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[January First, X039. HPSC Seaside Training Facility #7, Osaka.]
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Izuku wanted to start the new year off with a bang. Unfortunately he didn't think that bang would be him repeatedly getting smacked.
It all started with the Hero Public Safety Commission feeling a bit put out that Japan's rising medical miracle had spent so little time in their care. Not in the usual malevolent meaning… unless you count attempting to murder a regenerater with boredom. It had been two months since the last time the HPSC could tie their name to Izuku's for a PR rep. While the heroic healer had gotten his share of positive reactions from the unveiling of the 'Izu-Pen' the online forums of Japan were unified in their mockery of the HPSC for coming up with such a stupid name. It hadn't hurt their reputation or their organization as a whole, but it was a kick to their collective pride. The memes made of the various 'Hero pens' were funny up to a point, that point being when the HPSC's marketing and R&D departments both threatened to strike if their co-workers didn't stop hanging up printed out posters mocking their creation.
Thus leading to the 'Hero Public Safety Commission's New Years Hero Meet and Greet Gala'. A mouthful of a name with an equally swollen guest list. The advertised event offered a chance to see the chart topping heroes, watch them train, see a min-tournament of friendly matches between the stars, and even have pictures taken with their fans. All Ideas that Izuku could accept and Handle. Then he received his 'invitation', not a guest but as one of the main attractions. At first, he figured that meant they would hold a meet and greet session for him to meet some of his fans. Not an idea that appealed to him, but tolerable. This turned out to be true, but his session was scheduled for later in the day. He was to compete in the sparring circuit, something that made little sense to him. With his mother and the guard of the day as a part of his entourage, there was no avoiding the inevitable PR show it was bound to become. The only thing he had to look forward to was the fact that Momo and Tenya would be attending as well.
To be expected of a government sponsored display at one of their top tier facilities, the entire place was one half of a festival and the other half was a military base. A jarring fusion to be seen for sure. The Main building was four stories tall, with banners hung on the outside showing off the various heroes and their rankings. Izuku had to pause when he spotted an emerald green banner, proclaiming him to be 'The hero of the future'. He couldn't hide the shudder of unease that came with seeing it. The teen was thankful for the eye catching colors of the various stalls surrounding it while simultaneously blocking it off, something he could focus on and keep his mind off the HPSC's show-pony efforts.
The Arenas weren't hard to spot either, lined up along the edge of the beach were walls of Plexiglas arranged in a C formation. The open sides were facing the open sea, probably to allow for a fun ring out and a splash for entertaining those watching.
Thankfully the staff there did very little to encourage Izuku's pessimistic point of view. "We figured we'd give you some time to meet the pros and check everything. Your meet and greet event isn't being held until later this afternoon" The volunteer assigned to him was professionally explaining, even as she was filling in the final papers to have checked him in. "Don't worry though, one of our volunteers will find you around eleven thirty to bring you to the VIP area before the main event." Izuku nodded, hoping she was referring to his meet and greet. "Here's your badge, Until then, have fun mingling with the pros."
"Thank you." He accepted the badge, eyes drifting to the show before him. "Hey, is All Might here!?"
"Heh, sorry kid." Another volunteer answered, "but All Might wasn't able to attend."
"Aw man, I was really hoping. I mean, it's been what? A good five years since his last appearance! And that was after the brutal fight with Toxic Chainsaw?" Izuku was sure he knew the answer, but wanted confirmation.
"Yeah, but you've got to remember that the man receives invitations to events like this on the daily." The man smiled, "and that's on top of everything else he deals with. For events like this, I wouldn't be surprised if the man throws them all into a hat and picks one if he's got the time to spare."
"That's true, thank you." Izuku gave a tiny bow and stepped onto the gala's grounds. Though his favorite pro was not present, Izuku still found himself practically vibrating with anticipation as he now noticed some of the pro heroes had already taken up places at their respective booths.
"Izuku, it's barely nine o'clock an-" Inko blinked, her son already gone off to join a line to meet one of the heroes. With the guard still at his side, he stood out like a sore thumb amidst the children and their parents, but no one seemed to care.
"Oh wow! Smile hero Ms. Joke!" He pulled out one of his many notebooks and flipped to the page he had created about 'Outburst'. "Would you sign my notes about your quirk?"
"Sure! I always find it humerus to meet super fans and upcoming heroes..Though tell me." She leaned in conspiratorially. "Can your quirk fix funny-bones? My companion here broke his and nothing else seems to have worked..." She threw a thumb at Eraser Head, who had somehow ended up at the table next to her.
Aizawa glared at Ms. Joke, before sending the glare to Izuku. "Ah, the problem child...I can't believe I'm saying this, but I look forward to our meeting later." There was the ghost of a smile on Eraser Head's face as he finished signing a hat for one of the few kids brave enough to approach him.
"Holy mackerel, it can...He's smiling for once!"
"Joke..."
"We'll see how well that works against the very flames of hell." The air around Izuku suddenly felt warmer, and he turned to see the number two pro hero Endeavor at a table across the way.
"Oh wow! Endeavor! I have so many questions for you!" He ran over to see the man, ignoring the laughter coming from those who watched his display. His bouncing from hero to hero continued, until he had the luck of running into Tenya and Momo as they were visiting with Tensei shortly before the appointed summon hour.
"Kind of sad they didn't pick me to spar against you. But that's okay, I suppose we can have an informal match some other time." Tensei shrugged as he signed Izuku's notebook.
"Wait, what do you mean pick you?" Izuku blinked, realizing that several other heroes had made comments about the sparring matches and him in particular.
"Didn't they tell you?" Tenya pulled out the small program that had been printed for the gala and handed it to him.
"When the HPSC started planning this, they put out requests looking for pro heroes who would be willing to spar against each other and other aspiring heroes who the various academies felt deserved a chance." Tensei explained, taking a brief moment to greet a young fan and pose for a photo with the kid before he turned his attention back to Izuku. "Most of us agreed, though when the HPSC mentioned wanting to have some of us go against you – because and I quote: T'he kid wants to test his skills in actual combat'...The response was overwhelming to the point they had to draw lots for who got those coveted matches against you."
"Oh." His inclusion in the sparring matches suddenly made sense, the grin on his face growing wider. "Say, do you know who I am fighting?"
