Teachers are Heroes Too!
But you mustn't lose heart. There will be more chances to set things right."
- All For One
Episode 2: An Initiation
[Japan, Present Time]
"Well, what do you know, Izuku? You're not late for an important meeting for once." he thought deprecatingly.
U.A boasts the title of the best hero school, many of their Alumni had earned international recognition, their prized product being All Might himself, the number one hero of the world. Yes, you heard it correctly, not just in Japan, but in the entire world. The academy is also incredibly well-funded, high-tech training facilities, simulation rooms, and one of the best-scented bathrooms in the country.
It's no surprise that getting in U.A would be the first goal of any aspiring hero. Izuku Midoriya included. The school is the country's symbol of hope and progress, a Mecca for all hero upstarts.
It is also known as the place that crushed his dreams. Where his motto "All men are not created equal", was engraved into his very soul. That the world doesn't need saving from a wimpy nerd with no quirk.
"This place… seems undermanned though." the scientist remarked, his eyes analyzed every step he took, every nook and cranny from the lavish halls. The one assigned to guide him towards the Principal's office was none other than, Eraserhead, the erasure hero. The Pro Hero helped the bumbling researcher in navigating the building, all the while suffering an hour being pestered by queries from the fanboying green-haired man.
"Most of the buildings here are automated, robots do most of the maintenance work here."
"No, I mean the security here might be lacking…"
"There are currently over a hundred Pro heroes guarding school premises 24/7, myself included. There are many other security protocols and safeguards in place. Going here the academy uninvited would be tantamount to suicide." Shouta replied harshly.
"I didn't mean it that way! It's just…"
"Doctor Midoriya, I-Island is different from any place in the world. No civilian nor private establishment could compare with a mobile island fortress. Your former home has higher security features than even most prisons, barring Tartarus."
"I am so sorry! Oh, and just please call me Izuku, I never got used to formalities like that."
"There's no need to apologize for… Mr. Izuku. That is to be expected."
Quietness enveloped between them, the insomniac teacher finally getting some peace-
"What is your scarf made of? Is it made by any synthetic polymers or is it laced with any durable metals? How can you manipulate it?"
Aizawa silently cursed, "He's almost annoying as Mic. Almost." the night hero digressed.
After another half-hour, the mandated school tour had ended. The pair's final destination being the spacious office of Principal Nezu. As the two geniuses formally greeted each other, Aizawa immediately requested to leave, causing the diminutive Nezu to raise an amused eyebrow.
After exchanging pleasantries, the prodigious pair discussed business.
"You'll be teaching Advanced Quirk Theory classes for the Third Years and Basic Quirk Training for the First Years in Hero course. You'll also be assigned to Support Engineering and Quirk History electives for the Support Group course."
"I see."
"I hope the workload schedule would be feasible enough, Doctor Midoriya?"
"My schedule seems reasonable, I assume that my two-hour breaks could be used by other teachers should they need me to substitute for them, right?"
"You are correct. Ah before I forgot, the details about your salary and other benefit terms are in the contract before you. I tried my very best to accommodate your earlier demands so please take time to read it." The mouse hybrid smiled.
Izuku shook his head, the salary was okay, hazard pay and other benefits were alright. It's just that it seemed laughably lesser than what I-Island was practically spoon-feeding him. It was more than abundant to sustain a large family comfortably, but barely enough for his experiments. Nezu offered him to be an adviser to a class but declined, seeing that it'll limit his free time.
The contract was enough for him to buy a medium-sized apartment and some spending money for his other hobbies. However, seeing that three zeroes were missing still managed to disappoint him. David's lawyer was good, but no miracle worker, Izuku's pretty sure that he can't ask for more.
But still, his dream was worth the financial sacrifice. He is not going to back down from his convictions. He could live a frugal life, what's the worst thing that could happen?
"I accept, Mr. Nezu. Thank you for allowing me to teach here!" he bowed.
"U.A is truly blessed in having you! Not all hero academies had the luck of acquiring an educator of your caliber."
"Your praise is appreciated, Principal Nezu."
"I am curious though, is it alright to ask a more personal question?"
