Finale: Chapter 40: To The Future
"Do not let the memories of your past limit the potential of your future. There are no limits to what you can achieve on your journey through life, except in your mind."
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
2 Years Later
Izuku & Ochako
His past stays with him, follows him like a shadow.
It's not a surprise really, but he wishes at times he could rewind back to that fateful day, his decision to become a killer. A hero is supposed to be someone who can save a villain from the darkness or at least reform them and he was able to do neither for Shigaraki.
And while in the months since his death it no longer floods the news, any Pro-Hero agency that pulls up his name will find the articles, his face splashed across what was once breaking news.
'Well, at least Dad is doing better.' He considers, scrolling to a recent photo he took of them taking a hike through the woods.
"Don't worry, you'll get something Izuku! Your Mom and I are so proud of how far you've come no matter what any gossip column or news outlet says!" Hisashi grins.
He sucks in a deep breath taking in the smell of pine and moss, Izuku noting he no longer has those rattling coughs or sunken cheeks, skin even having gained a slight tan from all their walks in the sun. All his lab results have been better as well, his need for medication having been reduced to 2 days a week versus 5.
Verdant eyes are bright, match the greenery of the forest trails and Izuku pushes himself to smile back.
"Alright, want to make a quick lap around the river before we head back? Don't want Inko to think we got lost! You know she'll send out a search and rescue team for us if we're not back to the apartment by Sunset!" Hisashi laughs.
Izuku nods, following his lead along a winding green-blue river.
Seeing his Dad like this, not bogged down by work or so sick from stress that makes his choice having been worth it.
Still, it seems no Hero agency really wants to take him knowing his past actions and graduation is upon him...
"There's some hospitals overseas that could use you Midoriya, units that could use Infliction's quirk for good in stopping the spread of diseases or researching into the development behind them. Think on it as I have a project in mind that I'm sure you could handle." Chiyo determines.
It's been a week and he still hasn't given her his answer.
He leans his head back, heat of the rooftop's metal rushing down his back.
Nishimura too said these things take time, but it seems society will never stop clinging to the past, all the chaos and fires that came with his presence.
'Maybe if I write up an essay or create a spreadsheet of all my best qualities and positive actions I've done locally within Musutafu, I'll get some matches?' Izuku thinks.
He grabs for his pen and notebook only to see that they're floating.
"Earth to Deku, Earth to Deku!" A voice singsongs in his ear.
"Lost in thought?" Ochako questions, waving a hand in front of his face making Izuku jolt, heat rushing up his cheeks.
She still can make him fluster so easily, make his heartbeat swoosh in his ears at her warm grin reserved only for him.
"I've been calling your name for the past 5 minutes now! Graduation rehearsal is in 15 minutes and Iida and Momo asked me to come fetch you!" Ochako remarks, plopping down beside him.
Izuku grins, recalling Iida's urging since the month began for their class to be prompt in buying their graduation gowns and ensuring they get in no more trouble for the rest of year with their fellow peers or the community.
He swears his eyes flickered to him for a moment when he said those final remarks.
Ochako nudges his shoulder, senses without words what's running through his mind.
"You don't necessarily need to start at a Pro-Hero agency to make a name for yourself. You have two quirks after all that can help in healthcare or construction like Gamps and my Dad have been hinting at!"
"You'll always have a job back home as long as ya don't go breaking my honorary granddaughter's heart!" Gamps bellows.
"Oi, I'll put you to work at my construction sites too if need be! Just as long as you continue to be good to our little Ochi!" Kenji adds in.
"Ah O-Of course I won't sirs! I promise!" Izuku answers earnestly.
Gamma restrains a giggle, so serious as always even with Gamps joking!
At least she assumes he's joking.
Izuku studies the sakura petals in the breeze, swirls of pinks and whites plunging them closer into the depths of spring.
Recovery Girl's offer still stands...
He glances towards Ochako, hugging her close making her tumble into his lap, cheeks turn a deep scarlet gazing up into his emerald eyes.
