As All Might and Izuku reentered along with Tiny, everyone's talking died down to whispers before fizzling out completely. They returned to their seats, a few people moved around, most away from Bakugou. Izuku sat back between Todoroki and Uraraka. They, and Iida, sent him supporting smiles, ones that he greatly appreciated in that moment.
Tiny didn't speak as the lights faded, the screen coming back to life. Izuku took a deep breath, finally remembering his water. The cool drink soothed some of his nerves.
Young Izuku was absolutely entranced. The man had people piled high on him, all hurt and unconscious.
"We've seen this already, right?" Kirishima leaned to Kaminari.
"Ah..."
It's fine now. Why?
He smiled despite the situation.
Because I am here.
Izuku was blown away with glee as the words were said. He cheered, telling his dreams to his action figure.
"It's like an actual anime, recapping what happened last episode!" Ojiro realized.
He's so cool! Once I get my Quirk, I wanna be like him, too!
You should probably give it up.
The old doctor said it bluntly, not sugar coating the news at all. Izuku was white as a sheet, paralyzed by the looks of it. He even dropped his All Might action figure.
"Is that going to keep playing because it hurts just hearing it every time." Jirou crossed her arms, popping a few pieces of her gummy candy in her mouth.
Even if that was true...
Izuku's hands were clenched at his sides as he looked down.
"Stay determined," Tokoyami said to the Izuku on screen.
You're below the rejects! You're Quirkless! How can you even stand in the same ring as me?
What the hell can you do?
Even if that's what everyone thinks...
"Yeah! Don't give up just yet!" Uraraka cheered from her seat.
I'm sorry, Izuku! I'm sorry. I'm sorry!
No, that's not it. That's not it, Mom.
Now the green boy was shaking, pent up emotions starting to break through.
Even so, I...
"That's our Midoriya!" Ashido joined in. Everyone was getting
All might was walking away, leaving Izuku on the roof.
Even if I don't have a Quirk, can I become a hero?
The hero stopped in his tracks.
Can even someone without a Quirk be like you?
"You were still so motivated young Midoriya, to think despite your condition you still had such drive!" Principle Nezu cheered.
"As expected of a U.A. student," Powerloader added.
As he spoke, Izuku still trembled. His face was flushed and sweat rolled in beads down his face thanks to the heat of the moment. All Might looked back, and Izuku kept his eyes shut tight.
Without a Quirk...?
A spark of lightning went through the screen, All Might's face twisting in immense pain. The world spun for the hero as he bent over, clutching his stomach. Steam rolled off his body.
"All Might!?"
"What's happening!?"
"Is he okay!?"
The students yelled out in surprise, even a few teachers sounded their worry. Izuku, having seen this moment before, wasn't as fazed by his mentor's condition, although it still struck a pang of worry in him.
Oh no, holy shit, goddammit...
Izuku hadn't noticed his favorite hero's form, steaming and hunched over.
It might've been because I don't have a Quirk, but I'm always made fun of...
"Oi! Deku! Pay attention and quit your muttering!" Bakugou yelled. It seemed he was getting into it along with his peers, something that made Tiny snicker quietly to herself.
"Y-Yes!" Izuku answered out of habit. A few people sent Explodo glares but let it go, not wanting to cause anymore trouble.
He nervously played with his hands.
Maybe that's why... I don't know...
The steam enveloped All Might's entire body now, yet Izuku still hadn't the faintest clue.
"I can't believe I hadn't noticed this, maybe I do get caught up in my own thoughts too often," Izuku wondered aloud.
"Midoriya, this is the past, and it all worked out in the end right?" Todoroki's attempt to reassure Izuku worked wonders, leaving the main character feeling less guilty that before.
But I think saving people is super cool. Saving people with a fearless smile. I want to be the greatest hero, like you...!
"That's so admirable, Midoriya." Tokoyami commented. Izuku rubbed the back of his head out of embarrassment and said a small thank you.
As he finished speaking, Izuku looked up, a hopefully smile on his face to match his bright eyes. Too bad in place of All Might stood a skeleton.
"Scary..."
Izuku screamed in surprise before the theme song played.
"Ah! Hahaha!" Ashido burst out.
"Midoriya, I didn't expect that," Kaminari was barely holding back his laughter, his shoulders shaking from holding back.
Uraraka was giggling and everyone in the room was either smiling, snickering, or laughing, with a few exceptions of course.
"But that means it is true." Yaoyorozu managed to stop all sound other than the theme song. The students and even some teachers shifted to look back at All Might, who was trying to appear smaller in his muscular form.
"I guess..." he stood, still trying to appear smaller, "Its time to come clean. I'm sure I explain it here in a moment but I'll confirm what you all just saw." Tiny muted the show's opening, leaving the room in silence that felt like sandbags on the number one hero's shoulders.
