AN: Hey, look at that. It didn't take a year to post, nice. Anyway here's chapter six. Hope you like it.

It was afternoon and back in the sister city of Musutafu Izuku was currently in another scheduled road work, accompanied by Ranrou who's running alongside with him. A small mass of guilt weighs on him as this day is one of the few days scheduled in the American Dream Plan, a school day. Skipping it was a necessity to further process the plan and have his body ready to be the next vessel for [OfA]. Don't get him wrong, his grades are well above the average and the teachers and staff are apathetic of what he does in and out of school.

In spite of that, getting into the most prestigious hero university of Japan missing a great amount of days of school will be on UA's radar. Beyond the requirement quirk and very good grades Izuku doesn't know what else is also needed to get into the university. Doesn't help that All Might is rather tight-lipped about it, saying not to worry about it and that he has full confidence he'll get in as long as he aces the entrance exam.

Even so for the past couple of days the interaction between him and Kacchan was shifted to an awkward and very much less hostile one. He is still jumpy whenever she approaches him, expecting the usual affair only for her to start small talks with him which he gladly converse back. Those cheerful days between them were forlorn gone but the camaraderie today was quite enjoyable compared to the same song and dance after the at the park. So the guilt was somewhat justified as he really wanted to spend time with Kacchan as much as he could.

But he also wants to spend time with Jirou as well. He had never felt so relaxed around someone other than his mother, dog and mentor. Someone he can be out of his shell without facing the full brunt of unceasing torment. Someone who doesn't care if he was formerly a defect to society. Someone who likes him for being him. It twisted the knots in his stomach greatly whenever he even thought of Jirou. Cherishing every single second with her. And the days they would hang out in-and-out of their job he values highly. Jirou is just. She's a great person and friend.

Nevertheless, splitting his time in general for both of them is quite difficult. He doesn't want to be biased by spending more time with one than the other. And he couldn't spend time with both of them together after that rather horrendous first impression that day. He does not have a consistent plan on how to deal with this. And he couldn't request All Might to change the ADP once more as the regime was already changed as far as it could go. He just hopes all this between Kacchan and Jirou won't come and bite him in the butt.

After those trains of thoughts stopped he then became aware of his surroundings. Coming to a stop he looked around and saw he wasn't in the scheduled path of his road work but a deep alleyway. His faithful friend, Ranrou, was panting but his ears were straight up and he looked around as if he was hearing something that Izuku couldn't hear. Ranrou walked forward deep in the alley with Izuku following him, curious as to what got his dog acting strange. The grayish dog stopped at one of the building's corners and peeked his head out. Izuku did the same and what's before him was a large parking space between two buildings, Izuku and Ranrou behind the right building, probably meant for a small handful of box trucks with cargo for shipment.

But there weren't trucks or cargo, sans for dumpsters against the concrete walls, but a group of people occupying there. Mean looking ones too if the expression on their faces were to go by. But what caught Izuku's eye was their clothing. Just by a glance he could tell they belonged to a different high school as some were wearing their blazers different from his. Each one of their hair is styled in pompadours, mohawks, buzz cuts . Some had facial piercings while others had cigarettes on their mouths. Some had their sleeves rolled up showing off various tattoos while others simply had the upper buttons of their white shirts unbuttoned.

Izuku wondered why all of them were seemingly waiting there when one of them spoke, "Hey, boss, are you sure those three Batuu pussies will show up? Cause I don't think they'll no show."

The one who he was talking was, and Izuku didn't want to sound mean but he couldn't anyway down play it, was very obese. Close to morbid level. The buttons on his white shirt were holding on to dear level to contain the sheer bulging stomach you can see the exposed skin. His hair was spiked up but Izuku couldn't tell if it was by gel or natural grease. His face has features of a very fat pig with puffy lips. And finishing it off were a pair of glasses over very squint eyes.

