A/N: Sorry for the late upload. The Pandemic isn't making life good.
Chapter 3: Hero
Izuku feels like today is the best day ever!
Sure, he might have forgotten what he really should be thinking about but that's nothing compared to meeting the number one hero!
"Just use this table, my boy, and try to keep your movements to a minimum. With the way that you're freaking out, I think you might just make another earthquake."
Well, maybe his fanboying might have gone overboard but did anyone notice that he's living a fanboy's dream?!
Because he is!
Have you ever thought that he, a plain-looking kid with no notable aspects or whatsoever, just used the same water dispenser as his idol?! It's just too much for Izuku's heart that he swore he fainted a few times from happiness.
Tsukauchi's head ached the whole time.
Allmight didn't really do much because even a little movement from him made the boy react so much. 'Maybe the boy's got some kind of sugar rush?'
Still, even with all the fanboying and fainting, Izuku managed to fill up Tsukauchi's section in his notebook (while also filling up Allmight's section). Tsukauchi was somehow impressed that while Izuku was asking Allmight about what his quirk really is, the boy still writes on his notebook on Tsukauchi's section. When Tsukauchi decided to take a look, Izuku had somehow devised some kind of other uses for his quirk.
"Kid, are you a villain or an info-broker?"
Tsukauchi had to ask. His assumption must be wrong but he couldn't help but be cautious. There might be some kind of motive from Izuku to be this inquisitive about quirks.
'The kid's too good at asking these questions.'
"If he is, I would have smelled it! Villains have a certain scent that makes me mrrmmppphhh"
'Goddammit Allmight, it's not a question for you so don't answer it just as you please!' Tsukauchi glared at the hero.
Clearing his throat, while still covering Allmight's mouth with his right hand, Tsukauchi asked the question again. This time, Izuku was looking square at him.
"Why are you asking me that?" Izuku asked.
Tsukauchi didn't know what to think. 'Is the boy countering my quirk or is he just asking?'
Asking a why-question wouldn't trigger Tsukauchi's quirk because it's not a statement that would directly be answered as true or false. For Tsukauchi's quirk to start its analyzation of fact or lie, it must have a subject which it would use to delve into and check its facts.
As for how his quirk does the checking, Tsukauchi has no idea.
Back to the present, with Tsukauchi trying to give his mind a stop on its overthinking, he once again cleared his throat.
Deciding on what to say, he goes with the choice that he's the most comfortable with.
"Let me first apologize for my next words, Izuku..." He paused for a while, somehow readying himself for his next statement, "but I am overthinking if you're actually a villain or an info-broker with the way that you're asking us about quirks. Though young, are you what I'm suspecting you as?"
Yes, Tsukauchi just went with the truth. True to opinion, he dislikes lies and it's probably due to his quirk.
Izuku stared at Tsukauchi, and then looked at his notebook until realization dawned on him.
Waving his hand frantically, as if it would shield him from the officer and the hero, Izuku profusely apologized.
"I am so sorry! I... I didn't know I was being too intrusive about your information. I was too absorbed in the note-taking that I somehow forgot my limits and I am so sorry sir! Please forgive me if I somehow offended you or if I made you think wrong but I swear I had no bad attentions or anything like that and I swear to you that I am not in any way, a villain or an info-broker but if you feel that my statement is not enough, please feel free to take my notebook as you wish, even though it would pain me because I tried really hard on every inkblots on this notebook but if I really really have to give it to you, I won't even try to resist it I'm so mmmmpphhhhh"
Tsukauchi wanted to laugh at the situation because it is somehow fascinating how he's covering the mouths of the other two occupants of the closed space, with his right hand on Allmight's and his left on Izuku's.
"Okay, so when I remove these hands, I want you" Tsukauchi looked at Allmight, "to quietly listen and not utter a single word until I asked you to."
Tsukauchi then sent his gaze to Izuku, who flinched, "and you, to answer the question with a yes or a no. Okay?"
Both heads nodded simultaneously.
Removing his hands, Tsukauchi looked at them to see if they will listen to his command. Although he did feel a bit guilty because of Izuku.
He can just see Izuku's tears. Goddammit, he's not like Allmight! He doesn't make kids cry.
Clearing his throat for the third time, to which Tsukauchi thinks he really needs water but refuses to do so, he asked Izuku the question again.
"Are you going to use our information against us or anyone who we know?"
Izuku profusely shook his head.
"You can speak a yes or no, Izuku."
"NO!" Izuku then quickly covered his own mouth with his two hands.
Tsukauchi, verifying that Izuku really is telling the truth, finally took a glass and got himself some water.
Gulping down the refreshment, he then placed the glass on the table, earning a yelp from the boy.
"Let me first say that the part when Allmight said that he can smell villains... That was a lie. Next is... " Tsukauchi knelt down near the boy. "Kid, sorry for scaring you or if I made you feel bad."
Izuku shook his head, "no, I understand sir. You were merely doing your job and I somehow made you feel threatened and I'm so so-"
Izuku stopped when he felt a hand on his hair. He looked to see Tsukauchi's hand. "Don't apologize kid. You did nothing wrong. It's just incredible how a kid like you knows so much about quirks. You know how to ask the right questions, and I'm sorry I took a little peek at your notebook."