"Only one I know for certain is Endeavor. -Excuse me, and what's your name little lady?" Tensei turned his attention back to his gathered fans as Izuku nodded his thanks and moved aside, allowing Tensei to continue his work.
"You sure about this Izuku?" Momo asked, taking a seat on a nearby bench.
"Momo, I've wanted to test my skills against a pro since I first started training." He clenched his fist in determination. "Even if I lose, I can learn and adapt from this."
"And if you win any of these matches?"
"Then we won't hear the end of it for the rest of the year." Tenya answered as one of the volunteers approached them.
"But the year just started..." Momo blinked, before realizing he was probably right.
"I'm not that bad..." Izuku frowned, but he couldn't hold in his laughter as the volunteer escorted the three of them to the VIP tent. Momo and Tenya helped themselves to some of the light refreshments that had been set out as Izuku was pulled aside and briefed on his upcoming matches.
"Though we drew your opponents at random, we tried to select them from a variety of quirks. Some we suspect your quirk will counteract, others we hope will further increase the knowledge we have about your quirk. Here, put this on, the restroom's right over there." The HPSC representative handed Izuku a training suit. "Any questions?"
"Do I get to know who I'm fighting? And are there any restrictions?"
"Yes, I've highlighted all your matches, though the order is subject to change as Present Mic is now doing commentary,and there's a chance Kamui Woods and Mandalay may have to leave before either of their matches. We originally wanted to get your matches out of the way first to give you some more time to enjoy the festivities. As well as let you rest and recover a bit before your meet and greet. However, even though you have a regenerative quirk, it was decided that we'd give you a break in between matches." The representative handed him a page showing various match-ups. "And the only restriction that's in place is no use of lethal force against you...Though I suspect some of them might hold back even further."
"Tell them not to." Izuku studied the list, nodding at the names as he handed it back before moving to change. When he reemerged, he was now wearing a two-piece track suit similar to his gym uniform at Soumei, except it was in the HPSC's colors.
"You look good Izuku, good luck out there!" Momo gave him a thumbs up as she moved towards the VIP seating area.
"Yeah, good luck." Tenya called, joining her as Izuku stepped out into the arena that had been set up by the seaside, beginning his matches against the pros.
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"Ladies and Gentlemen! Boy and Girls and Children of all ages! We're here today to watch our favorite heroes show off and get soaked in a series of fun fueled fights for the fervor of their fans! Can I get an 'Oh Yeah'!" the DJ hero paused for the viewing crowd to cheer, "All right! Now the rules are simple! Each spar gets five minutes for our favorite fighters to strut their stuff! They only lose if they get pinned down, tossed in the deep three times, give up or get sent flying out over the ring's boundaries."
A red, two-inch high wall encircled the dry portion of the shoreline, while a buoy rope showed the boundary for the seaside. The bright orange color easily visible to all.
"For our first fight: Women wanna be her, guys wanna have her its The R-Rated Hero: Midnight versus Japan's national treasure, the up and coming not yet official Healer Hero of our Hearts! Midoriya Izuku!" Present Mic's voice was a perfect comic tweak for the fight, much to the amusement of Momo and Tenya who had been given front row seats to the action.
"Think Izuku has a chance?" Momo asked, seeing the two combatants bow to each other before a bell sounded, signaling the start of the match.
"Well, his quirk should offer some level of protection against her own, but I think she's got him beat in the combat department." Tenya adjusted his glasses as the crowd watched Midnight activate her Somnambulist quirk. A Plexiglas barrier had been set up in front of the stands to protect the watchers from any stray quirks, but he still noticed several people opted to cover their noses and mouths.
"How you feeling boy?" Midnight asked, seeing Izuku's nose twitching as he inhaled the gas that was surrounding him.
"My nose is itchy..." He whined, scratching at it as his quirk nullified the majority of the 'toxins' within. "But that's not going to slow me down!" Izuku lunged forward, fist pulled back for a punch which Midnight was quick to dodge and counter with a hit of her own.
"A solid hit!" Present Mic gave thumbs up to Midnight as her fist connected with Izuku's arm, obviously hoping for her win. "Two-thumbs up!"
"I thought announcers were supposed to be unbiased?" Tenya blinked as he noticed Momo activating her quirk. Two poster-size dry-erase boards and markers now in her possession.
"They are, which is why I think we need to give Izuku some encouragement." Momo handed him one of the boards and a marker. Momo's eyes looked back to the match just in time for a questionable 'oh!' came from the arena as Izuku mastered to catch Midnight's ankle with his own and knock her down. Though the R-Rated Hero was quick to recover and knock Izuku down in turn, Momo and Tenya couldn't help but cheer.
"Three out of ten!" Momo quickly drew a 3, while Tenya drew a 2.
"Sorry, taking away a point for sloppy footwork."
"Thanks, I love you too..." Izuku let out an exasperated sigh as he turned his attention back to the match. Though he was able to keep up with Midnight's moves, her years of experience made the match little more than a warm-up.
"I'll give you credit for lasting this long, most of the men I work up a sweat with are out within the first few minutes." Midnight winked, the momentary flirty praise distracting Izuku just enough for him to drop his guard.
"Thank yo-oooooo!" Izuku felt Midnight's boot connect with his stomach, and he landed on the wrong side of the shoreline just in time for a wave to wash over him. A victory for the ladies, by ring out.
"Good height, but a poor landing...Five!" Tenya held up his sign, Momo agreeing and doing the same.
"And Midoriya goes out of bounds in the drink!" Present Mic's voice sounded over the area. "Midnight wins with two minutes remaining on the clock!"
Izuku picked himself up, shaking himself off as he stepped over the floating buoys that marked the end of the back onto the dry sands, he shook Midnight's hand and moved to join Tenya and Momo in the his quirk, the HPSC still wanted him to take a break between the matches. Frowning, Izuku gestured to the signs the pair was holding. "This your way of encouraging me?"
"Motivating, but yes." Tenya answered, "though don't look at me like that, it was Momo's idea."
Momo looked briefly scandalized, but quickly found herself laughing along with her friends as Present Mic announced another match.