The one that was called boss took a long drag from his cigarette. He then opened a brown bag and exhaled the smoke before closing the bag and shaking it violently. "Those three Batuu stooges will come," said the leader of the group. "Especially that little bitch Kizunaru. He'll definitely come to get this little shit back." He shook the brown bag again, with more force. "It's only a matter of time or we'll just find them. Giving them the hurt until they hand us their turf." He took another drag. "You hear that, all of you? If they don't show, hunt them down and beat every single inch of their life if they don't give. You hear?"

The entire group whooped in excitement. All of them wanted to rub their knuckles against the skin of the Batuu gang and the blood against theirs. Some even lusted to use their quirks against them for the enjoyment it will bring.

Izuku heard the whole thing and is already knowingly what to do. Already fingering the frame of his phone in his tracksuit's pocket, planning to call the police, he and Ranrou slowly walked backed when one of the group heads enter their view causing Izuku's back to hit the wall and Ranrou in a defensive position, bearing his teeth while emitting the smallest snarls as possible. Fortunately, and with a little help from the setting sun making the shadow of the buildings more dark, they were facing the back of the head of this delinquent who was checking the alley and yelled out.

"Hey boss, they're here!"

The head left their view. Izuku let out a baited breath and Ranrou relaxed. But the prodigy of the greatest hero instantly stiffed back as he saw three recognized people he knew.

Jumping in the Gunfire

Walking down the alleyway was Maihi, Kowazou, and Kizunaru. All three looked steadfast with Kizunaru looking the most unwavering between the three. The pure determination and enraged were evidently clear in his eyes that Izuku had seen from the small interactions between them that he was puzzled as to what provoked Kizunaru such a reaction from him. Whatever it was it's likely he'll get his answer as the small group made contact with the larger one. Izuku, this time, peers a portion of his head out of the corner so he can listen and see but not be noticed.

Shohi was mad, no, outright pissed. The moment he entered the small parking lot and saw the fat bastard, Judan, it took his entire being not to see red and go over there and slug the son of a bitch until his fist meets bones. As if sensing his murderous intent he felt a hand on his shoulder causing him to look over his side and see the firm look of Kemuri who shook his head as if telling him not to do it. Sending a gratitude-filled nod Shohi looked back at the greasy-faced pig bastard who was the first one to speak.

'Well Batuu High," he said, "are you ready to accept our deal?" God, fuck, even his words were slimy he can taste it from here and it was disgusting.

Swallowing, a lump in his throat went down, Shohi gave his answer, "We're still thinking over it. But first of things first. Where's Kourin?"

The boss, now identified as Judan, let out a breath of annoyance as if such a small question was too much work for him. He lifted the small brown bag and opened it. The cigarette smoke he blew in escaped as he dug his hand in and fished out whatever contents were inside. Now out in a very rough grip the thing that is in Judan's hand was a-

'A cat.' Izuku thought. Though he had to squint his eyes to get a clear look as the sun was almost gone and the shadows were dark enough the street lights were on. The cat in Judan's hand was a black one, with big eyes that were yellow. It was small, practically a kitten, as it cried out its little whimper meows, feeling great discomfort from being handled in such a manner.

Shohi, scrambling , rushed to his precious little kitten but was held back by his two buddies who predicted something like this would happen. "Kourin! Kourin! Give her back you bastard!" He yelled furiously. Both Kemuri and Taiho have some struggle in holding him, fully aware of how much he loves the little thing since he found her in a cardboard box in a park. "I swear if you did something to her I'll-"

"Oh, shut the fuck up, Kizunaru." Judan said, not a bit imitated. "We didn't do anything to this little shit. But that will change if you don't accept our deal."

Shohi stopped trying to wrestle out the hold and had a faltering look. "I-we still haven't decided."

Judan grumbled, not happy to hear such an answer. "Come on, Kizunaru," he said, "it's such a sweet deal you can't refuse. All you have to do is give us your tuft and let us do whatever we want here."

"And treat us like whipping boys." Shohi retorted, that flare he had moments before rose back up a good amount. "No way in hell that's going to happen."

