A/N: Edit finished 23 August 2018. Beta provided by Kylekatarn77.

Chapter 11

Izuku sighed as he passed through the gates of U.A. High. Although school was cancelled the day after the USJ attack, the student council was using the day to gather, determine all of the facts behind the attack, and discuss the student response to the attack. I'm going to be explaining everything that happened. I did tell Yaoyorozu that I would be fine on my own. He looked down at his right hand, healed thanks to Recovery Girl's fast working quirk. U.A. wouldn't be able to operate the way it does if it wasn't for her. So many injuries, so many accidents that need to be patched up and healed. It's a shame that healing quirks are so rare, given just how desirable they are.

The meeting room was inside the third door on the left on the ground level. The interior was decorated with only a long U shaped table and a several dozen chairs. When he walked through the door, Izuku was unsurprised to find a majority of the chairs had already been filled. The few students who turned upon hearing the door open took double takes as they realized just who had entered and watched him closely as he crossed the room, gazing intently at his chair. He sat down with a sigh and the person to his left coughed.

"Nice to see you arrive, Midoriya," Itsuka Kendou said once she got his attention. The president of Class 1-B nursed a cup of tea. "How are you feeling? We all heard about the attack yesterday. Some of the guys in my class are jealous about it, but I'm more relived my class didn't get caught up in that mess."

"I'm good, Kendou," Izuku said. "I got healed by Recovery Girl after we were all evacuated. I had the worst of it out of everyone in my class."

"Is that so?" There was a pause as she sipped her tea. "I'd bet you got hurt trying to help someone." Kendou laughed when Izuku flushed. "You know, it could've been us that faced the attack instead of your class. We were at the USJ that morning with Thirteen, our homeroom teacher, and Ectoplasm, so knowing that it could've been us? There was a lot of arguing and discussing what could've happened if it had been. As I said, some of the guys are a bit hotheaded and wished they could've been the ones fighting, but I would say most of us are relieved to not be fighting villains so early. Anyways, I'll do my best to keep our class from bothering yours tomorrow, especially since everyone's going to be curious about Class 1-A."

Izuku wanted to respond, but the last few members of the council had finally arrived and the meeting started. The president, tall, blond, and still rather plain, stood and after a few moments, the room went silent. Rumor was that he was one of the three best students still at U.A. and was interning with one of All Might's former sidekicks. I don't really remember him from last year's Sports Festival. I honestly feel bad about that, if the rumors are true. Plus, I'm going to be the focus of this meeting.

"I'm calling today's emergency meeting of the Universal Academy of Heroics' Student Council to order," the president said, his naturally friendly face made to appear stern. "As you've been informed, yesterday afternoon the Unforeseen Simulation Joint was attacked by multiple villains along with their leader, calling themselves 'the League of Villains'. Principal Nedzu is concerned unfounded rumors will spread through the student body and potentially be spread to the media, so he's asked me to gather everyone here immediately and make sure every story spread through the school matches the facts of what happened yesterday." He turned to Izuku. "Midoriya, as the class president of those involved, I will leave it to you to explain what happened and answer any questions others may have." The president sat down and Izuku stood, wishing once again that Momo had joined him.

"The villains arrived shortly after we reached the USJ for rescue training. One of their leaders, Kurogiri, used his quirk, warp gates, to transport over a hundred villains into the USJ. While a majority appeared in the central plaza, several were sent to each of the six zones. Aizawa-sensei engaged the villains in the plaza while Thirteen prepared to escort us out of the facility and to safety.

"However, the villains had other plans. Kurogiri blocked our escape. Two of my classmates, Bakugou Katsuki and Kirishima Eijirou, attempted to take down the villain, but instead Kurogiri warped about two thirds of the class into the various zones. I only know parts of what the others went through, but myself, along with Asui Tsuyu and Mineta Minoru were warped into the Flood Zone and dumped into the large pool." A few of the older students joked about the Flood Zone, but Izuku ignored them. "We regrouped on the ship, made a plan, and were able to disable and escape the villains surrounding the boat in the water. I would estimate there was twelve to fifteen in total.