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"I don't know about you, loyal listeners. But I feel the need..." Present Mic paused, a huge grin on his face that was only rivaled by the death glare Eraser Head was sending his way. "The need for Speed! And our next match is sure to deliver in thirty minutes or less! Give it up for the number three pro, the Winged Hero: Hawks versus the Turbo Hero: Ingenium!"
Tenya, Momo, and Izuku all cheered as Tensei entered the ring and received a salute in return as he took his place across from Hawks. The bell sounded and both heroes put their speed on display and charged at each other. Hawks dove through the air like his namesake when its seen a mouse, while Ingenium went just before full throttle to meet his opponent. The two clashed in the center of the field in an impressive burst of dust and wind, both trading blows and matching speed.
"So what do you think?" Momo asked, looking to the two boys at her side. She had never seen Tenya so excited, and felt that if Izuku wasn't seated, he'd be running around just as fast as the pros.
"That Ingenium is amazing! The fact that he's keeping up with Hawks not only on the ground, but when he's up in the air?" Izuku looked to Tenya, eyes shining. "I know I called your brother impressive, but seeing it now first hand!? He's absolutely amazing!"
"Izuku, stop fawning over my brother, you're making me uncomfortable..." Tenya scooted just slightly away from Izuku, but let out a triumphant cheer as he watched his brother's fist connect with Hawks' face and knock the man to the ground, breaking the bird man's aerial assault. "Awesome shot brother!" He seemed to remember then that Momo had spoken to him as well, and regained a small amount of composure. "And I think my brother's got his work cut out for him with this one."
"Do you think he'll win?" Momo asked as Hawks recovered from the hit and launched a couple feather blades at Ingenium. She and several others grimaced at the sound of the keratin projectiles striking flesh and metal. To his credit, Ingenium shook the blow off and countered with a couple punches and a well-timed kick.
"I don't know." Izuku considered both men. "Hawks has the air superiority, and could in theory get an easy out if he grabbed Ingenium and took him off the ground before throwing him out of bounds. Not to mention, he's got the better maneuverability."
"But consider that my brother could -Yeah! Cook that bird! - Sorry, that my brother could potentially break Hawks' flight by directing his own thrust the opposite way...or even burn him with the exhaust." Tenya countered, completely in his brother's corner. "And sure, he might not be able to change direction as fast, but if he can send Hawks over the line first...it wouldn't matter."
"You are both such nerds..." Momo laughed, but let out her own cheers calling for Hawk's blood as Tensei was sent flying just to the arena's wall. "Roast that chicken Tensei! I don't want to have to deal with these two being depressed that you lost!"
"Momo..." Both Izuku and Tenya frowned, but quickly perked up as the two heroes were once again trading blows.
"Woah! Looks like our heroes are in the Danger Zone. Just one minute left on the clock!" Present Mic's voice sounded, causing the crowd to cheer even more for both heroes. "Gotta go fast and wrap up this match boys!
"I stand corrected…I think Present Mic just proved himself the bigger nerd." Momo rubbed her head as Izuku nodded in agreement. Seeing a chance to further have some fun with his friends, Tenya smirked.
"You guys want to get some chili dogs after- LOOK!" The younger Ida brother stopped, eyes noticing his brother was staring at the ground while Hawks was diving down from above.
"I know the expression is two birds with one stone, but..." Tensei looked up, seeing the bird man diving towards him. With one fluid motion, Tensei sent a small rock from the shoreline skyward with his foot. Hawks took a moment to swat the stone away, which was all Tensei needed to throw a jet-powered kick into the bird man's face. The impact knocking the wind from the man's sails, and sending him to the ground in a knock-out with fifteen seconds left on the clock.
"And like a bug to a windshield, Hawks goes down! Ingenium wins!" Present Mic declared, "What a finish to such a high octane match!"
The crowd cheered as Ingenium helped Hawks back to his feet, the two heroes exchanging handshakes and pats on the back. The cheers of the crowd continued even as the two heroes made their way out of the arena into the VIP tent to recover. Tenya excused himself to go visit his brother, leaving Momo and Izuku alone.
"Such good sports! You can clearly see just why they're the pros folks!" Present Mic went off on a tangent then, clearly reading a prepared script the HPSC had prepared about what it means to be a pro hero. While to Momo it was just another standard 'motivational speech', she could tell Izuku seemed to be taking the words to heart. "With that in mind, don't go too far loyal listeners. Because our next match will see the return of our hopeful herald, the healing hero-to-be, Midoriya Izuku!"
The loud cheers to erupt from the gathered crowd caused Izuku's posture to stiffen slightly, though Momo couldn't tell if it was out of embarrassment at the attention, fear of not being able to deliver as good a match as the one they just watched, or for other reasons.
"Hey Izuku, are you sure you're okay with all this?" She placed a hand on his shoulder, startling the boy out of his thoughts.
"With what?"
"All of this." Momo gestured to the event going on around them, eyes in particular drawn to the banner that proclaimed him 'the hero of the future'. "Basically, the way the HPSC is toting you around for PR?"
"I knew what I was signing up for when I decided to become a hero." Izuku pinched the bridge of his nose, "though I didn't think it would be this... commercial. Still, I guess this is just another challenge heroes have to deal with, right?" He turned a smile to Momo, who let out a light laugh and gave him a pat on the back.
"I guess you're right, in a way." She pointed with her other hand at a HPSC representative that was waving at them. "Though I suspect you've got a bigger challenge coming up. Good luck out there." Momo gave Izuku a thumbs up and a gentle push off his chair as the representative waved him over.
"Thanks Momo." He took a couple steps towards the representative, before stopping. "Oh, one more thing."
"Yeah?"
"If you see Tenya again first...Tell him from now on, his nickname is Sonic, and if he wants me to change that he must earn it."
"Really?"
"He started it with the chili-dogs joke. If his sense of humor was any worse, he'd be big the cat."
"Oh good god, your both such dorks." She hid her head in her hands, hiding a smile in time for a confused but smirking Tenya to return.
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"Our next match is sure to be a hot one! That's right folks, we've got the Flame Hero: Endeavor versus Midoriya Izuku!"
There was a mixture of cheers, jeers, and general chatter at the announced match as the number two pro hero stepped into the arena. While Izuku mastered to keep his posture straight and proud, he had to admit he was a little nervous as he thought back over his notes about 'Hellflame'.