"Think carefully Kizunaru." Judan said, gripping the little black thing's body much harder, causing her to cry. "We're saving your ass. We, Ambria High, are in an alliance with other schools around in the Shizuoka Prefecture. Our school has the numbers but those other schools are ruthless if the turf they want to conquer is denied to them by other gangs. I've been merciful here. If one of them were here than me we wouldn't have this conversation. So again." He pushed his glasses to the top of the nose, looking at Shohi in scrutiny. "You accept, or not?"

"N-no we're not going to accept," answered Shohi. He didn't care that he was about to start a turf war against the other schools he's going to get his kitten one way or another. Both Kemuri and Taiho both shared that settlement. They were thinking of ways of rescuing the little fluff ball with the minimal troubles. But unfortunately that was all thrown out of the window of what comes next.

Letting out another irritating breath as he shook in pity, Judan brought his hand up for all to see. He didn't know why but Shoji's heart was racing and his body was tense. Then one of Judan's fingers, the middle finger, shifted and changed to-

'A muzzle.' Izuku couldn't believe the reveal of this Judan's quirk. 'His quirk is a gun?!' He knows how strict gun laws are here in Japan. Only a select few, such as police authority and heroes like Snipe, the Sniping Hero with heavily modified firearms, were allowed to use guns, but a quirk that is a gun? Izuku only read and his understanding of quirk laws on the subject is at a surface level. But he didn't reach the level that concerned with quirks that could be problematic for not only the user but everyone and everywhere else around them.

That's when realization hits him as his eyes widen in mortification and dread. 'He wouldn't?' He looked back at the muzzle then the kitten. 'He wouldn't, right? That's sick!' Forgoing calling the police he looked around as he fastly thought of ways of saving Kizunaru's pet and possibly saving the three if things quickly escalated. He then spots a garbage can, those classic aluminum cylinder ones, that was completely full with the top barely closing it and hurries to it.

He grasped the handles, gagging at the smell, and easily carried it back to the corner. His Sanshu Inu buddy positions himself ready for action, understanding what his owner will do. Once Izuku made it back to the corner he uplifted the garbage can onto his shoulder, and waited for the right moment.

"Ready Ranrou?" He whispers, receiving a growl in return. "All right, let's do it." He then stepped out of the corner and threw the cylinder!

Like Izuku Shohi's eyes widen but in absolute terror. His face filled to the brim with fear. He didn't think Judan would actually do it. He imagined it would be a bluff. A fluke. Nothing more but a fear tactic. But it wasn't. As he tried to get out of Kemuri and Taiho's hold, both were afraid things would get much worse if Shohi escaped and rushed forward, this time more ferociously, as Judan uttered with mirth.

"Allow me to explain." He said, waving his middle finger around. "My quirk is called [M16]. It simply changes my fingers to a gun muzzle and shoots out bullets. My body fat acts as the bullets. The more fat I get the more bullets I can shoot. All of them have the rate of fire and velocity of a M-16. Now then, since you refuse my generous offer I now need to reprimand you." He presses the muzzle finger against the kitten's head who thrash around, aware of her circumstances, scared and trying her hardest to get out the grip. "Say goodbye to your pussy."

Time slowed. Shohi managed to get out of hold and ran with all he could muster as Judan mentally touched the trigger. But just as he was about to press it something else entered everyone's view.

Clang!!!

A trash can appeared out of nowhere on the ground in front of them. Its waste contents inside spilled all over and the lid was at least a meter away from it. Out of the startled group Judan was the first one to react. "Where the fuck did that come from?!" He turned to the direction where the trash can was apparently thrown from. Only to see someone rushing at him, swearing he heard train whistles as the unknown assailant threw his arm forward and slugged him right at the side of his face!

His feet flew off the ground, losing his grip on the cat who was then suddenly swooped up by a fast gray streak. Colliding with the ground with a heavy thud Judan, who's face was definitely hurting all over, tried to get up only to plummet back on the ground by a fist hammering straight down on his face; it broke both his nose and glasses, the nasal cavity smashed and blood flew out of the nostrils.

