"Breaking news out of Hosu, I'm Densetsu Keiko and it seems the public was not made aware of the full details regarding the capture of the Hero Killer Stain who was allegedly taken in by Number Two Hero, Endeavor late Wednesday night. However, Midoriya Izuku, the quirkless student who placed second in the Yuuei Sports Festival, came forward with some shocking allegations-"

click

"This is huge folks, huge. You're telling me the quirkless student half of Japan fell in love with was responsible for Stain's capture? And the Police covered it up and let Endeavor take credit? If what that Midoriya kid says in true, this is going to shake up the industry-"

click

"The Hosu Police are backpedaling but not denying Midoriya Izuku's claims so there might be some truth in the matter. Trust in the police has been steadily decreasing with the rise of heroes but this is blatant lying and subterfuge. They- hold on, this just in! Chief Tsuragamae of the Hosu Police Department has officially resigned his position following accusations of miscon-"

click

"I think it's great, Midoriya is hitting the government where it hurts, in it's reputation. People have been dissatisfied with the self-seeking attitude of heroes, save of course All Might, for years but this really brought the issue into the spotlight. It's way past time for a change."

"You really think so? Because I see less change in the streets and more chaos."

"I'm not saying it's going to be pretty but it's been a long time coming-"

click

"Endeavor's agency cannot be reached for a statement but many people are outraged by the allegations made against him. The Flame Hero has often been criticized for his brash demeanor but now his once spotless record is being reevaluated and some are talking of removing him from his positon entirely-"

click

"What I want to know is how this could have been allowed to happen? Viewers may know I was entirely against the transfer of Midoriya to Yuuei's Heroics Department and this is one reason why. The boy has proven himself to be reckless and uncontrollable. As a student, he shouldn't have gotten involved in the fight in the first place but to announce it to the world? He's doing more for the villains' cause than-"

click

"I don't care if they are heroes in training, that boy was forced to fight a serial killer! And was injured because of it! Everyone is up in arms over Endeavor and the Police but I think Yuuei and the other hero schools need to be held responsible for the safety of their students-"

click

"How was this kid able to get away with this? I don't know much about politics or whatever but are the police really gonna let a 15 year old kid get away with kicking them in the balls just because he's quirkless? There's got to be some legal mumbo-jumbo to pin him with, yeah? I can't use my tactile telekinesis without the authorities getting up in my grill and a brat can-"

click

"Midoriya Izuku, who uncovered a conspiracy between Endeavor and the Hosu Police, has become something of an overnight celebrity and developed quite a following over the past few days. Social media sites have been inundated with praise over Midoriya's actions citing them as "inspiring". Many of the websites have been taken down due to connections to villain organiz-"

click

"The quirkless have been treated like second class citizens for decades now. Ever since quirks became the majority in 2XXX people would rather pretend they don't exist. I'm unbelievably proud of Midoriya Izuku for not only pursuing his dreams of heroism despite numerous obstacles but for bringing this issue to our attention. He exposed the inherent bias in our social and legal systems-"

click

"We come to you live from a suburb in Musutafu. We are currently standing outside the apartment of Midoriya Izuku, who you all know as the quirkless Yuuei student who uncovered what is now known as the Hosu Cover-Up. Despite repeated efforts, Midoriya has not made contact with anyone after his initial media statement. We're hoping he'll come out to explain why he felt the need to bring this situation to light. For those just tuning in-"

click

No one could know that the object of debate was watching the unfurling controversy with smug satisfaction. He continued to surf through the channels, listening to the results of one little phone call.

There was going to be trouble for this. His mother was rightfully upset with him for his recklessness and he'd gotten a very threatening email from Aizawa-sensei demanding a meeting early Monday morning. But still, he couldn't find it in himself to regret it as he ate straight from an ice cream carton and watched the debates from his couch

This might be the end of his hero career, gone before he ever really got started but what a note to go out on. At least he'd done something, at least he'd gotten people to think.