Steam came off in plumes, encasing All Might's form and effectively delaying the reveal for a few more moments. Izuku gulped, he knew his mentor hadn't wanted this to happen, not even after he retired.
Gasps and soft cries of denial cut through the silence as there stood the skeletal man they saw earlier. His golden hair that was slicked back now went in all direction, his muscles vaporized with the steam, and his smile was reduced to the straight row of teeth that sat below sunken, blue eyes.
"I'm sorry you all had to find out like this, I truly am." All Might bowed his head in shame. Surprisingly, someone spoke up.
"All Might! Don't say that, you're still the number one hero! To me and the rest of the world you'll always be a hero no matter the form you take!" Izuku hadn't realized he opened his mouth let alone spoke. He didn't regret his impulsive action however and All Might's frown shifting into a small smile made it all the better.
before anyone else could say anything, Tiny yelled, "Shhh! It's back on!" The standing sat down, and the only sound came from the screen.
Tatooin Shopping District showed, full of people bustling around. The bottle containing the Sludge Villain was in an alley, just coming back to consciousness.
Wh-Where am I...? What happened...?
"Wait, I thought All Might had that guy!" Kirishima yelled out, concern lacing his features. They all knew what happened that day but is this what caused it?
A replay of the villain's memories recalls All Might.
Texas Smash!
Oh yeah... That bastard...
The bottle shook because of the sludge's anger.
If it weren't for that bastard...
Hey, Katsuki, aren't you and Midoriya childhood friends?
"Kacchan?" It slipped from Izuku's mouth but even said boy was fixated on the screen.
Bakugou was walking with his lackeys down that very alley, the explosive junior high student finishing off his soda.
You went a little overboard today.
It's his fault for getting in my way.
"Ohhh, I swear I'm going to smack you as soon as I get the chance, Bakugou!" Uraraka yelled out, fist clenching in determination. It scared Izuku slightly, not just for Kacchan but also for his own safety if he himself were to ever make her that mad.
Surprisingly, Bakugou didn't explode on them, rather, kicking the bottle on the ground. The Torrent bottle flew, hitting a pole and knocking the cap off.
"You did it to yourself, Bakugou!" Iida shouted in surprise.
"That's priceless!" Jirou couldn't wipe the smirk off her face, it was too ironic. Bakugou just clicked his tongue and kept watching. His pride already felt hurt knowing what was about to happen.
Don't let it get to you.
It's just that it's been my goal ever since I was little. And well... I won't know unless I try...
The scene of Izuku on the ground went through Bakugou's head. The memory ignited the blond's anger, causing him to explode the can he'd just finished.
"Perhaps we shoul look into anger management classes for Bakugou," Vlad King said, leaning over to the class' homeroom teacher. Aizawa nodded, making a mental note.
He's an idiot dreaming like a kid!
As it went up in flames, it became charred, and was crushed in one fast movement.
Just watching him pisses me off!
"Watching this is pissing me off," Tiny muttered, causing Izuku to pause. He was the only one that seemed to hear their host but he was surprised to hear her input this far in.
Then, why don't we go to the arcade for a change of pace?
You'll come too, right, Katsuki?
Yeah.
As the three conversed, none noticed the green slime slither across the pavement.
"Watch out!" Kaminari's warning fell on deaf, pixilated ears.
Then let's go to the one in front of the station.
There's a lot of prey there.
"Prey?" Tokoyami and his other classmate's eyes widened.
You're terrible.
What!? If we get caught. it'll end up on my record!
"Is that all you care about, Bakugou?" Tsuyu asked. He didn't grace her with a replied, but his irritation showed on his face. A few teachers exchanged looks amongst themselves.
As the bully yelled, the two minions became frightened from something behind Bakugou.
Hey, look!
Just like with Izuku, the Sludge Villain rose up, towering over the junior high students. His mouth was opened wide as he prepared to attack, Bakugou was frozen, his eyes wide.
An invisible cloak with a great Quirk!
The title "Episode 2: What It Takes To Be A Hero" flashed.
"Marvelous cliff hanger!" Aoyama spoke up. He'd been surprisingly quiet up until this point, so he caused quite a few people to jump.
Izuku's scream continued on top the roof, his body shaking seeing the skeletal figure. The steam hadn't completely cleared as the bright blue eyes seemingly glared at the boy from below the shadowed face.
Y-Y-You're deflating...!
"Really, deflating Deku?" Uraraka was trying, and failing to holder back her laughter, like usual. Izuku was pretty sure he was red as Kirishima's hair.
The fanboy quickly looked to all sides, hoping to spot where his hero had gone.
Wait, up until now... Huh!? Fake? A fake!? You're so skinny!
While the boy was in disbelief, the scrawny man looked annoyed.
I am All Might...
trying to defend his case, blood seeped from the man's mouth, dripping freely as Izuku screamed.
Just like on screen, many of the students screamed. Sure they'd seen it earlier but this was a lot more than just that little dribble.