"Alright, I should be able to endure the heat, and burns don't last long. I just need the man to overheat himself…"
The match had started with Endeavor testing Izuku's ability to dodge, the man choosing to throw fiery punches instead of flames right off the bat. While Izuku felt delighted at first that he was able to predict and dodge Endeavor's moved, he quickly realized the man was holding back when one of the punches connected with his arm. Even though his shirt was still semi-wet from his earlier match, he knew if Endeavor was being serious, his shirt would have been burned clean off, and there would be at least a second degree burn on his arm.
"You're holding back?" Izuku questioned, continuing to dodge. "Come on! I want to fight you at your best!"
For all his bravado, Endeavor seemed taken aback by the request. "Kid, you may have regenerative properties, but my flames can get hot enough to incinerate a grown adult in an instant." He weaved to the side with a lackluster ease, dodging the punch-kick combo Izuku was trying to hit him with with the same effort one uses to not trip while walking.
"I know, and I want to see if I can endu-ah!" He grimaced as Endeavor struck the exposed part of his arm again, a faint redness appearing on the skin before it faded. "Even if it's just a finger...They already proved my limbs grow back." He looked to his index finger, the revelation having come after a heavily debated test that involved surgically removing a finger. Izuku's mother hadn't been happy to see her baby writhe about in pain as the digit had been severed, but it was worth it given that he regrew a whole new finger within minutes.
"Time out." Endeavor didn't flinch as Izuku connected a solid punch with his chest, though the crowd let out a cheer. The man's eyes drifting to several of the HPSC members watching. "Is that even allowed?"
The four suits briefly broke into a discussion, before one of them gave a nod. "If Midoriya-san is requesting it, we'll allow it."
"Yes!" Izuku made a brief arm pump motion, while Endeavor could only stare at him. "Don't worry if it doesn't grow back all at once, it will after we cut away the scarred skin."
"You're a weird kid, but alright..." His hand began to glow, the flames flickering between orange and white with just a hint of blue. Izuku smiled, recognizing the action as the warm-up to one of his signature moves: Flashfire Fist – Jetburn.
He threw the punch, and though Izuku wanted to take the blow head on, his own instincts kicked in and he raised his hands in a defensive barrier, the fiery beam connecting with them before sneaking through the gaps to engulf Izuku's torso in flames. The force of the blast sent him flying, the flames burning away his skin and scorching away his flesh. Thankfully, as had happened with Midnight, he landed in the water, effectively dousing the flames and hiding the gore from sight.
Concealed beneath the waves and sea foam, Izuku was smothered by pain. The bones of his hands were exposed, peeking past the flaking burns that were already fading. Slagged muscle and severed fibers were tugged back and forth by the sea current, before tightening and pulling back into place. Faster than ever before, Izuku's healing skin flowed over the wounds, pushing out the invading sea water and scabbing over his injuries. Seconds after he had plunged beneath the water as a ruined mess his damaged body was whole again. Mended by a quirk that seemed less and less natural, to reveal itself to be more and more a miracle.
Izuku rose to his feet, taking a moment to appraise himself. His top had been burned cleaned off, along with what little hair he had on his upper body. His skin was also a couple shades pinker than normal, but showed no signs of traditional burn scars. Running a hand over his head, he sent a silent prayer of thanks that his hair was still there, though he frowned as he realized he was now missing an eyebrow. He looked back to the arena, seeing Endeavor signaling to call the match.
"And the fuse is cut before the bomb goes off! Still though, I think I've got to give this match to Endeavor!"
The pro hero smiled to the crowd and gave a thumbs up, before looking back at the water, noticing Izuku hadn't moved from where he landed. "You okay Midoriya?"
"I'm fine," He smiled and moved back towards the shore. One hand extended in a show of good sportsmanship as he came even with the bigger man. "Thank you for that."
"Midoriya Izuku, please report to the medical tent!" Present Mic declared, sounding more school administer than radio announcer. "And lets give it up for an impressive show of force and endurance for our two competitors!"
Endeavor let out a grunt of acknowledgment and shook Izuku's hand as the crowd cheered before the two stepped aside for the next match.
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From her place on the sidelines, the youthful heroine had watched Izuku's match against Endeavor with interest. While she had been present for many of the tests, or had been given the results with all the details, this match allowed her to observe first hand a theory she had developed.
"Honestly, I'm fine. I just need a new shirt..." Izuku was frowning as he was ushered into the medical tent by one of his ever present guards and a member of the HPSC.
"And I have one of those for you sweetie." Chiyo gestured to where the new top was resting. "Take a seat, I just want to check a few things before you go back and play with your friends."
Izuku complied, taking a seat on one of the beds that had been set up. Chiyo was glad Izuku had gone through so many tests to know the drill, the boy's relaxed nature making her job so much easier. "You're such a model patient. I wish more of the pros were like you..." She chuckled, fondly remembering an incident involving Present Mic and the Otoscope as she moved to where she had a small set of surgical tools.
"So why did you want to see me?" Izuku questioned, scratching at his chest where what little chest hair he had mastered to grow had been. "Because I'm fine, just may have a case of dry skin now."
"Just want to confirm something." She wandered back over, a scalpel in one hand a syringe in another, "when Endeavor burned you the first time versus the second, did you notice anything?"
"No, they both stung like a Bit-, I mean bee though." Izuku stopped himself from swearing. "Super regeneration does not equal super pain resistance."
"Really? Maybe you don't notice it because of that, but in your training at Kyoto, I noticed something peculiar. And now seeing it in actual combat, seems to confirm it. But I want to make one more test...Hold out your wrist please?" She gave a tiny bow, "forgive me Sukunahikona and Hippocrates..."
"What do yo-OW!" Izuku cried as without warning Recovery Girl stabbed his outstretched wrist with the syringe. The small puncture mark was visible for roughly five seconds before it faded. "What was that fo-OOUW!" The cry increased in volume as she sliced him with the scalpel, the three inch long wound visible for maybe two seconds before it faded as well. "So much for the Hippocratic oath..."
"Why do you think I asked for forgiveness?" The smile on her face as she disposed of the tools made Izuku understand why she was still referred to as the Youthful Heroine. "But this confirms it. Here, have a candy for being such a good sport."