So Midoriya Izuku sat back and soaked up the heat from the fire he himself had lit. He had plans if he's thrown out of Yuuei and though it wasn't what he wanted, he was prepared for the possibility. Though this may be an end of sorts, in a way, it was only the beginning.

This is where his story began.

XxX

"I ought to expel you," Aizawa growls to Young Midoriya who has his head hung low with his unruly hair covering his eyes. But Toshinori had caught the boy's face when he'd come in, he isn't sorry in the least.

At least he looks better than he had at the hospital. His throat is still bandaged, his wrist brace is on and he's walking with a heavy limp but at least he has some life in his eyes again. Maybe a little too much, considering everything that's happened this past weekend.

It's Monday morning, three days have passed since the incident in Hosu became public and the fire is burning just as brightly as it had Friday evening. This conference should not be a surprise to Young Midoriya; he should have known there would be consequences for such a willful disregard for the rules and authority. His mother is sitting beside him with a put out expression, looking both angry and exasperated. Toshinori can only imagine how difficult it is to try and parent someone as stubborn as Young Midoriya.

"Not only did you disobey direct orders from your sponsor but you broke school code by engaging a dangerous villain in combat to the point where you required hospitalization. Given the situation, we were willing to let the whole incident slide except you insisted on making the information public and started a media frenzy." Aizawa continues, crossing his arms angrily. "Anything else you'd like to say or have you had your fill?"

"I didn't uh mean for it to get so out of hand," Young Midoriya says quietly and that's probably the truth. The boy had set off a political landmine with his little stunt that would probably take months to die down. "I'm sorry for causing trouble for the school."

"It shouldn't have happened at all," Mrs. Midoriya says sternly, frowning at her son. "It's bad enough you're worrying my nerves getting into all these fights but did you have to advertise it? Reporters have been camped outside our house for days, Izuku, days." She turns her frown towards them, "and I can't say I'm satisfied with how the school handled his safety during what should have been a routine internship."

"We completely understand your frustration, Midoriya-san and steps will be taken to improve the safety of our students." Nedzu says carefully. "Unfortunately, what's done is done and we need to figure out how we're going to proceed. Namely your son's position in the hero program and in this school."

"Reviewing the case, we concluded that, indeed, your confrontation was not illegal in the sense that you didn't break any quirk laws," Tsukauchi says. "You tow the line with some of the vigilante regulations but it wouldn't hold up in court because, well, your lack of a quirk means you fall under a protected status and could easily win with a 'self-defense' case." He continues, looking down at his notes.

"Are we going to have to go to court?" Midoriya-san asks fearfully, clutching her handkerchief to her chest.

"You shouldn't. Legally, your son committed no crimes and, since the Police neglected to make him sign an NDA, he technically was free to report the incident." Tsukauchi soothes before glancing at Young Midoriya. "Your friends are another story but as long as they officially aren't tied to the scene, nothing can be done to them."

"Regardless of the legality of the situation, you knowingly abused a loophole in the system and broke the trust of this school, the Police and everyone involved in the case." Aizawa adds. "Change isn't always for the better, Midoriya, you're going to find that out soon enough."

"I had to do something," the boy grumbles under his breath before his mother lightly slaps his hand.

"Your frustrations are understandable but you do know that the police were trying to make the best out of a bad situation they couldn't control. And you repaid their well-intentioned kindness by dragging their name through the mud because you were feeling petty." Aizawa says icily with a piercing stare.

"I just wanted to show everyone what was happening, I didn't want it to end up like this," Young Midoriya mutters as he ducks his head shamefully.

"Your intent doesn't matter at this point, this situation is now totally out of anyone's control." Aizawa sighs with barely concealed frustration. "I told you the other day, you don't need a quirk to be dangerous. Thankfully you'd had the sense not to mention your confrontation with the League of Villains or your little stunt might have had a body count."

