Chapter 23: Finding Ground
"Think we should say something?" A hushed female voice inquired as if a grand conspiracy were afoot.
"It has been weeks." A male voice murmured while other noise in the classroom covered the discussion.
"Yeah, it's kind of bumming me out, man. Where's that competitive spirit that lights a fire under you, ya know?" Kaminari bemoaned, folding his hands behind his head as he leaned back. The blond let out a sigh, dejected. "It comes in spurts but it's just not the same."
"Missing the whip being cracked at us?" Sero grinned at his classmate, mischief in his eyes. "Didn't realize you were into that sort of thing. Then again given your girlfriend-" He didn't finish as from across the room Jirou's eyes held a dangerous glint while her headphone jack earlobes hovered ominously as she caught every word. He hurriedly shrugged and waved, showing it was all in good humor.
"Come on, guys. He's dealing with a lot." Kirishima urged in a hushed tone, glancing away to make sure the small group hadn't been heard. It was still homeroom so they had some time to spare before class started without worrying about Aizawa's steely tired glare. "A man needs time to process."
"There's processing and there's wallowing." Kaminari pointed out with a grave expression. "Our man is stuck between those two."
"I know!" Ashido slapped her hands down on the desk, making those around the pink skinned girl jump. Thankfully it did not draw the attention of the conversation's subject who was staring intently at a book. "This calls for drastic measures! Operation Fun! You guys free this weekend?"
"Should be!"
"Fun? I'm down!"
"Yeah, there's no internship for me. What are you…?"
"Great! I know the perfect mall in Kiyashi! I'll see how many of the others want to go! Eiji-chan, go make sure he's free! And don't be sus!" Ashido instructed, pointing at the redhead before pivoting and bouncing over to the others. Kaminari and Sero turned toward Kirishima, grins on their faces and a plea in their eyes.
"Alright, stop looking at me like that." Kirishima caved as the two high-fived and gave him an encouraging thumbs up. He rose from his seat and headed to where his target sat, attention seemingly laser focused but he had a feeling the true focus wasn't on the book. "Hey, Bakubro!"
Katsuki's head raised from his book, letting out a grunt that signaled he had been disturbed from thought. There was a faint hint of shadows under his eyes and his usually intense and sharp gaze was tired. "Yeah?" His tone was not as deadpan as Aizawa's but definitely lacked his usual energy, even when tamed.
"Some of us are planning to go to the mall this weekend. You in?" Kirishima flashed a toothy grin as he pumped his muscular arm, flexing it. "Or you up for another mountain hike since it's been a while? It'll be manly bonding time!"
Katsuki didn't fire off an immediate decline, weighing the offer. Just by glancing behind Kirishima he could see Kaminari making a pleading motion while Sero seemed to be making a bet they would be shot down. His eyes shifted back to his book, fatigue seeping deeper with realization; he had been looking at the same page since sitting down.
"No." He saw Kirishima's grin sag, clearly concerned and disappointed, before he continued to cut off any insistence the redhead was known for, "Mall's fine. Send me the details in the group chat or whatever."
"Grea-!"
There was a crash, causing various people to jump as Kaminari lost his balance, having tilted his chair back too far. Either Katsuki's answer had been too great a shock or he simply had leaned beyond physical allowance as he tried to catch what was being said.
"Kaminari, a second-year should know how to sit in a chair by now." Aizawa's voice droned over the class, their teacher looking thoroughly disheveled and tired as he rose up from behind the teacher's desk like a caterpillar-bear hybrid coming out of hibernation. Only he looked like he needed a few more months of rest, especially since he was the acting caretaker for Eri, who had been introduced to everyone the previous week.
"Proper etiquette ensures safety!" Iida echoed, popping up from his chair with a strict chopping motion as if a life-sized jack-in-the-box only sprung when formalities were at stake. "We mustn't bring shame by damaging the property our senpai called their own and entrusted to us to pass on!"
"Yeah, yeah I hear you, Vice." Kaminari winced, rubbing his back as he fixed his chair, earning some snickers from his classmates while Jirou sighed and covered her face out of exasperation. "Dude, you could have caught me." He shot a glare at Sero who only offered his iconic grin and a shrug.
"Here, Kaminari." Yaoyorozu came over with a freshly created cold pack from her arm thanks to her Quirk. She gave it a squeeze and shook it, activating the pack before handing it to him. "If it doesn't feel better soon you should go see Recovery Girl."