"Confirmed what?" Izuku looked to his wrist as he accepted the gift, not fully sure what she was talking about as.
"Just that your rate of healing seems to work faster or slower depending on the circumstances...But anyways," She smiled, abruptly changing the subject as a representative came for Izuku. "You're the picture of health, as always. Oh here's your new shirt, and a kiss for good luck in your next match. You'll need it..." She leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before looking to the representative, "He's all yours."
"Thank you." Izuku rubbed at his cheek, doing the classic teen move of trying to wipe away grandma's kisses before throwing on the shirt. He tried to think of what names had been highlighted in the program, but none came to mind. "So...whose my next opponent?
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Had he not known All Might wasn't present, and that he already fought Endeavor, Recovery Girl's wish would have made him think either one of them was his next opponent. Instead, he couldn't help but wince slightly as he stared at his next sparring partner. While he knew many wouldn't fully identify the black-clad man with the white scarf and tired eyes, Izuku knew him all too well.
"The Underground Hero: Eraser Head versus the Underdog, Midoriya Izuku!" Present Mic announced as the two competitors met in the middle of the arena.
"So... uh, I didn't get to ask earlier at the meet and greet, but uh, how have you been?" Izuku asked, recalling the circumstances of his first meeting with the man.
"Tired, so let's get this over with..." Eraser Head blinked as the bell sounded. Izuku wasted no time in charging for him, but Eraser Head apparently expected it and quickly moved to the side. With one fluid motion, the binding cloth around his neck was pulled aside and sent flying at Izuku. While he had expected Eraser to counter in that measure, Izuku didn't think he'd opt to use it this early into the match, and could only struggle as the cloth hooked his leg and tripped him. He clawed at the sand, trying to find a grip as Eraser Head reeled him over like a fish. Feeling the cloth go limp for just a moment, Izuku rolled over and mastered to untangle his leg and deliver a kick to Eraser's shin. The man muttered a curse and shook his leg, eyes glaring at Izuku.
Scrambling backwards like a crab, Izuku made to stand, but was quickly ensnared again by the binding cloth, this time in a much more secure fashion.
Calm as ever, Eraser Head walked over to the bound boy and put him in a headlock, one fist resting on each temple.
"I didn't mind you stalking me to test your quirk, but this is for those damn flash bombs." With that, Eraser proceeded to give Izuku the worst 'double noogie' he had ever received in his life. While his healing factor prevented any sort of skin burns that would come from the friction of the action, it did little to prevent the headache and pain he was now experiencing. Eraser's attack only stopped once the bell sounded again. "We're even now."
"And we have our first match time-out!" Mic's voice sounded as Eraser released Izuku. Though the man had noticed them cheering Izuku earlier, this was the first time Mic decided to call them out. "What did our judges think?"
All eyes turned to Tenya, Momo, and Ms. Joke who had somehow acquired a whiteboard of her own and joined them for this match. All three held up zeroes.
"Not a good match, but that's okay! Hero work isn't always about flashy fights." Present Mic tried not to laugh as Ms. Joke's sign flipped over to reveal the words 'Marry me?' as Eraser Head walked past, his response being to shake his head no. "That's all we've got time for now, but come back after lunch for some more action!"
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Following the embarrassing match against Eraser Head, Tenya had excused himself to go have lunch with his brother, leaving Momo and Izuku alone. The two of them were currently taking a walk around the gala, opting to check out the various other displays and vendors that had been set up. Currently, they were checking out a vendor who was offering replicas of various hero tools and costume parts. While the addition of colored plastics and other items made it clear they were just toys, Momo and Izuku both agreed that they were well made.
"Hey look, a mask that looks like Ingenium's helmet." Momo picked up the item and showed it to Izuku. "You should get it and have Tensei sign it."
"First, it looks a little small for me." He ignored the vendor's mention of having larger sizes. "And second, I don't want Tenya to kill me. Oh cool, a replica of Recovery Girl's cane." Izuku picked up the hypodermic-needle shaped cane and examined it. Reaching down to his side, he removed a small case from his pocket. "Think they're ever gonna sell replica's of my 'Izu-pens'?" There was still an air of exasperation on those words, but the smile on his face told Momo he was slowly accepting it.
"Wait, you're carrying some 'Izu-Pens' on you right now?" Momo blinked, seeing the tops of the half-dozen dart-like injectors exposed and ready for a quick draw in an emergency.
"It's a habit I got into ever since the HPSC gave me them, along with an 'emergency quirk license'." He showed Momo the case, and the ID card that rested in a pocket on the front of the case. While certain laws allowed the use of unlicensed quirks for self-defense, the unlicensed use of healing quirks had always been a gray area. Thus, to cover their butts, they had created a special license just for him. "It doesn't allow me to do true hero work, but it cuts out a lot of red tape and paperwork if I happen to be in the right place at the right time."
Momo laughed, before her eyes narrowed as she looked at the pens. "Wait, why do three of them already have your blood in them?"
"Three ready for use, just in case I don't have time to waste." He pointed to the three quickest to draw. "And three empty in case of complications I didn't think of. And don't worry about the blood going bad, the doctors told me that my blood doesn't go bad. Something about it not coagulating and how my quirk works. I only understood half of it and the other half would need several doctorates."
"Nerd..." Momo shook her head, a faint flush on her cheeks at how excited Izuku got when explaining anything relating to heroics. "Say, are you always this prepared for everything?"
"Not even close." The faintest pink hue came to his cheeks, one foot scraping at the ground as he answered. "I'm caught completely off guard in all things involving: the end of the world, magic, aliens, Evil All Might and dating."
"I could hear the capitalization when you said evil All Might…" A hand moved up to her mouth, stifling a laugh while also hiding the glowing flush on her face. "But what's this about dating?"
"You know how pre-quirk era superheroes all had to have weaknesses?" Momo nodded, intrigued. "Well, mine is romance. I swear I wouldn't know a girl was into me if she smacked the knowledge into my head."
Momo wasn't sure was force possessed her, but she was certain she enjoyed the satisfying thwack her palm made as she clapped the back of Izuku's head.