Izuku leaned back, staring down at the knockout gelatinous blob. As he was about to check the Batuu gang to see if they were all right, along with the kitten, he was then roughly grabbed by the shoulder and forcefully whirled. Weeks of dodging those fast, but still hold back, punches for dear life from All Might increase Izuku's reaction to a degree he easily dodged the fist that was slow to his eye, like a snail, and using that whirled momentum threw a counter that hit right on the mark on one of the other school's delinquents he was instantly collapsed to the ground, holding his pain-filled jaw.

But with one taken down two more took his place as Izuku was tackled by two more Ambria High hooligans ramming him to a dumpster. Slamming into the huge green container, Izuku immediately didn't give any chance for them to continue their retaliation by sending a swift uppercut to the tip of one of their chin, making them crumple instantly. He shoulder tackles the other, not giving them room to attack and gives them a stiff body blow straight to the stomach. That was enough for them as they groaned in pain, holding their stomach as they slowly descended.

But that was all of Izuku's fighting chance as the rest of Ambria High gang crowded him like bees defending their hive. Attacking his body all over nonstop as he tried to defend himself, covering his upper body and head with his arms acting as a shield. But the blows were too much for him as he sank down to the ground with his knees also acting as protection when the punches were replaced by raining kicks and stomps that came in droves.

Close by, the Batuu gang took no action but started in complete disbelief. They aren't even aware Midoriya was lurking on them, much less here at all. Conflicted as to whether they should help him or get the hell out of here, Kemuri was the first to voice this difficult matter to Shohi. "Shohi, what do we do?" Shohi himself doesn't know what to do. All he was concerned about was Kourin.

'Kourin!' He mentally yelled. 'Where is she!?' He looked around in a state of feverishness he ignored the trouble binds Kemuri and Taiho were in and the continued plight Izuku was in as he was on the verge of undoing his defensive position, his arms and legs bruised he almost couldn't feel them. That was when Shohi finally noticed that standing right in front of him was not his little bundle of happiness but a grey quadruped animal, a dog. And in the dog's jaw, carefully carried, was-

"Kourin!" He shouted in happiness, scrambling to her when the dog then moved back away from him. "Hey! The hell are you doing?" He angrily said. That's when he caught the canine's eyes. They were sharp and acute, as if it expected him to do the next logical thing. And he knew what that thing was. He silently looked at the still rampaging crowd non-stop at their battering of Midoriya, who was on the very last thread of not giving in. His unyielding spirit is the only thing that keeps him going.

Shohi hesitated but one look at the big eyes of his sweet little Kourin was enough to finally decide as he gained somewhat of a bold look. "Kemuri, Taiho, let's go. And you," he pointed at the dog, "you better keep her safe." The dog wagged his tail as if it was nodding.

One of the Ambria High delinquents has to step back from the group to catch a breather. Feeling tired and yet refreshed as well. He, along with the rest of the gang, really wanted to beat up the puny Batuu gang which only had three members, enough for everyone and, most of them, really wanted to see the Boss blow the cat's head off. But then this green fucker came barging in from nowhere and knocked the boss out there was no way they were gonna let this disrespect of the highest degree fly.

Except those other three who got their shit knocked out of them and the boss who's still down everyone had a turn to curb stomping this wannabe hero. It was fun, at first, but soon turned to frustration since this guy won't go down. Well he's down but not down down. Plus, it's night already and it's gonna be a pain in the ass if this goes on longer they'll miss the next scheduled bus that's probably the last one of today. Some even consider using their quirks to end it all and grab the boss and go.

But just as he was going to use his quirk to get that ball rolling, something grabbed his shoulder making him look over only to get a heavy punch straight to his face, enough that he was knocked out like a chump instantly. That fucking sucks!

Like a warning alarm, the Ambria delinquents were alerted when one of their members blasted through them, knocking some of them down like pins. The ones who weren't hit immediately wasted no time to brawl with the Batuu delinquents who started pounding those who were within reach in their sight. Three against a dozen went underway in the dark alley. Only illuminated by street lights flickering rapidly close to being dead.