"You're an angel, Class Prez. Ya sure you don't want a boyfriend?" Kaminari looked as if he had been offered the gift of fire by the gods. The euphoria only lasted a few seconds since he was hit by Jirou's earjack in the neck and promptly slumped over his desk, twitching while the short haired brunette was red and glaring. Sero promptly burst out laughing and walked off to his seat, leaving his friend to his fate. Kirishima's grin widened as he shook his head, still by Katsuki's desk though he flashed the spiky blond a thumbs up.
"All right, settle down." Aizawa droned, eyes flashing red with his Quirk's activation and the noise halted just as the bell rang to signify the ten minute homeroom was over. Class 2-A scrambled to their seats, all butts in their proper place before the last ring faded. "First period starts now. Get out your books and open to page ninety-one."
"Here." A bottle was offered over Katsuki's shoulder from the seat behind him as he put away his book. He took a moment to focus on the item before taking it, puzzled at the energy drink. He turned around to give his seat-mate a questioning look.
"You need it more than me." Shinsou dully stated before pulling out the needed materials for first period, ending the explanation. Given the purple haired teenager always looked like he had spent the night tossing and turning judging by his unruly hair and degrees of shadows under his eyes, that meant something.
Katsuki offered a nod and murmured, "Thanks." Shinsou nodded in acknowledgement and Katsuki turned around, slipping the drink into his pocket since downing it while Aizawa was teaching was asking for a verbal reprimand that would call attention to himself—which he didn't need. He hurried to fish out his supplies as the lesson began, missing some of the looks his classmates shared.
As much as he tried, his focus lasted only a few minutes and the notes he jotted down grounded to a halt. It felt like a dream he couldn't wake up from, as if left in the darkness of his subconscious where guilt and uncertainty were nurtured. His thoughts drifted to what nagged him night and day as time blurred together, the sounds of the classroom fading away.
Where are they?
Are they okay?
Will I see them again?
Do I even have the right?
"Look out Wookiees! U.A.'s best and brightest is here!" Ashido declared, pumping her fist while she stood with the others who had decided to join in on the outing outside of the massive mall that made its home in the Kiyashi Ward part of Tokyo. She stood proudly as she maintained the pose, looking much like the star from teen movie, grinning at her companions with unbridled enthusiasm.
"With your last test score I'd be skeptical on 'brightest.'" Sero teased only to be rewarded with a raspberry from Ashido for dampening the mood.
"Wow, I haven't been here in forever." Kirishima took in the sight of the monstrous mall with a grin. "Doesn't look like much has changed. Wonder if any stores have come and gone."
"Omigod, that's right! Didn't you get a shirt or something last time?"
"Rare retro merch of Crimson Riot! The ultimate treasure!"
"What, last time? You two on a date or something?" Kaminari gave Ashido and Kirishima a mischievous grin. The grin didn't last long thanks to Ashido letting out a loud laugh and slapping him on the back with too much energy.
"Sometimes you're cuter with your mouth shut." Jirou didn't spare her boyfriend any sympathy, rolling her eyes while Ashido managed to get a handle on her laughter.
"Good one but wrong! Here's the deets: it was with some of our middle school classmates! Sorta like an outside school field trip, y'know? But totes for fun!"
"Yeah, so this is 2.0! U.A. style!" Kirishima pumped his fist, earning various cheers from the group that was made up of less than half the class. Unfortunately the others who wanted to go were stuck with extended internships or had other prior engagements, some which included much needed sleep.
"All the bargains." Uraraka was mumbling, eyes on a flyer in her hand as she went over it feverishly. "I marked the sales I could find but maybe something else will come up. This place is a treasure trove waiting to be opened. No, budget. Remember budget."
"My first mall!" Yaoyorozu's eyes practically had stars, the sheltered rich girl taking in yet another aspect of the life of the common folk. She had her hands clasped together as if trying to contain her excitement or offer a prayer of thanks—perhaps both. "I never thought I'd get to see this day! I must visit every store for a true authentic experience!"
"If you do that, Yaomomo, we're going to be here forever!" Ashido laughed, smiling at the ecstatic class president. "But let's do it. It'll be practice for when we're older and go club hopping!"
"Clubbing? I've only seen such things in movies!" Yaoyorozu looked like she might have a heart attack at the thought of experiencing of yet another perceived average citizen pastime.
"Let's just take it one thing at a time. Though I'm calling dibs for that future clubbing venture." Sero winked while Kaminari looked like he was on the verge of some imaginative fantasy until Jirou elbowed him, earning a sputtering though earnest apology.