"What is it?" She murmurs.
"Nothing. Everything. If there's one thing I'll miss about U.A., it will be these lazy afternoons together." Izuku admits honestly.
A grin peels up her face.
"Silly, we'll still get days like this in the future! Maybe we should travel before we officially sign on with any company, like take a gap year and see the world. Who knows what Heroes we could meet in America or even in other parts of Asia and Europe!" Ochako suggests.
It's common for the General Studies students to travel for a year or two after graduation, craft their skills in building and modifying Hero outfits by seeing how it's done in other countries before returning back to Japan with knowledge to pass around or ways to sell a new product from overseas.
Izuku hums thoughtfully, he could always ask his Dad what places he enjoyed visiting most overseas for work. Perhaps they can get Eri a passport too so that she can see more of the world than the darkness she experienced here in Japan.
"We'll add travel to our bucket lists!" He beams.
Ochako nods, fingers reaching up to brush at his freckles, sink into his familiar scent of pine and wood.
Izuku lightly grabs her hand before she can pull back, lowers face closer until his breath is tickling her lips.
A smile warms her face that follows his own, wishing he could slow down time to make this moment go on longer.
"I won't hold you back wherever you decide to go as a Pro-Hero." He murmurs.
Ochako huffs. "No matter where I go, that won't stop me from being with you Izuku!"
Their lips meet softly just as an irate curse is heard behind them.
They half turn to see Bakugo, anger pouring off of him in waves, mini explosions of reds and whites crackling in his hands.
"Damn it Round-Face, we said to find Deku, not skip with him! Can you please freaking save all this sucking each other lips off for 30 minutes so that we can get this stupid graduation meeting over with already?!"
Katsuki
Embarrassing Izuku and Ochako is enough make them understand how much they've wasted his damn time and the rest of their classmates. He wipes at beads of sweat near his forehead, hates the scratchiness of this gown that will just get shoved into closet as soon as the ceremony is over.
He side-eyes the pair's flustered walk of shame back to the auditorium, scoffing at the snickers and wolf-whistles they get both from their class and class 3-B.
It still feels a bit weird not to have all their classmates here that came into U.A. with them, flurry of whispers in the air.
Kirishima nudges him. "Hey, how'd you know where to find them? We checked all the training grounds and the classrooms for them!"
Katsuki doesn't answer for a moment, recalling how often he's seen either Deku or Round-Face head for the rooftops. They rather as well call it their not so secret rendezvous spot for discussing each other's worries and goals.
"...Lucky guess." He snorts.
His mind drifts over to emails and mail from Hero agencies both local and afar, his Mom has been nagging him to make up his mind and choose one.
"Haven't you been at both Endeavor and Best Jeanist's agencies? Have them write you a letter of recommendation if you truly don't think they'll be the best fit for you! I'm sure plenty of your classmates wish they had gotten offers from their agencies." Mitsuki suggests.
"Shut it you old hag! I can't just pick an agency on a whim!" Katsuki snips back, candidly ready to keep this argument going he wasn't going to rush things only to possibly end up with some low-tier or no-name company.
"What did you just call me?!" Mitsuki scowls right back, marching herself directly into his face.
Crimson meets crimson, Katsuki's hands sparking off flashes of reds and yellows.
Masaru settles himself between the two, ready to play mediator once more.
"Let's all just calm down! Dear, give Katsuki some more time. I'm sure he'll come to a decision without our interfering."
Mitsuki huffs, calming herself before patting at his head affectionately. Katsuki brushes away her hand only for her to reinforce her grip, snickering as she straightens out his spiky locks.
"Time is of the essence Dear! Graduation is next month and I'm sure most of the other 3rd years have already chosen which agency they got matched with out of their top choices!" She mentions, gazing back to her husband.
Masaru gives her a hard look and she sighs, straightening herself gazing back to their son with a warm smile.