"That was when we encountered the ringleader and his weapon." His fists tightened and with a long, shallow breath, Izuku pressed on. "Their leader's name is Shigaraki Tomura and he has a disintegration quirk which he used on Aizawa-sensei and attempted to use on Asui Tsuyu. I tried to attack him, but was stopped by his weapon, Noumu. It is…it is a biological creation, given multiple quirks for the purpose of killing All Might. The only quirks I witnessed were hyper-regeneration and shock absorption." He paused, letting the others soak in his words.

The room chilled, as if a winter gust had pushed all the heat from the room. Nervous glances flickered about the room, but Izuku noticed most always found him in the end. I wonder how this sounds to them. I don't know if I would've believed it if I hadn't been there. "Noumu severely injured Aizawa-sensei, with my injuries being less severe and already healed. There may've been more serious casualties if All Might didn't arrive then. One of our classmates, Iida Tenya, was able to escape the USJ with the purpose of informing U.A. about what was happening. Thirteen had self-caused injuries inflicted upon him by Kurogiri, who remained near the exit to keep word escaping the USJ.

"In the end, All Might pushed through an injury and defeated Noumu, which was taken into custody by the police, along with seventy-two villains. Shigaraki and Kurogiri escaped when pro hero reinforcements arrived." Izuku then sat down. He glanced around the chamber. A wide range of conflicted and jealous looks were flashed in his direction, and there were some who seemed to doubt his words. Maybe I should've gone into deeper details about All Might's fight against Noumu. Hopefully that would be enough to pacify anyone's jealousy and doubt.

"Any questions?" the president asked, a shade paler than earlier.

"If I may," a second year student with scaly skin said. "This Noumu you mentioned. How can you be so sure that it's a bioengineered weapon? Is there any chance it was born with the quirks it possessed?"

"Shigaraki openly stated that Noumu was not only biologically engineered to kill All Might, but I specifically remember him referring to it as being 'the Anti-Symbol of Peace'," Izuku said. "There's also the fact it didn't appear to be terribly intelligent. It acted more like a drone or puppet, following orders without thought or argument."

His answer sparked nervous chatter. He suspected the idea that villains could create and give multiple quirks to a creature frightened people, and likely went against everything they believed about quirks. I wonder how they'd react if the truth about how I got my quirk got out. Even if they heard the story I gave my class, which would likely be enough to unsettle them.

"What was their goal?" a third year with gills asked. There were snorts from around the room. Must've been so shocked by the biological engineering and multiple quirks that she missed that comment…

"To kill All Might," Izuku repeated, his voice now quiet. The girl flushed as the room rippled with his response, nearly everyone repeating those four words to themselves as if it was unfathomable.

A minute of silence fell on the chamber before the president dismissed them, looking uncertain given what they had all just heard. Izuku remained in his seat, watching people leave, until there were only a few left.

"That was surprisingly short," Kendou said, startling Izuku. "I thought we would be here until late afternoon, with everyone asking you questions and pressing for details. Although with what you said, a bunch of them are probably still reeling from the implications of what you just told us."

"Fortunately it was short. I wonder how much they'll actually tell their classmates, though." Izuku stood and Kendou followed. "I'm surprised you didn't question me. Your class will be the one most interested in the specifics about what happened. The Sports Festival is coming up and it's almost tradition for the hero classes to try and one up each other."

"I wasn't sure what to ask, other than expanding upon a few points, but I'll probably just ask Yaoyorozu or one of the other girls instead." They left the meeting room and headed towards the entrance. "You skimming over your encounter with the villains in the Flood Zone and All Might's fight will make more rumors sprout tomorrow, not less."

"I couldn't exactly explain what happened in the Flood Zone in detail while only giving speculation as to what occurred in the other five zones along with near the door. The few hotheads in my class would get worked up over how I didn't sing their praises for the school to hear and likely correct every third word out of my mouth."