"Hey, All Might, are you okay?" Hound Dog asked, putting a hand on the skinny man's shoulder.
"Yes, I'm fine. Please don't worry yourselves over this." Even Recovery Girl had a hard time believing her fellow hero.
No way!
A rounded man at a pool popped up, flexing to appear buff.
You know how the guys at the pool are constantly flexing and posturing? It's like that.
"That's so specific..." Ashido sweat dropped.
No way...!
Izuku's eyes had gone white, his entire reality shattered before his very eyes.
I-It can't be... All Might is fearless... He saves everyone with a smile... He's the greatest...
A fearless Smile, huh?
The man himself sighed, sliding down to sit on the roof.
Now that you've seen me like this, young man, make sure you don't write about it online, even accidentally.
Izuku recoiled, his face twisting in horror. All Might held up his shirt, showing off the huge purple scar that branched out like spider webs.
"All Might!"
"Oh no!"
"That looks nasty!"
"What happened?"
"Are you okay?"
People were quickly bubbled by Tiny, who was growing increasingly annoyed that they all had to keep talking and not pay attention when everything's already being explained.
It's an injury I got from an enemy's attack five years ago.
The wound still looked fresh, just barely healed with the bruises not yet fading.
Half of my respiratory organs were destroyed, and I lost my whole stomach. I've become emaciated from repeated surgeries and the aftereffects.
Recovery Girl sighed and muttered under her breath, "And all that work didn't help a bit."
Right now, I can only work as a hero for about three hours a day.
Despite most being bubbled, every student was clearly in horror. Their hero, the Symbol of Peace, was reduced to this so easily?
Izuku was stunned, his eyes had lost the brightness they had moments before.
That can't be... Five years ago... Was that when you fought Toxic Chainsaw?
The teachers that knew All Might's secret, other than Recovery Girl of course, weren't let in on the reason behind it in the first place. They listened closely, wanting to know themselves what had happened to their coworker.
You're well-informed. But a punk like that couldn't defeat me.
This fight was not made public to the world. I asked that it not be made public.
As All Might looked upon the street then back to Izuku, he didn't smile.
I will save people with a smile! The Symbol of Peace cannot be daunted by evil.
The pro hero made a fist with his hand.
I smile to show the pressure of heroes, and to trick the fear inside of me.
"All Might is scared?" Being one of the few that weren't bubbled, Todoroki's comment made its way through the air, and through everyone's minds. The students felt sick to their stomachs, asking what they'd gotten themselves into.
"How can you still fight after hearing all of this, Midoriya?" Sato asked. His face was clearly turning green, even in the dim lighting.
"Not to mention you were apparently Quirkless," Ojiro added in.
"Because," the tension and fear made everything seem heavy, even if words technically couldn't be, "I have a goal, I want to protect people, no matter the cost, with a smile on my face." A few people started tearing up, but it remained silent for the most part after the bubbles disappeared. Kirishima muttered how manly his reason to be a hero was, and others thought to themselves that they needed to work just as hard if they wanted to keep up.
The greenette gasped at the new information.
Pros are always risking their lives. I cannot simply say, "You can become a hero even without power."
Izuku's jaw dropped, his face contorted with the crushing emotions he felt.
"Deku..." Uraraka covered her mouth, disbelief soaking into her body. Other were very much so in the same state.
I see...
All might stood up, walking past the junior high student to the door.
If you want to help others, then you could also become a police officer. They're often teased because they get villains delivered to their doorstep, but that is also a fine occupation.
"Even I have to say that's a little harsh, they way you put it I mean," Aizawa said.
"No! I didn't mean for it to be so cruel..." All Might trailed off, keeping his head down and peering up at the screen through his hair.
He stopped before leaving completely, he looked back one more time. Izuku couldn't even move to look at him.
It's not bad to dream. But you also have to consider what's realistic, young man.
"All Might's so mean," Tiny grumbled, surprising everyone. It was quiet, no one speaking or else they may reveal they thought the same of the hero. Izuku couldn't handle it, he started with a chuckle, then it evolved into a laugh.
"He's not bad and I'm pretty sure you know that already," Izuku calmed down, wiping a bead of laughter tears from his eye, "He's just trying to do what's best for me considering my circumstances."
"Fine, I guess you're right," she crossed her arms and huffed, "But even with the character development it still makes me angry with Dad Might." It took a moment but eventually Hagakure snorted, erupting the room into a fit of giggles. A few questioned aloud what Dad Might was but they got no answer. Izuku realized what Tiny was doing, and silently thanked her in his head for easing the tension for however long it will last.
All Might coughed as he walked down the steps, talking to himself.
Now, I need to quickly get this guy...
His mouth opened. He turned both pockets inside out. The pockets he thought held the villain. He searched around himself, hoping that he'd dropped it right there and could easily scoop the bottles back up. That's when the smoke rising up from the distance caught his eye.