Todoroki, also part of the group, remained taciturnity. Apparently his accompaniment was also for the experience as well as having nothing better to do except stay out of the house. Given his rather publicly abrasive and intimidating father was still adjusting to the sudden inheritance of the Number One position he had worked to seize for over half his life, none of his classmates questioned him.
Nearby Katsuki lingered, watching his classmates amp up for the shopping spree and mall experience. The energy was contagious among them though he felt none of it, disconnected as if he were watching a boring movie. Part of him whispered to just leave; he could simply slip away without them noticing. He was just a cork in the ocean now.
Why'd you show up if you're just trying to make an appearance, dumbass? To stop them from worrying or to avoid questions?
"Come on, Explodude!" Kaminari called, waving his hand as he flashed a smile. "Don't be such an outsider, Bakugou!"
"I like my space. Besides, there's a couples vibe going on and I don't want your cooties." He answered evenly, bristling as various pairs of eyes turned toward him, his classmates regarding him. His fists curled tighter in his hoodie's pocket, feigning indifference rather than reveal the detachment he felt, eyes moving to the ground. It was hard not to twitch when he thought he saw someone who looked like Izuku pass by; it was like a dog eagerly waiting for its owner in part apprehension and relief.
Damn it, I should see Shinsuke-san soon. It's getting worse.
While U.A. had their own counselor, Hound Dog, he was the resident Lifestyle Guidance Counselor. Even so, simply going by his limited interactions with the passionate Hero was enough to tell Katsuki it wasn't good fit. He had a hard enough time opening up and articulating without needing to worry about the professional getting equally passionate and speaking unintelligibly. And Shinsuke… she was his link, she knew what he had done and could see for herself what he tried to rely—she knew Izuku. It just wasn't the same.
Maybe it was a mistake to come to such a populated place.
"Isn't that him? That boy from the Sports Festival?"
"The aggressive one? What's he doing here?"
Low voices pricked his ears, drawing his morbid curiosity as he filtered out the louder noises. It was two female voices clearly trying to be discrete despite being close enough to get a good look at him. The recognition didn't bother him, it wasn't anything new and it was true: he had been marked as a talented student with a flashy Quirk along with a borderline healthy dose of competitiveness that made him seem abrasive and pugnacious. His classmates knew his intent and his practiced restraint as he acknowledged their talents with fierce rivalry, but he seemed like a rabid dog to outsiders who weren't dazzled by his talent and showmanship of his Quirk.
"He's a bad role model; flashy or not, he's too loud and violent. Remember the intensity of his matches? Can you imagine kids mimicking him?"
"I heard he goes by Onslaught! What does that say?"
"I hope Endeavor being Number One now isn't going to start a trend with aggressive Heroes. Children need positive role models, like All Might."
"Exactly, like that newer Hero, Lemillion! What a great smile and personality!"
Obviously, he—
"We're in this together so you're stuck with us!" Ashido suddenly was attached to his arm, startling Katsuki. The pink skinned girl pulled him over to the others before he could protest. He let out a grunt and managed to get his arm back, pinning both against his sides to avoid a repeat as he walled himself off. "I'm calling the Game Center! See if you can beat my cray cray dance skills! Come on, Ochan!"
"Wha? But shopping..."
"Alright, let's get this party started!" Kaminari sounded the charged and the group surged forward.
"Dude, you good?" Kirishima asked as he managed to get close enough, lingering behind to match Katsuki's pace. The concern was painfully obvious in his voice and face; Katsuki felt a stab of guilt and anger at himself. He sensed his heart rate quickening, palms getting sweatier, vision threatening to blur and let out a scoff.
"Of course, idiot."
U.A.'s Lunch Rush Cafeteria was a buzz with conversation and noise as the various departments took part in lunch. There was some squabbling over some hard to get items but it was quickly handled. It was just another typical day, minus any sudden announcements or alarms going off due to someone trying to trespass—much like how a certain vigilante vlogger duo had last year though they had been quickly subdued, the last of any such incidents. Still some noises rose above the others, calling attention to the exchange.
"Whoa, is that Togata-senpai?"
"Yeah! It's coverage of his latest feat!" A third-year Heroics student turned her phone toward the inquiring classmate.
"That's one of the Big 3 for you. Guy was practically a dark horse but graduated as one of the top aspiring Heroes! And then this year he lost his mentor during a mission he was part of! Talk about unlucky!"
"I heard his Quirk mutated after that, he can't use Permeation anymore but he's super strong and fast! Guess trauma can do crazy things."