"And All Might?" Kendou pressed.

"I was told not to speak too much about it," Izuku said, suddenly nervous. "The police say they'll be investigating the incident for a while and they want to keep some details…"

"Away from the public." Kendou finished. She snorted and they stepped outdoors. "I never realized just how much is kept from regular people until coming here." She stopped, Izuku taking several more steps before turning back to her. "Do you think there's a connection between when the press got onto campus last week and yesterday's attack?"

Izuku remembered what Aizawa had said and nodded. "They told us they got their hands on the schedules. With the outrage over the attack, security for the Sports Festival will be tighter than it has been in decades. U.A. can't afford to let something like the USJ attack happen during the Festival."

"It may not be necessary," Kendou said. Her right fist expanded to the size of her head as she waved it at Izuku. "Just you watch. Class 1-B is going to remind everyone that just because 1-A got to fight with some cannon fodder villains that they aren't better than us. We'll sweep all of the events and the medal podium."

Izuku grinned. "You say that, but then you'll just have to watch as we stack the final round. Everyone's going to know the names of my classmates once the Festival is over, yet when you speak of yours all they'll ask is, 'What's Class 1-B?'"

She flushed and attempted to box in his ears. Izuku laughed and for a moment, his worries about the USJ attack and his growth as a hero faded.

Toshinori leaned back into the sofa, a mug of tea in hand. Izuku sat across from him, curious. Classes that morning had been normal and few of his classmates reported being talked to outside of more general remarks about the attack. "Your message made it sound like there was something pressing you wanted to talk about. Does it involve my training?"

"I should have expected you to hit it on the head, Young Midoriya," Toshinori said. He sighed and took a sip. "After the attack, I visited Aizawa in the hospital. He has made it clear that he feels I've been neglecting my responsibility involving your training. I…I have been so focused on settling into my work here that I had missed the fact you've plateaued for longer than any time in the past."

Izuku straightened as much as he could on the short stool he sat on. The teacher's lounge has odd furniture. "I've been meaning to talk to you about that, but with classes starting and the attack a few days ago, there's been a lot on my plate compared to before."

"We've both been handling more than we're used to, especially compared to during the past few years," Toshinori said, nodding. "I understand. Aizawa also said your classmates were disappointed they didn't get to speak with me about my fight. I would admit I'm a little surprised about how…reverent they sound. It's clear I made a huge impact upon them. Likely larger than the one I've made upon your generation in general."

"You're All Might, the Symbol of Peace," Izuku said, as if his classmate's reverence was something to be expected. "Of course it's like that. We all grew up seeing you defeat villain after villain and save civilians by the hundreds. Your presence in the world is more like the old-fashioned comic heroes than the top heroes in other countries. I can't think of any heroes that are popular here like you are overseas." He paused at Toshinori's amused expression and looked down into his mug. "While Thirteen and Aizawa-sensei never said it aloud, it's clear that you were late because you reached your three hour limit before reaching U.A. yesterday. Is…is that still your limit?"

"Things would be easier if it was." Toshinori looked away, his long blond bangs hiding his face. "Recovery Girl confirmed that I have at best two hours a day now, assuming I don't push myself like I did defeating Noumu. If the League of Villains strikes again like they did the other day, it could spell the end of All Might."

"What?" Izuku said, leaning forward. His shaking hands set down his mug. "Are you talking about being forced to retire, or do you fear they'll actually kill you?"

"The villains correctly suspect that my time as the Symbol of Peace is almost over and will be looking to disturb its transference to the next Symbol. Not today or tomorrow, but in the near future when All Might is removed from the active hero register. This means the point where you'll have to take up my mantle is closer than I wished." Toshinori paused to catch Izuku's eyes.