"This is it!" Sero pointed out. A few others came to the same conclusion, sharing with those around them. Nobody, not even Kirishima, moved any closer to Bakugou, it was clear by his smoking, bubbled, hands that it would not be a wise idea.
Don't tell me...
Izuku was still frozen on the roof when he heard the explosion and saw the smoke. He immediately went into fanboy mode, running to the roof's door.
A villain! What hero will go to the scene?
"The same as ever," Iida commented.
He frozen in place remembering All Might's words.
I cannot simply say, "You can become a hero even without power."
He slumped in defeat, despair pouring from his body as he slowly walked off. Meanwhile, All Might ran in his deflated form, sweating as he neared the sirens and crowd of people surrounding the smoked out area. People ran through the burning street under the overhang.
Seems the little bit of time Tiny gave them to laugh and enjoy the show was short lived. They were back on the feels train, this time on track to Sadville. They didn't like seeing their usually bright cinnamon roll so down in the dumps. They were used to seeing that freckled smile and shinning, eager eyes.
It's a villain!
The on site heroes paused before the scene. The Sludge Villain held Bakugou in his tendrils, the kid struggling against them.
"Fuck!" Tiny bubbled Bakugou whole, letting him throw some explosions off in the contained area. She seemed to not want to let him go anytime soon if her letting the beanbag he sat in to absorb into the bubble also.
A child was taken hostage!?
Death Arms charged in.
You coward!
As he made contact, his fist began being sucked into the monster's body. He tried to claw the sludge but couldn't get a grip.
"They can't do anything," Yaoyorozu said.
What is this? I can't grab hold!
The hero was hit back, thrown from the villain into the side of a store.
Jirou nearly leap from her seat seeing her internship hero be thrown off. A few even among the teachers winced, knowing what its like to be thrown such a way.
Death Arms!
Crap!
The other heroes trying to help had to back away, unable to do anything either.
Don't come near me!
Bakugou broke free momentarily, his struggle working.
I won't let sewage like this swallow me!
"Fight!"
"Go Lord Explosion Murder!"
"You can do it!"
Sparks ignited in the sludge, growing to big explosions.
"He caused so much destruction but at least he was safe," Midnight pushed her mask back up like one might do with glasses.
You little-
Seeing the destruction caused by his captive, the villain rejoiced and swallowed Bakugou again.
What power! I've hit the jackpot! With this Quirk and power, I can get revenge on that guy!
"No way, no offense to Bakugou but not even his Quirk could beat All Might." Tsuyu said, Thankfully mentioned teen was still bubbled so they couldn't hear his, visually, explosive response.
Whoa, what's that!? Could he be a big-shot villain?
The police held back watching civilians.
She's here! The rookie hero, Mt. Lady!
"My love!" Mineta was quickly bubbled. The girls were so glad that Tiny had this power.
The rookie hero ran in, but had to stop seeing where the commotion was taking place.
W-Wait... I need there to be at least two lanes!
The two minions were surrounded by the fire and luckily were saved by Kamui Woods along with others caught in the mayhem.
I'm not good with explosions! I'll leave it to someone else for today!
Thanks for that. I have my hands full fighting the fire. The fire truck's not here yet? How are things over there?
Backdraft tried to stop the ever spreading fire from causing more destruction. Death Arms and another hero stood on guard, knowing they couldn't do anything.
He's sticky and hard to grab, and a child with a strong Quirk is struggling against him.
Thanks to that, it's a minefield. It's hard to do anything against this triple play!
"This is horrible," despite her earlier anger with the boy, Uraraka was still scared of what was happening on screen. She knew he'd be okay but it still sent fear through her body, just like the others watching. Izuku even felt scared, he hoped to never see this again.
Bakugou was still fighting back despite being completely encased up to the top part of his head. The villain himself sent a splooge of sludge to make the heroes back off.
Crap!
It's no use! There's no one who can take care of this at the scene right now!
All we can do is wait for someone with aa more suitable Quirk!
Windows exploded thanks to the fire, showering glass everywhere.
Let's hold back the damage until then!
Don't worry, I'm sure someone will be here soon!
I feel bad for that child, but he'll just have to bear it a little longer.
Damn it! If only I had enough power to blow that guy away!
All Might finally came to stand at the back of the crowd, out of breath.
"Yes! All Might beats this guy!" Ashido cheered.
"Yeah! Go All Might!" Hagakure joined in. All Might felt some relief, seeing as they still cheered for him, he felt hopefully for the future after this. Though what he was thinking at this time, even now he can't believe he thought what he did.
"But wait," Iida spoke up, silencing everyone's cheerfully quiet chatter, "Isn't his time limit up?" A shock struck the class. How was he able to save Bakugou if he didn't have any time left?
Hey, doesn't it look kinda bad?
You can do it heroes!
Seeing the destruction, All Might recoiled, and held onto his wounded side.
"No..."