"If I'm going to be perfectly honest," the principle continued cheerily, clearly amused by all the chaos. "This incident brought to light several key flaws in our curriculum which we will begin addressing immediately. However," his voice turns sharp, "that does not excuse the school rules you knowingly violated nor justify the negative publicity you've brought upon us. We have more than enough reason to remove you from this school."

"I-I know," Young Midoriya stutters before looking forward resolutely. "I stand by my decision to fight the Hero Killer to save Iida and Todoroki. I... I may have made a mistake going to the media but I had no idea that it would get so big. However, I can't say I'm sorry about the fact that I brought to light some issues that are very important to me."

"I fully accept the consequences of my actions and I would understand if the school wants to expel me but I won't let it stop me. Several other hero schools offered spots in their programs this past weekend and I would accept if Yuuei is no longer willing to support me." Young Midoriya looks up and he's young but he's strong.

"I see, and what are your feelings, Midoriya-san?" Nedzu questions gently.

"I wish he wasn't here at all," Midoriya-san says quietly, looking down at her lap. "Ever since he was little, Izuku has wanted to be a hero but I didn't think it was possible because of his quirklessness." She lifts her head and her lower lip trembles but she meets their eyes dead on. "He's been working so hard for his dream and I told him when this all started that I'd support him. If this school promises to employ measures to keep him safe," she takes a steadying breath, "then I'll allow him to stay."

"I know I'm not as strong as the other kids with their quirks," Young Midoriya adds, biting his lip. "I wasn't fast enough to save a life and I acted recklessly which resulted in serious injuries but that's why I have to get better. I'm going to become a hero, one way or another, the only question is whether Yuuei will continue to teach me."

"You mean continue to control you?" Aizawa moans, rubbing at his eyes. "No wonder Chiura-san recommended your transfer, he was trying to get rid of you." Toshinori isn't fooled though, for all the headaches and worry the boy has caused, they're all a bit impressed by Young Midoriya's accomplishments. Which is why this meeting is mere formality.

"If you're going to stay, nothing and I mean nothing, like this can happen again while you're a student here. Part of being a hero is learning to follow orders; you can tear down the system after you graduate for all I care. If you so much as breathe wrong, I won't hesitate to throw you out and make sure that no other hero school so much as looks at you."

"So you'll let me stay?" Young Midoriya asks brightly despite the threat.

"You will be on probation and it will be some time before we trust you again but yes," Nedzu nods. "We agree that there were extenuating circumstances in this instance that could not be avoided. However, legal or not, we will insist you not involve yourself with the media from this point on. It will be your job to learn and our job to nurture you and keep you safe. I assume you don't have any objections to that?"

"No," Young Midoriya says quickly before frowning, "well, actually yes. I've given what you said the other day some thought, Aizawa-sensei and I think you're right."

"It's been hard accepting the fact that I'm so different from everyone. I thought if I wanted to succeed I had to compete on their level but I don't." The boy continues. "There's nothing shameful about needing a different training style; I shouldn't train as if I had a quirk. I'd like to modify my training. My sponsor, Gran Torino, said he'd be willing to continue working with me and I can spend more time with Aizawa-sensei to find my style. If I'm going to be a hero, I need to do it my own way."

"Don't think taking my advice means you're back in my good graces, brat," Aizawa says dryly, "but we'll work something out. Gives me a chance to keep an eye on you; maybe I can even put some sense into your head."

"Gran Torino is currently facing disciplinary action for his involvement in last week's incident but I'm sure we can work out some sort of arrangement that suits all parties." Nedzu grins and Toshinori feels what's left of his guts twist into knots. "As it so happens, All Might has asked for permission to work one on one with you to continue your training."

"All Might wants to train me?" Young Midoriya squeaks, leaning forward in his chair. His mother grabs ahold of his shoulder before he falls into a heap on the ground.

"He was one of the deciding votes for your transfer to Heroics and has been following your progress with interest for a while now," Nedzu explains before gesturing to him. Toshinori waves awkwardly.

