing my boyfriend anymore."
"Y-Your boyfriend! T-Then that means you're dating?!"
"Naturally, that's what it means. Why is that a hard concept to grasp?"
Neito shuddered, while seeing that Katsuki was glaring towards him.
"N-No reason! Well, good luck out there! You're going to need it!"
"You're going to need surgery if you don't buzz off!"
Neito cringed, and ran off as Katsuki glared hard.
Then Keita stepped forward.
"Then it's time everyone. Whatever happens today, lets all promise to do our best, and show everyone why we came to U.A in the first place. Try your hardest, that's all anyone can do, and try to have fun as well!"
The class began to feel warmth inside of their chests.
Even the more reclusive ones such as Tokoyami and Shoto also felt it.
His earnest, and kind ways touched them all.
It inspired them to do their hardest.
Tenya, moved by Keita's words, raised his arm high into the air, then brought it down in a single swing.
"Lets do it everyone! Lets shine for Class 1A!"
The class give him a curious look.
But then saw Keita moving for the door, so the others began following after him, ready to do whatever it was that they were doing that day, and they'd put their best efforts into showing the progression of their training.
End chapter!
So this was the training chapter, with Keita being able to train with Mirko, and Ryukyu, and improving in his skills, and his relationships before the Sports Festival. Himiko sought advice from Sir Nighteye, and maybe understands a bit more about what happened at the USJ, and how she might be able to use it in an easier way. Itsuka and Keita also spent sometime together, Keita encouraged Momo to do her best, and then Neito came to challenge them. Even Nejire managed to sneak in some quality time as well.
Well, until next time when the Sports Festival begins! Thanks for reading!
Keita; Katsuki (fem), Mirko, Momo, Himiko, Shoto (fem), Itsuka, Camie, Tsuyu, Nejire, Ryukyu, Pony, Ibara,