Tsukauchi tapped on the kid's notebook that's lying on the table, motioning for a permission to open the notebook, to which Izuku nodded. "I'm just impressed that you can think all of these Izuku. Possible uses? Possible Support item? And you even have a list... on what my possible weakness is."
Izuku then looked pale, recognizing some of Tsukauchi's point. Allmight, feeling Izuku's discomfort, offered a hand by placing it on the boy's shoulder.
Tsukauchi stood up and sat at the nearest chair. "Don't be scared Izuku, I'm not mad at you. It's just that I hope that you know what implications this note-taking will do if it falls to the wrong hands. You might be writing general facts about a person, but you're also utilizing these facts, enabling you to unlock some new information about some heroes."
Tsukauchi closed the notebook, letting everyone see the cover page. "It says here that it's your hero-analysis for the future..."
His next words made the other occupants in the room to stare at him wide eye.
"So how about I help you in this analysis for the future?"
Izuku had to take a double-take at the officer's words because in all his life, the only adult that's willing to put up with him is his parents.
The only times that he's been told those words were so the teachers could manipulate him to do their biddings. Izuku doesn't want to think wrong of the officer but...
It's such a big opportunity but he doesn't know the risks of taking it.
Izuku wants to try and believe this officer but his confidence in himself made him overthink.
'Will he really help me?'
'Won't he abandon me in the end when he realizes that I'm not worth it?'
'Won't he be disappointed at my inability?'
Tears started flowing down Izuku's cheeks and he didn't even feel Allmight standing up and hugging him.
Allmight didn't say anything but he continued to soothe the boy by patting his back.
Tsukauchi stared at the two and gave his own twocents to placate the boy. "I don't know what's going on in your mind right now, but let me tell you that I'm impressed by your talent Izuku. I want to try and help you, maybe because I want to see what you can do more."
"...but what if I disappoint you?" Izuku muttered but as it was a closed room with little to no noise, it was heard by the two.
"That would just mean that you didn't obey the law."
Izuku stopped his crying and looked up, finally noticing Allmight's closeness. He then looked at Tsukauchi who was smiling at him.
"I mean why would I be disappointed with such a hardworking boy such as yourself? As they say, hardworkers triumph over geniuses. Quirkless or not, you impressed me and it's my choice to help you. I may not be a hero who's been licensed to be in the spotlight, but I can be a hero to someone who wants to be a hero. Right now, I want to ask you, Izuku Midoriya, do you want to be a hero?"
Wiping his tears away, he looked at Tsukauchi with a new confidence. "Yes sir!"
Both adults looked at each other and gave a gentle smile at the boy.
Getting some tissue from a cabinet, Tsukauchi threw it to Allmight, whom offered it to the boy. Izuku gladly accepted it.
After checking if the boy needs anything else, Allmight went to Tsukauchi and motioned his hands to his mouth.
With that, Tsukauchi finally remembered his orders. He gave a sigh.
"You can talk now Allmight. Anything you want to say to the boy? We'll be giving him back to his mother soon."
Allmight, with very big grin, gave a thumbs up. "That was so cool, my friend! You helping this young man just screams hero in my book. I am so glad I am your friend and if I can, I would gladly brag to everyone how you gave a quirkless boy a chance at heroics!"
Tsukauchi somehow wants to bring back his command again, but refrained. "Well, start by piping down your excitement, it's too much." Allmight then gave a nod. "I'm not helping him just by myself, you'll be helping him too Allmight."
For the second time, the two went wide-eyed at Tsukauchi's statement.
"Izuku wants to be a hero, and let's be honest, he can't do it by my powers alone. I'm just a police officer. I just enforce the laws." Tsukauchi pointed to Allmight. "This hero, on the other hand, is the most powerful hero in all of Japan. Even the prime minister would bow down to him."
"I think that's an exaggeration Tsukauchi."
"I don't tell lies Allmight, exaggeration included."
"Yes sir..."
"My point is, to be a hero, you need to get into a hero school so that you can get a hero license. What better way than to be sponsored by the number one hero in his own alma mater?"
Izuku stood up. "Sir, I'm sorry but I think you're jumping the gun here. I'm quirkless and I-"
"UA doesn't have any rules prohibiting quirkless individuals. So long as you pass their exam and they deem you worthy, you'll get in."
Izuku looked at Allmight, who's eyes have been shining blue. "The entrance exam varies but I don't think you can pass the practicals. It's a dangerous portion but UA administers safety precautions. As a quirkless, they might think you'll be endangering yourself without any quirk to protect you." Allmight then looked at Tsukauchi. "Therefore, you need to be in a recommendation. My friend, that's what you're gunning for, am I right?"
Tsukauchi nodded.
Izuku, if possible, had question marks above his head. "What... eh? I mean what?"
"Calm down my boy," Allmight said. "Recommendations can be made by pro-heroes so that they can have students of their choice be trained in UA. That is of course, if they can pass the exam that's been given. The exam isn't that dangerous but it will be closely supervised by the UA administration. Still, it's not dangerous but it is very tricky."