"Yagi-san is All Might's personal secretary and a liaison between him and the school. He'll be giving you the details and conditions of All Might's planned training, if you accept of course." The Principal adds on cheekily. Toshinori feels himself flush, of course Nedzu knows why he'd requested a private audience with the young man. Young Midoriya is staring at him with an astonished expression when Tsukauchi clears his throat and stands up.

"Well, it sounds like everything is resolved on my end, I'm glad we could work things out." He leans over and shakes Young Midoriya's hand, "you've got gumption, kid, and a good heart. I look forward to working with you, you know, when you actually have a license," Tsukauchi concludes with a wink as he exits the room. He claps Toshinori's shoulder on the way out.

"Midoriya-san, Eraserhead and I would like to go over our modified security plans to keep your son safe." Nezdu says, jumping out of his chair. "Considering the threats made by the League of Villains, we think it's best if we took precautions. We can continue this discussion in my office and let Yagi-san and Midoriya work out the details of his training. Homeroom will be starting soon so he can go straight to class from here."

"O-oh yes, have a good day, sweetie." Midoriya-san says, carding her hand briefly through her son's wild hair before following Aizawa and Nedzu. "I'd also like to talk about the possibility of counseling. Izuku and those other boys went through so much the other day, I think it would do them a lot of good to talk about it."

"Mom," Young Midoriya whines but is largely ignored.

"Of course, we have counsellors on staff trained for these kinds of situations," Nedzu says as he gives Toshinori a very obvious wink and thumbs up before he, Aizawa and Midoriya-san step out of the room.

The door closes with a quiet click leaving Toshinori all alone with his potential successor.

XXX

"You didn't tell me you worked for All Might!" Izuku says enthusiastically once his mother and his teachers leave the room. He's nearly bouncing in his chair with excitement. He'd expected to be expelled on the spot and was not only allowed to stay but All Might himself has offered to train him. He wants to throw up but in a good way.

"Ah well it, uh, never really came up before," Yagi-san mutters nervously as he rubs the back of his neck. Izuku likes Yagi-san; he's friendly and encouraging and even sits in on Izuku's work-outs sometimes and offers advice. But there's always been something off about him.

Izuku can't quite place his finger on it but he feels like he should know the man from somewhere. He's also wearing a far too big striped yellow pinstripe suit Izuku is positive he's seen All Might wear before. Given the recent development that he's All Might's secretary, Izuku's not sure how he feels about that information.

"By the way, I'm glad to see you're doing better, my boy. I was upset when I'd heard you'd been caught up in that nasty business. Gran Torino told me you weren't doing well, I was quite worried." That's a nice way of saying that Izuku deliberately got himself involved in both situations but he'll take it. Hey, wait a minute...

"You know Gran Torino?" Izuku questions with surprise.

"Yes, we have a long history together. I'm sure he told you a little about it while you were interning with him," Yagi-san says, avoiding his eyes. "I er trust he wasn't too hard on you?"

"No," Izuku says thoughtfully as he really takes in the mysterious man before him. "I learned a lot from him, he did teach All Might after all."

"Ah yes, that's right, he did," Yagi-san says nervously. "Why don't I make us some tea. A conversation like this needs to be done right." He says, quickly standing up and turning away from Izuku to busy himself with the tea-maker. The room descends into awkward silence, only broken by the sound of Yagi-san's bustling. Izuku watches his back with growing suspicion.

"Alright, this'll just take a few minutes to steep," Yagi-san says cheerily setting two empty cups on the table. "I hope you don't mind black, it's all that's on hand."

"It's That's fine thanks," Izuku replies awkwardly.

Yagi-san is wringing his bony hands nervously as he sits down and anxiously straightens the folds on his pants. There's something off about this whole situation. Yagi-san seems pretty well-informed on subjects Izuku had thought were private, not to mention he looks way too nervous for this to be a simple discussion. He feels on edge and tries to quell the slowly growing sense of paranoia in him.

"So class will be starting soon..." Izuku states cautiously.