"Wait, wasn't that the same mission that—"
Katsuki blocked out the rest of the conversation as he sat at his table, staring at his food. His grip on his fork tightened while his brow furrowed.
Mirio Togata… Lemillion.
The one whom All Might had entrusted with a great secret; a secret Katsuki wasn't meant to be privity to. Yet he had accidentally been a witness, sworn to its secrecy during that fateful mission against Overhaul. The same secret that made All Might, his idol and self made hurdle, wish to see him a week before he died; all so the Hero could affirm the secret had to be kept as he told the truth about himself and his Quirk, almost begging Katsuki to say nothing for the sake of the world.
One For All.
The Quirk that could be passed on. A shared legacy from nearly the dawn of Quirks that was not bound by bloodlines, rather by the will of its current holder. A Quirk anyone could have.
Sir Nighteye had died that day, All Might left mortally wounded only to die ten days later—the Symbol of Peace had been buried in rubble and was running out of steam as his injuries, fresh and old, sapped his strength. Togata wasn't exactly in the best of shape either; to top off his physical injuries he had been hit by a refined Quirk-Destroying Bullet, a Deleter Round, that stripped him of his Quirk—but that wasn't public knowledge. It only happened by chance Katsuki had arrived just as All Might was talking to Togata, urging him to leave him behind and take his Quirk so they could win and save more people as he didn't have much time left. They had to prevent Overhaul's escape no matter what, especially not with the terrified little girl in his grasp—the girl that Katsuki as well as Togata recognized from the year prior.
Everything had been surreal.
If a Quirk could simply be given, why not to someone Quirkless? To someone like… someone like Izuku?
If things had been different, would it have been?
We'll never know because I messed everything up.
As kids why couldn't he have thought of his friend being a Hero simply by using his smarts, relying on equipment to aid his wits? Like those old comic books and movies from before Quirks? Smart Heroes existed. Various everyday Heroes used gear to aid them, like Aizawa. Even U.A. had departments to recognize people with non-combative Quirks, why wasn't it possible to have a Hero who namely relied on gear and technique? Plenty of idiots had a Quirk they couldn't use or simply misused.
Like me.
He should be here instead of me.
"Please do not discuss gossip for everyone to hear! It is rude and shameful to speak of U.A.'s alumni in such a way to feed rumors that can be hurtful to their careers and their underclassman's impressions!" Iida's voice boomed as the taller student chopped his arm at the others, full of disapproval. He stood up from the shared table and gave a stiff but sincere bow. "Thank you, senpai!"
Katsuki found his appetite was gone despite his barely touched food. He grabbed his tray and rose from the table wordlessly.
"Ah, Bakugou-kun?" Uraraka inquired, noticing his departure as she halted her conversation. Next to her Todoroki was eating his soba, slurping it while he watched the blond wordlessly with his lax gaze. Kirishima, a few seats over, craned his neck to get a better look.
"Dude?"
"I'm done. See you guys in class." Katsuki walked away before more could be said. He deposited his used tray and quickly left the cafeteria. The halls were thankfully mostly empty as the majority of students were still in the cafeteria socializing before having to get back to the grind.
Left alone with his thoughts Katsuki wondered if he should approach Aizawa on any updates. From past experience he knew it was a dead end as his teacher had told him before it wasn't something he could discuss nor was he privileged to certain details. There was the possibility the two had been moved somewhere the Commission, the government, could keep Izuku under their thumb, perhaps as a modified imprisonment arrangement. Or Inko and Izuku had been shipped off for witness protection—at least that was his hope. Without confirmation of their well being except for Aizawa's vague "They're being taken care of" he was left floundering in the dark with countless regrets and worries at the endless possibilities.
What should I do?
"Wait, Bakugou-kun!" Iida's voice was fast approaching and he couldn't feign not hearing his loud classmate who needed no megaphone. He slowed his footsteps and waited as he reached a corner not too far from their classroom. Iida was upon him within seconds, taking a power walk approach rather than run to avoid injury or reprimand. It only intensified the straightforward but sincere classmate's appearance who was like a speeding train on a mission, his motions almost mechanical. "As class vice president I must ensure if my fellow classmates are struggling or have complaints I must aid with proper support!"
"It's nothing."
"Certainly it is not!" Iida chopped his hand for emphasis as Katsuki tried to deflect, frowning like a disapproving parent. "You didn't fall for that when I tried to brush everyone off and I won't either!"
