Hey, chapter 4!
Sorry for the slow updating! I mentioned it on Quirky Pair! but I needed to slow down the updates due to health issues but I'm slowly getting better and it's nothing too serious so I'll be fine!
Midair Collide has over 100 favorites and follows! Thank you all so much!
User/Reviewer Kyrianae Narii: I'll go more into my thoughts on the pairings at the end but I really love the idea of Itsuka trying to be a smooth wingwoman and only being good at it maybe 50% of the time. Especially since she and Izumi are best/childhood friends in this one.
User/Reviewer SentinalSlice: I absolutely love that OFA Itsuka picture and yeah Aizawa Might is definitely 'something' haha. You totally beat me to the punch on Izumi using her quirk with throwable objects! My idea for it was more on the simple side of things and you'll see it later in the chapter and of course I'll do a little in depth at the end but your support item ideas did spark my imagination a little for later down the line so thank you very much for the review! I'm glad you're enjoying the story so much and I hope you're doing better as well!
User/Reviewer EndlessChains: I'm definitely dipping my toes more into how Reiko and Izumi will interact and grow their friendship/relationship together. The idea of Izumi not always being able to understand what Reiko is getting at is something I really want to play with. I do have a little tidbit on OFA in this chapter but it's not much and I'll explain more about it at the end. Thanks as always for your review!
To everyone who faved, followed, or reviewed thank you all you're the best!
Disclaimer: I don't own BNHA
Enjoy, more notes at the end!
Chapter 4: Pit Crew
*Izumi POV*
Izumi stood excitedly with the rest of her classmates having just finished the orientation. Their home room teacher was even Vlad King! How awesome was that? The Blood Hero had them all change into their new gym uniforms and brought them outside for what he called a quirk apprehension test.
"This test is more usually used by 1-A's teacher but it will be a good way for me to gauge your abilities and for all of you to begin familiarizing yourselves with your classmates." Vlad-sensei explained to the group of 20 students. Izumi herself had done her best to make note of her classmates earlier but she was still curious and excited to learn their quirks since all she could do at the moment was guess.
Vlad-sensei continued his explanation, "There's going to be 8 tests and you'll be using your quirks in anyway you can to assist yourselves." The teacher told the class, getting a buzz of excitement from them, "Remember this is a test and you're in the hero course so take this seriously." He added sternly, receiving a chorus of nods in response.
Izumi tapped her feet slightly waiting for the rest of the students to finish the 50 meter dash. She had just barely taken first over the horse like girl, Tsunotori Pony. Izumi watched as Yanagi was taking her turn when a blonde boy, Monoma Neito, if she remembered correctly approached her.
"Midoriya Izumi, an absolute pleasure to make your acquaintance." The boy chuckled, a little less wordy than Yanagi but a tad bit nonetheless Izumi thought.
"Hey, Monoma-san right? Need something?" Izumi asked curiously.
"I simply took in your performance during the sprint," He began, gaining a perked eyebrow from Izumi, "It seems your quirk was made for a test like this and my quirk allows me to copy the quirk of someone I touch. Perhaps you'd afford me the same ability?" He asked, coolly and even cautiously in Izumi's opinion.
Izumi smiled and held out a fist to the blonde, she'd been made fun of before, "You need a rundown on it?"
Monoma seemed a bit surprised but thankful and gently bumped her fist with his own, "That's quite alright, but may I count on you again?"
"No worries, if you need my quirk again let me know." Izumi told him with a small smile and the copying boy thanked her before heading off for his turn.
The rest of the tests progressed decently well.
Her grip strength was well above average due to her intense workouts.
Izumi sailed over the standing long jump considering her quirk let her pretty much fly. She'd let Monoma copy her strategy.
During the ball throw Izumi threw the ball straight up and pulled herself to it strongly, snatching it on her way up before throwing it from high in the air, still within the circle's area, and eventually making her way back down by turning the floating part of Drift on and off.
Using her quirk for side steps was inefficient so she just did it normally but she was in great shape anyway and it was the same for the seated toe touch and sit ups.
Izumi really cut loose during the distance run and drove laps around everyone, even Monoma who copied her once more, which couldn't be helped since it was her kind of test.
All in all the tall greenette scored around the top of the class so she was pleased with her results.