Katsuki grits his teeth as they pull him into a family hug; his parents reek of pen ink and blossoms. Mom from probably gardening earlier preparing to plant orange blossoms and daffodils while Dad must've spent a majority of his day in his office reviewing over old magazines/spotlight photos from his fashion designer days.
"Alright. Alright. Just know if you ever need some advice, you can always come to us." Mitsuki states much more gently and Katsuki forces himself to meet both her and his Dad's eyes with a short nod of agreement.
As much as he hates it, he knows his parents are right.
Time isn't going to stop for him, especially when so many of his fellow 3rd years are gunning for these same spots.
Agencies aren't going to wait around forever for him to get a response...
Subconsciously his hand moves to his chest, the crisscross of scars from where metal once laid now a light pink after multiple surgeries and breathing exercises to get back to this new normal. The pain has long since ceased minus the occasional twinge here and there, but the memory hasn't of that damn Nomu attacking him straight on via All for One or Shigaraki's orders.
'I can't ever be that weak again.' He knows.
And the only person he can think to visit who may understand his predicament is All Might. All Might who in his final fight with All for One was left with career-ending injuries, how he still pushed himself despite the ache of his old wounds.
'Is that what's going to happen to me?' Katsuki scrapes his shoes against the wood flooring earning him a hush from Yaoyorozu.
"Bakugo, you can no longer push yourself the way you did before. This metal brushed by your heart, puts you more at risk for infection along with potential lung issues if for example should you try to use your explosion quirk in rapid succession without any pause or break in-between. Or by say rushing to a scene after having already helped lift up an injured civilian." Dr. Saiga notes.
His voice turns to static in his ears, Mitsuki peppering him with questions on his behalf.
He'll strengthen his heart anyway he has to, that alone won't stop him from becoming a Pro-Hero.
He just needs to forget about that day when he was stabbed, stop letting it affect his dreams waking up in beads of sweat. He's seen for himself through both the media and gossip sites what can happen to a Hero, Pro or not when their past finally catches up with them.
Endeavor still gets the occasional dirty look from random tourists on top of graffiti sprawled all across his main headquarters in one simple word: Bastard.
His pulse rings in his ears as Principal Nezu moves to take the stage, puts all of his fears into words before them all.
"Welcome, Welcome! I suppose this is one of my last speeches for you all! Though you've all seen and experienced much in your Hero internships and work-study programs, the time has come to start making your official acceptances to the next path your future has in store for you!" He begins.
He clears his voice while a stagehand adjusts his microphone, beaming when his voice comes in clearer.
"Now don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zones! No matter how you look or feel about your current abilities, there are plenty of opportunities that await you!"
Katsuki snorts, sliding down his chair as he feels his heart thrum in anticipation of his next statement.
"Alright, if there's no questions let's get you all lined up in alphabetical order for each class to practice receiving your diplomas!" Nezu cheers.
Katsuki sighs, moves for the front ignoring these new coils forming in both his throat and chest.
Graduation is no longer a passing thought to think about months from now; it's here. Real.
And he has yet to make up his mind on where his future should take him.
Toshinori
"Will I be able to watch the ceremony?!" Eri asks eagerly.
"Of course!" Toshinori beams, so proud of her confidence in the years that have passed since shaving her from Shie Hassakai and Chisaki's hold.
The girl who used to squirm in the dark has fully come into the light.
"Who else is going to be there?" She questions giddily.
Toshinori hums thoughtfully. "Well, both Young Midoriya and Young Ochako's parents of course, plus Ochako's honorary grandparents. Nishimura and some of his police colleagues and I assume some siblings of each of class 3-A and 3-B's students will be there too. It should be a full stadium!"
He pauses at the sudden thought of peers both classes have lost, some transferring to other Hero Schools after Young Midoriya's past actions, others moving into the general studies course, and then in the case of Young Asui and Young Aoyama while giving some leniency by the police being minors were still ultimately...
Expelled.
Eri freezes for a moment abruptly realizing just how many people will be nearby to interact with her and Toshinori hurriedly moves to reel her back in, wipes at the beginnings of tears in her scarlet orbs.