'It was back then! I was too distracted by my time limit! I can't believe I made a mistake like this after admonishing that fan. Pathetic... Pathetic...'
Izuku's eyes widened. All Might was actually putting himself down? It wasn't even his fault, it was all Izuku's fault! He stood up quickly, yelling at the All Might on the screen. "Stop! Its not your fault! Its mine! I'm the reason Kacchan was taken hostage in the first place, if I had-!" Tiny bubbled the boy. She was turned around, sadness lacing her features.
She tilted her head after a moment, the show paused. Izuku took a breath and nodded. Unbubbled and unpaused, both sat back down and started watching. Dread, guilt, and all sorts of nasty feelings coiled in Izuku's stomach. He had known that it wasn't either of their faults but seeing All Might blame himself sent him into a frenzy and he couldn't stop. He didn't want to see what's next, but he kept watching, knowing he needed to confront it.
The mid-episode screen flashed up, dying to show Izuku walking with his nose in his now crisp hero book. He was looking at Kamui Woods' pages. His notes were well written and his sketch not far off from the actual person.
"Midoriya has great skill with analysis on heroes! That will be useful if he hones it over the next few years," the principle commented. Aizawa tucked the trait away in a mental note, perhaps he could help the boy develop it further.
He still can't face reality, even though he's already a third year in junior high.
He flipped to Mt. Lady, and the notes were still well taken and the diagram of the rookie hero was still as surprisingly accurate.
"Midoriya!" Mineta pounced on the green boy, "I need that boo-!" The perverted freshman was bubbled and held up to the ceiling.
"You really need to get a grip on your hormones and nasty thoughts grape head."
It's time for you to think seriously about your future.
You also have to consider what's realistic.
All Might's signature was huge, taking up two pages. Izuku closed the book, tears welling in his eyes.
'Even a pro hero said it. Don't cry! You knew, didn't you? The reality.'
He walked in the dark, alone with the only light behind him.
'You knew. That's why you were trying so desperately. You were adverting your eyes, not looking at reality.'
It hurt All Might to look at the screen. He knows what will happen and he believes in his successor completely but seeing how his own words affected Izuku, he was ashamed. He was supposed to make people smile but he let the bitterness inside him take over and corrupt the boy he sees almost as a son now.
The rupture knocked him out of his own head, and surprise was written on his face. He was at the Tatooin shopping District.
Is this where the explosion earlier was...?
His face went from surprise to dejected in seconds.
'Hang on, does that mean I came out of habit without noticing?'
"You really are naturally attracted to trouble aren't you?" Izuku was shocked but couldn't stop the chuckles from bubbling up at Todoroki's way of lightening the mood.
"Yeah, I guess I am."
Izuku made his way across the street, going to stand at the back of the crowd.
'Stop it. It'll just feel meaningless right now.'
His eyes caught the villain from earlier.
'Why's that guy here!? Did it get away from All Might!?'
He clearly remembered the bottles being in All might's pockets all the way up until the roof. Sometime during the time in between, they were gone.
'Did he drop it? If he did...'
The world turned dark and Izuku was horrified.
...then it's my fault...
"That was in no way your fault Midoriya my boy, it was just an accident." All Might said in the back. Izuku sent him a small smile of thanks, feeling a little calmer.
Why aren't the heroes doing anything?
They can't. Apparently the villain caught a junior high schooler. It's been like that for a while.
Worry consumed the green boy as he recalled what it felt like.
'Caught...? It's been like that for a while? How can they bear that suffocation? I thought I'd die after a few seconds.'
The ghosting feeling had him holding a hand over his mouth.
'Wow...'
Anyway, wasn't that villain the one All Might was chasing earlier?
The people knew All Might was after this guy, and both Izuku and All Might knew what that meant.
All Might? No way! He's here?
I think I saw him earlier.
Seriously!?
Then what's All Might doing!?
"Oh no!" Hagakure yelled out.
"What is it?" Tsuyu asked her friend.
"All Might's reputation is being hurt!"
"That would be a big problem if people saw him after a villain earlier and now the villain is roaming free." Tokoyami clarified.
Izuku had to use both hands to hold back his mouth, the guilt on top of that was crushing him.
'It's my fault...! He can't do anything!'
All Might was in a similar situation, still grasping his side.
'Pathetic...'
'He can't catch that guy. All we can do is wait for a hero with a suitable Quirk!'
'Pathetic...'
'Do your best! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!'
Aizawa couldn't help but think, they're so alike, even right down to the thought process.
'Pathetic!'
'Help will arrive soon...'
'Pathetic!'
'Someone... A hero... will soon...'
Izuku could see him now. He made eye contact with Bakugou as his childhood friend's struggle was dying.
"Whoa is Bakugou crying?" Kirishima said, eyes wide.
"No way..." Kaminari had to squint at the screen to make sure it was true. Everyone was thankful that in that moment, the explosion child was still bubbled.