-break-
The rest of the day ended up sweeping by Izumi, she'd talked with a number of her new classmates to try and make some friends and managed to hit it off with a few of them. Now, she relaxed as she took the peaceful train ride home with Yanagi.
The taller girl rolled a shoulder and looked over to her companion, "That quirk test was really something huh Yanagi-san?"
"Yes, I found it a mite strenuous." Yanagi added, her usual tired look seeming a bit more worn down.
"I'm glad we're in 1-B though, apparently the other hero class was threatened with expulsion." The greenette informed, remembering overhearing some 1-A students talking about it.
"Yes, Vlad-sensei seems strict but sensible." Yanagi continued, getting a nod of agreement from Izumi. She was quite glad herself for their sensei, plus he was a really cool hero in her opinion.
"I agree, plus our class- are you alright Yanagi-san?" Izumi worried, seeing the girl's visible eye lose focus.
"My apologizes Midoriya-san, I can feel my consciousness wavering." The gray haired girl drawled, her head drooping over and over from the rhythmic rocking of the train.
Yanagi had seemed like quite the tired person in general and after the apprehension test she was noticeably more exhausted Izumi thought, "Feel free to sleep if you're tired Yanagi-san," The green haired girl assured her friend, "I'll wake you up when we get to my stop." She promised.
"Ah, I'm in your debt Midoriya-san," Yanagi mumbled, her eye fluttering, "Perhaps just a moment of respite." The girl trailed off, falling prey to her exhaustion.
Izumi chuckled lightly and let Yanagi's head fall to the side against her arm. The ghost like girl slept quietly and blissfully, her light snores barely reaching the greenette's ears.
Yanagi was an interesting person to Izumi and their budding friendship was much different than her one with Itsuka. Itsuka was her best friend of course and brought so much to Izumi's life but Yanagi's friendship tickled a different side of her. Perhaps it was because Yanagi was a new friend or because of her personality that it created a sense of want from the greenette. A desire to become closer and learn more and be understood in return and because of that she felt drawn to Yanagi. Izumi realized that they were slowly arriving at her stop and she'd have to get off soon.
Carefully nudging Yanagi, Izumi attempted to wake her gently, "Yanagi-san, we're almost at my stop." Izumi tried informing the sleeping girl who muttered something unintelligible. The greenette carefully shook her once more as the doors began to open and her stop was called but the gray haired girl simply snuggled into Izumi, shifting a hand to grab the taller girl even though she slept on. Izumi locked her gaze onto Yanagi's relaxed expression and heaved a sigh while the train doors closed. Looks like she was heading for Aichi.
-break-
*Reiko POV*
Reiko stirred from her slumber as a persistent voice called to her, "-gi-san, -nagi-san, umm, Reiko-san?" The voice said experimentally. Reiko didn't exactly want to get up, she felt warm, comfortable, but slowly her vision returned and she gazed upwards. Midoriya was staring at her with a bit of an awkward expression and the tall girl gave a sheepish laugh, "Um, we're at your stop I believe.
The gray haired girl perked her eyes at that, her stop? Then why was Midoriya still here? Reiko, emotionless as ever, flushed a bit on the inside when she realized that she was clinging to the greenette's arm. She couldn't have, could she?
"I tried to wake you but it wasn't working and I didn't have the heart to jolt you up since you were sleeping so soundly." Izumi explained, Reiko now detaching herself from the well built greenette.
"My apologies Midoriya-san, you were forced to miss your stop due to my foolishness." Reiko bowed.
"It's no problem, really, ah but we should get off first." Midoriya pointed out and the two shuffled off of the train.
"Thank you and I apologize again, Midoriya-san." Reiko offered.
"You're welcome Yanagi-san and apology accepted," Midoriya nodded, "Plus I was the one who decided to stick around so don't feel too bad."
Reiko took in Midoriya's words but something felt a little off, "You referred to me as Reiko-san earlier." She noted.
"Ah sorry about that," Midoriya piped up quickly.
"Ah it was not my intention to correct you," Reiko chimed in herself, "I was not perturbed by you doing so."
Midoriya remained silent for a brief moment, "Then, Reiko-san?" Midoriya tried hesitantly and Reiko hummed almost eagerly.