'Do they know about my quirk? Are they going to ask me about it or try to touch my horn to see how it activates? I'll be around people not from U.A for the first time in so long. Oh no, what if they try to-'
Toshinori pats gently at her shoulders, recognizing the beginning waves of fear start to spiral in her eyes.
"We don't need to rush anything if you're not ready for such a crowd. I promise nobody is going to-"
"I want to go!" Eri interrupts, shaking her head vigorously enough to make her blink away the spell of dizziness that results.
She curls her hands together, directs her gaze to the window where pink and white petals sway in the breeze. Toshinori cracks the window slightly letting the warm air in, sky awash in light reds and gold. Later in the afternoon promises rain from the forecasts, but they can get a short walk in if Eri wants.
Spring is always seen as the season of beginnings and endings, winter frost over the mountains and grasslands melting away to reveal bright greenery and tiny shrubs. And then they're the new graduates leaving their footprints behind for the incoming freshman looking ahead to what their future holds.
'Still, attendance is down for U.A. for this coming school year based on Principal Nezu's reports; the lowest it's been since we first opened. Parents are still wary of sending their children here even with all the extra security measures and lower crime overall around the area.' He sighs.
Eri tugs at his suit jacket gaining his attention once more, pointing to outside.
"What are they practicing now?"
Toshinori follows her gaze, sees each class from the Heroes, General Studies, and Support groups practicing their marches for lining up.
"The graduation rehearsal. Everyone needs to know what order they need to be in and at what time."
He pauses feeling a buzz in his pocket, his personal cell ringing.
Gran Torino.
A smile edges up his lips seeing the name though he probably is just checking in to provide him updates on which graduates have already made their choices for various Hero agencies and companies.
'Come to think of it, I don't think I've heard on where Young Bakugo and Young Midoriya have decided to go.' He realizes.
Bakugo, like Todoroki has his pick of dozens of companies clamoring to get them. Young Iida and Yaoyorozu also have been getting an influx of recruiters visiting them from places as far away as America and Europe to explore what overseas Hero work is like. He's heard there's a chance Young Todoroki will indeed go to Endeavor's Hero agency despite the continued fallout from the scandal involving his family...
With Shigaraki's death the League of Villains was without their leader, the head cut off from the beast.
It trickled down to numerous arrests of his best commanders, deaths of all his most prominent Nomus, and even a few suicides.
'People like us don't stay in jail forever All Might; I'm sure you know that.' Toga had purred as she was lead away.
In Dabi or aka Toya Todoroki's case, the latter option of death by his own choice sounded better than jail, goal of scarring his Father both mentally and physically already done.
Rehabilitation might be a possibility maybe for some of his lower ranking associates, but too many remain disillusioned...
'A new age of heroes is coming, I can't forget that. The things my generation taught Young Midoriya and the rest of his class will continue onwards; an unending flame.'
It's something All for One downplayed in his desire for control and power.
And whatever villains who want to emulate him coming out of the woodworks will soon realize too.
"Who's calling?" Eri chirps out and Toshinori's grin widens, pushes away the memories.
"An old friend."
Ochako
"Yes, I've reserved enough tickets for everyone to come Mama, but not the whole Mie prefecture!" Ochako tuts.
"Ah, you know how Kenji can be!
"They'll just have to watch it online Dear, there's too much extra security around for the guys back at the construction company to tag along!" She hears her Dad's voice from somewhere in the background.
She laughs before glancing towards the clock, abruptly sitting up.
"Ah, I'm going to be late!"
She says her goodbyes and hurries to straighten her hair and change.
Her meeting with Gunhead and Nishimura is for 2:00 pm sharp.
'Do I want to stay here in Japan or travel?'
She smooths out her turquoise dress, parts a curl from her face.
Both have given her offers to officially become a member of their agencies. She would be able to train students in martial arts the way Gunhead taught her and begin to go out on patrols on her own. Today is an opportunity to cement things even more so and interview with representatives from their companies and associates they each personally know.