"Right, yes, we should probably get started, shouldn't we?" Yagi-san says nervously before folding his fingers together and leaning forward. "There's uh something I've been meaning to talk to you about um for quite a while now but it never seemed the right time. I don't even know if there ever will be a right time but well..."

"What is i-" Izuku's eyes widen to the point where he thinks they might drop out of his head when, in a poof of smoke, Yagi-san is gone and in his place is All Might. The Number One Hero gives Izuku his signature grin along with a cheery peace sign. Izuku does the only logical thing he can do at a time like this. He screams.

"What!?" Izuku shrieks, jumping back in his chair and pulling his legs up. "You were All Might!? All this time?!"

"Shh," Yagi-san, All Might, shushes, looking nervously at the closed door. "Someone might-" in another poof, All Might is gone and Yagi-san is there again, pale, skinny and coughing up a good amount of blood. Izuku stares dumbfounded for another few seconds before he curses his hesitation and jumps up to grab some napkins from the counter. He rushes back over to the hero who accepts the pile with a grateful smile.

"Thank you," All Might says as he wipes the blood away from his mouth. "I'm almost out of time for the day and I'm afraid this old body is starting to give out on me. I'm sorry, I imagine that was a bit upsetting."

"Upseting?" Izuku screeches because what else is he supposed to do? Yagi-san turned into All Might and then started spitting up blood everywhere. "I-I don't understand," Izuku says, putting his head in his hands and staring down at the floor.

"What specifically?" The hero asks.

"All of it," Izuku emphasizes. "What happened to you? How long have you been like this and why does nobody know? Why... Why are you even telling me this? I'm-I'm nobody important."

"I'm afraid your first few questions are quite the story which I'll explain later. As for why I'm telling you, well that's a bit complicated." All Might sighs and leans back in the chair, suddenly looking very tired.

"The thing is, my boy, I'm getting old and, as you can see, the battles I've gone through have left me little more than a shell of my former self. I've done my best to keep up appearances but I know I'm going to have to retire soon. I probably won't be able to teach for much longer either." Izuku gasps while All Might grunts and sits himself up straight again, "and that's why I've been looking for a successor."

"Who were you thinking?" Izuku asks before blinking. "Wait, do you mean me?" he squeaks, pointing to himself.

"No, Godzilla, of course you," All Might says with an eye roll. "Just listen for a minute, okay? Remember when you showed up to class and asked about my quirk?" Which time, Izuku winces but nods. "I didn't give you an answer then because my quirk is kind of special." He holds out his hand and Izuku can feel the raw power behind it.

"It's called, One For All, it's the power to transfer power down the generations bringing enhanced strength, speed, endurance, the works." All Might says impressively and Izuku is awestruck, All Might's power... "I was given it a very long time ago by my master. I've done my best to uphold her legacy as the Symbol of Peace and now I offer it to you."

"One For All," Izuku whispers, clutching at his chest. The urge to cry is there but he's fighting back the tears, this is too important, this is his future they're talking about here.

"I also wanted to apologize," All Might says as he closes his fist and the powerful aura fades, "for that day with the sludge monster."

"I'd been at the end of my time limit, about ready to keel over from the strain of using One For All, when I first met you. But that doesn't excuse my negligence. If I recall, there were half a dozen licensed heroes there and at least twice that many people with usable quirks and yet you were the only one brave enough to do something about the situation."

"B-but I didn't do anything," Izuku says desperately. "You ended up saving Kacchan and I."

"Actually, my boy, you did a lot. Your bravery and kindness showed me, if rather belatedly, that you have the makings of true heroism," All Might smiles. "And that matters a whole lot more to me than any quirk."

"I could've saved us both a lot of time and effort if I'd taken a few moments that day to look at you," the hero says as he rubs the back of his neck. "I can't say what would've happened if we'd had the chance, that ship has sailed. I can at least offer you my power now with the knowledge that I've made a good choice."

"You're offering me... your quirk..." Izuku whispers quietly, trying to wrap his mind around the concept. This is all he's ever wanted since he was a kid and now it's being handed to him and by his favorite hero no less.