His notebook fell as his legs ran. He burst out and through the crowd, plunging into the fire and chaos. All around the heroes and All Might screamed, more panic setting in. Izuku ran directly into the madness, the heroes yelling at him to stop.
"No wonder your mother worries so much boy, you do stuff like this all the time?" Midnight asked.
"I-I can't help it, my feet just... just move on their own." Izuku rubbed a hand on the back of his neck, realizing what he just said.
Idiot! Stop! Stop!
The Sludge Villain recognized Izuku immediately.
That brat...
Deku...
His feet barely avoided the fire on the ground.
"You know you aren't fireproof right?" Todoroki asked turning to Izuku.
"Of course I know that."
"Just making sure at this point."
'Why did I run out? What am I doing? Why!?'
The villain threw an arm out to the Quirkless boy, missing.
Die in an explosion!
'What do I do? What do I do at a time like this?'
His thoughts went to Kamui Woods' page, a certain fact coming to mind.
'Page 25!'
He spun, taking his book bag off and throwing it as hard as he could with the momentum.
Take that!
Not bad, was the thought the pro teachers all thought. Some of the other kids even had a moment where they commended their classmates fast thinking.
He managed to hit the sludge in the eye, making it partially let go of Bakugou. The blond coughed, gulping down air. Izuku latched onto the villain, trying to claw the other boy out.
Kacchan!
Why are you here!?
My legs moved on their own! I don't know why, though!
"Just like you said Midoriya." Iida's face was blank, Izuku could tell he was analyzing the situation and actions himself for future use.
I think there were various reasons.
Everything ran through his head as he desperately tried to save the other boy, but nothing slowed him down.
You should probably give it up.
It's my fault...
How can you even stand in the same ring as me?
He's so cool!
Unless I try...
Kacchan!
It's been my goal...
I'll do my best!
He saves everyone with a smile...
But at that moment...
Hearing sniffling, Izuku looked to Uraraka. Tears and snot were trailing down her face.
"Uraraka! Are you okay!?"
"Yeah. You're just so strong Deku! I'm happy that you're here with us." Despite the snot, Izuku let his friend hug him, reminding himself to be careful of that patch ion his shirt.
Just as he's known for, Izuku's eyes were overflowing with tears, and a shaky smile was on his lips.
You looked like you were asking for help...
All Might was stunned, something hitting a note within him.
Stop it...!
'Pathetic... Pathetic!'
Nobody noticed a scrawny man in the back start to grown, his twiggy arms gaining muscle and the steam that poured from his body.
"Yeah! All Might!" Ashido jumped with joy.
"Beat that slimy butt!"
"Go All Might!"
Just a little longer. Don't get in my way!
The villain recovered, aiming to strike at the green boy. The heroes rushed into action, but none would be able to make it nor stop the attack.
He'll die in vain! Is he suicidal!?
The street went up in smoke. They hadn't stopped the attack, yet there Izuku was, not a scratch on him as he shielded his face from the attack.
I really am pathetic.
All Might was over the boy, sludge wrapped around him.
"You are crazy Toshinori." Recovery Girl hit the blond man in the back of his head with her shot cane, reminding the hero she was here. Oh boy she was not going to like what she's going to see later.
All Might...
Even though I admonished you, I wasn't putting what I said into practice!
The Hero ripped his arm free, breaking the sludge holding him. Blood sprayed from his mouth as he pulled back his fist and grabbed the two boys' arms.
"Damn that's metal," Kaminari commented, chewing on some gummy worms.
Yaoyorozu smacked him on his head. He could at least act concerned.
Pros are always risking their lives!
All Might!
Detroit Smash!
All Might's fist connected, blowing away the monster with huge power. The other heroes had to hold onto the civilians, else they'd be blown away form the wind force. From the other streets, a tornado could be seen reaching up to the sky. As the funnel of air dissipated, All Might panted. The people and heroes stared in amazement. Water droplets started to fall from the sky.
"Show off," Aizawa mumbled to himself.
Rain?
Izuku and Bakugou were both passed out on the ground, dazed.
Don't tell me it's from the wind pressure just now?
An updraft developed and...
The sky was grey and the clouds circled above them.
He made... clouds...?
All Might wiped away the blood on his chin as he stood.
Hey, hey, hey, hey!
With just his right fist, he changed the weather!
That's amazing! That's All Might for ya!
Heroic teachers and the students were all cheering in some way. The teachers just overall patted All Might on the back for a job well done. Kirishima was jumping on the bubble of a very disgruntled and angry Bakugou, along with Ashido and Kaminari off to the side cheering him on. The other either congratulated Izuku for his effort in that or sat quietly with silent praise.
As he went to raise his hand, the hero stumbled back, just catching himself. He paid no attention to the cheering crowd, looking down behind him to the two boys, or one in particular really.
After this, heroes collected the scattered sludge, and safely delivered it to the police.