Izuku blinked, nodding cautiously, "That depends on your query, sir."
"Ah it's not that important really, but I've been wanting to confirm my assumptions. Are you the same Midoriya that dropped out from our General course seven years ago?"
"Yes, same Izuku Midoriya here. Would that cause any problems, sir?"
"Not at all. But I am grateful for you to answer an old mouse's musings. Welcome to U.A, Doctor Midoriya, your first class would be in two weeks, First Year Hero course."
David Shield is many things. A loving father, an encouraging mentor, and brilliant scientist in many fields.
A mountain of a man, barely fitting in the screen, manifested on the scientist's tablet, "How do these things work- AHA! DAVE I CAN SEE YOU RIGHT IN THE TV SCREEN!" All Might hailed his former partner, who looked scrawny in comparison.
"Toshinori, shouldn't you be resting? You're wasting your hero form's time limit."
"NONSENSE! ALL MIGHT NEVER RESTS- Blegh!"
"As I said, I was talking to my friend, Toshinori, not the symbol of peace." Shield replied worryingly.
A supportive confidant is one of them.
"Apologies there, Dave. I just want to tell you that Izuku's living quarter is taken care of, I gave him one of my suites near U.A."
"Thank you again, Toshinori. It means a lot for me and Inko to know that Izuku is safe."
"Think nothing of it! It's the least I can do for young Midoriya, he's the reason I can retain my muscle form for this long. Besides, he's a pure soul."
The thin man stared at his floor, hesitation evident in his gloomy face.
The deflated All Might sighed, "Which is why I wanted to talk to you tonight. David-"
"Toshi, I love you but if you have any ideas naming him your successor- I suggest that you drop it."
He is also an overprotective guardian.
The once pleasant atmosphere between friends turned south, a tense silence replaced it after David interrupted the hero in an icy tone.
"But Dave! The world needs a new symbol of peace! I have only a decade left if I'm lucky. We both know that-"
"Please, Toshi, listen to me. Izuku has a great career ahead of him. I'm not letting you steal my successor just from desperation. I am working on something that can heal your stomach-"
"I'm asking you this because I want you to know beforehand. But I believe it's up to young Midoriya to decide."
"Toshinori! The kid idolizes you! Of course, he'll say yes! You're putting him at risk."
"Izuku accepted a teaching job on my Alma mater because he wanted to become a hero like me; a hero that teaches the next generation. I trust you're aware of that?"
"All Might, please…"
"I'm sorry Dave, however, I feel it in my gut. Izuku is worthy to become my successor, he has the will, he can continue our legacy. Melissa can help him-"
David laughed bitterly, "Whatever you say, All Might. Just… don't force him."
All Might smiled, "Thank you for understanding, Dave."
"Bah, the mood's ruined isn't it?"
But at the end of the day, he's also Toshinori Yagi's best friend.
[Two Weeks Later, Izuku POV]
The First Years all look so bright, excited, and anxious as any hero aspirant should be. I placed my suitcase neatly on the desk before glancing at the wall clock, huh, I'm not late, another win for me.
I wrote my name, credentials, and subject matter on the whiteboard, thankful that my first class is respectful enough to not be rowdy. Class 1-A is quiet, the occasional murmur being the exception.
I turned around to face them, "Hello everyone! My name is-"
"DEKU!?"
"Wait… Katsuki?"
Pangs of nostalgia and memories from earlier times seem to flash before me as I heard my nickname being shouted.
"WHY ARE YOU HERE IN U.A!?"
"Ah, still having temper tantrums I see. Well, it's nice that you still have the same fiery spirit."
"Mr. Midoriya! How do you know explosion boy here!?" a child with… questionable hair gave me a toothy grin.
"WHAT DID YOU JUST CALLED ME SHITTY HAIR?!"
"Ah, I was his favorite babysitter for two years, he's more mature now seeing he's not bragging his explosion quirk at every minute."
"YOU… WHY ARE YOU HERE! I THOUGHT YOU WERE SHIPPED INTO SOME DUMB ISLAND!?"
"How are your parents, Kaachan? It's been years since I had your father's curry, can I still stop by to try some?"