"May I be granted the same?" Reiko wondered, somewhat hoping that the greenette would allow it.
"Yeah, of course." Midoriya beamed slightly.
"Izumi-san."
"Yes, Reiko-san?"
"I will see you tomorrow."
"I'll look forward to it."
Reiko saw Izumi off and then smiled to herself all the way home.
-break-
*All Might POV*
Yagi Toshinori better known as the #1 hero All Might wouldn't say he was dreading his next lesson but he was certainly getting a taste of how difficult it was to teach. Between being overwhelmed with questions and monitoring 20 students who were learning to use their quirks for heroics and mishaps, like someone exploding too much of a building, he was feeling a bit worn. He'd be doing the same exercise with 1-B and he not only hoped they'd be a bit more controlled but he'd make sure to bring up something about building integrity.
Toshinori also hadn't passed on One For All quite yet. While he was sure his former sidekick's suggestion was likely a good one, he wanted to see the potential of multiple people for himself before making a decision. The students all began to file into the room, each donning their unique hero costumes and Toshinori was about to praise them on their suits when the words caught in his throat as the last student filed in. Ice crept through his veins and the blazing flame of One For All threatened to be snuffed out.
Hair in a half bun.
Tall and muscled.
A mole beneath her lip.
A strong, confident, but kind smile.
The same costume that he remembered chasing from behind.
Toshinori faltered.
-break-
Midoriya Izumi, not Shimura Nana, the blonde tried convincing himself once again as he watched the girl enter the training ground with her partner. She spoke animatedly with her fellow greenette, Tokage Setsuna, likely formulating a plan for the exercise while the villain team prepared with the bomb placement. Toshinori didn't know what to think, his mind racing, as he tried to connect the girl back to his late master. The girl looked far too similar to Nana to be coincidental and she was even wearing the same costume save an added visor.
Toshinori saw that the prep time had ended and called the start of the match, forcing his voice to not waver. The hero team quickly split to each side of the building and Toshinori listened intently as the two used their ear pieces.
"They're on the middle floor Zumi," Young Tokage informed her teammate, a part housing her right eye was split off and stealthily sent to locate the bomb.
"Still want me to go to the top?" Midoriya questioned, calmly tossing a few rocks in her hand.
"Hmm, yeah go for it. I'll let you know of any changes but it looks like they're staying holed up." Tokage replied getting a hum of confirmation from her partner and Toshinori brought his gaze back to Midoriya.
She moved to the corner of the building and backed up slightly before throwing a rock upwards. Jumping and aiming a hand to the thrown object, she made a pulling motion and shot up the building. The rock harmlessly began its descent and Midoriya raced right past it above the height of the building before she slowed down having made it there undetected.
Toshinori nearly drew in a sharp breath as the girl stayed suspended in midair, practically identical to his master. The girl threw another rock towards the roof and pulled herself again before gently landing on the building.
"I'm up Setsuna, heading in now," She relayed to her partner about to enter the building.
"Hold that thought, Bondo just sealed up the door," Tokage stated, "We have to enter through the windows."
"I can crash through one and make an entrance for both of us." Midoriya replied, adjusting the plan on the fly.
"Looks like we're going to have to." Tokage agreed, "Bondo shouldn't be able to catch us if we strike fast and we have the advantage of mobility."
"Fukidashi also can't use his quirk to full effect since we're not supposed to demolish the building." Young Midoriya tacked on.
"Speedstar?" The splitting girl offered.
"It's our best bet, I'll take Bondo." Midoriya stated.
Toshinori watched carefully as the two greenette's began their plan, Midoriya leaping off the building and pulling herself to an adjacent one with her third rock. Tokage made it to the 2nd floor and opened a window just below the entrance point they were hoping to create. Midoriya, retrieving the stone she'd thrown, tossed her rock at the window and used both hands to fling herself at the glass. Spinning about she wrapped herself in her cape and crashed through the window, startling the villain team and a storm of pieces of the splitting girl began flooding into the room.
Bondo used his quirk to send a spray of adhesive at the tall green haired girl but missed as she pulled herself to one of her partners split body parts. The girl continued using the many split pieces to maneuver herself around the room eventually slamming a high speed fist into the giant boy's midsection. Fukidashi who tried to use his quirk found a pair of disembodied hands slamming him to the floor before being wrapped in a roll of capture tape. The hero team quickly subdued both villains and retrieved the objective, thoroughly clinching their victory.