The thought has been spiraling in her head for weeks now, the time to make a decision is coming upon her.
Madam Chiba's words come to mind, the mysterious fortune teller Gamma swore by.
Seagrass verdant eyes too much like Izuku's saw her future, knows at least Izuku and Eri will be by her side for graduation photos and what not.
But what about after?
She still wanted to be with him and she's sure Izuku feels the same for her...
Though he hasn't received any offers that she knows of yet, but she's heard he's been in talks with Recovery Girl.
She runs into Bakugo as she heads out, brows knitting together seeing her attire.
"Interview?" He asks.
"Interview." She confirms.
"Have you decided yet? Which Hero company you'll be signing on with officially?" She asks just to make conversation.
Katsuki shrugs before giving a slight nod. "I'm thinking of joining Best Jeanist's one most likely, though it wouldn't be for long though as eventually being the Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight would warrant me having my own hero agency! You two can join my agency if you don't get any offers!"
Ochako simply nods politely, that sounds like Bakugo.
She needs to hurry up and figure out her own plans.
Nishimura greets her with a grin, keeping up with the formalities of a proper handshake and greeting for the other attendees here.
"Miss Uraraka as you can see from her resume hails from the famous U.A. high school! She's done hero internships with myself, Gunhead, and even the top Pro-Heroes Ryukyu and Selkie stopping a group of smugglers." He introduces her.
A woman she doesn't recognize to his right huffs, Yamagawa going by her nametag and she recognizes her as a representative from Ryukyu's agency. "Don't you mean infamous in regards to U.A.? Additionally, you're neglecting to mention Nishimura Miss Uraraka's track history with Izuku Midoriya."
Ochako straightens herself, prepared for these mutterings regarding her connection to Izuku...
"While I'm sure you've seen many stories throughout social media and the news, I can assure you Mrs. Yamagawa and all of you here that the much of Midoriya's actions have been sensationalized to get views and sell papers. You have to understand as well when one has a quirk like his, you become seen as enemy to some heroes and a target to many villains." She describes.
Yamagawa huffs, clearly having expected her to flail at her blunt statement.
'I have nothing to hide about my relationship to Izuku, so bring it on!' She grins back at her scowl.
"Well I for one agree with Miss Uraraka's points that you're being too hasty Yamagawa. We shouldn't judge Miss Uraraka here by the actions of those she may or may not have associated with during her time at U.A." A woman who goes by Etsuko mentions.
Gunhead clears his throat. "No matter what you all may have heard regarding Miss Uraraka or any of her peers past, I can attest that she has been a positive mentor to the younger students in my martial arts classes and I highly recommend her to any hero agency she would choose here in Japan or wherever she chooses to go."
'Thank you.' Ochako sends him an appreciative smile.
Though she knows the rest of this interview isn't going to be easy, drilled with questions regarding her experiences in and out of U.A. in terms of training and her academics, scenarios she faced head on dealing with the League of Villains along with rescue operations, and most importantly-
"Do you see yourself here in Japan in the next year or two or overseas in say America or Europe?"
Ochako leans forward, clasps her hands together.
"I would like to keep my options open and not restrict myself to just one place as I've learned I gained the best experiences when I go outside my comfort zone. But, Japan is home and it's always been where I pictured myself once I graduated and started my Pro-Hero journey." She explains.
The panel nods, seemingly pleased with her answer.
Nishimura gives her a discreet thumbs up while the others take notes and her heartbeat lessens in relief.
Traveling.
Before last year she didn't even have a passport, going over the process for filling out the documents with Izuku and his Dad.
"Think of it as your ticket-gateway to the world! The work I've seen heroes doing in America, Canada, and even in South America is so unique compared to Japan! Some travel across the states setting up like these pop-up hero agencies to help rural communities while others use the power of communication and videos to promote themselves and showcase events, especially in New York and Los Angeles!" Hisashi exclaims excitedly.