In this all out fight between two groups one lone high schooler, still down but clearly not out, visibly slacked his body. His legs and arms deep in black and blue underneath his training clothes the hues would perfectly blind in the dark night if seen. He could already feel the lumps starting to form coming in multitudes swelling like balloons. But with a deep, calm inhalation that set his heart in a rhythmic beat, a beautiful display of gold and yellow coated him. The swells deflate back to a smooth skin surface, the black and blue returning to the skin's original hue one would find mesmerizing if they witnessed it, and the horrendous pain his limbs received washed away by such a pleasant sensation he couldn't help but embarrassingly moan.

Once the pain subsided he stopped his breathing, the golden light of his [Harmon] faded like a lantern, Izuku was about to get up and help the Batuu gang when something collided with the dumpster next to his side. Startled, he turned his head and came face to face with a very bruised Taiho who also made eye contact with him with just one eye as the other one was shot closed by a ugly swelling lump.

"Oh, hey Midoriya," he said to him so nonchalantly as if these gang fights were a normal occurrence to him, "You alright? You took one hell of a stomping. I thought they'd flatten you to the ground like a cement pancake."

"I'm okay, but that doesn't matter. Maihi, you're hurt, let me help you." Izuku said, already resuming back to taking breaths, ready to produce the sun energy of his quirk.

"No way man," said Taiho, struggling to get back, using the dumpster as leverage. "I'm assuming that the dog that saved Kourin is yours. If it is then we're in your debt Midoriya. Shohi won't admit but saving Kourin from getting her brains blown off is a huge deal to him. The best we could do to shave some of that debt is giving you and both the animals a path of escaping. Since Ambria High is focused on us, Batuu, just dip out and all three of you are free."

Now back on his feet, Taiho was about to return to the brawl not before giving Midoriya one last thanks. "You're one good guy Midoriya. Never thought you'll help guys like us after that day on the market. Really, you're like one of those heroes who'll even help us lowlifes other people won't lift a finger just cause we're rotten to society. So get out of here with your dog and Kourin and we'll deal with them." And with that Taiho yelled, rushing towards a group of Ambria delinquents who were taking turns punching Kemuri in the stomach with another one holding him in place with a nelson hold.

A small amount of this overwhelmed feeling in his chest was enough for tears to prickle the corners of Izuku's eyes. Maybe it was because Maihi called him a good person or a hero, who knows. But, despite Maihi telling him to escape, he isn't the type of person to leave when someone, anyone, was in trouble. If people need saving then he'll save them even if they didn't ask him to. Those are the ideals of All Might he adapted to his heart. With a quick sniff and up to his feet Izuku Midoriya let out a yell of his own and charged right into the brawl.

It felt like hours went by. And while Ambria has the numbers, Batuu were gaining inch by inch of winning this turf war thanks to one mean green bean machine. All the training and skills he trained under All Might were starting to show. Able to evade and side-step the desperate tackles and wild wide strikes thanks to nimble footwork. His own strikes that consisted of punches and elbows were, albeit still needed some work, able to land on the majority of Ambria delinquents; impactfully they went down hard. And while some of them got good hits on him like an unstoppable train he still kept going. Never slowing down, never letting them have breathing room, if there was some space between them a high kick to their face was enough to shut down any attempts they could take advantage of.

It was then over, well deep in the night. All Ambria High gang members were down on the ground. Some of them were groaning in pain while others were straight up unconscious. For the Batuu-Aldera team up, they were victorious but they were also left scathe. Out of the four Izuku received less physical damage on him while Kemuri who suffered far worse than the other three was slumped down against the wall, barely holding on to his consciousness.

Shohi, limply and holding his arm, walked to his fallen friend. "We did it, Kemuri. We beat all of them to the pulp. Now they'll think twice of challenging us." Kemuri, whose breathing sounded like he was on a ventilator, couldn't say anything and sent a thumbs up towards him.

Taiho, feeling like he was about to throw up, gulped many times as he hopped on over to Midoriya with one leg. "Bastard, I thought I told you to get out of here. But I will admit if you haven't stayed we'll probably get more than our asses kicked."