Allmight crossed his arms. "If it's said that you're quirkless, then they will give you an exam based on your status and abilities, along with my reason for my recommendation."
"My boy..."
Izuku felt chills. He was reminded that the pro-hero that's standing near him is the number-one hero in Japan. "If you want my recommendation, will you be able to prove to me your willingness to be a hero?"
Allmight's eyes flashed blue.
"Will you go beyond my expectations?"
Izuku clenched his fist. He didn't know how the voice came out but when he finally realized, he had already answered.
"Plus Ultra."
Allmight smiled and gave a hearty laugh. "I like your answer, young man."
A little later, Izuku had to bid his goodbyes to the two adults, whom gave their own goodbyes as well.
Now that the two were alone, Allmight thought it would be the time to ask the detective regarding Izuku.
"Why give young Izuku that offer?"
Tsukauchi arranged the files on the desk and fixed his tie.
"It was the best choice. Izuku's talents are terrifying and if it falls to the wrong hands, we'll be sure to regret it."
"Surely you're exaggerating, my friend."
Tsukauchi looked at Allmight. "I'm sure I already told you that I don't do exaggerations."
"But..."
"If we'll be taking a close watch on him, then we can gauge his abilities to an extent. We can also be sure that his talent won't fall to unwanted people."
"Then why didn't you just take his notebook away?"
"The notebook is just a physical manifestation of the boy's mind, his inner thoughts on the information regarding the pro-heroes. The notebook isn't what's truly dangerous. It's the boy's mind."
Allmight went silent for a moment, contemplating. "Then why didn't you just placed him in police protection?"
"I am putting him in that, just implicitly." After giving the usual thanks-for-the-hard-work to his fellow officers, Tsukauchi went to his car where Allmight also followed.
"The boy is already lacking in self-esteem. Imagine if he's placed into a protection system. He's smart so he knows that he's in danger, which will make him more paranoid."
Tsukauchi asked Allmight if he wanted to come as well, to which the hero accepted. They resumed their talk inside the car.
"The boy's still young and he has dreams. In a way, I meant what I said earlier when I was impressed by the boy and wanted to help him. Izuku truly was impressive."
Allmight showed a gentle smile. "I agree with that. I remember myself in the young man, back when I was just Toshinori."
Tsukauchi laughed. "What are you talking about? You're still Toshi."
"I meant back when I was just your average dreamer, unknown by all."
"Is that so? Does that mean that he has a chance of being like you?"
Allmight laughed, blue eyes glinting. "That is if he can go beyond."
"You and your school motto. Speaking of, why are you in Japan? I thought you're in an investigation in America."
"Right, I almost forgot to inform you."
Tsukauchi's eyes widened.
"You mean, there's a super-villain in Japan?!"
"Shhh!" Allmight admonished Tsukauchi. "Don't be so loud Tsukauchi, it's supposed to be a secret!"
"Then why are you telling me this?"
"I think I'll be needing your help soon. It's better if I have some people in the know who won't be going with me in this fight."
Tsukauchi had a bad feeling. "Don't tell me that a plan's been hatched?"
Allmight looked at the scenery. "It's been planned for a long time. Just... The guy's too dangerous and we can't expose the public to an unwanted paranoia. As long as we can defeat the guy, it would be allright."
"And if you couldn't?"
"Then that's where the people like you will come in."
Tsukauchi frowned. "Allmight... no, Toshi... What are you trying to say?"
Allmighy smiled, but not a happy one. "I'm not as good as people take me to be. Afterall, I'll be avenging my predecessor. Revenge shouldn't be in a hero's mind."
"Toshi..."
"Ah please drop me off here, I'll be doing something first before going home." Allmight pointed to a nearby park, where Tsukauchi parked the car.
"Than-" Allmight tried to open the car door but it was still locked. "My friend?"
Tsukauchi had his hands on the wheel, with his eyes still looking forward. "That was some bomb of a news, Toshi..." He then looked at Allmight.
"If you're going to say something like that, please give me sometime to be ready, damn it."
"I'm sor-"
"I get why it's a top secret information and you really shouldn't tattle even to your close friends. Someone might've bugged my car, you know?"
"But -"
Tsukauchi unlocked the car door. "Atleast inform me the basic info that might involve me. I'll do my best to be of any support. Also, inform your superiors that I know. It's better if they're informed."
"I'll atleast let gran torino know."
"Now get out of my car, I want to sleep in my house ASAP."
Hurrying out, Allmight gave his apologies and thanks.
Before going on his way, Tsukauchi opened his car window to speak a few more words to Allmight.
"Don't forget that we'll be mentoring Izuku. You and me, both."
With that, he went his way. Allmight had to smile at his friend. "It's not like the battle's tomorrow. We're still planning."
The pro-hero looked at the sky, where a full moon shines.
"Mentor... huh?"
Allmight then looked at his hands, which he closed into a tight fist. "A hero never goes back with his words, isn't that right?"
Nobody answered the lingering question.