"There's—"
"Bakugou-kun! I might not know the details, but you don't need to isolate yourself like I tried to! What you said helped stop me when I wanted to take my revenge on Stain." Iida adjusted his glasses as he grew passionate though thankfully no one was around. "You were right that nothing will be the same but I still have my brother. To instead use that anger to be a Hero that would make him proud and stop not just Stain but others like him. I can carry on my brother's dream for him. You helped me see beyond myself, beyond my tunnel vision, when I was nothing but rage and sorrow!"
Whose dream am I carrying on? And for what purpose?
Katsuki couldn't help but frown, his hands balling into fists. "Yeah, things come out of nowhere that you can't control and it's shitty, okay? But sometimes someone will just be gone and you won't even know what happened. Whether or not they're dead or alive, you just know it was your fault. And sometimes you finally get an answer only to be left in the unknown again…"
"Bakugou-kun—"
"There's nothing you can do." He waved his hand, shutting down his well meaning classmate as he felt the pit in his stomach grow. He met Iida's bespectacled gaze with his tired red eyes, all intensity gone. "Thanks, Iida, but this… this is on me. I have to work through it on my own, it's my mess."
I can't drag them into it. I've screwed up enough lives. I can't be selfish, not anymore.
"Dude, we're worried about you." Kirishima gave a lopsided smile as he came from behind Iida. "You've been looking like you're trying to carry the weight of the world for weeks."
"Even if you insist, we know you're not fine." Uraraka contended with a concerned but stern expression as she shadowed Kirishima, apparently also heading after Katsuki not long after his departure. Close behind her Todoroki gave a nod, his blasé expression slightly relaxing.
"Receiving support is not a sign of weakness. Even Heroes receive aid on the field."
"You've only got two hands, so let us offer one or two!" Kirishima clasped Katsuki's shoulder, flashing a grin as he raised his arm, clenching his fist in determination. "We've got your back, Bakubro. We're going to be Pros together, we're half way there!"
Do I really have the right to become a Hero with my past? For them to offer that knowing only parts of the truth?
"I… I don't deserve it." Katsuki's mouth went dry as he looked at the group. Their concerned expressions and sincerity clawed at him, guilt rising up as he suddenly was the center of attention. He felt small and vulnerable; he hated every moment of it as he was looked at with undeserved sympathy when his suffering was nothing compared to what he had inflicted on his biggest victim. "After what I did in the past… you guys don't understand."
Shinsuke-san said in the end it's my decision but first I need to take steps to moving forward, to starting over in whatever I choose. Hero or not.
"There's something you should see." Kirishima pushed Katsuki along before he could protest, moving him to the giant door of their classroom. The redhead slid the normal sized door open, revealing a handful of their classmates inside. "Dudes, it's time!"
"Baku-kun!" Ashido announced, hopping off the desk she was sitting on. She flashed a smile before striking a dramatic pose with her hand in a v-gesture. "Reporting for full support duty! Don't think you can say no to my cute face!"
"We're here for you, Bakugou-kun, if you'll let us." Momo approached and offered Katsuki a matryoshka doll made in the likeness of him in his Hero outfit—surely one of her own creations. Wordlessly he took the offered gift, flabbergasted.
"Wait, why?" Katsuki blinked, confusion flooding his senses.
"What are friends for, Explodude?" Kaminari flashed finger guns from his desk, armed with a crooked smile.
"We might not know what you're going through but we want to support you any way we can." Jirou explained matter of factly though gave a small smile as she played with her earjacks. Nearby Shinsou nodded in recognition, offering a silent sense of camaraderie.
"You've had our backs during missions and training, at least let us have yours for once." Sero folded his arms before winking. "Or are you not going to make this any easier?"
"You still have us, Bakubro." Kirishima urged, smiling reassuringly. Out of the whole class he knew the most due to what Katsuki had admitted to him along with what the redhead had overheard during exchanges with Aizawa about the case. "We're not going anywhere, especially not me. We're bros."
"We'll help you." Uraraka's usually friendly face was pulled into a fiery expression. "Not because we're classmates or Heroes, but because we're friends!"
"Exactly!" Iida emphasized with a signature hand chop.
"That's right, it's the manly thing to do!"
"Not all of us are men, Eiji-chan."
"Come on, don't ruin the mood!"
As his classmates squabbled Shinsuke's words from his session a few days before came to mind: If you choose to continue your path to be a Hero, figure out who you are doing it for; whether for yourself or others, be it friends or strangers in need. Who are you trying to save? Now is the time for self rediscovery but it's in your time.