As the four were exiting the training grounds for the next group, Toshinori's ever present smile strained when he saw Midoriya. In a bid to cheer up her classmates, the girl used her fingers to push at her cheeks and create a smile.
Toshinori had a call to make.
-break-
*Gran Torino POV*
"About time you called, Toshinori." The old man grumbled, knowing exactly what this was about. The man was pitifully quiet so Sorahiko cut straight to the chase. "You met the kid, Midoriya, I see."
Toshinori's choked voice stumbled over the phone, "Y-you know of her?"
The old man grunted in response, "Met her a week before she started at U.A. The kid came seeking me out, asking if she could use Nana's costume."
"And you let her?" Toshinori bristled, interrupting the retired pro.
"Nana was her great grandaunt." Sorahiko told the blonde, "I was as surprised as you when the kid told me."
Toshinori remained silent, no doubt contemplating and absorbing what he was informed, "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Apparently you missed her, she took the exam like all the others," Sorahiko spoke plainly to the man, "Plus, I'd tell you so you could do what?" The old man shot back.
"She's related to Nana! I could watch over her, train her even! " Toshinori exploded, his emotions bubbling over the edge.
Sorahiko growled in irritation, he knew Toshinori was emotional especially when it came to Nana and now it was blinding him, "And what?! Reveal all your secrets? Drag her into a mess that she has no part in?!"
Toshinori tried to bite down a reply but was unable to, "She's already shown she's capable!" He argued defensively. The blonde was getting a bit too worked up now and Sorahiko knew what he was implying whether Toshinori was truly thinking about it or not.
"Capable of what? Inheriting your quirk because you feel guilty? You'd foist responsibilities and expectation after expectation onto her so you could feel better?! She is NOT Nana, Toshinori!" Sorahiko fired off in rage and the line went deathly quiet, the fool had hung up on him.
"Dammit Toshinori..." Sorahiko sighed, settling back into his seat, exhausted from the tense conversation. Midoriya may be Nana's relative but above all that she was a good kid and the old man hoped that the blonde wouldn't let his emotions ruin her.
Notes n' Stuff
Monoma, I have plans for you! Since Izumi is in 1-B Monoma can chill without be antagonistic! I got some stuff planned with him copying her quirk. It's gonna work in some IRL drifting stuff. I had Izumi trade class places with Hiryu Rin by the way. He and Pony are the two foreign students so I simply split them like how the recommended students are evenly split.
We're leaning towards the Izumi x Reiko train (It's funny cause they're train buddies) It's a new pairing for me to write and it's becoming more interesting as I write their interactions. Remember though I gotta fill in some of the stuff about Reiko on the fly but I'll do my best! I'm not hard committing right now BUT Izumi x Reiko is very likely.
It's as simple as rocks. Izumi just picks up rocks and suddenly she can assist her own maneuvers. They're easy to find, easy to pick back up, and easy to throw. Of course it doesn't have to be rocks but when I initially was creating Drift I needed an easy access and easy reuse item. User/Reviewer SentinalSlice got me thinking about adding a small pouch to Izumi's costume to carry items in and perhaps a small type of launcher. Thanks so much again for the ideas!
Team Izumi/Reiko or Izumi/Setsuna is real strong since Reiko and Setsuna can just create a fully maneuverable field for Izumi with their respective quirks.
I made the cape come in handy, I'm so proud of this small victory.
All Might and Gran Torino's talk. I hope I did that part okay. I knew a confrontation was inevitable and while it was short I feel like I got part of what I needed out of it since the situation at the moment is unresolved. I also feel like All Might could feel somewhat guilty about Nana's loss because she passed OFA onto him and wasn't as strong anymore, much like how Izuku felt with All Might. All Might also didn't have that self reflection moment that he did when he met Izuku in canon so he's a bit more emotional and doubtful right now.
He also hasn't passed on OFA yet. Of course Mirio is a good candidate even in this story but I also want to keep the option open at the current time in case I take it a completely new direction.
Anyways, hope you enjoyed and look forward to more updates from me!