Ochako giggles, glancing to Izuku who sighs at his enthusiasm. "You've truly seen a lot overseas Dad!"
"Of course! Some of this I just read up on in my spare time though!" He brags.
Ochako restrains a laugh, biting the inside of her cheek.
'Now I see where Izuku gets that energy from.'
There's a lot to see of the world, so many ways she can grow as a hero and give her parents extra income. The International Hero Organization has reached out to her, Iida, Momo, and some of their peers in the Support classes to see if their interested in joining agencies in London and New York.
'They'd be sad if you went so far.' She knows.
Her earlier words ring true that Japan is home, but so much has changed since she was a freshman at U.A., digging her nails into her palms to keep her fingers from trembling...
Her parents. Gamma and Gamps. Nishimura & Gunhead.
But then thoughts bubble up of Izuku. Travel. Forests and seas she's only read ever read about and seen through pictures online...
'Ugh, Why can't I just make up my mind?!'
Ochako & Izuku
"I told you there would be no dry eyes!" Ochako nudges Izuku.
He chuckles, nodding taking in their mother's wet handkerchiefs from up within the crowds.
Graduation went smoothly, Yaoyorozu's speech for their futures left all a bit teary eyed. Everyone will soon be going their separate ways either staying here in the Musutafu district or expanding out to the Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka regions and beyond.
"There's something I wanted to ask you before we get too carried away with photos." Izuku mentions as they prepare to get lined up to head back outside. They'll just have a few minutes alone before both their families greet them once more.
He guides her away to the side gardens of the school, violet hyacinth and pink tulips blowing in the breeze. The sun breaks through the clouds casting them in a golden yellow and Izuku gathers his nerves, takes in Ochako's soft curious grin.
"Come with me, to America then Europe! I know it's asking a lot, but I want us to see more of the world; together!" He asks in rush.
Ochako blinks, eyes widening a fraction.
"Ah, you don't have to answer me just yet! I'm sure you need time to think on it-" Izuku begins, but Ochako holds up a hand to stop him.
"No, it's actually been something I've been thinking on a lot." She admits.
As much as she's tried to bury it, her heart keeps tugging her back to him...
Nishimura and Gunhead have taught her so much, to be fast on her feet and use her surroundings to her advantage. They've both taken experienced they gained overseas before settling back in Japan.
Her parents still need help with the construction company despite the improvements they've made in their equipment, but she can potentially earn more overseas and send back to them.
And she wants to see outside of Japan so much, so badly.
With Izuku.
"I'd like to." Ochako states honestly, chest feeling lighter confessing it aloud as she clasps their hands together.
"Really?! I mean...great!" Izuku cheers back.
Ochako giggles, tangles herself further into his arms.
"Until we see more of the world, forge our own path of flames no matter what anyone says, you won't be getting rid of me Izuku!" Ochako promises.
Izuku grins, squeezes her close.
"I'm ready for it!"
But first there's more photos to take and people to see, their journeys together are just beginning.
-x-
The End
I have a mix of love and hate for this story. When I first started it, I was majorly in love with Izuku x Ochako and My Hero Academia in general lol. While I still love the show, my feelings towards it have definitely cooled especially as the manga comes to an end to the point I felt mad at myself for dragging this story out so long. I hope the author Horikoshi does get better soon as I've read he's been quite sick off and on and that Izuku x Ochako does indeed become canon, but time will tell on that with how long this final fight against Shigaraki is going.
Anyways, I know this story is a mess and all over place, I wish I had better gathered all my thoughts on it before I started writing it, but I did always know how I wanted it to end so I wanted to see it through to finish it and not give up on it like I felt like doing so many times. I know readers and myself dislike abrupt story discontinuations and rewrites that seem to never come to fruition.
I don't have any plans for any future MHA fics at this point. I'll be back to writing my two other Naruto fics I have ongoing so if you're into time-travel or soulmate themes, feel free to check them out! I also want to work on publishing an original work, but that's way down the line.
Thanks as always to all my reviewers and silents readers!
-Midnight Rain19