Be a Hero that would make him proud if I'm here in his stead, one he'd approve of. One that might find him someday, if he wants that.
"Thanks you guys." Katsuki managed, shoulders relaxing as some of the unseen weight was lifted. The pit in his stomach remained but it lessened slightly. Maybe he didn't deserve anything he had but he was going to work hard to earn it properly, no empty praises or handouts to feed his ego and gloss over his insecurities. He didn't need to act like he was going at it alone, even the astounding All Might had supporters who were unknown to the public.
There are others still here with me to make sure I don't make the same mistakes.
I have a chance of moving forward with them at my back and offering a hand to help pull me to a better tomorrow.
"Look, he can smile nicely!" Sero pointed out, earning some cheers and laughs as a smile had indeed snuck its way onto Katsuki's face.
"Shut up, Duct Tape!" Katsuki felt heat crawling up his neck, shooting the brunette a glare as he sulked. Everyone broke out in laughter, Sero beaming at his accomplishment. Katsuki couldn't help the smirk that tweaked his lips as he looked at his classmates around him, laughing and smiling.
I won't give up on you… Izuku, but I won't give up on myself either.
There was the saying that with each gray hair obtained with age the wiser you become. The more grey, the more wisdom one possessed.
Shouta was long past believing such a notion, never mind the logic in relation to life experiences. He felt far older and tired than wiser from the past two years' events alone than his entire life, let alone his Hero career. And all he had to show for his pains was more grey than his previous years of teaching and a facial scar—it was a miracle he still had all his limbs quite frankly. It had to be purely from stress that he internalized expertly though Eri happily thought the streaks made them more alike.
Maybe he was getting old, they did say thirty was the new fifty for certain professions...
He sat at his desk in the Administration Office, which presently was mercifully near empty so it was filled with blessed silence. He had half a mind to sleep under his desk or scoot off to the more private Teacher's Lounge—though the latter meant chancing running into the Principal whose secondary Quirk was an undiagnosed soul sapping monologue ability. Shouta wished to avoid such an encounter as he lacked the ability to sleep with his eyes open; he'd learned from his high school days not to fall asleep among certain company or else he'd wind up with eyes drawn on his eyelids or worse on his face—never mind the atrocities done to his longish hair.
Thoughts of wishful sleep were pushed back as he looked at the official document before him. Nearby was a quiet, subdued figure—the only other soul in the office—who Shouta had never seen in such a state until the present year. For weeks he'd noticed the unnatural change, recognizing it in part by what he went through, and kept a watchful eye as well as tentative inquiries. He had a strong inkling about the cause and while concerned, he did not betray any coddling.
"Are you certain? This is unorthodox, especially for an established second-year."
"Yes." The response was firm though it lacked its usual prideful though semi-respectful bite like a fired up soldier; this time a healthier resolve bleed through. The same resolve that seemed to be present for the past week during training along with a renewed sense of dedication that had been waning for nearly a month.
"Though, if you start now the amount would be near even since you're not yet half way through second year. It's been done before but it's not encouraged for various reasons."
"I know."
"If you recall, this isn't my specialty but I don't see any problem with it." Shouta heaved a sigh, looking over his student of the past two years. He felt more exhaustion creeping and a headache starting to form at the thought of the mess connected to this special brand of problem child—who had mellowed out surprisingly more despite being more bark than bite in regard to his classmates since day one. "I know this isn't some wild impulse, but while it'll be like starting over from scratch some strings are attached so it isn't a clean slate. As a student, it's not so much of a big deal. A few Heroes have rebranded themselves over the years, though it's more of an American thing."
"I'll manage."
"You'll have to take your license exam again, a special course since you already have one. Mostly just paperwork and formalities." He impassively explained, knowing there was no chance of swaying nor seeing the need to if there was sensible conviction. What worried him was the reason; was it was something that was going to drag his student down and hold him back? Shouta had his own ghosts to chase from his second year at U.A. and he didn't it wish on anyone.
"It's something I have to do." Bakugou firmly responded, his gaze uncharacteristically on the floor before shifting to meet his teacher's. His sharp red eyes were clear, a hint of remorse in them though conviction radiated as he stood firm. "I want to start over, even if it's not really from the ground up. If I'm going be a real Hero, this won't hold me back; it's just another hurdle I won't let stop me. I'm not afraid of challenges I need to face to be better—to be the best version of myself, not just the best Hero."
Shouta gave a hint of a wistful smile, "That's all I needed to hear."