"Ow! Hey, what was that for?" Izuku frowned, rubbing the back of his head as he stared at Momo.
"You shouldn't say things like that." Some of the flush had left Momo's cheeks, "I didn't think you were that dumb."
"...Didn't?" Izuku blinked, wondering if his senses had been affected by the slap. "So you think I'm that dumb now?"
"Well, Yes." Momo chuckled, a huge smile on her face.
"Why?"
"If you don't get why, I'm not explaining it to you." She gave Izuku's back a shove to keep him in front of her, and keep him from seeing her glowing red face. "Anyhow, let's get a move on. I've been smelling cotton candy for the last few minutes and I want some."
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…
After hunting down the cotton candy vendor, Izuku had once again been tracked down by a volunteer and brought back to the arena for his final match of the day. While Momo joined Tenya in the stands, Izuku arrived in the VIP tent in time to hear Present Mic declare an end to the 'Greatest Staring Contest' in history. According to Midnight when he asked her what he missed, the match had been between Ms. Joke and Eraser Head in what was a battle of flirtatious wit, stamina, and acrobatics that somehow never moved out of a five-foot radius.
"While it was still better than your battle against him, I was really hoping for more." The R-rated hero placed a hand on his shoulder, "anyways. I'm hoping your next match will bring the excitement back. Good luck out there." In a show of pure unprofessional conduct, Midnight gave Izuku a gentle slap on his butt for luck.
"Uh, thank you?" He blinked, questioning just what he had done that lead to two women slapping him in the last fifteen minutes or so.
"All right! Our next match is the final battle for our favorite up-and-coming healer. Though let's hope the angels are in the outfield and ready to assist in what's sure to be a high flying match." Once again, Present Mic was in full form as the crowd began to cheer. "That's right, I'm talking about our miracle child Midoriya Izuku going head to head with the number three pro...The Wing Hero: Hawks!"
The crowd erupted in full applause as Izuku walked into the area while the wing hero decided to drop in from on high.
"I'm curious to see what you've got in store for me, Midoriya." Hawks grinned as a bell sounded, starting their match. Still grinning, Hawks tried to catch Izuku off-guard by charging him as he had Ingenium. Izuku's response was to quickly back pedal and roll to the side, effectively dodging the bird man's strike. Unfortunately, the man's speed and experience allowed him to easily bank and turn and catch Izuku with a flying kick that slammed Izuku face first into the sand.
Shaking the stray grains from his eyes, Izuku rolled over and sent a kick of his own skyward, preventing the man from being able to fully pin him down. He threw a punch with a free hand at Hawks' shoulder, causing the man to stumble just enough for Izuku to get back to his feet. He took advantage of that window to put some space between himself and Hawks.
"Good hustle!" Tenya cried, holding up a 7 while Momo and Ms. Joke both showed off 5's.
"Pace yourself Midoriya-san!" Tensei had joined his brother, calling out advice. "Even if his wings get tired, he can still use his legs!"
"No rea-aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally?" Izuku screamed as he was sent skyward with an upper cut, only to be knocked back down with a well placed elbow drop. With an impressive splash, Izuku hit the water in perfect belly flop form.
"And Hawks lands another impressive blow to young Izuku!" Present Mic had been stepping up his commentary game. "Though that was a wonderful belly flop if I ever did see one! What do our judges think?"
From their place on the sideline, Tenya, Momo and Ms. Joke held up scorecards: 7,8 and 6 respectively. "According to our judges, Midoriya-san needs to work on his entry!" Mic's words brought laughs and cheers from the spectators. Originally, the sound of laughter at his expense would have annoyed him, but now he found it served to cheer him on even more. Rising from the water, he took a brief moment to shake himself off – which proved more than enough time for Hawks to launch his next attack.
"Thanks for the support gu-aaaaah!" Izuku screamed as he was pulled back towards Hawks. While he could see and feel the man's feather blades hit him, he found he lacked the strength and dexterity to pull the hardened keratin away against the air pressure also being applied. "Oh no..." He had just enough time to throw his arms up in a shield for his head and torso as he met the man's outstretched fist. Though the blow hurt, he had mastered to swing out a leg and just catch Hawks in the side.
"Nice hit kid," The pro smiled, "now let's see how you come back from this!" Hawks turned towards the ocean and with all the grace of a baseball pitcher sent Izuku flying out over the water.
"Not aga-ai-ai-ain!" Izuku skipped along the shallows four times, landing with an unceremonious splash just inside the boundary. The seawater splashed up into his face, stinging his eyes and causing him to cough. Silt and sand got into his pockets, while a clump of seaweed hitched a ride on his hair. He wiped his eyes as best he could, taking in the view of the coastline as he rose to his feet, eyes on Hawks as he shook some of the water from his body.
"Perfect tens across the board!" Mic called, "though Midoriya better watch out! One more bird bath and he's out!"
"Aw man, that's right..." He noticed then that Hawks eyes were on his friends and Ms. Joke, the man seeming not to be paying attention to him as he fluttered his wings in a moment of show boating. Izuku's eyes drifted to the fluttering appendages."Much of his maneuverability, and abilities in general depend on his feathers...Maybe if I can get him to waste most of them in a single attack against me...Or restrict them in some way..." He began to charge towards the shoreline, his gait only slightly hindered by the gentle waves and soaked ground. "Maybe do like Ingenium did...distract him..."
"You sure you want to try that again?" Hawks had picked up on the splashing, attention now fully back on the charging Izuku, wings at the ready.
Izuku didn't reply, one hand moving up to grab the lump of seaweed while his other hand reached into his pocket. The moment he felt he was in range, Izuku took his hand out of his pocket and sent a handful of wet sand towards Hawks' face. As he hoped would happen, the pro hero flinched slightly, allowing Izuku to land the clump of seaweed on one of the man's wings. In the split second it took Hawks to shake the seaweed off, Izuku had mastered to land his most impressive hit on the man's chest yet.
The hearty smack echoed around the arena, which had fallen nearly silent at the display.
"Yes!" His victory at finally being able to land a solid hit was short-lived, a slap sending him slightly to the side before a kick sent him flying out of bounds and into one of the arena's walls with an impressive thud right before the bell sounded saying time was up.
"Looks like bird is the word as this match goes to Hawks!"