Wiping a trail of blood from the corner of his lip Izuku nodded. "Yeah."

"Where's Kourin?" Both of them turned to Shohi who looked around frantically. "Where is she?"

Izuku then realized, momentarily forgot during all that fighting, and put his thumb and middle finger on his lips and whistled.

Whistle!!!!!

Suddenly they heard a jingling sound along with the sounds of quick footsteps coming in their direction. Then out of the shadows and into the dim flickering light Ranrou appeared in their view, still holding the small black mass that is Kourin in his maw. He gently set the months old feline on the ground who quickly scurried to Shohi.

Unashamed tears trailed down from his eyes along with snot droops from his nose. Sniffing, Shohi picked up his kitten and cradled her in his arms. "Kouriiiiiiiin!" Sniff "you're all right." Sniff "I'm so relieved." He then felt a nudge on him, turning to see Taiho who then said, "You, uh, got something to say, boss?"

His face scrunched up in exasperation, and slowly turned his juddering head to an awkward fidgety Izuku. With much reluctance he swallowed his own pride and said, "You did alright Midoriya. Don't know why you butt in, we had it under control. In fact, we didn't need your help at all." Another nudge sent his way. "Alright, alright, Taiho. God damn." He straightened his posture and bowed. "Thanks Midoriya. We… I'm glad you and your dog saved our butts."

"Is-is-is no problem Kizunaru. I'm j-j-just happy you're all safe." Izuku timidly said.

"You know for a guy who swooped in like a hero you're quite acting like a scared bunny." Shohi chuckled, prompting the others to chuckle as well.

It was then Kemuri, still against the wall now able to breathe better, saw something in his view that made his blood run cold. He forced his hoarse voice to vocalize loudly. "Guys! Behind you!"

They all immediately turn to see what's behind them when-

Bang!!

-a loud noise rings in their ears painfully. Izuku then felt a small pain on his cheek along with a small dampness. He checked with his hand, wiped across it and saw blood on it. He looked where the loud sound came from and fear washed over him, along with the other three who were shaking with terror.

Ju Judan has awakened from his small coma. His piggish face, nose and glasses still broken and blood dried around and on his mouth, wobbled as his beady eyes glared at them with such intense ugly hate. Still on the ground one of his arms uplifted outward towards them as one of its budgy fingers was morphed to a muzzle with fresh smoke coming out of its hole.

"You fucker. You mother fuckers. You're gonna pay for that in blood." He heavily breathes, as he gazes fixation on one particular person. "Especially you, you son of a bitch. You're dead!"

Bang!! Bang!! Bang!!

Instinctively Izuku ducked and with great fortune upon him every shot missed him, soaring overhead. It was thanks to Judan's eyesight which is rather poor, his broken glasses were prescription made for him, that saved him literally inches from death. But that didn't stop Judan from continuing shooting.

Bang!! Bang!! Bang!! Bang!!!

Still ducking, as well as the others who cowered defensively, Izuku wildly tried to think how to stop the shooting when he spotted something near him. Quickly he went and grabbed it by the handle. Sending a quick prayer to whoever is up there witnessing this, he got up using the trash can as a shield. He advances as each bullet now ricochets off the circular top, each impact shaking it violently.

Ju, in his blurred vision, sees a fuzzy green shape coming towards him. Panicking, he turned his other fingers to muzzles and fired all the converted fat at him. Just as he was about to use his other hand to kill this bastard when something then hit his literal shooting hand, a kick, away from the front, pain instantly sparked. And to finish it off a much harder impact smashed his face again, more painful than the last he certainly needed medical attention immediately as darkness took over his eyesight.

"Oraaaaaaa!!!"

Letting out a mighty cry, Izuku punched Judan hopefully one last time. Once more right on the nose again. Fresh blood spilled out as the nose was shattered even more. As the obese blob fell back down like tree cut down by a lumberjack with the common yelling 'Timber!!' Izuku moved back as he tossed the dented tin lid away and entered the safe proximity of his now, hopefully, acquaintances. All four of them trembled from that freighting experience they were rooted in their place.