Big garbage bags were being loaded into the police truck, heroes saluting with the press in stand by. As All Might was being interviewed by dozens of news stations, the heroes hovered over the two boys.
Jeez, there's a limit to how rash you can be! There was absolutely no reason for you to put yourself in danger!
"Hey! No fair! Deku was braver than all of them were!" Uraraka complained.
"To them they just saw a Quirkless boy run head first into danger, not the inner thought of the two that saved the day." Aizawa pointed out. "I have to say, while it was still a stupidly dangerous act, seeing this now it is the only reason why we have Bakugou even with us anymore. Good job kid." Izuku was stunned by his teacher's praise.
"Still, you chose someone just as reckless as yourself Toshinori. While he's going to be a great hero, I just hope he grows into thinking before he rushes in instead of after." All Might flinched at her words. He knew they were true and both himself and Izuku would have to work on that together.
Izuku flinched at the loud scolding of Death Arms and Kamui Woods, but he had no scratches on him. Just beyond the cameras were facing Bakugou, along with two other heroes by his side.
I got majorly scolded by the heroes, but Kacchan was praised.
That was amazing toughness!
Bakugou didn't listen to the hero, he'd rather glare at the green haired boy.
And that Quirk! Once you're a pro, please come to my agency! You'll definitely be an excellent sidekick!
"Now that is not fair, Midoriya went through the same thing just before, and he didn't even get the big breaths that Bakugou got!" Hagakure pointed out.
"I hadn't even thought of that, Bakugou really did have it a little easier, being able to breath every few seconds thanks to the villain trying to fight." Ojiro thought aloud.
"So in reality Midoriya was completely suffocated while Bakugou had moments where he could breath. I don't know which is scarier to be honest." Jiro said with a shiver.
"Midoriya's probably would be, he didn't really have any hope," came Tsuyu's bluntness.
"It's not a contest!" Izuku yelled. He knew they were both lucky, himself even more so.
The day changed to further in the evening. the sun cast a golden glow on the city, marking the night to be approaching.
I wanted to apologize to All Might, but he was still getting interviewed...
Izuku walked, staring at his feet glumly.
I'll try sending him a message on his website when I get home.
A few students sweat dropped. Like that would actually get through to him.
Deku!
The boy paused, turning to the voice. Bakugou ran towards him, stopping a few meters away.
Kacchan...?
None of them knew what was going to happen. Was the boy going to punch him, or even scarier, thank him?
Clenching his fists, Bakugou shook in anger.
I never asked you for help! And you didn't help me! Got it!? I was fine by myself. You're a Quirkless failure playing without a full deck! Don't think you can look down on me! Are you trying to make me owe you!? Don't look own on me! You damn nerd!
He turned away quickly, stalking away, hunched over.
"Toughness..."
"Jeez, lighten up a bit kid," Ectoplasm remarked.
It's just as Kacchan said. It's not like I accomplished anything or changed anything. But, I'm glad. Now I can think of a realistic future...
He turned, a saddened smile on his face as he let his hair hide his eyes.
"Don't ever give up!"
"No way, you're too awesome for that!"
"Don't think that way, you're better than most of us after all!"
Izuku was silently tearing up. He loved his class.
I am here!
All Might ran out from the side street, kicking up dust with his speed. Izuku halted at the sudden appearance.
A-All Might!? Why are you here? You were surrounded by reporters until just now...
The number one hero laughed, standing tall.
Getting away from them was a piece of cake. Why? Because I am All Migh-
Izuku screamed as All Might deflated, violently coughing out blood.
Just like onscreen Izuku, the real one screamed as well, forgetting how violent it was after the day's fiasco. He wasn't the only one though, a few teachers and students cried out too.
Young man, I come with thanks, a correction, and a suggestion.
All Might stood before Izuku, the sun to his back.
If you hadn't been there... If you hadn't told me about your life... I would've turned into a guy in a bodysuit who was all talk. Thank you.
That can't be... It was my fault in the first place. I got in the way of your work, and I said those impertinent things even though I'm Quirkless...
That's right...
"You big sap," Recovery Girl huffed, smiling at what she knew was a touching moment.
They were all starting to get chills from how powerful this was, even second hand.
It was because of none other than the timid, Quirkless you at the scene that I was able to act.
All Might's words made Izuku look back to him, his face unreadable.
Top heroes have stories about them from their school days. Most of their stories have one thing in common:
Izuku running into the fight came back into play.
Their bodies moved before they had a chance to think.
"You really are meant to be a hero, see Deku!" Uraraka was tearing up again. Izuku couldn't form words, his throat was clogged and tears had been running down his face since All Might began talking.
Izuku's eyes became shiny and once more that fateful day, tear began to form.
For some reason, I remembered my mother's words.
I'm sorry, Izuku! I'm sorry. I'm sorry!