"OF COURSE YOU CAN VISIT! MY MOM WOULD LOVE- WAIT! DON'T CHANGE THE SUBJECT! WHY ARE YOU HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE?"
"As I said earlier, Mr. Katsuki, I am your new teacher. Please sit down, you're causing a scene."
"THE HELL I AM?! YOU'RE THE ONE-"
"If you won't shut up, Mr. Katsuki I'll report to your mother for disturbing the first day of my class. Now, please sit down and let me finish my introduction. Not everyone knows me so I appreciate it if you just be quiet for five minutes."
"Tch!"
Class 1-A stared at me like I was some sort of miracle worker. I sighed in mild irritation, it's been only two days into the school year and Bakugo became a problem child again.
I am so going to enjoy seeing his ego being crushed when he realizes that they are others better than him.
"Now that we have that out of the way. My name is Izuku Midoriya, but you can simply call me Sensei or Mr. Izuku. Or if you want to emulate young Bakugo right there, you can call me Mr. Deku if you're feeling wrathful."
Half of the students awkwardly laugh while the other half realizing the linguistic pun.
I smiled with my patented, Shield-approved, thousand-watt smile.
"Any questions, young heroes?"
A boisterous red-head pumped his fist in the sky, "Sir Deku! What's your quirk!?" he asked enthusiastically.
Ah. Quirk. Yay.
"Good Question." No, it wasn't!
"I don't have one, sorry to disappoint you." I halfheartedly apologized, scratching the back of my head.
That earned me a wide range of gasps, shocked expressions, and looks of pity. Bakugo rolled his eyes, the information not new to him.
"Not that it would help much anyway if I did have a quirk. Since our lesson is more focused on understanding your quirks on a fundamental level and deconstructing it. No quirks are straightforward powers, one good example would be Midnight's Somnambulist quirk. Her pheromones make people sleepy and lose consciousness- which all of you should know by now. She frequently uses it to non-lethally apprehend criminals and calm shaken-up citizens. But the pheromones that her body produces can be used in the medical field, like better anesthesia and other medical drugs. The R-rated hero is actually pretty close with the pharmaceutical-"
"What?" / "Too fast!" / "I can't write everything at that pace!" / "This might be a problem…" / "Huh?"
Oh great, another mutter blunder, "Sorry, I always get too excited with quirks, I'll try to go slower this time. Should I go easy with the introductory lesson?"
"Sensei! I think it would be more efficient in the long run if we introduce ourselves first!" a boy that looks older than his age said excitedly, his left arm in a weird, robotic-like… gesture.
I gazed at him with an amused eyebrow, a whiteboard marker already twirling in my fingers.
"That won't be necessary, Mr. Iida."
"Ah, you heard of me?" the brother of Ingenium stammered.
"Why yes, I know you. I know everyone in the classroom - well not your personalities - but I memorized and analyzed all of your quirks beforehand. I must say that your generation is quite blessed with such powerful quirks. I hope I'll be enough to help nurture it within the school year."
"HEH!?" they collectively gasp.
"Creepy…" / "That's dude got to be bluffing!" / "All of our quirks?" / "Impossible!"
"Shitty Extras, of course, he can." Bakugo proclaimed smugly.
Extras!? Bakugo such vulgarity! How could you- you know what? I got a whole year to teach this class. I can handle this.
I coughed, gathering everyone's attention. "As I was saying, Basic Quirk Theory might seem boring, but I can guarantee you that it can vastly increase your control, power, and even versatility of your quirks. Get your textbooks and open it on page five, you better listen since we're going to the training room after this. I made a detailed plan on how everyone can-"
[Northern Atlantic Ocean, I-Island]
"Melissa, are you sure that you're fine? You can leave earlier if you like, we can handle it from here."
"That won't be necessary, Nunnally."
"No really, it's alright. All that's left is some bug fixes and we can continue tomorrow afternoon. There's no point in pushing yourself, you've been at it for almost two days."
"There's no need for you to be concerned, I'll rest after we finish this. I want this to be done by Friday."