A round of applause came from the crowd as Hawks struck a victory pose, before he moved to assist Izuku in an offer of good sportsmanship. Smiling, Izuku accepted the hand as Hawks pulled him to his feet, the crowd cheering even louder as the two heroes moved off to the sidelines.
"Good effort. And I've got to give you some credit. It was a clever idea trying to use the resources around you as Tensei had." Hawks gave a nod of approval as Tenya and Momo came over, towels and bottles of fresh water in her hands. "But I'll be honest, while Tensei did catch me off guard, I could tell what you were planning on doing." He took one of the water bottles and took a long swallow. "I let you hit me with your improvised projectiles. Just because I was curious how you would follow it up."
"I figured..." Izuku sighed, toweling himself off as the four of them moved further from the arena.
"Aiming for an opponent's perceived weak point is a good strategy, but at the same time, most know how to guard these points or have a plan in place to counter it. Hence why, even though you 'crippled' my wings, I was prepared to throw either a punch or a kick. Given that you hit my chest, it was easy enough to knock you aside and kick you away." He placed an encouraging hand on Izuku's shoulder. "Learn to anticipate your foes moves, and you'll do much better in a fight. And some regular combat training wouldn't hurt either. No offense, but while you've got the strength and agility, your style and form is lacking."
One of the volunteers running the event approached the group. "Excuse me, Mr. Takami? Sorry to interrupt, but we need you for the next photo session."
"Of course." Hawks gave a nod, before looking back to Izuku. "All in all, good fight. I'll catch up with you later, excuse me."
Izuku watched the pro hero follow the volunteer, seeing and hearing some of the man's fans praising his win as he was lead away. The sight left Izuku feeling slightly deflated. The other heroes he fought had all made a similar observations and comments after the matches, but Hawks was the one who really got through to him.
"You okay Izuku?" Momo asked, noticing that he hadn't moved to continue checking out the event.
"Sorry, I was thinking..." He poured some of the water on his face to remove the salt residue, drying it with the towel to stall for a little more time. "Anyhow, we've still got a bit of time before my meet and greet. Why don't we go check out the pro hero obstacle course? I've heard they're letting people run it in exchange for a donation to one of the rescue organizations."
"Why don't we instead get some actual food to eat?" Momo offered, one hand coming to rest on her stomach. "Because I don't know about you, but I need a bit of a break from all the action."
"They've set up a whole buffet in the VIP area. Eating there will give you a chance to relax before your meet and greet." Tensei had approached the group, helmet tucked under his arm. "Besides, I'd welcome the chance to talk with you a little more without having to fight the line."
Izuku frowned, initial annoyance at having lost his matches now replaced with an odd sense of unease at the reminder of the other reason he was invited to this event. Still, the chance to actually sit and talk with some of the pros beyond a quick minute long meet up was too tempting for him to pass up. Conceding defeat, Izuku agreed with the man's logic.
"That's the spirit!" Tensei threw one arm around Izuku's shoulders, and the other around his brother's. Not wanting to be left out, Momo threw her own arm around Izuku and the four of them joined several other VIPs in making their way to the buffet tent.
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…
With the sparing out of the way and having eaten, Izuku was out of excuses for avoiding the part of the celebration he feared the most.
His fan meet and greet.
Dozens of people. Maybe even hundreds. Men, women, and children. All ages. Even foreigners were in the clumpy mix of people that could generously be called a line.
Izuku would rather be in a deathmatch with a thousand clones of the Bakugo Bomber than have to sit obediently before the onlookers, but much to the flustered teen's dismay he couldn't get out of his societal obligations. Thus it was with a thousand silent curses at the HPSC and a feeling of embarrassed worry that Izuku sat down, and begun to shake hands, sign trinkets, and talk to person after person after child after person.
"Thank you so much for..."
"...Amazing that one so young has been so good..."
"...Seeing you has been such a treat."
"It's been great seeing a real hero again..."
"Thanks to you my father recovered..."
"...glad to find another hero that is dedicated to healing."
"...He only lived because of you. Thank you! Thank you so much!"
It was an experience beyond surreal for the young man. With each person cheering him on, he could feel his heart swell and ache. Every story of a loved one, saved from a dose of his blood, was fulfilling in ways beyond words. In an odd way, it was only his profound shock that kept him from breaking down into joyous tears.
"Th-thank you! Glad I could help!" Izuku was thankful to whatever power granted him a healing quirk, because he felt certain his neck should have broken by now with how many grateful bows he gave to those who praised him for saving a loved one. Or that his hand should have cramped, or arm fallen off due to the number of autographs and handshakes he was giving out. "How do the pros do this without healing powers?"
His eyes drifted to the sidelines, where several of the pros had come to watch the rookie deal with over-eager fans. He raised an eyebrow as he noticed several of them pointing at people in the crowd before talking among each other, an occasional handshake being exchanged. "What are they doing? Betting on reactions of my fans? Is that really part of how they get through this?"
"Excuse me?" A feminine voice brought Izuku back to reality and he looked forward, seeing a girl with pink hair and skin addressing him. Beside her, he noticed what he best described later as a floating set of clothing. "Ah, sorry to disturb your musing Midoriya-san!"
"We're just so excited to meet someone like you!" The new voice came from the floating clothing, which Izuku now realized was another girl, only with some sort of invisibility quirk.
"It's no problem, and its my fault for not paying attention." He blinked, feeling like he knew the pair from somewhere. "So what can I do for you?"
"Sign my program?" The invisible girl handed over the page.
"Of course, what's your name?" Izuku picked up one of the many pens before him and waited for the answer.
"It's Toru," despite not being able to see her face, Izuku could hear the smile as he began to write.
"To Toru. Thanks for your support." Izuku narrated his writing, causing the pink one to sigh.
"Toru! I told you not to have it personalized!" The pink one hissed, just loud enough for the three of them to hear.
"Oh yeah, sorry Mina...We could always have him sign yours?"
"It's one per person..."
"And you're one person, and I'm one person. Plus-"
"Wait a minute… Your voices… I recognize your voices!" Izuku's face got slightly flushed from the building excitement, his eyes noticeably widening, "Are you two I-See-You and Cutie Queen? The Transparency Pair?! I'm a huge fan of your ViewTube channel! I think its awesome how you expose scumbags and show girls how to look out for themselves!"