"Hey! What's going on over there? Hello?"

That was enough for them to shake out of their scared state they booked right out of there, both Shohi and Taiho carrying Kemuri by the shoulder, to the opposite side of where the voice came from. But Izuku stopped halfway and went back. Stopping in front of the down Judan he bent and reached out, his hands placed on the wrecked appendage and rhythmically breathing. [ Harmon] once again glorious, arrayed with sparks. Immediately he left the parking space once he heard footsteps coming close and sprang full speed when he heard the voice called out to him.

Later

On the outskirts of the city both Men and Animals came to a stop on a grassy field. All three Batuu students were heavily breathing and rasping, the chubby member of the three plummet head first as he gasped for air with his sweat drenched most parts of his school uniform, while as the Aldera student was slightly out of breath and his legs weren't feeling the burning sensation.

After a while of regaining their bearings Shohi, still holding his kitten in a secure hold, took a gulp of air and said, "You guys alright?"

Taiho took a pill out of Kemuri's bottle and handed it to him, who swallowed it. "Yeah, we're fine. Still trying to shake that really scary feeling out of us, but we're fine." Kemuri nodded in agreement.

Shohi nodded and then looked at Midoriya who's facing upward with his eyes closed to the night sky. "Midoriya, what 'bout you?"

Unlike them Izuku was still trembling. He was in the process of how he was alive from that bullet storm. It was due to his quick thinking that saved him from being the main subject of a crime scene. Visions of his life played during that moment, along with the images of the people he held dear. That was the third time he brushed with death. But unlike them, All Might wasn't there to save the day. And that thought scared him. He knows, sooner or later, his mentor won't be a safety net for long but not this soon.

Clenching his fists, the fear that twisted his stomach soon faded away. But Izuku will hold that in his memory. Not for the terrifying experience, no, but for the motivation. This feeling, the fearful dread of being next to death's door, he won't let anyone experience this. His heroic dream reaffirms his need to save everyone, washing away their fears with a smile. This, he swears.

And that's when he opened his eyes and the stars lay bare to him. The most brightest were two sets of celestial gems that form bestial creatures. Odd, he pondered, he never noticed those so clearly before until now. He knows what they are. Constellations. But his knowledge of them was rather limited. But as he was going skim in his encyclopedia that is his brain he felt his shoulder jogging, taking his eyes and mind away from the stars.

Catching the concerned looks of the Batuu gang, he assured them. "It's alright. I'm alright. I'm… alright."

The three of them all glance at each other, wondering if Midoriya's shock wasn't worn off, and look back at him, who seems calmed for a person that almost has his body filled with bullet holes. "You're taking this easy for a guy that was about to become swiss cheese," said Shohi.

Izuku sheepishly smiled at that. "I'm kinda used to the whole 'nearing death' thing at this point."

Now that got them freaked out. "Used to? The fuck." Taiho mumbled.

"The most important thing is you're all safe," said Izuku. "You're kitten, too, Kizunaru. Is she safe?"

He looked down, seeing his precious little thing snuggled in his arms, deeply asleep. "Yeah, she's okay. Thank the gods she is okay." He looked at the other two. "We're pretty bang up, but we're fine."

That didn't seem to sit right with Izuku. He walked about to Shohi, who looked kind of red from the close contact, and placed his hands on his shoulders. He used his quirk, breathing nice and easy, and the sunlight magic did its work. Golden light appeared on Shohi, freaking him out, and disappeared moments later.

Izuku then walked towards Taiho as Shohi inspected his body. He felt great, kick-ass great, all those hurting bruises from the alley fight were gone, and any aches and pains he got over the years were also gone. He couldn't help but smile and chuckled a bit. He looked at Taiho, who was in a state of amazement of feeling the same thing he was feeling, then at Kemuri, who got it the worse from the fight, standing up, stretching like a well-rested cat.

"Midoriya, my man, you're one hell of a life saver," said Kemuri, "I feel like a billion yen."