"Dammit! That part hurts deep down!" Kirishima scowled, holding back his own, manly, tears. A few other were tearing up also, this boy has come so far.
Izuku began to curl over, shaking with his held back sobs.
That was true for you, too, wasn't it?
He could barely answer through his clenched teeth.
Yeah...
That's not it, Mom.
Back then, what I wanted you to say...
The boy fell to his knees.
The words I wanted to hear were...
All Might's hair blew in the wind, his gaze never wavering from Izuku's knelt form.
You can become a hero.
"You are something else Midoriya, just as I thought." Todoroki smirked.
He sobbed on the ground in front of his hero as the skyline showed.
Dreams can become reality.
The golden sun was just over the horizon along the ocean.
"That was so," Midnight blew her nose, "beautiful!"
By the way, I forgot to mention that this is the story of how I became the greatest hero.
And the ending played.
Many of the viewers yelled out at the last line.
"Greatest hero!?"
"Is he going to be number one!?"
"Does he have that much confidence hidden inside?"
"What does that mean?"
"Tiny!?"
"Shush!" Tiny brought the lights back up. "For your information I don't even know what happens after you all get outta school, heck I don't even know past the first year yet."
"Wait so does that mean you already know further than we do?" Aizawa asked.
"Well yeah, like I said you guys are an anime so don't you think there's a manga?"
"This is so weird!" Ashido's eyes were spinning in her confusion.
"Wait so our," Sero paused, feeling weird and no less confused, "story I guess, isn't even over yet? How far does it go?"
Tony put her hand to her chin, thinking. "Well... I guess I can try to explain it. Basically you guys are a big hit, everybody, even people that don't watch anime watch your show. You guys aren't too behind the manga at the moment but it's still quiet a bit away, at least another season probably."
"How many seasons are there now?" Ojiro piped up.
"Three, this one ends at the USJ, the second one starts with the sports festival and end with the Finals. You literally just went through the first episode of season three today." Tiny began leading everyone out of the theater and to the main lobby. Surprisingly both Bakugou and Mineta were unbubbled and quiet on their way out, wanting to hear more.
"May I ask how long will our story as you put it, be?" All Might asked.
"I don't know for sure because like I said, its still ongoing, but I remember hearing once that the creator said it was only about one third done or so, so it'll probably go onto you're guys' third year? Maybe a little after? He compared it to Bleach and Bleach has over six hundred, almost seven hundred, chapters. So there's still a long ways to go..." A few were taken back at how the girl could mutter just like their resident main character. It was kinda scary to know that happens to others too.
"And you won't tell us anything, you're just making us watch this until you send us back? That's a little cruel isn't it?" Aizawa looked down at Tiny, breaking her out of her muttering spell.
"Oh, is that what you think?" Tiny matched his steady glare with her own, more fierce one.
"Yes, you could just tell us the bad things to avoid if you really wanted to help, not make us sit through private memories and events."
"You really don't get it do you?" Aizawa's confusion flashed on his face for just a moment before steeling once more.
"Clearly I don't, please explain."
Tiny crossed her arms and legs, floating mid air. She didn't blink as she began to explain. "For starters, if anything happens to our number one hero in training, Midoriya Izuku, you will all know how not to let One for All die. Not saying anything will happen but there is always a way. Next, I'm saying it right out, there is a traitor amongst you all. Perhaps this will help weed them out early."
The students whispered within themselves, looking at each other and the teachers warily. This was news for them.
"So you don't even know yet?" Nezu's voice was monotone despite the smile on his face.
"No, if I did I wouldn't have brought them here, I'd just let you find out while we watched. I came to the conclusion that if I did bring them here they would eventually see the scene where you teachers were discussing the matter. Who knows, we may just find them ourselves." For such a small girl, Tiny really could scare both pro heroes and heroes-in-training with just a look. Izuku's heart jumped into his throat when he felt it pass him by.
"Anyone suspects?" Present Mic asked, not using his Quirk for once.
"A few, I've been keeping tabs on them so no worries there. I was hoping to avoid needing to explain myself, I didn't want to cause any infighting right away."
All the guests eyed one another carefully, as if they'd see 'traitor' written on somebody's forehead. The pressure could be cut with a knife.
"Let's get back to it shall we? Get new snacks now, the viewing room has been cleaned so everything left behind is gone now. We'll start in a few minutes." Tiny walked back in the double doors first, leaving her guests behind. A few went for water but no one felt up for food. It wasn't long before they began the third episode.
Heya! Sorry its been a while, guess who graduated? I'm not giving up on this yet so stay tuned, even if my updates are a bit erratic. Let me know what you think with a review and feel free to follow and favorite! I get notified by my phone every time and it makes little fireworks in my heart! :D See you all next time! (Pls tell me if I misspelled anything anywhere, or if a word is wrong in any way. I will literally go back to change just that. ;u;) Love you all!
p.s. longest chapter yet at 8,142 words!