"Your transition into becoming the Symbol of Peace will have to begin at the approaching Sports Festival. The eyes of the world will be upon U.A., and you will be among many who they'll be watching. Your status as my protégé is one of the best-kept secret between the hero community and the government, and as such, they will be watching you closely. Nedzu recently informed me that it will include several other world leaders."

Izuku flushed and swayed on the stool. "What…what do you mean world leaders? I thought only the Prime Minister of Japan and his cabinet knew, right?"

Toshinori shook his head. "One for All is unique enough that nearly every head of state is aware of it, whether knowing the every fact or just being in the know about a quirk that can be transferred between vessels. What many do know is that you have been selected to become my successor and as it has been for several decades, much of the world looks to Japan when it comes to how quirks are handled in society, and that includes villains. Your goal at the Sports Festival is clear: show the world who you are and let them begin to consider you as a candidate to become the next Symbol of Peace."

"That doesn't sound like a lot," Izuku said, introspective. "But how? There's no interviews or anything like that…"

"Think about how many famous pro heroes have won the Sports Festival," Toshinori said. He smiled as Izuku shook his head, smiling back.

"If I win, people will be aware of my strength and my capacity to become a hero they can count on. Some may even see me as being strong enough to inherit your mantle, even with my youth." Izuku stood and bowed, filled with gratitude and respect. "Thank you for your guidance, Toshinori-sensei!" He straightened up and turned towards the door. "I need to go eat before my afternoon classes and some of my classmates will be curious about what you wanted to talk about. Before I go, are there any chances we'll meet for special training sessions between now and the Sports Festival?"

Toshinori nodded. "We can return to the schedule we had before you started here, starting tonight if you wish. It's my goal to see you reach thirty percent by the time the Sports Festival starts in two weeks."

As Class 1-A packed their bags and gossiped, preparing to go home, a rumbling chatter came from beyond their door. They all stared at the door, curious and wary. Izuku had told them about the possibility they would be the talk of the school that morning, but they had only dealt with whispers and stares at lunchtime. Eyes glanced back and forth, waiting to see who would be willing to open the door and find out what was happening outside. With an annoyed snort and a sneer marring his face, Katsuki marched on the door and slid it open. A large crowd had gathered, phones and eyes focused on where he stood.

"Get out of my way, cannon fodder," Katsuki shouted, more waiting for people to move than push his way through the gathered crowd. "If you're here to scope out the competition or ask us about fighting villains, go before I blast you. You won't learn shit from us."

The crowd grumbled, yet nobody moved.

"It's true that we came to get a look," a tall boy near the back said. He made his way forward, slipping through the crowd like a seasoned pickpocket. "You're modest, for a kid in the hero course. Although, I wonder what their opinion on threatening other students is…"

Katsuki clicked his tongue as Izuku and a few others lined up behind him.

"If this is it, you're disappointing," the boy said once in front of Katsuki. His indigo hair waved, wild and loose. "Many of us in general studies and even some in the others applied for the hero course. There's more of us than you, and I want you to know that. Depending on how the Sports Festival pans out, there's a strong possibility one of us will transfer into the hero course. Of course, that means we will switch places with a student already in the hero course.

"Let me make it clear: this is a declaration of war." With that, the boy turned and walked away, just a hint of smugness on his face. The crowd soon followed and Izuku sighed. I need to find and thank Kendou soon. I was worried someone from her class try and use this incident to make this worse, or at the very least, agitate Kacchan.

"Sounds like the Sports Festival is going to be more exciting than usual," Katsuki said, rubbing his hands. His smile would be concerning if Izuku thought it was about their classmates. "If everyone's aiming for the top, then I'll just have to prove myself."

"Shame Midoriya kicked your ass," Ashido said, standing behind Tenya and Kirishima. "Everyone will be shooting for him, although that general course kid will try going through you."

Katsuki narrowed his eyes at Izuku. "Remember, Deku. I'm the only person who'll be taking you down at the Sports Festival. Mark my words."

Consider them marked, Kacchan. While you try taking me down, I'll be fighting to show the world who All Might's successor is.