"Tsk, the professor's deadline is two weeks from now. I know we need to allow some time for the generator's practical tuning, we'd be only overworking ourselves for nothing."
"Correction Suzaku, I'll be the only one overworking myself for nothing. I never said that both of you need to put up with my heinous demands."
"Don't give us that sassy tone, 'Lisa. If one of us is being a cranky workaholic, then all of us will become a cranky workaholic as well."
The pair laughed, "Yeah what Nunnally said, you should take care of your own body, Melissa. Izuku wouldn't want for you to have nasty eye-bags that reach over your pretty jawline."
Melissa nearly choked from her coffee, her teeth needlessly tearing the paper straw.
"On second thought, I think I need that break." she hastily stood up, "Please call me if there's any progress."
"Will do," Nunnally answered warily.
With the Shield apprentice gone, the pair sighed in relief.
"You're so cruel, Suzaku."
"Hey, as long it keeps the blonde demon out of the lab, that's a necessary evil I'm willing to take."
"Melissa's going to kill us tomorrow," she whined.
"Damn, I'm missing Izuku already. It's been only two weeks since he left for U.A and we're already feeling the pressure. All of that genius's projects were postponed since he was the only guarantee that the board even bothered to fund them, to begin with. Which is a shame though, I always wanted to see if mutation quirks can be-"
"I think its more important to note that Izuku was the only person keeping Melissa in line. Without him, the poor girl's already falling apart."
"Ah co-dependence, such a pretty little word- Mind if I borrow the data plans for processor J9Bu14-W15?"
"Sure. But should we… you know…"
"You know what?"
"I dunno, intervene I suppose?"
"Intervene in what way, Nunnally?"
"You see, there's a colleague of mine that wants-"
"Nope. You're already setting yourself for utter failure. Are you really sure you can replace Izuku, the darling of I-Island, my co-partner in the foundation of an entirely new branch of study, our best buddy for half-a-decade, and the almost perfect boyfriend of Melissa Shield for two years that easily, with a… acquaintance of yours' from whatever elective you took?"
"He's smart and funny."
"Not remarkable seeing that 75% of this floating, metal monstrosity is smarter than 0.0001% of the entire world population."
"I'm getting desperate here! I can't take any more of Melissa's melodrama! My body's too frail to be working three days in a row!"
"Cry me a river, also can you send me the source code of file G51SS?"
"You're rude."
[I-Island, Northern Atlantic Ocean, Present Time]
Melissa Shield was one of the smartest people in the world, at the age of eighteen, she accomplished her first doctorate and completed her basic support engineering courses. She was the daughter of the head honcho of the whole Island, she built many gadgets and had patented half of them, earning thousands from royalty checks alone.
And she was having a self-induced heart attack.
"Melissa?"
"Papa, I'm not hungry."
"I didn't bring any food, I just want you to know that one of your professors called me to remind you that your project is due in a month."
"Already taken care of that, dad. Anything else? I'm kinda in a middle of a break." she huffed.
"I am leaving here Izuku's apology gift at your doorstep."
"Thank you."
"I'll be leaving now, your aunt Inko would be visiting you later. Try to… what's that word again?- Ah, express your... feelings... to her. Love you, Melissa."
"Love you too, papa."
"Izuku's phone number is in the present box. "
The blonde flushed red, her hands barely holding her smartphone (self-made/customized of course), her shaking grip preludes her inherent anxiety.
After almost a month of trepidation and awkwardness, she finally mustered the courage to call him.
"... Your desire for being a teacher is selfish. You are still hoping that maybe if you entered the academy, by some convoluted miracle, you can become a hero. Well, tough luck asshole!"
And like a dam bursting from intense water pressure, memories of regret had attacked her mind again.
"Maybe he's still mad that I called him that?! I'm so stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!" she flailed and rolled on the floor, wrinkling her freshly, ironed lab coat.
Melissa had a rough month, to say the least.
End
Author's Note:
Sorry for the delay (Not.) I had something important that came up (Liar.) that needed my attention (Fate Grand Order Event). I'm in a happy mood since I got my Okita yesterday. If you play FGO, add me, I have a max skilled Waver! 846,323,996
Have a Nice Day!