Somehow Mina's cheeks turned pinker, while based on the way the clothing was moving, Toru was having a similar reaction. "T-that's not us!" Mina denied, unconvincingly, weakly.
"We are..." Toru confessed meekly.
"I can't believe I get to meet you two!" He reached into his bag, removing one of his notebooks. On the cover of it was a sticker of what the two of them recognized as their E-Live HoloGirl avatars. "I've been subscribed to you since just before you hit the thousand mark. And I loved your rendition of 'Lovoratory!' for the five-thousand subscriber special. Hope you don't mind, but I made it my ringtone!" He removed his phone and with a speed to match Hawks, played the clip he had taken.
"Oh god, I need to hide my face."
"Toru, no one can see you anyhow!" Mina cried, face now red instead of pink, hands covering her own.
"Sorry, but I thought it would only be pro heroes I got to meet today. But to also meet some of my favorite V-Tubers?" He offered them the notebook, along with one of his markers. "Please, sign my notebook in return!?"
Feeling overwhelmed by the sudden attention, Mina looked to her friend, eyes pleading for her to think of something. "Toru, I know we wanted to be famous...but this is too much."
"Just sign my notebook, please?" Izuku's eyes were sparkling as he once again offered the notebook to the pair.
Till the end of days, no one knows exactly why Toru's panicking mind thought her next course of action was a good idea.
She flashed him.
A full frontal assault, a feminine form freeing her assets, a wonderful woman wowing him with her allure. Both breasts blasting him in the face with their indiscernible presence.
Mina paled so much she turned cream colored. "Girl..." she murmured, "You did not just flash our idol!"
Despite there being nothing to see, the action alone seemed to cause Izuku to short out. His eyes went wide, mouth dropped open, and for a brief moment that any pro hero would have been thankful for: a rabid fan fell silent.
Taking advantage of the disbelief and stunned surprise, the two girls ran for it with Mina practically dragging Toru, several volunteers and one security guard hot on their heels. Izuku looked over to the pro heroes, finding most of them either dying of laughter or smiling and giving him the slow clap. He noticed then a member of the HPSC whispering something to Present Mic, who nodded.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please remain calm!" Present Mic activated his quirk, relaying the message the HPSC member was saying. "We apologize for this little interruption in a wholesome day of family fun. Rest assured, the HPSC will take further precautions in the future to prevent against such incidents as this." The representative walked away then, leaving Mic and the other pro heroes. The man seemed to forget his quirk was still active, and entered into a conversation with one of the other heroes. "Heh, you're right! Looks like we finally found Midoriya's weakness, Bo-"
Eraser Head's quirk was on full display, the man's eyes glaring into Present Mic as he cut off the man's quirk and prevented him from causing further issues. Izuku looked away from the pros, seeing the crowd beginning to return to its original excited calm as his head hit the table. Feeling a hand on his shoulder, he looked up to see Ms. Joke at his side.
"Hey, what's one of All Might's biggest traits?" He looked up at her, confused. "This isn't a joke, I'm seriously asking...Here, I'll give you a hint." She flashed one of her trademark grins, a finger pointing at her teeth.
"No matter what, he's always smiling?" He answered after a moment.
"Exactly." The grin remained, "if you think the only challenges you'll face as a hero are villains and disasters...You've got another thing coming to you. Trust me, the tabloids are worse than anything, but just pull an All Might-er and smile." She gave him a pat on the back, "oh, and thanks for the show. Been awhile since anything's made me laugh that hard." He watched her walk away then, rejoining the other heroes as they moved on to take care of other things.
"She's right. And Tensei was right. This is just another challenge of being a hero..." Izuku took a deep breath and put away his notebook. Though he still felt embarrassed about what happened, he took the advice and put on a smile as a volunteer brought the next guests over to meet him.
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…
If he didn't know it was impossible thanks to his quirk, Izuku would have sworn he'd have died of exhaustion, both mental and physical, before he returned home.
Sparring with Heroes, meeting hundreds of fans… sort-of-seeing boobs?
Even if he didn't physically require it, Izuku was ready to sleep a week away... And try not to think about the boobs-he-almost-saw.
A task that would be monumentally easier if Tenya's foul-yet-friendship-forged sense of humor didn't rear its ugly head in the form of a late night text message.
Izuku physically felt the ominous noise as he phone pinged.
"Hey, have you seen the newest meme about you?" Tenya had texted.
"No… why?" Izuku had replied. He deeply regretted pulling Tenya out of his shell. Izuku knew the young man was a Tactical T.M.I. just waiting to strike and ruin your mind with a joke. Put him in school, he was a diligent student and absolutely fiendish rules lawyer. Put him with his friends and out of any place he needed to be uptight and he was a mischievous joke dirty bomb with a satellite targeting system.
A fact proven all too well when Tenya didn't reply with text. Instead he sent a photo.
A picture of Izuku Midoriya, mind blown and dead to the world. With an invisible girl bearing her unseen breasts before him.
Made all the worse by the caption: "How do you kill something unkillable? With the power of Tits!"
Calmly, Izuku turned off his phone and made his way to his room.
There, he tossed the phone to the side and flung himself upon his bed.
Finally, he grabbed his pillow and smothered himself with it and screamed forth his frustrations. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Five minutes of shame filled tossing and turning, Izuku finally pulled himself from bed. Defeated and feeling so Hollow another soulsborne game was being made about it, Izuku performed his usual nightly rituals. Bathroom, wash the face, brush the teeth, and retreat to his bedroom to strip down to his boxers to sleep.
It was only when he emptied his pockets that he noticed something unusual. One of his Izu-pens was missing. A filled injector was missing from his slot.
"Crap. It might have fallen out when I was getting tossed about in the sparing." He thought idly.
It wasn't a big deal for him, as he was too distracted by titty induced drama. "What's the worse that can happen? It's just one dose. It's probably broken in the sand anyways." He grabbed a spare, loaded it with his blood and placed the refilled case on his nightstand.
He tossed and turned in bed for an hour or so before finally getting into an uneasy sleep filled with dreams of breasts all colors of the rainbow.
The missing injector was forgotten by morning.