'Yeah, dude. That golden thing you did was awesome. I can drop some moves without the strain," said Taiho, who swayed his body.

"I… again, thanks Midoriya. For saving my kitten, and then us." Shohi said his gratitude express really says it all. "And you too, dog, thanks for saving my cat too."

As if he understood that Ranrou perked up his head rather snooby. Izuku tittler at that, then said, "I appreciate that, Kizunaru."

Grinning, Shohi gives out a fist pump. "How 'bout it? Wanna bury this feud between us?"

Without giving a single thought Izuku fist pumped back.

All four of them grinned and said their farewells, going their separate ways. It wasn't until a few moments later when Izuku stopped waking. Ranrou wondered why he stopped as Izuku quiver in realization. He hastily took out his phone and checked. The time was well past midnight as he saw notifications and missed calls from All Might and his mother only heightened Izuku's ghastly dread, paling like a ghost. He fumbled and called his mentor as he, and Ranrou, quickly ran to the nearest bus stop.

Oh gods, both All Might and his mom are going to be so furious.

Unknown time

He was violently thrown to the ground. He bandaged face meeting the gravel of a warehouse. He didn't want to look up, Ju really wanted to come face to face with the boss.

"Judan."

He froze at that cold voice, terror rising within him. Gulping, he trembled and looked up to see the illuminated face of Nichi Akeru, the boss who controls all the school turfs under him. It was dark in the warehouse with light from the outside partly piercing through, his bored face looking at him as if he was a lower insect. His pink bandana wrapped his head around as a cigarette hangs limply in his pierced lip. "What happen Judan? I've heard reports you didn't conquer the gang of Batuu High's turf. Not only that but I've heard you lost. So you better answer me honestly or else. Again, what happened?"

Shuddering like a fool, Ju tried to explain. "We were ambushed. Some guy named Midoriya just came out of nowhere and teamed up with the Batuu gang and beat up me and mine guys. He took us down easily! I've even used my quirk on him and he still beat us." He then bowed his head, his nose touching the ground. "Please forgive me!"

Nichi's eyes narrowed as he blew a puff of smoke out of his lips. "The way you said about this Midoriya guy. It sounds like he isn't part of the Batuu gang."

Ju nodded his head vigorously. "He isn't even a student in Batuu High! My guess is he belongs to another school."

"Another school, huh?" Nichi said, rubbing his chin. "Tell me, the city Batuu High is in. Which one is closest to it?"

"That will be Musutafu, Boss." Ju answered, wondering what he was getting at. "But unlike that city, Batuu High is in, Musutafu has multiple schools. Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?"

"Indeed I am." He said, "You have no idea how aggrieved I am, Judan. So if you want to come back in my good graces you and your group scouted high and low of every school there is in Musutafu. And when you find him, report back to me immediately. This Midoriya has insulted my pride and I want to handle this personally. Got it?"

Nodding again Ju said, "Yes boss I'll get right on it. I want payback as much as you.'

Seemingly content by the answer, Nichi said, "Good, now get out of my sight."

And with that Ju quickly got out of there like a fat bat out of hell. Leaving the other individual alone in the dark.

Or so he thought.

Taking on another drag, Nichi then talked to the empty air. "So what do you think? This Midoriya guy gotta be a thorn to our side or what?"

"Pfft, no way," said a voice in the dark, "that fucking Judan was always a coward who keeps talking big but gets scared easily when someone is finally put up with his shit. That quirk of his may give him a huge edge but he's a pushover. Probably exaggerating."

"What about you, Kazama?"

"Can't say," said the other voice in the dark, "but we can't also overlook this. Whoever this Midoriya guy is, he needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible."

"You really believe that, Kazama?" The first voice said.

"Yes."

"Then it's settled," Nichi said as he threw the bud away, "we'll deal with this Midoriya as soon as we find him. For now let's conquer the other school's turfs that are next in our list. Understand?"

The two voices murmured in agreement as the face of Nichi Akeru merged with the shadows.