A whole other life flashes before Izuku's eyes as he imagines having a quirk like All Might's a year ago. He could've passed the Heroics exam no problem. He would've started in 1-A with the rest of the class, not as the weird transfer student. No one would have ever accused him of not being good enough and he wouldn't have felt so alone.

But then, he really hasn't been alone, has he?

"But this all, of course, depends on if you're willing to accept it," All Might seems to have read his mind and he gives Izuku a wry little smile. "The fact of the matter is I need you a whole lot more than you need me. Look at what you've accomplished without a quirk, young man. You're only 15 and already you're changing things. You've gotten to this spot with everything and everyone against you. I wouldn't blame you in the slightest if you wanted to stay as you are."

"A-All Might, I-"

"It's alright to say no," All Might says gently. "Nedzu, Aizawa and I will certainly work with you to your exact specifications to improve your training so you can become the best hero you can be if that's what you choose. You've inspired the nation, you've inspired me. I thought long and hard if it was even right of me to offer but I know you'd be make a perfect successor so I decided to give you the chance to choose for yourself."

Izuku looks down at his hands and lets everything wash over him. A year, a month ago he probably would have said yes without a second thought. This is all he's ever wanted in life, a quirk to prove himself, a power to achieve his dreams.

But if he'd done that, he'd have never met his Rikimaru-shishou, Chiura-san, Taketsu, Patrick, Korudo or Shinsou. He'd have never realized how much he was capable of on his own. Part of him wants to refuse outright and the other to accept without hesitation. He stares down at his worn and calloused hands, unable to come to a decision.

"C-can I think about it?"

"Of course, my boy," All Might nods. "I'd say take as much time as you need but I am running low on it at the moment. If you accept, you'll need maybe another month or so of training to prepare but if you decline, I'll need to find someone else. There are still other candidates I've had my eye on so don't let that affect your decision."

"Thanks, I understand. I'll let you know in a few days," Izuku mutters.

"Great, we're all done then!" All Might says with a clap as he pushes himself to his feet with a groan. "Oh we forgot about our tea, well, never mind that, you need to getting to class. You're quite the celebrity now, you shouldn't keep your fans waiting." Izuku dazedly nods in response. "I hope you have a good day and whenever you have your decision just let me know."

"I-I will um," Izuku swallows, "t-thank-thank you for trusting me and uh for the opportunity." All Might's knuckled hand pats his shoulder.

"I really ought to be thanking you," the hero says. "You know, I shouldn't say this since it's not in my own interests but I'd love to see what you could do as a quirkless hero. I was quirkless myself before I was given this power so I'm a little biased, I guess. Whatever you choose I know you'll be spectacular."

"You were quirkless too?" Izuku gasps, just when he thought he was done being surprised today.

"Yup," All Might grins as he opens the door. "I remember how difficult it was trying to survive in a world of quirks. I wanted to save everyone in the whole world and, one day, a woman believed me and told me I could be a hero and now I'm telling you." All Might winks, "but then you already knew that, didn't you?"

"Yeah," Izuku smiles, "I guess I did." His smile is still in place as he waves goodbye to All Might and makes his way down the hall. It lasts as he avoids the students in the halls who are asking him about the events in Hosu. It's still there when he enters 1-A and is immediately swarmed by classmates with concern and congratulations. There are hands patting his shoulder and voices talking to him but nothing can seem to reach him past the incredible, horrible knowledge weighing heavy on his mind. Despite the noise around him, he lays his head down on the desk and covers it with his arms.

What is he going to do now?

So a lot happened this chapter. Congrats to all the people who guessed Izuku would go public about Hosu, though our bitter bean didn't really take the time to reflect upon the consequences of his actions before he did. The story will continue to explore that thread plus how Izuku will treat All Might's offer... Remember, canon Izuku accepted instantly but this Izuku has become very different from his canon counterpart. Hope you enjoy!